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In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs will be exempt. Essential staff expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 pm.

USAID also announced that it is also preparing a plan to bring home personnel currently posted outside the United States within 30 days, in coordination with the State Department and overseas missions.

The agency will cover the cost of return travel and will terminate Personal Services Contract (PSC), and Independent Services Contract (ISC) deemed non-essential. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals facing personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other significant issues.

“For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming,” USAID said.

The move is the latest in a series of actions reflecting the Trump administration’s tough stance on foreign aid.

Since regaining office, President Trump has pursued efforts to curtail U.S. assistance programs, arguing that such initiatives are wasteful and should be significantly reduced or eliminated. Internal discussions about bringing USAID under the direct control of the State Department have sparked fears that the agency could be dismantled altogether.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed alarm at the administration’s handling of USAID, warning that its restructuring would require congressional approval.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Brian Schatz, along with Representatives Gregory Meeks and Lois Frankel, issued a statement stressing that USAID’s independence is protected by law, while Senator Chris Murphy affirmed that 'a president cannot eliminate an appropriated federal agency by executive order.'

Adding to the uncertainty, billionaire Elon Musk has publicly attacked USAID following a reported clash between the agency’s security personnel and Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk leads.

On Sunday, Musk labeled USAID a 'criminal organization' and called for its dissolution. His post on X (formerly Twitter), stating 'Time for it to die,' has raised fears that the administration is committed to dismantling the agency.

USAID’s website also temporarily went offline over the weekend, and a bare-bones page appeared under the State Department’s domain, suggesting possible consolidation efforts. Senator Chris Coons responded by accusing Trump of attempting to 'gut the agency altogether.'

As the largest provider of foreign assistance, the U.S. distributed $72 billion to nearly 180 countries last year—more than half through USAID. The agency’s projects in Africa, in particular, are at risk as funding freezes and personnel cuts threaten ongoing programs in health, education, economic development, and governance.

USAID has played a critical role in Rwanda since 1964, supporting initiatives that enhance economic capacity, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental resilience. The loss of U.S. assistance could leave a significant void, potentially opening the door for rival powers such as China to expand their influence in the region.

USAID said only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs will be exempt.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Among the bodies are soldiers who died fighting M23 in its battle to capture the city, as well as others who lost their lives in combat around Sake.

South African opposition politician Julius Malema revealed that a soldier stationed in Goma reported how his fallen comrades’ bodies had begun to rot.

“We were informed that the bodies are decomposing. There is no way to retrieve them. The South African military base near Goma’s airport has been taken over. Our soldiers are in M23’s hands. When they need to use the restroom, they have to ask M23 for permission, and they are escorted there. This was reported by a soldier on the ground,” Malema stated.

He accused the South African government of hiding the truth about the situation, claiming they have chosen to mislead the public about the real reasons behind the troops’ deployment to the DRC.

South Africa has announced that the bodies of the fallen soldiers will be repatriated on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. However, concerns remain over how this will be executed, given that air and sea routes have been blocked. The only viable option is to transport the bodies through Rwanda.

Reports indicate that Rwanda had granted South Africa permission to use its territory for repatriation, but South Africa allegedly refused the offer.

South African opposition politician Julius Malema revealed that a soldier stationed in Goma reported how his fallen comrades’ bodies had begun to rot.

IGIHE

For the first time in years, residents of Goma are sleeping peacefully, moving freely at night, and resuming daily activities as usual without fear.

Anastasie, a mother who has lived in Goma for over four years, shared her surprise at the newfound sense of security. 'I never imagined M23 fighters were good people, that they serve God. In all my years in Goma’s refugee camps, this is the first time I have spent a night without fear,' she told IGIHE.

Over the weekend, IGIHE toured various parts of the city, from the La Corniche border with Rwanda to Bilele, the Governor’s Office, and Quartiers Les Volcans. While remnants of war were still visible, businesses had largely resumed.

