An attack on a convoy carrying gold claimed lives of two Chinese nationals and two others in the Democratic Republic of Congo's lawless east, the local authorities released a statement saying on Saturday (September 2).

The ambush, on Friday (September 1), targeted a four-vehicle convoy of TSM Mining which was carrying gold from a site near the Kimbi River in the Fizi region of South Kivu province.

The attackers "stole parcels of gold which they took away into the bush," said Sammy Badibanga Kalondji, the top local official in Fizi.

The other two who were killed in the attack were a Congolese soldier and a driver.

Kalondji said that the three others who were injured were a Chinese mine employee. two locals, a soldier and a mine worker.

He further said that the assailants were locals&nbsp;who belonged to the neighbouring Maniema region.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weakened-typhoon-saola-makes-its-way-along-southern-china-after-slamming-hong-kong-631706">Weakened Typhoon Saola makes its way along southern China after slamming Hong Kong</a>

China is a major investor in DRC, where the Asian power dominates the lucrative mineral mining industry.

South Kivu is the theatre of several attacks staged by armed groups and militias and there have been tensions and violence between locals and Chinese mining firms.

<h2>Militia attack on worshippers in Church in DR Congo kills 15</h2>

Earlier this week, at least 15 people died after militia attacked the worshippers praying in a Church in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Militiamen, who belonged to the Co-operative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO), which is a militia group involved in various brutal ethnic killings, on Sunday attacked a fishing camp in Gobu, stated Charite Banza, president of civil society in Ituri province.

The attack that took place on Sunday lasted for more than two hours, and ended with the killing of 15 people, said Banza while speaking to the AFP, further stating that seven other people died in the same area a week earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An attack on a convoy carrying gold claimed lives of two Chinese nationals and two others in the Democratic Republic of Congo's lawless east, the local authorities released a statement saying on Saturday (September 2).

An attack on a convoy carrying gold claimed lives of two Chinese nationals and two others in the Democratic Republic of Congo's lawless east, the local authorities released a statement saying on Saturday (September 2). The ambush, on Friday (September 1), targeted a four-vehicle convoy of TSM Mining which was carrying gold from a site near the Kimbi River in the Fizi region of South Kivu province. The attackers "stole parcels of gold which they took away into the bush," said Sammy Badibanga Kalondji, the top local official in Fizi. The other two who were killed in the attack were a Congolese soldier and a driver. Kalondji said that the three others who were injured were a Chinese mine employee. two locals, a soldier and a mine worker. He further said that the assailants were locals who belonged to the neighbouring Maniema region. Also read: Weakened Typhoon Saola makes its way along southern China after slamming Hong Kong China is a major investor in DRC, where the Asian power dominates the lucrative mineral mining industry. South Kivu is the theatre of several attacks staged by armed groups and militias and there have been tensions and violence between locals and Chinese mining firms. Militia attack on worshippers in Church in DR Congo kills 15 Earlier this week, at least 15 people died after militia attacked the worshippers praying in a Church in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Militiamen, who belonged to the Co-operative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO), which is a militia group involved in various brutal ethnic killings, on Sunday attacked a fishing camp in Gobu, stated Charite Banza, president of civil society in Ituri province. The attack that took place on Sunday lasted for more than two hours, and ended with the killing of 15 people, said Banza while speaking to the AFP, further stating that seven other people died in the same area a week earlier. (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 Chinese nationals, two others killed in attack on convoy carrying gold in Democratic Republic of Congo

According to a recently completed annual assessment by IMF staff, growth in the democratic republic of the Congo (DRC) sharply rebounded from 1.7 percent in 2020 to an estimated 6.2 percent in 2021, well above the 4.5 percent rate in sub-saharan Africa. The strong recovery was driven by the country’s mining and services sector performance. Even though the country is doing great on one end, that has not trickled down to the citizens who are outraged by the rate of insecurity, living conditions, and cases of sexual abuse in the east.

Outraged citizens protest

French president Emmanuel Macron had an argument with the Democratic Republic of Congo president while he was on a visit to the nation. The argument took place when Congo president reminded his French counterpart about his country's involvement in the 1994 genocide however macron bluntly rejected the blame attributed to France.

Macron to DRC Prez: You have not been able to restore sovereignty

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

East African regional leaders have renewed their call for an immediate ceasefire by all sides in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, that pits the country’s military against a rebel group that the government has accused Rwanda of supporting. The leaders meeting in Burundi, was the latest diplomatic effort to try to end the conflict, which has displaced at least 520,000 people since march 2022 in north Kivu.

World of Africa: The unending DRC conflict

At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region. On the same day, Mali’s ruling junta announced that it was expelling the head of the human rights division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

A UN peacekeeper was killed in DRC after their helicopter was attacked

At least one UN peacekeeper was killed and another injured after their aircraft came under fire at around 3:00 pm (local time) during a flight to Goma, said Amadou Ba, a spokesman for the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to AFP. He added, the source of fire that struck the helicopter was not known and neither its precise location could be determined.&nbsp;

Subsequently, in a statement, the South African military also confirmed the incident which involved an Oryx helicopter. “A crew member was fatally shot, another suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and landed safely at Goma Airport,” said the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). Meanwhile, neither South Africa nor the UN mission has indicated who might be responsible for the attack, they also did not reveal which weapon was used to fire at the helicopter.&nbsp;

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, asked the Congolese authorities to launch an investigation into the “heinous attack” and bring those responsible to justice. Similarly, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita strongly condemned the incident and described it as a “cowardly attack” on an aircraft with the UN emblem and said that “attacks against peacekeepers can constitute a war crime”.

