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Military spokesperson Felix Kulayigye told Xinhua that Uganda has been assigned an additional sector previously covered by Burundian forces.

Kulayigye explained that reinforcing Uganda’s presence in Somalia is necessary since the current number of troops is insufficient to manage both sectors.

He added that deployment will commence once AUSSOM finalizes the required paperwork.

Uganda has been part of peacekeeping efforts in Somalia since 2007. Until January, Burundi was among the countries contributing troops to the mission, alongside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

Uganda is set to deploy additional peacekeeping troops to Somalia following Burundi’s withdrawal from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

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The President shared an update on his X platform on January 29, 2025, stating: 'Had a productive conversation with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on the need to ensure a ceasefire in Eastern DRC and address the root causes of the conflict once and for all, and on the importance of deepening our bilateral ties based upon respect for our respective national interests. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to create the prosperity and security that the people of our region deserve.'

This conversation took place amid escalating clashes between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army, which have intensified in recent days. The M23 has gained control of Goma and surrounding areas, forcing numerous FARDC soldiers, allied militias, and foreign forces such as SAMIDRC and mercenaries to either surrender or flee to Rwanda.

The situation was followed by protests in Kinshasa on January 28, 2025, where demonstrators, backed by the Congolese government, gathered outside the embassies of Rwanda, the United States, Uganda, Kenya, and France, accusing these nations of supporting M23’s advances in Goma.

Speaking at a diplomatic reception at the Kigali Convention Centre on January 16, 2025, President Kagame reiterated that resolving the crisis in eastern DRC requires addressing its root causes rather than blaming Rwanda for Congo’s internal challenges.

He also questioned the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping forces, which have been in DRC for over 30 years without achieving meaningful results.

Additionally, he highlighted the continued presence of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in eastern DRC.

President Kagame reently said that resolving the crisis in eastern DRC requires addressing its root causes rather than blaming Rwanda for Congo’s internal challenges.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held a conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

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The President shared his message on X on January 28, 2024, the same day Pastor Warren was born in 1954 in San Jose, California.

'Dear Pastor Rick Warren—Jeannette and I send our warmest greetings to you and Kay. Also, we take this opportunity to wish you ALL the best for your birthday today and many years ahead of good health! Bless,' he posted.

Pastor Warren is a close friend of President Kagame and has often spoken about their unique relationship.

He has expressed deep admiration for Rwanda’s resilience, highlighting how remarkable it is for the country to rebuild itself after the devastating 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over a million lives and left many displaced.

Over the years, Pastor Warren has been actively involved in various initiatives in Rwanda. Recently, he attended Rwanda Day in Washington, D.C., on February 2-3, 2024, where he delivered a speech encouraging Rwandans to defend and love their country.

In 2023, while in Rwanda for the national prayer breakfast, Pastor Warren reflected on a special bond he has with the country—owning cows gifted to him by a Rwandan, which have since multiplied.

Pastor Warren has also been a vocal defender of Rwanda against its critics. In 2019, he noted that those who speak negatively about the country do so because they are unwilling to acknowledge its achievements.

He praised Rwanda as one of the best places to live, citing its transformation from a tragic past into a model nation.

Pastor Warren first visited Rwanda in 2004 and has since described the country’s progress as extraordinary.

Following the success of his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rwanda invited his Saddleback Church to send volunteers to support the country’s development efforts. This led to the launch of the Peace Plan humanitarian development program in 2005.

To date, over 4,000 churches in Rwanda have partnered with the Peace Plan, helping thousands of volunteers implement community development projects across the country.

Pastor Warren has also been a vocal defender of Rwanda against its critics.

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The drivers, who escaped the fighting with the help of M23 rebels, included 34 Tanzanians, nine Burundians, and three Kenyans.

Clashes between M23 and the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allies erupted near Goma International Airport, where the drivers were stationed in a nearby parking lot. As the violence escalated, their hopes of survival faded.

At the onset of the conflict, they hid beneath their trucks, struggling without food, water, or basic necessities. In a desperate plea for help, they used social media to call for assistance.

After securing the area, M23 forces responded to their distress call and rescued them.

The rescue operation was led by M23 spokesperson Lt Col Willy Ngoma, who reassured the drivers before escorting them to the Rwandan border.

Among those rescued was Burundian driver Ndinzayaha Shadrack, who frequently travels to Tanzania, Kenya, the DRC, and Zambia.

He left Dar es Salaam on January 3, 2025, and arrived in Goma on January 11, where his truck remained unloaded for two weeks before the conflict erupted.

Recalling the ordeal, he told IGIHE: 'Gunfire lasted for two days, and we had no way out. We sent distress messages on social media. Today, M23 soldiers told us they had come to rescue us after seeing our call for help. They gathered us together, and Lt Col Willy Ngoma reassured us before escorting us to the Rwandan border.'

