TIG Post

Tag: DR Congo

  • Referee in DR Congo lynched and burned to death by angry fans

    Referee in DR Congo lynched and burned to death by angry fans

    Shock and grief have gripped the Democratic Republic of Congo after the horrific death of football referee Patrick Ngalamulume, who was brutally killed by a mob in the eastern city of Bukavu.

    The 36-year-old, widely known by his nickname “Ngalas,” was attacked in the Irambo neighbourhood overnight between May 5 and 6, 2025.

    He was accused by locals of theft—a charge that remains unproven—and was violently beaten before being set on fire by a furious crowd.

    Witnesses say the gruesome incident played out in public view, with no response from police or emergency services as the situation escalated.

    The killing has sparked outrage and mourning across the country, particularly within the sporting community.

    “It was horrifying. No one could stop it. The anger was uncontrollable,” said one local who witnessed the lynching but asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.

    Patrick Ngalamulume, a respected member of the Bukavu Urban Football Association (EUFBUK), had a clean record and was widely regarded for his integrity and dedication to refereeing.

    His tragic death has deeply shaken the local football fraternity and sparked widespread mourning across civil society.

    “We have lost not just a referee, but a man who believed in fair play and justice,” said a senior official with EUFBUK. “To think he was denied the very justice he upheld is heartbreaking.”

    In a strongly worded statement, the Football Association condemned the killing:

    “We are deeply saddened by the senseless and barbaric murder of Patrick Ngalamulume. We call on the authorities to arrest all those involved and restore trust in the rule of law.”

    The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also joined in expressing solidarity, adding:

    “Football must remain a sport that unites, not one that becomes entangled in the breakdown of law and order.”

    The lynching underscores the deteriorating security in parts of eastern Congo, where armed rebel groups like M23 have weakened state control, and vigilante justice has become common.

    “The government must act. This level of barbarity cannot become a norm,” said a Bukavu local official. “People are losing faith in the justice system, and we’re seeing the dangerous consequences of that.”

    In recent months, Bukavu and neighbouring Goma have seen a rise in similar acts of mob justice, a symptom of the growing void left by an overwhelmed and under-resourced justice system.

    Civil society groups, sports authorities, and local leaders have called for an independent investigation into the killing, the arrest of those responsible, and urgent action to prevent further breakdowns in law enforcement.

    Patrick Ngalamulume’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of what happens when fear replaces justice. His memory now stands as both a loss and a call—for accountability, reform, and the protection of all citizens under the law.

  • Deadly anthrax outbreak claims 50 hippopotami in DR Congo

    Deadly anthrax outbreak claims 50 hippopotami in DR Congo

    Anthrax poisoning has led to the deaths of over 50 hippos and other large animals in Virunga National Park, the oldest nature reserve in Africa, according to the park’s director.

    The animals’ lifeless bodies have been seen floating along the Ishasha River, as shown in images shared by park authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials say the deaths began occurring last week.

    Though the exact origin of the outbreak remains unclear, tests have confirmed that anthrax is present.

    Park director Emmanuel de Merode explained that recovery and burial operations are in progress to contain the outbreak. However, the team is facing challenges due to limited equipment.

    “It’s difficult due to lack of access and logistics,” he told Reuters news agency.

    “We have the means to limit the spread by… burying them with caustic soda.”

    The Ishasha River, which runs north to Lake Edward—one of Africa’s Great Lakes—has seen further reports of dead animals, heightening concerns about the spread.

    Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can be deadly but doesn’t typically spread quickly. The bacteria survive in soil for years in the form of spores and can infect animals through wounds, inhalation, or ingestion.

    To help protect nearby communities, the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature has urged residents to avoid coming into contact with wildlife and to boil any water collected from nearby sources before drinking.

    Virunga National Park spans about 7,800 square kilometers (3,000 square miles) and is home to a vast range of species. Despite its ecological richness, the park is considered one of the most dangerous due to ongoing conflict.

    While it draws tourists, the region has also experienced violent confrontations between rebel militias and government forces. Armed groups seeking control over the area’s natural resources continue to operate within and around the park.

    Over the years, numerous park rangers have lost their lives protecting the animals and environment.

    In the past, efforts were made to rebuild the park’s hippo population, which once stood at over 20,000 but dropped to just a few hundred due to war and heavy poaching.

  • Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing ‘neo-colonial attitudes’

    Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing ‘neo-colonial attitudes’

    Rwanda has officially cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European country of repeatedly undermining it amid the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

    Belgium has been at the forefront of efforts to push for European sanctions against Rwanda, citing its alleged support for M23, the rebel group heavily involved in DR Congo’s crisis.

    As a result, Rwandan authorities have ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

    Belgium, which once ruled Rwanda as a colonial power, has called the decision an overreaction and promised to issue a response.

    While both the UN and the US have accused Rwanda of backing M23, Kigali has strongly denied any involvement.
    In its statement on Monday, Kigali accused Brussels of attempting to “sustain its neo-colonial delusions”.

    “Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilise both Rwanda and the region,” the statement said.

    Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot responded to Rwanda’s measures on social media, saying: “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”

    Prevot said Rwandan diplomats in Belgium will be declared “persona non grata”.
    When a diplomatic declaration is issued, it can strip individuals of their official status, often leading to their expulsion or a refusal to recognize their roles.

    Since the beginning of this year, fighting between the M23 rebels and the DR Congo’s military in the eastern region has caused around 7,000 deaths, according to Congolese authorities. The conflict has also displaced more than 850,000 people, as reported by UNICEF, with violence escalating significantly since January.

    In the past two months, the M23 rebels have seized control of two major cities, Goma and Bukavu. In response to the situation, Britain has reduced its financial aid to Rwanda as a way to pressure the country to stop supporting the M23 rebels.

    Last month, the UN Security Council called for an end to M23’s attacks and demanded that Rwanda withdraw its troops from DR Congo. Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame promised that his nation would stand firm against Belgium before Kigali officially cut ties with Brussels.
    “We would ask [Belgium]: ‘Who are you by the way? Who put you in charge of us?’ Rwandans believe in God, but did God really put these people in charge of Rwanda?” Kagame asked in an address on Sunday.

  • Your punitive measures against Rwanda will not end chaos in DR Congo – Kigali to UK

    Your punitive measures against Rwanda will not end chaos in DR Congo – Kigali to UK

    UK’s recent sanctions against Rwanda have been met with strong criticism from Kigali, which described them as “unfortunate” following allegations that the country supports M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo.

    Announcing the measures, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office outlined steps such as cutting direct financial aid—excluding assistance for vulnerable populations—suspending defense cooperation, and withdrawing high-level diplomatic engagement with Rwanda.

    In response, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the sanctions, arguing that they neither help resolve DR Congo’s crisis nor contribute to a lasting political solution. The ministry further asserted that Rwanda cannot be expected to compromise its national security, especially amid ongoing regional instability.

    This development follows economic sanctions recently imposed by the U.S. on James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, over allegations of his involvement in supporting the M23 rebels.

    M23 has been expanding its control in eastern DR Congo since December, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.

    With violence intensifying, Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka informed the UN Human Rights Council that more than 7,000 people have lost their lives to the conflict this year alone.

  • Youssouf Mulumbu calls on PSG to review “blood stained” Visit Rwanda deal

    Youssouf Mulumbu calls on PSG to review “blood stained” Visit Rwanda deal

    Former captain of DR Congo, Youssouf Mulumbu, has called on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to reassess its sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda in light of the severe conflict and humanitarian crisis in his country.

    His plea comes amidst rising violence in eastern DR Congo, where the M23 rebels—reportedly supported by Rwanda—have taken control of key regions, including the vital city of Goma.

    According to the United Nations, approximately 700,000 people have been displaced by the conflict this year alone.

    In a conversation with BBC World Service, Mulumbu highlighted the profound impact of the crisis, describing it as a “financial war” driven by competition over DR Congo’s substantial mineral resources, especially tantalum, an essential element in smartphone manufacturing.

    “The situation is very, very hard and very painful, and all this conflict is based on finance,” Mulumbu said.

    “It’s not a religious or territory war. It’s a financial war and people need to know that.”

    The crisis has prompted DR Congo’s foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to urge PSG, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich to end their partnerships with Rwanda’s tourism board, describing the deals as “blood-stained.”

    The former West Brom midfielder Mulumbu added, “I want to thank the minister, because she did very big work.

    “And all I know is that on a sponsorship, there is a financial part.

    “We are going to do our best to inform [about] this deal and what’s behind it. I think it will be a big step if we can cancel this Visit Rwanda [partnership].”

