Bottom Line

The International Organization for Migration’s Ebola response plan is only 27 percent funded as the number of reported child deaths approaches 1,000. Wazalendo groups claimed new gains in Masisi, while 29 AFC/M23 combatants reportedly surrendered and African Union facilitators met the movement’s leaders in Goma. Two Congo River accidents left about ten people dead and others missing, while maintenance at the Bendera power station disrupted electricity and water services across Kalemie.

Health

IOM’s Ebola response plan only 27 percent funded as child deaths approach 1,000

The International Organization for Migration said its Ebola response plan was only 27 percent funded, limiting surveillance, community engagement and support for affected populations. Save the Children said nearly 1,000 children had died during an outbreak that has killed more than 4,000 people.

Response capacity is expanding in some areas. Authorities are establishing a 20-bed Ebola treatment center in Bafwasende in Tshopo, while the DRC and South Sudan have strengthened cross-border surveillance in Haut-Uélé.

Security and Diplomacy

Wazalendo claim further gains as 29 AFC/M23 combatants reportedly surrender

Wazalendo groups said they retook Changayi, Ruseme and Kasheke in Masisi during intensified fighting. Separately, FARDC and allied fighters reported that 29 AFC/M23 combatants surrendered over four days. Both accounts originated with combatants or their allies. An uneasy calm returned around Vyanze in Lubero after four days of fighting.

African Union facilitators meet AFC/M23 in Goma

African Union facilitators met AFC/M23 leaders in Goma as regional mediators sought to connect the armed group more directly to the diplomatic process. The delegation operates under the AU-led mediation overseen by Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé.

The AU’s six-month mediation roadmap calls for coordination with the Doha negotiations between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 and the Washington process between the DRC and Rwanda. The Goma visit formed part of the roadmap’s field engagement rather than a separate peace track. Kinshasa separately accused Rwanda of obstructing the agreed protocol for neutralizing the FDLR, while an October conference is expected to review implementation of DRC-Rwanda security commitments.

Public Safety and Transport

Two Congo River accidents leave about ten people dead and others missing

A collision between two boats in Équateur province killed about ten people and left others missing. Separately, a barge attached to the Global Express sank at Nganda Musolo in Kinshasa, with several passengers reported missing.

Politics and Governance

Former intelligence chief Kalev Mutond dies in Paris

Kalev Mutond died in Paris at age 69. He led the National Intelligence Agency from 2011 to 2019 and was one of the most powerful security officials during Joseph Kabila’s final years in office.

The European Union sanctioned Mutond in 2017 over alleged involvement in repression against demonstrators and political opponents. Human Rights Watch also documented allegations of arbitrary detention and torture at facilities under his authority. Mutond denied the accusations. Congolese authorities issued a wanted notice for him in 2021 following complaints by former detainees; it was suspended in 2023, the same year the EU removed him from its sanctions list.

Court provisionally finds unauthorized handling of Kongo Central funds

The Court of Auditors provisionally classified Governor Grâce Bilolo and two provincial officials as de facto managers of public funds. The proceedings concern nearly $10 million associated with construction of the provincial assembly’s headquarters and purchases of heavy equipment.

The designation applies to officials found to have handled public money without the legal authority or accounting status required for that role. The other officials named are former provincial finance minister Djos Luyeye and delegated payment officer Germain Ndungi. Separate scrutiny of the provincial administration has involved the Court of Cassation and the General Inspectorate of Finance.

Presidency orders review of business-climate reforms

President Félix Tshisekedi ordered a review of the 2026 business-climate program after the Federation of Congolese Enterprises raised concerns about administrative barriers. The review will examine delays in company registration, unofficial payments and cases in which businesses received incomplete registration documents.

Authorities bar Katumbi ally Christian Mwando from holding a meeting in Moba

Authorities in Moba, Tanganyika province, barred opposition lawmaker Christian Mwando Nsimba from organizing an airport procession and public meeting, citing the political and security climate. He was permitted to attend the inauguration of the Kinungu market.

Mwando leads the Ensemble pour la République parliamentary group and is a senior representative of Moïse Katumbi’s party. He served as planning minister before leaving the government after Katumbi withdrew from the ruling coalition in December 2022.

Infrastructure and Public Services

Kalemie blackout disrupts electricity, water and essential services

Kalemie remained without electricity during maintenance at the Bendera hydroelectric station, and water distribution and power to several strategic facilities were disrupted. Facilities designated for backup supply were also reported to be without power.

SNEL separately said state institutions and other authorized public-service beneficiaries owed it $24 million in unpaid electricity bills. Public entities account for about a quarter of national electricity consumption. Under a 2025 payment arrangement, the state was expected to pay $2 million a month but paid approximately $930,000.

Work begins on a Kananga water system intended to serve nearly 1.5 million people

Authorities launched construction of new drinking-water infrastructure in Kananga, the capital of Kasaï-Central. The project is intended to supply nearly 1.5 million residents and has a reported value of $160 million.