Congo

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…

This past weekend, regional dignitaries from southern and eastern Africa gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling capital. Their agenda? To address the increasingly perilous situation unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There, M23 rebels have rapidly seized control of significant territories in a region blessed with abundant minerals. But can mere discussions truly pave the way for peace amidst such turmoil? Experts observing the proceedings noted a deeply entrenched discord among the leaders,…

The summit in Tanzania was a convergence of distinguished figures, uniting the leaders of both the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. Africa's illuminated heads of state gathered, not just to exchange pleasantries, but to address the escalating calamity in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their unified resolution was clear: military leaders would convene within a mere half-decade to chart the course for an instantaneous and unequivocal cessation of hostilities. The…

As the sun reluctantly rose over Goma, painting the sky in hues tinged with both hope and despair, the air was thick with an unsettling silence. Was this the calm after the storm or merely an interlude before the next tempest? The Red Cross team moved purposefully, carrying the staggering weight of grief as they began the solemn task of laying to rest the victims of clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. At the ITIG Cemetery, shadows of bereavement stretched long over the ground that holds more stories than…

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — In a region teetering on the brink, uncertainty looms large as Rwanda-backed rebels, involved in a fierce struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo's illustrious east, have surprisingly declared a ceasefire. The city of Goma, an urban sprawl of over two million souls, stands at the center of this turmoil. With Monday’s declaration, the rebels surprisingly took a step back, professing humanitarian motives and responding to pleas for the creation of a safe corridor for displaced…

In an unexpected turn of events, the acclaimed Nigerian artist Tems, recognized globally for her Grammy-winning talents, has opted to cancel her highly anticipated “Born in the Wild” tour performance in Rwanda. This decision, grounded in complex geopolitical realities, spotlights the nuanced interplay between art and international conflict. Tems was set to grace the stage at the BK Arena in Kigali on March 22, 2025, a date that many fans had circled in red ink on their calendars. The excitement surrounding her performance…

At the Gisenyi border point of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a scene rife with tension unfolds as rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23) assert their dominance. Supported by Rwanda, the M23 rebels are tightening their hold on Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, marking a severe setback for the Congolese army and escalating a conflict that has, over the years, cost countless lives and displaced millions. The M23, infamous for their strategic maneuvers, made their entrance into Goma on a rather somber…

President Paul Kagame has firmly rejected the assertions made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa concerning the turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a spirited response, Kagame accused Ramaphosa of twisting the narrative surrounding their discussions. This heated exchange comes on the heels of Goma, a strategic city, falling under the control of M23 rebels, a move that has sent shockwaves through the region. With a tone that resonated with frustration, Kagame did not pull any punches when addressing…