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The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had raised concerns over the alleged abductions, stating that M23 fighters stormed CBCA Ndosho Hospital and Heal Africa Hospital on the night of February 28.

According to OHCHR, 116 patients were taken from CBCA Hospital and 15 from Heal Africa in coordinated raids. They were accused of being DRC army soldiers or members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia.

However, in a statement issued on March 5, M23 rejected the allegations, insisting that the operation targeted illegal armed elements and was conducted peacefully, in adherence to international law.

'The operation conducted against 130 FARDC elements hiding in hospitals was carried out in a rigorously peaceful manner and in full compliance with international humanitarian law,' M23 said.

According to the rebel group, its actions were aimed at securing medical facilities that had allegedly been infiltrated by combatants posing as patients, thereby endangering both real patients and medical staff.

M23 further stated that the operation was conducted with the consent of hospital administrators, following reports of crimes committed by the alleged FARDC elements, including rape and theft.

'Under no circumstances have we attacked hospitals. On the contrary, our forces have secured these facilities to ensure access to medical care for those in urgent need,' the statement added.

In recent weeks, M23 has tightened its grip on strategic locations in eastern Congo, where it continues to fight what it describes as bad governance and decades of marginalization and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

M23 has rejected viral media reports on hospital attacks, insisting that the operation targeted illegal armed elements and was conducted peacefully, in adherence to international law.

IGIHE

Speaking at a consultative meeting with members of Rwanda’s Parliament on March 5, 2025, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe discussed the spread of genocidal ideology in the region, its consequences, and strategies to counter it.

He disclosed that Tshisekedi became convinced of his ability to take over Rwanda when he aligned himself with the FDLR terrorist group in the fight against the M23 rebels.

According to Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe, Tshisekedi’s hostility toward M23 intensified after the group was excluded from peace talks in Nairobi in April 2022. He vowed to eliminate them and “send them back to Rwanda” simply because many of their fighters spoke Kinyarwanda.

'Instead of solely targeting M23, Tshisekedi turned his aggression toward Rwanda. He openly declared that he would fire at M23 fighters and drive them into Rwanda just because they spoke Kinyarwanda and shared aspects of Rwandan culture,' Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe explained.

He further revealed that Tshisekedi, along with FDLR leaders and his military generals, devised a plan to invade Rwanda after defeating M23 in North Kivu. The ultimate goal was to overthrow the Rwandan government, and Tshisekedi envisioned himself raising the DRC flag in Kigali.

'When Tshisekedi launched his offensive against M23, he relied on FDLR forces. The FDLR assured him they would crush M23, pursue them into Rwanda, and that by the time the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting [CHOGM] took place in Kigali on June 20, 2022, he would already be in the Rwandan capital, having hoisted the DRC flag. His generals and the FDLR fed him these illusions, and he believed them,' Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe stated.

The CHOGM summit, which brings together leaders from English-speaking nations, was held in Kigali from June 20 to 25, 2022. This event occurred shortly after FDLR and DRC military forces shelled Rwanda’s Musanze District in May and June of that year.

Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe attributed Tshisekedi’s misguided belief in an easy victory to his lack of military experience.

'He was a new president, a civilian with no understanding of warfare. The FDLR convinced him he would win, and he fell for it. He truly believed he could defeat Rwanda and intensified his efforts,' he said.

Despite calls from East African Community (EAC) heads of state urging him to halt attacks on Rwanda, Tshisekedi refused. Instead, he bolstered his military capabilities, preparing for direct confrontation with Rwanda.

As part of this strategy, he collaborated with various militias under the Wazalendo alliance, a coalition known for its anti-Rwandan and anti-Tutsi ideology.

'The Wazalendo militias, especially the Nyatura faction, were created by the FDLR, which embedded its commanders within their ranks to strengthen their influence. Essentially, these so-called Congolese 'patriotic’ forces are an extension of the FDLR,' Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe explained.

