Congo’s main opposition leader, Etienne Tshisekedi, one of the country’s most important advocates of democracy, has died in Brussels aged 84, diplomatic sources said on Wednesday. Tshisekedi stood up to Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled the country, then known as Zaire, for decades before being overthrown by Rwanda, Uganda and other forces. He was also … Read more
Senior ministers backed the deal, which would see Mr Kabila stay on until elections are held by the end of 2017. The country has faced a crisis since Mr Kabila failed to step down earlier in December, when his mandate expired. Elections should have been held in November, and dozens of people have died in … Read more
A deal has been signed to end Joseph Kabila’s 15-year rule in the Democratic Republic of Congo – but the president himself has yet to add his signature. Senior ministers backed the deal, which would see Mr Kabila stay on until elections are held by the end of 2017. The country has faced a crisis … Read more
At least 22 civilians were killed in Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province over the weekend, an official said, blaming the attacks on an armed group led by Ugandan rebels. The killings happened in Eringeti, a town 55km north of the regional hub Beni, a city plagued by a wave of deadly attacks, according … Read more
The Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has appealed for a resolution to the ongoing political standoff over the future of current President Joseph Kabila. The call by the church comes after 34 people were reportedly killed and 45 others wounded in clashes between police and protesters who took to the streets … Read more
South Africa says it is concerned about the volatile political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has expressed the willingness to assist in any way to restore peace asking the international community to increase its efforts in that direction. A statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on … Read more
At least two civilians were killed overnight in Democratic Republic of the Congo when soldiers opened fire during clashes in the neighbourhood of Kingabwa, two witnesses said. Violence erupted on Tuesday in the two largest cities of the DRC as historical opponent Etienne Tshisekedi called on the people not to “recognize” President Joseph Kabila.* Security … Read more
Talks in Democratic Republic of Congo between the ruling coalition and the opposition have failed to reach a compromise on the political future of President Joseph Kabila, who intends to stay in power when his mandate ends on Monday. Growing tension on the ground in DRC was visible on Saturday. Police set up road checkpoints … Read more
Democratic Republic of Congo’s main opposition bloc said on Saturday it was not planning a march against President Joseph Kabila when his mandate expires on Monday, a decision that could defuse anticipated protests. The opposition accuses Kabila of trying to cling to power, and the decision not to stage a mass protest was announced hours … Read more
Supporters of Congolese President Joseph Kabila carry his portrait photographs during a rally Shortly after Congo President Joseph Kabila came to power in 2001, the U. S. embassy in Kinshasa sent cables to Washington exuding quiet confidence in the 29-year-old who had replaced his recently assassinated father, Laurent. In one, released later by Wikileaks, the … Read more
The opposition coalition of the Democratic Republic of Congo has called for the continuation of the anti-Kabila demonstration on Tuesday despite Monday’s ban after the government announced that 17 people were killed. Already, the offices of opposition parties Innovative Forces for Union and Solidarity (FONUS) and the Lumumbist Progressive Movement (MLP) were razed in the … Read more
At least 17 people were killed Monday when heavy clashes erupted in Kinshasa ahead of a mass opposition rally, a Congolese minister said, calling the toll “provisional”. Among the dead were “14 civilians involved in looting” and three police officers, one of whom was “burnt alive”, Interior Minister Evariste Boshab told a Press conference in … Read more