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In an official communique released on Saturday, February 1, M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that dialogue was the only viable route to addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflict.

“We reiterate our call for a sincere and direct dialogue with the Kinshasa regime to address the root causes of the conflict and establish lasting peace in our country,” M23 said while thanking the “people of Goma for their warm reception”.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all populations in areas under its control and warned the Kinshasa regime against attempting a military offensive.

'We remind the Kinshasa regime that AFC/M23 remains firmly committed to protecting all populations in the liberated areas. Contrary to its threats of attack, we emphasize that the regime neither has the means nor the capability to launch an offensive against these areas. Should it attempt to do so, it would bear full responsibility for the consequences,' the statement read.

Kanyuka also urged elements of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), police, and Wazalendo militias to surrender voluntarily at Stade de l’Unité, assuring them of safe passage.

“We urge those sheltering them to encourage them to come forward as instructed. These individuals are Congolese citizens and will not face any hostility from us,” he said.

In recent days, a number of Congolese soldiers have surrendered following the capture of Goma with some seeking refuge in Rwanda.

M23’s call for dialogue comes amid growing pressure on Tshisekedi’s administration from regional leaders and a wave of protests in Goma.

On Friday, thousands of residents, including refugees, took to the streets to denounce the targeted persecution of Congolese Tutsi and demand President Tshisekedi’s resignation for failing to address key issues and bring lasting peace to the region. These are the same issues M23 is fighting for.

Protesters also called for the withdrawal of foreign forces, including Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops, the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), and Burundian forces.

The protests follow the East African Community (EAC) extraordinary summit on January 29, where regional heads of state urged the DRC government to engage directly with M23 and other armed groups to resolve the crisis.

The summit emphasized that a peaceful settlement remains the only viable solution. However, President Tshisekedi, who has consistently labeled M23 as a terrorist group, was notably absent from the summit, raising concerns over Kinshasa’s willingness to negotiate.

The push for negotiations has also gained support from SADC, which on Friday called for dialogue among all parties to restore peace and security in eastern DRC.

Recently, Corneille Nangaa, head of an alliance of rebel groups including M23, vowed that the movement would not retreat from Goma unless its demands were addressed.

Speaking to journalists in Goma, Nangaa declared that the rebels would continue their 'march of liberation' towards Kinshasa.

'We are in Goma, and we will not leave… for as long as the questions for which we took up arms have not been answered,' Nangaa said. He further pledged that M23 would restore essential services in Goma within 48 hours after they were cut off by the government during recent clashes.

With regional and international stakeholders calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to affected populations, pressure is mounting on both M23 and the Tshisekedi government to reach a political resolution to the conflict. However, it remains uncertain whether Kinshasa will heed these calls for dialogue.

M23 has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all populations in areas under its control and warned the Kinshasa regime against attempting a military offensive.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

UPDF said the change in posture was a strategic measure aimed at countering the persistent security threats posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and other armed groups.

'Following the worsening security situation in eastern DRC’s North Kivu region and surrounding areas in recent weeks as a result of major fighting between the M23 Movement and FARDC government forces, UPDF will adopt a Forward Defensive Posture in its area of operation until the crisis passes and normalization is restored,' said Defence spokesperson, Acting Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye.

'Some of the violent and extremist groups operating in the area include the ADF, whom the joint forces of UPDF and FARDC have severely degraded since the launch of Operation Shujaa in November 2021.'

A forward defensive posture means, among others, adopting active defence measures such as foot and motorized patrols, enhanced surveillance to detect threats early, laying ambushes, and readiness to carry out limited offensive action if required.

The aim is to deter and deny the enemy freedom of action in the specified area of operation and interest.
Since June 2024, the ADF has been responsible for the deaths of over 650 civilians in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. In June alone, more than 200 people were killed, primarily in Beni and Lubero, with 150 massacred in Cantine between June 3 and 12.

The group’s violent westward expansion has left entire communities displaced and vulnerable.
'The UPDF, working with FARDC in its area of operation, is closely monitoring the unfolding security situation and will continue to aggressively pursue ADF remnants wherever they go,' said Kulayigye.

UPDF spokesperson, Acting Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye.

IGIHE

In a statement on Sunday, February 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation revealed that documentary evidence uncovered after the M23 seized the city of Goma earlier this week pointed to broader plans to launch an offensive against Rwanda, beyond simply neutralizing the M23 group.

“Recent information coming from Goma on what has been discovered, and the documentary evidence of attack preparations, planned together with the foreign forces fighting in eastern DRC, including the FDLR, indicate that combat objectives were not limited to defeating M23 rebel group, but also attacking Rwanda,” the statement reads in part.

The FDLR comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who still pose a threat to Rwanda’s security along the border with DRC.

