Charity Football Match at Stade Bernard Giroux Raises €57,500 for Hospitalized Youth A star-studded charity football match held at Stade Bernard Giroux just outside Paris has successfully raised €57,500 for a French foundation dedicated to improving the conditions for hospitalized children and adolescents. The match was orchestrated by the Varietes Club de France, a football club known for bringing together celebrities and former football stars for philanthropic events. The game featured two teams led by notable figures: one team coached by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and the other captained by French journalist Jacques Vendroux. President Emmanuel Macron, alongside French national team manager Didier Deschamps, 1998 World Cup winner Robert Pires, and Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba, played under Vendroux's leadership. Their team emerged victorious with a score of 5-3. The highlights included a hat-trick from Robert Pires in the first half and a penalty successfully converted by President Macron after Pires was fouled in the second half. The opposing team, coached by Wenger, saw impressive performances from Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o and Togolese star Emmanuel Adebayor, who both scored during the match. The event not only showcased the football prowess of former and current stars but also emphasized the sports community's commitment to supporting charitable causes. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 26, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: French President Emmanuel Macron participates in the Varietes Club charity football match at Bernard Giroux Stadium in Plaisir. Charity Football Match at Stade Bernard Giroux Raises €57,500 for Hospitalized Youth A star-studded charity football match held at Stade Bernard Giroux just outside Paris has successfully raised €57,500 for a French foundation dedicated to improving the conditions for hospitalized children and adolescents. The match was orchestrated by the Varietes Club de France, a football club known for bringing together celebrities and former football stars for philanthropic events. The game featured two teams led by notable figures: one team coached by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and the other captained by French journalist Jacques Vendroux. ADVERTISEMENT President Emmanuel Macron, alongside French national team manager Didier Deschamps, 1998 World Cup winner Robert Pires, and Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba, played under Vendroux's leadership. Their team emerged victorious with a score of 5-3. The highlights included a hat-trick from Robert Pires in the first half and a penalty successfully converted by President Macron after Pires was fouled in the second half. The opposing team, coached by Wenger, saw impressive performances from Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o and Togolese star Emmanuel Adebayor, who both scored during the match. ADVERTISEMENT The event not only showcased the football prowess of former and current stars but also emphasized the sports community's commitment to supporting charitable causes. 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

The DRC government condemns forced civilian marches by M23 and Rwandan forces in eastern Congo, calling them grave violations of human rights. The Government condemns the forced marches imposed on civilians in areas under Rwandan occupation Kinshasa, 23 December 2025 – The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo expresses its deep concern over the forced marches organized in several localities of the eastern part of the country currently under Rwandan occupation, carried out by M23 elements operating alongside the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), notably in Uvira on 16 December, in Kamanyola on 19 December, in Goma on 22 December, and in Bukavu and Sake on 23 December 2025. The Government firmly condemns these unacceptable practices consisting of coercing civilians – including women and youth – into participating in demonstrations staged as expressions of support for the illegitimate presence of occupying Rwandan forces and their proxies. Such actions constitute a political and psychological manipulation of local communities, amounting to a collective hostage-taking. The Government emphatically reiterates that any attempt to use Congolese civilians as human shields or as instruments of propaganda to legitimize an occupation imposed by an aggressor State constitutes a grave violation of national sovereignty and a blatant crime against human dignity. These repeated and intolerable violations of fundamental rights will be met with severe consequences and will not go unpunished. In light of these criminal acts, the Government reaffirms its determination to protect civilian populations, to fully restore State authority across the national territory, and to bring the perpetrators and sponsors of these violations of human rights and republican values to justice. The Government commends the courage of the population who continue to resist enemy manipulation and calls on all Congolese citizens to remain vigilant, united, and confident in national institutions and in the Armed Forces of the Republic, which are tirelessly working to defend the nation, ensure the security of its people, and preserve peace. Finally, the Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the ongoing peace processes, aimed at securing a lasting return of peace, stability, and development in the eastern part of the country and throughout the Great Lakes region. END PRESS RELEASE DRC Condemns Forced Civilian Marches Under Rwandan Occupation By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Dec 23, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Government condemns the forced marches imposed on civilians in areas under Rwandan occupation Kinshasa, 23 December 2025 – The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo expresses its deep concern over the forced marches organized in several localities of the eastern part of the country currently under Rwandan occupation, carried out by M23 elements operating alongside the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), notably in Uvira on 16 December, in Kamanyola on 19 December, in Goma on 22 December, and in Bukavu and Sake on 23 December 2025. The Government firmly condemns these unacceptable practices consisting of coercing civilians – including women and youth – into participating in demonstrations staged as expressions of support for the illegitimate presence of occupying Rwandan forces and their proxies. Such actions constitute a political and psychological manipulation of local communities, amounting to a collective hostage-taking. ADVERTISEMENT The Government emphatically reiterates that any attempt to use Congolese civilians as human shields or as instruments of propaganda to legitimize an occupation imposed by an aggressor State constitutes a grave violation of national sovereignty and a blatant crime against human dignity. These repeated and intolerable violations of fundamental rights will be met with severe consequences and will not go unpunished. In light of these criminal acts, the Government reaffirms its determination to protect civilian populations, to fully restore State authority across the national territory, and to bring the perpetrators and sponsors of these violations of human rights and republican values to justice. The Government commends the courage of the population who continue to resist enemy manipulation and calls on all Congolese citizens to remain vigilant, united, and confident in national institutions and in the Armed Forces of the Republic, which are tirelessly working to defend the nation, ensure the security of its people, and preserve peace. ADVERTISEMENT Finally, the Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the ongoing peace processes, aimed at securing a lasting return of peace, stability, and development in the eastern part of the country and throughout the Great Lakes region. END 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 DR.Congo DR.Congo Patrick Muyaya Katembwe Patrick Muyaya Katembwe

Read Vestine and Dorcas’s biography, including their ages, real names, family, gospel songs, album, awards and latest music in 2026. Vestine and Dorcas are Rwandan gospel singers whose sisterly harmonies have carried worship music from Musanze church choirs to audiences across East Africa and the diaspora. The duo consists of Vestine Ishimwe and her younger sister Kamikazi Dorcas. They entered professional music in 2020, broke through with “Nahawe Ijambo” and built a catalogue that includes “Adonaï,” “Ibuye,” “Simpagarara,” “Neema,” “Yebo (Nitawale)” and “Emmanuel.” Their rise is especially notable because they balanced secondary school with recording and performance. In 2026, they ended a five-year management partnership with MIE Empire and began an independent chapter with “Itabaza.” Who are Vestine and Dorcas? Vestine and Dorcas are Rwandan gospel-singing sisters Vestine Ishimwe and Kamikazi Dorcas from Musanze. Raised in a Christian home and formed in church choirs, they became national stars through “Nahawe Ijambo,” launched a debut album in 2022 and expanded across East Africa with Swahili worship songs. Early Life and Creative Roots Vestine Ishimwe was born on 2 February 2004, while Kamikazi Dorcas was born on 28 June 2006. They are 22 and 20 respectively as of 27 July 2026. The sisters come from Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province and are two of six children born to Uzamukunda Elizabeth and Nizeyimana Mazimpaka. These details are recorded in an InyaRwanda profile of the family . Music began inside their Christian upbringing rather than through a commercial audition. The sisters sang in children’s worship settings and later with Goshen Choir in the ADEPR church tradition. Their earliest independent work included gospel covers shared online from 2018. The voices were still young, but the partnership already had the quality that would define it: one sister carrying an emotional lead while the other strengthened the message through harmony. School remained part of their story as their audience grew. During preparations for their first album concert, InyaRwanda reported that both singers were still secondary-school students and used their holidays for rehearsals. That overlap made their early career unusual. They were learning the discipline of recording, interviews and stage performance while also meeting the ordinary demands of school. Breakthrough and Rise to Fame Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE Vestine & Dorcas Biography: Ages, Family, Songs & Career By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jul 27, 2026 Jul 27, 2026 10 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Vestine and Dorcas are Rwandan gospel singers whose sisterly harmonies have carried worship music from Musanze church choirs to audiences across East Africa and the diaspora. The duo consists of Vestine Ishimwe and her younger sister Kamikazi Dorcas. They entered professional music in 2020, broke through with “Nahawe Ijambo” and built a catalogue that includes “Adonaï,” “Ibuye,” “Simpagarara,” “Neema,” “Yebo (Nitawale)” and “Emmanuel.” Their rise is especially notable because they balanced secondary school with recording and performance. In 2026, they ended a five-year management partnership with MIE Empire and began an independent chapter with “Itabaza.” Who are Vestine and Dorcas? Vestine and Dorcas are Rwandan gospel-singing sisters Vestine Ishimwe and Kamikazi Dorcas from Musanze. Raised in a Christian home and formed in church choirs, they became national stars through “Nahawe Ijambo,” launched a debut album in 2022 and expanded across East Africa with Swahili worship songs. Early Life and Creative Roots Vestine Ishimwe was born on 2 February 2004, while Kamikazi Dorcas was born on 28 June 2006. They are 22 and 20 respectively as of 27 July 2026. The sisters come from Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province and are two of six children born to Uzamukunda Elizabeth and Nizeyimana Mazimpaka. These details are recorded in an InyaRwanda profile of the family . Music began inside their Christian upbringing rather than through a commercial audition. The sisters sang in children’s worship settings and later with Goshen Choir in the ADEPR church tradition. Their earliest independent work included gospel covers shared online from 2018. The voices were still young, but the partnership already had the quality that would define it: one sister carrying an emotional lead while the other strengthened the message through harmony. School remained part of their story as their audience grew. During preparations for their first album concert, InyaRwanda reported that both singers were still secondary-school students and used their holidays for rehearsals. That overlap made their early career unusual. They were learning the discipline of recording, interviews and stage performance while also meeting the ordinary demands of school. Breakthrough and Rise to Fame Vestine and Dorcas began working professionally with Murindahabi Irénée’s MIE Empire in 2020. The company provided production, promotion and digital distribution, helping turn two church-trained singers into a structured recording act. Apple Music dates their breakthrough single “Nahawe Ijambo” to 27 October 2020 , under M.IRENE Entertainment. “Nahawe