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Spectators gathered in anticipation at the grand opening ceremony of the Tour du Rwanda, filling the BK Arena with an electric energy.

The prestigious cycling event, which has gained international recognition, brings together top cyclists from Africa and beyond.

The honour of being the first rider to set off went to Nzafashwanayo Jean Claude, representing the Centre Mondial Cyclisme team. He is one of 16 Rwandan cyclists participating in this year’s competition, which features a total of 14 teams and 69 riders.

The opening day’s race will cover a 3.4-kilometre individual time trial, where each rider competes against the clock to set the best time.

The 2025 Tour du Rwanda is scheduled to run from February 23 to March 2, traversing all four provinces of Rwanda as well as the City of Kigali.

The race, renowned for its challenging mountainous routes, continues to grow in prominence as one of Africa’s most demanding and thrilling cycling events.

First held in 1988 as a regional competition, the Tour du Rwanda became part of the UCI Africa Tour in 2009. It is currently classified as a 2.1 category race, attracting elite professional teams from around the world.

The race has become a key event on the international cycling calendar, drawing some of the best riders to compete on Rwanda’s scenic but grueling terrain.

The 2024 edition saw Joe Blackmore of Israel – Premier Tech claim victory in a memorable fashion. Not only did he celebrate his 21st birthday during the race, but he also took the race lead on that day and secured his triumph with a solo win in the final stage in Kigali.

The victory marked his first UCI race win, making it an especially significant milestone in his career.

Beyond cycling

The Tour du Rwanda is more than just a race; it serves as a platform to showcase Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.

The event plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic growth, drawing visitors from around the globe and uniting Rwandans who passionately line the race routes to cheer for their favourite riders.

President Paul Kagame and International Cycling Union President David Lappartient officially flagged off the 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda on Sunday morning.

The honour of being the first rider to set off went to Nzafashwanayo Jean Claude, representing the Centre Mondial Cyclisme team.

Claude is one of 16 Rwandan cyclists participating in this year’s competition, which features a total of 14 teams and 69 riders.

Spectators gathered in anticipation at the grand opening ceremony of the Tour du Rwanda, filling the BK Arena with an electric energy.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Two of the five hostages were transferred earlier on Saturday from a vehicle of al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, to vehicles of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Rafah, southern Gaza, which later carried them to the IDF and the Israel Security Agency, according to Israeli and Palestinian sources.

The two are Avera Mengistu, 38, an Ethiopian-born Israeli man from Ashkelon, who crossed into Gaza in 2014 and had been held captive ever since, and Tal Shoham, 40, who was seized during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the sources told Xinhua.

Shoham’s wife and two children, who were also taken hostage, were released in November 2023 under a temporary ceasefire agreement.

Later in the day, three other Israeli hostages were handed over by Hamas to the Israeli authorities via the ICRC in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, according to Palestinian sources.

The three — Omer Shem-Tov, 22, Eliya Cohen, 27, and Omer Wenkert, 23 — were also seized during the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

According to eyewitnesses at the handover ceremony, the three hostages appeared to be in good health, wearing military uniforms and carrying their release certificates. In a striking moment, one of them was seen kissing the heads of two masked members of the al-Qassam Brigades standing beside them.

Another Israeli hostage, 37-year-old Hisham al-Sayed, was released in central Gaza without an official ceremony later on Saturday, said a source within the al-Qassam Brigades.

The Israeli military said al-Sayed has been handed over to Red Cross representatives after being held for almost 10 years and is on his way to Israeli troops in Gaza.

The releases are part of the latest hostage-prisoner swap under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to which Israel will free 602 Palestinian prisoners later in the day. The swap is also the final one where Hamas handed over living hostages under the first phase of the agreement.

The first phase, effective since January 19, is set to conclude next week when Hamas is expected to finish the release of 33 Israeli hostages — 25 living ones and eight dead — in exchange for over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners.

One of the freed Israeli hostage Tal Shoham waves to crowd as he arrives at a medical center in Petah Tikva, Israel, February 22, 2025.

Relatives and friends of a hostage watch televised broadcast of the hostage release at an apartment in Tel Aviv, Israel, February 22, 2025.

Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, and an Israeli hostage are seen during the handover of three Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross, in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, on February 22, 2025. Six Israeli hostages previously held by Hamas were released on Saturday as part of an ongoing ceasefire exchange, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement.

Xinhua

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a brief statement confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff rested well.

'The night passed quietly, the pope rested,' Bruni said, without providing further details on whether the pope was awake or had resumed eating.

