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Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 08/24
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Congo's voter registration numbers don't add up

A report from International Crisis Group found that voter registration numbers in eastern Congo included fake voters, children, foreigners, and voters registered multiple times. [Editor's note: Due to an editing error, the headline and subheadline named the wrong country. It has been corrected.]
In Pictures: Monitor photographers in Africa
Difference Maker Pernille Ironside goes to war zones to free child soldiers

Around the world children are forced to serve in military groups or as laborers or worse. UNICEF's Ironside has set some of them free.
Will Congo's troubling rape statistics compel any change?

Although it is helpful to have reliable numbers on rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, that doesn't change the fact that so far there's no answer on how to bring those numbers down.
UN, Congo government try to formalize the mining industry

The plan for formalizing Congo's mining industry relies on the removal of armed groups from the process, but that is a difficult task.
Congolese living in mining region blame 'Obama's law' for economic struggles

There is widespread misunderstanding in Congo about US legislation targeting conflict minerals.
'Naming and shaming' may not be enough to halt conflict mining in Congo

While 'naming and shaming' tactics are gaining momentum in the fight against Congo's conflict minerals, they won't be enough if the trade just shifts to India and China.
Congo lifts mining ban

The Enough Project writes that the ban, imposed by President Joseph Kabila in September, created more problems than it solved.
In Rwanda, a rebel commander's case that no one wants to try

Two years after Rwanda arrested Congolese rebel commander Gen. Nkunda, it still doesn't know what to do with him – he knows too many secrets that could come out if he is tried.
Congo: UN scrambles to better protect civilians in wake of mass rape

The UN's largest peacekeeping force failed to prevent mass rape by Congo rebels in July. Now it's pushing to be more proactive – and more innovative – in its mission to protect civilians.
Congo mining ban's success is limited

The Congo mining ban has hurt the Congolese economy without making the area safer, according to a dispatch from an Enough Project researcher working in the region.
Can microfinance programs heal rape victims in Congo?

Microfinance programs geared toward African women can actually help heal victims of rape the same way that psychological counseling does – by restoring self-respect.
More reports of Rwandan troops deploying to Congo

In recent weeks, there have been many unconfirmed reports of Rwandan troops heading into the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assist the Congolese army.
Rwandan Army rumored to be sending new soldiers to neighboring Congo

Despite recent accusations that the Rwandan Army committed a possible genocide in the Congo in the 1990s, meetings between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Joseph Kabila are fueling rumors of a new troop deployment there.
UN report on Congo rapes released. Are peacekeepers bad at protecting civilians?

Four recommendations for how the United Nations peacekeeping force in Congo can better protect civilians from abuses committed by rebel groups.
Highlights from leaked UN draft report on Congo atrocities: 1993-1996

Guest blogger Jason Stearns offers highlights of the period 1993-1996 from a leaked UN draft report that chronicles mass atrocities in the Congo between 1993 and 2003.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 08/24
Why recent US 'conflict mineral' legislation is a good thing for Africa

Some point out that most Africa conflicts are about much more than a mad scramble for minerals. Others say new US legislation against 'conflict minerals' will cramp some countries' economic progress. But here are some reasons why it's a good thing.
Do celebrities in Africa make you cringe? Check out why Ben Affleck gets it right in Congo.

The vast majority of celebrities who get involved in Africa do little more than bring attention to themselves, but Ben Affleck's Congo initiatives actually hire locals and focus on fitting in, not dictating solutions.
Congo war leaves legacy of sexual violence against women

A 17-fold increase in civilian rape between 2004 and 2008 in the Democratic Republic of Congo underscores the wartime legacy of sexual violence.
Are Rwandan Tutsis carving out a mini-state in eastern Congo?

Rwandan Tutsi rebels known as the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) are effectively running portions of eastern Congo, but their numbers may be greatly exaggerated.
Mothers in Congo get help in raising children of rape

Group homes and networks are helping mothers in Congo to counter harsh discrimination as well as their frequent reluctance to accept children of rape. Since fighting engulfed eastern Congo in the late 1990s, hundreds of thousands of women have been victims of sexual violence.
Rwanda crackdown: Human Rights Watch researcher denied visa

Human Rights Watch researcher Carina Tertsakian was denied a work visa in what critics charge is part of a new Rwanda crackdown by strongman President Paul Kagame.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 01/05
How charities harness social media for a social impact

Networkers shift from sharing info to linking up to effect change.