Congo

Political Turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo: The Trial of Joseph Kabila Just weeks after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marked the anniversary of its independence, the specter of its turbulent political history darkens the horizon once again. Prosecutors in a military court have called for the death penalty for former president Joseph Kabila, a figure whose nearly **18-year reign** left an indelible mark on the nation. Charged with treason, plotting to overthrow the government, and support for the…

The Dark Veins of Prosperity: The U.S. Sanctions on Conflict Minerals from the DR Congo In a world increasingly aware of the ethical complexities surrounding global supply chains, the U.S. Department of Treasury has drawn a line in the sand. Recent sanctions targeting four entities linked to the murky world of conflict minerals have reignited discussions about the intersection of commerce, human rights, and conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC is a nation rich in natural resources—specifically…

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…

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…

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…

Tragically, at least 78 individuals have lost their lives, with many more unaccounted for, following a boat capsizing incident on Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This calamity unfolded as a heavily overloaded vessel, packed with over 300 passengers, approached the shoreline of Goma after departing from the town of Minova in South Kivu. Unfortunately, this incident is just one of many that have occurred on Lake Kivu. Earlier this year, specifically in February 2024, another boat tragedy struck near Bahimba,…

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has set its sights on obtaining reparations from Rwanda, blaming its neighbor for actions that allegedly infringed upon DRC's sovereignty and national integrity. This dispute has escalated, prompting the DRC to bring the matter before the East African Court of Justice. Their claims include serious allegations of aggression in eastern DRC—specifically, incidences of looting, sexual violence, and mass killings. However, before engaging in substantive legal discourse, the…

A tragic incident unfolded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in the loss of at least 129 lives during a botched prison break. According to Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, a grim tally indicates that 24 individuals were shot after warnings were issued. Yet, the death toll wasn't solely due to gunfire; many perished from being crushed or suffocated in the chaos. In the aftermath, at least 59 individuals sustained injuries and required medical attention, and reports surfaced of several women…