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Among this year’s top contenders is a unique project that focuses on creating porridge flour from a variety of materials, including chicken eggshells.

The initiative is part of a broader effort supported by the ACCESS project (African Centre for Career Enhancement & Skills Support), which aims to help students implement their business ideas. ACCESS provides the necessary resources and guidance to turn these ideas into tangible and impactful ventures.

Dr. Niyibizi François Xavier, the ACCESS coordinator in Rwanda, explained that the competition’s goal is to offer students the opportunity to bring their creative business ideas to life.

“Many students have great ideas, but lack the resources to implement them. Our project helps them by providing the essential tools to transform their concepts into real-world businesses,” he stated.

This year, the competition started with 49 projects, which were narrowed down to 20. These finalists received business training and further evaluation, resulting in the selection of the top seven. Among them, five projects will receive additional support to begin implementation.

One of the promising projects is by Niyomugabo Thierry and Uwizeyimana Patrick, who are developing a modern toilet design that prevents the spread of diseases.

The toilet will feature self-cleaning technology, which automatically sanitizes itself after use.

“Our research shows that public toilets contribute to the spread of disease, particularly affecting women. Our design will cover the leftover water, preventing contamination,” Niyomugabo explained. “Additionally, it will assist people with disabilities by making it easier to operate,” Uwizeyimana added.

Another standout project comes from Patrick Hans Weedy Jr., who is working on the 'Bible Coding Academy.’ This project aims to teach young people not only Bible studies but also coding. “Youth today need to integrate their beliefs with practical skills. By combining faith with technology, we can prepare them for the future,” he said.

Tuyizere Patrice is working on a project to produce nutrient-rich flour for porridge and biscuits. The flour will be made from a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, maize, wheat, and even eggshells. Tuyizere emphasized the nutritional value of eggshells, which are often discarded.

“Eggs are nutritious, and the shells are rich in minerals. We plan to grind the shells into flour, blending it with other ingredients like honey, mushrooms, and maize to create a nutritious porridge flour that will help combat malnutrition and stunting,” he explained.

Irakoze Beni Benjamin is developing a project that involves recycling plastic waste into bricks and paving materials. This initiative aims to reduce environmental damage while providing useful building materials.

“Plastic waste is a major environmental hazard, but it can be repurposed into useful building materials. Our process ensures no harmful emissions are released during recycling,” Irakoze said.

Irikumwenatwe Olivier is working on a technology that will weigh vehicles to ensure they don’t exceed road weight limits. He explained, “Many roads and bridges are damaged by overloaded vehicles. Our technology will allow for real-time weight measurement to ensure vehicles comply with weight restrictions.”

Among others, Sani Raouf is developing assistive technology for people with disabilities, including glasses equipped with cameras and technology that help the visually impaired navigate their surroundings.

In addition, he is working on gloves that translate sign language into speech, helping people with hearing or speech disabilities communicate more easily.

“The glasses will have a camera that tells the wearer what is in front of them, guiding them to their destination. The gloves will help people using sign language communicate with those who don’t understand it by converting signs into speech,” Sani explained.

Lastly, Umutoni Sumaya and Ukunzwenimana Olivier are working on an eco-friendly project to produce fertilizer from agricultural waste and chicken manure. They are also developing a pesticide from ginger peels.

“We realized that agricultural waste and chicken manure are often discarded but can be used to make affordable, environmentally friendly fertilizers,” Umutoni said.

The competition is open to all institutions collaborating with INES Ruhengeri, including universities in the Musanze District.

Tuyizere emphasized the nutritional value of eggshells, which are often discarded.

Umutoni Sumaya and Ukunzwenimana Olivier are working on an eco-friendly project to produce fertilizer from agricultural waste and chicken manure.

Sani Raouf is developing assistive technology for people with disabilities, including glasses equipped with cameras and technology that help the visually impaired navigate their surroundings.

Uwizeyimana Patrick is developing a modern toilet design that prevents the spread of diseases.

Irikumwenatwe Olivier is working on a technology that will weigh vehicles to ensure they don’t exceed road weight limits.

One of the promising projects is by Niyomugabo Thierry and Uwizeyimana Patrick, who are developing a modern toilet design that prevents the spread of diseases.

Students with outstanding projects will receive funding for implementation.

Irakoze Beni Benjamin is developing a project that involves recycling plastic waste into bricks and paving materials.

