Loading...
Loading...
DR Congo faces a compound crisis as a major Ebola outbreak spreads amid conflict and public mistrust, while President Tshisekedi opens the door to a third term and the economy grapples with mining disruptions and a potential French windfall tax on TotalEnergies.
May 2026
Week of May 25, compared to 12-week average
The economy is under pressure from mining disruptions and fiscal uncertainty. Congo added lithium to strategic minerals in a higher tax bracket, while China's Jinchuan reported $145 million missing in a mine probe and mining activities were suspended in parts of South Kivu. France considers a windfall tax on TotalEnergies amid fuel crisis, and the company's CEO defends profits.
President Tshisekedi opens the door to a third term, dividing the country. The US seeks to exclude DR Congo from the World Cup over Ebola, and Rwanda-backed rebels accuse the US of falling short as a peace mediator. Pro-regime activists support sanctions against Kabila.
Security is deteriorating with a major militia attack killing at least 69, and military-backed intruders occupying a huge cobalt deposit. The Ebola response is hampered by attacks on health facilities, including a crowd torching hospital tents and police firing warning shots. Rebels pull back from key positions amid US pressure.
The dominant tension is the Ebola outbreak, which has killed 131 and topped 900 suspected cases, declared a global health emergency by WHO. The response is outpaced by the outbreak and worsened by conflict and public anger, with attacks on health workers and facilities, including a crowd torching Ebola hospital tents.
View full calendar →