Author: admin

M23 fighters entered Bukavu in the early hours of Sunday, February 16, 2025, prompting security forces stationed at the border on the DRC side to flee.

The takeover comes just weeks after the group seized Goma on January 27, 2025, effectively taking control of all border crossings between the DRC and Rwanda.

By 8:00 AM on Sunday, M23’s military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, hinted at the group’s capture of Bukavu, stating, 'Now the people of Bukavu are breathing the air of liberation, the air of freedom. We are the people’s army.'

Shortly after, at around 10:00 AM, M23 fighters were spotted securing the Rusizi I border post, located on the Rusizi River bridge that links Rwanda and the DRC.

The presence of rebel forces at key checkpoints within Bukavu, including Place de L’Independance and La Botte, where the South Kivu Governor’s office is located, indicated that government forces had retreated.

M23’s advance into Bukavu followed the capture of Kavumu Airport on Friday, February 14, 2025, about 25 kilometers from the city.

According to M23, the airport had been used by DRC coalition forces to launch attacks on rebel positions. The capture of this strategic location raised expectations among residents that Bukavu would soon fall under M23 control.

Despite an earlier statement from the office of the President of the DRC claiming that the national army and local militias remained in control of Bukavu, multiple sightings of M23 fighters in key areas of the city, including Kadutu, suggest otherwise.

Cross-border activities have continued under M23 control, with reports indicating an increase in operating hours for travellers. A surge in movement has also been observed at the major La Corniche border crossing and a smaller one near Goma since the rebel group took over these routes.

The M23 rebel group has taken control of the Rusizi I border post on the side of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after advancing into Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.

IGIHE

In recent days, President Ndayishimiye has made statements with warlike rhetoric, indicating that his country is prepared to attack Rwanda and confident of victory.

On February 11, 2025, during a visit to residents of Bugabira Commune in Kirundo Province, near the Rwandan border, Ndayishimiye said Burundians were ready to confront Rwandans.

He said, “Be prepared, do not be afraid. We know them well. In Bugesera, you know them. Since the era of the monarchy, they have never defeated us. Do you think they can now? Remind them, 'Do you know where it all started in Kirundo?’”

On Sunday, February 16, President Ndayishimiye posted on X claiming he had intelligence suggesting Rwanda was planning an attack on him.

“After discussions with countries friendly to Rwanda, those who were expecting to benefit from a Rwandan attack on Burundi should abandon their hopes. But Burundians, stay alert because no one knows the day of a thief,” he wrote.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, responded by saying that the Burundian president had gone beyond just making threats against Rwanda and had begun plotting for action.

“It is Burundians who sent soldiers to fight, to support the Congolese army, and to battle M23 while also targeting Rwanda. Their rhetoric about attacking Rwanda is not surprising,” he stated.

Speaking from Addis Ababa, where he is attending the African Union summit, Nduhungirehe said that security discussions on Saturday reaffirmed the resolutions of SADC and EAC meetings, emphasizing the urgent need for negotiations between M23 and the Congolese government and the immediate cessation of hostilities.

Burundi has strengthened its alliance with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), committing to removing Rwanda’s influence. They have also reportedly enlisted armed groups, including FDLR and Wazalendo, to support their agenda.

The President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, told his citizens to remain vigilant, claiming that Rwanda could attack at any time. However, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has refuted the claims, stating that it is actually Burundi that has been plotting attacks for some time.

IGIHE

The accreditation, awarded to institutions meeting rigorous requirements, signifies RIIO’s professionalism and the high quality of its ophthalmology curriculum.

Minister of Education, Nsengimana Joseph, commended the institute for its dedication to ophthalmology education.

Speaking at a celebration marking this achievement on February 15, 2025, Minister Nsengimana stated that RIIO’s success reflects Rwanda’s commitment to advancing healthcare and quality education. He praised RIIO’s focus on expertise and innovation in ophthalmology.

'We are proud of the remarkable progress RIIO has made, demonstrating that Rwanda has the capability to educate and provide ophthalmic services at an international level. This achievement helps us move toward self-reliance and ensures quality healthcare is accessible to all,' he said.

