Félix Tshisekedi is in the news for Congo’s ongoing conflict, mineral deals, and regional tensions. He’s been president since 2019.
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.
The UK imposed sanctions on Sudanese military leaders linked to ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The measures target commanders accused of atrocities, with calls for ceasefire and humanitarian access amid a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has displaced millions since April 2023.
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.
Recent articles highlight escalating climate impacts on ecosystems and communities worldwide. In the DRC, a militant attack on a wildlife park killed seven, exposing security gaps. Meanwhile, Arctic and North American regions face rising risks from melting ice, affecting traditional livelihoods and safety. These stories underscore urgent environmental and security challenges today.
On March 17, 2026, a Brussels court ordered 93-year-old Etienne Davignon, former European Commission vice president and junior diplomat in 1960, to face war crimes charges for his alleged role in the 1961 assassination of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba. This marks the first prosecution of a Belgian official linked to Lumumba's murder, a pivotal event symbolizing colonial-era injustices.