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The suspects, aged between 40 and 53, were presented to the media on Wednesday, February 5, after being caught with stolen equipment from power distribution networks.

During separate police operations in Kicukiro, Gasabo, and Rulindo districts, authorities seized 445 electrical fuses and 295 meters of electric cables from the suspects, who were conducting illegal trade.

ACP Boniface Rutikanga, spokesperson for Rwanda National Police, stated that efforts to combat such crimes will not only target the thieves but also those who knowingly buy and resell stolen equipment.

'Tracking down thieves alone is not enough. We must also go after their buyers. All seven suspects failed to explain the source of the materials they were caught with. Investigations confirmed that these items had been stolen from major power networks in different areas,' Rutikanga explained

'Two suspects were apprehended in Zinia, Kicukiro District, four in Gisozi, Gasabo District, and one in Rulindo District. These individuals are responsible for power outages and disruptions that affect public safety. The consequences of their actions are serious, and we will not tolerate them. These arrests were made in just one week, and operations will continue to track down others still engaged in this crime,' he added.

Rutikanga also warned business owners selling electrical materials without proof of origin, stating that they would be treated as accomplices in infrastructure vandalism.

On his part, Geoffrey Zawadi, Head of Partnerships at REG, described the destruction of electricity infrastructure as a criminal act that hinders national progress.

'These criminals are sabotaging efforts to provide electricity to all Rwandans. Allowing such acts to continue is like pouring water into a basket, progress will never be achieved. We must unite and be stronger than those destroying public infrastructure. A handful of people cannot be allowed to repeatedly sabotage national projects, forcing the country to repair the same damages instead of moving forward,' he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Joseph Mutabazi, Head of the Inspection Unit at RICA, urged traders dealing in electrical equipment to comply with regulations, emphasizing that authorities, in collaboration with security agencies, are conducting continuous inspections. He also advised consumers to be vigilant when purchasing electrical materials.

'When buying such equipment, always ask for a receipt and verify the source. Customers have the right to know where the products they purchase come from.'

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on the theft and illegal trade of electrical infrastructure, ensuring that all those involved face legal consequences.

The suspects, aged between 40 and 53, were presented to the media on Wednesday, February 5, after being caught with stolen equipment from power distribution networks.

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They highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to providing opportunities that improve the lives of refugees while fostering a sense of inclusion.

During a plenary session held on February 5, 2025, the Rwandan Senate reviewed a report presented by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security on the implementation of the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees.

The report detailed how Rwanda assists refugees in various sectors, including education, healthcare, employment, environment, and sanitation. Senator Hadidja Murangwa Ndangiza, the committee chairperson, emphasized that Rwanda offers a welcoming environment and equal opportunities for all.

She noted that 848 schools across the country enroll refugee children, and six vocational training institutions provide them with technical skills. Additionally, some universities, including Kepler, offer scholarships to high-achieving refugee students, ensuring they have access to quality education.

Beyond education, the government has allocated 136.8 hectares of land for agricultural activities benefiting both refugees and local communities. Initiatives like the “Jya Mbere” project have also helped refugees improve their lives by providing business support and investment opportunities.

In healthcare, many refugees now benefit from Rwanda’s community-based health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) and other services aimed at improving their well-being.

Despite these achievements, some challenges persist. High unemployment rates among refugees, outdated infrastructure, and difficulties accessing financial loans due to a lack of collateral remain significant obstacles.

Senator Murangwa urged refugees to take ownership of their challenges and seek solutions within their communities. 'They should understand that they must be part of the solutions to their problems, just like Rwandans, and embrace Rwanda’s culture of self-reliance,' she said.

She reiterated Rwanda’s boundless commitment to integrating refugees into national development programs, working with various institutions to address existing challenges.

'Although there are still obstacles in fully implementing Rwanda’s commitments, the country remains determined to enhance refugee inclusion in national development,' she added.

High unemployment rates among refugees and outdated infrastructure still remains a challenge.

Similarly, Senator Cyprien Niyomugabo commended the country’s efforts in ensuring that refugees do not only receive support but also learn values that encourage self-reliance. “All the good initiatives supporting refugees do not happen by chance; they stem from Rwanda’s core values, including patriotism,' he reaffirmed.

He also praised the education system for integrating refugee children with Rwandan students, fostering a culture of hospitality and respect for human rights and dignity.

In the same spirit, Senator Evode Uwizeyimana acknowledged Rwanda’s exceptional approach to refugee support but expressed concern that some refugees remain focused on seeking relocation abroad rather than working toward self-sufficiency.

'Some refugees dream of being relocated to places like Arizona or Canada, which affects their mindset and ability to work towards self-sufficiency,' he noted.

Senator Prof. Penina Uwimbabazi emphasized that Rwanda’s treatment of refugees reflects its commitment to valuing all people, ensuring they feel included and supported.

Currently, Rwanda hosts over 134,000 refugees, with 61% (82,262) from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 38% (51,134) from Burundi. These refugees are accommodated in various camps, including Mahama, Kigeme, Nyabiheke, and Mugombwa.

