Author: admin

This follows the arrival of two military aircraft carrying South African soldiers at Bujumbura International Airport last Wednesday.

Reports from Bujumbura indicate that these troops are reinforcing South African forces already deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in eastern DRC.

The use of Bujumbura airport is said to be a contingency measure after M23 closed Goma International Airport upon capturing the city on January 27, 2025.

Burundian security officials told SOS Burundi that the South African troops moved from the airport to Gakumbu military base before reportedly heading towards the Gatumba-Uvira route into South Kivu, DRC.

A Burundian military officer stated, “Yes, the aircraft carried South African soldiers. We learned that they may pass through the Gatumba-Uvira road to reinforce SADC troops’ positions in South Kivu.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously suggested withdrawing troops from the DRC following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers in clashes with M23 around Sake and Goma.

His remarks came as South African forces remained stationed at a military base in Goma, under protection from M23 fighters.

However, recent movements suggest South Africa may be escalating its involvement. The deployment of troops to Burundi, an ally of the Congolese government against M23, adds to speculation.

Between January 30 and February 7, 2025, South Africa reportedly sent between 700 and 800 soldiers to Lubumbashi in southern DRC, with plans to reinforce troops in the east. This deployment was confirmed by diplomats and South African lawmaker Chris Hattingh.

Despite warnings from politicians like Julius Malema, urging the government to withdraw troops to prevent further casualties, South African authorities continue their military engagement.

Critics argue that M23 possesses superior battlefield experience and advanced weaponry, potentially putting South African forces at risk.

South Africa lost 14 soldiers during a recent fighting with M23.

IGIHE

In its latest monthly oil market report released in February, OPEC anticipates global oil demand to rise by 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, followed by an increase of 1.43 million bpd in 2026.

According to the organization, this year’s growth is expected to be fueled by strong demand for transportation fuels, particularly due to increased air travel and stable road mobility. Additionally, non-OECD countries are projected to see higher oil consumption in the industrial, construction, and agricultural sectors.

OPEC also maintained its global economic growth outlook, forecasting an expansion of 3.1 percent in 2025 and 3.2 percent in 2026.

Lake Kivu has been identified among areas for potential oil exploration.

IGIHE

Facilitated by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the training highlighted the importance of AML compliance in safeguarding the integrity of Rwanda’s financial market.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, Thapelo Tsheole stressed the critical importance of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) compliance.

CEO Thapelo affirmed that adherence to global standards is mandatory for all licensed capital market intermediaries and urged collaborative efforts to foster the sustainable growth of Rwanda’s capital market industry.

Chief Executive Officer of MO Capital Ltd, a trading member of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, Olivier Muneza stated that “this training has significantly enhanced my understanding of AML/CFT practices and how they can be effectively implemented in our daily business operations.”

The training equipped market participants with practical guidance on implementing risk-based approaches, ensuring beneficial ownership transparency, conducting customer due diligence (CDD), and applying enhanced due diligence (EDD).

It also covered internal controls, governance measures, Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), and reporting obligations, preparing firms to identify and mitigate ML/TF/PF risks effectively.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, Thapelo Tsheole stressed the critical importance of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing compliance.

Participants of the training in a group photo

IGIHE

According to UN officials, any initiative that encourages direct discussions between Russia and Ukraine is seen as a positive development. They emphasized that progress toward ending the war depends on both nations’ willingness to engage in negotiations.

The UN also acknowledged the significance of continued dialogue between the United States and Russia, noting that regular communication between major global powers plays a crucial role in resolving international disputes.

Both Washington and Moscow confirmed that the two leaders held a phone conversation, during which they agreed to initiate direct negotiations to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Regarding the UN’s potential involvement in the talks, the organization stated that it remains open to providing diplomatic support if requested by the parties involved.

Ukrainian servicemen ride on tanks towards the front line with Russian forces in the Lugansk region of Ukraine on 25th February 2022. Picture: Anatolii Stepanov/AFP

IGIHE

According to the ministry, the incident took place on Tuesday evening when a military patrol from Tunisia’s Rapid Intervention Unit, operating under the UN’s peacekeeping mission, was ambushed.

The unit was on a routine mission as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Tunisia has been contributing troops to MINUSCA since June 2021, with its Rapid Intervention Unit tasked with reinforcing frontline security, ensuring civilian protection, securing strategic locations, escorting humanitarian convoys, and safeguarding UN personnel.

Tunisia has been contributing troops to MINUSCA since June 2021.

IGIHE

The visitors, hosted by Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company, are set to explore various parts of Rwanda, including the Volcanoes National Park.

These elite travelers embarked on a journey through different countries, having previously arrived from Kenya and Tunisia, with their journey starting in London, UK. Their tour includes visiting world-renowned natural attractions, and they are accompanied by Abercrombie & Kent staff throughout.

Each tourist paid between $300,000 and $400,000 for the 30-day trip, which covers travel, luxury accommodations, and services in some of the world’s most scenic destinations, including Rwanda’s prestigious One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Kataza House.

On their trip around the world, they came a private chef, doctors. Upon arrival in Kigali, 17 classic tourist vehicles were at their disposal to take them to the Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze District, where they will visit gorillas and other wildlife.

Some moved by helicopter ride for some of them. The group will also visit local markets and shop for souvenirs.

The travelers will continue their journey to other African destinations.

Abercrombie & Kent primarily selects destinations known for security, high-end hotels, professional services, and unique natural wonders, with only a handful of countries included in their exclusive tours. Rwanda is consistently one of their chosen destinations.

In an interview with IGIHE, Paul Muvunyi, the CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Rwanda, praised Rwanda’s continued progress and its strong tourism appeal. He emphasized that Rwanda’s safety, hospitality, and the opportunity to see the famous mountain gorillas are major attractions.

