In a move to address growing unrest, President William Ruto has expressed readiness to engage with young Kenyans protesting the new public finance bill. The bill, which proposes new taxes, has sparked widespread opposition, particularly among the youth. Last week saw thousands take to the streets across Kenya, demanding the bill's cancellation. Tragically, Thursday's demonstrations resulted in the deaths of two young protesters and left at least 200 injured, according to human rights organizations. On June 23, the protests continued in front of the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi. Kanana Koome, a student, voiced the group's concerns, stating, "This law imposes heavy taxes on Kenyans, leading to oppression and a poor quality of life for those less wealthy." Milan, a 24-year-old participant, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the bleak job prospects for graduates and urging action to prevent future generations from facing even harsher conditions. Protests also erupted in Nyahururu, 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, where President Ruto attended Sunday mass. Addressing the nation for the first time since the protests began, Ruto acknowledged the youth's mobilization and expressed his willingness to dialogue. "We will identify your problems and work together as a nation," he assured. The youth's determination and the president's response mark a critical juncture in Kenya's ongoing debate over the finance bill. As both sides prepare for dialogue, the nation watches closely to see how these discussions will shape the future of Kenya's fiscal policies. By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jun 24, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In a move to address growing unrest, President William Ruto has expressed readiness to engage with young Kenyans protesting the new public finance bill. The bill, which proposes new taxes, has sparked widespread opposition, particularly among the youth. Last week saw thousands take to the streets across Kenya, demanding the bill's cancellation. Tragically, Thursday's demonstrations resulted in the deaths of two young protesters and left at least 200 injured, according to human rights organizations. ADVERTISEMENT On June 23, the protests continued in front of the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi. Kanana Koome, a student, voiced the group's concerns, stating, "This law imposes heavy taxes on Kenyans, leading to oppression and a poor quality of life for those less wealthy." Milan, a 24-year-old participant, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the bleak job prospects for graduates and urging action to prevent future generations from facing even harsher conditions. ADVERTISEMENT Protests also erupted in Nyahururu, 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, where President Ruto attended Sunday mass. Addressing the nation for the first time since the protests began, Ruto acknowledged the youth's mobilization and expressed his willingness to dialogue. "We will identify your problems and work together as a nation," he assured. The youth's determination and the president's response mark a critical juncture in Kenya's ongoing debate over the finance bill. As both sides prepare for dialogue, the nation watches closely to see how these discussions will shape the future of Kenya's fiscal policies. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

The Olympic Torch was ignited on Tuesday in Ancient Olympia, Greece, marking the beginning of a 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. This significant milestone was reached on the same day that the countdown clock in Paris displayed the 100-day marker. The torch will travel a distance of 5,000 kilometers (about 3,100 miles) through Greece, carried by a series of torchbearers. This journey will conclude on April 26 in Athens, where the torch will be handed over to the organizers of the Paris Games. Paris is preparing for an elaborate opening ceremony on July 26, featuring a grand waterborne event on the Seine River. However, concerns about security may lead to adjustments in these plans. French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the potential need for changes, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety. The upcoming Paris Games are being promoted as environmentally friendly and economically sustainable. The city aims to set a new standard for future Olympic Games, addressing global challenges such as climate change. However, this approach has drawn skepticism amid broader criticisms about the costs and impacts of hosting the Games. Recent Olympic events have faced scrutiny over their promises and outcomes. The 2021 Tokyo Games, delayed due to the pandemic, cost $13 billion. The 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi were marred by controversies, including unmet promises and doping scandals. The Paris Games, with a budget of nearly 9 billion euros ($9.7 billion), funded largely through sponsorships, ticket sales, and other private sources, aims to cost less than the last three Summer Games. French taxpayers are expected to contribute approximately 3 billion euros ($3.25 billion), covering security and transportation, as estimated by France’s public audit office. Security remains a pressing concern for Paris, a city that has experienced significant extremist violence in recent years. As a result, plans to allow 600,000 spectators along the Seine have been scaled back. Now, the opening ceremony will accommodate 326,000 spectators, consisting of ticket buyers and invited guests, scaling down earlier plans for extensive free public access. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 17, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Olympic rings were installed at the Trocadero plaza in Paris, providing a picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower in the background. Photo:vecteezy The Olympic Torch was ignited on Tuesday in Ancient Olympia, Greece, marking the beginning of a 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. This significant milestone was reached on the same day that the countdown clock in Paris displayed the 100-day marker. The torch will travel a distance of 5,000 kilometers (about 3,100 miles) through Greece, carried by a series of torchbearers. This journey will conclude on April 26 in Athens, where the torch will be handed over to the organizers of the Paris Games. ADVERTISEMENT Paris is preparing for an elaborate opening ceremony on July 26, featuring a grand waterborne event on the Seine River. However, concerns about security may lead to adjustments in these plans. French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the potential need for changes, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety. The upcoming Paris Games are being promoted as environmentally friendly and economically sustainable. The city aims to set a new standard for future Olympic Games, addressing global challenges such as climate change. However, this approach has drawn skepticism amid broader criticisms about the costs and impacts of hosting the Games. Recent Olympic events have faced scrutiny over their promises and outcomes. The 2021 Tokyo Games, delayed due to the pandemic, cost $13 billion. The 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi were marred by controversies, including unmet promises and doping scandals. ADVERTISEMENT The Paris Games, with a budget of nearly 9 billion euros ($9.7 billion), funded largely through sponsorships, ticket sales, and other private sources, aims to cost less than the last three Summer Games. French taxpayers are expected to contribute approximately 3 billion euros ($3.25 billion), covering security and transportation, as estimated by France’s public audit office. Security remains a pressing concern for Paris, a city that has experienced significant extremist violence in recent years. As a result, plans to allow 600,000 spectators along the Seine have been scaled back. Now, the opening ceremony will accommodate 326,000 spectators, consisting of ticket buyers and invited guests, scaling down earlier plans for extensive free public access. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

On August 2, Congo honors millions lost in village massacres like Makobola and Kasika. Genocost is a call for truth, justice, and international recognition Kinshasa – July 30, 2025 | As the Democratic Republic of Congo prepares to mark the 3rd annual Genocost Memorial Day on August 2, voices across the world are uniting around a single message: Memory and Justice. This year’s theme, under the coordination of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, is not just about reflection; it is a rallying cry for international recognition, dignity, and youth-led renewal. What is Genocost? Genocost refers to the decades-long suffering and slow extermination of Congolese people, especially in the east of the country, due to resource-driven wars, foreign-backed militias, sexual violence, and systemic impunity. The term embodies truth, justice, and non-repetition, as emphasized by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. A Day for the Martyrs, A Fight for Recognition Genocide is not just a day of mourning. It is a growing global campaign for truth, justice, and non-repetition. According to the Congolese government, this year’s Genocost is guided by a sharp, purposeful theme: “Truth is Resistance: For Justice, Peace, and a Sovereign Congo.” Led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka under the direction of President Félix Tshisekedi, the 2025 commemorations are larger and more coordinated than ever before. A three-day colloquium began on July 29 in Kinshasa with participation from international jurists, UN agencies, African institutions, and survivors. Highlights of This Year’s Genocost Memorial A call for the creation of a Special International Criminal Tribunal for the Congo, supported by legal scholars and survivor groups. Diplomatic advocacy at the UN Human Rights Council and the upcoming UN General Assembly, to demand recognition of the genocidal nature of atrocities committed since 1996. Continue Reading Full Article GENOCOST Genocost August 2: Remembering Congo’s Forgotten Genocide By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Jul 31, 2025 Jul 11, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kinshasa – July 30, 2025 | As the Democratic Republic of Congo prepares to mark the 3rd annual Genocost Memorial Day on August 2, voices across the world are uniting around a single message: Memory and Justice. This year’s theme, under the coordination of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, is not just about reflection; it is a rallying cry for international recognition, dignity, and youth-led renewal. What is Genocost? Genocost refers to the decades-long suffering and slow extermination of Congolese people, especially in the east of the country, due to resource-driven wars, foreign-backed