The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, is traveling to Botswana. He is in favor of the DRC’s continued membership of the East African Community (EAC) in order to improve cross-border trade. Despite this, the situation in the country remains worrying with the community violence which continues and the freedom to demonstrate which is threatened. However, actions are being taken to help displaced populations. The situation with Rwanda is still tense. The DRC remains a complex country with multiple challenges and fragile development prospects.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, communal violence persists and claims victims. “Mobondo” militiamen attacked the village of Batshongo and clashes broke out, causing the death of several people. The Teke and Yaka communities are also fighting over land issues, resulting in the deaths of nearly 300 people. The already precarious humanitarian situation in the country is aggravated by this instability and violence, which affects more than 5.5 million displaced people. The government must take effective measures to address security issues and assist affected populations. It is also essential to create a safer and more stable environment for private investment.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo made a pastoral visit to the diocese of Popokabaka in the Democratic Republic of Congo, addressing during his homily the current socio-economic crisis. He also inaugurated the Nganga bridge, the result of a collaboration between CENCO and the Congolese government. Despite the many challenges facing the country, entrepreneurial initiatives aim to modernize certain critical sectors such as ports. The President of the Republic also praised the investment opportunities in the DRC during his official visit to Botswana. However, the political crisis persists, endangering the freedom to demonstrate, and a book has been published revealing the harsh reality of Paul Kagame’s regime.

The Chief of Police of Kinshasa prevented the holding of an opposition rally in Limete for security reasons. The opposition cries out for the violation of the freedom to demonstrate. The political situation is tense in the DRC, and the government should respect the Constitution and listen to demands from the opposition for political relaxation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has retroceded a sum of 753 billion CDF (372.6 million USD) to the 26 provinces of the country, representing 45% of the linear forecasts. Kinshasa received the largest share with 168 billion CDF. The country’s challenges include kidnappings, flooding, modernization and security. President Felix Tshisekedi is looking to the Botswana model to reorganize the diamond industry in the DRC, while government and international initiatives to modernize the country and improve security are underway.

The NGO IPAS has closed a campaign to offer sexual and reproductive health, including safe abortion, to displaced women in the Bulengo camp, located in the city of Goma in the DRC. For a month, women had access to quality care to prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and sexual violence. This campaign was also an opportunity to create a space for dialogue on sexuality and family planning. Despite changing laws around sexual health, sexual and reproductive health remains a priority for individual well-being and the development of the country.

The Head of State of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, paid a visit to the Jwaneng mine, located 150 km from the Botswana capital, Gaborone. On site, he was able to observe the diamond production and marketing model of Botswana, the world’s largest producer. According to the Presidency of the Republic, Tshisekedi was won over by this model and wishes to implement it in his country. In addition, the President spent a day at SADC headquarters, of which he is the current President, where he met the staff and commended their professionalism. This reorganization of the diamond sector could be a step forward for the modernization of mining industries in the DRC.

The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rapidly deteriorating and requires a more robust, coordinated and effective humanitarian response. Humanitarian aid needs have increased exponentially in the provinces of North Kivu, Rutshuru, Nyiragongo, Masisi and Lubero. The resurgence of M23 has generated more than a million displacements in the region in one year. The response to this crisis requires the mobilization of more resources and increased pressure from donors. However, the crisis in the DRC is often ignored by international public opinion and underestimated. It is therefore essential to highlight the needs and challenges of the DRC to guarantee an effective response to the humanitarian crisis in the east of the country.

Journalist Michela Wrong presented her book “Rwanda, assassin sans frontières” at the University of Kinshasa during an event organized by the Student Coordination of UNIKIN and the Café Juridique. She revealed that her book upsets the lines and reveals the reality about the Kagame regime. The students appreciated the interest given to this book which questions the political reality of Rwanda. The presentation was very animated and gave rise to passionate debates.