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Thousands of protesters gathered outside the North Kivu Province Governor’s offices in the Himbi neighbourhood of Goma, voicing their anger against President Tshisekedi’s administration.

The protests, which involved residents and refugees who had fled various parts of the region, were fueled by the recent surge in targeted killings of Congolese Tutsi, among other grievances.

The demonstrators are calling for the immediate resignation of President Tshisekedi and the withdrawal of foreign forces, including troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), and Burundian military personnel.

The unrest follows the recent capture of Goma by the M23 rebels, who took control of the city earlier this week after intense clashes with Congolese government forces.

The capture of Goma marked a significant victory for the M23, which has long opposed the Congolese government’s handling of the region and the systematic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

The protests are a direct challenge to Tshisekedi’s leadership, with many locals voicing frustration over what they perceive as the government’s failure to address the ongoing violence and instability in North Kivu.

The demonstrators are demanding not only a change in leadership but also the restoration of security and stability to the region, which has been plagued by armed conflict for years.

The M23 rebel group, based in North Kivu, has been vocal in its criticism of the Congolese government.

In a press conference on Thursday, AFC/M23 political head Corneille Nangaa reiterated the group’s stance, stating that the rebels would continue their march of liberation toward Kinshasa until their demands were addressed.

Nangaa criticized the Congolese administration for poor governance and vowed that the M23 would not retreat from Goma until their grievances were resolved.

“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,” he told journalists at Serena Hotel Goma.

“We are Congolese. We will continue the march of liberation to Kinshasa. When they ask us to retreat, where do they want us to go? We are not going anywhere,” he added.

He also promised that the group would restore essential services like water and electricity to the city within 48 hours, after these services were cut off by the government during the recent battles.

Mass protests were witnessed in Goma on Friday, January 31, 2025, as residents took to the streets to protest against President Felix Tshisekedi’s government.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the North Kivu Province Governor’s offices in the Himbi neighbourhood of Goma, voicing their anger against President Tshisekedi’s administration.

The demonstrators are calling for the immediate resignation of President Tshisekedi and the withdrawal of foreign forces, including troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), and Burundian military personnel.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to a public notice issued by RGB, the decision follows multiple assessments of FBOs operating in Rwanda, which revealed issues such as non-compliance with legal requirements, poor governance, and persistent internal conflicts.

The organizations whose legal personality has been revoked include Rwanda Victory Mission, Pentecostal Out-Reach Church, International Missionary Society – Seven Day Adventist Church Reform Movement, Eglise De L’heure Prophetique Du Septieme Jour, and Communaute Methodist Unie International.

RGB has urged all faith-based organizations to strictly adhere to the law and standards established by the board.

“RGB urges all Faith-Based Organisations to adhere to strict observance of the law and promote good governance through internal mechanisms as required by the law,” the notice reads in part.

Last year alone about 8,000 churches were shut down as part of a government effort to regulate religious practices and and compliance with the law.

The closures were primarily driven by concerns over safety standards, noise pollution, and the general welfare of congregants.

The government cited that some churches had violated building codes, failed to adhere to health and safety regulations, and lacked necessary permits.

The move also aimed to address issues such as unqualified religious leaders, some of whom were accused of exploiting followers.

The government has often emphasized the need for religious institutions to operate within the framework of the law and in a manner that does not pose risks to the health and safety of the public.

Addressing the closures in August last year, President Paul Kagame warned against those who establish churches to exploit Rwandans under the guise of religious devotion.

President Kagame expressed concern that some churches in Rwanda were established with the primary intent of siphoning off the limited wealth of Rwandans for the benefit of their founders, which he strongly opposed.

Last year alone about 8,000 churches were shut down as part of a government effort to regulate religious practices and and compliance with the law.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

At the ceremony, France officially handed over its main military base in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, marking the end of its 125-year military presence in the country.

“We are not breaking our relationship with France, but we are putting an end to the military dimension of this cooperation,” Chadian president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno told the ceremony at Adji Kossei military base.

Chad is open to dialogue with all its international partners, including France, he said, noting that any new alliance must be based on mutual respect and without losing sight of the demands of independence and sovereignty.

“We now have to count on the bravery and professionalism of our soldiers,” the president said. “We must build a stronger, well-equipped army capable of responding to threats.”

In November 2024, Chad announced the end of its security and defense cooperation agreement with France. On December 10, some French troops began to leave Chad.

On December 31, 2024, Mahamat Deby announced the definitive withdrawal of French troops from the country by January 31, 2025.

The withdrawal marks the end of France’s 125-year military presence in the country.

Xinhua

The company secured the funding through the first tranche of a Frw5 billion note program approved by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), reinforcing its commitment to scaling operations and contributing to Rwanda’s self-reliance in the agriculture sector.

Founded in 2018, Mahwi Grain Millers specializes in processing grains into food products for human and animal consumption.

The company, operating from the Bugesera Special Economic Zone in Southeastern Rwanda, currently produces and distributes 150 tonnes of refined maize flour daily. With a processing capacity of 250 tonnes per day, the new funding is expected to accelerate growth and enhance product diversification.

The Managing Director of Mahwi Grain Millers Plc, Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, highlighted the impact of the capital raised, stating that the Frw3.3 billion not only enabled the company to expand its operations but also allowed it to diversify its product offerings and establish a foothold in export markets.

The company’s journey to securing financing was supported by the Rwanda Stock Exchange’s Capital Market Investment Clinic, a program designed to prepare small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to attract investors.

Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) Chief Executive Officer Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba encouraged other SMEs to explore capital markets as an alternative means of raising funds through a simplified process designed to facilitate access for smaller businesses.

Speaking during a media tour on January 30, 2025, Thapelo Tsheole, CEO of Rwanda’s Capital Market Authority, reiterated the vital role capital markets play in the country’s economic transformation under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

He stated that capital markets will be essential in assisting SMEs to raise capital, thereby unlocking additional funding opportunities to fuel their growth.

As Rwanda’s capital market continues to expand, it is expected to provide businesses with increased access to funding while offering investors promising long-term opportunities.

Founded in 2018, Mahwi Grain Millers specializes in processing grains into food products for human and animal consumption.

Founded in 2018, Mahwi Grain Millers specializes in processing grains into food products for human and animal consumption.

Mahwi Grain Millers’ Managing Director, Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, said the Frw3.3 billion enabled expansion, product diversification, and entry into export markets.

IGIHE

The meeting was also attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Brig. Gen. Jean Paul Nyirubutama.

Rwanda and Qatar enjoy strong diplomatic ties across various sectors, including security. The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) regularly sends its personnel to Qatar for aviation training. On January 15, 2025, Rwanda and Qatar signed an agreement focused on training RDF personnel, sharing knowledge, and enhancing aviation expertise.

The agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defense, Brig. Gen. Célestin Kanyamahanga, and Sheikh Jabor Bin Hamad Al Thani, head of Qatar Aviation College.

Shortly after, Rwanda’s Inspector General of Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, led a delegation on a three-day working visit to Qatar.

During his visit, CG Namuhoranye attended the graduation ceremony for junior officers at the Qatar Police Academy in Doha, presided over by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Inspector General of Police also visited a specialized training centre focused on emergency response and rescue operations.

Rwanda and Qatar also collaborate in investment promotion and protection, economic and trade cooperation, technology, and tourism.

Qatar is a key partner in Rwanda’s aviation sector, particularly in the Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake. Discussions are also ongoing regarding Qatar Airways acquiring a 49% stake in RwandAir.

In April 2019, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, visited Rwanda to strengthen bilateral relations, following President Kagame’s two-day visit to Qatar in November 2018.

In June 2022, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani returned to Rwanda as a guest of honour at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali.

In February 2024, President Kagame paid a working visit to Qatar, followed by another visit in December 2024 to attend the Qatar Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the Formula 1 season.

President Paul Kagame hosted Qatar’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, at Urugwiro Village on Friday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

The meeting was also attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Brig. Gen. Jean Paul Nyirubutama, and other officials.

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When asked about his thoughts on the issue during a press conference on Thursday, President Trump acknowledged that it is indeed a serious matter.

'You’re asking me a question about Rwanda, and it is a very serious problem, I agree, but I don’t think it’s appropriate right now to talk about it,' he responded.

During the same interview, President Trump touched on various other topics, focusing on his desire to address both domestic and international challenges.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of collaborating with the M23 rebel group, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied, instead accusing the DRC of supporting the FDLR, a terrorist group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and which still seeks to overthrow the Rwandan government.

This group receives military training, equipment, intelligence, and other support from the DRC government, further strengthening its position and ability to expand its operations.

The situation became even more tense for Rwanda after President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC confirmed intentions to support whoever seeking to topple Rwanda’s leadership.

In response, Rwanda has implemented defensive measures to help combat the security threats along its border with the DRC, while President Tshisekedi remains committed to continuing the war against M23, a group that has been calling for talks for three years but has refused to participate.

