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Under the new rules, any religious group applying for official status must provide a list of at least 1,000 members from the district where it intends to operate and pay a non-refundable registration fee of Frw2 million.

These requirements apply to churches, religious organizations, and affiliated institutions.

Recent inspections have already led to the closure of over 50 churches in 2024 due to non-compliance with existing regulations. Additionally, more than 900 places of worship were shut down for failing to meet legal and safety standards.

The new guidelines, issued on March 6, 2025, further emphasize compliance, making it mandatory for faith-based organizations to provide official certification from local authorities proving that their place of worship adheres to construction laws and is used exclusively for religious purposes.

Beyond financial and structural requirements, the regulations introduce stricter criteria for religious leadership. Leaders and their deputies must hold a degree in theology from a recognized institution.

If the degree was obtained abroad, an equivalency certificate must be provided. In cases where a leader holds a degree in another field, they must demonstrate completion of at least 1,200 hours of theological studies from an accredited institution.

The registration process for religious organizations has also become more rigorous. In the 2023/2024 period, 116 organizations applied for legal status, but only 19 were approved, while 97 were rejected for failing to meet requirements.

Religious groups wishing to expand by establishing new branches must now submit a formal request to the district and notify RGB, provide a notarized resolution from their governing body approving the expansion, and ensure that their activities align with the district’s development agenda.

In addition to administrative and structural requirements, the new regulations impose strict ethical standards on religious leaders.

Individuals convicted of genocide, genocide ideology, discrimination, or sectarianism are barred from holding leadership positions within faith-based organizations.

Leaders must also be at least 21 years old and have no criminal record involving imprisonment of six months or more, unless officially pardoned.

Financial transparency is another major focus of the new regulations. Religious organizations are required to conduct annual audits performed by professional experts, ensure that donor funds come from legal sources, and prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism by identifying and reporting suspicious transactions.

All financial activities must be conducted through banks or legally recognized financial institutions.

Violations of these regulations will result in severe penalties. Unauthorized branches will face immediate closure, and the organization responsible will be fined Frw5 million.

Individuals managing multiple religious organizations without proper authorization will lose the right to represent them.

Faith-based organizations already operating in Rwanda must comply with these new regulations within 12 months.

The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has introduced new regulations tightening the requirements for faith-based organizations seeking legal personality.

IGIHE

The incident occurred at approximately 3:18 p.m. Eastern Time (2018 GMT) in the parking lot of Brethren Village in Manheim Township, just south of Lancaster Airport.

Officials stated that the plane had just taken off and was en route to Springfield, Ohio, before going down.

Emergency responders transported all five people onboard the plane to local hospitals. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among people on the ground.

The crash also resulted in significant property damage, with around a dozen vehicles in the parking lot affected. Footage from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from the wreckage as flames engulfed several cars.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.

The crash also resulted in significant property damage, with around a dozen vehicles in the parking lot affected.

IGIHE

Israeli authorities stated on Sunday that the measure is part of broader efforts to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza. According to official figures, 59 hostages remain in captivity, with approximately 24 believed to be alive.

Officials emphasized that all available means would be used to ensure their return and to prevent Hamas from maintaining control in Gaza once the conflict ends.

Since March 2, Israel has also blocked aid shipments, including food, following the expiration of the initial 42-day ceasefire phase.

Negotiations to implement the next phase of the truce continue, with Hamas representatives engaging in talks with Egyptian and U.S. officials, while an Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Doha for further discussions.

Israel had previously cut off electricity, food, medicine, and fuel to Gaza at the start of its military campaign in October 2023, leading to what the United Nations has described as a famine and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

Israel has announced the immediate suspension of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

IGIHE

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Prince Kid was taken into custody on March 3, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.

ICE reported that although he initially entered the U.S. legally, he had been residing in Fort Worth illegally for some time.

The U.S. authorities stated that his arrest was in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by the Rwandan Prosecution on October 29, 2024.

Currently, Ishimwe popularly known as Prince Kid is being held in ICE detention facilities as further decisions regarding his removal from the U.S. are pending.

In October 2023, the Rwandan High Court sentenced Prince Kid to five years in prison after finding him guilty of soliciting sexual favors and rape.

During the ruling, neither Prince Kid nor his legal representatives were present in court, while the prosecution was officially represented.

The judge stated that he originally faced a 16-year prison sentence, but since this was his first legal offense, the sentence was reduced to five years along with a fine of 2 million Rwandan francs.