Francis remains in critical condition as he recovers from a complicated lung infection that led to the severe respiratory episode on Saturday morning.

Medical sources at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the pope has been receiving treatment since February 14, told several international news outlets that the crisis was prolonged and required intensive medical intervention, including oxygen therapy to assist his breathing.

The pope also underwent blood transfusions due to a significant drop in platelet levels, a condition that can be caused by infections or medication side effects.

Despite the gravity of his condition, the Vatican reported that Francis was alert and spent much of Saturday sitting in an armchair, though experiencing increased pain. Doctors have classified his prognosis as 'reserved,' meaning that while he remains stable, the situation remains uncertain given his advanced age and history of lung disease.

Medical experts warn that the primary risk facing Pope Francis is the potential onset of sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.

So far, tests indicate no signs of sepsis, and the pope has been responding to the medications administered for his condition.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, emphasized the precarious nature of the pope’s health. 'Sepsis, combined with his respiratory difficulties and age, would pose a significant challenge,' he stated during a press briefing.

Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been prone to respiratory illnesses and bronchitis, particularly in winter months. The Vatican confirmed that he has been under a regimen of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen to manage his condition.

No plans for resignation

As speculation grows over the possibility of Pope Francis stepping down due to his deteriorating health, Vatican officials have firmly denied any discussions of resignation. The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, dismissed such speculation as 'unfounded' and emphasized that the primary concern is the pope’s recovery.

'There is no movement toward resignation, nor have I heard anything suggesting such discussions,' Parolin told Corriere della Sera in an interview. He also dismissed recent reports that Vatican officials had secretly met with the pope in the hospital to discuss his potential departure.

Francis has previously stated that he has written a letter of resignation to be used in case he becomes medically incapacitated. However, he has also asserted that he views the papacy as a lifelong mission and has no immediate plans to step aside.

Meanwhile, Vatican events marking the Holy Year of 2025 continue without the pope’s direct participation. This weekend, the Vatican was set to celebrate deacons, a key ministry within the Catholic Church. Pope Francis had planned to preside over the event but was forced to withdraw due to his health.

Candles are laid at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized in Rome on February 22, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The case was brought following continued environmental and human rights abuses or risks caused by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, and the project’s failure to uphold key regional and international laws as well as agreements.

In November 2020, the four CSOs including Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) from Uganda, Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) from Uganda, Natural Justice (NJ) from Kenya and Centre for Strategic Litigation (CSL) from Tanzania, filed a case seeking to stop non-compliance of the EACOP project to key regional and international laws as well as agreements.

The case was filed on behalf of the millions of East Africans whose human and environmental rights have either been abused or are at stake due to the EACOP project, which alongside the Tilenga oil project, has led to the forced displacement of over 120,000 people.

It is claimed that this is affecting environmental resources that East Africans rely on for their livelihoods, health and wellbeing. The hearing on the appeal will take place in Kigali.

The case was dismissed by the First Instance Division of the EACJ in November 2023. The judges averred that the case was filed out of time, resulting in the dismissal. A month later, in December 2023, the CSOs filed their appeal on grounds that the judges at the First Instance Division erred in their ruling.

The appeal was first heard at the EACJ in Arusha, Tanzania, in November 2024. During that hearing, the Appellate Division of the EACJ rejected a request by the Tanzanian government to dismiss the appeal.

The court ordered the four CSOs to file a supplementary record of proceedings from the First Instance Division by November 29, 2024, to enable the judges to hear the case.

The applicants are therefore seeking orders from the Appellate Division of the East African Court Of Justice to set aside the ruling of the First Instance Division that dismissed the case.

They want the deferral of the cases to the First Instance Division for hearing on its merits. The activists also want the court to set aside the decision of the First Instance Division in which costs were awarded to the governments of Uganda and Tanzania as well as the Secretary General of the EAC.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AFIEGO, Dickens Kamugisha says they are looking forward to their case being heard.

'The Appellate Division has the opportunity to correct the mistakes of the First Instance Division by ordering that our case is heard on its merits. We remain hopeful that the court will dispense justice.' he said.

The East Africa Hub Director at Natural Justice, Elizabeth Kariuki said they are resolute in the pursuit of justice.

'As the appeal hearing approaches, we remain hopeful that the Appellate Division will consider the broader issues at stake and provide an opportunity to address the serious environmental and human rights concerns surrounding the EACOP,' she said.

