He announced this during a press briefing that focused on the security situation in the country, particularly in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where intense operations are underway against the M23 rebel group.

Ekenge said: “It is true, many General Officers and Senior Officers have been arrested, but this happened because of serious actions linked to State security.”

He added that their detention period has been extended in accordance with the law, at the request of prosecutors to allow further investigation. He stated: “They have been placed in a controlled location and detained legally. They are granted their rights but remain under strict supervision.”

The Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (FBCP) recently reported that 21 FARDC Generals have been detained, although the exact confirmed number currently in custody remains unknown.

Information indicates that those detained include General Tshiwewe Songesha Christian, former Chief of Staff of the Congolese army; General Franck Ntumba, former head of military intelligence; Lt. Gen Pacifique Masunzu, former commander of the third military zone; Major General John Tshibangu, among others.