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On Wednesday, November 20, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decided to extend the presence of regional troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for another year, to combat rebel activities there. The leaders convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, for an extraordinary summit.
South Africa has contributed approximately 3,000 troops to the SADC mission, which began deployment in December. Additional troops from Tanzania and Malawi bring the total to over 5,000.
In a communiqué, the summit announced the one-year extension of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). Reads the communiqué:
<blockquote>
Summit received updates on the peace and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressed concern at the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the country, and reiterated SADC’s support to the Government of the DRC towards resolving the conflict and attainment of lasting peace, stability and security in the country.
Summit extended the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) by one year, continuing the regional response to address the prevailing unstable security situation in eastern DRC.
Summit reiterated the regional commitment expressed in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact that, ‘an armed attack against one shall be deemed a threat to regional peace and security’, and commended member States for demonstrating the spirit of collective regional solidarity through continued contribution and support to the SAMIDRC.
Summit commended the SAMIDRC leadership, and all personnel deployed to the Mission for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment towards peace, stability and security in eastern DRC.
Summit welcomed the continued efforts of the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the United Nations Security Council in exploring various options to support the SAMIDRC.
</blockquote>
SAMIDRC operates alongside various forces in the region, which has experienced armed violence for decades. These forces include the Congolese government military, foreign mercenaries, a United Nations peacekeeping force, and over 100 armed groups vying for power, land, and mineral resources.
Some groups are focused on community defence, while others have faced accusations of serious human rights violations.
Rwanda has denied allegations from the Congolese government and U.N. experts regarding its support for M23, a prominent rebel group in eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced.
Although U.N. peacekeepers were scheduled to leave Congo next month, rising violence attributed to Rwanda-backed rebels has led to a reassessment of this timeline, according to the country’s communication minister, Patrick Muyaya.
Concerning Mozambique, SADC leaders discussed the situation but did not provide specific details in their statements.
The summit was attended by several heads of state, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), President Duma Boko (Botswana), President Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), President Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar), and President Nyusi (Mozambique).
South Africa was represented by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, while Tanzania was represented by Deputy President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, also the President of Zanzibar.
Other attendees included Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini, Dr. Peya Mushelenga from Namibia, International Relations Minister Mulambo Haimbe from Zambia, Minister Limpho Tau from Lesotho, Minister João dos Santos Liberdade from Angola, Minister Harry Mkandawire from Malawi, and Minister Charles Errol Fonseka from Seychelles.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

SADC leaders decided to keep troops in Congo for another year to fight rebels. South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi contributed troops. They want peace and stability in Congo. Rwanda denies supporting rebels. Congo has faced violence, displacing millions. U.N. peacekeepers were supposed to leave, but violence delayed it. SADC leaders also discussed Mozambique. The summit was attended by many heads of state. Peacekeepers sacrificed for peace in Congo. Congo still faces many challenges with armed groups. Leaders are committed to helping Congo.

SADC Leaders Resolve To Keep Troops In Eastern DR Congo For Another Year

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat has condemned the use of force to change the constitutional order in African states following an attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Sunday.
In a statement issued by the AUC, Faki Mahamat commended the armed forces of the DRC for putting down the attempted seizure of power. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, followed with great concern the events that occurred in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the early hours of May 18/19, 2024.
He strongly condemns this attempted coup d’état and welcomes the control of the situation announced by the country’s defence and security forces.
He is delighted that all those responsible for republican institutions are safe and sound. He takes this opportunity to condemn any use of force to change the constitutional order in any African state whatsoever.
</blockquote>
Gunfire rang out around 4 AM on Sunday in the capital Kinshasa, the presidency in the city centre, and at the nearby home of Vital Kamerhe, a member of parliament who is tipped to become speaker.
DRC army spokesperson Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge said the attempted coup involved foreigners and Congolese, adding that the leader of the attempted coup was killed and some 50 people including three American citizens arrested.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

