Congo Democratic Republic

Country Congo Democratic Republic
Capital Kinshasa
Continent Africa
Currency Congolese franc(CDF)
Languages French, Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili & Tshiluba

Information

Introduction

Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support KABILA's regime. A cease-fire was signed in July 1999 by the DRC, Congolese armed rebel groups, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe but sporadic fighting continued. Laurent KABILA was assassinated in January 2001 and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003. Joseph KABILA as president and four vice presidents represented the former government, former rebel groups, the political opposition, and civil society. The transitional government held a successful constitutional referendum in December 2005 and elections for the presidency, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures in 2006. The National Assembly was installed in September 2006 and KABILA was inaugurated president in December 2006. Provincial assemblies were constituted in early 2007, and elected governors and national senators in January 2007.

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References

Congo Democratic Republic - Wikipedia
Congo Democratic Republic - CIA World Fact Book
Congo Democratic Republic - BBC
Congo Democratic Republic - Timeline - BBC

Cities

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News Headlines

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Democratic Republic of the Congo - Security Council, 9865th meeting - webtv.un.orgDemocratic Republic of the Congo - Security Council, 9865th meeting  webtv.un.org

What can stop M23 advance in Democratic Republic of the Congo? - Al Jazeera EnglishWhat can stop M23 advance in Democratic Republic of the Congo?  Al Jazeera English

DR Congo conflict: Rwanda calls US sanctions 'unjustified' - BBC.comDR Congo conflict: Rwanda calls US sanctions 'unjustified'  BBC.com

AFRICA/DR CONGO - Beheaded bodies of 70 people found in a Protestant church - Agenzia FidesAFRICA/DR CONGO - Beheaded bodies of 70 people found in a Protestant church  Agenzia Fides

Security Council urges Rwanda to stop supporting M23 in eastern DR Congo - UN News
  1. Security Council urges Rwanda to stop supporting M23 in eastern DR Congo  UN News
  2. Displaced again: People forced to flee fear hunger as violence grips the east of DRC  ReliefWeb
  3. UN Security Council demands rebels withdraw from captured Congolese cities  Voice of America


70 Christians Beheaded in Church: What We Know - Newsweek70 Christians Beheaded in Church: What We Know  Newsweek

False: Rwanda denies its involvement in DRC war - Voice of AmericaFalse: Rwanda denies its involvement in DRC war  Voice of America

Spotlight on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - Welcome to the United NationsSpotlight on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)  Welcome to the United Nations

Civilians at breaking point in eastern DR Congo warns top aid official, in call to resume talks - UN NewsCivilians at breaking point in eastern DR Congo warns top aid official, in call to resume talks  UN News

US sanctions Rwanda minister over DRC fighting - Al Jazeera EnglishUS sanctions Rwanda minister over DRC fighting  Al Jazeera English

DR Congo country profile - BBC.comDR Congo country profile  BBC.com

Explanation of Vote Following the Adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution on the Democratic Republic of the Congo - United States Mission to the United NationsExplanation of Vote Following the Adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution on the Democratic Republic of the Congo  United States Mission to the United Nations

Sanctioning Drivers of Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Department of StateSanctioning Drivers of Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  Department of State

Serious human rights concerns as situation in eastern DRC deteriorates further - OHCHRSerious human rights concerns as situation in eastern DRC deteriorates further  OHCHR

Today's top news: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine - OCHAToday's top news: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine  OCHA

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Living with the scars of conflict - ICRCEastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Living with the scars of conflict  ICRC

France welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2773 on the situation in the DRC - France ONUFrance welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2773 on the situation in the DRC  France ONU

UNHCR Preparedness and Response - Displacement in Eastern DRC and Neighbouring Countries - February - April 2025 - ReliefWebUNHCR Preparedness and Response - Displacement in Eastern DRC and Neighbouring Countries - February - April 2025  ReliefWeb

Children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo increasingly exposed to sexual violence, abduction and recruitment - UNICEFChildren in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo increasingly exposed to sexual violence, abduction and recruitment  UNICEF

Kenya’s Economic Initiatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Center for Strategic & International StudiesKenya’s Economic Initiatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  Center for Strategic & International Studies

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo - United States Mission to the United NationsRemarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo  United States Mission to the United Nations

Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo: Where is the Security Partnership? - Center for Strategic & International StudiesKenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo: Where is the Security Partnership?  Center for Strategic & International Studies

DR Congo: Rights chief warns crisis could worsen, without international action - UN NewsDR Congo: Rights chief warns crisis could worsen, without international action  UN News

DR Congo crisis: Occupation blocks UN mission from protecting civilians - Department of Political and Peacebuilding AffairsDR Congo crisis: Occupation blocks UN mission from protecting civilians  Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

DR CONGO: Live updates as Security Council meets to avert widening war - UN NewsDR CONGO: Live updates as Security Council meets to avert widening war  UN News

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Press Conference - UN Web TVDemocratic Republic of the Congo - Press Conference  UN Web TV

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Briefing - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Briefing  ReliefWeb

Dire health and humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo prompts escalation of efforts by WHO, partners - World Health OrganizationDire health and humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo prompts escalation of efforts by WHO, partners  World Health Organization

Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing - webtv.un.orgDemocratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing  webtv.un.org

DR Congo violence has pushed 35,000 to Burundi, says UN refugee agency - UN NewsDR Congo violence has pushed 35,000 to Burundi, says UN refugee agency  UN News

Security Council Meets on Situation Concerning Democratic Republic of Congo - UN Web TVSecurity Council Meets on Situation Concerning Democratic Republic of Congo  UN Web TV

DR Congo: Children reportedly killed in summary executions by M23 fighters - UN NewsDR Congo: Children reportedly killed in summary executions by M23 fighters  UN News

DR Congo conflict: What is the fighting in Goma about? - BBC.comDR Congo conflict: What is the fighting in Goma about?  BBC.com

Conflict in DR Congo: What’s happening & how to help - Doctors Without Borders (MSF-USA)Conflict in DR Congo: What’s happening & how to help  Doctors Without Borders (MSF-USA)

Security Council urges Rwanda to stop supporting M23 in eastern DR Congo - Department of Political and Peacebuilding AffairsSecurity Council urges Rwanda to stop supporting M23 in eastern DR Congo  Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Thematic Analysis, 17 February 2025 - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Thematic Analysis, 17 February 2025  ReliefWeb

Rebel offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo clouds future for Israeli NGO - The Times of IsraelRebel offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo clouds future for Israeli NGO  The Times of Israel

Democratic Republic of the Congo - DRC at a Glance - Situation as of 31 January 2025 - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo - DRC at a Glance - Situation as of 31 January 2025  ReliefWeb

DR Congo crisis: Occupation blocks UN mission from protecting civilians - UN NewsDR Congo crisis: Occupation blocks UN mission from protecting civilians  UN News

Democratic Republic of Congo: Statement following the passing of our colleague - ZAWYADemocratic Republic of Congo: Statement following the passing of our colleague  ZAWYA

Africa CDC Strengthens Support to Ebola Response in the Democratic Republic of Congo - African UnionAfrica CDC Strengthens Support to Ebola Response in the Democratic Republic of Congo  African Union

DR Congo crisis: WFP condemns looting in Bukavu after M23 rebels take key city - UN NewsDR Congo crisis: WFP condemns looting in Bukavu after M23 rebels take key city  UN News

DRC rebels promise security after seizing Bukavu in country’s east - Al Jazeera EnglishDRC rebels promise security after seizing Bukavu in country’s east  Al Jazeera English

UN calls for immediate Ceasefire in DRC amid M23 rebel advances - Vatican News - EnglishUN calls for immediate Ceasefire in DRC amid M23 rebel advances  Vatican News - English

UN Security Council weighs calling on Rwanda to pull troops from Congo - Voice of AmericaUN Security Council weighs calling on Rwanda to pull troops from Congo  Voice of America

Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice - GOV.UKDemocratic Republic of the Congo travel advice  GOV.UK

As Conflict Rages in Congo, President Offers U.S. Minerals Deal - The New York TimesAs Conflict Rages in Congo, President Offers U.S. Minerals Deal  The New York Times

DR Congo: M23-held Bukavu suffered wave of violence, looting - DW (English)DR Congo: M23-held Bukavu suffered wave of violence, looting  DW (English)

