Tag Archives: the Democratic Republic of Congo

AMA

Congo Basin Countries Forge Strategic Path to Carbon Markets with Roadmaps to Monetize Forest Wealth

MaraviPost

Washington, USA, 24 February 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Six countries of the Congo Basin—Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo—are working to take bold steps to unlock results-based payments and climate finance. The newly launched Strategic Roadmaps for Carbon Market and Climate Finance in the Forest Sector for the Congo Basin Countries developed with support from the World Bank, serve as blueprints to transform the region’s vast forest wealth into a powerful engine for climate-resilient growth and sustainable development and green jobs.

These roadmaps provide country-specific blueprints to help High Forest, Low Deforestation (HFLD) Congo Basin countries to engage credibly and effectively in global carbon markets, mobilize results-based finance, and transform their forest assets into engines for climate-resilient growth. Tailored to each country’s readiness and institutional landscape, the roadmaps build on the foundational data from Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem Accounts to create a comprehensive framework aligning nature and climate goals with national development priorities. As part of the World Bank’s broader Analytical and Advisory Services (ASA) for the Congo Basin, these roadmaps aim to shift the region’s development narrative—from one of forest loss or degradation to forest-led growth.

“Forests across the Congo Basin offer more than global climate regulation—they represent critical financial assets and a development opportunity,” said Chakib Jenane, World Bank Regional Practice Director Western and Central Africa Region. “These roadmaps provide the crucial link and show how countries can convert natural capital into tangible investments that generate revenues, jobs, and resilience for local communities.”

The roadmaps call for stronger institutional coordination, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, and robust digital, and Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. While countries like Gabon, Republic of Congo are advancing with pilot results-based agreements and REDD+ progress, others like Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic are in the early stages of development. Opportunities abound also in Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The roadmaps highlight the gaps and prioritize key actions that will allow countries to harness the potential from carbon markets and climate finance.

“Carbon markets can be a game-changer for Congo Basin countries—but only if the right enabling conditions are in place,” said Cheick Fantamady Kanté, World Bank Division Director for Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo. “These strategic roadmaps provide a practical end-to-end guide for governments to operationalize carbon finance, with a focus on good governance, private sector engagement, and benefits for local communities.”

Developed through broad stakeholder consultations and grounded in national priorities, the roadmaps support countries to:

  • Align national frameworks with Paris Agreement Article 6.2 and 6.4.
  • Build digital and institutional capacity for MRV readiness.
  • Clarify the legal and fiscal treatment of carbon credits.
  • Engage the private sector and ensure the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples.
  • Attract long-term climate investment and technical partnerships.

These carbon market climate roadmaps represent a convergence of jobs, environment, and economic agendas.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

The post Congo Basin Countries Forge Strategic Path to Carbon Markets with Roadmaps to Monetize Forest Wealth appeared first on African Media Agency.

Regional

African Ministers Outline Industry Priorities Ahead of African Mining Week 2026

Ufulu

African Mining Week will feature high-level panel discussions and project showcases, linking global investors with Africa’s mining sector priorities and lucrative investment and partnership opportunities


CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 23, 2026/ — With the demand for critical minerals projected to quadruple by 2040 and traditional commodities such as gold reaching record highs in 2026, Africa is increasingly positioned at the center of global supply chain strategies and investment flows. The continent hosts the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals, chrome and manganese – minerals essential to the energy transition and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, the continent remains the leading producer of diamonds and gold, reinforcing its strategic importance to both the global jewelry market and national wealth preservation.
Ahead of African Mining Week Conference (AMW), scheduled for October 14–16, 2026 in Cape Town and organized by Energy Capital & Power, the AMW team engaged with African mining ministers and industry stakeholders to identify national priorities shaping the continent’s mining agenda. These discussions highlighted a shared focus on mobilizing capital, strengthening domestic mineral value chains and fostering cross-border collaboration as major economies including U.S, China and Europe secure mineral supply chains.

The Democratic Republic of Congo: Unlocking Investment and Industrialization

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is advancing efforts to unlock significant investment into its vast mineral base, estimated at $24 trillion in untapped resources. With approximately 90% of its mineral potential unexplored, the country is prioritizing the development of its estimated 20 billion tons of iron ore reserves. This strategy is closely tied to the establishment of large-scale special economic zones aimed at supporting domestic steel production, industrialization and downstream value addition.

“The DRC is looking for long-term partners who will go beyond production to invest in exploration, infrastructure and workforce development,” stated Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines, the DRC.

Uganda: Mobilizing Capital for Critical Minerals Development

Uganda is seeking strategic investment partnerships to develop its graphite and rare earth resources.

Agnes Alaba, Uganda’s Commissioner of Mines in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development told AMW that the country is also prioritizing local beneficiation to transition from a raw mineral exporter to a producer of higher-value processed mineral products, supporting job creation, industrial growth and export revenue expansion.

Liberia: Advancing Geomapping and Industrial Mining Expansion

Liberia is positioning itself as an emerging industrial mining hub by attracting new investment and advancing nationwide geological mapping initiatives.

“We are inviting geomapping companies to help Liberia unlock its mineral potential. Despite our vast resources, we have not fully explored or mapped what we truly possess. With comprehensive geoscientific data, we will be in a stronger position to negotiate and attract strategic investments,” Matenokay Tingban, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Liberia told the AMW team.

With plans to increase iron ore output to more than 30 million metric tons by 2026, the country is also targeting investment to support downstream processing and diversify into critical minerals, strengthening long-term sector resilience.

South Sudan: Diversifying the Economy through Mining

South Sudan is accelerating mineral exploration and national geomapping programs to identify commercially viable deposits. Losuba Ludoru Wongo, Minister of Mining, South Sudan said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy beyond petroleum and leverage growing global mineral demand to establish mining as a key pillar of economic growth.

“Energy Capital & Power has been our partner for over a decade, working closely with us to promote our resources and engage the Ministry in accessing international markets. We are privileged to have this collaboration, which plays a crucial role in showcasing our country’s mineral potential,” added Wongo.

Egypt: Strengthening Regional Partnerships and Value Chains

Egypt is prioritizing regional cooperation to advance the development of its potash, gold and phosphate sectors. Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority said the country is also focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing investment incentives and promoting local value addition to attract international mining companies and accelerate sector growth.

Central African Republic: Advancing Reforms to Unlock Mineral Potential

The Central African Republic is reforming its Mining Code to attract investment and industrialize its mining sector. Rufin Benam-Beltoungou, Minister of Mines and Geology of the Central Africa Republic (CAR) said the country’s untapped deposits of cobalt, lithium, coltan, rare earths and copper have the potential to position the nation as an emerging destination for critical minerals investment.

“CAR is a mining country that, unfortunately, is not well known, although to date we have more than 570 recognized mineral occurrences. The majority of mining projects we have are artisanal projects, hence our mineral potential remains untapped,” stated Benam-Beltoungou.

Kenya: Leveraging Regional Cooperation for Sector Development

Kenya is advancing regional collaboration to strengthen its mining value chain, enhance technical capacity and support local beneficiation. Hassan Ali Joho, Minister of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Kenya highlighted efforts by the country to build partnerships that promote skills development, industry knowledge transfer and sustainable extractive sector growth.

Aligning Priorities with Africa’s Mining Future

AMW 2026 will serve as a key platform to align these national priorities with global investment opportunities, connecting international investors with African mining projects and facilitating partnerships that support beneficiation, industrialization and sustainable sector growth.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 conference from October 12-16 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.


SOURCE: Energy Capital & Power

AMA, Business, Education, Technology

Yango Group releases its inaugural Impact Report, highlighting $4B earned by partners and growing investments in STEM talents.

MaraviPost

DUBAI, UAE, 22 December 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Yango Group today published its inaugural Impact Report, a comprehensive overview of the company’s social, economic, and environmental contributions across more than 30 countries. The report introduces a long-term framework for how Yango measures and communicates its value as a global technology company rooted in emerging markets.

The publication reflects Yango’s evolution from a ride-hailing service launched in 2018 into a multi-service digital ecosystem used daily by millions of people. The report outlines how Yango’s technology enables local entrepreneurship, expands earning opportunities for partner drivers and couriers, and supports the development of the skilled workforce needed for future digital cities.

Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group, described the report as a significant milestone for the company. “As we continue expanding globally, we are committed to scaling not only our technology, but also our positive impact on communities, local economies, and future generations. Our goal is to help build the digital cities and digital opportunities of tomorrow — together with the countries we serve,” he said.

Empowering local partners: $4B Earned last year

According to the report, partner drivers and couriers working with Yango services earned more than USD 4 billion in 2024. Yango’s partner network now includes 6,000 businesses, 2.1 million registered partner drivers, and 600,000 partner couriers. In the delivery segment, 40% of users are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that rely on Yango’s infrastructure to reach customers and scale their operations. These dynamics position Yango as an important contributor to economic activity and entrepreneurship across Africa and other emerging markets.

Strengthening local economies through technology

The report also details how Yango’s technology supports urban development and digital commerce. In Côte d’Ivoire, the company is piloting electric mobility initiatives that help reduce emissions and modernize transport infrastructure. Across markets, services such as Yango Buy & Sell enable small merchants to increase visibility and customer trust, reinforcing their participation in digital commerce. Meanwhile, Yango Food Delivery continues to broaden access to local restaurants and everyday essentials, stimulating consumer activity while creating flexible earning opportunities for couriers.

Investing in STEM: preparing talent for the cities of tomorrow

A major focus of the report is Yango’s investment in STEM education and digital skills training, implemented through 4 flagship initiatives that equip young people with the capabilities needed in fast-growing digital economies. The first of these initiatives is the Yango Fellowship, launched in Zambia to support outstanding STEM students with full financial assistance, mentorship, and practical workshops. The Fellowship expanded to Côte d’Ivoire in early 2025, opening new pathways for young innovators. Alongside the Fellowship, Yango has strengthened hands-on learning through mobility and smart-city hackathons, which brought together more than 800 participants across 6 African countries. These events helped learners build applied skills in data science, machine learning, and urban innovation. To broaden access to foundational digital knowledge, Yango also offered free SQL data analysis courses, completed by more than 2,000 learners in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia. These courses provided essential data literacy for careers in technology-driven sectors. In Cameroon, Yango supported the Technovation Challenge, enabling 100 girls to develop technology and entrepreneurship projects under the guidance of local mentors. The initiative reinforces Yango’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young women in STEM. Together, these programs illustrate Yango’s long-term vision to help prepare young people across Africa to participate in and shape the digital cities of tomorrow.

Community investment and cultural inclusion

Beyond technology and education, the report highlights Yango Group’s community initiatives across Africa, including digital inclusion programs for visually impaired students in Angola, support for youth football academies in Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia, and public art projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These efforts reflect Yango’s belief that technological progress should advance alongside social inclusion and cultural preservation.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Yango

The post Yango Group releases its inaugural Impact Report, highlighting $4B earned by partners and growing investments in STEM talents. appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA

Lipaworld brings stablecoin-powered finance to South Africa’s informal economy

MaraviPost

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 31 July 2025/African Media Agency (AMA)/ WAs stablecoins gain global traction for their role in transforming cross-border payments, Lipaworld is helping bring this technology into everyday use across Africa. The venture-backed fintech platform has entered the South African market to support freelancers, immigrants, and informal businesses with faster, safer alternatives to conventional banking and remittance systems.

Unlike speculative crypto products, stablecoins such as USDC are designed for stability, pegged to the US dollar, and increasingly regulated across multiple jurisdictions. USDC is a stablecoin issued by Circle, the now NYC stock exchange-listed company. As a Circle alliance partner, Lipaworld leverages this infrastructure to create financial access tools that are simpler, cheaper, and more transparent, especially for those operating outside the formal economy.

With more than $2 trillion in stablecoin transactions processed globally last year, these digital currencies are quickly becoming the backbone of global value exchange. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where remittance fees still average 7.9% to send $200, the need for low-cost, high-speed financial tools is urgent and growing.

Founded by African entrepreneur and Western Union Foundation Fellow Jonathan Katende, Lipaworld is built on lived experience. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and raised in South Africa, Katende knows firsthand how difficult it is to move money across borders affordably and with dignity.

“We are not here to hype crypto. We are here to offer real financial access to people who have been overlooked or underserved by traditional systems,” says Katende, now based in the United States. “Stablecoins are not a fad. They are a regulated, reliable way for people to take control of their finances, build economic resilience, and participate fully in the modern economy.”

A simpler, safer alternative

At its core, Lipaworld allows users to earn dollarised income with a virtual bank account, send funds using stablecoins back home, and spend their stablecoins in its marketplace for local products using USDC. By bypassing high fees, FX markups, and third-party hold-ups, the platform puts users in control of their funds through a self-custodial wallet that operates much like a familiar money app.

“Our UX is intentionally simple. We hide the complexity so people can just get on with their lives. Behind the scenes, we are using stablecoin wallets, but the experience is no different than a familiar money transfer or payment app, except it works better,” says Katende.

Built for South Africa’s informal economy

South Africa’s informal sector remains largely excluded from formal finance. Freelancers often wait days to receive international payments. Immigrants pay exorbitant fees to send money home. Small businesses struggle to operate digitally or access credit.

Lipaworld aims to solve this and eventually evolve into a full ecosystem that includes credit offerings and merchant tools. For instance, a freelance graphic designer in Cape Town can now invoice in digital dollars, get paid in minutes, and send value to family in Zimbabwe without touching a bank.

“When we talk about financial inclusion, we cannot stop at opening a bank account. If people are withdrawing everything at the ATM at the end of the month and avoiding transaction fees, the system is broken. We see a leapfrogging opportunity to build something that works better from the ground up using stablecoins,” says Katende.

Regulatory commitment

In a space often clouded by hype and confusion, Lipaworld is committed to transparency and regulatory alignment. The company partners with licensed Payment Service Providers (PSPs) in each market it operates in and remains deeply engaged with policymakers to ensure innovation supports, rather than circumvents, regulatory priorities.

“We are pro-regulation. We do not believe in working around the rules. Instead, we believe in working with them. But innovation needs air to breathe. We want to help regulators see stablecoins as safe, useful, and aligned with the public good,” he concludes.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Lipaworld

About Lipaworld

Lipaworld is a venture-backed fintech company on a mission to make borderless financial tools accessible to the world’s underserved. Its platform enables users to earn in stablecoins, send value across Africa, and buy real-world goods through a marketplace of verified merchants. Lipaworld operates in 22+ countries and is a winner of the Plug and Play x Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator.

Media contact:

Syreeta van Rooyen s.vanrooyen@bdcomms.co.za

The post Lipaworld brings stablecoin-powered finance to South Africa’s informal economy appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA

In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Reassessing Tax Incentives Can Assist Growth and Equity

MaraviPost

WASHINGTON, USA, 31 July 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rationalizing tax incentives could improve effectiveness of tax policies, and pave the way for future tax rate reductions, while ensuring adequate resources for development and social spending, according to the World Bank DRC Economic Update, released today.

The report titled Reassessing Tax Incentives – Falling Short of Promised Growth and Equity notes the high GDP growth rate of 6.5% achieved in 2024, supported by dynamic mining activities, especially in copper and cobalt. Despite being among Africa’s highest, this growth rate is slightly below the 7.9% average from 2021-2023.

Even with this high growth, however, the report highlights that significant poverty reduction and job creation have not yet occurred. Macroeconomic stability has been maintained through fiscal discipline and avoiding monetary financing of deficits. Inflation, though still high, fell to 8.6% in June 2025. The DRC’s development potential remains substantial, with a positive economic outlook.

The report’s special topic section examines tax incentives, focusing on their evolution and impact. DRC’s tax revenues account for 12.5% of GDP, compared to the SSA average of 16%. According to the report, tax incentives lead to a revenue shortfall of about 5% of GDP—equivalent to one-third of total tax revenues or three times the health sector budget—and provide minimal benefits to vulnerable households. 

“The DRC has strong economic potential. To achieve inclusive and sustainable growth, the country should boost domestic revenue, streamline tax incentives, and focus on social services and infrastructure investment,” said Albert Zeufack, World Bank Country Director for Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sao Tome and Principe.

To address challenges and boost resources for growth, the report recommends simplifying fiscal policy, harmonizing tax rates, replacing profit-based cost-based tax incentives, and improving transparency and evaluation of tax incentives.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of World Bank Group.

Contacts:

In Kinshasa: Marinette Kegbia, +243 982 992 290, mkegbia@worldbankgroup.org

In Washington: Daniella Van Leggelo Padilla, dvanleggelo@worldbank.org

The post In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Reassessing Tax Incentives Can Assist Growth and Equity appeared first on African Media Agency.

Lifestyle

DR Congo may impose curbs on cobalt exports when existing ban ends

Maravi Post Reporter

The Democratic Republic of Congo said it may impose strict curbs on cobalt exports when its existing four-month ban ends.

The country accounts for nearly three-quarters of global cobalt mine production, but since February, it has enacted a four-month export suspension of the metal.

Kinshasa said this was to address a global oversupply which had caused a significant drop in prices.

The metal is used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones.

Kinshasa had hoped its export ban would stabilise the market and protect the interests of Congolese producers and investors.

But on Wednesday, the president of the government agency regulating strategic minerals said that while the stockpiles that had depressed prices had been significantly reduced, they were not yet exhausted.

Patrick Luabeya said that the agency’s next decision “will inevitably imply a strict limitation of exports in whole or in part until market balance is reached with regard to the supply and demand of cobalt”.

He added that the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances’ Markets would consult industry players in June regarding the ban.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/92/21/01/ED_PYR_1492211_20250514170843.mp4
Lifestyle

In Congo, supporters of Cardinal Ambongo hope he will become pope

Maravi Post Reporter

Viewers in the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered around their TV in Kinshasa to cheer for the possibility of an African pope.

Patience Mudinda and her family were watching television in their small living room as the television showed the beginning of the process of electing a new pope.

This modest Congolese Catholic family has only one name in mind: their compatriot, 65-year-old Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu.

Everyone here wants Cardinal Ambongo to be the future pope.

Mudinda says she will be “overwhelmed with joy” if Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo is elected.

Meanwhile, Mudinda’s son concentrates on watching the news on television.

In Kinshasa, those close to Cardinal Ambongo are more measured in their comments on this Vatican election, hoping that the religious spirit will prevail over all other considerations in the choice of the future Pope, said Abbot Marcel Ndjondjo, a close colleague of the cardinal Ambongo.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/32/22/01/ED_PYR_1432221_20250508045641.mp4
AMA

Lusaka Music Colour Fest Lights Up with New Johnnie Walker Blonde Whisky

Maravi Post Reporter

LUSAKA, Zambia, 8 May 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Tohnnie Walker introduced its newest brand, Johnnie Walker Blonde, to Zambia at the Lusaka Music Colours Festival, marking the arrival of a lighter, fresher take on whisky made for today’s expressive generation. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere provided the perfect stage for Blonde’s playful and unexpected launch.

Johnnie Walker Blonde is a lighter, subtly sweet Scotch whisky designed to be mixed effortlessly, often with lemonade, and is now available in select stores and venues across Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Guests were ushered into the world of Johnnie Walker Blonde with elegantly curated Blonde Bars, signature serves paired with lemonade, immersive installations and bespoke giveaways, offering a vibrant yet sophisticated introduction to the brand’s bright new chapter.

Taking the stage were Yo Maps, Zambia’s king of melody, Jae Cash, the lyrical heavy-hitter, and Xaven, the Kopala Queen herself. Each performer brought fire to the stage, but at the centre of it all was the Johnnie Walker Blonde Liquid Experience, where festival goers discovered their perfect Blonde serve at the neon yellow bars. 

Designed for the disruptive, social-first drinker, Johnnie Walker Blonde is all about flavour without the fuss. It is smooth, bright, and built to remix tradition, just like Zambian youth culture, the flavours came with an unexpected burst, leaving room for experimentation with the palette and an experience at the Blonde Door became the go-to selfie moment for a crowd that came ready to experience.

“Johnnie Walker Blonde is playful, fun and made for moments like this,” said Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture, Influencers and Advocacy for Diageo South, West and Central Africa. “We are here to create a fresh chapter for drinking culture in Zambia and Africa as a whole, one that is full of flavour, fun and unexpected experiences.”

From charging stations in the VIP to custom sampling cocktails and on-site merchandise for those who wanted to wear the vibe, every touchpoint screamed one thing, Johnnie Walker Blonde is here to play and to stay.

With Zambia officially onboard, Johnnie Walker Blonde continues its disruptive African rollout. The brand is redefining whisky one beat, one sip, and one Blonde Corner at a time.

For more about Johnnie Walker Blonde, where to find it, and how to mix it, follow @johnniewalkerafrica on Instagram.

Distributed by African Media Agency. on behalf of Topboy

About Johnnie Walker Blonde
Johnnie Walker Blonde is a fresh and disruptive twist on whisky. It is lighter, subtly sweet, and made for mixing over ice or with lemonade. Reimagined for a new generation of expressive drinkers, it is built for sundown moments and social connection.

About Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker is the world’s number 1 Scotch Whisky brand* (IWSR 2023) & the world’s number one International Spirits Brand* (IWSR 2023 Relative Market Share), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above all else. Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Blonde, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years, and Blue Label. Together they account for over 22 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2023). Johnnie Walker is also the number one best-selling Scotch and number one trending Scotch (Drinks International, 2024)

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff and Cîroc vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

For media inquiries, please contact:
James B. Mbu
PR and Culture Agency Lead for Diageo South, West & Central Africa
The Plug
+2348027161243
Jb@plugng.com
https://www.plugng.com

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Lifestyle

Dr. Mukwege denounces use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in DRC

Maravi Post Reporter

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege denounced on Wednesday the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, the Congolese doctor described what he called a “dramatic situation” in the Congo’s North Kivu region.

“We had 10,000 cases of sexual violence, with 30 to 35 percent are rapes against children. There is a trend towards unacceptable violence, but to attack children, that is going beyond any possible red lines that you could imagine,” said Mukwege.

Mukwege founded the Panzi Hospital in the eastern Congo city of Bukavu, and for over 20 years has treated countless women who were raped amid fighting between armed groups seeking control of some the central African nation’s vast mineral wealth.

He was in Strasbourg to meet with members of the European Parliament and urge them to help negotiations and peace talks with rebel groups.

Mukwege shared the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize with activist Nadia Murad, who was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery by Islamic State militants in 2014 along with an estimated 3,000 Yazidi girls and women.

Additional sources • AP

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/25/17/06/ED_PYR_1425176_20250507130454.mp4