    While Arsenal and PSG have yet to respond, Bayern Munich stated it is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the German foreign ministry.

  • DR Congo: M23 Rebel takes control of coltan mining town, Rubaya

    DR Congo: M23 Rebel takes control of coltan mining town, Rubaya

    M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have gained control of Rubaya, a crucial mining town for the smartphone mineral coltan, following days of intense fighting, according to a rebel spokesman.

    Violence has plagued Congo’s east since the 1990s, resulting in millions of deaths due to struggles over national identity, ethnicity, and resources, which led neighboring countries to invade and gave rise to numerous armed groups.

    Willy Ngoma, the Tutsi-led M23 military spokesman, informed Reuters that the town, located in North Kivu, was now under their control after targeting other armed groups in the region, including the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which consists of ethnic Hutus.

    Congo’s army spokesman for its operations against the rebel group, Lieutenant Colonel Guillaume Njike, informed Reuters that they could not verify whether the rebels had captured the town.

    “We are in the process of cross-checking since yesterday whether or not it has fallen to the hands of the M23 rebels,” Njike said.

    A spokesman for Congo’s government did not respond to Reuters request for comments.

    Most of Congo’s mineral resources are concentrated in the east, where insecurity has worsened since the M23 made a major comeback in March 2022.

    Rubaya holds rich deposits of tantalum, which is extracted from coltan, and which is a critical energy transition mineral also used in the manufacture of smartphones, laptops and game consoles.

    The M23 have already taken control of Rubaya twice for a few days since their current offensive began.

    The Congolese government, UN officials and Western powers have accused Rwanda of providing support for M23, which Rwanda has repeatedly denied.

    A youth leader in the town told Reuters by telephone that the town was encircled by the rebels.

    “There is a large displacement of the population because the clashes are intense,” Clovis Mafare said, adding that the town’s mining quarries were not occupied.

    Rubaya was previously under the control of a pro-government militia group known as the Wazalendo.

    The United Nations said in December that Wazalendo armed groups controlled sites within main exploitation perimeters, compromising the tin, tantalum and tungsten supply chain.

    Conflicts have arisen over the control of the illicit trade in tin and gold as well as in coltan and tantalum – all mined in Congo before being smuggled out through neighbouring Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.

    Congo’s government is currently pushing Apple for more information about its supply chain over concerns it may be tainted with conflict minerals.

    Apple has said it found no basis to conclude any smelters or refiners in its supply chain financed or benefited armed groups in Congo or an adjoining country.

  • Dr Congo denies signing military cooperation with Russia

    Dr Congo denies signing military cooperation with Russia

    The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo refutes claims of signing a military cooperation agreement with Russia.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Communication and Media clarified, “There is, to date, no recently signed military cooperation agreement between Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

    This denial comes in response to an article published by the Russian state-owned news agency TASS on Tuesday, asserting that Russia’s government had approved a draft military cooperation agreement with DR Congo.

    According to TASS, citing a government document, the agreement involved joint drills, military training, and the possibility of warships and warplanes visits upon invitation or request.

    DR Congo acknowledges the existence of the draft agreement, initiated by the two countries in 1999 but emphasizes that it has not been finalized or signed.

    “The Democratic Republic of Congo is not engaged in bilateral discussions with Russia for the implementation of this draft agreement at present,” the communications ministry added.

    Russia has been actively expanding its military partnerships in Africa to increase its political influence on the continent. Notably, through the Wagner mercenary group, Russia has provided military support to various countries, including the Central African Republic and the junta-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

  • UN imposes sanctions on rebel leaders in DR Congo

    UN imposes sanctions on rebel leaders in DR Congo

    The United Nations has implemented sanctions including an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze against six rebel leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo amidst escalating violence in the eastern region.

    Among those targeted are the military spokesperson of the M23 rebel group, a general affiliated with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and two high-ranking figures within the Ugandan armed faction known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

    Additionally, sanctions were imposed on the leader of the National Coalition of the People for the Sovereignty of Congo (CNPSC), a member of the Mai-Mai militia, and a commander in the Twirwaneho armed group.

    The decision to impose these measures followed discussions at a UN Security Council meeting aimed at addressing the deteriorating security situation in DR Congo.

    Robert Wood, the US Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the UN, expressed satisfaction with the sanctions, highlighting the accountability they bring to those responsible for various abuses.

    Tensions between the Congolese and Rwandan governments have centered around the M23 and FDLR groups. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the Tutsi-led M23, while Rwanda accuses its neighbor of collaborating with the Hutu-dominated FDLR, which it links to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

    During the Security Council briefing, members condemned the recent advancement of the M23 towards the town of Sake, resulting in the displacement of thousands of individuals.

  • AFCON 2023: South Africa beats DR Congo to secure third place after penalties

    AFCON 2023: South Africa beats DR Congo to secure third place after penalties

    In a thrilling encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), South Africa secured third place following a tense penalty shootout victory against DR Congo.

    After a deadlock in regular time, the match intensified as both teams vied for victory. Ultimately, South Africa prevailed in the shootout, converting six penalties compared to DR Congo’s five.

    Despite their earlier semifinal defeat against Nigeria, the Bafana Bafana showcased resilience and determination, seizing the opportunity to claim bronze in the tournament held in Ivory Coast.

    As the excitement continues to build, the stage is set for the 2023 AFCON final on Sunday, February 11, 2024, where Nigeria will face off against the host nation in what promises to be an electrifying match.

  • DR Congo violence: Goma shakes as M23 rebels move forward

    DR Congo violence: Goma shakes as M23 rebels move forward

    Emile Bolingo doesn’t know how much longer he and others in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, can keep going.

    This big city with around two million people has been unable to get food from the nearby farms for a few days.

    This is the newest fight in a series of fights that has caused many people to leave their homes in the country. Almost seven million people have been forced to leave their homes because of several conflicts.

    The M23 rebels, who are Tutsi, are stopping food and other goods from reaching Goma by blocking the main roads from the north and west.

    “We are worried about not having enough food if the Congolese army doesn’t open the main roads soon. ” Mr Bolingo said that people are very scared and can feel the panic here.

    Goma’s population has increased a lot because people are running away from the fighters who are moving closer.

    Sake, a town 25km (15 miles) northwest of Goma, was attacked on Wednesday.

    “I got hurt in my pelvis from pieces of a bomb,” Mundeke Kandundao said to the BBC from his hospital bed in Goma where he had an operation.

    The 25-year-old driver said the rebels shot a shell from a hill above the town on Wednesday.

    “I was behind a building with many other people when it blew up,” he said.

    “We are afraid because the war keeps going on and doesn’t seem to have a point. ” We are waiting to see if it’s over so we can go home.

    Laurent Cresci from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said to the BBC from the state-run Bethsaida Hospital in Goma that there were a lot of patients coming in on Wednesday. He said, “There were a lot of people injured. ” Before, there were 80 patients in our ward, but now there are 130 patients and it’s very difficult to take care of them all.

    Many people feel like they have seen this tragedy before and it makes them very sad.

    “How much longer do we have to live like this. We keep running away all the time,” Pascal Bashali said to the BBC when he got to Goma. People are walking, riding on motorcycles, and traveling in small buses to come to the place.

    Aline Ombeni was very upset when she arrived in the city. She said that they had run away with nothing and needed help with food, clothes, and a place to stay.

    As the fighting gets closer, it reminds me of 2012 when the rebels took over the city by the lake for 10 days but left after other countries made them.

    The M23 started in 2012 to protect the Tutsi people in eastern DR Congo from being mistreated. The United Nations experts have said that the group has support from Rwanda, which is also ruled by Tutsis. Rwanda has always said this is not true.

    “We all know that the war is happening because of money. ” Rwanda is still. For the last 25 years, the Congo has been robbed of its minerals. The Congo wants the UK to help stop Rwanda from taking its minerals.

    People are worried that the M23, a very organized and strong rebel group, might take control of Goma.

    Recently, President Félix Tshisekedi, who was elected again, said last year that the people of Congo should trust him and that the city of Goma will always be safe. He said the same thing again, in the city, while campaigning for the election in December.

    Goma is an important place for business because it is close to big mining towns that provide valuable metals like gold, tin, and coltan. The town has good roads and airports, and a big UN peacekeeping base. Because of this, many companies, international groups, and diplomatic offices have moved here.

    Therefore, Goma is an important place to capture, but the M23 says they don’t want to take it and they are only defending, not attacking.

    Onesphore Sematumba, who studies DR Congo at the International Crisis Group, said that the M23 could capture Goma using their strong military, but it would cause them a lot of trouble.

