William Ruto: Diplomacy the only solution to DRC conflict
Kenya’s president, William Ruto, on Monday described the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo as “very complicated” and said it could only be solved diplomatically. “We do not see, from where I sit, a possibility of a military solution to the challenges that face the eastern DRC,” he told reporters during a briefing. “It was, it is, and am sure it will continue to be the case that engagement, dialogue, consultations is the only viable way out of the situation in DRC.” His comments came as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have captured Congo’s largest city, Goma, as fighting escalated despite calls from the UN Security Council for the insurgents to withdraw. Gunshots rang out across Goma overnight before dozens of rebels in military uniform early Monday morning marched into the capital of North Kivu province, which sits on the border with Rwanda. The volatile region is rich in minerals that are critical to much of the world’s technology. Kinshasa said the rebel advance amounted to a “declaration of war”. Amid the escalating conflict, Ruto, who is also chairman of the East African Community, said he has called an emergency meeting for member states on Wednesday. He said Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi were due to attend the meeting. Congo late Saturday broke off relations with Rwanda, which has denied backing the M23 despite evidence collected by UN experts and others. The eastern DRC has been a tinderbox for decades and the United Nations has warned that this latest M23 offensive risks spiralling into a regional war.
DR Congo: Goma partially resists M23 rebel assault
M23 rebels fighting Congolese government forces claim taking over Goma city which borders Rwanda
Chaos erupts in Goma as rebels take over major Congolese hub
13 peacekeepers, including soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay, have been killed in the clashes.
South Sudan reverses night curfew after protests
South Sudan has lifted a night curfew that was imposed earlier this month following violent anti-Sudanese demonstrations in the capital, Juba.
ICRC condemns attacks on civilian infrastructure in Sudan
The Red Cross warns of rising attacks on Sudan’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and water stations, disrupting essential services for millions and endangering public health.
Young Africans fuel pressure on museums to return looted art
Young Africans are increasing pressure on Western museums to return looted artefacts, reflecting growing awareness and changing attitudes, according to the UN.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seize Goma, escalating conflict in DRC
According to a statement from Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, the group has seized control of Goma
Interpol, Afripol arrest terror suspects across African nations
Interpol and Afripol arrested 37 suspected terrorists, including members of ISIS and al-Shabaab, during a counter-terrorism operation in eight East African countries.
France condemns Rwanda’s Actions in DRC, Urges End to Violence
France has condemned Rwanda’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and expressed solidarity with the Congolese government, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Monday. “France strongly condemns the offensive led by the M23, backed by the Rwandan armed forces, which has led to the death of six peacekeepers and the displacement of several thousand people. Fighting must stop, and dialogue must resume,” Barrot stated as he arrived at the Council of European Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels. The situation in the DRC escalated on Sunday when Congolese rebels claimed they had captured Goma, the largest city in the country’s mineral-rich east. The rapid advance has displaced thousands and raised fears of a broader regional conflict.
Rebels claim control of key DR Congo city amid mass exodus
The once-bustling city of over a million is now eerily quiet following hours of gunfire and explosions, local media reported
Deadly week for Nigerian military: 35 soldiers killed in insurgency
A recent ISWAP attack resulted in the deaths of 20 soldiers, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian military.
Dutch cocaine trafficker reported in Sierra Leone under cover
Sierra Leone is investigating reports that Dutch cocaine trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, wanted by Europol, is residing in the country under high-level protection.
M23 rebels advance on DR Congo, raising fears of regional conflict
M23 rebels have entered the outskirts of Goma, prompting Congo to declare war on Rwanda and leading to the deaths of 13 peacekeepers.
Nigeria fuel tank explosion kills several, week after 98 deaths
Witnesses tells media no fewer than 15 people, including 3 children, confirmed dead
RSF and SAF trade claims amid conflicting reports on Khartoum siege
The RSF denied claims by the SAF that it had broken the siege, dismissing them as “propaganda” aimed at boosting morale
DR Congo-Rwanda relations deteriorate after governor’s death
The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of assassinating the governor of North Kivu province and has recalled its diplomats from Kigali.
UN peacekeepers killed in Congo: M23 advance raises alarm
Thirteen peacekeepers, including soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay, were killed in recent fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels advanced towards the city of Goma.
African leaders reaffirm commitment to Sudan, Congo stability
Kenyan and Guinea-Bissau leaders commit to addressing conflicts in Sudan and the DRC, emphasizing peace, stability, and humanitarian aid during a state visit.
Sudan’s oil production disrupted in clashes between rival forces
Fighting in Sudan’s civil war has set ablaze the country’s largest oil refinery, according to satellite imagery.
Police kills man in Tunisia who set himself on fire near Synagogue
A man set himself on fire outside a synagogue in Tunis, Tunisia, and was subsequently killed by police.
South Africa’s DA party disputes unity government leadership
The Democratic Alliance party in South Africa has opposed the unity government’s decisions on health and land reforms, calling for collaborative leadership and expressing constitutional concerns.
Congolese forces repel rebel advance on Goma, sources say
The M23 insurgency, now in its third year, has intensified since January, with the rebels seizing unprecedented territory and announcing their intention to capture Goma
Hamas releases four Israeli hostages in second ceasefire swap
The released soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were captured during the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel
Comoros President Assoumani denies plans to hand power to son
Assoumani’s tenure has been marked by controversy. His 2022 election victory faced allegations of irregularities from opposition groups
South Africa sued over apartheid justice failures
Anti-apartheid activists and families of victims have filed a lawsuit against the South African government, accusing it of “gross failure” to investigate and prosecute apartheid-era crimes, including forced disappearances and murders.
Fighting rages in eastern DRC as M23 rebels advance
Nine UN peacekeepers were injured during heavy clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as the M23 rebel group continues its offensive.
Martinique protest leader released with suspended sentence
Petitot, widely known as “Le R,” spearheaded last year’s demonstrations on the Caribbean island