Democratic Republic of Congo extends state of emergency and reforms public service amid wider African policy moves

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prolonged a 15‑day state of emergency in North‑Kivu and Ituri provinces and reported further FARDC counter‑offensives against armed groups. At the same time, Prime Minister Jean‑Pierre Lihau announced a new phase of public‑service reform, introducing merit‑based recruitment and funeral‑benefit coverage for civil servants, and set a July 31 deadline for gambling operators to comply with a new regulatory framework.

In Gabon, the Milingui iron‑ore deposit is slated to begin extraction in November 2026, projected to produce 35 million tonnes of high‑grade ore and create hundreds of jobs in the Nyanga region. Gabon also participated in the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, where ANINF director Alberto Wenceslas Mounguengui Moudoki highlighted five challenges for the country’s digital agenda. Separately, the government launched construction of a new Gendarmerie Officers’ School at Omboué to modernise its security‑force training.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Gbôklè region will host the inaugural Festival Sêkêh from 31 July to 2 August, aiming to boost tourism, social cohesion and local entrepreneurship through cultural performances and a trade fair.

Benin’s parliament approved four major reforms, including the integration of the Mediator’s duties into the Economic and Social Council and the temporary suspension of the autonomous electoral commission (CENA) pending a future overhaul.