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  • Vast protests against U.S. push on Greenland held in Denmark, Greenland #rwanda #RwOT

    In Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, a large crowd gathered at City Hall Square in central Copenhagen around 12 p.m. local time before marching toward the U.S. Embassy, about 2 km away. Protesters included people from both Denmark and Greenland, many of whom carried Danish and Greenlandic flags as they marched through the city.

    In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, people began gathering from early afternoon, chanting “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.” The protest drew broad participation, including Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who waved a Greenlandic flag as demonstrators chanted slogans and traditional Inuit songs under light rain. Many participants wore caps bearing the words “Make America Go Away.”

    People participate in a protest against U.S. plans on Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark, January 14, 2026.

    Similar protests were held or planned in the Danish cities of Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg, as well as in the Greenlandic cities of Aasiaat, Qaqortoq and Ilulissat, according to Danish media.

    Later in the afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose 10-percent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland over Greenland starting on February 1.

    Those tariffs would increase to 25 percent on June 1, and would continue until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland, Trump said on social media.

    This photo taken on January 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

    Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.

    Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his interest in Greenland, from “buying” the island during his first presidential term, to the current employment of “a range of options” including “utilizing the U.S. military” to seize the autonomous island.

    A “fundamental disagreement” persists over the future of Greenland following a meeting of high-ranking officials from the United States, Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday.

    Following a meeting on Wednesday in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said “fundamental disagreement” over the future of Greenland remained.

    People participate in a protest against U.S. plans on Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark, January 14, 2026.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/vast-protests-against-u-s-push-on-greenland-held-in-denmark-greenland

  • Rwanda plants over 43 million trees in just three months #rwanda #RwOT

    For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, Rwanda has set an ambitious target of planting 60 million trees.

    The Eastern Province leads the country in tree planting, with nearly 17 million trees planted in the last three months. It is followed by the Southern Province, which has planted 10.77 million trees. The Western Province has planted 10.31 million trees, the Northern Province 5.45 million, and Kigali City 490,865 trees.

    Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority, explained that Rwanda is prioritising indigenous trees because they are naturally adapted to local conditions and can withstand heavy rains and rising temperatures.

    'Indigenous trees can endure climate change and continue to thrive. They are also more resistant to diseases compared to exotic species such as eucalyptus and grevillea, which are often affected by forest diseases,' he said.

    Dr. Nsengumuremyi explained that indigenous trees are superior for ecosystem health because they have co-evolved with local wildlife, supporting greater biodiversity than exotic species. Unlike many non-native trees that can degrade soil quality or suppress undergrowth through chemical inhibition, indigenous varieties produce nutrient-rich leaf litter that fosters fertile soil and healthy grass growth.

    Furthermore, while exotic trees often grow faster, the dense wood of indigenous species provides more stable, long-term carbon storage, making them a more effective tool for mitigating climate change.

    Under the government’s accelerated development program, Rwanda plans to plant over 300 million trees by 2029.

    For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, Rwanda has set an ambitious target of planting 60 million trees.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-plants-over-43-million-trees-in-just-three-months

  • Inside the chaos that ended IShowSpeed’s Algeria tour stop (Video) #rwanda #RwOT

    Clips circulating online show the streamer dodging water bottles thrown by fans at the Ultras Algerie FC stadium during a live match. Moments later, Speed left the venue, stating he was not welcome, and cut the livestream without further explanation.

    Before the stadium incident, IShowSpeed had visited other parts of Algeria, interacting warmly with locals and fans. He spent time in public spaces, taking photos, joking with people on the streets, and sharing playful moments that were widely circulated online.

    The hostile reception at the stadium has sparked discussions online about the unpredictability of livestreaming in different cultural contexts. Some people suggested the reaction from the fans stemmed from the club supporters’ strict privacy rules and aversion to being filmed, rather than any racial motivation.

    Extreme supporters of Ultras Algerie, known for their loyalty and intense media restrictions, were reportedly behind the aggressive behaviour.

