DR Congo

M23 Rebels Seize Key Town in Eastern DRC

Africa /

M23 Rebels Capture Key Town in Eastern DRC Amid Ongoing Tensions M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of the strategic town of Kamandi Gîte in eastern DRC, reports confirmed on Sunday (Nov. 03). Located by Lake Edward, Kamandi Gîte offers a vital link to the city of Beni. The town’s capture has led to widespread displacement, with local sources reporting heavy civilian movement. The M23 faced resistance from self-defense groups, known as Wezalendo, who are allied with DRC’s armed forces. The fighting occurs as Rwanda and DRC continue discussions under the Luanda peace process, with Angola mediating. A key meeting is set for November 16. Both countries have agreed on plans to withdraw military forces and neutralize the FDLR, a militia group with ties to the 1994 Rwanda genocide.

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WHO Allocates Nearly 1 Million Mpox Vaccine Doses to Africa

Africa /

The World Health Organization announced on Friday that nearly one million doses of mpox vaccines have been allocated to nine African countries. This follows the creation of an Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) last month to ensure equitable access to the vaccines. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that over 50,000 individuals have already been vaccinated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, thanks to donations from the U.S. and the European Commission. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 500 percent increase in mpox cases compared to last year, now affecting 19 countries. The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in mid-August after a new strain began spreading from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Ghebreyesus stated that the allocation of approximately 900,000 doses was based on public health needs, especially in areas with significant transmission. He emphasized that this is the first allocation of nearly six million doses expected to be available by the end of 2024. While vaccination is a critical component, he highlighted the importance of other strategies, including case finding, contact tracing, infection prevention, clinical care, risk communication, and testing, as part of a comprehensive response plan.

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DR Congo’s Tshisekedi calls for new constitutional reforms

Africa /

Does the Democratic Republic of Congo Need a New Constitution? President Felix Tshisekedi believes it does. On October 23, he announced plans to establish a commission next year to address constitutional reforms. Speaking to supporters in Kisangani, Tshisekedi criticized the current Constitution for its “weaknesses,” stating it does not reflect the country’s realities. He pointed to the delayed formation of the government and provincial assemblies, which he claims are hindered by “selfish interests.” The late swearing-in of the government, nearly six months after his re-election, was due to negotiations within the ruling coalition, as various parties sought representation. The new government includes over 50 ministers under Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the DRC’s first female prime minister. Calls for constitutional revision have been echoed by the ruling coalition in recent weeks. The Secretary-General of Tshisekedi’s party, UDPS, noted that the late party leader, Etienne Tshisekedi, had advocated for such changes. However, the proposal has sparked division in the country, with opposition figures accusing Tshisekedi of attempting to consolidate power. The president has stated that any changes regarding presidential terms are not about him but should reflect the will of the people. The 2006 Constitution, the DRC’s third fundamental law adopted by referendum, was last amended in 2011 and emerged from the 2003 government of national unity.

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