DR Congo Roundup: Landslides, rebel attacks, anti-LGBTQ bill, monkeypox

Landslide kills 12

At least 12 people were killed after heavy rain caused a landslide in southwest DR Congo. The incident occurred in Dibaya Lubwe commune around midday on Saturday, April 13. Despite the number of bodies pulled from the rubble, Reuters reports that at least 50 more people are still missing. A local official expressed challenges in pinpointing the precise count of missing individuals due to the area's busy nature. The location serves as a marketplace every Saturday, bustling with activity as fishermen gather to sell their catch and purchase essentials like soap. The poor urban planning and weak infrastructure in the Congo make communities vulnerable to such disasters.

Fight against monkeypox

In response to the growing threat of monkeypox in Africa, nearly 250 experts gathered in the DRC on April 13 to develop strategies to combat the spread of the disease, Africa News reports. The spread of the disease is alarming, with over 92,000 cases reported in more than 110 countries. In 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) emerged as one of the nations most severely impacted, with a reported 14,600 cases and 654 fatalities. Hence, there is a need to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, and community engagement to mitigate the impact of Monkey Pox in Africa. Health ministers of 12 African countries have decided to work together to create an action plan to combat the disease and protect African populations.

ADF rebels attack Kivu Province

Local sources reported that between 10 and 15 civilians lost their lives in recent attacks over the weekend in the Beni region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These attacks have been attributed to ADF rebels linked with the Islamic State. Antoine Kambale, an official from Mulekera town northwest of Beni, informed AFP that on April 12, 14 civilians were killed in multiple locations within the neighbourhood. Additionally, a subsequent attack occurred on the night of April 13 to 14, resulting in the deaths of two more individuals—an additional woman and a police officer.

Tshisekedi on a mission to eradicate unemployment

President Tshisekedi aims to create 6.4 million jobs in DRC by targeting mining companies, which are the country's biggest export. Drawing inspiration from stark statistics originating within his ministries of Labour and the World Bank, the situation highlights a daunting reality. According to The East African, an estimated seven out of every ten Congolese youth who graduate from college struggle to secure employment. The youth unemployment rate, specifically for individuals aged 15 to 24, stands at a staggering 35 percent. Data indicates that a majority of those fortunate enough to find employment are absorbed into agricultural, civil service, or informal sector roles. However, some social commentators speculate that the real unemployment rate could be even higher, considering the ongoing security issues prevalent in the DRC.

DR Congo lawmaker pushes for anti-LGBTQ bill

Constant Mutamba, a lawmaker in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has introduced a bill that would criminalise LGBTQ people. Washington Blade reports that a section of the legislation proposed by Constant Mutamba, head of the Dynamic Progressive Revolutionary Opposition platform, indicates either five or ten years jail terms for individuals engaging in homosexual behaviour, including acts and gestures. The bill, however, has been criticised by activists who argue that it distracts attention from more pressing issues in the country. LGBTQ rights are also under threat in Uganda, where the Constitutional Court upheld the Anti-Homosexuality Act.