Two Generals in the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), including Gen. John Tshibangu who has often presented himself as a strong figure capable of defeating M23 have been arrested, following the earlier detention of Gen. Christian Tshiwewe Songesa, the former Chief of Staff of FARDC who has been jailed for the past four months.
Maj. John Tshibangu and Michel Shora Mabondani were reportedly arrested at the FARDC Headquarters in Kinshasa, located at the Kololo military camp.
According to Shynx, the outlet that reported this information, the officers were detained after being summoned by the Chief of Staff of the Congolese Army, Lt Gen Jules Banza Mwilambwe. When they arrived, they were told they had been called for official reasons, but moments later, an order was issued for their immediate arrest.
The newspaper reports that the two Generals were placed into a Jeep Land Cruiser that was heavily guarded by soldiers from the Presidential Protection Unit, and were then taken to a detention facility belonging to the agency responsible for investigating cyber-related crimes.
General John Tshibangu widely known for portraying himself as a powerful military figure, even claiming he could personally defeat the M23 rebel group is said to be under investigation in connection with the killing of a Chinese national who was beheaded, with perpetrators allegedly demanding 5 million USD in relation to mining activities in Lualaba Province.
He had already been interrogated on Friday, November 7, 2025, before being arrested on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Michel Shora Mabondani, who commands the 13th military region in Equateur Province, was also arrested on Monday in the same manner as General John Tshibangu, after he too had been previously questioned.
The arrests of these high-ranking officers come at a time when reports continue to emerge about the detention of senior military figures in Congo. These include Lieutenant-General Christian Tshiwewe, the former FARDC Chief of Staff, who was arrested in July this year.
At the time, Christian Tshiwewe was detained along with other Generals, among them Lieutenant-General Jean-Claude Yav, the former commander of the Presidential Guard, who were accused of plotting to harm President Felix Tshisekedi.
RADIOTV10
