Gen. Peter Cirimwami and Col. Alexis Rugabisha: Fallen Heroes Laid to Rest in Kinshasa.

Soldiers stood in solemn formation around two white coffins, draped with the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo and adorned with flowers. Hundreds dressed in black attended the ceremony, including President Félix Tshisekedi and his wife Denise Nyakeru.

Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, former governor of South Kivu, who was shot near Sake on January 24, 2025, and Colonel Alexis Rugabisha, who died in combat on February 1, 2025, in Nyabibwe, South Kivu, were honored in a state farewell at the Congolese Parliament before being buried at the new military cemetery in Kinshasa.

Both officers were killed during intense fighting between government forces and the M23 rebel group, which shortly afterward captured the city of Goma. In a statement on X, the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) described them as "heroes who stood firm in battle, giving their lives to protect the nation and the Congolese people."

Gen. Cirimwami was shot near Kasengezi while visiting a military outpost in a conflict zone, while Col. Rugabisha was killed in Nyabibwe during a fierce battle, where he remained on the front line despite heavy enemy fire. Eyewitnesses reported that most of his brigade had fled, leaving him and a few soldiers to face the attack.

President Tshisekedi paid tribute to both men, saying Cirimwami "lived and fought as a soldier, and died fulfilling the highest duty," and noting that Rugabisha had been part of "forces committed to peace and resisting rebellion."

Both were posthumously promoted: Cirimwami to Lieutenant-General and Rugabisha to Brigadier General. They were officially recognized as national heroes under the "Héros nationaux Kabila-Lumumba" distinction.

The ceremony concluded at "Repos du Soldat," a new 74-hectare military cemetery in N’sele, Kinshasa, which will serve as the final resting place for soldiers and senior officials who have served the country.

When they say a soldier was “posthumously promoted,” it means they were given a higher rank after their death. This is a way to honor their service and recognize their sacrifice for the country, even though they are no longer alive to receive the promotion.

It is usually done for soldiers who showed exceptional bravery or died in combat, ensuring their contribution is remembered and celebrated in the nation’s history.