IGIHE

The immediate focus of the appeal is to help protect the lives of up to 87 million people in need of urgent support with US$23 billion in funding.

The initiative reaffirms the UAE’s unwavering commitment to advancing international efforts to save lives and respond to disasters and crises affecting the most vulnerable populations globally.

This support underscores the vital role of the UAE in promoting multilateral humanitarian action and the nation’s close cooperation with UN agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as well as with relief and development programs operating on the ground, to ensure timely access to aid for those most in need, in line with His Highness’s directives emphasisng a rapid and effective response.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said, 'The UAE continues its steadfast commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts and working with our UN partners to ensure access to aid for those most impacted. This pledge embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects our profound belief in the necessity of international solidarity in responding to urgent humanitarian appeals in an effective and sustainable manner that preserves human dignity and protects lives.'

Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA, welcomed the announcement, stating, 'Our global appeal is about saving lives where shocks have hit hardest — and turning plans into real protection. The UAE’s rapid and generous backing of our 2026 plan sends a strong signal, focused on people who need it most. We must deliver an effective, innovative response that meets the moment.'

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, 'Warning signs of health system collapse manifest long before it occurs — outbreaks spread, malnutrition increases, and preventable deaths rise. However, when we come together, services can be restored and lives saved. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE for their support, which will provide crucial humanitarian health care to millions in need.'

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, 'UNICEF appreciates the UAE’s generous support, which will go a long way to save and improve the lives of children caught in humanitarian crises. Children are always the most vulnerable when a crisis strikes. As needs outpace funding, this is an especially critical time, building on UNICEF’s strategic partnership with the UAE.'

Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), welcomed the announcement, stating, 'We value UAE’s strong commitment to humanitarian efforts.' He added: 'While severe funding shortfalls present a significant challenge for millions of vulnerable forcibly displaced people, contributions from governments like the UAE allow UNHCR to enhance its response efforts and provide a glimmer of hope for those in need.'

Cindy McCain, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, stated, 'As humanitarian needs soar and resources lag dangerously behind, the United Arab Emirates’ generous pledge is a lifeline that will help ensure urgent assistance reaches the people in greatest need. We thank the UAE for its humanitarian leadership in these unprecedented times. WFP stands ready to work with the UAE to ensure this desperately needed support reaches the millions facing acute hunger across the globe.'

This support builds on the strong strategic partnership between the UAE and the United Nations humanitarian system and reaffirms the UAE’s central role in addressing the most pressing humanitarian challenges, enhancing the international community’s ability to protect lives, and supporting stability in crisis-affected areas, in line with His Highness’s directives that reinforce the UAE’s leading approach to global humanitarian action.

IGIHE

The figure, based on the urban Consumer Price Index (CPI) used as the country’s benchmark for monetary policy, remained broadly stable month-on-month, increasing by 0.2 percent compared to October.

The latest CPI release shows that while general inflation pressures have eased compared to earlier in the year, price increases remain uneven across key sectors. Health services recorded the steepest rise, surging by 70.9 percent year-on-year, while restaurants and hotels also saw significant increases, rising by 19.4 percent.

Food-related inflation showed a mixed picture. Although overall food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by a modest 1.4 percent, specific items placed notable upward pressure on households. Meat prices increased by 18.4 percent, while bread and cereals rose by 12.8 percent. However, these gains were partially offset by a sharp 10.1 percent decline in vegetable prices, contributing to a softer food inflation outlook.

Energy and import-related pressures continued to shape inflation dynamics. The energy index rose by 12.4 percent, reflecting higher costs for fuel, electricity, gas and other household fuels. Imported goods inflation stood at 10.2 percent, substantially higher than the 6.2 percent increase for locally produced goods.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 7.7 percent, while transport inflation reached 9.3 percent.

Core inflation, which excludes fresh food and energy and is closely watched by policymakers as an indicator of underlying price trends, rose by 9 percent year-on-year.

At the national level, which combines urban and rural indices, the overall CPI rose by 4.1 percent, reflecting significantly lower rural inflation of 2 percent. The rural index even registered a monthly decline of 0.3 percent as fresh food prices continued to ease.

The annual average inflation rate between November 2024 and November 2025 stood at 6.9 percent, slightly below the headline monthly figure. Policymakers are expected to assess the latest data against macroeconomic conditions as they consider future adjustments to the monetary policy stance.

