Gen. Maj. Alengbia Nyitetessya Nzambe Dieu Gentil, a senior officer in the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), has died while in custody. He had been imprisoned for allegedly fleeing the M23 movement advance earlier this year.
Gen. Nzambe previously commanded the 34th Military Region during the M23 takeover of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, in late January 2025. Following the fall of the city, he and several officers reportedly retreated to Bukavu in neighboring South Kivu Province, claiming they were regrouping to launch a counteroffensive against the rebels.
Among the other military figures accused of abandoning their posts were Brig. Gen. Danny Tene Yangba, who served as a security advisor to the North Kivu Governor, and Brig. Gen. Papy Lupembe, then commander of the 11th Brigade.
Senior police officials were also implicated in the incident, including Ekuka Lipopo Jean-Romuald, former Deputy Governor of North Kivu, and Mukuna Tumba Eddy Léonard. The two allegedly fled to Bukavu using a private boat.
Gen. Nzambe’ s death was reported in the early hours of April 16. However, authorities have not confirmed whether he died in Ndolo Military Prison, where he was being held, or in a medical facility. The cause of death also remains undisclosed.
The military and police officers were first brought before the High Military Court in Kinshasa on March 13. On March 20, the court ruled that the trial would proceed behind closed doors to protect national security interests. Since then, details of the proceedings have been scarce.
Defense attorneys had requested the provisional release of their clients, arguing that their arrest and detention were unlawful and lacked due process.