militias, sexual violence, and systemic impunity. The term embodies truth, justice, and non-repetition, as emphasized by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. A Day for the Martyrs, A Fight for Recognition Genocide is not just a day of mourning. It is a growing global campaign for truth, justice, and non-repetition. According to the Congolese government, this year’s Genocost is guided by a sharp, purposeful theme: ADVERTISEMENT “Truth is Resistance: For Justice, Peace, and a Sovereign Congo.” Led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka under the direction of President Félix Tshisekedi, the 2025 commemorations are larger and more coordinated than ever before. A three-day colloquium began on July 29 in Kinshasa with participation from international jurists, UN agencies, African institutions, and survivors. Highlights of This Year’s Genocost Memorial A call for the creation of a Special International Criminal Tribunal for the Congo, supported by legal scholars and survivor groups. Diplomatic advocacy at the UN Human Rights Council and the upcoming UN General Assembly, to demand recognition of the genocidal nature of atrocities committed since 1996. A clear shift in government tone: No more appeasement of aggressors. The DRC now explicitly names Rwanda-backed militias, including M23, as perpetrators of systematic violence, rape, and ethnic cleansing. Congo’s Genocide: A War Without a Name Despite estimates of over 6 million Congolese lives lost, much of the world remains unaware. The silence is not accidental - it is political. A powerful report by the Refugee Studies Centre at Oxford University revealed how social media became an underground archive for survivors. Using platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and TikTok, Congolese youth built the #Genocost movement from the digital ashes of lost generations. These digital activists, often in exile, became “witnesses beyond borders,” turning trauma into truth through storytelling. They challenged international media silence and reshaped global narratives about Congo, not as victims, but as agents of memory and resistance. ADVERTISEMENT From the Streets of Goma to the Diaspora Even as Congo builds a framework for remembrance, the trauma is ongoing. Cities like Goma, Bukavu, and Beni remain under threat. Armed groups like M23 continue to recruit children, displace families, and exploit mineral-rich zones. The Congolese diaspora - especially in Belgium, Canada, the US, and France - plays a growing role in advocacy. Campaigns such as “Justice for Congo,” “Don’t Erase Genocost,” and “No Peace Without Memory” have rallied Congolese communities across the globe. In April 2025, a delegation of survivors from refugee camps in Uganda and Zambia testified in Brussels, shedding light on intergenerational trauma and Rwandan military involvement. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Genocost Denise Nyakeru Urges Congolese to Sign GENOCOST Recognition Petition . Genocost Tshisekedi Funds GENOCOST Strategy, Advances Museum . Justice & Crime Genocost: The Human Cost of Congo’s Decades of War . Diplomacy Tshisekedi in New York: Engages U.S. Media on Congo, Rwanda & GENOCOST . Genocost Tshisekedi at the UN: Congo Demands Recognition of GENOCOST . ADVERTISEMENT President Tshisekedi’s Message In his Past Genocost address, President Tshisekedi reminded the world: Genocost is not a negotiation. It is a demand for dignity. Congo will not move forward by forgetting. We move forward by remembering and holding accountable those who bled our land. Conclusion: The Memory is Alive Genocost is not just a hashtag. It is a living legacy, one written by survivors, protected by youth, and now recognized by the State. With a blend of government reports, digital storytelling, and international advocacy, the DRC is claiming its truth and building a global movement that refuses to let memory die. Never Again must mean Never Forgotten. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Genocost Denise Nyakeru Urges Congolese to Sign GENOCOST Recognition Petition First Lady says every signature can break the silence, defend victims and advance justice. . Genocost Tshisekedi Funds GENOCOST Strategy, Advances Museum New measures place victim recognition, national memory and justice at the centre of state policy. . Justice & Crime Genocost: The Human Cost of Congo’s Decades of War Genocost is the Congolese name for the human and economic cost of decades of mass violence. . Diplomacy Tshisekedi in New York: Engages U.S. Media on Congo, Rwanda & GENOCOST In New York, Tshisekedi engaged U.S. media on Congo’s crisis, accused Rwanda and M23 of massacres . Tags Genocost Genocost DR.Congo DR.Congo Visit Congo Visit Congo DRC Politics DRC Politics Genocost Genocost Happening Now Happening Now

The AU Summit in Addis Ababa puts eastern DRC peace efforts under pressure as Angola proposes a Feb 18 ceasefire and talks continue. Mediation, ceasefire proposals, and parallel tracks (Luanda/Washington/Doha) are all in play but the situation on the ground remains tense. Addis Ababa hosts the African Union’s 39th Summit of Heads of State and Government on February 14–15, with leaders expected to address a packed agenda that includes water and sanitation under Agenda 2063, food insecurity, the AfCFTA , and continental security crises especially eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit also features a handover of the AU’s rotating chairmanship, adding a leadership transition to a moment of high diplomatic stakes. (Based on the original report published February 13, 2026.) A crowded security docket, with eastern DRC at the center While multiple crises remain on the table Libya, the Sahel, and Sudan among them eastern DRC is emerging as a defining test of whether African-led mechanisms can translate diplomatic movement into measurable change on the ground. The summit’s political weight matters because it convenes key decision-makers at a time when parallel initiatives are active but still struggling to deliver outcomes. For official summit framing, the AU has published a briefing on the session’s scope and priorities: African Union press release on the 39th Ordinary Session. Mediation is expanding on paper One pillar of the AU approach is mediation in the broader Great Lakes dispute involving Kinshasa and Kigali. The AU’s designated mediator Togo’s Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé has been engaging regional actors and is expected to brief leaders on efforts intended to consolidate and align the peace process. The AU’s evolving mediation structure, including coordination mechanisms and designated facilitators, is meant to reduce fragmentation across initiatives and clarify who does what, and when. A second pillar is the push for a ceasefire. Angola has proposed that a ceasefire between the DRC government and the M23/AFC rebellion take effect at noon on February 18, following high-level talks in Luanda involving Angolan President João Lourenço, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, and AU-linked facilitators. Crucially, Angola has framed the date as conditional dependent on a public declaration of acceptance by the parties making the coming days a direct test of follow-through. The parallel tracks problem: Washington and Doha are active, but strained Continue Reading Full Article DRC PEACE EFFORT Why the 39th AU Summit Is a Big Test for Eastern DRC Peace Efforts By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 13, 2026 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Mediation, ceasefire proposals, and parallel tracks (Luanda/Washington/Doha) are all in play but the situation on the ground remains tense. Addis Ababa hosts the African Union’s 39th Summit of Heads of State and Government on February 14–15, with leaders expected to address a packed agenda that includes water and sanitation under Agenda 2063, food insecurity, the AfCFTA , and continental security crises especially eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit also features a handover of the AU’s rotating chairmanship, adding a leadership transition to a moment of high diplomatic stakes. (Based on the original report published February 13, 2026.) A crowded security docket, with eastern DRC at the center While multiple crises remain on the table Libya, the Sahel, and Sudan among them eastern DRC is emerging as a defining test of whether African-led mechanisms can translate diplomatic movement into measurable change on the ground. The summit’s political weight matters because it convenes key decision-makers at a time when parallel initiatives are active but still struggling to deliver outcomes. ADVERTISEMENT For official summit framing, the AU has published a briefing on the session’s scope and priorities: African Union press release on the 39th Ordinary Session. Mediation is expanding on paper One pillar of the AU approach is mediation in the broader Great Lakes dispute involving Kinshasa and Kigali. The AU’s designated mediator Togo’s Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé has been engaging regional actors and is expected to brief leaders on efforts intended to consolidate and align the peace process. The AU’s evolving mediation structure, including coordination mechanisms and designated facilitators, is meant to reduce fragmentation across initiatives and clarify who does what, and when. A second pillar is the push for a ceasefire. Angola has proposed that a ceasefire between the DRC government and the M23/AFC rebellion take effect at noon on February 18, following high-level talks in Luanda involving Angolan President João Lourenço, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, and AU-linked facilitators. Crucially, Angola has framed the date as conditional dependent on a public declaration of acceptance by the parties making the coming days a direct test of follow-through. ADVERTISEMENT The parallel tracks problem: Washington and Doha are active, but strained Alongside AU-anchored efforts, the original report describes two additional tracks: a Washington process linked to U.S. engagement and Doha talks under Qatar’s auspices involving Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 . The challenge, as outlined, is not the lack of dialogue but the gap between agreements and implementation. Mutual accusations, delays in carrying out agreed measures, and continued insecurity have made it harder to demonstrate progress where it matters most: conditions on the ground. The summit’s significance is less about launching another initiative and more about whether leaders can do three practical things: Align the tracks (AU-led mediation, Luanda ceasefire push, Washington and Doha processes) so commitments do not contradict each other. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . ADVERTISEMENT Reinforce timelines and accountability, especially around any ceasefire acceptance and verification. Maintain political pressure beyond communiqués so agreed steps are implemented and sustained. In that sense, Addis Ababa is not just another annual gathering. It is a concentrated moment for the and its member states to demonstrate that African-led diplomacy can move from process to results in one of the continent’s most complex security crises. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health Lawmakers back four financing bills supporting entrepreneurs, primary education, maternal health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo Wazalendo DRC Wazalendo DRC Rwanda Invasion in DRC Rwanda Invasion in DRC DR Congo Rising DR Congo Rising African Union African Union