Mali’s junta expels UN mission’s human rights chief

In a statement, the Malian interim government, on Sunday (February 5), declared the head of the UN peacekeeping mission’s human rights division, Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, as persona non grata and said he has 48 hours to leave the country. This comes after he was allegedly connected to the biased choice of civil society witnesses for UN Security Council briefings on Mali. The most recent briefing was held on January 27.&nbsp;

Notably, the officials in Mali have repeatedly come under fire for their alleged human rights violations perpetrated by Malian armed forces reportedly in partnership with the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group. This also comes days after the UN experts called for an investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by these forces in Mali in January. 
 
Notably, the current Malian government took power two years following a military coup and has since pushed back against some of the allegations by the UN, asserting their authorities are committed to respecting human rights in accordance with international and national law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region.

At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region. On the same day, Mali’s ruling junta announced that it was expelling the head of the human rights division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). A UN peacekeeper was killed in DRC after their helicopter was attacked At least one UN peacekeeper was killed and another injured after their aircraft came under fire at around 3:00 pm (local time) during a flight to Goma, said Amadou Ba, a spokesman for the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to AFP. He added, the source of fire that struck the helicopter was not known and neither its precise location could be determined. Subsequently, in a statement, the South African military also confirmed the incident which involved an Oryx helicopter. “A crew member was fatally shot, another suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and landed safely at Goma Airport,” said the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). Meanwhile, neither South Africa nor the UN mission has indicated who might be responsible for the attack, they also did not reveal which weapon was used to fire at the helicopter. In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, asked the Congolese authorities to launch an investigation into the “heinous attack” and bring those responsible to justice. Similarly, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita strongly condemned the incident and described it as a “cowardly attack” on an aircraft with the UN emblem and said that “attacks against peacekeepers can constitute a war crime”. Mali’s junta expels UN mission’s human rights chief In a statement, the Malian interim government, on Sunday (February 5), declared the head of the UN peacekeeping mission’s human rights division, Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, as persona non grata and said he has 48 hours to leave the country. This comes after he was allegedly connected to the biased choice of civil society witnesses for UN Security Council briefings on Mali. The most recent briefing was held on January 27. Notably, the officials in Mali have repeatedly come under fire for their alleged human rights violations perpetrated by Malian armed forces reportedly in partnership with the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group. This also comes days after the UN experts called for an investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by these forces in Mali in January. Notably, the current Malian government took power two years following a military coup and has since pushed back against some of the allegations by the UN, asserting their authorities are committed to respecting human rights in accordance with international and national law. (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.

UN peacekeeper killed after attack on helicopter in DRC; Mali expels UN mission's human rights chief

M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly holding civilians hostage for their alleged collaboration with opposing militias.

As per an AFP report citing local sources, the rebels initially detained around 50 people, 18 of which are still in their grasp. These people are suspected of collaborating with two anti-M23 militias: the Nyatura and the FDLR.

Watch |&nbsp;Congo: M23 retreats from occupied territory, says 'handing Kibumba to military a goodwill gesture

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However, the nephew of one of the hostages told AFP that they were "displaced people who were returning to look for food" and that they are urging the government gets involved so that their "brothers are released".

This comes just a few days after the militia group delivered the strategic town of Kibumba to a regional military force, in a move that was branded a "goodwill gesture done in the name of peace".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/m23-rebels-announce-withdrawal-from-prime-locations-in-eastern-drc-546303">M23 rebels announce withdrawal from strategic location in volatile eastern region of DRC</a>

However, on Sunday the fighting resumed in North Kivu as the Congolese army dismissed the withdrawal as a "sham".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-says-m23-executed-131-villagers-group-says-govt-pressuring-agency-to-publish-false-numbers-541248">UN: M23 executed 131 villagers last month, group says govt pressuring agency to publish false numbers</a>

Another local told the news agency that his 76-year-old father and others were arrested last week on suspicion of working with the Nyatura, and the FDLR. The people have reportedly been taken to the locality of Rutshuru-centre, which is seen as an M23 stronghold.

As per local residents fighting between M23, the army and the self-defence militias continued on Monday. Citing a military source the agency further reports that the army and local militia faced off with M23 in the Bishusha and Tongo settlements. the army is reportedly "holding its position".

(With inputs from agencies)

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M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly holding civilians hostage for their alleged collaboration with opposing militias. As per an AFP report citing local sources, the rebels initially detained around 50 people, 18 of which are still in their grasp.

M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly holding civilians hostage for their alleged collaboration with opposing militias. As per an AFP report citing local sources, the rebels initially detained around 50 people, 18 of which are still in their grasp. These people are suspected of collaborating with two anti-M23 militias: the Nyatura and the FDLR. Watch | Congo: M23 retreats from occupied territory, says 'handing Kibumba to military a goodwill gesture However, the nephew of one of the hostages told AFP that they were "displaced people who were returning to look for food" and that they are urging the government gets involved so that their "brothers are released". This comes just a few days after the militia group delivered the strategic town of Kibumba to a regional military force, in a move that was branded a "goodwill gesture done in the name of peace". Also read | M23 rebels announce withdrawal from strategic location in volatile eastern region of DRC However, on Sunday the fighting resumed in North Kivu as the Congolese army dismissed the withdrawal as a "sham". Also read | UN: M23 executed 131 villagers last month, group says govt pressuring agency to publish false numbers Another local told the news agency that his 76-year-old father and others were arrested last week on suspicion of working with the Nyatura, and the FDLR. The people have reportedly been taken to the locality of Rutshuru-centre, which is seen as an M23 stronghold. As per local residents fighting between M23, the army and the self-defence militias continued on Monday. Citing a military source the agency further reports that the army and local militia faced off with M23 in the Bishusha and Tongo settlements. the army is reportedly "holding its position". (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.

