More than 45 civilians were killed in a militia attack on a camp for displaced people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province early on Monday, the United Nation's peacekeeping mission said.

The Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) group, one of many militias operating in the conflict-ridden east, was responsible for the killings at the "LALA" camp, the mission, known as MONUSCO, said in a statement.

CODECO claims to defend the interests of Lendu farmers, who have long been in conflict with Hema herders. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri province and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

Over 45 people were killed and at least 10 wounded in the attack, MONUSCO said, adding that it had liaised with provincial authorities to reinforce security in the area.

The U.N. refugee agency said armed assailants killed people, including women and children, with guns and machetes. At least 12 people were burned alive after their shelters were set on fire, it added.

Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo Tshikudi described the attack as an "act of sabotage" against attempts to restore peace and said investigations were underway.

Jean Richard Lenga, chief of Bahema Badjere district, said militiamen massacred 46 people with knives and firearms and burnt others in their homes in the middle of the camp.

"The whole village is in mourning now," he said, adding that the authorities were still searching for bodies.

Many people have fled to the nearby town of Bule, seeking safety, Lenga said.

Around 70,000 displaced people arrived in Bule between April 15 and May 15 due to armed violence in the surrounding areas, the U.N. humanitarian office (OCHA) said in its latest report.

Ituri hosts about 1.7 million internally displaced people in total, it said.

A civil rights group head, Charite Banza, said the attack happened a few days after a dialogue between armed groups in Ituri.

"We don't have security here, we say it every day," Banza said. The victims' bodies would be buried in a mass grave, he said.

CODECO has frequently targeted displacement camps. It killed about 60 people at another camp near Bule last year, in one of its deadliest massacres.

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More than 45 civilians were killed in a militia attack on a camp for displaced people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province early on Monday, the United Nation's peacekeeping mission said.

More than 45 civilians were killed in a militia attack on a camp for displaced people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province early on Monday, the United Nation's peacekeeping mission said. The Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) group, one of many militias operating in the conflict-ridden east, was responsible for the killings at the "LALA" camp, the mission, known as MONUSCO, said in a statement. CODECO claims to defend the interests of Lendu farmers, who have long been in conflict with Hema herders. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri province and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. Over 45 people were killed and at least 10 wounded in the attack, MONUSCO said, adding that it had liaised with provincial authorities to reinforce security in the area. The U.N. refugee agency said armed assailants killed people, including women and children, with guns and machetes. At least 12 people were burned alive after their shelters were set on fire, it added. Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo Tshikudi described the attack as an "act of sabotage" against attempts to restore peace and said investigations were underway. Jean Richard Lenga, chief of Bahema Badjere district, said militiamen massacred 46 people with knives and firearms and burnt others in their homes in the middle of the camp. "The whole village is in mourning now," he said, adding that the authorities were still searching for bodies. Many people have fled to the nearby town of Bule, seeking safety, Lenga said. Around 70,000 displaced people arrived in Bule between April 15 and May 15 due to armed violence in the surrounding areas, the U.N. humanitarian office (OCHA) said in its latest report. Ituri hosts about 1.7 million internally displaced people in total, it said. A civil rights group head, Charite Banza, said the attack happened a few days after a dialogue between armed groups in Ituri. "We don't have security here, we say it every day," Banza said. The victims' bodies would be buried in a mass grave, he said. CODECO has frequently targeted displacement camps. It killed about 60 people at another camp near Bule last year, in one of its deadliest massacres. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Over 45 killed as militias attack camp for displaced in Congo's Ituri

Miners in the Central African country of the Democratic Republic of Congo had a narrow escape after a gold mine collapsed, leaving several men trapped inside it.

Miners in the Central African country of the Democratic Republic of Congo had a narrow escape after a gold mine collapsed, leaving several men trapped inside it. A video now going viral on social media platforms shows nine miners popping out of the mine while one of their daredevil colleagues, defied the odds by digging with his bare hands to rescue them. The video starts with two men standing at the face of the artisanal mine located in South Kivu province with debris and rock falling from above, indicating there had been a landslide, following heavy rain. The first man, using a shovel manages to keep the mouth of the mine open while a trapped miner makes his way out with the onlookers cheering wildly. As soon as the first miner comes out, the other person leaps and begins dredging with his hands to ensure that the others can make it out in time. Soon another one appears, and then another and astonishingly nine men make it out alive and well within the next two minutes. ALSO READ | Joe Biden's son helped China get control over vast cobalt mine in Africa: Report "We quickly mobilised people to clear the rubble that was blocking the entrance. It was on the morning of this Saturday... that they managed to save these nine souls," Crispin Kayuka, a local civil society representative was quoted as saying by Reuters. Though it may seem like a one-off occasion, it is the everyday reality for the miners in the African nation. The only difference is that nobody lost their lives in the particular instance. Yesterday in DR Congo at around 2pm: artisanal copper miners saving each in Luwowo, in the Muvumboko neighbourhood pic.twitter.com/oCY2qplWKH — Nicolas Niarchos (@PerneInAGyre) March 25, 2023 × Most of the individuals in these mines work in subhuman, grinding and degrading conditions. Even in the video, none of the miners could be seen wearing any sort of protective equipment. WATCH | World of Africa: South Africa's 'unattractive mines' × To secure cobalt for the global supply chains, these miners only have pickaxes, shovels, and stretches of rebar to dig and scourge the face of the Earth. The mining industry has transformed Congo, albeit, for the bad. There has been accelerated deforestation in the country with millions of trees cut every year to make way for the mines. Additionally, the air around the mine becomes hazy and toxic due to no safety measures in place. The already scarce water supplies have become contaminated due to the toxic chemicals released by the mines in the water bodies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Nine trapped DRC miners rescued by man with bare hands in VIRAL video

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces' militants have killed over 40 people in twin attacks in eastern DR Congo, local officials said Thursday, in the latest bloodshed across the turbulent region.

The ADF, which the Islamic State group claims as its central African affiliate, is one of the deadliest armed militias in eastern Congo, accused of slaughtering thousands of civilians.&nbsp;

Fighters from the group attacked the neighbouring villages of Mukondi and Mausa, in the Beni territory of North Kivu province, during Wednesday evening and the early hours of Thursday, officials said.&nbsp;

"It's total desolation," said Kalunga Meso, a local administrator.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-islamists-kill-a-dozen-people-in-eastern-congo-attacks-365981">Read more:&nbsp;Suspected Islamists kill a dozen people in eastern Congo attacks</a>

He told AFP that 38 people had been killed in Mukondi and eight in Mausa, stressing the death toll was provisional.&nbsp;

Mumbere Arsene, a local civil-society figure, said 37 people had been killed in Mukondi and eight in Mausa.&nbsp;"All the dead people were killed with knives," he said.

AFP was unable to independently confirm the death toll.

Dozens of armed groups roam eastern Congo, a legacy of regional wars that flared in the 1990s and 2000s.&nbsp;

The ADF is among the most violent and has been accused of a string of bomb attacks and civilian massacres.

A joint Congolese-Ugandan military operation targeting the militia in the region has been underway since late 2021. but the attacks continue.&nbsp;

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Suspected Allied Democratic Forces' militants have killed over 40 people in twin attacks in eastern DR Congo, local officials said Thursday, in the latest bloodshed across the turbulent region.