The ministry made the revelation while distancing the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) from accusations made against the force during the Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on January 31, 2025, which had accused Rwanda’s military of colluding with the M23.

Rwanda emphasized that the RDF’s primary mission is to defend the country’s sovereignty, protect civilians, and safeguard its borders, and not to attack civilians in other countries.

Rwanda also criticized the presence of SADC forces (SAMIDRC) in the DRC, arguing that their involvement was unjustified, as they were fighting against the citizens of the DRC and effectively escalating the conflict.

“It is clear that SAMIDRC together with coalition partners that include the Burundian armed forces, the FDLR and European mercenaries are central to the conflict, and should not be there because they are adding to the problems that already existed,” the statement adds.

At the same time, the government reiterated its long-standing call for a political solution to the crisis and expressed support for the proposed joint summit between the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to discuss a peaceful resolution.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe has previously maintained that constant threats from the Congolese administration to invade Rwanda, along with growing tensions in the eastern region, have prompted the government to bolster its border defences.

The M23 rebel group is fighting against the systematic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the region, a situation that has persisted for decades.

In a statement released on Saturday, the group reiterated its openness to dialogue with President Félix Tshisekedi’s government to address the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe has previously maintained that constant threats from the Congolese administration to invade Rwanda, along with growing tensions in the eastern region, have prompted the government to bolster its border defences.

IGIHE

The very basic element to this is that firstly human beings have a personal relationship with themselves and recognize its importance. They desire to develop this into a healthy one and regularly check in and look after it.

Research indicates that developing a personal relationship with yourself is helpful for better mental health, greater resilience when things get tough and better empathy skills.

We grow as individuals to be more self-sufficient, develop healthier relationships with family or friends, and can even improve productivity. But, most important of all is that you know who you truly are.

This mainly entails what you want, what is important to you, what you value, how you tick and react or respond, and what your emotional and thinking patterns are.

Like using a broken sat nav, we get lost in life when we don’t know ourselves inside out: we make poor decisions, we find it difficult to know who to be around, which step to take next and when we need to reset and start again.

We need to get our internal navigational 'software' back on track. Once we realize this, the specific actions we take to nurture a healthy relationship with ourselves involves spending some time on yourself, with yourself and by yourself.

Go to the cinema

Have you ever gone to watch a film on your own? Or do you shy away from doing it because you are worried about what other people might think, or because you are not treating yourself to something lovely, or because you don’t quite know what you might like to see?

It may sound like a small step to take, but going on your own to a venue like the cinema can really clarify a few things — you have to realize you want to treat yourself to a nice event and that you deserve it, you have to make the time yourself.

Have a day out or travel

Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular and even if it is not very far away, it can teach you so much about yourself. You realize that you can create happy times and memories, you get to experience new things and see how you manage and adapt if events do not go to plan.

You can also allow yourself to meet new people. Even if it is not far away or finances are tight, why not try to design an inexpensive day out for yourself, and see how it makes you feel?

Go out to eat

There is a lot of pressure from society to think that eating out at a restaurant is only for two or more people. Many of us avoid eating out by ourselves for fear of looking lonely or seem like we do not have friends.

But this is not true. It is a great thing to eat out on your own and if you have done it once, you will wonder why on earth you didn’t do it before. Spending time with yourself does not mean you have to feel lonely, and you can test just what good company you can be.

Spend a day at home

Life is full of potential distractions that sometimes take us away from ourselves and spending time alone. Try spending a whole day at home and be with yourself, your thoughts and your feelings. When you invite a friend to your house, you would plan a lovely time with some activities or food but why don’t you do that for yourself?

See how you feel at the end of it and how well you have taken care of yourself. Have you made yourself laugh, allowed yourself to rest or taken time to reflect on how you feel? Practice makes perfect.

Knowing ourselves means knowing what we enjoy, fulfilling our passions and finding joy. One thing we can do to understand ourselves is to start an activity or hobby that represents who we truly are.

That might be something completely new to us or re-engaging with something we used to do as children. Hobbies help us see ourselves and lead to more creative ideas about how to nurture that relationship with ourselves.

We need to get our internal navigational 'software' back on track.

Sam K Nkurunziza

“As a precautionary measure, surveillance systems have been enhanced in all counties and points of entry,” Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health Mary Muthoni said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Friday evening.

Muthoni said a rapid assessment of the country’s capacity to respond to a similar outbreak is underway, shortly after which a comprehensive plan will be developed to guide countrywide preparedness and response to Ebola.

She encouraged the public to seek accurate information from qualified healthcare workers, community health promoters or the Ministry of Health through its website.

The statement came after the Ugandan Ministry of Health on Thursday declared an Ebola outbreak after a 32-year-old male nurse succumbed to Sudan Ebola virus Wednesday, marking the eighth outbreak of the deadly disease in the East African country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it is “working closely with Ugandan health authorities to revitalize a robust surveillance and case management system, community mobilization, and risk communication in response to the outbreak.”

