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Musician Killed in Goma Amid Ongoing Violence in Eastern Congo
A well-known artist in the Democratic Republic of Congo was tragically killed while filming a music video in Goma, a city beleaguered by conflict. Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, who went by the stage name Delcat Idengo, was discovered lifeless in a street on Thursday, his body exhibiting signs of violence, including blood on his head. Initial reports suggest that he may have been shot, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
Idengo, recognized for his poignant songs that critiqued both government authorities and rebel forces, had recently been among a substantial group of inmates who escaped from a Goma prison following the seizure of the city by M23 militants last month. The eastern region of the Congo has seen a resurgence of violent confrontations as various armed factions vie for dominance over its rich mineral resources.
The identity of those responsible for Idengo’s death is undetermined at this point. Shortly before his demise, he released a new track titled “Bunduki,” which translates to “weapon” in Swahili, an explicit indictment of the rebel presence in Goma.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya condemned the incident, labeling it an “abominable act” on social media, and he attributed blame to the M23 militants. Conversely, the M23 has shifted the blame onto forces aligned with the government, demanding that they surrender their arms.
This murder has heightened tensions in a region already on edge after the M23 rebels took control of Goma in a significant escalation of hostilities that began in late January. Recent United Nations reports estimate that approximately 2,900 individuals have lost their lives and around 700,000 have been displaced due to the ongoing violence.
The insurgents are reportedly advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, despite ongoing regional initiatives aimed at curbing the conflict. Idengo’s assassination has prompted protests in his hometown of Beni, where residents are calling for justice.
Videos circulated on social media depicted the artist’s body lying on the ground immediately after the incident occurred in the Kilijiwe area of northern Goma. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Idengo, who was dressed in military-style trousers for the video shoot, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Congolese Ministry of Arts and Culture described the incident as an “assassination,” acknowledging Idengo’s role as a voice for a generation. “He carried, through his music, the aspirations and hopes of an entire generation,” the ministry expressed on social media.
At the time of his death, Idengo was awaiting trial following his imprisonment last year for inciting armed rebellion against UN peacekeepers in the country. In 2021, he faced prosecution for defaming President Félix Tshisekedi in one of his tracks, which accused the president of broken promises, receiving a sentence of ten years that was later overturned on appeal.
Opposition leader Martin Fayulu expressed his sorrow, stating, “The nation has lost a patriot committed to national cohesion. I mourn the loss of Idengo. It is high time for this war to end. Humanity above all!” He had previously placed third in the recent general elections.
Moïse Katumbi, another key opposition figure and second-place finisher in the election, demanded accountability for Idengo’s murder, urging swift identification and severe condemnation of the perpetrators.
Source
www.bbc.com