Kinshasa, DR Congo – The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have officially confirmed the death of Major General Peter Chirimwami Nkuba, the military governor of North Kivu Province, and pledged to avenge his death.
The confirmation came following a high-level military meeting on the evening of Friday, January 24, 2024, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi. The meeting concluded with directives for the FARDC and allied forces to take decisive action against those responsible for the killing of Maj. Gen. Chirimwami.
Speaking to the press, FARDC spokesperson Major General Sylvain Ekenge, visibly emotional and flanked by senior military officers, revealed that Maj. Gen. Chirimwami was fatally injured in battle on Thursday, January 23, during clashes with the M23 rebel group.
“After being shot by M23 forces, he was immediately evacuated for medical attention but succumbed to his injuries,” Ekenge stated.
President Tshisekedi has since issued strict orders to eliminate the rebel presence near Goma and to secure the region. He also paid tribute to Maj. Gen. Chirimwami, describing him as a “hero who gave his life defending his country.”
A state funeral will be held in Kinshasa to honor Chirimwami, with the government promising a fitting farewell for the late general.
Chirimwami’s death was first announced by M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, who claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement on social media, Kanyuka alleged that Chirimwami, described as the “Commander-in-Chief of the FDLR,” was killed in Kasengezi while visiting the frontline.
The general had been a polarizing figure, frequently accused of collaborating with armed groups such as the FDLR and Wazalendo militias, both of which have faced allegations of committing atrocities in the region. Reports from multiple experts have implicated Chirimwami as a key orchestrator of alliances between these militias and the Congolese military in their fight against M23.
The death of Maj. Gen. Chirimwami comes amid heightened tensions in North Kivu as M23 continues its offensive near Goma, a strategically vital city. The region has been plagued by violence, with the FARDC and its allied militias battling to regain control of territories seized by M23 rebels.
Observers warn that Chirimwami’s death may further destabilize the region, intensify the conflict, and deepen the humanitarian crisis. President Tshisekedi’s government has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace but faces mounting pressure to address the security challenges in eastern DR Congo.
As DR Congo prepares to honor Maj. Gen. Chirimwami, his legacy remains clouded by allegations of militia collaborations, underscoring the complexities of the conflict in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
