Congolese economy needs more than high resource prices

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Violence ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Copper Production ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Presidential Transition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Situation ◽  
High Resource ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Near Term

Significance Short-term economic prospects dimmed after the economy posted GDP growth of just 2.5% in 2016, down from 6.9% the year prior. The economy may only begin to recover in 2018 when shut-in copper production rebounds. An unresolved and tense political situation renders the near-term prospects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) uncertain. Impacts Political instability related to the presidential transition may slow foreign direct investment (FDI) in some sectors. A return to strong growth will not necessarily bring inclusive growth. Levels of disruptive political violence will depend in part on the coherence of the opposition in 2017.

Burundi will seek to ease its international isolation

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
The Political ◽  
Security Threat ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Situation ◽  
External Relations ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Border Areas ◽  
Fundamental Transformation ◽  
Armed Opposition Groups

Subject Burundi political outlook Significance UN Special Envoy Michel Kafando delivered a generally upbeat assessment of the political and security situation in Burundi in early August. However, the prognosis may reflect more the success of a deliberate government strategy to improve external relations than any fundamental transformation of the political situation. Impacts High tensions with Rwanda could spike, especially if insecurity flares in border areas. Armed opposition groups based in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo may pose an increasing security threat within Burundi. Persistently high numbers of Burundian refugees will be a source of tension throughout the region.

scholarly journals PTSD, depression and anxiety in Ebola virus disease survivors in Beni town, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Célestin Kaputu-Kalala-Malu ◽  
Eric Mafuta Musalu ◽  
Tim Walker ◽  
Olga Ntumba-Tshitenge ◽  
Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
Keyword(s):  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Ebola Virus Disease ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Persistent Headache

Abstract Background Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a deadly and feared infectious disease, which can be responsible of debilitating physical and psychological sequelae in survivors including depression and anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, there are scarce data on survivor sequelae in Democratic Republic of the Congo. So this study assessed PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms among EVD survivors enrolled in the follow-up program of the psychosocial care team of Beni town’s general hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study used consecutive sampling to recruit 144 Ebola virus disease survivors who came for follow up from October 23 to November 13; 2019. Basic socio-demographic data, presence of headache and short-term memory function were assessed. The Post-traumatic Checklist Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to assess psychological burden among participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarized data and Pearson’s or likelihood chi-square were used to test association between psychiatric disorders and associated factors. Results The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 24.3, 24.3 and 33.3% respectively. Being male (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.95, p = 0.049), suffering from persistent headache (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.12, 6.14, p = 0.014), losing a loved one because of EVD (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.11, 6.15, p = 0. 015) and being young − 18-24 years - (OR: 0. 261, 95% CI: 0. 08, 0.82, p = 0,026) were statistically associated with PTSD diagnosis. Having short-term memory impairment and suffering from persistent headache were statistically associated with depression and anxiety diagnoses (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.03, 5.82, p = 0.026); (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.85, p = 0.025); (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.12, 6.14, p = 0.014); (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.06, 5.01, p = 0.020). Conclusion The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety is high among EVD survivors. Development of specialized psychiatric services to sustain psychiatric and psychological health amongst survivors in the cultural context of the Eastern part of the DRC should be considered by the teams fighting against EVD in the DRC.

African politics and security to end-2017

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Central African Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
South Sudan ◽  
African Politics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Funding ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Step Down ◽  
Regional Leaders

Subject African politics and security to end-2017. Significance Key regional leaders are set to step down from national and party presidencies in Angola and South Africa, presidents in Nigeria and Zimbabwe are in ill health, while growing displacement crises in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could worsen without increased international funding and support. Although famine risks have lessened in South Sudan, conflict and instability will persist in Nigeria and Somalia as renewed insurgency threats grow.

Rwandan model’s longevity will depend on donor support

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Middle Income Country ◽  
Income Country ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Events ◽  
Governance Model ◽  
Donor Support ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
National Congress

Subject Rwanda's governance model. Significance The ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) celebrated its 30th anniversary in late 2017 with a series of major public events. Taken together, they provide a lens onto President Paul Kagame and the RPF’s rule -- and the very nature of power in Rwanda today. In particular, they demonstrate the extent to which the national political space now revolves around the figure of Kagame himself. Impacts Despite impressive development gains, Rwanda’s goal of becoming a middle-income country by 2020 remains ambitious. The Rwanda National Congress, which includes many former senior RPF figures, is the main opposition threat, but faces internal divisions. Regional insecurity in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could be destabilising if it spills across borders.

