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The report describes the crisis as endemic, systemic and worsening, noting that while armed conflict remains a major driver, cases have been documented in communities across all provinces and have risen sharply since 2022.

Data compiled by child protection and gender-based violence service providers show that the scale of abuse continues to grow. In 2024, nearly 45,000 cases of sexual violence against children were recorded, representing almost 40 per cent of all reported sexual violence cases nationwide, three times higher than in 2022. UNICEF warns that the true toll is likely far higher due to widespread under-reporting caused by fear, stigma, insecurity and limited access to services.

'Case workers describe mothers walking for hours to reach clinics with daughters who can no longer walk after being assaulted. Families say that fear of stigma and retaliation often keeps them from reporting the abuse,' said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. 'Stories like these are repeated across provinces, exposing an entrenched crisis driven by insecurity, inequality and weak support systems.'

The report highlights distinct regional patterns. The highest number of cases has been recorded in conflict-affected eastern provinces, particularly North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, where displacement and weakened protection systems expose children to extreme risk. However, significant numbers have also been documented in Kinshasa and the Kasai region, where poverty, food insecurity and school dropout increase girls’ vulnerability to exploitation and early marriage.

Adolescent girls account for the largest and growing share of survivors nationwide, UNICEF said. Boys are also victims of sexual violence but remain significantly under-represented in reported cases. Children with disabilities face heightened risks, as physical, social and communication barriers increase their vulnerability and limit access to care and justice.

Separate UN-verified data cited in the report show that cases of sexual violence against children were already high in 2022 and 2023, before rising by nearly 30 per cent in 2024. Preliminary figures from early 2025 suggest the situation remains acute, with cases reported in the first six months potentially accounting for more than 80 per cent of the total recorded last year.

Survivors often suffer severe physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies, increased risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and long-lasting psychological harm, including anxiety, depression and social rejection. Yet access to life-saving support remains limited.

The global UN organisation, dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide, said it is working with the Congolese government and partners to provide survivor-centred services, including clinical care, psychosocial support, safe spaces and case management. Between 2022 and 2024, the number of child survivors assisted by UNICEF increased by 143 per cent, reaching more than 24,200 children in the most affected provinces in 2024.

However, insecurity and global funding cuts have forced many UNICEF-supported safe spaces, mobile clinics and community-based protection programmes to scale back or close. By mid-2025, only 23 per cent of gender-based violence interventions were funded, down from 48 per cent in 2022, placing hundreds of thousands of children, about 300,000 of them in conflict-affected eastern regions, at risk of losing access to critical support.

UNICEF has called on the government, parties to the conflict, civil society and international partners to prevent and end all forms of sexual violence against children, strengthen accountability through investigations and prosecutions, and increase sustained investment in protection and prevention services.

'Addressing this crisis of sexual violence requires an immediate response and adherence to international law in conflict settings,' Russell said. 'Perpetrators must be held accountable, and women and children must have access to protection and support.'

Sexual violence against children is becoming increasingly entrenched and widespread across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with more than 35,000 cases of child rape and sexual assault recorded nationwide in the first nine months of 2025, according to a new UNICEF report released on December 30.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

“The European Union calls for de-escalation and a resolution in full respect of international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” he wrote on X.

He said the bloc would continue to support a peaceful, democratic and inclusive solution in Venezuela, and backed efforts by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, working with member states, to ensure the safety of European citizens in the country.

Earlier on Saturday, Kallas said the EU was closely monitoring developments and called for restraint, stressing that the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter must be respected.

Kallas said she had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU ambassador in Caracas, adding that the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela was the bloc’s top priority.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who was flown out of the country along with his wife.

Venezuela on Saturday denounced a “military aggression” by the United States, after large explosions were heard and aircraft were seen over the capital Caracas earlier in the day.

European Council President Antonio Costa said on Saturday the European Union (EU) was following the situation in Venezuela “with great concern” and urged de-escalation.