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces' militants have killed over 40 people in twin attacks in eastern DR Congo, local officials said Thursday, in the latest bloodshed across the turbulent region. The ADF, which the Islamic State group claims as its central African affiliate, is one of the deadliest armed militias in eastern Congo, accused of slaughtering thousands of civilians. Fighters from the group attacked the neighbouring villages of Mukondi and Mausa, in the Beni territory of North Kivu province, during Wednesday evening and the early hours of Thursday, officials said. "It's total desolation," said Kalunga Meso, a local administrator. Read more: Suspected Islamists kill a dozen people in eastern Congo attacks He told AFP that 38 people had been killed in Mukondi and eight in Mausa, stressing the death toll was provisional. Mumbere Arsene, a local civil-society figure, said 37 people had been killed in Mukondi and eight in Mausa. "All the dead people were killed with knives," he said. AFP was unable to independently confirm the death toll. Dozens of armed groups roam eastern Congo, a legacy of regional wars that flared in the 1990s and 2000s. The ADF is among the most violent and has been accused of a string of bomb attacks and civilian massacres. A joint Congolese-Ugandan military operation targeting the militia in the region has been underway since late 2021. but the attacks continue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Militant group kills 40 in eastern Congo, dozens injured

The European Union (EU) said on Saturday (March 4) that it was setting up a "humanitarian bridge" in order to deliver aid to the conflict-hit eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo. Fighting with the rebel group M23 in Goma, the capital of Norh Kivu province has displaced more than 600,000 people. A statement from the EU said that its mission will "deliver &nbsp;humanitarian support in the form of medical and nutritional supplies along with a range of other emergency items."

The bloc also said that it was releasing about 47 million euros which will be channelled through humanitarian partners for immediate need s such as nutrition, healthcare, shelter and water.

"The EU stands ready to mobilise all the necessary means to support humanitarian workers, including logistics and air, to meet the needs of the population in &nbsp;Democratic Republic of Congo," said the EU's commissioner for crisis management Janez &nbsp;Lenarcic.

"With this Humanitarian Air Bridge operation organised with the support of France and the new fund mobilisation, we reaffirm our support to the most vulnerable".

The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the militia group M23 -- claims denied by Kigali but supported by the US and several Western nations.

The militia re-emerged from dormancy in late 2021, subsequently occupying swathes of territory in North Kivu.

President Emmanuel Macron was in the capital of DR Congo on Saturday as part of his African tour aimed at renewing frayed ties.

He met on Friday with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the neighbouring Republic of Congo, after visiting Angola and Gabon.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Union (EU) said on Saturday (March 4) that it was setting up a "humanitarian bridge" in order to deliver aid to the conflict-hit eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo.

The European Union (EU) said on Saturday (March 4) that it was setting up a "humanitarian bridge" in order to deliver aid to the conflict-hit eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo. Fighting with the rebel group M23 in Goma, the capital of Norh Kivu province has displaced more than 600,000 people. A statement from the EU said that its mission will "deliver humanitarian support in the form of medical and nutritional supplies along with a range of other emergency items." The bloc also said that it was releasing about 47 million euros which will be channelled through humanitarian partners for immediate need s such as nutrition, healthcare, shelter and water. "The EU stands ready to mobilise all the necessary means to support humanitarian workers, including logistics and air, to meet the needs of the population in Democratic Republic of Congo," said the EU's commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic. "With this Humanitarian Air Bridge operation organised with the support of France and the new fund mobilisation, we reaffirm our support to the most vulnerable". The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the militia group M23 -- claims denied by Kigali but supported by the US and several Western nations. The militia re-emerged from dormancy in late 2021, subsequently occupying swathes of territory in North Kivu. President Emmanuel Macron was in the capital of DR Congo on Saturday as part of his African tour aimed at renewing frayed ties. He met on Friday with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the neighbouring Republic of Congo, after visiting Angola and Gabon. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

European Union moves to set up 'humanitarian bridge' for aid to DRC

The heavy international pressure to lay down arms, the M23 rebel group who have seized swathes of territory in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo, began handing over positions as a part of the so-called 'good will gesture' in a ceasefire agreement.

Congo: M23 retreats from occupied territory, says 'handing Kibumba to military a goodwill gesture

The M23 rebels have announced their withdrawal from a strategic front-line position in Kibumba on Friday. The rebel group has&nbsp;vowed to exit from the territory they had seized in eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).&nbsp;The rebel group was about 20 kilometres from Goma, encompassing a commercial epicentre for over one million people.

Congolese troops and M23 were on opposite sides of Kibumba, where the front line lies on a prime highway leading to the city.&nbsp;

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In a statement, the M23 mentioned that they handed over Kibumba to East African Community's armed troops as a 'goodwill gesture.' The recent peace talks in Luanda, Angola's capital, nudged the Kinshasan officials to take advantage of the prospect.&nbsp;

In the first insurrection in 2012, the M23 invaded the place for a short time.&nbsp;The Tutsi-led group emerged again from idleness in late 2021. Since then, they have expanded across North Kivu province, an unsettled part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to escape the violence and chaos in the region.

The Democratic Republic of Congo alleged that Rwanda, their central African neighbour, have backed up M23. But Kigali denies the accusations.

WATCH|&nbsp;Bethlehem hopes for cheerful Christmas; holy city marred by pandemic impact

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However, western countries, including France and United States, and the United Nations, agree with DRC's conclusion.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Rwanda is no longer a part of the regional peacekeeping deputation. Burundi and Kenya already have their military in the region. On November 23, discussions between Rwanda and DRC in Luanda unlocked a truce agreement.&nbsp;

The agreement provisions mention that rebel group M23 must lay down their arms and withdraw from occupied areas. But the M23 rebels might still be in a position having violated the conditions of the accord. Local sources also claim that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) might have taken over Congo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The M23 rebels have announced their withdrawal from a strategic front-line position in Kibumba on Friday. The rebel group has vowed to exit from the territory they had seized in eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The M23 rebels have announced their withdrawal from a strategic front-line position in Kibumba on Friday. The rebel group has vowed to exit from the territory they had seized in eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The rebel group was about 20 kilometres from Goma, encompassing a commercial epicentre for over one million people. Congolese troops and M23 were on opposite sides of Kibumba, where the front line lies on a prime highway leading to the city. ALSO READ| Burkina Faso expels top UN official without specifying any reason In a statement, the M23 mentioned that they handed over Kibumba to East African Community's armed troops as a 'goodwill gesture.' The recent peace talks in Luanda, Angola's capital, nudged the Kinshasan officials to take advantage of the prospect. In the first insurrection in 2012, the M23 invaded the place for a short time. The Tutsi-led group emerged again from idleness in late 2021. Since then, they have expanded across North Kivu province, an unsettled part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to escape the violence and chaos in the region. The Democratic Republic of Congo alleged that Rwanda, their central African neighbour, have backed up M23. But Kigali denies the accusations. WATCH| Bethlehem hopes for cheerful Christmas; holy city marred by pandemic impact However, western countries, including France and United States, and the United Nations, agree with DRC's conclusion. Furthermore, Rwanda is no longer a part of the regional peacekeeping deputation. Burundi and Kenya already have their military in the region. On November 23, discussions between Rwanda and DRC in Luanda unlocked a truce agreement. The agreement provisions mention that rebel group M23 must lay down their arms and withdraw from occupied areas. But the M23 rebels might still be in a position having violated the conditions of the accord. Local sources also claim that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) might have taken over Congo. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

