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According to official data, in 2022, wildfires destroyed 41 hectares of Nyungwe. The number rose significantly in 2023 to 138.5 hectares, before falling sharply again in 2024 to 25 hectares.

On August 31, 2025, as Rwanda concluded the month dedicated to conservation activities under the theme 'Nyungwe National Park: A Source of Wellbeing and Sustainable Development for Surrounding Communities', residents living near the park were reminded that fire outbreaks remain a serious threat. Burned areas take a long time to regenerate, disrupting the ecological balance of the park.

The awareness campaign featured football tournaments for both men and women, bringing together teams from the 23 sectors bordering the park, along with one additional sector whose residents are also involved in activities that pose risks to the park.

During the games, conservation messages were shared with the public, calling on communities to avoid harmful practices such as burning grass, harvesting honey with fire, illegal mining, tree cutting, and grazing livestock inside the park.

One of the participants, Tuyisenge Jeannette from Nyamuzi cell in Bweyeye sector, Rusizi District, emphasized the importance of the park, especially its role in maintaining regular rainfall for agriculture. She criticized those still involved in destructive practices.

'Some people who don’t understand its importance enter the park to hunt animals and end up setting fires just for meat. I would advise them to stop and find alternative ways to earn a living,' she said.

The Community Development Manager Pierre Ntihemuka, explained that the sports tournaments, known as the Colobus Cup Tournament, were introduced as part of education and awareness efforts.

'These tournaments are bringing real benefits because community attitudes are changing. In the past, when fires broke out, residents would run back into their homes, leaving us without support. But now, they are the first to respond, bringing tools and helping us extinguish fires. Cases of illegal hunting have also reduced, which has led to a decline in fire outbreaks,' he noted.

Statistics from the Nyungwe Management Company reveal a significant decline in harmful activities impacting Nyungwe National Park.

Such activities declined from 1,147 cases in 2022 to just 130 cases in 2024. At the same time, the area affected by wildfires fell from 41 hectares in 2022 to 25 hectares in 2024, after a peak of 138.5 hectares in 2023.

Between January and August 2025, only 50 square meters have been affected by fires, a promising sign that this year may record far fewer wildfire incidents compared to previous years.

During the games, conservation messages were shared with the public, calling on communities to avoid harmful practices.

The sports tournaments, known as the Colobus Cup Tournament, were introduced as part of education and awareness efforts.

IGIHE

The delegations arrived in mid-August 2025 amid continued accusations from both sides of failing to respect the agreement, particularly on enforcing a permanent ceasefire and releasing prisoners.

Freddy Kaniki Rukema, deputy coordinator of AFC/M23 in charge of Economy and Finance, confirmed on 22 August that 'two representatives travelled to Doha with a mandate to address prisoner release and the cessation of hostilities.'

On 2 September, DRC’s Minister of Internal Security, Jacquemain Shabani, who heads the government delegation, said discussions remain active: 'The process is ongoing. The government’s team is still in Doha and works daily with Qatar as mediator. Talks covered declaration of principles, starting with confidence-building measures, including the release of prisoners.'

He noted that dialogue on prisoner releases had concluded and attention had shifted to the ceasefire, though he did not confirm whether consensus had been reached on the first issue.

'Negotiations are now focused on the principle of halting hostilities, and discussions continue,' he added.

On September 1, AFC/M23 accused the DRC government of failing to release around 700 detainees, including its members and suspected supporters, while also alleging continued military provocations.

The group claimed President Félix Tshisekedi is unwilling to pursue peace, warning it would respond firmly if government forces persist in targeting civilians or its positions.

The delegations arrived in mid-August 2025 amid continued accusations from both sides of failing to respect the agreement, particularly on enforcing a permanent ceasefire and releasing prisoners.

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Family-related disputes, particularly divorces, continue to dominate the court docket, followed by cases involving immovable property, breach of agreements, and civil registry documents. Specifically, courts recorded 2,674 divorce cases, 2,259 cases concerning immovable property, 1,176 breach-of-agreement cases, and 1,059 cases related to civil registry documentation.

Supreme Court President Domitille Mukantaganzwa emphasised that this year, the Judiciary will prioritise dispute resolution outside of court, particularly through mediation.

She stated: 'In this judicial year, the Judiciary will intensify efforts to encourage parties to resolve disputes amicably, particularly in family, labour, administrative, and commercial cases, using mediation.'

For criminal cases, the focus will be on victim-offender mediation and plea bargaining, which allows for agreements based on admission of guilt.