Xinhua

The event, organised by the Rwanda Community Abroad (RCA) with the support of the Rwanda Embassy, was attended by Ambassador Major General Joseph Nzabamwita and his spouse. It drew mainly Rwandan students from various universities, alongside embassy staff and their family members.

In his opening remarks, RCA Russia leader Alex Rukeratabaro thanked the Ambassador for attending the celebrations and for his continued support of community activities that promote unity and Rwandan culture in the Russian Federation. He also welcomed new members to the community and encouraged them to actively take part in RCA programmes and initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Nzabamwita shared key highlights from President Paul Kagame’s end-of-year message, reflecting on Rwanda’s milestones in 2025, the country’s continued progress, and the critical role of young people in sustaining these gains. He emphasised the importance of innovation and youth participation in addressing national challenges and shaping Rwanda’s future.

The Ambassador recalled several achievements that enhanced Rwanda’s international standing during the year, including the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA), now led by former Ambassador of Rwanda to Russia Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, as well as the annual Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA).

He also commended the RCA football team for reaching the quarter-finals of the UN Games of Friendship tournament held last September, where Rwanda received a trophy for having the best fans. Ambassador Nzabamwita encouraged new students to volunteer in various community activities, including sports teams, traditional dance troupes, music and cultural preservation initiatives, as well as event organisation and protocol, as a way of positively representing Rwanda abroad.

The celebrations continued in a lively and festive atmosphere, with guests sharing meals, drinks and dances. The evening featured performances by the cultural dance troupe Imena mu Nganzo, a live music band and other entertainment, marking a warm and reflective start to the new year for the Rwandan community in Russia.

The event brought together Rwandans living in the Russian capital and neighbouring regions.

The event, organised by the Rwanda Community Abroad (RCA) with the support of the Rwanda Embassy, was attended by Ambassador Major General Joseph Nzabamwita and his spouse.

Ambassador Nzabamwita shared key highlights from President Paul Kagame’s end-of-year message, reflecting on Rwanda’s milestones in 2025, the country’s continued progress, and the critical role of young people in sustaining these gains.

The evening featured performances by the cultural dance troupe Imena mu Nganzo.

IGIHE

Their two-year term officially started on January 1, but Friday was the first working day of the council for 2026 after the Christmas and New Year break.

A flag installation ceremony was held to mark the start of their responsibilities.

Kazakh UN ambassador Kairat Umarov, who co-hosted the ceremony, congratulated the five new council members and wished them “perseverance, unity of purpose, and success” in their term.

“We hope that you will make meaningful contributions over the next two years to address critical global challenges and reinforce the council’s mandate to promote peace and security,” he said.

The installation of flags serves as a visible reminder that service on the Security Council is both a privilege and a responsibility. It marks the beginning of the demanding mandate carried out on behalf of the entire UN membership, said Umarov.

Somali UN ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, as president of the Security Council for the month of January and co-host of the ceremony, welcomed the five new members and wished them a successful and impactful term.

“Over the coming two years, your voices and your efforts will be essential in guiding our collective pursuit of peace and security,” he said.

The Security Council has a unique mandate to respond to threats to peace and to foster cooperation, and to support the most vulnerable by working together, upholding the principles of multilateralism, and demonstrating respect for the UN Charter, said Osman.

The five countries replaced Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.

The 15-member Security Council has five permanent members, including Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are replaced each year.

Somali UN ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman speaks at a flag installation ceremony for the five new elected members of the Security Council in his capacity as president of the Security Council for the month of January and co-host, at the UN headquarters in New York, January 2, 2026.

Kazakh UN ambassador Kairat Umarov speaks at a flag installation ceremony for the five new elected members of the Security Council in his capacity as co-host, at the UN headquarters in New York, January 2, 2026.

Xinhua

'I was held for six months. Every day was a nightmare,' Mwiza, now living with disabilities caused by the abuse, testified during a protest by Congolese refugees in Rwanda, organised to condemn a recent anti-Tutsi slur by Major General Sylvain Ekenge, the suspended FARDC spokesperson.