M23 rebels announce withdrawal from strategic location in volatile eastern region of DRC

On Saturday, in a statement, the Rwandan military said that an “unidentified soldier” was killed by the troops after crossing the border. The incident occurred near the “Petite Barriere” border post at nearly 1:00 am (local time) when a man wearing a Congolese military uniform and believed to be from the Democratic Republic of Congo was shot.&nbsp;

“He was shot dead by RDF patrol before causing any casualties,” said the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). They said that the soldier&nbsp;had begun shooting at Rwandan guard towers at the border post which links the city of Goma which is in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with Rwanda's Gisenyi in the Rubavu district.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-peacekeeper-killed-in-eastern-democratic-republic-of-congo-521549">UN peacekeeper killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by rebels</a>

On the other hand, Congo army spokesman Colonel Guillaume Ndjike said that a soldier was indeed missing and was later identified as a new army recruit who may have wandered across the border after being lost during a night patrol, said a report by Reuters. He added, that an investigation into the incident is underway.&nbsp;

Tensions have been mounting between Congo and Rwanda over the rebel group M23 since earlier this year. As DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting them while Rwanda has denied these allegations. The M23 began attacking Congolese army positions near the border and captured parts of the region leading thousands of people to flee.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-experts-rwanda-helping-drc-rebels-504032">UN Experts: Rwanda helping DRC rebels</a>

The incident comes a day after Keyan mediator and former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwandan president Paul Kagame agreed on the need for the M23 rebels to cease fire and withdraw from occupied territories in east Congo, said the seven-member East African Community bloc, on Friday. Meanwhile, regional efforts are underway to ease tensions between the two countries as the second round of talks will be held in Angola's capital Luanda next week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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On Saturday, in a statement, the Rwandan military said that an “unidentified soldier” was killed by the troops after crossing the border. The incident occurred near the “Petite Barriere” border post at nearly 1:00 am (local time) when a man wearing a Congolese military uniform and believed to be from the Democratic Republic of Congo was shot.

On Saturday, in a statement, the Rwandan military said that an “unidentified soldier” was killed by the troops after crossing the border. The incident occurred near the “Petite Barriere” border post at nearly 1:00 am (local time) when a man wearing a Congolese military uniform and believed to be from the Democratic Republic of Congo was shot. “He was shot dead by RDF patrol before causing any casualties,” said the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). They said that the soldier had begun shooting at Rwandan guard towers at the border post which links the city of Goma which is in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with Rwanda's Gisenyi in the Rubavu district. ALSO READ: UN peacekeeper killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by rebels On the other hand, Congo army spokesman Colonel Guillaume Ndjike said that a soldier was indeed missing and was later identified as a new army recruit who may have wandered across the border after being lost during a night patrol, said a report by Reuters. He added, that an investigation into the incident is underway. Tensions have been mounting between Congo and Rwanda over the rebel group M23 since earlier this year. As DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting them while Rwanda has denied these allegations. The M23 began attacking Congolese army positions near the border and captured parts of the region leading thousands of people to flee. ALSO WATCH | UN Experts: Rwanda helping DRC rebels The incident comes a day after Keyan mediator and former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwandan president Paul Kagame agreed on the need for the M23 rebels to cease fire and withdraw from occupied territories in east Congo, said the seven-member East African Community bloc, on Friday. Meanwhile, regional efforts are underway to ease tensions between the two countries as the second round of talks will be held in Angola's capital Luanda next week. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rwandan military killed one Congolese soldier who crossed the border, amid tensions between two countries

The Democratic Republic of Congo have bombed rebel targets in the East of the country, further escalating the country's fight against the M23 group. The DRC deployed two Sukhoi-25 jets after the M23 captured a series of settlements - a long highway leading to Goma, Congo.

Congo: Fighter jets bomb north Kivu, DRC deploys two Sukhoi-25 jets against rebels

On the same day a stampede in South Korea killed more than 150, another similarly heartbreaking incident was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reportedly, 11 people, including two police officers, died in a stampede during a music concert in a stadium in the capital city of Kinshasa.

On the same day a stampede in South Korea killed more than 150, another similarly heartbreaking incident was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reportedly, 11 people, including two police officers, died in a stampede during a music concert in a stadium in the capital city of Kinshasa. Interior Minister Daniel Aselo Okito informed that the 80,000-capacity Martyrs' stadium was playing host to African music star Fally Ipupa on Saturday when the incident transpired. "11 people dead... including two police," he told the reporters before adding that the organisers "went beyond 100 percent capacity... they must be punished." Read more: South Korea declares national mourning after 152 killed in Seoul Halloween stampede According to local media reports, the stadium was packed beyond its intended capacity and some of the crowd had made their way into the VIP and reserved sections. Several witnesses said that Kinshasa-born Ipupa, who has found global fame reported at the venue hours late. Consequently, the numbers swelled up inside the stadium and the private personnel present at the venue could not exert any control, The perilous situation inside the stadium was not much better than the condition outside where security forces fired tear gas to disperse the violent crowd that had gathered in the streets. This is the second stampede to occur at a stadium in the month of October. As reported by WION, earlier this month, a stampede at a stadium in East Java province of Indonesia after a football match killed 125 people and left many injured besides loss of property. Reportedly, after Arema's 2-3 loss to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya in the match, fighting ensued among the fans of the two clubs. Read more: Indonesia stadium stampede leaves 125 dead: As it happened Thousands of Arema supporters reportedly stormed the pitch after their team lost, which sparked fighting. Players from Persebaya left the field right away, while the Arema players who remained there were also attacked. Police fired tear gas, triggering a stampede that led to cases of suffocation, East Java police chief Nico Afinta told reporters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Stampede during concert in packed stadium of Congo leaves 11 dead, including two policemen

Fresh clashes have erupted between the army and the M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The violence killed at least four civilians and left over a dozen wounded.

Fresh clashes erupt between army and M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Environment ministers from about 50 countries will gather in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday for a "pre-COP27" climate summit, with rich nations likely to come under pressure to raise spending to combat climate change.