African Union Commission Chairperson Condemns Coup Attempt In DRC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) condemned an attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday morning.
Government forces in the DRC announced that it had successfully thwarted an attempted coup involving foreigners and Congolese.
In a statement issued this Monday, 20 May, the SADC Secretariat condemned the attempted putsch and commended the DRC military for putting it down. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) condemns in its strongest terms the attempted coup d`état that happened on 19 May 2024 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after gunmen tried to attack the homes of senior officials of the DRC government including that of President Félix Tshisekedi.
While condemning this act of violence, SADC wishes to extend its appreciation to the DRC army for having arrested the perpetrators and ceased any escalation that could have occurred from this unfortunate incident.
</blockquote>
DRC army spokesperson Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge told <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/democratic-republic-congo-army-says-it-stopped-attempted-coup-2024-05-19/">Reuters</a>, that the leader of the attempted coup was killed and some 50 people including three American citizens arrested. He said:
<blockquote>
An attempted coup d’etat has been put down by the defence and security forces. The attempt involved foreigners and Congolese. These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader…
The armed forces of the DRC ask the population to go about their business freely and peacefully. The defence and security forces are in complete control of the situation.
</blockquote>
Gunfire rang out around 4 AM in the capital Kinshasa, a Reuters reporter said. Ekenge was also reported as saying armed men attacked the presidency in the city centre.
Another attack took place at the nearby home of Vital Kamerhe, a member of parliament who is tipped to become speaker, Michel Moto Muhima, his spokesperson said on the X.
Muhima said two police officers and one of the attackers were killed in the shootout that started around 4:30 AM at the house on Tshatshi Boulevard.
Ekenge named Christian Malanga, a US-based Congolese politician, as the leader of the attempted coup.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC Condemns Attempted Coup In DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) military said it successfully thwarted an attempted coup which unfolded on Sunday morning.
DRC army spokesperson Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge said the attempted coup involved foreigners and Congolese. He said:
<blockquote>
An attempted coup d’etat has been put down by the defence and security forces. The attempt involved foreigners and Congolese. These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader…
The armed forces of the DRC ask the population to go about their business freely and peacefully. The defence and security forces are in complete control of the situation.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/democratic-republic-congo-army-says-it-stopped-attempted-coup-2024-05-19/">Reuters</a>, the leader of the attempted coup was killed and some 50 people including three American citizens arrested.
Gunfire rang out around 4 AM in the capital Kinshasa, a Reuters reporter said. Ekenge was also reported as saying armed men attacked the presidency in the city centre.
Another attack took place at the nearby home of Vital Kamerhe, a member of parliament who is tipped to become speaker, Michel Moto Muhima, his spokesperson said on the X.
Muhima said two police officers and one of the attackers were killed in the shootout that started around 4:30 AM at the house on Tshatshi Boulevard.
Ekenge named Christian Malanga, a US-based Congolese politician, as the leader of the attempted coup. He told Reuters:
<blockquote>
Malanga was definitively neutralised during the attack on the Palais de la Nation, a certain Aboubacar was neutralised during the attack on the residence of Vital Kamarhe the others – around 50 including three American citizens – were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation by the specialised services of the Armed Forces.
</blockquote>
He said Malanga first attempted and aborted a coup in 2017 and that one of the American citizens arrested was Malanga’s son.
United States of America Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn said in a post on social media that she was “very concerned” by reports that American citizens had allegedly been involved in the events. She said:
<blockquote>
Please be assured that we will cooperate with the DRC authorities to the fullest extent as they investigate these criminal acts and hold accountable any U.S. citizen involved in criminal acts.
</blockquote>
Posting on X, the United Nations stabilisation mission in the DRC said that its chief, Bintou Keita, condemned the incidents in the strongest terms and offered her support to the Congolese authorities.
Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term as president in December, but has yet to name a government, six weeks after appointing a prime minister.
Kamerhe was a candidate for speaker of parliament in an election that had been scheduled for Saturday but was delayed by Tshisekedi.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

DRC Army Says It Stopped Attempted Coup Involving Americans

The SADC Secretariat has announced that three Tanzanian soldiers, deployed under a SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries following an attack by rebels.
In a press release issued by SADC on Monday, April 8, it was reported that a South African soldier passed away while undergoing treatment for health complications at a hospital in Goma, DRC. It reads:
<blockquote>
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) sincerely regrets to inform the public of the passing on of three of its soldiers and three who got injured in the United Republic of Tanzania.
This unfortunate incident happened after a hostile mortar round had fallen near the camp they were staying. SAMIDRC hereby also informs the public of the passing on of a South African soldier who died while receiving treatment due to health challenges in a Hospital in Goma, DRC.
The soldiers were/are deployed under the auspices of SADC as part of a regional response to address the unstable and deteriorating security situation prevailing in the Eastern DRC.
The SADC family expresses its heartfelt condolences to the beloved families and the Governments of the Republic of South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania on the irreplaceable loss of the deceased soldiers and, at the same time, wishes the three injured soldiers speedy recovery.
The SAMIDRC remains focused on carrying out its mandate as per the principle of collective self-defence and collective action outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003).
</blockquote>
The primary objective of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed on December 15, 2023, is to support the Government of the DRC in restoring peace and security in the eastern DRC.
This region has experienced heightened conflicts and instability due to the resurgence of armed groups.
As part of the SAMIDRC, a regional SADC force comprising soldiers from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania collaborates with the Congolese Army (FARDC) to combat these armed groups operating in the eastern DRC.
The deployment of the SAMIDRC aligns with the principle of collective self-defence and collective action outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003).
According to this pact, any armed attack against one of the States Parties is considered a threat to regional peace and security and warrants immediate collective action.
Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu from the Republic of South Africa serves as the Force Commander for the SAMIDRC.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKpD9PgWMAElVa6?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKpD9PkWgAABTmh?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKpD9PhXgAAHfW2?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKpD9PhWgAA5yoQ?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three Tanzanian Soldiers On A SADC Mission Killed By Rebels In DRC

