Africa

Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame in Gisenyi, Rwanda, June 25, 2021

On Saturday June 26, 2021, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi and of Rwanda (DRC), Paul Kagame, signed a trade agreement in the town of Goma, in North Kivu Province, Eastern DRC. The trade agreement includes three pieces: exploitation of mineral resources, taxation, and securing investment infrastructures. The agreement has raised concerns and controversies, with some observers expressing their fears of the balkanization of the DRC.

Rwanda youth prisoners in Rwanda in 2010

The human rights situation in Rwanda has created a major concern. On June 16, 2021, the US Government issued a travel warning advising that Rwanda has reached security "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution". The US State Department advised  US citizens to contact Rwandan Development Board before travelling to several areas in the country. The warning mentions increased risks due to conflicts at the borders with Burundi to the South and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to South West and North West of Rwanda.

These conflicts have worsened the human rights situation in Rwanda and led to widespread arrests, tortures, and kidnapping of real or suspected critics of or members of opposition groups to the Government of Rwanda, led by Rwandan Dictator Paul Kagame.

Kenneth Kaunda visiting villagers in 1980's

Former Zambian President and independence fighter and leader, Kenneth Kaunda, died on Thursday June 17, 2021. He was 97 years old. Kenneth Kaunda was Zambia's first president, following Zambia independence from Britain, in 1964. He was considered as one of African freedom fighters and heroes for the fight against colonialism and later, Apartheid. He ruled from 1964 until 1991.