Stories from DR Congo

The Congolese military has deployed forces to the Kauka 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.

Authorities plan to close banks in areas controlled by the Politico Armé FCM23 group, specifically in the Kivu region. The decision aims to protect savers and cut off funding for rebel groups. A World Food Programme (WFP) annual report indicates this move will have a direct humanitarian cost. The specific scale of the humanitarian impact is being assessed by the WFP. G8 Education plans to close approximately 10% of its centers.

Islamic State militants attacked the Chinese-owned Muchacha mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The assault occurred while the Congolese army was focused on fighting Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

The FSM-23 group has requested the establishment of an air bridge to supply isolated populations in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This request follows humanitarian concerns in the region. Potential rotation points for supplies include Kinshasa, Bukavu, Kisangani, or Bujumbura. The feasibility of these logistics remains uncertain due to the absence of MONUSCO presence in South Kivu. Armed groups in the area are reportedly causing instability. The FSM-23 has proposed supply rotations from Kindu, Bukavu, Kisangani, or Bujumbura to reach isolated populations.

James Swan, the new head of the MONUSCO mission, has said the necessity of securing airspace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The FSM-23 has requested an air bridge to supply isolated populations, with potential rotations from Goma, Kindu, Bunia, Kisangani, or Bujumbura. Swan noted that the use of drones and GPS-guided travel complicates airspace rights. The mission has not been present in the south since its withdrawal in June 2024.

Eco-guards and civilian staff at Loupe Mba National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are undergoing psychological support following a militant attack. Evacuated personnel have been moved to Lubumbashi following the incident in the national park. Psychologist Benazir Kamangou is conducting psychological evaluations of eco-guards following recent militant violence in the national park. Some staff members are exhibiting extreme trauma and require planned medical care and support. Other staff members have shown no signs of trauma following the incidents. Naomi Louemboué is among those undergoing planned psychological care and reconstruction exercises. The program includes music therapy and breathing exercises to manage trauma. Psychological support is being provided to staff at Oupimba Park following a recent militant attack.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has over 6 million displaced persons according to United Nations statistics. The UNHCR warns this figure could rise to 9 million by the end of 2026 if current conflict levels persist. Over 6 million people are currently suffering from acute malnutrition. One in four Congolese citizens is facing food insecurity. Most displaced individuals are located in the eastern part of the country. This figure is based on a report from a United Nations regional center for Western Europe. The data aggregates statistics from various UN agencies to provide a comprehensive assessment of the population. New UN data indicates the number of internally displaced persons in the DRC has risen to 6.4 million. The data highlights the ongoing scale of the humanitarian crisis within the nation's 113 million inhabitants.

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.