One of the key battlegrounds was Mont Goma, where government troops made their last stand. On Tuesday, FARDC and Wazalendo militia held onto Camp Katindo, a major military base in the city center. By the weekend, however, M23 had taken full control.

At the entrance to the camp, as in most of Goma, M23 forces were stationed, ensuring security. Burned-out military trucks and abandoned ammunition provided evidence of the fierce battles that had taken place.
Stade de l’Unité, one of the city’s largest stadiums, also saw combat. While bullet holes marked the walls, there were few other visible signs of the battle.

M23 fighters are now present throughout the city, including on the road to Goma International Airport. In Bilele, they walked freely through the market, greeted by residents who waved at them, a stark contrast to the fear that once gripped the population.

At UN peacekeeping bases hosting troops from Uruguay and Senegal, operations continued as usual.
Sources indicate that at least 2,100 Congolese soldiers sought refuge with MONUSCO as the fighting escalated. Their fate remains uncertain, whether they will surrender to M23, flee, or attempt to regroup.

Close to the airport, Red Cross workers were seen assessing the area trying to locate any dead bodies, as the site had witnessed heavy clashes between M23 and government forces.

Goma International Airport is currently non-operational, with M23 fully in control. Civilians passing by engaged in casual conversations with the rebels, showing no signs of fear or resistance.

Goma, a city of two million people spread across 75.72 square kilometers, is slowly returning to normal. The local economy, reliant on small-scale trade, fishing, and mineral extraction, is resuming operations under the new administration.

M23 leaders have declared that their advance will not stop in Goma. They have vowed to continue their push toward Kinshasa, aiming to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, which they accuse of oppressing civilians, particularly Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda.

However, a few days ago, operating under the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire citing humanitarian concerns amid the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.

The local economy, reliant on small-scale trade is booming again.

Public transport is also going on as usual.

Business is back to normal in Goma

Street forex services are also available once again.

The boarder post is well guarded.

IGIHE

Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, he was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili sect. He assumed the role of Imam in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Aga Khan III.

Throughout his nearly seven-decade long leadership, Aga Khan IV was renowned for his profound commitment to philanthropy and the betterment of society. He established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which operates in over 30 countries, focusing on initiatives in health care, education, cultural preservation, and economic development.

The network invests approximately $1 billion annually in various projects, particularly in Africa and Asia, aiming to improve living conditions and promote sustainable development.

In a 2018 interview with the Financial Times, Aga Khan IV described his role as akin to a venture capitalist for challenging environments, emphasizing the integration of social and economic development. He stated, “We are investing in people’s quality of life.”

Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Aga Khan IV was an accomplished horse breeder and racing enthusiast. He owned several notable racehorses, including Shergar, the 1981 Epsom and Irish Derby winner. His passion for horse racing brought him significant acclaim in the equestrian world.

Despite his immense wealth, estimated between $800 million to $13 billion, Aga Khan IV led a life dedicated to service and the development of marginalized communities. He was honored globally for his contributions, receiving numerous accolades maintaining close relationships with international leaders. Former Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird remembered him as “a remarkable leader.”

Following his passing, ceremonies and tributes have taken come through worldwide, especially within Ismaili communities. His successor will be named based on his will, with his eldest son, Prince Rahim, anticipated to assume the role.

Reflecting on his life’s work, Aga Khan IV once remarked, “The role of the Imam is to guide his community and to contribute to improving the quality of life of all those amongst whom they live.”

The Aga Khan’s burial is scheduled to take place in Lisbon, though the date remains unannounced. His enduring legacy of compassion, leadership, and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.

Prince Karim al-Hussaini, known as Aga Khan IV passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 4, 2025.

IGIHE

On February 4, 2025, Minister Motshekga and commanders of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) appeared before Parliament, where they explained that their soldiers did not expect to be engaged in combat when sent on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, as they were intended to serve as peacekeepers.

However, MP Carl Niehaus dismissed this reasoning, insisting that the real purpose of the mission was to fight, not to keep the peace.

'Why are you Minister? And why is the President lying to us about the nature of the operation that we have in the DRC?' Niehaus asked.