    The rebels might be showing what they can do and remembering what happened when they took over Goma in 2012 and got in trouble with other countries.

    After leaving, it lost many battles to the Congolese army with help from other countries, and had to leave the country. M23 fighters decided to join the army again with the promise that Tutsis would be kept safe.

    However, in 2021, the group started fighting again because they felt that the promises had not been kept.

    It came out of the forests on the edge of DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda and moved closer to Goma, taking over a lot of land.

    Truces were agreed, but they didn’t last because the government and the M23 rebel group are blaming each other.

    The M23 group has said many times that they want to talk about peace with Kinshasa.

    “We requested to talk and find a peaceful solution to this problem,” said Lawrence Kanyuka, who speaks for M23, in an interview with the BBC. “Several wars do not solve the main reasons for fighting. ” The Congo government doesn’t want peace, they want to keep fighting and kill more people.

    President Tshisekedi said that discussions are not an option.

    “We want to make it clear that the government will never talk or make a deal with M23. ” M23 is not real. Rwanda is controlling someone and telling them what to say,” a government official told the reporters.

    The East African force left DR Congo last year because the government asked them to. They were there to help keep people safe and secure areas that armed groups had left.

    In December, it left and then the ceasefire ended, and there was more fighting from the M23.

    President Tshisekedi wants the southern African force that just arrived to do better at fighting rebel groups because they have permission to attack them.

    He has also told the big UN group in the country, called Monusco, to go away. It was not liked by many people because it did not stop the fighting during its 25 years in use.

    However, some people are worried that the fighting could become more severe because the president of Congo said he might start a war with Rwanda if the rebels attack again.

    In response to the comments, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame said in January that when defending his country, “we will fight with everything we have. ”

    At the same time, Natàlia Torrent from the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has said that the increase in fighting in various areas since mid-January is causing a lot of harm to a population that is already in a tough situation.

    “We are in a place where many diseases have already spread before. ” We’ve been working on cholera or measles last year and we are worried. “There will be more outbreaks of diseases coming,” she told the reporters.

    Thinking about the fighting, Goma resident Mr. Bolingo said: “We are the ones who feel the pain. ”

    Mr Bashali ran away from Sake with his wife and nine kids. He said, “People, including men, women, and children are dying in the fighting. It’s sad We hope our country becomes peaceful. “

  • Singaporean, Canadian firms sign deal to export copper from DR Congo

    Singaporean, Canadian firms sign deal to export copper from DR Congo

    Two multinational corporations, Trafigura based in Singapore and Ivanhoe Mines from Canada, have inked a significant agreement aimed at exporting copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo via a railway network.

    The railway, stretching to the Angolan port of Lobito, has received partial funding from the United States, signaling efforts to compete with China for mineral access.

    Originally constructed during the colonial era, the railway reopened in 2015 following the conclusion of Angola’s civil war. Despite its revival, the transportation route has faced challenges in attracting significant traffic.

    The demand for copper on a global scale continues to surge, driven by its essential role in the production of solar panels and electronic devices.

  • DR Congo reach semifinal stage of 2023 AFCON

    DR Congo reach semifinal stage of 2023 AFCON

    In a comeback victory, DR Congo defeated Guinea 3-1 to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Guinea initially took the lead with Mohamed Bayo converting a 20th-minute penalty after a foul by Chancel Mbemba.

    However, Mbemba swiftly equalized with a goal from a narrow angle seven minutes later. DR Congo turned the game around in the second half, earning a penalty when Julian Jeanvier fouled Silas.

    Brentford forward Yoane Wissa successfully converted the penalty, giving the Leopards a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes remaining.

    Guinea struggled to respond, and DR Congo sealed the victory when Arthur Masuaku’s free-kick caught out Guinea’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone at his near post.

    Having drawn all four of their previous games and triumphing over Egypt on penalties in the last 16, DR Congo now prepares for their first semi-final appearance since finishing third in 2015.

    They will face the winners of the quarter-final between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast in the last four on Wednesday.

  • DR Congo beats Egypt to book quarter-final slot in 2023 AFCON

    DR Congo beats Egypt to book quarter-final slot in 2023 AFCON

    In another heartbreak for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scoring the winning penalty.

    The Pharaohs, who had experienced a spot-kick defeat to Senegal in the 2021 final, faced a similar fate after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time, ultimately losing 8-7 on penalties.

    Mostafa Mohamed, filling in for the injured Mohamed Salah, continued his goal-scoring form with his fourth goal in as many matches, equalizing from the spot after Meschack Elia’s opener. Egypt had to endure extra time following Mohamed Hamdy’s 97th-minute red card.

    Despite Mohamed missing a penalty in the shootout and goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal also faltering, DR Congo’s Mpasi remained composed, securing a place in the quarter-finals against Guinea.

    The match saw early threats from Elia for DR Congo, with Egypt’s Ahmed Hegazi missing a crucial headed chance. Elia later capitalized on defensive lapses to give DR Congo the lead, but Mohamed’s penalty restored parity.

    DR Congo had chances through Elia and Cedric Bakambu, while Egypt, despite dominating possession, struggled to create clear opportunities. Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Marwan Attia tested Mpasi in the second half, but neither side could find a late winner.

    Egypt’s hopes suffered a setback with Hamdy’s sending-off, and despite DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku and Samuel Moutoussamy missing chances, the shootout ended dramatically with both goalkeepers taking decisive penalties.

  • DR Congo progresses to knockout stages as Tanzania exit 2023 AFCON

    DR Congo progresses to knockout stages as Tanzania exit 2023 AFCON

    In a 0-0 draw between DR Congo and Tanzania in Korhogo, DR Congo secured their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, while Tanzania was eliminated from the tournament.

    The second half featured attempts from Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, with one shot denied by Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula, and another sent over the goal. Despite these efforts, DR Congo drew their third consecutive game in Group F.

    Sebastien Desabre’s team finished second in the group, behind Morocco, and is set to face Egypt in the last 16 on Sunday. Tanzania’s challenging campaign, marked by the suspension of head coach Adel Amrouche and the appointment of assistant Hemed Suleiman as acting boss, concludes with them finishing at the bottom of the group with two points.

    The match itself saw early attempts, with former Chelsea player Gael Kakuta testing Manula with a free-kick and Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta firing a shot off target in the first 15 minutes. Manula made crucial saves, including blocking a Fiston Mayele attempt with his legs in the 30th minute.

    In the second half, DR Congo continued to press for a breakthrough, with substitute Meschak Elia missing a chance in the 73rd minute. Wissa’s attempt to lob the ball over Manula was also thwarted by the goalkeeper.

    The Leopards persisted in their late push, with Cedric Bakambu heading too high and another Wissa shot narrowly missing the target before the final whistle confirmed DR Congo’s progression with another draw.

  • DR Congo and Zambia end game in stalemate

    DR Congo and Zambia end game in stalemate

    Brentford forward Yoane Wissa played a crucial role in helping DR Congo secure a 1-1 draw against Zambia in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite falling behind to Kings Kangwa’s goal, Wissa quickly leveled the score for DR Congo.

    Zambia took the lead in the 23rd minute after a defensive lapse from DR Congo, with Kangwa capitalizing on a quick throw-in and an error from the goalkeeper.

    However, DR Congo responded swiftly, with Cedric Bakambu breaking the offside trap and providing an assist for Yoane Wissa, who equalized from close range.

    Although DR Congo had opportunities to take the lead, including a VAR-overturned penalty decision, they couldn’t find a winner. Silas missed a chance deep into added time, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

    With both teams trailing Morocco in the Group F standings after the first round of games, the result sets the stage for an intriguing competition in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage.

  • Home of defeated candidate surrounded by DR Congo military

    Home of defeated candidate surrounded by DR Congo military

    Police in Congo surrounded the home of Moïse Katumbi, who is a big politician in the opposition. This happened after the elections last month.

    On Monday, his spokesperson Hervé Diakesse said he couldn’t leave his home in southern Katanga province.

    But the police and soldiers went away because a governor in the area told them to.

    Mr Katumbi said that President Tshisekedi‘s big win in last month’s election is not real.

    Five other leaders who didn’t win the election are planning a protest march with Martin Fayulu.

    On Monday night, people from Kashobwe village went to Mr. Katumbi’s house after hearing that the security forces were not letting him leave. Videos of this were posted on social media.

    A person related to Mr. Katumbi told the French RFI news website that there were many armed soldiers surrounding their house.

    “We are having a hard time understanding why,” Mr. Diakesse said to Reuters news agency.

