- DR Congo musician Delcat Idengo killed in Goma
- Idengo known for songs critical of government and rebels
- Killing sparks outrage and demands for justice
Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, the popular Congolese musician known as Delcat Idengo, was found dead in the street of Goma on Thursday while filming a music video. His body was discovered with his head partially covered in blood. While unconfirmed reports suggest he was shot, the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.
Idengo, a prominent figure in DR Congo’s music scene, was known for his songs that openly criticized both the government and rebel groups. He had recently released a song titled “Bunduki” (meaning “weapon” in Swahili), which condemned the rebel occupation of Goma. He had also been among the hundreds of prisoners who escaped Goma’s prison after the M23 militant group seized the city last month.
The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in intense fighting, as armed groups and government forces vie for control of the mineral-rich area. Despite efforts to establish peace, the conflict has intensified, and it remains uncertain who is responsible for the killing of the musician.
Reacting to Idengo’s death, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya posted on X, condemning the murder as an “abominable act” and pledged that “justice will be done.” Muyaya attributed the killing to the M23 militants, although the group has denied the accusation, instead blaming government-aligned forces and calling for the handover of weapons.
The musician’s death has sparked outrage and fear in North Kivu, where Idengo was born. Protesters took to the streets of Beni, demanding justice for the killing. Videos shared on social media showed the artist’s lifeless body lying in the Kilijiwe area of Goma after the attack. Witnesses reported that Idengo, who had been wearing military trousers while filming, died instantly from the assault.
The Congolese Ministry of Arts and Culture labeled the incident an “assassination,” with a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of a “committed voice” that represented the hopes and aspirations of a generation. “A committed voice, he carried, through his music, the aspirations and hopes of an entire generation,” the ministry wrote on X.
Idengo had been previously jailed for inciting violence and encouraging the expulsion of UN peacekeepers from the country. He was also prosecuted in 2021 for insulting President Félix Tshisekedi and spreading “false rumors” in one of his songs, where he accused the president of failing to fulfill his promises. Although he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, Idengo was later acquitted.
Political leaders in the country have expressed their condolences and condemnation. Martin Fayulu, an opposition leader, mourned Idengo’s death and called for an end to the ongoing conflict. “The nation has lost a patriot committed to national cohesion,” Fayulu posted on X. “It is high time for this war to end. Humanity above all!”
Moïse Katumbi, another opposition figure, also condemned the killing, urging that those responsible be quickly identified and severely punished. “His murderers, whoever they are, must be quickly identified and very severely condemned,” Katumbi wrote.
The tragic death of Delcat Idengo comes amid escalating violence in the region, with the M23 rebels pushing toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, despite regional peace efforts. According to the latest UN figures, around 2,900 people have been killed and 700,000 displaced in the ongoing conflict.
