The funeral of the late Pastor Leonard Baruti Kasongo was a poignant and significant moment for the religious community of Kinshasa. The Baruti Tabernacle Church paid a heartfelt tribute to this dedicated man of faith, whose deep spiritual legacy continues to inspire his followers. His succession by his son Carlos represents a new milestone for the church, marking the start of a new era while preserving the commitment to the community and the values advocated by the late Pastor Baruti.
The project to construct ring roads in Kinshasa by the Congolese Major Works Agency marks the start of a major transformation of the city. This work aims to resolve traffic and road congestion problems by establishing a 63 km ring road around the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although this represents a technical, logistical and human challenge, with expropriations to be expected, a commission has been established to compensate the affected owners in a fair manner. This project also has an important social and environmental dimension, aiming to promote the sustainable development of the city. The ring road works are a crucial step for the modernization of Kinshasa, demonstrating the desire of the Congolese authorities to make the capital a dynamic and attractive metropolis.
The electoral campaign for the presidential and legislative elections in Rwanda began with nine million registered voters. Paul Kagame, in office since 2000 and potentially able to stay in power until 2034, will face his former adversaries. Obstacles prevented opposition figures from running. Voters will have to choose between the continuity that Kagame represents and the renewal embodied by his adversaries, in a country in the midst of political change.
A poignant excerpt from a blog post on the recent terrorist attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala in Dagestan, Russia, highlights the chaos and terror wreaked by armed attackers in places of worship and prayer. The barbaric acts targeting civilians, police officers, an Orthodox priest and synagogues drew unanimous condemnation and underlined the urgency of a united response against terrorism. Despite the tragedy, solidarity and hope persist, reminding us that peace and justice can triumph over hatred and violence.
In the article “Fatshimetrie: The Ministers of Kwango in financial distress”, the precarious situation of members of the provincial government of Kwango in the Democratic Republic of Congo is denounced. With salaries unpaid for more than thirty months, these Ministers face a desperate financial impasse. Testifying to their distress, they raise a cry of alarm to obtain the necessary help. Without financial support, their dignity and mental health are at risk. It is urgent that concrete actions be taken to resolve this crisis and provide Kwango Ministers with the recognition and respect they deserve.
The strategic alliance between Russia and North Korea is of concern to the United States and its Asian allies, provoking mixed reactions in the region. China, a key player, is cautiously observing this strengthened cooperation while juggling regional rivalries. Russia’s rise to power alongside North Korea risks disrupting the fragile balance established with China for decades. This new diplomatic situation highlights the issues of power and influence in a complex and uncertain geopolitical context in Asia.
The Hajj, a central pillar of Islam, took place this year against a backdrop of heartbreaking tragedies, including the loss of more than 1,300 lives attributed to extreme temperatures. The poignant account of Ngatijo Wongso Sentono, who died while performing his pilgrimage, highlights the importance and challenges of this event. Saudi authorities have stressed the need to improve infrastructure to ensure the safety of pilgrims, who face increased risks from extreme weather conditions. As a sacred moment for millions of believers, the Hajj should be performed in safe conditions, preserving the dignity and lives of all participants.
The article highlights the election of Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu to the Pan-African Parliament and its opportunities for Africa. His key role within this institution offers promising prospects for Nigeria and the West African region. His appointment is seen as a chance to positively influence the legislative direction of the continent, promote collaboration between member states and contribute to the progress and development of the region. Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu is seen as an inspiring leader, a champion of African unity and a valuable asset to the Pan-African Parliament. His election marks an important milestone for Nigeria and Africa in their quest for regional development and integration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the imminent end of the intense phase of the conflict with the Hamas group in Gaza, hinting at a possible shift in focus towards Lebanon and Hezbollah. Internal tensions are being felt regarding the management of the conflict, with calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu is criticized for his strategy aimed at a partial agreement rather than a complete resolution. Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire and a total withdrawal of Israeli forces. The families of the hostages express their dissatisfaction with the idea of a withdrawal without the return of all the hostages held. Netanyahu speaks of the need to protect citizens in northern Israel from threats from Hezbollah. The situation remains complex and tense, requiring delicate management to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The UN Special Representative in the DRC, Bintou Keita, visited UN troops in North Kivu to assess their engagement in sensitive areas such as Nyiragongo and Goma. Operation Springbok aims to ensure the security of local populations and maintain peace. Ms. Keita stressed the importance of cooperation between the force and the civilian component of the mission, as well as the continued engagement of MONUSCO despite partial disengagement in other regions. This visit underlines the crucial importance of MONUSCO’s presence in guaranteeing security and stability in a region facing many challenges.