Author: admin

The programme will be held under the theme: “Rwanda Citizens with the Defence and Security Organs Celebrate Kwibohora 31 and 25 Years of Partnership with RNP.”

This initiative reflects the constitutional mandate of both the RDF and RNP to contribute to Rwanda’s socio-economic development.

It emphasizes the collaborative efforts that have defined the relationship between Rwanda’s security forces and its citizens over the past decades.

The nationwide programme, which spans three months, will mark Rwanda’s 31st anniversary of Liberation, while also celebrating 25 years of partnership between the Rwanda National Police and the citizens of Rwanda.

As part of the outreach, RDF and RNP will engage in various community development activities across the country.

These initiatives are set to focus on key sectors that impact the daily lives of citizens, including health, environmental protection, public infrastructure, utilities, and the construction of homes for disadvantaged families.

In addition to these activities, the programme will strengthen the bonds between the security forces and the community, providing a platform for citizens to engage directly with their national protectors in practical, meaningful ways.

This year’s initiative follows the success of similar efforts in 2024, where over 10,000 citizens benefited from health services, and a large nuber of families had their homes built or upgraded.

The RDF and RNP also provided 800 livestock to improve livelihoods, as well as distributed water, electricity, and built new infrastructure.

The ongoing collaboration between the security forces and communities continues to ensure that citizens receive tangible benefits from these outreach programs.

The Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme is an important step toward enhancing human security and fostering closer ties between the security organs and the public.

Through the programme, RDF and RNP aim to build upon the trust and support they have received from the people of Rwanda in their efforts to strengthen the country’s security and drive its development forward.

The outreach will also serve as a reflection of the country’s commitment to not only defending its borders but also ensuring the well-being of its citizens in all spheres of life.

Various vehicles have been provided to encourage the community in maintaining security and promoting cleanliness.

IGIHE

The decree, issued by Sudan’s Acting Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, halts imports from Kenya through all entry points, including ports, airports, and border crossings, effective immediately until further notice.

The controversy stems from a political charter signed by the RSF and its allies on February 22 in Nairobi, where they expressed plans to establish a “parallel government” in Sudan.

Sudan’s government condemned Kenya’s role in hosting the event, accusing it of supporting the RSF, which has been in conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023.

The Sudanese authorities referred to Kenya’s actions as interference in Sudan’s internal affairs and a violation of international norms.

In response, Kenya’s Foreign Ministry defended its actions, emphasizing that its role in hosting the RSF was in line with its commitment to providing a neutral platform for peace negotiations between conflicting parties.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to significant loss of life, with over 29,000 reported deaths by the end of 2024, according to crisis monitoring groups.

Sudan has announced a ban on all imports from Kenya, citing the latter’s involvement in hosting activities related to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late February.

IGIHE

Rwanda is set to establish a new institution dedicated to training in cybersecurity and technology-related fields, according to the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire.

The upcoming Cyber Academy is expected to provide education on digital security and the application of technology across various sectors.

The minister revealed the plans while addressing Rwanda’s Parliament, specifically the Governance, Gender, and Social Affairs Committee, in response to questions related to the 2023-2024 performance report of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).

Minister Ingabire confirmed that the academy will be operational before the end of 2025.

Boosting digital skills in Rwanda

The minister emphasized that the academy will play a crucial role in enhancing Rwandans’ knowledge and skills in technology use.

“We are setting up the Cyber Academy, which will offer courses in cybersecurity. The goal is to equip young people with the knowledge to develop digital solutions while ensuring their security and contributing to national strategies,” she stated.

“The academy will be launched this year, and we will collaborate with various partners to ensure the successful delivery of its programmes in Rwanda,” she added.

Minister Ingabire also provided an update on the country’s digital progress, revealing that 22% of Rwandans currently use digital services, despite internet coverage reaching 96% of inhabited areas and 75% of the entire national territory.

She reaffirmed the government’s target of achieving 100% internet coverage across the country by 2029.

Additionally, the number of Rwandan households with fixed internet connections has increased from 7,501 to 79,107, reflecting a significant improvement in digital connectivity.

