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According to the report presented to the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on June 5, 2026, mercenary groups provide battlefield support, maintain military assets including combat aircraft, and train members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in advanced drone operations, radar systems, jungle warfare, intelligence gathering, operational planning, secure communications and target identification.

Despite the longstanding cooperation, the UN experts say coordination between FARDC and the various mercenary groups has been undermined by weak command structures, resulting in confusion over lines of authority and responsibility.

Advanced training and cooperation with Wazalendo

The report says foreign mercenaries maintain operational bases in Kisangani, Kinshasa, Walikale, Kalemie in Tanganyika Province and Kindu in Maniema Province. Testimonies and other evidence gathered by the UN indicate they continue to play an active role in military operations across North and South Kivu.

In Walikale, North Kivu, and the town of Baraka in South Kivu, foreign mercenaries reportedly provided advanced military training to members of the Wazalendo militias. The programme covered reconnaissance techniques, including identifying enemy positions and operating surveillance drones.

According to testimonies cited in the report, participants were selected based on their level of education. Upon completing the training, many were deployed alongside FARDC troops, with some reportedly issued sniper rifles for operations against the AFC/M23 coalition.

Among those who benefited from the training were fighters under commanders sanctioned by the United Nations, including Guidon Shimiray, leader of the NDC-R armed group operating in Walikale, and members of the CNPSC led by William Yakutumba.

Operations in South Kivu

Between January and March 2026, mercenaries fought alongside FARDC during heavy fighting in South Kivu, participating in coordinated drone and ground operations in several areas, including Minembwe Commune and its surrounding areas.

During the same period, Wazalendo fighters were ordered to withdraw from the highlands of South Kivu and were replaced by a FARDC special forces unit known as 'Hiboux' together with foreign mercenary contingents.

The report says the mercenaries were not deployed across all operational areas. Instead, they were assigned to specialised missions, including coordinating heavy artillery fire, drone strikes and intelligence support. They were also deployed to the city of Uvira in January 2026.

On February 1, 2026, multiple drone strikes involving foreign mercenaries targeted positions held by the MRDP-Twirwaneho armed group in Minembwe.

Between February 2 and 8, mercenary units reportedly assisted the Hiboux special forces in recapturing the strategic Point-Zéro junction, a key crossroads linking the roads to Uvira, Baraka and Minembwe.

Secret agreement with Erik Prince

The report also details a confidential five-year cooperation agreement signed between the DRC government and American security contractor Erik Prince in December 2024. Prince is best known as the founder of the private military company Blackwater.

Under the agreement, Prince committed to providing military assistance to FARDC and overseeing security at mining sites across the country through contractors working under his companies.

In June 2025, Prince's United Arab Emirates-based company, Quantum Global Consulting, registered a subsidiary in the DRC known as Quantum Global Consulting Africa.

The company also established another entity, Vectus Global, headed by Christophe Sirot, a dual French-American national.

According to the report, Vectus Global signed a contract with the DRC Ministry of Finance to help increase state revenues from mining, combat cross-border smuggling, tackle corruption and reduce tax evasion.

At the end of April 2026, the Ministry of Finance announced the creation of a special unit tasked with securing mining sites, replacing soldiers and police officers previously assigned to those duties. The UN experts say the unit appears to be linked to Vectus Global.

The report further states that the agreement contained confidential military provisions assigning Vectus Global responsibility for strengthening border security, particularly in areas near Rwanda and Zambia.

The contract also authorised the company to advise FARDC on the acquisition and operation of combat aircraft and to recruit former foreign military personnel to support the Congolese armed forces.

According to the UN experts, the broader objective was to strengthen FARDC's military capabilities against Rwanda through advanced military technology, specialised training, strategic advice and the acquisition of modern weapons.

By late 2025, one Vectus employee told the UN investigators that the company's priorities had shifted from securing mining operations to supporting military activities as the conflict intensified.

In February 2026, another employee reportedly told the experts that the DRC government had enlisted Vectus Global to help plan an operation to retake the city of Uvira after it fell to AFC/M23 fighters, with company personnel deployed to South Kivu to support the operation.