In November 2023, Me Nyembo Emelyne, Prince Kid’s legal representative, confirmed to IGIHE that they did not appeal the court’s decision.

The charges against Prince Kid stem from allegations of sexual assault involving contestants of the Miss Rwanda pageant, an event he had been organizing for years through his company, Rwanda Inspiration Backup.

Ishimwe Dieudonné, the former organizer of Miss Rwanda beauty pageant, who was convicted by the Rwandan judiciary of soliciting sexual favors and rape, has been arrested by U.S. authorities.

IGIHE

The move marks a major shift in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as armed groups realign in response to the evolving situation.

In a statement issued by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on Sunday, the group welcomed FCR’s defection, calling on other armed factions, political actors, and Congolese organisations to follow suit.

“This union strengthens the fight for a free and just Congo,” Kanyuka said, emphasising the rebels’ stated objective of challenging poor governance and decades of marginalisation of minority communities, including Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the region.

La terreur à Bukavu ! Des bandits armés font la loi ! Ils entrent maison par maison ! Les habitants apeurés crient : “Au voleur au voleur”, Bamwiziii… bamwiziii !
Ces bandits méritent une lourde peine de prison pour s’assurer qu’ils ne recommenceront plus ! Le M23 doit très… pic.twitter.com/Kp7KxkwdtG

— Rodriguez Malabar (@Katsuva_R) March 6, 2025

The FCR’s defection comes amid mounting pressure on the Congolese government to negotiate with the rebels, especially as AFC/M23 continues to gain new fighters and expand its territorial control.

In recent months, the rebels have seized the key cities of Goma and Bukavu after defeating a coalition of government forces, including Wazalendo militias, Nyatura, the FDLR, SADC forces, Burundian army and European mercenaries.

Despite the escalating situation, the government in Kinshasa has maintained its stance against engaging in dialogue with the rebels.

Instead, on Saturday, it called for international assistance to arrest three key AFC/M23 leaders: Corneille Nangaa, the former head of DRC’s electoral commission who now leads the AFC rebel alliance; Sultani Makenga, the military commander of M23; and Bertrand Bisimwa, the M23 political leader.

The government has offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to the rebel leaders’ capture.

In recent months, AFC/M23 rebel group has seized the key cities of Goma and Bukavu after defeating a coalition of government forces, including Wazalendo militias, Nyatura, the FDLR, SADC forces, Burundian army and European mercenaries.

IGIHE

The incident occurred shortly after midnight near the intersection of 17th and F Streets NW, just one block from the White House.

According to the Secret Service, local police had alerted them on Saturday about a 'suicidal individual' who was possibly traveling to Washington, D.C., from Indiana. Officers later located the suspect’s parked vehicle and spotted a man on foot who matched the description.

'As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm, and an armed confrontation ensued, during which shots were fired by our personnel,' the Secret Service said in a statement released on X by agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.

The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, and his condition remains unknown. No injuries were reported among Secret Service personnel.

The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security tasked with conducting criminal investigations and providing protection to U.S. political leaders, their families, and visiting heads of state or government.

The agency confirmed that the Sunday incident is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team, which reviews all law enforcement officer-involved shootings in the District of Columbia.

President Donald Trump was not in Washington at the time of the shooting; he was at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Last year, Trump survived a shooting incident during a campaign event in Pennsylvania.

The Secret Service confirmed that the incident is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team, which reviews all law enforcement officer-involved shootings in the District of Columbia.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking from the Oval Office after being pressed by the press on Friday, Trump was adamant: “No clash, I was there. Elon gets along great with Marco, and they’re both doing a fantastic job. There is no clash.”

The New York Times and CNN had reported that tensions ran high during Thursday’s meeting, which was focused on sweeping cost-cutting measures across the federal government.

Musk, a key advisor in the restructuring efforts, reportedly clashed with senior officials, including Rubio, over staffing reductions.

The exchange turned contentious when Musk accused Rubio of not adequately reducing the federal workforce, stating that “nobody” had been fired. Rubio quickly countered, highlighting that over 1,500 State Department employees had opted for early retirement through buyout packages as part of the department’s cost-saving measures.

The argument escalated further when Musk and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy disagreed over Musk’s team allegedly attempting to lay off air traffic controllers.

Duffy emphasized the critical need for aviation safety amidst the ongoing restructuring, a point Musk denied. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick sided with Musk, while Duffy remained firm on his position regarding aviation oversight.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins is also reported to have expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of such cuts on veterans, urging a more strategic approach to the workforce reductions.

