Kahimbi was also under
European Union sanctions over alleged human rights abuses when he commanded
operations against rebels in east Democratic Republic of Congo in the 200Os and
during his tenure as military intelligence chief.
Congo’s military
intelligence chief, General Delphin Kahimbi died on Friday after suffering a
heart attack, his wife said.
His death followed media
reports that an investigation had been opened into allegations that he tried to
destabilize the country.
Kahimbi was appointed by
former President Joseph Kabila. Kabila’s successor as head of state, Felix
Tshisekedi, had been under pressure from the United States to hold the general
to account for alleged human rights abuses.
“He had a heart attack at
home and he died soon after we arrived at the hospital,” his wife, Brenda
Kahimbi, told Reuters by phone.
Two sources in the security
service said Kahimbi had recently been suspended over the accusations that he
had sought to hide weapons and destabilize the country.
Kahimbi was also barred
this month from leaving the country, the security sources and two sources in
the migration service said.
The military confirmed
Kahimbi’s death but did not confirm the cause or comment on the accusations
against him or the reports that he had been suspended.
No comments:
Post a Comment