However, during an interview with the UN experts in March 2026, Sirot denied that Vectus Global had participated in combat operations, insisting that the company's contract did not include any battlefield role.

The report nevertheless says multiple witnesses, including Vectus employees, identified Sirot as the individual responsible for coordinating the company's military-related activities.

More than 300 recruits from El Salvador

Another major finding concerns the recruitment of former soldiers and police officers from El Salvador.

According to the report, former Salvadoran military personnel and police officers began arriving in the DRC from July 2025 to support the government's coalition in its conflict against AFC/M23.

Initially assigned to maintain military equipment in Kisangani, Tshopo Province, many were later redeployed to Walikale, Baraka and Kalemie.

The UN experts found that a company known as Importaciones de Productos Americanos S.A. de C.V. coordinated the recruitment of more than 300 mercenaries in El Salvador for deployment to the DRC.

The company is registered in El Salvador and is owned by Juan Emilio Velasco Alfaro, a retired colonel in the Salvadoran military, and Rodrigo Antonio Tejada Alvarengar, a former lieutenant.

Most recruits signed one-year contracts that came into effect in July 2025, with each promised a monthly salary of US$4,225.

The report says some of the recruits returned to El Salvador before completing their contracts because of delays in salary payments by the DRC government or injuries and illnesses sustained during deployment.

The Government of El Salvador told the UN experts that it was unaware its citizens had travelled to fight in the DRC and had never authorised their deployment.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/mercenaries-in-drc-recruits-from-el-salvador-deployment-near-rwanda-and-secret-contracts/

In a statement issued on Friday, FERWABA said the decision followed the receipt and consideration of letters of apology submitted by APR Basketball Club, Habimana and Mpoyo, as well as a meeting held between the federation and the club on July 8.

'The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) wishes to inform the public that… it has resolved to accept the apologies and lift, with immediate effect, the disciplinary suspension previously imposed on Mr. Ntore Habimana and Mr. Mpoyo Axel Olenga,' the statement reads.

The federation said it also took into account the corrective measures implemented by APR Basketball Club and the players' renewed commitment to honour national team call-ups and faithfully discharge their duties whenever selected.

FERWABA reiterated that representing Rwanda is a privilege that requires patriotism, discipline and an unwavering commitment to putting national interests first.

The suspension was imposed on June 22 after the federation accused the two players of failing to honour a national team call-up ahead of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Luanda, Angola.

At the time, FERWABA said APR had confirmed the players would report to the national team camp, but they did not participate as expected, leading to disciplinary action under resolutions adopted during the federation's November 2025 General Assembly. The resolutions stipulate that players selected for national duty who fail to honour official call-ups face a one-year suspension from all basketball activities.

The decision sparked a dispute between the federation and APR Basketball Club.

Habimana and Mpoyo maintained that they had reported to the national team camp but were unable to immediately take part in training because they were recovering from injuries sustained during the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season. APR also defended the players, arguing that the club had submitted medical reports and that the matter resulted from a misunderstanding that could have been resolved through dialogue.

The club later appealed the sanctions and submitted letters of apology, while FERWABA convened a meeting with APR on July 8 to discuss the matter.

With the suspension now lifted, Habimana and Mpoyo are immediately eligible to return to competitive basketball, including representing both APR Basketball Club and the Rwanda national team when called upon.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ferwaba-lifts-one-year-suspension-on-ntore-mpoyo/

The recall, notified by BMW South Africa, affects a total of 10,961 vehicles, including BMW 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3 and X4 models, sold in South Africa since 2016.

According to a statement issued Thursday by the NCC, the supplier identified a production-related problem affecting vehicles equipped with the Pinion Starter, in which increased wear of the solenoid switch may occur after a high number of start operations.

'As a result, the engine's starting capability deteriorates. Under certain circumstances, the engine may no longer be able to start. In addition, a short circuit in the solenoid switch cannot be ruled out, which may lead to local overheating at the starter,' the NCC quoted the supplier as saying.

The NCC urged owners of the affected vehicles not to use the 'Remote Engine Start' function via the My BMW App or the remote-control key until the repair has been completed.