During the meeting, Trump appeared to sympathize with these concerns, asserting that efficiency measures should focus on retaining the best employees and eliminating inefficiencies, rather than indiscriminately slashing positions.

In response to mounting concerns from his cabinet members, Trump announced that department secretaries would take the lead in implementing workforce reductions, with Musk’s team providing an advisory role.

Later, Trump used social media to clarify that future cuts would be approached with a “scalpel” rather than a “hatchet,” signaling a more measured approach.

Musk, who attended the meeting in formal attire following previous criticism from Trump about his casual dress, later called the discussions “very productive.”

Despite the reported tensions, White House officials insisted that the administration remained committed to improving government efficiency.

Media reports indicate that during a hastily arranged Cabinet meeting on Thursday at the White House, Elon Musk (right) clashed with top Cabinet officials—particularly Secretary of State Marco Rubio—over Rubio’s management of the department he oversees.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The installation of the Spider Camera system comes ahead of the highly anticipated APR FC vs Rayon Sports clash on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

A common feature in European football stadiums, the Spidercam is a cable-suspended camera system that moves fluidly above the pitch, capturing dynamic angles and delivering an immersive broadcast experience.

This cutting-edge technology will be used for the first time in Rwanda during the much-awaited derby between APR FC and Rayon Sports, a fixture known for its intense rivalry and passionate fanbase.

Amahoro Stadium, which meets international standards and accommodates a large audience, will host the crucial fixture as part of Matchday 20 of the Rwandan Premier League.

For fans unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on Magic Sports, with all necessary preparations completed to ensure seamless coverage.

The newly installed Spidercam at Amahoro Stadium was manufactured by Ross Video Ltd. It boasts impressive capabilities, moving at speeds of up to nine metres per second and covering an area of 250 by 250 metres. The system and all its accessories weigh 340 kilograms and have dimensions of 87 cm in height, 88 cm in width, and 87 cm in length.

Designed to withstand challenging environmental conditions, the camera’s aluminum casing provides protection against dust and extreme heat. It operates optimally in temperatures ranging from -10 to 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, its battery system enables continuous operation for up to four hours.

The Spidercam is compatible with high-end cameras tailored for live sports and event coverage, including Sony (P1, P43, and P50), Grass Valley (LDX 80 and LDX 86), Panasonic AK-UB300, and Hitachi DH-H200. It can also support cameras used for standard video recording, such as RED Epic (Dragon, Helium, and Monstro), ARRI Alexa Mini, Sony (F55 and Venice), and Panasonic Varicam.

Enhanced visual and audio experience

To ensure top-tier visuals, the system will integrate premium lenses, including Fujinon HA13x4.5, Canon HJ14ex4.3, and Angénieux Optimo Rouge 14-40mm. Additional accessories such as microphones, teleprompters, and audio transmission systems further enhance the Spidercam’s capabilities.

Initially scheduled for deployment alongside Amahoro Stadium’s reopening, the Spidercam installation was slightly delayed due to adjustments required to align with the stadium’s precise dimensions.

With its installation now complete, football fans can expect an unparalleled visual experience that brings them closer to the action than ever before, setting a new standard for sports coverage in Rwanda.

A common feature in European football stadiums, the Spidercam is a cable-suspended camera system that moves fluidly above the pitch, capturing dynamic angles and delivering an immersive broadcast experience.

Initially scheduled for deployment alongside Amahoro Stadium’s reopening, the Spidercam installation was slightly delayed due to adjustments required to align with the stadium’s precise dimensions.

The installation of the Spider Camera system comes ahead of the highly anticipated APR FC vs Rayon Sports clash on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

IGIHE

Speaking in an interview with Namibia’s state broadcaster, the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Kabila explained that while he had been involved in various activities since leaving office in 2019, including academic pursuits, the deteriorating situation in the DRC now demands his full attention.

'We left office as part of the Constitution and have been involved in various activities, including academic pursuits, which we intend to continue. However, if the situation back home continues to deteriorate, then we must ensure that the DRC does not go down the drain,' Kabila stated.

'We are here to assist and do exactly what we believe must be done to prevent things from worsening—which is, unfortunately, what is happening as we speak.'

Kabila, who was in Namibia for the funeral of founding President Sam Nujoma, confirmed that he had paused his studies at the University of Johannesburg two to three months ago in order to dedicate more time to addressing the crisis in his country.

At the same time, he dismissed claims that he was 'emerging from the shadows,' insisting that he had never withdrawn from public life.

