Flooding has hit several southern and western parts of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to concordant sources, several dozen people were killed.

First, the flooding of the Ndjili river in Kinshasa following heavy rains blocked traffic between Tshangu and the city center. Several families have spent the night outside since Saturday night. Several families are asking for help from the state.

The road linking Kinshasa to the port city of Matadi is cut off. After the floods, this main supply route to the capital is virtually cut off at the Kasangulu township. This is an important road, as more than 15 million inhabitants of Kinshasa depend on it to transport goods of all kinds. Faced with the risk of damaging the economy, the head of government has ordered emergency work to reopen the road. The Prime Minister's Office also reported significant human and material damage, without giving any figures as an initial assessment. Local sources provisionally put the death toll at over 30. The toll is set to rise as several families are still on the water, waiting in vain for help. Other victims are still under the rubble of houses that have leaked away, according to a local chief.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma

US President Donald Trump's Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, was received by President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa on Thursday April 3, 2025. Accompanied by Ms Corina Sanders, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Mr Dan Dunham, Director of the National Security Council for Africa, Mr Boulos had a long discussion with President Félix Tshisekedi.

"The talks focused mainly on the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and on economic prospects between the USA and the DRC, two countries which enjoy strategic cooperation," states a press release from the DRC Presidency.

Regarding the war in the eastern DRC, President Trump's Senior Advisor for Africa declared that the USA remains committed to helping bring the conflict to an end.

"We want a lasting peace that affirms the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC, and projects the foundations for a thriving regional economy. This relationship has great potential, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss the way forward with our counterparts here in Kinshasa," according to the Presidency's website.

The contribution of the United States is eagerly awaited in the resolution of the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, especially the seizure of part of the national territory by the Rwandan army, according to the United States and several other United Nations reports. The US President's Senior Advisor for Africa will then visit Kigali in Rwanda and Nairobi in Kenya.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma

All civil servants who have not returned to Beni are on technical leave. This is the decision of Major General Kakule Somo, military governor of North Kivu province. (see statement in French below)

"All executives and agents of the Public Services of the Province of North Kivu not yet present in Beni, provisional capital of the Province of North Kivu, are automatically placed on technical leave for reasons of force majeure," states his circular note dated March 31, 2024.
Several agents of the provincial administration were unable to leave the city of Goma and stayed with their families. Many found it difficult to leave, while others were simply forbidden to leave the territory occupied by the M23.

The provincial authority states that this is part of the "rationalization of personnel management and in view of the budgetary constraints inherent in the occupation of a large part of North Kivu Province by the RDF/AFC-M23". This situation affects many families who depend on these payments to meet their needs. This further accentuates the economic crisis in the city of Goma.

He reassures us, however, that the measure will be lifted as soon as Goma is once again under the control of the Congolese army. "As soon as the situation of force majeure referred to in this Circular Note is over, the technical leave will be automatically terminated", the circular states.

Major General Evariste Kakule Somo, is the governor appointed to replace Major General Peter Cirimwami, who died in the last confrontations to push the M23 away from Goma. Appointed after the capture of Goma, he manages part of North Kivu province from the town of Beni.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma

Despite his promise to meet Paul Kagame only in paradise, President Tshisekedi was found in front of Rwandan President under the mediation of Qatar's Emir.

On March 18, 2025, Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met face-to-face in Qatar to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The meeting was mediated by the Emir of Qatar.

The discussions focused on the offensive by the M23 rebels, who have seized eastern Congo's two largest cities since January. The United Nations and international powers accuse Rwanda of providing support to the M23, a claim that Rwanda denies, stating its forces are acting in self-defense against Congo's army and militias hostile to Kigali.

In a joint statement, the presidents agreed on the necessity of continuing the discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace.

Written by Patient Izungu

The Tanganyika Province has been strengthened by new FARDC units with a new holding, including other military utensils. These uniform men have only one mission, to defend the nation against his aggressors and ensure territorial integrity. According to a dispatch of the military press managed to our writing, these elements of the FARDC garrison, were deployed for a routine and training exercise, which is part of the evaluation of operational capacities.

 General Dunia, has, at the end of this physical exercise, which has been dealt with by a parade, indicated that it also aimed to ensure the population of the Kalemie and the hinterland country that the FARDC still remains ready to defend territorial integrity.

 The commander of the Sector, Usalama reminded the mission assigned to them, to: to secure the Republic, its population and borders; The defense of territorial integrity and support the PNC.

Written by Patient Izungu

Yesterday, The Minister in charge of Transport JEAN PIERRE MBEMBA went to the National Pedagogical University (UPN) based in Kinshasa in order to invite students to join the Army.

Surprisingly, students asked him to first ask his children to join then they will join.

SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING THE RELUCTANCE OF THE CONGOLESE YOUTH TO JOIN THE ARMY

1. Insecurity and Poor Working Conditions – The army in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been involved in prolonged conflicts, making service highly dangerous. Poor salaries, lack of adequate equipment, and difficult living conditions discourage enlistment.


