Latest news with #DRCongo
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
DR Congo and Rwanda sign long-awaited peace deal in Washington
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a peace deal in Washington aimed at ending decades of devastating conflict between the two neighbours, and potentially granting the US lucrative mineral access. The deal demands the "disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration" of armed groups fighting in eastern DR Congo. Further details are scant and previous peace deals in the region have failed - yet that has not deterred the US and Congolese presidents from framing this as a generational victory. "This is a great day for Africa and... a great day for the world!," wrote President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform last week when an initial agreement was reached. "Another diplomatic success for President Félix Tshisekedi - certainly the most important in over 30 years," said the Congolese president's office ahead of Friday's signing. The deal was signed by the Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers at the US State Department. There has been talk of Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame going to Washington to meet Trump together, though no date has been fixed. What's the fighting in DR Congo all about? The evidence that shows Rwanda is backing rebels in DR Congo Your phone, a rare metal and the war in DR Congo Decades of conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 rebels seized control of large parts of eastern DR Congo including the regional capital, Goma, the city of Bukavu and two airports. Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of civilians forced from their homes following the recent rebel offensive. After the loss of territory, the government in Kinshasa turned to the US for help, reportedly offering access to critical minerals in exchange for security guarantees. Eastern DR Congo is rich in coltan and other resources vital to the global electronics industries. Rwanda denies supporting the M23 despite overwhelming evidence, and insists its military presence in the region is a defensive measure against threats posed by armed groups like the FDLR - a rebel militia composed largely of ethnic Hutus linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda in turn accuses the Congolese government of backing the FDLR, which is denied by DR Congo. Their presence is of utmost concern to Kigali. When some information about the deal was released last week, a statement spoke of "provisions on respect for territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities", but there were no specifics. It also talked about the "facilitation of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons". According to a Reuters news agency report, Congolese negotiators had pushed for an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers, but Rwanda - which has at least 7,000 troops on Congolese soil - refused. In an angry statement a day before the deal was signed, Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe condemned "the leak of a draft peace agreement" saying Rwanda had "demanded the other parties to respect the confidentiality of the discussions". The calls for the total withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DR Congo is major point of contention. But Nduhungirehe said "the words 'Rwanda Defense Force', 'Rwandan troops' or 'withdrawal' are nowhere to be seen in the document". Just hours before the signing ceremony, Tshisekedi's office said the agreement "does indeed provide for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops... [but] preferred the term disengagement to withdrawal simply because 'disengagement' is more comprehensive". Unless and until full details of the signed deal are made public, several crucial questions remain unanswered: Will the M23 rebel group withdraw from areas they have occupied? Does "respect for territorial integrity" mean Rwanda admits having troops in eastern DR Congo and will withdraw them? Would the agreed "return of refugees" allow thousands of Congolese back from Rwanda? Does "disarmament" mean that the M23 will now lay down their weapons? Who will disarm the FDLR, after the failure of several previous attempts? Would the agreed humanitarian access allow the reopening of the rebel-held airports for aid supply? Prior to Friday's signing, Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo told Reuters news agency that the "lifting of defensive measures in our border area" would be contingent upon the FDLR's "neutralisation". One of the main actors in today's conflict - the M23 rebels - were spawned by a previous peace deal 16 years ago that failed to ensure demobilisation. Last year, Rwandan and Congolese experts reached an agreement twice under Angolan mediation on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and joint operations against the FDLR - but ministers from both countries failed to endorse the deal. Angola eventually stepped down as a mediator in March. Congolese rebels want peaceful solution to crisis, UN says Ex-DR Congo president returns from self-imposed exile, party says DR Congo conflict tests China's diplomatic balancing act How DR Congo's Tutsis become foreigners in their own country 'They took all the women here': Rape survivors recall horror of DR Congo jailbreak Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
DR Congo and Rwanda sign long-awaited peace deal in Washington