NISR collects more than 40,000 price observations nationwide every month for the CPI, covering 1,622 goods and services across urban and rural markets.

Rwanda’s headline inflation rose to 7.2 percent in November 2025, driven by higher prices in health services, hospitality, meat, cereals and energy-related categories, according to new data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Under the theme 'AI & Emerging Issues: Implications for Teacher-Education Delivery in Africa', ICAIED 2025 delivers a powerful platform for participants to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching, learning, assessment and research in higher education, with a special focus on teacher training and capacity building.

The conference convened a wide array of stakeholders: university faculty, ministry officials, EdTech developers, policy makers, NGOs, and young researchers, all converging to exchange knowledge, present research, and co-design solutions for the future of African education.

For the University of Kigali, this conference aligns seamlessly with the institution’s strategic drive toward innovation, research excellence, and global relevance. The event exemplifies UoK’s commitment to preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving world where AI and digital competencies are essential.

In her opening address, Prof. Ogechi Adeola, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Enterprise and Chair of ICAIED 2025, delivered a compelling welcome that framed the spirit and purpose of the conference.

She emphasized both the promise of AI for African education and the responsibility to adopt it thoughtfully and ethically.

Reflecting on the transformative moment Africa is experiencing, she noted: 'Across Africa, Artificial Intelligence is no longer an abstract concept. It is shaping classrooms in Kigali, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Joburg and beyond. Students are increasingly using AI-powered writing tools, translation apps, learning platforms and automated assessments.' 'Yet as we embrace these opportunities, we must also recognise the realities that define our education ecosystem… complex questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, digital sovereignty and ethics demand urgent attention.'

The conference convened a wide array of stakeholders including university faculty, ministry officials, EdTech developers, policy makers, NGOs and young researchers.

The Vice Chancellor of UoK Prof. George Kimathi reaffirmed the university’s deep alignment with Rwanda’s forward-looking national agenda and its commitment to educational transformation: 'At the University of Kigali, we are intentionally embracing Artificial Intelligence and innovation as catalysts for transforming higher education.

Our mission is to equip students with the skills, mindsets, and technological competence required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. As Rwanda moves boldly toward becoming a knowledge-based, digitally empowered economy, UoK stands ready to produce graduates who will not only participate in that journey but help shape it. We see AI not merely as a tool, but as an opportunity to rethink learning, expand research excellence, and drive impactful innovation across the continent.'

The Chairman of UoK’s Governing Body, Philibert Afrika echoed this vision, underscoring that hosting ICAIED 2025 is a powerful reaffirmation of the University’s mission to lead Africa’s transformation through research-driven innovation, global collaboration, and academic excellence.

Reflecting on the significance of the conference, he stated: 'This International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Education is not just a gathering of experts; it is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building an ecosystem where innovation thrives, where ideas are exchanged, and where the future of education is shaped with purpose.'

'In convening scholars, policymakers, technologists, and educators from across Africa and the world, the University of Kigali is positioning Kigali as a continental hub for educational innovation, one that contributes meaningfully to Rwanda’s national development agenda.'

At the national level, Rwanda has positioned itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. The country’s pioneering National Artificial Intelligence Policy, adopted to promote responsible, inclusive AI development, seeks to leverage AI for sustainable growth, education reform, and economic competitiveness.

For the University of Kigali, this conference aligns seamlessly with the institution’s strategic drive toward innovation, research excellence, and global relevance.

In her address, Esther Kunda, the Director General for Innovation and Emerging Technologies, representing the Minister of ICT & Innovation, applauded the University of Kigali for convening such a timely and impactful gathering.

Kunda emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological trend, but a transformative force shaping how societies learn, work, innovate, and solve problems.

She stated: 'Across the world, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how people learn, work, communicate, and solve problems. For Africa, AI represents not only a technological shift, but an opportunity to accelerate progress in education, strengthen institutions, and empower a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers.'

She further highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to building a digitally empowered nation, grounded in Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation, and the country’s emerging AI coordination frameworks.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of education, Kunda remarked: 'AI cannot transform our continent without well-prepared teachers, strong governance systems, and robust institutional capacity… That is why this conference is so important.'

She encouraged delegates to interrogate critical issues of AI ethics, accessibility, equity, and teacher empowerment, noting that solutions must be driven by collective action and cross-border collaboration. She concluded by officially opening ICAIED 2025, reaffirming government support for innovation and strong partnerships with institutions such as UoK.

ICAIED 2025 has drawn an impressive mix of participants including veteran professors, policy analysts, EdTech entrepreneurs, government regulators, and young researchers from more than half a dozen countries across Africa.

Dr. Edward Kadozi, Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), delivered a powerful keynote that set the tone for the conference.

In his remarks, he highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, while calling for responsible, equitable, and inclusive adoption within African education systems.

'AI is not a magic wand, but it is a powerful set of tools that, used wisely, can strengthen what teachers do best… from amplifying personalized learning to enhancing formative assessment and accelerating professional development.

'But a promise without groundwork risks harm: deepened inequality, lowered standards, and erosion of professional agency. If we are honest about our readiness gaps, we can also be strategic,' he noted.

This sentiment mirrors the objectives of ICAIED 2025. The conference aims to contribute to building an 'AI-ready' education ecosystem, supporting teacher capacity, promoting equitable access, and ensuring that AI integration advances national goals under Rwanda’s broader development roadmap, such as its Vision 2050.

The Chairman of UoK’s Board echoed this, noting that hosting ICAIED 2025 reaffirms the university’s mission to lead in research, global collaboration, and academic excellence, positioning Kigali as a hub of educational innovation for Africa.

The Vice Chancellor of UoK Prof. George Kimathi reaffirmed the university’s deep alignment with Rwanda’s forward-looking national agenda and its commitment to educational transformation

ICAIED 2025 has drawn an impressive mix of participants: veteran professors, policy analysts, EdTech entrepreneurs, government regulators, and young researchers from more than half a dozen countries across Africa. Their presence underscores the university’s international reach and the global importance of the conference themes.

Sessions include keynote lectures, thematic panels, workshops, and breakout group discussions on topics ranging from adaptive learning systems, AI-driven assessment, ethics and data governance, to AI’s role in narrowing the digital divide and promoting equity in education.

ICAIED 2025 delivers value across the entire education ecosystem: for educators and institutions, it offers a vital opportunity to stay ahead of global trends, adopt AI-powered teaching tools, and build capacity for future-oriented education delivery; for policy-makers and regulators, the conference’s insights and recommendations contribute directly to strengthening national frameworks governing AI integration in higher education, ensuring alignment with national policies and sector strategic plans; and for students and youth, it signals expanding opportunities through personalized, adaptive, and digitally inclusive learning pathways, preparing graduates with the AI-enhanced skills needed to compete and succeed in a globalized world.

As Rwanda positions itself as Africa’s centre for AI research and innovation, initiatives such as ICAIED 2025 demonstrate how academic institutions can lead the way. The University of Kigali calls on governments, private sector players, development partners, and educators across Africa to embrace AI responsibly and ethically as a key enabler of transformation in education and beyond. ICAIED 2025 is more than a conference; it is a bold step toward a future where AI and education converge to unlock Africa’s potential.

The conference received strong continental support, led by Afreximbank as the Gold Sponsor, reaffirming its Pan-African mandate to transform Africa’s trade landscape.

A four-minute Afreximbank corporate video powerfully illustrated the Bank’s mission, strategic pillars, including Intra-African Trade, Industrialisation and Export Development, Leadership in Global Trade Banking, and Financial Sustainability, and its flagship initiatives advancing trade, investment, and social impact across the continent.

Additional sponsorship from Cavalli Business & Investment Limited and DT Autocafe, as Silver Sponsors, further strengthened the event’s success and visibility, demonstrating the private sector’s commitment to advancing Africa’s innovation and development agenda.

The conference received strong continental support, led by Afreximbank as the Gold Sponsor, reaffirming its Pan-African mandate to transform Africa’s trade landscape.

IGIHE

In a statement released on Wednesday, December 10, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka described the capture of the city as a liberation and urged civilians who had fled the fighting to return, assuring them that the rebel forces are present to protect them.

'For more than three months, we have denounced the spread of hate speech, targeted attacks, and massacres in areas previously liberated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime and their ally, Burundi. Today, the threat has been removed, and Uvira is now liberated,' Kanyuka said.

The capture of Uvira marks the rebels’ deepest advance in South Kivu since February and follows a series of territorial gains earlier this year, including the takeover of Goma in January and Bukavu in mid-February. Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu, had been a key government stronghold on the southern axis.