Some refugees have the opportunity to venture into farming programs.

Many refugees are engaged in business projects.

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Rwanda was represented by two teams in this prestigious event, which brought together over 103 police teams from various countries worldwide. The competition aimed to showcase expertise in counterterrorism tactics.

Participants competed in five different categories, including an endurance course that tested physical strength, teamwork, wall climbing, navigating obstacles, and more.

On the final day, teams competed in the Obstacle Course challenge. After five days of intense competition, Rwanda National Police SWAT Team 1 secured 10th place with 407 points, completing the course in 13 minutes and 27 seconds.

The team was 73 points behind China Police Team B, which won the gold medal with a time of 11 minutes and 12 seconds. Kazakhstan’s SUNKAR team finished second with 470 points, earning a silver medal, while China Police Team A took third place with 457 points, securing the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Rwanda National Police SWAT Team 2 also put in a strong performance, finishing 18th with 357 points, completing the course in 15 minutes and 36 seconds.

Notably, Rwanda National Police SWAT Team 1 was the best-performing African team in the competition.
Rwanda has now participated in the UAE SWAT Challenge four times in the six editions held so far.

Rwanda National Police SWAT Team 1 was the best-performing African team in the competition.

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Her death was confirmed by ASP Charles Twiine, head of the Criminal Investigations Department at Parliament Police, who acknowledged her significant contributions to Uganda’s law enforcement history.

'She broke barriers in 1960 and paved the way for women in law enforcement. I hope the Uganda Police honors her legacy with an official burial,' ASP Twiine posted on X. Details regarding the cause of her death and the location where she passed away were not immediately available.

Bangirana, alongside another woman identified as Ms. Rukidi, was among the first two female recruits to join the Uganda Police Force in 1960. They were later joined by eight more women, forming the pioneering group of female officers in what had been a male-dominated force.

One of the last surviving members of that trailblazing cohort, Bangirana often spoke about the challenges she and her fellow female officers faced. Among the most significant hurdles were restrictions on marriage and pregnancy.

In her 2022 autobiography, To Be Shrewd Without Appearing a Shrew, she detailed the stringent rules that required female officers to seek permission to marry and stipulated that pregnancy would result in dismissal.

After marrying in 1965 with official approval, Bangirana had to fight for her right to remain in the police force when she became pregnant. Her superior, known as 'Sir Richard,’ recommended her resignation, citing Police Standing Order Chapter 3, which mandated that pregnant policewomen either resign voluntarily or face dismissal.

Determined to challenge the policy, Bangirana directly appealed to then-Inspector General of Police Erinayo Wilson Oryema, arguing that she had followed the proper procedures and should not be penalized for pregnancy.

Oryema granted her 36 days of annual leave and an additional 90 days of unpaid leave, a decision that marked a turning point in improving conditions for women in law enforcement.

During her career, Bangirana noted that female officers were primarily assigned cases involving women and children, such as taking statements from rape victims and searching female suspects. However, she was proud of how the situation evolved over time, with women now holding senior command positions in the Uganda Police Force.

She lived to see female officers fully integrated into the force, taking on leadership roles and rising through the ranks—progress she attributed to the resilience of the early female recruits who pushed back against gender-based restrictions.

Bangirana’s legacy is one of perseverance and progress for women in law enforcement. Her passing marks the end of an era in Uganda’s policing history. Calls for the Uganda Police Force to accord her an official burial in recognition of her contributions continue to grow.

Pauline Maniraguha Bangirana is the first female who joined the Uganda Police Force in 1960.

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According to an official statement, the decision follows a ceasefire declaration by the warring parties and aims to facilitate negotiations for a peaceful resolution.

The M23 rebel group announced late Monday that it would implement a unilateral ceasefire starting Tuesday.

However, on Wednesday, fighting resumed after the group came under attack from the Congolese army and its allies, leading to retaliation.

Malawian troops have been part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), whose mandate was extended late last year.

Reports indicate that various stakeholders had urged Chakwera to withdraw from the mission, arguing that continued involvement was not in Malawi’s best interest.

Malawi recently lost three soldiers in the SAMIDRC mission during clashes in which M23 forces defeated the coalition and took control of Goma.

The decision to withdraw also follows growing concerns from South African lawmakers, who questioned their country’s involvement in the DRC conflict after losing 14 soldiers in the battle for Goma.

They have since called for the withdrawal of South African troops and the repatriation of deceased soldiers, though challenges remain as some troops are reportedly surrounded by M23 fighters.

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has directed the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to begin preparations for the withdrawal of Malawian troops from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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President Kagame shared details of their conversation on X, stating, 'I had a fruitful conversation with President of the EU Council António Costa, where we discussed the situation in DRC and agreed on the need for effective de-escalation and a resolution to the conflict that prioritizes political dialogue and ensures lasting peace.'

The discussion also underscored the need for all stakeholders involved in resolving the crisis to be responsible and level-headed, given the complexity of the situation.