Environment ministers from about 50 countries will gather in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday for a "pre-COP27" climate summit, with rich nations likely to come under pressure to raise spending to combat climate change. The talks in the DRC's capital, Kinshasa, are informal but meant to allow various countries and green groups to take stock of political positions ahead of COP27 - the United Nations climate gathering of world leaders in Egypt next month. An opening ceremony will take place in the Congolese parliament building in Kinshasa, followed by discussions on mitigating climate change, and providing funding for countries already damaged by global heating and severe weather events. Delegates from about 50 countries are expected to attend the talks, including United States climate envoy John Kerry. "The emphasis will certainly be on support from industrialised countries to countries in the south," a Western diplomat recently told AFP. The last UN climate summit, COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, reaffirmed the goal, agreed in Paris in 2015 - of limiting the rise in the Earth's average temperature to well below 2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 C. That goal may already be beyond reach as the Earth's temperature is already 1.2 C higher than before the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. Poorer countries had pushed at Glasgow for a financial mechanism to address losses and damage caused by climate change. But wealthier nations, the largest polluters, rejected the call and the participants agreed instead to start a "dialogue" on financial compensation for damages. Climate justice Egypt, which is hosting COP27, has made implementing the pledge to curb global heating the priority of the November summit. Poorer countries are again likely to remind their richer counterparts of the need to increase financial support. The latter have so far failed to deliver on their promise to provide $100 billion a year to help developing countries limit climate change. Demands for climate justice were front and centre of a protest in Kinshasa last month, where young Congolese activists chanted slogans and demanded that world leaders take swift action rather than repeat old promises. The Congolese government is also expected to drive home the message that it requires funding to protect its vast rainforests, which act as a carbon sink. Around 30 billion tonnes of carbon are stored across the Congo Basin, researchers estimated in a study for Nature in 2016. The figure is roughly equivalent to three years of global emissions. However, the central African nation in July launched an auction for 30 oil and gas blocs, ignoring warnings from environmentalists that exploiting them could harm ecosystems and release vast amounts of heat-trapping gases. One of the poorest countries in the world, the DRC argues that drilling for oil and gas could help diversify its economy and benefit the Congolese people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

African climate summit starts in Congo ahead of COP27

Two people lost their lives and at least eight were severely injured as United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces opened fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday. According to the UN, the incident took place near the Uganda border and video evidence showed a person in police uniform and another in military uniform firing at the convoy behind a barrier in the city of Kasindi.

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"During this incident, soldiers from the intervention brigade of the MONUSCO force returning from leave opened fire at the border post for unexplained reasons and forced their way through," the UN mission in Kasindi said in a statement. "This serious incident caused loss of life and serious injuries."

The incident was criticised by the local government as well as the UN but both parties did not say anything about the reason behind the shooting.&nbsp; Barthelemy Kambale Siva, the North Kivu governor's representative in Kasindi, confirmed to AFP that eight people are receiving treatment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-charles-charity-accepted-donation-from-osama-bin-ladens-family-report-502217" hreflang="en">Prince Charles’ charity accepted donation from Osama bin Laden’s family: Report</a>

Kasindi has been a volatile area for quite some time and UN forces have been observing peace in the region since 1999. In 2010, UN went on to form the peacekeeping mission MONUSCO — the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The forces have not been received warmly by the locals as they continue to hold demonstrations in protest. The presence of an offensive force has stoked the fears in the local population since over the years, over 200 people have lost their lives in clashes.

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Two people lost their lives and at least eight were severely injured as United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces opened fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.

Two people lost their lives and at least eight were severely injured as United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces opened fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday. According to the UN, the incident took place near the Uganda border and video evidence showed a person in police uniform and another in military uniform firing at the convoy behind a barrier in the city of Kasindi. Also read | Russia’s Black Sea fleet headquarters hit by Ukrainian drone strike, 5 injured "During this incident, soldiers from the intervention brigade of the MONUSCO force returning from leave opened fire at the border post for unexplained reasons and forced their way through," the UN mission in Kasindi said in a statement. "This serious incident caused loss of life and serious injuries." The incident was criticised by the local government as well as the UN but both parties did not say anything about the reason behind the shooting. Barthelemy Kambale Siva, the North Kivu governor's representative in Kasindi, confirmed to AFP that eight people are receiving treatment. Also read | Prince Charles’ charity accepted donation from Osama bin Laden’s family: Report Kasindi has been a volatile area for quite some time and UN forces have been observing peace in the region since 1999. In 2010, UN went on to form the peacekeeping mission MONUSCO — the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The forces have not been received warmly by the locals as they continue to hold demonstrations in protest. The presence of an offensive force has stoked the fears in the local population since over the years, over 200 people have lost their lives in clashes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Two dead as UN peacekeepers open fire in Democratic Republic of Congo

Anti-UN intense protests in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo claimed the lives of three UN peacekeepers amongst which two were Indian Border Security Force (BSF) employees and at least 12 civilians, as a BSF&nbsp;and UN spokesperson said.&nbsp;The UN mission, MONUSCO, is accused of failing to shield civilian militia violence that has raged for years, which sparked the protests. At least five people were murdered and about 50 others were injured on the second day of the protests in Goma, the Associated Press reported. As per a senior officer, the two deceased BSP members were head constables and both belonged to Rajasthan.<o:p></o:p>

The two BSF members, Head Constable (GD) Sanwala Ram&nbsp;Vishnoi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Head Constable (GD) Shishupal&nbsp;Singh, of the UN Peacekeeping Contingent (MONUSCO) were stationed in Butembo, died on July 26 as a result of several injuries sustained during the tumultuous armed demonstrations, a BSF spokesperson said. As per officials, two platoons or approximately 70-74 BSF soldiers were stationed in the region and were inducted in May this year, PTI reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-5-killed-dozens-wounded-in-east-congo-anti-un-protest-500824">At least 5 killed, dozens wounded in east Congo anti-UN protest</a>

<o:p></o:p>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his great sorrow over the deaths of the two brave Indian peacekeepers and asked those who are responsible must be held accountable and brought to justice. &nbsp;The minister sent his sympathies to the families of the deceased.

<o:p></o:p>

Jaishankar tweeted, “The perpetrators of these outrageous attacks must be held accountable and brought to justice.”

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शोक संतप्त परिवारों के प्रति अपनी गहरी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ|
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1551973811037188096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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During a daily press conference at the UN, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN secretary general state that the violence against the UN peacekeeping force is rising in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He claimed that the attackers took weapons from the Congolese police and opened fire on the UN soldiers.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-rwanda-police-killed-congolese-soldier-as-fighting-picks-up-again-489705">In pics: Rwanda police killed Congolese soldier as fighting picks up again</a></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Haq responding to a question asked by a PTI reporter, said, “This is something that should not have happened. It is unacceptable action. And we condemn the killing of our colleagues. We do express our deepest sympathies to the families and colleagues and of course, we send our sympathies as well to the Government of India for this. I believe we've been in touch with the Indian Mission on the fallen peacekeepers,” PTI reported.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>

<o:p>(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)&nbsp;</o:p>

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Anti-UN intense protests in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo claimed the lives of three UN peacekeepers amongst which two were Indian Border Security Force (BSF) employees and at least 12 civilians, as a BSF and UN spokesperson said.

