Democratic Republic of the Congo

The next presidential elections will be held on 20 December 2023, according to the calendar officially announced on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission

Experts from the Office of Drainage Roads surveyed 100 erosion heads threatening the University of Kinshasa site to assess anti-erosion works

At least 188.000 people have fled their villages since 20 October to quieter areas of North Kivu

There is still tension in Goma where thousands of people have taken to the streets to denounce Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebels, protests in parallel with Kinshasa's decision to recall its ambassador in Kigali

General Tshiwewe is the new chief of staff of the country's armed forces; the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Fardc and National Police called on the general to defend the nation 'to the supreme sacrifice'

Torture is 'widespread' and underreported, and abuses involve armed groups and state forces, UN investigators said; 93% of the 3.618 recorded cases of 'torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment', affecting 4.946 victims, occurred in conflict areas

In the eastern territory Nyiragongo, maize farmers are desperate after their fields were ravaged by armyworm, with huge damage as the pests prevent plants from growing and reaching flowering stage

Up to 28 August, the country reported over 100.000 suspected measles cases; of the 4.652 laboratory-confirmed, 63% affected patients less than five years old and only 36% with a vaccination history

Some 50 boys between the ages of 10 and 16 have been selected to join the newly opened football school in Virunga National Park, hoping that football will keep them away from militias, poaching and violence

Doctors in Kinshasa have asked the Minister of Justice to demolish houses illegally built on the site called 'Cité moderne de santé ASBL', acquired several years ago in the town of N'sele in Kinshasa