Plane Crash Kills President Kabila's Main Adviser

A private plane crashed in Bukavu, South Kivu today. Major players in Congo's political landscape were on the plane and have been pronounced dead. Most importantly was Augustin Katumba Muanke who served as special adviser to President Kabila. It is widely reported that he was the main figure in a parallel government that shaped policy for the Kabila regime. Also on board and suffered injuries were Matata Mponyo Mapon, Minister of Finance, Marcelin Cishambo, Governor of South Kivu province and presidential adviser Antoine Ghonda.

The plane crashed when it overshot the runway. The crash occurred at 1 PM local time at the Kavumba Airport in Bukavu, South Kivu. Soldiers from Congo's military and the United Nations Security Mission in the Congo, Called MONUSCO rescued several injured passengers from the plane and . The two pilots of the plane died in the crash.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most dangerous places to fly in an airplane. However, the crash presents the greatest danger to the Kabila regime. The loss of Katumba Muanke is potentially fatal for the Kabila government.