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In a statement delivered on February 6, 2025, Amb. Ngango countered accusations from the DRC government that Rwanda supports the armed group M23.

He described these claims as a diversion tactic aimed at concealing Kinshasa’s true intentions.

'We categorically oppose the DRC’s attempts to portray Rwanda as responsible for the insecurity in eastern DRC. This is a well-known deflection tactic used by Kinshasa to avoid accountability for the atrocities it and allied armed groups are inflicting on its own citizens,' he stated.

M23 fighters seized the city of Goma in the early hours of January 27, 2025, just four days after capturing Sake, a town in Masisi territory.

They now control key infrastructure in Goma, including the airport, and have established a new administration for North Kivu province.

Amb. Ngango revealed that as M23 advanced into Goma, the DRC’s military coalition had been preparing large-scale attacks against Rwanda, amassing weapons in and around the city.

'What is clear, however, is the imminent threat the current situation poses to Rwanda. Following the fall of Goma, new evidence has emerged of large-scale attacks planned against Rwanda. The Kinshasa-backed coalition has stockpiled a significant number of weapons and military equipment near Rwanda’s border, mostly in and around Goma airport,' he explained.

He further disclosed that the arsenal included heavy artillery and attack drones, which were not directed at M23 but instead pointed at Rwanda.

'The weapons were not positioned in the theater of operations against M23; rather, they were aimed directly at Rwanda,' he added.

Amb. Ngango also reminded the Council that after M23 took control of Goma, the DRC army shelled Rwandan territory, killing 16 civilians, injuring over 150, and damaging approximately 280 homes and properties.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently warned that if the DRC government persists with its plans to attack Rwanda, Rwanda will maintain the defensive measures it has put in place along the border.

M23 seized heavy weapons in Goma that were intended for major attacks on Rwanda.

Some of these weapons shelled Rwandan territory, killing 16 civilians, injuring over 150.

Bullets fired into Rwanda also damaged houses.

IGIHE

The conference, scheduled to take place from February 19 to 28, is organized by the Rwanda Ministry of Health, Operation Smile, the University of Rwanda, and the Rwanda Surgical Society.

Pre-conference workshops will be held from February 19 to 23, with the main conference slated for February 24 to 28 at the Kigali Serena Hotel.

Speaking at a pre-conference event in Kigali on Friday, February 7, Professor Faustin Ntirenganya, Chair of Surgery at the University of Rwanda and President of the Rwanda Surgical Society, said the conference provides stakeholders with a unique platform to address critical gaps in surgical care.

'This conference is a pivotal opportunity to bring together academicians, policymakers, and practitioners to analyze surgical gaps in Africa and establish a unified agenda for addressing them,” Prof. Ntirenganya told the media.

“We aim to learn from each other, share best practices, and exchange experiences. Rwanda can showcase its progress, while also learning from other countries to accelerate improvements,” he added.

Africa faces a dire shortage of surgical professionals. The continent currently has only 0.5 surgeons and 0.1 anaesthetists per 100,000 people—far below global recommendations.

According to Prof. Ntirenganya, Rwanda is also affected, with only three surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia providers per 100,000 people, while the recommended standard is 20.

Due to this shortage, the available surgeons can perform only a third of the required surgical volume, leaving many patients waiting longer for essential procedures.

Despite the challenges, Prof. Ntirenganya emphasized that Rwanda has made progress, including launching the first National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) in 2018. However, more investment in training and infrastructure is needed.

The upcoming conference’s goal is to expand Africa’s surgical workforce, ensuring that every district hospital has a qualified surgeon.

Rwanda currently has only 162 surgeons across all specialities, with just five plastic surgeons specializing in cleft surgery.

Organizations like Operation Smile are actively working to address this shortage by enhancing surgical training and infrastructure.

Andrew Karima, Country Manager for Operation Smile Rwanda, described their contributions, noting, 'Every surgery we conduct is also a teaching opportunity. Through our hub-and-spoke model, we are expanding access to care while simultaneously strengthening the healthcare system. We have completed surgical projects in hospitals across Rwanda and are committed to ensuring that every patient, no matter where they are, can receive the care they need.'

Operation Smile provides approximately 180 free cleft surgeries annually in Rwanda and has played a critical role in repairing cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial differences in the country and around the world.