AFRICA/DR CONGO - Kinshasa: Police thwart threats by supporters of the ruling party against Catholic and Protestant churches - Agenzia FidesAFRICA/DR CONGO - Kinshasa: Police thwart threats by supporters of the ruling party against Catholic and Protestant churches  Agenzia Fides

DRC - North Kivu Province Intentions Survey: 102 Displacement Sites & Collective Centres (data collection: 7 Nov - 21 Dec 2024) - ReliefWebDRC - North Kivu Province Intentions Survey: 102 Displacement Sites & Collective Centres (data collection: 7 Nov - 21 Dec 2024)  ReliefWeb

Democratic Republic of Congo: MSF staff member critically injured in Masisi town after shots hit MSF base - Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) InternationalDemocratic Republic of Congo: MSF staff member critically injured in Masisi town after shots hit MSF base  Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International

EU provides €60 million humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo - European UnionEU provides €60 million humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo  European Union

Anxiety rises in DR Congo capital as M23 rebels advance in east - ReutersAnxiety rises in DR Congo capital as M23 rebels advance in east  Reuters

Democratic Republic of Congo - Protection Brief, February 2025 - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of Congo - Protection Brief, February 2025  ReliefWeb

Urgent appeal launched as DR Congo crisis fuels mass displacement to Burundi - UN NewsUrgent appeal launched as DR Congo crisis fuels mass displacement to Burundi  UN News

MSF: Anger as aid worker dies after shooting in DR Congo - BBC.comMSF: Anger as aid worker dies after shooting in DR Congo  BBC.com

Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advice & Safety - SmartravellerDemocratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advice & Safety  Smartraveller

UN warns M23 advances threaten regional conflict in eastern DRC - Al Jazeera EnglishUN warns M23 advances threaten regional conflict in eastern DRC  Al Jazeera English

UN Security Council calls on Rwanda to pull troops from Congo - ReutersUN Security Council calls on Rwanda to pull troops from Congo  Reuters

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Security Council, 9863rd meeting - UN Web TVDemocratic Republic of the Congo - Security Council, 9863rd meeting  UN Web TV

War in eastern Congo: Thousands seek refuge in Burundi - DW (English)War in eastern Congo: Thousands seek refuge in Burundi  DW (English)

Expert comment: Expanding areas of M23’s operations - ReliefWebExpert comment: Expanding areas of M23’s operations  ReliefWeb

War Returns to the Democratic Republic of Congo: What to Know - Council on Foreign RelationsWar Returns to the Democratic Republic of Congo: What to Know  Council on Foreign Relations

DR Congo: UNSC calls on Rwandan troops to leave - DW (English)DR Congo: UNSC calls on Rwandan troops to leave  DW (English)

What is happening in the DRC? | Explained - The HinduWhat is happening in the DRC? | Explained  The Hindu

UN agencies warn of worsening humanitarian and human rights crisis in eastern DR Congo - UN NewsUN agencies warn of worsening humanitarian and human rights crisis in eastern DR Congo  UN News

Tutsis in DR Congo and the M23: Links to Rwanda fuel discrimination - BBC.comTutsis in DR Congo and the M23: Links to Rwanda fuel discrimination  BBC.com

Democratic Republic of Congo: Requests for an Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and an Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Democratic Re - International Monetary FundDemocratic Republic of Congo: Requests for an Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and an Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Democratic Re  International Monetary Fund

AFRICA/DR CONGO - Bishop of Uvira robbed - Agenzia FidesAFRICA/DR CONGO - Bishop of Uvira robbed  Agenzia Fides

Democratic Republic of the Congo - European UnionDemocratic Republic of the Congo  European Union

DR Congo’s M23 rebels enter centre of strategic city Bukavu - Al Jazeera EnglishDR Congo’s M23 rebels enter centre of strategic city Bukavu  Al Jazeera English

Therese Kayikwamba Wagner (Democratic Republic of the Congo) on the ongoing security and humanitarian situation in the Eastern DRC - Security Council Media Stakeout - UN Web TVTherese Kayikwamba Wagner (Democratic Republic of the Congo) on the ongoing security and humanitarian situation in the Eastern DRC - Security Council Media Stakeout  UN Web TV

MSF mourns colleague killed in DR Congo - Doctors Without Borders (MSF-USA)MSF mourns colleague killed in DR Congo  Doctors Without Borders (MSF-USA)