Professor John Nkurikiye, one of RIIO’s founders and head of medical services, expressed his delight at the milestone.

'Even though RIIO was registered in 2012, we didn’t start the School of Ophthalmology until 2018, as we wanted to ensure we got things right. Our trainees are certified by the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern Central and Southern Africa, but we also encourage them to sit other international exams,” said Professor Nkurikiye, Co-Founder and Medical Director at RIIO.

He added, 'Our Rwandan graduates are now working in Rwamagana, Musanze, Kabgayi, the Rwanda Military Hospital, and one has recently joined the University of Rwanda as faculty.'

The Ophthalmology Foundation’s accreditation process evaluates curriculum, faculty qualifications, educational resources, and clinical facilities, encouraging institutions to assess and improve their practices.

'It was quite nerve-wracking when I first submitted RIIO’s name for accreditation,' said Professor Cikū Mathenge, Co-Founder and RIIO Director of Training.

'We applied at the basic level, but during the self-evaluation, we realized we already met several advanced criteria. The onsite assessment verified our evaluation, and we were delighted to receive accreditation at the advanced level. The report provides tips for further improvement, which we will begin implementing immediately.'

Dr. Ndayishimiye Alexis, a student at RIIO, anticipates gaining valuable knowledge to enhance his ability to treat patients with eye conditions.

Dr. Olivier Uwizeye, an ophthalmologist at Kibagabaga Hospital, noted that without RIIO training, one might lack essential skills, including proficiency in using advanced medical equipment.

Since beginning training in 2018, RIIO has educated 26 doctors from five countries. Ten have completed their studies and are now providing ophthalmic care in various medical facilities in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sixteen students from Rwanda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Bahamas are currently enrolled.

RIIO boasts both local and international faculty and offers training at Kibagabaga Community Eye Hospital and RIIO iHospital.

According to a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report, 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from visual impairment, and one billion of these cases could have been prevented or treated.

The Minister of Education, Nsengimana Joseph, commended RIIO for its dedication to ophthalmology education.

RIIO is the first African institute to be accredited by Ophthalmology Foundation.

Various leaders attended the celebration marking RIIO’s achievement on February 15, 2025.

Current and former students of the school also attended the ceremony.

Professor John Nkurikiye, one of RIIO’s founders and head of medical services, expressed his delight at the milestone.

IGIHE

'Now the people of Bukavu are breathing the air of liberation, the air of freedom. We are the people’s army,” Lt. Col. Ngoma said on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Lt. Col. Ngoma hinted at the 'liberation' of Bukavu after many M23 fighters were seen entering the city in the early hours of Sunday morning.

This followed an announcement from the office of the President of the DRC, stating that the country’s army and local militias were in control of Bukavu.

M23 fighters were seen at the intersections of roads, at a place known as 'Place de L’Independance,’ and in an area called 'La Botte,’ where the South Kivu Governor’s office is located, on the shores of Lake Kivu.

They were also seen entering other parts of Bukavu, including Kadutu, signalling that the DRC government forces, who had retreated from the city, might have left again.

M23 fighters suggested they had taken Bukavu after capturing Kavumu Airport, which they said was used by the DRC’s coalition forces to launch attacks on M23 positions.

M23 fighters were seen at the intersections of roads, at a place known as 'Place de L’Independance,’ and in an area called 'La Botte,’ where the South Kivu Governor’s office is located, on the shores of Lake Kivu.

IGIHE

Youssouf emerged victorious after a tense seven-round secret ballot, defeating Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato.

The race was highly competitive, with Youssouf initially trailing Odinga in the first two rounds. However, he gained momentum in subsequent rounds and eventually secured the 33 votes needed for victory in the final round, becoming the sole remaining candidate.

The Djiboutian who celebrated his 60th birthday a week ago, replaces Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who served two terms as AU Commission chief.

His election comes at a crucial time for the African Union, which faces mounting challenges, including military coups in West Africa and ongoing conflicts in eastern Congo.

The AU has often been criticised for its handling of security crises, and Youssouf’s leadership will be closely watched as he takes on these pressing issues.

Seasoned diplomat

Born on September 2, 1965, in Djibouti City, Youssouf is a seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of experience in governance and international relations. He has served as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation since May 22, 2005, making him the longest-serving foreign minister on the continent.

He attended Djibouti High School, where he obtained his baccalaureate in 1985, to Lumière University Lyon 2 in France, where he pursued foreign languages between 1985 and 1990. He later studied business management at the University of Liverpool in 1988 before earning a master’s degree in management from Université Laval in Canada in 1995.

Youssouf began his diplomatic career in the 1990s at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he led the Arab Affairs Department. From 1997 to 2001, he served as Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt. His rise in government continued when he was appointed Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation in 2001, eventually becoming Foreign Minister in 2005.

Over the years, Youssouf has played a pivotal role in shaping Djibouti’s foreign policy and strengthening its diplomatic influence.

In 2008, he served as Chairman of the 129th Ordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League. He has also been a key negotiator in regional security matters, particularly concerning the Horn of Africa.

Youssouf’s leadership at the AU is expected to focus on strengthening regional security, economic integration, and diplomatic partnerships.

In a 2008 interview with The New York Times, he spoke about Djibouti’s strategic importance, expressing ambitions to develop its economy along the lines of Dubai. He argued that Djibouti was even better positioned than Dubai due to its geographical advantage at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

As AUC chairperson, he will be tasked with implementing the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims to transform Africa into a global powerhouse. His diplomatic expertise and extensive experience in foreign affairs will be crucial in navigating the continent’s geopolitical landscape.

Personal life

Despite his public prominence, Youssouf maintains a private personal life. He is multilingual, fluent in Arabic, English, and French, but little is known about his family.

Born on September 2, 1965, in Djibouti City, Youssouf is a seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of experience in governance and international relations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This collaboration is expected to enhance financial integration and create new investment opportunities in both countries. Under this partnership, the two institutions will exchange expertise, share best practices, and provide technical support to advance the development of their respective securities markets.

Additionally, the agreement includes capacity-building initiatives, enabling staff from both exchanges to participate in professional exchanges, attachments, and internships.

The collaboration will also foster networking events, seminars, and strategic partnerships to stimulate market expansion in Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Tilahun Esmael Kassahun (PhD), Chief Executive Officer of ESX, stated, 'This MoU helps in advancing regional financial integration. By leveraging the strengths of both exchanges, we aim to create a more dynamic and interconnected securities market that benefits investors and businesses alike.'

On his part, Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of RSE, also emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing in driving market development.

CEO Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba signs the MoU between RSE and their Ethiopian counterparts.

'The signing marks an important step to strengthen ties of both markets and pave the way for our commitment to knowledge sharing and innovation, and foster stronger partnerships that will benefit both institutions and our communities.'

The partnership is poised to enhance market efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence.
By working together, RSE and ESX seek to establish a more vibrant and competitive capital market landscape in Africa, promoting regional economic growth and expanding investment prospects.

This collaboration is expected to enhance financial integration and create new investment opportunities in both countries.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Youssouf secured 33 votes in the final round, clinching the seat for the next four years. His victory comes after a challenging multi-round election in which former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was eliminated after failing to gather enough votes.

Raila, who had campaigned vigorously with the support of various African leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, led the contest for several rounds. However, after a series of narrow losses in each round, he was ultimately eliminated in the sixth round.

Youssouf, who had steadily gained support throughout the voting, sailed through to the final round where he secured the necessary two-thirds majority required to win the election.

Raila’s elimination marked the end of Kenya’s bid for the continental position. His campaign had garnered support from at least 21 countries, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Youssouf’s consistent lead.

Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato was eliminated earlier in the race, leaving Youssouf and Raila to battle it out. Youssouf’s victory marks a significant milestone for Djibouti, as he becomes the seventh person to hold the AUC chairperson role since its establishment in 2002.

He succeeds Moussa Faki, who served two terms. Youssouf’s term will span four years, with the possibility of re-election for one additional term.

Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf is the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

How the vote was conducted

The election for the AUC chairperson took place over several rounds of voting, with candidates needing a two-thirds majority of votes, equivalent to 33 votes, to win the seat.