'The severity of the issues surrounding the pipeline demands an immediate and comprehensive examination and we anticipate nothing less than a commitment to justice for the affected communities,' she added.

Deus Valentine Rweyemamu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Strategic said in litigation notes that the case provides 'a real opportunity for the East African Court of Justice to help set the standards for foreign investors.

He said that it will also empower the East African Community in ensuring that the community’s own standards on the environment as well as international commitments including the Paris Agreement are given life through this case.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AFIEGO, Dickens Kamugisha says they are looking forward to their case being heard.

IGIHE

The M23 spokesperson for political affairs, Lawrence Kanyuka, announced that the entities affected by this statement include REGIDESO, responsible for water distribution, SNEL, responsible for electricity supply, educational institutions, health facilities, and the National Radio and Television (RTNC).

These agencies closed their offices when M23 fighters took over Bukavu on February 16, 2025. At that time, there were concerns that they might engage in combat with the Congolese army coalition that had sought refuge in the southeast of the city.

Some staff members from these agencies fled, leaving only a few behind and now M23 has requested that these agencies utilize their remaining staff to resume operations.

Since M23 took control of the city, they have begun initiatives to remove anything that could jeopardize its security, especially the weapons that the Congolese army coalition had dispersed among the local children.

M23 asserts that they have restored security in the city and promised the residents that they would not leave but would continue to protect them.

The M23 spokesperson for political affairs, Lawrence Kanyuka, announced that the entities affected by this statement include REGIDESO.

IGIHE

One of the reasons for Minister Lammy’s visit is to discuss with members of the Rwandan government the security concerns in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, informed IGIHE that Lammy will arrive in Rwanda in the late afternoon of Saturday.

The governments of both countries have differing views on this issue, as the UK accuses Rwanda of sending troops to eastern DRC illegally, while Rwanda asserts that this allegation is unfounded.

On February 20, Minister Lammy, who was attending a G20 meeting in South Africa, stated that he would inform President Paul Kagame that continued infringements on the sovereignty of the DRC would have consequences.

Nduhungirehe, shared through his X handle that he looks forward to seeing Minister Lammy follow through on what he said in South Africa, and he will issue a strong statement after meeting with President Kagame.

In this welcome message to Lammy, Nduhungirehe said, 'Really? I look forward to seeing this and reading a strong statement after the meeting. Welcome to Kigali, David Lammy!'

The Rwandan government continues to criticize how the international community overlooks the known reasons for the conflict in eastern DRC, including the persecution of Congolese Tutsis and the support that the FDLR terrorist group receives from the DRC government, which seeks to destabilize the region.

Regarding the repercussions or sanctions that Lammy may threaten against Rwanda, the government has indicated that such measures will not bring solutions. If they did, the region would have been stable for many years.

The Rwandan government calls on the international community to support the resolutions made by the heads of state of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as they would lead to lasting peace.

This includes political dialogue between the DRC government and the armed groups in conflict, including the M23 group.

Nduhungirehe, shared through his X handle that he looks forward to seeing Minister Lammy.

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is expected in Kigali this Saturday afternoon.

IGIHE

A thrilling symphony as music fans swarmed into the buzzing venue, it was an extraordinary experience that would leave a lasting mark on the hearts and souls of those fortunate enough to attend.

'I’m so excited to be in Kigali and I couldn’t be any happier. We’re here because we love you, feel connected to you. It’s a thrill. I love your energy, keep it going,' Legend told the crowd as he kicked off his landmark performance.

As he sat behind his piano, bathed in blue stage lighting and white outfit, cheers erupting around him.
It is at this point that excitement crackled like electrified energy among the crowd setting the stage, bathed in dazzling lights while doing what he does best to entertain the audience.

The stage became a platform of pleasure where creativity fused with passion, concealed the revellers with magic that would sprout from the depths of his mesmerizing performance.

And as the dim lights gradually illuminated the crowd, deafening cheers exploded, sending a wave of infectious energy through the sea of music lovers, as if an invisible thread connected everyone present.

Meanwhile this had been preceded by a dynamic performance from local artist Bwiza with her classic hits such as 'Ogera,’ a collabo with Rwandan super star Bruce Melody. A brief preview of last year’s show had been also showcased.

Minute after minute Legend displayed his extraordinary work. From whimsical ballads to high-energy dances, the concert weaved a tapestry of captivating melodies and remarkable performances.

As the beats echoed through the venue, time seemed to fly away, taking the audience on an unforgettable sonic journey, a marvel of unique musical combinations they never could have imagined.

