Stories from DR Congo

A Colombian man reported being forcibly deported from the United States despite being in the process of seeking protection from removal. Demonstrators are angered by the arrival of Latin Americans and reports that the US administration may send Afghans to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The US administration has not yet responded to inquiries regarding whether 1,100 Afghans will be sent to the country. Some of these displaced individuals previously worked alongside U.S. The administration was recently questioned at the White House regarding a potential plan to send 1,100 Afghans to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many deportees interviewed said they would prefer to return to their home countries despite the risks rather than remain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They remain in a state of uncertainty regarding their next steps in an unfamiliar country.

Protesters at a stadium in Kinshasa have called for the current Congolese leadership to avoid seeking a third term. The movement follows historical resistance to power grabs, such as Joseph Kabila's failed attempt at a third term a decade ago. The first vice-president of the Assembly noted that the current political situation differs from previous instances of regime maneuvering. Protesters expressed feelings of betrayal by leaders who have abandoned their original political promises. The source noted that current leaders are perceived to have abandoned the causes for which previous generations sacrificed their lives. Several dozen people protested outside the US embassy in Kinshasa last week. The demonstrations were sparked by the arrival of Latin Americans in the country. Reports suggest the US administration may also send Afghans to Congo.

The first Vice President has denied allegations regarding the manipulation of organic laws in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Critics claim the government seeks to modify laws via absolute majority to bypass constitutional protections. Specifically, the dispute concerns Article 220, which formally prohibits revisions to the limitation on presidential terms. The Vice President maintains that the Parliament can modify organic laws without altering the Constitution itself. The Democratic Republic of the Congo Vice President stated that the population opposes any attempt to seize power through force or in violation of the constitution. He characterized efforts to change the constitution to remain in power as a 'constitutional robbery.' The Vice President asserted that the nation will resist these attempts just as it did ten years ago.

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.