Anti-UN intense protests in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo claimed the lives of three UN peacekeepers amongst which two were Indian Border Security Force (BSF) employees and at least 12 civilians, as a BSF and UN spokesperson said. The UN mission, MONUSCO, is accused of failing to shield civilian militia violence that has raged for years, which sparked the protests. At least five people were murdered and about 50 others were injured on the second day of the protests in Goma, the Associated Press reported. As per a senior officer, the two deceased BSP members were head constables and both belonged to Rajasthan. The two BSF members, Head Constable (GD) Sanwala Ram Vishnoi and Head Constable (GD) Shishupal Singh, of the UN Peacekeeping Contingent (MONUSCO) were stationed in Butembo, died on July 26 as a result of several injuries sustained during the tumultuous armed demonstrations, a BSF spokesperson said. As per officials, two platoons or approximately 70-74 BSF soldiers were stationed in the region and were inducted in May this year, PTI reported. Also read | At least 5 killed, dozens wounded in east Congo anti-UN protest External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his great sorrow over the deaths of the two brave Indian peacekeepers and asked those who are responsible must be held accountable and brought to justice. The minister sent his sympathies to the families of the deceased. Jaishankar tweeted, “The perpetrators of these outrageous attacks must be held accountable and brought to justice.” शोक संतप्त परिवारों के प्रति अपनी गहरी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ| — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 26, 2022 × During a daily press conference at the UN, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN secretary general state that the violence against the UN peacekeeping force is rising in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He claimed that the attackers took weapons from the Congolese police and opened fire on the UN soldiers. Also read | In pics: Rwanda police killed Congolese soldier as fighting picks up again Haq responding to a question asked by a PTI reporter, said, “This is something that should not have happened. It is unacceptable action. And we condemn the killing of our colleagues. We do express our deepest sympathies to the families and colleagues and of course, we send our sympathies as well to the Government of India for this. I believe we've been in touch with the Indian Mission on the fallen peacekeepers,” PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two Indian peacekeepers killed during anti-UN protest in Congo

Belgium on Monday handed over the last remains of slain Congolese leader&nbsp;Patrice&nbsp;Lumumba&nbsp;-- a tooth -- to his family, turning a page on a grim chapter in its colonial past.

Chief prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw gave the relatives a small, bright blue box containing the tooth in a televised ceremony, and said legal action they had taken to receive the relic had delivered "justice".

The tooth was placed in a casket that was then draped in the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which celebrates&nbsp;Lumumba, who was murdered by separatists and Belgian mercenaries in 1961, as an anti-colonial hero.

Lumumba's assassination -- and the brutal history of Belgian control of the Congo -- have been enduring sources of pain between the two countries.&nbsp;

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo reiterated that his country's authorities bore a "moral responsibility" over the killing.&nbsp;

"I would like, in the presence of his family, to present in my turn the apologies of the Belgian government," he said. &nbsp;

"A man was murdered for his political convictions, his words, his ideals."

Lumumba's son Francois told Belgium's RTBF broadcaster that his relatives had been waiting "more than 60 years" for this event.

"I think it will provide solace for the family and the Congolese people," he said.&nbsp;

"We are opening a new page in history."

A fiery critic of Belgium's rapacious rule,&nbsp;Lumumba&nbsp;became his country's first prime minister after it gained independence in 1960.&nbsp;

But he fell out with the former colonial power and the United States and was ousted in a coup a few months after&nbsp;taking office.&nbsp;

He was executed on January 17 1961, aged just 35, in the southern region of Katanga, with the support of Belgian mercenaries.&nbsp;

His body was dissolved in acid and never found.

But the tooth was kept as a trophy by one of those involved, a Belgian police officer.

The tooth was seized by Belgian authorities in 2016 from the daughter of the policeman, Gerard Soete, after&nbsp;Lumumba's family filed a complaint.&nbsp;

'National mourning'

The casket containing the tooth is set to be flown back to the DRC where it will be officially laid to rest at a memorial site.&nbsp;

The country is set to hold three days of "national mourning" from 27 to 30 June -- its 62nd anniversary of independence -- to mark the burial ceremony.

Lumumba's older son Francois filed a complaint in Belgium in 2011, pointing the finger of responsibility for his father's killing at a dozen Belgian officials and diplomats. &nbsp;

The investigation for "war crimes" is still ongoing but only two of the targeted officials are still alive.&nbsp;

A Belgian parliamentary commission of enquiry in 2001 concluded that Belgium had "moral responsibility" for the assassination and the government presented the country's "apologies" a year later.&nbsp;

De Croo said Belgian officials "chose not to see, chose not to act" to stop the killing, even if they had not directly intended it to happen.&nbsp;

Lumumba's children were also received Monday by Belgium's King Philippe, who this month travelled to DR Congo to express his "deepest regrets" over the colonial past.&nbsp;

Historians say that millions of people were killed, mutilated or died of disease as they were forced to collect rubber under Belgian rule.&nbsp;The land was also pillaged for its mineral wealth, timber and ivory.

Belgium on Monday handed over the last remains of slain Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba -- a tooth -- to his family, turning a page on a grim chapter in its colonial past.

Belgium on Monday handed over the last remains of slain Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba -- a tooth -- to his family, turning a page on a grim chapter in its colonial past. Chief prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw gave the relatives a small, bright blue box containing the tooth in a televised ceremony, and said legal action they had taken to receive the relic had delivered "justice". The tooth was placed in a casket that was then draped in the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which celebrates Lumumba, who was murdered by separatists and Belgian mercenaries in 1961, as an anti-colonial hero. Lumumba's assassination -- and the brutal history of Belgian control of the Congo -- have been enduring sources of pain between the two countries. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo reiterated that his country's authorities bore a "moral responsibility" over the killing. "I would like, in the presence of his family, to present in my turn the apologies of the Belgian government," he said. "A man was murdered for his political convictions, his words, his ideals." Lumumba's son Francois told Belgium's RTBF broadcaster that his relatives had been waiting "more than 60 years" for this event. "I think it will provide solace for the family and the Congolese people," he said. "We are opening a new page in history." A fiery critic of Belgium's rapacious rule, Lumumba became his country's first prime minister after it gained independence in 1960. But he fell out with the former colonial power and the United States and was ousted in a coup a few months after taking office. He was executed on January 17 1961, aged just 35, in the southern region of Katanga, with the support of Belgian mercenaries. His body was dissolved in acid and never found. But the tooth was kept as a trophy by one of those involved, a Belgian police officer. The tooth was seized by Belgian authorities in 2016 from the daughter of the policeman, Gerard Soete, after Lumumba's family filed a complaint. 'National mourning' The casket containing the tooth is set to be flown back to the DRC where it will be officially laid to rest at a memorial site. The country is set to hold three days of "national mourning" from 27 to 30 June -- its 62nd anniversary of independence -- to mark the burial ceremony. Lumumba's older son Francois filed a complaint in Belgium in 2011, pointing the finger of responsibility for his father's killing at a dozen Belgian officials and diplomats. The investigation for "war crimes" is still ongoing but only two of the targeted officials are still alive. A Belgian parliamentary commission of enquiry in 2001 concluded that Belgium had "moral responsibility" for the assassination and the government presented the country's "apologies" a year later. De Croo said Belgian officials "chose not to see, chose not to act" to stop the killing, even if they had not directly intended it to happen. Lumumba's children were also received Monday by Belgium's King Philippe, who this month travelled to DR Congo to express his "deepest regrets" over the colonial past. Historians say that millions of people were killed, mutilated or died of disease as they were forced to collect rubber under Belgian rule. The land was also pillaged for its mineral wealth, timber and ivory.