The commission also advised consumers to visit their nearest authorized BMW dealership to arrange an inspection and repair, adding that all corrective work related to the recall would be carried out free of charge.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/bmw-recalls-over-10000-vehicles-in-south-africa-over-starter-defect/

Kenyan drivers Jasmeet Chana and Ravi Chana are no strangers to Rwanda, having competed multiple times on the country's demanding rally stages in the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, a round of the African Rally Championship (ARC).

The experienced duo returns this year with a wealth of expertise, a strong desire to win, and a close connection with Rwanda's rally fans.

Their long-standing partnership and consistent performances have earned them recognition as one of the region's most respected rally crews.

Their latest campaign is supported through a joint sponsorship by RUBiS Energy Rwanda and Castrol, providing the team with the resources and technical support needed to compete at the highest level.

While RUBiS fuels the team's journey, Castrol's advanced engine lubricant technology is designed to protect the vehicle under the extreme demands of rally competition, from high-speed sections and tight corners to the toughest stages, helping maintain peak engine performance throughout the event.

Fans meet the Chana brothers

To celebrate the partnership and engage with motorsport enthusiasts, RUBiS Energy Rwanda organized a public meet-and-greet at the RUBiS Remera 3 service station.

The event gave fans an opportunity to meet the Chana brothers, view their rally car up close, and take souvenir photographs with the drivers.

Motorcyclists who attended also received Castrol products and other RUBiS promotional items, reflecting the companies' commitment to supporting every journey—from everyday travel to success in top-level motorsport.

The celebrations continued with a special 'Breakfast with the Drivers' event, bringing together RUBiS sponsors, business partners, invited guests, media representatives, and key stakeholders in the motorsport community.

The gathering served as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between RUBiS Energy Rwanda, Castrol, and the Chana brothers while highlighting the shared values that drive their collaboration, including performance, innovation, teamwork, and excellence.

Guests also had the chance to interact personally with the drivers, hear about their rally careers, and gain insights into how they prepare to compete at the highest level of African rallying.

Supporting the future of African motorsport

According to the organizers, the partnership represents more than a sponsorship agreement. It reflects a shared vision of nurturing sporting talent, building lasting relationships with customers and partners, and contributing to the continued growth of motorsport in Rwanda and across the region.

As the Chana brothers prepare to tackle the challenging stages of this year's rally, they do so backed by the trusted energy of RUBiS and the advanced engine protection offered by Castrol.

Together, the two brands say they are not only supporting competitors chasing victory but also helping shape the future of African motorsport, one stage at a time.

The 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally will take place from July 10 to 12, 2026.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rubis-energy-rwanda-and-castrol-welcome-chana-brothers-ahead-of-rwanda-mountain-gorilla-rally-2026/

The Prime Minister made the disclosure on June 9, 2026, while presenting to both chambers of Parliament an overview of government efforts aimed at strengthening the country's economic resilience and improving citizens' welfare.

Dr. Nsengiyumva said Rwanda's economy has continued to demonstrate strong performance despite various internal and external challenges.

He noted that the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 10% in the first quarter of 2026, contributing to the creation of more than 240,000 jobs since the first quarter of 2025.

According to the Prime Minister, the country's economic growth has been supported by increasing private sector investment.

'From 2024 until June this year, private sector investment projects worth nearly $8 billion were registered. These investments are expected to create approximately 118,000 jobs,' Dr. Nsengiyumva said.

Rwanda has set a target of creating 250,000 jobs every year by 2029 as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities and support economic development.

The country's GDP reached Frw 6.346 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, compared to Frw 5.276 trillion recorded during the same period in 2025, representing a 10% increase.

The services sector remained the largest contributor to economic output, accounting for 52% of GDP, followed by industry at 24%, agriculture at 19%, and other sectors contributing the remaining 5%.

Agricultural production increased by 8%, while industrial output grew by 13%. The services sector also recorded a 7% rise during the period under review.

Other sectors also registered growth, with wholesale and retail trade increasing by 11%. Transport services grew by 11%, driven by a 10% rise in land transport activities, while air transport recorded a 7% increase.

The latest figures highlight Rwanda's continued efforts to attract investment, expand economic activity, and create more employment opportunities as the country works toward its long-term development goals.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-records-8-billion-in-private-investment-projects-since-2024/

Upon arrial, they were welcomed by a large crowd of journalists and supporters at Kigali International Airport.

Speaking shortly after his arrival, Ashton Hall expressed his excitement about visiting Rwanda, the home country of his friend Ashton Small, better known as Kagarara.

Asked whether he knew anything about Rwanda before meeting Kagarara, Hall replied, 'To be honest, I didn't know Rwanda before. It was Ashton Small who introduced me to it.'

Hall also encouraged Rwandans to continue believing in their dreams and never lose hope, even when others dismiss their ambitions.

'Keep dreaming big and never give up. Don't listen to people who discourage you or call you crazy because of the goals you want to achieve,' he said.

He also praised Ashton Small for his rapidly growing social media presence, especially on Instagram, and urged Rwandans to follow him so that his work can reach an even wider audience.

On June 16, 2026, Ashton Small shared a video inviting Ashton Hall to visit Rwanda and witness the extraordinary talents of Rwandans living with disabilities.

Since then, Ashton Small's popularity has surged on social media. He now ranks among the Rwandans with the largest Instagram followings, having surpassed 300,000 followers.

His rapid rise has been driven largely by his ongoing tour with Ashton Hall, the American social media personality widely known for his fitness content, particularly videos showcasing his intense running workouts.

Hall recently announced his commitment to helping Ashton Small reach at least one million Instagram followers while also supporting him in various initiatives.

Rwanda is the latest stop on their African tour, following visits to Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin.

In the coming days, Ashton Hall and his team are expected to visit several locations across Kigali, tour Kagarara's family home, and take part in a range of activities planned during their stay in Rwanda.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ashton-hall-welcomed-in-kigali-as-he-begins-rwanda-visit-with-ashton-small/

The affordable housing project, located in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali, is being developed by RSSB and comprises 548 housing units designed for different categories of buyers, including workers, families, Rwandans living abroad and others seeking to own homes.

The development features both apartments and townhouses. The apartment blocks include two- and three-bedroom units, each with two bathrooms, while the townhouses are available in two categories, offering two- and three-bedroom options across two- and three-storey designs.

The estate is also planned to include commercial spaces, a nursery school, sports facilities, including basketball and volleyball courts, as well as landscaped gardens and recreational areas for residents.

The project has, however, faced significant delays since its launch in 2014. A report by the Office of the Auditor General for the financial year ending June 2025 highlighted a 10-year delay in its implementation.

Appearing before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to respond to concerns raised in the report, Rugemanshuro said several challenges affected progress, forcing RSSB to take on responsibilities beyond its initial mandate.

He cited land compensation as one of the issues that delayed the project, explaining that although such payments were not originally part of RSSB's responsibilities, the institution eventually intervened to ensure the project moved forward.

'Sometimes we had to work with other government institutions responsible for specific areas to make sure the project was completed,' Rugemanshuro said.

He told lawmakers that construction of the housing units is now 97 percent complete, while infrastructure works stand at 70 percent completion.

'The project is expected to be completed in December 2026. The houses are already at 97 percent completion, while infrastructure has reached 70 percent,' he said.

Infrastructure works include roads, water supply systems, wastewater treatment facilities and street lighting.

So far, 70 percent of the houses have already been sold, with the remaining 30 percent still available on the market.

PAC Chairperson Muhakwa Valens sought clarification on whether the reported 70 percent infrastructure completion covered all key facilities required for residents to occupy the estate, including roads, drainage systems, water facilities and lighting.

'We want to have a complete picture of this project so that we can conclude that the Batsinda issue has been resolved,' Muhakwa said.

Responding to the concerns, Rugemanshuro assured the committee that buyers would be able to move into their homes by January 2027.

'By January 2027, those who have paid for their houses should be living in them. The roads, water reservoirs, street lighting and other facilities should also be completed by then, unless an unforeseen challenge beyond our control occurs,' he said.

The homes are priced from Rwf80 million for a two-bedroom townhouse to Rwf117 million for a three-bedroom townhouse. Apartment units range from Rwf101 million to Rwf111 million.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/heza-estate-in-batsinda-set-to-welcome-homeowners-by-january-2027/

 

Authorities in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have issued clarifications regarding reports alleging that French military personnel are supporting the M23 armed group amid ongoing fighting in eastern Congo.