    Provincial governor Jacques Kyabula Katwe ordered the security forces to leave to calm down the crisis. He called the incident a mistake.

    “Security forces wanted to protect Mr. Katumbi’s property from possible damage. ”

    The December 20 election had a lot of problems with how things were organized. Some people who watched the election were worried about how it was done.

    Just one person went to court to argue about who won the election for president.

    The most important people say they don’t trust the courts. Instead, they want people to resist election fraud without saying how.

    Mr Tshisekedi got the most votes, almost 73%. Mr Katumbi got 18% and Mr Fayulu got 5%. This information was released by the election commission.

    Western governments are asking people to be calm and not fight after the election. The UN’s top human rights official, Volker Turk, is worried about growing tension between different ethnic groups.

    Almost 20 people were killed in violence leading up to the election.

  • Presidential result dispute to be heard by DR Congo Supreme Court

    Presidential result dispute to be heard by DR Congo Supreme Court

    Highest court in Congo is going to start listening to a complaint about the recent election for president.

    Last week, Théodore Ngoy submitted a request to cancel the presidential election results because he only got 0. 02% of the votes.

    He called the results fake.

    The two main candidates who were against the government, Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, argued about the election results but chose not to take the issue to court.

    The Constitutional Court will decide something before January 12th, when the electoral body will announce the final results.

    If Mr Ngoy’s challenge is not successful, President Felix Tshisekedi will be sworn in for another term on 20 January. He won the election with 73% of the vote.

    The December 20 election had a lot of problems with getting everything where it needed to go. It had to continue for an extra day in some big areas of the country.

    On Sunday, the voting officials decided that 82 people running for political positions should not be allowed to run because they were involved in cheating and violent actions.

  • Court challenges DR Congo president’s election victory

    Court challenges DR Congo president’s election victory

    One of the people running to be president in Congo doesn’t think the current president should have won again, so they are asking to have the election looked at again.

    Théodore Ngoy got the fewest votes in the election, and he is the only one asking for the presidential results to be canceled.

    He submitted the request to the Constitutional Court on Wednesday, just before the two-day deadline.

    Mr Ngoy, who is a lawyer and a pastor, also tried to become the president in 2018 but he didn’t win.

    He said to the French RFI news website that he wanted the fake election results announced by the country’s electoral commission, Ceni, cancelled.

    The court has one week to look at the request and make a decision.

    The two main candidates who did not win, Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, said they will not go to court to argue the election results, but they want people to protest against them.

    The Constitutional Court will tell us the final results on 12 January.

    The president got about 73% of the votes in the December 20th election, but there were a lot of problems with organizing it.

  • Opposition candidates in DR Congo reject poll appeal

    Opposition candidates in DR Congo reject poll appeal

    The main opposing candidates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo say they will not argue against President Félix Tshisekedi winning again.

    On December 31, the electoral commission announced that Mr Tshisekedi won the election with 73% of the votes. Businessman Moïse Katumbi came in second with 18%.

    Mr Katumbi, Martin Fayulu who came in third place, and Nobel Prize winner Denis Mukwege are some of the candidates whose teams have said they will not challenge the results in the Constitutional Court.

    The last day to submit a request to the court to become a presidential candidate is on Wednesday.

    The Court has a week to think about an appeal and make a decision. If nobody asks for it, Mr. Tshisekedi will take the oath on January 20th.

    The election had a lot of problems with organizing and using technology.

  • DR Congo election: Felix Tshisekedi emerged victorious by overwhelming margins

    DR Congo election: Felix Tshisekedi emerged victorious by overwhelming margins

    President Félix Tshisekedi has been declared winner of the election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been condemned by some opposition candidates as “sham” in demanding a new vote.

    Officials said the president won about 73% of the vote, while his closest rival, Moise Katumbi, received 18%. The December 20 election was marred by many logistical problems.

    It had to extend into a second day in some parts of the vast country.

    According to one monitoring group, about two-thirds of polling stations opened late, while 30% of voting machines did not work on the first day of voting.

    Millions of people waited hours to vote, while some gave up and went home.

    The opposition says the issues are part of a deliberate plan to rig the outcome in favor of 60-year-old Tshisekedi. Some main opponents called for protests after Sunday’s announcement.

    “We call on our people to take to the streets en masse following claims of election fraud,” they said in a joint statement.

    The army was deployed to different areas of the capital Kinshasa to prevent chaos, while Mr Tshisekedi’s supporters took to the streets to celebrate.

    The head of the election commission earlier said opposition candidates wanted new elections because they “know they have lost. they are big losers”.

    Election head Denis Kadima admitted some irregularities but insisted the results reflected the will of the Congolese people.

    President Tshisekedi will be sworn in for a second term on January 20. Son of former opposition fighter Étienne Tshisekedi, the president was first elected in 2019. It followed a vote in which some observers, including the influential Catholic Church, said former oil executive Martin Fayulu had won.

    He ranked third in this election with 5% of the votes. None of the remaining 16 candidates received more than 1% of the vote. Mr Kadima said voter turnout was about 43% of the 41 million registered voters.

    It is unclear whether any of the 18 opposition candidates will challenge the results in court. Mr Katumbi has said it is not worth it because the courts are not independent.

    The Constitutional Court has 10 days to hear possible legal challenges before announcing the final results on January 10, 2024.

    The DRC is about four times the size of France but lacks basic infrastructure. Even some of its main cities are not connected by road.

    About two-thirds of the country’s 100 million people live below the poverty line, earning $2. 15 a day or less. Voters also choose congressional, provincial and city representatives, with a total of about 100,000 candidates.

    During the election campaign, Mr. Tshisekedi repeatedly attacked Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whom he accused of supporting the M23 rebel group that is occupying territory in the east of the country.

    Rwanda has repeatedly denied these accusations. At his last election campaign, Mr. Tshisekedi pledged to declare war on Rwanda, although observers dismissed the declaration as rhetoric aimed at stoking nationalist sentiment.

    Elections have not been held in the country’s eastern regions due to fighting that has plagued the region for three decades.

    Some seven million people have been forced from their homes, more than in any other country except Sudan.

    Dozens of armed groups are fighting for control of areas in the region, where most of the country’s vast mineral resources are located.

    This includes huge reserves of cobalt, the key element in many lithium batteries, considered essential for a future free of fossil fuels.

  • DR Congo reveals 24-man squad for 2023 AFCON

    DR Congo reveals 24-man squad for 2023 AFCON

    DR Congo’s national football team coach, Sébastien Desabre, has revealed the final squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

    The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) announced the meticulously selected list of 24 players, adhering to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) guidelines allowing for a squad of 27 players.

    Notable omissions from the squad include Aldo Kalulu, Glody Lilepo, Jackson Muleka, and Vital Nsimba.

    DR Congo, grouped with Morocco and Zambia in Group F, will compete in the 2023 Afcon scheduled in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

  • Insecurity fears persist in Dr Congo polls

    Insecurity fears persist in Dr Congo polls

    On Wednesday, 44 million people will cast their votes to choose the next president of the Democratic Republic of Congo from a pool of 19 candidates, seemingly indicative of a thriving democracy. However, challenges such as insecurity and logistical issues in various regions paint a different picture.

    The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts extensive cobalt reserves, a crucial component of many lithium batteries essential for a fossil fuel-free future. The outcome of this election could play a significant role in enhancing stability and ensuring the safe extraction of this valuable resource for the benefit of the Congolese people.

    President Félix Tshisekedi seeks a second term, facing opposition from wealthy mining magnate Moïse Katumbi and former oil executive Martin Fayulu. Fayulu contends that he won the 2018 election, a result questioned by international observers.

    The peaceful transfer of power after the 2018 election, a historic first for the country, generated optimism about a positive turning point in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s history.”

    In this election, there is a single round of voting, and the candidate with the highest number of votes will emerge as the winner. The considerable number of challengers to Mr. Tshisekedi might work to his advantage, potentially dividing opposition support.

    Voters are not only selecting the next president but also parliamentary, provincial, and municipal representatives, totaling approximately 100,000 candidates in this expansive country that spans about 2,000 km (1,400 miles) from west to east.

    To facilitate the distribution of voting materials to over 175,000 polling booths, the electoral commission has sought assistance from UN peacekeepers.

    In the lead-up to the polls, insecurity has been a predominant concern in the eastern regions. Numerous armed groups have vied for control over various parts of the region.

    Voting suspended

    Despite the presence of a UN peacekeeping force, an East African regional force, and Congolese soldiers, violence persists, leading to the displacement of approximately seven million people from their homes.

    Many of these individuals have been unable to register to vote, with the registration process criticized as chaotic.