A South African soldier deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo shot dead a colleague and then turned the gun on himself, on 29 February, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has said.
In a statement, SANDF Acting Director of Defence Corporate Communication, Colonel Selinah Rawlins, said the soldier used his official service weapon. Said Col. Rawlins:
<blockquote>
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) regrets to announce that two of its members currently deployed as part of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) have died.
The incident occurred when one of them shot and killed the other with their service weapon before turning the weapon on themselves with fatal consequences.
The SANDF has convened a Board of Inquiry to work with the MONUSCO command to investigate the incident and the circumstances that led to it.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Hon Thandi Modise has expressed her shock at the incident.
The members’ remains will be repatriated to South Africa in due course. All families have been informed of the unfortunate incident.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Hon Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya express condolences to the families of the deceased.
</blockquote>
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) was established following Security Council Resolution 1925 of 28 May 2010 as MONUC.
It was mandated to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts.
Meanwhile, two South African soldiers who were killed in a mortar attack in North Kivu, DRC several weeks ago were buried with military honours in Pretoria and Kimberley on Saturday.
As reported by <a href="https://www.enca.com/news/sandf-soldiers-killed-drc-laid-rest">eNCA</a>, Thabang Semono together with close to 3 000 army colleagues arrived in the DRC on 2 February.
This was Semono’s third deployment to DRC through the SANDF SADC mission since he joined the military in 2006.
Mkhulu Bobe, who also died in the mortar attack, was laid to rest in Kimberley.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two South African Soldiers Die In Murder-Suicide In DRC

Two South African soldiers were killed, while three others were injured in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday afternoon in a mortar attack on the SA military base.
South Africa contributed 2 900 troops to the SADC mission to support the DRC government in its fight against armed groups operating on its territory.
In a statement issued this Thursday, 15 February, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the injured were taken to a Hospital in Goma for medical attention. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirms that on 14 February 2024 at about 13h30, a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African Contingent military bases inflicting casualties and injuries to the SANDF soldiers.
The RSA Contingent is part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) that is deployed to support and assist the government of DRC in its effort to bring peace, security and stability in that region.
As a result of this indirect fire, the SANDF suffered two (2) fatalities and three (3) members sustained injuries. The injured were taken to the nearest Hospital in Goma for medical attention.
Details of this incident are still sketchy at the moment, further investigation will be conducted to determine the basis of the incident.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya express their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and wish the injured members a speedy recovery.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two South African Soldiers Killed In DRC

South Africa has contributed 2 900 troops to the SADC mission to support the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fight against illegal armed groups operating on its territory.
In a statement, the South African Presidency said the deployment will cover the period from 15 December 2023 to 15 December 2024 and will cost “just over R2 billion”. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
In fulfilling South Africa’s international obligation towards the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission to support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the employment of 2 900 members of the South African National Defence Force to assist in the fight against illegal armed groups in the Eastern DRC.
The employment will cover the period from 15 December 2023 to 15 December 2024 and it was authorized in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
The budgeted expenditure to be incurred for the employment amounts to just over R2 billion. This expenditure will not impact provisions for the defence force’s regular maintenance and emergency repairs.
The obligation to contribute troops to the SADC mission in the DRC is borne by all SADC member states.
</blockquote>
Thousands of people are fleeing violence in eastern DRC as fighting intensifies between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group.
Reports suggest that fighters surrounded the strategic town of Sake on Wednesday, a crucial step before reaching Goma, the capital of North Kivu.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Deploys Troops To Eastern DRC

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi won re-election with more than 70 per cent of the vote in elections held on 20 December 2023.
Posting on his social media pages, Mnangagwa commended the Congolese for exercising their democratic right to vote “under challenging conditions”. He wrote:
<blockquote>
On behalf of the Government, the People of Zimbabwe and my behalf, I warmly congratulate His Excellency Félix Antonie Tshisekedi Tshilombo on his landslide re-election as the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In the same spirit, I thank the people of the DR Congo for exercising their vote even then under challenging conditions, urging them to keep the peace for the stability and development of their country.
Zimbabwe remains a true and consistent friend of the Congo, itself a valued member of the SADC family.
</blockquote>
According to preliminary results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 31 December, Tshisekedi garnered more than 70 per cent of the votes cast.
Businessman Moise Katumbi, who is the owner of Tout Puissant (TP) Mazembe Football Club, finished behind Tshisekedi with 18 per cent of the vote, while Martin Fayulu, a former oil company executive, received 5 per cent.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a physician renowned for treating women brutalised by sexual violence in eastern DR Congo, got less than 1 per cent.
INEC chief Denis Kadima said that the election had over 40 per cent turnout, with some 18 million people voting, adding that the results will be sent to the constitutional court for confirmation.
Opposition candidates opposing the results have two days to submit their claims, and the constitutional court has seven days to decide.
The final results are expected on 10 January, and the president is scheduled to be sworn in at the end of the month.
Before the results were announced Sunday, opposition candidates, including Katumbi, said they rejected the results and called for demonstrations.
The logistical challenges encountered during the elections included many polling stations either opening late or not opening at all.
Materials were sometimes lacking, and many voter cards were rendered illegible due to smudged ink.
As a result, voting in the election had to be extended into a second day, something local observers and civil society organisations have deemed illegal, and parts of the country were still casting ballots five days after election day.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa Congratulates DR Congo's Tshisekedi After Landslide Victory

