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On Thursday evening, the National Assembly approved a request from the Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation to open legal proceedings against Mutamba, following hours of heated debate.

The decision was reached following mounting allegations that the minister authorised an irregular $19 million advance payment for the construction of a new prison in Kisangani, Tshopo Province.

The payment, reportedly issued under a single-source procurement deal, was made before the contract had received formal approval from the relevant authorities, raising concerns of procedural violations and possible embezzlement.

The case involves a total of $39 million allocated for the prison project. Parliamentary sources say the investigation seeks to determine whether Minister Mutamba abused his position by directing funds to an unapproved contractor.

The parliamentary commission in charge of the case had earlier urged the full assembly to authorise legal action, describing the allegations as “extremely serious” under Congolese law and calling for accountability.

“The charges against the Minister of State for Justice and Keeper of the Seals are of a gravity that demands legal consequences,” the commission noted in its report.

With his immunity lifted, Mutamba is now expected to appear before prosecutors in the coming days. The development marks a rare move against a high-ranking official and highlights the growing scrutiny over the management of public funds in President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.

Mutamba has previously defended himself against the accusations, claiming he is being targeted for his efforts to root out corruption within the justice sector.

Nonetheless, the case adds to the broader debate around transparency and governance in the DRC, a country long plagued by allegations of financial mismanagement and weak institutional oversight.

If found guilty, the justice minister could face significant legal penalties and be forced to step down.

The Congolese parliament lifted Mutamba’s immunity following mounting allegations that the minister authorised an irregular $19 million advance payment for the construction of a new prison in Kisangani, Tshopo Province.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This is a powerful recognition of a Rwandan-born institution that’s not just keeping pace with global banking standards but setting them.

Bank of Kigali was recognized for its outstanding performance across key banking areas — from digital transformation and customer growth to sustainable financing and financial inclusion.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali said: “This award is not only a celebration of our performance — it is a celebration of our people, our partners, and every Rwandan who chooses to bank with us.”

Why BK?

In the past year, over Frw 207 billion was disbursed to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), fueling job creation and stimulating local business growth.

Additionally, Frw 62 billion was invested in agriculture and dairy, providing critical support to farmers and enhancing food security in the country.

Innovations in digital lending have also been a key driver. Through the BK Quick+ platform, loans of up to Frw 50 million are now available in as little as 15 hours, all via the BK Mobile App or Internet Banking. This has made financial access more efficient and convenient for many.

Moreover, financial inclusion has made significant strides. Over 5,100 agents have processed more than 5.6 million transactions, reaching deep into underserved communities and expanding access to financial services.

However, behind these impressive numbers are the real stories of individuals and businesses. Parents have been able to pay school fees, women are scaling up their businesses, farmers are able to purchase more seeds, young people are building their own ventures, and corporations are expanding operations.

To further deepen this impact, this year, Bank of Kigali introduced BIGEREHO Na BK, a nationwide campaign with a single goal: to help every Rwandan achieve their dreams.

Through tailored loan solutions such as Kataza na BK, which offers up to Frw 15 million for women-led businesses, Kungahara na BK providing custom financing for agricultural cooperatives, Tuza na BK offering instant Frw 500,000 loans for school fees, and BK Mortgages, which offers 100% financing with no down payment for first-time homebuyers, the bank has expanded its support to a broader audience.

This fifth consecutive win from Global Finance Magazine reaffirms Bank of Kigali’s pivotal role in shaping Rwanda’s financial landscape. The bank is not only proud of its achievements but also deeply committed to the continued progress and opportunities ahead.

About Bank of Kigali

Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels. The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporate clients.

About Global Finance Magazine

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in New York, Global Finance Magazine reaches over 50,000 readers in 193 countries and territories. The magazine’s annual Best Bank Awards are a trusted benchmark for excellence in the global financial community, recognizing institutions that combine strength, innovation, and customer value.

For the fifth time, Bank of Kigali has been awarded Best Bank in Rwanda.

Global Finance Magazine is a prestigious international publication known for spotlighting financial institutions that redefine excellence in banking.

IGIHE

Speaking at the 2025 Astana International Forum, Nduhungirehe hailed the strategic potential of Rwanda-Kazakhstan relations, noting the opportunity to leverage Kazakhstan’s central geopolitical position and infrastructure projects to enhance trade and connectivity with Africa.

“I believe that the relations between Kazakhstan and Rwanda—and Kazakhstan and Africa in general—are entering a new era,” he said.

“Kazakhstan has a very high trade volume with countries and blocs in the region, with trade with the EU at $50 billion, China at $ 45 billion, and Russia at $ 28 billion. But with Africa, it’s only $1 billion, which is still low, but it’s increasing,” he added.

Nduhungirehe highlighted Kazakhstan’s investment in infrastructure corridors such as the Trans-Caspian and the Trans-Afghanistan routes, which he said could connect Central Asia to Africa via the Indian Ocean, enhancing trade in key sectors including agriculture, mining, ICT and industry.

The minister’s remarks came as Rwanda and Kazakhstan recently signed a series of strategic cooperation agreements during President Paul Kagame’s official visit to the Central Asian nation.

