DR Congo plans a $750M debut Eurobond in April as part of a $1.5B program. Here’s what it means for infrastructure, risk, and investors. The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to issue its first-ever Eurobond, planning to raise $750 million in April as part of a wider $1.5 billion borrowing program. The debut move signals a strategic shift toward commercial financing and global investor scrutiny, as Kinshasa seeks to fund infrastructure while navigating risks tied to commodity prices and insecurity in eastern Congo. What Is DRC Planning With the $750 Million Eurobond? According to Central Bank Governor André Wameso, the April issuance will be the first tranche of a broader $1.5 billion Eurobond programme. Proceeds from the borrowing are earmarked for infrastructure development, a long-standing bottleneck in Congo’s economic growth. National experts are currently working alongside international advisory firms on due diligence to meet the April timeline, signalling an effort to align the issuance with global market standards. If successful, the bond would mark Congo’s first direct access to global debt investors — a milestone for a country that has historically relied on concessional loans, bilateral financing, and multilateral support. Why Congo Is Entering Global Bond Markets Now Several factors explain the timing. First, Congo’s credit outlook was revised from “stable” to “positive” by S&P Global Ratings last week, improving its appeal to investors. This reflects relatively low public debt levels and a favourable assessment of macroeconomic management by the International Monetary Fund. Second, international market conditions have eased compared to previous years. African issuers such as Angola and Nigeria have returned to markets, while Benin successfully issued a sukuk bond in early 2026. This reopening of appetite for African sovereign risk has created a narrow but strategic window that Congo is seeking to exploit. Third, Kinshasa is under pressure to accelerate infrastructure investment — in transport, energy, and logistics — to support growth in its copper and cobalt sectors and to convert mineral wealth into broader economic development. Continue Reading Full Article ECONOMIC REPORTS DRC Debut Eurobond: $750M Bond Plan, Risks & Strategy By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Jan 26, 2026 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to issue its first-ever Eurobond, planning to raise $750 million in April as part of a wider $1.5 billion borrowing program. The debut move signals a strategic shift toward commercial financing and global investor scrutiny, as Kinshasa seeks to fund infrastructure while navigating risks tied to commodity prices and insecurity in eastern Congo. What Is DRC Planning With the $750 Million Eurobond? According to Central Bank Governor André Wameso, the April issuance will be the first tranche of a broader $1.5 billion Eurobond programme. Proceeds from the borrowing are earmarked for infrastructure development, a long-standing bottleneck in Congo’s economic growth. National experts are currently working alongside international advisory firms on due diligence to meet the April timeline, signalling an effort to align the issuance with global market standards. If successful, the bond would mark Congo’s first direct access to global debt investors — a milestone for a country that has historically relied on concessional loans, bilateral financing, and multilateral support. ADVERTISEMENT Why Congo Is Entering Global Bond Markets Now Several factors explain the timing. First, Congo’s credit outlook was revised from “stable” to “positive” by S&P Global Ratings last week, improving its appeal to investors. This reflects relatively low public debt levels and a favourable assessment of macroeconomic management by the International Monetary Fund. Second, international market conditions have eased compared to previous years. African issuers such as Angola and Nigeria have returned to markets, while Benin successfully issued a sukuk bond in early 2026. This reopening of appetite for African sovereign risk has created a narrow but strategic window that Congo is seeking to exploit. Third, Kinshasa is under pressure to accelerate infrastructure investment — in transport, energy, and logistics — to support growth in its copper and cobalt sectors and to convert mineral wealth into broader economic development. ADVERTISEMENT What the Eurobond Means for Congo’s Economic Strategy Issuing a Eurobond is not just about raising cash. It is also a reputational move. By tapping global markets, Congo is effectively inviting scrutiny from international investors, ratings agencies, and analysts. Transparency, fiscal discipline, and policy credibility become more important — and more visible. For the government, this is a way to signal confidence in its economic trajectory and to diversify funding sources beyond traditional lenders. The central bank’s active role, as highlighted by Governor Wameso, suggests a coordinated institutional effort to reassure markets and manage risks. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Justice & Crime M23 → AFC → FRN: Has Anything Really Changed? . Justice & Crime Kagame's Failed Justifications for His Military Presence in the DRC . Justice & Crime From AFDL to FRN: Analysts Question Rwanda's Rebel Rebranding . Peace For DRC Now DRC Takes Rwanda Compliance Dispute to UNGA Over Resolution 2773 . Justice & Crime Congolese Group Files ICC Communication Naming Kagame, Kabila . ADVERTISEMENT Investor Risks: Conflict, Commodities, and Debt Pressure The IMF has cautioned that Congo remains exposed to external shocks, particularly commodity price volatility and the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country involving Rwanda-backed armed groups. Any deterioration in security or a sharp fall in copper and cobalt prices could strain public finances and complicate debt servicing. For Congo, entering commercial debt markets also brings longer-term obligations. Eurobonds are more expensive than concessional financing, and mismanaging proceeds could quickly erode the credibility the country is seeking to build. The Bigger Picture: Congo’s Pivot From Aid to Markets Congo’s planned Eurobond places it among a growing group of African states attempting to reposition themselves as credible market borrowers rather than perpetual aid recipients. If the April issuance succeeds, it could open the door to future financing — and impose stronger discipline on economic governance. In that sense, the $750 million bond is less about the amount raised than about what it represents: a bet that Congo’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals, reform narrative, and strategic importance can translate into trust from global investors — and, ultimately, into roads, power, and infrastructure on the ground. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Justice & Crime M23 → AFC → FRN: Has Anything Really Changed? XTRAfrica examines Joseph Kabila's leadership of the FRN, its continuity with AFC/M23 and ... . Justice & Crime Kagame's Failed Justifications for His Military Presence in the DRC UN findings, U.S. sanctions and the reported FRN launch raise questions about Kigali's military role . Justice & Crime From AFDL to FRN: Analysts Question Rwanda's Rebel Rebranding FRN's reported emergence in Goma revives debate over Rwanda's links to successive Congo rebellions. . Peace For DRC Now DRC Takes Rwanda Compliance Dispute to UNGA Over Resolution 2773 At UNGA81, Judith Suminwa called for enforcement of Resolution 2773, independent verification . Tags Featured News Featured News DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo Invest In Congo Invest In Congo

Apply for a KRA PIN on iTax. Individual steps, PIN without obligation for students, reprint certificate, and KRA contacts. To apply for a KRA PIN online, open the official iTax portal at itax.kra.go.ke , choose New PIN Registration , then register as an Individual using the Online Form . KRA's individual guide says you fill Section A (basic information), Section B (obligation details), and Section C (source of income), then submit. You get an acknowledgment receipt with a reference number so you can track the application while you wait for approval. Quick answer Portal: iTax → New PIN Registration. Taxpayer type: Individual. Mode: Online Form. After submit: Keep the acknowledgment reference number and await approval. Students / no taxable activity: You can apply for a PIN Without Obligation (PWO) so you are not required to file returns until you add obligations later. What a KRA PIN is According to KRA, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) is used when you deal with the Kenya Revenue Authority, other government agencies, and many service providers. "Personal" covers individuals and artificial persons such as companies, clubs, and trusts. A sole proprietorship uses the proprietor's individual PIN. KRA says you should have a PIN if you are employed, in business, have rental income, wish to apply for a HELB loan, or need a PIN for listed transactions such as land registration, motor vehicle licensing, company or business-name registration, insurance underwriting, imports, electricity connection deposits, or government supply contracts. Continue Reading Full Article TAX AND REVENUE How to Apply for a KRA PIN Online By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Sep 4, 2026 Sep 4, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: To apply for a KRA PIN online, open the official iTax portal at itax.kra.go.ke , choose New PIN Registration , then register as an Individual using the Online Form . KRA's individual guide says you fill Section A (basic information), Section B (obligation details), and Section C (source of income), then submit. You get an acknowledgment receipt with a reference number so you can track the application while you wait for approval. Quick answer Portal: iTax → New PIN Registration. Taxpayer type: Individual. Mode: Online Form. After submit: Keep the acknowledgment reference number and await approval. Students / no taxable activity: You can apply for a PIN Without Obligation (PWO) so you are not required to file returns until you add obligations later. What a KRA PIN is According to KRA, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) is used when you deal with the Kenya Revenue Authority, other government agencies, and many service providers. "Personal" covers individuals and artificial persons such as companies, clubs, and trusts. A sole proprietorship uses the proprietor's individual PIN. KRA says you should have a PIN if you are employed, in business, have rental income, wish to apply for a HELB loan, or need a PIN for listed transactions such as land registration, motor vehicle licensing, company or business-name registration, insurance underwriting, imports, electricity connection deposits, or government supply contracts. Official portal iTax portal — New PIN Registration, login, Status Checker, and PIN Checker. How to register for a KRA PIN (individual) — KRA's step guide. About PIN — who needs a PIN and PIN Without Obligation. What you need For a Kenyan resident applying for a PIN Without Obligation, KRA's official PWO guide says you need a National Identity card. The guide also walks you through residential status, profession, National ID details, date of birth, physical and postal address, phone and email (with OTP verification), reason for application, data-privacy consent, and any supporting document upload. ADVERTISEMENT For a standard individual registration with tax obligations, follow the on-screen fields in Sections A–C on iTax. KRA's Tax Obligations page notes that while applying you select obligations such as Income Tax (compulsory for residents or non-residents as applicable), VAT (suppliers of taxable goods and services), and PAYE (employers). KRA's public how-to