Felix Tshisekedi

DRC
Kinshasa and Fortescue to hold next round of negotiations in Paris

Prior to finalising the contract to generate 70 GW in the DRC, which includes the Grand Inga mega-dam project, the Australian firm Fortescue is hoping over the summer to agree an amendment to the memorandum of understanding signed with Kinshasa in September 2020.

Palace Intrigues
Ali Bongo, Félix Tshisekedi, Denis Sassou Nguesso, Ségolène Royal

Intrigues big and small... Every Tuesday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

Gabon Frédéric Bongo back at the Palais du Bord de Mer

DRC Tshisekedi's gives cars to senators

Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso misses his tailor's birthday

France-Africa Ségolène Royal's African adventures

DRC, East Africa
East African Community sets out battle plan for regional force in eastern DRC

While the head of Congolese diplomacy travelled to Arusha to finalise membership of the East African Community, the regional organisation's military leaders are preparing to send troops. The Congolese army chief of staff signed a confidential document with his counterparts detailing it.

DRC
Turkish paramilitary firm Sadat goes on charm offensive in Kinshasa

The private company is taking an interest in the DR Congo's security market, lured by opportunities to train its armed forces and police and by the country's need for military equipment.

DRC
France, UK and US seek to block Russian ambitions in DRC

Put on alert by the turn of events in the Central African Republic and Mali, Western powers are worried about a potential rapprochement between the DRC and Russia and are hoping the UN will at least continue to enforce its arms embargo in the country.

Spotlight | DRC, Rwanda
Diplomatic cat and mouse from New York to Paris over Rwanda's alleged support for M23 rebels

Western capitals and the United Nations remain wary of dealing with the evidence that they say they have concerning Rwanda's support for the rebel M23 movement, much to the displeasure of Kinshasa.

DRC
Despite Tony Blair's insistence, GIP finally says no to the Grand Inga project

The US-based Global Infrastructures Partners, owned by Nigerian businessman Adebayo Ogunlesi, has finally decided not to get involved in the scheme to build vast dams on the mighty Congo river.

Spotlight | DRC
DP World puts pressure on Tshisekedi over Port of Banana

DP World, which signed a new concession agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo in December, claims that the commitments for the construction of the Port of Banana have not been fulfilled. These accusations were made by the Emirati operator in a letter to the president.

DRC
Regulatory body overturns tender process for Nzilo II power station

The public procurement regulatory authority has reversed the ministerial decision to award Lualaba Power the contract for the construction of the Nzilo II hydroelectric power station. This brings the two other contenders back into the race.

Spotlight | DRC
Prosecutor opens investigation into $300m finance ministry account

Last month in the utmost secrecy, the Kinshasa prosecutor's office opened an investigation into an account held by the finance ministry at the First National Bank containing over $300m. It is a sensitive case that could involve irregular transactions.

DRC
US picks ambassador Mike Hammer's successor in Kinshasa

After pondering over the matter for several months, the State Department has just selected Mike Hammer's replacement as US ambassador to the DR Congo, Africa Intelligence can reveal.

DRC
Oil traders losing patience over stalled contract talks

Two Emerati firms, Al Asma and Adnoc are desperately trying to clinch contracts to supply state oil company Sonahydroc with petrol and diesel, but the authorities are dragging their feet.