16-23 October 2015

1. US Secretary of State Sarah Sewall visits the DRCongo

Independent/Private media

(L’Observateur, independent/privately-owned newspaper, article dated 21 October 2015, in French) Au cours de sa conférence de presse au CEPAS, La Sous-secrétaire d’Etat Sarah Sewall réaffirme l’engagement des Etats-Unis aux côté de la RDC

• US Secretary of State Sarah Sewall visited the DRC on October 20, 2015.
• She gave a speech at the Centre for the Social Action (CEPAS), in which she stressed the US commitment with the DRC to promote democracy, civil security and human rights.
• Especially prior to the 2016 Federal elections in the DRC. 

2. Financial aid from the EU towards the reintegration of ex-combatants

State-owned media

(Agence Congolaise Presse, government-owned news agency, article dated 20 October 2015, in French) 5.000.000 USD pour la réinsertion des ex-combattants

• The European Union has given $5 Million to the Congolese government for the reintegration of ex-combatants operations.
• The money will go towards bases Kamina and Kitona.

3. ACP journalist mistreated by the police

State-owned media

(Agence Congolaise Presse, government-owned news agency, article dated 22 October 2015, in French) Un journaliste de l’ACP en reportage maltraité par des policiers

• A trainee journalist of the Congolese News Agency was covering an eviction operation in Kasavubu was brutally beaten and handcuffed by police.
• Women were protesting an eviction operation of market gardening on the site on an ancient cemetery.

4. Union of young African lawyers discuss legislation to combat terrorism 

Independent/Private media

(L’Observateur, independent/privately-owned newspaper, article dated 22 October 2015, in French) Réunis en congrès à Kinshasa : Les jeunes avocats d’Afrique réfléchissent contre le terrorisme

• The Union of young lawyers in Africa sat in Parliament in Kinasha for a two day event to discuss terrorism in Africa.
• They are working towards adopting legislation to combat terrorism through existing legal provisions, especially with regard to money laundering.
• Deputy Minister of Justice, Christophe Mboso Kodia Puanga, attended the event.

5. 2000 people flee the Republic of Central Africa for the DRCongo

State-owned media

(Agence Congolaise Presse, government-owned news agency, article dated 7 October 2015, in French) Fuite de plus de 2000 personnes de la RCA en RDC

• Over 2000 people flee the Central African Republic for the DRC over the past week.
• The refugees consisted of mostly women and children and were recorded in the town of Zongo.
• They will most likely be relocated to refugee camps in Mole.
• Refugees fled to escape fighting between rebels and Seleka Anti-Balaka militants.
• The total number of CAR refugees in the DRC now greatly exceeds over 100,000 people.

6. Ugandan ADF rebels in Beni

Independent/Private media

(L’Observateur, independent/privately-owned newspaper, article dated 8 October 2015, in French) Pendant trois jours : Les  FARDC ont traqué les rebelles ougandais des   ADF à Béni

• For 3 days, the FARDC hunted Ugandan ADF rebels in Beni, North Kivu.
• Last July, a clash between the two parties resulted in the use of heavy weapons in Mutata.
• Military operations are in continuation.