Ijambo,” meaning “I have been given the word,” introduced their direct devotional style. Follow-up songs including “Papa,” “Adonaï,” “Ibuye” and “Simpagarara” kept the focus on prayer, perseverance and trust in God. The appeal was not built around celebrity distance. Their songs used familiar Christian language, strong choruses and close vocal blending that congregations and families could sing together. The sisters briefly separated from their promoter during a public management disagreement in 2021, then reunited. A contemporary New Times report on their return to Murindahabi shows that their career grew through negotiation as well as talent. The reunion restored the partnership that carried their first album into production. ADVERTISEMENT Achievements and Artistic Innovation Vestine and Dorcas make worship music in which harmony is part of the message. Their voices often alternate between testimony and response before joining in a larger chorus. Early releases centred Kinyarwanda, while “Neema,” “Yebo (Nitawale),” “Emmanuel” and later material widened their use of Swahili. That change made the music easier to circulate in Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya and Swahili-speaking church communities. Their debut album, Nahawe Ijambo , was launched at Camp Kigali on 24 December 2022. Kigali Today’s concert preview records that the duo had already released more than eight songs since entering professional music in 2020. The concert mattered because it converted online recognition into a ticketed live audience and a complete album-era identity. The next major expansion came with “Yebo (Nitawale)” in March 2025. A Paradise Rwanda performance report documented one million YouTube views in five days, describing it as a speed record for a female Rwandan gospel act. XTRAfrica’s “Yebo” music page gives listeners the song and its devotional context. Major verified achievements include: Launching Nahawe Ijambo at Camp Kigali in 2022. Building a multi-language catalogue in Kinyarwanda and Swahili. Reaching one million YouTube views with “Yebo (Nitawale)” in five days. Performing outside Rwanda, including concerts in Burundi and Canada. Winning Gospel Artists of the Year at the 2025 Diva Awards . Heritage, Identity and Vision The sisters’ identity is rooted in Rwanda’s Northern Province, Christian choral culture and Kinyarwanda worship. Their songs do not abandon that foundation when they move into Swahili. Instead, they translate a Rwandan gospel sensibility patient vocal development, testimony and communal singing into a language shared by a wider East African audience. Their emergence also reflects a digital change in Rwandan gospel. A young act no longer had to wait for a long church or radio career before reaching the public. YouTube gave Vestine and Dorcas a stage while professional production made the performances competitive beyond Rwanda. Their verified XTRAfrica songs page now gathers their catalogue for listeners, although its legacy Wix heading misspells “Dorcas” as “Dorcus.” The duo’s visual storytelling has supported that growth. “Yebo” used military-inspired dress to present spiritual struggle and surrender, while slower worship videos place the sisters together as a single vocal unit. The image reinforces the music: two distinct people whose impact depends on listening and responding to each other. Personal Life and Confidence Journey Family has remained central to the sisters’ public story. Their parents supported church participation and later became involved in management decisions while the singers were minors. That history explains why questions of contracts, digital ownership and artistic direction have followed the music. The most responsible reading is not to choose sides in old disputes, but to recognise how difficult it can be for young performers, parents, promoters and investors to define control as a career grows. ADVERTISEMENT Vestine legally married Idrissa Jean Luc Ouédraogo in January 2025 and held a church wedding at Intare Conference Arena on 5 July 2025. The ceremony and family participation were documented by IGIHE . Later online claims about the state of the marriage have not been confirmed strongly enough for this biography and are omitted. The sisters faced another professional change in June 2026 when they announced the end of their relationship with MIE Empire. Igisubizo’s report on the announcement says the decision followed reflection on the future direction of their career. Their public message also thanked MIE for helping nurture their talent. The respectful tone was important: independence was presented as a new direction, not an attempt to erase five formative years. Key Events in Vestine and Dorcas’s Journey Legacy and Emerging Impact Vestine and Dorcas are still young, so their legacy is developing rather than complete. Their clearest contribution is demonstrating that Rwandan gospel can travel through local language, sisterly harmony and digital distribution without losing its devotional centre. They helped give young Rwandan women a highly visible place in gospel music. Their school-to-stage journey offers a recognisable path for talented church singers. Their Kinyarwanda and Swahili releases connect national identity with regional access. Their viewing milestones show that worship music can compete for attention beyond church audiences. Their management history has made ownership and professional independence part of the public conversation around young artists. Their cross-border concerts have strengthened Rwanda’s presence in East African gospel. Looking Ahead The duo’s clearest future signal is “Itabaza.” Apple Music lists the single on 12 July 2026 and credits the copyright directly to Vestine and Dorcas, unlike earlier MIE-labelled releases. XTRAfrica’s “Itabaza” release page presents it as a prayerful return centred on seeking God’s help, while the separate lyrics page records its place in their 2026 catalogue. That release makes independence more than an announcement. It shows that the sisters can continue recording and distributing music under their own name. Their next challenge is to build durable management and rights structures while preserving the vocal chemistry that made them successful. No second studio album has been formally verified, so future-album claims should wait for an official announcement. Vestine and Dorcas FAQs What are Vestine and Dorcas’s real names? Their full names are Vestine Ishimwe and Kamikazi Dorcas. Vestine is the older sister. How old are Vestine and Dorcas? Vestine is 22 and Dorcas is 20 as of 27 July 2026. Vestine was born on 2 February 2004, and Dorcas was born on 28 June 2006. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY African Culture Disability-Selective Infanticide: The Hidden History in Maasailand . African Culture Zee Nxumalo Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . African Culture Wendy Shay Biography: Age, Nursing Career, Songs & AFRIMA Win . African Culture Vinka Biography: Real Name, Songs, Family & Music Career . African Culture Vestine & Dorcas Biography: Ages, Family, Songs & Career . Where are Vestine and Dorcas from? They come from Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province. Their early singing developed in church choirs. Are Vestine and Dorcas sisters? Yes. They are biological sisters and two of six children in their family. Who are Vestine and Dorcas’s parents? Their parents are Uzamukunda Elizabeth and Nizeyimana Mazimpaka, according to established Rwandan profiles. Which song made Vestine and Dorcas famous? “Nahawe Ijambo” established their professional breakthrough in 2020. “Yebo (Nitawale)” later became their biggest regional digital success. What is Vestine and Dorcas’s latest album? Their latest verified studio album is Nahawe Ijambo , launched at Camp Kigali in December 2022. What genre do Vestine and Dorcas sing? They sing Christian gospel, praise and worship music, primarily in Kinyarwanda and Swahili. Have Vestine and Dorcas won an award? Yes. They were named Gospel Artists of the Year at the Diva Awards in November 2025. Are Vestine and Dorcas still with MIE Empire? No. They announced the end of their five-year partnership with MIE Empire in June 2026 and released “Itabaza” under their own name in July. Is Vestine married? Yes. Vestine married Idrissa Jean Luc Ouédraogo in 2025. Claims about later changes in their relationship have not been reliably confirmed. What are Vestine and Dorcas doing in 2026? They have entered an independent career phase and released “Itabaza,” their first major recording after leaving MIE Empire. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE African Culture Disability-Selective Infanticide: The Hidden History in Maasailand Field evidence exposes a history of killing, abandonment and neglect and the Maasai resisting it . African Culture Zee Nxumalo Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise Meet Zee Nxumalo: her age, real name, songs, awards and journey from viral covers to amapiano stardom. . African Culture Wendy Shay Biography: Age, Nursing Career, Songs & AFRIMA Win Discover Wendy Shay’s age, Ghana-Germany story, nursing career, albums, songs and awards. . African Culture Vinka Biography: Real Name, Songs, Family & Music Career Discover Vinka’s real name, family, hit songs, awards and journey from dancer to Ugandan star. . Tags African culture African culture Rwanda Rwanda Vestine & Dorcas Vestine & Dorcas

Congo’s Minister Patrick Muyaya told CNN that Rwanda’s support for M23 blocks peace, stressing U.S. mediation must ensure Kigali ends its proxy war. New York — Speaking to CNN journalist Richard Quest on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Communication for the Democratic Republic of Congo, made it clear that peace in his country is not just about signing agreements — it’s about Rwanda ending its long-standing interference through the M23 rebellion. Rwanda’s Role Exposed Muyaya accused Rwanda of using M23 as a proxy force, responsible for serial massacres and instability in eastern Congo. If we want to achieve peace in that region, we must stop Rwandan activities. Since the genocide in 1994, Rwanda has created proxies. M23 is a proxy under U.S. sanctions,” he told CNN. He stressed that despite the peace deal signed in Washington in June, Kigali is not respecting its commitments. “We are doing our part. I’m not sure the other side is delivering the way it should,” Muyaya said, pointing to ongoing violence. U.S. Role and Trump’s Mediation Quest pressed him on whether President Trump’s involvement was simply transactional, tied to Congo’s mineral wealth. Muyaya pushed back, highlighting that U.S. engagement has also been about securing peace, education for children, and protection for women, while also advancing strategic partnerships in energy, environment, and infrastructure. He cited the Lobito Corridor project, funded by the U.S., as proof that Congo’s relationship with Washington goes beyond minerals. Congo’s Global Importance Muyaya reminded viewers that Congo has always been central to global history — from supplying uranium for the Manhattan Project in 1942 to being looted under Belgian King Leopold. Today, he said, the DRC’s nine borders, immense mineral wealth, and young population make it one of the world’s most important nations. Continue Reading Full Article DRC PEACE EFFORT DRC Minister Muyaya to CNN: Rwanda’s M23 Proxy Blocks Peace By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 27, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: New York — Speaking to CNN journalist Richard Quest on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Communication for the Democratic Republic of Congo, made it clear that peace in his country is not just about signing agreements — it’s about Rwanda ending its long-standing interference through the M23 rebellion. Rwanda’s Role Exposed Muyaya accused Rwanda of using M23 as a proxy force, responsible for serial massacres and instability in eastern Congo. If we want to achieve peace in that region, we must stop Rwandan activities. Since the genocide in 1994, Rwanda has created proxies. M23 is a proxy under U.S. sanctions,” he told CNN. He stressed that despite the peace deal signed in Washington in June, Kigali is not respecting its commitments. “We are doing our part. I’m not sure the other side is delivering the way it should,” Muyaya said, pointing to ongoing violence. ADVERTISEMENT U.S. Role and Trump’s Mediation Quest pressed him on whether President Trump’s involvement was simply transactional, tied to Congo’s mineral wealth. Muyaya pushed back, highlighting that U.S. engagement has also been about securing peace, education for children, and protection for women, while also advancing strategic partnerships in energy, environment, and infrastructure. He cited the Lobito Corridor project, funded by the U.S., as proof that Congo’s relationship with Washington goes beyond minerals. ADVERTISEMENT Congo’s Global Importance Muyaya reminded viewers that Congo has always been central to global history — from supplying uranium for the Manhattan Project in 1942 to being looted under Belgian King Leopold. Today, he said, the DRC’s nine borders, immense mineral wealth, and young population make it one of the world’s most important nations. But without peace, that potential remains hostage to Rwanda’s destabilization. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . War in Eastern DRC FARDC Says It Is Thwarting M23 Advances Despite Rwandan Drone Support . War in Eastern DRC Lubutu Seeks Troop Reinforcements After Deadly Clashes . War in DR Congo Bukavu–Uvira Road Closure Leaves Nearly 1,000 Stranded . Political Parties C64 Delays Complaint Against Tshisekedi . What we need first is peace. Once we achieve peace, not only will the DRC move forward under President Tshisekedi’s leadership, but all of Africa will advance with us.” Africa Rising, But Blocked by War Responding to Quest’s skepticism about Africa’s future, Muyaya insisted the continent is rich in youth and resources, but stressed again that peace is the starting point: Africa is the youth of the world. The DRC has everything. But until Rwandan-backed violence ends, we cannot unlock that potential.” Opninion This interview once again highlights what Kinshasa has been saying for years: peace in Congo — and Africa’s wider progress — will never come as long as Paul Kagame’s regime hides behind proxies like M23 while looting Congo’s resources. Congo is offering its hand for peace, but it demands truth, justice, and respect for sovereignty. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation DRC opposition coalition announces nationwide protest over constitutional reform dispute . War in Eastern DRC FARDC Says It Is Thwarting M23 Advances Despite Rwandan Drone Support DRC government says army continues to repel AFC/M23 operations in North and South Kivu. . War in Eastern DRC Lubutu Seeks Troop Reinforcements After Deadly Clashes Local authorities say extra forces are needed after FARDC-Mai-Mai fighting killed six. . War in DR Congo Bukavu–Uvira Road Closure Leaves Nearly 1,000 Stranded Stranded travelers face rising costs as RN5 closure disrupts movement . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics DR.Congo DR.Congo Patrick Muyaya Katembwe Patrick Muyaya Katembwe