However, the minister acknowledged that challenges remain, including the high cost of internet services, expensive digital devices, and limited digital literacy among the population.

Despite these obstacles, Minister Ingabire highlighted ongoing initiatives to increase digital adoption, stating that 68.5% of Rwandans aged 10 and above now possess basic digital skills. The government continues to invest in awareness campaigns to ensure that all citizens can independently access and utilize online services.

Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said the training center will be operational by the end of 2025.

IGIHE

The decision was reached during a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

The summit deliberated on the security situation in eastern DRC, where SADC forces had been deployed to support the Congolese army and their allied forces to neutralize the M23 rebel group.

Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security, urging continued diplomatic engagement to address the crisis. The DRC government and M23 rebels are set to hold peace talks in Angola on March 18 in an attempt to resolve the conflict.

The withdrawal of SADC troops follows concerns over escalating tensions and humanitarian challenges in the region.

The summit also called on the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the violence in eastern DRC.

SADC, a regional economic bloc comprising 16 member states, includes the DRC, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.

The bloc had deployed its military intervention force, SAMIDRC, in December 2023, consisting of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops, with an offensive mandate to defeat M23 and other rebel groups.

Despite an initial deployment period, SADC extended the mission’s mandate by one year in November 2024, citing continued hostilities between the Congolese army and the M23 group, which says it’s fighting against the systematic persecution of the Tutsi minority community. However, the mission faced significant challenges, including battlefield losses.

SADC forces suffered 18 fatalities, including 14 South African soldiers, two from Malawi, and two from Tanzania, in clashes leading to the capture of Goma in January. Dozens of others were wounded, further intensifying scrutiny over the mission’s viability.

Since the fall of Goma, SADC troops have remained confined to their bases, facing mounting pressure for repatriation, particularly from South African lawmakers, who questioned the justification for the country’s involvement in the conflict. Critics argue that South African soldiers have been put in unnecessary danger, sacrificing lives for a foreign conflict driven by private interests.

SADC had deployed its military intervention force, SAMIDRC, in December 2023, consisting of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops, with a robust mandate to defeat M23 and other rebel groups.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The changes, announced early this week, through a presidential decree broadcast on state television, removed Awut Deng Acuil as Minister of General Education, Ruben Madol Arol as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and Joseph Mum Majak as Minister of Trade and Industry.

Both Awut and Madol had served in their respective positions since 2020. Awut, a long-serving government official, previously headed ministries responsible for gender, child welfare, and labor. Majak, who was appointed Trade Minister in July 2024.

New ministerial appointments

Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol has been appointed as the new Justice Minister having previously served as a deputy cabinet minister before the outbreak of the civil war in 2013.

Atong Kuol Manyang, daughter of Senior Presidential Adviser Gen. Kuol Manyang, was promoted from Deputy Governor of Jonglei State to Minister of Trade and Industry.

Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, an academic and author who has served as the Education Ministry’s Undersecretary since 2019, was named the new Minister of General Education.

The reshuffle is seen as part of President Kiir’s pattern of frequent ministerial changes. Analysts say these moves reflect his ongoing consolidation of power, often replacing officials months after their appointment.

The dismissals come amid escalating tensions between Kiir and his First Vice President, Riek Machar. Last week, President Kiir appointed Dr. Riek Gai Kok, a member of Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party, as Governor of Jonglei State.

This role was initially allocated to the opposition South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) under the 2018 peace agreement. However, a revised 2023 deal transferred control of Jonglei State back to Kiir’s party in exchange for offering SSOA a deputy governor role or a national ministerial post.

Additionally, Kiir revoked the parliamentary appointments of three legislators from Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, who represented Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

The ousted lawmakers, Bak Deng Nyang, Akec Fabio Goi, and Chan Deng Maror, were replaced by John Atak Garang Machar, Deng Nyawel Dhieu, and Wol Kuac Wol.

The President also removed several SPLM-IO members from the Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State Parliament, including Awaya Awaya Makuei, Victor Wol Guoth, Bol Akum Akum, Deng Wol Dheiu, and Theresa Awok Adup. They were replaced by Hajar Mataya, Majok Piol Mayen, Longar Aror, Maria Akum, and James Jem Then.

