First Independent Mena Newspaper
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s top cobalt producer, has extended its export ban on the metal for an additional three months, intensifying its grip on a turbulent global market. The extension, announced Saturday (21 June) by the strategic minerals regulator ARECOMS, comes as prices remain depressed and cobalt stockpiles high. Originally imposed […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda will sign a U.S.-brokered peace agreement on 27 June, aiming to end years of deadly conflict in eastern Congo. The accord follows three days of negotiations in Washington, facilitated by the U.S. and Qatar, and is expected to be signed in the presence of U.S. Secretary of […]
The United States has outlined strict conditions for brokering a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), centering on the full withdrawal of Rwandan forces from eastern Congo. A draft agreement, verified by multiple diplomatic sources, requires Rwanda to remove its troops, weapons, and equipment before any deal can be finalized. […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia have been elected to serve two-year terms as of the United Nations Security Council, beginning January 2026. The two African nations secured overwhelming support in Tuesday’s (3 June) vote, with the DRC receiving 183 votes and Liberia 181 out of 193 UN member states. They will replace […]
Kenya has become a major transit hub for smuggled gold from conflict-ridden African countries, with illicit exports far exceeding official figures, according to a new SwissAid report. While the government declared only 672 kilograms of gold exports in 2023, the report estimates that over two tons — possibly far more — are illegally trafficked through […]
As Africa mourns the death of Pope Francis, worshippers and leaders across the continent are reflecting on the profound legacy he leaves behind — and speculating about the future leadership of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who died Monday (21 April), is remembered for his unwavering advocacy for the poor, peace in conflict zones, and […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suspended the political party of former president Joseph Kabila, accusing him of high treason over alleged links to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. The Interior Ministry announced the suspension of Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and ordered the seizure of assets belonging to him and […]
In a rare convergence of calendars, Christians across Africa — from Orthodox to Western denominations — celebrated Easter on the same day this year, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ with deep spiritual reflection and cultural vibrancy. In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), celebrations unfolded under the shadow of ongoing conflict, as residents gathered […]
Former Congolese president Joseph Kabila’s unexpected return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has ignited a political firestorm in a nation already engulfed by escalating conflict and growing insecurity in its eastern region. Announcing his return after six years of silence and exile, Kabila, once ousted amid mass protests, says he aims to help […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has decided to terminate its six-month $5 million lobbying contract with the U.S. public relations firm Earhart Turner, instead preferring to pursue direct negotiations with the Trump administration. The lobbying contract, signed in March 2025, aimed to enhance Congo’s image in Washington, particularly in the context of a mineral […]