Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe has been appointed Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to replace Army General Tshiwewe Christian who as been given a role as the military adviser to the president.
Brigadier General B.Kimbalambala Bataauli has been appointed as head of Military intelligence.
The Head of State has decided to keep Lieutenant General Jacques Itshangoliza Nduru in his post as Deputy Chief of General Staff in charge of operations and intelligence.
For his part, Lieutenant General Léon Richard Kasonga has lost his post to Lieutenant General Kabamba wa Kasanda François.
Major Gen Christian Ndaywel will head the FARDC land forces.
Changes have also been made in military zones:
Pacific Masunzu a bitter critique of Kagame's advances in DRC has been appointed as head of the 3rd defence zone and deputies byBiangalo Anthony andd Brigadier general Mpanga modeste
Tchitambwe Chico ha been appointed as head of first defence zone ad will be deputized by Kabundi Etienne and Punza Ngoma who will be in charge of administration in this zone
2nd defence zone to be headed by Bitangalo Clement and deputised by Sadik Maboko
Major Gen Makombo Jean Rodger appointed as deputy chief off staff in charge of intelligence within FARDC.
This change within the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo comes in a context of rising violence in the east of the country and the advance of the M23, particularly in the Lubero territory, in North Kivu. Despite the ceasefire in effect since August 4, 2024, clashes between the M23 and other armed groups continue. The M23 has extended its territorial control, particularly towards Pinga, in the Walikale territory, and has even established a parallel administration in the areas it controls, according to recent statements from the group's political president, Bertrand Bisimwa.
The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), for their part, have called for direct dialogue with the Rwandan government in a letter addressed to Angolan President João Lourenço, who plays a mediating role in the region. With this new dynamic within the military apparatus, the FARDC will have to respond to major challenges, including the fight against armed groups, the stabilization of tense areas and the restoration of state authority in the east of the country.
General Banza Mwilambwe Jules takes office in a context where the government faces demands for direct dialogue from the Congo River Alliance (AFC)/M23 and other armed groups, while the international community, notably through MONUSCO, continues to document the scale of human rights violations.
Summary:
-Lieutenant General Banza Mwilanié Jules appointed Chief of General Staff of the FARDC;
- Army General Christian Chiwewe appointed military advisor to the Head of State, after having been Chief of General Staff;
- Major General Christia Ndaywel who leaves DEMIAP for the Land Force, where he is appointed Chief of General Staff;
- General Chico Tshitambwe
appointed commander of the first defense zone;
- Major General Makombo Jean-Roger appointed deputy chief of staff in charge of military intelligence;
- General Pacifique Masunzu appointed commander of the third defense zone.
There are also some military officers who have been promoted in rank for their bravery and service to the nation.
Lieutenant General
1. Banza Jules
2. Kabamba François
3. Kasongo kabwik Jean-Pierre
Major General
1. Malubuni Martin
2. Makombo jean Roger
3. Biagolo Antoine
Brigadier General
1. Katende Benjamin Batubadila
2. Maloba Mwila Éric
3. Monga bongo Remond
4. Mpanga Muamba Modeste
5. Muteteke Jules
In addition, the Head of State also appointed a new head of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRC). This is Jean de Dieu Ntanga Nkita.
Despite some changes made within the command of the Republican Guard (GR), the Head of State Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has decided to renew his confidence in Major General Kabi Kiriza Ephraim as Commander of this special unit of presidential security, a position he has held since October 2022.
Following a series of orders read on Thursday, December 19 on the national channel, Head of State Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi appointed Brigadier General Katende Batubadila Benjamin to the post of Deputy Commander in charge of operations and intelligence, replacing Brigadier General Inengeli Baka Thierryson.
Brigadier General Mulumba Kabanangi Désiré has been retained as Deputy Commander in charge of administration and logistics. This will be the case for the GR General Staff, which will still be led by Maloba Mwila Éric, now elevated to the rank of Brigadier General, who was a colonel before this elevation in rank.
In another similar order, the Head of State Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi proceeded to the appointment within the specified commands of the Republican Guard. According to the same order, he appointed in particular:
• Colonel Tshala Kalambayi Dédé: T2 Republican Guard
• Colonel Lumu Kateba Alidor: T3 Republican Guard
• Colonel Katanga Mubikayi Dieudonné Commander 14th security regiment
• Lieutenant Colonel Makoko Bwanamoya Serge Commander 141st high security protection.
In addition to the common missions assigned to the army, the GR has specific missions, under the terms of order no. 13-063 on the organization and operation of the Republican Guard, of June 22, 2013, to ensure: the guard and protection of the President of the Republic and his family as well as distinguished guests; the security of presidential property and installations; escorts and honors at the level of the Presidency of the Republic.
In case of emergency or necessity, the GR can be requisitioned and engaged in combat (at the front) or in operations to maintain or restore public order. Its commander reports to the President of the Republic in terms of operations; he is his right-hand man. But in terms of administration and logistics, he reports to the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC.
You can read more about these officers and zones in this post by clicking on this link
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