Congo-Kinshasa

The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo has taken a turn for the worse, drawing the attention of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a heartfelt plea, Rubio has urged for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis that continues to escalate. The Congolese military is currently facing a daunting challenge from the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, whose swift advances are creating chaos in an already volatile region. This area, rich in minerals, has become a battleground not only for…

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…

The humanitarian landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is increasingly bleak as M23 rebel forces extend their reach across the eastern provinces. Goma, the capital of North Kivu, has been particularly hard-hit. Reports of criminal activities have skyrocketed, painting a harrowing picture for residents and aid workers alike. Home invasions, kidnappings, and vehicle thefts targeting humanitarian staff pose a dire challenge amid an already fragile situation. Consider for a moment the plight of a humanitarian…

The Africa Court on Human and People's Rights recently wrapped up a pivotal two-day hearing concerning serious allegations made by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda. At the heart of this complex situation are accusations of human rights violations stemming from the ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC, a region grappling with decades of instability. During the proceedings, the representatives for Rwanda raised significant questions about the court's jurisdiction. They argued that the DRC had notably failed to…

The strife engulfing eastern DRC is casting a long shadow over South Kivu. The notorious M23 rebel group has gained considerable ground, snatching up vital towns such as Kalehe and Kavumu, and has recently breached the gates of Bukavu, the provincial capital. This relentless advance creates a scene reminiscent of a disheartening tableau, where hope is suffocated under the weight of conflict. Marcus Bachmann, who heads the programs for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the region, painted a bleak picture of the situation:…

The Rwandan government has sharply rebuked Belgium for what it perceives as an “aggressive campaign” aimed at disrupting its access to vital development funding. In a bold move, Belgium has urged the European Union to suspend direct budgetary support to Rwanda, contingent on the nation “severing ties with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels,” who have made significant territorial gains in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions raises an important question: To…

A recently published study raises an urgent alarm about the precarious status of the world’s peatlands. Described as "dangerously under-protected," these landscapes are not just patches of soggy earth; they are crucial players in our ecosystem. Covering a mere 3% of the Earth's surface, peatlands store more carbon than all of the world's forests combined. Yet, their significance often goes unnoticed. Why is this? Perhaps it's our tendency to overlook the quiet, steadfast guardians of carbon storage. Peatlands serve multiple…

The M23 rebel group has recently made headlines by calling for direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government, following their seizure of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. This development has ignited yet another chapter in an enduring saga of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In their statement, M23 asserted that their entry into Bukavu aimed to "restore security" and "aid the local population." This declaration raises an eyebrow, considering the group’s controversial history. They…

The ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern regions such as Goma, is reaching critical levels. Civilians, especially children, are bearing the brunt of this turmoil. According to UNICEF, the situation grows increasingly dire with each passing day. The refugee agency estimates that hundreds of thousands have been uprooted by the relentless fighting. Imagine for a moment the sheer chaos—a family that once shared laughter and meals finds itself scrambling for safety, with little to no…

The recent takeover of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, by the M23 armed group has captured global attention, reigniting discussions about the tumultuous conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While many media outlets hastily attribute the turmoil to a desire to exploit the area’s abundant mineral resources, an analysis from The New Humanitarian reveals a far more intricate web of causes. The narrative framing the conflict as a mere scramble for minerals paints an oversimplified picture. It’s alluring to…