“I was raped by over 100 soldiers. Everyone, including elders, their children, and even their guards, assaulted me, all to 'experience what a Tutsi woman is like.’ I contracted HIV and sustained disabilities. I am now on medication.”

Ekenge’s remarks, widely condemned as incitement against Tutsis, included warnings against marrying Tutsi women, reflecting entrenched anti-Tutsi sentiment within the DRC military. Refugees in Rwanda expressed outrage at the comments, staging demonstrations demanding accountability and protection for Congolese Tutsis.

Mwiza’s ordeal began six months before fleeing to Rwanda, when FDLR soldiers abducted her and her niece from Shangi and took them to Kirolirwe in Masisi territory. While Mwiza survived, her niece was killed.

'They did whatever they wanted, denying me water, denying me care. Sometimes they told me to call Kagame [President Paul Kagame] to rescue me, but all I could do was pray. Everyone struck me, even children, because they were ordered to.'

Her escape came through the unexpected aid of a local soldier who recognised her plight. 'He said my blood would not be accounted for. He helped me leave Kirolirwe secretly and guided me to Bishoga,' Mwiza recounted. From there, she moved cautiously to Nyamitabo, where M23 forces were stationed. She finally reached the Nkamira temporary camp in Rwanda, traumatised but alive.

In Rwanda, she joined the Mvura Nkuvure rehabilitation programme, which has helped her begin to rebuild her life despite deep psychological and physical scars. Her husband and father were killed, but her children have since been reunited with her.

'I survived because of God and those who helped me. But no one should endure what I went through,' she said.

Mwiza’s story is part of a decades-long pattern of violence targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsis in the DRC. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the DRC harboured elements of the Interahamwe and forces loyal to former President Juvenal Habyarimana, cultivating anti-Tutsi ideology. Some of these individuals formed armed groups that evolved into the FDLR.

The FDLR continues to terrorise Congolese citizens, often with tacit DRC government support. Incidents include home burnings, kidnappings, killings, and sexual violence.

In October 2023 alone, nearly 300 homes in Nturo village were destroyed, with residents accused of supporting M23. Social media footage has repeatedly shown Congolese civilians attacking Tutsi neighbours, in some cases committing acts of extreme cruelty, including cannibalism.

Rwanda now hosts over 120,000 Congolese refugees, many fleeing decades of violence and displacement. Mwiza urges the international community to intervene to end decades of hatred and persecution of Congolese Tutsis.

The FDLR continues to terrorise Congolese citizens, often with DRC army support.

Congolese refugees in Rwandan camps recently protested against the DRC government’s ongoing targeting of Tutsis.

IGIHE

'The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social account, adding that further details would be shared later.

Earlier on Saturday, Maduro declared a state of emergency, accusing the United States of 'very serious military aggression' after explosions and aircraft-like sounds were reported across Caracas. Footage published by Venezuelan television station NTN24 showed plumes of smoke rising from the city, with eyewitnesses describing chaotic scenes. 'My heart was pumping and legs were shaking,' one resident told the BBC.

The US has intensified its military operations in recent months, citing efforts to combat alleged drug smuggling linked to Venezuela, including strikes on speedboats and ports. Over the past few weeks, Trump has made repeated references to military actions in Venezuelan territory, with prior reports indicating strikes in Zulia, an oil-rich state, and the seizure of two sanctioned oil tankers.

The Venezuelan government has condemned the US actions, calling them 'extremely serious military aggression' and urging grassroots organisations and militias to mobilise in response. Maduro has consistently accused the Trump administration of attempting to force regime change in Caracas.

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured following a 'large-scale strike' by American forces. According to Trump, Maduro and his wife were 'captured and flown out of the country' in an operation conducted alongside US law enforcement.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the new intervention ensures that every baby born in Rwanda receives a dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a critical window for preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

Hepatitis B is a highly infectious viral disease that can be passed from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. Health experts warn that when infection occurs at birth, up to 95 per cent of affected infants go on to develop chronic Hepatitis B, significantly increasing their risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life. The birth dose vaccine is widely recognised as the most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent such transmission.

