Eigenrac Regional Intelligence Reporting and Analysis
Security Insights – DR Congo 9th Jan 2025
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN DR Congo THIS WEEK
M23 violates ceasefire in Eastern DRC offensive: On 2 January, M23 launched an offensive in Masisi, North Kivu, seizing the town and displacing over 102,000 people while causing at least seven civilian deaths. The attack, a breach of the July 2024 Luanda Process ceasefire, worsens an already critical humanitarian crisis, with over 600,000 displaced as of late 2024. Although relative calm returned by 5 January, humanitarian agencies warn of deteriorating conditions. The UN and EU have urged de-escalation and adherence to peace agreements, calling for the withdrawal of foreign forces and the protection of civilians.
DRC plans execution of 170 prisoners: The Democratic Republic of Congo has transferred 170 prisoners on death row to the high- security Angenga prison, where they are planned for execution. The prisoners, aged 18 to 35, were convicted of armed robbery and alleged involvement with the “Kulunas” criminal gangs. The DRC reinstated the death penalty in March 2024 after a 21-year moratorium, citing escalating violence and armed rebellion.
Risk Categories
Conflict: High Crime: High Health and Medical: High Kidnap and Ransom: High Personal Safety: High Natural and Environment: High Political Overview: Medium Terrorism: Medium Unrest: High
Amnesty International has condemned the move, urging President Felix Tshisekedi to halt the executions and implement a moratorium until the death penalty is fully abolished.
DRC targets illicit mining amid growing corruption concerns: DRC authorities arrested three Chinese nationals in South Kivu after discovering 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash hidden in their vehicle. The operation, conducted near the Rwandan border, was kept classified due to concerns about potential interference from powerful figures in Kinshasa. South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purusi confirmed the arrest followed a tip-off and thorough search.
The 2 January offensive by the M23 in Masisi, North Kivu, has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in the DRC. Seizing control of the town and displacing over 102,000 people, the attack undermines the fragile peace efforts of the July 2024 Luanda Process ceasefire, escalating the threat of further conflict in the near-medium term. Despite a return to relative calm by 5 January, the humanitarian crisis is far from over. In addition, the DRC’s political and security instability, worsened by the activities of armed groups like M23, continues to threaten foreign investment and peacebuilding initiatives in the region. Both the UN and EU have called for the withdrawal of foreign forces and for all parties to honor their peace commitments, a crucial step for minimizing the potential escalation of violence in the coming months.
The DRC’s recent actions to address illicit mining and corruption signal a tough stance against resource exploitation, but also highlight the increasing financial and reputational risks for international businesses operating in the region. The arrest of three Chinese nationals in South Kivu underscores the challenges posed by corruption and the lack of transparency in DRC’s resource sectors. This arrest, kept confidential due to fears of interference from powerful figures, indicates the complex political and economic environment businesses must navigate. Additionally, the DRC’s reinstatement of the death penalty to curb rising violence and its ongoing crackdown on criminal gangs raise serious concerns regarding the country’s legal stability. These developments, together with the volatile security environment, make it increasingly risky for foreign investors to engage in sectors tied to the DRC’s resource wealth.