Democratic Republic of Congo - Press statement by Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière - France ONUDemocratic Republic of Congo - Press statement by Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière  France ONU

DR Congo: Shortage of humanitarian routes threatens aid operation, top UN official warns - UN NewsDR Congo: Shortage of humanitarian routes threatens aid operation, top UN official warns  UN News

UNHCR Southern Africa Regional External update #4: Eastern DRC Situation (21 February 2025) - ReliefWebUNHCR Southern Africa Regional External update #4: Eastern DRC Situation (21 February 2025)  ReliefWeb

DR Congo: Intensification of Violence in North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces - Situation Report #2 (11 February 2025) - ReliefWebDR Congo: Intensification of Violence in North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces - Situation Report #2 (11 February 2025)  ReliefWeb

The international community must pay attention to the DRC | D+C - Development + Cooperation - D+C Development and CooperationThe international community must pay attention to the DRC | D+C - Development + Cooperation  D+C Development and Cooperation

‘Over the precipice’: UN chief sounds alarm on DR Congo fighting - Al Jazeera English‘Over the precipice’: UN chief sounds alarm on DR Congo fighting  Al Jazeera English

Statement of ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and renewed investigations - the International Criminal CourtStatement of ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and renewed investigations  the International Criminal Court

High Commissioner Türk on the Democratic Republic of Congo: “Make the space for peace” - OHCHRHigh Commissioner Türk on the Democratic Republic of Congo: “Make the space for peace”  OHCHR

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Council renews EU restrictive measures for a further year - consilium.europa.euDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Council renews EU restrictive measures for a further year  consilium.europa.eu

DR Congo violence has pushed 35,000 to Burundi, says UN refugee agency - Department of Political and Peacebuilding AffairsDR Congo violence has pushed 35,000 to Burundi, says UN refugee agency  Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

Congo has asked Chad for military support to help fight rebels, sources say - ReutersCongo has asked Chad for military support to help fight rebels, sources say  Reuters

DR Congo conflict in Goma: M23 rebels leave families devastated in wake of advance - BBC.comDR Congo conflict in Goma: M23 rebels leave families devastated in wake of advance  BBC.com

DRC: 'This is our war, not some distant, irrational outbreak of violence in Africa' - Le MondeDRC: 'This is our war, not some distant, irrational outbreak of violence in Africa'  Le Monde

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC’s second-largest city - The GuardianRwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC’s second-largest city  The Guardian

In photos: Conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo - Voice of AmericaIn photos: Conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo  Voice of America

Thousands arrive in Burundi within days, fleeing rising tension and violence in eastern DR Congo - UNHCRThousands arrive in Burundi within days, fleeing rising tension and violence in eastern DR Congo  UNHCR

M23 rebels tighten their grip on second major city in eastern DRC - Voice of AmericaM23 rebels tighten their grip on second major city in eastern DRC  Voice of America

M23 rebels tighten their grip on major city in eastern DRC - Al Jazeera EnglishM23 rebels tighten their grip on major city in eastern DRC  Al Jazeera English

Speech by Commissioner Suica at the European Parliament plenary on the Democratic Republic of Congo - ReliefWebSpeech by Commissioner Suica at the European Parliament plenary on the Democratic Republic of Congo  ReliefWeb

Remarks by Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo - United States Mission to the United NationsRemarks by Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo  United States Mission to the United Nations

Democratic Republic of the Congo: FAO sounds alarm over persisting high levels of hunger - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsDemocratic Republic of the Congo: FAO sounds alarm over persisting high levels of hunger  Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Briefing - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Briefing  ReliefWeb

The Democratic Republic of Congo to create the Earth’s largest protected tropical forest reserve - World Economic ForumThe Democratic Republic of Congo to create the Earth’s largest protected tropical forest reserve  World Economic Forum

Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Ghost of Roger Casement is Beating at the Door - Rebel NewsDemocratic Republic of the Congo: The Ghost of Roger Casement is Beating at the Door  Rebel News

DR Congo displacement, health crisis worsens amid dwindling aid access - UN NewsDR Congo displacement, health crisis worsens amid dwindling aid access  UN News

Bukavu in DR Congo falls to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels - BBC.comBukavu in DR Congo falls to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels  BBC.com

Security Alert: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo - U.S. Embassy KinshasaSecurity Alert: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo  U.S. Embassy Kinshasa