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In a statement released by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Rwanda rejected what it described as a campaign of misinformation aimed at undermining the country’s economic collaborations and international reputation.

The Congolese government has, in recent weeks, appealed to global sports clubs, including Arsenal FC, FC Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, to terminate sponsorship agreements with Rwanda, alleging that the country is backing M23 rebels to fuel instability in eastern Congo.

In addition, DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has written to Formula 1 (F1) leadership, calling on the organization to halt discussions about hosting a Grand Prix in Rwanda.

Rwanda has dismissed the claims, stressing the positive socio-economic impact of its partnerships with major sports organizations. Through collaborations such as the 'Visit Rwanda’ initiative, the country has successfully boosted tourism, developed sports infrastructure, and promoted community engagement in international sporting events.

'Sports has the power to unite communities and drive meaningful change,' the RDB statement read. 'Attempting to politicize these partnerships is a misguided approach that ignores the significant socio-economic benefits they provide to Rwanda and the broader region.'

Since its launch in 2018, the Visit Rwanda campaign has elevated the country’s global presence, leading to increased tourism and foreign investment. The initiative has been credited with making Rwanda the second most popular destination for business events in Africa.

Rwanda attributed the instability in the eastern DRC to deep-rooted governance failures and the proliferation of illegal armed groups in the region.

RDB highlighted that the M23 rebellion in eastern Congo is driven by grievances among Congolese Rwandophones over security and ethnic persecution, which has resulted in more than 100,000 victims seeking refuge in Rwanda.

The agency, mandated to accelerate Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth, also pointed to the continued threat posed by the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

'The DRC government’s failure to protect its people has left them vulnerable to violence and exploitation,' the statement noted.

“The leadership of the DRC has escalated the situation by promoting hate speech against Congolese Rwandophones, called for attacks on Rwanda, and advocated for the overthrow of its government, which further undermines regional stability.”

Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability through diplomatic engagement. The government stated that it remains invested in African-led mediation efforts and believes in a political resolution to the eastern DRC crisis.

“Rwanda is committed to a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC. This conflict requires a political settlement that addresses the root causes, including violent ethnic extremism, illegal armed groups, and the safe return of refugees,” the statement added.

“Rwanda continues to support the African-led mediation process as the only credible pathway to peace. We also advocate for the protection of the rights of minority groups in Eastern DRC, and the cessation of hostilities.”

Additionally, Rwanda refuted allegations that it exploits minerals from the DRC, calling such claims a deflection from the corruption and mismanagement within Congo’s mining sector.

“The allegations that Rwanda is exploiting minerals in the DRC are unfounded and a distraction from the DRC’s own mismanagement of its mining sector, including pervasive corruption, weak regulatory enforcement, and political instability.”

Earlier this month, President Paul Kagame also dismissed the Congolese appeal to sports organizations, terming it a'wasted effort'.

Speaking during an interview with CNN, President Kagame said the Congolese government’s focus should be on managing internal issues and solving the country’s political problems.

Through collaborations such as the 'Visit Rwanda’ initiative, the country has successfully boosted tourism, developed sports infrastructure, and promoted community engagement in international sporting events.

IGIHE

A Cessna 172S and Lancair 360 MK II collided while upwind of runway 12 on Wednesday morning, according to preliminary information from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Both planes were smaller fixed wing single engine planes, according to the Marina Police Department. Both aircraft had two passengers each.

The Cessna landed uneventfully, while the Lancair impacted terrain near the other runway, and a post-impact fire ensued, according to the NTSB.

The Marana Police Department was on scene at the airport to handle the aircraft collision.

The NTSB and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the accident.

At least 2 KILLED in #Arizona plane collision
Local cops confirm 2 small aircraft involved in crash, with charred wreckage of plane seen near landing strip at Marana Airport
It’s the latest in a string of deadly US aviation incidents#US pic.twitter.com/LnvKdTD52A

— Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) February 19, 2025

According to the FAA, the airport is an “uncontrolled field” that does not have an air traffic control tower in use. Pilots use a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to communicate with other planes in the vicinity of the airport.