In the first round, Raila led with 20 votes, Youssouf received 18, and Randriamandrato had 10. One nation abstained.

Round two saw Raila garner 22 votes, Youssouf 19, and Randriamandrato 7 with each of the candidates settling for 20, 23 and 5 votes respectively. One nation still abstained.

On the fourth round, Youssouf maintained the lead with 25 votes, while Raila trailed with 21 votes. There were two spoiled votes and one abstention.

In round five of the vote, Youssouf gained one more vote, totaling 26, while Raila remained with 21 votes. Two abstentions were recorded.

Youssouf once again led in the sixth round with 26 votes, and Raila had 22 votes, with one nation abstaining. At this stage, Raila was dropped from the race. On the final round, Youssouf proceeded alone and secured the necessary 33 votes to win the chairperson position.

The election saw 49 member states participate, with six other countries suspended. The AUC chairperson is elected by member states, excluding countries under military rule. The election rules stipulate that a candidate must garner a two-thirds majority of the votes cast to win.

Youssouf will now lead the AUC for a four-year term, with the opportunity to serve a second term depending on the outcome of the next election cycle.

His victory reflects the African Union’s rotational system, with Eastern Africa presenting a candidate this time, while the Northern region nominated a deputy chairperson.

Raila’s elimination marked the end of Kenya’s bid for the continental position.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Kagame met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss regional and continental issues, including security in eastern DR Congo.

According to the Office of the President, their discussions “focused on strengthening cooperation across different development sectors for the benefit of the people of Rwanda and Ethiopia.”

Rwanda and Ethiopia enjoy strong diplomatic ties, with agreements in legal cooperation, media, sports, tourism, health, education, and culture. Additionally, Ethiopian investors have actively participated in Rwanda’s growing sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and services.

In a separate meeting, President Kagame and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo reviewed the robust partnership between Rwanda and Mozambique. “The two leaders discussed ways to expand and strengthen their collaboration for mutual benefit,” Village Urugwiro stated.

Rwanda and Mozambique have a long-standing security cooperation agreement, under which Rwanda deployed troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province in 2021 to combat terrorist activities.

President Kagame and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo reviewed the robust partnership between Rwanda and Mozambique.

Over the past four years, Rwandan forces have played a key role in dismantling terrorist strongholds, enabling the return of displaced civilians, and supporting Mozambique in rebuilding its security institutions.

The Head of State also engaged in discussions with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on matters of mutual interest, highlighting the positive relations between Rwanda and Barbados.

The two nations share an aviation partnership that enables RwandAir to operate flights to Barbados, strengthening connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.

During the summit, Kagame participated in the main AU session, where Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh AI-Ghazouani handed over the AU chairmanship to Angolan President João Lourenço for a one-year term.

The series of meetings underscores Rwanda’s commitment to reinforcing diplomatic ties, fostering economic partnerships, and promoting regional stability across Africa and beyond.

The Head of State also engaged in discussions with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

Kagame met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Kagame participated in the main AU session, where Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh AI-Ghazouani handed over the AU chairmanship to Angolan President João Lourenço for a one-year term.

IGIHE

The arrests followed numerous complaints from residents, who reported that miners were invading their farmlands without consent. Some residents claimed the miners, allegedly searching for gold, had become untouchable and even resorted to violence against anyone who questioned their activities.

Jean Bosco Mwiseneza, the RNP spokesperson for the Northern Province, confirmed the arrests.

“Rwanda National Police caught 68 individuals in the act of illegal mining. Of these, 52 were arrested in Kinzuzi sector, Rulindo district, while 16 were apprehended in Gacaca, Remera, and Muhoza sectors of Musanze district. They are currently in police custody under investigation for illegal mining activities,” he stated.

The suspects from Rulindo are being held at Murambi Police Station, while those from Musanze are detained at Muhoza Police Station.

Following the arrests, RNP reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal mining and issued a stern warning to those involved, emphasizing that such activities will not be tolerated.

Rwanda National Police caught 68 individuals in the act of illegal mining.

IGIHE