President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has dismissed the armed forces chief of staff, Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, and replaced dozens of senior military officials in a significant overhaul, state television announced on Thursday.
Lieutenant-General Jules Banza Mwilambwe has been appointed as the new armed forces chief. Other key changes include the removal of the head of military intelligence and the replacement of most regional commanders, including those overseeing operations in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces, which remain volatile due to the ongoing M23 rebellion.
The presidential decree did not provide a reason for the reshuffle, which is one of the most sweeping in recent years. The move follows Tshisekedi’s October 2022 military reforms, when Tshiwewe was initially appointed as part of efforts to improve the armed forces’ efficiency.
Eastern Congo has seen escalating violence in North Kivu province, despite a ceasefire agreement. Efforts to broker a resolution to the M23 insurgency, which Congo and the United Nations claim is backed by Rwanda, have stalled. Kigali has consistently denied these allegations.
