Two officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of National Defense and Veterans Affairs were reportedly detained in South Africa while officially accompanying Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defense Guy Mwadiamvita during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit.

According to an official source, the incident reportedly resulted from a confusion over access badges for the summit venue, which was under heightened security due to the presence of several heads of state and senior government officials.

Confusion over summit access badges

The two members of the Congolese delegation reportedly had official documents authorizing their presence in South Africa.

These documents included their mission orders, service identification cards and official service passports.

According to the official account, the issue arose when security personnel questioned their access badges for the room where the summit was being held.

Given the high-level security arrangements surrounding the meeting, access to certain areas was reportedly subject to strict verification procedures.

Congolese authorities confirm their official mission

The same official source said that Deputy Prime Minister Guy Mwadiamvita, together with the Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister who was also present at the summit, confirmed that the two officials were legally in South Africa as part of the official Congolese delegation.

The relevant documents were reportedly submitted to South African judicial authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Congolese side maintains that the two officials were carrying out an authorized government mission.

Defense Ministry closely monitoring the case

The DRC Ministry of National Defense and Veterans Affairs is reportedly following the matter closely.

The ministry has also involved its legal representatives to assist the two officials and follow the proceedings with the South African authorities.

At this stage, no information indicating that the two officials have been formally charged with a criminal offense has been provided in the official account.

An incident under investigation

The reported detention comes amid heightened security measures surrounding the SADC Summit, which brings together several regional heads of state and senior officials.

The Congolese authorities are expected to continue working with their South African counterparts to clarify the situation.

According to the official version, the incident appears to have stemmed from a misunderstanding concerning access badges, while the Congolese government maintains that the two officials were in South Africa legally and as part of an official mission.

JOSHMISHULBI