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi won re-election with more than 70 per cent of the vote, the country’s election commission announced on Sunday, 31 December.
The preliminary results of the December 20 election were announced in the capital, Kinshasa, reported <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/31/felix-tshisekedi-re-elected-dr-congo-president-election-commission-says">Al Jazeera</a>.
Businessman Moise Katumbi finished behind Tshisekedi with 18 per cent of the vote, while Martin Fayulu, a former oil company executive, received 5 per cent.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a physician renowned for treating women brutalised by sexual violence in eastern DR Congo, got less than 1 per cent.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chief Denis Kadima said that the election had over 40 per cent turnout, with some 18 million people voting, adding that the results will be sent to the constitutional court for confirmation.
Meanwhile, the opposition and some civil society groups have demanded a rerun of the vote citing massive logistical problems that put the validity of the outcome into question.
Opposition candidates opposing the results have two days to submit their claims, and the constitutional court has seven days to decide.
The final results are expected on 10 January, and the president is scheduled to be sworn in at the end of the month.
DRC has a history of disputed elections that can turn violent, and many of the country’s 100 million citizens have little trust in the country’s institutions.
Before the results were announced Sunday, opposition candidates, including Katumbi, said they rejected the results and called for demonstrations.
The logistical challenges encountered during the elections included many polling stations either opening late or not opening at all.
Materials were sometimes lacking, and many voter cards were rendered illegible due to smudged ink.
As a result, voting in the election had to be extended into a second day, something local observers and civil society organisations have deemed illegal, and parts of the country were still casting ballots five days after election day.
Earlier last week, confrontations broke out between supporters of Fayulu and police officers.
Tear gas was deployed as protesters, who were throwing rocks and barricading themselves inside the opposition headquarters, clashed with law enforcement.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tshisekedi Re-elected DRC President With More Than 70% Of The Vote

At least 401 people have been confirmed dead in the Democratic Republic of Congo following flooding and landslides last week, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/7/dr-congo-floods-death-toll-surpasses-200">reported Al Jazeera</a>.
At least 176 people were reported dead on Friday and many more were missing as humanitarian workers recovered scores of bodies.
A further 205 people were seriously injured, while 167 people are listed as missing.
The flooding occurred when rivers burst their banks following heavy rains on Thursday.
Theo Ngwabidje Kasi, governor of South Kivu province in the east of the DRC told Reuters by message on Monday that the death toll now stood at 401.
President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday declared a day of national mourning.
DRC Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said a team of ministers is set to travel to the region to coordinate humanitarian aid and disaster management.
The current rainy season, typical for the South Kivu region, is expected to last until the end of May.
The flooding and landslides in Eastern DR Congo came two days after floods killed at least 131 people and destroyed thousands of homes in neighbouring Rwanda, which lies on the other side of Lake Kivu.
Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change.
Climate change refers to the long-term changes in global weather patterns and temperatures that are primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
The effects of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and changes in ecosystems and wildlife populations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Floods Kill 400 People In DR Congo

Seven soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been sentenced to death for cowardice, reported BBC.
The soldiers allegedly ran away from advancing M23 rebels, retreating through the town of Sake where they allegedly killed two people by recklessly discharging their arms.
Lawyers for the soldiers said they would appeal the decision handed down by a court in the east of the central African country.
Last November, three other soldiers were convicted of cowardice and sentenced to death.
However, in DRC, death sentences are commuted to life imprisonment.
The M23 (March 23 Movement) is a rebel military group that is for the most part formed of ethnic Tutsi.

Seven DRC Soldiers Sentenced To Death For Cowardice

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to hold general elections on 20 December 2023.
The date was announced at a ceremony in Kinshasa on Saturday by the Commission Electorale Nationale Independante (CENI), the country’s electoral body.
CENI outlined several challenges, including the logistics of transporting ballot materials through thousands of kilometres, health concerns regarding Ebola and COVID-19, as well as the unrest that has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.
However, the government has pledged to stick to the timetable in Africa’s second-largest country of 80 million people. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya, said:
<blockquote>
It is not a question of negotiating with the constitutional deadlines, it is a question of us respecting them and consolidating our democracy.
</blockquote>
He said that the election will cost about US$600 million, more than US$450 million of which has already been budgeted.
DRC’s last presidential election, which was the country’s first democratic transition, was delayed by two years until it was finally held in December 2018.
In that vote, President Felix Tshisekedi took over from his long-standing predecessor Joseph Kabila.
Tshisekedi is expected to run again and one likely challenger is Martin Fayulu, who claimed victory in the 2018 election.
Meanwhile, a war is raging in eastern DRC with more than 120 armed groups, including M23 rebels, involved.
DRC has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels – Kigali denies the accusations. | <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/dr-congo-marks-december-2023-as-date-for-presidential-elections/">SABC News</a>

