Popular Congolese musician Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, popularly known as Delcat Idengo, has been killed while filming a music video in the conflict-ridden town of Goma.
His body was found on Thursday, lying in a street with blood covering part of his head. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the artist was shot.
Idengo, known for his politically charged songs criticizing both the government and armed rebels, had recently escaped from prison after M23 militants seized Goma last month. The circumstances surrounding his killing remain unclear, with both the government and M23 rebels blaming each other.
The musician had just released a track titled Bunduki (Swahili for “weapon”), condemning the ongoing rebel occupation in Goma. His assassination has sparked outrage and protests, particularly in Beni, his hometown, where demonstrators have demanded justice.
DR Congo’s government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, called the killing an “abominable act” and blamed the M23 rebels. However, the rebel group denied involvement, instead accusing government-aligned forces and demanding they surrender their weapons.
The Congolese Ministry of Arts and Culture described Idengo’s death as an assassination, saying he was a voice of hope for a generation.
Idengo’s killing comes amid escalating violence in eastern DR Congo, where the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda, according to the Congolese government have captured Goma. The conflict has led to the deaths of approximately 2,900 people and displaced around 700,000 others, according to the UN.
With rebels now advancing toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, fears of further bloodshed continue to rise despite ongoing regional peace efforts.
Idengo had faced repeated persecution for his outspoken music. He was jailed last year for allegedly inciting people to take up arms against UN peacekeepers and, in 2021, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for insulting President Félix Tshisekedi. However, he was later acquitted.
Prominent opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi, have condemned Idengo’s killing, calling for justice. Fayulu described him as a “patriot committed to national cohesion” and called for an end to the war, while Katumbi urged authorities to swiftly identify and punish those responsible.
The murder of Delcat Idengo has sent shockwaves across DR Congo, further highlighting the dangers faced by artists and activists in a country plagued by conflict and political unrest.