Furthermore, Kiir replaced Atak Garang Akec, another SPLM-IO member, with Bol Akum Akum as Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.

South Sudan’s fragile power-sharing government was formed in 2020 following a revitalized peace agreement aimed at ending years of civil war.

However, political infighting and mistrust between Kiir’s SPLM and Machar’s SPLM-IO persist. The latest reshuffle and parliamentary dismissals underscore the ongoing political jockeying as the country moves toward long-delayed elections scheduled for late 2024.

The cabinet changes come amid escalating tensions between Kiir and his First Vice President, Riek Machar.

IGIHE

In a rare interview with Belgian researcher and former senator Alain Destexhe, Makenga accused President Félix Tshisekedi of failing to protect all Congolese citizens, labelling him 'a bandit' who has shown no love for the country.

Since late 2021, M23 has reignited its armed struggle, claiming to defend Tutsis, Banyamulenge, Hema, and other Kinyarwanda-speaking communities who face persecution, killings, and other abuses due to their ethnicity.

General Sultani Makenga during a rare interview with Belgian researcher Alain Destexhe.

Makenga insists that M23 took up arms only because they were 'threatened with extermination.'

'We are fighting for our survival,' Makenga said. 'We could not allow ourselves to be wiped out without reacting. It is unfortunate that the outside world refuses to see this.'

Citing attacks against Tutsi-majority villages, he pointed to a recent incident in Nturo, Masisi territory, where a village was burned down simply because of its ethnic composition.

'We must move beyond this ideology of ethnic hatred and instead promote reconciliation,' he added.

Makenga denied that capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu was a strategic objective but argued that it became necessary to stop ongoing attacks.

'From Goma, the FARDC [Congolese army] and other forces were shelling our positions and the civilians under our protection. We could not tolerate this any longer,' he explained.

He also accused the Congolese and Burundian forces of regrouping in Bukavu and receiving supplies through Kavumu Airport, which, he said, posed a threat that M23 had to neutralize.

Despite their military successes, Makenga dismissed suggestions that M23 intended to advance on Kinshasa, saying, 'No, unless we are threatened.'

SADC troops and foreign mercenaries

As part of efforts to counter M23’s offensive, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania to eastern DRC. However, many of these forces are now holed up in bases around Goma following heavy losses.

'They can move freely but without weapons. We allow them to resupply,' Makenga stated, adding that M23 has no interest in holding them captive. 'We want them to go home. They are free to leave whenever they wish.'

The M23 leader also condemned the involvement of foreign mercenaries alongside Congolese forces, particularly the alleged presence of Romanian fighters.

'It is unjust for people to come from Europe to kill those defending their rights. The world should be shocked, but apparently, it is not.'

Despite the ongoing conflict, Makenga expressed willingness to negotiate, particularly in response to an initiative led by Angola, which currently holds the African Union presidency.

'Of course, we want negotiations,' he said. 'We have acknowledged Angola’s position, but we have not yet heard anything from Kinshasa.' Shortly after the interview, Kinshasa signaled its acceptance of the talks, with negotiations set to begin on March 18.

It remains to be seen whether the March 18 talks will bring about the much-needed peace deal in the eastern region.

In a rare interview with Belgian researcher Alain Destexhe, Makenga accused President Félix Tshisekedi of failing to protect all Congolese citizens, labeling him 'a bandit' who has shown no love for the country.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to RBC, youth are among the most affected, with sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) being at particularly high risk of infection.

HIV was first detected in Rwanda in 1983 and spread rapidly from 1986 onwards, with the peak of infections occurring between 1988 and 1996. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to suppress its progression.

Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.

'When we examine HIV-related deaths, we estimate that 2,600 people die from AIDS-related complications every year. Among Rwandans aged 15 to 49, 2.7% are living with HIV,” Dr Basile revealed.

Regarding children aged 0 to 14 with HIV, 80% are receiving treatment.

RBC highlights that sex workers and men who have sex with men remain among the most vulnerable groups. The organization is increasing efforts to provide targeted interventions for these populations.