DRC Marks 20 December 2023 As Date For Presidential Elections

A woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who married two husbands has explained how she ended up in the situation.
Polyandry (a union whereby one woman marries more than one husband and lives with them in the same house) is not common in Africa.
But Francine Jisele lives with her first husband Remi Murula and her second one Albert Jarlace in the same house with their children.
Speaking to Afrimax English in an interview, Jisele said she got married six years ago to Murula and the couple had two children.
Murula left to go and look for greener pastures and there was no communication between the two for more than three years. Said Jisele:
<blockquote>
Just because life was not easy, the man went on a trip and never came back. I found myself alone out here, I spent three years and a half in a single life without my husband.
After those years I lost him I fell in love with this other man. After one year with the second husband, the first one came back.
</blockquote>
She said she hadn’t expected her husband to come back after being away for all those years.
The second husband, Albert Jarlace, revealed that she started staying with Jisele before she told him that she had another man. Said Jarlace:
<blockquote>
I met this woman when I was working in the mining industry and she told me that she had another husband and how that man left her saying that he was going to find a life.
</blockquote>
Jarlace said when Murula returned, Jisele asked him to leave but he felt that it was necessary to stay with her as they already had a child together. He added:
<blockquote>
I felt I had no choice because we were already together since I had lived with her not knowing she had another man.
</blockquote>
Murula believes he is partly to blame for the situation as he cut off all communication with his wife for a long time. He said:
<blockquote>
Tuko watatu (there are two men here and here). We get along well, this woman is our wife. Since I left I didn’t talk to my wife once. When I came back I found my wife with another man.
At first, I threw a tantrum but I realised if had talked to my wife she wouldn’t have done anything like that. I had no place to go and I was at fault.
</blockquote>
The men share the work and bring home the food while the lady respects both of them.
The concern they have is not being able to tell the children apart.
When it comes to intimate moments, one of the men leaves the other to enjoy.
The woman is the one who identifies the father of the children.
Meanwhile, Jisele said it’s hard for her; she wishes each man had a home and she would go to them.
She said she doesn’t want the three of them to keep meeting in the same bedroom at the same time. | Legit.ng via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/woman-married-to-two-men-opens-up/">The Herald</a>

Congolese Woman Married To Two Men Opens Up

A United Nations helicopter crashed on Friday morning while flying over the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu province, the World Food Programme (WFP) said.
The UN’s World Food Programme said there were no passengers on board and three crew members were injured.
The UN Humanitarian Air Service chopper, managed by the WFP, went down near the city of Goma.
Without providing further detail, the aid agency told Reuters news agency in an email that the cause of the crash was not yet clear.
Eight peacekeepers were killed in March when a UN helicopter crashed in Tshanzu, in North Kivu.
That helicopter was on a reconnaissance mission when it went down amid clashes between the Congolese army and a rebel group known as the M23.
DRC’s army at the time said the helicopter was shot down by rebels, which the M23 denied.
The UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO did not state the cause of the crash and said investigations were underway.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Another United Nations Helicopter Crashes In DRC

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for the 42nd Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit.
Mnangagwa arrived in Kinshasa late Tuesday afternoon and was received by senior DRC government officials and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the country, Johannes Tomana.
The summit is running under the theme “Promoting industrialisation through, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and regional value chains for inclusive and resilient economic growth.”
It is also expected to deal with cases of conflict in countries like DRC and Mozambique and also map a way forward post the COVID-19 pandemic regional developmental programmes.
The summit is made up of all Heads of State or Government of SADC member states and is managed on a troika system.
The troika comprises the current SADC summit chairperson, the incoming chairperson (the deputy at the time), and the immediate past chairperson.
At the summit, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi will become the SADC chair, taking over from Malawian President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for a period of one year.
Namibian President Hage Geingob takes over the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (OPDSC) chairmanship from President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
OPDSC is also managed on a troika basis and is responsible for promoting peace and security in the SADC region.
The SADC Summit Troika and the Organ Troika are separate bodies.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-in-drc-for-sadc-summit/">The Herald</a></h4>