    In certain areas, voting will not occur due to ongoing rebel activity. The enduring insecurity in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu has become a prominent campaign issue, with presidential candidates making ambitious promises to bring an end to it.

    The prevalence of political violence leading up to the polls has also raised significant concerns.

    On the eve of the vote, the European Union said it was worried about “the hate speech, violence and incidents that have marked the last few days”. There have been some deadly incidents, causing Mr Katumbi to briefly suspend his campaign.

    Polls opened at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT in Goma; 05:00 GMT in Kinshasa) and voting is due to continue for 11 hours. The electoral commission is expected to announce provisional results on 31 December.

  • Port of Tema successfully transships 7 trains to DR Congo

    Port of Tema successfully transships 7 trains to DR Congo

    Over the years, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has consistently demonstrated its human and technical capabilities in handling diverse cargo types for import, export, transit, and transshipment.

    Recently, the Port of Tema achieved a successful turnaround of seven (7) train wagons received from Japan.

    The port conducted minor maintenance work on the wagons before facilitating their onward transshipment to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Deputy Logistics Manager at the Port of Tema, Ing. Prince Ayisi, highlighted that the selection of the Port of Tema for this operation was based on its suitability.

    He emphasized the port’s readiness to handle unconventional cargo types, citing previous instances such as the disassembled export of a helicopter to Australia in 2020 and the recent transshipment of two helicopters.

    Ing. Ayisi stated, “It is trying to tell us that with the expertise that we have, we are prepared for any challenge that the client would like to put on us and also try to support their operations in the industry of shipping,” during an interview with Eye on Port.

    Samir Sheth, the Country Manager for OMA Logistics Ghana, the logistics agent for the shipment, expressed satisfaction with the decision to transship through the Port of Tema.

    He commended the dedication of every individual in the working chain, contributing to the success of the transshipment.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GotZJ_uJOWA
  • DR Congo promises to penalise soldiers connected to rebel organisations

    DR Congo promises to penalise soldiers connected to rebel organisations

    The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army said it would punish any soldier linked to the mainly Hutu rebel group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

    The army said anyone – regardless of rank – who violates the ban on dealing with FDLR militias will be arrested.

    The announcement follows US pressure on Congo and Rwanda to ease tensions between them.

    Many believe that Rwanda formed the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group to fight the FDLR. Rwandan authorities have always denied accusations that they support this group.

  • Over 900 refugees missing from Bundibugyo camps in Uganda

    Over 900 refugees missing from Bundibugyo camps in Uganda

    Authorities in Bundibugyo District have raised concerns over the disappearance of more than 900 Congolese refugees who arrived in Uganda following attacks by suspected ADF rebels in eastern DR Congo.

    The group, initially comprising 1,202 refugees, was registered and screened by midday on Tuesday, with temporary shelter provided.

    However, only 224 refugees were transported to the Bubukwange Transit Centre in Bundibugyo by Wednesday evening.

    Francis Senyondo, the district refugee focal person, suspects that the missing refugees may have integrated into the local community illegally.

    Efforts are underway to identify and relocate them to the transit camp.

    “We have only transported 224 refugees; three people took themselves to the transit centre, and the rest have mixed with the community, which is illegal. We are tracking them to return them to the transit camp,” Mr Senyondo stated.

    According to Mr. Senyondo, they have raised awareness among the public through radio programs about the dangers of welcoming refugees into homes and the advantages of transit centers, where the government offers the required assistance.

    “When these refugees go to the community, they will start competing with people for food and medicine in health facilities. Yet in the transit centre, they are looked after by the government. If their areas stabilise, they can be taken back,” he explained.

    Relations

    It’s worth noting that a considerable number of individuals in Bundibugyo District have family ties in DR Congo, engaging in frequent border crossings for agricultural activities and clan visits.

    As of Tuesday, the Uganda Red Cross reported that among the 1,202 refugees entering Uganda, there were 293 adults aged above 18, 293 children aged 0-4, and 516 children aged 5-17.

    The influx of refugees from DR Congo into Bundibugyo halted on Tuesday due to the flooding of River Lamia. However, stringent security measures at the border remained in place to prevent potential infiltration by suspected ADF rebels.

    Expressing concern, Mr. James Baluku, a resident of Bundibugyo Town, highlighted the security risks associated with refugees integrating into the local community.

    “As residents, we remain worried. How do you allow someone into your family and start staying together? What if he is an ADF rebel and kills you?” he wondered.

    “Let our local leaders try to identify such people and have them taken to camps. We see many new faces in the town, and you can’t tell where they come from,” Mr Baluku said.

  • DR Congo schools closed due to employee protests

    DR Congo schools closed due to employee protests

    Over 100 schools in the eastern region of Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been closed for nearly two weeks because teachers are protesting.

    Many school staff members are choosing not to go back to school after three teachers were killed in a terrorist attack last month.

    The workers, led by unions, have said they will start teaching only after the investigation into the attack is made public.

    At least 26 people were murdered with big knives when a group of armed people attacked the Masosi area during the night on 24 October.

    The spokesperson for the army in Congo, Captain Anthony Mualushayi, said to the BBC that five people are still not found after the attack.

    The army said that a group called the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) from Uganda was responsible for the killings.

    As the investigation continues on the attack, talks between the authorities and the protesting education unions have stopped.

    The International Organization for Migration says that about 6. 9 million people in DR Congo have been made to leave their homes this year. Most of them are running away because of the problems caused by over 200 armed groups in the eastern part of the country.

  • Fally Ipupa appeals to DR Congo diaspora to avoid protests at his concerts

    Fally Ipupa appeals to DR Congo diaspora to avoid protests at his concerts

    One of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s prominent stars, Fally Ipupa, has achieved remarkable success.

    His song “Un Coup,” featuring Congolese-French singer Dadju, has amassed over 80 million YouTube views, drawing throngs of fans to his electrifying live performances.

    In a notable incident, the demand to witness him perform in Kinshasa’s Stadium of Martyrs resulted in an overcrowded venue, leading to a tragic incident where initial government reports cited 11 casualties. However, this figure remains unconfirmed, according to both Ipupa and the BBC’s Kinshasa reporter.

    Ipupa’s concerts have often made headlines, such as his 2020 performance in France, which saw riots outside the venue in Paris, including the burning of bins and motorbikes.

    These tumultuous events were fueled by political tensions, as members of the diaspora, for the past decade, have attempted to prevent Congolese musicians from performing in Europe to voice their opposition to political figures in their home country.

    They have accused prominent artists of maintaining close ties to the political establishment and failing to denounce the abuses occurring in DR Congo.

    So it is a big moment for Fally Ipupa that for the first time in his career he is finally due to perform in London. His concert will be in December, when elections are scheduled to be held back home.

    The 45-year-old singer and his management tell me that an agreement has now been reached with sceptical Congolese communities and he is set to perform again in Paris and Brussels.

    “Most of the people know now that I don’t do political things, I am just a musician and they have realised that you cannot punish your child all his life,” he said.

    Ipupa does have some sympathy for those who boycotted his concerts but he feels it is time to move past politics and support DR Congo’s music industry.

    “I agree that things were happening politically which were not correct in DR Congo, and I’ve always told them that I agree with certain of the protesters who wanted to get the message across and raise awareness in people.

    “But now the time has come to say look guys, we have punished the artists, we have slowed down Congolese culture, it’s time to show the world that we have very, very strong music.”

    He feels that Congolese music has really suffered, losing its place in Europe to music from Nigeria, Ghana and Jamaica. Nigerian Afrobeats artists are now filling the major venues that Congolese artists used to fill 10 years ago. But he is confident that this can change.

    “Congolese music is one of the most beautiful and rich, we have many talented artists, so if our brothers and sisters in Europe say no more blocking of Congolese music in Europe trust me we’re going to take our place in the world,” he said.

  • DR Congo court lifts obstacle to Katumbi’s goals

    DR Congo court lifts obstacle to Katumbi’s goals

    The highest court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has rejected a lawsuit that tried to prevent Moïse Katumbi, an opposition leader, from running in the presidential election by raising doubts about his nationality.

    MrKatumbi, whose father was Italian, is considered one of the top competitors against current leader Félix Tshisekedi in the upcoming December election. Having two nationalities is against the law in Congo.

    On Monday, the court decided that the lawsuit did not have a valid basis.

    There is growing disagreement in the country before the upcoming December elections. President Tshisekedi wants to be elected for a second time.

    Mr Tshisekedi will also be competing against Martin Fayulu, who came in second place in the last election. He will also be up against former Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito and Nobel Prize-winning gynaecologist Denis Mukwege.

