Israeli authorities are conducting DNA tests to confirm the identities of Shlomo Mansour, Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, and Itzik Elgarat, who were abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The exchange took place early Thursday, with Palestinian prisoners receiving a welcome in the West Bank and Gaza.
This marks the final exchange under the current ceasefire phase, which is set to end on Saturday.
Israel has previously criticized Hamas for the treatment of hostages during handovers, accusing the group of public humiliation. Sources indicate that this time, Hamas complied with Israel’s demand for a private transfer.
Among Palestinians to be freed are more than 400 Gazans detained during the war and 50 prisoners serving life sentences.
Footage showed buses departing Israeli prisons and arriving in Palestinian territories, where families and supporters gathered to celebrate.
The hostage exchange comes amid uncertainty over whether the ceasefire will be extended or transition into a second phase, which could involve the release of all remaining living hostages in Gaza in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations for the next phase, initially expected to begin during this round, have yet to commence.
Meanwhile, thousands in Israel attended the funeral of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, who were killed while in captivity.
Israel began the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday. Photo by Reuters
The meeting aimed to prepare for the 19th African Conference of Commandants (ACoC), which is scheduled for November 2025 to discuss ways of enhancing military professionalism in Africa through education, training, and development of officers.
The meeting was officially opened by Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, the Commandant of the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College and current Chairman of ACoC, and attended by Maj Gen Stephen Mnkande, the Commandant of the Command and Staff College of Tanzania and Air Commodore Maghidr Nouri Ahmed, the Commandant of the Libyan Command and Staff College, with their accompanying delegations.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Nyamvumba underscored the importance of cooperation in military training and education, noting it as a paramount avenue in addressing security challenges across the African continent and beyond.
'As we convene here for the TROIKA Meeting, I reiterate the importance of cooperation in military training and education among African colleges. This cooperation is crucial for strengthening our collective capacity to address the complex security challenges that our continent faces.
'The professionalism of African defence forces is paramount, and our efforts must be directed towards enhancing ready commanders and staff responsible for ensuring security and stability across our continent, and by extension globally,' said Brig Gen Nyamvumba
The 19th African Conference of Commandants will bring together Commandants of Defence Colleges from Algeria, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana with TROIKA members which are Rwanda, Libya, and Tanzania.
On the same day, Major General Yousef A. Al Hnaity, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordan Armed Forces (CJCS-JAF), visited the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) headquarters in Kimihurura, where he was received by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh.
He also took the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
Their discussions focused on reviewing and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the defence forces of their countries.
Participants of the Troika meeting ina group photo.
The Troika meeting aimed to prepare for the 19th African Conference of Commandants (ACoC).
The Commandants of Military Command and Staff Colleges from Rwanda, Libya, and Tanzania, convened at the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC)-Nyakinama on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Major General Yousef A. Al Hnaity, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordan Armed Forces (CJCS-JAF) inspectng a guard of honor mounted in his welcome at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) headquarters in Kimihurura.
Major General Yousef A. Al Hnaity was received by the RDF delegation led by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh.
Major General Yousef A. Al Hnaity also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
RDF senior commanders in a group photo with Major General Yousef A. Al Hnaity, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordan Armed Forces and his delegation.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye is in Nigeria for an official visit, at an invitation of his counterpart of Nigeria Police Force, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
IGP Namuhoranye was invited as the resource person in the 5th Conference and Retreat for Nigeria Senior Police Officers, held on Tuesday, February 25, and presided over by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima.
The conference and retreat are held under the theme: “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing.”
IGP Namuhoranye said that achieving internal security requires close cooperation and collaboration of security agencies and the public.
“Homeland security is based on public peace and stability. No law enforcement agency can achieve much without the cooperation, trust and partnership of the citizens it serves. Therefore, the cooperation of the Police and the citizens in maintaining security should not be an option but a necessity,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
In Rwanda, he said, security activities and collaboration with the population are a catalyst for security, well-being of the citizenry and sustainable development.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye is in Nigeria for an official visit, at an invitation of his counterpart of Nigeria Police Force, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
IGP Namuhoranye said that achieving internal security requires close cooperation and collaboration of security agencies and the public.
Janet Karemera, CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau, said rapid advancements in air connectivity, MICE and hospitality infrastructure development and visa facilitation position the country as a premier business travel destination.