2. History of Corruption and Mismanagement – Reports of corruption within the military, including unpaid wages and exploitation of soldiers, reduce trust in the institution.


3. Human Rights Violations and Bad Reputation – The military has been accused of human rights abuses, including looting, harassment, and violence against civilians. This creates a negative perception among young people.


4. Lack of Career Growth and Professionalism – Many youth see the army as a dead-end career with limited opportunities for advancement or skill development.


5. Better Economic Opportunities Elsewhere – Given the chance, many young people prefer informal or private sector jobs over military service due to better income prospects and stability.


6. Forced Recruitment History – Past forced recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups and even elements within the national army has left deep scars, making voluntary enlistment unappealing.


7. Ethnic and Political Bias – Perceptions of favoritism in promotions and recruitment based on ethnicity or political allegiance discourage participation from marginalized groups.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma

Without surprise, the M23 took this morning the island of Idjwi. Idjwi is the largest island in the Democratic Republic of Congo in terms of surface area and density. It lies in the middle of Lake Kivu, which is entirely under the control of the M23 and the Rwandan army. It was only a matter of time before they took it.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma

Faced with the advance of the M23 and its allies as far as Walikale territory, the board of directors of the mining company #Alpha_mine has taken the decision to suspend mining operations at the company's Bisie tin mine in Walikale territory in North Kivu province. It is also evaluating its personnel at the site.

Alphamin Bisie Mining SA is located in groupement Wasa, Wanyanga sector, territoire de Walikale, Province of North Kivu in DRC, about 160 km from the city of Goma.

The mineral reserves of the Bisie mining site are estimated at 3.33 Mt according to a technical report by the company, but this reserve is higher according to civil society actors.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma

When people hear about Congo, they think about exploitation and political instability, but Congo is far more than its struggles. The Congo consists of deep traditions, high-spirited art, and affluent folklore that have made the country stand tall despite the challenges. Without joy, no country could still exist; it is the heart of Congo. Joy is an essential part of the stories told in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is present in the food and artistic expressions.

The Stories of Congo:

The oral storytelling genre has been the pillar of Congolese culture. These stories have been passed down to teach wisdom, history, and moral lessons. One of the stories that teach these lessons is The Leopard and the Crocodile,” a classical story about the consequences of misrepresenting the truth and having keen intelligence. In this tale, the Leopard is known for its speed & intelligence, and the Crocodile is patient and strategic. This story teaches the balance of power through land versus water and intelligence versus physical strength. Like many other folktales, this story focuses on the importance of wisdom, patience, and understanding of strengths and weaknesses.

The Taste of Congo:

Many dishes are popular in Congo. Fufu is a dish from boiled and smashed cassava across not only the Congo, but throughout Africa at large. Fufu's historical context partially came from the Portuguese in the 16th century when they traded cassava from South America to Africa. Despite the effects of colonialism, fufu has remained a symbol of community for the Congolese and has survived through many generations. Cassava root thrived in the climate and quickly became a stable food, surviving European colonization as well. Pondu is another dish created that symbolizes resilience and adaptation. It is cooked with palm oil, onions, garlic, fish, or meat and served with fufu. Moambe chicken can be found in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is the national dish of Angola and Gabon. The stew from the moambe chicken is made up of chicken, peanut butter, palm oil, garlic, tomato sauce, and spices.

Art, Dance, and Expression:

The Congo's influence has been undeniable because it is the birthplace of Rumba, Soukous, and Ndombolo. Rumba originated from traditional Congolese rhythms blended with Cuban Rumba, which was brought back to the Congo in the early 20th century. The bands that popularized the dance were OK Jazz (Franco), African Jazz (Grand Kalle), and Zaiko Langa Langa. The sound consists of melodic guitar interplay, smooth vocals, and a steady rhythm. The dance style is slow and elegant; sometimes, it is done with a partner.

In conclusion, the Congo contributes to the world through a positive lens and is an absolute source of joy. Within activism, we should strive to advocate for the rights and humanity of the Congo.

Written by Victoria Webb

Today, March 10, 2025, Aubin Minaku and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, prominent allies of former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, were summoned for questioning by the military prosecutor's office in Kinshasa. Both Minaku, the vice president of the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and former president of the National Assembly, and Shadary, a former interior minister and presidential candidate, appeared for the interrogation.

The exact reasons for these summonses have not been publicly disclosed. However, the context includes President Félix Tshisekedi's recent accusations against Kabila, alleging his involvement in sponsoring the M23 rebels who have seized significant territories in eastern Congo since January. Both Minaku and Shadary have denied any connections to the M23 or other armed groups, emphasizing their commitment to the Republic and rejecting any rebellious affiliations.

This development occurs amid escalating political tensions in the DRC, with the military prosecutor's office issuing approximately ten summonses to members of the PPRD. Only three individuals, including Minaku and Shadary, were expected to appear for questioning today.

As of now, there is no information indicating that formal charges have been filed against Minaku and Shadary. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will depend on the outcomes of these interrogations and any subsequent legal actions.

Written by Patient Izungu