According to Dr. Ikuzo, 35% of sex workers in Rwanda are living with HIV, while 5.8% of MSM are infected. Only 43% of MSM know their HIV status.

'When you compare these figures to the general population, they remain alarmingly high, which is why we prioritize these groups in our prevention efforts,' he said.

On a positive note, 99% of HIV-positive mothers in Rwanda can now give birth without transmitting the virus to their children, thanks to effective medical interventions.

Youth face rising HIV infections

Dr. Ikuzo emphasized that youth remain particularly vulnerable, especially in Kigali City and the Eastern Province, which consistently report the highest rates of new infections.

'Young people aged 15 to 29 account for most new infections, with young women being the most affected,' he said. 'Among older adults, men are more likely to be HIV-positive than women, indicating that men are transmitting the virus to younger women.'

In Eastern Province, 1.7% of young people aged 10 to 24 tested positive for HIV, and 27% of those tested also had sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Dr. Ikuzo stressed the importance of condom use not only to prevent HIV but also to protect against other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Testing and treatment gaps among youth

Despite awareness efforts, youth remain less likely to get tested. For instance, in the Northern Province, only 30% of young people know their HIV status.

HIV transmission methods have changed over time. Cases from blood transfusions or mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding have significantly declined due to improved health interventions. Today, unprotected sexual intercourse remains the leading cause of HIV infection.

Dr. Ikuzo highlighted that people who inject drugs are also at risk of contracting HIV through shared needles.

Access to medication

Among the 230,000 people living with HIV in Rwanda, 97% are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a major achievement exceeding the government’s initial goal of 95% coverage.

There are 600 health centers across Rwanda offering free HIV treatment, including public hospitals and select private clinics.

Male circumcision and HIV prevention

A recent study by the Ministry of Health found that 56% of men aged 15 to 64 in Rwanda are circumcised, with the highest rates reported in Kigali City.

Dr. Ikuzo urged uncircumcised men to undergo voluntary medical male circumcision, as it reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 60%.

In 2019, 87% of people diagnosed with HIV were receiving treatment. This figure has now increased to 97%, reflecting significant progress in controlling the epidemic.

However, young people still face challenges in adhering to treatment. Data show that 63% of HIV patients on medication are women, while 37% are men.

Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.

IGIHE

Putin’s remarks, made during a visit to the Kursk Region on Wednesday, highlight growing concerns about the involvement of foreign fighters in both Ukraine and other conflict zones, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking at a meeting with the Russian General Staff and military commanders, Putin declared that any Ukrainian soldier or foreign mercenary captured on Russian territory could be “treated as a terrorist under Russian law.”

He stressed that those who commit crimes against civilians or engage in combat against Russian forces would be prosecuted accordingly.

“All people who commit crimes against the civilian population on the territory of the Kursk Region, confront our Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, and special services, are terrorists in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation,” Putin stated.

“This is how the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office and the Investigative Committee qualify their actions.”

While affirming that Russia would treat prisoners of war (POWs) humanely, Putin reiterated that foreign mercenaries are not entitled to the legal protections guaranteed under the 1949 Geneva Convention on POWs.

According to Article 47 of Additional Protocol I of the convention, mercenaries are explicitly excluded from being classified as regular combatants, meaning they do not benefit from legal safeguards such as protection from prosecution for participating in hostilities unless they have committed war crimes.

The Russian authorities have taken a hard stance on foreign fighters. In January, a Russian court sentenced retired US Army Ranger Patrick Creed to 13 years in prison for serving with Ukrainian forces from 2022 to 2023. In March, British citizen James Scott Rhys Anderson was sentenced to 19 years in prison for crimes against civilians in the Kursk Region.

Putin’s comments come as concerns grow over the role of foreign mercenaries in other global conflicts, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In January 2025, more than 280 mercenaries from the RALF group—a Romanian-based private military company—were evacuated from eastern Congo after suffering a significant defeat to the M23 rebel group.

The mercenaries had been fighting alongside the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) since 2022. Their mission ended in failure when M23 fighters captured the strategic city of Goma on January 27, forcing the mercenaries to surrender to MONUSCO peacekeepers. On January 29, the fighters were granted safe passage through Rwanda to return home.