On January 27, 2025, when M23 captured the city of Goma, the DRC army, FDLR, and Wazalendo forces launched an attack on Rwanda’s Rubavu District, killing 16 civilians. Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe revealed that this assault had been planned in advance.

Following M23’s takeover of Goma, Rwanda’s government confirmed intelligence reports indicating that DRC forces, in collaboration with the FDLR, had planned a major offensive against Rwanda. Heavy DRC artillery had been positioned facing Rwanda, ready for an attack.

However, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe emphasized that Tshisekedi’s plan to invade Rwanda ultimately failed. He credited Rwanda’s robust defense strategies, reinforced after previous attacks on Musanze, for successfully repelling threats, including the attempted invasion on January 27.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in charge of Regional Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, has revealed that President Félix Tshisekedi of DRC once believed he could raise the DRC flag in Kigali.

IGIHE

While talking about the 13-year-old and his commitment, Trump elevated his position and made him ‘an agent of the United States Secret Service.’ The big announcement seemed like a dream-come-true moment for Daniel and his family.

Introducing DJ Daniel, Trump said, “Joining us in the gallery is a young man who truly loves our police; his name is DJ Daniel. He is 13 years old and has always dreamed of becoming a police officer.”

DJ has been a warrior and fighting bravely against cancer since 2018, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. The doctors treating him had given him 5 months at most to live.

But the strong and determined Daniel was not willing to give up. And ever since, he and his father have been on a quest to make his dream come true.

In a video released by the White House, Daniel was seen saying, “I had thirteen brain surgeries and that’s how many times my personality has changed. I wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for my dad, he is proud of me and I am pretty proud of him too.”

He added, “I would like to thank President Trump, because if it wasn’t him, I wouldn’t have been here today.”

Trump said, “DJ has been sworn in as an honorary law enforcement officer. The police departments love him, and tonight, DJ, we are going to do you the biggest honour. I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service.”

Further detailing on his health, Trump highlighted, “DJ’s doctors believe his cancer likely came from a chemical he was exposed to when he was younger. Since 1975, rates of child cancer have increased by more than 40%.

Reversing this trend is one of the top priorities for our new presidential commission to make America healthy again chaired by our new Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr.”

At just 13 years old, DJ Daniel has been given a rare honor, an official badge as a United States Secret Service agent.

IGIHE

For more than three decades, Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, particularly the Tutsi and Banyamulenge in eastern DRC, have faced targeted killings, forced displacement, and systematic persecution.

According to IBUKA, the recent surge in violence, fueled by state-sponsored hate speech and the collaboration between the Congolese government and genocidal forces such as FDLR represents a severe humanitarian and security crisis.

'The recent escalation of violence, compounded by state-sponsored hate speech and the open collaboration between the Congolese government and the FDLR, a recognized genocidal militia composed of remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, represents a grave human rights crisis that the international community must urgently address,' IBUKA stated in a statement released on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

IBUKA drew chilling parallels between the current situation in the DRC and the events leading up to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The organization pointed out that inflammatory rhetoric from senior Congolese officials, coupled with mass killings and displacement, mirrors the propaganda and violence that preceded the genocide three decades ago. The organization warns that ignoring these warning signs could lead to a repeat of history.

'The systematic dehumanization of an ethnic group, the use of state media to incite violence, the collaboration with genocidal militias, and the failure of the international community to act, all these factors mirror the pre-genocide conditions that led to the mass
slaughter of more than one million Tutsi in Rwanda,' the statement reads.

Despite the urgent threat, IBUKA criticized the international community for failing to take decisive action against perpetrators of hate speech and violence. The statement highlights the continued presence of genocide fugitives in foreign countries, where they evade justice while spreading genocide ideology.

Moreover, IBUKA condemned certain Western media outlets and political figures for distorting narratives about Rwanda while downplaying the security crisis posed by the FDLR’s activities in the DRC.

As the violence intensifies, IBUKA has called for an immediate international response, urging governments, human rights organizations, and regional leaders to take concrete steps to stop the ongoing atrocities.

