The Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced a formal homage this week to honour two senior military officers who were killed in action early this year: Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, then serving as military governor of North Kivu, and Colonel Alexis-Lewis Rugabisha, commander of the 12th Rapid Intervention Brigade.
In a post on the official social media channel, the Presidency stated that the double ceremony took place “this Monday,” with the coffins draped in the national flag. Attendance included the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi, the First Lady Denise Nyakeru, members of the government, senior military officers, and family members of the deceased. The ceremony took place at the People’s Palace in Kinshasa.
General Cirimwami died on January 24, 2025, from wounds sustained while overseeing operations near the frontline town of Sake—as part of efforts to repel the M23 advance toward Goma. Colonel Rugabisha was killed earlier, on February 1, 2025, during combat in Nyabibwe, South Kivu.
Both officers were posthumously promoted—Cirimwami to lieutenant general and Rugabisha to brigadier general—and admitted to the national Order of “Kabila-Lumumba Heroes.”
State-organized homages such as this serve to formally recognize the sacrifices of those who fell in service of the nation. When senior officers die in active combat, these ceremonies reaffirm state loyalty and can boost morale within the armed forces. However, real strength lies not only in tribute but in supporting military families and addressing the underlying conflict that claims lives.
Eastern DRC continues to experience volatile and deadly conflict. M23 has continued its offensive in the Kivu provinces, triggering large-scale civilian displacement and security crises. General Cirimwami’s death occurred during the 2025 Goma offensive, when M23 forces captured key towns and threatened Goma city.
