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.

[+] Geography

[+] People

[+] Government

Video

Map


View Larger Map

References

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

Cities

Links

News Headlines

Google News
The EU strengthens its humanitarian response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with €9 million - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsThe EU strengthens its humanitarian response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with €9 million  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Child marriage is still common in the DRC: what’s driving it and how to encourage change - The ConversationChild marriage is still common in the DRC: what’s driving it and how to encourage change  The Conversation

News Analysis: Paris peace conference faces harsh realities in eastern DR Congo - XinhuaNews Analysis: Paris peace conference faces harsh realities in eastern DR Congo  Xinhua

DR Congo: Decades of neglect must end - nrc.noDR Congo: Decades of neglect must end  nrc.no

Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda Sign a Peace Agreement - ASILDemocratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda Sign a Peace Agreement  ASIL

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Welcome to the United NationsDemocratic Republic of the Congo  Welcome to the United Nations

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Rapid Displacement Analysis, Western Region (22-29 September 2025) - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Rapid Displacement Analysis, Western Region (22-29 September 2025)  ReliefWeb

Vingroup signs MOU with Democratic Republic of Congo on green transportation - TNGlobalVingroup signs MOU with Democratic Republic of Congo on green transportation  TNGlobal

Paris Meeting Should Prioritize Promoting Aid and Justice in Congo - Human Rights WatchParis Meeting Should Prioritize Promoting Aid and Justice in Congo  Human Rights Watch

Symbion signs second agreement for Angola-DRC interconnector - African EnergySymbion signs second agreement for Angola-DRC interconnector  African Energy

Agroforestry: Reshaping Livelihoods and Landscapes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - World Bank GroupAgroforestry: Reshaping Livelihoods and Landscapes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  World Bank Group

NGOs urge humanitarian push at Great Lakes conference in Paris - RFINGOs urge humanitarian push at Great Lakes conference in Paris  RFI

DR Congo country profile - BBCDR Congo country profile  BBC

Caritas supports millions of people in the DRC as life-saving essentials run out - caritas.orgCaritas supports millions of people in the DRC as life-saving essentials run out  caritas.org

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Health care increasingly difficult to access in North and South Kivu - ICRCDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Health care increasingly difficult to access in North and South Kivu  ICRC

Public Health Situation Analysis - Democratic Republic of Congo - World Health Organization (WHO)Public Health Situation Analysis - Democratic Republic of Congo  World Health Organization (WHO)

DR Congo: UN envoy points to ‘real hope’ for ceasefire and peace in the east - UN NewsDR Congo: UN envoy points to ‘real hope’ for ceasefire and peace in the east  UN News

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), public administration enters a new era with a digital civil servant registry - World Bank BlogsIn the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), public administration enters a new era with a digital civil servant registry  World Bank Blogs

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Monthly Statistics of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (as of 30 September 2025) - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Monthly Statistics of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (as of 30 September 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ebola outbreak 2025 - IFRCDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Ebola outbreak 2025  IFRC

What stands between the DRC and peace? Many factors - Mission Network NewsWhat stands between the DRC and peace? Many factors  Mission Network News

Democratic Republic of the Congo National Day - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Democratic Republic of the Congo National Day  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

DR Congo: Peace still elusive despite ‘progress we see on paper’, UN official says - United Nations PeacekeepingDR Congo: Peace still elusive despite ‘progress we see on paper’, UN official says  United Nations Peacekeeping

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

World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) call for urgent action as hunger deepens in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - Africa24 TVWorld Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) call for urgent action as hunger deepens in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)  Africa24 TV

DR Congo: Human rights violations could amount to war crimes, UN experts say - UN NewsDR Congo: Human rights violations could amount to war crimes, UN experts say  UN News

As hunger and malnutrition soar in eastern DRC, small steps deliver change - UN World Food ProgrammeAs hunger and malnutrition soar in eastern DRC, small steps deliver change  UN World Food Programme

Security Council urged to support eastern DR Congo peace initiatives - UN NewsSecurity Council urged to support eastern DR Congo peace initiatives  UN News

DR Congo crisis: Funding cuts curtail assistance to victims of sexual violence - UN NewsDR Congo crisis: Funding cuts curtail assistance to victims of sexual violence  UN News

UN says Congo needs half a billion dollars as 26 million face severe hunger - Business Insider AfricaUN says Congo needs half a billion dollars as 26 million face severe hunger  Business Insider Africa

This year’s International Day of Prayer – remember the Congolese believers - Mission Network NewsThis year’s International Day of Prayer – remember the Congolese believers  Mission Network News