    Over 20 people want to become president, but the government will decide on the final candidates in November after they check everyone’s qualifications.

    Noel Tshiani, who also wants to be president, asked the court to stop Mr. Katumbi from running for president. He said that Mr. Katumbi is not a citizen of Congo.

    According to reports, Mr. Katumbi’s father had ancestors from Greece and Italy.

    The Constitutional Court decided that the lawsuit against Mr. Katumbi was dismissed because the person who filed it did not have the legal right to do so.

    MrKatumbi’s lawyer, Herve Diakiese, said that there is no evidence to support the claim that his client has any citizenship other than Congolese.

    MrDiakiese said that this is the ending point of a very long fight against unfairness, falsehoods, manipulation, and false information.

    People who support Mr. Katumbi were seen having a happy time outside the court in the capital city, Kinshasa, after the decision was made.

    MrTshiani has suggested a new law that would allow only people whose parents were both from Congo to have important political positions, like being the president.

    The proposed bill from 2021 has been given approval by the parliament, but it hasn’t been presented for discussion yet.

    Critics say the bill is a plan to support Mr. Tshisekedi’s attempt for a second term as president. However, the president has stated that the proposed law should not be used to prevent other people from running for office.

    Political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo have shown their disagreement with the proposed bill, and religious leaders from the Catholic Church have called it discriminatory.

    MrKatumbi, who is a rich businessman and used to be in charge of the copper-rich Katanga area, left DR Congo in 2016. This happened because the previous President, Joseph Kabila, accused him of hiring mercenaries. President Tshisekedi’s government made this accusation.

    He was also given a three-year prison sentence, but he was not present for the trial. He is not allowed to come back to the country and participate in the 2018 election.

    MrKatumbi came back to his home in 2019 because the accusations against him were dismissed.

  • Reason behind DR Congo’s call for withdrawal of East African troops

    Reason behind DR Congo’s call for withdrawal of East African troops

    In a surprising turn of events, the East African force established to combat militia violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has been instructed to exit the country after just 11 months of deployment.

    The Congolese government, citing concerns about the group’s perceived ineffectiveness, announced its decision not to extend the mandate of the East Africa Community (EAC) Regional Force. This decision follows several months of grievances and complaints from Kinshasa regarding the force’s ability to address the ongoing security challenges in the region.

    This decision comes at a critical juncture as violence between the M23 rebel group and pro-government militias reignites in DR Congo’s troubled eastern region, raising concerns about the stability and security of the area.

    What was the regional troop’s mandate?

    The East African Community (EAC), a coalition of seven nations, dispatched its troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in response to renewed clashes involving the M23 rebel group. This deployment was swiftly organized after DR Congo’s entry into the regional alliance.

    The M23, which was formed over a decade ago, has seized significant swaths of territory in the eastern part of DR Congo, claiming to protect the interests of ethnic Tutsis against Hutu militias that it believes receive support from the government.

    The first wave of troops came from Burundi in August of the previous year, followed by contingents from Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Kenya assumed overall command of the EAC’s Regional Force.

    The Regional Force’s mission officially revolves around overseeing the withdrawal of armed groups from territories they have occupied. However, the Congolese government and local communities have been pressing for direct military engagement against groups like the M23.

    This force was established to collaborate with the United Nations troops already stationed in the country. The UN peacekeeping force, known as Monusco, has faced growing criticism for its inability to quell the conflict over its 25-year deployment.

    President Félix Tshisekedi expressed his desire for Monusco to withdraw from the country by December.

    In a recent statement, the EAC emphasized its commitment to working closely with the government to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced individuals to their homes and enhance the overall protection of civilians.

    The mandate of this mission has been extended twice since its inception.

    Why does DR Congo want East African troops to leave?

    The EAC’s troops have faced consistent criticism from both the Congolese government and various civil society organizations since the beginning of their mission.

    President Tshisekedi, in particular, has emerged as one of the primary vocal critics of the force. He has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with their perceived ineffectiveness and has issued ultimatums, demanding more assertive action against the M23 rebels or their departure from the country.

    The inability to bring an end to the ongoing conflict has triggered protests against both the EAC force and Monusco. In one such demonstration in September, the situation escalated into a tragic event, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives.

    Local media reports have indicated that Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya emphasized the government’s stance, stating, “The message is crystal clear: the EAC regional force must vacate the Democratic Republic of Congo by December 8, as previously agreed upon, as it has not been able to resolve the issue, especially with regard to the M23.”

    What has the EAC force achieved?

    The EAC force claimed that since arriving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last year, it has supervised the removal of armed personnel from a number of locations, including Karuba, Mushaki, Kiloriwe, and Kitchange.

    Nevertheless, attaining total stability has shown to be difficult. The force has encountered operational and logistical challenges.

    A Kenyan soldier serving with the force was killed on Tuesday by a rebel mortar attack. He was the first soldier from Kenya to be killed.

    The EAC claimed earlier this month that hostilities had arisen between its forces and armed groups due to propaganda.

    Why has fighting resumed?

    The mineral-rich eastern region of DR Congo has been grappling with numerous armed groups for an extended period.

    After an unstable six-month truce, clashes have reignited this month between the M23 rebels and pro-government forces, known as Wazalendo.

    The government based in Kinshasa accused the M23 of failing to disarm and honor the ceasefire. In retaliation, the M23 placed responsibility on pro-government forces for restarting hostilities.

    While DR Congo’s army claims it is still adhering to the truce, witnesses on the ground dispute this assertion, indicating that soldiers and pro-government loyalists have been jointly battling the M23.

    Civilians have been ensnared in the renewed violence, with reports of at least 60 individuals losing their lives in attacks on the Rutshuru territory in North Kivu just last week, as confirmed by a local official.

  • 30 dead, 160 missing in tragic DR Congo boat incident

    30 dead, 160 missing in tragic DR Congo boat incident

    A devastating accident unfolded on the Congo River, claiming the lives of at least 30 individuals when a boat capsized near Mbandaka in north-western Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    There are grave concerns that the casualty count could surge as search and rescue operations persist.

    The incident, which transpired on a Friday, left more than 160 people unaccounted for. Preliminary reports indicate that the boat was navigating at night in violation of regulations and may have been excessively laden.

    Authorities disclosed that it was transporting over 300 passengers and a cargo load encompassing cement, fuel, and iron bars.

    With the absence of a comprehensive national road network, river transportation is a prevailing mode of travel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, often accompanied by frequent accidents.

  • 167 people still missing after boat in DR Congo collapsed

    167 people still missing after boat in DR Congo collapsed

    Rescuers are looking for 167 people who are currently missing since their boat tipped over in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, according to officials.

    Over 40 dead bodies were found and 189 people were saved after the boat sank in the Congo River.

    A group helping with rescues and recoveries said that the boat had too many people (more than 300 passengers) and things on it.

    In DR Congo, people often use boats for transportation because there aren’t many roads.

    However, many accidents happen on boats because they are carrying too many people, not being properly taken care of, and traveling when it is dark outside.

    Many passengers also do not use life jackets.

    Authorities say that the boat was sailing at night without following the safety rules.

    Moise Katumbi, a well-known opposition leader in DR Congo and a candidate in the upcoming presidential election in December, expressed his sadness about “this tragic event”.

    He said it was because the government allows old and overloaded boats to travel at night.

    The local government in Equateur, where the accident occurred, will help children who were hurt in the accident and lost their parents by offering them emotional help.

    The radio station said that they found over 40 bodies up until now, but the local civil society organization, Conscious Generation, claimed that the actual number was 50.

    A person who lived through this accident told the radio that the boat, which had left Mbandaka city for Bolomba area in the Equateur province, stopped and became unsteady because there were too many people on it.

    The boat turned over and sank while the crew tried to fix its balance, said the one person who survived.

    On Sunday, the second-in-command of Equateur province gave out bags and boxes to put dead bodies in for some of the burials.

  • At least 30 people perish and 160 unaccounted after DR Congo catastrophe

    At least 30 people perish and 160 unaccounted after DR Congo catastrophe

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a boat capsized on the Congo River, causing at least 30 persons to drown.

    As search and rescue operations continue, there are worries that the death toll may increase.

    The event, which took place on Friday near the city of Mbandaka in the north-west, left over 160 individuals still unaccounted for.

    According to reports, there may have been an overload on the boat, which was sailing against the law at night.

    The cargo included cement, petrol, and iron bars, according to officials, and it was also carrying more than 300 passengers.

    Accidents are frequently when using rivers for transportation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo because there is no national road network.