M23 rebels in DR Congo hold civilians hostage on suspicion of collaboration with rival militias

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;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burkina-faso-expels-top-un-official-without-specifying-any-reason-546294">Burkina Faso expels top UN official without specifying any reason</a>

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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&nbsp;

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

United Nations on Thursday said that militant group M23 has executed 131 villagers in retaliatory killings in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo late last month as part of a campaign of murder, rape, kidnapping, and looting.

102 men, 17 women and 12 children "were arbitrarily executed with bullets or bladed weapons," said the UN in a statement, adding that "Eight people were wounded by bullets and 60 others kidnapped. At least 22 women and five girls were raped."

Watch |&nbsp;Congo: Fighter jets bomb north Kivu, DRC deploys two Sukhoi-25 jets against rebels

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The atrocities in the villages of Kishishe and Bambo on November 29-30 were carried out in retaliation for fights between M23 and competing armed groups, according to a preliminary inquiry by the UN peacekeeping operation (MONUSCO) and the Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO).

Nearby communities of Kishishe and Bambo were at the centre of the investigation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/m23-rebel-group-responsible-for-massacre-of-300-civilians-in-dr-congo-says-govt-540545">M23 rebel group responsible for massacre of 300 civilians in DR Congo, says govt</a>

However, due to security concerns, investigators were unable to visit the villages, so they instead conducted 52 interviews with victims and witnesses in the nearby town of Rwindi, which is roughly 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kishishe, where survivors and witnesses had sought safety.

"MONUSCO condemns in the strongest terms the unspeakable violence against civilians and calls for unrestricted access to the scene and the victims for emergency humanitarian assistance," said the UN in its statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dr-congo-accuses-m23-rebels-of-civilian-massacre-breaching-truce-539250">DR Congo accuses M23 rebels of civilian massacre, breaching truce</a>

M23 is allegedly responsible for as many as 272 deaths, according to the government. The militia, which this year has taken control of a number of towns close to the borders of Uganda and Rwanda, has denied responsibility and demanded a thorough inquiry.

"We gave our version of the facts. We asked that there be investigations together with us in Kishishe but the UN never came," Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesman for M23, told Reuters.&nbsp;He claimed that the government was pressuring the UN to present a number, "even if it is false".

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations on Thursday said that militant group M23 has executed 131 villagers in retaliatory killings in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo late last month as part of a campaign of murder, rape, kidnapping, and looting.

United Nations on Thursday said that militant group M23 has executed 131 villagers in retaliatory killings in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo late last month as part of a campaign of murder, rape, kidnapping, and looting. 102 men, 17 women and 12 children "were arbitrarily executed with bullets or bladed weapons," said the UN in a statement, adding that "Eight people were wounded by bullets and 60 others kidnapped. At least 22 women and five girls were raped." Watch | Congo: Fighter jets bomb north Kivu, DRC deploys two Sukhoi-25 jets against rebels The atrocities in the villages of Kishishe and Bambo on November 29-30 were carried out in retaliation for fights between M23 and competing armed groups, according to a preliminary inquiry by the UN peacekeeping operation (MONUSCO) and the Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO). Nearby communities of Kishishe and Bambo were at the centre of the investigation. Also read | M23 rebel group responsible for massacre of 300 civilians in DR Congo, says govt However, due to security concerns, investigators were unable to visit the villages, so they instead conducted 52 interviews with victims and witnesses in the nearby town of Rwindi, which is roughly 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kishishe, where survivors and witnesses had sought safety. "MONUSCO condemns in the strongest terms the unspeakable violence against civilians and calls for unrestricted access to the scene and the victims for emergency humanitarian assistance," said the UN in its statement. Also read | DR Congo accuses M23 rebels of civilian massacre, breaching truce M23 is allegedly responsible for as many as 272 deaths, according to the government. The militia, which this year has taken control of a number of towns close to the borders of Uganda and Rwanda, has denied responsibility and demanded a thorough inquiry. "We gave our version of the facts. We asked that there be investigations together with us in Kishishe but the UN never came," Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesman for M23, told Reuters. He claimed that the government was pressuring the UN to present a number, "even if it is false". (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.

UN: M23 executed 131 villagers last month, group says govt pressuring agency to publish false numbers

M23 the rebel military group has announced that the recently declared ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which was aimed in particular at stopping their attacks, "doesn't really concern" them.

Calling for a direct dialogue with the DRC government the rebel group said "M23 has seen the document on social media... There was nobody in the summit (from M23) so it doesn't really concern us."

Watch |&nbsp;African leaders agree on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in violence-torn eastern DRC

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Speaking to AFP, the group's political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka added that "Normally when there is a ceasefire it is between the two warring sides."

He said that&nbsp;the rebels established a "unilateral ceasefire" in April and claimed that as per him it was still in effect.

In a declaration issued by the leaders of the African nations of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Angola, along with former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said that M23 has to comply with the ceasefire and also withdraw from its occupied territories. It warned that if the group fails to do this, it will face intervention by regional forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-leaders-agree-on-ceasefire-in-east-congo-from-friday-537065">African leaders agree on ceasefire in east Congo from Friday, aim to stop M23 rebel group attacks</a>

"If M23 does not withdraw the East African Community (EAC) heads of states shall authorise the use of force to compel the group to comply."&nbsp;

However, Kanyuka declared "we will still be there".&nbsp;

"If tomorrow at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), or in the morning, the government doesn't attack us, we will still be there," he said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-threats-to-the-dr-congo-rainforest-grow-scientists-battle-to-conserve-it-515455">As threats to the DR Congo rainforest grow, scientists battle to conserve it</a>

Otherwise, "we are defending ourselves," he added.

To address the underlying issues that lead to conflicts, he claimed that the group was, "always ready for a direct dialogue with the Congolese government."

