opaque and lucrative
The trial will open at the end of the week in Kinshasa.
According to a document signed by the main clerk of the High Military Court, the former security adviser of Felix Tshisekedi will appear on 3 June, from 9am. The trial will take place in Makala prison, where François Beya was transferred on 4 April.
‘Attack on the person of the president’
“Fantomas”, as he is known, was arrested on 5 February by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) on suspicion of undermining state security. He was detained for two months at the ANR. His case was subsequently transferred to the military prosecutor’s office, without the charges against him being made public.
During his various interrogations, Beya was questioned in particular on the existence of a police station near his farm in Mitendi; on the existence of a training centre whose purpose was to train a commando force; but also on the assassination of Laurent-Désiré Kabila.
The former adviser has repeatedly told those close to him that he is the victim of a fight within the presidency.
Valuable information
The summonses issued against Beya and his co-accused provide valuable information on the charges against them. According to the document we have seen, which targets one of the co-accused, they are accused of having “in Kinshasa, without certain date but during the period from 2020 to 4 February 2022 […] participated in a plot to attack the person of the president of the Republic.”
In addition to Beya, the court is targeting Brigadier Tonton Twadi Sekele, presented as “on the run” in the summons; Guy Vanda, the former adviser’s private secretary. Colonel David Cikapa, his director of protocol, Senior Chief Superintendent Lily Tambwe Mauwa and Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Kalenga Kalenga are also called to appear.
Among the witnesses that the Public Prosecutor’s Office intends to call are General Michel Mandiangu, head of military intelligence, and the provincial commissioner for the city of Kinshasa, Sylvano Kasongo Kitenge.
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