Stories from Kinshasa · DR Congo

The first vice-president has not denied that a new constitution could allow Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third presidential term. The proposed changes reportedly target Article 220, which formally prohibits revisions regarding presidential term limits. This manipulation is described as a gross attempt to bypass existing institutional regulations. The vice-president stated the move reflects the will of the population in Kinshasa. The first vice-president denied attempts to modify organic laws via absolute majority without altering the Constitution.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo Parliament adopted two major agreements signed last year by President Félix Tshisekedi. These include a peace agreement with Rwanda and an economic partnership with the United States regarding minerals and security. The agreements were described as being in a vulnerable position by RFI Afrique. Critics argue the US-DRC partnership risks commodifying immigrants and refugees for political transactions. Both texts were approved without substantive debate or amendments. The Mine Inspectorate also announced plans to create a mining guard with 20,000 agents to be deployed by the end of 2025.

Jean-Hervé Gézékel, a project director at the International Crisis Group, described the agreement between the US and DRC as an unacceptable form of commodifying migrants and asylum seekers. The group stated the agreement is a cynical way to pressure vulnerable people into accepting voluntary returns.

US and Emirati investors are reportedly backing paramilitary groups to secure critical mineral mining operations in the Congo. The group aims to deploy between 2,500 and 3,000 personnel by December. The long-term goal is to reach 20,000 personnel across the Congo by 2028. The move is part of a strategy to secure critical minerals. The US and UAE aim to have 20,000 personnel across the Congo's security sector by 2028. Approximately $100 million in programs will be funded between 2026 and 2028 to support these efforts. Investors from the United States and the United Arab Emirates are targeting mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The focus includes cobalt and copper, as the DRC is the world's second-largest producer of copper.

The Congolese government in Kinshasa confirmed it is providing short-term visas to South American migrants. The organization views the arrangement as a way to exert pressure on asylum seekers. They further stated the agreement is a cynical way to pressure vulnerable people into accepting voluntary returns. DRC Communication Minister Patrick Mouyaya addressed the issue in a discussion with correspondent Paulina Zidi. The NGO Avocats Sans Frontières has denounced an agreement signed between Kinshasa and Washington. The deal involves the hosting of migrants on Congolese territory. This process follows a migration agreement signed between Washington and Kinshasa on April 17. The arrival of these migrants is part of the implementation of the bilateral accord. It also seeks to ensure these individuals receive necessary assistance.

Deputies in Kinshasa approved two major international texts yesterday. These texts include a peace agreement with neighboring Rwanda. The legislation is expected to influence the politics of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo's National Assembly has approved a partnership with the United States and a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. The move aims to formalize strategic cooperation and regional stability.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo plans to deploy 20,000 agents by 2028 to enhance security. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to secure various regions. This deployment aims to counter threats from Jnim jihadist groups and FLA independence rebels. The initiative follows recent security challenges in the region.

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.