The global charity organization, founded in 1982, is also collaborating with the Ministry of Health to integrate critical care services into surgical programs, ensuring better post-operative care for patients.

“We have strengthened our partnership with the Ministry of Health. We are now incorporating critical care, aligning our services with High Dependency Units (HDU) and Intensive Care Units (ICU). This ensures that if surgery doesn’t go as expected, the patient receives appropriate post-operative care,” he disclosed.

Karima emphasized that their work extends beyond Rwanda, stating, 'If our model has worked here, it can work in Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, and beyond.'

The inaugural Pan-African Surgical Conference, themed 'Building Resilient and Sustainable Surgical Services in Africa', will feature policy discussions, research presentations, and networking opportunities.

Experts from across the continent will share best practices and innovations aimed at closing the surgical care gap in resource-limited settings. Key objectives include reinforcing surgical training programs, expanding policy support for surgical workforce development, and strengthening regional surgical networks.

With participation from global surgery policy experts, medical professionals, government officials, and advocacy groups, the conference is expected to yield actionable recommendations that will shape the future of surgical care in Africa, with Rwanda playing a central role.

Speaking at a pre-conference event in Kigali on Friday, February 7, Professor Faustin Ntirenganya, Chair of Surgery at the University of Rwanda and President of the Rwanda Surgical Society, said the conference provides stakeholders with a unique platform to address critical gaps in surgical care.

Andrew Karima, Country Manager for Operation Smile Rwanda, explained that the organization is actively working with the Ministry of Health to address the shortage by helping enhance surgical training and infrastructure.

The organizers pose for a photo with journalists during a pre-conference held at Kigali Serena Hotel on Friday, February 7, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

M23’s newly appointed Governor of North Kivu Province, Bahati ‘Erasto’ Musanga Joseph, made these remarks following his official inauguration on February 6, 2025.

North Kivu’s former governor, Maj. Gen. Peter Cirimwami, was shot by M23 fighters on the front lines during a recent battle with government forces.

Videos circulated on social media on January 27, 2025—the day M23 seized control of Goma—showed large numbers of inmates running out of the prison.

Bahati stated that the escaped prisoners who remain at large are among the “problems” facing the new administration.

“This city is facing three major problems. The first is that the prison was holding criminals. All of those criminals have been released; they are now out. They escaped—the government freed them before we arrived here [in Goma],” he told the media.

He added that the new leadership of North Kivu is working with local authorities to apprehend “all criminals” seeking to disrupt security, including the escaped inmates from Munzenze Prison.

Governor Bahati stated that the new administration will arrest those seeking to disrupt Goma’s security.

IGIHE

In a post on X, Makolo dismissed the claims published by the British newspaper, noting that the article’s content was unsurprising given the authors’ history.

The story was written by two journalists, including Michela Wrong, who is known for publishing narratives that discredit Rwanda.

Published on February 7, 2025, the article alleges that more than 600 Rwandan soldiers have died in eastern DRC while fighting alongside M23 against FARDC. However, the authors provided no evidence to support the claims.

Makolo pointed out that one of the major flaws in the article is the lack of credible sources, with all quoted individuals reportedly choosing to remain anonymous.

“All anonymous sources and conjecture. Ridiculous of the Guardian to build a story with no story. ‘We hear that….’ Not surprising given one of the authors wrote a whole book based on rumours. Pathetic,” Makolo wrote on Friday.

She added, “There is a real story to be told about the people of this region and our desire for peace and progress – but that’s too much to ask of the Guardian and these heartless armchair hacks.”

Although Makolo did not explicitly name the author of the book, many linked her remarks to Michela Wrong, who previously published a book targeting Rwanda and its leadership.

Rwanda has frequently been accused of supporting M23, with the Congolese government calling for sanctions against Kigali. However, Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, instead accusing the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR, an armed group composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwanda has presented evidence to support its claims, asserting that FDLR fighters are actively engaged in the ongoing conflict alongside the Congolese army.

Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, has called out The Guardian, accusing the British publication of spreading false claims. The newspaper alleged that over 600 Rwandan soldiers were killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the ongoing conflict between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied militias.

IGIHE

The remains were transported in a United Nations (UN) truck across the Rwandan border into Uganda on Friday and are set to be flown home via Entebbe International Airport.

Some of the soldiers were killed in the battle to capture Goma City, while others perished in clashes in Sake involving M23, the Congolese military, and allied coalition forces.