The Voice of the Martyrs Releases Daniel and Aline: Democratic Republic of the Congo, a Short Film for 2025 International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians - ACCESS NewswireThe Voice of the Martyrs Releases Daniel and Aline: Democratic Republic of the Congo, a Short Film for 2025 International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians  ACCESS Newswire

Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker - Council on Foreign RelationsConflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker  Council on Foreign Relations

Professor Felix Kaputu Unveils Congo-Kinshasa: 65 Ans en Dérives on 65 Years of Crisis—and a Path Forward - markets.businessinsider.comProfessor Felix Kaputu Unveils Congo-Kinshasa: 65 Ans en Dérives on 65 Years of Crisis—and a Path Forward  markets.businessinsider.com

DR Congo: Despite efforts towards a political solution, violence still rages in the east - UN NewsDR Congo: Despite efforts towards a political solution, violence still rages in the east  UN News

Vingroup to develop real estate and electric mobility in DRC - electrive.comVingroup to develop real estate and electric mobility in DRC  electrive.com

Mike Tyson Visits the Democratic Republic of Congo to Celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle - World Boxing CouncilMike Tyson Visits the Democratic Republic of Congo to Celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle  World Boxing Council

Armed militia kill hundreds in eastern DR Congo - UN NewsArmed militia kill hundreds in eastern DR Congo  UN News

Reports of grave violations against children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo tripled in last month - UnicefReports of grave violations against children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo tripled in last month  Unicef

Democratic Republic of the Congo: One too many humanitarian crises in North and South Kivu - IFRCDemocratic Republic of the Congo: One too many humanitarian crises in North and South Kivu  IFRC

Eastern DRC journalist in rebel custody for more than a month - Committee to Protect JournalistsEastern DRC journalist in rebel custody for more than a month  Committee to Protect Journalists

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Global Centre for the Responsibility to ProtectDemocratic Republic of the Congo  Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect

4 ways UNICEF is supporting children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Unicef4 ways UNICEF is supporting children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  Unicef

Joint Statement on the Second Joint Oversight Committee Meeting for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Joint Statement on the Second Joint Oversight Committee Meeting for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

France calls for urgent conclusion of ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - France ONUFrance calls for urgent conclusion of ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  France ONU

DR Congo and Rwanda to sign peace agreement on June 27 - Al JazeeraDR Congo and Rwanda to sign peace agreement on June 27  Al Jazeera

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

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

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Violence Against Health Care in Conflict 2024 - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Violence Against Health Care in Conflict 2024  ReliefWeb

The Democratic Republic of the Congo crisis, explained - Concern WorldwideThe Democratic Republic of the Congo crisis, explained  Concern Worldwide

UN condemns deadly attack on worshippers in DR Congo - UN NewsUN condemns deadly attack on worshippers in DR Congo  UN News

Democratic Republic of Congo: Military Escalation, Regional Rivalries, and Diplomatic Deadlock - IRIS - Institut de relations internationales et stratégiquesDemocratic Republic of Congo: Military Escalation, Regional Rivalries, and Diplomatic Deadlock  IRIS - Institut de relations internationales et stratégiques

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Capital, Location, Latest News - Vajiram & RaviDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Capital, Location, Latest News  Vajiram & Ravi

Eastern DR Congo: Crisis deepens as crime and insecurity surges - UN NewsEastern DR Congo: Crisis deepens as crime and insecurity surges  UN News

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

Why Citizens Should Shape the Future of the Democratic Republic of Congo - CSIS | Center for Strategic and International StudiesWhy Citizens Should Shape the Future of the Democratic Republic of Congo  CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

Digital 2025: The Democratic Republic Of The Congo - DataReportal – Global Digital InsightsDigital 2025: The Democratic Republic Of The Congo  DataReportal – Global Digital Insights

Protecting human rights in the DRC amid escalating conflict - ohchrProtecting human rights in the DRC amid escalating conflict  ohchr

Congo Needs Half-Billion Dollars to Stem Hunger Crisis, UN Says - Bloomberg.comCongo Needs Half-Billion Dollars to Stem Hunger Crisis, UN Says  Bloomberg.com

DR Congo: UN deplores deadly attacks in the east of the country - UN NewsDR Congo: UN deplores deadly attacks in the east of the country  UN News

Diplomacy key to ending crisis in eastern DR Congo: UN peacekeeping chief - UN NewsDiplomacy key to ending crisis in eastern DR Congo: UN peacekeeping chief  UN News

Crisis in the DRC: What's happening? - United Nations PeacekeepingCrisis in the DRC: What's happening?  United Nations Peacekeeping

DR Congo: Record numbers face acute or emergency hunger - UN NewsDR Congo: Record numbers face acute or emergency hunger  UN News