At a press conference in Goma yesterday, the group accused the Congolese government of committing more than 30 ceasefire violations since July 2025, alleging that the worsening security situation stems from what it described as a 'deliberate political strategy' by Kinshasa.

AFC/M23 political coordinator Corneille Nangaa condemned daily confrontations driven by discriminatory notions of 'natives' and 'non-natives,' accusing government forces of targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.

The rebel coalition also accused Burundi of direct military involvement in the conflict and said government forces were backed by a mix of regional militias and foreign mercenaries. Nangaa claimed that recent battles, including around Kamanyola, saw Burundian troops taking a leading role, including airstrikes launched from within Burundi.

The group denounced the ongoing blockade of Minembwe, which has left thousands of residents without essential supplies, and cited multiple attacks on civilians, including a December 6 incident that killed four women attempting to bypass the blockade. Thousands of civilians have fled into Rwanda amid the fighting.

Despite the accusations and ongoing conflict, AFC/M23 reiterated its commitment to civilian protection, peace, and dialogue.

'Despite the severity of the situation, the M23/AFCM remains committed to peace, to protecting civilians, to respecting international obligations, and to engaging in sincere dialogue,' Nangaa said.

The fall of Uvira is a major setback for Kinshasa in its struggle to regain control of South Kivu, where government forces have been attempting to reclaim large territories lost to the rebel forces through offensives and dialogue in Doha, Qatar.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka described the capture of the city as a liberation and urged civilians who had fled the fighting to return, assuring them that the rebel forces are present to protect them.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Organised in partnership with Intore Entertainment and Kontent, with support from NUDOR, the event featured a fireside chat, exhibitions, and interactive sessions facilitated by renowned cultural curator Mary Maina. It was hosted alongside the Davido 5ive Alive Tour Kigali as part of a broader effort to elevate East Africa’s creative industry.

The event aimed to highlight opportunities within Rwanda’s fast-growing creative economy, with a focus on fashion, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and financial literacy. Chief Guest, the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Mutoni, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting youth-driven creative enterprises and inclusive cultural development.

Key speakers included Matthew Rugamba, Founder of House of Tayo, and Troy Elimu, Founder of Denim Cartel, who shared insights on growing fashion brands in African markets, brand storytelling and authenticity, business discipline, financial literacy, and intellectual property protection. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities for scaling local creative enterprises.

In collaboration with NUDOR, the event showcased Futured Exhibitions, featuring creative works by artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities. Performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation further highlighted the importance of inclusion and the wealth of underrepresented talent in the creative sector.

Attendees included emerging creatives, designers, entrepreneurs, youth organisations, and ecosystem builders from across the East African region. Programming highlights included a networking breakfast, a fireside chat with leading fashion entrepreneurs, an exhibition walkthrough of disability-inclusive creative work, and peer-learning sessions fostering community building among creatives.

SEEV AFRICA’s Executive Director, Paul Atwine, highlighted the importance of creating platforms for East African creatives to connect, learn, and showcase inclusive talent.

“The Davido concert presented a perfect opportunity to convene East African creatives with and without disability for a peer-learning knowledge exchange, reinforcing its mission to elevate creativity as a driver of social impact and sustainable development,” Atwine remarked.

This edition of Beyond the Stage built on a previous interactive creative café held in August during the Giants of Africa festival closing concert. It featured renowned East African DJ and cultural icon, DJ Etania, and placed a special focus on women in the creative space.

The event convened East African creatives with and without disabilities at Norrsken Kigali House on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Attendees included emerging creatives, designers, entrepreneurs, youth organisations, and ecosystem builders from across the East African region.

The creative café featured a fireside chat, exhibitions, and interactive sessions facilitated by renowned cultural curator Mary Maina

Chief Guest at the event was Sandrine Mutoni (right), the Minister of State for Youth and Arts.

SEEV AFRICA’s Executive Director, Paul Atwine, highlighted the importance of creating platforms for East African creatives to connect, learn, and showcase inclusive talent.

Matthew Rugamba, Founder of House of Tayo, was among the key speakers.

Troy Elimu, Founder of Denim Cartel, also gave a presentation at the event.

Children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation performed at the function.

IGIHE

This condemnation was issued in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 10, 2025.

The statement emphasizes that the responsibility for the ongoing attacks and fighting in South Kivu DRC cannot be placed on Rwanda.