Muvunyi noted that as demand grows, they aim to bring these high-end tourists to Rwanda more frequently, potentially even every month.

These visitors, who are wealthy individuals worth millions of dollars, often return to Rwanda because of the unique experiences the country offers. According to Albert Mitcho, an Abercrombie & Kent staff member in the region, many tourists visit Rwanda repeatedly due to its exceptional offerings.

Ann Epting, a senior representative from Abercrombie & Kent in the United States, highlighted Rwanda’s unique wildlife and culture as major reasons why clients choose to visit repeatedly. She emphasized that Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where tourists can experience mountain gorillas in the wild, contributing to its popularity.

The travelers will continue their journey to other African destinations, including Botswana, South Africa, and West Africa, as part of their ongoing luxury adventure.

Abercrombie & Kent, a leading luxury travel agency founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent, operates in over 100 countries with more than 60 branches, including one in Rwanda. They employ over 2,500 staff worldwide.

many tourists visit Rwanda repeatedly due to its exceptional offerings.

IGIHE

As regional tensions continue to boil, with the M23 rebels seizing Goma in the eastern part of DR Congo and threatening to advance to Bukavu, Kagame firmly responded to the allegations in a video conference interview with Jeune Afrique.

He called for a fair judgment based on facts and evidence rather than sweeping accusations. 'We have faced existential threats for years. Threats and sanctions will not deter Rwanda from defending its sovereignty and security,” he said.

Kagame made it clear that it is not his responsibility to intervene in the internal matters of the DR Congo or support any group for political change. 'It’s none of my business to try and effect supporting them or do it for them to do the change that may be justified and they want to see,' he asserted.

Regarding casualties during the ongoing conflict, Kagame explained that casualties in any conflict are inevitable, but questioned the logic behind holding those defending their nation accountable for enemy losses.
The Head of State emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering position in defending its national interests while also encouraging a broader understanding of the complex situation in the Great Lakes region.

The M23 crisis, which has been shaking the region for almost three decades, has once again come onto the international spotlight as leaders prepare to discuss the crisis further during the upcoming African Union summit in Addis Ababa.

President Paul Kagame has reiterated Rwanda’s right to self-defense and will not be intimidated by threats of sanctions.

IGIHE

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the DRC government officially barred flights from Rwanda from entering its airspace or landing on its territory, citing security concerns. Just hours after the announcement, RwandAir confirmed that it had started implementing the directive.

'Due to the closure of DRC airspace to Rwandan-registered aircrafts, RwandAir has established alternative routes for affected flights. We are doing everything possible to ensure safe and reliable travel while minimizing disruptions for our customers,” RwandAir said in a statement. The airline also apologized to passengers affected by the decision.

“Civil or government aircraft registered in Rwanda, or elsewhere but operating in Rwanda, are prohibited from DRC airspace and territory due to security threats posed by the ongoing conflict,” the DRC Civil Aviation Authority said earlier.

This decision comes as tensions between the two countries continue to rise amid ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and the armed group M23, which has controlled the city of Goma since January 27, 2025.

The latest ban follows a similar measure imposed by the DRC in 2022, which suspended RwandAir’s operations within the country. Before that, RwandAir operated flights to key DRC airports, including Goma International Airport, Lubumbashi International Airport, and N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa.

The Rwandan national carrier, RwandAir, has suspended flights over DRC airspace.

IGIHE

This agreement signifies that both nations have agreed to remove visa requirements for their citizens. However, once both parties finalize and confirm the terms, a formal agreement will be signed, ensuring there are no further changes or improvements needed.

The announcement of this agreement was made on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

The official confirmation took place during a Government Council meeting led by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.

This approval means that Rwandans wishing to travel to Qatar will no longer need a visa, and similarly, citizens of Qatar will not require a visa to visit Rwanda. Since 2019, Qatar has included Rwanda among the countries whose citizens can travel to Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days.

Opening the doors for citizens of other countries to easily obtain visas upon arrival, or apply for them later, aims to promote trade, business, and tourism between the two nations.

This agreement comes shortly after President Kagame’s official visit to Qatar, where he met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. President Kagame arrived in Doha on the evening of February 11, 2025, for a working visit.

Rwanda and Qatar already share strong cooperation in several sectors, including security. In October 2024, the Rwanda National Police and Qatar’s internal security agency, Lekhwiya, signed a cooperation agreement to enhance security and fight crime.

Additionally, the two countries collaborate in air transport, with Qatar Airways expected to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir in the near future.

Qatar also holds a 60% stake in the Bugesera International Airport project, which is set to be completed with an investment of $780 million. Upon completion, the airport will be capable of accommodating 14 million passengers annually.

President Kagame’s met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on his official visit.

IGIHE

The two leaders discussed the 'continuous positive bilateral relations between Rwanda and Qatar and partnership in key sectors,' according to the President’s Office.

A day before, the Head of State arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a work visit. He was welcomed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr. Ahmad bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, at Hamad International Airport.

Rwanda and Qatar are friendly nations with cooperation in various sectors that benefit both sides. These countries collaborate in areas such as security, investment promotion, economic partnership, trade and technology, tourism, anti-corruption, and more.

Qatar is also partnering with Rwanda in transportation investments, particularly in the Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake.

Last month, Kagame mentioned that significant progress had been made regarding agreements Rwanda signed with Qatar for the construction of Bugesera International Airport and the purchase of a 49% stake in RwandAir, with most aspects bearing fruitful results.

At the end of the work visit, the head of state, along with his delegation, was once again accompanied by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, to Hamad International Airport for departure.

The two leaders discuss the continuous positive bilateral relations between Rwanda and Qatar and partnership in key sectors.

The Head of State arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a work visit on February 11, 2025.

On February 12, 2025, President Paul Kagame was received by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

IGIHE