Democratic Republic of the Congo - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsDemocratic Republic of the Congo  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Democratic Republic of the Congo - DRC At A Glance - 30 September 2025 - ReliefWebDemocratic Republic of the Congo - DRC At A Glance - 30 September 2025  ReliefWeb

Inside M23 – the rebel militia now running eastern DR Congo (DUBBED) - Channel 4Inside M23 – the rebel militia now running eastern DR Congo (DUBBED)  Channel 4

DR Congo: Armed violence displaces thousands as cholera outbreak worsens - UN NewsDR Congo: Armed violence displaces thousands as cholera outbreak worsens  UN News

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

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: A competitive electoral oligarchy - BrookingsThe Democratic Republic of the Congo: A competitive electoral oligarchy  Brookings

Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is worsening gender-based violence against women - The ConversationFighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is worsening gender-based violence against women  The Conversation

Restoring women's dignity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - ohchrRestoring women's dignity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  ohchr

What’s Next for the Democratic Republic of Congo? - Council on Foreign RelationsWhat’s Next for the Democratic Republic of Congo?  Council on Foreign Relations

What the UN is doing in DR Congo - UN NewsWhat the UN is doing in DR Congo  UN News

Press briefing by UN Women on the situation of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo - UN WomenPress briefing by UN Women on the situation of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo  UN Women

DRC Monitoring Brief: Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Data: April 2025 - Democratic Republic of the Congo - ReliefWebDRC Monitoring Brief: Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Data: April 2025 - Democratic Republic of the Congo  ReliefWeb

DR Congo crisis: Aid teams appeal for support to help displaced communities left with nothing - UN NewsDR Congo crisis: Aid teams appeal for support to help displaced communities left with nothing  UN News

DR Congo: Clean water ‘a lifeline’ for around 364,000 children a day in Goma - UN NewsDR Congo: Clean water ‘a lifeline’ for around 364,000 children a day in Goma  UN News

WHO Rapid Risk Assessment - Anthrax, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda v.1 - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO Rapid Risk Assessment - Anthrax, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda v.1  World Health Organization (WHO)

Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Peace that Never Was - Foreign Policy Research InstituteConflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Peace that Never Was  Foreign Policy Research Institute

Can Trump really bulldoze his way to peace in the DRC? - The Africa Report.comCan Trump really bulldoze his way to peace in the DRC?  The Africa Report.com

DR Congo's M23 conflict: What is the fighting about and is Rwanda involved? - BBCDR Congo's M23 conflict: What is the fighting about and is Rwanda involved?  BBC

World Report 2025: Democratic Republic of Congo - Human Rights WatchWorld Report 2025: Democratic Republic of Congo  Human Rights Watch

Eastern DR Congo: Hundreds of thousands displaced in wave of extreme violence - nrc.noEastern DR Congo: Hundreds of thousands displaced in wave of extreme violence  nrc.no

WHO response to challenging cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO response to challenging cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  World Health Organization (WHO)

ICRC President: Respect for international humanitarian law key to breaking vicious cycle of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo - ICRCICRC President: Respect for international humanitarian law key to breaking vicious cycle of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo  ICRC

EU provides €60 million humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsEU provides €60 million humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Turning point or pointless turn: Will DR Congo-Rwanda deal bring peace? - Al JazeeraTurning point or pointless turn: Will DR Congo-Rwanda deal bring peace?  Al Jazeera

DR Congo: Surging violence as armed groups target civilians in the east, Human Rights Council hears - UN NewsDR Congo: Surging violence as armed groups target civilians in the east, Human Rights Council hears  UN News

HIV and TB Overview: Democratic Republic of the Congo - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)HIV and TB Overview: Democratic Republic of the Congo  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)

Crisis in the DR Congo - United Nations Development ProgrammeCrisis in the DR Congo  United Nations Development Programme

DR Congo: UN mission offers protection to ‘vulnerable populations’, despite huge challenges - UN NewsDR Congo: UN mission offers protection to ‘vulnerable populations’, despite huge challenges  UN News

Sexual violence systematically used as a weapon of war in the DR Congo - UN NewsSexual violence systematically used as a weapon of war in the DR Congo  UN News

2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Democratic Republic of the Congo - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Democratic Republic of the Congo  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

UNICEF's Fagninou Speaks at Great Lakes Conference - Mirage NewsUNICEF's Fagninou Speaks at Great Lakes Conference  Mirage News

Towards Gendered Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Georgetown Journal of International AffairsTowards Gendered Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo  Georgetown Journal of International Affairs

Guterres welcomes peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda - UN NewsGuterres welcomes peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda  UN News

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

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

Democratic Republic of Congo - Catholic Relief Services | CRSDemocratic Republic of Congo  Catholic Relief Services | CRS