Historical trends show a sharp increase in divorce filings over the past decade. In 2016, only 21 cases were registered; this rose to 69 in 2017 and 1,311 in 2018. In 2019, 8,941 families were granted divorces, while in 2020, courts received 3,213 cases. The 2021-2022 judicial activity report recorded 3,322 cases, followed by 3,075 the next year. Although recent figures suggest a slight decline, divorce rates remain high.

Legal Framework and Reforms

The recently revised Law Governing Persons and Family identifies rising divorce rates as a key concern. Property-sharing agreements have often influenced divorces, with many couples agreeing to a 50/50 split of assets if separation occurs.

Article 156 provides that if the common property regime is dissolved due to divorce, and spouses have been married for less than five years, a judge may order an unequal division of property and debts. The law states:

'When the common property regime is dissolved due to cohabitation issues or changes in property management, spouses shall divide property and debts equally or as mutually agreed. However, if requested by a spouse married for less than five years, the court may order a division proportionate to each party’s contribution.'

The law also allows the court to consider property destroyed or debts incurred by a spouse, whether before or during the marriage, if not disclosed to the other spouse.

Grounds for divorce include adultery, conviction of a serious crime, refusal to provide household necessities, physical or psychological abuse, egregious misconduct, disputes over children, or other intolerable reasons. It also allows either spouse to seek divorce if cohabitation becomes impossible for any other valid reason.

The Judiciary’s annual report reveals that 2,674 divorce cases were heard in 2024/2025, slightly down from 2,833 in the previous year.

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The visit took place on August 29, 2025, in Nyagatare Sector, Nyagatare District, where the juvenile facility is located.

Several participants described the experience as highly valuable, noting that it helped them deepen their understanding of laws relating to child justice.

'This visit helped us connect what we were taught in class with real-life practice. It allowed me to see how far Rwanda has advanced in building infrastructure that supports child justice,” Asiimwe Norah told IGIHE.

“I found it to be a commendable initiative that protects children’s rights within the justice system. After this visit, I encourage everyone working with children to always value them.'

Her views were echoed by Niyitegeka Jean Marie Vianney, another participant, who said the visit offered an opportunity to see in practice what they had studied in books, adding that the lessons would be useful in his future career.

'We witnessed how children who have strayed from society are treated—not with punitive measures, but in ways that rehabilitate them. This is not punishment but correction. Here, they are given the chance to study, from primary to secondary education, and even undertake vocational training,” he explained.

Niyitegeka also welcomed the fact that children receive care from mental health specialists who help them heal and prepare to reintegrate into their families and communities after rehabilitation. He noted that this sets a positive example for anyone working in child justice, emphasising that children should be corrected in ways that support their growth rather than punished harshly.

Bigirimana Consolate, a lecturer and head of the Child Justice Law program, explained that ILPD prioritises teaching methods that take students into real environments where legal principles are applied.

'Such programs are designed to give our students practical knowledge, bridging the gap between classroom learning and field practice. Here, they saw how a child’s rights are protected once admitted to the rehabilitation center, whether as someone on trial or as a convicted child, while also considering their welfare, education, and overall well-being, ” she said.

The Child Justice Law program began in 2023 and has so far enrolled around 65 students.

During the visit, students also learned about the operations of the Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Center and expressed satisfaction at seeing the Government of Rwanda prioritizing children’s rights.

The visit provided students with an understanding of how the Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Center operates.

The students appreciated the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to protecting children’s rights.

The students wrapped up the visit with a group photo with the staff of the Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Center as a memento.

IGIHE

In a video statement, Netanyahu addressed soldiers directly: “I want to strengthen you and express my deep appreciation,” he said, adding that the military campaign had advanced Israel “toward a sweeping victory.”

In the morning, Israel summoned about 40,000 reservists, the largest single call-up since the war began nearly two years ago, as part of its plan to capture Gaza City — a move approved by Netanyahu’s cabinet despite international warnings.

But turnout was reportedly lower than expected, according to state-owned Kan TV, which cited the strain and burden of repeated rounds of service.

The cabinet decision has also sparked dissent at home. More than 350 reservists announced in a letter on Tuesday that they would refuse to serve if ordered into Gaza.

At a news conference in Tel Aviv, they denounced the government’s decision as reckless and vowed not to take part. Ron Feiner, a reservist and member of the antiwar group Standing Together, called the planned operation “blatantly illegal” and warned it would endanger hostages, soldiers and civilians alike. “This is a political, cynical and dangerous step, intended to serve an extremist minority rather than the security of Israel’s citizens,” he said.

