DR Congo, Israel-Palestine, Suriname.

Today's three stories you should know.

Dec 20, 2023

DR Congo

Big day in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as voters go to the polls in a presidential election. Things appear to have quickly deteriorated, though, with long delays at polling stations and opposition candidates already saying they may reject the results. About 1.5 million people in the war-torn east may not get to vote at all due to security challenges. President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking a second and final five-year term challenged by about 20 other candidates with millionaire businessman Moise Katumbi his closest rival. But, with a divided opposition, Tshisekedi is the favorite. Disputed election results in DRC have in the past led to outbreaks of violence.

Israel-Palestine

“Barely a drop.” Those are the words of the UN on how much water is available to children in Gaza as Israel’s bombardment of the Palestinian enclave continues. The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, said displaced people are only accessing about 1.5 - 2 litres of water per day. According to UNICEF, three litres are required daily for survival. That number rises to 15 when washing and cooking are also counted. “Without safe water, many more children will die from deprivation and disease in the coming days,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said.

Suriname

A judicial panel in Suriname has upheld the conviction of former President Desi Bouterse for his part in the execution of 15 opposition figures in 1982. Bouterse, 78, dominated Suriname’s politics for decades, first as military leader after spearheading a coup and later as president. The three-man panel ruled in 2019 that he oversaw the abduction of 16 government critics, including lawyers, journalists, union leaders, soldiers and professors. One man survived and gave evidence against him. He was sentenced to 20 years but, according to local reports, has not yet been arrested.