'It is not a peacekeeping mission. It is an offensive mission and it is defined as such by the SADC. Therefore, you knew that our soldiers were going to be shot at, and you knew that you were sending our young men into the DRC to die in the killing fields of the DRC.'

Another MP criticized the government for misusing taxpayer money to fund the mission without providing clear justification. The MPs also pointed out contradictions regarding the financial support for the operation. Initially, the government promised billions of rand for the mission, only to later claim that the funds were provided by SADC.

The MPs, dissatisfied with the explanations, insisted that South African troops were not contributing to peace in the DRC and called for their immediate withdrawal.

Concerns about transparency were also raised, with many MPs questioning the unclear role of South African soldiers in the conflict. These concerns intensified after reports emerged that South Africa had lost several soldiers in the DRC.

On January 27, 2025, up to 14 South African soldiers were killed during clashes with M23 rebels, who had taken control of the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu Province.

Motshekga acknowledged that the South African troops faced a shortage of equipment, which hindered their ability to defend themselves.

Lawmakers also asked the foreign minister and SANDF Chief when the soldiers would be repatriated and for how long the mission was planned.

However, they were unable to provide answers. MP Virgill Gericke emphasized that South Africa should not hide behind SADC, noting that countries are not forced to participate in missions under the organization.

South African forces are reportedly working alongside the Congolese Army’s coalition including the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Over 1,500 South African soldiers were deployed to the DRC as part of a SADC mission to assist the DRC’s army in combating armed groups in the region.

The role of South Africa in the conflict drew criticism from President Paul Kagame, who responded to a controversial message from South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on X last week.

Ramaphosa’s message referred to the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) as a militia and incorrectly called South African forces in the DRC peacekeepers.

Kagame condemned the message, calling it misleading and accusing Ramaphosa of distorting facts.

'The RDF is an army, not a militia,' Kagame asserted. He also criticized the SAMIDRC mission, stating, 'SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force, and it has no place in this situation. It was authorized by SADC as a belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations to help the DRC Government fight against its own people, working alongside genocidal armed groups like FDLR which target Rwanda.'

South African forces are reportedly working alongside the Congolese Army’s coalition including the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

IGIHE

This model comes in three variants, two of which are automatic. The car was officially unveiled in Kigali on the afternoon of January 30, 2025.

Alphonse Manege Abdul, the Sales Supervisor at Toyota Rwanda Ltd, highlighted that the Starlet Cross maintains the renowned quality of other Toyota models, tailored to meet the specific needs of Rwanda’s road conditions.

'This car is designed to help, as it belongs to the SUV category and is quick. Its engine capacity has been reduced to allow Rwandans to use less fuel,' he said.

'We brought it in as a solution because its price is relatively lower compared to the other models we’ve introduced. We will be selling it not only in Rwanda but also to neighboring countries like the DRC, Burundi, South Sudan, and others.'

These cars are currently available at Toyota’s Karuruma showroom. Nenad Predrevac, the General Manager of Toyota Rwanda, encouraged companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals to consider purchasing this car because it is durable, and its maintenance is affordable, offering numerous benefits.

The 2025 Toyota Starlet Cross specifications

For car enthusiasts, the engine’s power determines its ability to move. It boasts torque (measured in LB-FT), providing sufficient power for the vehicle during startup.

It also has horsepower (HP), which helps the vehicle maintain speed once it’s in motion.
This model is equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, generating 105 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s power is transferred to the front wheels, making it a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicle.

This engine performance makes it easy to drive on smooth roads, while it also manages to handle rougher terrain.

The 2025 Starlet Cross has a width of 1.76 meters, a ground clearance height of 1.55 meters, and a length of 3.99 meters from front to back.

The distance between the front and rear tires is 2.52 meters, and the car weighs 1,005 kg when empty (without passengers or cargo).

It is equipped with airbags in both the front and rear positions, including the doors, to reduce the impact of accidents.

The car also features an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking when sudden braking occurs, making it easier for the driver to maintain control.

