Major General Dieu Gentil Alengbia Nyitetessya Nzambe, one of the senior officers in the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) who had been imprisoned for fleeing the M23 advance in Goma, has reportedly died in detention.
He had previously served as the commander of the 34th military region when M23 forces captured the city of Goma in North Kivu Province at the end of January 2025.
At that time, Nzambe, along with several other officers, withdrew from Goma and fled to the city of Bukavu in South Kivu Province, claiming they were “regrouping” in order to mount a counteroffensive against M23.
Other military officers who faced similar charges of fleeing included Brig. Gen. Danny Tene Yangba, who was an advisor on security to the Governor of North Kivu, and Brig. Gen. Papy Lupembe, the commander of the 11th Brigade.
Senior police commissioners were also implicated, including Ekuka Lipopo Jean-Romuald, former Deputy Governor of North Kivu, and Mukuna Tumba Eddy Léonard. These officials were accused of fleeing to Bukavu using private boats.
Sources revealed that Nzambe died early in the morning of April 16. However, it is not yet confirmed whether he died inside the Ndolo military prison where he was being held, or in a hospital. The cause of death has also not been disclosed.
Details of the legal proceedings against the soldiers and police officers have remained scanty, especially since the Kinshasa Military High Court decided on March 20 to hold the trial behind closed doors, citing national security concerns.
Nzambe and his co-accused first appeared in court on March 13. Their lawyers requested provisional release, arguing that their detention was unlawful.