DRC – 1 April 2015

Zuma extends SANDF DRC deployment
“President Jacob Zuma has extended the deployment of South African troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Southern African and Indian ocean coast, and Sudan, the presidency said on Tuesday.

The initial deployment period of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 had been extended to March 31, 2016.
A total of 1388 SA National Defence Force troops were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 220 were involved in anti-piracy operations along the coast, and 850 were in Dafur, Sudan.”
IOL

DRC military leaders sign pledge to combat rape

“DRC army commanders have signed a declaration to combat rape in war, a move the United Nations welcomed as an important step in the fight against sexual violence during conflicts.”

“Zainab Hawa Bangura, the UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict, said Tuesday the declaration is “a giant leap forward in the fight” against rape in war.”
News24

DRC: Release human rights activists unlawfully held in Kinshasa
“Amnesty International has launched a new campaign for the release of Congolese youth human rights activists held incommunicado in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for 15 days. The activists were arrested on 15 March when security forces stormed a press conference on youth civic engagement in political processes in the run up to the country’s elections.”

Amnesty International