It is the responsibility of the pilot-in-command to maintain a safe distance from other aircraft in the area, Fox News reported.

Wednesday’s accident marks the latest in a string of aviation disasters starting from the plane crash in Washington, D.C. late January.

On January 29, an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C., sending both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River and killing all 67 people aboard the two aircraft.

The D.C. aeroplane crash was one of the deadliest aircraft disasters in U.S. history.

On January 31, a medical Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff in Philadelphia, killing all six passengers, including a pediatric patient and her mother. One person on the ground was also killed, and at least 22 others were injured.

On February 10, a Learjet 35A veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 upon landing at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, leaving one dead and four others injured.

A CRJ-900 Delta Air Lines regional jet, with 76 passengers and four crew members from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, flipped on its roof on Monday afternoon while landing at Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring 21 of the 80 people on the flight.

The recent aeroplane accidents have raised concerns about aviation safety and air traffic control at regional airports.

In this image taken from video, plane debris seen from above at Marana Regional Airport after a deadly crash on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Xinhua

The move came as the M23 armed group has been seizing territory further south in the neighboring North and South Kivu provinces.

“Working with our Congolese counterparts, Uganda sent troops to Bunia and the forces of the two countries have taken control of the security situation to stop further killings,” Uganda’s Foreign Minister Henry Oryem said.

Bunia is the capital of Ituri province, where Uganda already had thousands of troops under an agreement with Kinshasa.

They operate alongside DRC forces against the Allied Democratic Forces, which has been linked to the Islamic State group, and tribal militias.

Oryem said the deployment aimed to “deal with armed elements including the remnants of Allied Democratic Forces who may still be active in areas under our cooperation agreement”.

Oryem and the defense ministry declined to give the exact number of Ugandan troops deployed in Bunia or say whether the country planned to send additional troops to the city.

Ugandan military spokesman Felix Kulayigye said the country had deployed along with DRC forces in “joint operations to save lives” after “massacres” by local militias.

But in the highly complex dynamics of the region, Uganda has also been accused, by UN experts and others, of working against Congolese interests by supporting the M23 and controlling some of the region’s valuable mining interests. Uganda has strongly denied the accusations.

Uganda has deployed troops in Bunia, DRC.

IGIHE

The statement underscores the Rwandan government’s perspective on the security situation and urges the UK to align its stance with the African Union-backed peace process.

The Rwandan High Commission stated that the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) maintain defensive measures in response to genuine security threats.

It pointed to recent attacks on the Rubavu border town, which resulted in 16 deaths and 177 civilian casualties, as evidence of the existing security threats.

'The RDF has always maintained defensive measures in response to genuine security threats along our border. These threats recently materialized with the January 26 attacks against the Rubavu border town after the fall of Goma,' the statement read.

The response highlighted the continued presence of the FDLR genocidal militia as an existential security threat. It explained that the FDLR, which was involved in the shelling of Rwandan territory in June 2022, is now integrated within the Congolese army, making it a strategic ally.

“Rwanda continues to face an existential security threat from the DRC backed FDLR genocidal militia,” the statement declared. It noted that the FDLR has conducted at least 20 attacks on Rwandan territory.

The statement also addressed the role of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) stating that its entanglement with the DRC coalition, including the FDLR, has complicated the situation.

The High Commission stressed the challenges this poses, particularly in differentiating between peacekeeping efforts and the actions of the FDLR.

It described the M23 as Congolese people struggling against one of the most violent forms of ethnic extremism meted out to them by their own government over decades.

Rwanda urged the UK to support the existing peace process and align with it to avoid emboldening the DRC’s position to seek a military only solution, emphasizing that the armed conflict is a response to ethnic extremism.

“The resumption of the current armed conflict must be properly understood. The unilateral termination of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) mission was not in the pursuit of peace, but to wage war,” the statement affirmed.

The statement called for the UK to address the presence of genocide suspects within its borders. “While other Western nations have tried, extradited, or deported genocide suspects, the UK remains the only safe haven in the West.”

