DR Congo: Rebel group seizes key border town, DRC blames Rwanda
14 June 2022 |
3:20 pm
M23 rebels have reportedly captured the eastern town of Bunagana on the Ugandan border. The violence has forced at least 30,000 people to flee the area. DR Congo's military blames Rwanda for the takeover. Also, the first flight deporting asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda is due to go ahead on Tuesday with less than a dozen people on board. And more than 1,000 people in Cameroonian city of Douala are still homeless after their homes were destroyed in May to make way for the construction of a five-star hotel.
Related
Related
8 May
Angola’s president Joao Lorenco told FRANCE 24 that he did not think an all-out war between Rwanda and DRC was on the horizon. He said he was hopeful that his mediation efforts to restore peace in the DRC's east would bear fruit. He explained that the M23 rebel group was upholding a ceasefire reached a few weeks ago and that the next step was for the group to be cantoned and disarmed.
12 May
Floods hit villages of the eastern Kalehe territory earlier this week, causing rivers to overflow. Villages were submerged, with landslides causing destruction.
10 May
Victims are still being recovered from two villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where floods have killed more than 400 people in one of the country's deadliest disasters.
14 May
The trial has opened of a suspect in the Rwandan genocide who fled to France. Former military policeman Philippe Hategekimana allegedly set up roadblocks to identify ethnic Tutsis, who would be murdered.
15 May
In DR Congo, the regional force deployed by East African nations to stop the M23 rebels' advance in the east of the country is coming under scrutiny. While the regional force maintains that the rebels are gradually withdrawing from the territories they conquered, dubious Congolese authorities are demanding a "truthful discussion" on the mandate of the East African Community's force.
26 May
Fulgence Kayishema, a former police officer who is suspected of orchestrating the murder of thousands at a church massacre in 1994 in Rwanda, is arrested in a South African vineyard. Also, May 25 marks both the 60th anniversary of the African Union and Africa Day, a double reason to celebrate and contemplate how to overcome the challenges facing the continent.
13 Jun
The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo said militants attacked a camp it runs for internally displaced people in Ituri province, killing at least 45 civilians.
21 Jun
The referral is the second time the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has appealed to the ICC, after an initial referral in 2004 that convicted three former militia leaders.
19 Jun
President Paul Kagame's government wants to free thousands of prisoners convicted for the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. It says the move aims to ease overcrowding in prisons and foster reintegration and reconciliation.
3 Jul
Dissident Paul Rusesabagina thanked the US for its efforts to release him from prison earlier this year. His made new criticisms of the Rwandan government in a video to mark the 61st anniversary of Rwanda's independence.
6 Jul
In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, making luxury embroidery helps vulnerable women earn a living. The seamstresses have all experienced violence and hardship before being hired here.
Latest
4 hours ago
After beginning a strike one week ago, the United Auto Workers union has increased the number of plants affected by industrial action. Until now, workers have been striking at three sites, one each for Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. UAW leader Shawn Fain says that will be increased to 38 factories, all of them GM and Stellantis parts distribution centres. Ford has been spared of further disruption, with the union saying the company has made "important concessions".
5 hours ago
This week in Across Africa, Georja Calvin-Smith speaks to Namibian President Hage Geingob ahead of his arrival in New York for the UN General Assembly. He shares his perspective on governance, the impact of Africa's first climate change summit and the role of the African Union in responding to regional upheaval.
5 hours ago
Megan Rapinoe has ended her US national team career with a 2-0 win over South Africa in Chicago. The 38-year-old ends her stint as an international with 63 goals, 73 assists and 203 caps, along with two world cups. Rapinoe made her debut for her country in 2006, with only three players having longer spells playing for the United States. "It has been such an honor to be able to wear this shirt, play with all these players and live out my childhood dream. I know that I mean a lot to the game.
6 hours ago
Grammy-winning artist Usher will headline the halftime show at the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada, the National Football League (NFL), Apple Music and label Roc Nation announced on Sunday. The 58th Super Bowl is scheduled to take place at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024.
7 hours ago
Philippines and Chinese vessels face off in the South China Sea, marking the latest in a series of confrontations over competing territorial claims in the important maritime passageway.
7 hours ago
The White House is warning of severe economic consequences if Congress fails to pass a funding bill by an October 1 deadline. Far-right House Republicans are demanding deep spending cuts that are almost certain to be rejected by the Democratic-controlled Senate. Also in this edition: France asks its energy firms to sell fuel at cost, and Germany looks to semiconductor production to revive its flagging industrial sector.