Congo Protests
After Rafah, 'All Eyes on Congo' is trending on social media; here's why
'All Eyes on Congo' seeks to shine a spotlight on the protracted strife plaguing the African nation for decades
 "After Rafah, 'All Eyes on Congo' is trending on social media; here's why")
Congo appoints its first female prime minister as violence surges in east
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has appointed the country's first female prime minister, fulfilling a campaign promise and making an important step towards the formation of a new government after being reelected late last year. Former planning minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka will step into the role at a time of worsening violence in the country's mineral-rich east, which borders Rwanda. The long-running conflict has displaced more than 7 million people according to the United Nations, making it one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Tuluka promised to work towards peace and development in her first speech following her appointment on state television. Still, it could be months before a new government is formed as the process requires intensive negotiations with the many political parties. My thoughts go out to the east and to all corners of the country, which today are facing conflicts with enemies who are sometimes hidden, she said, referring to
 "Congo appoints its first female prime minister as violence surges in east")
US sanctions military leaders accused of exacerbating violence in Congo
The United States has imposed sanctions on six people it accuses of exacerbating violence in eastern Congo. The sanctioned Rwandan and Congolese individuals belong to one of four key militias or armed forces contributing to instability in the eastern (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and perpetrating serious human rights abuses, including targeting children and systematic sexual assault, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement Thursday. The new round of economic penalties comes amid a recent spike in armed conflict along Congo's northeastern border with Rwanda. Three decades of violence in the region displaced over 6 million people, according to the U.N., with the crisis intensifying since the rebel group M23 staged a resurgence in November 2021. M23, whose intelligence commander Bernard Byamungu is among those sanctioned, is one of more than 120 armed groups in the region fighting for control of valuable mineral resources, territory or community protection. Mass killings
 "US sanctions military leaders accused of exacerbating violence in Congo")
At least 26 killed in anti-Prez protests in Congo: Human Rights group
Republican Guards were allegedly carrying out door-to-door searches and arresting youths
 "At least 26 killed in anti-Prez protests in Congo: Human Rights group")
