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☆ Three Americans are accused of trying to overthrow Congo's president. They're now sentenced to death.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Freddie Clayton | Freddie Clayton Is A Freelance Journalist Based In London. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

Five years ago, while playing for the Copper Hills High School football team, Thompson met Marcel Malanga, the son of Christian Malanga. He proclaimed himself president of the United Congolese Party and railed against what he saw as vast government corruption in the DRC. On May 19, he assembled a ragtag band of a few dozen paramilitaries, leading them in an extraordinarily ambitious yet ultimately amateurish attempt to unseat Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi. Among them were Thompson, Malanga's son Marcel, and 36-year-old Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, a convicted drug trafficker from Maryland. Videos taken in Kinshasa after the aborted coup showed Thompson being hit with the butt of a rifle by security forces.

Persons: Tyler Thompson, Miranda Thompson, Marcel Malanga, Thompson, Malanga, —, Brittney Sawyer, Matt Miller, “, Christian Malanga, Felix Tshisekedi, Vital Kamerhe, Malanga's, Marcel, Benjamin Reuben Zalman, Polun, Tyler, he’s, ”, Marcel Malanga's, Brittany Sawyer, ” Sawyer, Zalman Organizations: Democratic, BBC, —, State, Embassy, High School football, New, United Congolese Party, U.S . State Department, Associated Press Locations: Utah, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congolese, DRC, U.S, British, Belgian, Canadian, Salt Lake City, American, Brussels, New Zaire, Maryland, Kinshasa, West Jordan , Utah, Congo

☆ Congo court sentences three Americans to death over coup attempt, with 34 others
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Kinshasa, Congo AP —A military court in Congo handed down death sentences Friday to 37 people, including three Americans, after convicting them on charges of taking part in a coup attempt. Malanga was fatally shot while resisting arrest soon after live-streaming the attack on his social media, the Congolese army said. Malanga’s 21-year-old son Marcel Malanga, who is a US citizen, and two other Americans were convicted in the the attack. Thompson’s family maintains he had no knowledge of the elder Malanga’s intentions, no plans for political activism and didn’t even plan to enter Congo. The reading out of the verdict and sentencing before the open-air military court were broadcast live on television.

Persons: Christian Malanga, Felix Tshisekedi, Malanga, Marcel Malanga, Brittney Sawyer, Tyler Thompson Jr, Benjamin Reuben Zalman, Polun, Thompson’s, Col, Innocent Radjabu Organizations: Congo AP, Briton, Belgian, Africa Intelligence Locations: Kinshasa, Congo, Congolese, Africa, Utah, Mozambique, South Africa

☆ DR Congo: Americans involved in foiled deadly coup, military says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —American citizens were involved in an attempted coup d’état that left at least three people dead on Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a military spokesperson told CNN Monday. Malanga was killed in a gun battle between the armed putschists and the presidential guards, Ekenge said. Videos widely shared on social media, but not verified by CNN, showed a man with a bloody face being surrounded by Congolese military personnel. Sunday’s incident was the second coup attempt by the now deceased Malanga, a former Congolese military veteran, Ekenge told CNN. The African Union condemned Sunday’s coup attempt in the DRC and welcomed the “control of the situation” by the country’s security forces.

Persons: d’état, Vital Kamerhe, Christian Malanga, General Sylvain Ekenge, Malanga, Ekenge, “, ” Ekenge, Marcel, Benjamin Reuben Zalman, Polun, Patrick Ducey, Taylor Thomson, “ Patrick Ducey, Lucy Tamlyn, ”, Felix Tshisekedi, Kamerhe’s, Sunday’s Organizations: CNN, Democratic, Palais, Nation, Congolese, United Congolese Party, Reuters, World Bank, Central, African Union Locations: Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Congolese, Kinshasa, Africa, Gabon

☆ Thousands sheltering in hospital as fighting escalates in Democratic Republic of Congo
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Sarah Dean | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Thousands of people are seeking shelter inside an “overwhelmed” hospital amid an escalation of fighting in North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned on Thursday. At least 2,500 people, including children, are currently sheltering in Mweso Hospital, around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the provincial capital Goma. “The hospital is overwhelmed, with thousands of people crowded inside, trying to find some protection from the fighting. In recent years, protesters have taken to the streets to demand the withdrawal of UN forces for failing to rein in rebel groups, including M23. The M23 group was named after a March 23, 2009, peace deal, which it accused the government of violating.

