- Kinshasa’s military spokesperson made several strong statements regarding the actions to be taken following the confirmation of the death of the Governor of North Kivu, Yaruguru.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) irrevocably confirmed the death of Major General Peter Cirumwami Nkuba, the former governor of North Kivu. The military emphasized that he must be laid to rest without delay.
Major General Peter Cirumwami’s death was confirmed after a high-level meeting of the RDC’s military leadership held on the evening of Friday, January 24, 2025. The meeting, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, concluded that the nation’s armed forces must honor Major General Cirumwami as a steadfast hero.
The spokesperson for the RDC military announced that Major General Cirumwami was shot by the M23 rebel group and was immediately transported to a medical facility for appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
In his statement, Major General Sylvain Ekenge also mentioned that President Félix Tshisekedi issued strict orders to eliminate the enemy and expel them from the outskirts of Goma city. Additionally, President Tshisekedi praised Peter Cirumwami, referring to him as a hero who did everything possible to defend his country, ultimately falling on the front lines of battle.
Furthermore, the government announced that national-level funeral ceremonies would be organized in Kinshasa to honor him appropriately.
Initially, Major General Peter Cirumwami’s death was reported by the M23 group, claiming that he was killed while climbing Mount Kasengezi by their fighters. General Cirumwami was known to be a strong supporter of armed groups such as the FDLR and Wazalendo, especially amidst the ongoing conflict between Kinshasa’s government and the M23 faction.
Numerous reports from LONI experts have indicated that Major General Peter Cirumwami was a key intermediary between Kinshasa’s authorities and the FDLR terrorist group, which consists of remnants from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Cirumwami was killed shortly after the M23 announced on January 23, 2025, their intention to seize Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
