The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is witnessing a wave of arrests targeting senior military officers suspected of maintaining ties with former President Joseph Kabila and the M23 rebel group, amid growing concerns about national cohesion and due process.
A coalition of non-governmental human rights organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (NGODH-RDC), including Human Rescue and the Panel of Civil Society Experts, has voiced grave concern over a surge in arrests targeting high-ranking military officers since Thursday, May 22, 2025. Among the most notable cases is that of Brigadier General Pierre Banywesize, Deputy Commander of Operations in Dungu (Haut-Uélé) and former Chief of Staff to ex-President Joseph Kabila.
According to these civil society groups, General Banywesize was apprehended in Kinshasa by military intelligence at Camp Kokolo and subsequently taken to an undisclosed location. At the time, he was reportedly awaiting transfer abroad for medical treatment. Another case cited is that of General Banza Kabulo Joseph, former second-in-command of the Sokola 2 operational sector in South Kivu, who was also detained in Kinshasa.
The consortium reported that at least 29 generals have been detained, of whom 27 are Swahili-speaking. More than 100 officers and non-commissioned officers are allegedly being held under conditions that violate international human rights standards.
In a country already grappling with political, security, and governance crises, the groups argue that these waves of arrests—marked by a lack of transparency, denial of legal representation, and absence of timely judicial proceedings—risk deepening national divisions.
“These detentions are opaque in motive and location, lack respect for legal safeguards, and in some cases involve acts of torture,” the statement reads. “Such actions undermine national cohesion and foster feelings of exclusion, humiliation, and stigmatization among certain communities.”
The organizations issued several urgent recommendations:
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That detained officers, including General Banywesize, be granted access to visits from their families and lawyers;
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That military judicial authorities swiftly organize trials to clarify charges—or release the detainees if no evidence is presented;
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That General Banywesize receive urgent medical attention given his fragile health condition, to prevent further deterioration;
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That all detainees be assured of fair and dignified legal proceedings;
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And that human rights defenders and international observers be granted access to monitor these arrests and detentions.
Almost a week prior, the Banywesize Cishungu family had already raised alarm over the disappearance of the general. In a public statement, they claimed he was abducted by unidentified individuals under unclear circumstances, describing the situation as both troubling and destabilizing.
A Climate of Fear Among Kabila’s Former Allies
The incident has sparked anxiety among both military and civilian figures associated with former President Kabila. Many fear they could be the next targets in what appears to be a politically motivated purge.
The timing of the crackdown coincides with Joseph Kabila’s recent presence in Goma, a city in eastern DRC where M23 rebels remain active. Analysts suggest this move by Congolese authorities may be an attempt to clamp down on any perceived networks of influence still connected to the former president.
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