Mnangagwa In DRC For SADC Summit

Hundreds of schoolchildren in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have stormed the country’s parliament building, demanding the government raise teachers’ pay to end a strike that has stopped lessons for more than two weeks.
The teachers went on strike at the start of October to protest against several issues, including salaries and the retirement age.
Jean-Marc Kabund, the first vice president of the National Assembly, spoke to the students, assuring them that a solution will be found soon to end the teachers’ strike.
Tony Mwaba, minister of primary, secondary and technical education, meanwhile, said dialogue with the teachers’ unions had resumed.
Just before schools opened for the new term on 4 October, teachers’ unions in several provinces announced their intention to go on strike to express their displeasure over meagre pay.
A threat by Mwaba to remove striking teachers from the payroll has not broken their spirit.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi introduced free public primary education in September 2019.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/22/schoolchildren-storm-drc-parliament-over-striking-teachers-pay?sf153251488=1">Al Jazeera</a></h4>

DRC Schoolchildren Storm Parliament Over Striking Teachers’ Pay

Former DRC leader Joseph Kabila last week reportedly sneaked into the country to discuss tension marring the Great Lake region which is shared by DRC, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, The NewsHawks reports.
In trying to explain the Great Lakes conflict, South Africa’s Accord said:
<blockquote>While the name ‘Great Lakes Region’ was derived from the freshwater lakes and river basins within the central and eastern part of Africa, for the purposes of this article the Great Lakes Region is defined within the context of the regional entity known as the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
In the ICGLR context, the area of focus is therefore the countries located in the east and central Africa – namely Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, Kenya and Sudan.
Thus, the Great Lakes Region constitutes a complex network of political and economic interactions with significant implications for peace, security and governance. It is also a region with interlinked conflicts and common fundamental problems that emanate from post-colonial challenges to state-building and nation-building.</blockquote>
Kabila who stayed in the country for 3 days reportedly had a meeting with President Mnangagwa and he stayed at the Meikles Hotel:
<blockquote>He stayed in Zimbabwe for three days and he was staying at the Meikles Hotel in Harare. As a former leader, he got security details from the Police Protection Unit and the Central Intelligence Organisation.
During his meetings with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, they discussed issues around business interest and the escalating security situation in the country.
During his meetings with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, they discussed issues around business interest and the escalating security situation in the country.</blockquote>
President Mnangagwa is part of the SADC Troika which is the regional body’s organ of politics, defence and security. It is possible Joseph Kabila spoke to President Mnangagwa in his capacity as a member of the SADC Troika.
Last month in DRC an <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/22/just-in-italys-ambassador-luca-attanasio-killed-in-drc/">Italian Ambassador to the Sothern Africa nation</a> was killed in DRC over unclear circumstances.
Source: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/">NewsHawks</a>

Joseph Kabila Flew Into Zimbabwe And Discussed Great Lakes Rising Tensions With ED - Report

WhatsApp chats circulating on social media purporting to have originated from former MDC Official Nqobizitha Khumalo are claiming the MDC trained people to conduct mass uprisings, The Herald reports.
According to the publication, Khumalo claims he was the commander of the group code-named DRC that was trained to commit unsavory acts since early 2000 to attract the international spotlight and condemnation on the country.
Khumalo in the leaked chats reportedly claimed that:
<blockquote>Well, I was once an area commander of the DRC. It was one of the organs put up for the final push on the Mugabe regime. While I will deny the accusation that it was a terrorist organisation, I will point out that it wasn’t a Sunday school picnic either.
DRC was trained on how to conduct mass uprisings and we were shown videos of the Orange Spring; how to confront an armed person and how to diffuse the power of tear smoke. The possibility of providing some cannon fodder for the regime was also discussed in order to make the international community angry and garner international sympathy and the idea of provoking fire in order to create dead bodies was also discussed.</blockquote>
Khumalo reportedly made claims that the MDC Alliance were behind the demonstration on 1 August 2018 and they planned to have snippers to shoot at police to ignite rebellion:
<blockquote>The plan was that an armed person or persons should fire at police from the crowd so the police would retaliate and massacre civilians to draw international sympathy. Which is why a cartridge was found on the fifth floor of ZCTU offices. A sniper was put there to knock off a few heads so as to provide the necessary dead bodies.</blockquote>
Khumalo reportedly also made claims that former MDC Treasurer General Roy Bennett was also part of the people that trained DRC and they had a fake abductions operation code-named Mbuya Varwara:
<blockquote> We believed that the end justifies the means and that the means would be achieved quickly. Unfortunately, the new nature of the operations spawned a character in the party that ultimately became as bad as the one it tried to dislodge. It is that character that saw the attempted murders of Trudy Stephenson and company and the assaults of former MDC treasurer Elton Mangoma, and Tendai Biti.</blockquote>
Khumalo explained why he joined Tendai Biti when he formed PDP in 2014 and said the MDC A needed to change its Modulus Operandi if they want to go far:
<blockquote>When Biti broke away promising to start a new narrative in the annals of our political lives, we heaved a sigh of relief before his ignominious volte face. The same barbaric character was inherited by the Chamisa faction of the MDC and will carry us nowhere as a nation and even that party won’t go far until it changes its modus operandi.</blockquote>
The government <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/09/10/watch-zbcs-video-that-disputes-the-abduction-of-the-mdc-alliance-trio-on-13-may/">has denied abducting MDC Alliance activists</a> and the state has gone further to charge abduction victims on the basis that they faked their abductions.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mdc-a-abduction-skeletons-tumble/">The Herald </a>

