In a dramatic overnight operation, soldiers from the elite presidential guard unit of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stormed the residence of former Vice President Azarias Ruberwa, leaving a trail of destruction and raising serious concerns about political tensions in the country.
According to Ruberwa’s family, the attack took place in the early hours of September 17, 2025, when an estimated 150 heavily armed soldiers forcibly entered the property located in the upscale Gombe commune of Kinshasa. Gombe is known as one of the most secure and affluent areas of the capital, home to senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders.
Witnesses and family members reported that the soldiers broke into the residence using excessive force, damaging property and potentially looting valuables.
“They came in the middle of the night with no warning, destroyed many of our belongings, and terrorized everyone inside the house,” a family spokesperson said in a statement. “We fear that some of our possessions were stolen during the raid.”
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In a disturbing twist, nine private security guards who were stationed at Ruberwa’s home were arrested and taken to an undisclosed location, raising fears about their safety and well-being. Their families have reportedly been unable to reach them since the incident.
At the time of the raid, Azarias Ruberwa was abroad, which has fueled speculation about the motives behind the attack. Ruberwa, who served as one of four vice presidents during the transitional government from 2003 to 2006, has remained a prominent figure in Congolese politics. He played a significant role in peace negotiations following the Second Congo War, and in recent years, he has been involved in various political and business activities.
The Congolese government has not issued an official statement explaining why the presidential guard carried out such a large-scale operation against a former high-ranking official. The lack of transparency has sparked intense speculation among analysts and opposition figures.
Some political commentators suggest the move could be linked to growing internal power struggles within President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration or ongoing tensions between the government and figures associated with former rebel movements. Ruberwa himself has historic ties to the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie (RCD), a rebel group that played a key role in past conflicts.
Human rights organizations have condemned the incident, urging authorities to immediately release the detained security guards and launch an independent investigation.
“This kind of militarized action without due process undermines the rule of law and creates a climate of fear,” said a representative of a Kinshasa-based civil society group.
The raid comes amid heightened political tensions in the DRC, where recent clashes involving armed groups in the eastern regions have intensified national instability. Analysts warn that targeting a figure like Ruberwa could further destabilize the political landscape at a time when the country is already grappling with security and governance challenges.
As of now, Ruberwa has not made a public statement regarding the incident, but sources close to his family say he is seeking international support and may address the issue in the coming days.