The organization stressed that the Congolese government must be held accountable for its role in enabling hate speech and genocide, and it called for the dismantling of the FDLR, whose presence continues to threaten regional stability and Rwandan security.

IBUKA is also calling for increased pressure on MONUSCO to take effective measures or be replaced with a competent intervention force and immediate protection and humanitarian assistance for Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities facing persecution.

'The world must not turn a blind eye to the unfolding crisis in eastern DRC. The ongoing violence is not only a humanitarian catastrophe but also a direct continuation of the genocidal ideology that led to one of the worst crimes against humanity in modern history,' IBUKA warned.

“The world cannot afford to ignore these warning signs. Silence is not an option. Decisive action must be taken now.”

Some of DR Congo citizens who are Kinyarwanda Speakers, captured here undergo a severe torture in eastern DR Congo. IBUKA warns that ignoring these warning signs could lead to a repeat of the 1994 Genocide against The Tutsi.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The report highlights that the overall industrial output in the formal sector increased by 7.9% year-on-year, with mining and quarrying making a notable contribution.

The report shows that the mining and quarrying index stood at 69.7 in January 2025, up from 66.8 in January 2024. As a key pillar of the economy, the sector continues to drive exports and job creation.

Rwanda’s mining sector has been experiencing significant expansion, with mineral exports surpassing $1.1 billion in 2023, up from $772 million in 2022—an impressive 43% increase.

According to the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB), the surge was driven by increased value addition, professionalization of the sector, greater investment in mechanization, and the implementation of sustainable and responsible mining practices.

In the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December), mineral export earnings reached $252.99 million, marking a 34.9% increase compared to the same quarter in 2022.

Gold was the highest revenue generator, with 3,158 kilograms exported, bringing in $202.6 million. Cassiterite exports totalled 1,293,608 kilograms, valued at $19.7 million, while coltan exports reached 468,577 kilograms, generating $18.9 million.

Wolfram also contributed significantly, with 640,987 kilograms exported, earning $7.9 million, while other minerals combined accounted for 3,775,389 kilograms, valued at $3.9 million.

Beyond mining, Rwanda’s industrial sector continued to expand in January 2025. The manufacturing sector recorded a 7.1% increase, primarily driven by a 16.7% rise in food processing and a 13.9% increase in beverage and tobacco production.

Electricity production also saw an increase of 4.2%, reflecting improvements in the country’s energy supply, while the water and waste management sector experienced the highest growth, surging by 20%.

Rwanda’s mining sector has been experiencing significant expansion, with mineral exports surpassing $1.1 billion in 2023, up from $772 million in 2022—an impressive 43% increase.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

China’s annual two sessions could offer valuable insights into addressing these issues through technological advancement and rural revitalization. The sessions underscore the significance of leveraging technological advancements to empower agricultural development and rural revitalization.

This focus aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s hallmark campaign for rural revitalization, aimed at achieving common prosperity and a moderately prosperous society.

China underscores agriculture’s fundamental role in its national economy, which can serve as a model for African nations. Recognizing farming as a critical economic asset encourages targeted investments and supportive policies.

Prioritizing agricultural investment fosters an environment where agriculture is viewed as essential for economic stability and growth, ensuring a robust foundation for broad-based development.

In particular, China unveiled its “No. 1 Central Document” for 2025 on February 23, outlining the priorities for further deepening rural reforms and advancing all-around rural revitalization.

The document emphasizes the continuous enhancement of the supply capacity of key agricultural products like grain, the consolidation and expansion of poverty alleviation achievements, and the strengthening of wealth-creating industries for farmers.

These measures aim to promote rural construction, improve the rural governance system, and optimize resource allocation. Crucially, safeguarding food security and ensuring the stable supply of key agricultural products are top priorities for national security, signaling their importance.

The focus on agricultural investment and rural revitalization has led to significant improvements in productivity and sustainability. Enhancing infrastructure and providing financial resources are central to this strategy.