It accuses the FARDC and FDNB, in coalition with the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo, and foreign mercenaries, of bombing civilian villages, and which the AFC/M23 has said it has been forced to counter.

'Rwanda condemns the Congolese Army [FARDC] and the Burundian Army [FDNB], together with its coalition of the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo and foreign mercenaries, and have been systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border,' the statement reads.

'These deliberate violations of recently negotiated agreements constitute serious obstacles to peace, resulting in the continued suffering of the population in Eastern DRC, as well as a security threat to Rwanda’s western border,' adds the statement.

The statement further highlights the consequences of these actions, specifically the past week’s bombing of Kamanyola from Burundi, which has led to the displacement of over 1,000 Congolese citizens.

These refugees have crossed into Rwanda and are being accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Bugarama, Southern Rwanda.

The Burundian Army, which has reportedly amassed close to 20,000 troops in South Kivu, is accused of laying siege to Banyamulenge villages in Minembwe. This siege is described as a deliberate attempt to starve the residents and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The statement also pointed out DRC’s relenting commitment having openly stated its intention to disregard the ceasefire and continue its military offensive to recapture territories lost to AFC/M23, even while peace talks were ongoing.

In addition, the failure of the DRC to neutralize the FDLR as stipulated in the June 2025 Peace Agreement continues to delay the resolution of the conflict in Eastern DRC, the ultimate goal of the Washington Accords.

'It is now clear that the DRC was never ready to commit to peace, even as President Tshisekedi participated in the 4th December ceremony, as if forced to sign the Accords,' the statement reads.

Rwanda has so far received over 1000 Congolese refugees from Kamanyola.

Rwanda stated that it is has become evident that the DRC was never ready to commit to peace, even as President Tshisekedi participated in the 4th December ceremony, as if forced to sign the Accords.

IGIHE

At a meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives on the day, Takaichi expressed her deep regret as the chapter representative for accepting donations in violation of the political funds control law, adding that her chapter had already returned the exceeded amount, the report said.

On Dec. 4, Kobe Gakuin University Professor Hiroshi Kamiwaki filed a complaint against Takaichi with prosecutors, saying the local chapter of the LDP in Nara Prefecture, represented by Takaichi, received a donation of 10 million yen (about 64,400 U.S. dollars) from a Tokyo company on Aug. 26 last year, surpassing the 7.5 million yen limit allowed by law for that particular type of donor.

The cases add to the ruling LDP’s slush fund scandal, first revealed in 2023, in which some party factions of the LDP allegedly instructed member lawmakers to sell political fundraising party tickets beyond their assigned quotas without recording the amount as revenue in its political fund reports, and then funneled the surplus back to lawmakers as kickbacks, creating off-the-books funds.

Among the senior officials Takaichi appointed after taking office in October, seven have been linked to the LDP’s slush fund scandal. Critics said her ambiguous stance on the scandal suggests limited willingness to push for fundamental reform.

Japanese Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi apologized Tuesday for a LDP chapter led by her accepting a political donation that exceeded the legal maximum.

Xinhua

The statement was issued by the coalition’s political coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, who addressed journalists in Goma alongside senior M23 figures Bertrand Bisimwa and Freddy Kaniki, just hours after rebel forces made their deepest advance in South Kivu since February.

'No functioning authority in the DRC’

Nangaa condemned what he described as daily confrontations driven by discriminatory notions of 'natives' and 'non-natives', accusing government forces of treating sections of the Congolese population, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, as 'second-class citizens' denied basic rights.

He claimed Kinshasa had shown 'total irresponsibility', arguing that the state had collapsed to the point that no real authority existed in the country.

'For several months now, the M23/AFCM has repeatedly asked for the signing and full implementation of a ceasefire under international supervision,' Nangaa said. 'Far from being a sign of weakness, this call reflects our concern for civilians and the humanitarian suffering they face.'

31 ceasefire breaches

According to the movement’s account, the Congolese army (FARDC), supported by regional militia groups and Burundian troops, violated the ceasefire at least 31 times between July and November 2025. The alleged breaches occurred despite commitments outlined in the Joint Communiqué of April 24, the Doha Principles Declaration of July 19, and subsequent monitoring mechanisms.