'Those reports are wrong. I’ve never been in the shadows—I’ve always been in the light. I was simply focusing on something else, and I always prefer to give my full attention to what I am doing to succeed. You can multitask, but when dealing with serious issues, multitasking is not an option,' he said.

Kabila emphasized that resolving the crisis in the DRC requires collective effort and cannot be achieved by a single individual.

'The Congo is a nation of 120 million people. It has neighbours—not just those immediately surrounding it, but also from across the southern African region, such as Namibia and South Africa. I believe every Congolese citizen has a role to play, whether individually or collectively,' he said.

Kabila also reflected on past peace efforts, including the 2001-2002 Lusaka Agreement and subsequent accords that led to temporary stability. He acknowledged that governance challenges, injustices, and constitutional violations have fueled ongoing instability.

While expressing concern over foreign military presence in the DRC, he recalled a similar decision in 2001 to expel foreign troops, arguing that national sovereignty should be respected.

'The country must be sovereign within its borders, making sovereign decisions, without multiple foreign armies battling it out—including mercenaries and hundreds of armed groups,' he said.

Kabila also commented on ongoing mediation efforts, urging mediators to engage directly with the Congolese people to ensure effective conflict resolution. He maintained that peace in the DRC must be built on democratic governance, stability, and national cohesion.

His remarks follow his recent criticism of President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, in which he accused the government of failing to address the country’s worsening crisis, undermining democracy, and eroding constitutional order.

In a detailed opinion piece published in South Africa’s Sunday Times in February, Kabila pointed to the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the resurgence of the M23 rebel group since 2021, as a symptom of deeper failures. He dismisses the government’s narrative that the crisis hinges solely on M23 or tensions with Rwanda as 'misleading.'

Speaking in an interview with Namibia’s state broadcaster, the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Kabila explained that while he had been involved in various activities since leaving office in 2019, including academic pursuits, the deteriorating situation in the DRC now demands his full attention.

IGIHE

This gateway to West Africa highlights Beijing’s deepening economic engagement with the continent, a dynamic partnership that is reshaping Africa’s trade and logistics landscape.

Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Africa’s infrastructure has taken on a new look, allowing the continent to connect ever closer with the arteries of global commerce.

At the heart of the BRI are five pillars: policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people exchanges.

These principles align with Africa’s own modernization aspirations. The vision has of late been reaffirmed at China’s annual “two sessions,” where Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s commitment to supporting Africa’s self-reliance and economic empowerment.

“China and Africa are always good friends, good partners, and good brothers with a shared future,” Wang stressed at a press conference. “There will be no global modernization without African modernization, and Africa’s stability and development are vital to the future of humanity.”

China has backed its words with action. Since 2000, Chinese financing and expertise have driven a remarkable infrastructure boom across Africa: more than 10,000 km of railway, 100,000 km of roads and 100 ports, in addition to bridges, power plants and industrial zones.

The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation last September reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to modernization, offering African nations new pathways to economic transformation.

This partnership is rooted in a long history of diplomatic and economic collaboration. From China’s tradition of making Africa the first overseas visit of its foreign minister each year to its advocacy for the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, Beijing has consistently treated Africa as an equal stakeholder in global affairs.

Initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative have further reinforced this engagement.

As cooperation deepens, it is rewriting traditional development paradigms. When China launched Algeria’s first satellite, it empowered the country’s remote education network.

Chinese photovoltaic technology is helping Africa construct a green energy corridor. These projects signal a shift from the traditional North-South development model to one that emphasizes South-South knowledge exchange.

The partnership is mutually enriching. China’s increasing demand for agricultural imports has spurred Kenyan flower growers to adopt advanced cultivation techniques, while African ecological wisdom has influenced China’s rural revitalization efforts.

This two-way exchange highlights the dynamism of China-Africa cooperation and its potential to redefine modernization across the Global South.

Western critics have accused Beijing of debt-trap diplomacy and neocolonial motives, but numerous African policymakers beg to differ. As one local media outlet put it, “We do not have to choose between the West and China. We use the tools China offers to craft Africa’s own solutions.”

Standing at Abidjan’s newly constructed container terminal, one can see Chinese-built cranes hoist Africa-grown cocoa beans onto ships bound for global markets. This is not a scene of dependence but of mutual progress, a story of two partners advancing together in a shared pursuit of prosperity.

At the bustling Port of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, cargo ships glide in and out as towering cranes hum with ceaseless activity.

Zhang Jian