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has received a response from Rwanda.

IGIHE

Originally published in Chinese in 2020, the book offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the important educational discourses of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The newly released French, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic editions, alongside the previously published English version, are valuable resources for international readers to understand the historical context and rich content of China’s educational reform and development in the new era.

More foreign language editions of “Understanding Xi Jinping’s Educational Philosophy” have been published.

Xinhua

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech after listening to representatives of private entrepreneurs.

Li Qiang and Ding Xuexiang also attended the symposium, which was presided over by Wang Huning.

Xinhua

This transformation is largely due to IremboGov, which introduced a digital marketplace for public services. By bringing services online, IremboGov helped reduce unnecessary travel, making it easier for people to access what they needed.

While the government sector embraced digital solutions, commercial services, on the other hand, remained fragmented.

Tasks such as purchasing motor vehicle insurance, renewing TV subscriptions, or setting up an internet plan still involved multiple steps—calling agents, visiting offices, waiting in long lines, and handling payments manually.

These inefficiencies not only frustrated customers but also slowed down businesses as they spent valuable time managing customer requests and processing payments through multiple channels.

But what if these challenges could be solved? What if businesses and customers could connect in one place, and transactions could happen seamlessly, with no unnecessary steps?

Enter IremboPlus, a new platform designed to make accessing commercial services faster, easier, and more efficient for everyone.

IremboPlus is a digital marketplace that simplifies the way people access commercial services. Whether it’s paying for insurance, renewing subscriptions, or accessing professional services, IremboPlus brings everything together in one convenient online platform.

Businesses can now offer their services without having to build their own digital platforms, saving both time and money. By integrating IremboPay, they can accept payments quickly and securely, eliminating the hassle of manual transactions and paperwork.

For customers, the convenience is undeniable. No more calling agents, visiting physical offices, or juggling multiple service providers.

With IremboPlus, all the services you need are available at your fingertips, and documents like motor vehicle insurance certificates can be securely stored in your account for easy access whenever required.

The benefits of digitizing services go beyond convenience. Businesses can now focus on what truly matters, delivering quality services, without the distraction of managing physical infrastructure or dealing with repetitive manual processes.

By eliminating paperwork and reducing the risk of errors, companies can provide more reliable and efficient services. Customers, on the other hand, can enjoy a smoother, quicker experience without the frustration of navigating disconnected systems.

Currently, IremboPlus offers services such as renewing TV and internet subscriptions (e.g., CANAL+ and CanalBox), with plans to expand soon to include motor vehicle insurance and other insurance products.

In the future, IremboPlus aims to offer banking services like account openings and loan applications, as well as professional services such as legal consultations and more specialized services.

For businesses, IremboPlus offers an invaluable opportunity to expand their reach. By integrating with the platform, companies can offer services to a digital-first audience, reduce administrative overhead, automate transactions, and improve customer retention with better renewal management.

IremboPlus removes the need for businesses to invest heavily in technology, making digital service delivery accessible to all.

IremboPlus builds on the success of IremboGov, which has already transformed how government services are delivered in Rwanda. By bringing the same level of efficiency, accessibility, and user-focused design to commercial services, IremboPlus is changing the game for businesses and consumers alike.

As the platform grows, the goal is for IremboPlus to become as integral to daily life as IremboGov has been for government services—trusted, reliable, and always evolving to meet the needs of the community.

Whether you’re a business looking to streamline your operations or a customer wanting a more convenient way to access essential services, IremboPlus is here to make that possible.

If you already have an IremboGov account, accessing IremboPlus is simple. Just use the same email/phone number and password to log in. If not, registration only takes a few moments. Visit iremboplus.com today and experience the future of service access.

IGIHE

The presiding Judge Singizi Douglas expressed grave concerns about Besigye’s condition, stating, “If a prisoner is sick, I can’t continue with him. He might faint.”