Ndinzayaha added: 'None of us believed we would survive. The airport became a battlefield, with bullets flying over us. I am truly grateful to M23 for saving us and giving us hope when we had none.'

Another driver, Ndayizeye Alexandre, had left Dar es Salaam transporting flour for the WFP to the DRC.

He described the harrowing experience: 'M23 saved our lives, and I can’t thank them enough. May God bless them. Without them, we would have died. Bullets were everywhere, and we hid under our trucks. I was even shot in the head, but by God’s grace, the bullet didn’t kill me. We are also grateful to the Rwandan government for their generosity.'

Kenyan driver David Kahiga was transporting WFP goods from Mombasa to Goma. He arrived in Goma on January 5, 2025, only to be caught in the conflict days later, watching his chances of survival disappear.

'I never thought I would be standing here today. I sincerely thank the Rwandan government for receiving us, taking care of us, and now handing us over to our embassies. We cried out for help, and they responded. As for M23, I cannot thank them enough—we owe them our lives. We spent four days without food or water, with bullets flying above us, but they came and rescued us,' he said.

The drivers expressed deep gratitude to the Rwandan government for providing them with food, shelter, and other necessities at its own expense until they were safely handed over to their embassies.

Alex Mutamba, Division Manager for EAC and Eastern Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Rwanda values strong regional ties and offers assistance without discrimination.

'We help everyone, regardless of nationality. If others find themselves stranded, we will assist them as well. As you have seen, Rwanda provided transportation and other necessities. Rwanda is a country that welcomes all,' he stated.

The embassies of Tanzania, Burundi, and Kenya in Rwanda are now working on repatriating their nationals.

The drivers expressed deep gratitude to the Rwandan government for providing them with food, shelter, and other necessities at its own expense until they were safely handed over to their embassies.

Alex Mutamba, Division Manager for EAC and Eastern Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Rwanda values strong regional ties and offers assistance without discrimination.

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Speaking on the evacuation process, Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the Rwandan government for its quick decision-making and exceptional efforts to ensure the safety of those at risk.

'I thank the government of Rwanda for the very timely approval. Because the security situation was evolving, which meant that the lives of those UN staff and their dependents were threatened, they could have become casualties of the fighting. But by the speed of the decision-making by the government of Rwanda, it meant that they were eager to help to secure free passage for these UN national staff,' Ojielo told members of the press on Tuesday.

More than 1,800 UN personnel and their families were evacuated to Rwanda on Monday after the conflict between the FARDC coalition forces and M23 rebels intensified in the eastern DRC.

The situation escalated after M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, on Monday, following the capture of several other strategic towns, including Sake and Masisi, over the past few weeks.

Ojielo described the government’s efforts at the border as highly organized and effective.

'You’ll be surprised that by 6 a.m. that same Monday, the entire architecture of government was at the border, on the Rubavu side. From state security, police, you name that, medical personnel, they were all there,” the official remarked.

Recognizing the efforts of ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) and the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), he praised the seamless process through which evacuees were identified, transported, and accommodated.

'At Kigali Pele Stadium, the highest levels of government were present, coordinated by MINAFFET through Permanent Secretary, [and] the Inspector General of Police was in charge. People arrived by buses, they were processed. Rwanda Convention Bureau made elaborate arrangements with various hotels, people were put in buses, and taken to the hotels,' he explained.

The first group of evacuees, totalling 660 individuals—mostly women and children—arrived at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday afternoon after being transported from the Rubavu border in military convoys. By the end of the day, over 1,832 individuals had been processed and accommodated in hotels.

'I cannot tell you how grateful we are as a United Nations country team in Rwanda to our government for the truly exceptional mobilization of capacities and resources of the government of Rwanda to support these UN staff come through,” Ojielo added.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has forced multiple international organizations to evacuate non-essential personnel.

Rwanda became a critical evacuation hub after Goma’s airspace and waterways were shut down amid allegations by M23 that the Congolese army was using the airport to load bombs targeting civilians.

Ojielo noted that in the coming days, the focus will be on the safe return of non-essential UN staff to their home countries and continued support for refugees in Rwanda, including Congolese citizens.

“Though not all of those evacuated were refugees, Rwanda continues to host thousands of refugees, many of whom have fled the DRC over the past two decades,” Ojielo added.

He urged the international community to increase support for Rwanda’s ongoing efforts.

“I appeal to the international community to assist Rwanda in supporting the refugees, especially those who are still here or may come, as this is a significant burden for the country to shoulder,” Ojielo concluded.

Speaking on the evacuation process, Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the Rwandan government for its quick decision-making and exceptional efforts to ensure the safety of those at risk.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The National Communication Authority (NCA), the industry regulator, said the aim of addressing graphic and defamatory content has been successfully achieved.

“The rise of violence linked to social media content in South Sudan underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses the root causes of online incitement while protecting the rights of the population,” NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai said in a letter to telecommunications operators and internet service providers in the country.

The temporary ban followed a week-long suspension of the platforms, which began on January 22 after two days of riots that saw people killed, and shops looted and vandalized.

According to police, a total of 17 Sudanese nationals lost their lives across South Sudan in the night riots.

Several South Sudanese have been angered by footage from Sudan that shows the killings of South Sudanese nationals by the Sudanese Armed Forces on January 11 in Wad Madani, Al Jazirah State, Sudan.

Gai said the South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani were subjected to violent attacks resulting in the deaths of women and children, subsequently captured in videos and shared on social media without regard.

The footage sparked deadly violent riots, particularly in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, and in three states: Warrap, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, and Warrap.

Gai said the ban was imposed to curb the circulation of content deemed to incite violence and instability.

The industry regulator, however, lauded internet service providers and mobile network operators for their cooperation during the blockade and urged stakeholders, including platform operators Meta and TikTok, to strengthen monitoring and report harmful content to prevent future incidents.

“The lifting of the blockage is part of our efforts to foster a safer digital environment and promote peace and stability in the country,” Gai said, adding that the regulator will be reaching out to all stakeholders in the future to avoid similar shutdowns.

The National Communication Authority (NCA), the industry regulator, said the aim of addressing graphic and defamatory content which led to TikTok and Facebook’s ban has been successfully achieved.

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Additionally, over 600 residents living near the border have been relocated to a camp in Nyabihu District for safety.

Fighting in the area has intensified since the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group.

FARDC, alongside allied groups such as the FDLR terrorist group and Wazalendo militia, has been firing across the Rwandan border.

Rwanda’s military reported intercepting some projectiles, but stray bullets resulted in casualties and injuries.

Speaking to RBA, Mukuralinda confirmed the death toll had risen to nine.

Earlier, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga told IGIHE that 35 people had been injured by gunfire from FARDC coalition, with some in critical condition.

Mukuralinda also reported that 681 residents near the border fled to avoid the gunfire and are now being housed at the Kijote Camp in Bigogwe Sector, Nyabihu District. Additionally, five houses in Rubavu District were damaged.

Despite the tension, Mukuralinda assured residents in Rubavu of their safety, emphasizing that the RDF is actively protecting the population. He noted that gunfire heard on Monday had significantly subsided.

Addressing rumors circulating on social media about FARDC troops allegedly crossing into Rwanda, Mukuralinda dismissed these claims.

'There’s been misinformation suggesting that FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo forces crossed the Rwandan border, causing destruction and taking control of some administratice offices. None of this is true. The situation is under control, and Rwanda’s security forces are ensuring the safety of the population,' he said.

He clarified that any FARDC soldiers seen in Rwanda had surrendered with their weapons and were in the custody of the RDF.

Mukuralinda also highlighted Rwanda’s ongoing support for refugees fleeing Goma. So far, over 1,200 Congolese refugees have crossed into Rwanda and have been relocated to the Rugerero Transit Camp.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to reopen schools in Rubavu, which were temporarily closed due to the conflict. Authorities aim to reassure students and resume classes, with schools expected to reopen by Wednesday.

Five houses in Rubavu District were reportedly damaged by gunfire.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the Rwandan Government, Alain Mukuralinda, has confirmed that nine Rwandans in Rubavu District were killed by gunfire from the coalition fighting alongside Congolese army.

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Kenya’s President William Ruto, who also serves as the EAC Chairperson, confirmed the summit on Monday during a high-level retreat on African Union (AU) institutional reforms.

'We have agreed under the framework of the East African Community to convene an urgent extraordinary meeting and summit on the situation in Eastern DRC on Wednesday,' said President Ruto, who also serves as the EAC Chairperson.

'The situation in Eastern DRC now demands our collective focus. And as the chair of the East African Community, I will be convening this meeting.'

The crisis in Eastern DRC has persisted for decades, marked by conflicts involving armed groups, regional interventions, and humanitarian challenges, including the deaths and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

In an escalation of the conflict, M23 rebels have in recent weeks captured key towns in the eastern region in renewed fights with the Congolese army and a coalition of armed groups including FDLR, a genocidal force linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province, fell under the control of M23 fighters on Monday, prompting concerns from various quarters on the security situation in the eastern Congo.

In his address to the media, President Ruto termed the situation in the volatile regions “very complicated”.

“This is a situation that has festered for 30, 40 years. We’ve had a UN peacekeeping mission there for the last 20 years. We’ve had forces from the East African Community in and out. We’ve had forces from SADC in and maybe out,” he stated.

M23 asserts that its fight is centred on defending the Tutsi minority in eastern DRC, who have faced decades of marginalization and persecution. Peace processes proposed to mediate the dispute in Luanda, Angola, and Nairobi, Kenya, have previously faced challenges, as the Congolese government opposes the inclusion of the group in the talks.

