Bottom Line

The United States sanctioned Rwanda’s defense ministry and a financial institution serving its security services over alleged support for M23. Congolese and Rwandan officers also advanced a draft security plan under the Washington agreement. A new investigation traces ADF financing through gold and cocoa, while a crowd attacked a Kisangani health center after the transfer of a patient suspected of Ebola.

Security and Diplomacy

United States sanctions Rwanda’s defense ministry and Zigama

The United States sanctioned Rwanda’s defense ministry and Zigama Credit and Savings Society on October 28 over alleged support for M23. Zigama serves Rwanda’s security services. The U.S. Treasury alleges that it handled payments for military equipment, facilitated transactions for the rebellion totaling tens of millions of dollars and helped move gold from rebel-held territory to Kigali.

Investigation traces ADF financing through gold and cocoa

A new investigation by The Sentry identifies gold trafficked through Uganda as the ADF’s principal source of financing, followed by cocoa, extortion and kidnapping. It estimates that mining sites around Manguredjipa alone could generate $1 million to $1.6 million a year for the group. The investigation argues that the joint Congolese-Ugandan Operation Shujaa has dispersed the ADF without dismantling its financing networks.

Congolese and Rwandan officers advance Washington security plan

Congolese and Rwandan military planners advanced a draft operational order during U.S.-convened talks in Germany. It sets out proposed steps concerning the FDLR and Rwandan forces under the Washington security agreement.

FRN claims a FARDC general has joined its forces

The Kabila-led Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN) claims Brigadier General François Kamanzi has joined its military wing. Kamanzi was identified as an operations commander in the FARDC’s 12th Military Region in Kongo Central. The Congolese military has not confirmed the claim. A 2017 Human Rights Watch report described Kamanzi as a former RCD officer and alleged that he helped coordinate the movement of former M23 fighters under Kabila’s presidency.

Fighting reported in Fizi and Walungu

FARDC and FRN-aligned forces fought in Fizi and Walungu territories in South Kivu on October 26. Fizi’s territorial administrator said 16 fighters from the FRN and allied groups surrendered to the army the following day. He named Twiraneho, M23, Red Tabara and FNL Zabampema among the allied groups, without specifying how many of the 16 belonged to each.

Army seizes weapons after Mitwaba clashes

FARDC officers presented weapons and ammunition seized after clashes with Bakata Katanga fighters in Mitwaba territory, Haut-Katanga. Bakata Katanga is a longstanding Katangese separatist militia whose fighters remain active in the area.

Health

Crowd attacks Kisangani clinic as Ebola response faces resistance elsewhere

A crowd sacked the Bondeko health center in Kisangani after the transfer of a patient suspected of Ebola.

In the Beni area, some residents are avoiding health checks and resisting surveillance. Health officials in Oicha have also warned against self-medication, which can delay assessment and care.

Governance and Public Finances

Court of Auditors reports 2025 budget surplus

The Court of Auditors presented its review of the 2025 budget to Parliament. It reported a surplus of 400.2 billion Congolese francs, or about $177.2 million, while government receipts reached 82.8 percent of the amount budgeted.

Economy and Infrastructure

Construction begins at Mbombo hydropower project

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa launched work on the Mbombo hydropower plant on the Lulua River, about 15 kilometers from Kananga. The government says it has mobilized $30 million for the initial phase. The planned 20-megawatt plant and its distribution network are intended to supply Kananga and surrounding areas, where households and businesses face unreliable electricity.

Kamilombe miners leave site for designated artisanal zone

Lualaba’s governor said artisanal miners had left the Kamilombe site for the designated ZEA 371 zone. Their departure follows the relocation agreement reported earlier this week.

Navigation markers completed along 605 kilometers of the Kasaï River

Authorities say channel-marking work is complete between Kwamouth and Ilebo, covering 605 kilometers of the Kasaï River. The markers guide boats through a route used to carry passengers and goods between central and western DRC, where changing water levels and sandbanks can make navigation hazardous.

Tshopo governor threatens to terminate road contract

Tshopo Governor Paulin Lendongolia said work on the Kisangani–Opala–Otala road was only 10.5 percent complete and threatened to terminate Kas Logistic’s contract.

Subsidized maize flour goes on sale in Mbuji-Mayi

The government began selling 25-kilogram sacks of maize flour for 20,000 Congolese francs in Mbuji-Mayi, Kasaï Oriental. During a sharp rise in maize prices in September, traders cited depleted stocks and severe delays in rail deliveries.