Anasthasie Tudieshe, a correspondent in Kinshasa, reports on the experiences of Congolese citizens who voted on December 20th.

The regional force deployed by East African nations to combat the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo faces increasing criticism. Congolese authorities question the effectiveness and mandate of the force, with President Felix Tshisekedi expressing disappointment and suggesting a potential withdrawal of troops by the end of June.

In the DRC, amidst ongoing conflicts in the east and center of the country, an orphan of military parents has created an initiative to offer scholarships to children of soldiers and military personnel. Her association, 'Debout Enfant de Soldat', is hosting 54 laureates this year, including 24 young women.

Communities in eastern DR Congo are skeptical about the claims of success by the East African force against M23 rebels. Despite the regional force's assertion that rebels have withdrawn from Bunagana following the Luanda agreement, residents remain fearful for their safety and are hesitant to return home.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he met with President Félix Tshisekedi. Tshisekedi had previously expressed his displeasure with comments made by then-French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in 2018, who had described Tshisekedi's election victory as a 'compromise à l'africaine'.

Before French President Emmanuel Macron's first visit to Kinshasa, the capital of the world's largest Francophone country, citizen movements are denouncing his visit and urging him to sanction Rwanda for its alleged support of M23 rebels.

Pope Francis arrived in South Sudan on Friday to promote peace. Before leaving Kinshasa after a four-day stay, the pontiff delivered a final speech to the bishops.

Pope Francis, welcomed in a heated atmosphere at Kinshasa's grand stadium, urged the youth to be active participants in the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a predominantly Catholic country facing unemployment and endemic violence. Young Congolese expressed their dissatisfaction with President Tshisekedi, signaling the end of his term.

On the second day of his visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pope Francis expressed his outrage over the 'deadly and illegal exploitation of wealth' in the country, highlighting the violence perpetrated by armed groups that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of residents. Reporting from the Congolese capital, Anasthasie Tudieshe provides insights into the Pope's condemnation of the ongoing exploitation and violence.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is prepared for Pope Francis's visit, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday morning. During his three-day stay, the Pope will engage with religious and civic leaders. The report comes from VOA's Anasthasie Tudieshe in Kinshasa.

Congolese voters, eager for peace, are ready to accept Felix Tshisekedi as President despite allegations of election fraud. Many express gratitude for the peaceful transition and outgoing President Joseph Kabila's decision to step down. International observers and the Catholic Church report widespread irregularities, suggesting Martin Fayulu as the true victor. Despite initial calls for a recount, international bodies like the Southern African Development Community and the African Union are now leaning towards endorsing Tshisekedi.