Bottom Line

The C64’s conference of presidents has rejected its presidium’s proposal to mediate between Félix Tshisekedi and Joseph Kabila. Shelling killed a child in Walikale, and local leaders say suspected ADF fighters took Makumo after a renewed attack. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa presented the proposed 2027 budget to lawmakers, while health officials began investigating a cluster of reported deaths in Bunia.

Politics

C64 leaders reject presidium’s mediation proposal

The Coalition Article 64 (C64) faces an internal disagreement over its role in a national dialogue. Its conference of presidents rejected the presidium’s proposal to mediate between President Félix Tshisekedi and former president Joseph Kabila after the presidium’s Rome talks. The conference says the coalition was formed to defend constitutional rule and that its own members—not the presidium alone—set its political direction. It favors an inclusive dialogue facilitated by Congolese church organizations, the African Union and international partners.

Security

Shelling kills a child and wounds six civilians in Walikale

A five-year-old child was killed and six civilians were seriously wounded when shells struck Kangati, Mikumbi and Ngenge in North Kivu’s Walikale territory on October 28. Local customary and civil-society sources said the shells were fired from positions held by the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN) around Kibati and Kashebere and appeared to be aimed at Wazalendo fighters. Fighting along the Kashebere–Kibati axis has also displaced residents.

Local leaders say suspected ADF fighters took Makumo

FARDC and Wazalendo repelled an incursion into Makumo on October 27, but suspected ADF fighters attacked the mining village in North Kivu’s Lubero territory again the following day. Local civil-society leader Samuel Kakule Kagheni said the fighters held Makumo on Thursday morning. Residents fled toward Kambau and Njiapanda, and one soldier was reported wounded.

Public Health

Ituri investigates reported deaths in Bunia amid Ebola outbreak

Ituri health officials sent investigators to Bankoko, a neighborhood of Bunia, after a local councilor reported 26 deaths there in two weeks, including six in one day. Their causes of death are under investigation. Bunia was among the health zones with the most Ebola cases and deaths in the three weeks to October 20. Separately, an Ebola burial team was reportedly threatened during an operation in Rwampara.

Government and Economy

Suminwa presents proposed $24.8 billion budget to lawmakers

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa presented the proposed 2027 budget to the National Assembly on October 29. At 56.93 trillion Congolese francs, about $24.8 billion, it is roughly 12 percent larger than the revised 2026 budget. The proposal includes spending on defense, elections, a census and national dialogue, and would extend free basic education to grades seven and eight in the 2027–28 school year.

More than 60 foreigners detained in Kakanda mining raid

An interagency team detained more than 60 foreign nationals, along with Congolese civilians and soldiers, at the Menda quarry inside Boss Mining’s Kakanda concession in Lualaba. Officials allege irregular residence or work documents and illicit mineral activity. Cash and equipment were seized during the operation.

Beni merchants continue strike over taxes

Merchants in Beni have maintained a strike since Monday over taxes and other fiscal obligations they say are difficult to bear amid persistent insecurity. Commercial activity remains disrupted. The mayor convened business representatives on October 29 to discuss the stoppage.

Air Congo receives Boeing 787-9

Air Congo received a 292-seat Boeing 787-9 at Kinshasa’s N’Djili airport on October 28. The aircraft is intended to support the carrier’s planned long-haul international service.

Public Services and Society

Uvira communities go without potable water after storm damage

Residents of Kavimvira, Kilomoni, Kawizi and Kiliba in South Kivu’s Uvira territory have lacked potable water for more than a week after October 17 rains damaged REGIDESO facilities. A local civic group says households are drawing water from Lake Tanganyika and rivers.

Parish attack draws warning from Lubumbashi archbishop

Armed assailants broke into Notre-Dame de la Paix parish in Lubumbashi during the night of October 26–27. They assaulted priests, injured a guard and stole money. Archbishop Fulgence Muteba condemned the attack and raised the possibility of self-defense measures if authorities fail to protect clergy and parishes.