    IShowSpeed was in Algeria as part of his 'Speed Does Africa' tour, a 28-day livestream journey across 20 African countries. The American creator has already completed 13 stops, including Rwanda on January 10, as well as Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Algeria. Seven countries remain on the itinerary: Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Liberia.

    The tour is scheduled to conclude on Monday, January 26, with a highly anticipated 'DNA Reveal' stream, where Speed plans to announce his specific genetic ancestry while in the country indicated by his results, rumoured to be either Nigeria or Morocco.

    Wherever he has travelled so far, the internet personality with nearly 50 million followers has attracted large crowds of fans, connecting with them in person and online while sharing his experiences across the continent.

    The influencer recently concluded his 'Speed Does America Tour', during which he travelled across 25 states in the United States over a 35-day period. He has previously toured regions including South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/entertainment/article/inside-the-chaos-that-ended-ishowspeed-s-algeria-tour-stop-video

  • Muhazi Dolce Vita: Inside a young French investor’s lakeside gem in Rwanda (Photos) #rwanda #RwOT

    The hotel is situated 15 kilometres from Kwa Gahiza in Murambi Village, offering guests a warm welcome among eight elegantly designed bungalows. Six feature single rooms, while two accommodate families with double rooms.

    Additional structures house a restaurant and reception area, guest services, and staff quarters. All buildings were constructed using locally sourced materials in partnership with the Rwandan company Clezol, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

    Robin Marenco, the 26-year-old founder of Muhazi Dolce Vita, shared his story exclusively with IGIHE. Originally from France with Italian roots, Robin holds a Master’s degree in hospitality management. His vision was to establish a hotel that combines his training in hospitality with Rwanda’s natural beauty.

    'I first visited Rwanda in 2023,' Robin said. 'That was the first time I really saw Rwanda.'

    He explained that he had read about the country and was drawn by its safety, stability, and growing tourism sector. During the trip, he connected with the owner of Rutete Eco Lodge in Rwinkwavu, who welcomed him for a month and guided him in managing parts of the lodge. That experience gave him his first real insight into Rwanda.

    Robin’s first visit included trips across the country, from northern lakes to the shores of Lake Muhazi. It was the latter that captured his imagination. Its calm waters, scenic landscapes, and proximity to Kigali and Akagera National Park made it an ideal location for a hospitality project appealing to both domestic and international visitors.

    “When I returned home, I reflected on what I had seen and experienced and decided to come back to Rwanda to establish my project here,” the investor revealed.

    The name 'Dolce Vita,' Robin explains, means 'the sweet life' in Italian, a lifestyle centred on enjoying simple pleasures and savouring life’s beauty. He said he wanted to bring that concept to Rwanda, noting that Lake Muhazi’s natural charm and tranquillity offered the perfect setting to blend this philosophy with local culture.

    Muhazi Dolce Vita is already operational, and Robin is planning further developments to enhance the lakeside experience. He has applied for permits to build additional tourist facilities, including a specially designed boat for lake excursions, beach-volleyball and beach-soccer courts, and a pétanque area, a traditional French game that encourages family and community interaction. Scenic spots for photography will also be added to showcase the lake’s beauty.

    District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi highlighted the hotel’s positive impact on the local community, noting that it provides a ready market for locally grown agricultural produce while generating employment opportunities and additional income for residents.

    Rooms at Muhazi Dolce Vita are priced between $100 and $120 (146,000—175,000 Rwandan francs) per night, and the hotel currently employs 16 permanent staff, ensuring a high standard of service for visitors.

    With its combination of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and a young entrepreneur’s vision, Muhazi Dolce Vita is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for weekend getaways from Kigali and for tourists exploring Rwanda’s eastern region.

    'Dolce Vita' in Italian means 'the sweet life.' This is the origin of the hotel’s name, suggesting that anyone who visits seeks a life of comfort and tranquility.