Belgium returns tooth of murdered Congo freedom fighter Lumumba to family

On an island in the Democratic Republic of Congo, coffee bushes are bringing forth a rich harvest of berries. The primary beneficiaries will be women. This is a sector where women are notoriously sidelined and underpaid in Congo.

How Congo Women Will Benefit from Coffee?

A mountain gorilla died in the arms of his caretaker in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the park officials released the emotional picture.

The orphaned gorilla named Ndakasi was found by rangers in 2007 after her mother was reportedly killed by militias. The struggling infant at the time was rescued by the rangers and later sent to a shelter&nbsp;where her caretaker Andre Bauma took her.

Ndakasi slowly recovered as Bauma, 49, took care of her. However, she wasn't returned to the wild reportedly due to the traumatic events she had witnessed as an infant.

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It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi. 
 
C’est avec une profonde tristese que Virunga annonce le décès du gorille de montagne orpheliné Ndakasi.<a href="https://t.co/GdkJbhWESz">https://t.co/GdkJbhWESz</a> <a href="https://t.co/bsCKdEq8tB">pic.twitter.com/bsCKdEq8tB</a>
— Virunga NationalPark (@gorillacd) <a href="https://twitter.com/gorillacd/status/1445379128518189076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ndakasi lived peacefully with other orphaned gorillas at Senkwekwe centre&nbsp;under the watchful eyes of Bauma.

She was however no ordinary gorilla as one of her "selfies" along with her another gorilla Ndeze went viral on Earth Day two years ago.

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You might have recently seen caretakers Mathieu and Patrick’s amazing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/selfie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#selfie</a> with female orphaned gorillas Ndakazi and Ndeze inside the Senkwekwe center here at Virunga. Is it real? Yes! Are these gorilla gals always this cheeky? Yes! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gorillaselfie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gorillaselfie</a> <a href="https://t.co/jINBr8HXx7">pic.twitter.com/jINBr8HXx7</a>
— Virunga NationalPark (@gorillacd) <a href="https://twitter.com/gorillacd/status/1120286907563479040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Senkwekwe centre said Ndakasi died after "prolonged illness in which her condition rapidly deteriorated".

Bauma who was tormented at losing his favourite friend said, "It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered."

Several users on the internet sent their heartfelt condolences at the sad demise of the beloved&nbsp;gorilla.

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Ndakasi, the orphaned gorilla who went viral for this incredible selfie in 2019, has died in the arms of her caretaker. R.I.P. 💔 <a href="https://t.co/Nx2GBumNVJ">pic.twitter.com/Nx2GBumNVJ</a>
— Ayo Ajayi🛩🏎⛹🏾‍♂️🏇🏾🎬🎼 (@Ayomagnum) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ayomagnum/status/1445978077696118785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ndakasi, an endangered mountain gorilla at DRC's Virunga Park who appeared in ranger Andre Bauma's world-famous 2007 selfie, has died of illness at age 14, in the arms of her ranger friend Bauma. RIP Ndakasi. Thank you for your service and memories, Andre. <a href="https://t.co/aerdjPMuVo">pic.twitter.com/aerdjPMuVo</a>
— James Hall (@hallaboutafrica) <a href="https://twitter.com/hallaboutafrica/status/1445774712265527296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bauma recalled Ndakasi's "sweet nature" and "intelligence" adding that she helped him to understand the "connection between humans and the great Apes".

The emotional caretaker said he was "proud to have called Ndakasi my friend" while adding that he "loved her like a child".

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

A mountain gorilla died in the arms of his caretaker in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the park officials released the emotional picture. The orphaned gorilla named Ndakasi was found by rangers in 2007 after her mother was reportedly killed by militias.

A mountain gorilla died in the arms of his caretaker in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the park officials released the emotional picture. The orphaned gorilla named Ndakasi was found by rangers in 2007 after her mother was reportedly killed by militias. The struggling infant at the time was rescued by the rangers and later sent to a shelter where her caretaker Andre Bauma took her. Ndakasi slowly recovered as Bauma, 49, took care of her. However, she wasn't returned to the wild reportedly due to the traumatic events she had witnessed as an infant. It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi. C’est avec une profonde tristese que Virunga annonce le décès du gorille de montagne orpheliné Ndakasi.https://t.co/GdkJbhWESz pic.twitter.com/bsCKdEq8tB — Virunga NationalPark (@gorillacd) October 5, 2021 × Ndakasi lived peacefully with other orphaned gorillas at Senkwekwe centre under the watchful eyes of Bauma. She was however no ordinary gorilla as one of her "selfies" along with her another gorilla Ndeze went viral on Earth Day two years ago. You might have recently seen caretakers Mathieu and Patrick’s amazing #selfie with female orphaned gorillas Ndakazi and Ndeze inside the Senkwekwe center here at Virunga. Is it real? Yes! Are these gorilla gals always this cheeky? Yes! #gorillaselfie pic.twitter.com/jINBr8HXx7 — Virunga NationalPark (@gorillacd) April 22, 2019 × The Senkwekwe centre said Ndakasi died after "prolonged illness in which her condition rapidly deteriorated". Bauma who was tormented at losing his favourite friend said, "It was a privilege to support and care for such a loving creature, especially knowing the trauma Ndakasi suffered." Several users on the internet sent their heartfelt condolences at the sad demise of the beloved gorilla. Ndakasi, the orphaned gorilla who went viral for this incredible selfie in 2019, has died in the arms of her caretaker. R.I.P. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Nx2GBumNVJ — Ayo Ajayi🛩🏎⛹🏾‍♂️🏇🏾🎬🎼 (@Ayomagnum) October 7, 2021 × Ndakasi, an endangered mountain gorilla at DRC's Virunga Park who appeared in ranger Andre Bauma's world-famous 2007 selfie, has died of illness at age 14, in the arms of her ranger friend Bauma. RIP Ndakasi. Thank you for your service and memories, Andre. pic.twitter.com/aerdjPMuVo — James Hall (@hallaboutafrica) October 6, 2021 × Bauma recalled Ndakasi's "sweet nature" and "intelligence" adding that she helped him to understand the "connection between humans and the great Apes". The emotional caretaker said he was "proud to have called Ndakasi my friend" while adding that he "loved her like a child". (With inputs from Agencies)

'Selfie' star mountain gorilla dies in the arms of his caretaker; Twitter weeps

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo&nbsp;Kinshasa has witnessed a large number of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-countries-that-are-vaccinating-children-against-deadly-virus-389192"> COVID-19 </a>cases in the past month.

Watch:

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The WHO said Kinshasa had recorded an "exponential rise" in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

The vaccination drive in the capital&nbsp;has reportedly not taken off even as the government last month announced it had detected the Delta variant. President Felix Tshisekedi warned citizens to be alert to the fast-changing situation.

Health experts said the third wave has started in the country with the Delta and Beta variants having arrived in the country.

The vice-president of the country's&nbsp;National Assembly had earlier informed that thirty-two members of parliament had died due to the virus.

The country has reported 31,248 confirmed cases and 780 deaths so far with Kinshasa recording over 22,300 cases.

On Thursday, the capital city recorded 243 coronavirus cases sparking fear among health officials who have until now have been able to keep the virus under control.

