Author: PATRICK ILUNGA

By PATRICK ILUNGA The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), led by President Félix Tshisekedi, is facing internal turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The party is divided over the position of secretary-general Augustin Kabuya, with some calling for his resignation to reorganize the party. The political crisis dates back to January 2019, when Tshisekedi transitioned from party chairman to president. Tensions have escalated with Kabuya facing accusations of nepotism and mismanagement, leading to factions vying for control. President Tshisekedi, caught in the middle, supports Kabuya but must navigate the party’s infighting. The President’s mother, Marthe Kasalu,…

By PATRICK ILUNGA The Democratic Republic of Congo is now facing a new health crisis with the emergence of Mpox. This viral disease has claimed over 650 lives so far, with another 19,000 suspected cases in the country. The government has taken action by receiving the first batch of Mpox vaccines, with more on the way. Dr Roger Kamba, Minister for Health, has labeled this the beginning of a new “health war” against Mpox. The vaccination plan prioritizes those already infected, health workers, individuals with deficient immunity, malnutrition, and HIV. Public awareness and vaccination efforts are crucial in combating the…

By PATRICK ILUNGA The Makala prison in Kinshasa witnessed a tragedy when 24 prisoners died in an escape attempt after being shot by guards, with the death toll rising to 129. Some prisoners were sexually assaulted while attempting to flee. The Deputy Prime Minister described the events as ‘deplorable and unfortunate.’ Overcrowding and delays in the justice system contribute to the dire conditions in DRC prisons. The Minister of Justice has released inmates to reduce overcrowding, in response to the recent incident. He is also pushing for reforms to address corruption and improve the justice sector. However, tensions between the…

By PATRICK ILUNGA The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a deadly outbreak of Mpox, with 35 new deaths reported, bringing the total death toll to over 600 since the beginning of the year. The disease has spread across all provinces of the country, making DRC the epicentre of the outbreak. Health Minister Dr Roger Kamba revealed that there have been 1,372 new suspected cases, 206 confirmed cases, and 35 deaths, surpassing the previous year’s death count of 600. To combat the epidemic, the Congolese government has implemented a response plan with support from organizations like WHO and CDC. The…

By PATRICK ILUNGA A military court in Kinshasa sentenced former electoral commission boss Corneille Nangaa and others from the rebel group AFC to death for war crimes, treason, and insurrection. The AFC, linked to the M23 rebels, is declared a terrorist organization. Many were sentenced in absentia and have five days to appeal. The court highlighted Nangaa’s role in leading the insurrection. President Tshisekedi hinted at implicating former leader Kabila, currently in South Africa. The decision aims to deter rebels in a country that hasn’t executed anyone in three decades. Nangaa’s attempt to overthrow the government led to diplomatic tensions…

By PATRICK ILUNGA Corneille Nangaa, once a respected figure, now faces trial in Kinshasa with the threat of the death penalty looming over him. The origin of his alleged treason can be traced back to a meeting in Nairobi.In December 14, 2023, Nangaa, along with politicians and M23 rebel group members, gathered at a hotel in Nairobi to establish the Congo River Alliance. Their aim was to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi’s government in Kinshasa.Now, Nangaa’s future hangs in the balance as he faces the consequences of his actions. The story of his downfall shines a light on the intricate web…

By PATRICK ILUNGA Washington recently imposed sanctions on the Congo River Alliance, a group of armed factions known as Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), for contributing to violence and displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Among those targeted is Corneille Nangaa, former head of the Congolese electoral commission, who is facing charges of war crimes and insurrection. The US actions are aimed at supporting a peaceful and stable DRC, condemning human rights abuses by AFC and affiliates like the M23 rebel group. Sanctions have also been placed on leaders like Bertrand Bisimwa and Charles Sematama for perpetuating conflict…

By PATRICK ILUNGA In the Democratic Republic of Congo, nature conservation is a pressing issue as the government considers oil exploitation in protected areas. Despite the economic benefits, conservationists advocate for responsible resource management to protect future generations. The DRC is a significant carbon sink and holds vast reserves of oil and gas, with the potential for renewable energy sources like methane extraction. Advertisement While the country seeks economic development through resource exploitation, it must balance industrialization with conservation efforts. By leveraging its natural resources sustainably, the DRC can ensure a harmonious coexistence between development and environmental protection. The government’s…

By PATRICK ILUNGA Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi criticized Kenyan President William Ruto for mishandling the Nairobi Process on peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Tshisekedi expressed reliance on the Luanda Process led by Angolan President João Lourenço instead. The strained relations stem from Ruto’s alleged support for M23 rebels in Eastern Congo. This led to the expulsion of Kenyan ambassadors from the DRC and the East African Community (EAC). Advertisement The DRC now looks to the Luanda Process for peace talks, despite its own challenges. Tensions between the two leaders have affected diplomatic efforts, impacting the Nairobi Process…

By PATRICK ILUNGA A recent accusation by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked tensions with neighboring Uganda over its alleged support for rebels in Eastern Congo. While Uganda denies the claims, experts warn that escalating tensions could worsen the already complex situation. The Congolese government, for the first time, accused Uganda of backing the M23 rebels, citing reports of recruitment and reinforcements from Uganda and Rwanda. This accusation comes in the wake of a UN report linking Uganda to the conflict in Eastern DRC. However, military experts caution against further escalation, pointing to Uganda’s historical presence…