The entertainment world recently faced a whirlwind of concern following the circulation of distressing rumors regarding actor Junior Pope's alleged fatal boat accident. The alarming news left fans and industry peers in a state of shock, awaiting confirmation on the actor's fate. In the midst of growing anxiety, a ray of hope shone through as visuals surfaced showing the actor receiving emergency aid, reigniting hopes for his safety. It was the timely intervention of Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), that brought clarity to the situation. Rollas announced that, contrary to the rumors, Junior Pope had indeed survived the incident and was currently undergoing treatment in a medical facility. The incident reportedly occurred when Junior Pope and his colleagues were traversing the River Niger en route to a film set in Asaba, Delta State. In the wake of the accident, Rollas took to social media to provide an update, affirming the actor's condition and hospitalization. Adding to the drama of the event, a video posted by Pope himself prior to the rumors of his demise captured a tense moment where the actor expressed his fear of the river, pleading with the boat operator to be cautious. He voiced his responsibilities as an only child and a father of three, underscoring his imperative to return safely to his children. Despite the lack of a life jacket and the evident risk, Pope’s focus remained on fulfilling his parental duties. This confirmation from the AGN president not only dispels the false reports but also underscores the risks faced by actors in their line of duty, highlighting the industry's need for stringent safety measures. Junior Pope's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety precautions in all professional endeavors. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 11, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The entertainment world recently faced a whirlwind of concern following the circulation of distressing rumors regarding actor Junior Pope's alleged fatal boat accident. The alarming news left fans and industry peers in a state of shock, awaiting confirmation on the actor's fate. In the midst of growing anxiety, a ray of hope shone through as visuals surfaced showing the actor receiving emergency aid, reigniting hopes for his safety. It was the timely intervention of Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), that brought clarity to the situation. Rollas announced that, contrary to the rumors, Junior Pope had indeed survived the incident and was currently undergoing treatment in a medical facility. The incident reportedly occurred when Junior Pope and his colleagues were traversing the River Niger en route to a film set in Asaba, Delta State. In the wake of the accident, Rollas took to social media to provide an update, affirming the actor's condition and hospitalization. Adding to the drama of the event, a video posted by Pope himself prior to the rumors of his demise captured a tense moment where the actor expressed his fear of the river, pleading with the boat operator to be cautious. He voiced his responsibilities as an only child and a father of three, underscoring his imperative to return safely to his children. Despite the lack of a life jacket and the evident risk, Pope’s focus remained on fulfilling his parental duties. ADVERTISEMENT This confirmation from the AGN president not only dispels the false reports but also underscores the risks faced by actors in their line of duty, highlighting the industry's need for stringent safety measures. Junior Pope's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety precautions in all professional endeavors. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

In a significant development, First National Bank (FNB) announced on Wednesday that it has been mandated by a High Court ruling to impose restrictions on the outgoing transactions of Jacob Zuma's bank accounts. This directive is part of the ongoing legal proceedings involving the liquidation of VBS Bank, with the former South African president caught in the crosshairs due to financial obligations ordered by the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Legal Compliance and Account Restrictions FNB clarified in its statement that the restrictions do not entail the closure of Zuma's accounts. Incoming transactions remain unaffected, highlighting the bank's adherence to the legal framework. "The instruction from the court results from the VBS Bank liquidators' process, and FNB's compliance is mandated by law," the bank stated. The situation places Zuma in a position where his next steps would involve legal recourse with the courts and the VBS liquidators. Financial Obligations and Court Orders The backdrop to this development traces back to August 2022, when the Pietermaritzburg High Court held Zuma liable for a payment of R6.5 million, accruing interest at an annual rate of 10.5% from 31 August 2019 until the full settlement. A writ of execution served to FNB on 29 February aimed to secure R2.9 million from Zuma's accounts, with an interest rate of 10.25% per annum from the same starting point, according to documents reviewed by Daily Maverick. Political Dynamics and Settlement Attempts The enforcement of this court order comes amid political controversies, with the MK Party voicing concerns over the timing of the bank's actions. These concerns emerged particularly after Zuma's endorsement of the party for upcoming elections, as reported by Jacaranda FM. Initially, the matter was removed from the court docket in April 2020 due to mutual agreement and pandemic-related restrictions. Subsequent ad-hoc payments by Zuma had led liquidators to anticipate a resolution, which now remains uncertain. Implications and Next Steps This unfolding scenario underscores the intricate ties between legal, financial, and political realms in South Africa. As Zuma navigates through these complexities, the broader implications on financial institutions' operations, political alignments, and legal precedents in the country are keenly observed . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 21, 2024 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ex-South African President Jacob Zuma In a significant development, First National Bank (FNB) announced on Wednesday that it has been mandated by a High Court ruling to impose restrictions on the outgoing transactions of Jacob Zuma's bank accounts. This directive is part of the ongoing legal proceedings involving the liquidation of VBS Bank, with the former South African president caught in the crosshairs due to financial obligations ordered by the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Legal Compliance and Account Restrictions FNB clarified in its statement that the restrictions do not entail the closure of Zuma's accounts. Incoming transactions remain unaffected, highlighting the bank's adherence to the legal framework. "The instruction from the court results from the VBS Bank liquidators' process, and FNB's compliance is mandated by law," the bank stated. The situation places Zuma in a position where his next steps would involve legal recourse with the courts and the VBS liquidators. ADVERTISEMENT Financial Obligations and Court Orders The backdrop to this development traces back to August 2022, when the Pietermaritzburg High Court held Zuma liable for a payment of R6.5 million, accruing interest at an annual rate of 10.5% from 31 August 2019 until the full settlement. A writ of execution served to FNB on 29 February aimed to secure R2.9 million from Zuma's accounts, with an interest rate of 10.25% per annum from the same starting point, according to documents reviewed by Daily Maverick. ADVERTISEMENT Political Dynamics and Settlement Attempts The enforcement of this court order comes amid political controversies, with the MK Party voicing concerns over the timing of the bank's actions. These concerns emerged particularly after Zuma's endorsement of the party for upcoming elections, as reported by Jacaranda FM. Initially, the matter was removed from the court docket in April 2020 due to mutual agreement and pandemic-related restrictions. Subsequent ad-hoc payments by Zuma had led liquidators to anticipate a resolution, which now remains uncertain. Implications and Next Steps This unfolding scenario underscores the intricate ties between legal, financial, and political realms in South Africa. As Zuma navigates through these complexities, the broader implications on financial institutions' operations, political alignments, and legal precedents in the country are keenly observed . 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

White House faces criticism after DHS used Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” in a video showing migrant arrests, raising ethical concerns. The White House is facing renewed criticism after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” in a social media video promoting migrant enforcement actions in the United States. The footage, recently shared on official White House platforms, shows several migrants being detained by DHS officers, including scenes of individuals being handcuffed. The clip is underscored by Carpenter’s track, in which the lyric “have you ever tried this one?” is heard—prompting backlash from viewers who argued the music was used to mock those being arrested. Carpenter originally performed the song during her “Short n’ Sweet Tour,” where the lyrics referenced different sexual positions. The context of the song’s original meaning has fueled further criticism of its use in federal government messaging. This is not the first time a pop song has been used in DHS content. Olivia Rodrigo’s track “All-American Bitch” was recently featured in promotional material for a “self-deportation” campaign on DHS’s Instagram page. After Rodrigo objected publicly—stating that she did not want her work associated with “racist and hateful practices”—the song was removed. The controversy also comes shortly after media speculation suggested tension between Carpenter and Rodrigo, prompting questions about whether Carpenter will respond similarly to the government’s use of her work. The use of copyrighted entertainment content in government immigration messaging has sparked widespread criticism. In recent months, artists including Theo Von and Zach Bryan have publicly rejected the use of their work in DHS or White House videos. Even the Pokémon Company requested that its brand not be included in similar government material. As of now, Sabrina Carpenter has not issued a statement regarding the White House’s use of her music in the recent DHS video. Continue Reading Full Article MUSICS White House Criticized for Using Sabrina Carpenter Song in DHS Video By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 3, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The White House is facing renewed criticism after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” in a social media video promoting migrant enforcement actions in the United States. The footage, recently shared on official White House platforms, shows several migrants being detained by DHS officers, including scenes of individuals being handcuffed. The clip is underscored by Carpenter’s track, in which the lyric “have you ever tried this one?” is heard—prompting backlash from viewers who argued the music was used to mock those being arrested. ADVERTISEMENT Carpenter originally performed the song during her “Short n’ Sweet Tour,” where the lyrics referenced different sexual positions. The context of the song’s original meaning has fueled further criticism of its use in federal government messaging. This is not the first time a pop song has been used in DHS content. Olivia Rodrigo’s track “All-American Bitch” was recently featured in promotional material for a “self-deportation” campaign on DHS’s Instagram page. After Rodrigo objected publicly—stating that she did not want her work associated with “racist and hateful practices”—the song was removed. ADVERTISEMENT The controversy also comes shortly after media speculation suggested tension between Carpenter and Rodrigo, prompting questions about whether Carpenter will respond similarly to the government’s use of her work. The use of copyrighted entertainment content in government immigration messaging has sparked widespread criticism. In recent months, artists including Theo Von and Zach Bryan have publicly rejected the use of their work in DHS or White House videos. Even the Pokémon Company requested that its brand not be included in similar government material. 