According to the government, just over 19,000 people have been vaccinated in the country with a population of 80 million. Several people have expressed concern over the AstraZeneca vaccine after blood clot reports emerged.&nbsp;

WHO said there was a "clear deterioration" in virus cases in the country in its report.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo Kinshasa has witnessed a large number of COVID-19 cases in the past month.

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo Kinshasa has witnessed a large number of COVID-19 cases in the past month. Watch: The WHO said Kinshasa had recorded an "exponential rise" in coronavirus cases. The vaccination drive in the capital has reportedly not taken off even as the government last month announced it had detected the Delta variant. President Felix Tshisekedi warned citizens to be alert to the fast-changing situation. Health experts said the third wave has started in the country with the Delta and Beta variants having arrived in the country. The vice-president of the country's National Assembly had earlier informed that thirty-two members of parliament had died due to the virus. The country has reported 31,248 confirmed cases and 780 deaths so far with Kinshasa recording over 22,300 cases. On Thursday, the capital city recorded 243 coronavirus cases sparking fear among health officials who have until now have been able to keep the virus under control. According to the government, just over 19,000 people have been vaccinated in the country with a population of 80 million. Several people have expressed concern over the AstraZeneca vaccine after blood clot reports emerged. WHO said there was a "clear deterioration" in virus cases in the country in its report. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Clear deterioration' in virus cases in DR Congo's capital Kinshasa, warns WHO

Hospitals in DR Congo's troubled North Kivu province have been overwhelmed by people wounded by weapons after violent protests over the UN's perceived failure to stem civilian massacres, the international Red Cross said Saturday.

Anger at the country's UN mission has built up over persistent deadly massacres by a local armed group, leading to protests -- and even a general strike -- since April 5 in which around 10 people have died.

More than 120 wounded people were being treated at hospitals in the North Kivu capital Goma and in the city of Beni with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross, it said in a statement.

As of April 14, medical teams in Beni were treating 51 people wounded by weapons, including "nine new cases linked to the recent demonstrations," it said.

"Currently we have reached our limit in terms of reception capacity" in Beni, which has 43 beds, and the 74 beds in Goma's hospitals were nearly full, Red Cross spokesman Kelnor Panglungtshang said.

"Teams have been deployed for more than a week to respond to this influx," he said. 
He added that the numbers had soared following the violence in several parts of North Kivu since the start of the week.

The demonstrations -- as well as a general strike in numerous cities including Beni, Goma and Butembo -- were called by activist groups and citizen movements to condemn the alleged inaction of UN mission MONUSCO in the face of repeated civilian massacres in the Beni region.&nbsp;

In response to the violence, earlier this week the provincial governor banned all protests in North Kivu.

Doctors Without Borders said that it had taken in "17 patients, the majority of them trauma cases" following clashes between armed groups in the Masisi territory on April 9 and 10.

Beni has seen more than 6,000 people, primarily civilians, killed since 2013, according to a recent tally by the Catholic Church.&nbsp;

Authorities blame the massacres on an armed group, the Allied Democratic Forces, that the United States recently classified as a "terrorist" organisation affiliated with the Islamic State.

Hospitals in DR Congo's troubled North Kivu province have been overwhelmed by people wounded by weapons after violent protests over the UN's perceived failure to stem civilian massacres, the international Red Cross said Saturday.

Hospitals in DR Congo's troubled North Kivu province have been overwhelmed by people wounded by weapons after violent protests over the UN's perceived failure to stem civilian massacres, the international Red Cross said Saturday. Anger at the country's UN mission has built up over persistent deadly massacres by a local armed group, leading to protests -- and even a general strike -- since April 5 in which around 10 people have died. More than 120 wounded people were being treated at hospitals in the North Kivu capital Goma and in the city of Beni with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross, it said in a statement. As of April 14, medical teams in Beni were treating 51 people wounded by weapons, including "nine new cases linked to the recent demonstrations," it said. "Currently we have reached our limit in terms of reception capacity" in Beni, which has 43 beds, and the 74 beds in Goma's hospitals were nearly full, Red Cross spokesman Kelnor Panglungtshang said. "Teams have been deployed for more than a week to respond to this influx," he said. He added that the numbers had soared following the violence in several parts of North Kivu since the start of the week. The demonstrations -- as well as a general strike in numerous cities including Beni, Goma and Butembo -- were called by activist groups and citizen movements to condemn the alleged inaction of UN mission MONUSCO in the face of repeated civilian massacres in the Beni region. In response to the violence, earlier this week the provincial governor banned all protests in North Kivu. Doctors Without Borders said that it had taken in "17 patients, the majority of them trauma cases" following clashes between armed groups in the Masisi territory on April 9 and 10. Beni has seen more than 6,000 people, primarily civilians, killed since 2013, according to a recent tally by the Catholic Church. Authorities blame the massacres on an armed group, the Allied Democratic Forces, that the United States recently classified as a "terrorist" organisation affiliated with the Islamic State.

Wounded from anti-UN protests flood DR Congo hospitals

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme, a record 27.3 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing acute hunger.

UN Agencies: Scale of acute hunger in DR Congo is now ' staggering'

Ethiopia on Tuesday accused Egypt and Sudan of obstructing talks on its contested dam on the Nile, which ended with recriminations and little progress.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, as the current chair of the African Union, hosted the talks in the latest bid to ease decade-long tensions over the waters of the world's longest river.

Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project, is seen by both downstream countries as a threat to their own water supply.

Ethiopia's foreign ministry, in a statement posted on Twitter, said the meeting failed "due to Egypt and Sudan's rigid stance to make the negotiation and the outcome a tool to affirm their self-claimed water share and foreclose Ethiopia's share."

Ethiopia said talks centred on the role of observers to the mediation — South Africa, the United States and the European Union. Egypt and Sudan want them to have the same role as the AU, which Ethiopia said it does not accept.

"The two countries followed an approach which seeks to undermine the AU-led process," said the statement, adding that Egypt and Sudan had sought to stall and "obstruct the process" by rejecting the draft communique.

The final text, read by DRC foreign minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, simply noted that the meeting had taken place, listed its participants and thanked Tshisekedi for his work.

Ethiopia said it would continue with the second stage of filling the dam's reservoir as scheduled during the upcoming rainy season. The country announced last July it had met its first year filling target, infuriating Egypt and Sudan.

Sudan's foreign minister, Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, told reporters Tuesday that Ethiopia "threatens the people of the Nile basin, and Sudan directly".

"We hope that President Tshisekedi's judgement will be able to end... these interminable and insufficient negotiations in which the Ethiopian side places everyone before a fait accompli, in a way that clearly violates international law and the principles of good neighbourliness," she said.

'The first step'

Ethiopia says power produced by the GERD will be vital to meet the development needs of its 110 million people.

But the two countries downstream fear their lifeline could be threatened.

"We are talking about taking into account all 250 million souls who live in the three countries and their interests," said al-Mahdi.

The head of a team of DRC experts, David Tshishiku, insisted that the Kinshasa talks were simply the beginning of Tshisekedi's efforts to mediate the tricky dispute.

