Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Congo as US-mediated Peace Accord counts for nothing
M23’s latest offensive comes despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington. The accord didn’t include the rebel group, which is negotiating separately with Congo and agreed earlier this year to a ceasefire.
Eastern Congo’s triple tragedy: Pro-state militia in Uvira is as atrocious as M23 rebels and national army
With more than 700,000 inhabitants and sitting on the border with Burundi, Uvira is the last major stronghold of the Congolese government in South Kivu – one of two provinces that the M23 and Rwandan troops are currently occupying.
Shifty Congo and M23 rebels ceasefire process sees another deal signed to end decades-long conflict
In July, Congo and M23 signed a signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end the conflict and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement. They agreed to finalise the deal by August 18 but missed the deadline, blaming each other for breaches of the agreement.
DRC peace lie: What attracts Washington, Doha and other powers is strategic minerals, not tears of displaced families
The Washington deal committed DRC’s army to neutralise the FDLR – which is referenced far more in the deal than the M23 – and Rwanda to end what the text terms “defensive measures”, a euphemism Kigali uses for its deployments.
Congolese rebel leader Lumbala trial over wartime atrocities during Second Congo War starts in Paris
he trial is possible under a French law that recognizes universal jurisdiction for crimes against humanity. His case marks the first time a Congolese political or military leader has been tried for mass atrocities before a national court under the universal jurisdiction principle.
Former Congo President Kabila resurfaces at political meeting in Kenya despite absentia death sentence
Joseph Kabila was filmed in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, at a ceremony attended by a dozen other Congolese leaders who oppose President Felix Tshisekedi.
Swapping devils: Hallmark of life after M23 takeover in eastern Congo is forced labour and fears of by arrest rebels
Residents say local community leaders and institutions have been put to the service of the M23, who are imposing their own taxation system and compelling people to provide labour for military services.
Former Congo President Kabila sentenced to death by military court for treason
Former DRC President Joseph Kabila did not attend the trial and was not represented by legal counsel. Neither he nor his representatives were immediately available for comment. His whereabouts were not immediately known.
Prosecutor in former Congo president case wants death penalty critics view as aimed at settling of scores than quest for truth
In court on Friday, General Lucien René Likulia representing the prosecution also asked, in addition to the death penalty, for a 20-year-sentence for Kabila’s alleged apologetic behaviour for war crimes and 15 years for conspiracy. The general did not elaborate on those charges or say what they refer to.
Inside Congo’s killing fields, sickly and exploited artisanal miners slave away for world’s indifferent tech economies
Josaphat Musamba, a Congolese researcher and PhD student at Ghent University in Belgium, said suppressing the militia would be a tall order for the DRC’s military, which is no longer present in large swathes of M23-controlled territory.
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