pages used for this guide do not list a separate application fee for an individual PIN. Use only official KRA and iTax sites. How to apply for a KRA PIN online (individual) On your phone, tablet, or computer, open https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/ . Select New PIN Registration (or the register option to apply for a PIN). Choose taxpayer type Individual . Select mode of registration Online Form . Complete Section A : basic information. Complete Section B : obligation details (or choose PIN Without Obligation if that option applies and you are not in taxable activity). Complete Section C : source of income details when the form asks for them. Submit the form. Save the acknowledgment receipt and reference number so you can track the application while you await approval. PIN Without Obligation (students and others) KRA describes PIN Without Obligation (PWO) for individuals not currently engaged in taxable activity, for example students who need a PIN for Higher Education Loans, or diplomats. Holders are not required to file returns. You will not qualify for services that need active obligations such as a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), iTax filings, or eTIMS compliance until you amend the PIN and add obligations. KRA's PWO guide for Kenyan residents: go to iTax → New PIN registration → Individual → Online form → answer Yes to register for a PWO → fill the form (Kenyan residential status, National ID, DOB, addresses, contacts, OTP on email) → submit. For Kenyan residents, the guide shows downloading the PIN certificate after submission. The PIN is an 11-character number starting with A and ending with a letter. Non-Kenyan non-resident (diplomat) PWO applications are subject to approval by authorised staff. After approval, the system emails PIN details; after rejection, the officer's remarks go to the registered email. ADVERTISEMENT How to print or reprint your PIN certificate Log in to the iTax portal . Open the Registration tab and select Reprint my Certificate . Select applicant type (Taxpayer or Agent). Click Submit. KRA says your certificate is then ready for download. Track application status Use the acknowledgment reference number from your submission. On the iTax online services area, KRA also provides a Status Checker to consult the status of applications, plus a PIN Checker to verify a PIN. Common problems Wrong site: Only use itax.kra.go.ke and kra.go.ke . Fake "PIN agents" and paid shortcuts are a common scam pattern. OTP not arriving: Check spam/junk for the iTax email OTP, then use Resend if the portal offers it. Need HELB later: KRA lists wishing to apply for a HELB loan among reasons to have a PIN. After placement, funding applications go through HEF/HELB portals — see our HELB guides below. Started earning after PWO: Amend your PIN on iTax and add the relevant tax obligations. Scam warning KRA does not ask you to pay strangers for a "fast PIN." Do not share your iTax password, OTP, or ID scans on WhatsApp with unknown numbers. Confirm contacts on kra.go.ke or the iTax portal footer. Contacts Times Tower Building, Haile Selassie Avenue, P. O. Box 48240 - 00100, Nairobi. Contact Centre: 020 4 999 999 or 0711 099 999. Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke . You can also visit a Tax Service Office or Huduma centre. Related XTRAfrica guides How to Apply for a HELB Loan Online HELB Student Portal Login: How to Check Loan Status KUCCPS Placement 2026: How to Check Your Results Trending Now How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online in 2027 . Business Trends How to Apply for a KRA Tax Refund Online . Tax and Revenue How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online . Immigration and Visas How to Check Your KRA Application Status . Tax and Revenue Popular Today Tax and Revenue How to Get a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate . Tax and Revenue How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online . Technology and Innovation How to Reverse an M-Pesa Transaction . Education KUCCPS Placement 2026: How to Check Your Results . Education HELB Student Portal Login: How to Check Loan Status . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Education How to Apply for a HELB Loan Online First-time 2026/2027 HELB funding via hef.co.ke: documents, steps, 30 Sept deadline. . Business Trends KRA Explains KSh3.2m Rule as Traders Plan Protest Kenya Revenue Authority says the KSh3.2m figure is a customs risk benchmark, not a flat tax bill. . Students Guide KUCCPS Ronald Ngala Utalii College: Apply by August 23 Ronald Ngala Utalii College applications close 23 August 2026. See the KUCCPS link, courses . Health News Kenyan Police Detain Protesters as U.S. Ebola Facility continues Nanyuki protests continue as legal orders challenge the quarantine plan . Tags Kenya Gov Services Kenya Gov Services

Cameroon faces criticism after President Biya names his son, Frank Biya, as vice president and army chief, consolidating power and fueling fears of hereditary rule On 4 April 2026, President Paul Biya issued a decree from Yaoundé appointing his son , Franck Emmanuel Biya, to three of Cameroon’s most powerful positions: Vice‑President of the Republic, Head of the Armed Forces, and Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence. The decree suggests the measures were made “in accordance with constitutional provisions” and should be registered in the country’s official gazette, but the political meaning could not be more profound. In one stroke, the 93‑year‑old Biya has placed the country’s highest executive and military authority in the hands of his son. This consolidation amounts to nepotism at the highest level, for it institutionalises dynastic rule and undermines the already fragile separation of powers in a nation wracked by contested elections and mounting security crises. Why the fusion of executive and military power is politically alarming Biya’s decree elevates Franck Biya to vice‑president, a post reintroduced through controversial constitutional reforms earlier in 2026. The vice‑president is now appointed and dismissed by the president, automatically assumes office if the head of state becomes incapacitated, and cannot run for the presidency in subsequent elections . Opposition figures warned that these reforms “centralised power” and weakened democratic institutions, but they did not foresee that the president would immediately fill the new office with his son. Even before Franck’s elevation, scholars documented how nepotism and favouritism degrade public administration ; according to Good Governance Africa, evidence from across Africa shows nepotism is widespread, and that appointing unqualified individuals to high office is a red flag for “unsound appointments and corruption”. Merriam‑Webster defines nepotism as “ favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship,” especially within business and politics. By placing his son at the apex of both the executive and the military, Biya has turned the state into a family enterprise. The conflation of the vice‑presidency with the command of the armed forces is particularly troubling for checks and balances. The vice‑president stands next in line should Biya die or become incapacitated, yet by simultaneously controlling the military, Franck Biya can shape the security apparatus that would manage any transition. In a state where the president’s ethnic kin already dominate key positions, Biya’s Beti people have disproportionate control of senior government and military roles ; this latest move eliminates even the façade of impartial oversight. Cameroon’s institutional independence has long been eroded by a patron–client system; Vanguard Africa notes that state corruption, nepotism, and favouritism have grown “to levels previously unknown” and that “excellence is no longer considered” in the public sector. Adding the president’s son as head of the armed forces institutionalises this mediocrity and places the military’s loyalty firmly within the ruling family, leaving little room for civilian or parliamentary oversight. Succession politics and signals for Cameroon’s future Cameroon’s political climate gives context to this dynastic consolidation. Biya has ruled since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest‑serving leaders. His eighth term was secured in a disputed October 2025 election in which official results gave him roughly 54 percent of the vote. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed 35 percent but rejected the outcome, alleging widespread fraud and declaring himself the rightful winner. The election sparked protests and was followed by security forces killing at least four opposition supporters. The Constitutional Council dismissed multiple challenges to the results, entrenching Biya’s tenure. Against this backdrop of contestation, the vice‑presidency becomes a crucial instrument for engineering succession. Franck Biya has long been regarded as a potential successor. Reports on local prefect appointments in 2025 described a pattern in which children of ministers and elites were placed in key positions as a strategy to “entrench familial loyalty” and centralise power . The same analysis noted that Franck Biya had been “floated” as a potential successor despite having remained largely out of public politics. By appointing him vice‑president, President Biya signals an intention to orchestrate a hereditary succession rather than allow an open contest for the presidency. The vice‑president will automatically assume the top job if Biya dies or resigns, ensuring continuity of the family’s grip on power. Yet the constitutional provision that the vice‑president cannot stand in the next election may be designed to circumvent claims of hereditary succession. In practice, however, Franck’s control of the military and proximity to his father will enable him to heavily influence the next electoral cycle and shape the political landscape after his father’s departure. Moreover, the appointment blurs the separation between civilian governance and military command, signalling that the route to power lies through family allegiance rather than competence or democratic mandate. Cameroon’s government has previously used nepotism and tribal loyalties to maintain control; the East African described Biya’s regime as a “patron–client state” where nepotism and tribalism are institutionalised and where his ethnic kin hold key posts in government and security services. Elevating Franck Biya continues this tradition and suggests that the ruling elite is preparing for a dynastic handover akin to other African authoritarian systems, such as Togo’s Gnassingbé dynasty or Gabon’s Bongo family, where sons succeeded their fathers amid constitutional changes and military backing. Domestic and international consequences Domestically, the consolidation of power in the president’s son is likely to heighten existing tensions. Cameroon faces multiple security crises: a separatist conflict in its Anglophone regions has displaced hundreds of thousands , and a jihadist insurgency in the Far North has killed over 3 000 and displaced 250 000 people. The International Crisis Group reports that four million people in the Anglophone regions need humanitarian support and that vigilante groups have emerged alongside the armed forces. In this context, centralising military command in one family raises fears of repression rather than reconciliation. Protests after the 2025 election were already met with lethal force; a military commanded by the president’s son may respond similarly to dissent, reducing the space for peaceful opposition or dialogue. Continue Reading Full Article GEOPOLITICS AFRICA Biya’s Appointment of His Son Marks Nepotism at the Highest Level By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 8, 2026 May 15, 2026 8 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: On 4 April 2026, President