Congo plane crash kills 14, including 2 officials

On Friday, a military plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulted in the deaths of thirteen individuals, including three army officers, according to Remy Saki Bokinda, the Kwango vice governor. The aircraft, en route to the capital city of Kinshasa from the southwestern city of Kikwit, encountered a technical issue and attempted to land in Kenge, located in Kwango province.

However, due to the absence of a landing strip in Kenge, the plane crash-landed into a residential area, leading to the tragic loss of all lives on board. The passengers comprised General Likulia Bakumi, the army's auditor general, as well as a major, a captain, and other military personnel and civilians. According to Bokinda, "All those on board died; 12 were burned beyond recognition, while the pilot’s lifeless body was found outside the aircraft."

The Congolese aviation accident investigation authority has initiated an inquiry into the incident. It is worth noting that Congo's army faced significant challenges last year, as they were targeted by Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels who managed to seize extensive territories in the eastern part of the country.