    The hotel comprises six bungalows with single rooms and two bungalows with double rooms designed for families.

    The hotel rooms overlook the lake.

    The hotel’s bathrooms have unique features, allowing guests to shower while enjoying the fresh breeze from outside.

    The bungalows feature cozy bedroom.

    Guests can relax on the veranda while taking in the scenic views of Lake Muhazi.

    Rooms at Muhazi Dolce Vita are priced between $100 and $120 (146,000—175,000 Rwandan francs) per night.

    Guests at the hotel can relax while enjoying views of Lake Muhazi.

    The hotel offers a range of games and activities to help visitors unwind and enjoy their stay.

    Beach volleyball is among the activities being developed to attract tourists and enhance the guest experience at the hotel.

    The hotel’s services include massages designed to help guests relax and recover from fatigue.

    Guests can also make the most of their visit by enjoying scenic boat rides on Lake Muhazi.

    Such walkways lead to peaceful resting spots by the lake.

    At night, the hotel takes on a stunning appearance.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/tourism/article/muhazi-dolce-vita-inside-a-young-french-investor-s-lakeside-gem-in-rwanda

  • Wazalendo fighters enter Uvira after M23 withdrawal #rwanda #RwOT

    Residents confirmed that Wazalendo fighters entered Uvira early Sunday morning, a day after AFC/M23 announced that it had fully withdrawn from the city. Footage circulating on social media shows armed fighters roaming the streets, with reports of looting and abuse against civilians, acts for which the group has previously been accused.

    A former South Kivu official, now based in Kalemie, told the BBC that Wazalendo fighters had indeed returned to Uvira but said they were awaiting further instructions from their leadership.

    'We must proceed with extreme caution,' he said. 'Our superiors are first verifying whether M23’s claims are accurate.'

    Despite the presence of Wazalendo fighters in the city, AFC/M23 said it had handed responsibility for Uvira’s security to the international community and called for the protection of civilians.

    In a letter dated January 15, 2026, addressed to the UN Secretary-General, AFC/M23 said it had for three days been urging the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to deploy forces to protect Uvira’s population.

    AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa said the group had decided to place Uvira 'under the full responsibility of the international community.'

    He explained that a small AFC/M23 security unit had initially remained in the city to maintain oversight while awaiting the deployment of neutral forces, but that this unit also withdrew on January 15.

    The group warned the United Nations that the presence of Burundian troops, the FDLR armed group, Wazalendo militias, and foreign mercenaries posed a serious threat to civilians in Uvira.

    'Their presence and activities not only endanger civilian lives but also undermine the ongoing peace process and regional stability,' AFC/M23 said.

    The group called for the urgent deployment of neutral international forces to prevent Uvira from returning to the suffering it experienced when it was previously controlled by Congolese government-aligned forces.

    AFC/M23 captured Uvira on December 9, 2025, following a week-long battle in the Ruzizi Plain in South Kivu province. The group said it withdrew at the request of the United States to allow peace negotiations to continue.

    Washington had asked AFC/M23 to redeploy to positions approximately 75 kilometres from Uvira, assuring the group that such a move would enable the international community to better protect civilians.

    During AFC/M23’s control of the city, residents reported a return to relative calm, with people resuming daily activities without widespread violence, theft, or looting.

    However, fears remain high following the group’s withdrawal, with many residents concerned that those perceived as having supported AFC/M23 could face reprisals.

    Wazalendo militias and the Congolese armed forces are often accused of committing abuses against civilians and looting their property.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/wazalendo-fighters-enter-uvira-after-m23-withdrawal

  • Museveni outlines priorities for new term after election victory #rwanda #RwOT

    Speaking a day after being declared the winner by the country’s Electoral Commission, Museveni warned against election-related violence and foreign interference, urging all Ugandans, including opposition supporters, to uphold peace and national unity.

    Addressing the nation from his home district of Kiruhura in western Uganda, Museveni said his next term would prioritize support for wealth creators, including commercial farmers, manufacturers, hotel operators and investors, through institutions such as the Uganda Development Bank.

    He added that the government would intensify efforts to lift the remaining 30 percent of Ugandans out of poverty, with the goal of ensuring all households transition to sustainable livelihoods.

    Museveni also pledged to strengthen public service delivery, including maintaining free education in government schools, improving healthcare services, particularly the availability of medicines in public health facilities, and enhancing supervision by leaders at all levels.

    The fight against corruption and the pursuit of justice would remain central priorities, he said.

    Museveni said Uganda is set to begin oil production this year, marking a new phase in the country’s economic development.

    Ugandan President-elect Yoweri Museveni on Sunday outlined key priorities for his next term in office, pledging to focus on wealth creation, poverty eradication, improved public services, and a strong fight against corruption following his victory in the presidential election.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/museveni-outlines-priorities-for-new-term-after-election-victory

  • AU, IGAD congratulate Ugandan President Museveni on re-election #rwanda #RwOT

    On Saturday, Uganda’s Electoral Commission announced that the country’s incumbent President Museveni won the presidential election, securing a seventh five-year term in office after garnering more than 7.9 million votes out of about 11.3 million valid ballots cast.

    In a statement issued late Saturday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Museveni on his re-election, commending the conduct of the elections.

    Youssouf applauded the people of Uganda for their commitment to consolidating democratic gains, peace, security and development. He also commended former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for his “sterling leadership” of the joint AU, IGAD and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa election observation mission to Uganda.

    In a separate statement issued Saturday, the IGAD also congratulated Museveni on his re-election. IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu reaffirmed IGAD’s support for efforts aimed at strengthening democratic governance, peace, stability and inclusive development in Uganda.

    Museveni’s closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, a pop-star-turned-politician, also known as Bobi Wine, received over 2.7 million votes, while the remaining votes were shared among six other presidential candidates, according to the Electoral Commission.

    However, Kyagulanyi rejected the final election results announced by the Electoral Commission, describing them as fraudulent. In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, he said there were instances of military intimidation and ballot stuffing, among other irregularities.

    On Saturday, Uganda’s Electoral Commission announced that the country’s incumbent President Museveni won the presidential election, securing a seventh five-year term in office after garnering more than 7.9 million votes out of about 11.3 million valid ballots cast.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/au-igad-congratulate-ugandan-president-museveni-on-re-election

  • President Kagame congratulates Museveni on re-election #rwanda #RwOT

    The message was shared by President Kagame on his X account in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026.

    'Congratulations President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on your re-election as President of the Republic of Uganda. I extend my best wishes to you and the people of Uganda as you continue to serve your nation for the prosperity of your people. I look forward to the continued strong and productive cooperation between our two countries,' President Kagame wrote.

    Museveni was declared the winner of Uganda’s presidential election on January 17, 2026, securing a seventh term in office following the vote held on January 15.

    Museveni won the election with 71.6 percent of the vote, defeating seven other candidates, including Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who garnered 24.72 percent.

    Rwanda and Uganda maintain close relations, particularly in trade. In the third quarter of 2025, Rwanda exported goods worth $16.4 million to Uganda. The two countries also cooperate in political and military matters.

    Beyond being neighboring states, Rwanda and Uganda share ties rooted in history, culture, and various economic cooperation initiatives.

    President Paul Kagame has congratulated Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election as President of the Republic of Uganda.

    Théophile Niyitegeka

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-congratulates-museveni-on-re-election

  • Trump vows action on 'Russian threat’ in Greenland #rwanda #RwOT

    In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, Trump accused Denmark of failing to address the alleged Russian security issue in Greenland despite, he said, 20 years of NATO urging Copenhagen to take action.

    'Now it is time, and it will be done!!!' Trump wrote emphasizing his belief that previous efforts have been insufficient.

    Trump’s comments come amid his ongoing push to bring Greenland, a vast autonomous territory of Denmark, more firmly into the United States’ strategic orbit, a campaign that has drawn sharp criticism internationally.

    While the United States once expressed interest in purchasing the island decades ago, Trump has reignited the issue with fresh urgency, tying it directly to global security concerns.

    Officials in both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected the idea that the territory is for sale or should become part of the United States, underscoring the island’s status as part of the Kingdom of Denmark while enjoying a large degree of self-government.

    In recent days, Trump also threatened to impose increasing tariffs on European allies including Denmark unless they agree to discussions over the future of Greenland. His administration says Greenland’s location is critically important because of what he calls an encroaching presence by Russia and China in the Arctic.

    However, Danish officials and many NATO partners argue that Greenland’s defense is already secured through the alliance’s collective defense provisions, and they have rebuffed Trump’s security rationale.

    The White House, Denmark’s government, and the Danish foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s latest statement.

    This latest episode adds to ongoing tensions between the United States and its European allies over strategic priorities in the Arctic and broader geopolitical cooperation.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has once again put the spotlight on Greenland, escalating a diplomatic dispute with Denmark and several European allies by declaring that removing what he describes as a 'Russian threat' from the Arctic territory is now a top priority.

    Rania Umutoni

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/trump-vows-action-on-russian-threat-in-greenland

  • Ndayishimiye asks DRC to assume responsibility for Congolese refugees as crisis deepens in Burundi #rwanda #RwOT

    Thousands of Congolese civilians fled to Burundi following fighting in South Kivu Province between the AFC/M23 coalition and an alliance comprising the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), Wazalendo militias, Burundian troops, and the FDLR.

    Although security has reportedly improved in parts of Uvira city, some refugees attempted to return home. However, Burundian authorities closed the border, preventing their return.

    Living conditions for refugees in Burundi have continued to deteriorate. Reports indicate that several people have died due to diseases linked to poor sanitation in overcrowded camps.

    Speaking in an interview with journalist Hariana Verás Victória, who is known to be close to DRC authorities and their allies, President Ndayishimiye said the Congolese government should assume responsibility for assisting its displaced citizens.

    He noted that while some refugees are being hosted by Burundian families, others without relatives have been settled in refugee camps. Ndayishimiye also criticised the UN refugee agency, saying it has failed to provide adequate assistance to Congolese refugees, and urged President Félix Tshisekedi’s government to intervene.

    'I call on the DRC government to find ways to help these people,' Ndayishimiye said. 'I do not consider them refugees in the strict sense, but people who moved from one place to another because they were fleeing an enemy that attacked the DRC, not the Congolese government.'

    He added that because the displaced civilians did not flee their own government, the DRC remains responsible for their welfare wherever they may be. 'They are not enemies of the state. That is why they should be treated as internally displaced people who crossed from one area to another,' he said.

    Ndayishimiye further suggested that the DRC could mobilise international partners to support humanitarian operations, stressing that Burundi does not have sufficient resources to manage the crisis alone.

    'As Burundi, we are encouraging our citizens to assist these refugees, but the situation is extremely difficult,' he said. 'We simply do not have the capacity to fully support them, even though cooperation is necessary.'

    In early December 2025, Burundi received more than 100,000 Congolese refugees fleeing fighting in the Ruzizi Plain. They joined tens of thousands of others who had already been living in the country for an extended period.

    New arrivals were initially placed in temporary camps near the border and have repeatedly appealed to Burundian authorities to allow them to return home, citing dire living conditions and rising deaths in the camps.

    The Burundian government has rejected these requests and instead begun relocating refugees to camps farther from the border, including the Busuma camp in the former Ruyigi Province. Refugees relocated there report equally harsh conditions and have staged protests demanding permission to return to the DRC.

    Burundi maintains it lacks the capacity to care for the Congolese refugees who have sought refuge there.”

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ndayishimiye-asks-drc-to-assume-responsibility-for-congolese-refugees-as-crisis