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The directive follows a series of battlefield losses for the Congolese army and its allied forces in the conflict-ridden region.

According to diplomatic sources, Ndayishimiye convened a high-level meeting in Bujumbura on February 27, where he discussed the security crisis in eastern DRC and reiterated his commitment to combating M23.

While publicly advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, his continued deployment of troops suggests a contradictory approach—one that fuels the very war he claims to be mediating.

Since August 2023, Burundi has maintained a substantial military presence in eastern DRC under a controversial agreement with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. The deal, which reportedly grants Ndayishimiye a monthly payment of $5,000 per soldier, has raised concerns over the financial incentives driving Burundi’s involvement in the war.

Despite these payments, Burundian soldiers themselves reportedly receive only a fraction of the amount—$70 for junior ranks and $100 for officers—raising further questions about the true beneficiaries of the arrangement.

On February 23, Burundi reinforced its brigade in the Ruzizi Plain, deploying additional artillery units along the Vugizo border. IGIHE understands that the Burundian army has stationed surveillance drones and heavy artillery, including 120mm and 122mm guns, to fortify its positions ahead of anticipated clashes with M23.

The Burundian presence in DRC has, however, been met with resistance. Reports indicate that hundreds of Burundian soldiers have been killed in North Kivu over the past year, while others have refused to continue fighting.

In January, 48 soldiers from the 20th Battalion declined deployment, an act of defiance that led to their detention under accusations of mutiny.

The worsening security situation has also triggered discord among Burundi’s top military and government officials. Critics argue that Ndayishimiye’s troop deployments prioritize personal financial gain over national security, while soldiers on the ground reportedly feel abandoned in an increasingly dire conflict.

Commanders stationed in Uvira have allegedly issued strict orders warning that any soldier attempting to flee across the Rusizi River back to Burundi would be treated as an enemy combatant and shot on sight.

Despite mounting casualties and internal discontent, Ndayishimiye remains adamant. His latest order aims to push Burundian forces deeper into South Kivu, with a primary focus on retaking key rebel-held areas, including Bukavu and Kavumu airport. However, reports from within Burundian military ranks suggest that soldiers are growing increasingly reluctant to engage M23, fearing heavy losses in what has become a grueling and costly conflict.

As regional leaders continue to push for a diplomatic resolution, Burundi’s deepening involvement complicates ongoing peace efforts.

During the February 8 summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), calls for an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue were reiterated. However, with Burundian forces pressing ahead on the battlefield, the prospects for peace remain uncertain.

Since August 2023, Burundi has maintained a substantial military presence in eastern DRC under a controversial agreement with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

IGIHE

The country has however since passed a new constitution and electoral code. Nguema told the Gabonese people early this week that he had decided to run in the 12 April election “after careful reflection and in response to your many appeals”.

Addressing supporters during a heavy downpour in the capital, Libreville, he declared his readiness to change the fortunes of the oil-rich country.

“I am a builder and I need your courage, your strength, to build this country,” the coup leader, who had just turned 50, said. The announcement followed months of speculation about his intentions to officially occupy the country’s top seat.

Earlier, Nguema told the military in a meeting that he was aware of their desire to see him run in the election and urged them to vote. He told the defense forces he had heard their calls. “I listened to you and, believe me, I understood you. I will get back to you within the next few days.'

There has been speculation that Nguema had left the army, as a requirement to run for the presidency but that has since been denied by his spokesman.

A Facebook page associated with Nguema clarified on Monday that he was required to abandon his military uniform temporarily while running for election.

The page, Infos CTRI Officiel, said that he would have to permanently leave the military if he won the election. “If he’s not elected, he will return to the barracks,” it said. The Nguema-led junta is credited for ending 55 years of the Bongo dynasty.

Ali Bongo had ruled for 14 years before he was toppled. He took office after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who had been president for 41 years.

Last month, the president of neighboring Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, encouraged the Gabonese people to support Nguema for a better future for their country.

Some opposition and civil society groups in Gabon have however been urging the military leader to honor his word and leave power to civilians after the transition.

Despite Gabon’s oil wealth and vast forests, one third of its 2.4 million people live below the poverty line, according to the UN.

Gen Brice Oligui Nguema took power following a coup in 2023.

IGIHE

This 24th cohort saw graduates leave with a combined earning of more than Frw110million which they acquired through various projects during their rehabilitation period.

At Iwawa, where the largest group of 4,916 students graduated, participants earned income by engaging in construction work, including the building of multi-story staff accommodations.

The National Rehabilitation Service (NRS) stated that these funds will serve as capital to help the graduates start their own businesses and become more self-reliant.

One of the graduates, Omar Niziyimana, who lost his parents at the age of seven and has no known family, was recognized for his exemplary behavior during his three years at Iwawa.

In a public declaration during the ceremony, NRS officials offered him a permanent government position at the rehabilitation center and pledged to provide him with family-like support.

The graduation ceremony featured performances by the students, including songs reflecting their reformation and commitment to good citizenship. Each graduate took an oath to uphold positive behavior and contribute to their communities.

Despite concerns that some graduates from rehabilitation centers may struggle to find employment and risk relapsing into delinquent behaviors, the government has promised that no graduate will be left without a job.

Minister of Local Government, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, assured the graduates that measures are in place to facilitate their reintegration into the workforce. “No student who has completed their program will be left without work that aligns with their skills,” said Mugenzi during his speech at the Iwawa ceremony.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye also addressed the graduates, urging them to work alongside fellow citizens to protect Rwanda’s security and to avoid any actions that could destabilize the country.

The NRS continues to implement income-generating initiatives for those undergoing rehabilitation, ensuring that they leave with practical skills and financial support to sustain their future.

This cohort’s achievements mark a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate citizens into a productive society.

Minister of Local Government, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi appreciates one of the graduates.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye hands over a certificate to one of the graduates.

At Iwawa is where the largest group of 4,916 students graduated.

The graduation ceremony featured performances by the students, including songs reflecting their reformation and commitment to good citizenship.

IGIHE

Originally from the United States, Nyiramacibiri played a significant role in preventing the extinction of gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. When she arrived, gorilla populations were dwindling due to poaching.

Nyiramacibiri arrived at the park in 1967 after spending time studying gorilla behavior. Over the 18 years she spent living among them, she gathered extensive knowledge on their feeding habits, social structures, emotional expressions, and more.

On the morning of December 27, 1985, the tragic news of her death spread throughout Rwanda, particularly in the former Ruhengeri Prefecture. She was found murdered in her cabin with six head and facial wounds, indicating she had been hacked to death with a machete.

Robbery was ruled out as a motive since the substantial cash she kept in her home was untouched. Additionally, her passport and a handgun remained undisturbed. Investigators found footprints of two individuals outside her cabin, and a hole had been cut into the wall.

Following her death, Rwandan authorities swiftly arrested her staff, including Emmanuel Rwelekana, who had previously guided Fossey during her fieldwork. While most were released the next day, Rwelekana remained in custody due to prior conflicts with Fossey that had resulted in his dismissal.

Nine months later, on September 29, 1986, the day before U.S. Embassy officials were scheduled to question Rwelekana, the Rwandan government announced that he had died in his cell, allegedly by hanging. This conclusion raised suspicions, especially among his family.

Fossey is recognized for her extensive work in wildlife conservation. particularly her dedication to protecting mountain gorillas.

We have no proof that my father died- Rwelekana’s daughter

To this day, the circumstances of Rwelekana’s death remain unclear. His family never received his body nor any concrete evidence confirming his death.

Donata Mukarwego, born in 1980 in Rwambogo village, is Rwelekana’s daughter. In an interview with IGIHE, she recounted the day her father learned of Fossey’s death.

'My father was at home when he received the news. He immediately left the house after telling my mother that something terrible had happened,' she recalls. A few days later, gendarmes arrived to arrest her father and other staff members. Eventually, the family heard the news of his alleged death in prison.

'A man came to tell us that our father had died. Rumors spread that he either committed suicide or was killed. Among all the staff, only my father died, which left us devastated,' Mukarwego said.

Following Rwelekana’s death, his wife also passed away, leaving their children to face severe hardship.
Fossey died without ever conceiving a child

Jonas Nubaha, born in Kinigi in 1965, started working for Fossey at Karisoke Research Center in 1979. His duties included monitoring wildlife and setting traps for poachers.

'She hired people who knew the work well. We would report to her every morning with our findings,' Nubaha recalled. He remembered Fossey as a kind employer who treated her staff and local residents generously.

'On holidays, we would bring our families to celebrate with her. She provided food, drinks, and clothes for our children. She was a good person who treated us well,' he said. Despite working closely with the gorillas, Fossey’s staff remained cautious around them.

'She loved the gorillas deeply. We would stay back while she approached them. She played a major role in ensuring their protection,' Nubaha said.

Fossey’s work extended beyond wildlife conservation to supporting local communities, which earned her lasting admiration. 'The problem is that she died without ever having a child. But even today, people continue to hold memorials in her honor,' Nubaha noted.

Fidèle Uwimana, another former staff member born in 1967 in Kinigi, described how he first encountered Fossey in 1984 during a community celebration. As a young volunteer, he would help with household tasks during staff holidays, receiving clothes in return.

Uwimana explained that the name “Nyiramacibiri” originally belonged to another researcher who was shorter than Fossey. When that researcher returned home, Fossey inherited the nickname.

Jonas Nubaha started working for Fossey at Karisoke Research Center in 1979.

Was Rwelekana wrongfully accused?

When asked whether Rwelekana was responsible for Fossey’s death, Nubaha remained skeptical. 'Although some people suspected him, there was never clear evidence,' he said.

Rumors suggested that Fossey’s conflicts with local and foreign authorities might have played a role in her murder. Some believed that disagreements over whether the gorillas should be used for tourism rather than research created enemies for her.

Others speculated that she clashed with the Rwandan government, especially with local officials in Ruhengeri. Uwimana, who also knew Rwelekana and his brother, acknowledged that while Fossey and Rwelekana had a contentious relationship, the truth remains elusive.

'There were meetings at his home with foreign collaborators before Fossey died. It is hard to dismiss the possibility that he was involved,' he said.

Fossey was buried at Karisoke among the gorillas she had cared for, fulfilling her wish to rest alongside the animals she loved so dear.

'The government granted us permission to bury her there. To this day, her grave remains a place of remembrance,' Uwimana said.

Fossey’s work extended beyond wildlife conservation to supporting local communities, which earned her lasting admiration.

Fossey was buried at Karisoke among the gorillas she had cared for, fulfilling her wish to rest alongside the animals she loved so dear.

IGIHE

The arrests follow heavy clashes in Nasir, a strategic northern town, between government troops and the White Army militia, a loosely organized group mainly composed of armed Nuer fighters, Machar’s ethnic group.

The White Army previously fought alongside Machar’s forces during the 2013-2018 civil war. Minister Chol, a native of Nasir, was detained alongside Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam.

Other military officials aligned with Machar were placed under house arrest. Baluang, stated that no explanation had been provided for their arrests.

In a worrying development, South Sudanese troops were also stationed around Machar’s residence. However, Baluang confirmed that Machar was still able to leave his home and report to his office, despite the increasing political tension.

The government’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, has not responded to inquiries regarding the arrests but promised to address the issue in a press conference. This lack of immediate clarification has further fueled uncertainty and speculation across the country.

South Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in 2013, just two years after the country gained independence, resulted in 400,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million people. While the 2018 peace deal ended large-scale fighting, tensions between Kiir and Machar’s factions remain high.

Witnesses reported an attack in Nasir’s central square where a grenade, allegedly aimed at a convoy carrying rebel leaders, failed to hit its target. The African Union and United Nations recently warned that rising violence in the region could spiral out of control.

Political analysts fear the arrests could reignite conflict. Ter Manyang, director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, warned that without intervention from South Sudan’s top leadership, the country risks descending back into war, endangering its fragile peace efforts.

Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol is said to have been arrested.

The Sudanese Forces have also arrested Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam.

Riek Machar is a man who wears many labels: rebel leader, First Deputy President, warlord and now, possibly, peacemaker.

