Stories from DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced the creation of a paramilitary force to secure its mining sector. The initiative is reportedly backed by funding from the United States and other partners.

The Congolese Defense Minister informed the Senate that certain auxiliary fighters, known as volunteers, have acted against loyalist forces. He attributed the seizure of the city of Wallikale last year to the betrayal of a group of these combatants. Of the $2.9 billion defense budget voted for 2025, only $2 billion has been effectively liquidated.

Two confidential parliamentary reports have been produced following hearings with government members regarding the military situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The reports analyze the difficulties faced by armed forces in confronting the M23 rebellion.

Two confidential reports produced by the INE and the National Assembly Defense Commission analyze the difficulties faced by armed forces against the FCM-23 rebellion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The reports were produced following hearings with government members.

The 'Debt for Climate' campaign is calling for the annulment of illegitimate and illegal debts held by countries in the Global South. The campaign specifically highlights the debt situation in Congo and other African nations.

Activists claim peaceful demonstrations regarding oil extraction in Virunga Park are being constantly repressed by the government. The source stated that challenges come from both illegal occupants of the park and the Democratic Republic of Congo government.

Jacques M. Chabani, the Vice-Premier Minister in charge of the Interior in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains in office. An opposition deputy filed a motion of no confidence against him at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Approximately 1,000 people have died due to landslides in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since January. Multiple landslides occur weekly, ranging from small to large scale events.

A study indicates that foreign corporations control over 80% of critical minerals mined in the Congo. Local populations receive limited benefits from these resources. The report notes that the population in the Congo continues to live on approximately two dollars per day. Despite the country's mineral wealth, the local population remains economically disadvantaged. The study notes that the Congolese population lives on approximately 2,000 euros.

Multiple landslides have occurred near mines in the Goma region since January. Reports indicate that landslides happen as often as several times per week, ranging from small to large scale.