I Was The Commander Of An MDC Group Trained To Conduct Mass Uprisings - Man Claiming To Be Nqobizitha Khumalo Speaks

Zambian leader President Edgar Lungu has thanked his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa for helping his country resolve a border dispute with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
President Lungu expressed his gratitude to President Mnangagwa during the 4th SADC Virtual Ordinary Heads of States Summit and Governments hosted by Mozambique this Monday.
The border issue between Zambia and DRC was resolved during President Mnangagwa’s one-year tenure as the chairperson of the SADC Troika on Peace, Politics and Security Cooperation.
Zambian Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji said SADC has ratified the 1989 border treaty between Zambia and DRC, with the process of putting up beacons expected to be undertaken soon.
During today’s summit, Tanzania handed over the Chairpersonship of SADC to Mozambique.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.lusakatimes.com/2020/08/17/president-lungu-thanks-zimbabwean-president-for-helping-resolve-border-dispute-with-drc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lusaka Times</a></h4>

ED Applauded For Resolving Zambia, DRC Border Issue

President Mnangagwa in his capacity as the chairman of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation yesterday chaired the virtual SADC summit in which he emphasised that SADC wanted there to be lasting peace in war-torn parts of the Democratic Republic Of Congo, The Herald reports.
Addressing a meeting that was attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Tanzanian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Professor Palamagamba John Mwaluko Kabudi and Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu, President Mnangagwa said they were happy that there had been stability in the war-torn parts of DRC since the 2018 elections:
<blockquote>It is noteworthy that the situation in the DRC has been stable since the 2018 elections. I therefore exhort all stakeholders to forge ahead with the governance, security and socio-economic reforms required to sustain long-term stabilisation and sustainable development in the DRC
The elimination of the threat posed by armed groups will require a comprehensive approach at the national and regional levels. As such, regional co-operation remains critical, not only to the long-term stabilisation of the DRC, but to peace, security and development in the entire region.
It is my firm belief that our engagement today will allow us to agree on a common position that seeks to strengthen the operational effectiveness and unity of command and control of the Force Intervention Brigade.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa’s administration is under fire back home for human rights abuses in the wake of last week events that saw the government issuing threats, arresting, beating, abducting and torturing would-be protestors, alleged organisers and protestors which attracted global condemnation.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/sadc-seeks-lasting-peace-for-drc/">The Herald</a>

ED Speaks About SADC Seeking Lasting Peace For DRC While Chairing The SADC Troika Summit

DRC has announced a new Ebola outbreak in DRC’s Mbandaka District which is over 1000 km away from another outbreak in the country, France 24 reports.
The new outbreak was confirmed by the country’s Health Minister Eteni Longondo who confirmed 4 people have died after testing positive for the virus after their specimens were tested in the country’s capital Kinshasa:
<blockquote>We have a new Ebola epidemic in Mbandaka. We are going to very quickly send them the vaccine and medicine.</blockquote>
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the outbreak and said:
<blockquote>This outbreak is a reminder that #COVID19 is not the only health threat people face</blockquote>
In April health officials were devastated after one person tested positive for <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/04/11/drc-records-one-more-ebola-case-2-days-before-declaring-the-epidemic-over/">Ebola just days before WHO was about to announce the epidemic over.</a>
More: <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20200601-dr-congo-declares-new-ebola-outbreak">France 24</a>

New Ebola Outbreak Hits DRC As The Country Records 4 Ebola Deaths

A woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola after the country was getting ready to sign off the disease and declare it totally eradicated, The New York Times reports.
According to the publication, on Friday, WHO announced a new Ebola case in the DRC town of Beni when Semida Masika Muhasu a vegetable vendor tested positive for Ebola.
Just as health workers were getting ready to forget about Ebola and prepare for COVID-19, 2 days before the official WHO stipulated 42 days incubation period over, a new case emerged.
This means DRC when they are done treating the new Ebola case will have to wait another 42 days an equivalent of 2 incubation period to declare that the epidemic is over.
More: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/11/world/africa/congo-ebola-coronavirus.html">New York Times</a>

DRC Records One More Ebola Case 2 Days Before Declaring The Epidemic Over

Members of Parliament on Tuesday heard that the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Grain_Marketing_Board" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grain Marketing Board (GMB)’s</a> senior executives were involved in the allocation of subsidised maize to some millers beyond their plants’ capacity.
The undeserving millers would then divert the maize onto the black market and neighbouring countries as far as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A senior GMB executive, Lawrence Jasi, has been identified as the culprit in the underhand maize dealings.
The Parliamentary portfolio committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Resettlement chaired by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gokwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gokwe</a> Nembudziya <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Justice_Mayor_Wadyajena" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Justice Mayor Wadyajena</a> (Zanu-PF) heard that trucks from the DRC would offload copper in South Africa and then load the maize in Harare on their return to the Congo.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-gmb-executives-implicated-in-grain-scam/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

'GMB Bosses Selling Subsidized Maize To Congo'

A South African Military plane crash-landed at an Airport in the Eastern DRC.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/530wvzOFgeo?feature=oembed" title="SA military plane crash lands in Congo" width="640"></iframe></div>

WATCH: South African Military Plane Crash Lands In DRC

Zimbabwe President, HE Emmerson Mnangagwa, in his capacity as the chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation has denounced attacks on civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) a rebel group in Uganda and DRC.
Reports suggest that the attacks resulted in the death of about 80 civilians thereby triggering the violent demonstrations against United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) peacekeepers.
In a statement, Mnangagwa expressed condolences to the government and the People of DRC, as well as the bereaved families. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>The attacks in Beni have resulted in the death of approximately 80 people, as well as the injury and displacement of many people.
SADC is resolute in voicing its condemnation of the attacks that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continue to perpetrate on the civilian population in the DRC.</blockquote>
These remarks have attracted criticism from Zimbabwean observers who said that Mnangagwa was “hypocritical” since he “unleashed a reign of terror” on civilians back home.
Analysts also observed that the democratic space in Zimbabwe has been diminishing lately.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ed-condemns-attack-on-civilians/">News Day</a>

ED Expresses “Deep Concern And Strongly Condemns” Attacks On Civilians

According to local sports journalist Steve Vickers, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) business mogul and owner of TP Mazembe, Moise Katumbi has denied match-fixing claims involving his country and Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations. Wrote Vickers:
<blockquote>Update on the Zim/DRC match-fixing allegations. TP Mazembe owner Moise Katumbi totally denies that he paid Warriors keeper Elvis Chipezeze to fix the match. Katumbi says that he was only in Egypt for the DRC’s first game and then went back to Belgium.</blockquote>
The Warriors shocked supporters after a lacklustre performance which resulted in a 4-0 demolition at the hands of DRC.
Surprisingly, DRC had lost its previous two matches, by the same 2-0 margin to Uganda and Egypt.
Warriors third-choice goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was uncharacteristically dropping balls resulting in two goals for the Congolese.

DRC Mogul, Moise Katumbi Dismisses Match-fixing Allegations

Former Dynamos and Warriors striker Roderick Mutuma led his DRC club FC Lupopo to a 1-0 victory over TP Mazembe over the weekend.
This victory was the first since 2008, with the lanky striker scoring the solitary goal.
Speaking after the match, Mutuma said:
<blockquote>This is a sweet victory for FC Lupopo fans, for Lubumbashi and for the whole of DRC. This is their happiest moment.</blockquote>
The nomadic striker has featured for several clubs which include Caps United, Highlanders, Yadah and Nichrut locally.
He has also turned out for Bloemfontein Celtic in South Africa, albeit, for a short period of time. He has found the net 5 times since moving to the Congo.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2019/04/02/mutuma-breaks-record-drc/">Soccer24</a></h4>

Roderick Mutuma Leads FC Lupopo In 1-0 Win Over TP Mazembe

Democratic Republic of Congo president-elect Felix Antoine Tshisekedi on his victory in the presidential elections in that country.
He also congratulated outgoing President Joseph Kabila for the manner in which his government conducted the election. Mnangagwa said he looks forward to working with Tshisekedi. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>The Government and the People of Zimbabwe join me in conveying to you our most sincere congratulations following your victory in the presidential elections held in your country on December 30, 2018. Your election is a clear testimony of the trust and confidence the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo repose in your leadership. I look forward to working closely with you as we explore avenues of enhancing bilateral cooperation as well as improve the trade relations that exist between our two countries. At continental and multilateral levels, I affirm my commitment to working with you for the common good of both our peoples and the continent. I take this opportunity Dear Colleagues to wish you personal good health and success as you discharge the onerous duties of the highest office in the country. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-congratulates-tshisekedi/">Chronicle</a>
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Mnangagwa Congratulates DRC President-Elect Tshisekedi, Kabila For Conducting Fair And Peaceful Elections

MDC president Nelson Chamisa said that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) electoral body should release the results of the election held in the country on December 30.
The outgoing President, Joseph Kabila, has been in power for almost two decades. The vast, mineral-rich country has experienced years conflict as various militias and warlords fight for the control of mineral resources.
Chamisa said that the DRC electoral body must release accurate results and not undermine the voice of the Congolese people. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>The DRC electoral body must release ‘accurate’ results timely and not undermine the voice of the Congolese people.
Kudos to the DRC Catholic Church bishops for standing with the truth. What Zec did in Zimbabwe must never be a script worthy emulating. Africa change, excel and shine!</blockquote>
<h3>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/01/08/release-results-chamisa-urges-drc" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h3>

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