The presence of foreign military contractors in the DRC has drawn international attention, with critics arguing that their involvement escalates the conflict and complicates diplomatic efforts. Russia has previously expressed concerns about the increasing reliance on private military groups in conflict zones and views their presence as a destabilizing factor.

Putin’s remarks, made during a visit to the Kursk Region on Wednesday, highlight growing concerns about the involvement of foreign fighters in both Ukraine and other conflict zones, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The community’s statement, issued on March 12, 2025, argues that such punitive measures undermine African-led initiatives and instead embolden the DRC government’s pursuit of military solutions, sidelining diplomatic efforts that would address the root causes of the conflict.

The community highlights the damaging impact of the decision, noting that it shifts focus away from addressing critical regional issues and instead fuels the advocacy for Western sanctions and boycotts against Rwanda, as articulated by President Tshisekedi.

“This is evident in President Tshisekedi’s persistent advocacy for Western sanctions and boycott against Rwanda instead of engaging in African-led initiatives,” the statement reads.

The Rwandan community further urges the German government to adopt a fact-based diplomatic approach and support ongoing African-led initiatives to find lasting solutions for the DRC conflict.

In the statement, they underscore the historical roots of the crisis in Eastern DRC, which can be traced back to the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference, where Germany played a pivotal role in dividing African territories without regard to indigenous communities.

The artificial borders that were drawn during this period have left many Rwandophones on the Congolese side, leading to generational marginalization and persecution.

'The origins of the crisis in Eastern DRC can be traced back to the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, in which Germany played a decisive role in partitioning Africa without regard for indigenous communities,' the community emphasizes.

The statement also critiques the international community’s failure to resolve the crisis, particularly after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Instead of disarming genocidal militias, the international community turned a blind eye, allowing these militias to reorganize in refugee camps that later became breeding grounds for violence.

This led to the formation of the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), a genocidal terrorist group responsible for continuing violence against Rwanda and Rwandophones in the DRC.

“These camps later became strongholds of genocidaires militias and defeated army that later, with the support of the then Zaire government, gave birth to the FDLR,” the statement notes.

Moreover, the Rwandan community highlights the continued persecution and genocidal rhetoric aimed at Rwandophones in Eastern DRC. This has manifested in violent pogroms against Rwandophones in 2023 and 2024, where graphic videos showed individuals being executed and burned alive in Goma and Bukavu.

'Acts of cannibalism have also been recorded,' the community asserts, condemning the Congolese government’s complicity in such atrocities.

The statement further condemns the Congolese government’s direct encouragement of genocidal violence, including the armed creation of ethnic militias like the Wazalendo, which are responsible for terrorizing populations in the Kivu region.

The Rwandan community also draws attention to the DRC’s failure to address its internal governance issues, instead using Rwanda as a scapegoat for its ongoing ethnic violence.
“Instead of addressing internal governance failures, the DRC government has consistently shifted blame onto Rwanda, accusing it of aggression while continuing to fuel ethnic violence and harbor genocidal militias,” reads the statement.

In light of these concerns, the Rwandan community calls on the German government to reconsider its decision and engage more constructively in the region.

They urge the German government to hold the DRC accountable for its actions, particularly its failure to disarm genocidal militias like the FDLR, and for its failure to protect Rwandophones, who have been subjected to violence and persecution for decades.

The Rwandan community also underscores the security concerns that Rwanda faces from the DRC. The continued presence of the FDLR, which still operates freely in Eastern Congo, remains a serious threat to Rwanda’s security.

The statement highlights the joint military collaboration between FARDC (the Congolese army) and FDLR fighters, which poses a direct threat to Rwanda.

“Rwanda has repeatedly warned the international community about security threats emanating from the DRC, including the direct collaboration between FARDC and the FDLR,” the community notes.

'We urge the German government to reconsider its position and adopt a balanced, constructive role in ensuring peace and stability in the region,' the community concludes, affirming endorsement for Rwanda’s decision to ensure the security of its borders and maintaining the security measures established to contain the threat from eastern DRC.

M23 has been fighting against DRC to defend he rights of marginalized Rwandophone community.

IGIHE