  • DR Congo and Uganda agree on traveling without visa

    DR Congo and Uganda agree on traveling without visa

    Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have decided to remove the need for visas, so people can travel between both countries without visa.

    This agreement is meant to make it easier for people to travel between the two countries and to make trade stronger.

    The agreement comes after recent discussions between officials from both countries in the capital city of DR Congo, Kinshasa.

    Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has been asking for a policy where people can freely visit the two countries without needing a visa for several months.

    Crossing in East Africa should not have any cost associated with it. You have to pay for a visa when traveling to America or Europe, but having to pay for a visa to go to DR Congo is ridiculous. “If that’s true, I got rid of it,” President Museveni said in December when he opened the Mpondwe one-stop border post on Uganda’s border with DR Congo.

    In May, he requested the officials from both countries to make the process of allowing travel without visas faster.

    Many people from Uganda and Congo have said that they have to pay a lot of money for visas when they cross the border.

  • DR Congo to relax restrictions in area affected by conflict

    DR Congo to relax restrictions in area affected by conflict

    The Democratic Republic of Congo is going to loosen the rules in two areas that have been affected by conflict. These places have been under a state of siege, which is basically a state of military control, for two years.

    President Félix Tshisekedi announced on TV that he will slowly and carefully reduce the restrictions in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

    The government declared a state of siege in 2021 to stop protests and unrest in the area.

    The president promised to end the curfew and let people and things move freely. He also promised to give people the right to peacefully protest and come together.

    This happens only a few months before the general elections, which will take place on 20 December. Tshisekedi is trying to be elected again.

    “He said it is very important for everyone involved in the voting process to be able to fully participate without any obstacles. ”

    Human rights groups are criticizing the stage of siege because they believe it has caused many people to be arrested and their freedom of movement to be limited.

  • Deadly rocket explosion in DR Congo kills one person

    One person lost their life, and 11 individuals sustained injuries as a result of an accidental explosion of a rocket-propelled grenade held by a Congolese soldier.

    The incident occurred when the vehicle the soldier was in struck an object on the road, near Unity Stadium in Goma.

    The casualties included civilians and the soldier himself, and they are currently receiving medical treatment at the local provincial hospital.

    The governor of North Kivu, Maj Gen Cirimwami Nkuba Peter, conveyed his condolences to the affected families and urged the public to remain calm during what has been a tense period.

    Since early September, a military court has been conducting hearings related to the killing of at least 50 civilians the previous month.

    Six soldiers and officers from the elite presidential guard are facing charges in connection with this incident, which occurred during a crackdown on a planned peaceful protest against UN peacekeepers in Goma. Human Rights Watch criticized the action as “extremely callous” and “unlawful.”

    Since 2021, the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu have been under the supervision of security forces, with civilian authorities replaced by the military and police. This move was implemented to combat armed groups operating in the region.

  • Kenyans no longer need visas to enter Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Kenyans no longer need visas to enter Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Democratic Republic of Congo has eliminated visa requirement for Kenyan travelers.

    This decision was announced by DR Congo’s Director General of Migration, Roland Kashwantale Chihoza, in a statement issued on Wednesday.

    This reciprocal action comes in response to Kenya’s recent announcement that it would also be waiving visa requirements for Congolese visitors to the country. Kenya’s decision is aimed at reducing barriers to facilitate the free movement of people and promote trade within the East African Community (EAC).

    It’s worth noting that the Democratic Republic of Congo joined the East African Community as its seventh member last year.

  • More than 40 killed in DR Congo camp attack

    More than 40 killed in DR Congo camp attack

    On Monday, June 12, an armed group carried out a devastating attack on the LALA camp for displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 40 lives.

    Richard Dheda, an official from the local administration of Bahema Badjere in Ituri province, has attributed the killings to the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) group.

    CODECO is one of several militias operating in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The targeted camp is situated just 3 miles away from Bule, where a United Nations peacekeeping base is located. CODECO has a history of targeting displacement camps, and last week, its fighters launched an attack on an army position in the Djukoth area, claiming the lives of at least seven civilians.

    Notably, this is not the first time CODECO has inflicted violence on a camp near Bule. In a previous horrific massacre last year, the group reportedly killed around 60 people, marking one of its deadliest assaults.

    As the death toll from the attack on the LALA camp is expected to rise, the CODECO leadership has yet to make any public statement regarding the incident.

  • DR Congo Education Minister allegedly impregnates his deputy

    DR Congo Education Minister allegedly impregnates his deputy


    Tony Mwaba Kazadi, the Minister of Education for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been accused of impregnating his Deputy Minister, Aminata Namasia.

    Kazadi has defended himself by claiming that the pregnancy was unplanned.

    According to The Heritage Times, both ministers are married and were allegedly engaged in an extramarital affair with each other.

    The affair came to public attention when a journalist named Lungila John shared the details on Twitter. The revelation of the affair and the subsequent pregnancy has caused a scandal in the DRC, quickly spreading across various social media platforms.

    However, it is worth noting that earlier this month, Namasia refuted the allegations made against her.

    “Beyond my official and public duties, I have a personal life that deserves respect from everyone. It is a right guaranteed to all Congolese citizens by our Constitution. Tarnishing my reputation should not be tolerated. In fact, it could not only harm my own commitments but also the reputation of my married male colleagues and their families,” Namasia was quoted as saying by Fox Times.

    “As we approach the upcoming elections scheduled for December this year, political critics are welcome to challenge my political opinions and actions instead of resorting to tactics that aim to defame me.”

    The future remains uncertain for Kazadi and Namasia as they have not made any public statements regarding the recent allegations. The DRC government has yet to address the situation, leaving open the possibility of their dismissal from their positions.

    Namasia was appointed as the Minister of Education by Prime Minister Sama Lukonde on April 12, 2021, joining Tony Mwaba Kazadi, who had been appointed two months earlier in February.

    However, the current circumstances surrounding their alleged affair and pregnancy may impact their tenure in their respective roles.

  • DR Congo opposition protests lead to arrest of 20

    DR Congo opposition protests lead to arrest of 20

    Following the opposition protests that took place in the capital city of Kinshasa on Saturday, security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have detained approximately 20 individuals.

    The Congolese National Police (PNC) reported that among those arrested were individuals suspected of vandalizing the Kianza police station.

    “Three police officers were arrested as a result of the brutality inflicted on the demonstrators and on a minor,” Actualite CD website reported.

    Police said at least 27 law enforcement forces were injured, three of whom were in serious condition.

    A journalist was also beaten up “by a gang of overexcited protesters”, Actualite CD said.

  • Babies ‘miraculously’ saved from lake days after floods

    Babies ‘miraculously’ saved from lake days after floods

    Two babies have been rescued alive after they were found near the shores of Lake Kivu, days after deadly floods in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Residents said they were found floating on the debris of houses washed into the lake.

    “They were rescued alive. It is a miracle, we were all amazed,” Delphin Birimbi, the head of Kalehe – a civil society group, told the BBC.

    Sadly the babies’ parents had died in the floods, he said.

    “We are in touch with people who can help us to raise them,” he added.

    They were rescued on Monday in different areas – one in Bushushu and another in Nyamukubi, the most affected localities.

    Mr Birimbi says around 5,255 people are still missing – and rescue activities are ongoing.

    More than 400 people are known to have died in last week’s floods.

    According to Kalehe, 200 people are being treated for injuries in local clinics following the floods, which have destroyed at least 1,300 homes and “many schools, health facilities, churches and much water infrastructure.”

  • Village attacks kill dozens in DR Congo

    Village attacks kill dozens in DR Congo

    According to local activists and news sources, dozens of civilians have died as suspected armed groups assaulted villages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The attacks happened on Friday in the province of Ituri, which has been a frequent target of community-wide attacks since 2017. Ituri is located near the country’s northeastern border with Uganda.

    Charite Banza, the head of local civil society, told the Reuters news agency that Friday’s attack killed about 30 people, “both women and men”.

    “They set fire to several houses, looted property,” Banza explained.

    Other sources told the AFP news agency that the death toll exceeded 40. A regional administrator named Innocent Matukadala told the news outlet that 36 bodies were found in the town of Kilo Etat, plus another eight in Matete and more in Itendy.

    Robert Basiloko, another civil society leader from the area, told AFP he estimated 43 were killed, including five children. “Every day there are deaths,” he said. “We’re tired of it.”

    Sources quoted in both Reuters and AFP identified a group of militias called the Cooperative for Development of the Congo, or CODECO, as the suspected culprit in the attacks.