Paul Biya issued a decree from Yaoundé appointing his son , Franck Emmanuel Biya, to three of Cameroon’s most powerful positions: Vice‑President of the Republic, Head of the Armed Forces, and Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence. The decree suggests the measures were made “in accordance with constitutional provisions” and should be registered in the country’s official gazette, but the political meaning could not be more profound. In one stroke, the 93‑year‑old Biya has placed the country’s highest executive and military authority in the hands of his son. This consolidation amounts to nepotism at the highest level, for it institutionalises dynastic rule and undermines the already fragile separation of powers in a nation wracked by contested elections and mounting security crises. Why the fusion of executive and military power is politically alarming Biya’s decree elevates Franck Biya to vice‑president, a post reintroduced through controversial constitutional reforms earlier in 2026. The vice‑president is now appointed and dismissed by the president, automatically assumes office if the head of state becomes incapacitated, and cannot run for the presidency in subsequent elections . Opposition figures warned that these reforms “centralised power” and weakened democratic institutions, but they did not foresee that the president would immediately fill the new office with his son. Even before Franck’s elevation, scholars documented how nepotism and favouritism degrade public administration ; according to Good Governance Africa, evidence from across Africa shows nepotism is widespread, and that appointing unqualified individuals to high office is a red flag for “unsound appointments and corruption”. Merriam‑Webster defines nepotism as “ favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship,” especially within business and politics. By placing his son at the apex of both the executive and the military, Biya has turned the state into a family enterprise. The conflation of the vice‑presidency with the command of the armed forces is particularly troubling for checks and balances. The vice‑president stands next in line should Biya die or become incapacitated, yet by simultaneously controlling the military, Franck Biya can shape the security apparatus that would manage any transition. In a state where the president’s ethnic kin already dominate key positions, Biya’s Beti people have disproportionate control of senior government and military roles ; this latest move eliminates even the façade of impartial oversight. Cameroon’s institutional independence has long been eroded by a patron–client system; Vanguard Africa notes that state corruption, nepotism, and favouritism have grown “to levels previously unknown” and that “excellence is no longer considered” in the public sector. Adding the president’s son as head of the armed forces institutionalises this mediocrity and places the military’s loyalty firmly within the ruling family, leaving little room for civilian or parliamentary oversight. ADVERTISEMENT Succession politics and signals for Cameroon’s future Cameroon’s political climate gives context to this dynastic consolidation. Biya has ruled since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest‑serving leaders. His eighth term was secured in a disputed October 2025 election in which official results gave him roughly 54 percent of the vote. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed 35 percent but rejected the outcome, alleging widespread fraud and declaring himself the rightful winner. The election sparked protests and was followed by security forces killing at least four opposition supporters. The Constitutional Council dismissed multiple challenges to the results, entrenching Biya’s tenure. Against this backdrop of contestation, the vice‑presidency becomes a crucial instrument for engineering succession. Franck Biya has long been regarded as a potential successor. Reports on local prefect appointments in 2025 described a pattern in which children of ministers and elites were placed in key positions as a strategy to “entrench familial loyalty” and centralise power . The same analysis noted that Franck Biya had been “floated” as a potential successor despite having remained largely out of public politics. By appointing him vice‑president, President Biya signals an intention to orchestrate a hereditary succession rather than allow an open contest for the presidency. The vice‑president will automatically assume the top job if Biya dies or resigns, ensuring continuity of the family’s grip on power. Yet the constitutional provision that the vice‑president cannot stand in the next election may be designed to circumvent claims of hereditary succession. In practice, however, Franck’s control of the military and proximity to his father will enable him to heavily influence the next electoral cycle and shape the political landscape after his father’s departure. Moreover, the appointment blurs the separation between civilian governance and military command, signalling that the route to power lies through family allegiance rather than competence or democratic mandate. Cameroon’s government has previously used nepotism and tribal loyalties to maintain control; the East African described Biya’s regime as a “patron–client state” where nepotism and tribalism are institutionalised and where his ethnic kin hold key posts in government and security services. Elevating Franck Biya continues this tradition and suggests that the ruling elite is preparing for a dynastic handover akin to other African authoritarian systems, such as Togo’s Gnassingbé dynasty or Gabon’s Bongo family, where sons succeeded their fathers amid constitutional changes and military backing. ADVERTISEMENT Domestic and international consequences Domestically, the consolidation of power in the president’s son is likely to heighten existing tensions. Cameroon faces multiple security crises: a separatist conflict in its Anglophone regions has displaced hundreds of thousands , and a jihadist insurgency in the Far North has killed over 3 000 and displaced 250 000 people. The International Crisis Group reports that four million people in the Anglophone regions need humanitarian support and that vigilante groups have emerged alongside the armed forces. In this context, centralising military command in one family raises fears of repression rather than reconciliation. Protests after the 2025 election were already met with lethal force; a military commanded by the president’s son may respond similarly to dissent, reducing the space for peaceful opposition or dialogue. Institutional independence is also endangered. The constitution now allows the president to appoint and dismiss the vice‑president at will, and the same decree placed Franck Biya at the head of the armed forces. Such concentration of authority undermines checks and balances and further politicises the military. Good Governance Africa warns that nepotism in government appointments leads to unsound governance and fosters environments ripe for corruption . With the Biya family controlling executive and military levers, the risk is that state resources and security operations will be deployed not for national interest but to protect the ruling dynasty, as has been witnessed in other authoritarian contexts where family rule results in predatory governance. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Import and Export DRC Launches Pepper Task Force for China Exports . Mining and Minerals DRC Certifies Its First Manono Lithium Cargo . Science and Environment New Monkey Species Discovered in the DRC’s Congo Rainforest . War in Eastern DRC How Rwanda Keeps the FDLR Narrative Alive to Stay in Congo . Geopolitics Africa Biya’s Appointment of His Son Marks Nepotism at the Highest Level . ADVERTISEMENT Internationally, the move is likely to erode Cameroon’s legitimacy and invite scrutiny from partners concerned with governance standards, human rights, and stability. Western governments and multilateral lenders often predicate cooperation on democratic reforms and respect for the rule of law. Biya’s long rule has already drawn criticism for corruption and absenteeism. The appointment of his son to vice‑president and head of the armed forces will raise questions about whether Cameroon is sliding further toward hereditary autocracy. Donor partners may reconsider development assistance, and regional bodies such as the African Union could face pressure to respond to what many will see as a constitutional coup. Some within the ruling camp may argue that centralising authority ensures “stability” and “national security” during turmoil, but the history of authoritarian systems shows that such justifications often mask the consolidation of family power. As Good Governance Africa notes, nepotism and favouritism are red flags for corruption and institutional decay. The decision will also influence Cameroon’s foreign relations. France and China maintain significant economic interests in Cameroon. Both have historically tolerated Biya’s authoritarian tendencies due to strategic interests, but the overt familial takeover could complicate diplomatic narratives. Regional dynamics may also shift: neighbouring countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic share security challenges with Cameroon, and instability there could spill over borders. Further centralisation of power may therefore prompt caution among neighbouring governments and could shape alliances within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). Why this moment matters beyond Cameroon President Biya’s appointment of his son to the vice‑presidency, head of the armed forces, and defence ministry is not an ordinary cabinet reshuffle; it represents the entrenchment of a dynastic succession plan in a country already beset by contested elections, violent unrest, and governance crises. By fusing executive and military authority within his family, Biya has codified nepotism at the heart of Cameroon’s political system. The move underscores how ageing leaders in authoritarian systems often manipulate constitutional reforms and security structures to perpetuate family rule under the guise of legality and stability. For Cameroonians, it signals a closing of the political space and the likelihood of increased repression. For Africa and the international community, it stands as a cautionary tale of how dynastic ambitions can erode democratic institutions, destabilise fragile societies, and tarnish a nation’s global standing. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Import and Export DRC Launches Pepper Task Force for China Exports ANAPEX targets pepper, cocoa, coffee, soy and sesame, but no export deal is signed yet . Mining and Minerals DRC Certifies Its First Manono Lithium Cargo First CEEC-certified lots leave Kalemie as Congo opens a new battery-mineral export trade . Science and Environment New Monkey Species Discovered in the DRC’s Congo Rainforest a rare orange-lipped monkey species found in Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo . War in Eastern DRC How Rwanda Keeps the FDLR Narrative Alive to Stay in Congo Rwanda cites the FDLR threat to justify its presence in eastern Congo, but past operations...... . Tags Must Read Must Read Cameroon Cameroon