The claims, which circulated widely on social media and in political discussions, suggested that France could be involved in backing M23 operations as the group continues expanding its influence in parts of South Kivu.

However, South Kivu authorities stated that there is no concrete evidence confirming the presence of French troops alongside M23 forces or any direct military cooperation between them.

Officials called on the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could increase tensions in an already fragile security environment.

The alleged involvement of foreign actors in the conflict in eastern DRC has remained a highly debated issue. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, allegations that Kigali has denied, arguing that the conflict is linked to broader regional security concerns and the presence of armed groups operating in eastern Congo.

Meanwhile, regional and international actors have continued to call for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to address the long-running crisis.

South Kivu authorities emphasized the importance of responsible information sharing, warning that misinformation could worsen fear and instability among communities affected by the conflict.

Kagame delivered the remarks at the summit in Geneva, Switzerland, which also marked the official launch and inaugural meeting of the AI for Good Global Commission, a new global initiative he co-chairs that seeks to advance inclusive and responsible AI development.

The AI for Good Global Summit 2026 is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital technologies.

Addressing heads of state, technology leaders, investors and development partners, Kagame said AI has the potential to transform lives and strengthen economies, but stressed that deliberate action is needed to ensure its benefits are shared equitably.

‘We must be intentional about designing, funding, and governing AI so that it can reach its full potential,’ he said.

The Head of State highlighted three areas that should be prioritised to unlock AI’s potential.

The first, he said, is infrastructure, noting that computational power, connectivity and reliable energy must become more accessible through stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector.

Secondly, President Kagame underscored the importance of skills development, saying talent exists everywhere but opportunities do not. He urged educational institutions to continually adapt their curricula to prepare young people for an AI-driven economy.

His third priority was accountability, calling for AI governance frameworks that promote trust and transparency rather than creating new divisions.

Kagame said Rwanda is already demonstrating the practical use of AI through its Health Intelligence Center, which uses real-time health data and artificial intelligence to help predict disease outbreaks and support better policy decisions.

In June 2026, the Cabinet, chaired by President Kagame, approved the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Agency, which will drive AI development, innovation, adoption, investment and governance in support of Rwanda’s digital transformation and economic growth.

The agency is expected to play a central role in coordinating Rwanda’s AI agenda as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a regional technology and innovation hub.

In his speech on Wednesday, President Kagame also highlighted continental efforts through Smart Africa, noting that the alliance established the Africa AI Council last year to strengthen Africa’s role in shaping the future of AI.

While acknowledging growing geopolitical competition over technology and persistent uncertainty surrounding AI, President Kagame noted that Africa is well positioned to contribute to the global digital economy, pointing to the continent’s rapidly growing and youthful workforce.

‘In Africa, we are no longer satisfied to be passive consumers of technology. We want to build and deploy that technology at scale as well,’ he said.

President Kagame is serving as co-chair of the newly launched AI for Good Global Commission alongside Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff. The commission builds on the legacy of the Broadband Commission and brings together governments, business leaders, international organisations, investors and civil society to help ensure AI advances opportunity and development worldwide.

During the commission’s inaugural fireside discussion hosted by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Benioff described AI as a technology unlike any before it and said its impact would depend on how humanity chooses to develop and govern it.

‘This is not a regulatory body, this is not a rule-making body, this is a conversation,’ Benioff said. ‘Technology is never good or bad. It’s what we do with the technology that matters.’

He stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, saying governments, industry and civil society must work together to guide AI’s development in a way that benefits people around the world.

Kagame echoed that view, saying the commission would build on lessons learned from the Broadband Commission over the past 15 years, where public-private cooperation helped expand digital connectivity across continents, including Africa.

‘The main task is to deliver,’ Kagame affirmed. ‘We want to harness the good of AI.’

The AI for Good Global Commission aims to foster international collaboration on AI policy, investment and innovation, ensuring the technology is developed responsibly and its benefits are shared more broadly across countries and communities.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/kagame-outlines-three-priorities-for-inclusive-ai-future/