President Ruto emphasized that a military solution is not viable, advocating instead for dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders to find the root cause of the problem.

'Engagement, dialogue, consultations is the only viable way out of the situation in DRC,' he said. 'A direct engagement with M23 and all the other stakeholders in the theatre in Eastern DRC is a necessity.'

He confirmed that the summit will bring together regional leaders, including DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, both of whom have confirmed their attendance. The two leaders differ sharply on the root causes of the crisis that has led to tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The Kenyan Head of State stressed that the ongoing crisis in Eastern DRC and several other parts of the continent has significant implications for regional stability and development.

'Without and unless we deal with the conflicts in our continent, it will become almost impossible to undertake any meaningful investment or development or economic activity in our continent,' President Ruto stated during the retreat.

He emphasized the need for Africa to rethink its approach to peace and security, noting, 'Our response has been uncoordinated, under-resourced, and not very well planned.'

The retreat proposed the establishment of a high-level panel to strengthen the continent’s conflict response and financing mechanisms.

As the region prepares for Wednesday’s summit, hopes are high that the engagement will pave the way for meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies to resolve the long-standing crisis in Eastern DRC.

Kenya’s President William Ruto, who also serves as the EAC Chairperson, confirmed the summit on Monday during a high-level retreat on African Union (AU) institutional reforms.

The crisis in Eastern DRC has persisted for decades, marked by conflicts involving armed groups, regional interventions, and humanitarian challenges, including the deaths and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

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The mobs protesting the fall of the capital and largest city of North Kivu Province to the M23 fighters targeted the embassies of Rwanda, the United States, France, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya in the attacks.

The protest attacked and petrol-bombed the French Embassy, causing a fire. Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s foreign minister, condemned the violence terming it as 'unacceptable'. He said the fire had been brought under control.

BREAKING: French embassy in Kinshasa 🇨🇩 'attacked and firebombed' but protesters were unable to enter, France’s foreign ministry tells CNN.

Security forces defending the embassy fired shots, the ministry said, but embassy staff are now safe pic.twitter.com/4MWyAr2Ho7

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) January 28, 2025

The protests also spread to the United Nations building. Security forces were forced to use tear gas to disperse the crowds outside the US Embassy, where protesters had breached the construction site of a new embassy building.

The demonstrators accused the foreign powers of failing to intervene effectively as M23 forces intensified their assault on Goma.

In an escalation of the conflict, M23 rebels have in recent weeks captured key towns in the eastern region in renewed fights with the Congolese army and a coalition of armed groups including FDLR, a genocidal force linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

East African Community (EAC) leaders are set to convene an emergency summit on Wednesday, January 29 to address the escalating security crisis in the eastern Congo.

Kenya’s President William Ruto, who also serves as the EAC Chairperson, confirmed the summit on Monday during a high-level retreat on African Union (AU) institutional reforms.

'We have agreed under the framework of the East African Community to convene an urgent extraordinary meeting and summit on the situation in Eastern DRC on Wednesday,' said President Ruto, who also serves as the EAC Chairperson.

'The situation in Eastern DRC now demands our collective focus. And as the chair of the East African Community, I will be convening this meeting.'

M23 asserts that its fight is centred on defending the Tutsi minority in eastern DRC, who have faced decades of marginalization and persecution. Peace processes proposed to mediate the dispute in Luanda, Angola, and Nairobi, Kenya, have previously faced challenges, as the Congolese government opposes the inclusion of the group in the talks.

President Ruto emphasized that a military solution is not viable, advocating instead for dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders to find the root cause of the problem.

'Engagement, dialogue, consultations is the only viable way out of the situation in DRC,' he said. 'A direct engagement with M23 and all the other stakeholders in the theatre in Eastern DRC is a necessity.'

Violent protests were witnessed in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Tuesday as demonstrators targeted multiple foreign missions in response to the escalating violence in eastern Congo and the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group.

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However, restrictions related to arms and arms dealings will remain in effect, according to Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

Following a ministerial meeting, Kallas stated the EU aims to act swiftly while maintaining flexibility to reimpose sanctions if conditions deteriorate.

The decision reflects the bloc’s attempt to balance reconstruction support with maintaining leverage over unresolved issues in Syria.

Kallas also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for equality in peace negotiations.

Her comments followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion of relocating Palestinians to other countries.

In a related update, the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah crossing, which monitors the Gaza-Egypt border, will resume operations in February.

The initiative, supported by Palestine, Israel, and Egypt, aims to reinforce the ceasefire in the region.

Addressing broader geopolitical issues, Kallas underscored the importance of European unity in strengthening policies rather than merely responding to external actions, such as U.S. discussions about Greenland.

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