Kagame further noted that they exchanged views on the ongoing strong cooperation between the European Union and Rwanda across key sectors.

In recent days, President Kagame has engaged in talks with various leaders regarding regional security.

These include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot and Angolan counterpart, among others.

President Kagame and the Head of EU Council have held talks on DRC crisis.

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The announcement was made on February 5, 2025, in a statement shared on X by AFC/M23’s political spokesperson, Laurence Kanyuka.

The appointments follow M23’s recent seizure of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, on January 27, 2025.

The group’s takeover included key infrastructure such as the North Kivu branch of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national broadcaster (RTNC), Goma International Airport, and other strategic locations.

Before capturing Goma, M23 had already taken control of several towns, including Minova in Kalehe Territory, the city of Sake, and other areas in North Kivu Province.

Bahati’s appointment comes after the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami, the former Governor of North Kivu.

Cirimwami was shot by M23 forces in Kasengezi while coordinating the Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, and the Congolese army against M23. Reports indicate that he was killed while assessing his troops’ performance on the battlefield.

Following his death, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed Major General Evariste Somo Kakule as his replacement.

Kakule’s appointment was preceded by a presidential decree promoting him from Brigadier General to Major General on January 28, 2025.

Life has returned to normalcy after the recent fall of Goma city to M23.

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The conflict in Eastern DR Congo remains a global concern, with many overlooking its root causes, which led the M23 rebel group to resume armed conflict in 2021.

In January 2025, the war escalated further when M23 seized Goma, warning that they would continue advancing toward Kinshasa if the DRC government refused peace talks.

Following Goma’s capture, the UN Security Council convened twice. Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vasily Alekseyevich Nebenzya, stressed that the crisis is deeply rooted in colonial history and called for the resumption of the Nairobi and Luanda peace talks to secure lasting stability.

A long-standing issue in the conflict is the marginalization of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC.

Their plight has gained more attention due to the continued presence of the FDLR, a group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwanda maintains that regional peace is impossible without eradicating the FDLR, which continues to spread genocidal ideology, particularly among the youth.

Currently, the FDLR is fighting alongside the FARDC, Burundian troops, mercenaries, and local Wazalendo militias, with a shared objective of defeating M23 and topple Rwanda’s leadership.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe has held a phone conversation with Bogdanov Mikhail Leonidovich.

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In a press statement released on Wednesday, the bank expressed its appreciation for Reynolds’ leadership and contributions, which have played a key role in its growth over the years.

Ubalijoro’s appointment was confirmed by a resolution of the Board of Directors of BK Group Plc, the sole shareholder of Bank of Kigali Plc.

A Rwandan national, Ubalijoro brings over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry, having held various commercial and management roles across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

He spent a significant portion of his career with Heineken International, serving on the boards of several joint ventures in Sierra Leone, Panama, The Bahamas, St. Lucia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Suriname.

In August 2020, he joined Molson Coors Beverage Company, a leading North American brewer, as Central Region Vice President based in Dallas, Texas. He was also a Board Director at Revolver Brewery, a Molson Coors subsidiary in Texas.

After retiring from the beverage industry on April 1, 2024, Ubalijoro shifted his focus to non-executive board roles and various sports initiatives in Rwanda and France.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. (1986), and an MBA from the University of Sherbrooke in Canada (1989).

Bank of Kigali Plc has appointed Eugene Ubalijoro as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors, effective February 5, 2025.

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Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, presented the revised budget proposal to the Parliament on Wednesday, highlighting adjustments aimed at strengthening resource allocation, supporting emerging national priorities, and improving public service efficiency.

Murangwa noted that Rwanda’s economy remains resilient despite global uncertainties, including climate change, inflation, and geopolitical challenges. Strong economic growth in the first three quarters of 2024 reflects this stability.

'The Government will continue to maintain macroeconomic stability and promote inclusive growth by investing in key areas such as agriculture, climate change, infrastructure, education, healthcare and social protection,' Murangwa stated.

Key changes in the revised budget

Overall, resources will increase by Frw 126.3 billion, from Frw 5,690.1 billion to Frw 5,816.4 billion. While tax revenue forecasts have been adjusted downward by Frw 20 billion, other revenue sources—including increased privatization proceeds and external concessional loans will help offset this decrease.

On the expenditure side, the revision includes adjustments in both recurrent and capital expenditures. The development budget will rise by Frw 80.6 billion, from Frw 2,007.3 billion to Frw 2,087.9 billion.

This change affects both foreign and domestically financed capital expenditures allocated under different sectors. Meanwhile, the recurrent budget will increase by Frw 45.7 billion, from Frw 3,682.9 billion to Frw 3,728.5 billion, primarily due to an increase in pension contributions.

The revised budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year is part of the updated medium-term macroeconomic framework.

The Government has pledged continued close monitoring of all components of economic performance that may affect the implementation of the revised budget and necessary actions to ensure its full execution while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, presented the revised budget proposal to the Parliament on Wednesday.

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