Globally, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B, while viral hepatitis causes more than one million deaths each year, largely due to liver cancer and cirrhosis.

RBC noted that the country has already made notable progress in hepatitis prevention and control through strong immunisation systems, widespread screening and free access to treatment. National data indicate a low Hepatitis B prevalence of approximately 0.26 per cent, reflecting the impact of sustained public health interventions.

“Introduction of the universal birth dose further strengthens Rwanda’s commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030,” the centre said in a statement on Friday, January 2, 2026.

To support the rollout, health facilities across the country have been equipped to administer the vaccine within 24 hours of birth, including for babies born outside health facilities. Health workers have also received targeted training, while cold chain systems have been strengthened to ensure vaccine safety and consistent availability.

RBC has called on health workers, parents, communities and partners to support the initiative by ensuring that all newborns receive the Hepatitis B birth dose on time.

The centre said the new measure underscores the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health, emphasising that vaccines save lives and remain a cornerstone of disease prevention.

According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the new intervention ensures that every baby born in Rwanda receives a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a critical window for preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking in his end-of-year address to Burundians on December 31, Ndayishimiye reiterated allegations he has made repeatedly in recent weeks, accusing Rwanda of undermining peace efforts in the Great Lakes region and of being responsible for insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

He claimed that Rwanda lacks commitment to regional peace, despite what he described as efforts by neighbouring countries to coexist peacefully. Ndayishimiye further alleged that Rwanda was responsible for attacks in the DRC and suggested that Burundi could be the next target, citing what he called hostile rhetoric from Burundians living in exile.

'What is happening in our neighbouring country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, concerns us greatly,' he said. 'The country attacking Congo harbours resentment against Burundi because it continues to protect killers who target our country. Nothing reassures us that after Congo, Burundi would not be next.'

The remarks stand in contrast to Ndayishimiye’s own role as a witness to the signing of regional peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRC, during which no evidence was presented to support claims that Rwanda had attacked Congolese territory. Throughout the negotiations and accompanying diplomatic engagements, Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict was not established, with Kigali repeatedly rejecting the accusations as politically motivated.

Analysts note that accusations against Rwanda have become a recurring narrative among officials in Kinshasa and its regional allies, often used to deflect attention from the AFC/M23 rebellion and to push for international sanctions against Kigali.

Ndayishimiye’s rhetoric also appears to place Burundi firmly within the political and security alignment of Congolese President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, alongside armed groups such as the FDLR and Wazalendo militias, which are actively engaged in fighting AFC/M23 in eastern Congo. The FDLR, in particular, is designated as a terrorist group and is linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

In his address, the Burundian president, who closed the border with Rwanda in January 2024, said relations between the two countries would remain strained unless individuals accused of attempting a coup in Burundi in 2015 are handed over.

Rwanda has repeatedly stated that Burundians residing in Kigali who are sought by Bujumbura are recognised refugees protected under international law and therefore fall outside Rwanda’s jurisdiction.

Kigali has also accused Burundi of contributing to deteriorating relations by cooperating with the FDLR and by supporting Congolese military initiatives that, according to Rwandan officials, openly seek to undermine Rwanda’s security.

Despite renewed calls for dialogue, Ndayishimiye’s latest remarks are likely to deepen diplomatic tensions, reinforcing a narrative that regional observers say risks further entrenching divisions rather than advancing stability in the Great Lakes region.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye used his New Year’s address to escalate hostile rhetoric against Rwanda, accusing Kigali of destabilising the region, harbouring armed elements, and plotting to attack Burundi, allegations that Rwanda has repeatedly rejected as unfounded.

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In his end-of-year message, Kagame said Rwanda remains fully committed to implementing the Washington Accord signed with the DRC on December 4, 2025. The accord, he noted, is a critical step toward addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC and restoring regional stability.