Persons: ”, Çaglar Tahiroglu, Jean, Pierre Lacroix, Felix Tshisekedi Organizations: CNN, Democratic, MSF, Ministry of Health, United Nations, UN, Rwandan Locations: North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Mweso, Goma, Congolese, Rwanda

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in Saturday following a disputed December election, promising to unite the Central African country during his second five-year term and to protect lives in the conflict-hit eastern region. We want a more united, stronger and prosperous Congo,” Tshikedi, 60, said during the inauguration ceremony attended by several heads of state. His first inauguration in 2019 marked Congo’s first democratic transfer of power since the country's independence from Belgium in 1960. Tshisekedi won reelection with more than 70% of the vote, according to the election commission. Tshisekedi became president in 2019 after emerging from the shadow of his father, who was one of Congo's most population figures.

Persons: Felix Tshisekedi, ” Tshikedi, Tshisekedi, ”, “, Félix Tshisekedi, ” Patrick Mbembe, Etienne Tshisekedi Organizations: —, Troops, East Locations: KINSHASA, Congo, Central, “, Belgium, Kinshasa, Eastern Congo, East African, Congolese

☆ President Tshisekedi's Ruling Party Leads in Congo Legislative Election
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Ange KasongoKINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi's UDPS party won 66 seats in the December parliamentary election, placing it ahead of 44 other parties that won one or more seats in the 500-member house, provisional results showed on Sunday. The increased number of UDPS seats, up from 35 in the 2018 election, along with gains by allied parties, could enable Tshisekedi to maintain his ruling big tent Sacred Union coalition, giving him the majority needed to name a new government. The results of the legislative vote follow the Constitutional Court's confirmation of Tshisekedi's landslide re-election in the disputed Dec. 20-24 general election that was marred by allegations of fraud, logistical shortcomings and disruptions. Opposition parties and independent observers have raised concerns about the election's transparency, citing chaotic voting conditions and a murky tabulation process. Congo's opposition parties have repeatedly blasted the election as fraudulent and called for a re-run - a demand authorities have dismissed.

Persons: Ange Kasongo, Felix Tshisekedi's UDPS, Modeste Bahati, Jean Pierre Bemba, Vital Kamerhe, Tshisekedi, Africa's, Bate Felix, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: Democratic, Sacred Union coalition, Provisional, Congo's, Sunday, Defence, Economy Locations: Ange Kasongo KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo

☆ A slew of new conflicts could erupt in 2024, analysts say — while the world is watching Gaza and Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-28 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

- | Afp | Getty ImagesWith the eyes of the world on the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, an unprecedented number of potentially "catastrophic" conflicts are going under the radar, analysts have warned. The U.N. estimated in October that more than 114 million people were displaced by war and conflict worldwide. There is good reason for that — it is currently the most dangerous place in the world to be a civilian." The political turbulence comes amid ongoing armed conflict in eastern DRC and widespread poverty, and precedes further regional elections early next year. If you look at Myanmar, of course you've got this huge population in Bangladesh of displaced Rohingyas, and also displaced within Myanmar itself," she said.

Persons: Abdel Fattah al, Burhan, David Miliband, Miliband, Isabelle Arradon, Rapid Support Forces —, Gen, Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, Khalifa Haftar —, Arradon, Félix Tshisekedi, U.N, Antonio Guterres, you've, We've, It's Organizations: Afp, Getty, Rescue, Crisis, CNBC, Rapid Support Forces, UAE, IOM, UN's, Organization for Migration, Sudanese Armed Forces, Democratic, Government Locations: Red Sea, Port Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Libyan, Khartoum, Darfur, METEMA, Ethiopia, Metema, AFP, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of, Congo, DRC, Goma, North Kivu, Kigali, Kinshasa, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Shan, Sagaing, Kayah, Rakhine State, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal

☆ Congo opposition party says activist killed in violence at election rally
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsKINSHASA, Nov 28 (Reuters) - A Congolese youth activist was killed on Tuesday by stones pelted during an opposition campaign rally in the east-central city of Kindu, the party of presidential candidate Moise Katumbi said. "This violence ... caused the tragic death of Mr Dido Kakisingi," the party said in a statement. Kakisingi, a lawyer and father of six, was the head of a political youth league in Maniema province that supports Katumbi, the party said. They didn't even send the police to secure us," said Seth Kikuni, one of the opposition candidates backing Katumbi. The CENI election commission has promised a fair and well-run election, but all of the opposition candidates have expressed concerns about potential electoral fraud.

Persons: Moise Katumbi, Arlette, Mr Dido Kakisingi, Seth Kikuni, Stephane Kamundala, Felix Tshisekedi, Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, Denis Mukwege, Ange Kasongo, Sonia Rolley, Alessandra Prentice, Susan Fenton Organizations: Democratic, REUTERS, Rights, Congolese, United, Reuters, Peace, Thomson Locations: Kitutu, Mwenga, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of, Congo, Rights KINSHASA, Kindu, Maniema, Africa's, United States

☆ Factbox-The Big Topics That Will Define Congo's Election
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

But despite its wealth of copper, cobalt and other resources, little is passed down to ordinary Congolese. Tshisekedi has sought to rein in China's 70% share of Congo's mining sector by re-negotiating that and other contracts. Risk-averse companies that had previously avoided Congo's mining sector due to instability are taking a second look as new opportunities to tap into its minerals emerge. Nearly 7 million people are displaced in Congo as of June, the International Organization for Migration said, up 17% from October 2022. Opposition parties said registrations were skewed by the national election commission to favour Tshisekedi's ruling coalition.

Persons: Edward McAllister DAKAR, Felix Tshisekedi's, Tshisekedi, Joseph Kabila, Zaynab Hoosen, Tshisekedi's, China's CMOC, Maja Bovcon, Kabila, Gecamines, Bovcon, Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, Denis Mukwege, Edward McAllister, Ange Kasongo, Sonia Rolley, Bate Felix, Christina Fincher Organizations: Democratic, International Monetary Fund, Notre, Congolese, United Nations, International Organization for Migration, Oxford Economics, Islamic State, Allied Democratic Forces, Cooperative for, Senior, Catholic Church Locations: Democratic Republic of Congo, Saharan Africa, Kinshasa, Oxford Economics Africa, Congo, China, North Kivu, DR Congo

☆ Congo's president launches election campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Reuters Editorial | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

PoliticsCongo's president launches election campaignPostedCongo's President Felix Tshisekedi has launched his campaign for the country's December 20 election as opposition parties attempt to unite behind a joint candidate. David Doyle has more.

Persons: Felix Tshisekedi, David Doyle Organizations: Congo's

☆ Factbox-The Main Contenders in Congo's December Election
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

President Felix TshisekediTshisekedi, 60, son of Congo's late opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, came to power in a disputed 2018 election buoyed by a power-sharing alliance with former president Joseph Kabila. In 2018, he was prevented from entering the country in time to submit his candidacy for the presidential election. Old rival Martin FayuluFayulu, 66, a former Exxon Mobil executive, came second in the 2018 election that he claims he won. Before the 2018 election, Fayulu was chosen as the joint opposition candidate in a deal with Tshisekedi. Fayulu sent representatives to a meeting in South Africa where the main opposition candidates discussed joining forces behind one candidate.

Persons: Ange Kasongo, Felix Tshisekedi, Martin Fayulu, Denis Mukwege, Felix Tshisekedi Tshisekedi, Congo's, Etienne Tshisekedi, Joseph Kabila, unravelled, Vital Kamerhe, Jean, Pierre Bemba, Tshisekedi, Businessman Moise Katumbi Katumbi, Kabila, Katumbi, Martin Fayulu Fayulu, Fayulu, Mukwege, Marie José Ifoku, Bate Felix, William Maclean Organizations: Democratic, Peace, Exxon Mobil, Tshisekedi Locations: Ange Kasongo KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga, Congo, Congolese, Rhodes Island, Congo's Katanga, South Africa

☆ Exclusive: Canadian winner of gas rights on Congo's 'killer' Lake Kivu failed criteria
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Sonia Rolley | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

[1/5] Aerial view shows Lake Kivu and the skyline of the city of Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo October, 21, 2023. First to be auctioned were three methane blocks in Lake Kivu, sometimes dubbed a "killer lake" because of a risk of deadly eruption. The documents do not show why Alfajiri was included in the auction, who requested that the report be edited, or why. Lake Kivu is one of three lakes in Africa scientists say are at risk of limnic eruption. The report's second version - also dated Dec. 8 and seen by Reuters - raised Alfajiri's score to 55.75, putting it ahead of Winds.

