Congolese musician Delcat Idengo was killed on Thursday while filming a music video in Goma, a city at the heart of the country’s ongoing conflict.
Witnesses say he was shot in the head near Kilijiwe, where his body was later found. He was wearing military-style trousers for the shoot.
Idengo, known for criticizing both the government and armed groups, had recently released a song called Bunduki (Swahili for “weapon”), condemning the rebel takeover of Goma. He was among the prisoners who escaped after M23 militants seized the city last month.
The government blamed M23 for his killing, calling it an “abominable act,” while the rebels denied responsibility and pointed fingers at government-backed forces.
His death comes as violence escalates in eastern DR Congo, with M23 pushing toward Bukavu despite peace efforts. The UN estimates that recent clashes have killed nearly 2,900 people and displaced around 700,000.
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Protests erupted in Beni, Idengo’s hometown, as people demanded justice. Videos on social media showed his body on the ground shortly after the attack.
The Ministry of Arts and Culture called him “a committed voice who spoke for a generation.” Opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi, condemned the killing and called for justice.
Idengo had been arrested multiple times for his music. He was jailed last year for allegedly inciting violence against UN peacekeepers and, in 2021, sentenced to 10 years for insulting President Félix Tshisekedi. He was later acquitted.
His death adds to growing fears in North Kivu, where critics of both the government and rebel groups continue to face deadly consequences.