M23 has gained control of vast areas in North Kivu Province, including the city of Goma, which they captured earlier this week.

President Donald Trump of the United States (US) has refrained from commenting in detail on the ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

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Kagame shared the update via X account on Thursday night, stating: 'Earlier today, I had a productive conversation with President João Lourenço and discussed the need for a long-term and sustainable solution to the ongoing situation in the DRC.'

He further noted that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working with other regional stakeholders to find a lasting solution while 'deepening strong bilateral partnership going forward’.

The discussion comes amid escalating violence in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu province, where the M23 rebel group has taken control of several areas, including the provincial capital, Goma.

Earlier this week, M23 forces seized Goma, forcing the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and their allies to either surrender or flee, with some troops seeking refuge in Rwanda.

In response to the crisis, East African Community (EAC) heads of state convened for an emergency summit on January 29, 2025.

Following the summit, regional leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, citing violent protests, attacks on embassies of EAC member states, arson, looting, and other unrest.

The leaders called for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian assistance for affected communities. They also urged all parties to engage in dialogue and pressed the DRC government to hold talks with M23 and other armed groups advocating for their rights.

During the meeting, President Kagame condemned cross-border gunfire from Goma that had killed Rwandan civilians, warning that Rwanda would take necessary action in response.

He also criticized the involvement of foreign nations, particularly South Africa, accusing them of being manipulated by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. Kagame questioned Tshisekedi’s insistence on war despite its repeated failure to resolve the conflict.

Meanwhile, during their first press conference on January 30, 2025, after taking control of Goma, leaders of the AFC/M23 coalition announced plans to advance toward Kinshasa to overthrow Tshisekedi’s regime.

This development comes despite Tshisekedi’s recent declaration that he would intensify military offensives against M23 and called on all Congolese citizens to support the fight.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço have held discussions on a lasting solution to security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The outbreak was confirmed on Thursday after a 32-year-old nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital succumbed to the Sudan Ebola virus. Uganda’s Ministry of Health declared it the country’s eighth Ebola outbreak.

WHO is working closely with Ugandan authorities to enhance surveillance, case management, community awareness, and risk communication.

Health officials revealed that the deceased initially sought treatment at multiple facilities, including a traditional healer, before his diagnosis. So far, 45 contacts have been identified and isolated, including health workers, family members, and patients.

The Ministry of Health announced an immediate vaccination rollout for all identified contacts and frontline health workers using available Ebola vaccine doses.

Uganda had confirmed another Ebola outbreak in 2022.

Ebola is a highly contagious viral disease with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding. Its fatality rate varies between 50% and 89%, depending on the virus strain.

WHO is working closely with Ugandan authorities to enhance surveillance, case management, community awareness, and risk communication.

IGIHE

The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated Niger for meeting the criteria to eliminate onchocerciasis, with the country becoming the fifth globally to halt the transmission of the Onchocerca volvulus parasite.

Previous nations that reached this milestone include Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Hakimi expressed appreciation for the 15 years of effort, which provided the scientific evidence needed for elimination.

WHO’s resident representative, Casimir Manengu, praised Niger’s commitment, while WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the significance of this achievement, offering hope to other nations still battling the disease.

Onchocerciasis is transmitted through the bite of an infected blackfly, which breeds in fast-flowing rivers, hence the disease is also known as river blindness. The fly picks up immature worms (microfilariae) when it bites an infected person.

These worms develop into larvae inside the fly, which are then transmitted to others during subsequent bites. Once in the human body, the larvae mature into adult worms, forming under-skin nodules.

The disease causes severe skin issues and vision loss, with over 99% of infected individuals living in Africa and Yemen.

To stop transmission, communities must be treated for 10 to 15 years, the lifespan of the adult worms.

Niger’s success follows its 2013 certification for interrupting dracunculiasis transmission.

Niger has been significantly impacted by this disease, affecting communities primarily along riverbanks of fast-flowing rivers where these flies breed.

Niger has successfully been verified for elimination of onchocerciasis transmission mainly through effective vector control.

IGIHE

The emergency law grants authorities broad powers, including home arrests, curfews, media restrictions, bans on gatherings, and censorship without prior judicial approval.

Tunisia has been under a continuous state of emergency since November 24, 2015, following a deadly bombing that targeted a presidential guard bus, killing 12 security personnel.

Tunisian President Kais Saied delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing on May 30, 2024. Photo by Théophile Niyitegeka

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