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a peace deal in Washington aimed at ending decades of devastating conflict between the two neighbours, and potentially granting the US lucrative mineral deal demands the "disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration" of armed groups fighting in eastern DR details are scant and previous peace deals in the region have failed - yet that has not deterred the US and Congolese presidents from framing this as a generational victory."This is a great day for Africa and... a great day for the world!," wrote President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform last week when an initial agreement was reached. "Another diplomatic success for President Félix Tshisekedi - certainly the most important in over 30 years," said the Congolese president's office ahead of Friday's deal was signed by the Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers at the US State has been talk of Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame going to Washington to meet Trump together, though no date has been the fighting in DR Congo all about?The evidence that shows Rwanda is backing rebels in DR CongoYour phone, a rare metal and the war in DR CongoDecades of conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 rebels seized control of large parts of eastern DR Congo including the regional capital, Goma, the city of Bukavu and two of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of civilians forced from their homes following the recent rebel the loss of territory, the government in Kinshasa turned to the US for help, reportedly offering access to critical minerals in exchange for security guarantees. Eastern DR Congo is rich in coltan and other resources vital to the global electronics denies supporting the M23 despite overwhelming evidence, and insists its military presence in the region is a defensive measure against threats posed by armed groups like the FDLR - a rebel militia composed largely of ethnic Hutus linked to the 1994 Rwandan in turn accuses the Congolese government of backing the FDLR, which is denied by DR Congo. Their presence is of utmost concern to some information about the deal was released last week, a statement spoke of "provisions on respect for territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities", but there were no also talked about the "facilitation of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons".According to a Reuters news agency report, Congolese negotiators had pushed for an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers, but Rwanda - which has at least 7,000 troops on Congolese soil - refused. In an angry statement a day before the deal was signed, Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe condemned "the leak of a draft peace agreement" saying Rwanda had "demanded the other parties to respect the confidentiality of the discussions".The calls for the total withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DR Congo is major point of Nduhungirehe said "the words 'Rwanda Defense Force', 'Rwandan troops' or 'withdrawal' are nowhere to be seen in the document".Just hours before the signing ceremony, Tshisekedi's office said the agreement "does indeed provide for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops... [but] preferred the term disengagement to withdrawal simply because 'disengagement' is more comprehensive".Unless and until full details of the signed deal are made public, several crucial questions remain unanswered:Will the M23 rebel group withdraw from areas they have occupied?Does "respect for territorial integrity" mean Rwanda admits having troops in eastern DR Congo and will withdraw them?Would the agreed "return of refugees" allow thousands of Congolese back from Rwanda?Does "disarmament" mean that the M23 will now lay down their weapons?Who will disarm the FDLR, after the failure of several previous attempts?Would the agreed humanitarian access allow the reopening of the rebel-held airports for aid supply?Prior to Friday's signing, Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo told Reuters news agency that the "lifting of defensive measures in our border area" would be contingent upon the FDLR's "neutralisation".One of the main actors in today's conflict - the M23 rebels - were spawned by a previous peace deal 16 years ago that failed to ensure year, Rwandan and Congolese experts reached an agreement twice under Angolan mediation on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and joint operations against the FDLR - but ministers from both countries failed to endorse the deal. Angola eventually stepped down as a mediator in March. More about the DR Congo conflict from the BBC: Congolese rebels want peaceful solution to crisis, UN saysEx-DR Congo president returns from self-imposed exile, party saysDR Congo conflict tests China's diplomatic balancing actHow DR Congo's Tutsis become foreigners in their own country'They took all the women here': Rape survivors recall horror of DR Congo jailbreak Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Real leader' Bushiri extends Hibs stay until 2028
"Real leader" and "role model" Rocky Bushiri has agreed a new three-year deal at Hibernian following the expiration of his previous Easter Road club say "a number of teams were interested" in the 25-year-old DR Congo international, who has been in Edinburgh since January 2022."Rocky played a huge part in our success last season not only on the pitch but off it in the dressing room too," said head coach David Gray. "As a character, he's a perfect role model; he always works as hard as he can, is consistently trying to push himself, and he's a real leader."As a player, it was clear to see we saw the best of him last season. He has the perfect physical attributes for Scottish football and was growing in confidence and developing week on week."More to follow.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Who has been called up for Wafcon 2024?
The delayed 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations begins on Saturday, 5 July in sides will compete to be crowned champions, with the final to be played in Rabat on Saturday, 26 are the confirmed 26-player squad lists which have been submitted to the Confederation of African players play in domestic leagues unless indicated otherwise. Algeria To be announced. Botswana Goalkeepers: Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United), Lesego Moeng (TS Galaxy, South Africa).Defenders: Masego Montsho (Security Systems), Mokgabo Thanda (Great Buffaloes), Lone Gaofetoge, (Amedspor, Turkey), Kesegofetse Mochawe (Gaborone United), Veronicah Mogotsi (Double Action), Boitumelo Gammu (FC Ongos).Midfielders: Nancy Baeletsi (Gaborone United), Laone Moloi (Double Action), Tshegofatso Mosotho (Mazotie FC), Obonetse Rathari (Gaborone United), Golebaone Selebatso (Gaborone United), Esalenna Galekhutle (William Carey, USA), Leungo Senwelo (Mazotie FC).Forwards: Balotlhanyi Johannes (Double Action), Lesego Radiakanyo (Gaborone United), Jessica Maponga (Gaborone United), Keitumetse Dithebe (Ankara BB Fomget, Turkey), Nondi Mahlasela (Prisons XI), Michelle Abueng (BDF XI), Yaone Modise (Gaborone United), Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (Gaborone United), Refilwe Tholakele (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Peggy Manewe (Double Action). DR Congo To be announced. Ghana To be announced. Mali To be announced. Morocco Goalkeepers: Khadija Errmichi (AS FAR), Ines Arouaissa (Saint Mal, Switzerland), Fatima Ezzahra El Jabraoui (Wydad Casablanca), Hind Hasnaoui (AS FAR).Defenders: Hanane Ait Elhaj (Valencia, Spain), Zineb Redouani (AS FAR), Sabah Seghir (FC Bale, Switzerland), Aziza Rebbah (AS FAR), Nouhaila Benzina (AS FAR), Siham Boukhami (AS FAR), Yasmin Katie Mrabet (Valencia, Spain), Soumia Hady (Wydad Casablanca).Midfielders: Ghizlane Chebbak (Levante Las Planas, Spain), Najat Badri (AS FAR), Elodie Nakkach (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Salma Bouguerch (Wydad Casablanca), Anissa Lahmari (Levante, Spain), Sarah Kassi (Fleury, France), Imene El Ghazouani (Servette, Switzerland), Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR).Forwards: Fatima Tagnaout (AS FAR), Sakina Ouzraoui Diki (Costa Adeje Tenerife, Spain), Rania Boutiebi (YLA Brugge, Belgium), Imane Saoud (Unattached), Ibtissam Jraidi (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Kenza Chapelle (Strasbourg, France). Nigeria Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France), Tochukwu Oluehi (Shulalat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia), Udoka Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons).Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Shukurat Oladipo (Roma, Italy), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), Miracle Usani (Edo Queens).Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard, Sweden), Toni Payne (Everton, England), Jennifer Echegini (Paris St-Germain, France), Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity FC, USA), Christy Ucheibe (Benfica, Portugal).Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA), Francisca Ordega (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Chiwendu Veronica Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier, France), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Rinsola Babajide (Costa Adeje Tenerife, Spain), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang, China), Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA). Senegal To be announced. South Africa Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy), Casey Gordon (JVW FC).Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Fikile Magama (University of the Western Cape), Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC), Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lonathemba Mhlongo (University of the Western Cape), Bongeka Gamede (Nodsjaelland, Denmark).Midfielders: Sibulele Holweni (University of the Western Cape), Linda Mothlalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana, Mexico), Regina Mogolola (JVW FC), Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Adrielle Mibe (University of Johannesburg), Kgalebane Mohlakoana (TP Mazembe, DR Congo).Forwards: Hildah Magaia (Club Tijuana, Mexico), Jermaine Seoposenwe (CF Monterrey, Mexico), Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Ronnel Donnelly (University of the Western Cape), Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns). Tanzania To be announced. Tunisia To be announced. Zambia Goalkeepers: Mwila Chishala Mufunte, Ngambo Musole, Catherine Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Margaret Belemu, Pauline Zulu, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko, Mapalo Ireen Lungu, Xiomara Mapepa, Racheal Nachula, Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya, Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe, Rhoda Chileshe, Mercy Chipasula, Mary Barbra Banda, Fridah Mukoma, Kabange Mupopo, Racheal Kundananji.
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Swindon sign defender Mabete from Wolves
Swindon Town have signed central defender Filozofe Mabete following the expiry of his contract at Wolverhampton 20-year-old made 15 appearances for Wolves' under-21 side last season and moves to the County Ground on a two-year deal."When I spoke to Ian Holloway, he made my decision so easy, I knew from that first conversation, Swindon was my next home," Mabete told Swindon's club website., externalMabete has represented England and DR Congo at youth level and becomes Swindon's fifth signing of the summer transfer window.