The Ebola virus is highly contagious and causes various symptoms. Signs and symptoms of Ebola are characterized by fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and body malaise.

According to the WHO, the fatality rate for those who contract Ebola ranges from 50 percent to 89 percent, depending on the viral subtypes.

Xinhua

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Kazarwa Gertrude, Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda, and Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, among others.

A representative of the diplomatic corps in Rwanda also laid a wreath in tribute to the country’s heroes.

Rwanda recognizes its heroes under three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi. The Imanzi category includes fallen heroes such as the Unknown Soldier, representing all soldiers who died defending the nation, and Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, who lstarted the liberation struggle on October 1, 1990.

The Imena category honors King Mutara III Rudahigwa Charles Léon Pierre, Michel Rwagasana, Agatha Uwilingiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and the Nyange students, all remembered for their courage and patriotism.

No individual has yet been officially recognized under the Ingenzi category, though efforts are ongoing to identify and honor deserving figures.

Heroes’ Day is observed in Rwanda every year on February 1.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have paid tribute to Rwanda’s heroes.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laying wreaths at the National Heroes Mausoleum in Remera.

Rwanda recognizes its heroes under three categories.

Premier Ngirente and Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda are among officials that graced the ceremony.

The National Heroes Mausoleum is located in Remera.

The National Heroes Mausoleum in Remera has undergone upgrades.

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Kazarwa Gertrude and Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda attended the ceremony.

IGIHE

The disclosure was made on January 31, 2024, during the launch of the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP V), a five-year initiative designed to strengthen Rwanda’s healthcare system.

At the core of this plan is the expansion of the medical workforce through the “4×4” program, which seeks to increase the number of doctors from one to at least four per 1,000 people.

Introduced in July 2023, the initiative aims to have 58,582 doctors in the country by 2028, aligning Rwanda with international healthcare standards while ensuring favorable working conditions for medical professionals.

The government is also prioritizing medical infrastructure, with plans to construct ten new hospitals and 23 health centers across the country.

Additionally, 30% of existing facilities will be upgraded, and the Kigali Health City project will be developed in Masaka to enhance specialized care.

Improving healthcare quality remains a key focus, with efforts to ensure that all treatable diseases can be managed locally.

Special attention will be given to maternal and child health, alongside the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

The country is also taking proactive steps to strengthen its ability to respond to pandemics, integrating artificial intelligence and weather data analysis to enhance epidemic detection and preparedness.

Investment in medical research, technology, and the development of vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries will further position Rwanda as a hub for healthcare innovation.

These efforts are expected to bring significant improvements by 2029. Maternal mortality is projected to decline from 105 to 60 per 100,000 live births.

Medical infrastructure will be accessible to the entire population, up from 70% in 2023, and health insurance coverage will reach 100%, up from the current 85%.

Additionally, domestic sources will contribute 60% of healthcare funding, an increase from 45% in 2023.

According to Dr. Butera Yvan, the State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Rwanda has already made significant strides in combating diseases and improving maternal and child health.

The country has now set an ambitious goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027, reinforcing its commitment to advancing healthcare and ensuring a healthier future for all citizens.

Rwanda seeks to increase the number of doctors from one to at least four per 1,000 people.

IGIHE

The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, concluded with a resolution to convene an urgent joint meeting with the East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the situation.

This decision follows a request from the EAC Summit held on January 29, 2025, which also gathered regional leaders to discuss the deteriorating security conditions in the DRC.

The summit was attended by leaders from Zimbabwe, Botswana, the DRC, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, and Namibia.

A moment of remembrance was observed for SADC troops who lost their lives in recent clashes, particularly in the town of Sake. The fallen soldiers were primarily from Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa.

SADC forces have been operating in North Kivu since December 2023 under an agreement with the Congolese government to help eliminate the M23 rebel group and reclaim territories under its control.

The forces deployed in the DRC under the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) have been fighting alongside the Congolese army (FARDC) and allied armed groups, including the FDLR, a militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda but faced heavy resistance.

Initially, 5,000 troops were deployed, including 2,900 from South Africa, which leads the mission, and 2,100 from Tanzania and Malawi. However, their presence has not yielded the expected results, as M23 continues to expand its control, recently seizing key cities such as Sake and Goma.

In June 2024, SADC reinforced its deployment, increasing its troop count to over 9,000, with South Africa contributing an additional 2,600 soldiers, Tanzania 750, and Malawi 1,000.

Despite these reinforcements, the mission has struggled to dislodge M23, which claims to be defending Congolese Tutsi communities targeted by government forces and allied militias.

During the summit, leaders acknowledged that the initial objectives of the SADC deployment had not been met and reiterated the need for diplomatic efforts, including supporting the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.

They also called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of essential services in conflict-affected areas, including water, electricity, and food supply lines.

The summit also mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation to engage all parties to the conflict and push for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid.

Additionally, it urged political and diplomatic leaders involved in the crisis to intensify dialogue efforts.

The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, concluded with a resolution to convene an urgent joint meeting with the East African Community to deliberate on the situation.

IGIHE

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 26th Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Annual General Meeting in Kigali on Friday, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to adapt to digital-age crimes and transnational security challenges.

Dr. Ngirente commended EAPCCO member states for their continued collaboration and urged police chiefs to align their strategies with technological advancements and emerging crime trends.

'Today, more than ever, the necessity to cooperate and assist each other is imperative. I urge you to put more effort into aligning policing strategies with the ever-changing nature of crime driven by digital and technological advancements.,' PM Ngirente stated.

He also stressed the importance of investing in police training and capacity building to equip officers with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime.

The 26th EAPCCO AGM, which opened on Wednesday under the theme 'Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational Organized, and Emerging Crimes,' brought together police chiefs and security experts from across Eastern Africa.

The meeting, opened by Rwanda’s Minister of Interior Dr. Vincent Biruta, focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms and enhancing regional security coordination.

Founded in 1998 in Kampala, Uganda, EAPCCO was established as a regional response to rising transnational and organized crimes affecting Eastern Africa. With 14 member states, including Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the organization promotes cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat common security threats.

Prime Minister Ngirente highlighted the significance of joint exercises such as the recently introduced Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) challenge, which took place in Rwanda during the summit.

He praised EAPCCO’s initiatives, including joint field training exercises, games, and sports, as vital in fostering cooperation among regional security forces.

'These commendable initiatives should be upheld to strengthen bonds of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in our region,' he remarked.

In his parting shot, PM Ngirente urged security leaders to renew their commitment to working together, ensuring that regional safety remains a priority.

'I call upon all of you to renew your dedication to working across borders and building a future where safety is a reality for the people you serve,' he said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was announced that South Sudan will host the 27th EAPCCO AGM, while Ethiopia will host the 5th edition of the EAPCCO Games.

Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente has called for stronger regional cooperation and modern policing strategies to combat evolving security threats in Eastern Africa.

The 26th EAPCCO AGM, which opened on Wednesday brought together police chiefs and security experts from across Eastern Africa.

PM Ngirente urged security leaders to renew their commitment to working together, ensuring that regional safety remains a priority.

Dr. Ngirente commended EAPCCO member states for their continued collaboration and urged police chiefs to align their strategies with technological advancements and emerging crime trends.

The EAPCCO meeting was opened by Rwanda’s Minister of Interior Dr. Vincent Biruta on Wednesday. The AGM focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms and enhancing regional security coordination.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Rwanda took over the leadership of the council from Burundi on Friday, January 31, during the 24th Council of Ministers meeting, and will head the 14-member organization for the next one year.

In his speech, Dr. Biruta thanked his predecessor for his contributions towards advancing the vision and values of EAPCCO and pledged to continue from where he left off, further strengthening regional cooperation and addressing emerging security challenges in the region.

“As the incoming chair, I am well aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. With your support and continued collaboration, we shall achieve our shared goals and ensure that our collective efforts bring about a meaningful impact in our region,” Dr. Biruta said.

As leaders in the realm of security, he added, they are entrusted with the duty of creating a safe and secure environment for the people.

“This is a duty that demands we tighten our bonds and commitment to jointly confront and neutralize common security threats. Let us, therefore, recommit ourselves to strengthening regional collaboration, ensuring that we share available intelligence, and adopt best practices to tackle the challenges we face,” he said.

“Our power lies in unity and cooperation, and we should work in tandem to protect and serve our people effectively,” he added.

Brig Gen. Andre Ndayambaje, the Permanent Secretary in charge of Public Security in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Community Development, and Public Safety in Burundi, emphasized the need for close collaboration and intelligence sharing to address emerging security threats in the region. These threats are mainly cross-border in nature, such as terrorism, counterfeiting, financial crimes, cybercrimes, and human trafficking.

He also called for joint training, simultaneous operations, and strengthened collaboration with local communities to fight radicalization.

The 26th EAPCCO AGM was held under the theme: “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational Organized, and Emerging Crimes.”

Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta, has assumed the role of chairperson of the Council of Ministers for the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).

Rwanda took over the leadership of the council from Burundi on Friday, January 31, during the 24th Council of Ministers meeting, and will head the 14-member organization for the next one year.

The 26th EAPCCO AGM was held under the theme: “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational Organized, and Emerging Crimes.”

IGIHE