Bottom Line

Artisanal miners’ protests spread across Kolwezi for a second day, disrupting businesses and access to mining sites. Fighting resumed in South Kivu after a brief lull around Kaziba, while local sources reported about 40 deaths amid a suspected cholera outbreak in Masisi territory. Ebola responders in Ituri threatened to stop work over unpaid allowances.

Health

Forty deaths reported amid suspected cholera outbreak in Masisi

More than 100 people have fallen ill with cholera-like symptoms across at least four health areas of Ufamandu, in Masisi territory, North Kivu. Local accounts put the death toll at about 40, including many children. The Katoyi health-zone chief is awaiting reports from local facilities to confirm the toll and has requested access for medical staff and supplies to reach the affected communities.

Unpaid Ebola responders threaten to stop work in Ituri

In the Rwampara health zone, Ebola response workers threatened to stop work within 48 hours after what they say are 77 days without allowances.

Médecins Sans Frontières plans to close its Elikya treatment center in Bunia on October 31 and move its emergency staff to other affected areas. Patients are already being directed to four other centers operating in the city. Separately, local Ebola testing has begun in Gbadolite, allowing Nord-Ubangi province to analyze samples without sending them hundreds of kilometers away.

Security and Eastern DRC

Fighting resumes around Kaziba and across Uvira territory

After a brief lull on Monday following more than a week of fighting, FARDC and government-aligned fighters clashed again with FRN/M23 forces around Kaziba in South Kivu on Tuesday. A military drone was reported to have been brought down near a Wazalendo position, and schools in the area closed during the fighting. Separate clashes were reported in the Luvungi mountains and around Katogota in Uvira territory, disrupting traffic between Bukavu and Uvira.

More than 70,600 displaced and returned residents lack adequate aid in Bwito

A local population-movement commission counts more than 70,600 displaced and returned people living with host families in Bwito, in North Kivu’s Rutshuru territory. Local organizations say many have received little or no assistance for months around Kibirizi and Birambizo. FRN/M23 controls much of Bwito, while Wazalendo groups contest parts of the chiefdom.

Politics and Governance

Media regulator bars direct access to Kabila and the FRN

Media regulator chief Christian Bosembe said journalists and broadcasters may not give Joseph Kabila or representatives of his Front pour la refondation de la nation direct access to their platforms. He said outlets may still report on the movement but warned of sanctions for coverage the regulator considers to glorify or legitimize it. The regulator suspended a journalist over remarks about Kabila last week.

African Union backs dialogue while rejecting an armed route to power

The African Union is calling for inclusive dialogue and respect for constitutional order, while rejecting the use of force to take power. The proposed dialogue’s terms remain contested after Kabila took leadership of the FRN: opposition figure Prince Epenge has pressed the government to clarify its position on participation, and Matata Ponyo’s LGD is challenging the suspension of 13 opposition parties.

Human rights commission begins disability-access inspections

The National Human Rights Commission has begun inspecting accessibility at public offices, hospitals and schools. Its teams are examining features such as ramps, adapted elevators, signs and bathrooms and plan to submit findings and recommendations to the authorities.

Economy and Mining

Kolwezi mining protests spread on second day

Protests spread across Kolwezi for a second day. Barricades and burning tires blocked roads, vehicles were attacked, and some schools and businesses closed. Gunfire was heard as demonstrators approached the city center. Civil society reported deaths among miners; authorities had not confirmed a toll.

The artisanal miners continue to demand workable mining zones and the reopening of mineral-buying sites. Similar restrictions sparked protests across several Kolwezi neighborhoods in December 2025, when two deaths were reported.

Assembly advances $625 million in development financing

The National Assembly has approved four bills covering $625 million in financing agreements. The proposed funding comprises $200 million for small businesses and entrepreneurship, $200 million for education, $75 million for nutrition and health, and $150 million for emergency preparedness. A joint parliamentary committee must reconcile differences between the Assembly’s and Senate’s versions before final passage.

REGIDESO reports 56.3 billion-franc profit amid state arrears

Public water utility REGIDESO reported a net profit of 56.3 billion Congolese francs for 2025, up from 8.8 billion in 2024 after a loss in 2023. Former finance minister Nicolas Kazadi attributes much of the increase to exceptional items and accounting adjustments. REGIDESO’s accounts put unpaid bills owed by the state at 1,091.9 billion francs.

Public Services and Infrastructure

Schools reopen in Inongo after nearly two months of strike action

Public schools in Inongo city and territory resumed classes on Monday, nearly two months after the school year began. Teachers had stayed out over salary arrears; talks between provincial authorities and unions preceded the reopening.

Delayed rains and waste disrupt Ruzizi I power generation

Delayed seasonal rains have left Lake Kivu’s water level about 80 centimeters below its level a year ago, according to an official at the Ruzizi I hydroelectric station. Waste carried into the plant obstructs the flow of water to its turbines. The station, which serves the Bukavu area, is generating roughly 18–20 megawatts against 30 megawatts of installed capacity.

Migration and Conservation

DRC expels 114 Chinese and Filipino nationals

Migration authorities say they expelled 114 Chinese and Filipino nationals over alleged irregular stays. Seventy were in Kolwezi, Lualaba, and 44 in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga. The departures took place over several days ending October 18.

Civil society renews warning over mining and poaching in Maiko National Park

Civil-society representatives in Lubutu, Maniema, warned of mining, poaching, deforestation and threats against conservation workers in and around Maiko National Park. In June, the mining ministry suspended two companies’ activities near the park after accusing them of using exploration permits for extraction. Field reporting later described mining equipment inside the park’s southern section and alleged protection by Simba militiamen.