The ceasefire was reached at a mini-summit in the Angolan capital of Luanda on Wednesday.&nbsp;

It calls for the end of hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as of Friday night and the M23 rebels' "withdrawal to their initial positions" after evacuating "occupied zones."

Ruling out direct negotiations with the group Congo's foreign minister, Christophe Lutundula, said: "Tomorrow, 6:00 pm, the M23 must stop all its attacks" during a press conference on Thursday in Kinshasa.

(With inputs from agencies)

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M23 the rebel military group has announced that the recently declared ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which was aimed in particular at stopping their attacks, "doesn't really concern" them.

M23 the rebel military group has announced that the recently declared ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which was aimed in particular at stopping their attacks, "doesn't really concern" them. Calling for a direct dialogue with the DRC government the rebel group said "M23 has seen the document on social media... There was nobody in the summit (from M23) so it doesn't really concern us." Watch | African leaders agree on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in violence-torn eastern DRC Speaking to AFP, the group's political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka added that "Normally when there is a ceasefire it is between the two warring sides." He said that the rebels established a "unilateral ceasefire" in April and claimed that as per him it was still in effect. In a declaration issued by the leaders of the African nations of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Angola, along with former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said that M23 has to comply with the ceasefire and also withdraw from its occupied territories. It warned that if the group fails to do this, it will face intervention by regional forces. Also read | African leaders agree on ceasefire in east Congo from Friday, aim to stop M23 rebel group attacks "If M23 does not withdraw the East African Community (EAC) heads of states shall authorise the use of force to compel the group to comply." However, Kanyuka declared "we will still be there". "If tomorrow at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), or in the morning, the government doesn't attack us, we will still be there," he said. Also read | As threats to the DR Congo rainforest grow, scientists battle to conserve it Otherwise, "we are defending ourselves," he added. To address the underlying issues that lead to conflicts, he claimed that the group was, "always ready for a direct dialogue with the Congolese government." The ceasefire was reached at a mini-summit in the Angolan capital of Luanda on Wednesday. It calls for the end of hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as of Friday night and the M23 rebels' "withdrawal to their initial positions" after evacuating "occupied zones." Ruling out direct negotiations with the group Congo's foreign minister, Christophe Lutundula, said: "Tomorrow, 6:00 pm, the M23 must stop all its attacks" during a press conference on Thursday in Kinshasa. (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.

African leaders' DRC ceasefire agreement 'doesn't really concern us', says rebel military group M23

Kenyan President William Ruto is currently on a DRC visit. Regional nations have joined forces to fight rebels. Watch this report for all the details.

Kenyan President William Ruto on DRC visit as regional nations join forces to fight rebels

On his first state visit to DRC the Kenyan president, William Ruto has conveyed Nairobi's willingness to fight the rebel groups operating in the east of the country. Watch this report to know more.

Kenyan President Ruto plans to be aggressive with rebel groups in DRC

Thousands have displaced in the volatile Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo as fighting between Army and M23 rebels moves close to the key city of Goma.

Fears of humanitarian crisis in DRC, thousands flee as fighting between Army, M23 rebels resumes

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

As recent months witness a deterioration in regional relations in central Africa, DRC Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula met with his Rwandan counterpart Vincent Biruta met in Angola on Saturday in the latest attempt to defuse tensions between the neighbouring nations.

The meeting takes place in the midst of conflict in the eastern DRC between a rebel militia organisation called M23 and the Congolese army, with rebels recently taking large portions of fresh territory.

Watch |&nbsp;Fresh clashes erupt between army and M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

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According to an AFP report, Joao Lourenco, the president of Angola&nbsp;hosted the two ministers in Luanda.&nbsp;Before this too Angola had made attempts to normalise ties between its two neighbours, however to no avail.

In July, following a meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the DRC declared that a "de-escalation process" had been agreed upon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-union-extremely-concerned-over-deteriorating-security-situation-in-dr-congo-529728">African Union 'extremely concerned' over deteriorating security situation in DR Congo</a>

Lourenco went one step further and declared a "ceasefire," but fighting persisted the following day on the ground.

Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the fighting between the rebels and the Congolese army in North Kivu.

DRC recently accused its smaller neighbour Rwanda of supporting the M23 militia that has uprooted tens of thousands of people.&nbsp;

The accusations have been consistently refuted by Kigali, which has led to a deterioration in its relations with its neighbour Kinshasa.&nbsp;At the end of the previous month, the DRC had even dismissed the ambassador of Rwanda and called back its own representative from Kigali.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As recent months witness a deterioration in regional relations in central Africa, DRC Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula met with his Rwandan counterpart Vincent Biruta met in Angola on Saturday in the latest attempt to defuse tensions between the neighbouring nations.

As recent months witness a deterioration in regional relations in central Africa, DRC Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula met with his Rwandan counterpart Vincent Biruta met in Angola on Saturday in the latest attempt to defuse tensions between the neighbouring nations. The meeting takes place in the midst of conflict in the eastern DRC between a rebel militia organisation called M23 and the Congolese army, with rebels recently taking large portions of fresh territory. Watch | Fresh clashes erupt between army and M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo According to an AFP report, Joao Lourenco, the president of Angola hosted the two ministers in Luanda. Before this too Angola had made attempts to normalise ties between its two neighbours, however to no avail. In July, following a meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the DRC declared that a "de-escalation process" had been agreed upon. Also read | African Union 'extremely concerned' over deteriorating security situation in DR Congo Lourenco went one step further and declared a "ceasefire," but fighting persisted the following day on the ground. Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the fighting between the rebels and the Congolese army in North Kivu. DRC recently accused its smaller neighbour Rwanda of supporting the M23 militia that has uprooted tens of thousands of people. The accusations have been consistently refuted by Kigali, which has led to a deterioration in its relations with its neighbour Kinshasa. At the end of the previous month, the DRC had even dismissed the ambassador of Rwanda and called back its own representative from Kigali. (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.

