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

Laws and Policies on the Congo: A Timeline

Throughout the years, laws have been proposed to help reduce the damages the United States has caused in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These often emphasized economic development, the promotion of human rights, and democracy. In the following article, I will discuss pieces of legislation, the contexts in which they were passed, and their impact on the DRC.

Year: 2006

The First Major U.S. Law on the DRC

In 2006, the United States passed its first legislation addressing the DRC. This law's goal was to encourage economic development, titled "The Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-456)". This law aimed to reconstruct DRC after being severely damaged by the Second Congo War - which involved the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, numerous rebel groups, and the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). This legislation authorized President George W Bush to support programs helping to rebuild DRC which was torn by war (as a result of the Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC), rebel groups, and MONUC peacekeepers clashing) and to encourage US diplomats to engage in ending ongoing conflict, making the United States be held more accountable. The bill was passed and signed into law by George W Bush on December 22, 2006. At the time the law made DRC a priority for the US in foreign policy, and the law held the US more accountable for its role. In addition, then-Senator Barack Obama was a sponsor of the bill at the time and when he became President he attempted to increase diplomatic efforts in the region, appointing a special envoy for the Great Lakes region.

Year: 2010

Clash with the Conflict of Minerals

The enactment of Section 1502, also known as “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act – Section 1502," required companies to disclose whether their products contained conflict minerals, often tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold which came from the DRC or their neighboring countries. As a result of Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act's signing into law, various companies involved in the Jewelry industry, Automotive, and Industrial Manufacturing sought loopholes so that the origin of these minerals and materials would not have to be explicitly detailed. The current status of the bill imposes high compliance costs on businesses. The crisis is not only a local issue; it is rooted in historical exploitation and extractivist tendencies driven by multinational corporations in a global capitalist structure.

Year: 2014

Strengthening Sanctions

The US expanded its sanctions program in 2014. It was built upon Executive Order 13413, targeting those threatening the peace, security, or stability of the DRC. The order reinforced financial restrictions on individuals involved in human rights abuses, illicit trade, and recruitment of child soldiers. The sanction's goal was to curb the influence of the armed groups and block foreign actors who benefited from the region's instability. For example, several key figures were associated with militia groups, and these sanctions targeted warlords. Notable figures sanctioned under these orders include warlords Bosco Ntaganda and Sylvestre Mudacumura. However, the names of the sanctioned individuals have been publicly reported, and the overall effectiveness of the sanctions remains a debate. Critics have questioned whether these sanctions weakened the warlords' control or helped them develop a more resilient money management method for their activities.

Year : 2023

Legislative about protecting Congolese Workers and Children

In 2023, "H.R. 4443 – Countering China's Exploitation of Strategic Metals and Minerals and Child and Forced Labor in the DRC Act," which was the most recent legislative effort introduced in 2023, directly addresses child and forced labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo mining industry. This bill proposed banning imports of metals or minerals extracted using unethical labor practices. In addition, it calls for annual reports on individuals involved in such activities. It also introduces targeted sanctions against companies and individuals engaging in labor exploitation in the Congolese mining sector. Legality's efficacy can be seen in recent lawsuits against corporations. For instance, legal actions have been taken against Apple for exploitation in the Congo. Lawsuits like this highlight the ongoing control of global companies and possibly reconstruct their role in labor and environmental abuses in the region.

The Current U.S. Role in the DRC

In conclusion, US policies on the DRC have transformed from humanitarian aid and sanctions to regulating corporate responsibility and countering foreign economic influence for nearly two decades. Recent US foreign aid freezes and the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have disrupted humanitarian operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, affecting services for vulnerable populations, including women and children. However, though these efforts have created setbacks, including enforcement issues and unintended economic hardships for local miners, they have also brought some positive changes, such as more global awareness of mineral exploitation (electronics, cell phones, computers, jewelry, vehicles, etc.). Congolese and African activists and lawyers have driven most of the positive influence. Moving forward, the impact of these policies will depend on how well they balance the protection of human rights and economic growth and the politics in the Democratic Republic.

https://www.csis.org/analysis/resetting-us-engagement-democratic-republic-congo

Written by Victoria Webb

Introduction: The crisis that is rooted in tragedy
From 1996 to the present times, the conflict that occurred in eastern DRC led to approximately six million deaths. From 1996 to the present times, the conflict that occurred in eastern DRC led to approximately six million deaths. The DRC's current warring with Rwanda (and others) spirals from the First and Second Congo Wars (Africa's World War). Those wars spiraled from the Rwandan Genocide. The Rwandan Genocide spiraled from the Rwandan Civil War. The Rwandan Civil War spiraled from Germany and Belgium's dividing the Rwandan peoples - classifying the Tutsi as the more affluent minority and the Hutu as the poorer majority of the country.

Background
In 2012, the M23 which stands for the Mouvement du 23 Mars was created as an armed group in Rwanda operating in the DRC due to the grievances of the peace agreement that was signed on March 23, 2009, between the Congolese government and the rebel group before the M23. The failure of the peace agreement happened because of the incomplete integration of the CNDP Fighters, and Rwanda’s support of former CNDP members which was undermining the peace process. The M23 was defeated in 2013, but they rebuilt themselves in 2021, and they are one of the biggest threats to peace in the region.

The Current Situation: A Recent Shift
The conflict continues, and in response to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi has announced a major military leadership revision. This tactic addresses growing security challenges to which the M23 rebel group contributed, whose increased activity has resulted in the unlawful activity of key territories such as Katale and Masisi. This has also caused forced mass displacement and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Lieutenant-General Jules Banza Mwilambwe has been appointed the new Chief of General Staff, replacing former General Christian Tshiwewe. Senior military leaders operating in the volatile eastern regions have also been replaced. These changes were implemented because Tshisekedi attempted to regain control over the deteriorating security situation as the M23 rebels continued to advance. Even the efforts placed on the conflict are still difficult to resolve. Why? It is due to the minerals located in the region, which are gold, tantalum, cobalt, and coltan, that fuel competition among the armed groups, while external support of M23 continue to complicate the effects of stabilization in conflict. The established method of influencing the decisions and behavior of foreign governments through regional mechanisms, such as the East African Community (EAC) force, has yielded limited results, with accusations that some peacekeeping forces have worked with the M23 rather than try to challenge them. According to the United Nations, M23 and various other armed groups forced more than 520,000 people to flee their homes, and this has exacerbated an already unfortunate security and humanitarian situation in North Kivu and the eastern region.

Impact on the Civil Population:
M23, displaying over 500,000 people, has had a significant impact, making entire communities uprooted and adding to the number of people seeking refugee. Access to basic needs, which are food, water, and medical care, has been hard to obtain. Women and Children are the most affected. In addition, the United Nations reported this rampant gender-based violence, but international attention to the issue still has not been given.

Review of Government and Military Response:
The change in leadership shows the government's acknowledgment of failure to address M23 as a threat. Some critique this change as being a reactive rather than a strategic response. Civil society organizations, such a Fally Ipupa Foundation and IOM , wanted a more complete approach that addresses accountability and development in the regions experiencing these effects. The appropriate measures to address the problem is to develop plans that combat the root of the problem.

Why This Matters: A Call to Action
This crisis is not just a regional issue but a global one. The DRC contains many minerals needed to make technology, however, these minerals are exploited for their technology, which has resulted in violence and suffering. Resolving the conflict is not only for moral reasons but also for regional stability and the global supply chain attached. Human lives are being used to fuel the greed of corporations and exploit the natural resources of Congo.

The global community needs to help resolve the conflict by holding perpetrators accountable, supporting humanitarian responses, and pressuring regional participants like Rwanda to cease supporting any armed groups. Civil Society has shown resilience in the DRC, but more serious organizing needs to be taken to break the cycle of violence and build a future where we can actively see peace flourish.

In conclusion, President Tshisekedi's military change is a step in the right direction. A more holistic approach to defeating the M23 is needed. For instance this approach should redirect the priorities to building peace, justice, and development. We must continue the fight to end violence in the Congo.

Written by Victoria Webb