Additionally, the 2025 Starlet Cross is equipped with Hill-Start Assist technology, which prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on a steep incline. Its tires are 16 inches in size.

The car does not require a key to start, as it utilizes a push-button ignition. Due to fluctuations in the value of the Dollar, prices may change, but when it was unveiled, the 2025 Starlet Cross was priced between 43 million and 45 million Rwandan Francs.

For those interested in test-driving the car before purchasing, Toyota Rwanda has provided a platform to book a test drive, either online on their website or by calling 0788 314072.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was also unveiled

The car was officially unveiled in Kigali on the afternoon of January 30, 2025.

The Managing Director of Toyota in Rwanda, Nenad Predrevac, encouraged companies, private businesses, and families to buy this vehicle.

Benjamin Mutimura, the CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda, attended the unveiling of the vehicle.

Toyota Rwanda Ltd has officially launched the 2025 Toyota Starlet Cross.

This car is equipped with a 'Turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4 with a hybrid system.’ It features a turbocharger, four cylinders, and an electric motor component that enhances startup, boosts acceleration, and optimizes fuel efficiency.

The 2025 Starlet Cross has a width of 1.76 meters, a ground clearance height of 1.55 meters, and a length of 3.99 meters from front to back.

The car utilizes a push-button ignition.

The 2025 Toyota Starlet Cross is a visually appealing car designed to be perfect for the roads of Kigali.

These cars are currently available at Toyota’s Karuruma showroom.

Alphonse Manege Abdul, the Sales Supervisor at Toyota Rwanda Ltd, highlighted that the Starlet Cross maintains the renowned quality of other Toyota models, tailored to meet the specific needs of Rwanda’s road conditions.

IGIHE

Also on Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long criticized the UNRWA.

During Trump’s first term in June 2018, the United States withdrew from the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying that it has rendered membership to unworthy nations and harbored “disproportionate focus and unending hostility towards Israel.”

However, in February 2021, then U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the Biden administration would reengage with the council as an observer.

Since 1950, UNRWA has been assisting Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign executive orders on Tuesday to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council and stop funding for the UN Palestinian relief agency (UNRWA).

Xinhua

The Congolese government has called for Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain to sever their partnerships, accusing the Rwandan government of using sports as a tool for “sportswashing” amid ongoing tensions in eastern DR Congo.

Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, recently wrote to the clubs, questioning the morality of their deals with Rwanda, alleging the sponsorship is funded by illicit mining from conflict zones in eastern DR Congo.

However, during an exclusive interview with CNN, President Kagame firmly rejected the accusations, terming the Congolese government’s campaign a “wasted effort.”

The Head of State suggested that the Congolese government’s focus should be on managing internal issues and solving the country’s political problems.

President Kagame maintained that Rwanda is not directly involved in arming or supporting the M23 rebels.

He pointed out that much of the “sophisticated equipment” used by M23 in the recent fighting, which led to the capture of Goma City, came from the Congolese army, which had been defeated and pursued by the rebels.

During the interview, President Kagame expressed frustration with President Félix Tshisekedi’s absence from diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the conflict, especially after he skipped a Heads of State extraordinary summit that brought together Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the security situation in eastern Congo.

“When you have a problem, you must look for the cause. The one with the problem must seek a solution,” Kagame emphasized.

President Kagame has often accused the Congolese administration of ignoring the root causes of the conflict in the eastern region and prioritizing military solutions over a political resolution, which can be achieved through dialogue with the M23 group fighting for the interests of the Congolese Rwandophones, particularly the Tutsi community.

Speaking in a separate interview with Al Jazeera, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe dismissed the narrative of Rwanda exploiting minerals in Congo as a distraction from the more profound issues of ethnic persecution and governance failures.

“This narrative of minerals as the root cause of this conflict is really a lazy and unacceptable narrative,” he remarked, stressing that the conflict’s core lies in the protection and rights of communities.

The Visit Rwanda campaign, launched in 2018, has helped raise the country’s global profile, with significant partnerships with high-profile football clubs, which have boosted Rwanda’s tourism sector and foreign investments.