IGIHE

The suspect was apprehended in Kamembe Sector, where the police had deployed a mobile vehicle inspection station to bring services closer to motorists in Rusizi and neighboring districts. The man was seeking an inspection for his Toyota Land Cruiser.

Western Province Police Spokesperson, SP Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, explained that instead of addressing the mechanical faults in his vehicle, the suspect tried to bribe the officer to obtain the certificate.

'On Monday, March 3, the driver brought his vehicle for inspection but failed the test due to several mechanical defects, including a malfunctioning handbrake and steering apparatus,' said SP Karekezi.

'Rather than fixing these issues, the suspect returned on Wednesday morning and offered the inspecting officer 50,000 RWF, consisting of ten 5,000 RWF notes. The officer immediately reported the attempt to his superiors, leading to the suspect’s arrest,' he added.

According to Article 143 of Presidential Decree No. 85/01 of September 2, 2002, vehicles that do not meet the required standards cannot receive an inspection certificate. A follow-up inspection is mandatory to confirm that identified defects have been corrected before issuing the certificate.

SP Karekezi reminded vehicle owners and drivers that failing a vehicle inspection test is an opportunity to repair their vehicles to prevent mechanical-related accidents that could endanger their lives and the lives of others.

He further emphasized that vehicles with identified faults should only be driven to a garage for repairs and back to the inspection station for re-evaluation. Attempting to bribe officers instead of following these procedures can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.

The suspect was handed over to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Kamembe Station for further investigation.

Article 4 of Law No. 54/2018 of August 13, 2018, on combating corruption stipulates that anyone convicted of soliciting, offering, or accepting a bribe faces a prison sentence of between five and seven years and a fine ranging from three to five times the value of the bribe involved.

The suspect was apprehended in Kamembe Sector, where the police had deployed a mobile vehicle inspection station to bring services closer to motorists in Rusizi and neighboring districts.

IGIHE

This year’s Level Up Your Biz edition empowered 40 MTN Agents with essential business skills to enhance their operations. Among them, 10 MTN Agents stood out with the most outstanding solutions to real distribution channel challenges, with the top three winners securing the highest recognition.

Mapula Bodibe, CSI Chairperson and MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer highlighted that, beyond providing communication and internet services, the initiative aligns with the telecom’s committment to contributing to Rwanda’s Vision 2050 of becoming a high-income country, .

“By equipping our agents with the necessary training, we empower them to become job creators, driving economic growth and transforming their lives. Inclusion is at the heart of what we do, and we believe that by working together, we can build a future that benefits all Rwandans,” she said.

Bayigana Alexis from Gasabo District clinched first place, winning Rwf 5 million in float, while Dusabimana Adelphine from Rulindo District secured second place with Rwf 3.5 million in float. Tuyishime Baraka from Nyamasheke District earned third place, receiving Rwf 2.5 million in float.

Beyond their cash prizes, the top three winners will also benefit from a revamp of their current working environment, further enhancing their business operations. The remaining seven MTN agents were each awarded Rwf 500,000 in float, reinforcing MTN Rwanda’s commitment to supporting and uplifting its agents.

“At Inkomoko we believe Solutions can be found here. The solutions to many challenges will be found by entrepreneurs on this continent. We are tremendously proud of the 10 agents from the pool of 5,000 who made it out. Our biggest wish is that your businesses will reach a new level and thrive and that this program will change your life,' said Helle Dahl Rasmussen, Business Growth Director, Inkomoko Rwanda.

MTN Rwanda is encouraging organizations across the country to join efforts in advancing Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, playing an active role in driving sustainable development and achieving the Vision 2050 goal of becoming a high-income nation.

By creating jobs, the people of Rwanda are empowered with economic opportunities that improve their livelihoods, enhance financial inclusion, and drive innovation. This collective effort not only strengthens local businesses and industries but also contributes to a more resilient and self-sustaining economy, paving the way for long-term national prosperity.

About MTN Rwandacell

MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.

The telecom offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers with a belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.

About Inkomoko

Inkomoko is a consulting firm that supports micro and small enterprises across Africa so that they can grow to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and create thriving communities. It started its work in Rwanda eleven years ago and has now opened offices in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Chad.

MTN Rwanda in partnership with Inkomoko has announced winners of the 4th edition of Level Up Your Biz Initiative.

Beyond their cash prizes, the top three winners will also benefit from a revamp of their current working environment, further enhancing their business operations.

This year’s Level Up Your Biz edition empowered 40 MTN Agents with essential business skills to enhance their operations.

IGIHE

Several European nations, including Belgium, Germany, and France, are home to individuals who spread genocide ideology through social media, published writings, and books.

According to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), 3,179 people have been investigated for genocide-related offenses between 2019 and 2024.

Deputy Prosecutor General Bonaventure Ruberwa disclosed these efforts during a consultative meeting organized by Rwanda’s Parliament on March 5, 2025.

The discussion focused on the persistence of genocide ideology, its consequences, and strategies to counter it.

Ruberwa emphasized that Rwanda is gathering evidence against individuals living abroad who deny or trivialize the Genocide against the Tutsi, with the goal of prosecuting them in their host countries.

He noted that many of these individuals are concentrated in Belgium and France, despite both nations having laws that criminalize genocide denial.

'For some time now, we have observed that many of these individuals are in Belgium. Most of them are children of parents who committed the Genocide against the Tutsi. They established an organization called Jambo News, which runs media platforms that extensively spread genocide ideology. Others, like Father Thomas Nahimana, use social media to deny and trivialize the Genocide,' he said.

The NPPA is taking concrete steps to collect evidence, particularly in countries such as France and Belgium, where legal frameworks allow the prosecution of individuals, regardless of nationality, who engage in genocide denial while residing there.

'We are compiling evidence to file cases in these countries, given that their laws permit prosecuting individuals, whether citizens or foreigners, who spread genocide denial while on their soil,' Ruberwa explained.

He also urged the public to report any materials, such as books, articles, or social media content, that promote genocide denial or ideology so they can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

'We call for cooperation in investigations to ensure these individuals face justice in their host countries. If you come across books, articles, or social media content that promote genocide denial, please report them. This is especially critical as young people are increasingly exposed to these messages through platforms like Jambo News,' he stated.

Rwanda’s Parliament has also raised concerns about the influence of anti-Rwanda rhetoric on communities living near border regions.

Lawmakers warned that some residents consume online content from individuals abroad who oppose Rwanda, potentially misleading them if they lack proper analytical skills and critical thinking.

The consultative discussion focused on the persistence of genocide ideology, its consequences, and strategies to counter it.

IGIHE

Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany recently announced sanctions against Rwanda, which include halting development cooperation.

These nations accuse Rwanda of having troops in eastern DRC and supporting the M23 armed group.

However, the Rwandan government has strongly rejected these accusations, asserting that Rwandan forces are not on DRC’s territory and are not aiding the M23.

The government further clarified that, instead, the DRC government is cooperating with the FDLR, a terrorist group aimed at destabilizing Rwanda.

Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe emphasized that these countries should be supporting the processes initiated by African leaders to restore peace in eastern DRC, adding that sanctions would not provide a solution.

Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe made the disclosure during a consultation meeting with members of Parliament on March 5, 2025, where he emphasized that the sanctions imposed on Rwanda are driven by the countries’ own interests, particularly their desire for minerals from the DRC.

'All of them are after their own interests in Congo, nothing else. What they see in Congo is minerals,' he said.

Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe pointed to Canada as an example, noting that the country recently halted new trade cooperation with Rwanda.

He highlighted that Canada controls a major mine in the Walikale territory in North Kivu, home to the world’s largest deposit of Cassiterite.

'For Canadians, it’s nothing else. In Walikale, they have the Cassiterite mine, the largest in the world, known as Alpha Mines. There is nothing surprising when they impose sanctions on Rwanda.'

This photo shows the view of Goma city recently captured by M23. Rwanda denies involvement in DRC conflict but denounces DRC’s collaboration with FDLR.

Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe emphasized that countries threatening Rwanda wuth sanctions should be supporting the processes initiated by African leaders to restore peace in eastern DRC.

IGIHE