Fake news is used purposefully and very strategically in Congo today — to score politically and diplomatically, to create a certain psychological climate, or simply to cover up hard facts. The greater the insecurity, the harder the rumour mill turns.

Congo’s official documents exist in a virtual reality. It takes a lot of time and money to obtain them. The failing administration widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

Looking for strong arguments in the decolonisation debate, MO* journalist Kris Berwouts stumbled upon three books in different languages, by authors from different backgrounds (an African, a European, and an African-American). All three want to put Africa back at the centre of its history.

On 29 November, yet another massacre took place in eastern Congo. The region has been plagued by ruthless violence for decades. Often the perpetrators are known, but they are rarely brought to justice. MO* contributor Kris Berwouts wonders who will stop this impunity.

Two phenomena have been on the rise in recent years: privatised warfare and ultra-nationalist extremism in Russia. Its outflow is the infamous Wagner Group, the private military company that does not even officially exist. In recent years, Wagner has occupied more and more space in Africa.

A young man from Zambia died at the war front in Ukraine in September. His family is left with questions. Lemekhani Nyirenda was a student in Moscow serving a prison sentence in Russia. He was one of the detainees recruited by the Wagner Group.

MO* journalist and Congo expert Kris Berwouts worked six months for Monusco in 2015. He shares his experiences  and explains why he understands the Congolese frustration.

Since brexit and the election of Trump, multulateralism has lost ground worldwide. Except in Africa where countries are increasingly aware that working together is their only way to count internationally. We spoke with UNDP Africa Director Ahunna Eziakonwa.

Africa voted very divided on the UN resolution condemning the Russian invasion in the Ukraine. What is the political impact of the conflict on Africa’s cohesion?

The United Kingdom aims to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, where they will  be subject to the local asylum procedures. Boris Johnson wants the British electorate to forget party gate. But what does Rwanda gain from it?

Although being expelled from Congo in 2017, Kris Berwouts was able to receive a visum for the DRC one year later. On arrival in Congo however, he was immediately stopped by the authorities. This is what happened.

Kris Berwouts presented “Congo’s violent peace”, a lecture at IOB Conference “Pathways to peace and drivers of democracy in the DRC” on January 23, 2018.