Author: admin

  • South Africa mulls army deployment to combat gang violence #rwanda #RwOT

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government is considering deploying the army to gang violence hotspots to tackle persistent gang-related crime.

    The president’s remarks came amid a surge in gang-related fatal incidents in several parts of the country.

    “A call has been made to deploy the army,” Ramaphosa told journalists on Saturday morning outside the African National Congress National Executive Committee Lekgotla, a local term referring a key political or government meeting.

    However, he cautioned that soldiers are trained to neutralize threats rather than conduct investigations, so any decision to deploy them requires careful consideration. Ramaphosa stressed the need for a balanced approach in addressing the crisis.

    “The gang violence is one of those challenges that we’re facing. That is very prominent in our minds,” Ramaphosa said.

    Last weekend, at least 26 people were killed in a spate of gang-related violence in the Cape Flats, Cape Town, Western Cape Province. The violence included a mass shooting in Marikana, Philippi East Township, which left eight people dead.

    The region has long been plagued by gang-related violence. Police statistics show 2,104 murders were reported in Cape Flats in the first nine months of 2025.

    Between December 29, 2025, and January 11, 2026, the area recorded 58 gang-related murders and 60 attempted murders, according to Ian Cameron, chairperson of parliament’s portfolio committee on police.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government is considering deploying the army to gang violence hotspots to tackle persistent gang-related crime.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/south-africa-mulls-army-deployment-to-combat-gang-violence

  • Umutuzo Lodge: How Rwanda Day in Bonn inspired a Belgian to invest and settle in Rutsiro #rwanda #RwOT

    The scenic lodge was developed by Belgian national Philippe Velings, whose late father supported vulnerable Rwandans, especially orphans and widows affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, through the organization Les Enfants du Père Martin.

    In an interview with IGIHE, Velings explained that his first visit to Rwanda came in 2018, when he accompanied his mother to the graduation ceremony of a student his parents had sponsored. His father had passed away from cancer a few years earlier.

    'That trip brought me here,' he said. 'I came for the graduation and to support my mother after losing my father.'

    During that visit, Velings was struck by Rwanda’s natural beauty and began considering investment opportunities. Initially, he thought about leveraging his technical expertise in drones, but a trip to Boneza shifted his focus entirely.

    'I discovered this spot along Lake Kivu in Rutsiro District. I had seen many beautiful places, but Boneza truly moved me. As a child, I loved mountain climbing and often dreamed of ending my days in a house in the Swiss or French Alps,' he recalled.

    'Then I saw this land and thought: why not here? Why not build a lodge, a welcoming guesthouse, right on this shore?'

    After returning to Belgium, the idea persisted. In 2019, he learned that Rwanda Day would be held in Bonn, Germany, with senior Rwandan leaders, including President Paul Kagame, in attendance.

    Encouraged by Rwandan and Burundian friends, who described Rwanda Day as a unique forum for open dialogue between Rwandans, friends of Rwanda, and the country’s leadership, Velings decided to attend. Bonn was only a 90-minute drive from Brussels.

    'I went without high expectations, but what I experienced was extraordinary, the cultural performances, the ministers’ presentations, and especially hearing the President speak directly. The openness in answering questions was unlike anything I had seen from leaders elsewhere,' he said.

    The event, attended by around 6,000 people, solidified his confidence in Rwanda’s leadership and future.

    'That day decided everything,' Velings recalled. 'I left energized and told my friends, 'If there’s a flight tomorrow, I’m on it.’ Two weeks later, I moved to Rwanda permanently. I returned briefly to Belgium to settle affairs, then came back in November 2019. There was no hesitation.'

    Now in its seventh year of operation, Umutuzo Lodge offers accommodation, boat excursions to Lake Kivu’s islands, water sports, and cultural experiences including traditional banana beer brewing, beekeeping, handicrafts, and Intore dance performances.

    'It’s more than a lodge, it’s a home where guests are welcomed like family. We share meals, stories, and daily life together,' Velings said.

    The business has grown steadily, employing a team of 18 local staff and generating income that supports their families and the wider community.

    'We’re not wealthy, but we’re contributing to the area’s development in our own way,' he added.

    Velings also commended Rwandan institutions, particularly the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), for streamlining tourism investments and fostering a supportive environment.

    'This is the kind of leadership I believe in, leaders who listen to citizens and inspire optimism for a better tomorrow,' he said.

    Approximately 90 percent of the lodge’s guests come from Europe (primarily Belgium and France) and the United States.

    Umutuzo Lodge is located in Boneza Sector, Rutsiro District.

    Several islands, including Napoleon Island, are located near Umutuzo Lodge.

    Umutuzo Lodge consists of six cottages, all facing Lake Kivu, including family-friendly units.

    Accommodation is among the key services offered at Umutuzo Lodge.

    In an interview with IGIHE, Philippe Velings said attending Rwanda Day inspired him to invest in Rwanda.

    One of the islands located near Umutuzo Lodge.

    This area serves as the restaurant at Umutuzo Lodge.

    From the Umutuzo Lodge swimming pool, guests enjoy a close view of Lake Kivu.

    Most of the materials used to build Umutuzo Lodge were sourced locally in Rwanda.

    Guests can spot wildlife, including birds, small antelopes, and monkeys around Umutuzo Lodge.

    At night, Umutuzo Lodge takes on a completely different and serene atmosphere.

    The lodge is a peaceful setting, surrounded by trees that provide fresh air and natural beauty.

    Sunrise and sunset are favorite moments for guests to take memorable photos.

    Rwanda Day held in Bonn gave Philippe Velings the confidence to invest in Rutsiro.

    The hills of Rutsiro and Lake Kivu add to the natural beauty of Umutuzo Lodge.

    Most construction materials used for the lodge were sourced from within the district.

    Many of the furnishings are made by local artisans from Rutsiro.

    Umutuzo Lodge grows locally suited fruits, including pineapples.

    Most of the food prepared at the lodge is grown in the surrounding area.

    Most guests visiting Umutuzo Lodge come from Europe.

    Few places offer a better setting for meals than Umutuzo Lodge.

    From almost anywhere on the property, Lake Kivu is in view.

    The lodge offers a quiet environment ideal for reading and relaxation.

    The beauty of the sunset over Lake Kivu.

    Guests often socialize, sharing conversations about Rwanda.

    Lush forests in Rutsiro surround Umutuzo Lodge.

    Guests can easily find bananas, plantains, and traditional banana beer nearby.

    [email protected]

    Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/umutuzo-lodge-how-rwanda-day-in-bonn-inspired-a-belgian-to-invest-and-settle-in

  • Italian, Norwegian PMs slam Trump’s remarks on NATO role in Afghanistan #rwanda #RwOT

    In a statement on Saturday, Meloni recalled that following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, NATO activated Article 5 for the first and only time in its history in an act of solidarity with the United States.

    “Italy responded immediately together with its allies, deploying thousands of military personnel and assuming full responsibility for Regional Command West, one of the most significant operational areas of the entire international mission,” the statement said.

    According to Meloni, Italy paid “an unquestionable price,” with 53 soldiers killed and more than 700 injured in combat operations, security missions and training programs for Afghan forces in nearly 20 years.

    For this reason, statements that minimize the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied nation, the statement said.

    For his part, Store echoed that Trump’s remarks were “disrespectful.”

    “The fallen, their survivors and those who served in Afghanistan deserve to be addressed with truth and respect,” Store wrote in a statement posted on Facebook. “The statement made by the U.S. president is disrespectful. I understand that both veterans and relatives react strongly to this.”

    Trump told Fox Business on Thursday that the United States had never needed non-U.S. soldiers during the war in Afghanistan, who “stayed a little back, little off the front lines.”

    U.S. President Donald Trump (Front) attends a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, on June 25, 2025.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/italian-norwegian-pms-slam-trump-s-remarks-on-nato-role-in-afghanistan

  • AFC/M23 accuses Kinshasa coalition forces of continued ethnic cleansing #rwanda #RwOT

    In a statement signed on Wednesday by Lawrence Kanyuka, the movement’s spokesperson, AFC/M23 strongly condemned what it called 'yet another violation of the ceasefire perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime,' which it said continues to disregard the Doha peace process.

    According to the group, between Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27, 2025, coalition forces comprised of the Congolese army (FARDC), FDLR militia, Wazalendo militias, foreign mercenaries, and Burundi’s National Defence Force attacked densely populated areas of Kadasomwa and its surroundings.

    On Wednesday, August 27, the same forces allegedly launched a widespread offensive against Banyamulenge villages in Rugezi, Minembwe, in the Fizi highlands.

    AFC/M23 reported that the attacks killed and displaced many civilians, creating what it called 'an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,' and said its forces were compelled to intervene to protect 'defenceless civilians.'

    'These successive attacks are part of an ethnic cleansing campaign against our compatriots Banyamulenge, perpetrated in complicity with the Burundian army and in broad daylight.

    “They were planned and executed by the people who enjoy total impunity and tacit acquiescence at national and international levels, including within institutions dedicated to upholding human rights,' the statement read.

    The group further criticized what it described as the 'complicit silence' of the national and international community in the face of such violence.

    AFC/M23 reaffirmed its 'unwavering commitment to defend and protect civilian populations from this existential threat, whatever its source.'

    The reported violations come amid ongoing efforts to secure a lasting solution through the Qatar-brokered peace process, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles on July 19, 2025.

    However, Kinshasa has been accused of undermining these efforts by fueling discord through continued attacks in violation of the agreed ceasefire.

    Kinshasa coaltion forces have been accused of new attacks to populated areas including Minembwe.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-accuses-kinshasa-coalition-forces-of-continued-ethnic-cleansing

  • Rwanda tells U.S. lawmakers defensive measures will remain until FDLR is fully neutralised #rwanda #RwOT

    Speaking before the U.S. Congressional Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) on Thursday, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the U.S., Mathilde Mukantabana, underlined that Rwanda’s defensive measures are conditional, time-bound, and directly linked to the verified neutralisation of the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR).

    'The defensive measures we have put in place will adjust only as the level of threat reduces,' Ambassador Mukantabana said in her statement. 'Rwanda commits to a phased, simultaneous, and independently verified drawdown of its security coordination measures in direct proportion to FDLR disarmament milestones.'

    The ambassador’s testimony highlighted the persistent threat posed by the FDLR, a militia formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The group has operated across eastern DRC for more than three decades, carrying out atrocities against civilians and maintaining ties with the Congolese military.

    The hearing focused on the implementation of the Washington Accords, signed on December 4, 2025. The agreement, brokered with U.S. leadership alongside Qatar’s mediation, aims to establish lasting peace, security, and economic integration between Rwanda and the DRC.

    State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Sarah Troutman, representing the Trump administration, underscored U.S. monitoring of the agreement. She highlighted the potential for sanctions in case of violations and stressed the importance of neutralising the FDLR threat.

    FDLR militia is 'a legitimate threat' to Rwanda and 'they cannot be allowed to operate in eastern DRC', said Troutman.

    Ambassador Mukantabana provided historical context, recalling the Abacengezi insurgency of the late 1990s, a cross-border genocidal campaign launched by ex-Rwandan armed forces and Interahamwe militia that sought to destabilise Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She emphasised that the lessons of the past underpin Rwanda’s insistence on maintaining defensive measures until credible security assurances are established.

    “The memories of genocide survivors, the graves of one million victims, and the documented history of the Abacengezi insurgency, which killed thousands more in the years following 1994, compel us to maintain defensive capabilities until credible security assurances are established, until the threat is gone, once and for all,” Mukantabana said.

    The ambassador concluded by reaffirming Rwanda’s readiness to work with the DRC, the United States, the African Union, and other international partners to ensure that the Washington Accords translate into permanent peace and shared prosperity.

    Beyond security, the Washington Accords also set a framework for regional economic transformation through the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF). Rwanda aims to expand cross-border trade, develop infrastructure, and create jobs, linking peace and prosperity to verified security measures.

    Speaking before the U.S. Congressional Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) on Thursday, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the U.S., Mathilde Mukantabana, underlined that Rwanda’s defensive measures are conditional, time-bound, and directly linked to the verified neutralisation of the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR).

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-tells-us-lawmakers-defensive-measures-will-remain-until-fdlr-is-fully

  • Russia strikes Ukraine energy, military infrastructure #rwanda #RwOT

    In a statement, the ministry said the Russian army targeted an energy facility supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, a production workshop, and storage and launch sites for long-range drones. It also struck temporary deployment points for Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 159 areas.

    The statement also said that Russian air defense systems intercepted two guided bombs, 31 rockets from the U.S.-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, and 68 fixed-wing drones.

    The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is rooted in a deep-seated struggle over sovereignty, security, and national identity that escalated into full-scale war in 2022. At its core, Russia seeks to reassert influence over its neighbor, viewing Ukraine’s aspirations to join Western institutions like NATO and the European Union as an existential threat to its own security and “sphere of influence.”

    Conversely, Ukraine views the war as a fight for survival and independence from Russian imperialism, asserting its right to determine its own future as a sovereign nation. These tensions are compounded by historical disputes over the Donbas region and Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, as well as a fundamental disagreement over whether Ukraine exists as a distinct culture and state or as an integral part of a “Greater Russia.”

    Russia strikes have crippled power plants across Ukraine in recent days.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/russia-strikes-ukraine-energy-military-infrastructure

  • First Lady Jeannette Kagame awarded honorary doctorate at UGHE graduation #rwanda #RwOT

    The ceremony also marked a historic milestone for UGHE as it graduated its first cohort of medical doctors, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

    The graduation, held at UGHE’s Butaro campus, saw 30 medical doctors and 48 Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) graduates receive their degrees. The event was presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva and attended by senior government officials, development partners, faculty, students, and alumni.

    UGHE Chancellor Dr. Jim Yong Kim conferred the honorary degree to First Lady Kagame, describing her as 'an accomplished leader whose work spans education, health, and social transformation.'

    He praised her contributions through initiatives such as the Imbuto Foundation, which champions girls’ education, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as her leadership in the Organization of African First Ladies for Development and the Unity Club promoting national reconciliation.

    'Her moral guidance, presence, and advocacy have strengthened UGHE’s growth, credibility, and visibility across Africa and the world,' Dr. Kim said. 'It is my distinct honor and privilege to confer upon Her Excellency Mrs. Jeannette Kagame the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and distinguished public service.'

    Receiving the honour, First Lady Kagame expressed her deep gratitude and reflected on the legacy of the late Dr. Paul Farmer, UGHE’s founding chancellor.

    'To be honoured in this way is a gift for which I can only find a few words, yet to be watched from heaven by a dear friend as we celebrate those who have sought to honour his legacy through their own excellence means that I must try. What a milestone,' she said.

    She reflected on how, for many years, solutions to health challenges were often perceived as something that had to come from outside the continent. 'Today we affirm a different truth,' she said. 'Pain, disease, and avoidable death are not our destiny, and neither are we bound to wait for answers to arrive from afar.'

    Addressing the graduates directly, the First Lady challenged them to see themselves as agents of transformation.

    'Your greatness is a revolution in the making,' she said. 'Congratulations for choosing to lay your brick in the resilience of our systems. May your contribution to global health and to the lives you will save and improve bear witness to every worth of late night of study, every moment of doubt, and every final push of determination.'

    In his address, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva highlighted the critical role the graduates will play amid mounting pressures on health systems both in Rwanda and globally.

    'Emerging diseases, workforce shortages, and financing constraints are no longer abstract challenges,' he said. 'Responding effectively requires more than clinical expertise; it demands an understanding of policy, management, data, and implementation, as well as the ability to translate plans into results.'

    The Prime Minister further emphasised that UGHE graduates are expected to serve not only as practitioners but also as leaders capable of strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and supporting sound decision-making across the health sector.

    UGHE Chancellor Dr. Kim highlighted the uniqueness of the university’s journey, describing it as the product of an extraordinary partnership between the Government of Rwanda and global partners.

    'This could not have happened in the vast majority of countries that I have been in,' he said, underscoring Rwanda’s leadership and long-term vision in building sustainable health systems.

    Founded in 2015 with support from Partners In Health (PIH), UGHE inaugurated its permanent Butaro campus in 2019. The university offers six programs in partnership with Harvard University and has graduated 330 master’s degree holders, with 444 students currently enrolled.

    Recognised for its growing academic reputation, Times Higher Education in 2024 ranked UGHE fourth among 129 leading universities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    With its graduates and initiatives, UGHE continues to play a critical role in Rwanda’s plans to expand its healthcare workforce and strengthen health systems, a vision strongly supported by First Lady Jeannette Kagame and President Paul Kagame’s administration throughout the university’s journey.

    First Lady Jeannette Kagame was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contributions to education, health, and equity in Rwanda, across Africa, and beyond.

    UGHE Chancellor Dr. Jim Yong Kim conferred the honorary degree to First Lady Kagame, describing her as 'an accomplished leader whose work spans education, health, and social transformation.'

    The ceremony also marked a historic milestone for UGHE as it graduated its first cohort of medical doctors, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

    The graduation, held at UGHE’s Butaro campus, saw 30 medical doctors and 48 Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) graduates receive their degrees.

    The event was presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/first-lady-jeannette-kagame-awarded-honorary-doctorate-at-ughe-graduation

  • First medical doctors graduate as UGHE marks 10-year milestone in Rwanda #rwanda #RwOT

    Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva presided over the graduation, which was also attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame.

    This is the first cohort of doctors to receive degrees from the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) after six and a half years of training.

    While the university was founded in 2015 with support from Partners In Health (PIH), its permanent Butaro campus was later inaugurated on January 25, 2019, by President Paul Kagame and the late Dr. Paul Farmer. Today, UGHE offers six university-level programs in partnership with Harvard University, sharing both curriculum design and faculty.

    In 2024, Times Higher Education ranked UGHE fourth among 129 leading universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Students at UGHE come from countries including Rwanda, the United States, Canada, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Lesotho, Uganda, and beyond.

    Rwandan graduates say their training equips them to support national healthcare goals. Dr. Eden Gatesi commented, 'Rwanda is working to increase both the number and quality of doctors. I am ready to contribute, especially in rural areas, as that is where our training focused.'

    Dr. Mfura Hertier added, 'Our education goes beyond treating patients. We are taught to consider factors that contribute to illness and prevent disease before it spreads.'

    Dr. Delphine Mizero emphasized the holistic approach of UGHE, saying, 'Medicine alone is not enough. We study patients within their community context to understand all factors affecting their health.'

    Since UGHE’s inception, 330 students have earned master’s degrees, with 444 currently enrolled.

    Prof. Abebe Bekele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research, highlighted UGHE’s impact: 'Over the past decade, UGHE has significantly improved the health and well-being of communities in Rwanda and across Africa through high-quality education, medical care, research, and community-centered healthcare.'

    UGHE’s Kigali campus also offers third-level courses in Global Health Delivery. Beyond education, the university has supported Rwandans through training and employment initiatives. Over 128,000 people have received entrepreneurship training, and 1,260 individuals have found jobs through Butaro campus projects. Since 2016, 670 leaders from 56 African countries have received specialized training at UGHE.

    The university is expected to help Rwanda achieve a healthcare workforce of four medical professionals per 1,000 people. Currently, Rwanda has only one doctor per 1,000 residents.

    The plan anticipates 8,378 new medical students enrolling each year, with 32,973 graduates projected by 2028. These will include 1,686 general practitioners, 185 dentists, 832 medical specialists, 15,770 nurses, 5,209 midwives, and 8,394 other health professionals supporting doctors.

    The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) on Sunday graduated 30 medical doctors and 48 Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) candidates in a ceremony that coincided with the university’s 10th anniversary.

    Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva presided over the graduation ceremony.

    First Lady Jeannette Kagame also attended the ceremony.

    This is the first cohort of doctors to receive degrees from the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).

    UGHE’s Butaro campus was inaugurated in 2019.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/first-medical-doctors-graduate-as-ughe-marks-10-year-milestone-in-rwanda

  • DRC: MRDP–Twirwaneho warns of imminent attacks on Banyamulenge by Burundian army, FARDC #rwanda #RwOT

    In a press release issued on January 24, the group warned of what it described as an imminent and dangerous military escalation in the high plateaus of Fizi, Itombwe, and Uvira, with Minembwe identified as the main objective of the alleged offensive.

    According to MRDP-Twiranweno, Burundian troops have been actively redeployed inside Congolese territory and are operating jointly with FARDC units in preparation for attacks on Banyamulenge villages.

    The group said it possesses credible information indicating that FDNB units have been heavily deployed in the Mutambala area, particularly in the villages of Kichula, Itota, and Kananda. From these locations, the forces are allegedly planning coordinated ground operations toward Minembwe.

    MRDP-Twiranweno says the military build-up poses a serious and immediate threat to civilians and forms part of what it characterises as a deliberate plan to forcibly uproot the Banyamulenge population from the high plateaus.

    The reported escalation follows the recent withdrawal of AFC/M23 forces from the city of Uvira, a pullout that was, according to MRDP-Twiranweno, conditioned on the deployment of a neutral force to secure the area.

    The group alleges that this condition was not respected, creating a security vacuum that was subsequently filled by FARDC and Wazalendo fighters. It further accuses Burundian forces of entering through the Gatumba border post and operating in Congolese military uniforms to conceal their involvement.

    MRDP-Twiranweno reports that by Friday, January 23, joint forces had carried out ground attacks against the villages of Rugezi and Mukoko.

    The group also accuses the FARDC of conducting drone bombardments on civilian areas. According to the statement, drone strikes on Friday afternoon injured four civilians in Gakenke, further worsening what the group describes as an already severe humanitarian situation.

    'These attacks on populated areas constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law,' said Colonel Kamasa Ndakize Welcome, the group’s coordinator, warning of escalating civilian harm and displacement.

    The movement strongly condemned what it termed a 'joint aggression' and said it holds the governments of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo fully responsible for any attack against Minembwe and for any further civilian casualties.

    The group also criticised what it described as the silence and inaction of regional and international peace actors, accusing them of enabling violence against civilians and failing to prevent the destruction and looting of Banyamulenge homes, churches, and NGO infrastructure, particularly in Uvira.

    In the statement, MRDP-Twiranweno reaffirmed its determination to defend the Banyamulenge population and their property in the face of what it called an existential threat.

    MRDP—Twirwaneho stated that Burundian and FARDC forces continue to carry out acts of violence.

    According to MRDP-Twiranweno, Burundian troops have been actively redeployed inside Congolese territory and are operating jointly with FARDC units in preparation for attacks on Banyamulenge villages.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/drc-mrdp-twirwaneho-warns-of-imminent-attacks-on-banyamulenge-by-burundian-army

  • Rotary Club empowers youth in Rwamagana with over Frw 144 million skills initiative #rwanda #RwOT

    The support was unveiled on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during a ceremony at which beneficiaries, who had completed training in tailoring and technology, received tools and equipment to help them start income-generating activities.

    The group of beneficiaries includes eight teen mothers and youth from vulnerable households in Musha Sector. They completed a year-long vocational training programme implemented through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan, REAP, and Rwamagana District.

    One of the beneficiaries, Jacques Sibomana, who trained in machine tailoring for a year, said his family had been living in poverty, but the support he received has given him renewed hope.

    'I will work hard so that I can help my family get out of poverty,' he said. 'I started by sewing skirts, but now I can sew trousers. I can earn about Frw 15,000 per week, save part of it through a savings group, and use the rest to improve my life and support my family.'

    Rachel Uwimpuhwe, 22, said the skills she acquired during the training will enable her to become independent and contribute to her household’s wellbeing.

    'Tailoring will help me improve my life and meet my needs without depending on my parents,' she said. 'What I appreciate most is that we were trained to use different types of machines, which means I can find work anywhere or even start my own business. My goal is to earn income and support my family.'

    Suman Allan, the President of Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan, said the support was delivered through the REAP project, which focuses on equipping youth from vulnerable families and teen mothers with practical skills.

    'We provided them with training and the necessary equipment,' he said. 'We encourage them to use these tools responsibly, maintain discipline, and apply their skills effectively so they can transform their lives and help their families rise out of poverty.'

    The Executive Secretary of Musha Sector, Jean Claude Rwagasana, assured beneficiaries that local authorities will continue to support them even after the training period.

    'You are not alone,' he said. 'Teen mothers will continue to receive legal aid, and youth from vulnerable families will also receive follow-up until they achieve sustainable progress. Use the tools you have been given productively so that you and your families can move forward.'

    The Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan, which has been operating for two years, focuses on empowering young people from vulnerable backgrounds by helping them acquire vocational skills. Beyond training, the club also facilitates job placements for some beneficiaries in garment factories across the country.

    Rotary Club representatives and local leaders stand at the completion of the year-long skills training programme.

    A graduate receives certificate from Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan leadership.

    The support was unveiled on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during a ceremony at which beneficiaries, who had completed training in tailoring and technology, received tools and equipment to help them start income-generating activities.

    A group photo of vocational training graduates supported by the Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan in partnership with REAP and Rwamagana District.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rotary-club-empowers-youth-in-rwamagana-with-over-frw-144-million-skills