'President Putin and I will then meet in an agreed upon location, Budapest, Hungary, to see if we can bring this “inglorious” war, between Russia and Ukraine, to an end,' says US president

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo

Two factions of Wazalendo militiamen, led by self-proclaimed generals known only as Malaika and Nyakiliba, in Mwenga in South Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, have been fighting since Sept. 17 for control of the strategic town.

“At least eight people, including three civilians and five militiamen, were killed and several others wounded in clashes over pay-to-pass roadblocks, whose fees, deemed excessive, ranged from 20,000 - 100,000 Congolese francs ($7 - $36) per crossing. Tensions escalated when the order was given to dismantle them,” Julius Byemba Kika, a civil society member, told Anadolu. Calm returned only after Nyakiliba withdrew to Kigogo.

It has been difficult to obtain government representatives in Mwenga, but Foka Mike, the leader of the Wazalendo militia group, confirmed the deaths.

The fighting for two days in Mwenga has caused significant property damage and heightened insecurity,

The population in Mwenga laments another ordeal. Already suffering from soaring food prices due to the impassable RN2 road and the consequences of the war by the M23 rebels, residents see the roadblocks as an additional burden. The territory has frequently seen armed rivalries, including in Muhuzi, where recent clashes claimed several lives.

Meanwhile, in North Kivu, heavy fighting has pitted Wazalendo forces against AFC/M23 rebels since Friday in the Osso Banyungu sector of Masisi territory.

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) has supported operations with airstrikes around Bibwe. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire disrupting traffic between Nyabiondo and Kashebere and spreading panic.

The M23 rebel group and the FARDC accuse each other of violating the Doha framework agreement.

The fighting highlights the scale of security instability that continues to shake eastern Congo. By Byobe Malenga  |Anadolu Agency

 By JULIUS MBALUTO

The London Political Summit will celebrate its 10^th Anniversary this year. The event scheduled for three days 15^th 16^th and 17^th October 2025, will be graced by dignitaries, leaders, diplomats, policymakers, business executives, academics and community changemakers from around the world.

They will converge to reflect on a decade of achievements in advancing democracy, peace, good governance, diaspora relations and inclusive politics. The event will kick off in the House of Commons-UK Parliament on 15^th October 2025; this will be followed by a round table discussion at Council Chamber, London Borough of Islington and end with Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner Night at Copthorne Tara Hotel on 17^th October 2025.

The London political Summit and Awards is a social -political platform started in 2015, with the support of key political leaders of thought and academia. Its main objective is to propagate and advance the need for political order, democratic peace and good governance in developing countries through dialogue and cooperation.

There are various reasons why this is deemed important to all. The event offers opportunity to experience three days of diplomacy, development engagement, network with global leaders in politics, business, academia and civil society. It’s also a great moment to celebrate the achievements of 2025 Award recipients who are already shaping the future of good governance, diplomacy and Africa-UK relations.

This event will be by invite only. If you wish to attend, kindly, click on the link below.

https://londonpoliticalsummitawards.org/lpsa2025/