1. North Kivu’s Ebola treatment capacity is under mounting pressure

North Kivu now accounts for nearly 40 percent of newly confirmed Ebola cases nationwide, up from 24 percent at the end of August. Limited bed capacity meant 34 percent of confirmed patients were being treated in ordinary health facilities as of September 28, increasing exposure among health workers and other patients. The national toll reached 8,665 confirmed cases and 4,178 deaths on October 6.

2. Government-aligned forces claim six additional Kalehe localities

Wazalendo fighters claimed Kafufula, Katale, Katoke, Bikari, Chambombo and Bishaka after fighting with AFC/M23 in Kalehe territory. Katale and Kafufula had been under AFC/M23 control since April, while Chambombo and other positions along the Ziralo front have changed hands repeatedly. AFC/M23 counterattacks were reported as fighting continued.

3. Government bans wooden baleinières from November 15

The government has ordered wooden baleinières off the country’s waterways following repeated fatal accidents and instructed ONATRA to help provide replacement capacity. The vessels remain the principal means of moving passengers, food and freight in many communities without usable roads, making the ban difficult to enforce without disrupting essential transport.

4. Partners begin developing a 700-megawatt Zambia–DRC power link

The DRC Strategic Investment Fund, EnPower, Trafigura and Gridworks signed a memorandum to develop a 190-kilometer electricity interconnector between Kalumbila in Zambia and Kolwezi. The proposed line would supply as much as 700 megawatts to mining and industrial operations in the DRC Copperbelt.

5. Consultations begin on mandatory health insurance

The Health Solidarity Fund has opened consultations on benefits and contribution levels for mandatory health insurance. Employers and workers would share contributions in the formal and public sectors, while informal workers would pay according to their ability to contribute and the state would cover indigent and vulnerable residents.