Super Eagles and FC Porto defender, Zaidu Sanusi, recently underwent a successful knee surgery in San Francisco. The procedure was overseen by Professor Jose Carlos Noronha. Sanusi sustained the injury during FC Porto’s league clash against Estrela da Amadora two weeks ago. Unfortunately, this setback occurred shortly after his return from the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he represented Nigeria. As a result of the surgery, Sanusi will be unable to play until the next season. However, he is expected to continue his recovery and return to the field stronger than ever.[ africatopsports ] Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 27, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Zaidu Sanusi on training pitch. IMAGE: Instagram/zaidu Super Eagles and FC Porto defender, Zaidu Sanusi, recently underwent a successful knee surgery in San Francisco. The procedure was overseen by Professor Jose Carlos Noronha. Sanusi sustained the injury during FC Porto’s league clash against Estrela da Amadora two weeks ago. Unfortunately, this setback occurred shortly after his return from the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he represented Nigeria. As a result of the surgery, Sanusi will be unable to play until the next season. However, he is expected to continue his recovery and return to the field stronger than ever.[ africatopsports ] ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

U.S. officials are responding after an American tested positive for Ebola in DRC. U.S. officials say they are responding after an American tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo , with President Donald Trump saying he is “concerned” about the outbreak during a White House event, according to CNBC . The case comes as health authorities in Central and East Africa move to contain the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which the World Health Organization has classified as a public health emergency of international concern, though not a pandemic emergency. Uganda has placed more than 100 people under quarantine as officials monitor possible exposure linked to the outbreak, Africanews reported . Authorities said the contacts are being observed by experienced medical teams while the country strengthens public health precautions. In the DRC, President Félix Tshisekedi has instructed the government to reinforce the Ebola response in Ituri and North Kivu, where suspected cases and deaths continue to be investigated, Radio Okapi reported . U.S. officials said there are currently no Ebola cases in the United States and that efforts are focused on supporting Americans in the affected region while preventing any domestic spread. Continue Reading Full Article HEALTH NEWS U.S. Moves to Support Americans Exposed to Ebola in DRC By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 20, 2026 May 20, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: U.S. officials say they are responding after an American tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo , with President Donald Trump saying he is “concerned” about the outbreak during a White House event, according to CNBC . The case comes as health authorities in Central and East Africa move to contain the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which the World Health Organization has classified as a public health emergency of international concern, though not a pandemic emergency. Uganda has placed more than 100 people under quarantine as officials monitor possible exposure linked to the outbreak, Africanews reported . ADVERTISEMENT Authorities said the contacts are being observed by experienced medical teams while the country strengthens public health precautions. In the DRC, President Félix Tshisekedi has instructed the government to reinforce the Ebola response in Ituri and North Kivu, where suspected cases and deaths continue to be investigated, Radio Okapi reported . ADVERTISEMENT U.S. officials said there are currently no Ebola cases in the United States and that efforts are focused on supporting Americans in the affected region while preventing any domestic spread. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Biography Carla Jeffery Biography: Zombies Actress Dies at 33 . Health News US Urges Belgium to Restrict DRC Travelers Over Ebola . Health News U.S. Moves to Support Americans Exposed to Ebola in DRC . Entertainment Blaqbonez Explains Why He Can’t Commit to One Woman . Refugees and Migration DRC-U.S. migrant deal heads into a broader next phase . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Carla Jeffery Biography: Zombies Actress Dies at 33 The American actor built a two-decade career before becoming known worldwide as Bree in Zombies. . Health News US Urges Belgium to Restrict DRC Travelers Over Ebola Belgium reportedly rejects the U.S. request and says it will follow WHO guidance. . Health News U.S. Moves to Support Americans Exposed to Ebola in DRC Trump says he is concerned as DRC, Uganda intensify Ebola response . Entertainment Blaqbonez Explains Why He Can’t Commit to One Woman Rapper cites demanding lifestyle and lack of genuine connections . Tags USA USA DR Congo News DR Congo News Donald Trump Donald Trump Health Health

Bebe Rexha outlines a new personal and professional focus for 2026, sharing an Instagram post that signals change and confidence. Bebe Rexha has signaled a shift in her personal and professional outlook for 2026, sharing a reflective post on social media that outlines what she is leaving behind and what she plans to embrace moving forward. The 36-year-old singer posted an image on Instagram on January 22 showing herself standing in front of a whiteboard divided into two columns. One side listed traits she associated with her past, including “victim,” “people pleaser,” and a reference to the 2023 concert incident in which she was struck in the face by a fan’s phone during a New York City performance. That column was crossed out. The opposite side highlighted words describing her future direction, including “unapologetic,” “confident,” and “richer,” signaling a more assertive mindset. Rexha also updated her Instagram bio and launched a new website inviting fans to engage with her upcoming projects. The post comes as the singer enters a new phase in her career after announcing a partnership with independent music company Empire following previous releases under Warner Records. In a statement to Variety , Rexha said the move reflects creative independence and renewed confidence in her artistic direction. The singer has previously spoken about the impact of the 2023 onstage assault, which resulted in stitches and a black eye, and has continued to reference the incident as part of her broader personal journey. Source: Geo News Digital Desk Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Bebe Rexha Signals New Direction With “Unapologetic” 2026 Focus By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 23, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Bebe Rexha has signaled a shift in her personal and professional outlook for 2026, sharing a reflective post on social media that outlines what she is leaving behind and what she plans to embrace moving forward. The 36-year-old singer posted an image on Instagram on January 22 showing herself standing in front of a whiteboard divided into two columns. One side listed traits she associated with her past, including “victim,” “people pleaser,” and a reference to the 2023 concert incident in which she was struck in the face by a fan’s phone during a New York City performance. That column was crossed out. ADVERTISEMENT The opposite side highlighted words describing her future direction, including “unapologetic,” “confident,” and “richer,” signaling a more assertive mindset. Rexha also updated her Instagram bio and launched a new website inviting fans to engage with her upcoming projects. The post comes as the singer enters a new phase in her career after announcing a partnership with independent music company Empire following previous releases under Warner Records. ADVERTISEMENT In a statement to Variety , Rexha said the move reflects creative independence and renewed confidence in her artistic direction. The singer has previously spoken about the impact of the 2023 onstage assault, which resulted in stitches and a black eye, and has continued to reference the incident as part of her broader personal journey. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source: Geo News Digital Desk ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

In a strategic move to promote itself as a leading destination for tourism and technology, the Kenyan government, led by the Ministry of Information Communication and Digital Economy (MoICDE), launched the "Let's Go to Kenya" digital campaign. Collaborating with Konza Technopolis and the ICT Authority, the initiative aims to highlight Kenya's natural beauty, dynamic tech industry, and investment opportunities. During the Nairobi launch, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui of the State Department for ICT emphasized the campaign's goal to enhance Kenya's image as a top choice for tourists and investors through digital platforms. The campaign will tap into the country's youthful, tech-savvy majority to drive engagement and awareness. Konza Technopolis CEO, John Paul Okwiri, pointed out the campaign's role in showcasing Kenya's tech potential and welcoming tech professionals and investors. The initiative also aligns with the upcoming IASP 2024 World Conference on Science Park, positioning Kenya as an ICT leader in Africa. Partnerships with entities like Kenya Airways, Meta, LinkedIn, Google, and Turkana County-based Startup Lion underscore the collaborative effort to market Kenya globally. This campaign builds on Nairobi's recent acclaim by Lonely Planet as the top city to visit in 2024, underlining the government's commitment to international promotion . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 1, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Making kenya a leading destination for tourism and technology In a strategic move to promote itself as a leading destination for tourism and technology, the Kenyan government, led by the Ministry of Information Communication and Digital Economy (MoICDE), launched the "Let's Go to Kenya" digital campaign. Collaborating with Konza Technopolis and the ICT Authority, the initiative aims to highlight Kenya's natural beauty, dynamic tech industry, and investment opportunities. During the Nairobi launch, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui of the State Department for ICT emphasized the campaign's goal to enhance Kenya's image as a top choice for tourists and investors through digital platforms. The campaign will tap into the country's youthful, tech-savvy majority to drive engagement and awareness. ADVERTISEMENT Konza Technopolis CEO, John Paul Okwiri, pointed out the campaign's role in showcasing Kenya's tech potential and welcoming tech professionals and investors. The initiative also aligns with the upcoming IASP 2024 World Conference on Science Park, positioning Kenya as an ICT leader in Africa. Partnerships with entities like Kenya Airways, Meta, LinkedIn, Google, and Turkana County-based Startup Lion underscore the collaborative effort to market Kenya globally. This campaign builds on Nairobi's recent acclaim by Lonely Planet as the top city to visit in 2024, underlining the government's commitment to international promotion . ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