Besigye, who has been on a hunger strike for several days protesting his detention, appeared visibly frail in court. Despite mounting public pressure and his worsening health, state authorities have maintained his detention.

His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has previously highlighted the severity of his health issues, noting that his kidneys are showing signs of damage.

The opposition leader’s continued incarceration has ignited widespread protests across the nation, with supporters in Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kasese, Rukungiri and Kampala taking to the streets to demand for his immediate release.

In response to the court’s decision, Besigye’s legal team has filed for an immediate release order, arguing that his prolonged imprisonment without adequate medical care constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights.

As tensions escalate, security forces have established a heavy presence around the courthouse, anticipating potential demonstrations from his supporters.

Human rights organizations and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the critical need for the judiciary to address the health and human rights concerns surrounding his detention.

But after being taken to the civilian court, the judge has stated that the hearing couldn’t proceed stating that Besigye would have collapsed.

This was after it was reported that Besigye went on a hunger strike 7 days ago to protest his prolonged detention after he was allegedly abducted from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and whisked back to Uganda.

He and his aide Mr. Obeid Lutale who was arrested with him, were later produced before the General Court Martial in Makindye where they were subsequently charged with illegal possession of firearms.

This is happening at the same time when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon Ugandans to ask themselves why Besigye was arrested.

According to the reports given by Museveni, Ugandans have been asking the wrong questions.

Besigye was allegedly abducted from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and whisked back to Uganda.

IGIHE

During a recent visit by IGIHE to the capital of South Kivu Province, residents lamented that the Congolese forces (FARDC) abandoned them at least two days before M23 rebels arrived.

Some of the soldiers who remained in the city were accused of looting from the population before abandoning their weapons and fleeing as the fighters advanced.

The abandoned weapons fell into the hands of rogue elements and criminal gangs, who then began terrorizing residents and traders.

“I am a taxi driver here in Bukavu, and we could not move for two days after the government forces abandoned us while gangs wreaked havoc in the streets,” said Rodrigue Nestor.

M23 fighters now patrol the city regularly, with some stationed at strategic locations to maintain order. While key facilities, such as schools and banks, remain closed, many businesses continue to operate.

“Now the situation is much better. We don’t live in fear anymore, and we are not experiencing the same problems,” remarked Bishimwa Abdul.

Government Offices Abandoned

The office of South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purusi remains deserted days after M23 seized control of the provincial capital. Nearby, the Prosecutor’s Office stands eerily abandoned, its doors left wide open, with files and documents scattered across the floor—evidence of a hurried departure and a sudden shift in power.

Further down the street, the local prison tells a more dramatic story. More than 2,500 inmates escaped, turning the facility into a scene of chaos. Residents described it as something straight out of a movie, with both prisoners and opportunistic looters ransacking whatever they could. The prison’s deplorable state hints at the harsh conditions inmates endured behind its walls.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka has sought to reassure residents, stating that despite the disorder they found upon entering the city, the group is committed to protecting civilians—including from criminals who fled the prison.

“When we arrived in Bukavu, we found hell, a nightmare. It looked like a horror film. People were distraught, their houses looted and destroyed. But now, since we arrived, people are happy that we are here. As we entered the city, people applauded, relieved by our presence.”

Citing the persecution of the minority Congolese Rwandophones in eastern Congo—who have endured marginalization for decades and have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Uganda and Rwanda—Kanyuka said, “We cannot stand by and watch as our people are destroyed and killed by the DRC government, which is supposed to protect our compatriots from the criminals of FARDC and their allied forces.”

Kanyuka also urged any Congolese soldiers still in hiding to surrender, promising that M23—now tightening its grip on Bukavu, Goma, and several other strategic towns in eastern Congo—would facilitate their reintegration into military service or civilian life.

He reiterated the need for the Congolese government to stop atrocities committed against Congolese Rwandophones, even as various groups continue to call for dialogue to end the conflict in the troubled eastern region.

Meanwhile, over 500 Congolese nationals who had fled to Rwanda during the height of the unrest have begun returning home through the Rusizi border. Many of those we spoke to expressed relief, saying they were drawn back by the newfound stability and the hope that life in Bukavu was beginning to normalize.