Persons: Arlette, Felix Tshisekedi, Alfajiri, Didier Budimbu, Christian Hamuli, Hamuli, Joseph Nzau, Budimbu, Alfajiri's Hamuli, vulcanologist Dario Tedesco, Alfajiri's, Frank Ihekwoaba, Alessandra Prentice, Bate Felix, Joe Bavier, Frank Jack Daniel Our Organizations: Democratic, REUTERS, Reuters, Alfajiri Energy Corporation, Investigative Journalism, Exploration, Ray Group, Ray, Thomson Locations: Lake Kivu, Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, Calgary, Rwanda, Kivu, Africa, Congolese, U.S

☆ Congo Election Chief Promises 'Rebrand' Amid Concerns Over December Vote
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

CENI is undergoing "rebranding" to show people it has changed since past elections that were marred by irregularities and violence, CENI president Denis Kadima told Reuters in an interview in Washington on Friday. The 2011 elections, followed by the 2018 elections, have left many people so disappointed with the institution," said Kadima. He cited, as an example, that some of the 24 presidential candidates were in exile or barred from participating in 2018. Kadima, who was appointed in 2021, said observers from groups including the U.S.-funded Carter Center and the European Union were expected to monitor the elections. Washington remains concerned about "possible violence, threats to the press freedom and freedom of peaceful assembly, and attempts by certain parties to manipulate the vote," the spokesperson said.

Persons: Simon Lewis WASHINGTON, Denis Kadima, CENI, Kadima, Critics, Felix Tshisekedi, Simon Lewis, Sonia Rolley, Grant McCool Organizations: Democratic, Electoral, Reuters, Carter Center, European Union, Kadima, State Department Locations: Democratic Republic, United States, Africa's, Washington, U.S, Congolese

☆ Eyeing Election, Congo President Eases Some Terms of Eastern Military Rule
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Ange KasongoKINSHASA (Reuters) - With little over two months until a general election, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on Thursday said some conditions of military rule in conflict-hit eastern provinces would be eased, partly to encourage participation in the vote. Last year, U.N. experts and Amnesty International said security had deteriorated since the state of siege was imposed. The insecurity has caused the displacement of about 6 million people, the United Nations' top representative in Congo said in September. On Thursday, the U.S. embassy said it was concerned about an increase in violence in North Kivu. "The crisis in eastern DRC requires a political and not a military solution," it said in a statement.

Persons: Ange Kasongo, Felix Tshisekedi, Alessandra Prentice, Grant McCool Organizations: Amnesty International, Amnesty, United Nations Locations: Ange Kasongo KINSHASA, North Kivu, Ituri, Congo, U.S, DRC

☆ Congo Ruling Coalition Backs Tshisekedi for December Vote
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Ange KasongoKINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi was officially nominated on Sunday as candidate for the Dec. 20 presidential election by his ruling political coalition the Sacred Union. Tshisekedi is seeking a second term in the vast nation, which is the world's top cobalt supplier and No. 3 copper producer, after winning a disputed first term in a 2018 vote. On Sunday, a congress of the Sacred Union coalition that includes political heavyweights such as Defence Minister Jean Pierre Bemba and Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe, picked Tshisekedi unanimously. Tshisekedi, the son of Congo's beloved long-term opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, promised to root out corruption and authoritarianism and has rejected accusations by rights groups and critics that he has fallen short on his promises.

Persons: Ange Kasongo, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, Tshisekedi, Jean Pierre Bemba, Vital Kamerhe, Felix Tshisekedi, Andre Mbata, Congo's, Etienne Tshisekedi, Martin Fayulu, Bate Felix, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: Democratic, Sacred Union, Sacred Union coalition, Defence, Economy, Union, Tshisekedi Locations: Ange Kasongo KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of, Rwanda, Republic, Kinshasa, Tshisekedi

☆ Congo president asks UN peacekeepers to start packing up this year
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Ange Adihe Kasongo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023. But its presence has become increasingly unpopular in recent years for what critics say is a failure to protect civilians against militia groups, sparking deadly protests. "It is to be deplored that peacekeeping missions deployed for 25 years... have failed to cope with the rebellions and armed conflicts," Tshisekedi told the assembly in a speech. More than 40 people were killed and dozens wounded in an army crackdown on violent anti-U.N. demonstrations in the eastern city of Goma last month. Another protest in July 2022 resulted in more than 15 deaths, including three peacekeepers in Goma and the city of Butembo.

Persons: Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Eduardo Munoz, Felix Tshisekedi, Tshisekedi, Ange Kasongo, Edward McAllister, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Democratic, General Assembly, REUTERS, Rights, United Nations, General, Central, of, Thomson Locations: Democratic Republic of Congo, New York City, U.S, Rights KINSHASA, Republic, Goma, Butembo

☆ DRC Congo to Move Its Embassy to Jerusalem From Tel Aviv -Israeli Statement
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo will move its Israel embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday. Netanyahu, who met Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi during the U.N. General Assembly, announced in a statement that Israel would also be opening an embassy in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo. Only a handful of countries have their embassies in Jerusalem, with most others maintaining their diplomatic representation in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, Israel's main economic hub. While Israel considers Jerusalem its eternal and indivisible capital and wants all embassies based there, most of the world does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the entire city, believing its status should be resolved in negotiations. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem; Editing by Leslie Adler and Matthew Lewis)

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Felix Tshisekedi, Israel, Ari Rabinovitch, Leslie Adler, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Democratic, General Assembly Locations: JERUSALEM, Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Israeli, Kinshasa

Mugabe’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, had promised sweeping political, economic and social reforms. Several opposition activists, journalists and human rights activists have been arrested over the last year, including Job Sikhala, a Parliament member and senior official with the CCC. Obey Shava, a prominent Zimbabwean human rights lawyer who has represented various opposition party supporters facing questionable charges, was violently attacked earlier this month. Human rights group Amnesty International called it a “brutal assault on civic space.”At the same time, government corruption remains a problem in Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa has blamed Western sanctions for the current economic crisis in Zimbabwe, where the annual inflation rate reached 175% in June.

Persons: Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s, Mugabe’s, Emmerson Mnangagwa, “, ”, Joe Biden, ” Biden, Nelson Chamisa, Job Sikhala, Obey, Bill –, Bill, Al Jazee, Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai, Mnangagwa, Macky Sall, Felix Tshisekedi, Stephen Chan, ” Chan, Ruben Mbofana, –, Mbofana, Leonard Koni, Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr, ” Koni Organizations: U.S . Congress, “, ZANU, Citizens Coalition, Amnesty, Movement, Democratic, Mugabe, U.S, Congress, Zimbabwe Democracy, ., U.S . Treasury, Union, Reuters, SOAS University of London Locations: MUTARE, Zimbabwe, Mutare, Rhodesia, U.S, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Senegal

☆ Congo's Catholic church questions government's election preparations
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The country's Catholic church has a long history of promoting democracy in the vast African country where organising elections has been complicated by financial and logistical problems, and where disputes over vote tampering have frequently caused widespread unrest. The election commission, CENI, has made insufficient progress creating a tripartite consultation framework between the majority, the opposition and civil society, and not invited international observers to ensure fair elections, CENCO said. The election commission did not respond to the comments and told Reuters that it will address the electorate on Sunday. The Catholic church is currently gearing up to monitor elections scheduled for December in which President Felix Tshisekedi will seek a second term in office. Reporting by Ange Kasongo; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; editing by David EvansOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: CENCO, Martin Fayulu, Felix Tshisekedi, Ange Kasongo, Anait, David Evans Organizations: Democratic, National Episcopal Conference of, Catholic, Reuters, Thomson Locations: KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of, National Episcopal Conference of Congo

☆ Congo woman saves young mothers from unpaid maternity bills
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Paul Lorgerie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Like most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo has no universal health coverage, and most cannot afford what limited care there is. Bethesda's head doctor Emmanuel Mpumpa, whose sister died in labour a few years ago because she could not afford hospital care, said keeping patients in was regrettable but necessary. "We bought a few of the prescribed medicines but could not afford the doctors and hospital," said Annaelle's mother, Yvette Kalongo. When Umek paid, the ordeal was over. The young mothers uttered their thanks, wrapped their babies in blankets and made their way home through the neighbourhood bustle.

Persons: Grace Mbongi Umek, Read, she'd, Annaelle, Felix Tshisekedi's, Bethesda's, Emmanuel Mpumpa, Yvette Kalongo, Umek, Paul Lorgerie, Sofia Christensen, Edward McAllister, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Bethesda Medical Center, Democratic, United Nations, World Bank, Bills, Thomson Locations: Ngaba, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, KINSHASA, Bethesda, Congo's, Saharan Africa

☆ Regional force tackling east Congo violence extended to September
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 31 (Reuters) - A regional force set up to tackle militia violence in east Democratic Republic of Congo has been extended to September, a minister and a spokesperson for the force said on Wednesday. The seven countries of the East African Community (EAC) set up the EACRF military force in April last year to try to end bloodshed linked to decades of militant activity in Congo's east. The force's future had been uncertain since its mandate expired in March, and EAC leaders had expressed differing views on how it should operate. An EAC spokesperson confirmed reports that the force's mandate had been extended to September during a summit in Burundi on Wednesday. Reporting by Sonia Rolley; Editing by Sofia Christensen and Daniel WallisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jeff Nyagah, Jean, Pierre Bemba, Felix Tshisekedi, Tshisekedi, Sonia Rolley, Sofia Christensen, Daniel Wallis Organizations: East African Community, EAC, Congo's, Thomson Locations: Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo's, Burundi

☆ Congo security forces fire tear gas at anti-government protesters
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( Ange Kasongo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/6] Tires and other objects burn as anti-government demonstrators take part in a riot after security forces broke up an attempted demonstration organized by the opposition and civil society members... Read moreKINSHASA, May 20 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo security forces fired tear gas and fought running battles in the streets of the capital Kinshasa with anti-government protesters demonstrating on Saturday over alleged irregularities in voter registration. Around a dozen protesters were detained by security forces just after the start of the demonstration, which was called for by opposition leaders. Congo's human rights minister Albert-Fabrice Puela, in a statement on Saturday, condemned the violence by security forces against demonstrators and the minor, and called for an investigation. "It's sad, you see, they are firing tear gas. Fayulu said by telephone that his vehicle was surrounded by security forces who continued to fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

☆ Congo security forces fire tear gas, clash with anti-govt protesters
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( Ange Kasongo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

KINSHASA, May 20 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo security forces fired tear gas and fought running battles in the streets of the capital Kinshasa with anti-government protesters demonstrating on Saturday over alleged irregularities in voter registration. Around a dozen protesters were detained by security forces just after the start of the demonstration, which was called for by opposition leaders. "It's sad, you see, they are firing tear gas. Fayulu said by telephone that his vehicle was surrounded by security forces who continued to fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Congo's electoral commission is expected to publish voter registration data on Sunday.

☆ World Bank suspends $1 bln worth of project funding in Congo
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Sonia Rolley | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The suspension will affect more than 600,000 beneficiaries, including victims of sexual violence, the World Bank told Congo's finance minister last week in a letter seen by Reuters. A World Bank spokesperson confirmed its authenticity. On May 4, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi dissolved the structure, the "Social Fund of the Democratic Republic of Congo", by presidential order and created another public fund. A spokesperson for Congo's finance ministry said he was waiting for the go-ahead from the presidency before he could comment. Four of Congo's main opposition politicians wrote to the leaders of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the African Development Bank last week asking them to conduct an audit of their funds in Congo, saying they suspected misuse.

CNN —At least 400 people have died after floods and landslides hit the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province last week, officials told CNN. “We have 401 deaths in Bushushu and Nyamukubi villages in Kalehe territory,” Kasi said. Congolese Red Cross volunteers and residents of Nyamukubi wrap in blankets the bodies of people who died in heavy flooding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on May 6, 2023. People are crossing the lake, another danger.”This aerial photograph taken on May 6, 2023 shows a landslide that engulfed Nyamukubi village, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. People walk next to a house destroyed by the floods in the village of Nyamukubi, South Kivu province, in Congo, Saturday, May 6, 2023.

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