Ice Prince reveals quitting smoking, alcohol and sex as part of a lifestyle shift to improve his health and well-being. Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has opened up about major lifestyle changes aimed at improving his health, including quitting smoking, alcohol and adopting celibacy. The artist, best known for his hit song “Oleku,” said the decisions are part of a broader effort to support his weight loss journey and overall well-being. In a post shared on social media platform X, Ice Prince revealed he has completely stopped smoking and described the move as transformative. “ Quitting sex and cigarettes is by far the best decision I ever made in my life… Feeling unchained and saved,” he wrote. He further disclosed that he has also cut out alcohol, soft drinks, energy drinks and bread from his routine for over a year. According to the rapper, these lifestyle adjustments have significantly improved his health and given him a greater sense of control. He added that he intends to maintain the changes because of their positive impact on his well-being. Source: Kofi Agyeman report Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Ice Prince reveals lifestyle shift, quits smoking and alcohol By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment May 4, 2026 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has opened up about major lifestyle changes aimed at improving his health, including quitting smoking, alcohol and adopting celibacy. The artist, best known for his hit song “Oleku,” said the decisions are part of a broader effort to support his weight loss journey and overall well-being. ADVERTISEMENT In a post shared on social media platform X, Ice Prince revealed he has completely stopped smoking and described the move as transformative. “ Quitting sex and cigarettes is by far the best decision I ever made in my life… Feeling unchained and saved,” he wrote. ADVERTISEMENT He further disclosed that he has also cut out alcohol, soft drinks, energy drinks and bread from his routine for over a year. According to the rapper, these lifestyle adjustments have significantly improved his health and given him a greater sense of control. He added that he intends to maintain the changes because of their positive impact on his well-being. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source: Kofi Agyeman report ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Discover the top 10 family friendly spots in Kinshasa for 2025, from lakes and parks to bonobo sanctuaries and fun zones, perfect for kids of all ages. Kin is loud, sweaty and gloriously chaotic. Great for adults, slightly less great when you are holding a sticky four year old in one hand and a bag of beignets in the other. The good news: Kinois families have perfected the art of escape, and the city quietly hides lakes, forests, beach resorts and arcades built for pure kid energy release. This list pulls from 2025 guides, local parks, cultural centers and very online Kinois who document everything from bonobo cuddles to zip line screams. Think of it as your cheat sheet to “where do we take the kids this weekend so they sleep before 9 pm”. 1. Parc de la Vallée de la Nsele Big animals, big lawns, big auntie WhatsApp status energy About 50 km from central Kinshasa along the N1, Parc de la Vallée de la Nsele is the capital’s all in one mega park: part nature reserve, part amusement ground. Spread over more than 3 000 hectares of savannah and gallery forest, it offers game drives with zebras and antelopes, horse riding, zip lines, minigolf, quad bikes and boat rides, all marketed as a “family or friends” escape from the city . The park is run as a conservation area, with picnic zones, kids play areas and a fairly polished visitor setup compared to most Congolese parks. Away Africa and other 2025 travel guides list it as one of the top family outings in the DRC, precisely because you can tick “safari”, “pool” and “braai by the river ” in one day. Price and practicals Recent tour listings suggest you should budget roughly 10–15 USD per adult and a bit less for kids for park access, with activities like the zip line, horse riding or boat trips charged separately. Expect most paid activities to fall somewhere between 5 and 30 USD, so plan around 25–40 USD per person for a full, activity heavy day, which translates to roughly 75 000–120 000 CDF depending on the exchange rate . The park is reachable in around 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Gombe in weekend traffic. Their team is active on Instagram as @parc_de_la_vallee_de_la_nsele , where they regularly post wildlife shots and family day promos, and you can get a feel for the experience in this Parc de la Nsele YouTube vlog tour that Kinois families have been sharing around in 2025. Local tip Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE Top 10 Family Friendly Spots in Kinshasa By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Nov 28, 2025 May 15, 2026 23 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kin is loud, sweaty and gloriously chaotic. Great for adults, slightly less great when you are holding a sticky four year old in one hand and a bag of beignets in the other. The good news: Kinois families have perfected the art of escape, and the city quietly hides lakes, forests, beach resorts and arcades built for pure kid energy release. This list pulls from 2025 guides, local parks, cultural centers and very online Kinois who document everything from bonobo cuddles to zip line screams. Think of it as your cheat sheet to “where do we take the kids this weekend so they sleep before 9 pm”. 1. Parc de la Vallée de la Nsele Big animals, big lawns, big auntie WhatsApp status energy About 50 km from central Kinshasa along the N1, Parc de la Vallée de la Nsele is the capital’s all in one mega park: part nature reserve, part amusement ground. Spread over more than 3 000 hectares of savannah and gallery forest, it offers game drives with zebras and antelopes, horse riding, zip lines, minigolf, quad bikes and boat rides, all marketed as a “family or friends” escape from the city . The park is run as a conservation area, with picnic zones, kids play areas and a fairly polished visitor setup compared to most Congolese parks. Away Africa and other 2025 travel guides list it as one of the top family outings in the DRC, precisely because you can tick “safari”, “pool” and “braai by the river ” in one day. Price and practicals Recent tour listings suggest you should budget roughly 10–15 USD per adult and a bit less for kids for park access, with activities like the zip line, horse riding or boat trips charged separately. Expect most paid activities to fall somewhere between 5 and 30 USD, so plan around 25–40 USD per person for a full, activity heavy day, which translates to roughly 75 000–120 000 CDF depending on the exchange rate . The park is reachable in around 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Gombe in weekend traffic. Their team is active on Instagram as @parc_de_la_vallee_de_la_nsele , where they regularly post wildlife shots and family day promos, and you can get a feel for the experience in this Parc de la Nsele YouTube vlog tour that Kinois families have been sharing around in 2025. Local tip Go early. By mid afternoon, half of Kin seems to be queuing for boats or selfies with zebras. Pack cash in small CDF notes for activities and snacks, and a hat for everyone. The sun out there does not play. 2. Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary The “only here” experience: your kids’ first encounter with bonobos Lola ya Bonobo, just south of Kinshasa near the Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, is the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos and one of the most moving day trips you can do with older kids . Guided visits run through forest enclosures where bonobos roam semi free, plus a nursery area where rescued youngsters learn to be apes again instead of ex pets. 2025 updates from Friends of Bonobos highlight how visits directly support rescue and rewilding work, and recent science coverage keeps using Lola as the real world example of bonobo empathy and cooperation . Note that the sanctuary was hit by serious flooding in April 2025, damaging infrastructure, but has been steadily rebuilding while keeping conservation work going. Price and practicals Lola is usually visited either on a private trip with a driver or as part of a packaged tour. Recent 2025 tours advertise half day visits from Kinshasa from about 200–250 USD per person including transport, guide and sanctuary fees, while direct visit fees for residents and regional visitors are significantly lower, typically in the 20–40 USD range per adult with discounts for children and school groups. For a ballpark family budget, think 80–120 USD plus transport if you are arranging it yourself, roughly 240 000–360 000 CDF. Always email or call in advance, especially post flood, because hours and access rules can shift with weather and repairs. For a peek at sanctuary life, check the official @lolayabonobo Instagram , which stays active with rescue updates, and the Friends of Bonobos YouTube channel where recent short videos show nursery chaos and feeding time, very effective at convincing reluctant teens that yes, they do want to wake up early to see apes . Local tip Best with kids who can stay relatively quiet and follow rules. Bonobos are sensitive, so there is no touching, shouting or feeding. Bring binoculars if you have them and a light rain jacket, because the weather near Lukaya does whatever it wants. 