Augustin Kabuya, Secretary General of the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress party, announced Wednesday that former Armed Forces Chief General Christian Tshiwewe admitted during questioning to planning President Félix Tshisekedi's assassination. The party official described the confession during a public appearance in Kinshasa, emphasizing the gravity of threats against a sitting head of state. Kabuya revealed that Tshiwewe acknowledged the facts when confronted about the plot. He characterized the situation as more severe than public perception suggested. The confession represents the first official confirmation from a high-ranking political figure regarding the general's admission.
Authorities arrested Tshiwewe in July alongside several senior army officers accused of orchestrating a broader coup attempt against constitutional order. The former military leader had previously commanded respect for modernizing armed forces and improving discipline before his December 2024 departure from active duty. His detention shocked political and security establishments throughout the country. Military prosecutors prepare formal treason charges against the accused conspirators. Government officials cite ongoing investigations while declining to release detailed evidence.
The allegations evoke memories of President Laurent-Désiré Kabila's 2001 assassination by a bodyguard, which transferred power to his son Joseph Kabila. Armed groups attacked government buildings in Kinshasa during May 2024, heightening security concerns about internal threats to civilian rule.
Authorities arrested Tshiwewe in July alongside several senior army officers accused of orchestrating a broader coup attempt against constitutional order. The former military leader had previously commanded respect for modernizing armed forces and improving discipline before his December 2024 departure from active duty. His detention shocked political and security establishments throughout the country. Military prosecutors prepare formal treason charges against the accused conspirators. Government officials cite ongoing investigations while declining to release detailed evidence.
The allegations evoke memories of President Laurent-Désiré Kabila's 2001 assassination by a bodyguard, which transferred power to his son Joseph Kabila. Armed groups attacked government buildings in Kinshasa during May 2024, heightening security concerns about internal threats to civilian rule.