The U.S. has expanded travel restrictions affecting Nigeria, Sahel states, and others, citing security risks and visa overstay rates. The United States has expanded its travel restrictions to include several African countries, imposing a mix of full and partial entry limitations as part of a broader effort to tighten security screening and immigration controls. Under a new presidential proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, countries linked to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, were placed under full entry restrictions, alongside South Sudan and Syria. The U.S. government cited deficiencies in vetting systems, information-sharing, and governance, as well as ongoing security concerns tied to extremist activity. The updated measures maintain full restrictions on nationals of 12 countries previously designated as high-risk, including Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Iran, Haiti, Yemen, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, and Myanmar, according to the proclamation. In addition, several other African nations are now subject to partial travel restrictions, including Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. U.S. officials stated that these limitations are primarily based on elevated visa overstay rates, inadequate passport controls, and gaps in civil documentation systems. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was singled out for partial restrictions due to security challenges posed by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State affiliate, as well as difficulties in monitoring borders and visa compliance. U.S. data cited visa overstay rates of 5.56% for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90% for FM and J visas for Nigerian nationals. The proclamation allows for exemptions, including lawful permanent U.S. residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests. Humanitarian and certain academic categories may also qualify for waivers. U.S. officials indicated that the restrictions could be reviewed in the future if affected countries strengthen their security cooperation, documentation systems, and counterterrorism efforts. The move underscores Washington’s growing emphasis on vetting standards and border security in shaping foreign travel and immigration policy. Business Insider Africa first published the report. POLITICS & DIPLOMACY U.S. Expands Travel Restrictions to Nigeria, Sahel States By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Dec 17, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The United States has expanded its travel restrictions to include several African countries, imposing a mix of full and partial entry limitations as part of a broader effort to tighten security screening and immigration controls. Under a new presidential proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, countries linked to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, were placed under full entry restrictions, alongside South Sudan and Syria. The U.S. government cited deficiencies in vetting systems, information-sharing, and governance, as well as ongoing security concerns tied to extremist activity. ADVERTISEMENT The updated measures maintain full restrictions on nationals of 12 countries previously designated as high-risk, including Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Iran, Haiti, Yemen, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, and Myanmar, according to the proclamation. In addition, several other African nations are now subject to partial travel restrictions, including Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. U.S. officials stated that these limitations are primarily based on elevated visa overstay rates, inadequate passport controls, and gaps in civil documentation systems. ADVERTISEMENT Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was singled out for partial restrictions due to security challenges posed by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State affiliate, as well as difficulties in monitoring borders and visa compliance. U.S. data cited visa overstay rates of 5.56% for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90% for FM and J visas for Nigerian nationals. The proclamation allows for exemptions, including lawful permanent U.S. residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests. Humanitarian and certain academic categories may also qualify for waivers. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Biography Who Is Maya Boyd, Marvel’s New Storm Actress? . Entertainment Jay-Z’s New York Show Delayed After Security Breach . Entertainment Maduka Okoye and Cardi B Turn Heads in Paris . Entertainment Beyoncé Drops “Morning Dew (Donk)” for Fourth of July . Entertainment Travis Kelce Tears Up During Taylor Swift Wedding Vows . ADVERTISEMENT U.S. officials indicated that the restrictions could be reviewed in the future if affected countries strengthen their security cooperation, documentation systems, and counterterrorism efforts. The move underscores Washington’s growing emphasis on vetting standards and border security in shaping foreign travel and immigration policy. Business Insider Africa first published the report. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Who Is Maya Boyd, Marvel’s New Storm Actress? Meet Maya Boyd, the 23-year-old Broadway actress cast as Storm in Marvel’s new X-Men film. Her age . Entertainment Jay-Z’s New York Show Delayed After Security Breach Live Nation tightened security after hundreds without tickets rushed stadium entrances. . Entertainment Maduka Okoye and Cardi B Turn Heads in Paris The rapper and Super Eagles goalkeeper sparked online buzz at couture week. . Entertainment Beyoncé Drops “Morning Dew (Donk)” for Fourth of July The surprise single begins the countdown to Beyoncé’s B’Day anniversary reissue. . Tags United States United States Africa Business Insider Africa Business Insider

Joseph Kabila condemned to death in absentia for treason, war crimes & crimes against humanity tied to Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Congo’s historic verdict. On 30 September 2025, a military court in Kinshasa sentenced former Congolese president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia. The tribunal’s president, Lt‑Gen Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, found Kabila guilty of war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity for allegedly backing the Rwanda‑supported M23 insurgency in eastern Congo. The charges listed by the court included murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection. He was not present in court and had no lawyer; his whereabouts were unknown. Kabila, who ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2001 to 2019, has denied wrongdoing and says the judiciary has been politicised The verdict imposes the most severe penalty available under Article 7 of the military penal code: death by firing squad or hanging. Beyond the death sentence, the tribunal ordered Kabila to pay massive damages. Reuters reports that he must pay about $50 billion to the Congolese state and to victims, while the Associated Press says the court demanded $29 billion to the state and $4 billion to North and South Kivu, either way, a sum far exceeding Congo’s annual budget. Given that Congo had observed a de facto moratorium on executions since 2003, the sentence is legally possible but politically heavy. A March 2024 cabinet decision lifted the 20‑year moratorium, allowing executions for wartime crimes and treason. The crimes: treason, war crimes, and insurrection The case stems from Kabila’s alleged role in supporting the M23 rebel movement, which seized large parts of North and South Kivu in early 2025. According to the court, Kabila collaborated with Rwanda and M23, helping the rebels capture strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu. The indictment accuses him of treason, conspiracy, organising an insurrection, and war crimes. He was convicted of murder, sexual assault, and torture, reflecting the atrocities committed during the insurgency’s advance. The tribunal ordered his immediate arrest, but Kabila remains in hiding, reportedly somewhere in southern Africa A long record of repression Violent crackdowns on dissent Kabila’s presidency spanned 18 years. Although his early years brought some stability after the Second Congo War, the later period was marked by repression and abuses. Human Rights Watch documented that when Kabila stalled presidential elections scheduled for December 2016, his security forces banned opposition demonstrations, arrested scores of activists and opposition leaders, and used teargas and live ammunition against peaceful protesters. In January 2015, security forces killed at least 38 people in Kinshasa and five in Goma during protests against a proposed law that would delay elections. The Republican Guard shot protesters and even fired on Kinshasa’s general hospital, injuring patients. HRW reports that some victims were buried in a mass grave outside Kinshasa, and the government shut down radio stations and blocked the internet to stifle dissent Recruiting rebels to suppress protests To cling to power, Kabila’s government reportedly turned to foreign rebels. A Human Rights Watch report summarised by JURIST reveals that during December 2016 protests, former M23 rebels from Rwanda and Uganda were recruited into Congo’s forces and given authority to use lethal force against demonstrators. At least 62 people were killed and hundreds arrested as these fighters, authorised to shoot protesters, helped Kabila’s regime suppress opposition. Journalists were detained to prevent reporting on the crackdown. This “special mission” linking M23 to Kabila illustrates how his government blurred the lines between state security and insurgent militias. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & HUMAN RIGHTS Why Joseph Kabila’s Death Sentence Marks a Turning Point for Congo By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 30, 2025 May 15, 2026 8 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: On 30 September 2025, a military court in Kinshasa sentenced former Congolese president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia. The tribunal’s president, Lt‑Gen Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, found Kabila guilty of war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity for allegedly backing the Rwanda‑supported M23 insurgency in eastern Congo. The charges listed by the court included murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection. He was not present in court and had no lawyer; his whereabouts were unknown. Kabila, who ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2001 to 2019, has denied wrongdoing and says the judiciary has been politicised The verdict imposes the most severe penalty available under Article 7 of the military penal code: death by firing squad or hanging. Beyond the death sentence, the tribunal ordered Kabila to pay massive damages. Reuters reports that he must pay about $50 billion to the Congolese state and to victims, while the Associated Press says the court demanded $29 billion to the state and $4 billion to North and South Kivu, either way, a sum far exceeding Congo’s annual budget. Given that Congo had observed a de facto moratorium on executions since 2003, the sentence is legally possible but politically heavy. A March 2024 cabinet decision lifted the 20‑year moratorium, allowing executions for wartime crimes and treason. The crimes: treason, war crimes, and insurrection The case stems from Kabila’s alleged role in supporting the M23 rebel movement, which seized large parts of North and South Kivu in early 2025. According to the court, Kabila collaborated with Rwanda and M23, helping the rebels capture strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu. The indictment accuses him of treason, conspiracy, organising an insurrection, and war crimes. He was convicted of murder, sexual assault, and torture, reflecting the atrocities committed during the insurgency’s advance. The tribunal ordered his immediate arrest, but Kabila remains in hiding, reportedly somewhere in southern Africa A long record of repression Violent crackdowns on dissent Kabila’s presidency spanned 18 years. Although his early years brought some stability after the Second Congo War, the later period was marked by repression and abuses. Human Rights Watch documented that when Kabila stalled presidential elections scheduled for December 2016, his security forces banned opposition demonstrations, arrested scores of activists and opposition leaders, and used teargas and live ammunition against peaceful protesters. In January 2015, security forces killed at least 38 people in Kinshasa and five in Goma during protests against a proposed law that would delay elections. The Republican Guard shot