3. Lac Ma Vallée & Africa Park Aventure Zip lines, pedalos and “we are definitely coming back” photos About 25–30 km south of Kinshasa in Kimwenza, Lac Ma Vallée has long been the city’s classic Sunday escape: a deep green lake surrounded by forest, now turned into a proper adventure park operated by Africa Park Aventure . ADVERTISEMENT The site combines old school lakeside charm (pedalos, walking paths, viewpoints) with newer toys like zip lines, archery, cycling circuits and tree top obstacles. In 2025, Africa Park Aventure has gone all in on themed weekends and promo packages, pitching itself as the “first multi adventure park in DRC” with family friendly offers . Price and practicals Africa Park Aventure’s own 2025 posts are refreshingly clear on pricing. Entry plus one attraction can start from around 5 USD per person, special weekend bundles around 15 USD, and “Ticket Liputa” deals at 30 USD including park access, half a grilled chicken with sides and one attraction. There are also couple packages around 75 USD with meals and multiple activities . Converted, you are looking roughly at: 5 USD: about 15 000 CDF 15 USD: about 45 000 CDF 30 USD: about 90 000 CDF 75 USD: about 225 000 CDF Exact CDF values will depend on the rate when you visit, but this gives you the budget vibe. The lake itself is not for swimming due to its depth and past water quality concerns, so manage expectations with kids who see water and assume “pool”. Think paddling, hiking and zip line selfies instead. To see how it actually looks in 2025, check out this April 2025 YouTube vlog on Kimwenza and Lac Ma Vallée and a July 2025 short that pans across the lake and tree platforms, both filmed by local creators escaping Kin’s traffic for the day. Local tip Combine it with Lola ya Bonobo: sanctuary visit in the morning, lake adventure in the afternoon. They are less than 10 minutes apart by road, and several local tour operators already sell this combo for good reason . 4. Mbudi Nature Chilled riverside park for younger kids and lazy grown ups If Lac Ma Vallée is the big outing, Mbudi Nature is the easy one. This private park near the Kinsuka rapids in Mont Ngafula offers a compact but charming mix of swings, slides, shady trees, quirky statues and Congo River views. Recent write ups describe it as a “splendid little park” with enough space for kids to run without getting totally lost, plus a small restaurant and picnic tables under the trees. It is especially popular with families who want greenery and river breeze without the longer drive to Nsele or Ma Vallée. A 2025 YouTube vlog by a Kinshasa creator calls it a calm, under the radar city break and spends more time on the swings and river views than on talking, which tells you everything you need to know about the vibe . Price and practicals Recent visitor reviews put the entry fee around 3 000 CDF per person, with kids’ playgrounds and river views included, and basic meals around 10 000 CDF, soft drinks around 2 000 CDF and beers around 3 000 CDF . Even with inflation, you are comfortably in “affordable afternoon” territory: figure under 10 USD per adult for entry plus food, roughly under 30 000 CDF. Mbudi Nature sits near Lutendele, facing the Kinsuka rapids, accessible by car from central Kin in roughly 45 minutes if traffic behaves. Petit Futé and local blogs emphasise that there is plenty of shade, which any parent who has fought Kinshasa sun at midday will appreciate. Local tip Great for families with small kids who are too young for zip lines but too energetic for yet another mall café. Bring your own picnic if you are picky about food and some games or a ball to stretch the time. 5. Symphonies Naturelles Kinshasa’s “forest next door” with fish ponds and long walks . About 200 hectares of protected trees and a network of ponds make it feel like you have left the city far behind, even though you are only a short drive from Gombe . Symphonies Naturelles, in Binza Météo / Ngaliema, is one of Kinshasa’s last chunks of primary forest still open to the public Travel sites and older but still relevant blogs describe it as forest plus cultural area: you can walk, run, fish in the ponds, book rustic picnic spots and occasionally stumble into dance rehearsals or small events. 2025 guides still rank it among Kinshasa’s top nature escapes. Price and practicals TripAdvisor reviews mention an entrance fee of about 2 000 CDF per adult with young kids going free, making it one of the cheapest green getaways in town, though prices may have nudged slightly upwards by 2025 . ADVERTISEMENT Food options inside are very Congolese: grilled fish, beer, and not a single kids menu in sight. That is part of the charm, but if your children survive only on nuggets, plan ahead. For a real 2025 view, check the YouTube short from October showing a walk through the “parc écologique symphonie naturelle” where you get the full package: red earth paths, tall trees and very proud Kinois explaining why this green pocket matters . Local tip Wear closed shoes, bring mosquito spray and do not expect manicured paths. This is forest, not a city park. Great for older kids who like adventure and mud, less ideal for strollers. 6. Safari Beach Beach resort vibes without leaving Kin Safari Beach sits on the Congo River in Nsele, facing the vast Pool Malebo. Think artificial sandy beach, pools, palm trees, loud music and kids thundering between the water, playground and snack stalls while their parents debate grilled fish portions. It started as part of the old presidential domain and has evolved into a full blown resort with rooms and villas, an on site restaurant and a day visitor scene that TripAdvisor regularly associates with Pool Malebo views and “fantastic expanse of water at the east of Kinshasa ”. Price and practicals Official price grids are not prominently published online, but recent restaurant reviews describe Safari Beach as a proper resort, not a budget maquis. Expect to pay a day pass per person, then normal hotel restaurant prices for food and drinks, so a family of four can easily spend 60–100 USD for a whole day with meals and pool access, roughly 180 000–300 000 CDF. You will need a car to get there, and weekend traffic on the N1 can be intense, so treat it like a full day trip. If you want to see how the place actually plays out with families in 2025, check this Kinshasa based creator’s YouTube video from October 2025 about “finding a haven of peace” at Safari Beach, plus another vlog that walks through the resort’s rooms and pools . Local tip Avoid the absolute peak of Sunday afternoon when every choir group and office outing seems to arrive at once. Go Saturday or early Sunday, claim loungers near the kids pool and keep an eye on toddlers near the river side. 7. Funville When the sun has turned Kinshasa into an oven, parents migrate to air conditioned spaces, and Funville is one of the most popular. Located in Gombe on Avenue Colonel Mondjiba, it is a family entertainment center with soft play for toddlers, a little train, arcade games for older kids and teens, plus a 7D cinema and snack bar . Arcade, soft play and 7D cinema when it is too hot to function Reviews, updated through 2025, consistently describe it as “activities for kids of all ages” with reasonably priced snacks and convenient parking, open from midday to 9 pm Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. Business listings confirm the opening hours and pin the address at Colonel Mondjiba 272 in Gombe . Price and practicals Funville works on the classic “pay per game” model. Entry itself is typically either free or low cost, and you load credit or tokens to use games, rides and the 7D cinema. Allow maybe 10–20 USD per child for a generous session of bouncing, racing and popcorn, so 30–60 USD for a family, roughly 90 000–180 000 CDF. While Funville’s own Kinshasa specific social accounts are not heavily indexed in search, the brand promotes itself online as “The Joy Land” with soft play, arcade and 7D arena, which matches what Kinois parents report on review platforms . Local tip Perfect for rainy season or post school treat. It gets loud, so bring noise tolerant adults and consider setting a token budget before you enter to avoid the “just one more game” negotiations. 8. Texaf Bilembo Art, environment and actually fun learning for kids Texaf Bilembo is an “atypical cultural and educational space” tucked into a former textile factory in the Utexafrica concession in Gombe. Its mission: introduce the public, especially children, to Congolese cultural and natural heritage through contemporary art, interactive exhibits and workshops . Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Culture & Tourism People's Palace Kinshasa: History, Architecture and Parliament . Visit DR Congo Maï-Ndombe River: Discover a Hidden Natural Treasure Near Kinshasa . Entertainment Papa Wemba: The Enduring Voice of Congo and His Lasting Legacy . Visit DR Congo Lake Ma Vallée: Kinshasa's Historic Nature Escape . Visit DR Congo Zongo Falls: A Complete Travel Guide to Kongo Central’s Natural Escape . ADVERTISEMENT In 2025, RFI and local media highlighted new educational games created at Texaf Bilembo to teach schoolchildren about forests and biodiversity. Kids manipulate animal figurines, wooden pieces and even spices to understand ecosystems, and the space regularly welcomes pupils from more than 150 schools in Kinshasa and other provinces. Price and practicals Texaf Bilembo typically charges a modest entrance fee for adults, with discounts or tailored pricing for school groups and workshops. While exact 2025 ticket prices are not widely posted, you can safely expect something under 10 USD (under about 30 000 CDF) per adult for basic entry, with specific ateliers priced separately . To get a sense of what your kids might do there, scroll through the official , which shares snippets of exhibitions, performances and educational activities filmed in 2024–2025. Local tip Ideal for school aged kids and tweens, especially those who have done Ma Vallée and Nsele already. Combine with a treat stop in nearby Gombe (ice cream, anyone) and you have a very respectable “culture day” that still feels like fun. 9. Jardin Zoologique de Kinshasa Historic but controversial – go for context, not for modern zoo standards Kinshasa’s zoological garden, created in the 1930s near the center, used to be one of the city’s star attractions, showcasing Congolese fauna for generations of visitors . Recent reports and videos, however, describe a site in long decline, with far fewer animals than before, aging infrastructure and ongoing debates about animal welfare. A TV report on the zoo’s “quest for rejuvenation” and more recent coverage of fires and transfers of chimpanzees out of the zoo underline how complicated its present moment is . Price and practicals Entry is relatively cheap compared to most attractions in this list, which is part of why local families still go: it is accessible. But with richer options elsewhere, many expats and visitors now treat it more as a historical curiosity than a must see. If you want a recent, unfiltered look, search for 2023–2025 YouTube vlogs from Kinshasa creators visiting the zoo or documenting the fire; they paint a picture that is more honest than any brochure. 