Discover 8 of Kinshasa’s best rooftop bars with epic Congo River views, cocktails, live music, and 2025 vibes from luxe hotel decks to hidden local gems. Kinshasa does drama well especially when the Congo River does its golden-hour thing. From Gombe high-rises to floating decks, here are eight rooftops where you can sip, stare at Pool Malebo, and pretend you’re scouting film locations. FYI: New openings kept the scene lively this year one launch video even teased a “nouveau rooftop incontournable… piscine panoramique.” We’ll take that energy . 1) Kaukau Rooftop Bar, Novotel Kinshasa La Gombe Novotel’s Kaukau is your no-fuss, river-facing perch: think post-work DJs, themed jazz/rumba nights, and a sightline that slides across the Congo toward Brazzaville. It’s modern, social, and actually tells you up front that the rooftop looks at the river a refreshing bit of honesty in a city that loves mystique . Practical: dress smart-casual; expect themed nights most weeks (2025 programming is ongoing). Cocktails run approx. USD $12–15 / ≈ CDF 36,000–45,000; beers from about USD $5 / ≈ CDF 15,000 (2025 approx.). Tip: Ask for a table at the railing just before sunset; the glow hits the river then the skyline. 2) La Vue rooftop & pool bar, Hilton Kinshasa The Hilton’s rooftop has “date night with a panorama” written all over it. Guests rave about the combo a lovely rooftop bar and pool and the hotel sits right above the riverfront corridor, so the views do what they need to do. The Hilton Kinshasa isn’t just a hotel it’s a skyline statement. Towering over Gombe’s business district, this $50 million five-star landmark brings global polish to the Congo Riverfront. With 178 rooms (including 13 suites), 11 meeting spaces, two restaurants, three bars, and a pool with a view, it’s as much about power lunches as it is about poolside prosecco. Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE 8 Kinshasa rooftop bars with river views (2025) By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Oct 29, 2025 May 15, 2026 11 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kinshasa does drama well especially when the Congo River does its golden-hour thing. From Gombe high-rises to floating decks, here are eight rooftops where you can sip, stare at Pool Malebo, and pretend you’re scouting film locations. FYI: New openings kept the scene lively this year one launch video even teased a “nouveau rooftop incontournable… piscine panoramique.” We’ll take that energy . 1) Kaukau Rooftop Bar, Novotel Kinshasa La Gombe Novotel’s Kaukau is your no-fuss, river-facing perch: think post-work DJs, themed jazz/rumba nights, and a sightline that slides across the Congo toward Brazzaville. It’s modern, social, and actually tells you up front that the rooftop looks at the river a refreshing bit of honesty in a city that loves mystique . Practical: dress smart-casual; expect themed nights most weeks (2025 programming is ongoing). Cocktails run approx. USD $12–15 / ≈ CDF 36,000–45,000; beers from about USD $5 / ≈ CDF 15,000 (2025 approx.). Tip: Ask for a table at the railing just before sunset; the glow hits the river then the skyline. 2) La Vue rooftop & pool bar, Hilton Kinshasa The Hilton’s rooftop has “date night with a panorama” written all over it. Guests rave about the combo a lovely rooftop bar and pool and the hotel sits right above the riverfront corridor, so the views do what they need to do. The Hilton Kinshasa isn’t just a hotel it’s a skyline statement. Towering over Gombe’s business district, this $50 million five-star landmark brings global polish to the Congo Riverfront. With 178 rooms (including 13 suites), 11 meeting spaces, two restaurants, three bars, and a pool with a view, it’s as much about power lunches as it is about poolside prosecco. ADVERTISEMENT Practical: ride the elevator to the top; non‑guests can usually access the bar (policies vary). Drinks land around USD $14–18 / ≈ CDF 42,000–54,000; mocktails from USD $8 / ≈ CDF 24,000 (2025 approx.). Local tip: if there’s a game on, the vibe pivots to buzzy grab a high-top away from the pool for the clearest river line . 3) Rooftop Bar, Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel Pullman’s sprawling complex towers over Gombe with the kind of height that turns “is that Brazzaville?” into a guessing game. It’s one of the city’s few hotels listed in 2025 as having a bona fide rooftop bar and yes, you can clock the river from up here on clear days . Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel isn’t just another upscale address it’s an award-winning design statement. Crowned by the LIV Hospitality Design Awards in 2023 for “Best Interior Design Hotel Luxury,” this Gombe landmark fuses Congolese artistry with sleek modern flair. Step into its lobby and you’re greeted by sculptural wicker lights, earthy textures, and bold contrasts that feel both global and grounded. Practical: expect a polished, international crowd. Signature cocktails sit around USD $13–16 / ≈ CDF 39,000–48,000 (2025 approx.). Tip: Pullman runs regular live‑music/DJ programming; call ahead to snag a riverside table when weather cooperates. 4) ChaCha Bar, Immeuble Forescom A classic. ChaCha perches on the 9th floor of Central Africa’s first Art Deco tower (1946), and it comes with two terraces one facing the city grid, the other throwing you straight at the river. It’s moody lighting, vintage bones , and very Kinoise. ADVERTISEMENT Practical: they keep inventing reasons to come back (2025’s “Paint & Vibes” nights, salsa included, first drink on the house). Expect cocktails from approx. USD $10–12 / ≈ CDF 30,000–36,000. Tip: Arrive just before 17:30 commuters are stuck below while you toast above. As the event post teased: “La première boisson est offerte.” Facebook mirror via Bars10, 2025 . 5) Majestic River (floating top‑deck lounge) Okay, not a building but the boat’s upper deck is a literal rooftop over water. Sunset sails and docked evenings serve Congo‑wide skies and Brazzaville twinkles. 2025 programming includes Thursday salsa‑and‑rumba sundowners and a two‑for‑one cocktail hour. Some drinks come with umbrellas; this one comes with a view. Majestic River’s signature cocktail — bright, boozy, and perfectly posed against the Congo sums up Kinshasa’s sundowner spirit. It’s not about precision mixology here; it’s about rhythm, river breeze, and the feeling that time just slowed down. Practical: check dates for the Sunday buffet (often around USD $50 / ≈ CDF 150,000 in 2025). By‑the‑glass cocktails hover around USD $8–10 / ≈ CDF 24,000–30,000 (2025 approx.). Local tip: stand on the up‑river edge at golden hour; you’ll get the widest Pool Malebo sweep. Their 2025 feed puts it simply: “1 cocktail acheté = 1 cocktail offert.” Facebook mirror via Foodyas, 2025 . 6) IKOS Restaurant & Lounge Bar, Matrix Tower Rooftop‑ish, Mediterranean‑leaning, and perfectly placed: IKOS lives high in Matrix Tower itself a complex “overlooking the Congo River” so order that spritz and let Gombe’s lights do their thing. It’s one of 2025’s talk‑about spots for skyline dining with a real sense of occasion. 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 Eco Tourism DRC Begins Major Rebuild of Kinshasa Zoo . Food and Travel 10 Best Shopping Malls in Kinshasa 2026 . Travel Guide Top 10 Family Friendly Spots in Kinshasa . Travel Guide Top 10 Gyms, Trails and Wellness Spots in Kinshasa . Travel Guide 6 ways to navigate public transport in Kinshasa . Practical: reservations recommended on weekends. Figure cocktails at approx. USD $12–14 / ≈ CDF 36,000–42,000; mezze plates from USD $8–12 / ≈ CDF 24,000–36,000 (2025 approx.). Tip: request a window‑side banquette; the river line is clearest after 7 pm when the haze lifts . 7) Eloge Towers Rooftop Patio Bar Eloge is residential‑luxury, but the rooftop’s patio bar when accessible for residents’ guests or private events serves knockout panoramas: downtown Kin, the Congo River, Brazzaville, and an infinity‑edge pool straight out of Singapore. It’s the city’s most cinematic “if‑you‑know‑someone” sky fix. Practical: access is typically limited to residents/guests or for booked events ask politely; sometimes it works. When you do get in, expect cocktails around USD $15–18 / ≈ CDF 45,000–54,000 (2025 approx.). Local tip: bring a light layer the rooftop breeze can be surprisingly cool after 21:00 . 8) Executive Lounge, 22nd floor, Fleuve Congo Hotel High above the diplomatic quarter, the Fleuve’s 22nd‑floor lounge is a hushed, clubby vantage for river‑watching with a side of canapés. It’s an executive‑access space, but the page confirms the venue and floor; set inside a riverfront tower, so the Congo views are a given. Practical: Access is for eligible room categories or through meeting/event bookings; call ahead to confirm. Drinks trend hotel‑premium: approx. USD $12–16 / ≈ CDF 36,000–48,000 (2025 approx.). Tip: late afternoon is best haze drops, ships move, and the river turns copper. Before you go: quick price math and local smarts Kin’s rooftop drinks skew hotel‑led; plan for USD $10–18 / ≈ CDF 30,000–54,000 for cocktails, a touch less for beers. Pro tip: Thursday is the sleeper night the city is out, but it’s not manic; watch for 2025 promos like Majestic’s 2‑for‑1 sundowners, or creative evenings at ChaCha that sneak in a free first drink. As one 2025 post put it: “nouveau rooftop incontournable… piscine panoramique.” ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Eco Tourism DRC Begins Major Rebuild of Kinshasa Zoo ICCN and Vantara launch a two-year plan to rebuild Kinshasa’s long-neglected zoo. . Food and Travel 10 Best Shopping Malls in Kinshasa 2026 Your 2025 guide to Kinshasa’s top malls for shopping, dining, errands and pure AC-powered bliss. . Travel Guide Top 10 Family Friendly Spots in Kinshasa Kinshasa’s best parks, lakes, sanctuaries and fun zones for an easy, kid approved day out in 2025. . Travel Guide Top 10 Gyms, Trails and Wellness Spots in Kinshasa A fast, witty guide to the best gyms, running trails and wellness spots keeping Kinshasa fit in 2025. . Tags Visit Congo Visit Congo Travel Blog Travel Blog DR.Congo DR.Congo travel abroad travel abroad Travel & Tourism Travel & Tourism Travel Blog Travel Blog Travel Africa Travel Africa

