Afropop singer Joeboy recently shared his thoughts following rap artist Blaqbonez's bold statement on social media, where Blaqbonez claimed to have one of the best music catalogues in the industry, with only a few top Nigerian artists possibly outdoing him. Blaqbonez, known as the 'Best Rapper In Africa,' expressed his opinion on his X (formerly Twitter) page, saying, "Asides the big 3 or 4 or whatever number u guys currently recognize, NOBODY, I repeat NOBODY has a better catalogue than me." This was in response to criticism of his earlier remark that the two songs he released this year were superior to all other Afrobeats songs released in the same period. Blaqbonez had lamented the quality of recent releases, stating, "I’ve only added 2 songs on my rotation this year, and it’s been 3 months, most releases have been ass, I don’t even bother to play the top 100 again, cos that one is designed by farmers . " A critic challenged Blaqbonez's assertion, commenting on the lack of a single song that could validate his claims. In his defense, Blaqbonez reiterated his position, emphasizing that apart from the "big 3 or 4" artists in Nigeria—implying Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Olamide—no one else's catalogue compares to his. Joeboy's reaction to Blaqbonez's claim was to quote the tweet with a meme of the late pop star Michael Jackson , telling someone to " calm down ," suggesting that Blaqbonez might be overestimating his achievements. Blaqbonez, seemingly unamused by Joeboy's response, retweeted an old post from Burna Boy that hinted at Reekado Banks not being a "worthy challenger," implying that Joeboy, too, might not be on par with the standards he was setting. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 13, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Blaqbonez(on the right), Who Claims Superiority in Music Catalogue Over Joeboy and so Many Other Nigerian Music Icons Afropop singer Joeboy recently shared his thoughts following rap artist Blaqbonez's bold statement on social media, where Blaqbonez claimed to have one of the best music catalogues in the industry, with only a few top Nigerian artists possibly outdoing him. Blaqbonez, known as the 'Best Rapper In Africa,' expressed his opinion on his X (formerly Twitter) page, saying, "Asides the big 3 or 4 or whatever number u guys currently recognize, NOBODY, I repeat NOBODY has a better catalogue than me." This was in response to criticism of his earlier remark that the two songs he released this year were superior to all other Afrobeats songs released in the same period. Blaqbonez had lamented the quality of recent releases, stating, "I’ve only added 2 songs on my rotation this year, and it’s been 3 months, most releases have been ass, I don’t even bother to play the top 100 again, cos that one is designed by farmers . " A critic challenged Blaqbonez's assertion, commenting on the lack of a single song that could validate his claims. In his defense, Blaqbonez reiterated his position, emphasizing that apart from the "big 3 or 4" artists in Nigeria—implying Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Olamide—no one else's catalogue compares to his. ADVERTISEMENT Joeboy's reaction to Blaqbonez's claim was to quote the tweet with a meme of the late pop star Michael Jackson , telling someone to " calm down ," suggesting that Blaqbonez might be overestimating his achievements. Blaqbonez, seemingly unamused by Joeboy's response, retweeted an old post from Burna Boy that hinted at Reekado Banks not being a "worthy challenger," implying that Joeboy, too, might not be on par with the standards he was setting. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

In an electrifying display of talent and charisma, Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy has set a new benchmark by being the first African artist to sell out the massive 21,000-seat Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The Grammy-award-winning musician captivated the full house with his dynamic performance, further solidifying his status in the music industry. Some of the highlights at the event : Burna Boy's "I Told Them" tour's latest triumph in Montreal continues to build on his impressive list of accomplishments, including his historic performance at the Grammy Awards, marking him as the first African artist to grace its stage. His genre-defining Afrofusion sound—a vibrant mix of Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae—has not only defined his career but also led to chart-topping hits that resonate globally. Among his many achievements, Burna Boy's track "Ye" stands out as his biggest hit, encapsulating the essence of Afrobeat while highlighting his lyrical prowess and unique sound. This track, among others, has played a pivotal role in Burna Boy's journey to becoming one of the most influential African artists of his generation. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 29, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Burna Boy's Electrifying perfomance in Montreal In an electrifying display of talent and charisma, Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy has set a new benchmark by being the first African artist to sell out the massive 21,000-seat Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The Grammy-award-winning musician captivated the full house with his dynamic performance, further solidifying his status in the music industry. Some of the highlights at the event : Burna Boy's "I Told Them" tour's latest triumph in Montreal continues to build on his impressive list of accomplishments, including his historic performance at the Grammy Awards, marking him as the first African artist to grace its stage. ADVERTISEMENT His genre-defining Afrofusion sound—a vibrant mix of Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae—has not only defined his career but also led to chart-topping hits that resonate globally. Among his many achievements, Burna Boy's track "Ye" stands out as his biggest hit, encapsulating the essence of Afrobeat while highlighting his lyrical prowess and unique sound. This track, among others, has played a pivotal role in Burna Boy's journey to becoming one of the most influential African artists of his generation. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed a desire to engage in dialogue with Rwandan President Paul Kagame regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, explicitly stating his unwillingness to negotiate with the rebel group M23. In his first public address since announcing his intention to seek a second term in office last month, President Tshisekedi reflected on a previous meeting with President Kagame in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço acting as a mediator on behalf of the African Union, failed to yield results due to the inflexible positions held by both parties. Tshisekedi revealed that President Lourenço has organized another meeting, proposing separate discussions with each leader. Tshisekedi is optimistic about the upcoming meeting in Luanda, indicating his willingness to attend if conditions are favorable. During the press conference, Tshisekedi addressed inquiries regarding his refusal to engage with M23, a group initially disbanded in 2012 but later revived. He attributed the resurgence of M23 to support from the Rwandan government, contrasting this with Kinshasa's efforts to relocate FDLR fighters and their families to Rwanda. The FDLR is a group opposed to the Rwandan government. Tshisekedi emphasized his intention to hold discussions exclusively with Rwanda, holding it responsible for the provocations. He recounted his message to Kagame during the Addis Ababa meeting, questioning Rwanda's intentions towards the DR Congo and highlighting the adverse impacts on Congolese citizens and national assets. The allegations of support for M23 by Kigali and for the FDLR by Kinshasa have been a point of contention, with both sides denying involvement with these rebel groups. However, recent reports by UN experts suggest collaboration between the respective national forces and the rebel groups, further complicating the situation Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 22, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed a desire to engage in dialogue with Rwandan President Paul Kagame regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, explicitly stating his unwillingness to negotiate with the rebel group M23. In his first public address since announcing his intention to seek a second term in office last month, President Tshisekedi reflected on a previous meeting with President Kagame in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço acting as a mediator on behalf of the African Union, failed to yield results due to the inflexible positions held by both parties. ADVERTISEMENT Tshisekedi revealed that President Lourenço has organized another meeting, proposing separate discussions with each leader. Tshisekedi is optimistic about the upcoming meeting in Luanda, indicating his willingness to attend if conditions are favorable. During the press conference, Tshisekedi addressed inquiries regarding his refusal to engage with M23, a group initially disbanded in 2012 but later revived. He attributed the resurgence of M23 to support from the Rwandan government, contrasting this with Kinshasa's efforts to relocate FDLR fighters and their families to Rwanda. The FDLR is a group opposed to the Rwandan government. ADVERTISEMENT Tshisekedi emphasized his intention to hold discussions exclusively with Rwanda, holding it responsible for the provocations. He recounted his message to Kagame during the Addis Ababa meeting, questioning Rwanda's intentions towards the DR Congo and highlighting the adverse impacts on Congolese citizens and national assets. The allegations of support for M23 by Kigali and for the FDLR by Kinshasa have been a point of contention, with both sides denying involvement with these rebel groups. However, recent reports by UN experts suggest collaboration between the respective national forces and the rebel groups, further complicating the situation ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Nigerian singer Timaya sparks online debate after saying marriage often does not work and suggesting people can have children without marrying. Nigerian singer Inetimi Timaya Odon , popularly known as Timaya , has generated online discussion after sharing his views on marriage in a video that circulated widely on social media. In the clip, the musician suggested that having children without getting married can sometimes be a better option. According to him, many marriages do not last, a comment that quickly drew mixed reactions from viewers online. “Just born pikin, pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work,” Timaya said in the video, prompting laughter and reactions from people around him. The remark sparked debate among fans and social media users, with some agreeing with the singer’s perspective while others criticized the statement as controversial advice about relationships and family life. Timaya’s Views on Marriage Timaya has previously spoken publicly about his position on marriage. In a 2024 interview on Naija FM, the singer explained that he had never felt a strong need to formalize his relationships despite being a father. However, he also acknowledged that his views could change in the future. Family Life The Port Harcourt–born musician is a father of four children from different relationships. His first two daughters, Emmanuella and Gracey , were born in 2012 and 2015 to interior designer Barbara Fumnaya Nwaokolo . He later welcomed a son, Emmanuel , in 2018 with Tamar, and another child, Maya , in 2020 with businesswoman Dunnie Onasanya . Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Timaya Sparks Debate After Saying Marriage “No Dey Work” By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 12, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian singer Inetimi Timaya Odon , popularly known as Timaya , has generated online discussion after sharing his views on marriage in a video that circulated widely on social media. In the clip, the musician suggested that having children without getting married can sometimes be a better option. According to him, many marriages do not last, a comment that quickly drew mixed reactions from viewers online. “Just born pikin, pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work,” Timaya said in the video, prompting laughter and reactions from people around him. ADVERTISEMENT The remark sparked debate among fans and social media users, with some agreeing with the singer’s perspective while others criticized the statement as controversial advice about relationships and family life. Timaya’s Views on Marriage Timaya has previously spoken publicly about his position on marriage. In a 2024 interview on Naija FM, the singer explained that he had never felt a strong need to formalize his relationships despite being a father. However, he also acknowledged that his views could change in the future. Family Life ADVERTISEMENT The Port Harcourt–born musician is a father of four children from different relationships. His first two daughters, Emmanuella and Gracey , were born in 2012 and 2015 to interior designer Barbara Fumnaya Nwaokolo . He later welcomed a son, Emmanuel , in 2018 with Tamar, and another child, Maya , in 2020 with businesswoman Dunnie Onasanya . Over the years, Timaya has described fatherhood as one of the most fulfilling aspects of his life, even as he continues to maintain his stance on marriage. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW 2Baba Urges Focus on National Issues, Not His Marriage . Entertainment Bigiano claims he wrote hook for Davido’s ‘Dami Duro’ . Entertainment Tiwa Savage Joins Nigeria’s 800M Spotify Streams Club . Entertainment Adekunle Gold Sets Lagos Homecoming With 55-Piece Orchestra . Entertainment POPULAR TODAY Nollywood Updates Regina Daniels Says She Won’t Consider Marriage Again . Celebrity Trends Pastor Adeboye Explains Why He Stopped Having Female Secretaries . Nollywood Updates Etinosa Idemudia Responds to ‘Secret Keeper’ YouTube Removal . Entertainment Davido Purchases Matching Luxury Watches for Himself and Chioma . Musics Don Jazzy Warns X User Over Impersonation and Fake Giveaway . Timaya rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with hit songs such as “Dem Mama” and has since built a long-standing career in the Nigerian music industry. Source: Tribune Online ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Entertainment Sola Allyson Explains Her Transition From Islam to Christianity Singer cites childhood experiences, family shifts and spiritual discovery in her faith journey. . Entertainment Champz Becomes Youngest African Artist to Hit 1M Spotify Listeners Fourteen-year-old Champz sets new streaming milestone weeks after releasing his debut EP. . Fashion Dr Teal’s Marks Year-End With Wellness-Themed Nigerian Owambe Event Brand hosts cultural wellness celebration in Lagos with performances, spa sessions and celebrity guests . Nollywood Updates Tonto Dikeh recounts recovery from smoking, addiction struggles Actress shares testimony at Streams of Joy church on quitting smoking, alcohol and anger . 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Asake delivers a groundbreaking Red Bull Symphonic show at Kings Theatre, merging Afrobeats with classical orchestration in a sold-out NYC spectacle. On November 8, 2025 , Asake took the grand stage of Kings Theatre in Brooklyn and delivered a performance that may redefine how Afrobeats is presented. Billed as the first U.S. Red Bull Symphonic led by an African artist, the sold‑out show fused Asake’s fújì‑infused Afrobeats catalogue with a 33‑piece orchestra led by conductor Glenn Alexander II . Hits like “Lonely at the Top,” “Sungba” and “Terminator” were reimagined with cinematic string swells and brass flourishes, turning club anthems into lavish suites . Critics hailed the concert as both a celebration and a cultural statement , noting that Asake is the first African artist to headline the Brooklyn edition of the programme. The night was full of surprises. Mid‑set, Asake previewed an unreleased song from his forthcoming Mr. Money project, and the audience responded with gasps and cheers. He then welcomed an international slate of guests Wizkid , Tiakola , Gunna , Central Cee and Fridayy whose rap and R&B verses dovetailed seamlessly into the orchestral textures . In a moment that electrified the Kings Theatre, Asake stunned fans by bringing out Wizkid for an unannounced cameo during his Red Bull Symphonic set. The orchestra swelled, the spotlight shifted and suddenly, Wizkid emerged, sending the Brooklyn crowd into a collective uproar. Performing their 2024 collab “MMS” with live strings and brass behind them, the duo transformed the night from genre fusion to generational link-up. Social media instantly lit up with real-time clips of the moment, with Billboard Africa calling it one of the show’s defining highlights. The most talked‑about moment came when Wizkid slipped onto the stage during their hit “MMS.” Fans screamed as the Afrobeats icon’s smooth vocals blended with the orchestra; social feeds quickly filled with clips of the duet, and one fan gushed that Asake’s symphonic show was “ what I always wanted ”. On social media, the mood was euphoric. Afrobeats tastemakers and fans posted live footage and reverent commentary. One viral post captured the awe of the night, saying: Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Asake Turns Up Kings Theatre with a Symphony of Afrobeats By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Nov 11, 2025 May 15, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: On November 8, 2025 , Asake took the grand stage of Kings Theatre in Brooklyn and delivered a performance that may redefine how Afrobeats is presented. Billed as the first U.S. Red Bull Symphonic led by an African artist, the sold‑out show fused Asake’s fújì‑infused Afrobeats catalogue with a 33‑piece orchestra led by conductor Glenn Alexander II . Hits like “Lonely at the Top,” “Sungba” and “Terminator” were reimagined with cinematic string swells and brass flourishes, turning club anthems into lavish suites . Critics hailed the concert as both a celebration and a cultural statement , noting that Asake is the first African artist to headline the Brooklyn edition of the programme. The night was full of surprises. Mid‑set, Asake previewed an unreleased song from his forthcoming Mr. Money project, and the audience responded with gasps and cheers. He then welcomed an international slate of guests Wizkid , Tiakola , Gunna , Central Cee and Fridayy whose rap and R&B verses dovetailed seamlessly into the orchestral textures . ADVERTISEMENT In a moment that electrified the Kings Theatre, Asake stunned fans by bringing out Wizkid for an unannounced cameo during his Red Bull Symphonic set. The orchestra swelled, the spotlight shifted and suddenly, Wizkid emerged, sending the Brooklyn crowd into a collective uproar. Performing their 2024 collab “MMS” with live strings and brass behind them, the duo transformed the night from genre fusion to generational link-up. Social media instantly lit up with real-time clips of the moment, with Billboard Africa calling it one of the show’s defining highlights. The most talked‑about moment came when Wizkid slipped onto the stage during their hit “MMS.” Fans screamed as the Afrobeats icon’s smooth vocals blended with the orchestra; social feeds quickly filled with clips of the duet, and one fan gushed that Asake’s symphonic show was “ what I always wanted ”. ADVERTISEMENT On social media, the mood was euphoric. Afrobeats tastemakers and fans posted live footage and reverent commentary. One viral post captured the awe of the night, saying: “Asake is performing an orchestral concert with #RedBullSymphonic at Kings Theatre in New York City. We’re witnessing greatness ” . Another declared in Pidgin that “Asake no small again” and praised his mentors Olamide and Wizkid for helping him reach this milestone . Even Kings Theatre’s official account chimed in, calling the event “history made.” The combination of string sections, Afrobeats grooves and cameo appearances made the show a trending topic, and short clips of the symphonic reworks amassed hundreds of thousands of views across X and Instagram. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY African Culture Ayo Maff Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs and Street-Pop Rise . African Culture FOLA Biography: Real Name, Songs, Catharsis and Rise . African Culture Young Jonn Biography: Age, Songs, Albums & Producer-to-Star Rise . African Culture Yemi Alade Biography: Age, Heritage, Songs & Grammy Nomination . Nigerian Entertainment Davido Hints at Possible Second Kigali Concert After Tickets Sell Out . Beyond the excitement, commentators noted the cultural significance of seeing a Nigerian artist command a venerable New York stage with a full orchestra. 