10. Maïsha Park Open air culture park for concerts, theatre and big family events Maïsha Park is a cultural complex in Kinshasa often associated with large scale shows, theatre and concerts. It functions as both an events venue and a broader cultural brand, with MaïshaPark TV as its online channel . This is not a “swing set and slide” park. Instead, think open air performances, big Congolese music nights, theatre productions and special events such as wellness days or community gatherings that draw families as much for the atmosphere as for the cultural content. When the programming is family oriented, it can be a fantastic way for kids to experience live Congolese culture beyond TV and YouTube. Price and practicals Ticket prices vary by event. Some Maïsha Park happenings are free or low cost community events, others are full blown concerts with pricing to match. Expect anything from a few dollars to 20–30 USD per adult for bigger shows, with family budgets very dependent on the headliner. To understand the flavor, dip into MaïshaPark TV , which hosts clips and coverage from past events and gives you a sense of how “family friendly” a given show might be. Local tip Check event details carefully before rocking up with kids. Some nights are very child friendly, others are clearly adults first. When you do hit a family suitable show, arrive early to avoid queues and to grab seats with a good view for shorter humans. How to use this list without losing your mind Short attention span kids: start with Funville, Mbudi Nature and Texaf Bilembo. Easy reach, minimal logistics. “We want animals”: combine Lola ya Bonobo with Lac Ma Vallée, or do Nsele Park for the mini safari. Water obsessed children: Safari Beach if your budget allows, or Ma Vallée’s pedalo plus views of Kinsuka and Mbudi Nature’s riverside vibe. Teens who think everything is boring: throw them on a zip line at Africa Park Aventure, then drag them to a Maïsha Park show. Kinshasa is not always easy, but it is rarely dull. With this mix of lakes, forests, arcades and culture hubs, you can build weekend routines that work for both you and your kids, and maybe even impress a visiting auntie or two. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Culture & Tourism People's Palace Kinshasa: History, Architecture and Parliament Discover how a China-backed project under Mobutu became the home of Congo's Parliament. . Visit DR Congo Maï-Ndombe River: Discover a Hidden Natural Treasure Near Kinshasa Explore the river's geography, dark waters, local communities and potential for responsible tourism . Entertainment Papa Wemba: The Enduring Voice of Congo and His Lasting Legacy From rumba and SAPE to La Dernière Symphonie, explore Papa Wemba's legacy ten years after his death. . Visit DR Congo Lake Ma Vallée: Kinshasa's Historic Nature Escape Discover the history, activities and environmental importance of this green retreat in Mont-Ngafula . Tags Visit Congo Visit Congo Travel Blog Travel Blog DR.Congo DR.Congo Travel Blog Travel Blog Travel Africa Travel Africa Travel & Tourism Travel & Tourism

Rwandan rapper Shizzo says he does not know Bwiza and Nyambo, despite their past presence at events linked to his wife. Rwandan rapper Hakizimana Ishimwe , known professionally as Shizzo, has said he does not know singer Bwiza or actress Nyambo , despite their previous association with his wife, journalist Kayitesi Yvonne, known as Tessy. Shizzo made the remarks during an appearance on The Choice Live , where he was asked why Bwiza and Nyambo were absent from his wedding ceremony. The two women are known to have been close friends of Tessy and were present during her engagement ceremony with Shizzo in Dubai in June 2025. The rapper and Tessy officially married on January 10, 2026, in a high-profile ceremony held at the Intare Conference Arena in Kigali. The event was attended by figures from the entertainment industry, media, family members, and close friends. When questioned about the absence of Bwiza and Nyambo, Shizzo stated that he does not know them and insisted he could not explain why they were not present. Even after being shown photographs of the two women, he maintained his position and requested that the discussion move on to other topics. “I do not know them,” Shizzo said during the interview. “I do not live in Kigali, so how would I know them? It could be artificial intelligence or something else. I truly do not know them.” His comments have generated debate among followers of the entertainment industry, particularly due to photographic evidence showing Bwiza and Nyambo at Tessy’s engagement ceremony and other past events connected to the couple. As of now, neither Bwiza nor Nyambo has publicly responded to Shizzo’s statements. Source: InyaRwanda Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Shizzo Says He Does Not Know Bwiza and Nyambo After Wedding By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 24, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Rwandan rapper Hakizimana Ishimwe , known professionally as Shizzo, has said he does not know singer Bwiza or actress Nyambo , despite their previous association with his wife, journalist Kayitesi Yvonne, known as Tessy. Shizzo made the remarks during an appearance on The Choice Live , where he was asked why Bwiza and Nyambo were absent from his wedding ceremony. The two women are known to have been close friends of Tessy and were present during her engagement ceremony with Shizzo in Dubai in June 2025. The rapper and Tessy officially married on January 10, 2026, in a high-profile ceremony held at the Intare Conference Arena in Kigali. The event was attended by figures from the entertainment industry, media, family members, and close friends. ADVERTISEMENT When questioned about the absence of Bwiza and Nyambo, Shizzo stated that he does not know them and insisted he could not explain why they were not present. Even after being shown photographs of the two women, he maintained his position and requested that the discussion move on to other topics. “I do not know them,” Shizzo said during the interview. “I do not live in Kigali, so how would I know them? It could be artificial intelligence or something else. I truly do not know them.” ADVERTISEMENT His comments have generated debate among followers of the entertainment industry, particularly due to photographic evidence showing Bwiza and Nyambo at Tessy’s engagement ceremony and other past events connected to the couple. As of now, neither Bwiza nor Nyambo has publicly responded to Shizzo’s statements. 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Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Rwandan Entertainment Rwandan Entertainment Rwanda Rwanda

DRC’s Interior Minister unveils a national security plan to curb urban crime and ensure safe year-end celebrations under Tshisekedi’s reforms. Kinshasa, DRC — The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a new operational plan to strengthen security across the country during the end-of-year festivities, as urban violence and organised crime surge in major cities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralisation and Customary Affairs, Maître Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, chaired a high-level security meeting on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, focused on assessing the national situation and evaluating “Operation Ndobo,” the ongoing anti-banditry campaign targeting armed gangs. A Cross-Border Security Challenge Authorities in Kinshasa say the latest spike in urban crime is partly linked to regional dynamics. Across the river in the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), an ongoing crackdown dubbed “Operation Zéro Kuluna”, led by the Presidential Security Directorate and the elite Republican Guard, has driven dozens of criminal groups to flee across the border into the DRC capital. Kinshasa’s law-enforcement agencies now face a renewed wave of “Black Baby” gangs known for violent robberies and street assaults, prompting the Interior Ministry to tighten coordination between police, intelligence, and city authorities. At the meeting, senior security chiefs and the Governor of Kinshasa were instructed to finalise an operational plan to protect citizens and property through the holiday season. The New Plan: Focus and Duration The November 2025 – January 2026 national plan will reinforce police visibility, secure major roads and border points, and deploy rapid-response patrols in strategic urban areas. “The objective is clear: deter crime, reassure the population, and ensure safe celebrations across all provinces,” said a senior official present at the meeting. The plan builds on Operation Ndobo’s early results and seeks to integrate local task forces under unified command structures. Special attention will be given to urban transport corridors, markets, and nightlife zones, which often experience higher crime rates during festive periods. Continue Reading Full Article POLITICS & DIPLOMACY DRC Launches Nationwide Security Plan Ahead of Festive Season By Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Political Analyst Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Home Comment Nov 8, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kinshasa, DRC — The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a new operational plan to strengthen security across the country during the end-of-year festivities, as urban violence and organised crime surge in major cities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralisation and Customary Affairs, Maître Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, chaired a high-level security meeting on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, focused on assessing the national situation and evaluating “Operation Ndobo,” the ongoing anti-banditry campaign targeting armed gangs. A Cross-Border Security Challenge Authorities in Kinshasa say the latest spike in urban crime is partly linked to regional dynamics. Across the river in the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), an ongoing crackdown dubbed “Operation Zéro Kuluna”, led by the Presidential Security Directorate and the elite Republican Guard, has driven dozens of criminal groups to flee across the border into the DRC capital. Kinshasa’s law-enforcement agencies now face a renewed wave of “Black Baby” gangs known for violent robberies and street assaults, prompting the Interior Ministry to tighten coordination between police, intelligence, and city authorities. At the meeting, senior security chiefs and the Governor of Kinshasa were instructed to finalise an operational plan to protect citizens and property through the holiday season. ADVERTISEMENT The New Plan: Focus and Duration The November 2025 – January 2026 national plan will reinforce police visibility, secure major roads and border points, and deploy rapid-response patrols in strategic urban areas. “The objective is clear: deter crime, reassure the population, and ensure safe celebrations across all provinces,” said a senior official present at the meeting. The plan builds on Operation Ndobo’s early results and seeks to integrate local task forces under unified command structures. Special attention will be given to urban transport corridors, markets, and nightlife zones, which often experience higher crime rates during festive periods. Tackling Police Staffing Gaps Participants also discussed chronic understaffing in the Congolese National Police (PNC) and the misuse of personnel assigned to VIP protection. The Deputy Prime Minister reminded commanders of the Institutional Protection and High Personalities Unit (UPI/HP) to ensure that police resources serve public security first. ADVERTISEMENT “Every officer must be deployed where the population needs protection most — on the streets, not in private residences,” Minister Shabani stressed. He urged a more rational allocation of human resources, prioritising operational units such as the Traffic Police and Rapid Intervention Police to improve visibility and responsiveness. Modernising the National Police The meeting also reviewed the Programming Law for the Congolese National Police, recently adopted and promulgated by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. The law sets a multi-year roadmap to modernise infrastructure, strengthen logistics, and enhance both the working and living conditions of police officers. Minister Shabani reiterated that modern policing and citizens’ safety go hand in hand: Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . ADVERTISEMENT “We are not just fighting crime; we are building a professional police force capable of earning public trust.” Safeguarding Stability and Public Confidence The Interior Ministry’s plan marks the most comprehensive anti-crime effort since the launch of Operation Ndobo earlier this year. With urban violence, cross-border crime, and economic pressures intensifying, the government is signalling zero tolerance for insecurity as the festive season approaches. In the words of one security analyst in Kinshasa: “The message from the Tshisekedi administration is unmistakable: the state is present, alert, and determined to protect its people.” ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health Lawmakers back four financing bills supporting entrepreneurs, primary education, maternal health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics DR.Congo DR.Congo

Rep. Gregory Meeks criticizes the DRC–Rwanda peace deal signed in Washington, calling it symbolic and urging justice for Congo. WASHINGTON, Dec 8, 2025 — In a strongly-worded statement following the much-publicized Washington Peace Accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks , Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed serious concerns over the sincerity and durability of the agreement, and accused former President Donald Trump of using Congo's tragedy for political optics. “DRC and Rwanda recommitting to the Washington Accords can be an encouraging step toward ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo,” Meeks said. “However, the ceremony hosted by former President Trump risks being more show than substance.” A Peace Deal Already Undermined? Just 24 hours after the signing ceremony, clashes resumed in South Kivu, as Congolese forces (FARDC) reported fresh attacks launched by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, killing civilians and destroying vital infrastructure. “Recent diplomatic promises have not resulted in tangible improvements for the Congolese people,” Meeks stated. “Militia violence continues, displacing civilians who had hoped to rebuild their lives and undermining implementation of the peace process.” Meeks warned that the pageantry in Washington cannot obscure the reality on the ground, a conflict still raging in the Kivu provinces, despite high-profile diplomatic gestures. Direct Criticism of Trump’s Role The veteran Democratic lawmaker delivered a sharp rebuke of Trump’s handling of the ceremony: “President Trump cannot simply declare this peace deal a success for the sake of stroking his own ego,” Meeks said. “Nor should he treat Congo’s suffering as a backdrop for exploiting critical minerals while millions of Congolese remain impoverished, as he did today.” Accountability Must Follow Words Continue Reading Full Article WASHINGTON PEACE ACCORD Meeks Slams Trump’s Congo Deal as Show Without Substance By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Dec 8, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: WASHINGTON, Dec 8, 2025 — In a strongly-worded statement following the much-publicized Washington Peace Accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks , Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed serious concerns over the sincerity and durability of the agreement, and accused former President Donald Trump of using Congo's tragedy for political optics. “DRC and Rwanda recommitting to the Washington Accords can be an encouraging step toward ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo,” Meeks said. “However, the ceremony hosted by former President Trump risks being more show than substance.” A Peace Deal Already Undermined? Just 24 hours after the signing ceremony, clashes resumed in South Kivu, as Congolese forces (FARDC) reported fresh attacks launched by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, killing civilians and destroying vital infrastructure. “Recent diplomatic promises have not resulted in tangible improvements for the Congolese people,” Meeks stated. “Militia violence continues, displacing civilians who had hoped to rebuild their lives and undermining implementation of the peace process.” ADVERTISEMENT Meeks warned that the pageantry in Washington cannot obscure the reality on the ground, a conflict still raging in the Kivu provinces, despite high-profile diplomatic gestures. Direct Criticism of Trump’s Role The veteran Democratic lawmaker delivered a sharp rebuke of Trump’s handling of the ceremony: “President Trump cannot simply declare this peace deal a success for the sake of stroking his own ego,” Meeks said. “Nor should he treat Congo’s suffering as a backdrop for exploiting critical minerals while millions of Congolese remain impoverished, as he did today.” ADVERTISEMENT Accountability Must Follow Words Meeks urged the current U.S. administration and the international community to ensure both parties comply with the Washington Accord’s terms and that Congolese citizens benefit from their own mineral wealth. “The path to lasting peace must be grounded in real accountability, justice, and economic benefit for the Congolese people,” he stressed. “That is the only path to durable peace and an end to this decades-long conflict.” Renewed Fighting Exposes Fragile Deal Meeks’ statement coincided with a disturbing update from FARDC, which accused Rwandan forces and M23 of firing artillery shells from Bugarama inside Rwanda into Congolese territory in Uvira and Kamanyola, just 48 hours after the peace signing. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today War in Eastern DRC Fresh Masisi Fighting Forces More Congolese Families to Flee . War in Eastern DRC US Expects Rwandan Troop Withdrawal by Mid-Next Month, Says Rubio . Washington Peace Accord Trump Administration Blocked Kagame From Re-Entering the US . War in Eastern DRC Kagame Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Congo, Defying U.S. Pressure . War in DR Congo Tshisekedi’s Rubaya Strategy: A Calculated Warning to Rwanda and M23 . ADVERTISEMENT According to General-Major Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, the shelling killed Congolese civilians and destroyed homes, schools, and health centers. FARDC denounced the attack as a war crime and a violation of the Washington Accord. What Next? With the peace accord hanging by a thread, Rep. Meeks argues Diplomacy must be backed by enforcement. “Paper promises are meaningless unless they protect lives on the ground. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles 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. . War in Eastern DRC US Expects Rwandan Troop Withdrawal by Mid-Next Month, Says Rubio Washington says sanctions were needed after poor compliance with the DRC-Rwanda peace agreement . Washington Peace Accord Trump Administration Blocked Kagame From Re-Entering the US The reported visa issue comes amid rising US pressure over Rwanda’s role in eastern Congo. . War in Eastern DRC Kagame Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Congo, Defying U.S. Pressure Kagame refuses to withdraw Rwandan troops from DR Congo despite U.S. pressure. . Tags Washington Peace Accord Washington Peace Accord Trending News Trending News DR.Congo DR.Congo

Somalia's disaster agency issued a warning on Tuesday about the impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy, expected to make landfall in the southwestern and southern regions, including the capital, Mogadishu. The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SDMA) advised people living near coastal areas to be on high alert and exercise extreme caution. Heavy rains and flash floods have caused significant damage and displacement across Somalia since the beginning of the year. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) , as of May 14, approximately 225,760 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding of the Gu season, which spans from April to June. This includes nearly 38,730 people who have been displaced or relocated. The adverse weather conditions have led to the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and the destruction of small businesses. The damage to water sources and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities is exacerbating a cholera outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded at least 10,640 cholera cases, including 120 deaths, across seven states. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 22, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Raging storm in the Indian ocean Somalia's disaster agency issued a warning on Tuesday about the impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy, expected to make landfall in the southwestern and southern regions, including the capital, Mogadishu. The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SDMA) advised people living near coastal areas to be on high alert and exercise extreme caution. Heavy rains and flash floods have caused significant damage and displacement across Somalia since the beginning of the year. ADVERTISEMENT According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) , as of May 14, approximately 225,760 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding of the Gu season, which spans from April to June. This includes nearly 38,730 people who have been displaced or relocated. The adverse weather conditions have led to the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and the destruction of small businesses. The damage to water sources and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities is exacerbating a cholera outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded at least 10,640 cholera cases, including 120 deaths, across seven states. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Shenseea’s Kigali concert faces outrage amid accusations of Rwanda’s role in atrocities in eastern Congo. The Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea is set to perform in Kigali as part of a government‑backed entertainment tour. Shenseea posted on X, “Rwanda Jan 3rd,” and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe , proudly quoted her “#Shenseea in Kigali ! ” While the shows are marketed as harmless fun, the timing reveals a disturbing strategy. The Rwandan government has repeatedly used celebrity events as state‑sponsored PR to soften its global image. In this case, Shenseea’s appearance risks cultural whitewashing of credible allegations that the Rwandan military supports the M23 armed group responsible for mass rapes, civilian killings, and widespread displacement in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. War crimes allegations and humanitarian crisis Human Rights Watch and other organisations have documented atrocities attributed to the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebel group. Victims and witnesses describe massacres of unarmed civilians, sexual violence, including gang rape, and forcible recruitment. Recent United Nations briefings to the Security Council have echoed these findings, citing evidence that Rwandan troops have entered Congolese territory and provided M23 with weapons and logistical support. U.S. officials have also raised alarms about foreign fighters in eastern Congo and have called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces and respect Congolese sovereignty. The human toll is staggering. International humanitarian agencies estimate that more than 200,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu provinces since renewed M23 offensives began last year. Many have fled repeated drone strikes and indiscriminate shelling of towns; others describe being expelled from their homes at gunpoint. Camps around Goma and Bukavu are overflowing with families lacking food, clean water, and shelter. This crisis is unfolding as Rwanda promotes concerts and sporting events aimed at attracting tourists and burnishing its reputation. Celebrity influence and complicity through silence In the age of social media, global pop culture plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions. When artists perform at state‑sponsored venues, they lend legitimacy to the host government. Fans often see only the polished image, unaware that behind the scenes are credible war crimes allegations. This is complicity through silence: by staying apolitical, performers can inadvertently help regimes launder their reputations. Shenseea is admired across Africa for her talent and charisma. Her decision to headline a concert in Kigali is therefore more than a simple career move; it risks making her a de facto ambassador for an administration accused of aiding a rebel force that has terrorised Congolese civilians. Mass rapes, civilian killings, displacement – these are not abstract statistics but the lived reality of people in eastern Congo. No amount of music can drown out their pain. From Tems’ Apology to Shenseea’s Silence When Nigerian superstar Tems unknowingly promoted a concert in Rwanda earlier this year, she swiftly pulled out and issued a heartfelt public apology. She expressed solidarity with victims of the Congo conflict and acknowledged the moral weight of her platform. Shenseea, by contrast, is moving ahead, even as Kigali officials celebrate her performance as a national win. Continue Reading Full Article CELEBRITY TRENDS Shenseea in Kigali? Music cannot dance on Mass Graves By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Dec 22, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea is set to perform in Kigali as part of a government‑backed entertainment tour. Shenseea posted on X, “Rwanda Jan 3rd,” and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe , proudly quoted her “#Shenseea in Kigali ! ” While the shows are marketed as harmless fun, the timing reveals a disturbing strategy. The Rwandan government has repeatedly used celebrity events as state‑sponsored PR to soften its global image. In this case, Shenseea’s appearance risks cultural whitewashing of credible allegations that the Rwandan military supports the M23 armed group responsible for mass rapes, civilian killings, and widespread displacement in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. War crimes allegations and humanitarian crisis Human Rights Watch and other organisations have documented atrocities attributed to the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebel group. Victims and witnesses describe massacres of unarmed civilians, sexual violence, including gang rape, and forcible recruitment. Recent United Nations briefings to the Security Council have echoed these findings, citing evidence that Rwandan troops have entered Congolese territory and provided M23 with weapons and logistical support. U.S. officials have also raised alarms about foreign fighters in eastern Congo and have called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces and respect Congolese sovereignty. The human toll is staggering. International humanitarian agencies estimate that more than 200,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu provinces since renewed M23 offensives began last year. Many have fled repeated drone strikes and indiscriminate shelling of towns; others describe being expelled from their homes at gunpoint. Camps around Goma and Bukavu are overflowing with families lacking food, clean water, and shelter. This crisis is unfolding as Rwanda promotes concerts and sporting events aimed at attracting tourists and burnishing its reputation. ADVERTISEMENT Celebrity influence and complicity through silence In the age of social media, global pop culture plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions. When artists perform at state‑sponsored venues, they lend legitimacy to the host government. Fans often see only the polished image, unaware that behind the scenes are credible war crimes allegations. This is complicity through silence: by staying apolitical, performers can inadvertently help regimes launder their reputations. Shenseea is admired across Africa for her talent and charisma. Her decision to headline a concert in Kigali is therefore more than a simple career move; it risks making her a de facto ambassador for an administration accused of aiding a rebel force that has terrorised Congolese civilians. Mass rapes, civilian killings, displacement – these are not abstract statistics but the lived reality of people in eastern Congo. No amount of music can drown out their pain. From Tems’ Apology to Shenseea’s Silence When Nigerian superstar Tems unknowingly promoted a concert in Rwanda earlier this year, she swiftly pulled out and issued a heartfelt public apology. She expressed solidarity with victims of the Congo conflict and acknowledged the moral weight of her platform. ADVERTISEMENT Shenseea, by contrast, is moving ahead, even as Kigali officials celebrate her performance as a national win. A call to conscience Artists have the right to perform, and audiences have the right to enjoy music. But there is also a responsibility to consider the broader context. State‑sponsored PR campaigns that gloss over violence erode the moral authority of the entertainment industry. Shenseea and her team should listen to Congolese voices and rethink the Rwanda tour. Fans around the world can amplify calls for accountability by using hashtags such as #StopShenseea and #JusticeForCongo. Encourage promoters and media outlets to report on the M23 crisis alongside concert coverage. Speak up about cultural whitewashing and demand that governments respect international law. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Politics & Diplomacy Tshisekedi Champions Peace, Jobs and Africa’s Voice in Moscow . Justice & Crime M23 → AFC → FRN: Has Anything Really Changed? . Justice & Crime Kagame's Failed Justifications for His Military Presence in the DRC . Justice & Crime From AFDL to FRN: Analysts Question Rwanda's Rebel Rebranding . Peace For DRC Now DRC Takes Rwanda Compliance Dispute to UNGA Over Resolution 2773 . ADVERTISEMENT Rwanda’s concert series may be sold as a celebration of culture, but it comes at the cost of concealing suffering. As long as allegations of Rwanda‑backed M23 atrocities persist, the world should question events that project normalcy. Music has the power to unite and heal – yet in this case, solidarity with victims demands a pause. Shenseea could use her platform to raise awareness about eastern Congo’s humanitarian crisis rather than lend her voice to a show that risks normalising war crimes. [This analysis draws on reports by Human Rights Watch and recent statements at the UN Security Council and in U.S. government briefings.] By Neema Asha Mwakalinga ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Politics & Diplomacy Tshisekedi Champions Peace, Jobs and Africa’s Voice in Moscow At the 2026 Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, Tshisekedi calls for peace in eastern Congo... . Justice & Crime M23 → AFC → FRN: Has Anything Really Changed? XTRAfrica examines Joseph Kabila's leadership of the FRN, its continuity with AFC/M23 and ... . Justice & Crime Kagame's Failed Justifications for His Military Presence in the DRC UN findings, U.S. sanctions and the reported FRN launch raise questions about Kigali's military role . Justice & Crime From AFDL to FRN: Analysts Question Rwanda's Rebel Rebranding FRN's reported emergence in Goma revives debate over Rwanda's links to successive Congo rebellions. . Tags Featured News Featured News Trending News Trending News DR.Congo DR.Congo