The agreements, witnessed by President Kagame and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Aqorda Presidential Palace, cover key sectors including ICT, education, finance, mining, agriculture, and diplomatic relations.

During the visit, President Kagame praised Kazakhstan’s developmental achievements and its growing stature on the world stage.

'Kazakhstan has made remarkable strides in national development, matched by a growing and constructive role on the world stage. This speaks to your leadership, Mr President, and to the determination of the Kazakh people,' he said.

Tokayev, in turn, lauded Rwanda’s institutional strength and 8% economic growth, describing the country as a model of resilience. He reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening ties with African nations.

Both leaders agreed to prioritise trade, investment, digital transformation, e-governance, and sustainable agriculture as key pillars of future cooperation. The new agreements are expected to pave the way for increased private sector engagement, knowledge exchange, and coordinated policymaking.

The Astana International Forum, held under the theme Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future, convened over 5,000 delegates from around the world to address pressing global challenges, including climate change, energy insecurity, and economic volatility.

Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe’s remarks came as Rwanda and Kazakhstan recently signed a series of strategic cooperation agreements during President Paul Kagame’s official visit to the Central Asian nation.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The group shared the figures on Friday, May 30, 2025, during the presentation of its human rights report on areas under its control, challenging earlier estimates by the DRC government and organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Delion Kimbulungu, a secretary of the AFC/M23, stated that the group discovered the bodies in Goma between February 2 and 13.

'It’s clear that the figure of 3,000 announced by the Kinshasa government was fabricated,” Kimbulungu stated.

He also addressed separate claims linking the AFC/M23 to a deadly incident at Munzenze Prison in Goma.

According to Kimbulungu, the events at the prison, including a fire and mass escape, occurred before M23 fighters entered the city.

On the morning of January 27, videos circulated on social media showing Munzenze Prison engulfed in flames as inmates escaped.

The United Nations Human Rights Office later reported that 165 women died in the blaze and that all had been sexually assaulted by the fleeing prisoners.

UN Human Rights spokesperson Seif Magango confirmed the figures came from the DRC justice system, stating, 'We haven’t independently verified the justice report, but we believe it is credible.'

'These incidents at Munzenze Prison happened before M23 forces got there,' Kimbulungu added, distancing the group from any involvement.

The AFC/M23 report includes supporting evidence and testimonies. It also outlines the state of human rights in Bukavu since the coalition took control of the city in February 2025.

Delion Kimbulungu, a secretary of the AFC/M23, revealed that the group discovered bodies of 874 people in Goma between February 2 and 13.

IGIHE

The speech was titled “Writing a New Chapter in Building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future.”

The booklet, published by the People’s Publishing House, is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country.

Xinhua

The new document, which will take effect on July 1, aims to implement the strategy of strengthening the armed forces through science and technology and regulate the process of awarding military scientific research.

The regulations establish a structured award system aligned with national and military strategic goals.

Key features include prioritizing combat effectiveness as the sole benchmark, refining award nomination and review procedures, and strengthening oversight on discipline and confidentiality.

The regulations are expected to enhance innovation vitality in military research, accelerate breakthroughs in defense technology, and provide high-quality scientific support for the cause of building a strong military in the new era.

Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to release the regulations on awarding military scientific research.

Xinhua

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed at a press briefing that U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump “submitted a ceasefire proposal to Hamas that Israel backed and supported.”

“Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent to Hamas. I can also confirm that those discussions are continuing, and we hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home,” said Leavitt.

“I won’t comment further, as we are in the midst of this right now,” she added.

An Israeli official and a U.S. source familiar with the case confirmed that the proposed deal includes not only the 60-day ceasefire but also plans to release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 dead hostages, CBS News reported.

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it.

“The Hamas leadership has received Witkoff’s new proposal from the mediators and is responsibly studying it in a way that serves the interests of our people, provides relief, and achieves a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a brief statement.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

Xinhua

The ceremony, held on May 29, 2025, at UN headquarters in New York, was attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who presented the prestigious medals.

The two Rwandan soldiers honored were Sergeant Major Fiston Murwanashyaka, who died on February 24, 2024, and Corporal Eliakim Niyitegeka, who passed away on July 11, 2024.

Both soldiers were killed while serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The medals were received by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, on behalf of the families of the fallen soldiers.

The Dag Hammarskjöld Medals are named in honor of the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjöld, who tragically died in a plane crash in Zambia in September 1961.

On July 22, 1997, the UN Security Council established these medals to honor those who sacrifice their lives while on peacekeeping missions under the UN’s mandate.

During the same event, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also laid a wreath to honor the 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.

“Over the decades, more than 2 million women and men have served in 71 missions across four continents,” said Guterres during the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal ceremony.

“In the communities and countries in which they serve, UN peacekeepers are an important symbol of the United Nations at its best. Together, they have helped improve millions of lives.”

Guterres acknowledged the complex challenges UN peacekeepers face in today’s world—terrorism, borderless crime, and misinformation, which have made them vulnerable to attacks.

He stressed the importance of adapting peacekeeping efforts to meet new realities in these difficult times.

Guterres also presented the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for 2024 to Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana.

