Dec 20 Congo presidential election goes on despite conflict and logistical challenges By Sam Mednick, Ruth Alonga, Associated Press Some 44 million people — almost half the population — were expected to vote, but many, including several million displaced by conflict in the vast country's east, could struggle to cast ballots. The fighting prevented 1.5 million people from registering… Continue reading
Nov 10 U.S. asks Congo and Rwanda to de-escalate tensions as fighting near their border displaces millions By Emmanuel Igunza, Associated Press Fighting between M23 rebels and militias loyal to the Congolese army has intensified in eastern Congo. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, which Rwanda denies. Continue reading
Oct 31 A record 6.9 million people have been displaced in Congo's growing conflict, the U.N. says By Justin Kabumba Katumwa, Associated Press The region has long been overrun by dozens of armed groups seeking a share of the region's gold and other resources. Now outside multinational forces deployed to help stop the violence are under pressure to leave as frustration grows. Continue reading
May 08 Watch 3:22 News Wrap: Federal employee union sues Biden and Yellen over debt limit In our news wrap Monday, a federal employee union is suing President Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen over the debt limit, Russia launched more Iranian-made drones targeting Ukrainian cities, the death toll from a flood disaster in eastern Congo… Continue watching
May 06 Floods, landslides in Congo leave over 200 dead, many more missing By Justin Kabumba Katumwa, Associated Press The death toll from flash floods and landslides in eastern Congo has risen beyond 200, with many more people still missing, according to local authorities in the province of South Kivu. Continue reading
Feb 01 Pope Francis visits Congo, urges forgiveness for past wrongs By Nicole Winfield, Christina Malkia, Jean-Yves Kamale, Associated Press Pope Francis is urging Congo's people to find it in their hearts to forgive those who have harmed them. Continue reading
Jan 31 Pope's Africa trip spotlights conflict, church's future By Nicole Winfield, Jean-Yves Kamale, Christina Malkia, Associated Press Aid groups are hoping Francis’ trip will shine a spotlight on two of the world’s forgotten conflicts and rekindle international attention on some of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises. Continue reading
Jan 18 Tear gas fired at Congo protesters opposing presence of foreign troops By Justin Kabumba Katumwa, Associated Press Police in eastern Congo have fired tear gas at demonstrators who were protesting the arrival of foreign troops. Officials say the protest on Wednesday in Goma wasn't authorized to take place. Authorities later detained some participants, as well as some… Continue reading
Dec 27 UN reports abductions, torture, rape as conflict in Congo worsens By Sam Mednick, Associated Press According to a U.N. report by a panel of experts, scores of civilians including women and children have been killed by the M23 rebels in eastern Congo. Continue reading
Aug 11 Watch 4:54 Rainforests in the Congo Basin are under threat as the DRC opens land to oil, gas drilling By William Brangham, Teresa Cebrian Aranda, Satvi Sunkara On a multi-country tour of Africa this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been making the case that the U.S. can be a quote "equal partner" with African nations. In that vein, he recently announced a new partnership between… Continue watching