Gen Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has asked the military court to grant him provisional release, citing that he possesses highly sensitive secrets.
Former Army Chief Faces Treason Charges
This officer, who also served as head of the presidential guard and military advisor to President Félix Tshisekedi, was arrested on July 9, 2025.
He is accused of crimes including treason, inciting soldiers to break the law, and illegal possession of weapons all linked to an alleged plot to overthrow Tshisekedi’s government.
Senior Military Officers Stand Trial
Gen Tshiwewe is being tried alongside others such as Gen Maj Maurice Nyembo, Brig Gen John Ngoy Kabila, Brig Gen John Sangwa Muhemedi, Col Guy Mukombozi Zahinda, Col Pathy Sangwa Lumbu, and Col Christophe Tshibangu Kenge.
Others implicated in the case include Gen John Numbi, former head of the Congolese police and military inspector, Brig Gen Chinyabuuma Pascal Kamukinde, and civilian Pascal Nyembo, though they fled.
Defense Seeks Provisional Release
After the trial began on June 4, 2026, with the court verifying their identities, Gen Tshiwewe, through his lawyer Me Parfait Kanyanga, requested provisional release.
On July 21, Me Kanyanga argued that if granted provisional release, Gen Tshiwewe would not flee justice, and therefore the court should have no concerns. He also stressed that given his client’s high-level military service, Ndolo military prison was not an appropriate place for him since he holds sensitive secrets.
Lawyer Challenges Legal Procedures
The lawyer further claimed that Gen Tshiwewe’s prosecution violated legal procedures, as no preliminary investigation was conducted after his arrest. He said no substantial evidence was presented to justify sending him to Ndolo prison.
Other Defendants Make Similar Request
Other officers detained in Ndolo military prison also argued that their prosecution was unlawful and asked the military court to grant them provisional release so they could stand trial while free.