Additionally, Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone was awarded the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award. Both women served in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.

Thursday’s events marked the annual observance of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, celebrated on May 29.

The Dag Hammarskjöld Medals are named in honor of the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjöld, who tragically died in a plane crash in Zambia in September 1961.

The medals were received by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, on behalf of the families of the fallen Rwandan soldiers.

Théophile Niyitegeka

Speaking at the 2025 Astana International Forum in Kazakhstan, Kagame warned that the prevailing model of conflict mediation, dominated by ceasefires and short-term diplomacy, has consistently failed to deliver lasting peace.

'There is more attention paid to managing conflicts rather than addressing the root causes,' Kagame told a packed plenary session, which included Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, North Macedonian President Gordana Davukova, and other global dignitaries.

'You can cool down the situation and a few months, a few years later, you have the same crisis getting worse or others emerging. So, you don’t just manage conflicts. You address the root causes.'

He pointed to longstanding unresolved issues and vested interests as the silent drivers of instability in various regions, including Africa, where conflicts continue to rage in Sudan and in Rwanda’s neighbour, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where M23 rebels have in recent months captured large swathes of territory.

In the eastern DRC, Kagame has in the past accused the government of failing to address the conflict rooted in colonial border drawing, which has led to the continued marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, some of whom have taken up arms to demand inclusivity.

Beyond the Great Lakes region, Kagame’s message struck a chord in a year marked by multiple conflicts, including wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The Astana International Forum, themed Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future, brought together over 5,000 global participants to tackle interlinked global crises—from climate and energy to geopolitical tensions and economic resilience.

During the plenary session, President Kagame also elaborated on Rwanda’s post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi recovery journey, highlighting the importance of resilience and homegrown solutions.

'We learned from our history when genocide was taking place and the rest of the world looked the other way,' he said. 'We began putting our pieces together, creating that level of trust that gave us an opportunity to build institutions accountable to our people’s needs.'

While acknowledging the importance of external support, Kagame stressed that such aid is only effective when coupled with strong domestic commitment.

“We got support from a number of friends and partners, but this would not have been helpful, would not have had an impact if we were not standing together ourselves and doing our part from within,” he remarked.

Kagame stressed that this principle applies across the board, not just for small or developing nations, but for all countries seeking to secure their futures in an increasingly volatile world.

The president also turned a critical eye to the global financial architecture, calling it both
'structurally flawed and politically biased.'

He argued that developing nations continue to suffer from outdated risk assessments and unequal enforcement of international financial rules, which restrict access to capital and hinder development.

'There has been much talk of reforming the global financial architecture… But the problem is not just structural, it is political,' Kagame said.

He called for renewed momentum in South-South cooperation, particularly between Africa and Central Asia, as a strategic complement, not an alternative, to global engagement.

Speaking at the 2025 Astana International Forum in Kazakhstan, Kagame warned that the prevailing model of conflict mediation, dominated by ceasefires and short-term diplomacy, has consistently failed to deliver lasting peace.

The Astana International Forum, themed Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future, brought together over 5,000 global participants to tackle interlinked global crises—from climate and energy to geopolitical tensions and economic resilience.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

DR Tah secured more than three-quarters of shareholder votes in a closely watched election on Thursday, emerging victorious over four other candidates, including Amadou Hott (Senegal), Samuel Maimbo (Zambia), Mahamat Abbas Tolli (Chad), and Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa).

He is set to officially assume office on September 1.

His election comes at a pivotal moment for the AfDB, as the institution faces rising economic pressures across the continent and uncertainty over international support. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed slashing $555 million in funding to the Bank’s key development fund, an essential financial lifeline for projects considered too high-risk for private investment.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Tah, describing his election as a testament to his exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing Africa’s development agenda.

With a career in development finance spanning nearly four decades, Dr Tah brings deep experience and a reputation for reform. Most recently, he served for ten years as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he oversaw a period of growth that saw the bank’s credit rating upgraded and its assets increase from $4 billion to $7 billion.

Earlier in his career, Dr Tah was Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance from 2008 to 2015. He has also held positions at the Mauritanian Bank for Development and Commerce, the Islamic Development Bank, the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), and the country’s Food Security Commission.

An economist by training, Dr Tah holds a PhD from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis in France, a master’s from Paris Diderot University, and a bachelor’s from the University of Nouakchott.

In a recent interview, Dr Tah emphasised the importance of innovation and a more assertive African voice in global economic forums.

'I believe that the AfDB has the responsibility to be the voice of Africa in the international arena as far as macroeconomics and economic development are concerned,' he told The EastAfrican.

'The bank has the legitimacy, the convening power, and the ability to do so,” he added.

He has also called for a shift away from excessive public borrowing toward more public-private partnerships to finance infrastructure. Dr Tah has criticised what he sees as unfair treatment of African economies in global credit markets and argued for reframing Africa’s image to unlock greater investment.

As he prepares to lead one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions, expectations are high that Dr Tah will focus on diversifying the AfDB’s funding base and leveraging his Gulf connections to expand the bank’s resources and reach.

Dr Tah secured more than three-quarters of shareholder votes in a closely watched election on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege