Stories from Kinshasa · DR Congo

The ADF militant group is holding nearly 200 hostages, according to reports from Kinshasa. Pascal Moulegoua reported on the situation for RFI. The specific location of the hostages within the region was not specified.

The Congolese Football Federation has finalized its selection process, retaining only three candidacies. The association confirmed the shortlist following its recent review. No specific names of the candidates were provided in the report.

The FCM 23 has been banned from trading with the United States. The party's reaction described the decision as politically motivated and an alignment with the Congolese government's narrative. The opposition platform acknowledged a court decision that prohibits...

Military justice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is attempting to restore discipline within the armed forces in Choupo province. The move follows reports of issues within the ranks.

Washington has accused former Congolese leader Joseph Kabila of attempting to destabilize the Democratic Republic of the Congo by supporting the M23 armed group allied with Rwanda. The administration in Kinshasa is demanding the specific elements that form the basis for these sanctions. These measures follow similar sanctions imposed on March 2 against the Rondéza army. Kabila described the sanctions announced in Washington as propaganda intended to control the country. He stated that the measures are a form of political interference. Joseph Kabila has criticized US sanctions, according to reports in Kiswahili. The discussion noted that the sanctions are linked to efforts regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the administration of Felix Tshisekedi. Joseph Kabila has denounced United States sanctions, according to a report from RFI Kiswahili.

The United States has accused a former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo of contributing to the ongoing crisis in the country. Washington intends to hold the former leader accountable for his alleged role.

Confidential parliamentary reports reviewed by RFI indicate the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces technological asymmetry in defense.

Kinshasa is studying a project to acquire a military satellite estimated at 400 million dollars. This follows reports that enemy forces are intercepting and decrypting unit communications, which has hindered action synchronization. The country is also looking into developing its own military satellite capabilities. The French minister noted that the country currently lacks its own military satellites, making communications vulnerable to interception and decryption by enemies. A minister noted the existence of AfriDex, a company that produced improvised bombs during the 1998 war. A partnership between AfriDex and a Turkish company was engaged in 2022 and is currently ongoing. Two parliamentary commissions have recommended improving the transition line to support military production.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has been ordered this Thursday to immediately reintegrate the opposition party, African Democratic Congress, onto the 2027 electoral lists. The Commission's director had previously removed the main opposition party from the race.

Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, is now on a blacklist of individuals facing US economic sanctions. Kabila stated the sanctions are unjustified and politically motivated. The source did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the sanctions or the recent military court judgment. The announcement was reported by RFI Afrique and RFI Monde. No specific reasons for the sanctions were provided in the broadcast. The presidential party in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is organizing a demonstration in the streets of Kinshasa this Monday. Kabila has been accused by China, according to the report. The demonstration occurs amid the administration of Félix Tshisekedi. The move is intended to hold the former leader accountable, though commentators noted the importance of him answering to Congolese justice and the Congolese people.