FARDC condemns new M23/RDF attacks in North and South Kivu, warning it will respond firmly to ceasefire violations and protect Congolese territory. Kisangani, September 20, 2025 – The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have sounded the alarm over renewed attacks carried out by the coalition of Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and M23 rebels against Congolese positions in both North and South Kivu. According to the FARDC communiqué (No. 17/25), September 19 was marked by a wave of coordinated assaults targeting the localities of Chanzikiro and Nkambi in Kisimba groupement, Wanyanga sector (Walikale, North Kivu). At the same time, another strike was recorded in Sisa (Masisi territory) and Buhavu (Kalehe, South Kivu). The day before, on September 18, FARDC positions had already come under fire in Ndeté and Kazinga (Nyamaboko 1, Masisi), while villages such as Chambombo and Katale also suffered rebel incursions. A Pattern of Escalation FARDC officials say these repeated attacks constitute blatant violations of the Washington ceasefire agreement and the Doha principles, warning that the army will no longer tolerate such provocations. “The Congolese forces reserve the right to respond with firmness and determination,” declared Major Nestor Mavudisa Kamba Mayoyo, spokesperson for the Third Defense Zone, in the statement. The army also denounced what it called a “media campaign of disinformation” aimed at shifting blame onto FARDC while obscuring the role of Rwanda’s advanced brigades and M23 units in the violence. International Witnesses Called In Kinshasa is urging American and Qatari mediators, key observers of the Doha and Washington frameworks, to recognize these repeated violations and hold Kigali accountable. Continue Reading Full Article PRESS RELEASE FARDC Warns of Escalating M23/RDF Attacks in North and South Kivu By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 21, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kisangani, September 20, 2025 – The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have sounded the alarm over renewed attacks carried out by the coalition of Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and M23 rebels against Congolese positions in both North and South Kivu. According to the FARDC communiqué (No. 17/25), September 19 was marked by a wave of coordinated assaults targeting the localities of Chanzikiro and Nkambi in Kisimba groupement, Wanyanga sector (Walikale, North Kivu). At the same time, another strike was recorded in Sisa (Masisi territory) and Buhavu (Kalehe, South Kivu). The day before, on September 18, FARDC positions had already come under fire in Ndeté and Kazinga (Nyamaboko 1, Masisi), while villages such as Chambombo and Katale also suffered rebel incursions. ADVERTISEMENT A Pattern of Escalation FARDC officials say these repeated attacks constitute blatant violations of the Washington ceasefire agreement and the Doha principles, warning that the army will no longer tolerate such provocations. “The Congolese forces reserve the right to respond with firmness and determination,” declared Major Nestor Mavudisa Kamba Mayoyo, spokesperson for the Third Defense Zone, in the statement. ADVERTISEMENT The army also denounced what it called a “media campaign of disinformation” aimed at shifting blame onto FARDC while obscuring the role of Rwanda’s advanced brigades and M23 units in the violence. International Witnesses Called In Kinshasa is urging American and Qatari mediators, key observers of the Doha and Washington frameworks, to recognize these repeated violations and hold Kigali accountable. The communiqué closes with a clear warning: any further attacks against FARDC positions will invite an immediate and resolute military response. 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 PRESS RELEASE DRC and Tanzania Open New Chapter in Strategic Partnership . Opposition Politics Rwandan Opposition Launches Coalition to Challenge Kagame . PRESS RELEASE Debora Kayembe Calls for Bold Steps Ahead of DRC National Dialogue . PRESS RELEASE DRC Condemns Forced Civilian Marches Under Rwandan Occupation . Washington Peace Accord Congo Condemns Rwanda for Violating Trump-Brokered Peace Accord . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE PRESS RELEASE DRC and Tanzania Open New Chapter in Strategic Partnership Tshisekedi and Samia agree to deepen cooperation on minerals, transport, energy and security. . Opposition Politics Rwandan Opposition Launches Coalition to Challenge Kagame 100 Rwandan opposition leaders unite under ROC to challenge Kagame’s regime . PRESS RELEASE Debora Kayembe Calls for Bold Steps Ahead of DRC National Dialogue Kayembe urges amnesty, co-mediation and trust to ensure inclusive dialogue success. . PRESS RELEASE DRC Condemns Forced Civilian Marches Under Rwandan Occupation Kinshasa denounces forced marches imposed on civilians by M23 and Rwandan forces, . Tags PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE DRC Politics DRC Politics DR.Congo DR.Congo FARDC FARDC

IShowSpeed has landed in Kenya as part of his “Speed Does Africa” tour, with plans to meet fans and race sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala. American online streamer and content creator IShowSpeed has arrived in Kenya, marking the start of the East African leg of his continental tour dubbed “Speed Does Africa.” The 20-year-old, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., touched down in Nairobi on January 11, 2026, where he was met by enthusiastic fans and a coordinated welcome involving tourism officials. Kenyan authorities framed the visit as an opportunity to showcase the country’s culture, cities, and wildlife to a global digital audience. The Kenya Tourism Board confirmed his arrival through a post on X, welcoming the streamer to the country and highlighting Kenya’s readiness to host the high-energy visit. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano also acknowledged the visit publicly, describing it as a moment to connect Kenya’s heritage with its growing digital presence. During her remarks, Miano pointed to Kenya’s living traditions, food culture, music, and transport scene as everyday experiences rather than museum pieces. She also encouraged the streamer to sample local dishes such as ugali, nyama choma, and kachumbari during his stay. IShowSpeed’s visit has generated wide discussion online, with reactions ranging from excitement to calls for a more low-key approach. Some users urged authorities to allow the visit to unfold naturally without excessive official staging. The trip is also drawing attention within the regional creator community. IShowSpeed has already been seen in Nairobi alongside Ugandan viral personality Tenge Tenge, with expectations of collaborative content during the tour. One of the most anticipated moments of the Kenya stop is a possible sprint race against Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala. The Kenyan athlete teased the idea on social media, joking that the contest would be decided within the first few steps. If held, the race is expected to attract significant livestream viewership. The Kenya visit forms part of a broader 28-day tour covering around 20 African countries, a journey that is placing a spotlight on African cities, creators, and sporting figures for a global online audience. Source: TNX Africa Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT IShowSpeed Arrives in Kenya for Omanyala Race on Africa Tour By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 11, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: American online streamer and content creator IShowSpeed has arrived in Kenya, marking the start of the East African leg of his continental tour dubbed “Speed Does Africa.” The 20-year-old, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., touched down in Nairobi on January 11, 2026, where he was met by enthusiastic fans and a coordinated welcome involving tourism officials. Kenyan authorities framed the visit as an opportunity to showcase the country’s culture, cities, and wildlife to a global digital audience. ADVERTISEMENT The Kenya Tourism Board confirmed his arrival through a post on X, welcoming the streamer to the country and highlighting Kenya’s readiness to host the high-energy visit. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano also acknowledged the visit publicly, describing it as a moment to connect Kenya’s heritage with its growing digital presence. During her remarks, Miano pointed to Kenya’s living traditions, food culture, music, and transport scene as everyday experiences rather than museum pieces. She also encouraged the streamer to sample local dishes such as ugali, nyama choma, and kachumbari during his stay. IShowSpeed’s visit has generated wide discussion online, with reactions ranging from excitement to calls for a more low-key approach. Some users urged authorities to allow the visit to unfold naturally without excessive official staging. ADVERTISEMENT The trip is also drawing attention within the regional creator community. IShowSpeed has already been seen in Nairobi alongside Ugandan viral personality Tenge Tenge, with expectations of collaborative content during the tour. One of the most anticipated moments of the Kenya stop is a possible sprint race against Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala. The Kenyan athlete teased the idea on social media, joking that the contest would be decided within the first few steps. If held, the race is expected to attract significant livestream viewership. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW Master P Faces Son Mercy Miller in College Basketball Clash . Entertainment Taylor Swift’s ‘End of an Era’ Docuseries Moves Fans to Tears . Entertainment Kim Kardashian Faces Setback as Mentor Discusses Bar Exam Effort . Entertainment U.S. Vows to Hold Rwanda, M23 Accountable for Congo War Crimes . Washington Peace Accord POPULAR TODAY Hollywood Updates Vin Diesel Honors Michael Caine With New Festival Tribute . Hollywood Updates Kim Kardashian Shares Surprise Wedding Photos From TV Drama . Justice & Crime Opera Singer Jubilant Sykes Fatally Stabbed in Santa Monica . Hollywood Updates Angela Bassett Reflects on Aging, Says She Still Feels Young at 67 . Hollywood Updates Pamela Anderson Confirms Brief Romance With Liam Neeson . The Kenya visit forms part of a broader 28-day tour covering around 20 African countries, a journey that is placing a spotlight on African cities, creators, and sporting figures for a global online audience. Source: TNX Africa ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE 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. . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto FOLA earned 10 nominations as The Headies prepares its October ceremony in Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance The warrant was held over after Jub Jub missed court citing illness and will not be enforced yet. . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati The High Court ordered Maserati to repay Soulistic Music over an undelivered customised MC20 Cielo. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