protesters and even fired on Kinshasa’s general hospital, injuring patients. HRW reports that some victims were buried in a mass grave outside Kinshasa, and the government shut down radio stations and blocked the internet to stifle dissent ADVERTISEMENT Recruiting rebels to suppress protests To cling to power, Kabila’s government reportedly turned to foreign rebels. A Human Rights Watch report summarised by JURIST reveals that during December 2016 protests, former M23 rebels from Rwanda and Uganda were recruited into Congo’s forces and given authority to use lethal force against demonstrators. At least 62 people were killed and hundreds arrested as these fighters, authorised to shoot protesters, helped Kabila’s regime suppress opposition. Journalists were detained to prevent reporting on the crackdown. This “special mission” linking M23 to Kabila illustrates how his government blurred the lines between state security and insurgent militias. Entrenched impunity Human rights groups long criticised Kabila for presiding over a system of impunity. HRW noted that those responsible for abuses were rewarded with power and wealth, while activists who demanded respect for the constitution were arrested and held incommunicado. The repression continued into the final years of his rule; even after some activists were released in 2016, many others remained detained on trumped‑up charges, and security forces continued to fire on demonstrators Ties to Rwanda and the M23 insurgency The 2025 verdict rests on allegations that Kabila collaborated with Rwanda‑backed M23 rebels. Over the past two years, M23 resurged with shocking speed, capturing Goma and Bukavu and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. A Human Rights Watch investigation found that M23 fighters summarily executed at least 21 civilians in Goma on 22–23 February 2025, shooting victims in the head and leaving bodies in piles. Witnesses described M23 fighters rounding up young men, forcibly recruiting some, and killing those who tried to escape A confidential UN Group of Experts report obtained by Reuters states that Rwanda exercised command and control over M23, providing recruits with training and “high‑tech systems capable of neutralising air assets”, which gave the rebels a tactical advantage over Congo’s army. The experts found that Rwanda increased the number of its own troops in eastern Congo and that the rebels took strategic decisions on Rwanda’s instructions. Rwanda’s government denies these accusations and claims it is acting in self‑defence. ADVERTISEMENT These findings amplify the significance of Kabila’s verdict. If he cooperated with an insurgency controlled by a foreign state, it would amount to treason and help explain why the court ordered the maximum punishment. Legal context: death penalty and symbolism The Democratic Republic of Congo retained capital punishment but halted executions after 2003, creating a de facto moratorium. According to the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, this suspension lasted twenty years until March 2024, when the government lifted the moratorium in response to the deteriorating security situation in the east. The decision allowed executions for crimes committed in wartime, under states of siege or emergency, or during police operations. While capital punishment remains controversial, human rights groups argue it does not address the underlying causes of violence. The lifting of the moratorium paved the way for Kabila’s sentence. Because Kabila is abroad and Congo’s moratorium only recently ended, many observers see the death sentence as largely symbolic. It signals that even a former head of state can be held accountable, but it is unlikely to be implemented unless he is extradited. The enormous damages imposed by the court further emphasise the verdict’s punitive intent. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . War in Eastern DRC FARDC Says It Is Thwarting M23 Advances Despite Rwandan Drone Support . ADVERTISEMENT Why this verdict matters Accountability for past abuses. For years, victims of repression, torture, and killings during Kabila’s rule have demanded justice. This verdict acknowledges the massacres of protesters, the recruitment of M23 rebels to crush dissent, and the broader human rights violations documented by HRW. Even if enforcement is unlikely, the judgment affirms that leaders are not above the law. Challenging regional impunity. The case ties Kabila to Rwanda’s proxy war in eastern Congo. UN experts say Rwanda commanded M23 operations and supplied advanced weapons. Holding Kabila responsible for collaborating with a foreign‑backed rebel group challenges a long‑standing pattern in which regional leaders support militias with little accountability. The verdict may increase pressure on Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, whose government’s support for M23 has drawn U.S. sanctions and international criticism, yet he remains untouched by indictments. Political symbolism in Congo. President Félix Tshisekedi accuses Kabila of sponsoring the M23 insurgency and of preparing an “insurrection” . By stripping Kabila’s immunity and pursuing a trial, Tshisekedi signals that collaboration with rebels will not be tolerated. The death sentence also functions as a warning to Kabila’s allies; several members of his People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) have joined the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and face similar charges Reconsideration of the death penalty. The revival of executions in 2024 and the use of death sentences against high‑profile defendants raise questions about due process and human rights. Critics argue that capital punishment could be used to settle political scores or suppress dissent. The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty warns that applying executions in a context where constitutional guarantees protect the right to life may hinder extraditions and undermine human rights reforms Conclusion The Kinshasa military court’s decision to condemn Joseph Kabila to death for treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity is unprecedented in Congolese history. It reflects the gravity of his alleged collaboration with the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebels and acknowledges the blood‑stained legacy of his rule, from deadly crackdowns on protesters to the recruitment of M23 fighters to suppress dissent. Although the verdict may be impossible to enforce while Kabila remains abroad, it sends a strong message: impunity is no longer guaranteed for former leaders, and the suffering of Congo’s people demands redress. Whether this ruling leads to broader accountability, including scrutiny of regional actors like Rwanda, remains to be seen, but it marks a significant step toward justice for one of Africa’s longest‑running crises. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation DRC opposition coalition announces nationwide protest over constitutional reform dispute . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics DR.Congo DR.Congo Joseph Kabila Joseph Kabila

Lola Young made her return to the stage in Los Angeles, updating fans months after collapsing during a live performance. According to a Geo News report, British singer-songwriter Lola Young has returned to the stage and reassured fans about her health months after collapsing during a live performance in September 2025 Lola Young returns to stage wit…. The 25-year-old artist made her first major appearance since the incident at Spotify’s Best New Artist Party in Los Angeles on January 29. Addressing the audience before her set, Young described the moment as significant, noting it was her first time performing since stepping away from live shows last year. Young had been performing at the All Things Go music festival in New York City when she suffered an unspecified medical emergency and collapsed mid-set. She was assisted offstage by medical personnel and later informed fans via social media that she was recovering. In the days following the incident, the Messy singer announced the cancellation of her scheduled performances, explaining that she needed time away to focus on her wellbeing. She later reconnected with fans in December, thanking them for their support and stating her intention to gradually resume performing. Her Los Angeles appearance marked a milestone in that return. The Spotify event also featured performances by several other artists, including fellow 2026 Grammy nominees Katseye, Sombr, The Marías, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Olivia Dean. Source: Geo News Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Lola Young Returns to Stage After Health Scare By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 31, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: According to a Geo News report, British singer-songwriter Lola Young has returned to the stage and reassured fans about her health months after collapsing during a live performance in September 2025 Lola Young returns to stage wit…. The 25-year-old artist made her first major appearance since the incident at Spotify’s Best New Artist Party in Los Angeles on January 29. Addressing the audience before her set, Young described the moment as significant, noting it was her first time performing since stepping away from live shows last year. Young had been performing at the All Things Go music festival in New York City when she suffered an unspecified medical emergency and collapsed mid-set. She was assisted offstage by medical personnel and later informed fans via social media that she was recovering. ADVERTISEMENT In the days following the incident, the Messy singer announced the cancellation of her scheduled performances, explaining that she needed time away to focus on her wellbeing. She later reconnected with fans in December, thanking them for their support and stating her intention to gradually resume performing. Her Los Angeles appearance marked a milestone in that return. The Spotify event also featured performances by several other artists, including fellow 2026 Grammy nominees Katseye, Sombr, The Marías, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Olivia Dean. ADVERTISEMENT Source: Geo News Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment U.K U.K

Uche Montana says fame and high expectations affect her relationships, explaining why she remains single despite success. Nollywood actress Uche Montana has spoken about her relationship status, stating that fame, personal standards, and lifestyle expectations have influenced her decision to remain single. The actress made the remarks during an interview on the Uncut Xtra Podcast , where she reflected on her background and career journey. Montana said she grew up in a middle-class family and began working early in life, an experience that shaped her independence and ambition. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon,” she said, explaining that her father was a farmer while her mother ran a business. She added that she took up a teaching job shortly after secondary school, earning N10,000 at the time. According to Montana, while her acting career has brought recognition and opportunities, it has also complicated her personal relationships. She noted that finding a suitable partner requires more than attraction, describing the need for a “special kind of man” who understands her lifestyle and responsibilities. She also highlighted societal perceptions that can affect dating, stating that successful or attractive women are often assumed to already be in relationships, which may not be the case. Montana further acknowledged the contributions of veteran actors in Nollywood, noting that the current generation continues to build on the foundation laid by earlier pioneers in the industry. Her comments reflect broader discussions about the impact of fame, expectations, and societal assumptions on relationships within the entertainment sector. Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Uche Montana Explains Why She Is Still Single By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 27, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nollywood actress Uche Montana has spoken about her relationship status, stating that fame, personal standards, and lifestyle expectations have influenced her decision to remain single. The actress made the remarks during an interview on the Uncut Xtra Podcast , where she reflected on her background and career journey. Montana said she grew up in a middle-class family and began working early in life, an experience that shaped her independence and ambition. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon,” she said, explaining that her father was a farmer while her mother ran a business. She added that she took up a teaching job shortly after secondary school, earning N10,000 at the time. ADVERTISEMENT According to Montana, while her acting career has brought recognition and opportunities, it has also complicated her personal relationships. She noted that finding a suitable partner requires more than attraction, describing the need for a “special kind of man” who understands her lifestyle and responsibilities. She also highlighted societal perceptions that can affect dating, stating that successful or attractive women are often assumed to already be in relationships, which may not be the case. ADVERTISEMENT Montana further acknowledged the contributions of veteran actors in Nollywood, noting that the current generation continues to build on the foundation laid by earlier pioneers in the industry. Her comments reflect broader discussions about the impact of fame, expectations, and societal assumptions on relationships within the entertainment sector. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source: The Sun Nigeria ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

From child‑labor monitoring to fairer mining deals, President Tshisekedi’s reforms show Congo’s new path toward dignity, safety, and sovereignty. Quick Links Child Labor Reforms Digital monitoring: CISTEMA and CLMRS KoBold’s AI‑powered exploration and compliance Legacy Deals & Infrastructure European and American partnerships The birth of EGC and ethical cobalt Introduction For decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) embodied the so‑called “resource curse.” Beneath its rich red soil lie cobalt, copper, and other minerals critical for mobile phones, electric vehicles, and green technologies, yet the benefits rarely reach Congolese families. Instead, images of children hauling sacks of ore and miners toiling in unsafe pits circulated around the world. As exploitation deepened, many citizens began asking: Could our minerals ever deliver dignity rather than misery? Since taking office, President Félix Tshisekedi has promised to break that cycle. His reforms aim to transform how minerals are extracted, traded, and invested, putting people before profits. Continue Reading Full Article HUMAN RIGHTS & LABOR Tshisekedi’s Reforms: Ending Child Labor, Shaping Congo’s Mining By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 28, 2025 May 15, 2026 17 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Quick Links Child Labor Reforms Digital monitoring: CISTEMA and CLMRS KoBold’s AI‑powered exploration and compliance Legacy Deals & Infrastructure European and American partnerships The birth of EGC and ethical cobalt Introduction For decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) embodied the so‑called “resource curse.” Beneath its rich red soil lie cobalt, copper, and other minerals critical for mobile phones, electric vehicles, and green technologies, yet the benefits rarely reach Congolese families. Instead, images of children hauling sacks of ore and miners toiling in unsafe pits circulated around the world. As exploitation deepened, many citizens began asking: Could our minerals ever deliver dignity rather than misery? Since taking office, President Félix Tshisekedi has promised to break that cycle. His reforms aim to transform how minerals are extracted, traded, and invested, putting people before profits. President Félix Tshisekedi has promised to change this. His reforms are built on four pillars: A digital child-labor monitoring system to help children leave mines and return to school. Formalisation of artisanal mining into safer, legal cooperatives. Responsible investment deals that demand social and environmental standards. Renegotiation of legacy contracts to fund infrastructure like roads, schools, and water systems. A turning tide Artisanal mining still accounts for roughly 10‑20 % of Congo’s mineral output and employs about two million people, many of them parents or teenagers. Yet a formal sector is emerging. In 2022, the government launched the Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS), a digital database operated by the inter‑ministerial committee CISTEMA. By December 2023, it had registered 5,346 children at 10 artisanal cobalt sites, giving authorities hard data for the first time. An update from the International Labour Organization in late 2024 reported that the CLMRS had identified over 6,200 children in the Haut‑Katanga and Lualaba provinces. These numbers represent real kids; each entry corresponds to a child who can be assessed for school enrolment or vocational support. President Tshisekedi’s reforms build on this monitoring. They bring ASM cooperatives into a legal framework, invite responsible investors like KoBold Metals to modernize exploration, and overhaul older contracts such as the Sino‑Congolese Sicomines joint venture. Together, these pillars hint at a future where Congolese minerals power the world without exploiting Congolese children. Child Labor Reforms Digital monitoring: CISTEMA and CLMRS Before 2022, there was no systematic way to count or assist children working in cobalt mines. In response to international pressure and local advocacy, Congo’s Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Mines, and the ILO created CISTEMA, an inter‑ministerial committee tasked with monitoring child labor in artisanal mining. Using a tablet‑based Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS), local inspectors visit mine sites, register children, record their age and situation, and refer them to services. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the pilot registered 5,346 children by December 2023 across ten artisanal cobalt sites. An ILO update in November 2024 stated that the system had logged over 6,200 children in Haut‑Katanga and Lualaba and was coordinating with UNICEF, IMPACT Transform, and the PABEA‑Cobalt programme to refer them to education, income‑generating activities, or vocational training These numbers may seem small against the millions of children in Sub‑Saharan Africa’s labour force, 87 million according to the ILO–UNICEF 2024 estimates, but they represent the start of a nationwide registry. For the first time, Congolese authorities know the identities and needs of thousands of mining‑affected children. A child’s voice Human stories bring these statistics to life. Faustin*, 11, worked alongside his mother in a cobalt mine for two years after his father di ed. “I am still a child. This job doesn’t deserve me,” he told Save the Children. “ I regret the time I spent in the mines. I missed out on a lot of subjects. Those who were at the same level as me when I started mining completely passed me by” . Through the organisation’s Catch‑up Clubs,12‑week classes that help primary‑school pupils regain reading and maths skills, Faustin has returned to the classroom. Another boy, Muntosh*, described losing his brother in a landslide and enduring chronic pain from carrying heavy loads; he now says his “intelligence is coming back” thanks to the clubs Greg Ramm, Save the Children’s country director in DRC, underscores the stakes: “We’re seeing a huge need for green energy solutions globally, which heavily relies on cobalt – but it is imperative that what fuels our smartphones, computers, and electric cars doesn’t also fuel child rights violations,” he said. He calls education “a lifeline” and warns that many children work simply to pay school fees. His plea is echoed by Nteba Soumano, the ILO’s country director for Angola, Congo, and Gabon, who described the CLMRS‑linked GALAB project as “a crucial step forward… By strengthening remediation services and engaging the private sector, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable mining sector.” From data to action The CLMRS does more than count children; it triggers interventions. When inspectors identify a child, social workers visit the family, determine why the child works, and design a remediation plan. Younger children receive school materials and support to pay fees. ADVERTISEMENT Adolescents may enter vocational training or alternative livelihood programmes. Parents are enrolled in savings groups or given seeds and tools to start small farms. The ILO’s GALAB initiative aims to connect every registered child to appropriate services and train more labour and mining inspectors Contrast with the past: Before 2022, there was no database, meaning children disappeared into the informal mining economy. Without names or ages, authorities could neither prosecute exploiters nor assist victims. Today, each of the 6,000+ entries represents a child with a case file and a path back to school. These are not just numbers; they are futures restored. Formalizing Artisanal Mining The birth of EGC and ethical cobalt Artisanal and small‑scale mining is not going away; mining provides livelihoods for around two million Congolese and 10–20 % of national mineral production. Recognising this, President Tshisekedi created the Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) in 2019, giving the state a monopoly on purchasing and marketing artisanal cobalt. In 2020, EGC signed a partnership with commodity trader Trafigura to develop controlled artisanal mining zones, build buying stations, and create a transparent supply chain. EGC’s managing director, Jean‑Dominique Takis, said formalisation was essential for Congo to benefit fully from cobalt’s value; he emphasised compliance with OECD standards and broad consultation with stakeholders . Under the Responsible Sourcing Standard, operations must prohibit child labour, guarantee workers’ rights, and provide protective equipment From shadow economy to dignity: The Mutoshi pilot project offers a glimpse of what formalisation can achieve. Launched in 2018 by Chemaf and Trafigura, it provided artisanal miners with mechanically prepared open‑pit sites, safety training, and protective gear. Women were fully integrated, and the extra income they earned allowed families to pay school fees, reducing child labour . Although the project paused during the COVID‑19 pandemic, its legacy demonstrates that dignified working conditions are possible and that inclusive cooperatives can support children’s education. Training cooperatives and miners Formalisation requires education and organisation. Programmes such as Cobalt for Development (C4D), implemented by Germany’s GIZ and Congolese partners, have created interactive training materials and methods. In cooperation with the mining authority SAEMAPE, C4D has trained 14 mining cooperatives in Lualaba province and now offers technical assistance and material support at multiple mine sites Lessons cover legal requirements, health and safety, environmental management, and gender equality. The project emphasises that technical training must be accompanied by continuous coaching and community development, rehabilitating schools, offering agricultural training, and forming savings groups The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) has taken a similar approach in Ituri Province. With support from USAID and local