Nearly two months after the death of Manassé Lomboto Bomengola, an opposition activist who died on September 15, 2026, on the sidelines of the C64 coalition march in Kinshasa, the circumstances surrounding his passing remain contentious. The medical report established by Olympic Hospital, obtained by ACTUALITE.CD, provides clinical details but fails to settle the political debate between allegations of murder and claims of natural death.
Admitted in Critical Condition
Drafted on September 16 and signed by three physicians, including the facility’s medical director, the document indicates that the 25-year-old was admitted to the emergency room on September 15 around 3:00 PM. Third parties brought him in following a “sudden altered state of consciousness in an unexplained context,” accompanied by convulsions.
Transferred from Saint-Joseph Hospital after unsuccessful initial treatment, the patient arrived with no known medical history. Upon arrival, doctors described him as comatose (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 10/15), with low blood pressure, a rapid pulse, and “alcoholic breath.” However, the physical examination revealed no apparent skin lesions.
Uncertain Diagnosis and Rapid Deterioration
The working diagnosis was a “non-febrile coma.” Physicians considered several hypotheses—including a cerebral hematoma, stroke, or epilepsy—while noting that other potential causes remained to be investigated. A brain CT scan performed on-site showed no detectable brain lesions, and his blood sugar levels were normal upon admission.
The patient’s condition deteriorated progressively throughout the evening:
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Recurrent tonic-clonic seizures occurred, followed by temporary slight improvement.
- 9:00 PM: The patient experienced respiratory distress and slipped into a deeper coma, leading to a first cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated via chest compressions and adrenaline.
- 9:45 PM: The hospital requested an emergency transfer to the CHU du Cinquantenaire, which could not accommodate him due to a lack of available ICU beds.
- 10:15 PM: Death was officially declared following an irreversible cardio-respiratory arrest.
Lack of Conclusive Findings
The medical document provides no definitive cause of death and mentions no physical violence. While it does not confirm the assassination theory, it also does not conclude that death was caused by an illness. Furthermore, the report makes no mention of an autopsy and sheds no light on where or under what exact circumstances the young man was found.
According to the Engagement for Citizenship and Development (Ecidé), the party led by Martin Fayulu, Lomboto was found unconscious in a gutter following an attack on the opposition procession.
Contradictory Versions and Judicial Fallout
This medical ambiguity has fueled a sharp clash between official statements and opposition claims:
- The Official Version: Speaking from Moscow on October 30, President Félix Tshisekedi stated that Manassé Lomboto died of an illness, aligning with the position held by Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde.
- The Opposition’s Stance: Martin Fayulu categorically rejected the president’s statements, describing them as irresponsible. Fayulu maintained that the activist was in “perfect health” at the start of the march before being beaten by members of the “Force du Progrès” (a militia associated with the ruling UDPS) and left for dead.
The controversy has already led to legal action. On October 25, Prince Epenge—spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition and a senior member of ADD Congo (the party to which Lomboto belonged)—was detained at N’djili Airport. He faces charges of “spreading false rumors” for publicly accusing authorities and allied groups of an assassination.
With actualite.cd
