The Congolese military has confirmed that multiple high-ranking officers, including several generals, have been placed under house arrest on suspicion of committing “highly reprehensible acts that undermine state security”.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge told reporters on Saturday that the officers are being held under “acceptable conditions” with restricted freedoms while investigations continue. Their pre-trial detention has been extended at the request of military prosecutors.

Ekenge declined to specify the number of officers involved or the precise nature of the allegations but emphasized that the National Human Rights Commission has visited the detainees and confirmed they are in good health with regular medical access.

The arrests follow a similar incident in July 2025, when former army chief Lt. Gen. Christian Tshiwewe and other senior officers were detained in Kinshasa on charges of plotting to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military continues to battle a surge of rebel activity in the east, particularly from the M23 group backed by Rwanda, while facing persistent accusations of corruption, desertions, and collusion with armed groups.

No official timeline has been provided for the conclusion of the investigation or potential court-martial proceedings, leaving uncertainty over how deep the purge within the armed forces may extend.