Feiner noted that senior members of Israel’s security establishment had also warned against the operation, citing the danger it posed to 50 hostages still held in Gaza, about 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive.

Meanwhile, the military continued the strikes throughout the Palestinian enclave and prepared for the new offensive on the territory’s largest urban center.

Health authorities in the territory reported Tuesday that at least 76 people were killed and 281 injured by Israeli strikes and gunfire in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to 63,633. Hospitals also recorded 13 deaths from famine and malnutrition, including three children, raising the total number of hunger-related deaths to 361, among them 130 children.

Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesman, urged civilians across the Gaza Strip to move to the Al-Mawasi area “ahead of the expansion of fighting into Gaza City.”

“For your safety, we warn that approaching or returning to combat zones or to areas where the Israel Defense Forces are operating exposes you to danger,” he wrote on the social media platform X.

Families of hostages, in a statement in English and Hebrew outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, urged U.S. President Donald Trump to press both Israel and Hamas to agree to a deal to stop the war and release the captives.

“It is hard to digest the news that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, chose to prolong the war instead of making a deal that could have brought the hostages home,” said Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay, was killed in Gaza and whose body is still held there.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been stalled since mid-August, as Israel has yet to respond to a proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators that Hamas accepted about two weeks ago.

Israeli soldiers uses binoculars to look at damaged buildings in the Gaza Strip, from southern Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Photo Ariel Schalit/AP

Xinhua

The court also ruled that Mutamba is ineligible to run for office or vote for the next five years. He has been ordered to repay nearly 20 million US dollars allegedly diverted during his tenure. The funds had originally been allocated for the construction of a new prison in Kisangani.

Court ruling and charges

Mutamba was accused of withdrawing the money from the Reparations and Compensation Fund for Victims of Uganda’s Illicit Activities in the DRC (Frivao). Prosecutors said he transferred the funds in April to an account under the name of Zion Construction, a company allegedly selected without following proper public procurement procedures.

According to the prosecution, the move amounted to embezzlement and was intended to enrich the company fraudulently. The court, while handing down a lighter sentence than the maximum ten years sought, ruled that Mutamba’s actions breached procurement rules and undermined state funds.

A lawyer by profession, Mutamba consistently denied the charges. He insisted that the money remained intact and that no diversion had taken place. His defence team argued for his acquittal, maintaining that the case was politically motivated.

On the day of sentencing, Mutamba appeared in court in a tracksuit, sandals, and a surgical mask. He had been escorted from his home, where he was under house arrest, by security forces. Relations between him and Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde, who oversaw the case, were reportedly tense throughout the proceedings.

Former Congolese Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has been sentenced to three years of hard labour by the Court of Cassation in Kinshasa after being found guilty of embezzling public funds earmarked for a prison construction project.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The development came as Ingabire was scheduled to appear alongside other defendants, including former members of the banned Dalfa-Umurinzi party and Umubavu TV journalist Nsengimana Théoneste.

The presiding judge noted that Ingabire had submitted a written request to postpone the trial for three reasons:

Legal representation

Ingabire requested to be represented by a Kenyan lawyer, Emily Kwamboka Osiemo, in addition to her current counsel, Gatera Gashabana, who represents nine other co-defendants in the same case. She argued that her Kenyan lawyer should be allowed to represent her, a request requiring approval from the Rwanda Bar Association.

The question of Emily Kwamboka’s representation has frequently arisen during Ingabire’s previous hearings, including her provisional detention case.

The President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Lawyer Nkundabarashi Moise, has noted that under international legal practice, there is a principle of reciprocity. To be allowed to practice in another country, that country must similarly allow lawyers from your country to practice there. Currently, this reciprocity is not in place between Rwanda and Kenya.

Supreme Court petition

The defendant submitted that she had filed a case in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the High Court’s order authorising a full investigation against her, which she argued was inconsistent with the constitution.

Preparation time

She claimed she had insufficient time to prepare her defence after receiving the prosecution’s case file on August 20, 2025.

When asked by the presiding judge about her choice of legal representation, Ingabire immediately recused the entire bench, stating that the court had already taken sides by ordering the investigation and that she could not expect impartial justice.

Under Rwandan law, recusal must be submitted in writing before judgment is delivered. The request must be filed within one day following the hearing. If the court accepts the recusal, the judge is replaced, and the trial is rescheduled. If rejected, the trial continues.

