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The ceremony, held in Gisenyi on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, North Kivu, brought together senior commanders of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC) under the leadership of Major General Sultani Makenga.

The new recruits showcased their combat readiness through synchronised parades, tactical manoeuvres, martial arts, and live-fire demonstrations.

Makenga, who presided over the event, hailed the recruits as 'revolutionaries of change,' commending their discipline, endurance, and loyalty to the movement’s mission. He urged them to uphold professionalism and integrity, warning that 'corruption, tribalism, drug abuse and sexual violence will never be tolerated within the ARC.'

Addressing the recruits in Swahili, Makenga called on them to view their mission as a national duty to restore dignity and unity to a nation he described as 'broken by years of poor governance and discrimination.'

'From today, you have become a true army — an army of liberation and deliverance, fighting to bring meaningful change to our country,' he declared.

'We have risen to provide genuine leadership to our nation, one that values discipline, patriotism, and service to the people.'

Makenga emphasised that the new force must distinguish itself from other armed factions by maintaining strong ties with civilians and avoiding abuses against local communities.

'You will be respected as guardians of change only through your actions,' he said. 'The people must see you as liberators, not as bandits. If you act otherwise, you will face consequences.'

He further urged the soldiers to remain united and steadfast, pledging continued training and logistical support for those deployed to various battlefronts.

'Our country must be freed through collective effort,' he added. 'Let us rebuild a professional and people-centred army — one that earns the respect of the nation.'

The graduation comes just weeks after a separate batch of over 7,000 fighters completed training under the same command.

According to AFC/M23 officials, the expansion signals a new phase in the movement’s reorganisation, positioning it as a structured and disciplined force with ambitions to 'defend the Congolese people and build a new, united, and respected Congo.'

The AFC/M23 rebel coalition controls large swathes of territory in the eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, which were seized earlier this year after a protracted conflict. The group accuses President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and poor governance.

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For some spectators like Gentille Abimpaye, who found the official name of the event a bit long, simply calling it 'UCI' was enough while they enjoyed the thrilling competition that turned Kigali’s clean streets into a celebration.

On September 27, fans witnessed the women’s under-19 and elite women’s races. That day, late-term pregnant Abimpaye, had gone to watch the finish line at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kimihurura.

By early afternoon, labor pains started. An ambulance quickly rushed her to Kacyiru Hospital, where she received immediate medical care.

'I didn’t have health insurance, I didn’t have anything with me, but they welcomed me and didn’t turn me away. They helped me so much. I am truly grateful! They assisted me through labor, and I gave birth to a baby girl at around 11 p.m. I had no clothes for the baby, but they provided them instantly. I had no food or porridge, but they took care of me and did everything possible,' Abimpaye said.

The championship — the first of its kind ever held in Rwanda and Africa — thrilled many Rwandans who followed it closely. For Abimpaye, the experience was extraordinary because she witnessed the athletes sprinting to the finish line at KCC just hours before giving birth.

Since labor began while she was cheering for the cyclists and delivered on the same day, she decided to name her daughter Ange UCI Noella, a name she says will forever remind her of the historic competition in Kigali.

'I named her 'UCI’ because I was cheering for the last cyclist coming in; I raised my hands like everyone else, but when I tried to lower and lift them again, I felt labor starting. I was rushed to the hospital and gave birth before midnight, still on the same day. This will always remind me that my daughter was born during the World Road Cycling Championships,' she explained.

Her husband, Ildephonse Ntarwimo, praised Kacyiru Hospital’s management for helping his wife despite her lacking the usual documentation required for maternity admission.

'We owe everything to the good leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic. Without it, such quality healthcare services would not be possible,' he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Abimpaye admitted she made a mistake by not carrying essential items in case labor started unexpectedly, even though she knew her due date was near. She advised expectant mothers to always be prepared.

Abimpaye and her husband hailed excellent services recieved at Kacyiru Hospital.

Abimpaye named her baby girl Ange UCI Noella, inspired by the historic UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

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When the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) saw that every peaceful attempt to protect vulnerable Tutsi and secure the right of return had failed, its leaders resolved on a final, irreversible step: to launch an armed struggle for freedom and a new vision for the nation.

That struggle began on October 1, 1990, when troops of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), the military wing of the RPF, crossed the border from Uganda into Rwanda.

As the war began, President Juvénal Habyarimana, the then Rwandan head of state, moved quickly to seek external military help. He first turned to Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire, current DRC, but most significantly to French President François Mitterrand, who responded immediately and sent a special detachment of elite French troops.

According to John Burton Kegel in his book 'The Liberation Struggle: War and Militarism in African History’, on October 3, 1990 at about 5:00 p.m., France decided to dispatch 300 elite forces.

Two military aircrafts were prepared in France to fly the soldiers first to Bangui, Central African Republic, where France maintained a staging post, before heading for Kigali.

These same elite forces had previously become famous in French military history for the 1978 Kolwezi mission in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The first plane left France at 3:00 a.m. on October 4, followed by a second at 5:45 a.m heading for Bangui staging post.

By 3:00 p.m. on October 4, two C-160 Transall aircrafts took off from Bangui bound for Kigali.

How French troops arrived with fear and uncertainty

Though elite and well-trained, the French soldiers themselves were uneasy about what awaited them in Rwanda.

According to Kegel, the French soldiers were unsure whether Kigali airport would be clear for landing, that the troops had all donned their parachutes in case an airborne assault proved necessary.

By the time the aircraft approached Rwanda, the pilots had been able to establish communications with the control tower of Kigali airport and were assured by French military personnel who were already stationed in the country as advisers to the FAR, known as the Mission d’assistance militaire (MAM), that a parachute assault would not be necessary.

The aircraft landed safely at 6:45 p.m., and the troops disembarked.

How the arrival fed Habyarimana’s narrative

The French soldiers were told they had been deployed because RPA units were only about 60 kilometers from Kigali. Yet, that evening, Habyarimana’s government claimed Kigali itself had come under RPA attack — a claim Kegel and other historians say was false and part of a political tactic.

French historian Bernard Lugan explains that FAR troops in Kigali, gripped by panic, began firing wildly, thinking an assault was imminent. The chaotic shooting created the impression of a battle, which Habyarimana used to justify mass arrests of Tutsi in Kigali, accusing them of being rebel collaborators.

A hidden internal crisis and attempted coup

Another layer emerged that night. Belgian ambassador Johan Swinnen later recalled that amid the gunfire, some FAR soldiers attempted to overthrow Habyarimana himself.

According to Swinnen, there had long been discontent in segments of the army, and the initial hours of confusion during the RPA attack gave dissidents an opportunity to move against the president. The U.S. Embassy had even been warned of possible unrest inside FAR ranks.

The attempted coup failed, but the night of October 4, 1990, became a turning point: it showed how fragile the then Rwandan army’s cohesion was.

The RPA, still consolidating after its surprise entry, faced not only the FAR counterattacks but now a foreign professional force backing the Rwandan government. Yet despite these pressures and the early setbacks after Maj Gen Fred Rwigyema’s death, the RPA adapted and the liberation struggle continued.

France sent special forces to reinforce Habyarimana on October 4.

Two military aircrafts were prepared in France to fly the soldiers first to Bangui, Central African Republic, where France maintained a staging post, before heading for Kigali.

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The secretary-general “welcomes and is encouraged” by the statement issued by Hamas, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The UN chief urged all parties to seize the opportunity to bring the conflict in the Gaza Strip to an end, and thanked Qatar and Egypt for their invaluable mediation work, said the spokesperson.

Dujarric said the secretary-general reiterated his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access. “The United Nations will support all efforts toward these objectives to prevent even more suffering.”

Hamas announced Friday that it has submitted its response to Trump’s Gaza peace proposal to regional and international mediators, saying it has agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased.

In a press statement, the Palestinian armed group also agreed to transfer the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, formed through national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic countries.

“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump said Friday on Truth Social, adding that Israel must immediately stop its bombing of Gaza. “We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”

On Monday, the Trump administration unveiled a 20-point proposal after the U.S. president held talks with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which outlines a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, a phased Israeli withdrawal, a demilitarized Gaza, and international oversight of Gaza’s reconstruction and governance after the end of the conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage on the basis of the proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Xinhua

According to a statement released by RDF, the promotion takes immediate effect.

The RDF serves the people of Rwanda by safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and also supports international peacekeeping missions. It is widely recognized for the dedication and discipline of its soldiers.

Currently, RDF personnel are deployed on peacekeeping missions under the United Nations in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, while others safeguard peace under bilateral agreements in the Central African Republic and Mozambique.

Rwanda is the fourth largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions with the deployment of more than 4,585 troops, including 249 women.

Promotions within the RDF reflect the institution’s growth and the professional advancement of individual soldiers.

During the commissioning of 1,029 new officers into the RDF on October 3, President Kagame reminded the officers that their role is vital regardless of Rwanda’s size or population, stressing that the RDF must remain strong, professional, and ready to defend the country’s sovereignty.

President Kagame has promoted over 600 RDF officers.

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From 2:00 PM, guests will step into a vibrant day-to-night journey filled with fun games, interactive activities, and a wave of good vibes that build toward an electrifying evening of live performances.

The Friends of Amstel stage will showcase a stellar lineup: Rwanda’s very own Bruce Melodie, Kivumbi King, and Mike Kayihura, alongside Kenya’s regional superstar Bien-Aimé. They will be joined by the dynamic beats of DJ Marnaud and Toxxyk, with a surprise international act set to raise the energy until the final beat.

More than just music, the event is designed as an immersive friendship experience—where moments of laughter, connection, and togetherness take center stage. Whether you come with a squad or join solo, Friends of Amstel is where bonds are made, and memories are shared.

Tickets are available in solo and group bundles (2, 4, or 6 friends), ensuring no one misses out because the spirit of Friends of Amstel is best enjoyed together.

Tickets for the event are now available and can be purchased online at Ticqet.rw. Guests are reminded that alcohol is not sold to anyone under the age of 18 and is not recommended for pregnant women. Attendees are also encouraged to enjoy drinks responsibly and to avoid drinking and driving.

Mike Kayihura is ready to bring his signature Afro-fusion sound to the epic evening.

Kivumbi King promises powerful vibes and crowd-moving energy.

Toxxyk is ready to drop electrifying mixes and take the Friends of Amstel experience to the next level.

Bruce Melodie, Rwanda’s hitmaker is set to light up the Friends of Amstel stage with an unforgettable performance.

DJ Marnaud will spin the beats that keep the Friends of Amstel vibe alive.

Bien-Aimé’s voice is expected to carry the crowd into a night of East African magic.

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The commissioning ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Rwanda Military Academy, which has been training junior officers since its establishment.

Of the new officers, 557 completed a one-year program, 248 attended short-term courses, 182 completed a four-year long-term program, and 42 received their military education abroad. The group makes up the 12th intake of the Rwanda Military Academy.

Among those commissioned is Brian Kagame, the youngest son of President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, joining the RDF where his older brother, Capt Ian Kagame, is already serving in the Republican Guard.

Brigadier General Franco Rutagengwa, the Commandant of the Rwanda Military Academy, commended the graduates for their resilience, noting that the training was demanding as some candidates dropped out along the way.

'The journey was not easy; 36 trainees who started the program were unable to complete it due to health reasons, academic failure, or disciplinary issues,' he said.

He explained that the academy now offers degree-level programs in military science and other fields including medicine, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, law, nursing, computer science, and civil engineering.

Brig Gen Rutagengwa congratulated the graduates for choosing to serve in the RDF and urged them to uphold the core values of the force, including discipline, integrity, and dedication to duty.

President Kagame presented awards to the most outstanding graduates across several categories. Jean de Dieu Iyakaremye was recognized as the best student in the short-term courses, while Yves Ndamukunda earned the distinction of best student in the long-term courses.

Representing the partner countries, Dan Bakangambira from Uganda was honored as the top performer among international students while Emmanuel Kayitare was awarded as the overall best graduate.

In his speech, President Kagame praised the new officers for their commitment and sacrifice.

'I commend each of you for the determination and courage you showed during your training. I also thank your instructors for preparing you to serve the nation well,' he said.

He extended appreciation to the parents and families of the new officers for supporting their decision to join the military, describing the profession as one of honor and national service.

'Your responsibility is to protect Rwanda and its people,' Kagame emphasized.

He reminded the officers that their role is vital regardless of Rwanda’s size or population, stressing that the RDF must remain strong, professional, and ready to defend the country’s sovereignty.

President Kagame also thanked friendly nations that partnered with Rwanda in military education and training, highlighting the importance of such cooperation in building a capable and modern defence force.

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In a press release, the department said that it had identified 321 financial awards supporting 223 projects that it decided to terminate, as these projects failed to “meet the economic, national security or energy security standards necessary to justify continued investment.”

Russell Vought, the White House budget director, said on X: “Nearly 8 billion dollars in Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda is being cancelled.”

In late May, the Trump administration cut financial assistance for 24 emerging energy technology projects.

The latest cancellation is part of a broader funding freeze amid a federal government shutdown, which has stalled approvals for new wind and solar projects while allowing oil and gas activities to proceed using carryover funds, local media reported.

Xinhua

The initiative, led by the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) in partnership with Cisco and German development agency GIZ, is based at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology. It includes a Cybersecurity Academy, Innovation Hub, and advanced technology labs to provide training, research, and collaboration in cybersecurity.

The CyberHub will offer access to Cisco Networking Academy, a global IT skills-to-jobs program, with courses ranging from basic digital literacy to AI, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and advanced cybersecurity certifications.

The centre also provides a collaborative space for learners and stakeholders to explore emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning applications for threat detection and response.

Addressing a critical skills gap

Globally, there are an estimated four million unfilled cybersecurity positions, with Africa facing a particularly acute shortage. Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said the centre’s initial target of training 200 professionals is a starting point toward closing this gap.

'Our job is not just for the training. How do we connect them to jobs and opportunities? How do we make sure that we are creating businesses that thrive?” the minister stated during the launch.

Partnerships and technology

Cisco provided networking equipment, AI-driven security systems, collaboration platforms, and IoT sensors to make the facility fully connected. Conrad Stein, Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration leader for Africa, said the hub aims to empower young people, women, and underserved communities with the skills needed to secure digital infrastructure and create economic opportunities.

Dima Kandalaft, senior director at Cisco, described the centre as one of the most advanced on the continent and said it will serve as a platform for both cybersecurity training and broader technological innovation.

Supporting Rwanda’s digital ambitions

The CyberHub aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, which aims to raise digital literacy from 53% to 100% and train one million coders. University of Rwanda Principal Dr. Ignace Gatare praised the hub for promoting practical skills and research, while Silvia Heer of the German Embassy highlighted its role in supporting national digital security as part of Rwanda’s broader development agenda.

The centre is also part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration programme, which has implemented over 1,600 projects globally, supporting digital skills, innovation, and secure technology ecosystems.

Minister Ingabire said the long-term goal is to ensure that Rwanda and the wider continent have a workforce capable of anticipating, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats.

'The weakest link always in cybersecurity is often people. And if we’re not training people to match the technology investments that we’re making, we leave a huge gap and space for where many of the attackers will take advantage of the weaknesses and the weakest links that we have.'

Rwanda on Thursday launched the CyberHub, a new centre designed to strengthen cybersecurity skills and innovation, in a move aimed at addressing Africa’s growing digital skills gap.

The initiative is led by the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) in partnership with Cisco and German development agency GIZ.

The CyberHub will offer access to Cisco Networking Academy, a global IT skills-to-jobs program, with courses ranging from basic digital literacy to AI, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and advanced cybersecurity certifications.

University of Rwanda Principal Dr. Ignace Gatare praised the hub for promoting practical skills and research, while Silvia Heer of the German Embassy highlighted its role in supporting national digital security as part of Rwanda’s broader development agenda.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The initiative is part of the Digital Ambassador Program (2022—2025), a USD 4.5 million partnership between KOICA, MINICT, RISA, and MINECOFIN, aimed at empowering citizens with digital skills and expanding equitable access to e-services nationwide.

Each SAP is now equipped with modern laptops, internet connectivity, and smart boards to enable citizens to access e-Government platforms like Irembo, receive digital literacy training, and benefit from services such as printing and scanning. SAPs are designed as community hubs that bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas.

Since 2022, the Digital Ambassador Program has recruited and trained 2833 Digital Ambassadors and 78 supervisors, delivered digital literacy training to 4,526,486 citizens, and re-equipped five SAPs (one in each province) to serve as flagship centres of access.

The re-equipping also supports Rwanda’s SAP Strategy 2025—2029, which prioritises sustainability and community ownership. Under this strategy, Rwanda plans to re-equip and modernise 100 SAPs nationwide while introducing new ones, ensuring that all citizens benefit from inclusive and reliable digital services.

'The Service Access Points will make it easier for citizens, especially in rural communities, to connect to services and opportunities that are increasingly digital,' said Mr Antoine Sebera, CEO of RISA. 'With KOICA’s support and the collaboration of district authorities, these spaces are designed to serve communities in a more sustainable and impactful way.'

'This Service Access Point is more than a building; it is a gateway of opportunity,' said Ms KIM Jinhwa, Country Director of KOICA Rwanda Office. 'By investing in digital infrastructure and skills, we are investing in people’s dignity, productivity, and future. KOICA is proud to stand with Rwanda in this journey toward an inclusive digital society.'

The SAP initiative is directly aligned with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) target of achieving 100% digital literacy by 2029, and supports the country’s long-term Vision 2050 of becoming a knowledge-based economy and ICT hub for the region.

About KOICA

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is a government agency established in 1991 to implement Korea’s grant aid and technical cooperation programs for developing countries, focusing on sustainable socio-economic development.

About RISA

The Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) is responsible for implementing national ICT policies, programs, and projects that drive Rwanda’s digital transformation.

The Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), has re-equipped five Service Access Points (SAPs) in Kayonza, Gatsibo, Rutsiro, Burera, and Ruhango districts.

The re-equipping also supports Rwanda’s SAP Strategy 2025—2029, which prioritises sustainability and community ownership.

Ms KIM Jinhwa, Country Director of KOICA Rwanda Office said that KOICA is proud to stand with Rwanda in the journey toward an inclusive digital society.

Each SAP is now equipped with modern laptops, internet connectivity, and smart boards to enable citizens to access e-Government platforms like Irembo, receive digital literacy training, and benefit from services such as printing and scanning.

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