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 Biography KiDi Biography: Real Name, Albums, Son and Career . Pop Culture Trends Jessie J Says Cancer Risk Remains Despite Early Detection and Surgery . Celebrity Trends jay-z-solange-met-gala-elevator-incident-new-details . Afrobeats Lilian Mbabazi Misses Stage Appearance at Davido’s Kigali Concert . Justice & Crime Tekashi 6ix9ine Given Three-Month Prison Term for Probation Violations . As of now, Sabrina Carpenter has not issued a statement regarding the White House’s use of her music in the recent DHS video. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Biography KiDi Biography: Real Name, Albums, Son and Career Meet Ghana’s KiDi: his age, family, breakthrough, awards and 2026 album . Pop Culture Trends Jessie J Says Cancer Risk Remains Despite Early Detection and Surgery Singer reflects on diagnosis, surgery and emotional moment with her mother after cancer news . Celebrity Trends jay-z-solange-met-gala-elevator-incident-new-details Designer Oscar G. Lopez offers new insight into the 2014 elevator confrontation at the Met Gala . Afrobeats Lilian Mbabazi Misses Stage Appearance at Davido’s Kigali Concert Singer left waiting backstage after planned duet with Kitoko was cut during Davido’s BK Arena show . Tags Musics Musics

Plan a respectful Hadzaland visit near Lake Eyasi with practical advice on guides, walking, hunting, photos, payments, roads, health and seasons. A visit to Hadzaland can be one of northern Tanzania’s most thoughtful cultural journeys, but only if it is planned as a meeting with living communities rather than a performance staged for outsiders. The Hadza, or Hadzabe, are contemporary Tanzanians whose hunting, gathering, language and land knowledge remain important parts of life around Lake Eyasi and the Yaeda Valley. Visitors commonly hear about dawn hunting walks, fire-making and archery. Those activities may form part of a visit, but they are not guaranteed, nor do they represent every Hadza person or every camp. Weather, seasonal foods, community priorities and the willingness of residents to receive guests can all change the day. What should you expect when visiting Hadzaland? Expect an early start, uneven tracks, walking through bush terrain, interpretation between languages and activities shaped by the season. A responsible visit requires community consent, clear photography rules and transparent payments. Treat hunting, food gathering and camp life as lived practices not entertainment guaranteed by a tour schedule. Before the Journey: What “Hadzaland” Means Hadzaland is an informal name for the Hadza homeland, not a fenced attraction, national park or single village. The University of Sheffield’s Hadza fieldsite places Hadza territory across roughly 4,000 square kilometres around Lake Eyasi in northern Tanzania’s Eastern Rift Valley. Academic mapping by Cambridge University Press describes the eastern Hadza area south and east of the lake, southwest of Ngorongoro Crater. This makes Lake Eyasi a logical extension to a northern-circuit journey, especially from the Karatu side, but it is not a quick roadside stop. Mang’ola was documented as the principal gateway for organised Hadza tourism in research conducted during the 2010s. Current camp locations, road conditions and reception arrangements must still be confirmed locally because Hadza camp membership and settlement patterns can be flexible. Before travelling, read XTRAfrica’s broader introduction to who the Hadza are . It helps prevent a common mistake: arriving with the idea that every Hadza family lives identically or has remained unchanged for centuries. 1. Your Day May Begin Before Sunrise Early departures are practical, not merely dramatic. Cooler morning hours are better for walking, and people undertaking daily activities may leave camp early. Haruna Yatsuka’s documented account of Hadza tourism found that visitor groups often arrived around 6 a.m. and spent several morning hours on activities. That research describes a historical pattern, not a timetable that every camp follows today. If you stay near Lake Eyasi the previous night, you reduce the pressure to race down rural roads in darkness from a distant lodge. Ask your guide when you must leave, how much night driving is involved and whether the community has agreed to the proposed arrival time. Pack a light layer for the cool start, then prepare for heat as the morning advances. Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE 10 Things to Expect When You Visit Hadzaland in Tanzania By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 4, 2026 Aug 4, 2026 18 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A visit to Hadzaland can be one of northern Tanzania’s most thoughtful cultural journeys, but only if it is planned as a meeting with living communities rather than a performance staged for outsiders. The Hadza, or Hadzabe, are contemporary Tanzanians whose hunting, gathering, language and land knowledge remain important parts of life around Lake Eyasi and the Yaeda Valley. Visitors commonly hear about dawn hunting walks, fire-making and archery. Those activities may form part of a visit, but they are not guaranteed, nor do they represent every Hadza person or every camp. Weather, seasonal foods, community priorities and the willingness of residents to receive guests can all change the day. What should you expect when visiting Hadzaland? Expect an early start, uneven tracks, walking through bush terrain, interpretation between languages and activities shaped by the season. A responsible visit requires community consent, clear photography rules and transparent payments. Treat hunting, food gathering and camp life as lived practices not entertainment guaranteed by a tour schedule. Before the Journey: What “Hadzaland” Means Hadzaland is an informal name for the Hadza homeland, not a fenced attraction, national park or single village. The University of Sheffield’s Hadza fieldsite places Hadza territory across roughly 4,000 square kilometres around Lake Eyasi in northern Tanzania’s Eastern Rift Valley. Academic mapping by Cambridge University Press describes the eastern Hadza area south and east of the lake, southwest of Ngorongoro Crater. This makes Lake Eyasi a logical extension to a northern-circuit journey, especially from the Karatu side, but it is not a quick roadside stop. Mang’ola was documented as the principal gateway for organised Hadza tourism in research conducted during the 2010s. Current camp locations, road conditions and reception arrangements must still be confirmed locally because Hadza camp membership and settlement patterns can be flexible. Before travelling, read XTRAfrica’s broader introduction to who the Hadza are . It helps prevent a common mistake: arriving with the idea that every Hadza family lives identically or has remained unchanged for centuries. 1. Your Day May Begin Before Sunrise Early departures are practical, not merely dramatic. Cooler morning hours are better for walking, and people undertaking daily activities may leave camp early. Haruna Yatsuka’s documented account of Hadza tourism found that visitor groups often arrived around 6 a.m. and spent several morning hours on activities. That research describes a historical pattern, not a timetable that every camp follows today. The dry bush country around Lake Eyasi forms part of Hadzaland in northern Tanzania. Distances, dust and rough tracks can make travelling here slower than the map suggests. Photo: kiwiexplorer/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. If you stay near Lake Eyasi the previous night, you reduce the pressure to race down rural roads in darkness from a distant lodge. Ask your guide when you must leave, how much night driving is involved and whether the community has agreed to the proposed arrival time. Pack a light layer for the cool start, then prepare for heat as the morning advances. 2. Expect a Walk, Not a Choreographed Safari Morning at Kidawanji, a Hadza community in northern Tanzania. Visits frequently begin early, when the air is cooler and people are preparing for the day’s activities. Photo: Masele Czeus25/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. A community visit may include walking through dry woodland, thorny scrub, rocky ground or sandy tracks. The distance and pace depend on the camp, weather, activity and group. Closed shoes, long lightweight trousers, sun protection and drinking water are more useful than formal safari clothing. Do not assume that every traveller can complete the same route. Reliable public information about wheelchair access, toilets, seating and step-free camp access is insufficient. Travellers with limited mobility should request precise answers about walking distance, surface, vehicle approach and rest options before paying a deposit. A responsible operator should be willing to shorten the walk without pressuring the community to relocate an activity for convenience. ADVERTISEMENT 3. A Hunting Walk Does Not Guarantee a Kill Hadza hunters follow a narrow bush path in Tanzania. Visitors joining a guided walk should expect uneven ground, thorny vegetation and a pace determined by the terrain and their community hosts. Photo: Arnold Tibaijuka/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Some visits include accompanying Hadza men as they track small animals or look for signs in the landscape. The value of the walk lies in observing skill, movement and environmental knowledge not in demanding a successful kill. Yatsuka’s study of hunting and tourism found that tourist outings often focused on small animals and did not contribute greatly to the camp’s food supply. Visitors are observers. Do not chase animals, request a staged kill or handle arrows, knives or other equipment without permission. Anyone uncomfortable with hunting should tell the operator before booking and ask whether a gathering walk, landscape interpretation or conversation in camp is possible instead. XTRAfrica’s guide to Hadza hunting tools, honey and material culture provides useful background without reducing Hadza life to hunting alone. 4. What People Gather and Eat Changes with the Season Hadza archers demonstrate bow skills near Lake Eyasi, Tanzania. What visitors observe depends on the day, and neither wildlife encounters nor a successful hunt should ever be treated as guaranteed entertainment. Photo: Woodlouse/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hadzaland does not offer a fixed tasting menu. Wild foods depend on location, rain, availability and the choices of the people gathering them. Research summarised by Stanford Medicine describes a seasonal pattern: meat, baobab and tubers had greater relative importance in the dry period, while berries, honey, tubers and baobab were prominent in the wet period. Tubers and baobab were available across the year in that study. You may learn how edible plants are located or how tubers are dug, but seeing or tasting a specific food should never be promised. Ask before eating anything and do not take plant material away. Food has practical and social meaning; XTRAfrica’s account of why the Hadza share food explains why a meal cannot be treated as a prop for photographs. 5. You Will Probably Need an Interpreter A Hadza man creates fire using a wooden drill and friction in a prepared piece of soft wood. Fire-making is one of the practical skills visitors may be shown during a community-hosted experience. Photo: BrixL/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Hadzane includes click consonants and is central to Hadza identity. The Sheffield fieldsite notes that many Hadza also speak Swahili, but language ability varies. Most international visitors will therefore depend on a local guide who can interpret both words and context. A good interpreter does more than translate questions. They should explain when a subject is private, when a photograph is inappropriate and whether residents have finished answering. Speak to people, not only to the guide, and leave pauses for interpretation. Do not turn click sounds into a party trick or insist that someone repeat words for a video. XTRAfrica’s feature on Hadza language and its meaning is a useful primer before the journey. 