DR Congo singer Delcat Idengo shot dead while filming video in Goma

Congolese musician Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, widely known as Delcat Idengo, has been killed in Goma while filming a music video.

His body was discovered on Thursday, February 13, with blood partially covering his head, raising suspicions that he was shot.

Idengo, known for his outspoken stance against all factions in the ongoing conflict, had previously escaped from a Goma prison after M23 rebels seized the city last month.

His latest song condemned the rebel occupation of Goma, making his murder particularly shocking to many.

Eastern DR Congo remains a battleground as armed groups clash with the national army for control over its vast mineral wealth. However, it is unclear who was responsible for Idengo's killing.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya denounced the act, calling it "abominable" and vowing that justice would be served.

He pointed fingers at M23 rebels, but the group denied involvement, instead accusing government-backed forces and demanding their disarmament.

News of Idengo’s death triggered widespread outrage online. A user on X, @kambale, mourned the musician’s loss, writing, “They just shot him in the head while he was filming a music video! These people are savages!”

Another user, @TheLegalMwaki, said, “He was a powerful voice who condemned the Rwandan Occupation and attempted Annexation of Goma Congolese Territory. He became a target and was forthwith murdered in cold blood. This is the terror unleashed on the Residents of Goma every single day by the Rwandan m23 Militia.”

The killing comes amid heightened tensions following M23’s takeover of Goma in late January.

UN data estimates that recent violence has resulted in approximately 2,900 deaths and displaced around 700,000 people.