Rwanda-backed M23’s withdrawal from Uvira triggers skepticism in Kinshasa and global scrutiny. Officials demand full, verifiable troop exit. KINSHASA – December 18, 2025 | The withdrawal of the Rwanda-backed AFC-M23 rebel forces from the city of Uvira is generating a wave of reactions across Congolese media reviewed by Radio Okapi and government circles. Many observers see the move not as a concession from strength, but as a strategic retreat under U.S. pressure, signaling a new phase of international scrutiny directed at Paul Kagame’s regime in Rwanda. A Withdrawal After the Damage Was Done Online outlets like CongoNews were quick to interpret the M23 exit as a delayed maneuver to soften the diplomatic fallout caused by the offensive. The belated withdrawal of rebel elements from Uvira, while it may be presented as a gesture of appeasement, comes after the diplomatic damage has already been done. In the eyes of Washington, certain red lines have been crossed,” wrote CongoNews, which goes further to suggest this may mark “the end of a political cycle for Kigali.” Indeed, what was intended as a show of force may have backfired. Public mockery in Kigali of U.S. sanctions, some aired through state-linked channels and speeches, has reportedly been interpreted in Washington as a direct affront to American authority and diplomatic mediation. Rwanda Trapped in Its Own Game In a biting analysis, Le Tabloid notes the “diplomatic trap” Kigali now finds itself in: Any military advance by its armed allies reinforces international isolation, while any withdrawal exposes the fragility of their hold without external support.” This geopolitical stalemate highlights Rwanda’s shrinking room for maneuver; every move now draws a global reaction, particularly from Washington, which has increasingly framed M23 actions as violations of the Washington Accords signed earlier this year. Continue Reading Full Article WASHINGTON PEACE ACCORD Kagame Faces the Cold Wrath of the United States (Radio Okapi) By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Dec 18, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: KINSHASA – December 18, 2025 | The withdrawal of the Rwanda-backed AFC-M23 rebel forces from the city of Uvira is generating a wave of reactions across Congolese media reviewed by Radio Okapi and government circles. Many observers see the move not as a concession from strength, but as a strategic retreat under U.S. pressure, signaling a new phase of international scrutiny directed at Paul Kagame’s regime in Rwanda. A Withdrawal After the Damage Was Done Online outlets like CongoNews were quick to interpret the M23 exit as a delayed maneuver to soften the diplomatic fallout caused by the offensive. The belated withdrawal of rebel elements from Uvira, while it may be presented as a gesture of appeasement, comes after the diplomatic damage has already been done. In the eyes of Washington, certain red lines have been crossed,” wrote CongoNews, which goes further to suggest this may mark “the end of a political cycle for Kigali.” Indeed, what was intended as a show of force may have backfired. Public mockery in Kigali of U.S. sanctions, some aired through state-linked channels and speeches, has reportedly been interpreted in Washington as a direct affront to American authority and diplomatic mediation. Rwanda Trapped in Its Own Game In a biting analysis, Le Tabloid notes the “diplomatic trap” Kigali now finds itself in: Any military advance by its armed allies reinforces international isolation, while any withdrawal exposes the fragility of their hold without external support.” This geopolitical stalemate highlights Rwanda’s shrinking room for maneuver; every move now draws a global reaction, particularly from Washington, which has increasingly framed M23 actions as violations of the Washington Accords signed earlier this year. ADVERTISEMENT Skepticism in Kinshasa: “Who Can Verify This?” While some media reported visible rebel columns leaving Uvira's city center, Congolese officials are far from convinced. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, responding on X, v oiced strong skepticism over M23’s motives: Who can verify this? Where are they going? How many were there? What are they leaving behind in the city? Mass graves? Soldiers disguised as civilians? What credibility should be given to this unilateral maneuver by the son (M23) to save the father (Rwanda)? We await the effective withdrawal of Rwandan troops from all occupied parts of our territory. Muyaya asked, warning of M23 soldiers disguising themselves as civilians to evade detection. ADVERTISEMENT This concern is echoed by Actualités.cd, which stresses that the Congolese government has not validated the withdrawal, viewing it instead as part of a long-standing strategy of manipulation and deflection by M23 and its Rwandan backers. Tanganyika Takes No Chances: Patrols and Closures Adding to the tension, the governor of Tanganyika province has ordered emergency security measures, including: Intensified combat patrols by the FARDC Suspension of travel between South Kivu and Tanganyika, including all boat transport across Lake Tanganyika Closure of Kanunka airfield (36 km from Manono-centre) Closure of Kisengo airfield in Nyunzu territory ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW Fresh Masisi Fighting Forces More Congolese Families to Flee . War in Eastern DRC US Expects Rwandan Troop Withdrawal by Mid-Next Month, Says Rubio . War in Eastern DRC Trump Administration Blocked Kagame From Re-Entering the US . Washington Peace Accord Kagame Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Congo, Defying U.S. Pressure . War in Eastern DRC POPULAR TODAY War in Eastern DRC Fresh Masisi Fighting Forces More Congolese Families to Flee . War in Eastern DRC US Expects Rwandan Troop Withdrawal by Mid-Next Month, Says Rubio . Washington Peace Accord Trump Administration Blocked Kagame From Re-Entering the US . War in Eastern DRC Kagame Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Congo, Defying U.S. Pressure . War in DR Congo Tshisekedi’s Rubaya Strategy: A Calculated Warning to Rwanda and M23 . These decisions, confirmed by the Extraordinary Provincial Security Council, underscore the fragile nature of the current military balance and the real fear of infiltration or renewed clashes. ⚠️This review is based on the Original report made by Radio Okapi What Comes Next? Despite M23’s statements about giving peace talks “a chance,” doubts persist over the sincerity of Kigali’s approach. In Kinshasa, officials insist that only a complete and verifiable withdrawal, including a dismantling of rebel infrastructure and regional guarantees, can restore trust. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Washington Peace Accord Muyaya Slams M23 'Retreat' as Rwanda Cover-Up Congolese Minister warns: M23 withdrawal is a smokescreen to dodge U.S. pressure on Rwanda. . Washington Peace Accord U.S. Signals Action: Sanctions in Play Over Rwanda’s Violations The U.S. says sanctions and other measures remain under review as it evaluates Rwanda’s actions . Washington Peace Accord HRW Urges Urgent Sanctions, Aid Access After Rwanda-M23 Uvira Assault HRW, U.S. confirm Rwanda's deep role in M23 assault on Uvira, urge urgent sanctions and aid access. . Washington Peace Accord Rubio:U.S. Will Act to Enforce Washington Accord on Rwanda's Violation Rubio: Rwanda broke its promise to Trump. The U.S. will respond. . Tags Washington Peace Accord Washington Peace Accord DR.Congo DR.Congo

Reuters reports Erik Prince-linked contractors provided drone support in Uvira as DR Congo faced AFC/M23 pressure amid strained peace talks. A private security team linked to Erik Prince, the founder of the former Blackwater firm and an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, provided drone-related support to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s security forces during efforts to secure the strategic eastern city of Uvira, according to multiple people briefed on the mission. The sources said the contractors helped operate drones alongside Congolese forces during a period of heightened pressure from AFC/M23 rebels near the Burundi border. Uvira, an important base for Congolese forces in South Kivu, drew international attention after AFC/M23 fighters briefly seized it in December , a development that Reuters described as a major setback to U.S.- and Qatar-backed peace efforts. The rebels later withdrew after Washington issued warnings of consequences, Reuters reported . Drone support reported during a critical push Four people briefed on the operation told Reuters that Prince deployed a private security force to help Congolese troops secure Uvira, including operating drones. Reuters noted the use of drones in Congo’s military efforts had not been previously reported. One source described as a senior Congolese security official told Reuters the presence of U.S.-linked contractors could act as a deterrent, suggesting AFC/M23 might avoid escalating if it risked direct confrontation with Prince’s personnel. Reuters also reported the team subsequently withdrew from Uvira and returned to what sources described as its primary assignment: supporting Congo’s efforts to improve tax revenue collection tied to the country’s mineral sector. Prince’s spokesperson declined to comment to Reuters. The Congolese presidency and a local army spokesperson did not respond to Reuters’ questions. It's reported that, "Prince had been hired by authorities in Kinshasa for a mission focused on securing and improving revenue collection from Congo’s vast mineral reserves." However, the Uvira episode represents the first known instance according to Reuters of Prince-linked private security forces being involved “on the frontline” in Congo’s long-running conflict. A person briefed on the operation told Reuters Congolese forces “pulled in every resource they could” to retake and stabilize Uvira, before shifting attention back to the tax and revenue project. Another source told Reuters similar deployments could occur again if requested by Kinshasa. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME Frontline Support Reported: Erik Prince Team Flies Drones in Uvira By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 12, 2026 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A private security team linked to Erik Prince, the founder of the former Blackwater firm and an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, provided drone-related support to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s security forces during efforts to secure the strategic eastern city of Uvira, according to multiple people briefed on the mission. The sources said the contractors helped operate drones alongside Congolese forces during a period of heightened pressure from AFC/M23 rebels near the Burundi border. Uvira, an important base for Congolese forces in South Kivu, drew international attention after AFC/M23 fighters briefly seized it in December , a development that Reuters described as a major setback to U.S.- and Qatar-backed peace efforts. The rebels later withdrew after Washington issued warnings of consequences, Reuters reported . Drone support reported during a critical push Four people briefed on the operation told Reuters that Prince deployed a private security force to help Congolese troops secure Uvira, including operating drones. Reuters noted the use of drones in Congo’s military efforts had not been previously reported. One source described as a senior Congolese security official told Reuters the presence of U.S.-linked contractors could act as a deterrent, suggesting AFC/M23 might avoid escalating if it risked direct confrontation with Prince’s personnel. Reuters also reported the team subsequently withdrew from Uvira and returned to what sources described as its primary assignment: supporting Congo’s efforts to improve tax revenue collection tied to the country’s mineral sector. ADVERTISEMENT Prince’s spokesperson declined to comment to Reuters. The Congolese presidency and a local army spokesperson did not respond to Reuters’ questions. It's reported that, "Prince had been hired by authorities in Kinshasa for a mission focused on securing and improving revenue collection from Congo’s vast mineral reserves." However, the Uvira episode represents the first known instance according to Reuters of Prince-linked private security forces being involved “on the frontline” in Congo’s long-running conflict. A person briefed on the operation told Reuters Congolese forces “pulled in every resource they could” to retake and stabilize Uvira, before shifting attention back to the tax and revenue project. Another source told Reuters similar deployments could occur again if requested by Kinshasa. ADVERTISEMENT U.S. minerals and mediation backdrop Reuters reported the U.S. has offered Congo support in brokering an end to the conflict in exchange for access to critical minerals, while noting it was not clear whether Prince’s reported frontline involvement was endorsed by Washington. The U.S. State Department told Reuters it did not hold any contracts with Prince or any of his companies. One Congolese security official told Reuters the operation aligned with what he described as a “minerals-for-security” arrangement. Reuters did not independently confirm the terms of any such deal. 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 African Destinations Why zanzibar chose london buses to promote its tourism brand . | Appointments Ruto appoints Ababu Namwamba as Kenya envoy to Uganda . Regional Economy DRC offers state mineral assets to US investors under pact . Political Scandals Kaduna police confirm mass abduction after initial denials . Road Accidents Vanderbijlpark crash: Taxi driver held over 12 pupil deaths . Israeli trainers reported operating nearby A fifth source briefed on the operation told Reuters Prince’s contractors coordinated with Israeli advisers who were involved in training two Congolese special forces battalions for day and night operations. One person briefed said the Israeli advisers’ mandate was “training only,” without elaborating further, Reuters reported. The Israeli embassy in Luanda which covers Congo and Israel’s foreign ministry did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. A conflict with regional stakes Fighting in eastern Congo intensified over the past year as M23 made gains in mineral-rich areas containing resources such as tantalum, gold, and lithium, Reuters reported. The United Nations and Western governments have said Rwanda backs M23, while Rwanda denies supporting the group. Beyond the Reuters reporting, the U.N. Security Council has also publicly urged Rwanda’s forces to withdraw from Congolese territory and to cease support to M23, reflecting broader international concern about escalation and cross-border spillover, you can read The U.N. Security Council press release on Resolution 2773 (2025) . Source: Reuters ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tina Salama Educates Kinshasa Students on DRC-Rwanda Peace Deal Presidential Spokesperson Tina Salama visits ISSKIN to educate students on peace efforts . Landmarks The Congo River: Africa’s Deepest and Most Powerful River Discover the Congo River, Africa’s deepest and most powerful river. Explore its course..... . Landmarks Top 10 Natural Wonders of the Congo Discover the Top 10 Natural Wonders of the Congo, including gorillas, volcanoes, rivers..... . Justice Breaking: Kabila Faces Historic Trial Over M23 Crimes and High Treason Former President Joseph Kabila faces trial in the DRC for high treason, M23 atrocities, . Tags Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo Reuters Reuters M23 Rebels News M23 Rebels News DR Congo Investment DR Congo Investment African Union African Union

Popular Nigerian media personality, Denrele Edun, known for his eccentric style and vibrant presence, recently opened up about his early career experiences. During his hustling days, he did whatever it took to make ends meet, even if it meant dancing in the cage at the iconic African Shrine. Cage Dancer at the African Shrine : Denrele candidly shared that he used to be one of the cage dancers at the African Shrine. This legendary music venue in Lagos has hosted countless performances and cultural events, and Denrele’s involvement adds a fascinating chapter to its history. Iroko Band and Car Adventures : Not stopping there, Denrele reminisced about his time with the Iroko Band , a musical group headlined by Dr. Ola Balogun. He vividly recalled hanging onto the back of a car from Alagbado to Fadeyi because there was no space inside. These gritty experiences shaped his journey in the entertainment industry. Three Decades in Entertainment : Denrele, now 42 years old, revealed that by May 2024 , he will celebrate 30 years in the Nigerian entertainment scene. From his early days as a backup dancer to becoming a prominent media personality, Denrele’s resilience and passion have fueled his remarkable career. First Paycheck and Beyond : His journey began professionally in 1994 , and he fondly remembers his first paycheck—a modest N150 . Denrele’s story is one of determination, creativity, and unwavering commitment to his craft. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 20, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In the vibrant heart of Lagos, Denrele Edun’s journey unfolded—a tale of hustle, resilience, and unbridled passion. @denrele_edun Popular Nigerian media personality, Denrele Edun, known for his eccentric style and vibrant presence, recently opened up about his early career experiences. During his hustling days, he did whatever it took to make ends meet, even if it meant dancing in the cage at the iconic African Shrine. Cage Dancer at the African Shrine : Denrele candidly shared that he used to be one of the cage dancers at the African Shrine. This legendary music venue in Lagos has hosted countless performances and cultural events, and Denrele’s involvement adds a fascinating chapter to its history. ADVERTISEMENT Iroko Band and Car Adventures : Not stopping there, Denrele reminisced about his time with the Iroko Band , a musical group headlined by Dr. Ola Balogun. He vividly recalled hanging onto the back of a car from Alagbado to Fadeyi because there was no space inside. These gritty experiences shaped his journey in the entertainment industry. Three Decades in Entertainment : Denrele, now 42 years old, revealed that by May 2024 , he will celebrate 30 years in the Nigerian entertainment scene. From his early days as a backup dancer to becoming a prominent media personality, Denrele’s resilience and passion have fueled his remarkable career. ADVERTISEMENT First Paycheck and Beyond : His journey began professionally in 1994 , and he fondly remembers his first paycheck—a modest N150 . Denrele’s story is one of determination, creativity, and unwavering commitment to his craft. 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

DRC’s digital ID program, “DRC Pass,” earns praise at the Africa-Singapore Forum for its innovation, scale, and promise to serve 110 million Congolese citizens. Kinshasa, DRC — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s bold digital transformation effort has captured the world’s attention. At the 2025 Africa-Singapore Business Forum , Trident Digital Tech Holdings, the Singapore-based partner behind the “ DRC Pass ” project, received international recognition for building one of the most ambitious digital identity systems on the continent. Launched in June 2025 under a public-private partnership model, DRC Pass aims to provide a secure, blockchain-based digital identity to all 110 million Congolese citizens, a monumental step toward digital inclusion, governance reform, and public service modernization. Singapore’s Minister Grace Fu called it a model for global collaboration and “digital public infrastructure for the future.” “DRC Pass is not just a tech project. It’s a civil rights revolution. For the first time, millions will have a secure, verifiable identity to access services,” said Trident’s CEO. What Makes DRC Pass a Game-Changer? The platform delivers four core services: Biometric SIM registration to eliminate fraud and ghost accounts A Single Sign-On portal for government services Digital payment integration A secure identity vault using Trident’s proprietary Tridentity blockchain Continue Reading Full Article BUSINESS & INVESTMENT DRC's 110M-Citizen Digital ID Project Wins Global Recognition By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Oct 29, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kinshasa, DRC — The Democratic Republic of Congo’s bold digital transformation effort has captured the world’s attention. At the 2025 Africa-Singapore Business Forum , Trident Digital Tech Holdings, the Singapore-based partner behind the “ DRC Pass ” project, received international recognition for building one of the most ambitious digital identity systems on the continent. Launched in June 2025 under a public-private partnership model, DRC Pass aims to provide a secure, blockchain-based digital identity to all 110 million Congolese citizens, a monumental step toward digital inclusion, governance reform, and public service modernization. Singapore’s Minister Grace Fu called it a model for global collaboration and “digital public infrastructure for the future.” “DRC Pass is not just a tech project. It’s a civil rights revolution. For the first time, millions will have a secure, verifiable identity to access services,” said Trident’s CEO. ADVERTISEMENT What Makes DRC Pass a Game-Changer? The platform delivers four core services: Biometric SIM registration to eliminate fraud and ghost accounts A Single Sign-On portal for government services Digital payment integration A secure identity vault using Trident’s proprietary Tridentity blockchain With more than 80 million mobile subscribers, the first impact will be felt in the telecom sector, but long-term benefits include access to banking, healthcare, education, and voting. Why It Matters Politically This project comes after President Tshisekedi’s government canceled a flawed $1.2 billion biometric ID contract in 2024 and rolled out a new biometric passport earlier this year. ADVERTISEMENT Now, DRC Pass is seen as a second chance, and a smarter, more scalable approach. It reinforces Tshisekedi’s brand as a modernizer and reformer, and shows that global partners like Singapore are willing to endorse the DRC’s digital vision. “This is digital sovereignty in action,” said a senior government official. “We are no longer copy-pasting foreign systems. We’re building Congolese systems, for Congolese needs.” 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 Sports Congolese Midfielder Jules Ahoka Joins Sunderland in Premier League . Sports Trends DR Congo International Aaron Wan-Bissaka Joins Aston Villa . Technology and Innovation DRC Launches Lingala AI and 2,000-Youth Campaign . Festivals and Events Congolese Film *Rumba Royale* Selected for Montreal Festival . Technology DRC Moves Closer to Adopting Its First National AI Strategy . A Model for the Continent? Analysts believe that if phase one rollout succeeds, DRC Pass could become a blueprint for other African nations seeking to leapfrog toward Web3-enabled digital governance, with DRC leading the way. The project’s award in Singapore sends a message to global investors, donors, and tech leaders: Congo is open for innovation. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Sports Congolese Midfielder Jules Ahoka Joins Sunderland in Premier League The 20-year-old joins Sunderland from Royal Antwerp on a long-term deal and will wear No. 29." . Sports Trends DR Congo International Aaron Wan-Bissaka Joins Aston Villa The Leopards defender joins Villa on loan from West Ham, with a reported £18m purchase clause. . Technology and Innovation DRC Launches Lingala AI and 2,000-Youth Campaign Government campaign makes digital rights clearer while bringing Lingala into Congo’s AI future . Festivals and Events Congolese Film *Rumba Royale* Selected for Montreal Festival The Kinshasa-made thriller brings Congolese rumba, history and talent to Canadian audiences. . Tags DRC Youths DRC Youths DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo

Lilian Afegbai reacts after missing AMVCA 2026 nominations, criticising organisers and dismissing need for award validation. Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has criticised the organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) following her exclusion from the 2026 nominations. The nominations for the 12th edition of the awards were recently announced, with Afegbai’s co-star in To Kill A Monkey , Bimbo Akintola, receiving a nomination for Best Lead Actress. Reacting to the development, Afegbai questioned her omission, stating that her character, Idia, was among the most prominent in the series. In a post shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, the actress dismissed the importance of nominations, saying she does not rely on awards for validation. “I don’t need a nomination for validation. The truth is clear,” she wrote, adding that her performance had received strong public attention. Afegbai also expressed frustration with the selection process, using blunt language to criticise the organisers’ decision. The AMVCA remains one of Africa’s most prominent film and television awards, recognising achievements across the industry annually. Source : The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article NOLLYWOOD UPDATES Lilian Afegbai Reacts to AMVCA Snub Over 2026 Nominations By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Apr 1, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has criticised the organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) following her exclusion from the 2026 nominations. The nominations for the 12th edition of the awards were recently announced, with Afegbai’s co-star in To Kill A Monkey , Bimbo Akintola, receiving a nomination for Best Lead Actress. Reacting to the development, Afegbai questioned her omission, stating that her character, Idia, was among the most prominent in the series. ADVERTISEMENT In a post shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, the actress dismissed the importance of nominations, saying she does not rely on awards for validation. “I don’t need a nomination for validation. The truth is clear,” she wrote, adding that her performance had received strong public attention. ADVERTISEMENT Afegbai also expressed frustration with the selection process, using blunt language to criticise the organisers’ decision. The AMVCA remains one of Africa’s most prominent film and television awards, recognising achievements across the industry annually. 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 Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati . Entertainment Funke Akindele Faces Mixed Reactions Over Birthday Post . Source : The Sun Nigeria ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE 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. . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto FOLA earned 10 nominations as The Headies prepares its October ceremony in Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance The warrant was held over after Jub Jub missed court citing illness and will not be enforced yet. . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati The High Court ordered Maserati to repay Soulistic Music over an undelivered customised MC20 Cielo. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

U.S. report praises Congo’s growth under Tshisekedi: rising FDI, key reforms, and strategic projects like the Lobito Corridor position DRC as Africa’s new hub Kinshasa, Sept 2025, The latest U.S. State Department Investment Climate Statement highlights the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as one of Africa’s most promising economic frontiers, praising reforms and growth under the leadership of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Strong Economic Growth The report notes that Congo’s economy grew 7.9% in 2024, one of the highest rates in Africa, driven by the responsible management of the mining sector and the government’s push to diversify into agriculture, infrastructure, and energy. Even with global slowdowns, the DRC remains among the continent’s fastest-growing economies. Rising Investment Confidence Foreign direct investment surged 18% in 2023, reaching $1.67 billion, with strong inflows into mining, energy, and infrastructure. The U.S., EU, and Gulf partners are becoming increasingly active in the Congo, reflecting growing international confidence in Kinshasa’s reforms. READ ALSO: Investor’s Guide to DR Congo: Sectors, Reforms & Opportunities One flagship project, the Lobito Corridor railway, backed by more than half a billion dollars in U.S. financing, was praised as a strategic example of how Congo is opening new gateways for trade, minerals, and regional integration. Business-Friendly Reforms President Tshisekedi’s government established the Business Climate Cell, a reform unit tasked with modernizing regulations, improving transparency, and simplifying investment procedures. These reforms are reshaping Congo’s image from a challenging market into a land of opportunity. The government also committed 10% of the national budget to agriculture, marking the strongest push in decades to diversify the economy and ensure food security while attracting private agribusiness investment. Continue Reading Full Article BUSINESS & INVESTMENT U.S. Praises Tshisekedi Reforms, Positions Congo as Investment Hub By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 28, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kinshasa, Sept 2025, The latest U.S. State Department Investment Climate Statement highlights the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as one of Africa’s most promising economic frontiers, praising reforms and growth under the leadership of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Strong Economic Growth The report notes that Congo’s economy grew 7.9% in 2024, one of the highest rates in Africa, driven by the responsible management of the mining sector and the government’s push to diversify into agriculture, infrastructure, and energy. Even with global slowdowns, the DRC remains among the continent’s fastest-growing economies. Rising Investment Confidence Foreign direct investment surged 18% in 2023, reaching $1.67 billion, with strong inflows into mining, energy, and infrastructure. The U.S., EU, and Gulf partners are becoming increasingly active in the Congo, reflecting growing international confidence in Kinshasa’s reforms. ADVERTISEMENT READ ALSO: Investor’s Guide to DR Congo: Sectors, Reforms & Opportunities One flagship project, the Lobito Corridor railway, backed by more than half a billion dollars in U.S. financing, was praised as a strategic example of how Congo is opening new gateways for trade, minerals, and regional integration. ADVERTISEMENT Business-Friendly Reforms President Tshisekedi’s government established the Business Climate Cell, a reform unit tasked with modernizing regulations, improving transparency, and simplifying investment procedures. These reforms are reshaping Congo’s image from a challenging market into a land of opportunity. The government also committed 10% of the national budget to agriculture, marking the strongest push in decades to diversify the economy and ensure food security while attracting private agribusiness investment. 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 Infrastructure DRC Opens Lonshi Border Post to Expand Zambia Trade . Infrastructure DRC Prepares $1.258 Billion Lobito Corridor Railway Contract . Regional Economy DRC and Tanzania Advance Central Corridor Plan to Cut Trade Costs . Regional Economy Tanzania and DRC Move to Deepen Trade, Mining and Infrastructure Ties . Business & Investment DRC Advances $491.3M Package for Education, Health and Businesses . A Strategic Nation at the Heart of Africa The report underscores Congo’s unmatched potential: Minerals critical for the global green transition, cobalt, copper, lithium, and more. Hydropower and renewable energy with continental reach. A young, dynamic population ready to power Africa’s next growth story. “Congo is not just a country rich in minerals, it is the beating heart of Africa,” one U.S. official noted in the report. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Infrastructure DRC Opens Lonshi Border Post to Expand Zambia Trade New facility strengthens migration control, security and formal cross-border commerce . Infrastructure DRC Prepares $1.258 Billion Lobito Corridor Railway Contract The $1.258 billion project would modernize 1,004.5 km of railway linking Grand Katanga . Regional Economy DRC and Tanzania Advance Central Corridor Plan to Cut Trade Costs Ports, rail, lake transport, fibre and a planned Congolese dry port could strengthen regional trade. . Regional Economy Tanzania and DRC Move to Deepen Trade, Mining and Infrastructure Ties Samia Suluhu Hassan and Félix Tshisekedi push for stronger trade, connectivity and mining ties. . Tags DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo Investment DR Congo Investment Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi

Victoire Umuhoza returns from exile to challenge Kagame. Her 2010 arrest, long prison years & continued harassment show the cost of resisting dictatorship. On a bright morning in January 2010, a small RwandAir jet landed at Kigali airport. Among the passengers was Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, a 41‑year‑old Rwandan mother who had lived in the Netherlands for 16 years. She clutched papers showing the registration of her political party and a roadmap for national reconciliation. Photographers snapped her arrival. She knew that returning to Rwanda, still under the control of President Paul Kagame, meant risking her freedom, but she felt compelled to act. In a first‑person article for Al Jazeera, she later wrote that she said goodbye to her husband and children in the Netherlands and flew home because she believed “Rwandans deserve to live free, without fear.” After landing, Victoire headed to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. With TV cameras rolling, she laid flowers and spoke of the need to honour all victims, Tutsi, Hutu, and others, and to build a peaceful future. Within hours, pro‑government media accused her of “genocide denial.” Her speech would later become evidence used to convict her. Chapter 1: From childhood to exile - building a political voice Victoire Ingabire was born in Rwanda in 1968 and grew up under President Habyarimana. When the presidential plane was shot down in April 1994, she was studying business management and economics in the Netherlands . The genocide and civil war that followed devastated her homeland and led to a new Rwandan Patriotic Front government under Paul Kagame. For safety, she remained abroad. In the Netherlands, Victoire pursued further studies and worked in finance. Instead of fading into private life, she joined Rwandan exile politics. In 1998, she joined the Republican Rally for Democracy in Rwanda (RDR), a diaspora party advocating for democracy and refugees’ rights. Two years later, at a congress in Bonn, she was elected president of the RDR. In 2006, the RDR merged with other movements to form the Forces Démocratiques Unifiées (FDU–Inkingi). The FDU announced plans to contest the 2010 presidential elections, with Victoire as its candidate. She spent years lobbying international organisations and European governments about Rwanda’s human rights record. Despite living comfortably in Europe, Victoire remained connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region. Friends say she supported dialogues for peace in Congo and criticised Rwanda’s military interventions. Her activism coincided with growing international awareness of Kigali’s support for rebel groups such as the M23, which have fuelled conflict and plundered Congolese minerals. This pro‑Congo stance, while not a crime, placed her at odds with Kigali’s regional ambitions. Chapter 2: Decision to return — challenging Kagame’s hegemony By 2009, it was clear that Rwanda’s political space was tightly controlled. Opposition parties were denied registration, and journalists were jailed. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that opposition leader Bernard Ntaganda faced prosecution for “genocide ideology” while his PS‑Imberakuri party struggled to register. Victoire nonetheless decided to return. Her son Rémy Amahirwa later wrote in The Guardian that their family enjoyed a stable life in the Netherlands, but she could not silently watch from Europe as Rwandans lost their freedoms . She wanted to challenge Kagame in the August 2010 election. Continue Reading Full Article POLITICS & HUMAN RIGHTS Victoire Umuhoza: From Exile to Resisting Dictatorship in Rwanda By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 15, 2025 May 15, 2026 11 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: On a bright morning in January 2010, a small RwandAir jet landed at Kigali airport. Among the passengers was Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, a 41‑year‑old Rwandan mother who had lived in the Netherlands for 16 years. She clutched papers showing the registration of her political party and a roadmap for national reconciliation. Photographers snapped her arrival. She knew that returning to Rwanda, still under the control of President Paul Kagame, meant risking her freedom, but she felt compelled to act. In a first‑person article for Al Jazeera, she later wrote that she said goodbye to her husband and children in the Netherlands and flew home because she believed “Rwandans deserve to live free, without fear.” After landing, Victoire headed to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. With TV cameras rolling, she laid flowers and spoke of the need to honour all victims, Tutsi, Hutu, and others, and to build a peaceful future. Within hours, pro‑government media accused her of “genocide denial.” Her speech would later become evidence used to convict her. Chapter 1: From childhood to exile - building a political voice Victoire Ingabire was born in Rwanda in 1968 and grew up under President Habyarimana. When the presidential plane was shot down in April 1994, she was studying business management and economics in the Netherlands . The genocide and civil war that followed devastated her homeland and led to a new Rwandan Patriotic Front government under Paul Kagame. For safety, she remained abroad. In the Netherlands, Victoire pursued further studies and worked in finance. Instead of fading into private life, she joined Rwandan exile politics. In 1998, she joined the Republican Rally for Democracy in Rwanda (RDR), a diaspora party advocating for democracy and refugees’ rights. Two years later, at a congress in Bonn, she was elected president of the RDR. In 2006, the RDR merged with other movements to form the Forces Démocratiques Unifiées (FDU–Inkingi). The FDU announced plans to contest the 2010 presidential elections, with Victoire as its candidate. She spent years lobbying international organisations and European governments about Rwanda’s human rights record. Despite living comfortably in Europe, Victoire remained connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region. Friends say she supported dialogues for peace in Congo and criticised Rwanda’s military interventions. Her activism coincided with growing international awareness of Kigali’s support for rebel groups such as the M23, which have fuelled conflict and plundered Congolese minerals. This pro‑Congo stance, while not a crime, placed her at odds with Kigali’s regional ambitions. Chapter 2: Decision to return — challenging Kagame’s hegemony By 2009, it was clear that Rwanda’s political space was tightly controlled. Opposition parties were denied registration, and journalists were jailed. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that opposition leader Bernard Ntaganda faced prosecution for “genocide ideology” while his PS‑Imberakuri party struggled to register. ADVERTISEMENT Victoire nonetheless decided to return. Her son Rémy Amahirwa later wrote in The Guardian that their family enjoyed a stable life in the Netherlands, but she could not silently watch from Europe as Rwandans lost their freedoms . She wanted to challenge Kagame in the August 2010 election. Victoire arrived in January 2010 and immediately faced an intense campaign of vilification. HRW noted that she was widely condemned in official media as a “negationist” of the genocide for stating that crimes committed against Hutu civilians should also be investigated. On February 3, local officials lured her and FDU colleague Joseph Ntawangundi to a government office; a mob attacked them, stealing her passport and shouting, “We don’t want people with genocide ideology!” . Government supporters labelled her and fellow opponents as “génocidaires” to delegitimize their participation. On April 21, she was summoned and placed under house arrest . On October 14, 2010, authorities arrested her again and charged her with terrorism, conspiracy to undermine the established government, propagation of genocide ideology, and sectarianism. These charges were based partly on testimony from former rebels who had been detained and allegedly coerced into accusing her. Amnesty International observed that the laws on “genocide ideology” and “sectarianism” are vague and have been misused to suppress political dissent, noting that even children could be punished under them. Human rights groups said the prosecution’s evidence was weak and that the trial aimed to bar her from the election. Chapter 3: Inside the regime’s courtroom — weaponizing genocide laws Victoire’s trial began in 2011. Government officials publicly called her guilty before the court delivered a verdict, undermining the presumption of innocence. HRW described the trial as politically motivated and flawed; witness intimidation and procedural irregularities were reported. On October 30, 2012, the High Court in Kigali found her guilty of conspiracy to undermine the government and of denying the genocide, sentencing her to eight years in prison. The court acquitted her of more serious terrorism charges, yet prosecutors later appealed. In December 2013, the Supreme Court increased her sentence to 15 years. Judges upheld the conviction for “genocide denial” based on her remarks at the genocide memorial. Legal scholars pointed out that the court misinterpreted her call for recognition of all victims as a denial. In 2017, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights ruled that Rwanda had violated Victoire’s rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial. The court noted that her statements at the memorial did not incite hatred and that criminalizing such expression discouraged public debate . It ordered Rwanda to release her and expunge the conviction. Kigali ignored the ruling. Chapter 4: Prison years — survival and silent resistance For the next eight years, Victoire was held at Kigali Central Prison and later Mageragere. Reports indicate she spent five years in solitary confinement. She refused to sign false confession or apology letters and maintained that she had committed no crime. In July 2015, activists wrote an open letter to the prison director describing how officials tightened her confinement regime, denying her lawyer visits and confiscating her books and hymn book . The letter called this treatment “mental torture.” ADVERTISEMENT Prison was harsh. Fellow detainees told human rights organisations that Rwandan prisons use coffin‑like cells, beatings, and forced confessions, sometimes at unofficial detention centres like Kwa Gacinya. In these facilities, detainees are submerged in dirty water tanks and beaten; at least eleven prisoners died from such abuse. While there is no public record of Victoire being physically tortured, she endured prolonged isolation and constant pressure to repent. Supporters say she organised debates among inmates about Rwanda’s history and smuggled letters urging peaceful resistance, but such acts remain anecdotal and difficult to verify. Despite the difficulties, Victoire’s presence in prison inspired others. Her popularity grew as many Rwandans saw her as the symbol of an alternative future. Her supporters created the Victoire Ingabire Foundation to campaign for her release and provide legal support. In 2014, she was nominated for international awards recognising her courage. Chapter 5: Release, hope, and renewed persecution In September 2018, Kagame granted a presidential pardon to Victoire and over 2,000 other prisoners. Al Jazeera reported that she had been serving a 15‑year sentence for genocide denial and conspiracy and was freed alongside journalists and opposition figures. Upon leaving Nyarugenge prison, she thanked the president for her release but insisted that other political prisoners should also be freed. However, the pardon did not clear her criminal record. The New York City Bar Association noted that she must report monthly to a prosecutor, request permission to travel, and cannot reunite with her family abroad . Victoire’s son confirmed in 2025 that she still could not visit her husband in Europe, who is paralysed and gravely ill. He wrote that she missed graduations, weddings, and the birth of her grandchildren. The conditions of her pardon were set to expire in October 2025, but hopes were dashed when Rwandan police arrested her again on June 19, 2025. Reuters reported that authorities accused her of inciting public disorder and creating a criminal organisation. Her lawyer said the charges were politically motivated. She remains detained awaiting trial. Victoire formed a new party, Development and Liberty for All (DALFA‑Umurinzi), in November 2019 after the government refused to register FDU. HRW noted that several members of FDU/DALFA have been detained, tortured, or disappeared. In March 2019, her assistant Anselme Mutuyimana was found strangled in a forest. Other colleagues, including party coordinator Syldio Dusabumuremyi, were killed in 2019, and members Boniface Twagirimana and Venant Abayisenga have disappeared. These incidents underscore the dangers facing opposition activists in Rwanda. Chapter 6: International recognition vs. local persecution While she endured prison and harassment at home, Victoire’s defiance attracted global admiration. In 2024, the international liberal movement Liberal International awarded her its Prize for Freedom. The organisation praised her for fighting for democracy and human rights, noting that she had been imprisoned through politically motivated proceedings and served eight years of a 15‑year sentence before being released . It stressed that she remained at risk of persecution after forming a new opposition party. This recognition highlights the paradox: abroad, she is celebrated as a champion of democracy, while at home she is treated as a criminal. 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 . Human rights groups continue to call for her release. In 2025, the New York City Bar Association urged Rwanda to restore her rights and condemned the government’s failure to comply with the African Court’s ruling. The Guardian opinion piece by her son emphasised the broader context: Rwanda presents itself as a development success story, yet behind the “Visit Rwanda” tourism campaign lies a dark record of arrests, disappearances, and killings. He urged democratic governments to condition aid on respect for human rights Chapter 7: Congo, minerals, and the regional dimension Victoire’s story cannot be separated from the wider politics of the Great Lakes. As Rwanda’s government projects an image of order and progress, it has also been accused by the United Nations of supporting armed groups in eastern DRC. In July 2024, UN experts reported that 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers fought alongside M23 rebels, giving Rwanda “de facto control” over M23. They also found that children as young as 12 were recruited from Rwandan refugee camps and trained by M23 and Rwandan soldiers. Other reports show that M23 and allied militias exploit coltan and cassiterite mines, smuggling the minerals through Rwanda to global markets. The U.S. Treasury and UN Group of Experts have sanctioned militia networks linked to Kagame’s government for conflict minerals smuggling, forced labour, and executions, as detailed in our previous investigation. Victoire often spoke about these regional issues. She has urged Rwandans to oppose violence and called on international partners to stop supporting armed groups. Her return to Rwanda coincided with her criticism of Kagame’s cross‑border interventions. In doing so, she challenged not only domestic authoritarianism but also Kigali’s regional agenda. Closing: A living symbol of resistance After more than a decade of persecution, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza remains a powerful symbol of peaceful resistance. She risked her life and family for a dream of a democratic Rwanda. Her 2010 return, trial, prison years, release, and re‑arrest illustrate a pattern of repression. Her case shows how Rwanda’s leadership uses vague genocide ideology laws to criminalise dissent , how courts are manipulated to silence opponents, and how forgiveness is conditional on submission Yet Victoire’s resilience inspires many across Africa. She embodies the belief that a single person’s courage can spark change. Her journey also underscores the importance of solidarity between Congolese and Rwandan democrats: both peoples suffer from the same authoritarian system that fuels conflict in the DRC and repression at home. As long as Victoire remains behind bars or under surveillance, Rwanda cannot claim to be a free society. The world must not look away. 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. . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister Kagame said Olivier Nduhungirehe, not journalist Scovia Umutesi, should have apologized. . Tags Rwanda Rwanda Victoire Ingabire Victoire Ingabire

In a significant demonstration of international collaboration and preparedness, U.S. Army personnel from the East Africa Response Force (EARF), under the auspices of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, have embarked on a critical three-day emergency response exercise at the United States embassy in Kampala, Uganda. This initiative, running from April 1, 2024, is part of a broader effort to bolster humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities on the African continent. Dorothy Nanyonga, a strategic communications specialist at the U.S. Embassy, highlighted the essence of this exercise as a strategic endeavor to ensure readiness in real-life humanitarian crises. The EARF, established following the 2012 Benghazi attack, is a testament to the U.S. commitment to swiftly address emergencies and protect its interests in East Africa. This regularly scheduled training, endorsed by host nations across Africa, serves a dual purpose. It not only hones the skills required for effective emergency deployment but also strengthens the operational continuity of U.S. embassies under duress. Uganda, with its strategic significance in East Africa, provides an ideal backdrop for such comprehensive readiness drills, reinforcing the synergy between the U.S. military and Ugandan authorities in managing potential crises . The deployment of EARF personnel in Uganda is a clear indicator of the proactive measures being taken to ensure that both American and local assets are safeguarded in the face of unforeseen disasters. This exercise underscores the enduring partnership between Uganda and the United States, aimed at fostering a secure and responsive environment in the region. As this exercise unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of readiness and the global commitment to humanitarian assistance. The collaboration between the U.S. military and Ugandan officials exemplifies the shared dedication to peace and stability in East Africa, ensuring that both nations are better prepared to face any emergency with confidence and efficiency. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 3, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In a significant demonstration of international collaboration and preparedness, U.S. Army personnel from the East Africa Response Force (EARF), under the auspices of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, have embarked on a critical three-day emergency response exercise at the United States embassy in Kampala, Uganda. This initiative, running from April 1, 2024, is part of a broader effort to bolster humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities on the African continent. Dorothy Nanyonga, a strategic communications specialist at the U.S. Embassy, highlighted the essence of this exercise as a strategic endeavor to ensure readiness in real-life humanitarian crises. The EARF, established following the 2012 Benghazi attack, is a testament to the U.S. commitment to swiftly address emergencies and protect its interests in East Africa. ADVERTISEMENT This regularly scheduled training, endorsed by host nations across Africa, serves a dual purpose. It not only hones the skills required for effective emergency deployment but also strengthens the operational continuity of U.S. embassies under duress. Uganda, with its strategic significance in East Africa, provides an ideal backdrop for such comprehensive readiness drills, reinforcing the synergy between the U.S. military and Ugandan authorities in managing potential crises . ADVERTISEMENT The deployment of EARF personnel in Uganda is a clear indicator of the proactive measures being taken to ensure that both American and local assets are safeguarded in the face of unforeseen disasters. This exercise underscores the enduring partnership between Uganda and the United States, aimed at fostering a secure and responsive environment in the region. As this exercise unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of readiness and the global commitment to humanitarian assistance. The collaboration between the U.S. military and Ugandan officials exemplifies the shared dedication to peace and stability in East Africa, ensuring that both nations are better prepared to face any emergency with confidence and efficiency. 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

Discover Seychelles’ top 3 historical sites in 2025 from colonial ruins to pirate legends. Culture, views, and island charm all wrapped in one sunny history tour. Top 10 Historical Sites in Seychelles 2025 Seychelles isn’t just about postcard beaches it’s an archipelago of stories. From colonial quirks to pirate lore, these islands serve up history with a tropical twist. Ready to time-travel in paradise? Here are the ten must-see historical spots that blend cultural insight with pure island charm. (Yes, you can still wear flip-flops to most of them.) 1. Victoria Clock Tower (Lorloz) This elegant miniBig Ben has been ticking at Victoria’s heart since 1903 . Cast in iron and painted silver, the “Lorloz” (Creole for clock) stands proudly where Independence Avenue meets Francis Rachel Street essentially the junction of town. It’s a replica of London’s Little Ben, originally erected to honor Queen Vic herself . Don’t be surprised if locals use it as a compass (“meet under the clock!”). It’s both a beloved landmark and the most popular backdrop for selfies in the capital. Instagram experience at clock tower: After a century of service (and a quick 2024 facelift by its original British makers , Victoria’s Clock Tower is gleaming anew. Best part? It’s completely free to enjoy just stroll by on your Victoria walking tour. Pro tip: visit at twilight when the street lights flicker on; the tower’s dapper Victorian details shine while the city buzzes around it. History has never looked so photogenic (or so conveniently located). 2. Mission Lodge (Venn’s Town Ruins) Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE Top 10 Historical Sites in Seychelles 2025 By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Oct 12, 2025 May 15, 2026 18 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Top 10 Historical Sites in Seychelles 2025 Seychelles isn’t just about postcard beaches it’s an archipelago of stories. From colonial quirks to pirate lore, these islands serve up history with a tropical twist. Ready to time-travel in paradise? Here are the ten must-see historical spots that blend cultural insight with pure island charm. (Yes, you can still wear flip-flops to most of them.) 1. Victoria Clock Tower (Lorloz) This elegant miniBig Ben has been ticking at Victoria’s heart since 1903 . Cast in iron and painted silver, the “Lorloz” (Creole for clock) stands proudly where Independence Avenue meets Francis Rachel Street essentially the junction of town. It’s a replica of London’s Little Ben, originally erected to honor Queen Vic herself . Don’t be surprised if locals use it as a compass (“meet under the clock!”). It’s both a beloved landmark and the most popular backdrop for selfies in the capital. Instagram experience at clock tower: After a century of service (and a quick 2024 facelift by its original British makers , Victoria’s Clock Tower is gleaming anew. Best part? It’s completely free to enjoy just stroll by on your Victoria walking tour. Pro tip: visit at twilight when the street lights flicker on; the tower’s dapper Victorian details shine while the city buzzes around it. History has never looked so photogenic (or so conveniently located). 2. Mission Lodge (Venn’s Town Ruins) Perched high in the misty Sans Souci mountains of Mahé, Mission Lodge hides the evocative ruins of a 19th-century school for freed slave children . Mossy stone arches frame knockout views of the turquoise coast far below no wonder even royalty once stopped here for tea. Wandering these jungle-clad remnants, you’ll feel a wistful serenity. It’s part lookout, part open-air museum, with songbirds providing the soundtrack at what was once called Venn’s Town ). Bring a camera and a few rupees foreign visitors pay about SCR 100 (≈ $7 ) to help maintain this national treasure . The panoramic gazebo is worth every cent, especially at sunset when fruit bats swoop above the canopy. Local tip: inhale deeply. The mountain air here is spiced with wild cinnamon and history. Mission Lodge isn’t just a viewpoint; it’s a poetic reminder of Seychelles’ resilient Creole heritage (with a killer view to boot). 3. Bel Air Cemetery Seychelles’ oldest burial ground (est. 1778 ) sits unassumingly on a Victoria hillside but oh, the tales it tells. Crammed with weathered tombs and tangled frangipani trees, Bel Air Cemetery is essentially an 18th-century gossip column. Here lies the famed pirate Jean-François Hodoul , and nearby rests the “Giant of Bel Air,” a 9-foot-tall teenager whose growth spurt spooked the colony (legend says rivals poisoned him at age 14) nation . Wandering the crumbling vaults and epitaphs, you get a spooky-cool glimpse into Seychelles’ earliest days, where fact and folklore intertwine. Entry is free just push open the creaky gate on Bel Air Road in Victoria. Pack some bug spray and respect (some spirits prefer privacy). A mid-morning visit yields eerie light for photos, but if you’re brave, swing by at dusk when the place truly feels like a Pirates of the Caribbean set. ADVERTISEMENT Insider tip: look for the lavwar (old wash-house) just opposite the cemetery another little monument to times gone . Creepy, fascinating, and oddly peaceful, Bel Air is a time capsule you didn’t know you needed. 4. Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (Victoria Market) A riot of color, scent, and sound since 1840 , Victoria’s central market is as much a cultural experience as a historic site . Under its airy early-Victorian iron arches , fisherwomen haggle over red snapper , farmers stack pyramids of mangoes, and spice vendors beckon with curry and vanilla. Named after a former British governor but known to all simply as Victoria Market , this place is the pulsing heart of the capital. It’s a living museum of Creole life just one where you can also buy a fresh passionfruit smoothie. Entry is free (bring cash if you plan to splurge on souvenirs or fruit). Get there early (7–8am) for the fullest frenzy of activity you’ll catch fishermen slinging tuna and locals bargaining loudly over chilies. The market was last spruced up in 1999 and is undergoing a 2025 upgrade for modern amenities , but fear not: its soul remains intact. Grab a packet of masala spice for a few SCR (pennies in USD) and chat up a vendor you’ll walk away with tasty cooking tips and a true taste of Seychellois daily life. 5. Kenwyn House In the middle of Victoria stands a grand old lady of a mansion Kenwyn House , built in 1855 in all its French colonial finery . Think broad veranda, white arches, and a certain faded elegance that whispers bonjou . Once the abode of a British diplomat , later a cable company HQ, this house has stories. Today it’s been reborn as a chic art gallery and jewellery boutique (after a 2018 revamp by local culture aficionados). Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time, except now the rooms are filled with contemporary Seychellois art rather than aristocrats. As Kenwyn House put it: “Each piece tells a story of our islands, our people, and our culture.” Entrance is free , and it’s open weekdays (roughly 9–5). Pop in for a quick break from the tropical heat the high ceilings keep things cool naturally. You can admire (or purchase) locally-made paintings, crafts and even diamonds, all while treading antique mahogany floors. Visitor tip: check out the rotating exhibits; recent shows have featured everything from vibrant Creole landscapes to avant-garde sculptures. Kenwyn offers a classy cocktail of history and modern creativity a perfect little culture fix in downtown Victoria. 6. Domaine de Val des Près (Craft Village) Ready to time-warp to 1900s Creole life ? Domaine de Val des Près in Au Cap, Mahé is a charming heritage village centered around a restored colonial plantation house (the Gran Kaz ). This sprawling site feels like a film set: the big white planter’s house circa 1870, cute thatch huts housing artisans, and even a traditional kitchen smelling of coconut and cinnamon. It was opened as a cultural center in the late 1980s to showcase Seychelles’ artisanal soul . Think local weavers, woodcarvers, and moutya music drifting in the air. “On 31 May 2025, the vibrant spirit of African heritage came alive at Domaine de Val des Près during FetAfrik a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Visitors gathered to enjoy local entertainment, traditional crafts, and sustainable creations, proudly embracing the beauty and unity of Africa through music, art, and shared stories.” Stroll the grounds for free (it’s public), browsing twelve craft kiosks for handmade batik, coconut oil, and folklore-infused souvenirs . Don’t miss the Coco de Mer workshop you might catch a demo of the famous double coconut being made into perfume. Prices here are fair: a hand-painted pareo might set you back SCR 300 (∼ $21 ). Insider tip: visit around lunchtime and try the on-site café’s Creole curry you’ll dine in a recreated plantation parlour. Authentic, educational, and actually fun, Domaine de Val des Près lets you live a slice of Seychellois history (at least until closing time). 7. Grande Case (Silhouette Island Plantation House) Dauban Family Mausoleum, Silhouette Island Haunted house, anyone? Grande Case is the storied old plantation mansion on remote Silhouette Island and it definitely comes with ghosts (or so say the islanders). Built by the wealthy Dauban family around the 1860s , this once-grand home has a red tin roof, wide verandahs and a jungle backdrop straight out of Scooby-Doo . Locals swear no one dares sleep inside; fresh green leaves in bottles are placed in rooms to ward off spirits . Visit by day, and you’ll find an eerie yet beautiful shell of a house, where nature is slowly reclaiming the walls. It’s insta-gold for those who love ruin porn with a tropical twist. ADVERTISEMENT Reaching Silhouette requires a 45-minute ferry or chopper not cheap, but the island’s wild allure (and Hilton resort) draw intrepid souls. There’s no formal tour of Grande Case, you simply wander up from La Passe village (free of charge). Imagine past parties on the lawn as you peek through cracked shutters. A short walk away is the Dauban family’s mysterious mausoleum , with rusting cast-iron pillars amid coconut palms . Pack water, bug spray, and a sense of adventure. Grande Case may be dilapidated, but it’s officially a National Monument a status well deserved for this slice of Seychellois lore and legend. 8. Moyenne Island Moyenne Island, Seychelles a lush micro-paradise in Ste Anne Marine Park, famous for its pirate legends, roaming giant tortoises, and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons. If Treasure Island and Galápagos had a baby, it would be Moyenne. This tiny isle (just 0.1 sq mi) in the Ste Anne Marine Park was uninhabited until a wily Brit named Brendon Grimshaw bought it in 1962 and moved in with giant tortoises and pirate myths. Now a national park, Moyenne is ringed by turquoise water and encircled by legend. Follow the gentle trails under cinnamon trees and you’ll stumble on two pirate graves from the 1700 s marked by skull-and-crossbones, naturally and Grimshaw’s own grave (he lived here till 2012, lucky man ). Giant tortoises roam freely, often escorting visitors to the island’s tiny museum or onto its pristine beaches. Accessible by boat tour from Mahé (many include lunch and snorkeling), Moyenne charges a modest entry fee of about SCR 200–300 (≈ $15 ; often covered in tour packages). Those funds help maintain this “world’s smallest national park” . Expect to spend a relaxed half-day here: Snorkeling over coral gardens, picnicking with tame tortoises begging for fruit, and channeling your inner pirate as you hunt (in vain) for buried treasure. Insider tip: Bring sturdy sandals the trails are short but can be steep, and you don’t want to twist an ankle with only tortoises as your rescue team. Moyenne is pure magic for history buffs and nature lovers alike. 9. L’Union Estate & Old Plantation House (La Digue) On sleepy La Digue island, L’Union Estate offers a delightful throwback to ye olde plantation days – complete with a copra mill, vanilla vines, and an adorable population of giant tortoises. The estate’s highlight is its Old Plantation House , a large Creole colonial residence with a wraparound porch that starred in movies (spot it in Goodbye Emmanuelle , 1977). Strolling the grounds, you’ll see an ox-powered mill grinding coconuts, traditional drying sheds, and an ancient cemetery of the island’s original settlers hidden among palm roots. It’s like a heritage theme park, but authentically rustic. “In the heart of La Digue, Seychelles, adventure meets conservation! This unique ecotourism experience invites visitors to connect with the island’s gentle giants — the Aldabra tortoises — in a fun and responsible way. A reminder that exploring nature can be both exciting and mindful, one slow and steady step at a time.” There’s a SCR 150 (≈ $11 ) entrance fee for non-residents , payable at the gate – but that golden ticket lets you come and go all day. And you’ll want to linger: the estate’s path leads directly to the legendary Anse Source d’Argent beach. Top tip: visit L’Union in late afternoon. Tour groups have left, the light is dreamy for photos, and you can watch the plantation’s resident Aldabra tortoises enjoy their veggie dinner. 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 Don’t forget to browse the on-site souvenir hut for cold coconuts or locally made coconut oil (nothing like bringing home the scent of Seychelles). Historic, educational, and a beach gateway all in one – talk about bang for your buck. 10. Curieuse Island Once a leper colony (yep, really) and now a thriving nature reserve, Curieuse Island is a short boat hop from Praslin but a giant leap back in time. From 1827 until 1965 this isolated island quarantined patients suffering leprosy you can still explore the eerie stone ruins of their quarters hidden in the woods. Today, Curieuse has flipped the script: it’s known for hundreds of roaming giant tortoises and lush mangrove forests. The preserved colonial Doctor’s House still stands on Anse St. Joseph – now a small museum where you’ll learn about the island’s peculiar history and its unique ecology (think Coco de Mer palms and rare black parrots). As part of a marine park, Curieuse charges about SCR 300 (≈ $21 ) often handled by your tour operator. Most visitors come on half-day excursions that include a guided hike from one side of the island to the other (spotting those tortoises and mangroves en route) and a beach barbecue lunch. Wear good shoes the trail is sandy and peppered with crabs playing tour guide. Fun fact: Curieuse’s leper history inadvertently conserved its wildlife, since development was taboo. The result? A weirdly wonderful island where past and nature coexist. Don’t leave without high-fiving a tortoise (figuratively) and contemplating how far this little island has come. Past Perfect in Paradise Who knew island-hopping could double as a history lesson? In Seychelles, you can picnic next to pirate graves, buy fish in a 1800s market, and daydream in ruins that kings and commoners once knew. These ten spots prove that paradise has depth and a sense of humor about its past. So go forth, follow the whispers of folklore and footnotes, and make some memories of your own. After all, you’re not just visiting history here you’re living in it. Now, off you go (and don’t forget the sunscreen). ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags