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Since late last year, it has been reported that the Tshisekedi administration remains committed to working with mercenaries, even after the failure of the Romanian contingent. These efforts have recently intensified.

American mercenary Erik Dean Prince, founder of the private military company Blackwater, has recently signed an agreement with the Congolese government to provide security for the country’s mines and oversee tax collection systems. This agreement was finalized in January 2025, following extended negotiations between both parties.

IGIHE learnt from credible sources that through his company Blackwater, Prince has been recruiting mercenaries—predominantly Colombians—for deployment to DR Congo.

ColombianMercenaries already active in Ukraine and Sudan

Former Colombian soldiers have increasingly entered the global mercenary market and are now among the most sought-after worldwide. During the height of the Ukraine-Russia war, many Colombians joined the conflict, fighting on behalf of the Ukrainian government.

They were reportedly promised salaries of up to 19 million Colombian pesos per month (approximately $4,300). Recruitment ads flooded platforms like TikTok, prompting eager applicants to fly from Bogotá to Madrid, then onward to Poland before entering Ukraine.

The lucrative offers drew many former Colombian soldiers into the mercenary field. In Mexico, Colombian ex-military personnel are also highly sought after by drug cartels for smuggling and security operations.

In Africa, Colombians have also been spotted in Sudan. Recent reports indicated that over 300 of them were fighting alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.

Since the early 2000s, Colombian mercenaries have operated in conflict zones including Russia, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Afghanistan. In Yemen, they were reportedly earning up to $7,000 per month.

In 2021, Colombian mercenaries were also implicated in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Seventeen Colombians were arrested and are currently detained in Port-au-Prince.

More than 300 Colombian mercenaries have reportedly died in Ukraine since the war began.

Rwanda’s concerns over DR Congo’s intentions

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently told Mama Urwa Gasabo TV that despite ongoing negotiations between Rwanda, the DR Congo, and the M23 group, evidence suggests the Congolese government is still preparing for war.

He said this concern has been brought to the attention of mediators, including Qatar and the United States.

'We have raised our concerns with the mediators that, while talks are ongoing, the Congolese government continues to pursue war. They are still importing weapons and hiring mercenaries, even after the Romanian forces were defeated—they are now recruiting new ones,' Nduhungirehe said.

U.S. distances itself from Erik Prince’s activities

While the United States plays a key role in mediating between Rwanda and the DR Congo, one of its own citizens—Erik Prince—is actively engaged in efforts to deploy mercenaries to the Congolese government.

Sources indicate that Prince’s actions are not supported by the U.S. government. In fact, a 2024 United Nations report revealed that Prince had proposed deploying up to 2,500 mercenaries to the DR Congo.

Prince, a former member of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs (1993—1995), founded Blackwater after leaving the military following the death of his father, Edgar Prince.

He went on to work closely with the U.S. government on various military and security missions.

It was once reported that when the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO withdraws from the DR Congo, Blackwater could assume security responsibilities in some regions.

Former Colombian soldiers have increasingly entered the global mercenary market and are now among the most sought-after worldwide.

American mercenary Erik Dean Prince, founder of the private military company Blackwater, has recently signed an agreement with the Congolese government to provide security for the country’s mines and oversee tax collection systems.

IGIHE

According to a White House statement, the investment commitment involves agreements spanning various sectors, including “energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals.”

Among the deals was “the largest defense sales agreement in history — nearly 142 billion dollars,” the statement said.

As part of the defense agreement, the United States will provide Saudi Arabia with “state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.”

“This deal represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training,” the statement added.

Speaking later at an investment forum, the U.S. president announced that he would lift sanctions on Syria.

“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance,” Trump said, noting that the United States had taken the first steps toward normalizing relations with Damascus.

While praising ties with Saudi Arabia, Trump expressed hope that the kingdom would join the Abraham Accords.

The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term in office, aimed to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations.

U.S. efforts to promote normalization between Israel and Arab countries stalled amid Washington’s support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 52,900 Palestinians since October 2023 and drawn widespread regional criticism.

On potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would travel to Türkiye later this week to join the negotiations.

Trump is on a four-day trip to the Middle East from Tuesday to Friday, his first major foreign visit since taking office in January. Saudi Arabia is the first stop of his tour, which will also include Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (R) meets with visiting U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Xinhua)

Xinhua

In a recent episode of the Long Form Podcast, Haba unpacked the forces driving Kigali’s property surge and the challenges of delivering homes for the city’s middle- and low-income earners.

Kigali’s property prices have soared, undeterred even by the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by a staggering demand for housing.

Haba cited city statistics showing a need for 183,000 housing units, up from 34,000 just five years ago, driven by rural-to-urban migration, rising incomes, and the city’s expansion into areas like Kabuga. Yet, supply lags far behind, with fewer than 1,000 units built annually against a yearly need of 34,000.

'Because the supply is trying to catch up with an ever-growing demand, we are not about to see that bubble anytime soon,' Haba said, dismissing fears of a market crash.

The boom is most visible in high-end neighbourhoods like Nyarutarama and Gacuriro, where developers are erecting luxury apartments and commercial spaces. However, Haba emphasised that this masks a critical shortfall: the greatest demand lies in affordable and middle-income housing, segments developers often avoid.

Haba explained that building affordable homes is 'not worth the headache' for private developers. High land costs, expensive financing—often at 15% interest or more—and slim profit margins deter investment in low-cost housing.

'If it’s going to cost you RWF 45 million to build a house and the market is telling you to sell it at RWF 46 million, you’ll just not do it,' he said.

Instead, developers target wealthier buyers, where margins are higher and demand remains strong, leaving low-income earners struggling to find decent rentals.

The disparity has created a stark divide. While bare hills in areas like Bumbogo and Masaka signal untapped potential, private investment remains concentrated in affluent zones. Haba noted that this trend mirrors regional patterns, where developers shift to affordable housing only when higher-end markets saturate—a stage Kigali has yet to reach.

Compounding the affordability crisis is the increasing practice of landlords pricing rentals in U.S. dollars, a trend Haba links to inflation concerns.

'Almost all business people… will cushion themselves against inflation or rising prices… either to mark up significantly or to dollarize whatever good or service that they are selling,' he noted.

This practice, despite being illegal under Rwanda’s central bank regulations, burdens tenants, as landlords demand payments in dollars for homes previously priced in Rwandan francs.

Haba criticised the informality of Kigali’s rental market, where many tenants lack tenancy agreements, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary hikes. He urged renters to formalise contracts with clauses limiting rent increases, citing examples where agreements cap rises at 5% annually.

Government steps in

Recognising the private sector’s reluctance, the Rwandan government is taking action. Haba highlighted a forthcoming special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Rwanda Housing Authority to build affordable rental housing, targeting low-income earners.

Additionally, rehousing projects in Mpazi, Nyamirambo, and several other areas are densifying informal settlements, allowing residents to stay in urban areas with upgraded homes.

'They don’t move them away. They build for them more densified housing,' Haba said, praising initiatives that place 10 homes on plots once holding two.

Haba remains optimistic about Kigali’s market, buoyed by infrastructure like widespread tarmac roads and urban ambitions, including potential F1 hosting. However, he urged young Rwandans to invest in land, noting its 20-25% annual appreciation outpaces loan interest rates.

Watch the full ipodcast below:

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The credential presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the State House.

President Ramkalawan welcomed High Commissioner Nyamvumba, congratulating him on his appointment and extending best wishes for a successful diplomatic tenure.

The President acknowledged the warm and growing relationship between Seychelles and Rwanda, emphasizing that bilateral ties are underpinned by shared values and a commitment to regional collaboration.

During the exchange, High Commissioner Nyamvumba conveyed greetings from President Paul Kagame to President Ramkalawan, who in turn extended his cordial salutations and best wishes to the Rwandan Head of State.

The discussions focused on deepening cooperation under existing Memoranda of Understanding and identifying new areas for collaboration across sectors of mutual interest.

President Ramkalawan reiterated Seychelles’ commitment to expanding its engagement with Rwanda, especially in areas that promise tangible development outcomes for both nations.

According to Seychelles Presidency, the ceremony was also attended by the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave; Director General of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Ms. Lindy Ernesta; Director of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Ms. Wendy Isnard; First Secretary at the Rwandan High Commission, Mr. Issa Mugabutsinze; and Third Secretary of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Mrs. Louisa Lepathy.

Rwanda and Seychelles have maintained diplomatic relations since 2006. Over the years, the two nations have deepened their cooperation across various sectors. An initial agreement was signed to promote collaboration in key areas such as tourism, education, agriculture, investment, and communication.

In June 2023, the partnership was further strengthened with a new agreement focused on combating terrorism, enhancing maritime security, sharing intelligence, and providing military training.

Most recently, in March 2025, correctional authorities from both countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving the quality and delivery of correctional services.

The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, continues to be a strategic partner in Rwanda’s international cooperation efforts.

The credential presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Seychelles State House.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, was presided over by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who is on a two-day official visit to the Central European country.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and warmly received by Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjártó.

The mission, which began operations in 2024, becomes a valuable addition to Rwanda’s expanding network of diplomatic missions. It is expected to play a vital role in fostering bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, education, sports, and investment.

Speaking during the inauguration, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the significance of the new embassy in strengthening ties between the two nations.

'This embassy, one of the newest in Rwanda’s growing diplomatic network, reflects our efforts to expand our global engagement and build ties with like-minded partners like Hungary,' he said.

'The presence of a resident ambassador here in Budapest has already begun to bear fruit, facilitating more direct exchanges, stronger institutional ties, and meaningful collaborations across sectors.'

He added that there was strong potential to deepen cooperation through mutually beneficial projects that connect businesses and institutions in both countries.

Minister Nduhungirehe also expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government and people for their support and hospitality.

'This embassy will serve not just as a diplomatic mission, but as a bridge—fostering dialogue, encouraging innovation, and building enduring friendships between our peoples,' he said.

Boglárka Illés, Hungary’s Minister of State for Bilateral Relations, also attended the inauguration ceremony, representing Hungary’s commitment to closer ties with Rwanda.

The inauguration follows a series of high-level engagements aimed at enhancing Rwanda-Hungary relations. Earlier this month, Ministers Nduhungirehe and Mukazayire met with Zsolt Mészáros, Hungary’s Ambassador to Rwanda, in Kigali to discuss areas of mutual interest.

Ahead of the embassy opening on Monday, bilateral talks were held between Nduhungirehe and Szijjártó, where both sides reviewed the progress of existing partnerships and explored new opportunities in education, trade, and sports.

The latest engagements build on an expanding relationship anchored in 2023 when President Paul Kagame met with then-Hungarian President Katalin Novak, who had visited Rwanda.

The mission, which began operations in 2024, becomes a valuable addition to Rwanda’s expanding network of diplomatic missions.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, was presided over by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who is on a two-day official visit to the Central European country.

Nduhungirehe was accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire.

Speaking during the inauguration, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the significance of the new embassy in strengthening ties between the two nations.

Boglárka Illés, Hungary’s Minister of State for Bilateral Relations, also attended the inauguration ceremony, representing Hungary’s commitment to closer ties with Rwanda.

The inauguration of the embassy is part of Rwanda’s efforts to advance its diplomatic presence globally and deepen relations with strategic partners.

The inauguration advances the country’s ongoing efforts to expand its diplomatic presence globally and deepen relations with strategic partners.

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

This state-of-the-art technology will significantly boost Rwanda’s capacity to diagnose and manage complex diseases.

Unlike traditional imaging tools, the PET scan works by injecting patients with small amounts of radioactive substances, which travel to areas of abnormal activity in the body.

This allows doctors to detect conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders at earlier and more treatable stages.

Speaking to the Parliament’s National Budget and Property Standing Committee, Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that all necessary preparations for the PET scan’s arrival have been completed.

“We are progressing with the acquisition of a PET scan machine, which is not yet available in Rwanda. We’re confident that by the end of this year, it will be here,” he stated.

To enhance healthcare service delivery, the government has already provided modern diagnostic equipment to various hospitals, including CT scans and MRI machines.

'New CT scan machines have been delivered to hospitals such as King Faisal Hospital, CHUK, Kanombe Military Hospital, and CHUB, which have already begun installation and use. As for MRI machines, three will be available within the next two weeks,' the minister added.

He also mentioned that advanced medical equipment will soon be installed in provincial hospitals like Kabgayi, Kibungo, and Kibuye, helping to reduce the number of patients referred to Kigali for specialised treatment.

He confirmed that the PET scan acquisition is underway and expressed optimism that it will be in place before 2025 ends.

Nuclear medicine, the field under which PET scans fall, remains limited in many countries due to the high costs associated with the equipment.

The two primary types of nuclear imaging machines are Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), with Rwanda choosing the latter for its higher precision and diagnostic value.

The PET scan’s precision is particularly vital in treatment planning for complex cases like brain cancer, where accuracy is crucial to avoid damaging critical areas of the brain.

Currently, Rwanda’s health facilities are equipped with various imaging technologies, including X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, endoscopic ultrasound, and high-performance systems such as the Multix Impact E and Somatom go, many of which were unavailable just a few years ago.

To support these advancements, the Ministry of Health has allocated RWF 16.5 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year specifically for the procurement of advanced medical equipment.

In total, the Ministry and its affiliated institutions have been granted a budget of RWF 333.5 billion, up from RWF 330.2 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has announced that the country is set to acquire a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan machine—a cutting-edge medical imaging device that uses nuclear energy—by the end of 2025.

Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that all necessary preparations for the PET scan’s arrival have been completed.

IGIHE

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the suspect was detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Due to the involvement of a high-profile public figure, the Metropolitan Police’s Counterterrorism Command is leading the investigation.

The arrest follows three recent fire-related incidents in north London. Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at 1:35 a.m. local time (0035 GMT) on Monday at the entrance of a residential property in Kentish Town.

The property, believed to be owned by Starmer and rented out, suffered damage, but no injuries were reported.

Starmer lived in the house before moving to 10 Downing Street following the Labor Party’s general election victory last year.

Xinhua

President Kagame met with Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-organiser of the Africa CEO Forum 2025. Their discussions focused on the group’s growing partnership with Rwanda and preparations for the next edition of the forum, set to be held in Kigali.

In a separate meeting, President Kagame held talks with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The two explored avenues to deepen cooperation, particularly in widening access to finance as a driver of inclusive economic growth and private sector development in Rwanda.

President Kagame also met with Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, to discuss ongoing collaboration with Rwanda. The conversation touched on the mobilisation of private capital for infrastructure and development projects, a priority area in Rwanda’s economic strategy.

On the sidelines of the forum, President Kagame also held bilateral discussions with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania. The leaders discussed strengthening the growing ties between Rwanda and Mauritania, with a focus on mutually beneficial cooperation.

He also met with President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, host of this year’s Africa CEO Forum. The two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum has become a premier platform for public-private dialogue and cross-border investment in Africa.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the forum alongside fellow Heads of State, President Kagame emphasised that recent policy decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump, including the cutting of aid, should serve as a wake-up call for African leaders to intensify efforts towards self-reliance.

'We should have been building momentum in terms of what we need to do to make Africa self-dependent and resilient, and how Africa works with other continents and countries,' said President Kagame, who was on a panel with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania.

'It is as well that President Trump decided to do what he did; if that was only to add to many other reminders that should wake us up as Africans to be able to do what we ought to do.”

The annual forum, themed 'Africa in a Transactional World: Can a New Deal between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?', has brought together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and around the globe.

President Kagame met with Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-organiser of the Africa CEO Forum 2025.

President Kagame held talks with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Kagame and the IFC boss explored avenues to deepen cooperation, particularly in widening access to finance as a driver of inclusive economic growth and private sector development in Rwanda.

President Kagame also met with Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, to discuss ongoing collaboration with Rwanda.

President Kagame also met with President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, host of this year’s Africa CEO Forum.

On the sidelines of the forum, President Kagame also held bilateral discussions with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania.

Wycliffe Nyamasege