'RwandAir, in partnership with Qatar Airways, provides access to over 160 destinations and connectivity is set to expand further through Bugesera International Airport, which will have capacity for up to 14 million passengers,' she said.
Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation 2024-2029 aims to increase MICE revenue from US$95 million in 2023 to US$224 million. Construction of the new Bugesera International Airport is underway and slated for completion in 2027.
MICE infrastructure has been bolstered with the US$165 million upgrade of the Amahoro Stadium in 2024. It accommodates 45 000 people for sporting and other events. This adds to existing infrastructure such as the Kigali Convention Centre, the Intare Conference Arena and BK Arena.
Karemera said the growing presence of international hotel brands has also enhanced the country’s reputation.
'International hotel brands such as Marriott, Radisson Blu and Four Points by Sheraton are well-established and high-end lodges such as One & Only Gorilla’s Nest and Wilderness Bisate cater to premium incentive travellers.'
The Mövenpick brand will enter Kigali in 2025 after redevelopment of the Umubano Hotel by Kasada Capital Management.
Rwanda’s beautiful scenery ensures it is good destination.
Karemera said waiving visa requirements for travelers from all African Union member states in 2023 was a key selling point attracting intra-African business. She also highlighted the country’s intensified focus on sustainability.
'Rwanda is actively working towards a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 with initiatives including e-mobility, eliminating single-use plastics and increasing investments in renewable energy.'
By hosting 32 internationally recognized in-person meetings in 2023, the country climbed seven places in the International Congress and Convention Association rankings to 55th â” the second-highest ranking in Africa behind South Africa.
Janet Karemera, CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau.
The country is intensely focused on sustainability.
Tsheole underscored the pivotal role of capital market in unlocking funding for fintech enterprises, emphasizing the importance of a structured regulatory environment to consolidate resources and support sustainable sectoral growth.
“We are establishing a market that enables private investors and funds to finance various businesses. Providers of capital require assurance that their investments remain secure,” he stated.
He further highlighted the necessity of fostering robust local networks for private capital, urging stakeholders to leverage fintech solutions in mobilizing funds. “People must utilize fintech solutions to facilitate funding,” he said.
As part of ongoing market reforms, Tsheole noted that the Capital Market Authority had revamped collective investment schemes, providing individuals with surplus capital the opportunity to access the market through other means.
They include private equity, specialized funds, or crowdfunding mechanisms which enhancements a more inclusive and dynamic financial ecosystem.
The Capital Market Authority remains committed to advancing regulatory frameworks and market structures that support private investment, innovation, and sustainable fintech development.
The Authority will continue to engage with stakeholders to build a resilient capital market that fosters economic growth and financial inclusion.
The CEO of the CMA of Rwanda, Thapelo Tsheole participated in a panel discussion on 'Bridging the Funding Gap: Building Private Capital and Leveraging Development Finance.'
The CEO of the CMA Thapelo Tsheole speaking at the panel discussion.
He, however, disputed reports that the troops were injured in the conflict with M23 rebels, saying the soldiers are suffering from chronic illnesses.
'I can confirm the soldiers are already here. But get the information from me; these are not injured soldiers, but those with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure. They have been withdrawn together with their South African and Tanzanian counterparts,' he said.
Phiri also confirmed that the bodies of two other soldiers who were killed in the conflict have since been repatriated home.
But both the commander and Minister of Defence Monica Chang’anamuno did not state whether the withdrawal is part of an order issued by President Lazarus Chakwera.
'MDF was directed to do this. MDF will be in a good position to give you the update,' said Chang’anamuno in a brief response to the press. The troops travelled by road from DRC through Rwanda to Uganda where they were flown to Malawi.
The development comes three weeks after Chakwera directed MDF to start the process of withdrawing Malawian troops from eastern DRC following the declaration of a ceasefire.
Chakwera’s decision was made in response to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika Summit that he attended in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Summit.
In a message circulated via a flyer, the President said the withdrawal is intended to honor the ceasefire and facilitate planned negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Malawi is among the countries in the SADC region called to immediately repatriate its soldiers who were killed and injured in the DRC.
Rebels, led by the M23, seized Goma City, the capital of North Kivu last month before expanding their attacks and capturing Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.
It serves as a premier platform showcasing agricultural and livestock products, farming equipment, and innovations in agricultural technology. The event also highlights key developments and advancements in the sector over the years.
Rwanda is represented by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Rwandan Embassy in France, which plays an active role in coordinating the country’s participation.