Among the incidents cited, the M23 said Burundian troops were deployed on July 17 2025, to Ndunguye and Baraka alongside FARDC and allied militias, sparking offensives across Masisi, Kirumba, Kaina, Gifuru, and neighbouring areas. Between 21 and 23 July, coordinated attacks were carried out in Uvira’s Hauts Plateaux, Fizi, Baraka, Masisi, and Rutshuru, with FARDC allegedly operating alongside the FDLR and other militia groups.

Humanitarian crisis in Minembwe

The group further condemned an 'unacceptable humanitarian blockade' imposed on the Banyamulenge community in Minembwe.

Nangaa stated that FARDC, FDLR elements, and allied militias had effectively isolated the population since February, cutting off essential supplies including food, fuel, medicine, salt and soap.

Minembwe, he said, had suffered more than ten bombings this year alone, including a strike on 19 February that killed General Michel Makanika and another attack on a humanitarian aircraft in June.

He also denounced a December 6 attack in which four women were reportedly killed while attempting to bypass the blockade to buy vegetables. Others were abducted, and many remain missing.

'A coordinated and methodical war’

The movement accuses Kinshasa of escalating a 'methodical' offensive across Masisi, Rutshuru, Tongo, Kanyabayonga, Sake and other hotspots, resulting in more than a hundred civilian deaths and mass displacement.

The rebel coalition blamed Burundi for 'directly engaging in an unjustifiable war' by deploying troops inside DR Congo and launching strikes from Burundian territory.

Coalition of foreign fighters

The group reiterated that FARDC operates alongside a wide coalition comprising the FDLR, Mai-Mai groups, Burundian armed elements and foreign mercenaries from Romania, Colombia and parts of Europe.

The group maintained that its forces remained in a 'strictly defensive posture', though it reserved the right to neutralise threats under 'legitimate self-defence'.

The AFC/M23 called on the UN Security Council, the African Union, the United States, Qatar, Togo and Great Lakes governments to recognise Kinshasa’s refusal to establish a humanitarian safe zone, which the rebels say they have repeatedly proposed.

Despite the accusations, Nangaa insisted that the movement remained committed to peace, civilian protection and dialogue.

'Despite the severity of the situation, the M23/AFCM remains committed to peace, to protecting civilians, to respecting international obligations, and to engaging in sincere dialogue. History will judge each actor. We have chosen responsibility, protection and dignity for our people,” the group said.

The press conference came as AFC/M23 rebels made a major territorial advance, entering the strategic city of Uvira on Tuesday after days of fighting along the Ruzizi plain.

Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu, had been the main government stronghold on the southern axis since February. Its fall marks the rebels’ biggest gain since capturing Bukavu earlier this year and follows the takeover of Goma in January and Bukavu in mid-February.

Government forces, including Burundian units, FDLR remnants, Wazalendo militias and foreign fighters, had struggled to maintain cohesion, with internal conflicts weakening the defensive lines. Recent battles around Kamanyola saw Burundian forces take a leading role, including airstrikes launched from within Burundi.

Thousands of civilians have fled the renewed fighting, with many crossing into Rwanda and reporting abuses by coalition forces.

Meanwhile, Rwanda, which recently signed a peace deal with the DRC dubbed the Washington Accord, has condemned the renewed violence, accusing the DRC and Burundi of violating ceasefire provisions and escalating the conflict.

'Rwanda condemns the Congolese Army [FARDC] and the Burundian Army [FDNB], together with its coalition of the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo and foreign mercenaries, and have been systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border,' the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reads.

'These deliberate violations of recently negotiated agreements constitute serious obstacles to peace, resulting in the continued suffering of the population in Eastern DRC, as well as a security threat to Rwanda’s western border.”

AFC/M23 political coordinator Corneille Nangaa addressed journalists in Goma on Tuesday, December 9, alongside senior M23 figures Bertrand Bisimwa and Freddy Kaniki, just hours after rebel forces made their deepest advance in South Kivu since February.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day forum provides a key platform to advance the agenda on women’s rights, peace, and security.

In his opening remarks, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti welcomed the African Union’s (AU) decision to hold the forum in Tunisia for the first time outside AU headquarters, noting that it reflects Tunisia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African partners at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

He emphasized that the current global context calls for greater solidarity and coordinated action to tackle shared challenges, particularly in peace and security.

Nafti also stressed that lasting peace requires preventive, comprehensive approaches that address structural causes such as inequality and poverty, which fuel marginalization and exclusion.

The opening session brought together representatives of AU member states, regional and international organizations, and civil society groups.

Xinhua