As tensions escalate between neighbours, DRC and Rwandan foreign ministers meet in Angola

UN peacekeepers in DRC fathered & abandoned countless children. In testimonies given to investigators, Congolese women recalled being raped by UN troops & getting impregnated at a young age. UN soldiers also reportedly indulged in sex trafficking. Palki Sharma reports

Gravitas: UN peacekeepers fathered children in DRC

Experts from the United Nations said that they have concrete evidence that the Rwandan troops have been fighting alongside rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since May, fighters from the M23 group have been waging their most sustained offensive in years, killing dozens and displacing tens of thousands of people.

UN Experts: Rwanda helping DRC rebels

Three UN peacekeepers were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this occurred as anti-UN Protesters tried to invade UN offices in the eastern region of the country.

Anti-UN protests in DRC: 3 UN peacekeepers killed; India calls for urgent UNSC meet

Africa, one of the most under-reported continents in the media sphere is now evolving fast. Catch all the latest vibrant, untold & intriguing stories on One Africa with Erik Njoka every Tuesday on WION.

One Africa: DRC-Rwanda faceoff over M23 rebels

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accused Rwanda of supporting the resurgence of M23 rebels, a development that has renewed long-standing tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Fresh tensions brew between Rwanda & DR Congo

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident.

Both sources told Reuters that the CODECO militia was responsible for the killings at about 0200 GMT at the Savo camp in Ituri province.

Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo confirmed the attack by CODECO and gave a provisional toll of about 20 dead.

Congolese troops came into contact with the militia Tuesday night but the assailants changed direction and got past them to reach the camp, he said.

CODECO is one of an array of militias operating in eastern Congo amid longstanding tensions over land and resources. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

In recent months it has targeted displacement camps, where some people had settled after fleeing other attacks by CODECO.

"I first heard cries when I was still in bed. Then several minutes of gunshots. I fled and I saw torches and people crying for help and I realized it was the CODECO militiamen who had invaded our site," said Lokana Bale Lussa, a camp resident.

"We have counted more than 60 dead and (more) seriously injured," he said. "We really need security because we can`t access our farms and now we`re pursued even in our camps."

Charite Banza Bavi, president of the humanitarian group for the Bahema-North area, put the death toll at 63.

"Initial reports indicate that as many as 59 civilians were killed and a further 40 injured," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said in a statement. Two students at a school supported by the NRC were among the dead, it added, and the assailants had used both guns and machetes.

Before Wednesday, the NRC said, about 68 people had been killed in attacks on five different camps in the same area since November.

CODECO`s fighters are drawn mainly from the Lendu farming community, which has long been in conflict with Hema herders.

The Savo displacement site is home to 24,000 people, among 1.7 million displaced in Ituri province, the NRC said. At least 1,200 civilians were killed in Ituri province in 2021.

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident.

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident. Both sources told Reuters that the CODECO militia was responsible for the killings at about 0200 GMT at the Savo camp in Ituri province. Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo confirmed the attack by CODECO and gave a provisional toll of about 20 dead. Congolese troops came into contact with the militia Tuesday night but the assailants changed direction and got past them to reach the camp, he said. CODECO is one of an array of militias operating in eastern Congo amid longstanding tensions over land and resources. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. In recent months it has targeted displacement camps, where some people had settled after fleeing other attacks by CODECO. "I first heard cries when I was still in bed. Then several minutes of gunshots. I fled and I saw torches and people crying for help and I realized it was the CODECO militiamen who had invaded our site," said Lokana Bale Lussa, a camp resident. "We have counted more than 60 dead and (more) seriously injured," he said. "We really need security because we can`t access our farms and now we`re pursued even in our camps." Charite Banza Bavi, president of the humanitarian group for the Bahema-North area, put the death toll at 63. "Initial reports indicate that as many as 59 civilians were killed and a further 40 injured," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said in a statement. Two students at a school supported by the NRC were among the dead, it added, and the assailants had used both guns and machetes. Before Wednesday, the NRC said, about 68 people had been killed in attacks on five different camps in the same area since November. CODECO`s fighters are drawn mainly from the Lendu farming community, which has long been in conflict with Hema herders. The Savo displacement site is home to 24,000 people, among 1.7 million displaced in Ituri province, the NRC said. At least 1,200 civilians were killed in Ituri province in 2021.

At least 60 people killed in militia attack in eastern DR Congo

At least 6 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a restaurant and bar on Christmas day in the eastern Congolese town, where Islamic extremists are known to be active.

More than 30 people were celebrating Christmas in Beni when the bomb went off, two witnesses told AFP. According to reports, two children and women were among the dead.

Officials have blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) for Saturday’s attack. The militia is one of the deadliest armed groups in the region and is claimed by the Islamic State&nbsp;group as its central Africa region.

The attack is the second suicide bombing incident that has taken place in eastern Congo this year. Earlier, the ADF forces claimed responsibility for the attack near another bar in Beni, which had caused no casualties.

Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, regional governor’s spokesperson, said that 14 people were injured in the blast.

“The suicide bomber, prevented by security guards from entering a crowded bar, activated the bomb at the entrance of the bar,” he said in a statement.

Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi said in a statement on Twitter that he "strongly condemns" the "odious" attack.

Beni, near the DRC’s eastern border with Uganda, has been the site of regular clashes between the Congolese army and the ADF.

In recent years, the town has also suffered an Ebola epidemic and has seen several smaller outbreaks of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 6 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a restaurant and bar on Christmas day in the eastern Congolese town, where Islamic extremists are known to be active.

