Governance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

New Govt Appointed in DRC, Ending Months of Political Uncertainty

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

KINSHASA – The Democratic Republic of Congo has appointed a new government, spokesperson Tina Salama announced early Wednesday, concluding months of political deadlock. President Felix Tshisekedi secured a second term in the late 2023 elections, which also granted his Sacred Union coalition a significant majority in parliament. However, internal competition for cabinet positions delayed the formation of the new government. On April 1, Tshisekedi appointed Judith Suminwa as Congo’s first female prime minister, and on May 22, his former chief of staff Vital Kamerhe was named parliament speaker, clearing the… Read More Here

Governance Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Presidents of DRC and Poland Discuss Security and Bilateral Relations

May 28, 2024May 28, 2024 Constance

Last Friday, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held a telephone conversation with Polish President Andrzej Duda. The discussion focused on topics of mutual interest, including bilateral relations and the security situation in eastern DRC. President Duda, on behalf of Poland, condemned the attempt to destabilize Congolese institutions on Sunday, May 19, in Kinshasa. He reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to peace, security, and the preservation of the DRC’s territorial integrity. Addressing recent social media controversies regarding his visit to Rwanda, President Duda denounced the manipulations and expressed… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict

Family of American caught up in DRC failed coup say their son went to Africa on vacation

May 27, 2024May 27, 2024 Constance

The family of an American caught up in a failed coup attempt in Congo said their son was in Africa on vacation with family friends and had not previously engaged in political activism, according to a statement provided to The Associated Press. Tyler Thompson, 21, was one of at least three Americans who were named by the Congolese army as being part of a failed effort to overthrow the government in Kinshasa in the early hours Sunday under eccentric, self-exiled leader Christian Malanga. The two other Americans allegedly involved were… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict

Kenyan President Calls on DRC to Address Internal Strife

May 23, 2024May 23, 2024 Constance

Kenyan President William Ruto has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to confront its internal challenges and cease falsely implicating Rwanda in the violence plaguing its eastern territories. In an interview with the French media outlet Jeune Afrique, President Ruto stressed the importance of the DRC, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, addressing the root causes of the conflict in the east, primarily driven by the M23 rebel fighters. During a meeting of heads of state, it was confirmed that the M23 fighters are of Congolese origin, not Rwandan, as… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

Newly Accredited Ambassadors Present Credentials to DRC President Felix Tshisekedi

May 23, 2024May 23, 2024 Constance

This Thursday at the African Union City, three newly accredited non-resident, extraordinary, and plenipotentiary ambassadors presented their credentials to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi. The first ambassador, Mr. Zsolt Mészáros from Hungary, is based in Nairobi, Kenya, where he has represented his country since December 2, 2020. Before his current position, he served as Commercial Attaché at the same embassy from 2015 to 2020. Earlier in his career, from 2009 to 2015, he was Operations Manager at International Testing and Training Services LTD in… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

ARSP Cancels Fraudulent Certificates for ERG Group’s Subcontractors in DRC

May 22, 2024May 22, 2024 Constance

Michel Kashal, the Director General of the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP), has taken decisive action against nine subcontracting companies associated with the ERG group. These companies were found to have fraudulently obtained registration certificates. The announcement was broadcast on Monday, May 20, 2024, via Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC 1). Among the implicated subcontractors are METALKOL, FRONTIER, BOSS MINING, and COMIDE, all entangled in the practice of nominee registrations. Following their removal from the subcontracting market in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the ARSP… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Governance

President Tshisekedi Highlights Shift Towards BRICS Amid Criticism of Western Attitudes

May 22, 2024May 22, 2024 Constance

During his recent official visit to France in early May, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) discussed his country’s international stance in an interview with French journalist Darius Rochebin on LCI. President Tshisekedi criticized Western nations, particularly in Europe, for their lack of understanding of African realities and their perceived arrogance in giving lessons. He emphasized his preference for engaging with Russia and China over Western countries. DRC’s Engagement with BRICS and the Shift in Global Power At the 15th BRICS Summit last September, the DRC… Read More Here

International Governance

Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa Extends Condolences to Iran Over President Raisi’s Death

May 22, 2024May 22, 2024 Constance

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran following the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. The crash also claimed the lives of the governor of East Azerbaijan province and other senior officials, including Iran’s Foreign Minister. In a statement reported by The Herald, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to collaborating with Iran in advancing mutual socio-economic development goals despite existing sanctions. He expressed optimism for continued cooperation in memory of President Raisi’s legacy, recalling… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Energy Governance

President Hichilema Strengthens Ties with Norway

May 22, 2024May 22, 2024 Constance

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia recently held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development of Norway, during the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Zambia and Norway for mutual socio-economic benefits. President Hichilema emphasized Zambia’s desire to enhance collaboration in areas that promote socio-economic development, resilience building, and business partnerships. He highlighted the need to address climate change impacts and create an investment-friendly environment in the agriculture sector. Ms. Tvinnereim praised President Hichilema’s approach to climate change… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

South African President Ramaphosa Commends DRC for Thwarting Coup Attempt

May 20, 2024May 20, 2024 Constance

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his satisfaction following the failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, May 19. During an interview broadcast on his X account on Monday, May 20, 2024, Ramaphosa emphasized that the coup’s success would have been a “devastating blow” for the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “I spoke to Kinshasa yesterday. I wanted to know what had happened. They explained to me that they had managed to contain the attempted coup, to manage those who had attempted it, and to… Read More Here