Explore the Inga hydropower complex in DRC, from Inga I and II to the Inga 3 program and the site's estimated 42,000 MW electricity potential. 1. An Exceptional Site The Inga site lies on the Congo River in Kongo Central province, between Kinshasa and the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated near the Inga Rapids, where the river combines an exceptional flow with a substantial natural drop in elevation. This combination explains why the location is considered one of Africa's major hydroelectric sites. According to the World Bank, the site benefits from a particularly high average river flow — the second highest in the world after the Amazon — and a natural drop of approximately 97 meters. The site's overall theoretical potential is estimated at around 42,000 MW. Key Facts Inga is therefore more than a power station: it is a vast hydraulic and energy complex whose development can have national, regional and international effects. 2. History: From an Idea to a Hydroelectric Complex Inga's modern history began with the ambition to harness the immense natural energy of the Congo Rapids. The principle involves diverting part of the river's water toward the N'Kokolo valley to use the difference in elevation created by the terrain and the river's course. The first major works resulted in Inga I, commissioned in 1972. With an installed capacity of approximately 351 MW, the station was a major addition to the country's electricity system. Development continued with Inga II. Civil works began in the early 1970s, and its electromechanical generating units were progressively commissioned between 1977 and 1982. With 1,424 MW installed, Inga II greatly increased available generating capacity. Together, Inga I and Inga II now represent 1,775 MW of installed capacity. SNEL describes them as the country's main hydroelectric complex. Continue Reading Full Article INFRASTRUCTURE Inga: Inside the DRC Hydropower Site With 42,000 MW Potential By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Oct 7, 2026 Oct 7, 2026 11 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: 1. An Exceptional Site The Inga site lies on the Congo River in Kongo Central province, between Kinshasa and the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated near the Inga Rapids, where the river combines an exceptional flow with a substantial natural drop in elevation. This combination explains why the location is considered one of Africa's major hydroelectric sites. According to the World Bank, the site benefits from a particularly high average river flow — the second highest in the world after the Amazon — and a natural drop of approximately 97 meters. The site's overall theoretical potential is estimated at around 42,000 MW. Key Facts River Location Potential Congo Kongo Central Approximately 42,000 MW Inga is therefore more than a power station: it is a vast hydraulic and energy complex whose development can have national, regional and international effects. 2. History: From an Idea to a Hydroelectric Complex Inga's modern history began with the ambition to harness the immense natural energy of the Congo Rapids. The principle involves diverting part of the river's water toward the N'Kokolo valley to use the difference in elevation created by the terrain and the river's course. The first major works resulted in Inga I, commissioned in 1972. With an installed capacity of approximately 351 MW, the station was a major addition to the country's electricity system. Development continued with Inga II. Civil works began in the early 1970s, and its electromechanical generating units were progressively commissioned between 1977 and 1982. With 1,424 MW installed, Inga II greatly increased available generating capacity. Together, Inga I and Inga II now represent 1,775 MW of installed capacity. SNEL describes them as the country's main hydroelectric complex. ADVERTISEMENT Timeline: 1972 — Inga I commissioned • 1977–1982 — Inga II generating units progressively commissioned • 2025 — First phase of the Inga 3 Development Program launched. 3. How Does Inga Work? A hydroelectric development operates on a simple principle: converting the potential and kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy, then into electricity. At Inga, the river's geography allows a substantial elevation difference to be harnessed without relying on a conventional, very high dam and reservoir. Water intake and diversion: Part of the water is directed into the site's hydraulic system. Water drop: The elevation difference accelerates the water through pipes and water conveyance structures. Turbines: The force of the water turns the turbines in the hydroelectric generating units. Generators: Rotation is converted into electrical energy. Transmission: Electricity is then carried through high-voltage networks. 4. Inga I: The First Major Step Inga I marked a decisive stage in the DRC's energy history. Commissioned in 1972, the station was designed to convert the energy of the Congo River into large-scale electricity production. Its installed capacity is approximately 351 MW. The facility helped shape the electricity network around Kinshasa and support the needs of economic activity. Its existence also demonstrates that Inga's power rests on an enduring geographical advantage: the combination of a very high river flow and a natural drop in elevation. Over time, the station has faced the familiar challenges of aging infrastructure: maintenance, equipment renewal, generating-unit availability and the quality of the transmission network. A power station's actual performance depends as much on the availability of its equipment and the lines carrying its electricity as on its theoretical capacity. 351 MW — Inga I's installed capacity. ADVERTISEMENT 5. Inga II: Moving to a Larger Scale Inga II considerably increased the site's generating capacity. The station has eight units rated at 178 MW each, giving a total installed capacity of 1,424 MW. The units were progressively commissioned in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This second phase reflected the ambition to supply a developing economy, particularly major urban and industrial centers. Inga's electricity has therefore been associated with mining, industrial and commercial activity while also contributing to household electricity supply. Today, Inga I and Inga II total 1,775 MW of installed capacity. SNEL states that the two stations supply, among other areas, Kinshasa and the major mining regions of Katanga. Station Installed capacity Inga I 351 MW Inga II 1,424 MW Inga I + Inga II 1,775 MW 6. Why Inga Is Strategic for the DRC Inga's role extends far beyond electricity generation. The site is central to a national question: how can the supply of reliable energy be increased to support economic growth and improve access to electricity? Generation: Inga I and II account for an essential share of national hydroelectric capacity. Economy: More abundant and reliable energy can support industry, mining, businesses and services. Population: Development of the electricity sector can help improve household access to energy. Renewable energy: Hydroelectricity harnesses energy from the water cycle and can reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Sovereignty: Substantial domestic generating capacity strengthens the country's energy security and planning capabilities. Regional role: Interconnections create opportunities for electricity exchanges with neighboring networks. Inga's potential can become an economic benefit only if generation, maintenance, transmission and distribution advance together. A powerful station alone is not enough to guarantee universal access to electricity. 7. Infrastructure with a Regional Role The DRC's geographical position gives Inga a regional role. The country belongs to Central and Southern African power systems, making electricity exchanges beyond the domestic market possible. Historically, the DRC has concluded export agreements with several neighboring countries and regional partners. Countries and Markets Involved Country Role or prospect DRC Main market: the national network, households, businesses and industries. South Africa Major regional partner; Inga 3 is envisaged with a substantial focus on exports to Southern Africa. Zimbabwe The DRC has historically exported electricity to Zimbabwe. Republic of the Congo Electricity exchanges between the two Congos form part of the sector's history. Zambia The DRC and Zambian networks are interconnected, facilitating regional exchanges. Botswana Mentioned in transmission-corridor scenarios associated with the regional development of Inga 3. 8. Inga 3: The Next Major Step The Inga 3 project represents the next major step envisaged in developing the site's potential. Its ambition is to harness more of the Congo River's immense water resources while strengthening infrastructure and economic benefits for local communities. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 . Infrastructure DRC: Three Universities Modernized Under Félix Tshisekedi . Infrastructure Grand Inga Moves Forward as RDC-US Committee Meets in Paris . Infrastructure Congolese engineers head to France to prepare Grand Inga workforce . Infrastructure DRC Signs $877m MetroKin Airport Rail Agreement . ADVERTISEMENT On June 3, 2025, the World Bank announced approval of $250 million in financing for the first phase of the Inga 3 Development Program. This phase forms part of a $1 billion multiyear program and focuses particularly on laying the project's foundations, infrastructure, employment and local community development. The World Bank also notes that five territories near the Inga Rapids — Seke-Banza, Lukula, Tshela, Songololo and Luozi — have been identified as potential beneficiaries of community development activities. Conditions for Success Sustainable development of Inga requires sound planning, transparent governance, robust environmental and social studies, long-term maintenance, adequate transmission networks and meaningful community participation. The challenge is therefore more than building additional turbines: it is about turning the river's power into lasting, shared benefits. 9. Conclusion — Turning Inga's Power into a Future Since Inga I was commissioned in 1972, followed by the development of Inga II, the site has become one of the symbols of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's energy capacity. Its strength rests on exceptional geography: at this location, the Congo River offers a considerable flow and a natural elevation difference favorable to hydroelectricity. The real challenge of the coming decades will be to align this potential with the needs of Congolese people: more available electricity, reliable networks, productive investment, local jobs and stronger regional integration. Inga 3 could become an important stage in this transformation, provided its technical, financial, environmental and social dimensions are addressed together. Key Takeaways Inga I: Approximately 351 MW; commissioned in 1972. Inga II: 1,424 MW; progressively commissioned between 1977 and 1982. Inga I + Inga II: 1,775 MW of installed capacity. Estimated overall site potential: Approximately 42,000 MW. Inga 3: A development program launched with a first phase supported by $250 million from the World Bank in 2025. Documentary Sources World Bank, “Factsheet on World Bank support for the Democratic Republic of Congo's Inga Project,” 2024. World Bank, “New Inga 3 Development Program to Start with Investments in Local Congolese Communities,” June 3, 2025. World Bank, “In the DRC, community consultations lay the groundwork for local citizens to benefit from the Inga 3 Development Program,” June 3, 2025. SNEL SA, “La Production” section: information on Inga I and Inga II. Additional data and historical details drawn from World Bank documents. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 Four firms will rebuild runways and terminals from Kalemie to Muanda under a Treasury-funded plan . Infrastructure DRC: Three Universities Modernized Under Félix Tshisekedi New and renovated campuses in Kinshasa, Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi aim to improve higher education . Infrastructure Grand Inga Moves Forward as RDC-US Committee Meets in Paris Officials meet with the World Bank to coordinate financing, project governance and electricity . Infrastructure Congolese engineers head to France to prepare Grand Inga workforce A Congolese delegation visits Grenoble to develop hydropower training and technical partnerships . Tags DRC Infrastructure DRC Infrastructure DR.Congo DR.Congo