Stories from Kinshasa · DR Congo

The Congolese military is reinforcing its presence in the Kauka region with two armored platoons and additional technological equipment for surveillance and prevention. This deployment follows recent attacks attributed to dissidents, who are described as feeling trapped by ongoing military offensives. Intelligence services will be strengthened to track those responsible for the attacks. The specific reasons for this deployment and the current situation in the region are not fully detailed. This deployment is intended to address security concerns in the area. The specific nature of the threat or the size of the deployment was not specified. This action follows previous reports of military activity in the region. The military of the Democratic Republic of Congo has deployed forces to the Kauka region.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is establishing a new paramilitary unit to enhance security within its mining sector. The US embassy clarified on the first day of discussions that Washington is not currently financing any mine guards in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Discussions regarding the funding structure are ongoing, according to the source. The force is intended to safeguard mines from potential incursions by groups from neighboring countries. The announcement was made in Kinshasa. The entity aims to secure mining operations and product logistics for the NGO Resourcis Mateur. Implementation of the entity is expected to begin this year. Jean-Claude Poutou, deputy director of Resourcis Mateur, stated the creation is symptomatic of the DRC's economic and political system dysfunctions. Poutou described the move as being linked to the failure of the state.

Former international footballer Olga Massongou has officially announced a solo candidacy for the presidency of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA). The election features nine candidates, including former CAF Secretary General Veronique Moçango-omba and former players Aziz Mukoukula and Chabaninonda. Massongou stated her candidacy is driven by experience and emotion for the football community. The election process marks an turn for the federation. The 49-year-old announced his bid personally at the footballers' house. This move marks an individual approach to the electoral process. The election is scheduled for May 20, 2026.

The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is managing safe passage for four Peruvian nationals currently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These individuals were sent to the African nation by the United States last week as part of established protocols. Ambassador Pedro Bravo Carranza, Director General of Peruvian Communities Abroad, confirmed the group is seeking to return to Peru. The process involves securing official safe conduct documents for the citizens. Authorities are currently evaluating the status of prisons in the region. The transfer occurred as part of the country's migratory protocols. The individuals are currently being evaluated in Congolese prisons.

President Félix Tshisekedi is facing potential political upheaval regarding a possible third term in office. Supporters of the President are reportedly moving toward a third mandate without waiting for international agreements or agendas. Analysts suggest the move may be linked to personal interests and migration agreements involving the United States. The political climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is described as increasingly complex regarding constitutional norms.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has begun receiving Latin American nationals expelled by the United States under a recent agreement between Washington and Kinshasa. The US administration may send 1,100 Afghans to the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to reports. Several dozen people protested outside the US embassy in Kinshasa last week regarding the arrival of Latin Americans. President Trump was asked about the potential transfer of Afghans who worked alongside US forces at the White House last week. The President stated he did not have an immediate response and needed to check the information. The deportees report having no passports and claim their home governments have not guaranteed their safety. A Colombian woman noted that none of the deportees in Kinshasa have fully understood the situation.

A Belgian parliamentary inquiry is examining the country's role in Congo during its colonial era. The investigation, initiated in 2000-2001, focuses on political and diplomatic aspects, with early findings suggesting the King's office and the Union Minière were heavily involved. The inquiry aims to clarify historical responsibilities and potential ongoing impacts.

The role of Belgian officials and former colonial administrators in the ongoing conflict in the Congo is being examined. Many administrative and judicial positions were held by Belgians after independence, complicating direct incrimination of Belgian authorities. The situation remains complex and difficult to define.

U.S. officials are considering a plan to relocate 1,100 Afghans who assisted American forces to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The move involves approximately 400 children and comes amid a massive displacement crisis currently affecting the DRC. This decision highlights the complex logistical and humanitarian challenges of resettling wartime allies. Protests occurred outside the US Embassy in Kinshasa last week regarding the arrival of Latin Americans in the country. President Trump declined to respond when asked about the potential transfer of Afghans to Congo at the White House last week. Many of these Afghans worked alongside US forces. Protests against migration policies occurred in Kinshasa on Monday.