6. Familiar Demonstrations Are Only a Small Part of Hadza Life Smaller arrows made for Hadza children demonstrate how archery knowledge and practical bush skills can be introduced from an early age and passed between generations. Photo: Charming lifetouch/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fire-making, archery, song, dance and craft sales commonly appear in descriptions of Hadza visits. They can be meaningful exchanges when residents choose to share them, but a short demonstration is not a complete picture of a society. The Hadza also navigate education, healthcare, market contact, mobile phones, land pressure, conservation and relationships with neighbouring communities. Avoid asking whether what you see is “real” or “authentic.” Tourism itself is now part of life in some eastern camps. A better question is who chose the activity, what it means outside the visitor encounter and whether participation is voluntary. Residents may also decline, change the order or end an activity. That is normal consent, not poor service. 7. Photography Requires a Fresh Yes, Not a Blanket Assumption Paying for a tour does not automatically purchase the right to photograph everyone present. Ask before photographing an individual, a child, a home, food preparation, hunting, dance or a close-up of personal objects. Permission for one image does not necessarily cover video, drone footage or commercial publication. ADVERTISEMENT A Hadza family stands outside a home built from locally available branches and vegetation in Tanzania. Camp structures are generally practical and lightly constructed, reflecting the community’s close relationship with its surroundings. Photo: Calvin pro7/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Agree on the process with your guide before entering camp: who will ask, how a refusal will be communicated and whether any photography payment is included. Put the camera down during introductions. If someone changes their mind, stop. Never photograph children simply because an adult guide said the whole camp was open to cameras; seek consent through the appropriate parent or caregiver and the person being photographed. 8. Tourism Income Can Help, but It May Not Reach Everyone Equally Ask exactly where your payment goes. The 2017 peer-reviewed record of Hadza attitudes toward tourism found that souvenir income varied significantly between individuals, even though tourism also gave some Hadza greater choice in how they engaged with neighbouring economies. This makes payment transparency a practical ethical issue. Request an itemised quote in Tanzanian shillings stating the community contribution, guide fee, transport and any activity charges. No current authoritative, destination-wide standard tariff could be verified for this article, so reconfirm the total before booking. Buy crafts directly from their makers when possible, pay the agreed price and avoid distributing sweets, alcohol, medicines or cash randomly. Gifts can create conflict or bypass community decisions. 9. Land Rights and Conservation Belong in the Conversation The woodland is not an empty backdrop. It supplies food, medicine, materials, water access and space for mobility. Farming expansion, grazing, settlement and other land pressures have shaped Hadza life for decades. The Yaeda–Eyasi project record maintained by Plan Vivo says its work covers Hadza hunter-gatherer and Datooga pastoralist communities and links village land-use plans with forest management. Hadza women dance together in Tanzania. Song and dance may form part of a community-hosted encounter, but participation, filming and photography should always follow the guidance and consent of the people involved. Photo: Imani Selemani Nsamila/Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Visitors should therefore avoid presenting Hadza mobility as aimless wandering. It is connected to resources, social choice and land access. Do not collect plants, stones, arrowheads or archaeological material. For deeper context, XTRAfrica’s reporting on Hadza land rights in modern Tanzania explains why communal tenure and landscape protection matter to the future of Hadzaland. 10. Roads, Facilities and Connectivity Can Be Basic The final approach may involve unpaved rural tracks, dust in dry conditions and mud or delays after rain. Tanzania’s current FCDO road and weather guidance warns that road surfaces can deteriorate in rainy periods and that heavy rain can make dirt tracks hazardous or impassable. That is national guidance, not proof of a closure at Lake Eyasi, so ask for a same-week local road report. Expect limited toilets, shade, medical access, card payment and mobile coverage once away from established accommodation. Carry water, sun protection, insect repellent, a small personal first-aid kit and the cash agreed with your operator. The CDC Tanzania travel-health page currently advises travellers to discuss malaria prevention and other vaccinations with a clinician; it also notes that rabies treatment may be harder to obtain outside larger centres. Do not touch dogs or wild animals. Planning Questions to Ask Before You Book Use these questions to distinguish a thoughtful visit from a vague “tribe tour”: Has the receiving community agreed to this date, group size and activity plan? Is the interpreter known to the camp, and which languages do they speak? How are the community contribution, guide fee and craft payments divided? Is hunting included, optional or replaced by another activity? What are the current road conditions, vehicle type and night-driving plan? What walking distance, terrain, toilets and rest options should we expect? What are the rules for portraits, children, video, drones and commercial use? What happens if rain, wildlife movement or community priorities change the visit? Check whether the tour company appears in Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism operator register , then verify its current licence details directly. Also review XTRAfrica’s Tanzania travel guide before fitting Lake Eyasi into a northern-circuit route. Reconfirm fees, roads, health advice, access and community availability immediately before booking and again shortly before departure. 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 Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari . African Culture Tanzania Visa and Entry Requirements: What Travellers Need . Travel Tips Getting Around Tanzania: Flights, Trains, Buses and Ferries . A Good Hadzaland Visit Leaves Room for “No” The strongest visit is not the one that collects every promised photograph or demonstration. It is the one in which residents retain control over the time, activity and images they share. Arrive prepared to walk and listen, but also prepared for weather, movement or consent to alter the plan. Hadzaland rewards curiosity, yet it asks something in return: recognise the Hadza as neighbours, guides, craftspeople, parents, workers and rights-holders living in the present. If your operator cannot explain who benefits, who grants access or how refusals are handled, choose another arrangement. FAQs Is Hadzaland a national park? No. Hadzaland is an informal term for the Hadza homeland around Lake Eyasi and the Yaeda Valley. It is a lived cultural landscape containing community land, villages, camps and neighbouring peoples not a single gated attraction. Can I visit the Hadza without a guide? Independent arrival is not recommended. A locally connected guide and interpreter helps arrange consent, locate the receiving camp, navigate rural tracks and explain photography and payment rules. Use a currently licensed operator and ask how the community participates in planning. Will I definitely see a hunt? No. A hunting walk depends on the community’s plan, season, local conditions and personal willingness. Wildlife sightings and a successful hunt cannot be guaranteed. Ask for a non-hunting alternative before booking if you are uncomfortable observing subsistence hunting. What should I wear for a Hadza community visit? Choose closed walking shoes, long lightweight trousers, a breathable shirt, a hat and sun protection. Carry a light layer for the early morning. Neutral, practical clothing is sufficient; costume-style “tribal” clothing is inappropriate. How much does a Hadzaland visit cost? There is no authoritative destination-wide standard price verified for August 2026. Request a written, itemised quote in Tanzanian shillings covering transport, guide, interpreter, community contribution and activities. Ask what is refundable if weather or community availability changes the plan. When is the best time to visit? Visits are possible in different seasons, but the experience changes. Rain can affect tracks and walking, while foods and gathering activities vary across the year. Choose dates for your wider Tanzania route, then obtain a current Lake Eyasi road and activity report instead of expecting one fixed “best” month. Sources and Further Reading University of Sheffield, Culture and the Mind: Hadza fieldsite Nicholas Blurton Jones, Geography and Ecology in the Eyasi Basin , Cambridge University Press, 2016 Haruna Yatsuka, Sustainable Hunting as Commodity: The Case of Tanzania’s Hadza Hunter-Gatherers , 2018 Haruna Yatsuka, Attitude of the Hadza Hunter-Gatherers toward Tourism in Tanzania , Journal of African Studies, 2017 Stanford Medicine, Hunter-gatherers of Tanzania experience seasonal variation in gut-microbe diversity , 2017 Plan Vivo, Yaeda–Eyasi Landscape, Tanzania UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Tanzania safety and security US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tanzania traveller health Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tour operator register ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route Stone Town occupies the western side of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go Plan Mafia Island by coast and season, with diving, whale sharks, transport, fees and places to stay. . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari Compare wildlife, activities, access and costs before choosing Tanzania’s southern safari park. . African Culture Tanzania Visa and Entry Requirements: What Travellers Need Check visa eligibility, passport rules, health documents and Zanzibar insurance before travel. . Tags Visit Tanzania Visit Tanzania Tanzania Tanzania Visiting Tanzania Visiting Tanzania The Hadza Tribe The Hadza Tribe

Explore 10 rare and endemic animals found only in DR Congo, from bonobos to swamp antelopes, with travel tips, local insights, and verified 2025 sightings. The Democratic Republic of the Congo isn’t just vast it’s virtually a planet of its own when it comes to wildlife. Hidden in its jungles and swamps are creatures found nowhere else on Earth . We’re not talking common safari fare, but the “wait, that exists?” level of unique. From a “forest giraffe” with zebra stripes to a swimming cat-like carnivore, DR Congo’s endemic animals are the stuff of legend and discovery. Buckle up for a wild ride through Congo’s one-of-a-kind fauna and how you might catch a glimpse (with some luck and likely a fair bit of cash). Each entry below spotlights an animal you can only find in DR Congo, with a dash of local insight and tips. And because seeing is believing, we’ve sprinkled in social media snippets from 2025 that capture these critters’ charm consider it a virtual safari. Ready to meet Congo’s exclusive wildlife VIPs? 1. Okapi If unicorns were real, they’d look like the okapi. With zebra-striped legs and a giraffe-like head , the okapi seems assembled from spare animal parts. In reality, it’s the only living relative of the giraffe – just in a forest-friendly size. Shy and elusive, okapis roam the dense Ituri Rainforest of northeastern DRC and nowhere else . Science didn’t even know this animal existed until 1901 locals had kept the “African unicorn” a secret, and for good reason. With huge ears to track predators and a long bluish tongue to pluck leaves, the okapi is perfectly adapted to its rainforest realm. Price: There’s no standard ticket to see an okapi this isn’t a zoo animal but a wild wonder deep in conflict-wary terrain. Intrepid travelers who must try can arrange expeditions to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, often involving charter flight s (several hundred dollars each way) and special permits. In short, spotting an okapi in the wild is priceless literally, you can’t simply buy a tour. Local tip: The okapi is a source of national pride in DRC. It’s a national symbol , appearing on local currency and park ranger logos . Indigenous Mbuti people respectfully call it “O’api.” So if you do venture to its turf, move quietly, respect the forest and count yourself among the lucky few to even search for this creature. (For everyone else, the San Diego Zoo’s Instagram gave a striped-leg “bootie” tribute on World Okapi Day see it on Instagram .) Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE 10 Unique Animal Species Only Found in DR Congo By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Nov 16, 2025 May 15, 2026 31 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of the Congo isn’t just vast it’s virtually a planet of its own when it comes to wildlife. Hidden in its jungles and swamps are creatures found nowhere else on Earth . We’re not talking common safari fare, but the “wait, that exists?” level of unique. From a “forest giraffe” with zebra stripes to a swimming cat-like carnivore, DR Congo’s endemic animals are the stuff of legend and discovery. Buckle up for a wild ride through Congo’s one-of-a-kind fauna and how you might catch a glimpse (with some luck and likely a fair bit of cash). Each entry below spotlights an animal you can only find in DR Congo, with a dash of local insight and tips. And because seeing is believing, we’ve sprinkled in social media snippets from 2025 that capture these critters’ charm consider it a virtual safari. Ready to meet Congo’s exclusive wildlife VIPs? 1. Okapi Part zebra, part giraffe, all mystery the elusive okapi slips through the Ituri rainforest like a myth in motion. If unicorns were real, they’d look like the okapi. With zebra-striped legs and a giraffe-like head , the okapi seems assembled from spare animal parts. In reality, it’s the only living relative of the giraffe – just in a forest-friendly size. Shy and elusive, okapis roam the dense Ituri Rainforest of northeastern DRC and nowhere else . Science didn’t even know this animal existed until 1901 locals had kept the “African unicorn” a secret, and for good reason. With huge ears to track predators and a long bluish tongue to pluck leaves, the okapi is perfectly adapted to its rainforest realm. Price: There’s no standard ticket to see an okapi this isn’t a zoo animal but a wild wonder deep in conflict-wary terrain. Intrepid travelers who must try can arrange expeditions to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, often involving charter flight s (several hundred dollars each way) and special permits. In short, spotting an okapi in the wild is priceless literally, you can’t simply buy a tour. Local tip: The okapi is a source of national pride in DRC. It’s a national symbol , appearing on local currency and park ranger logos . Indigenous Mbuti people respectfully call it “O’api.” So if you do venture to its turf, move quietly, respect the forest and count yourself among the lucky few to even search for this creature. (For everyone else, the San Diego Zoo’s Instagram gave a striped-leg “bootie” tribute on World Okapi Day see it on Instagram .) 2. Bonobo Caught mid-trek: a baby bonobo hitches a ride on mama’s back in the forests south of the Congo River just another day in DRC’s most peaceful primate society. Meet the bonobo, our peace-loving primate cousin. These endemic great apes live only in the rainforests south of the Congo River in DRC . Often called “pygmy chimpanzees,” bonobos look a lot like chimps but have leaner builds and (famously) a much gentler disposition. In bonobo society, the females rule the roost and disputes are settled with, ahem, affection rather than aggression. Sharing 98% of our DNA , bonobos are uncannily human in their expressions and intelligence you might catch one calmly fishing for termites or even holding hands with a friend. They’re a critically endangered bunch, due to habitat loss and poaching, but conservationists tout them as a symbol of peace. After all, bonobos truly embody “make love, not war” in the animal kingdom. Fun fact – February 14 is World Bonobo Day , fittingly on Valentine’s, and the Kinshasa sanctuary often hosts events where you can even see them being lovingly mischievous on Instagram . Price: Easiest way to see bonobos is at Lola ya Bonobo , a sanctuary just outside Kinshasa (the world’s only bonobo sanctuary). Entry for foreigners is about $10 (around 25,000 CDF ) an absolute bargain to meet humanity’s hippie cousins. If you want to venture into the wild to see bonobos, expect expedition-level costs; the remote forests of Équateur or Tshuapa province aren’t exactly on the tourist trail. Local tip: Bonobos don’t swim, and the wide Congo River has kept them isolated in DRC that’s why chimps live north of the river and bonobos to the south. Locals sometimes refer to them as “ikinji” in Lingala, but many Congolese simply proudly call them “bonobo” and know them as a species found only at home. 3. Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Grauer’s Gorilla) Bigger, shyer, and more endangered than his mountain cousin Grauer’s gorilla reigns in the Congo Basin like a gentle forest king. Think mountain gorillas are big? Meet their burlier cousin, the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, found only in DRC’s lush eastern forests. Also known as Grauer’s gorilla , this is the largest gorilla subspecies on Earth males can top 200 kg (441 lbs) but are mellow herbivores munching on wild celery and bamboo. These gorillas sport a jet-black coat and, like their mountain kin, older males wear that dignified silver streak on their back. Tragically, Grauer’s gorillas are critically endangered and have dwindled to perhaps 3,800 in the wild , largely due to decades of conflict and mining in their habitat. They hang on in pockets of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko region. If you lock eyes with one through the foliage, it’s an awe-inspiring, humbling experience gentle brown eyes in a massive frame. ADVERTISEMENT See one visitor’s stunned reaction on Instagram as a Grauer’s gorilla saunters byinstagram . Price: Gorilla trekking isn’t cheap, but it’s unforgettable. A permit to track Grauer’s gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega will set you back about $450 (~ 1.1 million CDF ). That’s actually a bargain compared to Rwanda’s mountain gorilla permits. This fee funds park rangers and community projects, so your money helps protect the very gorillas you’re visiting. Local tip: Eastern lowland gorillas are generally calmer than their mountain cousins locals say they’re “philosophers of the forest.” Still, always follow your guide’s instructions. If a silverback charges (a rare mock-charge), crouch down and look away show some respect in gorilla language! Also, bring some French or Swahili phrases; many Congolese trackers speak those. And get ready to share epic stories afterward 4. Lesula That moment when a new monkey species goes viral for its soulful eyes and awkward posture meet the Lesula, DRC’s surprise superstar. Discovered by science just a little over a decade ago, the lesula is proof that Mother Nature still has secrets in DRC. This medium-sized monkey with astonishingly human-like eyes lives in the remote Lomami Basin forests and nowhere else . Sporting golden fur on its chest and a flamboyant tufted mane, the lesula looks like a cross between a guenon monkey and someone’s grumpy grandpa. Oh, and the males? They have a bright blue backside that’d make a baboon jealous (yes, blue butt fashion-forward in the animal world). Local hunters knew about the lesula for ages, but scientists only formally described it in 2012 after a surprised researcher saw one tied to a post as a pet in a village. Since then, it’s been hailed as one of the top new species discoveries of the 21st century . Not bad for a shy jungle monkey with an expressive face! Price: There’s no tour operator offering “Lesula treks” spotting this monkey in the wild is a matter of luck, funding, and being very deep in the DRC hinterland. Essentially, no tourist price tag exists. You’d need to organize a custom expedition to Lomami National Park or work with conservation researchers. We’re talking thousands of dollars in logistics and even then, you might only catch a distant rustle. Local tip: The lesula’s local name comes from the language of the people in its range (perhaps “lesula” itself stems from a local word). Villagers sometimes kept them as pets, which is how the world learned of them. If you ever find yourself in the lesula’s turf, working with community trackers is key they know the lesula’s call and habits. To get a sense of its soulful gaze without a jungle trek, check out the rescue story of a pet lesula named Kavu happily now in a sanctuary on Instagram . Those eyes will melt your heart, even through a screen. 5. Golden-Bellied Mangabey This flashy forest primate eats, lounges, and photobombs with zero shame. The golden-bellied mangabey is as flashy as it sounds picture a monkey with a fiery orange belly and a dark fur coat, like it’s wearing a golden sweater. Endemic to swampy forests south of the Congo River in DRC , this mangabey (a type of baboon-like monkey) is so elusive that scientists practically know it by cameo appearances . In fact, the only known photograph of this species in the wild was snapped by chance this primate is paparazzi-averse! Golden-bellied mangabeys live in large social groups, chattering away as they forage for fruits and seeds in the flooded forests. They were once lumped with a more common cousin, the agile mangabey, but now recognized as their own species score one for DRC’s unique biodiversity. Their extraordinarily long tails help them balance in treetops, and cheek pouches allow them to squirrel away snacks while foraging. Price: No tourist ever says “I’m going to DRC to see the golden-bellied mangabey” if one did, they’d have a rough time. There’s no established price because sightings are virtually nonexistent for outsiders. You’d need to bankroll an expedition into remote swamps, hire local guides, and invest possibly $5,000+ ( ~12.5 million CDF) in hopes of a glimpse. In other words, this monkey is seen mostly by Ph.D. researchers and maybe a very lucky villager. Local tip: In the local Lingala or Swahili dialects, there isn’t a famous nickname for this mangabey that’s how under-the-radar it is. One local insight: these monkeys love swampy areas where raffia palms grow. If you’re ever in their habitat, you might more easily hear them than see them listen for rustling and their distinctive whoops at dawn. And for us armchair explorers, CITES highlighted this species during a wildlife conference even bureaucrats fangirled over it on Instagram , which tells you how special it is. 6. Dryas Monkey (Salonga Monkey) Spotted once in a century, then snapped by camera trap like it was no big deal. Dryas monkeys are the forest’s ghost influencers. A monkey so rare it was once thought mythical, the dryas monkey is the DRC’s little rainforest phantom. Also called the Salonga monkey or by local name “ekele,” this tiny guenon hides in the central Congo Basin and nowhere else . Sporting a striking coat dark back, bright yellow-orange chest , and a white beard – the dryas monkey looks like it’s perpetually wearing a fancy vest. It’s absurdly elusive; for decades we knew it only from a single museum specimen and local tales of a “small tree spirit.” In fact, its Latin name dryas means wood nymph , hinting at its near-mythical status. Good news: camera traps recently proved the dryas monkey is still out there, and perhaps not as critically low in number as feared . Still, it remains one of Africa’s most mysterious primates , hanging on in the deep forests of Salonga National Park and surrounding areas. They live in small groups, quietly feasting on fruits and insects so quietly that scientists are still puzzling out their habits. ADVERTISEMENT Price: You won’t find a “Dryas monkey trekking” permit this creature is pretty much a holy grail for primate geeks. Realistically, the price is time and patience : years of field work or thousands in research funding to set camera traps. For an ordinary traveler, the chance of encountering an ekele in the wild is near zero (you’d sooner spot a unicorn... or at least an okapi!). Local tip: Local lore in its habitat suggests the dryas monkey is active in secondary forest (places where villagers often set snares for other game which is how a few dryas have been caught on camera inadvertently). In the Luo language they’re sometimes called “inoko,” and some forest communities barely distinguish them from other monkeys due to their rarity. Your best bet to see one is through conservation organizations’ updates check out a 2025 awareness reel on Instagram where a primate NGO calls for action to protect the dryas monkey . The fact that even on social media you’ll only see a drawing or grainy cam-trap photo says it all! 7. Aquatic Genet The leopard-print ninja of Congo’s wetlands this spotted swimmer’s rare sightings are safari bragging rights gold. Did you know cats can swim? Well, this isn’t exactly a cat, but the aquatic genet is a feline-looking carnivore that fishes for a living think “water-loving weasel meets mini leopard.” Endemic to the northeastern DRC’s rainforests, the aquatic genet (scientific name Genetta piscivora ) is so rare that it’s almost the stuff of legend. It’s about the size of a housecat with a reddish-brown coat and faint spots. Unlike its tree-climbing genet cousins, this oddball hangs out along streams in the Ituri forest and has webbed-like paws to scoop fish and crustaceans the only carnivorous mammal in Africa specialized in fishing ! It’s been recorded only a handful of times by scientists, all in DR Congo . Locals in its area seldom see it, and it’s as nocturnal as they come. Basically, the aquatic genet is the ninija of the swamp : silent, stealthy, and strikes at night for a fish supper. Price: There’s no tourism infrastructure for this little guy. You’d have to venture into Okapi Wildlife Reserve or similar areas with a flashlight, bucketloads of DEET, and a hope to spot eye-shine by a stream. The “price” would be arranging a custom forest trek (say $3000 or more, ~7.5 million CDF, in logistics) and even then, odds of success are slim to none. This animal is a biologist’s dream find, not a safari target. Local tip: The aquatic genet is sometimes called “minsende” by Congolese hunters in the region. They say it’s so rare that seeing one is an omen (good or bad, depending on the tribe). If you camp by a river, you might hear a splash that isn’t a fish or a croc a clue that our fishy feline is hunting. For a vicarious look, check out an African safari outfit’s post listing the aquatic genet among Congo’s strangest creatures proof that even seasoned guides brag if they glimpse this animal. You can see it on Instagram (in list form, since photos are basically nonexistent). 