The bench suspended proceedings following the recusal. A decision on the acceptance of the recusal will determine when the trial resumes.

Victoire Ingabire, accused of attempting to overthrow the Rwandan government, on Tuesday sought the recusal of the bench assigned to her main trial at the Kigali High Court of Justice, citing a lack of confidence in its impartiality.

IGIHE

Speaking at a press conference on September 1, 2025, Nangaa criticized President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration for failing to pursue peace despite having signed the Declaration of Principles, with Qatar acting as mediator.

'AFC/M23 warns Mr. Félix Tshisekedi against the new offensives by his coalition of genocidaires, and it reserves the right to destroy them immediately. Let it be clear: they will face the necessary response until this evil is eliminated at its source,' Nangaa declared.

He explained that the DRC’s coalition had deployed 12,000 troops into the mountains of Uvira Territory, including Congolese soldiers, Burundian forces, FDLR fighters, Wazalendo militias, and members of the Imbonerakure youth wing, to prepare for what he described as large-scale assaults.

According to Nangaa, Kinshasa has also violated earlier commitments by refusing to release 700 prisoners, including M23 members and suspected sympathizers, despite agreeing to the condition when both sides signed the Declaration of Principles on July 19, 2025.

He added that M23 had formally notified Qatar, the African Union, the United Nations, and other peace partners that the DRC government is violating ceasefire agreement.

Congo-led dialogue proposals

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki recently invited both the Tshisekedi government and opposition leaders to peace talks among Congolese stakeholders, organized alongside his foundation’s annual peace and security forum.

Those invited include Tshisekedi’s advisor Désiré-Cashmir Eberande Kolongele, government representatives, Nangaa himself, Thomas Lubanga of the CRP armed group, former President Joseph Kabila, as well as opposition figures Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi.

However, Tshisekedi has rejected the need for external mediation. Addressing members of his Union Sacrée coalition on August 29, 2025.

'I will not be distracted by dialogue agendas here and there. Talks must be continuous and held inside the DRC. Congolese people do not need a mediator to discuss among themselves, and they should not take up arms before sitting down for dialogue,' he said.

Nangaa countered that Mbeki’s initiative was not new, emphasizing that the foundation has long played a key role in resolving African conflicts and enjoys wide support across the continent.

He stated that if Tshisekedi refuses to send his representatives to the talks, other Congolese actors will still engage. For that reason, he confirmed that a large delegation representing AFC/M23 had already been dispatched to South Africa.

Corneille Nangaa, the coordinator of the AFC/M23 coalition (left) and deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa at a press conference in Goma.

Xinhua

The disaster occurred on August 31, 2025, when massive amounts of earth and mud swept through the village, flattening homes and farmland. The Sudan Liberation Movement Army (SLM/A), which controls the area, reported that all residents had been killed except one.

In their statement, they described the tragedy as unprecedented and urgently appealed to the United Nations and humanitarian agencies to help recover bodies from the rubble.

'The village and its people disappeared. It’s an unprecedented tragedy,' a local farmer, Al-Amin Abdallah Abbas said.

He explained that the community was known for its citrus farming, making the destruction not only a human catastrophe but also an economic loss.

According to Reuters, the isolated location of Tarasin has made rescue efforts almost impossible.

The area can only be reached on foot or by donkey, and years of conflict in Darfur have already left communities cut off from aid.

Fighting between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions, and humanitarian organizations say much of Darfur has become a 'black hole' for relief operations.

Medical charities such as Doctors Without Borders have long warned that people living in the Marrah Mountains are among the most neglected in Sudan.

A catastrophic landslide has struck the remote village of Tarasin in Sudan’s Darfur region, killing at least 1,000 people and leaving only a single survivor.

Rania Umutoni

Over 8,000 residential houses, primarily in Kunar province, have been completely or partially destroyed due to the earthquake, Juma Khan Nayeel, head of information and publication at the Afghan Red Crescent Society, told Xinhua.

Relief and rescue teams are working to pull out people trapped under the rubble, and the figures for fatalities and injuries have not yet been finalized.

The earthquake struck the eastern part of Afghanistan at 11:47 p.m. local time on Aug. 31, with the epicenter located 27 km northeast of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, at a depth of eight km.

This photo taken on Sept. 1, 2025 shows a view of the earthquake-hit area in Nurgal district of Kunar province, Afghanistan. (Photo By Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

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