central Africa

DR Congo: several dead after crash of a Ugandan helicopter in the east

DR Congo: several dead after crash of a Ugandan helicopter in the east

Several people died in eastern DR Congo after a Ugandan army helicopter crashed, Ugandan army spokesman Felix Kulayigye confirmed on Wednesday. Reuters agency quotes an unnamed Congolese army spokesman as saying that “at least 22 people died in the crash.” “We are still awaiting more details on this week’s crash,” …

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DR Congo: civil society calls for “dead city” days in Goma to challenge government

DR Congo: civil society calls for "dead city" days in Goma to challenge government

Citizen movements and civil society, including Lucha, declared a two-day general strike on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 September to denounce the authorities’ inability to deal with the M23 rebels. Organizers of the protest said the aim was to urge the authorities to react against the presence of M23 rebels …

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French President hosts talks on Rwanda and DR Congo tensions

French President hosts talks on Rwanda and DR Congo tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi to discuss tensions between the two neighbors over rebel activity near their common border. The meeting came moments after Rwandan President Paul Kagame told the UN General Assembly that “blame game doesn’t solve problems”. …

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Equatorial Guinean President abolishes death penalty

Equatorial Guinean President abolishes death penalty

The death penalty has been abolished in Equatorial Guinea, according to a new criminal code signed by President Teodoro Obiang, state media has reported. The last execution in the country took place eight years ago. Mr Obiang’s son, Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, described the decision as “historical and memorable,” …

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“One in four Congolese lives in food insecurity” – UN representative

"One in four Congolese lives in food insecurity" - UN representative

Nearly 27 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are acutely food insecure, according to Bruno Lemarquis, UN representative for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Armed conflicts, particularly in the east of the country, population displacements due to violence, and poverty are among the causes of this situation. “Out …

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