The negotiations were "the first step, on which President Tshisekedi will set out alternatives and working approaches," he told reporters.

Al-Mahdi warned that "without a new programme (for discussions), Ethiopia has an open road to place the people of the region and the entire African continent in danger".

'Unimaginable instability' 
 
The US ambassador in Kinshasa, Mike Hammer, met during the night on Monday for three hours with the delegation chiefs of the three countries in a bid to push matters forward.

Egypt has said the Kinshasa talks are the last chance to reach an agreement, after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said last week that the region faces "unimaginable stability" over the project.

"Nobody will be permitted to take a single drop of Egypt's water," he said.

Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 percent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat.

Sudan, also downstream, fears its own dams will be compromised if Ethiopia proceeds with filling the GERD before a deal is reached.

Ethiopia said in its statement that it expected the meeting to resume around the third week of April.

Ethiopia on Tuesday accused Egypt and Sudan of obstructing talks on its contested dam on the Nile, which ended with recriminations and little progress. The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, as the current chair of the African Union, hosted the talks in the latest bid to ease decade-long tensions over the waters of the world's longest river.

Ethiopia on Tuesday accused Egypt and Sudan of obstructing talks on its contested dam on the Nile, which ended with recriminations and little progress. The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, as the current chair of the African Union, hosted the talks in the latest bid to ease decade-long tensions over the waters of the world's longest river. Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project, is seen by both downstream countries as a threat to their own water supply. Ethiopia's foreign ministry, in a statement posted on Twitter, said the meeting failed "due to Egypt and Sudan's rigid stance to make the negotiation and the outcome a tool to affirm their self-claimed water share and foreclose Ethiopia's share." Ethiopia said talks centred on the role of observers to the mediation — South Africa, the United States and the European Union. Egypt and Sudan want them to have the same role as the AU, which Ethiopia said it does not accept. "The two countries followed an approach which seeks to undermine the AU-led process," said the statement, adding that Egypt and Sudan had sought to stall and "obstruct the process" by rejecting the draft communique. The final text, read by DRC foreign minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, simply noted that the meeting had taken place, listed its participants and thanked Tshisekedi for his work. Ethiopia said it would continue with the second stage of filling the dam's reservoir as scheduled during the upcoming rainy season. The country announced last July it had met its first year filling target, infuriating Egypt and Sudan. Sudan's foreign minister, Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, told reporters Tuesday that Ethiopia "threatens the people of the Nile basin, and Sudan directly". "We hope that President Tshisekedi's judgement will be able to end... these interminable and insufficient negotiations in which the Ethiopian side places everyone before a fait accompli, in a way that clearly violates international law and the principles of good neighbourliness," she said. 'The first step' Ethiopia says power produced by the GERD will be vital to meet the development needs of its 110 million people. But the two countries downstream fear their lifeline could be threatened. "We are talking about taking into account all 250 million souls who live in the three countries and their interests," said al-Mahdi. The head of a team of DRC experts, David Tshishiku, insisted that the Kinshasa talks were simply the beginning of Tshisekedi's efforts to mediate the tricky dispute. The negotiations were "the first step, on which President Tshisekedi will set out alternatives and working approaches," he told reporters. Al-Mahdi warned that "without a new programme (for discussions), Ethiopia has an open road to place the people of the region and the entire African continent in danger". 'Unimaginable instability' The US ambassador in Kinshasa, Mike Hammer, met during the night on Monday for three hours with the delegation chiefs of the three countries in a bid to push matters forward. Egypt has said the Kinshasa talks are the last chance to reach an agreement, after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said last week that the region faces "unimaginable stability" over the project. "Nobody will be permitted to take a single drop of Egypt's water," he said. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 percent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan, also downstream, fears its own dams will be compromised if Ethiopia proceeds with filling the GERD before a deal is reached. Ethiopia said in its statement that it expected the meeting to resume around the third week of April.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan trade blame as Nile dam talks fail

The Italian ambassador to Congo and an Italian Carabinieri police officer were killed Monday while travelling in Congo in a UN convoy, the Foreign Ministry said.

In a brief statement, the ministry said Luca Attanasio and the officer were killed in Goma. They were travelling in a convoy of the UN stabilization mission in Congo.

The convoy was attacked near the town of Kanyamahoro at around 10:15 am (0815 GMT) and was part of a kidnap attempt, the Virunga National Park said.

The envoy, Luca Attanasio, "died of his wounds" after a convoy of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) came under fire near Goma, the source said in Kinshasa.

Two other people also died in the attack, Major Guillaume Djike, the army's spokesman in North Kivu province said, without identifying the casualties. 
 
In January 2019, Congo experienced its first peaceful democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960 following the election of President Felix Tshisekedi.

He succeeded strongman Joseph Kabila in a disputed election marked by allegations of large-scale fraud and suspicions of a backroom deal by Kabila to install Tshisekedi over an opposition candidate who, according to leaked electoral data, was the real winner.

The resource-rich nation the size of Western Europe suffered through one of the most brutal colonial reigns ever known before undergoing decades of corrupt dictatorship.

Back-to-back civil wars later drew in a number of neighbouring countries. And many rebel groups have come and gone during the UN Mission's years of operation, at times invading the eastern regional capital, Goma, where the ambassador was killed.

The UN Peacekeeping mission, known by its acronym MONUSCO, has been working to draw down its 15,000-troop presence and transfer its security work to Congolese authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Italian ambassador to Congo and an Italian Carabinieri police officer were killed Monday while travelling in Congo in a UN convoy, the Foreign Ministry said.

The Italian ambassador to Congo and an Italian Carabinieri police officer were killed Monday while travelling in Congo in a UN convoy, the Foreign Ministry said. In a brief statement, the ministry said Luca Attanasio and the officer were killed in Goma. They were travelling in a convoy of the UN stabilization mission in Congo. The convoy was attacked near the town of Kanyamahoro at around 10:15 am (0815 GMT) and was part of a kidnap attempt, the Virunga National Park said. The envoy, Luca Attanasio, "died of his wounds" after a convoy of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) came under fire near Goma, the source said in Kinshasa. Two other people also died in the attack, Major Guillaume Djike, the army's spokesman in North Kivu province said, without identifying the casualties. In January 2019, Congo experienced its first peaceful democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960 following the election of President Felix Tshisekedi. He succeeded strongman Joseph Kabila in a disputed election marked by allegations of large-scale fraud and suspicions of a backroom deal by Kabila to install Tshisekedi over an opposition candidate who, according to leaked electoral data, was the real winner. The resource-rich nation the size of Western Europe suffered through one of the most brutal colonial reigns ever known before undergoing decades of corrupt dictatorship. Back-to-back civil wars later drew in a number of neighbouring countries. And many rebel groups have come and gone during the UN Mission's years of operation, at times invading the eastern regional capital, Goma, where the ambassador was killed. The UN Peacekeeping mission, known by its acronym MONUSCO, has been working to draw down its 15,000-troop presence and transfer its security work to Congolese authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio killed in DR Congo during kidnapping attempt

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At least 50 people are feared dead after a gold mine collapsed in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).The accident in the makeshift mine occurred on Friday following heavy rains in the town of Kamituga in South Kivu province.

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