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Former DRC president Joseph Kabila was sentenced in absentia to death for supporting the M23 rebel group, which seized territory in eastern Congo. The court also ordered him to pay billions in damages. His current whereabouts remain unknown amid ongoing conflict and regional tensions.
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The US will reduce its peacekeeping contributions by half, sending back 13,000-14,000 personnel from nine missions amid budget shortfalls and a shift towards 'America First' policies. China plans to meet its full contribution, while the UN faces a 16-17% funding gap, impacting operations worldwide.
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After years of conflict, Congo's government and M23 rebels signed a ceasefire in Doha, mediated by Qatar. A monitoring body will oversee compliance, with UN peacekeepers involved. The conflict has displaced 7 million people and remains complex and deadly.
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At the CPHIA 2025 conference in Durban, Africa CDC's Director-General declared the continent unprepared for future pandemics. Recent outbreaks of mpox and Ebola in Congo highlight ongoing vulnerabilities, including weak health infrastructure, reliance on imports, and fragmented response systems. Progress in local manufacturing is noted, but significant challenges remain.
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Copper futures on the London Metal Exchange reached a record $11,200 per metric ton, driven by supply disruptions and rising demand from energy and AI sectors. Major miners report lower output, with forecasts indicating a market deficit next year amid geopolitical and environmental challenges. The outlook remains bullish but cautious.
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo's foreign minister criticizes Rwanda's actions, questioning its commitment to peace in eastern DRC. Despite diplomatic efforts and a peace agreement, ongoing military presence and abuses hinder progress. Recent meetings in Washington reaffirm commitments, but implementation remains slow and fragile.
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Between mid-October and late November 2025, armed groups in eastern Congo and Mali have intensified violence. In Congo's North Kivu, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed at least 89 people, including 17 in a maternity ward. In Mali, al-Qaeda-linked JNIM executed TikTok user Mariame Cissé after abducting her. Malian military and allied militias also killed at least 31 civilians in Segou amid ongoing conflict.
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The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
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The ICC opened a sentencing hearing for Ali Kushayb, convicted of 27 war crimes including mass murder and rape committed during the Darfur conflict in 2003-2004. Prosecutors seek a life sentence, while the defense requests seven years. The case marks the first ICC conviction for Darfur atrocities.
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In November 2025, Congo's government and M23 rebels signed a framework agreement in Doha, mediated by Qatar and the US, aiming to outline protocols for future peace negotiations. The deal addresses root causes of conflict, but implementation remains uncertain amid ongoing violence and accusations of violations.
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At least 40 people died and dozens were injured after a mine collapse in Lualaba province, Congo, caused by panic triggered by gunfire from soldiers. The incident occurred despite a ban on access due to heavy rain and landslide risks. Authorities have suspended operations and called for an investigation.
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Nigeria's Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Congo securing their first World Cup appearance since 1974. Nigeria last qualified in 2018, missing 2022 and now 2026.
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Qatar's leader visited the DRC to bolster peace talks with M23 rebels amid ongoing violence. A framework agreement was signed, backed by the US and Qatar, aiming to end years of conflict in eastern DRC. Despite progress, violence persists, and negotiations face delays.
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Australia has launched 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, with record funding for frontline services and increased support for victims. Despite progress, advocates warn that violence remains a crisis, with 2024 being the deadliest year on record. Figures for 2025 show a slight decline in domestic homicides, but concerns persist.
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On December 11, 2025, the M23 rebel group consolidated control over Uvira in eastern DR Congo, displacing 200,000 civilians and threatening the US-brokered Washington Accords signed a week earlier by DR Congo and Rwanda. Despite the peace deal, fighting continues with accusations of Rwandan forces backing M23 and ongoing civilian casualties in South Kivu province.
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Leaders from the EU, US, and Africa gathered at a summit in Angola to discuss trade, security, and infrastructure. Key topics included mineral processing, regional stability, and strengthening multilateral cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The summit aims to reshape Africa's role in global supply chains.
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The U.S. Institute of Peace, a longstanding conflict resolution organization, has been renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace amid ongoing legal disputes over control of the building and funding. The change aligns with Trump's efforts to highlight his diplomatic claims and political branding.
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A severe cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in over 64,000 cases and nearly 1,900 deaths this year, with children disproportionately affected. Limited water access, conflict, and underfunded health plans hinder response efforts, prompting urgent calls for increased funding and intervention.