At least 6 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a restaurant and bar on Christmas day in the eastern Congolese town, where Islamic extremists are known to be active. More than 30 people were celebrating Christmas in Beni when the bomb went off, two witnesses told AFP. According to reports, two children and women were among the dead. Officials have blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) for Saturday’s attack. The militia is one of the deadliest armed groups in the region and is claimed by the Islamic State group as its central Africa region. The attack is the second suicide bombing incident that has taken place in eastern Congo this year. Earlier, the ADF forces claimed responsibility for the attack near another bar in Beni, which had caused no casualties. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, regional governor’s spokesperson, said that 14 people were injured in the blast. “The suicide bomber, prevented by security guards from entering a crowded bar, activated the bomb at the entrance of the bar,” he said in a statement. Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi said in a statement on Twitter that he "strongly condemns" the "odious" attack. Beni, near the DRC’s eastern border with Uganda, has been the site of regular clashes between the Congolese army and the ADF. In recent years, the town has also suffered an Ebola epidemic and has seen several smaller outbreaks of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 6 killed, 14 injured in Christmas Day bombing in east Congo

A record 27.3 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing acute hunger, one-third of the violence-wracked central African country's population, two UN agencies warned on Tuesday.

One in three people critically hungry in DR Congo, says UN

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 30 Ebola virus cases and 15 related deaths so far.

The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the 55-member African Union, reported a fatality rate of 50 per cent in the two countries.

Official figures reported to the agency showed that the DRC had 12 cases and six deaths while Guinea had 18 cases and nine deaths, the Africa CDC said in a statement issued late Tuesday.

According to the Africa CDC, Guinea and DRC have so far reported eight Ebola virus recoveries, six and two, respectively.

Seven healthcare workers are amongst the confirmed cases, two in DRC and five in Guinea, according to the agency.

The Africa CDC, in its Ebola virus cross-border updates, indicated that between February 15 to March 12, some 18 Ebola virus-related alerts were reported in Sierra Leone.

It, however, stressed that all alerts were investigated and tested negative for the Ebola virus, as it emphasized that there are no confirmed Ebola cases from Sierra Leone so far.

Meanwhile, the agency called on all African countries to enhance their cross-border surveillance efforts by mapping population movements to identify all potential crossing points where there is risk of disease spread.

African countries have been urged to set up screening posts and conduct health screenings for travellers with signs of Ebola, as well as implement public health measures at border crossing points including temperature monitoring, and infection prevention and control measures.

It also called on AU members to continue performing contact tracing and follow up of all probable and confirmed cases, as well as enhance infection prevention and control measures in health care settings, health care workers protection and practice safe and dignified burial.

New outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus disease in the two African countries are sending new jitters to Africa as the continent is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola virus outbreak claimed over 11,300 lives, with over 28,600 recorded cases.

Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalized pain or malaise and in many cases internal and external bleeding.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 30 Ebola virus cases and 15 related deaths so far.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 30 Ebola virus cases and 15 related deaths so far. The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the 55-member African Union, reported a fatality rate of 50 per cent in the two countries. Official figures reported to the agency showed that the DRC had 12 cases and six deaths while Guinea had 18 cases and nine deaths, the Africa CDC said in a statement issued late Tuesday. According to the Africa CDC, Guinea and DRC have so far reported eight Ebola virus recoveries, six and two, respectively. Seven healthcare workers are amongst the confirmed cases, two in DRC and five in Guinea, according to the agency. The Africa CDC, in its Ebola virus cross-border updates, indicated that between February 15 to March 12, some 18 Ebola virus-related alerts were reported in Sierra Leone. It, however, stressed that all alerts were investigated and tested negative for the Ebola virus, as it emphasized that there are no confirmed Ebola cases from Sierra Leone so far. Meanwhile, the agency called on all African countries to enhance their cross-border surveillance efforts by mapping population movements to identify all potential crossing points where there is risk of disease spread. African countries have been urged to set up screening posts and conduct health screenings for travellers with signs of Ebola, as well as implement public health measures at border crossing points including temperature monitoring, and infection prevention and control measures. It also called on AU members to continue performing contact tracing and follow up of all probable and confirmed cases, as well as enhance infection prevention and control measures in health care settings, health care workers protection and practice safe and dignified burial. New outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus disease in the two African countries are sending new jitters to Africa as the continent is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola virus outbreak claimed over 11,300 lives, with over 28,600 recorded cases. Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalized pain or malaise and in many cases internal and external bleeding.

Ebola infects 30, kills 15 in Guinea, DRC

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.

At least 50 killed in gold mine collapse in Democratic Republic of Congo

Johnson & Johnson, the producer of a new vaccine aimed at protecting people against the Ebola virus, announced on Sunday it would be providing 200,000 Ebola vaccines to Rwanda to stop the virus spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Vaccination programme begins to stop Ebola spread

Rwanda has shut its frontier with the Ebola-hit Democratic Republic of Congo after a third case of the deadly virus was detected in the border city of Goma, the Congolese presidency said Thursday.

In a statement, it said there had been a "unilateral decision by the Rwandan authorities" that affected citizens from both countries who had to cross the border as part of their daily life.

Goma, a city of two million people and a major transport hub, shares the border with the Rwandan city of Gisenyi, which has a population of more than 85,000.

Cross-frontier links are intense. Many people have jobs on the other side of the border while others have homes or put their children in schools in the neighbouring city.

"On the basis of a unilateral decision by the Rwandan authorities, Rwandan citizens cannot go to Goma and Congolese cannot leave Gisenyi but are prevented from going home," the statement said.

"This decision harms a number of Congolese and expatriates who live in Gisenyi but work in Goma."

The announcement came just hours after the third case of Ebola was recorded in Goma, widening the scope of the epidemic on its first anniversary.

Since August 1 2018, 1,803 lives have been lost in the second-worst outbreak of Ebola on record, according to figures released Wednesday.&nbsp;

Two of the three cases in Goma have died, sparking a race to find people who have had contact with these patients.

Health experts fear outbreaks of contagious diseases in major cities.

In an urban setting, the density of population, anonymity and high mobility make it far harder to isolate patients and trace contacts compared to the countryside.

Rwanda has shut its frontier with the Ebola-hit Democratic Republic of Congo after a third case of the deadly virus was detected in the border city of Goma, the Congolese presidency said Thursday.

Rwanda has shut its frontier with the Ebola-hit Democratic Republic of Congo after a third case of the deadly virus was detected in the border city of Goma, the Congolese presidency said Thursday. In a statement, it said there had been a "unilateral decision by the Rwandan authorities" that affected citizens from both countries who had to cross the border as part of their daily life. Goma, a city of two million people and a major transport hub, shares the border with the Rwandan city of Gisenyi, which has a population of more than 85,000. Cross-frontier links are intense. Many people have jobs on the other side of the border while others have homes or put their children in schools in the neighbouring city. "On the basis of a unilateral decision by the Rwandan authorities, Rwandan citizens cannot go to Goma and Congolese cannot leave Gisenyi but are prevented from going home," the statement said. "This decision harms a number of Congolese and expatriates who live in Gisenyi but work in Goma." The announcement came just hours after the third case of Ebola was recorded in Goma, widening the scope of the epidemic on its first anniversary. Since August 1 2018, 1,803 lives have been lost in the second-worst outbreak of Ebola on record, according to figures released Wednesday. Two of the three cases in Goma have died, sparking a race to find people who have had contact with these patients. Health experts fear outbreaks of contagious diseases in major cities. In an urban setting, the density of population, anonymity and high mobility make it far harder to isolate patients and trace contacts compared to the countryside.

Rwanda seals Congo border after third Ebola case in Goma

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is staring at hunger crisis says the World Food Programme. According to World Food Programme, about 13 million congolese are food insecure.

Congo: 5.8 million children & women suffer from acute malnutrition

Three cases of Ebola have emerged in Uganda, a neighbouring country to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), officials said on Wednesday (June 12).

New Ebola cases in Uganda raise fears of further spread

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opposition-leader-felix-tshisekedi-declared-winner-in-dr-congo-presidential-election-189319">Opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi</a> was on Thursday declared winner of DR Congo's presidential election, but his victory was dismissed by the runner-up and questioned by the Catholic church, clouding the vote's legitimacy and hopes of peace.

In a pre-dawn announcement, election officials named Tshisekedi, son of the country's long-term opposition leader, provisional winner of the troubled vote to replace President Joseph Kabila.&nbsp;

The news brought thousands of supporters onto the streets while others who had backed his opposition rival Martin Fayulu came out in protest. Four people died in unrest.

Fayulu, who came a close second, denounced the result as an "electoral coup". The Democratic Republic of Congo's influential Catholic church also said Tshisekedi's victory did not tally with data collected by its own monitors.&nbsp;

"These results have nothing to do with the truth at the ballot box," Fayulu told Radio France International.&nbsp;

"They have stolen the Congolese people's victory and the people will never accept that."

At stake is political stewardship of the notoriously unstable central African nation, which has never known a peaceful transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960.

Election chief Corneille Nangaa declared Tshisekedi the winner with 38.57 per cent of the 30 December vote, just ahead of Fayulu with 34.8 per cent.&nbsp;

Kabila's preferred successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, came a distant third with 23.8 per cent.

Results of parliamentary elections, which were held alongside the presidential vote, are expected on Friday evening and the pro-Kabila majority are already claiming to have won the house.

The last two elections in 2006 and 2011, both of which were won by Kabila, were marred by bloodshed, and many fear a repeat of the violence if the result lacks credibility.&nbsp; 
Two civilians and two policemen were killed Thursday and another 10 people injured when a protest erupted in the western city of Kikwit, a Fayulu stronghold, police said.&nbsp;

Wild celebrations

In Kinshasa, thousands of people converged upon the headquarters of Tshisekedi's Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the country's oldest and largest opposition party, singing and dancing at his surprise victory.&nbsp;

Pouring onto the streets, they celebrated wildly, cheering and honking car horns in scenes of joy that lasted into the morning under the bemused eye of the security forces who had fanned out across the capital.&nbsp;

In his first remarks after the result, the portly 55-year-old, who has never held high office or even a managerial role, immediately pledged to work closely with Kabila.&nbsp;

"Today we should no longer see him as an adversary, but rather as a partner for democratic change in our country," he told supporters.

But elsewhere in Kinshasa, the mood was sombre, with representatives of the Catholic church openly disputing the figures released by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI).

"The result of the presidential election as published by CENI does not correspond with the data collected by our observer mission from polling stations and counting centres," said Father Donatien Nshole, spokesman for CENCO, which represents the country's Catholic bishops.

The Church has long been pressing for the departure of Kabila, who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 2001, well beyond the limit of his second and final term in December 2016.

Calls for calm

Abroad, the mood was watchful, marked by a noticeable lack of congratulations for Tshisekedi.&nbsp;

Many have eyed the developments in sub-Saharan Africa's largest country with concern, with the United Nations leading calls to avoid violence.&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian dismissed Tshisekedi's victory as "not consistent" with the actual results, indicating that Fayulu had won, while the US State Department demanded "clarification" over the result and urged "all stakeholders to remain calm".

The African Union said it "took note" of the result and warned any dispute over the outcome should be "resolved peacefully".

