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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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A surge in violence and disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has displaced over 500,000 people since December 1, including many children at risk of violence, disease, and malnutrition. UNICEF warns that ongoing conflict, underfunded health plans, and outbreaks of cholera and measles threaten vulnerable populations, especially children, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
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The UN human rights office is in 'survival mode' due to a $90 million funding shortfall, leading to job cuts and reduced monitoring of violations worldwide. Major donors have decreased contributions amid shifting priorities, impacting the organization's ability to respond to crises, especially in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan.
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A Congolese national, Lumbala, was convicted in France for atrocities committed during the Second Congo War, marking the first time a Congolese leader has been tried domestically for mass crimes under universal jurisdiction. The trial highlights ongoing issues of impunity and conflict in eastern Congo.
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M23 rebels seized control of Uvira in eastern Congo, despite a recent U.S.-mediated peace deal. The offensive has displaced 200,000 civilians and threatens regional stability, with Rwanda accused of backing the rebels. The conflict escalates regional fears of spillover into Burundi and beyond.
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Fighting in Uvira, eastern DRC, has intensified as M23 rebels seized control of the city, prompting regional and international concern. Despite claims of withdrawal, the group remains present, complicating peace negotiations. Thousands of civilians are displaced, and regional tensions are rising, with the UN and US calling for compliance with peace agreements.
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Fighting in eastern DRC continues as M23 rebels claim to withdraw from Uvira following international pressure. Despite the withdrawal, reports indicate ongoing clashes, with the UN warning of regional destabilization. The conflict has displaced over 200,000 refugees into Burundi and threatens regional stability.
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The US State Department has notified at least 29 ambassadors, mostly appointed during Biden's administration, that their postings will end in January. The move affects key countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as part of a broader effort to align diplomacy with the current administration's priorities.
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The Biden administration has recalled over two dozen diplomats worldwide, emphasizing a shift towards 'America First' policies. Critics question the impact on U.S. diplomacy, especially in Africa, where staffing shortages and strategic shifts are evident. The move reflects a broader focus on trade and bilateral agreements over aid.
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The UK has announced new measures to accelerate the removal of illegal migrants, with Angola and Namibia agreeing to improve deportation cooperation. The Democratic Republic of Congo has yet to meet UK requirements, risking visa bans and removal of special privileges. The reforms aim to make refugee status temporary and speed up deportations.
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As of January 2026, China reported a record $1.19 trillion trade surplus for 2025, driven by a 5.5% rise in exports to $3.77 trillion despite US tariffs. Chinese firms shifted focus to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe amid sluggish domestic demand and a moribund property market. EV exports doubled, with China surpassing Tesla as the top EV maker in 2025.
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On January 28, 2026, a landslide at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, controlled by the M23 rebel group, killed over 200 people, including miners, women, and children. The disaster highlights unsafe artisanal mining amid ongoing conflict and stalled peace efforts despite a US-brokered deal between DRC and Rwanda.
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Recent efforts to establish a ceasefire in eastern Congo have seen progress, with Qatar deploying monitors to Uvira and MONUSCO preparing to oversee a ceasefire. Meanwhile, drone attacks near Kisangani suggest escalating violence, possibly marking a new phase in the conflict involving AFC/M23 rebels.
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The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights faces severe funding cuts after Western donors, including the US, reduced contributions in 2025. This has led to fewer monitoring missions, job cuts, and diminished capacity to address global human rights violations amid mounting crises.
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The UN is preparing to withdraw South African troops from the DRC's MONUSCO mission by the end of 2026, following President Ramaphosa's decision to realign military resources after 27 years of support. Recent developments include ongoing negotiations, a planned ceasefire monitoring mechanism, and the return of UN personnel to Goma amid renewed conflict concerns.
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Congolese President Tshisekedi offers U.S. companies access to eastern Congo’s untapped $24 trillion mineral wealth to secure U.S. support against rebels and build infrastructure. The move aligns with U.S. efforts to counter China's dominance in critical minerals, amid ongoing regional instability and opposition within Congo.
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Youssouf highlights Palestinian suffering amid ongoing Gaza siege and conflicts across Africa at the AU summit. The event emphasizes water issues, climate change, and regional instability, with calls for humanitarian aid and peace efforts amid escalating violence and resource disputes.
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Retired boxing icons Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are tentatively scheduled to face off in an exhibition match on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking boxing’s return to the country. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao plans a comeback fight in Las Vegas after his recent draw with Mario Barrios.
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Authorities in South Kivu report discovering two mass graves near Uvira containing at least 171 bodies, suspected to be victims of M23 rebels. The region remains volatile despite rebel withdrawals and ongoing peace efforts. UN and regional bodies call for investigations today, 28 Feb 2026.
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The US has ended a $367 million health aid deal with Zimbabwe, citing concerns over data sharing, sovereignty, and fairness. Zimbabwe rejected the deal, which aimed to support HIV, TB, and maternal health, citing risks to sovereignty and lack of reciprocal data access. The move follows similar withdrawals in other African countries amid US restructuring of aid policies.
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The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Rwanda's defense forces and top officials, accusing them of supporting rebel groups in eastern DR Congo. Rwanda denies the claims, citing ongoing Congolese drone and ground attacks. The move follows recent escalations and peace deal tensions.