After a series of breath-taking performances, the concert approached its climactic finale as he undertook a solo performance of the song 'All of me,' throwing the crowd into further ecstasy leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all in attendance.

Among those who graced the occasion is His Excellency President Paul Kagame and First Lady who could also not hide their excitement as the show came to a close.

Long after the night ended, the memories of that extraordinary music experience continue to echo, transcending barriers and uniting people in a shared ecstasy; inspiring and fueling dreams of a world filled with harmony. What a night to remember!

President Kagame and the First Lady graced the occasion.

Sam K Nkurunziza

On February 14, 2025, as the M23 group prepared to enter the city of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, soldiers and police officers in the city, including those guarding the Bukavu Central Prison, all fled.

What many people noticed was that as soon as the soldiers and police left the city, 2300 inmates at Bukavu Central Prison, known as Prison Centrale de Bukavu, also all escaped.

In an interview with IGIHE, Ilunga Dilamunga Nkonde, who was in charge of the prison, revealed that it was around 10 PM when those responsible for the prison’s security fled.

“It was around 10 PM when the soldiers guarding the inmates at Prison Centrale de Bukavu realized that M23 was about to enter the city and they fled. The prisoners immediately broke down the doors and escaped. We didn’t know what to do because we had no guns, and the police had left,' he said.

The former director mentioned that the prison held 2376 inmates, including women even though the prison has the capacity to accommodate 500 inmates.

Ilunga expressed regret that it was being vandalized by thieves stealing its roofing materials. 'I request AFC/M23 to send soldiers to protect this prison so that it does not continue to be destroyed, as it will have nowhere to incarcerate offenders.'

Residents in the city of Bukavu, particularly in Panzi, told IGIHE that in the evening hours, there were people waiting for residents on the road to rob them and that they suspect this was being carried out by gangs that were previously incarcerated in Bukavu Central Prison.

The spokesperson for AFC/M23, Laurence Kanyuka, stated that the issue of escaped prisoners was not limited to the city of Bukavu as the same situation occurred in the city of Goma.

“As we did in Goma, we are establishing means to gather information on the escaped prisoners. We did this in Goma, and today Goma is secure. We are going to implement it here in Bukavu; we have set up a hotline for residents to call when they have a security issue, and we have established a means to ensure residents’ safety,' he said.

lunga Dilamunga Nkonde, who was in charge of the prison, revealed that it was around 10 PM when those responsible for the prison’s security fled.

2300 inmates at Bukavu Central Prison, known as Prison Centrale de Bukavu, also all escaped.

The floors are covered in layers of grime and dirt, with cracks running through the concrete.

IGIHE

His body was discovered on Friday February 21, 2025 by students who had woken up for morning preps. The shocked students later informed teachers who later managed to get police to the scene at around 4 am.

However, since then, information about the incident has since been scanty after the school management concealed it from the public.

Efforts to get an official comment from the police were futile. However, officers from Mukono police station who preferred anonymity confirmed the incident and said that the body was taken to the city mortuary for a postmortem.

The officer also indicated that the school management cautioned them against revealing the incident to the public, especially the media. Seeta Schools belong to the State Minister for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo.

A CID officer at Mukono Police Station who preferred anonymity told Uganda Radio Network, that the boy used a rope from the mosquito net to hang himself.

The deceased’s body is expected to be taken to Kyotera for burial. Currently, the vigil is held at Nyanama. This is the second incident involving the death of a student in a school in Mukono district.

Two weeks ago, a senior three student of Mpoma Girls, Carnelian Mary Ndagire, set herself on fire, protesting to return to the same school.

Seeta Schools belong to the State Minister for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo.

IGIHE

Ruto, who met Thursday with holdout opposition groups from South Sudan in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, said the talks will resume in March.

The talks between South Sudan’s transitional government and holdout opposition groups, dubbed Tumaini, meaning hope in Swahili, have been ongoing in Nairobi since last year.

Ruto said in a statement that the mediation process “adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward.”

In December 2023, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan asked Ruto to assume the lead role in mediating the peace talks, taking over from the community of Sant’Egidio in Rome, Italy.

South Sudan is grappling with significant challenges, including 9 million people requiring humanitarian aid, 7.5 million people experiencing food insecurity, and an influx of more than 1 million returnees and refugees fleeing violence in neighboring Sudan.

Kenyan President William Ruto (center) announced the suspension of the mediation process between the South Sudan government and the Opposition Hold-Out Group on February 21, 2025.

Xinhua