Congo-Kinshasa

The Silent Struggle in Eastern Congo: Unpacking the Human Cost of Conflict In the heart of Africa, a storm brews beneath the surface—a brutal reality unfolding in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recent reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have illuminated chilling details about the ongoing violence, specifically implicating the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese military-aligned Wazalendo coalition. Together, these groups are accused of committing heinous…

According to reports from UN agencies, a staggering statistic reveals that one out of every four individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with severe hunger—a crisis that impacts approximately 25.6 million people. The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has thrown a wrench in crucial agricultural activities while stunting the development of necessary infrastructure. This predicament is a byproduct of evolving dynamics among various armed factions and struggles over resources, compounded by deeply…

A collaborative effort among various firms has welcomed the arrival of the initial set of 275 container wagons, designed to boost the transport capabilities of the Lobito Corridor project. This ambitious railway initiative stretches from Angola's Lobito port, reaching into the Democratic Republic of Congo and extending to Zambia. Unveiled in 2023 as part of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, this corridor is backed by both the United States and the European Union. Once fully operational, it…

In a recent article for the Council on Foreign Relations, Michelle Gavin opines that the push to amend the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will deepen the already palpable skepticism among citizens towards their government. Since assuming the presidency in 2018 through questionable means, Felix Tshisekedi has faced significant challenges in addressing the urgent needs of the Congolese people. "A leopard doesn’t change its spots," as the saying goes, and many citizens are beginning to believe little…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has celebrated a significant breakthrough in public health, marking its successful introduction of malaria vaccination into its nationwide immunization framework. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the DRC now stands as the 15th country in Africa to roll out malaria vaccines. Prior to this, 14 other nations—namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South…

Leaders from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are being called upon to engage in crucial conversations aimed at halting the violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also exploring strategies to safeguard civilians caught in the turmoil in Sudan. These discussions are set to unfold at the forthcoming summit in Burundi. "This summit presents a vital platform for African leaders to confront the ongoing crises in Congo and Sudan, among others. They must create tangible,…

In a significant political twist, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has revealed intentions to create a commission tasked with reviewing the existing Constitution. This endeavor might lead to the scrapping of term limits, ultimately opening the door for a potential third presidential term. Tshisekedi, who assumed the presidency in January 2024 following a highly contentious re-election battle in December, is now advocating for alterations to a Constitution that first received the nod from voters…

According to Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Kamala Harris has shown a genuine dedication to African affairs. If she succeeds in the upcoming presidential election in the United States, "her administration could greatly enhance and build upon the positive momentum in U.S.-Africa relations.” Carson, a seasoned diplomat with an extensive legacy centered on African policy, advocates for a range of strategies aimed at elevating the partnership between the U.S. and Africa to new heights. He begins by emphasizing Nigeria's pivotal…

In a groundbreaking development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially reported that Rwanda is spearheading the world's inaugural clinical trial aimed at treating the Marburg virus disease. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the collaborative effort with the organization, which involves testing a medication currently employed for COVID-19 management—Remdesivir—alongside an antibody specifically engineered to combat the Marburg virus. “This initiative showcases our collective…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pinpointed Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), and Burundi as the hardest-hit nations in Africa amid the ongoing mpox outbreak. The latest multi-country situation report from the WHO paints a sobering picture: DR Congo has logged 30,766 suspected cases, 5,610 confirmed cases, and regrettably, 25 fatalities. Meanwhile, Burundi has reported 2,188 suspected cases, with 853 confirmed, yet it has fortunately not endured any deaths. A glance at the data, spanning from…