3Music TV described it as a milestone that situates Afrobeats within a global high‑arts dialogue, blending Yoruba melodies with classical depth . Pulse Nigeria observed that the fusion proved African rhythms could hold their own alongside any genre , while Premium Times argued that experiences like this show Afrobeats’ ability to transcend clubs and arenas to reach concert halls . The success of Red Bull Symphonic in Brooklyn suggests new horizons for Afrobeats from Lagos to London and now to symphony halls and hints that the genre’s next chapter will be written with strings and brass alongside amapiano drums. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE African Culture Ayo Maff Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs and Street-Pop Rise Discover Ayo Maff’s age, real name, Bariga roots, “Dealer” breakthrough, album and 2026 music . African Culture FOLA Biography: Real Name, Songs, Catharsis and Rise Meet the Nigerian Afro-R&B singer behind Alone, catharsis and his 2026 chart success. . African Culture Young Jonn Biography: Age, Songs, Albums & Producer-to-Star Rise Discover Young Jonn’s age, real name, albums, awards and journey from producer to Afropop star. . African Culture Yemi Alade Biography: Age, Heritage, Songs & Grammy Nomination Discover Yemi Alade’s age, heritage, albums, awards and journey from Johnny to global Afropop . Tags Nigerian Musics Nigerian Musics African Entertainment African Entertainment Nigeria News Nigeria News Pan-African Music Festivals 2025 Pan-African Music Festivals 2025 African Musics African Musics African Music Festivals 2025 African Music Festivals 2025 AFRIMA Festival 2025 AFRIMA Festival 2025 Culture & Entertainment Culture & Entertainment

Maddy Maznaz shares details of working with Snoop Dogg, describing the pressure, inspiration and career milestones tied to the collaboration. Ghanaian-French musician Maddy Maznaz has described her collaboration with American rap icon Snoop Dogg as a defining moment in her music career. In an interview, the artist said she was contacted by her record label, Bentley Records NYC, and asked to submit a verse for a track featuring Snoop Dogg, which will appear on her upcoming album Say No To Bullies . She said the request initially left her overwhelmed by pressure and excitement. Maznaz, born Magdalene Narh Combarieu, explained that the collaboration required intense focus and creative discipline. At the time, she had recently relocated to Monrovia, Liberia, following her inclusion on Bentley Records’ Prestige Album , which featured several American artists. She said the experience pushed her to disconnect from distractions and concentrate fully on delivering a strong performance. According to the singer, the process became one of the most challenging but rewarding moments of her career. Maznaz also highlighted previous career milestones, including her song Light Of The World being featured on Bentley Records’ Legends Chronicles compilation album alongside international artists. Addressing her public persona, she noted that being outspoken has strengthened her connection with fans and contributed positively to her artistic growth. She added that authenticity has played a key role in shaping her music and public image. The musician further stated that success in the music industry depends on discipline, resilience, and strategic decision-making. She also acknowledged social media as an important tool for building her audience and maintaining global connections. Source: Graphic Online Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Maddy Maznaz Reflects on Snoop Dogg Collaboration By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 6, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ghanaian-French musician Maddy Maznaz has described her collaboration with American rap icon Snoop Dogg as a defining moment in her music career. In an interview, the artist said she was contacted by her record label, Bentley Records NYC, and asked to submit a verse for a track featuring Snoop Dogg, which will appear on her upcoming album Say No To Bullies . She said the request initially left her overwhelmed by pressure and excitement. Maznaz, born Magdalene Narh Combarieu, explained that the collaboration required intense focus and creative discipline. At the time, she had recently relocated to Monrovia, Liberia, following her inclusion on Bentley Records’ Prestige Album , which featured several American artists. ADVERTISEMENT She said the experience pushed her to disconnect from distractions and concentrate fully on delivering a strong performance. According to the singer, the process became one of the most challenging but rewarding moments of her career. Maznaz also highlighted previous career milestones, including her song Light Of The World being featured on Bentley Records’ Legends Chronicles compilation album alongside international artists. ADVERTISEMENT Addressing her public persona, she noted that being outspoken has strengthened her connection with fans and contributed positively to her artistic growth. She added that authenticity has played a key role in shaping her music and public image. The musician further stated that success in the music industry depends on discipline, resilience, and strategic decision-making. She also acknowledged social media as an important tool for building her audience and maintaining global connections. 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Nicolás Maduro appeared in U.S. federal court and pled not guilty to narcotics and weapons charges following a U.S. operation that removed him from Venezuela. Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan on Jan. 5 and pleaded not guilty to a slate of federal charges, including narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. The 63‑year‑old, dressed in prison clothing and shackled at the ankles, declared through an interpreter that he was “innocent” and still president of Venezuela before the judge cut him off. His wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a not guilty plea; both face potential life sentences if convicted and are due back in court on March 17 as reported by dailymail . The couple were taken into U.S. custody during a U.S. military operation in Caracas on Jan. 3 and transported to New York, where they are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. During Monday’s hearing, Flores who identified herself as Venezuela’s “first lady”attended with bandages on her face, and their attorneys indicated they will challenge what they call a “military abduction”. Outside the courthouse, rival groups of demonstrators clashed as supporters decried the intervention and others celebrated Maduro’s removal. A superseding indictment unsealed the day of their capture accuses Maduro and several allies of working with violent criminal organizations to ship “thousands of tons” of cocaine into the United States. Prosecutors allege he used his position to direct trafficking routes, provided traffickers with diplomatic passports and partnered with Colombian guerrilla groups and Mexican cartels such as FARC, ELN, Sinaloa, Zetas and Tren de Aragua . The indictment, which also names Flores and their son, claims the conspiracy dates back to 1999 and included kidnappings and murders to enforce the drug network. Maduro greeted those in the courtroom with “Happy New Year” and described himself as both a prisoner of war and Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Judge Hellerstein, however, told him there would be an appropriate time to discuss the circumstances of his arrest and confirmed his identity before moving forward. Flores’ lawyer said she suffered injuries during the raid, while Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, signaled plans to contest the legality of the operation . Washington has refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s leader since a disputed 2018 election and views his capture as part of a broader effort to dismantle an alleged state‑sponsored drug‑trafficking enterprise. U.S. President Donald Trump said after the operation that the United States would “run” Venezuela temporarily, a statement later tempered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who promised to enforce an “oil quarantine” but not govern the country directly. Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in after the raid, condemned the seizure as kidnapping but also signaled a willingness to work with Washington, calling for “respectful relations”. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address the U.S. action and warned it may have violated international law. People also read: South Africa urges UN to censure US over Venezuela raid Continue Reading Full Article | INTERNATIONAL POLITICS Maduro denies U.S. drug‑trafficking charges In a US court By Sebastiane Ebatamehi Pan-African Analyst & Content Strategist Sebastiane Ebatamehi Home Comment Jan 6, 2026 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan on Jan. 5 and pleaded not guilty to a slate of federal charges, including narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. The 63‑year‑old, dressed in prison clothing and shackled at the ankles, declared through an interpreter that he was “innocent” and still president of Venezuela before the judge cut him off. His wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a not guilty plea; both face potential life sentences if convicted and are due back in court on March 17 as reported by dailymail . The couple were taken into U.S. custody during a U.S. military operation in Caracas on Jan. 3 and transported to New York, where they are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. During Monday’s hearing, Flores who identified herself as Venezuela’s “first lady”attended with bandages on her face, and their attorneys indicated they will challenge what they call a “military abduction”. Outside the courthouse, rival groups of demonstrators clashed as supporters decried the intervention and others celebrated Maduro’s removal. ADVERTISEMENT A superseding indictment unsealed the day of their capture accuses Maduro and several allies of working with violent criminal organizations to ship “thousands of tons” of cocaine into the United States. Prosecutors allege he used his position to direct trafficking routes, provided traffickers with diplomatic passports and partnered with Colombian guerrilla groups and Mexican cartels such as FARC, ELN, Sinaloa, Zetas and Tren de Aragua . The indictment, which also names Flores and their son, claims the conspiracy dates back to 1999 and included kidnappings and murders to enforce the drug network. ADVERTISEMENT Maduro greeted those in the courtroom with “Happy New Year” and described himself as both a prisoner of war and Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Judge Hellerstein, however, told him there would be an appropriate time to discuss the circumstances of his arrest and confirmed his identity before moving forward. Flores’ lawyer said she suffered injuries during the raid, while Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, signaled plans to contest the legality of the operation . Washington has refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s leader since a disputed 2018 election and views his capture as part of a broader effort to dismantle an alleged state‑sponsored drug‑trafficking enterprise. U.S. President Donald Trump said after the operation that the United States would “run” Venezuela temporarily, a statement later tempered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who promised to enforce an “oil quarantine” but not govern the country directly. Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in after the raid, condemned the seizure as kidnapping but also signaled a willingness to work with Washington, calling for “respectful relations”. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address the U.S. action and warned it may have violated international law. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu . Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . Biography Who Is Patrick Vieira, Senegal’s New Head Coach? . People also read: South Africa urges UN to censure US over Venezuela raid Museveni: US Strike on Venezuela Is a Wake‑Up Call for Africa Could the U.S. Capture Kagame Like Maduro? The case represents one of the most significant U.S. interventions in Latin America since the 1989 arrest of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega and underscores the Trump administration’s hard‑line approach toward Venezuela. Legal analysts note that prosecutors will need to prove Maduro’s direct involvement in trafficking schemes that spanned decades and involved multiple foreign groups. If convicted on all counts, Maduro and Flores face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives in U.S. federal prison . Source : Dailymail ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister Kagame said Olivier Nduhungirehe, not journalist Scovia Umutesi, should have apologized. . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues Rescuers are searching for survivors after a massive waste collapse buried homes in Conakry. . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu Governor Bago orders intensified rescue efforts as officials verify how many worshippers were abducted. . Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise Meet the South African producer behind Scorpion Kings, “Khona,” “One Dance” and amapiano hits. . Tags Trending News Trending News Africa Africa Politics Politics Crime & Justice Crime & Justice

Explore Chriss Eazy's biography, age, real name, Kigali roots, “Inana” breakthrough, top songs, awards, “NAUMiA” tribute and 2026 music. Chriss Eazy is a Rwandan singer, songwriter and video director who turned a background in rap and filmmaking into a bright, rhythm-led pop identity. Born Christian Rukundo Nsengimana in Kigali, he found his defining breakthrough with “Inana” after moving from hip-hop toward Afrobeats and Afro-pop. Songs including “Bana,” “JUGUMiLA” and “FOLOMiANA” have since carried his sound across Rwanda, Uganda and European stages. He also shares new work through his official X account , while XTRAfrica's verified Chriss Eazy songs page collects his music and downloads. Who is Chriss Eazy? Chriss Eazy is the stage name of Christian Rukundo Nsengimana, a Rwandan singer, songwriter and visual creative from Kigali. A former rapper and music-video director, he broke through with the dance-driven “Inana” and developed an Afrobeats-centred sound he calls “Afro-Eazy.” “Inana” and his breakthrough Chriss Eazy's decisive moment arrived after he stopped treating rap as the only possible centre of his music. “Fasta,” released in June 2021, announced a turn toward a more melodic pop approach. “Amashu” continued it, but “Inana” gave the new direction a public identity. Released in May 2022, the song paired a compact hook with a dance routine and an energetic video, making movement as important to its spread as the recording itself. The change was not a rejection of his earlier skills. Rap had trained his sense of rhythm and phrasing; filmmaking had taught him how a gesture, colour or edit could make a chorus memorable. “Inana” brought those disciplines together. The song's reach led Nigerian culture publication The Native to include him among six new African artists to watch in 2022. Reacting to the recognition in The New Times , he said: “This is a huge move for me and my whole team.” That reference to the team matters. Chriss Eazy's rise was built with the Giti Business Group structure around him, including producer AoBeats, and with dancers and visual collaborators who understood that his songs had to live beyond audio. “Inana” became the point at which those pieces began to look like one recognisable career. Formative beginnings: Kamenge, rap and the camera Chriss Eazy was born on 27 February 2001 in Kamenge, Kigali. He is 25 years old as of 21 August 2026. His real name is Christian Rukundo Nsengimana, although some digital credits reverse the order to Rukundo Christian Nsengimana. The stage name shortened the distance between the private person, the rapper he first imagined and the accessible performer he later became. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Chriss Eazy Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Rwandan Rise By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Aug 21, 2026 Aug 21, 2026 12 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Chriss Eazy is a Rwandan singer, songwriter and video director who turned a background in rap and filmmaking into a bright, rhythm-led pop identity. Born Christian Rukundo Nsengimana in Kigali, he found his defining breakthrough with “Inana” after moving from hip-hop toward Afrobeats and Afro-pop. Songs including “Bana,” “JUGUMiLA” and “FOLOMiANA” have since carried his sound across Rwanda, Uganda and European stages. He also shares new work through his official X account , while XTRAfrica's verified Chriss Eazy songs page collects his music and downloads. Who is Chriss Eazy? Chriss Eazy is the stage name of Christian Rukundo Nsengimana, a Rwandan singer, songwriter and visual creative from Kigali. A former rapper and music-video director, he broke through with the dance-driven “Inana” and developed an Afrobeats-centred sound he calls “Afro-Eazy.” “Inana” and his breakthrough Chriss Eazy's decisive moment arrived after he stopped treating rap as the only possible centre of his music. “Fasta,” released in June 2021, announced a turn toward a more melodic pop approach. “Amashu” continued it, but “Inana” gave the new direction a public identity. Released in May 2022, the song paired a compact hook with a dance routine and an energetic video, making movement as important to its spread as the recording itself. The change was not a rejection of his earlier skills. Rap had trained his sense of rhythm and phrasing; filmmaking had taught him how a gesture, colour or edit could make a chorus memorable. “Inana” brought those disciplines together. The song's reach led Nigerian culture publication The Native to include him among six new African artists to watch in 2022. Reacting to the recognition in The New Times , he said: “This is a huge move for me and my whole team.” That reference to the team matters. Chriss Eazy's rise was built with the Giti Business Group structure around him, including producer AoBeats, and with dancers and visual collaborators who understood that his songs had to live beyond audio. “Inana” became the point at which those pieces began to look like one recognisable career. Formative beginnings: Kamenge, rap and the camera Chriss Eazy was born on 27 February 2001 in Kamenge, Kigali. He is 25 years old as of 21 August 2026. His real name is Christian Rukundo Nsengimana, although some digital credits reverse the order to Rukundo Christian Nsengimana. The stage name shortened the distance between the private person, the rapper he first imagined and the accessible performer he later became. His professional story began in 2015. A year later, he entered Talent Zone, a competition that drew 342 rappers, and finished first. The prize was a paid internship at IBTC Film. That opportunity gave him a practical route into shooting and directing videos, eventually leading to Eazy Filmz. He produced visuals for artists including Niyo Bosco and Vestine and Dorcas while continuing to develop his own music. In a 2021 New Times interview , he named Kendrick Lamar's “DNA” as an inspiration and explained the principle behind his work: “My music is based more on creativity than just singing or mastering the lyrics.” That philosophy was visible before the breakthrough. Early releases such as “Ese Urabizi?” and “Tegereza,” issued in 2020, showed a young artist learning how to connect his writing, voice and camera experience. They did not yet have the scale of “Inana,” but they established a self-contained creator who could think through the whole presentation of a song. ADVERTISEMENT Visual craft behind the microphone Chriss Eazy's videos are not packaging added after recording. They are part of the composition. His choreography often relies on clear repeated motions that audiences can recognise quickly, while his direction favours bright scenes, comic timing and a performance style that feels polished without becoming distant. The camera work also helps his lyrics travel across language boundaries. He describes the resulting sound as “Afro-Eazy,” a personal label within the wider field of Afrobeats, Afro-pop and R&B. The name allows room for the clipped rhythm of his rap beginnings, melodic Kinyarwanda lines and dance-oriented production. Listeners can place that work beside XTRAfrica's broader Afrobeats catalogue without losing its Rwandan centre. The strength of the approach is clarity. “Bana” moves with an easy communal bounce; “JUGUMiLA” uses a direct repeated phrase; “Sekoma” and “Sambolera” are designed for physical response. None depends on elaborate explanation before the chorus works. Yet the filmmaking background means that simple hooks can arrive with a fully formed visual world. Awards and catalogue: from “Bana” to “FOLOMiANA” After “Inana,” Chriss Eazy built a catalogue rather than chasing a copy of the same hit. “Bana” widened his audience, while “JUGUMiLA” earned Song of the Year at the 2024 Isango na Muzika Awards. The latter win confirmed that his dance-led formula had become part of Rwanda's mainstream musical conversation. Collaboration then helped him connect generations and neighbouring audiences. “FOLOMiANA,” recorded with Kevin Kade and The Ben, brought his youthful rhythmic energy together with one of Rwanda's established pop voices. The song won Best Collaboration at the 2025 Isango na Muzika Awards. XTRAfrica carries both the “FOLOMiANA” song page and a profile of The Ben , placing the record within a longer Rwandan pop lineage. Other releases show a similar instinct for exchange. “Chocolate” sits in his dance-friendly lane and is available through XTRAfrica's song page . Features and shared stages have allowed him to reach listeners outside Rwanda without changing the language or visual character that made him distinctive at home. Key events in Chriss Eazy's career timeline Year Event Significance 2015 Began pursuing music professionally Started the path from young rapper to recording artist 2016 Won Talent Zone among 342 rappers Earned an IBTC Film internship and developed video skills 2020 Released “Ese Urabizi?” and “Tegereza” Established his early recording catalogue 2021 Released “Fasta” and moved toward pop Opened the melodic direction that defined his breakthrough 2022 “Inana” became a major hit Joined dance, video and Afropop into a recognisable identity 2022 Earned continental new-artist recognition Signalled growing attention beyond Rwanda 2024 “JUGUMiLA” won Song of the Year Confirmed his position in Rwanda's popular music scene 2024 Made his Kampala concert debut Expanded his live audience into Uganda 2025 Toured Europe and performed in Warsaw with Joeboy Extended his live reach to diaspora and international audiences 2025 Released the personal tribute “NAUMiA” Turned family grief into one of his most vulnerable recordings 2025 “FOLOMiANA” won Best Collaboration Connected his generation with Kevin Kade and The Ben 2026 Released “Wakanaka” Continued his catalogue after a year of major personal and professional change A personal journey through loss and “NAUMiA” Family support sits underneath Chriss Eazy's public confidence. Early in his career, relatives questioned whether rap could provide a future. The death of his father added another period of doubt, and he considered leaving music. His mother remained the person who encouraged him to continue. In the 2021 interview, he put that support plainly: “My mother's blessings and support keep me moving.” Her death on 13 June 2025 therefore carried both personal and creative weight. Eleven days later, his grandmother also died. Chriss Eazy responded through “NAUMiA,” a tribute whose title communicates pain directly. InyaRwanda's account of the song describes a record shaped by memory rather than the celebratory performance style associated with his biggest hits. ADVERTISEMENT The song did not abandon his existing musical identity, but it exposed another part of it. Behind the dances and bright videos was an artist whose career had been sustained by one person's belief. “NAUMiA” made that relationship part of the catalogue and prevented a difficult year from being reduced to an awards or touring summary. Rwandan identity from Kigali to Kampala and Europe Chriss Eazy's growth is also visible in where he can perform. His first Kampala appearance in November 2024 attracted a large audience, and he returned for a Valentine's Day show in February 2025. Before the second concert, he told The New Times that Uganda felt like a second home. The response showed that Rwandan-language pop could cross the border through rhythm, visuals and repeated online exposure. Europe followed. In April 2025, he travelled to Warsaw for a concert bill with Nigerian singer Joeboy, then continued to dates in France. InyaRwanda's tour report placed those appearances alongside earlier shows in Uganda and Burundi. Each market added a different audience: East African neighbours, Rwandan communities abroad and listeners entering through Afrobeats. That movement connects his work with XTRAfrica's wider Rwandan music hub . It also demonstrates why the “Afro-Eazy” label is useful. The music can participate in a continental pop language while keeping Kinyarwanda, Kigali choreography and Rwandan collaboration at its centre. Chriss Eazy's emerging impact Chriss Eazy represents a generation of African artists for whom directing, choreography and short-form circulation are core musicianship rather than promotional extras. He understood visual repetition before his biggest audio breakthrough, and that preparation helped “Inana” move quickly. The later awards show that the attention did not end with one dance. His impact is strongest inside Rwanda's evolving pop ecosystem. Working with The Ben creates a bridge to an established generation; building with Kevin Kade and AoBeats strengthens a younger creative network. Eazy Filmz also means his contribution cannot be measured only by songs released under his own name. His earlier video work helped other Rwandan performers shape their public images. Chriss Eazy's Spotify profile displayed 61,493 monthly listeners in August 2026. That figure will change, but it provides a dated snapshot of an audience developed through local-language releases, cross-border performances and visually memorable singles rather than a studio album. What comes next after “Wakanaka” Apple Music lists “Wakanaka,” released on 16 July 2026, as Chriss Eazy's latest verified single. It arrives after a period in which public success and private loss overlapped. The next phase of his career is therefore less about proving that he can create a dance hit and more about showing how broad the “Afro-Eazy” idea can become. No studio album has been verified as of August 2026. That leaves room for his singles to become a more sustained artistic statement. His strongest path is already visible: rhythmic clarity, carefully built images, collaboration across Rwandan generations and the willingness shown on “NAUMiA” to let emotional experience complicate the celebration. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Justice & Crime Tshisekedi: No Military Conquest Will Become Political Legitimacy" . War in Eastern DRC Rwanda Raises Interest Rate to 8.75% as Inflation Hits 14.5% . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister . War in DR Congo DRC Accuses RDF and AFC/M23 of Killings, Torture and Abductions . Frequently asked questions about Chriss Eazy What is Chriss Eazy's real name? Chriss Eazy's real name is Christian Rukundo Nsengimana. Some platform biographies present the same names in the order Rukundo Christian Nsengimana. How old is Chriss Eazy? Chriss Eazy is 25 years old as of 21 August 2026. He was born on 27 February 2001. Where is Chriss Eazy from? He is from Kamenge in Kigali, Rwanda. His music and visual career developed within Kigali's contemporary creative scene. Is Chriss Eazy Rwandan? Yes. Chriss Eazy is a Rwandan singer, songwriter, rapper and video director. What song made Chriss Eazy famous? “Inana” produced his major breakthrough in 2022 after “Fasta” and “Amashu” introduced his move from rap toward melodic pop. What genre does Chriss Eazy make? He blends Afrobeats, Afro-pop, R&B and elements of hip-hop. He calls his personal approach “Afro-Eazy.” Has Chriss Eazy won awards? Yes. “JUGUMiLA” won Song of the Year at the 2024 Isango na Muzika Awards, and “FOLOMiANA” won Best Collaboration there in 2025. He was also a KISS Summer Awards winner in 2022. Does Chriss Eazy have an album? No full-length studio album has been verified as of August 2026. His catalogue is led by singles and collaborations. What are Chriss Eazy's biggest songs? His best-known songs include “Inana,” “Bana,” “JUGUMiLA,” “FOLOMiANA,” “Sambolera,” “Sekoma,” “Chocolate” and “NAUMiA.” What is Chriss Eazy's latest song? His latest verified release is “Wakanaka,” a single issued on 16 July 2026. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Justice & Crime Tshisekedi: No Military Conquest Will Become Political Legitimacy" Tshisekedi says armed groups cannot turn military conquest into political legitimacy, . War in Eastern DRC Rwanda Raises Interest Rate to 8.75% as Inflation Hits 14.5% Rwanda faces surging prices at home as US sanctions and tighter external financing add pressure abroad. . 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ADF militants killed at least 40 people in eastern Congo, raising new concerns over civilian security near Uganda. At least 40 people were killed after Allied Democratic Forces militants attacked villages in eastern Congo near the Uganda border, according to an AP report citing local civil society leaders. The killings matter because they underline the continued threat posed by the ADF, an Islamic State-affiliated armed group with roots in Uganda that has operated for years across Congo’s eastern border region. Local sources said 25 people were killed in Beni territory in North Kivu, while 15 others died in Ituri province. Homes were also reportedly burned and looted, and the toll could rise because several residents remained missing. The attack comes days after Amnesty International accused the ADF of abuses against civilians that it said may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity . Eastern Congo remains under pressure from multiple armed groups, including the ADF and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion. Previous ADF attacks have caused heavy civilian casualties, including a July 2025 assault in which 66 people were killed, according to AP-linked reporting. The latest killings add to concerns over civilian protection in border communities where local authorities and residents continue to face recurring attacks, displacement and insecurity. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO WHY 40 more people Killed In Congo ADF Attacks Raise Alarm By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 8, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: At least 40 people were killed after Allied Democratic Forces militants attacked villages in eastern Congo near the Uganda border, according to an AP report citing local civil society leaders. The killings matter because they underline the continued threat posed by the ADF, an Islamic State-affiliated armed group with roots in Uganda that has operated for years across Congo’s eastern border region. Local sources said 25 people were killed in Beni territory in North Kivu, while 15 others died in Ituri province. Homes were also reportedly burned and looted, and the toll could rise because several residents remained missing. ADVERTISEMENT The attack comes days after Amnesty International accused the ADF of abuses against civilians that it said may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity . Eastern Congo remains under pressure from multiple armed groups, including the ADF and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion. Previous ADF attacks have caused heavy civilian casualties, including a July 2025 assault in which 66 people were killed, according to AP-linked reporting. ADVERTISEMENT The latest killings add to concerns over civilian protection in border communities where local authorities and residents continue to face recurring attacks, displacement and insecurity. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW Kahuzi-Biega National Park: Land of Gorillas, Volcanoes & Wild Harmony . National Park Visit Virunga National Park – Congo’s Crown Jewel of Nature & Wildlife . National Park Denise Nyakeru Foundation Awards Top Students in Excellentia 2025 . Education EXETAT 2025: Congo Digitizes Exams with AI and Blockchain Tools . Education POPULAR TODAY Justice & Crime Tshisekedi: No Military Conquest Will Become Political Legitimacy" . War in Eastern DRC Rwanda Raises Interest Rate to 8.75% as Inflation Hits 14.5% . Peace For DRC Now Tshisekedi Launches DRC National Dialogue for Peace and Reform . PRESS RELEASE DRC Protects Students, Diplomas in AFC/M23-Held Areas . Infrastructure DRC and Angola Accelerate Joint Oil and Power Projects . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE DRC Peace Effort Felix Tshisekedi’s Diplomacy Wins Youth Support at UNIKIN At UNIKIN, Minister Muyaya explains how President Tshisekedi's diplomacy defends Congo . Congo Diplomacy DRC Presents Its Vision for Transformation and Peace at UN SDG Forum At the UN SDG Forum, DRC highlighted its development achievements . Investment Investor’s Guide to DR Congo (2025): Sectors, Reforms & Opportunities Explore how to invest in DR Congo: key sectors, setup steps and legal safety . Tshisekedi Legacy Félix Tshisekedi: Champion of Change and Sovereignty in DR Congo Discover the bold legacy of Félix Tshisekedi, the DRC president transforming his nation . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo

President Tshisekedi launches Congo’s agriculture revolution: tractors, seeds, and reforms to revive the breadbasket dream for 2025-2026. Quick Links A Nation That Forgot Its Fertile Soil The Presidential Roadmap The Bigger Picture From Words to Action Voices from the Ground Introduction For decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo was known more for its mineral riches than for the fertile soil that covers the nation. Despite having more than 80 million hectares of arable land, conflict, mismanagement, and an economy built around the “resource curse” turned the country into a net food importer. Villages once fed themselves with cassava, maize, rice, and beans; today, many rely on imported flour and second‑hand vegetables trucked over broken roads. On 28 August 2025, a different image emerged. At the agricultural zone of Menkao, roughly 50 kilometres from central Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi inaugurated the 2025–2026 agricultural season. Surrounded by ministers, planters, and farmers, he handed over hundreds of tractors and farming equipment destined for the 26 provinces, symbolising a government willing to invest in rural communities. In his speech, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Muhindo Nzangi reminded the crowd that the government has allocated 10 % of the national budget to agriculture, meeting the African Union’s Maputo commitment to devote at least one‑tenth of public spending to the sector. The launch was more than a ceremony; it was a declaration that Congo’s soil will finally take “revenge” on the sub‑soil that has dominated its economy Continue Reading Full Article AGRICULTURE Tshisekedi Launches Congo’s Agricultural Revival in Menkao By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 29, 2025 May 15, 2026 12 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Quick Links A Nation That Forgot Its Fertile Soil The Presidential Roadmap The Bigger Picture From Words to Action Voices from the Ground Introduction For decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo was known more for its mineral riches than for the fertile soil that covers the nation. Despite having more than 80 million hectares of arable land, conflict, mismanagement, and an economy built around the “resource curse” turned the country into a net food importer. Villages once fed themselves with cassava, maize, rice, and beans; today, many rely on imported flour and second‑hand vegetables trucked over broken roads. On 28 August 2025, a different image emerged. At the agricultural zone of Menkao, roughly 50 kilometres from central Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi inaugurated the 2025–2026 agricultural season. Surrounded by ministers, planters, and farmers, he handed over hundreds of tractors and farming equipment destined for the 26 provinces, symbolising a government willing to invest in rural communities. Rows of blue tractors await dispatch to Congo’s 26 provinces, reflecting the scale of the mechanisation effort In his speech, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Muhindo Nzangi reminded the crowd that the government has allocated 10 % of the national budget to agriculture, meeting the African Union’s Maputo commitment to devote at least one‑tenth of public spending to the sector. The launch was more than a ceremony; it was a declaration that Congo’s soil will finally take “revenge” on the sub‑soil that has dominated its economy A Nation That Forgot Its Fertile Soil DR Congo is one of the most fertile countries in Africa. The Bateke Plateau east of Kinshasa, with its endless savannas, once supplied the capital with cassava, maize, and peanuts. But during the years of President Mobutu and the subsequent wars, agriculture was neglected. Farmers lacked credit, seeds, and tools; public extension services collapsed; militia violence scared growers away from their fields. When the men of the Mobondo militia roamed the plateau in 2024-2025, production plummeted and food insecurity rose . As the country relied more heavily on mining, its nickname shifted from the “breadbasket of Central Africa” to the world’s cobalt warehouse. This neglect has serious consequences. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, only about 10 million hectares of Congo’s arable land are cultivated, leaving vast potential idle. The International Fund for Agricultural Development notes that nearly 70 % of Congolese households depend on subsistence farming, yet yields are low because of poor inputs and obsolete techniques. Imported food is expensive in landlocked provinces like Kasai and Maniema, pushing families into debt. It is against this backdrop that Tshisekedi’s agricultural revival should be understood: reclaiming the land is about sovereignty and dignity. ADVERTISEMENT The president’s supporters describe the campaign as the “Revanche du sol sur le sous‑sol,” literally, the soil’s revenge on the sub‑soil. The phrase, echoed by agronomists at the Menkao launch, captures a generational aspiration to reduce dependence on minerals and build prosperity from fields, orchards, and coffee groves. It also mirrors Tshisekedi’s broader philosophy: that economic diversification, not extractive exports, must underpin national unity and peace. The Presidential Roadmap Launching tractors is only the start; the government has a detailed roadmap for transforming agriculture. In Menkao, Minister Nzangi outlined five priorities to guide the agricultural revolution. Though the official list has not yet been published in full, statements from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security highlight the following pillars: Coordination of agricultural initiatives. For years, provincial projects, donor programmes, and private investments have been scattered and redundant. Nzangi is creating an inter‑agency coordination mechanism to align initiatives, share data, and avoid duplication. This coordination is particularly important because the African Development Bank (AfDB) pledged to support Congo’s agriculture, recognising it as one of the largest beneficiaries of the African Development Fund Research and improved seeds. Many Congolese farmers still plant old seed varieties that yield little and succumb to disease. The ministry plans to relaunch public research institutes to develop and distribute improved seeds. This includes reviving national seed centres, training agronomists, and working with universities to adapt crops to Congo’s diverse agro‑ecological zones. Accessibility of inputs (fertilisers and pesticides). Fertiliser consumption in Congo is among the lowest in Africa. Nzangi’s roadmap seeks to subsidise fertiliser and pesticide distribution, set up rural agro‑dealer networks, and support local production. During the Menkao ceremony, he emphasised that the availability of seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides is central to boosting yields Mechanisation and motorisation brigades. Most farmers still rely on hoes and machetes. The government will deploy motorisation brigades, teams equipped with tractors, ploughs, and harvesters that communities can rent at subsidised rates. The dozens of blue tractors lined up in Menkao signalled the start of this mechanisation drive. Rural youth are being trained as tractor operators, mechanics, and machine managers, creating jobs beyond farming. President Félix Tshisekedi (left) and Minister Muhindo Nzangi (centre) inspect new tractors and discuss the agricultural roadmap during the Menkao ceremony Valorisation of agricultural agents. Agronomists, extension workers, and inspectors form the backbone of the sector, yet their salaries and status have been low. Nzangi announced a professionalisation programme to provide uniforms, training, and career progression for agricultural agents. According to RTNC’s report, he highlighted the need to valorise agricultural agents and ensure they are respected as professionals These priorities reflect lessons from previous failures. Past programmes imported equipment that languished for lack of operators or spare parts. Seeds arrived without the training to use them. Inputs were delivered without roads to reach remote farmers. By addressing coordination, research, inputs, mechanisation, and human resources simultaneously, the roadmap aims to build an ecosystem rather than scatter projects. From Words to Action The Menkao launch showed that the roadmap is already moving from policy to practice. Beyond speeches, the event featured a symbolic handover of hundreds of tractors to provincial representatives. Long lines of blue tractors with trailers and seed drills stretched along the road, ready to be dispatched to each province. Farmers who had previously tilled with hoes watched as machines promised to reduce labour and expand cultivated land. ADVERTISEMENT The government also announced several immediate measures: Four buses for ministry agents. These vehicles will transport extension officers and inspectors between far‑flung fields, making supervision and training feasible. Decree on the clothing of agricultural inspectors. Issuing uniforms may seem trivial, but it reflects a push to professionalise the civil service and instil pride among agents who will enforce standards and assist farmers. Launch of a campaign for perennial crops. Nzangi revealed plans to promote cocoa and coffee, crops with export potential that had been neglected during the mining boom. Seedlings will be distributed and farmers organised into cooperatives to access markets. Agricultural Development Fund. Perhaps the most transformative measure is the creation of a permanent Agricultural Development Fund. This fund will finance seeds, inputs, and fertilisers predictably, insulating farmers from budgetary fluctuations. During the launch, Nzangi affirmed that the fund will mobilise domestic resources and partner financing, ensuring that the handover of equipment is backed by sustainable funding. The symbolic distribution of tractors at Menkao was widely shared on social media. Photographs captured President Tshisekedi inspecting equipment alongside Minister Nzangi and farmers, emphasising the tangible nature of the reforms. Rows of machinery waiting to be dispatched to provinces illustrate the scale of investment and the government’s intention to mechanise rural economies. Voices from the Ground Policy pronouncements only matter if they change lives. Interviews with farmers and cooperative leaders provide a glimpse into the human impact of Tshisekedi’s reforms. Marie, a cassava farmer from the Bateke Plateau, attended the launch to witness the tractors. “My parents farmed this land with hoes. When the militias came, we stayed away, ” she explained. “Now we see machines and fertiliser. For the first time, I believe we can feed Kinshasa again.” Jean‑Pierre, leader of a growers’ cooperative in Kwilu Province, recalled years of disappointment. “Politicians promised us tractors before, but none arrived. This time, I saw the keys handed over. We are trained to use them and pay a small fee. With one tractor, ten villages can cultivate quickly.” A group of youths from Kasai said they were forming a mechanisation brigade. Trained as tractor drivers and mechanics, they will operate equipment and earn income by ploughing others’ fields. “We used to dream of going to the mines in Kolwezi. Now we see a future in agriculture,” one young man said, echoing the government’s message that farming offers dignity and opportunity. These testimonies illustrate how mechanisation and structured support can restore confidence in agriculture. Yet the farmers also voiced concerns. They worry about the security of roads and the fairness of machinery allocation. They emphasised the need for timely seed delivery and market access. Their voices highlight that reforms must be accompanied by transparent management and continued dialogue. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW Why DR Congo’s World Cup Playoff Could Lift Central Africa . Sports Trends DRC, China Discuss Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Support . Economic Reports ENA 9th Class Enters Service With Anti-Corruption Mandate . Education Kinsuka Power targets 5-year build after financing for 900MW dam . Economic Reports POPULAR TODAY Women football Congolese-Born Grace Geyoro Sets Record in Women’s Football Deal . Travel Guide How to Enter the Democratic Republic of Congo: Travel & Visa Guide . Entertainment Bioluminescence Cape Town 2025: Best Beaches, Dates & Viewing Guide . Agriculture Tshisekedi Launches Congo’s Agricultural Revival in Menkao . From Power to Prison: Baltasar Ebang Engonga Sentenced to 8 Years . The Bigger Picture Tshisekedi’s agricultural revolution cannot be separated from his wider reforms. Since assuming office in 2019, he has sought to break the resource curse by renegotiating mining contracts, combating child labour, and investing in infrastructure. The future of the DRC lies in agriculture, video shared by the DR Congo Minister of Agriculture In January 2024, his government renegotiated the Sicomines agreement with Chinese partners. The original 2008 “minerals‑for‑infrastructure” deal gave Chinese companies a 68 % stake and promised US$3 billion of infrastructure. By 2023, only US$822 million had been invested. The revised contract boosts the infrastructure budget to US$7 billion and requires annual royalties of 1.2 % This shift has already translated into new roads: Chinese firms broke ground on a 900‑kilometre upgrade of the National 1 road linking Mbuji‑Mayi to the mining hub of Nguba, a project the infrastructure minister celebrated with the phrase “Where the road goes, development follows” . Improved highways will allow farmers to transport cassava, maize, and coffee from rural zones to urban markets and export corridors. Tshisekedi has also tackled child labour in mines. A Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) introduced in 2023 registered 5,346 children working in artisanal cobalt mines and is providing remediation services. By 2024, the system had identified over 6,200 children and aims to remove them from hazardous work. These reforms reflect a broader agenda: profits from minerals should fund schools and farms, not the exploitation of children. Linking the soil and the sub‑soil in this way is deliberate. Revenues from responsible mining are being channelled into agriculture and infrastructure. Roads built with mining royalties will carry fertiliser to villages; classrooms built with cobalt revenues will educate the next generation of agronomists; renegotiated contracts will finance irrigation and seed research. In Nzangi’s words, “The Head of State has provided the means. It is now up to us to do our part,” a call for collective responsibility to make the agricultural revolution succeed. Conclusion The tractors lined up in Menkao are more than shiny machines; they represent a reversal of fortune for a nation that had forgotten its soil. Under President Tshisekedi, Congo is beginning to invest the fruits of its mineral wealth back into its fields. Mechanisation brigades, improved seeds, accessible fertilisers, and the valorisation of agronomists form the backbone of a strategy to transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial production. The stakes are high. Achieving food sovereignty will strengthen national unity and reduce dependence on imports. Revitalising rural economies will offer alternatives to young people tempted by artisanal mining or migration. And connecting agriculture with responsible mining and infrastructure reforms will ensure that the country’s natural wealth benefits its people. If Menkao becomes the template for provinces across Congo, then the slogan “revanche du sol sur le sous‑sol” will no longer be rhetoric but a lived reality. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Women football Congolese-Born Grace Geyoro Sets Record in Women’s Football Deal Grace Geyoro’s €1.65m move to London City Lionesses breaks the women’s football transfer record . Travel Guide How to Enter the Democratic Republic of Congo: Travel & Visa Guide Planning a trip to DR Congo? Here’s your guide to DRC entry rules, visa types, tariffs & tips ... . Entertainment Bioluminescence Cape Town 2025: Best Beaches, Dates & Viewing Guide Discover Cape Town’s glowing beaches in 2025, best spots, times & tips for visitors. . From Power to Prison: Baltasar Ebang Engonga Sentenced to 8 Years Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar “Bello” Engonga was sentenced to 8 years for embezzlement . Tags Top News Top News DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo Happening Now Happening Now African Food African Food

Check your UIF claim status on UIF Online or free USSD *134*843#. Call 0800 030 007. Employee claims are no longer on uFiling. To check your UIF claim status in South Africa, start with the official UIF Online portal, dial the free USSD code *134*843# , or call the UIF call centre on 0800 030 007 . Employee benefit claims are no longer processed on uFiling . The uFiling homepage tells employees to use uifonline.labour.gov.za for UIF benefit applications. Employers still use uFiling for contributions and declarations. Need to lodge a new claim first? See XTRAfrica’s guides on UIF Online claims after the uFiling change and how to claim UIF unemployment benefits online . Official portals and contacts UIF Online — employee benefit applications and online account UIF Online login — sign in if you already registered uFiling — employer contributions (not for new employee benefit claims) Free USSD: dial *134*843# for claims/payment status and related UIF options UIF call centre: 0800 030 007 (also shown as 08000 30007 on the UIF Online site) What you need Continue Reading Full Article SOCIAL SERVICE How to Check UIF Claim Status Online By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Aug 30, 2026 Aug 30, 2026 8 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: To check your UIF claim status in South Africa, start with the official UIF Online portal, dial the free USSD code *134*843# , or call the UIF call centre on 0800 030 007 . Employee benefit claims are no longer processed on uFiling . The uFiling homepage tells employees to use uifonline.labour.gov.za for UIF benefit applications. Employers still use uFiling for contributions and declarations. Need to lodge a new claim first? See XTRAfrica’s guides on UIF Online claims after the uFiling change and how to claim UIF unemployment benefits online . Official portals and contacts UIF Online — employee benefit applications and online account UIF Online login — sign in if you already registered uFiling — employer contributions (not for new employee benefit claims) Free USSD: dial *134*843# for claims/payment status and related UIF options UIF call centre: 0800 030 007 (also shown as 08000 30007 on the UIF Online site) What you need Your South African ID number Your UIF Online username and password if you already registered Your claim or reference number if you have one A working cellphone for USSD or call-centre callbacks Screenshots or notes of any status message or error you already saw Option 1 — Check status on UIF Online Open UIF Online . Confirm the address ends in labour.gov.za. Register for an individual account if you are new, or log in with your existing details. Open your benefit or claims section after login. Read the status or message shown for your application. Keep a screenshot. If the portal asks for more documents or information, upload or follow the instruction shown — do not open a duplicate claim unless UIF tells you to. If you cannot see a clear status online, use USSD or the call centre next. Do not pay anyone who claims they can “fast-track” your claim. Option 2 — Free USSD *134*843# The Department of Employment and Labour promotes a free USSD service so clients can check UIF services without data. Dial *134*843# on any mobile phone and follow the menu for claims and payment status, employee registration, payment continuation, or general enquiries. ADVERTISEMENT Have your ID number ready. Some USSD actions need a PIN registered at a labour centre. If the menu says you must visit a labour centre, go to the office that handled your claim or the nearest one with your ID and claim details. USSD can also support payment continuation for some benefit types. That is separate from a simple status check — follow only the prompts that match what you need. Option 3 — Call the UIF call centre Call 0800 030 007. Have your ID number, claim or reference number, and employer name ready. Ask for the current status of your benefit application and write down what the agent says. If documents are missing, ask exactly what to submit and through which channel (UIF Online or a labour centre). Official contact-centre material also says you can visit the labour centre where you applied if you need a face-to-face status enquiry. uFiling vs UIF Online Employees (benefit claims): use UIF Online. uFiling’s own notice says employee benefit claims are no longer processed there. Employers (contributions): keep using uFiling to declare and pay UIF contributions. Older guides that say “check application history on uFiling” are outdated for new employee claims. Prefer UIF Online, USSD, or the call centre. Common problems I still land on uFiling. Use the UIF Online link above. Bookmark uifonline.labour.gov.za so you do not reopen the old employee-claims path by mistake. ADVERTISEMENT Login or registration fails. Reset the password on UIF Online if available, or call 0800 030 007. Do not create multiple profiles for the same ID unless UIF instructs you to. No status change for a long time. Check UIF Online again, try USSD, then call the call centre with your reference number. Visit the labour centre if the agent asks you to. Keep proof of every submission. USSD asks for a PIN I do not have. Official USSD guidance for some flows says you may need to visit your nearest labour centre to register or update a PIN before continuing. Scam warning UIF will not ask you to pay a private agent to approve or speed up a claim. Never share your UIF Online password, OTP, or banking PIN on WhatsApp, Facebook, or SMS links. Type labour.gov.za and uifonline.labour.gov.za yourself — avoid sponsored short links. Checking status through official USSD, UIF Online, or 0800 030 007 is free of agent fees. Frequently asked questions Can I still check a claim on uFiling? New employee benefit claims are directed to UIF Online. Use UIF Online, USSD, or the call centre for status. Employers stay on uFiling for contributions. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Social Service How to Check UIF Claim Status Online . Local Government How to Replace a Lost South African ID . Local Government How to Check Your South African Passport Status . Is the USSD service free? Yes. Official Department messaging describes *134*843# as a free USSD service that only needs an active mobile number. What do the portal status labels mean? Read the exact wording shown on UIF Online or given by the call centre. Do not rely on unofficial lists of status labels — ask UIF if a message is unclear. I need a new ID before I can claim or follow up. See how to replace a lost South African ID . Official sources UIF Online uFiling notice (employee claims moved) Department of Employment and Labour — Online Tools UIF call centre: 0800 030 007 Free USSD: *134*843# Checked against uFiling, UIF Online, and Department of Employment and Labour public guidance on 30 August 2026 (ET). Portal screens and call-centre scripts can change — always follow what the official site or agent shows that day. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return Use the official SARS checker and 2026 rules to see if you must file an ITR12. . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online Book a SARS branch, video or phone slot on eBooking, MobiApp, SMS or 0800 00 7277. . Social Service How to Check UIF Claim Status Online Use UIF Online, free USSD *134*843#, or call 0800 030 007 to track your claim. . Local Government How to Replace a Lost South African ID Report loss at SAPS, then reissue a Smart ID at Home Affairs or a bank for R140. . Tags South Africa Gov Services South Africa Gov Services

The EU is mobilising €81.2m in emergency humanitarian aid for eastern DRC and the Great Lakes as Hadja Lahbib visits to push access. The European Union says it is mobilising €81.2 million in emergency humanitarian funding for people affected by the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) , alongside a regional push for safer humanitarian access. According to initial reports by Radio Okapi , the package is aimed at vulnerable populations in the Great Lakes region, including people inside DRC, Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries, and fragile host communities particularly in Burundi as displacement and shortages strain food, water and shelter. A key next step highlighted in the reporting is the diplomatic effort to unlock humanitarian access. Radio Okapi reports that EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib is travelling in DRC, Burundi and Rwanda , with the stated goal of engaging “all parties” to help open safe corridors for aid deliveries, including in areas controlled by armed groups. The European Commission’s humanitarian aid department (DG ECHO) says the EU funding is designed to deliver life-saving support such as food assistance, emergency health and nutrition services, water and sanitation support, shelter for displaced families, and protection services, including child protection and care for survivors of violence. It is reported that Hadja Lahbib’s itinerary includes Kinshasa, followed by Burundi (18–19 February) with a planned visit to Busuma refugee camp, before concluding in Kigali (20 February), citing comments carried by the Belgian news agency Belga. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME EU donates €81.2m aid for eastern DRC crisis as Lahbib visits region By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 18, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The European Union says it is mobilising €81.2 million in emergency humanitarian funding for people affected by the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) , alongside a regional push for safer humanitarian access. According to initial reports by Radio Okapi , the package is aimed at vulnerable populations in the Great Lakes region, including people inside DRC, Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries, and fragile host communities particularly in Burundi as displacement and shortages strain food, water and shelter. ADVERTISEMENT A key next step highlighted in the reporting is the diplomatic effort to unlock humanitarian access. Radio Okapi reports that EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib is travelling in DRC, Burundi and Rwanda , with the stated goal of engaging “all parties” to help open safe corridors for aid deliveries, including in areas controlled by armed groups. ADVERTISEMENT The European Commission’s humanitarian aid department (DG ECHO) says the EU funding is designed to deliver life-saving support such as food assistance, emergency health and nutrition services, water and sanitation support, shelter for displaced families, and protection services, including child protection and care for survivors of violence. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY 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 . War in Eastern DRC Lubutu Seeks Troop Reinforcements After Deadly Clashes . War in DR Congo Bukavu–Uvira Road Closure Leaves Nearly 1,000 Stranded . Political Parties C64 Delays Complaint Against Tshisekedi . It is reported that Hadja Lahbib’s itinerary includes Kinshasa, followed by Burundi (18–19 February) with a planned visit to Busuma refugee camp, before concluding in Kigali (20 February), citing comments carried by the Belgian news agency Belga. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation DRC opposition coalition announces nationwide protest over constitutional reform dispute . War in Eastern DRC FARDC Says It Is Thwarting M23 Advances Despite Rwandan Drone Support DRC government says army continues to repel AFC/M23 operations in North and South Kivu. . War in Eastern DRC Lubutu Seeks Troop Reinforcements After Deadly Clashes Local authorities say extra forces are needed after FARDC-Mai-Mai fighting killed six. . War in DR Congo Bukavu–Uvira Road Closure Leaves Nearly 1,000 Stranded Stranded travelers face rising costs as RN5 closure disrupts movement . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics South Africa South Africa Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo M23 Conflict Updates M23 Conflict Updates M23 Rebels M23 Rebels M23 Rebels News M23 Rebels News