By channeling investments into rural areas, African countries can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and reduce rural poverty. Improved infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, enhances market access and reduces post-harvest losses, fostering rural prosperity.

Technological innovation is pivotal to China’s agricultural strategy. From precision farming and drone technology to AI-driven pest control and climate-resilient crops, technology boosts efficiency and resilience.

The “No. 1 Central Document” also calls for developing new quality productive forces in agriculture tailored to local conditions. It advocates for cultivating leading high-tech agricultural enterprises and accelerating breakthroughs in crop varieties.

More so, the document highlights the importance of upgrading agricultural product processing and improving rural logistics distribution to support the digital economy in rural areas.

Embracing agri-tech can transform African agriculture. Governments should collaborate with the private sector to introduce and scale technologies that address local agricultural challenges, such as drought-resistant seeds and efficient irrigation systems.

China’s approach to food security includes boosting domestic production, building strategic reserves and enhancing supply chains. Such measures mitigate risks associated with global market fluctuations and natural disasters.

The emphasis on high-quality rural logistics distribution aligns with efforts to ensure that rural areas are well-integrated into broader economic activities. African nations should adopt comprehensive strategies to ensure food security.

This involves enhancing local production capacities, establishing food reserves and strengthening logistics networks to secure reliable food supplies during crises.

With climate change increasing the frequency of natural disasters, China invests heavily in early warning systems, disaster-proof infrastructure and sustainable farming practices.

Developing robust disaster preparedness frameworks is crucial for African agriculture. Investments in resilient infrastructure, real-time monitoring systems and community training programs are essential steps towards reducing vulnerability and enhancing recovery capacity.

African countries can draw from these experiences to strengthen their agricultural sectors and achieve sustainable rural development. Through shared knowledge and enhanced cooperation, both China and Africa can build a future where agriculture remains a pillar of economic and social well-being.

The author is a CGTN Digital reporter and analyst, non-resident research fellow of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University

Shen Shiwei.

Shen Shiwei

His death follows a long battle with illness that lasted nearly 10 years, during which he was confined to his home, unable to walk.

Born on August 8, 1944, in Tanga, Mohammed Iqbal Dar was the son of Dr Tufail Ahmad Dar, a well-known doctor who served in the Tanga and Morogoro regions of Tanzania.

Mohammed received his education at H.H. The Aga Khan School for his primary and secondary schooling and later attended Mzumbe Secondary School in 1964.

While studying at Mzumbe, he came across an advertisement in The Standard newspaper, calling for people to submit ideas for a new name for the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

In a remarkable turn of events, Mohammed Iqbal Dar’s submission was selected as the winning idea, earning him a Sh200 award and a medal, which was presented by the then Minister for Information, Sheikh Idrisa Abdul Wakil.

Though he moved to the United Kingdom, Mohammed Iqbal Dar never lost his connection to Tanzania. He made several visits back to the country, contributing to various humanitarian efforts, irrespective of religious backgrounds.

He was also a regular attendee of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jalsa Salana, an annual event held in Tanzania.

According to statement issued by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Tanzania, Mohammed once shared the story of how he came up with the name ‘Tanzania’, with journalists.

The statement says he combined the first three letters of Tanganyika (TAN) and Zanzibar (ZAN), and then added an “I” from his own name, Iqbal, and his faith in Islam.

“Finally, remembering his affiliation with the Ahmadiyya Muslim sect, he added an “A” to honor the sect, forming the name “Tanzania.” reads the statement.

Throughout his life, Mohammed Iqbal Dar maintained a deep love for his homeland, and the name he gave to the country remains a lasting legacy of his contribution to Tanzania’s history.

Mohammed Iqbal Dar, who named Tanzania.

IGIHE

This call follows the recent disbursement of rewards to at least 80 final consumers, equivalent to 50% of the penalties imposed on traders, who refused to issue invoices or issued inaccurate receipts. The penalties were based on credible information provided by the affected final consumers.

