Central Africa

The Trump administration is resolutely committed to employing every available diplomatic and economic measure to foster peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This assertion came from Senior Africa Advisor Massad Boulos during a recent online briefing. It followed his tour of four significant nations in the region, a journey that reflects the U.S.'s increasing engagement with Africa amidst multifaceted challenges. During these discussions, Boulos engaged with regional leaders to address the pressing issue…

In a recent disaster that underscores the perilous interplay between weather and life, four individuals tragically lost their lives in Rwanda. Their stories, likely filled with dreams and daily routines, were abruptly extinguished by deadly flooding and landslides that swept through the country, leaving behind a trail of devastation. As per the report released by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, the catastrophic event also ravaged over 70 hectares of crops, threatening the livelihoods of countless families.…

Over a decade ago, nations within the Great Lakes region united under a mineral certification scheme, aimed at curtailing the illegal exploitation of vital minerals. This endeavor was not merely bureaucratic; it sought to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in a region often marred by strife. Yet, experts now caution that the promised progress has been minimal, leaving the specter of conflict still looming over these resource-rich lands. During a recent congregation at the International Conference on the…

In a striking turn of events, Gabon's military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has claimed victory in the presidential election, reportedly securing an astonishing 90% of the votes cast, as indicated by provisional results. This remarkable outcome undeniably marks a significant moment in Gabonese history. The backdrop to this election is steeped in complexity. Just last year, Oligui Nguema led a coup that ousted the Bongo family, a dynasty that had held power for nearly six decades. The political landscape has…

On April 8, former President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo made a significant announcement: after six years of relative silence and one year spent in exile, he would be returning to his homeland. This decision comes in the wake of an increasingly dire security situation in eastern Congo, a region that has struggled with violence and instability for decades. Reflecting on his time away, Kabila explained that he had opted to suspend his studies in South Africa in March, pivoting his focus to the mounting…

In a significant development, three American nationals who found themselves entangled in a coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this past May have recently returned to the United States. Initially met with the harrowing prospect of the death penalty, their situations evolved, resulting in commuted sentences that will now be served on home soil. This transition marks not just an end to their judicial ordeal abroad but also aligns with broader diplomatic negotiations. The decision to repatriate these…

In a devastating turn of events, Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has been the scene of an alarming tragedy. Recently, the lifeless bodies of approximately 50 hippos and other large mammals were discovered, painting a haunting picture of nature's fragility. Authorities confirmed that laboratory analyses indicated these animals succumbed to anthrax, a highly infectious disease instigated by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This pathogen poses a serious…

Devastating torrential rains have unleashed a torrent of destruction in Kinshasa, claiming the lives of at least 33 individuals, as confirmed by local reports. This number may sadly rise, with authorities still assessing the situation. The heart of Kinshasa has been particularly vulnerable, with neighborhoods like Mont-Ngafula, Ngaliema, Barumbu, Limete, Matete, and Masina bearing the brunt of the deluge. Each of these areas presents a different story of loss, resilience, and community struggle, painting a vivid picture of…

On April 7, Rwanda solemnly observed the 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide—a cataclysmic event that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 people, predominantly from the Tutsi ethnic group, at the hands of Hutu militias. This year, the United Nations has formally recognized April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This designation marks the beginning of a hundred days steeped in remembrance, culminating in Liberation Day on July 4. It is a time for collective grief,…

In a fervent appeal to his fellow leaders across the African continent, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has spotlighted the imperative of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into Africa’s roadmap for the future. He emphasized that the stakes for Africa are monumental, warning that if strategic measures are not implemented, the continent risks falling further behind in an era defined by technological advancement. Kagame articulated a compelling vision during a recent summit, asserting that Africa "urgently" requires…