NGOs, ARM reports that more than 830 miners have implemented improved practices and received training on the CRAFT Code, good governance, peacebuilding, gender‑based violence, and ASM formalisation These trainings not only reduce accidents but also empower miners to negotiate better prices and resist exploitation. By teaching miners their rights under the Congolese Mining Code, the programmes help them transition from informal diggers (“creuseurs”) to members of legal cooperatives. Challenges ahead Despite these efforts, many artisanal miners still operate illegally or in unsafe conditions. Only 425 hectares of land were allocated to EGC for artisanal mining in February 2024 far short of what is needed for the estimated 200,000 artisanal miners in the Katanga region. As Mongabay reports , cooperatives lack capital for equipment, and miners sometimes work on concessions belonging to industrial companies. Formalisation has shown promise, but scaling it up will require more zones, more buying stations, and stronger enforcement so that miners have viable alternatives to illegal pits. Responsible Investment KoBold’s AI‑powered exploration and compliance At a time when cobalt and lithium are driving the energy transition, Congo is attracting new types of investors. In July 2025, the government signed a framework agreement with KoBold Metals , a U.S. company backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures and other technology billionaires. The agreement commits KoBold to apply for exploration licences covering more than 1,600 square kilometres by 31 July 2025 and to launch a large‑scale exploration programme using artificial intelligence to locate critical minerals . ADVERTISEMENT Under the deal, KoBold will digitise geological records at the Royal Museum for Central Africa and provide public access to data via Congo’s National Geological Service. Company representative Benjamin Katabuka said the partnership “opens the door to American investment and aligns with the broader vision of U.S.‑Congo collaboration for peace and prosperity.” Why is this significant? Historically, exploration data in Congo has been opaque, benefiting only foreign investors. By digitising archives and making data public, the government aims to level the playing field and attract investors who adhere to compliance requirements, including child‑labour monitoring and environmental standards. The contract is understood to include clauses requiring adherence to the CLMRS and respect for Congolese labour law, though the full terms remain confidential. The partnership also dovetails with the U.S. Lobito Corridor initiative to create secure supply chains and reduce Chinese dominance in critical minerals. Such geopolitical support gives Congo leverage to insist on social clauses. European and American partnerships KoBold is not alone. At the 2025 DRC Mining Week, the European Union highlighted progress on operationalising the EU‑DRC Strategic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials, signed in Brussels in October 2023. A roadmap adopted in December 2024 calls for sustainable local value chains and launched a project to combat child labour in artisanal cobalt mines by strengthening women’s livelihoods In parallel, the U.S. government has financed the International Organization for Migration to train 200 labour inspectors for ASM sites, although they have yet to be fully deployed. These initiatives show that Congo is demanding “no investment without social clauses” and aligning with partners who respect that demand. A new model of profit with responsibility Taken together, these deals suggest a shift from the old model, where foreign companies extracted minerals under murky contracts, to a new one in which investment is conditional on compliance. By requiring digital tracking of child labour, adherence to safety standards, and contributions to local development, Congo seeks to prove that resource wealth can fund a just transition instead of perpetuating exploitation. Investors gain access to vast deposits, while Congolese communities gain schools, health centres, and jobs. Legacy Deals & Infrastructure Renegotiating Sicomines One of President Tshisekedi’s most consequential moves has been renegotiating the Sicomines agreement. The original 2008 “minerals‑for‑infrastructure” deal gave a consortium of Chinese state‑owned companies (Sinohydro and China Railway Group) a 68 % stake in a copper‑cobalt joint venture in exchange for building roads and hospitals financed by mining revenues. A study commissioned by Congo’s EITI group later found the arrangement unbalanced: Chinese firms earned nearly US$10 billion, while Congo received just US$822 million in infrastructure . President Tshisekedi instructed his government to revise the contract, arguing that it was “poorly negotiated.” The January 2024 renegotiation more than doubled the infrastructure budget, from US$3 billion to US$7 billion, and required the consortium to pay 1.2 % royalties annually. Chinese firms also agreed to invest up to US$7 billion in roads, bridges, and power plants. This shift means more money for Congolese roads and less for foreign shareholders. The revised contract has a deadline for repaying infrastructure loans by 2028, offering a pathway to debt relief and economic development if managed transparently Roads that connect communities The impact of renegotiation is already visible. In July 2024, Alexis Gisaro Muvuni, Congo’s minister for infrastructure and public works, climbed into a wheel loader to launch the rehabilitation of the Mbuji Mayi–Nguba road, part of National Road 1 that links Kinshasa to Lubumbashi. The ceremony marked the start of a 900‑km modernisation project funded under the revised China‑DRC “resources for projects” package. “Where the road goes, development follows,” Gisaro Muvuni said, praising the professionalism of the Chinese engineers and noting that the project would “open up new prospects” for cooperation. Trending Now Hyron Andrews Biography: His Rugby Career and Lions Tributes . Biography F1 Will Polish Kagame’s Authoritarian Image” — Kayikwamba Wagner . Justice & Crime Oluku Market Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Still Unconfirmed, 8 Injured . Accident News Fannie Masemola Reinstated as South Africa's Police Chief, Back Monday . Social Service Popular Today Entertainment Papa Wemba: The Enduring Voice of Congo and His Lasting Legacy . Sports Trends Yoane Wissa Enters DR Congo’s Top Five Scorers . Justice & Crime National Service in the DRC: From "Kuluna" to Builders . Celebrity Trends Visa Names Fally Ipupa as Visa Pay Ambassador in DRC . Economic Reports DRC Records 1.8 Million Paid Jobs as New Opportunities Expand . ADVERTISEMENT The South China Morning Post reported that Chinese firms have also begun work on a US$300 million ring road in Kinshasa and other roads connecting resource‑rich regions to the capital, projects made possible by the renegotiated Sicomines deal. These roads will reduce travel times, improve logistics, and connect farmers to markets. For decades, poor roads have isolated towns like Mbuji Mayi and Mbujimayi from national commerce. By paving National Road 1 and building ring roads, the government is turning mineral wealth into physical infrastructure that benefits ordinary people. Redirecting revenues to people Under the revised terms, Sicomines will pay royalties and taxes that flow into Congo’s public treasury. Analysts hope this revenue will fund schools, health clinics, and potable water rather than disappearing into overseas accounts. In his January 2024 inauguration speech, President Tshisekedi said that mining revenues must be “redirected towards the well‑being of our people.” To ensure accountability, civil society organisations are monitoring disbursements through the EITI and publishing citizen‑friendly reports. The message is clear: Congolese resources should build Congolese infrastructure. Outlook Setting a new global standard The combination of digital child‑labour monitoring, formalised artisanal mining, responsible investment, and renegotiated contracts positions Congo as a potential leader in ethical mineral extraction. Few countries in Asia or Latin America have developed a national database of child labourers like Congo’s CLMRS; many still rely on household surveys rather than site‑level tracking By contrast, Congolese inspectors now carry tablets into mine pits, record children’s names, and trigger remediation. This system could serve as a model for other mining‑dependent nations struggling to measure and eliminate child labour. Formalisation also holds promise. Programmes like C4D and ARM show that training cooperatives and miners in safety, governance, and environmental management can improve incomes and reduce accidents. Scaling these initiatives will require more artisanal mining zones, more capital for cooperatives, and stronger enforcement against illegal buyers. Yet the success stories from Mutoshi, where women’s integration allowed families to send children to school, prove that dignified ASM is achievable. Youth empowerment and diasporic pride For Congolese youth, particularly those in the diaspora, these reforms mean that tomorrow’s “miners” could instead become students, engineers, and entrepreneurs. As infrastructure improves and mining revenues fund education, young people will have alternatives to hazardous work. The fact that 6,000+ children have already been identified and are being reintegrated into schools shows that change is tangible When miners enter cooperatives, adopt safety standards, and receive fair prices, their children no longer need to dig for cobalt. When investors are held to strict social clauses, profits flow back into communities. And when roads are paved from Kinshasa to Mbujimayi, remote villages become connected hubs of commerce and learning. The road ahead Challenges remain: the scale of child labour in Sub‑Saharan Africa is immense according to StopChildLabour , and formalised artisanal mining still serves only a fraction of diggers. But President Tshisekedi’s bold reforms have broken a long‑standing inertia. They show that Congo is not condemned to the resource curse; instead, with political will, transparent partnerships, and youth engagement, the country can build a responsible mining future. As Nteba Soumano of the ILO put it, this is just the foundation. Scaling up will require continued vigilance from citizens and diaspora alike. In a world racing toward renewable energy, the minerals powering that transition must not come at the cost of children’s dreams. Congo’s reforms offer a blueprint for balancing economic growth with human rights, a message that resonates far beyond its borders. By 2030, the youths reading this article today could be overseeing modern mining cooperatives, designing lithium‑ion batteries, or paving the next highway. Tshisekedi’s reforms are not just about ending child labor; they are about building a nation where every Congolese child can choose a future of dignity. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Entertainment Papa Wemba: The Enduring Voice of Congo and His Lasting Legacy From rumba and SAPE to La Dernière Symphonie, explore Papa Wemba's legacy ten years after his death. . Sports Trends Yoane Wissa Enters DR Congo’s Top Five Scorers Wissa’s 13th international goal sealed a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa. . Justice & Crime National Service in the DRC: From "Kuluna" to Builders Inside DRC's National Service, where training, agriculture and community work aim to help at-risk . Celebrity Trends Visa Names Fally Ipupa as Visa Pay Ambassador in DRC The Congolese music star will lead Visa’s campaign to expand awareness and adoption of Visa Pay. . Tags DRC Youths DRC Youths DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo News DR Congo News Child Labour Child Labour Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi