[New Times] When Joseph Kabila, who led the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) from 2001 to 2019 and was once a close ally of current President Félix Tshisekedi, appeared in Goma earlier this year, flanked by M23 rebel leaders and greeted by a meticulously staged crowd, it was far more than a political comeback.

[allAfrica] Washington, DC -- The U.S.-led push for a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda might include a minerals-for-defense cooperation deal that could reshape the region's geopolitical landscape. In exchange for exclusive access to key mineral resources vital to advanced technologies, the United States reportedly could provide military assistance and training to the DRC's armed forces.

[Agenzia Fides] Vatican City -- The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Brice Armand Ibombo, of the clergy of Gamboma, until now vice rector of the Emile Card. Biayenda National Theological Major Seminary in Brazzaville, as bishop of the diocese of Ouesso, Republic of the Congo.

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed internationally renowned former football stars Samuel Eto'o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay-Jay Okocha at the Presidential Palace during their historic visit to the country.

[New Times] The University of Rwanda (UR) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) officially launched a training course for trade negotiators from English-speaking African countries on May 26, 2025.

[Monusco] After a building under construction collapsed in the Bankoko neighborhood in Bunia, Nepalese, Indonesian, Senegalese, and Bangladeshi peacekeepers, along with MONUSCO police officers are working alongside rescue teams to find survivors. At least three people have been confirmed dead, and eight others have been rescued.

[Monusco] In Ituri Province, MONUSCO launched construction work on May 22, 2025, for a new training facility dedicated to military justice actors. The building will be located within the premises of the Ituri Superior Military Prosecutor's Office in Bunia. The project responds to a request from the Senior Military Prosecutor, who expressed the need for a dedicated space to enhance the technical and professional skills of judicial personnel.

[ANGOP] Dundo -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will close its offices in Angola as from the last quarter of this year, due to the shortage of funds, caused by the decrease of donations and/or funding.

[New Times] The cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame, on Monday, May 26, approved the ratification of bilateral air service agreements between the government of Rwanda and the governments of 12 countries.

[allAfrica]

[WFP] Kinshasa -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today that the sheer scale of people being displaced from their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to escalating conflict, is pushing food insecurity to crisis proportions and deepening an already strained humanitarian response both internally and across the region.

[New Times] More than 1 in 8 people around the world live with a mental health disorder, with depression being the most common, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

[HRW] Nairobi -- End Support to 'Wazalendo' Armed Groups; Ensure Disarmament, Accountability

[RFI] Democratic Republic of Congo's Senate has overwhelmingly voted to strip former president Joseph Kabila of his honorific immunity. It follows accusations he backed the M23 rebel group which has seized land in the mineral-rich east of the country with Rwandan support.

[World Bank] The first experience, when travelling to Catanha Bandi, located about 35 km from the municipality of Chituto in Huila province, was roads drenched from the heavy rains that had swept through the region, setting a slow but steady pace for our journey to the village. As we got closer to the village, we heard rhythmic chants and melodies in the air. This music stood out against the poverty and hunger that had affected the community in recent years. Like many southern provinces of Angola, Catanha Bandi faced

[New Times] Sibomana Hitimana was one of 642 Rwandan returnees who crossed from DR Congo at the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu District on Thursday, May 22.

[New Times] Scientists and conservationists are harnessing advanced DNA technology, known as environmental DNA (eDNA), to deepen understanding of the wildlife and ecosystems within Akagera National Park--without the need for direct animal observation or contact.

[IPS] Kampala -- Political instability and conflicts in the Great Lakes, the Horn of Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan have led to massive displacements and civilian suffering, and because the whole region is in crisis, the civilian population has few places to find refuge.

[UNHCR] In the heart of University of Yaounde 2, the fragrant aroma of fried eggs and spaghetti known locally as «deux oeufs spaghetti» draws students and locals alike to a vibrant cafe restaurant. Here owner Haphizou Amadou Azari, former refugee turned thriving entrepreneur exemplifies the resilience, fostered by UNHCR and its partners, in providing lasting solutions through education and livelihood initiatives.

[New Times] A French court of appeal has ruled that the investigation into Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, Rwanda's former First Lady, will not proceed, at least for now.

[allAfrica]

[allAfrica] Monrovia -- The Trump administration is adopting a new commercial diplomacy strategy for sub-Saharan Africa «based on what we've seen that actually works,» the acting head of the Africa Bureau at the U.S. State Department, Ambassador Troy Fitrell, said in a briefing on Tuesday.

[allAfrica] Cape Town -- Emmanuel Kundé , who was key when the 1990 Cameroon side became the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, died, the country's football federation announced.

[DW] The tiny island of Mbanie measures just 30 hectares but has been at the center of a territorial dispute between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The world court has found in favor of the latter.

[allAfrica]

[allAfrica] Accra -- Bees are speaking to us -- not with sound, but through their presence, their absence, and their steady disappearance. Alongside butterflies, bats, beetles, some mammals, and birds, these tireless workers sustain the crops and wild plants that feed us, protect biodiversity, and keep our agrifood systems resilient. When they thrive, ecosystems flourish. When they falter, so could we.

[New Times] Last week, the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent, citing easing inflationary pressures and a cautious outlook on the current global trade policy shifts.

[Zimeray & Finelle Avocats] Former Gabonese president Ali Bongo's wife, Sylvia, and son, Noureddi, flew with him to Luanda, Angola, last night after the family were released by coup leaders Family's release came after human rights lawyer Francois Zimeray brought a lawsuit in the French courts against their captors alleging torture and kidnapping African Union (AU) leaders were involved in intense diplomatic efforts in recent days

[New Times] As the International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) convenes in Kigali from May 19 to 20, 2025, it is critical for the continent to put a unified stand in the face of all the security challenges that continue to blight different regions.

[New Times] The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) on Thursday, May 15, announced that it would maintain its key interest rate at 6.5 per cent, citing easing energy markets and contained inflationary pressures.

[New Times] Rapper AmaG The Black joined comedians Umushumba, Muhinde, and Pirate to headline the latest edition of the Gen-Z Comedy Show, held on Thursday, May 15. The bimonthly event brought together music and stand-up for a night of sharp punchlines and high energy.

[New Times] US President Donald Trump's Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, said on Thursday, May 15, that he held discussions with President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on the developments of a proposed peace agreement expected to be signed in June.

[Agenzia Fides] Kanza -- «A solid roof over one's head, a good cassava field, learning to read... without ever being discouraged and with the help of God» is the Hope for the Bayaka pygmies of Central Africa.

[International Consortium of Investigative Journalists] Leaked documents reveal the government awarded a Portuguese construction giant with ties to the vice president $1 billion in contracts as it splurged on a Paris-inspired capital, an empty airport, and other long-forgotten infrastructure projects.

[Agenzia Fides] Kinshasa -- «Goma, capital of the North Kivu region, two million inhabitants. An occupied city, on its knees. Stretched along the shores of Lake Kivu, caressed by the heat of the Nyiragongo volcano, its beauty and the peace of some thirty years are turning into tears of fear and death.»