“We are glad that the border is open, and we can go back home to reunite with our loved ones,” said Mama Sifa.

As the sun sets over the city, a sense of cautious optimism lingers. Many residents remain hopeful that better days lie ahead.

Bukavu City in the Democratic Republic of Congo is slowly coming back to life as residents—once plagued by insecurity—embrace a new sense of stability under rebel control.

M23 fighters now patrol the city regularly, with some stationed at strategic locations to maintain order. While key facilities, such as schools and banks, remain closed, many businesses continue to operate.

Traders sell fuel in Bukavu as the city slowly roars back to life.

The office of South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purusi remains deserted days after M23 seized control of the provincial capital.

The Prosecutor’s Office stands eerily abandoned, its doors left wide open, with files and documents scattered across the floor—evidence of a hurried departure and a sudden shift in power.

Further down the street, the local prison tells a more dramatic story. More than 2,500 inmates escaped, turning the facility into a scene of chaos.

The local prison’s deplorable state hints at the harsh conditions inmates endured behind its walls.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, President Kagame remarked that Belgium has been a key player in fueling insecurity in the region but continues to ignore its own involvement.

'There is a serious issue of dishonesty among those who should have helped solve this crisis. There are countries like Belgium which have a historical responsibility and are part of this problem,' he said.

Belgium, a former colonial power in Rwanda, played a significant role in defining the country’s borders with its neighbors.

Throughout the years of the conflict between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army coalition, Belgium has sided with the DRC instead of supporting peace negotiations. It has also openly criticized Rwanda, accusing it of backing M23.

“They keep repeating the same thing, everything is Rwanda’s fault. How can you solve such a complex issue by blaming the victims? Kagame questioned.

President Kagame also slammed other European nations refuse to acknowledge their involvement, despite the presence of mercenaries from their countries fighting in eastern DRC.

” You all know that there are mercenaries from Europe. These mercenaries are not from elsewhere, yet no European country has ever admitted their nationals are involved in this conflict. They talk about everything else but never address that fact,” he added.

In late January, over 280 mercenaries surrendered and were repatriated through Rwanda. Reports indicate that since 2022, more than 1,000 foreign mercenaries have been fighting alongside the Congolese army against M23 in eastern DRC.

Due to Belgium’s stance on the issue, Rwanda announced on February 18, 2025, that it was terminating a cooperation agreement with Belgium that was set to last until 2029.

How did Rwandan land end up becoming part of the DRC?

During the Berlin Conference held between November 15, 1884 to February 26, 1885 that divided Africa among European powers, Germany, Britain, and Belgium were the main colonial players in East Africa.

Germany created 'German East Africa,' which included Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanganyika. Belgium, on the other hand, controlled territories west of Rwanda, while Britain colonized Uganda and Kenya to the north.

On May 14, 1910, a meeting was held in Belgium to resolve a territorial dispute among the colonial powers. It included Belgian administrators in Congo, German colonial rulers of Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanganyika, as well as British officials overseeing Uganda and Kenya.

As a result of this conference, between 1910 and 1912, new borders were drawn, using natural features such as the Virunga Mountains, Akanyaru River, Akagera River, and Lake Kivu as demarcations. This significantly reduced Rwanda’s territory.

A total of 124,553 square kilometers of Rwandan land was annexed to Congo, including parts of South Kivu and North Kivu. Another 17,715 square kilometers were incorporated into Uganda. This left Rwanda with a much smaller landmass of 26,338 square kilometers.

Unlike the Belgians, who sought to expand their colonies, the Germans were less concerned about territorial reductions, as their primary interest was economic development in the regions they controlled.

This historical partition explains why many Rwandans live in neighboring countries today. Their ancestral lands were taken by colonial powers, and they continue to face marginalization, despite having deep-rooted ties to those territories.

President Paul Kagame has expressed concern over European countries failing to speak the truth about the ongoing security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

IGIHE