Mike Kalambay: Nine die in DR Congo gospel concert chaos

DR Congo’s justice minister has ordered an investigation, external, and the questioning, external of the police officers who were present at the time and the event organiser Maajabu Gospel.

In a statement released after Saturday’s concert, Maajabu Gospel said it was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths. It blamed “troublemakers”, and said there were 2,000 police officers at the event who had tried to pacify them.

The organisers also insisted there were about 30,000 people at the concert – much less than the venue’s maximum capacity.

The stadium, which is a major landmark and said to be one of the biggest in Africa, is now closed until further notice.

It regularly plays host to some of the biggest names in music, various football matches, and was also the venue for President Félix Tshisekedi’s swearing-in ceremony.

Following Saturday’s chaos, Kinshasa city authorities have asked police to strengthen security measures and told event organisers to adhere to safety regulations.

Incidents like these are not uncommon at large-scale events in DR Congo.

In 2022, a stadium crush at the same venue during a concert by Congolese star Fally Ipupa left 11 people dead.