Rwanda has repeatedly dismissed sportswashing claims, with the country’s Chief Tourism Officer, Irene Murerwa, calling such claims a “distraction” from Rwanda’s achievements.

President Kagame stated that the Congolese government’s focus should be on managing internal issues and solving the country’s political problems.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a candid interview with Al Jazeera, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the historical context of the conflict, pointing to the artificial borders drawn by colonial powers in the early 20th century, which he argues have led to the marginalization and persecution of Congolese Rwandophones, particularly the Tutsi community in Eastern DRC.

“Rwanda was a German colony, and in 1910, 1912, and 1911, there was a meeting in Brussels where Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom decided to draw the borders between the three countries artificially. We had part of the Kingdom of Rwanda which was given to Congo with the people, and another part was given to Uganda. Then we have people of Rwandan culture and heritage in those two countries; in DRC, which was Congo at that time, and Uganda,” Nduhungirehe explained.

“But those in Uganda never had any problem; they were integrated into society, considered as Ugandans. However, those in Congo, who have lived there since 1910, were never considered as Congolese; they were always suspected to be Rwandan. And this went on until the independence of Congo, and this marginalization under suspicion continued. In the 1970s, the then President of Zaire, which was the name of the country, President Mobutu, decided to give them citizenship, but 10 years later in the 80s, he stripped that citizenship from them, so their situation was always difficult,” he added.

The minister insisted that the continued persecution of Rwandophones in eastern Congo birthed the M23 group, which is fighting for the rights of the marginalized group.

He emphasized that the M23 is fundamentally a Congolese movement defending its community, dismissing the narrative that marginalized groups were foreigners in their own land and that Rwanda was aiding them.

“The M23 is a Congolese movement supporting and defending a Congolese community,” he stated, adding that Rwanda’s purported involvement in the conflict had been misrepresented.

Nduhungirehe was particularly vocal about the international community’s failure to address the genocide ideology propagated by the FDLR, a group sanctioned by the United Nations but still active and collaborating with the DRC government. The FDLR continues to pose a security threat to Rwanda, three decades after being involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

“It’s unacceptable for the government of DRC to collaborate with this group of genocidaires, the FDLR,” he noted, criticizing the bias in international reports and the lack of condemnation for atrocities committed against Congolese Tutsis.

He further accused the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, of not only failing in its mandate but also exacerbating the situation by supporting forces that include genocidal elements and mercenaries. He maintained that such actions violate international conventions.

“MONUSCO in Eastern DRC has not been part of the solution; it has been part of the problem,” Nduhungirehe asserted.

More than 280 European mercenaries recently fled DRC after being defeated by the M23 in a battle that led to the capture of Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province. The Romanian mercenaries departed for their home country through Rwanda last week following the closure of Goma airport.

The minister also addressed the often-cited narrative that the conflict is primarily driven by mineral wealth, dismissing it as a distraction from the more profound issues of ethnic persecution and governance failures.

“This narrative of minerals as the root cause of this conflict is really a lazy and unacceptable narrative,” he remarked, stressing that the conflict’s core lies in the protection and rights of communities.

Regarding peace processes, Nduhungirehe spoke with frustration about the stalled negotiations, particularly under the Nairobi and Luanda frameworks.

He criticized the international community for not pushing for a political solution to the M23 issue, despite Rwanda’s consistent advocacy for direct talks between the DRC government and the M23.

“We have always supported a political solution to the M23 question,” he said.

Nduhungirehe’s remarks come at a time when tensions in DRC remain high following the capture of Goma and several key towns by M23.

Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) are expected to hold a joint crisis meeting in Tanzania later this week to chart the way forward in silencing the guns in eastern DRC.

SADC is contributing troops to the region and has, in recent days, suffered at least 14 deaths from the fight between the M23 and coalition forces allied with the Congolese government.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Oliver Nduhungirehe has strongly criticized the international community for what he describes as a deliberate oversight of the root causes fueling the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

IGIHE