At the exhibition, representatives from Rwandan companies involved in agricultural trade and exports are engaging with major international agribusiness firms to explore market expansion opportunities, foster trade partnerships, and exchange industry insights.
As part of these efforts, Ann Christin Ishimwe, Head of Sales & Marketing at Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd, and Janet Basiima, Head of Market Development and Innovation at NAEB, visited Phoenix International, a leading French company specializing in importing and distributing fresh fruits and vegetables worldwide.
In an interview with IGIHE, Phoenix International manager Bikoo Prem expressed his admiration for Rwandan coffee and honey, indicating a strong interest in importing these products to introduce them to his customer base.
Prem also praised the improved packaging of Rwandan agricultural products, emphasizing its role in maintaining quality.
“Packaging is crucial as it enhances the value of the product, ensures proper preservation, and protects it from air exposure or contamination. It also facilitates transportation by air, sea, or road,” he noted.
Another key engagement was with TAI YAT, a French enterprise specializing in exotic food imports.
The company’s Associate Director, Marc Lao, also commended the packaging of Rwandan products and expressed interest in establishing trade relations.
Discussions between with Ann Christin Ishimwe of Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd resulted in promising prospects for future collaboration.
The photos below show Ann Christin Ishimwe, the Market Manager at Kinazi Casava Plant Ltd, alongside Janet Basiima, the Head of the Market Development and Innovation Department at NAEB during discussions on the sidelines of the trade fair
Both teams started the match with high intensity, seeking an early goal. In the 9th minute, AS Kigali’s striker, Emmanuel Okwi, found the back of the net, scoring the opening goal.
Positioned outside the penalty box, Okwi spotted Police FC goalkeeper Niyongira Patience off his line and struck the ball past his outstretched hands.
The goal ignited Police FC’s determination, and they responded in the 19th minute with a powerful strike from Bigirimana Abedi, who scored from outside the box to equalize.
The first half, which included three minutes of added time, ended with both teams tied at 1-1.
The second half was tightly contested in midfield. Early on, Police FC came close to scoring when AS Kigali’s defender misjudged a pass to Cyuzuzo Aime Gael, whose effort narrowly missed the target as the goalkeeper was caught off his line.
In the 71st minute, substitute Ani Elijah, who had replaced Byiringiro Lague, capitalized on a defensive lapse by AS Kigali to score Police FC’s second goal. The AS Kigali defense appeared to hesitate, believing Elijah was offside.
With the 2-1 victory, Police FC takes an advantage into the second leg, scheduled between March 4-5, 2025.
Police FC first eleven team.
AS Kigali first eleven team.
Bigirimana Abedi dribbles past Captain Haruna Niyonzima.
Police FC fans cheer their team as it cruises past AS Kigali.
Nsabimana Eric Zidane showed a classic defensive display.
“Rwanda stands ready to support the work of this Council in promoting and ensuring that human rights are respected universally, provided that they are respected without double standards,” Nduhungirehe declared.
The Minister expressed concern over the resurgence of violent ethnic extremism and genocide ideology in the Great Lakes region.
“Communities continue to be targeted for who they are, how they look or even which language they speak, a grim reminder of the horrors witnessed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” he said.
He described a disturbing pattern of violence against Tutsi communities in the DRC. “In eastern DRC, hate speech, persecution, lynching, and even acts of cannibalism against Congolese Tutsi have become distressingly commonplace,” he warned.
Nduhungirehe detailed government sponsored crimes against humanity, particularly in South Kivu, where Tutsi communities known as the Banyamulenge are under attack.
“In South Kivu, Tutsi communities known as the Banyamulenge are bombed in Minembwe by Government forces and are subject to unprecedented persecutions in different cities such as Uvira,” he said.
He further revealed that in Bujumbura, Burundi, Tutsi are “rounded up like in the old days and taken to unknown destinations.”
“In Kinshasa, Congolese Tutsi and even Swahili speakers are persecuted and lynched in broad daylight. In Ituri, up north far away from Rwanda’s border, the Hema ethnic group is being slaughtered by the CODECO militia allied to the DRC Government and the Islamic State-backed ADF, in total impunity,” he stated.
He criticized political figures like Justin Bitakwira, a close ally of President Félix Tshisekedi, who has publicly declared that every Tutsi is a natural born criminal and questioned if the God that created the Tutsi are the same that created Congolese.