The peace deal calls for, among other measures, the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kigali maintains that FDLR continues to pose a security threat due to its entrenched genocidal ideology.

“Rwanda is fully committed to implementing this agreement, but any threat to the peace and security of our people is unacceptable. The threat of state-supported violent extremism is unfortunately still very real,” President Kagame stated.

Rwanda has repeatedly accused the Kinshasa administration of collaborating with the FDLR militia group amid the escalating conflict with the AFC/M23 rebels, threatening Rwanda’s security.

In his end-of-year message, President Kagame also reflected on Rwanda’s economic growth and national achievements in 2025, highlighting several milestones that elevated the country’s profile internationally. These included hosting the International Security Conference on Africa, the matriculation of the first class at the African School of Governance, and the launch of a new annual forum on nuclear power innovation for Africa.

Sports achievements also marked the year. Kigali hosted the UCI World Cycling Championships, the first time the event was held in Africa, which Kagame described as a source of national pride. Preparations are underway for the FIFA Series in 2026, aimed at nurturing Rwandan talent and strengthening the country’s presence in global sports.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s path forward, the President emphasised self-reliance, innovation, and collective responsibility as key to sustaining economic growth and national stability. He encouraged young Rwandans in particular to take ownership of the country’s future, acknowledging that progress may require sacrifices from individuals and the nation as a whole.

President Paul Kagame on Wednesday warned that any threat to Rwanda’s peace and security is unacceptable, emphasising the continued danger posed by state-backed violent extremism amid efforts to restore peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The evening opened with electrifying sets from Zuba Mutesi and DJ Shooter, who fired up the crowd with hits like 'Plenty Love' by The Ben and 'Extra Pressure' by Bien-Aimé and Bensoul. Performances by Shemi, Angell Mutoni, Bruce The 1st, Kenny K-Shot, Bulldogg, Ruti Joël, and Kesho Band kept the energy high as fans sang along to their favorite tracks.

Kevin Kade took the stage around 4:10 AM, performing fan favorites such as 'Mazi ya Nyanja', 'Pyramid (TaTa)' with Drama T and Kivumbi King, and 'Jugumila'. Shaffy made his Rwanda debut, performing hits like 'Bana' and 'Serela'.

The night reached its peak when Tanzanian heartthrob Ali Kiba hit the stage. The award-winning singer wowed fans with his signature hits, including 'Mwana' and 'Aje', and shared the stage with Kade for their collaborative track 'Bebe'. Ali Kiba’s performance brought an electric atmosphere, showcasing why he is one of East Africa’s most celebrated artists.

Rwandan singer Mutima also joined the stage, performing and encouraging fans to support homegrown talent. Bwiza and Bushali kept the momentum with crowd-pleasers like 'Ready', 'Ni Danger', and 'Bonane', while Symphony Band led the audience in welcoming the New Year with 'Bonane Remix'. The concert concluded with high-energy performances from Riderman, Diez Dola, and Ariel Wayz.

Beyond entertainment, attendees had the opportunity to hear President Paul Kagame’s end-of-year message, in which he reflected on Rwanda’s achievements and wished citizens a prosperous 2026.

Trizzie Ninety Six joined Angell Mutoni on stage, where they performed their collaborative hit.

Shaffy was supported on stage by dancers from Sherrie Silver Foundation.

Shemi performed several of his popular hits to an enthusiastic crowd.

Shemi captivated the audience with a mix of heartfelt and energetic performances.

Shaffy thrilled fans with his hit songs.

Ruti Joël delighted fans, proving his star power on stage.

Fans were reluctant to see Ruti Joël leave the stage.

Riderman and his brother Bobly entertained the audience with a lively performance.

Riderman once again proved that he is one of Rwanda’s all-time great rappers.

Ali Kiba shared the stage with Kade for their collaborative track 'Bebe'.

Kenny K-Shot also performed at the star-studded event.

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