The European Union said it was awaiting clarification from international observers.&nbsp;

In contrast, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged "all regional and international interested parties to refrain from speculation" and let the election board complete its work. &nbsp;

The announcement of an opposition win was a shock as many had expected the results to be stacked in Shadary's favour, prompting heavy international pressure on Kinshasa to respect the wishes of the electorate.&nbsp;

'Tshisekedi debt to Kabila'

The vast central African country has been increasingly on edge over the long-delayed vote. &nbsp;

Kabila's hold on power has sparked a political crisis and protests that were bloodily repressed.&nbsp;

"Kabila did not want to risk announcing Shadary as the winner, which would have triggered violent protests and international condemnation," said Robert Besseling, executive director of risk consultancy EXX Africa.

"Instead, he chose to split the opposition by creating a power-sharing deal with Tshisekedi."

Tshisekedi "owes his ascendancy to power to Kabila's control of the electoral commission", and in exchange Kabila would look for immunity from any prosecution or asset seizure after handing over power, Besseling said.

Opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi was on Thursday declared winner of DR Congo's presidential election, but his victory was dismissed by the runner-up and questioned by the Catholic church, clouding the vote's legitimacy and hopes of peace.

Opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi was on Thursday declared winner of DR Congo's presidential election, but his victory was dismissed by the runner-up and questioned by the Catholic church, clouding the vote's legitimacy and hopes of peace. In a pre-dawn announcement, election officials named Tshisekedi, son of the country's long-term opposition leader, provisional winner of the troubled vote to replace President Joseph Kabila. The news brought thousands of supporters onto the streets while others who had backed his opposition rival Martin Fayulu came out in protest. Four people died in unrest. Fayulu, who came a close second, denounced the result as an "electoral coup". The Democratic Republic of Congo's influential Catholic church also said Tshisekedi's victory did not tally with data collected by its own monitors. "These results have nothing to do with the truth at the ballot box," Fayulu told Radio France International. "They have stolen the Congolese people's victory and the people will never accept that." At stake is political stewardship of the notoriously unstable central African nation, which has never known a peaceful transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960. Election chief Corneille Nangaa declared Tshisekedi the winner with 38.57 per cent of the 30 December vote, just ahead of Fayulu with 34.8 per cent. Kabila's preferred successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, came a distant third with 23.8 per cent. Results of parliamentary elections, which were held alongside the presidential vote, are expected on Friday evening and the pro-Kabila majority are already claiming to have won the house. The last two elections in 2006 and 2011, both of which were won by Kabila, were marred by bloodshed, and many fear a repeat of the violence if the result lacks credibility. Two civilians and two policemen were killed Thursday and another 10 people injured when a protest erupted in the western city of Kikwit, a Fayulu stronghold, police said. Wild celebrations In Kinshasa, thousands of people converged upon the headquarters of Tshisekedi's Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the country's oldest and largest opposition party, singing and dancing at his surprise victory. Pouring onto the streets, they celebrated wildly, cheering and honking car horns in scenes of joy that lasted into the morning under the bemused eye of the security forces who had fanned out across the capital. In his first remarks after the result, the portly 55-year-old, who has never held high office or even a managerial role, immediately pledged to work closely with Kabila. "Today we should no longer see him as an adversary, but rather as a partner for democratic change in our country," he told supporters. But elsewhere in Kinshasa, the mood was sombre, with representatives of the Catholic church openly disputing the figures released by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI). "The result of the presidential election as published by CENI does not correspond with the data collected by our observer mission from polling stations and counting centres," said Father Donatien Nshole, spokesman for CENCO, which represents the country's Catholic bishops. The Church has long been pressing for the departure of Kabila, who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 2001, well beyond the limit of his second and final term in December 2016. Calls for calm Abroad, the mood was watchful, marked by a noticeable lack of congratulations for Tshisekedi. Many have eyed the developments in sub-Saharan Africa's largest country with concern, with the United Nations leading calls to avoid violence. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian dismissed Tshisekedi's victory as "not consistent" with the actual results, indicating that Fayulu had won, while the US State Department demanded "clarification" over the result and urged "all stakeholders to remain calm". The African Union said it "took note" of the result and warned any dispute over the outcome should be "resolved peacefully". The European Union said it was awaiting clarification from international observers. In contrast, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged "all regional and international interested parties to refrain from speculation" and let the election board complete its work. The announcement of an opposition win was a shock as many had expected the results to be stacked in Shadary's favour, prompting heavy international pressure on Kinshasa to respect the wishes of the electorate. 'Tshisekedi debt to Kabila' The vast central African country has been increasingly on edge over the long-delayed vote. Kabila's hold on power has sparked a political crisis and protests that were bloodily repressed. "Kabila did not want to risk announcing Shadary as the winner, which would have triggered violent protests and international condemnation," said Robert Besseling, executive director of risk consultancy EXX Africa. "Instead, he chose to split the opposition by creating a power-sharing deal with Tshisekedi." Tshisekedi "owes his ascendancy to power to Kabila's control of the electoral commission", and in exchange Kabila would look for immunity from any prosecution or asset seizure after handing over power, Besseling said.

Church, rival cry foul as opposition chief wins vote in DR Congo

The long-awaited announcement of the results of last week's DR Congo presidential election promised for Sunday will be postponed to next week, the head of the electoral commission told AFP.

"It is not possible to publish the results on Sunday. We are making progress, but we do not have everything yet," said commission president Corneille Nangaa. An exact new date has not been announced.

&nbsp;

The long-awaited announcement of the results of last week's DR Congo presidential election promised for Sunday will be postponed to next week, the head of the electoral commission told AFP.

The long-awaited announcement of the results of last week's DR Congo presidential election promised for Sunday will be postponed to next week, the head of the electoral commission told AFP. "It is not possible to publish the results on Sunday. We are making progress, but we do not have everything yet," said commission president Corneille Nangaa. An exact new date has not been announced.

DRC election results delayed until 'next week': Electoral commission

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