The rewards are in line with Ministerial Order No. 002/24/03/TC of 08/03/2024, determining the reward based on the Value Added Tax (VAT), stipulating that a final consumer is entitled to 10% of the VAT amount shown on the invoice issued.

However, when the consumer is denied an invoice and reports it to the Tax Administration, they receive an additional reward equivalent to 50% of the penalties paid on that invoice.

One of the beneficiaries received a reward of over Frw1.9 million, after reporting different traders, who denied him invoices. RRA followed up on these cases and imposed penalties.

Since registering, he made it a point to always request EBM receipts and ensure that the amounts matched what was paid. If any trader refused, he would report them.

Another recipient, who received Frw120,127, reported a trader who gave an undervalued receipt that didn’t match the amount paid. To date, about 58,000 people have joined the VAT reward program.

Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, emphasized the importance of compliance, noting that it is a legal requirement for traders to provide EBM receipts for all transactions.

'Many consumers are actively reporting non-compliant sellers, and we truly appreciate their efforts. We encourage them to continue as their proactive actions help to ensure that taxes are properly collected and do not end up in the pockets of those unwilling to provide an EBM receipt or who issue one with less amount, thus stealing government taxes,' Uwitonze said.

To participate in the VAT reward program, consumers need to first register by dialing *800# or via MyRRA system and following the prompts. For reporting, information is sent to the RRA WhatsApp number 0739008010, and consumers will be entitled to 50% of the penalties imposed on the trader.

'We should all embrace this program to support our country’s development agenda while also giving final consumers direct rewards,' Uwitonze noted.

Consumers are encouraged to consistently request for Electronic Invoicing System (EBM) receipts and report traders, who either refuse to given them invoices or issue undervalued ones.

IGIHE

This move follows a tense Oval Office meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which led to the suspension of American military aid to Ukraine and the collapse of the proposed minerals deal.

On March 4, 2025, Zelenskyy took to the social media platform X to announce Ukraine’s readiness to comply with U.S. demands and work toward a swift end to the conflict with Russia.

He expressed willingness to sign the minerals agreement “at any time and in any convenient format” and proposed initial steps toward peace, including the immediate release of prisoners and a ceasefire with a ban on missile strikes and attacks on civilian infrastructure.

This announcement marks a significant shift in Zelenskyy’s stance following a heated exchange with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance during their recent meeting.

The confrontation, fueled by accusations that Ukraine had shown insufficient gratitude for U.S. support, resulted in the abrupt cancellation of the minerals deal. The White House had made it clear that the agreement would not proceed unless Zelenskyy met their conditions.

By publicly accepting these terms, Zelenskyy aims to restore military aid from the U.S., which is vital for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Washington had previously suspended all military assistance pending a review to ensure future aid contributes to a peaceful resolution. With Zelenskyy’s new statement, the path to restoring this critical support now seems more likely.

European allies have reacted swiftly to the evolving situation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the need for Europe to reduce its dependence on American weaponry, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Europe to take greater responsibility for supporting Ukraine.

The United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine are now working together on an independent peace proposal to present to the U.S., reflecting a broader international effort to sustain support for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has welcomed the suspension of U.S. aid as a positive step toward peace. Russian officials have reiterated their demands for Ukraine to demilitarize, remain neutral, and recognize current territorial realities. Moscow remains opposed to any NATO presence in Ukraine, including peacekeeping forces.

Zelenskyy’s acceptance of U.S. conditions is seen as a strategic move to repair relations with Washington and maintain crucial military and financial support. However, significant challenges remain, including addressing Russia’s demands and navigating the complexities of international diplomacy.

As the conflict continues, the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether Zelenskyy’s willingness to comply with U.S. conditions will reignite peace talks and secure the aid Ukraine urgently needs.

His latest move offers a renewed hope for a diplomatic resolution to the prolonged war while easing tensions with its most important ally.

US President Donald Trump (R) and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House in Washington, but a fiery exchange cut proceedings short.

IGIHE