8. Upemba Lechwe Straight outta Katanga and palm-sized perfection this rare Upemba mud turtle could win “Best Shell Design” if reptiles had red carpets. This marsh antelope is so rare and localized, it’s literally named after the one place it lives: Upemba. The Upemba lechwe is a medium-sized antelope with elegant ridged horns (in males) and a reddish coat, adapted to swampy grasslands. Once upon a time (we’re talking mid-20th century), thousands of these lechwe bounded through the wetlands of Upemba National Park in southern DRC. But years of poaching and instability nearly wiped them out they went missing from view so long they earned the nickname “Africa’s forgotten antelope.” It turns out the Upemba lechwe is endemic to the Kamalondo Depression of DR Congo . Just this year, conservationists finally captured the first-ever photograph of a living Upemba lechwe in the wild a truly historic moment (the antelope posed, literally, looking at the camera!). Fewer than 100 are estimated to remain , making it one of the world’s rarest large mammals. It’s a close relative of more common lechwe found in Zambia and Botswana, but those guys can’t compete with Upemba’s isolation this species has been stranded in its wetland oasis for millennia, and now it’s on the brink of extinction . Price: You could be a pioneer and try to see one but be ready for an adventure. Reaching Upemba National Park means traversing some rough, off-the-map terrain in Katanga. Also, team up with park rangers; they know the remaining lechwe hangouts. To feel the excitement remotely, check out the African Conservation Foundation’s triumphant post when the lechwe’s photo went public it’s on Instagram and the enthusiasm is palpable . There is no set tour price ; you’d need to coordinate with park authorities or a speciality outfitter. Realistically, it might involve chartering a bush plane or days of driving, hiring rangers, etc. likely running into thousands of dollars (plus hazard pay for the bumpy ride!). And that’s with no guarantee; even researchers had to fly a survey plane to spot them. Local tip: Upemba locals and rangers were overjoyed at the recent sightings many younger folks had never seen their “legendary” antelope alive. If you go, visit in the late dry season when wetlands shrink and animals concentrate near water. 9. Hero Shrew (Scutisorex) Meet Congo’s muscle mouse: the Hero Shrew can survive being stepped on by a grown human. Still waiting for its Marvel deal. 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 . Tiny animal, superhero spine . The humble hero shrew a small mole-like creature in DRC won’t win any beauty contests, but it could win a strongman competition (if shrews held those). This little insectivore, about the size of a mouse, has a back so strong local folklore says a full-grown man can stand on it without breaking it . (Legend has it, curious Western explorers in the 1910s witnessed exactly that courtesy of the Mangbetu people in Congo, who knew the hero shrew’s secret). What’s the secret? The hero shrew’s spine is uniquely built with interlocking, super-dense vertebrae unlike any other mammal on Earth. It’s like mother nature gave it a reinforced steel back. Why? Scientists theorize it helps the shrew wedge under heavy logs or rocks to find bugs, but honestly, it’s still a mystery. There are actually two species (the original Hero Shrew and the even more robust Thor’s Hero Shrew discovered in 2013, also in DRC). Both are found only in the Congo Basin forests. You could walk past one and never know they’re small, shaggy, and usually hidden in leaf litter. But their X-Men spine is the stuff of anatomical marvel. Price: There’s no tourist excursion for “shrew spines.” Your best bet to encounter a hero shrew would be joining a scientific survey in DR Congo and even field biologists rarely catch them. In other words, not for sale . This is truly an endemic wonder you’ll have to appreciate in absentia. Local tip: Congolese communities that know of the hero shrew consider it almost magical. In some areas, a dead hero shrew was used as a charm for strength. If you ever find one (dead or alive), treat it with respect you’re handling a creature that’s basically a living legend. For a closer look at how insane its backbone is, the Field Museum in Chicago did scans proving it’s four times more robust than a normal shrew’s . (Imagine having 10+ lumbar vertebrae that lock together!). One quirky spiritual blog even dubbed the hero shrew a “power animal” symbolizing resilience and honestly, that fits. You can glimpse an illustration and shout-out they gave this mighty micro-mammal on Instagram . It’s not your typical wildlife glamour shot, but the hero shrew deserves the love. 10. Upemba Mud Turtle Straight outta Katanga and palm-sized perfection this rare Upemba mud turtle could win “Best Shell Design” if reptiles had red carpets. Our final endemic all-star is a shelled recluse: the Upemba mud turtle . As its name hints, this small aquatic turtle lives in muddy marshes and ponds in Upemba National Park, DRC and nowhere else on the planet animalia.bio . It’s about 20 cm long (8 inches) with a dark, domed shell. Not exactly flashy, but what it lacks in looks it makes up in rarity. These turtles are so range-restricted that they’ve evolved to love Upemba’s particular swamp conditions. They spend their days hiding under vegetation in shallow water, popping up to munch on snails or plants. During the dry season, they estivate (a fancy word for chilling buried in mud until rain returns). The Upemba mud turtle is critically endangered habitat loss and, ironically, its desirability in the pet trade have put it at risk. (Turtle aficionados will pay crazy sums for such rarities, though export from DRC is tightly controlled.) In short, this little mud-dweller is as Congolese as it gets , a true swamp specialist. Price: Unless you’re a turtle researcher, you’re not likely to see this on a trip but hypothetically, visiting Upemba Park (entry fees are modest, under $50) and heading to its marshes with a guide could give you a shot. Realistically, there’s no tourist package for “mud turtle spotting.” That said, the global turtle nerd community prizes this species captive-bred juveniles can sell for several hundred dollars overseas. (Yes, some people have legally bred a few, under conservation programs.) Local tip: The Turtle Source, a reptile outfit, joked that Upemba mud turtles “don’t like foreigners” instagram.com – meaning they can be sensitive to environmental change. So if you do go looking in Upemba, tread softly in their marshes. The park rangers sometimes do surveys for them; if you express interest, you might join a wading session. Also, keep an eye out at dusk when they’re more active in the water shallows. For a peek at an Upemba mud turtle (and some park scenery) without getting your boots wet, see Upemba National Park’s own post – they highlighted this turtle in a “Life in the Park” feature on Instagram . It’s a proud emblem for the park, even if it’s a humble mud-lover at heart. From the towering okapi to the tiny hero shrew , DR Congo’s endemic animals are a reminder that some of nature’s most fascinating stories are hyper-local. These species evolved in isolation, often in pockets of forest or swamp that remained stable while change swirled around them. They survived wars, habitat loss, and being unknown to science; now they symbolize both the fragility and resilience of Congo’s wilderness. Traveling to see them is not easy in many cases not feasible but just knowing they exist is a thrill for any wildlife enthusiast. If you do plan a DRC adventure to seek out even a couple of these creatures, do your homework, hire local guides, and remember that conservation is key. Your permit fees and tour costs help protect these unique animals for the future. And if an actual trip is out of reach, you can still support the organizations working to save them or simply geek out on the latest Instagram updates from afar, cheering each new sighting. Congo’s one-of-a-kind fauna may be elusive, but they capture our imagination, reminding us that our planet holds wonders we’re still discovering. So here’s to the bonobos making peace, the lechwe making comebacks, and the little shrew that literally won’t crack under pressure. In the grand tapestry of life, DRC’s endemic animals are shining threads rare, beautiful, and totally worth celebrating. Safe (and savvy) travels, or as they say in Congo, “voyagez bien!” 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's Tourism DR Congo's Tourism Travel Africa Travel Africa travel abroad travel abroad Travel & Tourism Travel & Tourism Travel Blog Travel Blog

asty C says Wizkid’s 2016 hit with Drake helped open global opportunities for African artists. South African rapper Nasty C has credited Nigerian music star Wizkid for helping African artists gain wider global recognition through Afrobeats. Speaking during a podcast interview, the rapper said Wizkid’s 2016 collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake on the hit song “One Dance” played a major role in opening international opportunities for African musicians. Nasty C stated that the success of the collaboration significantly boosted the popularity and commercial value of Afrobeats across different markets. According to him, the genre became so profitable that some hip-hop artists in Africa began transitioning into Afrobeats. “Wizkid and Drake collaboration on ‘One Dance’ opened the door for African artists,” Nasty C said during the interview. He added that during interviews in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, media personalities informed him that several rappers were embracing Afrobeats because of its growing international success following Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake. Released in 2016, “One Dance” featured Wizkid and British singer Kyla . The track later became the first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, earning a Guinness World Record. The song blended Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop influences and is widely regarded as one of the tracks that helped push Afrobeats into mainstream global music conversations. Drake also acknowledged Wizkid’s contribution to the song, with the Nigerian singer credited as a co-writer, producer, and featured vocalist on the record. Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Nasty C Credits Wizkid for Afrobeats Global Breakthrough By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment May 25, 2026 May 25, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: South African rapper Nasty C has credited Nigerian music star Wizkid for helping African artists gain wider global recognition through Afrobeats. Speaking during a podcast interview, the rapper said Wizkid’s 2016 collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake on the hit song “One Dance” played a major role in opening international opportunities for African musicians. Nasty C stated that the success of the collaboration significantly boosted the popularity and commercial value of Afrobeats across different markets. According to him, the genre became so profitable that some hip-hop artists in Africa began transitioning into Afrobeats. ADVERTISEMENT “Wizkid and Drake collaboration on ‘One Dance’ opened the door for African artists,” Nasty C said during the interview. He added that during interviews in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, media personalities informed him that several rappers were embracing Afrobeats because of its growing international success following Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake. ADVERTISEMENT Released in 2016, “One Dance” featured Wizkid and British singer Kyla . The track later became the first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, earning a Guinness World Record. The song blended Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop influences and is widely regarded as one of the tracks that helped push Afrobeats into mainstream global music conversations. Drake also acknowledged Wizkid’s contribution to the song, with the Nigerian singer credited as a co-writer, producer, and featured vocalist on the record. 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 South African Entertainment South African Entertainment South Africa South Africa