Prospects for East Africa and the Great Lakes in 2018

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
South Sudan ◽  
Democratic Legitimacy ◽  
Term Limit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Conflicts ◽  
Moderate Growth ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

Subject Prospects for East Africa and the Great Lakes in 2018. Significance Questions of democratic legitimacy and transition will dominate the outlook for East Africa and the Great Lakes over the coming year, in the context of election controversies (Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya), constitutional term-limit issues (Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Uganda) and deepening political conflicts (Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan). Receding economic headwinds will support a moderate growth recovery for several states (Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda), but political risk will weigh on the outlook for others (Burundi, DRC, Kenya, South Sudan).

scholarly journals Ptsd, Depression and Anxiety In Ebola Virus Disease Survivors In Beni Town, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
CELESTIN KAPUTU-KALALA-MALU ◽  
Eric Mafuta Musalu ◽  
Tim Walker ◽  
Olga Ntumba-Tshitenge ◽  
Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
Keyword(s):  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Ebola Virus Disease ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Persistent Headache

Abstract Background Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a deadly and feared infectious disease, which can be responsible of debilitating physical and psychological sequelae in survivors including depression and anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, there are scarce data on survivor sequelae in Democratic Republic of the Congo. So this study assessed PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms among EVD survivors enrolled in the follow-up program of the psychosocial care team of Beni town’s general hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study used consecutive sampling to recruit 144 Ebola virus disease survivors from October 23 to November 13; 2019. Basic socio-demographic data, presence of headache and short-term memory function were assessed. The Post-traumatic Checklist Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to assess psychological burden among participants. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used for analysis. Results The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 24.3%, 24.3% and 33.3% respectively. Being male (p = 0.049 ; OR = 0. 42 (CI : 0. 16–0.95), suffering from persistent headache (p = 0. 014 OR = 2.62 CI (1.12–6.14), losing a loved one because of EVD (p = 0. 015 ; OR : 2.60 (CI : 1.11–6.15) and being young − 18–24 years - (p = 0,026 ; OR : 0. 261 (IC : 0. 018-0.055).) were statistically associated with PTSD diagnosis. Having short-term memory impairment and suffering from persistent headache were statistically associated with depression and anxiety diagnoses (p = 0.026 OR = 2,44 (CI : 1.03–5.82) ; (p = 0. 025 OR = 2.24 (CI : 1.04–4.85) ; (p = 0.014 OR = 2.62 (CI : 1.12–6.14) ; (p = 0. 020 OR = 2.31 (CI : 1.06–5.01) Conclusion The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety is high among EVD survivors. Development of specialized psychiatric services to sustain psychiatric and psychological health amongst survivors in the cultural context of the Eastern part of the DRC should be considered by the teams fighting against EVD in the DRC.

Assassinations signal more violence ahead in Burundi

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
National Council ◽  
Land Conflicts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Ranking ◽  
Political Processes ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Successful Change ◽  
Domestic Support

Significance Despite creeping atrocities carried out by state actors, acts of violence targeting government figures and high-ranking National Council for the Defence of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) members had been limited until recently. Changes in political targeting and assassinations by anti-government forces could signal the start of a bloodier conflict and more domestic support for these actions. An active armed rebellion appears to be operating in eastern areas of neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Impacts A successful change in the constitution could increase the ruling party’s durability. Ongoing violence, even at lower levels, will prevent displaced refugees from returning home. The Burundi government’s hard-line stance offers little opportunity for improving relations with regional and international bodies. Political processes, such as unresolved land conflicts and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, will continue to stall.

Foreign-exchange risk dogs Central Europe

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Exchange ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Foreign Exchange Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Greek Crisis ◽  
National Currencies ◽  
Exchange Risk ◽  
Near Term ◽  
The Impact

Significance This unexpected appreciation surge came after several weeks of sharp currency swings, as contagion from the Greek crisis hit foreign exchange (FX) markets. In the 'Visegrad Four' (V4) -- Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia -- central banks remain on their guard in order to support national currencies and minimise the impact of either excessive depreciation or appreciation. Impacts A V4 government bond sell-off now looks unlikely, but yields on short-term debt will continue to rise in the near term, before stabilising. Short-term FX volatility is likely, but a significant liquidity crisis is unlikely owing to minimal exposure to Greek finances and trade. V4 central banks will want to hedge against FX risks, and monetary policy will remain loose for longer than expected.

Criminal groups hinder international peacebuilding

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Private Investment ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Opportunities ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
International Peacebuilding ◽  
Criminal Groups

Subject The role of criminal organisations in conflicts. Significance Criminal organisations operate in conflict zones in and across countries as diverse as Afghanistan, Colombia, Mali, Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have come to shape conflicts and the states involved in them. Impacts Corruption and penetration by criminal organisations undercut governments' legitimacy. This makes it difficult for them to attract private investment that would provide legal economic opportunities. Criminal organisations reduce the profit margin of legal business activities, making many unviable. Local communities then can gradually turn to illicit economic opportunities, indirectly helping to fuel conflict.

Angola's Lourenco will fortify party and state control

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Debt Crisis ◽  
Vice President ◽  
State Control ◽  
Colonial Power ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

Significance Previously, Lourenco had shown official deference to his predecessor, former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos (in office 1979-2017). However, since becoming head of the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) in September, a year after his election as state president, Lourenco has hardened his anti-graft rhetoric. Impacts Lourenco will try to mend strained relations with former colonial power Portugal; this could partially ease the debt crisis. Diplomatic tensions between Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could worsen over the former's expulsion of Congolese migrants. Former Vice-President Manuel Vicente's reputation as a Lourenco confidante will hamper the president's good governance message.

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