Bottom Line

Police dispersed or blocked opposition demonstrations across Kinshasa and several provincial capitals, with arrests and injuries reported. The government submitted a CDF 56.929 trillion draft 2027 budget to Parliament, CDF 571 billion below the figure approved by Cabinet. Fighting continued across Masisi, Walikale and Fizi, while Ebola indicators improved in several affected areas despite continuing funding needs.

Politics

Police disrupt C64 demonstrations across multiple cities

The Coalition Article 64 mobilization against proposed constitutional changes proceeded in Kinshasa and several provincial capitals, but police dispersed or prevented gatherings across multiple cities.

In Kinshasa, demonstrators encountered barriers involving UDPS-linked Force du Progrès members before police used tear gas to disperse the march. The main procession did not reach its planned endpoint near the electoral commission’s headquarters.

Police also disrupted demonstrations in Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Kananga, Mbandaka, Uvira, Bandundu, Kikwit and Matadi. At least four people were reported detained in Uvira, while the National Human Rights Commission’s Haut-Katanga office said nearly 70 people were arrested in the province. No consolidated national arrest or injury count was available.

Eastern DRC Conflict and Security

FARDC claims Miko hill as fighting continues across eastern fronts

FARDC and Wazalendo forces were reported to have taken Miko hill in Masisi’s Ufamandu I area, while traffic resumed cautiously along the Kashebere–Mungazi road in Walikale after several days of fighting.

In South Kivu, the FARDC said four fighters were killed and 14 M23 and Twirwaneho members surrendered in Fizi. AFC/M23 separately accused Kinshasa, Wazalendo groups and Burundian forces of intensifying attacks around Masisi and Point Zéro. The territorial, casualty and surrender claims have not been independently verified.

Health and Humanitarian

Ebola indicators improve in several affected areas

Ebola transmission is declining in Ituri, according to National Institute for Biomedical Research Director General Jean-Jacques Muyembe, who called for stronger financing to consolidate the response.

Health Minister Roger Kamba said only one Ebola patient remained hospitalized in Tshopo and no active case remained in Bas-Uélé. Kasindi civil society also said the North Kivu border town had recorded no new case during September.

Economy and Trade

Government submits a smaller CDF 56.929 trillion draft budget

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa submitted the draft 2027 finance law to the National Assembly. The bill proposes spending of CDF 56.929 trillion, or about $24.8 billion, with security and investment among its stated priorities.

The submitted total is CDF 571 billion lower than the CDF 57.5 trillion figure approved by Cabinet and reported in the September 14 edition. The available reporting does not explain the adjustment.

DRC and France expand bilateral air-service rights

The DRC and France signed an air-transport memorandum increasing the permitted weekly services for each country from seven to 11 beginning in April 2027. The agreement also provides a bilateral framework for Air Congo to continue serving Paris from spring 2027.

Air Congo already operates five weekly services on a Kinshasa–Brussels–Paris rotation using an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. The expanded rights raise the number of flights airlines may operate but do not automatically add four weekly services.

ARSP orders KCC and MUMI to end ineligible subcontracting contracts

The Private-Sector Subcontracting Regulatory Authority, known by its French acronym ARSP, ordered Kamoto Copper Company and Mutanda Mining to terminate contracts with subcontractors that it said did not meet legal eligibility requirements. Both mining companies are Glencore subsidiaries.

Kipushi accounts for 97 percent of first-half zinc exports

The Kipushi mine in Haut-Katanga accounted for approximately 97 percent of DRC zinc exports during the first half of 2026. Kipushi Corporation (KICO), the Ivanhoe Mines–Gécamines joint venture that operates the mine, exported 108,323.28 tonnes out of a national total of 112,206.22 tonnes. The mine resumed production in 2024 after being closed since 1993.

Japan signs $2.5 million food-assistance agreement

Japan agreed to provide ¥400 million, or approximately $2.5 million, in food assistance to the DRC. The assistance will consist primarily of rice. Proceeds from its sale will be placed in counterpart funds used to finance community projects.