Fresh AFC/M23-Wazalendo fighting in Masisi has displaced more Congolese families as the Doha ceasefire-verification mechanism begins operations. Fresh fighting in Masisi has forced more Congolese families from their homes as AFC/M23 advances and clashes with Wazalendo fighters continue to destabilize parts of North Kivu, even as a new ceasefire-verification mechanism is being activated under the Doha peace process. GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — August 24, 2026 — A new wave of displacement is being reported in Masisi territory, North Kivu, as fighting between AFC/M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters continues for a second week, placing more pressure on Congolese communities already living through prolonged insecurity. According to Radio Okapi , families fled the villages of Bikunje, Kirambo and Mutindi in the Ufamandu I area over the weekend and moved toward neighboring Ufamandu II. Radio Okapi reported that the three villages were largely emptied of their residents, with displaced families seeking refuge in localities including Kiterema, Biolo, Mbeshembeshe and Mangere. The latest movement of civilians underlines the continuing human cost of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where local communities repeatedly bear the consequences when armed groups fight for control of territory. AFC/M23 gains add pressure around Ufamandu The new displacement comes days after AFC/M23 captured additional villages in the same part of Masisi. Actualite.cd reported on August 21 that Chingete, Katuunda and Miko had fallen under AFC/M23 control following fighting on August 18, while Wazalendo fighters withdrew toward Mianda and Lulere. The outlet said the rebel advance had also raised concern in neighboring Walikale territory because the newly occupied positions brought AFC/M23 closer to Biriko in the Waloa Loanda grouping. For the DRC, the expansion of rebel-held positions inside North Kivu represents more than a battlefield shift. Each new area taken by an armed movement weakens the presence of the Congolese state, complicates civilian administration and increases the risk that more communities will be cut off from normal public services, trade routes and humanitarian assistance. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN EASTERN DRC Fresh Masisi Fighting Forces More Congolese Families to Flee By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 24, 2026 Aug 24, 2026 6 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Fresh fighting in Masisi has forced more Congolese families from their homes as AFC/M23 advances and clashes with Wazalendo fighters continue to destabilize parts of North Kivu, even as a new ceasefire-verification mechanism is being activated under the Doha peace process. GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — August 24, 2026 — A new wave of displacement is being reported in Masisi territory, North Kivu, as fighting between AFC/M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters continues for a second week, placing more pressure on Congolese communities already living through prolonged insecurity. According to Radio Okapi , families fled the villages of Bikunje, Kirambo and Mutindi in the Ufamandu I area over the weekend and moved toward neighboring Ufamandu II. Radio Okapi reported that the three villages were largely emptied of their residents, with displaced families seeking refuge in localities including Kiterema, Biolo, Mbeshembeshe and Mangere. The latest movement of civilians underlines the continuing human cost of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where local communities repeatedly bear the consequences when armed groups fight for control of territory. AFC/M23 gains add pressure around Ufamandu The new displacement comes days after AFC/M23 captured additional villages in the same part of Masisi. Actualite.cd reported on August 21 that Chingete, Katuunda and Miko had fallen under AFC/M23 control following fighting on August 18, while Wazalendo fighters withdrew toward Mianda and Lulere. The outlet said the rebel advance had also raised concern in neighboring Walikale territory because the newly occupied positions brought AFC/M23 closer to Biriko in the Waloa Loanda grouping. ADVERTISEMENT For the DRC, the expansion of rebel-held positions inside North Kivu represents more than a battlefield shift. Each new area taken by an armed movement weakens the presence of the Congolese state, complicates civilian administration and increases the risk that more communities will be cut off from normal public services, trade routes and humanitarian assistance. The immediate impact, however, is being felt by civilians. Radio Okapi said local human-rights organizations had reported looting in several villages, including allegations that fighters involved in the conflict took livestock and other property belonging to residents. The same organizations also accused suspected Wazalendo fighters of imposing harassment at roadblocks in Ufamandu II. Those allegations have not been independently verified, but they highlight the multiple security threats facing civilians caught between opposing armed forces. Congolese civilians continue paying the price The fighting around Ufamandu has now persisted for more than two weeks, according to Radio Okapi. Local organizations are calling for urgent humanitarian assistance for displaced families, many of whom have fled with limited access to shelter, food and other basic necessities. The situation adds to a wider displacement crisis across eastern DRC, where repeated offensives, counteroffensives and territorial changes have forced families to abandon homes, farms and livelihoods. For Kinshasa, restoring security in these areas remains central not only to the military situation but also to the country's sovereignty and the ability of Congolese institutions to function normally in communities affected by the conflict. ADVERTISEMENT The latest developments also come at a sensitive diplomatic moment. Fighting continues as Doha process moves toward field verification The Democratic Republic of the Congo and AFC/M23 recently agreed to move forward with a new ceasefire-verification mechanism under the Doha peace process. In an official joint statement published by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs , representatives of the DRC government and AFC/M23 said they had agreed to further operationalize the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, or EJVM+. The statement said the mechanism's secretariat had been established and that a reconnaissance mission took place on August 20 with logistical support from MONUSCO ahead of the first formal ceasefire-verification mission scheduled for August 24 in Minembwe, South Kivu. The parties also agreed on the need for a standardized way to report alleged ceasefire violations. That makes the continuing clashes in Masisi especially significant. Although the latest fighting does not by itself establish which side may have violated a specific ceasefire obligation, continued hostilities and civilian displacement create an immediate test for the verification framework and for international efforts to move the conflict away from the battlefield. 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 War in DR Congo DRC Accuses RDF and AFC/M23 of Killings, Torture and Abductions . PRESS RELEASE DRC Condemns Killings and Rights Abuses in RDF, AFC/M23-Held Areas . War in Eastern DRC Fresh Masisi Fighting Forces More Congolese Families to Flee . Pressure grows for protection of DRC civilians and territory For Congolese communities in Masisi, diplomatic progress will be judged primarily by whether it produces greater security on the ground. The loss of additional villages, the emptying of civilian settlements and reports of families fleeing toward neighboring areas show that the conflict remains active despite ongoing negotiations. The priority for the Democratic Republic of the Congo is therefore twofold: protecting civilians from further displacement and restoring effective state authority in areas destabilized by armed groups. The new verification mechanism could become an important tool if it is able to establish facts rapidly, document violations credibly and create consequences for parties that fail to respect their commitments. Until that happens, communities in Masisi remain exposed to the immediate realities of the conflict. The latest departures from Bikunje, Kirambo and Mutindi are another reminder that every territorial confrontation in eastern DRC carries a direct cost for Congolese families forced to leave their homes behind. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE War in DR Congo DRC Accuses RDF and AFC/M23 of Killings, Torture and Abductions Kinshasa alleges killings, torture, sexual violence and forced recruitment in rebel-held areas. . PRESS RELEASE DRC Condemns Killings and Rights Abuses in RDF, AFC/M23-Held Areas Kinshasa says more than 300 people were killed in June and July in areas held by RDF and AFC/M23. . War in Eastern DRC Fresh Masisi Fighting Forces More Congolese Families to Flee AFC/M23 advances and clashes with Wazalendo trigger new displacement as Doha monitoring begins. . Tags M23/AFC/RDF News M23/AFC/RDF News DR.Congo DR.Congo DRC Conflict & Security DRC Conflict & Security Washington Peace Accord Washington Peace Accord

Félix Tshisekedi warned that DR Congo’s 2028 elections depend on ending the war in the east. Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has warned that the country may not be able to hold its 2028 elections unless the conflict in the east is resolved, according to an Associated Press report . Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa on Wednesday, May 6, Tshisekedi said elections could not be organized without stability in North Kivu and South Kivu, two eastern provinces affected by years of armed violence. “If we cannot end this war, unfortunately we will not be able to organize elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said. He added that the issue would not be a lack of resources, but the inability to hold a national vote while major parts of the east remain insecure. Local outlet also reported Tshisekedi’s remarks, saying he linked the 2028 election timetable directly to ending the war in eastern Congo. The statement comes as eastern DRC continues to face violence involving armed groups, including the M23 rebellion.The conflict escalated in January 2025 when Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and seized Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Tshisekedi, who is serving his second term, also addressed debate over a possible third term. According to local report , he said he had not requested a third term but would accept if Congolese citizens asked him to continue. The DRC constitution currently limits presidents to two terms. it was reported that any move allowing another term would require a constitutional referendum . Opposition figures criticized the remarks, warning that the third-term discussion could increase political tensions ahead of the 2028 electoral deadline. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO Tshisekedi Says 2028 vote Impossible Until Peace Returns in the East By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 7, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has warned that the country may not be able to hold its 2028 elections unless the conflict in the east is resolved, according to an Associated Press report . Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa on Wednesday, May 6, Tshisekedi said elections could not be organized without stability in North Kivu and South Kivu, two eastern provinces affected by years of armed violence. “If we cannot end this war, unfortunately we will not be able to organize elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said. He added that the issue would not be a lack of resources, but the inability to hold a national vote while major parts of the east remain insecure. ADVERTISEMENT Local outlet also reported Tshisekedi’s remarks, saying he linked the 2028 election timetable directly to ending the war in eastern Congo. The statement comes as eastern DRC continues to face violence involving armed groups, including the M23 rebellion.The conflict escalated in January 2025 when Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and seized Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Tshisekedi, who is serving his second term, also addressed debate over a possible third term. According to local report , he said he had not requested a third term but would accept if Congolese citizens asked him to continue. ADVERTISEMENT The DRC constitution currently limits presidents to two terms. it was reported that any move allowing another term would require a constitutional referendum . Opposition figures criticized the remarks, warning that the third-term discussion could increase political tensions ahead of the 2028 electoral deadline. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW Kasaï-Oriental Backs ADEX-RDC Diamond-Cutting Plan . Mining and Minerals DRC and Angola Advance Shared Offshore Oil Project . Oil and Gas DRC Certifies Its First Manono Lithium Cargo . Mining and Minerals DRC Signs Landmark Diamond Deal with Swiss Firm ADEX . Mining and Minerals POPULAR TODAY Mining and Minerals Kasaï-Oriental Backs ADEX-RDC Diamond-Cutting Plan . Oil and Gas DRC and Angola Advance Shared Offshore Oil Project . Mining and Minerals DRC Certifies Its First Manono Lithium Cargo . Mining and Minerals DRC Signs Landmark Diamond Deal with Swiss Firm ADEX . Mining and Minerals DRC Plans Landmark Mining Reform to Make Workers Shareholders . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Mining and Minerals WHY Congo’s Rubaya coltan offer could reshape US mineral strategy The mine is under M23 control, testing Washington’s “conflict-free” sourcing goals. . Economic Reports Kinsuka Power targets 5-year build after financing for 900MW dam Developers say the Congo River project will supply Kinshasa and Kolwezi . Economic Reports Why the DRC–Greek Agropole Agreement Matters for Food Security Kinshasa’s deal with Geothermiki launches studies meant to guide pilot agropoles . | Economy DRC Mining Deal Faces Scrutiny as NGOs Flag corruption Risks Civil society urges U.S. DFC caution, citing past corruption cases tied to Glencore . Tags DRC Mining DRC Mining Africa Africa Wazalendo DRC Wazalendo DRC Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi DR Congo News DR Congo News African Union African Union