He also recalled similar rhetoric from 1998 when former DRC Vice-President Abdoulaye Yerodia dehumanized Tutsi by calling them “vermin and microbes that must be eradicated methodically.”
Nduhungirehe condemned recent inflammatory remarks by DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Wagner, who, on January 28, 2025, warned the UN Security Council that without its intervention, “the streets will take care of it.”
“Indeed, after her speech, the streets took care of it. The targeting, the killing and the lynching of Tutsi in Eastern DRC, as well as in Kinshasa, intensified,' he explained.
The Minister described the destruction of Nturo village in North Kivu as a shocking example of state-sponsored violence.
“This horror reminds me of the Nturo village in Masisi territory in North Kivu, where 300 homes of Congolese Tutsi were burned down by government militias in October 2023 in broad daylight, while Burundian forces were looking on,” he said.
Nduhungirehe cited a United Nations report showing that in the last trimester of 2024, more than 30% of human rights violations in conflict zones were committed by DRC security forces.
“Under the universal declaration of human rights, all rights are equal. Yet a double standard is evident in the treatment of Tutsi communities in Congo. How can this Council remain silent in the face of such injustice?” he asserted.
He urged the council to act decisively. “In light of this worrying situation, Rwanda calls on the Human Rights Council to take immediate and decisive action to halt these persecutions. The suffering of these people cannot be tolerated any longer; ethnic politics has no place in our region.'
Nduhungirehe emphasized the need for an impartial investigation by the recently established fact-finding mission on the DRC.
“We hope that the recently established fact-finding mission on DRC will conduct impartial investigations into these abuses based on facts, which are currently being politicized by the DRC Government with the support of countries and organizations holding vested interests in the region,” he said.
He concluded by calling for long-term solutions to the conflict. “Lasting peace in our region requires addressing the root causes of the conflict. It is imperative that all citizens of the DRC receive the full spectrum of human rights and protections to which they are entitled,” he said.
At the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council high level meeting in Geneva, Minister Nduhungirehe met with Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The signing of the project, dubbed Africa’s Next-Gen Digital Payment Infrastructure, took place on Tuesday, February 25, at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2025.
Also known as Project 54, the initiative marks a significant step toward integrating Africa’s financial ecosystem.
GFTN is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2024 to expand Singapore’s fintech ecosystem globally. Its partnership in the initiative underscores Africa’s growing significance in the global digital economy.
Outgoing Central Bank Governor John Rwangombwa participated in the signing ceremony, praising the initiative for its potential to address the high costs and inefficiencies of cross-border transactions, thereby enhancing trade and financial inclusion.
The project was conceived through discussions at key global forums, including the 3i Africa Summit in Accra, the Zurich Point Zero Forum, and the Singapore FinTech Festival.
Recognising Africa’s dynamic financial landscape, stakeholders sought to develop a solution that enables seamless cross-border transactions, ultimately benefiting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions.
The implementation of Africa’s Next-Gen Digital Payment Infrastructure is built on four fundamental pillars, each essential to creating a robust and future-ready financial system.
A strong governance framework is at the core, establishing clear scheme rules, dispute resolution mechanisms, and liability structures. This also includes enhanced local currency settlement models, ensuring stability and reliability across cross-border transactions.
Technology integration and advancement play a pivotal role, with a focus on innovations such as tokenisation and digital currency applications. By embracing these emerging technologies, the initiative aims to future-proof Africa’s financial sector and enhance efficiency.
A sustainable pricing model underpins the initiative, promoting financial viability through cost-effective solutions tailored for both high-value and low-value transactions. This ensures accessibility and affordability while maintaining long-term operational stability.
Equally important is the engagement of key stakeholders, including regulators, financial institutions, fintech innovators, and investors. By fostering collaboration, the initiative seeks to build a resilient digital payments ecosystem that aligns with the needs of Africa’s evolving financial landscape.
Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama described the launch as a milestone toward an integrated African capital market, offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
'The pursuit of a safe, affordable, and efficient cross-border regional payment architecture, backed by a licence passporting framework, represents another significant step forward,' he said.
With Africa’s fintech industry projected to generate $40 billion in revenue by 2028, overcoming regulatory and infrastructure challenges remains crucial. Project 54 aims to bridge this gap, unlocking new pathways for inclusive financial growth and positioning Africa at the forefront of global digital payments innovation.
The signing of the project, dubbed Africa’s Next-Gen Digital Payment Infrastructure, took place on Tuesday, February 25, at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2025.
