1. Referendum law advances as national dialogue is prepared

The National Assembly approved a revised referendum law on October 23 and sent it to the Senate. President Félix Tshisekedi says he will name a team this week to prepare national dialogue. Opposition figures fear that advancing the referendum framework could open the way to constitutional change before an inclusive political process is agreed. Separately, migration authorities prevented C64 member Prince Epenge from traveling to an opposition meeting in Rome.

2. South Kivu fighting displaces more families

Clashes between government-aligned and FRN forces continued around Kaziba as displaced families arrived in Rurambo in the Uvira highlands. Local sources describe urgent shelter and food needs, even as commercial activity began to resume around Kaziba’s center.

3. Bunia begins formal Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine trial

The first participant was vaccinated in the Tumaini trial on October 23. Ervebo had already been used during the outbreak under emergency arrangements; the trial will test whether it protects against Bundibugyo virus.

4. Ebola work stops in Nia-Nia

Unpaid Ebola-response workers in Nia-Nia, Ituri, stopped surveillance, community outreach and infection-prevention work. Health officials have also identified a new transmission chain around Mandima, while teams in Oicha and Bafwasende are trying to follow up with people who left care or missed it.

5. U.S.-backed group says major mine deal is nearing completion

Orion Critical Mineral Consortium says talks over a stake in Glencore’s Mutanda and Kamoto copper-cobalt operations near Kolwezi are in their final phase. The proposed transaction concerns 40 percent of Glencore’s interests in assets it valued together at about $9 billion.