    The United Nations reports that violence and insecurity have caused an estimated 1.5 million people to be displaced in Ituri over the past six years.

  • Rebels decline to demobilise in DR Congo conflict

    Rebels decline to demobilise in DR Congo conflict

    In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the M23 rebel group has declared that it will not disarm or demobilize as long as there is no direct political conversation with the Kinshasa administration.

    Following the declaration that there will be no political dialogue with the rebels by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, a rebel spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, made the assertion on Twitter.

    According to Mr. Tshisekedi, the M23 rebels are anticipated to demobilize before resuming their civilian lives in accordance with a deal brokered by regional authorities.

    The gang has started leaving places it had taken over in accordance with the peace agreement that was mediated.

    About a quarter of a million people have been displaced by the violence over the past 18 months.

  • Landslide in DR Congo kills at least 19

    Landslide in DR Congo kills at least 19

    Local authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s east claim that a landslide on Sunday morning killed at least 19 people.

    The death toll is sure to increase, according to a representative from the town of Bulwa in the North Kivu region.

    He claimed that after the ground gave way beneath a gathering of women and children doing laundry in a mountain stream, several of them were buried.

    On Monday, the hunt for further victims will begin again.

    Heavy rains have been battering the area for months, causing flooding and mudslides.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • DR Congo: Women in street protest call on M23 rebels to leave their city

    DR Congo: Women in street protest call on M23 rebels to leave their city

      Hundreds of displaced women in Goma called for the departure of the rebel group M23 on Friday and an end to the violence in Eastern Congo. The women said they’re suffering from hunger and their children have been unable to attend school.

      With babies on their back, they chanted slogans and carried signs demanding justice and peace. “M23 makes us suffer. We are hungry, even our husbands have been killed,” said Kasikiti Asuta, 42, displaced mother of four children.

      The conflict in eastern Congo has gone on for decades, with more than 100 armed groups fighting for control of valuable mineral resources while others protect their communities, and has triggered an exodus of refugees.

      The demonstration took place while the East African Heads of State were meeting in Addis Ababa at a special summit to discuss the security issue in eastern DRC. The day before the protest, the Congolese army clashed with M23 rebels a few kilometres from the Goma.

      Thursday evening, the Congolese army denounced the attack against its positions by the M23, in violation of the ceasefire as recommended by the East African Heads of State, at a recent Burundi Summit.

      Earlier in December, the United Nations accused the rebels of being responsible for massacring more than 130 civilians in two villages.

      Source: African News

    • Rebel-hit eastern DR Congo begins voter registration

      Rebel-hit eastern DR Congo begins voter registration

      The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s electoral board reports that voter registration has begun in seven provinces in the country’s eastern region, where violence between the army and rebels has displaced millions of residents.

      The general elections are slated for December of this year, and this is the final round of voter registration.

      Voters will be registered in the unstable provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, as well as in the US and Canada, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

      Voter registration across the country started in December and has so far seen at least 12 million people register as voters, according to the commission.

      The violence in the eastern part of the country is estimated to have displaced some 5.6 million people who are in dire need of food and shelter, according to the UN.

    • Eight Croatians granted bail in Zambia over child trafficking case

      Eight Croatians granted bail in Zambia over child trafficking case

      Four infants from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo are allegedly being tried for trafficking by the four Croatian couples.

      Following their rearrest last week while attempting to flee the country of Southern Africa, eight Croatians charged with child trafficking in Zambia were granted bail on Tuesday.

      The four couples allegedly conspired with a Zambian immigration official on December 7 of last year to attempt to smuggle four kids out of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

      The group claimed that they had legally adopted the one- to three-year-olds, but Zambian authorities have charged them with trafficking in children.

      The prosecution had opposed the bail application, arguing that the eight were flight risks.

      But magistrate Jennipher Bwalya said nothing excluded them from seeking bail if all conditions were met.

      “I am inclined to grant the application as there is nothing in the law that stops foreigners from being granted bail,” Bwalya said on Tuesday in the northern city of Ndola, 300 kilometres (180 miles) north of the capital Lusaka.

      They were ordered to pay 20,000 kwacha (about $1,000) each in bail fees and offer two sureties from reputable organisations.

      The trial is set to commence on March 1. Nothing has been said in court about the whereabouts or status of the children.

      The Croatians facing charges include Zoran Subosic, 52, a guitarist in a well-known band Hladno Pivo, or Cold Beer, Immovic Subosic, 41, an administrator, Damir Magic, 44, an electrical technician, Nadic Magic, 45, a technician, Ladislav Persic, 42, a medical doctor, Aleksandra Persic, 43, a hair salon attendant, Noah Kraljevic, 40, a programme director, and Uvona Kraljevic, 36, a dog handler. Zambian immigration official Gloria Sakulenga, 36, is also facing the charges.

      The case has sparked a fierce public debate in Croatia and thrust international adoption into the spotlight in the Balkan nation, where potential adopters vastly outnumber eligible children.

    • Ex-Kenyan leader urges more regional troops to DR Congo

      Ex-Kenyan leader urges more regional troops to DR Congo

      Leaders of the East African Community (EAC) have been urged to expedite the deployment of more soldiers to the regional force operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

      According to the Luanda ceasefire agreement, more troops are required to take up positions in areas where armed groups have evacuated, according to former Kenyan president and mediator Uhuru Kenyatta for the East African Community (EAC) bloc.

      Mr. Kenyatta expressed worry about the deteriorating security situation in the province of North Kivu, where M23 rebels have recently clashed with security forces.

      After Burundi and Kenyan contingents arrived in eastern DR Congo last year to help end decades of instability, Uganda and South Sudan are preparing to send troops.

      Mr Kenyatta welcomed recent calls by East African leaders for the cessation of hostilities by all sides in the conflict.

      In a statement, the facilitator said he would intensify plans for the fourth round of talks in Nairobi by mobilising regional and international support for the meeting.

      He has urged all parties involved to accelerate implementation of resolutions of the third consultative talks in Nairobi.

      He has also appealed for urgent humanitarian support to more than half a million people displaced by the conflict in North Kivu province.

      The conflict has strained relations with the DR Congo, which accuses neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels. Rwanda denies the accusations.

    • Protesters murdered in DR Congo attack on UN convoy

      Protesters murdered in DR Congo attack on UN convoy

      In an attack on a UN convoy in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, three demonstrators were killed, as revealed in a statement by the UN.

      The UN mission in the country (Monusco) said it “deplored the deaths” during the attack in Munigi, North Kivu province.

      It said the protesters had forced the convoy to stop and proceeded to set four trucks on fire.

      The victims died while peacekeepers, accompanied by Congolese soldiers, “tried to protect the convoy”, according to the statement.

      Rebels have recently captured large swathes of territory in the volatile province, sparking public anger against the UN and the East African regional force.

      Recent fighting has killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands more.

      Source: BBC

    • DR Congo shuts down Rwandan TV stations

      DR Congo shuts down Rwandan TV stations

      The local branch of satellite television provider Canal+ has been ordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s media watchdog to stop offering Rwandan channels to its citizens.

      The suspension will run for a period of 90 days and could potentially be renewed depending on circumstances, the regulator, CSAC RDC, said in a statement.

      Kinshasa accuses Rwandan channels of inciting civil disobedience, among many allegations, the Chronicles site reports.

      The Canal+ offer has about 10 Rwandan TV channels, including Rwandan state broadcaster RBA, that air news and commentary programmes about the ongoing war in eastern DR Congo, the news site adds.

      DR Congo, the US and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group in the eastern part of the country.

      Rwanda has denied this and blames the Congolese government for the unrest in mineral-rich eastern DR Congo.

      Source: BBC

    • Rwandan television channels suspended by DR Congo

      Rwandan television channels suspended by DR Congo

      The media regulator in the Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered the local office of satellite television provider Canal+ to remove Rwandan channels from those it offers to the country.

      The suspension will run for a period of 90 days and could potentially be renewed depending on circumstances, the regulator, CSAC RDC, said in a statement.

      Kinshasa accuses Rwandan channels of inciting civil disobedience, among many allegations, the Chronicles site reports.

      The Canal+ offer has about 10 Rwandan TV channels, including Rwandan state broadcaster RBA, that air news and commentary programmes about the ongoing war in eastern DR Congo, the news site adds.

      http://tigpost.co/congo-authorities-cannot-use-rwanda-as-the-scapegoat-paul-kagame/

      Rwanda is charged with supporting the M23 rebel group in the country’s east by the DR Congo, the US, and UN experts.

      The turmoil in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo has been attributed to the Congolese government, which Rwanda has disputed.