Earlier reports indicated that the bodies had begun to decompose and remained scattered in different locations, having not been placed in hospital mortuaries.

The repatriation was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was delayed due to negotiations between M23 and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is contributing troops to the eastern Congo.

More to follow…

The remains were transported in a United Nations (UN) truck across the Rwandan border into Uganda on Friday and are set to be flown home via Entebbe International Airport.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Although there is no written rule that states when a person is expected to be married, society has developed much more respect for married individuals than those who are single.

It is the desire of every parent to see their child married before they grow old and most times, these parents will pressure their children into finding a worthy lover.

However, much leniency is given to men than women when it comes to seeking out a lover and marrying. Human society ties a woman’s identity to her success in building a home and her capabilities to sustain her family.

Being a spinster has proven to be difficult as pressure is mostly mounted on women from to marry early before they are no longer attractive in the eyes of men. This rhetoric has birthed a popular dating sites or campaigns which most unmarried women attend in hopes of finding a man.

52-year Pascasia Nyinawumuntu, a mother of seven says that women marry early to avoid so many complications, including health, as menopause often begins between 45 and 55 years old, barring women from procreating and starting a biological family with their husbands.

'As young girls, we were raised to always marry early so we could be of use to our husbands. There was an ancient belief of marriage as strictly for procreation and the extension of legitimate lineages unlike these days where people marry for love or just for fun,' she explained.

In the past, women were believed to always find favor in the eyes of the man who would marry them and care for them, therefore making their individuality and desires obsolete as they would eventually end up as family home caregivers.

Today, according to popular opinion, men have always married later than women, except for some men who married early.

With the strong voice of feminism and the recognition of women beyond their matrimonial services, women are beginning to embrace individuality, such as creating a life and career for themselves before choosing to settle and marry, just as men.

While women are told to marry early, between the ages of 20 and 25, men are allowed to 'hustle’ and be excused from marrying as early. This part helps society embrace the idea of a young girl marrying an older and accomplished man.

A random survey carried out by IGIHE in Kigali City indicates that, on average, 'unmarried youth and their parents view 20 to 25 as acceptable ages for women to marry, while ages 23 to 30 are appropriate for men.
Historically, men’s income-earning capabilities were necessary for marriage, while attractiveness and household capabilities were more important for women.

Feminism, a pushback on women marrying early

Feminists understand the power dynamic between a man and a woman in a traditional marriage, whereby the men are always authoritative and have dominion over their households.

This is because their wives, who have been conditioned to marry early before chasing any personal goal, have to be financially dependent on them (their husbands). Feminists believe that women should shun the idea of marrying early and instead focus on personal growth and achievements before settling to create a family.

Although there have been fights against women ageing without marriage and starting a home, feminists strive to ensure that all women get the chance to choose their lives and what they want with them rather than being conditioned to enjoy such a life for themselves.

Feminists have claimed that early marriages often lead to early childbirth, and this could pose a disaster for women, especially if they are not emotionally or physically prepared to take on such life-threatening roles.

Should women marry early or not?

Marrying early or marrying at all is best left to any individual who identifies as an adult. Men are pressured to produce off springs and women are asked to marry early while they are fertile.

However, before any man is congratulated for starting a family, he must be scrutinized by those around him as they gauge his financial capacity to understand if he is ready to take on the role of a 'breadwinner.'

This scrutiny is why men are often given the freedom to marry whenever they want, as they could also produce off springs at any age, unlike women.

Marrying early or marrying at all is best left to any individual who identifies as an adult.

Sam K Nkurunziza

According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), the move aims to thwart a potential offensive by the M23 armed group to capture the city of Bukavu.

The reinforcements consist of a full battalion. Reports indicate that the troops were assembled at a military base in Gatumba, near the border, before their deployment to the DRC.

This battalion will be the 16th unit of Burundian forces stationed in the DRC since 2022, following a cooperation agreement between the two countries to combat armed groups in North and South Kivu.

Burundian troops have been fighting alongside the Congolese army in a coalition that includes the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by remnant perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Previously, all Burundian troops stationed in North Kivu were redeployed to South Kivu after suffering losses against M23. They are now securing key strategic locations, including Kavumu, home to a critical airport.

The withdrawal of these troops, led by Brigadier General Pontien Hakizimana, also known as “Mingi,” from North Kivu reportedly facilitated M23’s capture of Sake and Goma.

Reports now suggest that M23 could advance toward Bukavu if its positions continue to come under attack.

Burundian troops have been fighting alongside the Congolese army in a coalition that includes the FDLR, a terrorist group

Reports suggest that the deployment aims to thwart a potential offensive by the M23 armed group to capture the city of Bukavu.

IGIHE

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has a weight problem. Nearly 10% of its 60,000 soldiers are overweight or even obese. That is 6,000 troops who might struggle to run after an enemy, let alone complete a fitness test. Instead of fighting on the battlefield, it seems some are fighting to fit into their uniforms.

So, how did we get here? The love for good food is real. Many soldiers admit they just cannot resist a big meal (who can say no to a braai?). Then there is the issue of cravings, because why do sit-ups when slap chips are calling your name?

The cost of eating healthy is another factor since a salad is somehow pricier than a greasy burger. And let us not forget the all-time favourite excuse: 'I am too busy to exercise.'

The issue of overweight soldiers came into sharp focus last year when pictures of some South African soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight against M23 started circulating online. Many questioned whether they would even be able to run when necessary.

The images sparked debates about SANDF’s combat readiness and the physical condition of its troops, especially when facing an opponent like M23. Unlike SANDF’s troops, M23 fighters are known for being physically fit, battle-hardened, and experienced in guerrilla warfare.

Since South African soldiers have already been deployed in the DRC and have suffered heavy casualties, President Cyril Ramaphosa must make sure they are not sent back as mere ingredients for another tragic recipe. If they are to be there, at least give them the tools to fight, not just prayers and press statements.

The South African Army is not just struggling with overweight soldiers; it is drowning in a sea of problems. Budget constraints have left defence spending at a measly 0.7% of GDP, leading to underfunding in critical areas. Ageing equipment means many military assets are outdated, and financial struggles make maintenance a nightmare. Personnel costs eat up a massive portion of the defence budget, leaving little room for essential operations.

On top of that, skills shortages are affecting operational readiness, while an ageing personnel base means fewer soldiers are physically fit for active duty. The number of medically deployable forces is low, further limiting the army’s ability to respond effectively to crises. No wonder their recent mission in Mozambique was a complete failure.

Structural challenges caused by past restructuring efforts have created inefficiencies, and to make matters worse, corruption and mismanagement have drained resources and shattered trust within the military.

Recent casualties in peacekeeping missions in the DRC have only further highlighted these issues, straining international relations and proving that the SANDF is ill-equipped to handle modern conflicts.

It is time for action, not excuses. Mess halls need to serve healthier meals with less grease and more greens. Fitness should be non-negotiable. If you cannot meet basic fitness standards, you should not be in the army.

Leadership is also important. Commanders need to lead by example. If the bosses are fit, the troops will follow. At the end of the day, an army that cannot run, cannot fight. If SANDF wants to stay ready for real battles like the one in DRC, it needs to win the war against weight first. Otherwise, the only thing some soldiers will be chasing is the lunch menu.

South African Defence Force soldiers have been repeatedly warned to slim down.

Alcade Ndemeye

The move, announced on Thursday, has sparked global condemnation while receiving support from some quarters.

The sanctions come in response to the ICC’s recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Israel denies, and a Hamas commander.

Trump accused the court of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions” that threaten U.S. sovereignty and national security interests.

In a statement, the ICC condemned the sanctions and vowed to continue its judicial work.

“The court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world,” the ICC said, urging its 125 member states to support its staff.

Trump’s executive order has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the sanctions, stating that the ICC “must be able to freely pursue the fight against global impunity.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also voiced regret, emphasizing the court’s role in combating war crimes.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump ally, praised the move, suggesting it was time for Hungary to reconsider its participation in the ICC.

“New winds are blowing in international politics. We call it the Trump-tornado,” Orban posted on X.

The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans on designated ICC officials and their families. Court officials met in The Hague on Friday to assess the implications of these measures, which could significantly impact the court’s operations.

The U.S. has historically opposed ICC jurisdiction over its nationals. During his first administration, Trump imposed similar sanctions on former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over investigations into alleged American war crimes in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were later lifted by President Joe Biden’s administration.

The ICC has faced resistance from powerful nations before. In 2023, Russia banned ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan and placed him on a wanted list after the court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children.

In response to increasing pressure on the ICC, a coalition of nations, including South Africa and Malaysia, recently formed the ‘Hague Group’ to defend the court’s authority and rulings.

The UN has urged Washington to reverse its decision, warning that the sanctions undermine international justice efforts. However, Trump and his allies remain firm in their stance, arguing that the ICC unfairly targets Israel and threatens U.S. national security interests.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed economic and travel sanctions on individuals involved in International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations targeting American citizens and U.S. allies such as Israel.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

As a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s political transformation, Gasamagera shared his perspectives on how the RPF has led the country through significant progress, its ongoing commitment to unity and progress, and the future direction that the party intends to take in shaping Rwanda’s growth.

Leadership as the cornerstone of national development

During the interview, Gasamagera explained that the RPF’s leadership philosophy is fundamentally tied to the principles of resilience, unity, and clear strategic direction.

'Under President Paul Kagame’s guidance, the RPF has transformed Rwanda from a post-genocide society into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies,' he said.

According to him, the party’s vision revolves around leadership that not only holds power but also inspires collaboration and ensures that every Rwandan has a stake in the country’s success.

Reflecting on the party’s role in uniting a divided nation, Gasamagera noted that leadership within the RPF is about more than governance. It’s about healing historical wounds and building a foundation of trust and cooperation among all citizens.

He highlighted that the RPF’s success in Rwanda is rooted in its leadership’s ability to prioritize inclusivity, good governance, and sustainable development. For him, leadership should empower citizens and contribute to a society where everyone can thrive.

As Secretary-General, Gasamagera plays a pivotal role in maintaining the RPF’s values and reinforcing its commitment to social justice, economic opportunity, and national stability. His leadership focuses on ensuring that these values continue to guide the party as it looks ahead to a future of continued progress.

RPF’s leadership philosophy is fundamentally tied to the principles of resilience, unity and clear strategic direction.

The RPF’s vision for the future

Looking to the future, Gasamagera spoke with great optimism about Rwanda’s continued progress and the RPF’s role in fostering long-term national development.

He emphasized that Rwanda’s future growth will rely heavily on sectors such as technology, agriculture, and tourism, areas that are already central to the party’s strategic focus.

Gasamagera is particularly passionate about Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional technology hub, noting that the country’s digital transformation is a crucial pillar of the RPF’s vision. According to him, technological innovation will play a key role in Rwanda’s economic diversification, which is essential for sustainable growth.

The RPF is already investing in digital infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, which Gasamagera sees as essential for Rwanda’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Furthermore, Gasamagera underscored the RPF’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where all citizens have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for upward mobility.

The party’s policies, continue to reflect a dedication to reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities, ensuring that every Rwandan benefits from the nation’s progress is at the core of the party’s long-term vision.

The RPF’s legacy, as envisioned is one of sustained unity and progress.

A legacy of unity and progress

Gasamagera conveyed a deep sense of responsibility for the RPF’s legacy and the future of leadership within the party. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new leaders who are aligned with the RPF’s core values and who are committed to building on the achievements of the past.

The success of the RPF, he noted, is not solely attributed to the party’s historical leadership but to its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the nation.

In his view, the future of leadership within the RPF lies in ensuring that the party remains relevant, transparent, and accountable while maintaining its focus on national unity and sustainable development. He believes that fostering a new generation of leaders who embrace these principles will ensure the continuity of the party’s vision for Rwanda’s future.

Gasamagera also spoke about the importance of leadership in maintaining Rwanda’s social cohesion. He believes that the RPF’s continued success will depend on how well the party can preserve the unity achieved since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while navigating the challenges that come with rapid modernization and global interconnectedness.

As the RPF’s Secretary-General, Gasamagera works tirelessly to maintain this balance and ensure that the party remains focused on its core mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and unity. His insights into the RPF’s leadership and vision for Rwanda’s future offer a compelling picture of the party’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s development.

He makes it clear that leadership is the driving force behind Rwanda’s achievements and future growth. As the Secretary-General of the RPF, his focus remains on ensuring that the party stays true to its founding principles while adapting to new challenges and opportunities in an ever-changing world.

The RPF’s legacy, as envisioned is one of sustained unity and progress. A political party that has guided Rwanda from recovery to prosperity and remains dedicated to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.

Sam K Nkurunziza