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President Kagame made these remarks during a New Year press conference on January 9, 2025, where he addressed various topics.

In response to a question from an Al Jazeera journalist about what new developments might be expected from the new U.S. administration regarding issues in the DRC, President Kagame stated that he respects the changes that have occurred in the country, acknowledging that they were made for good reasons.

'I respect the change that has taken place in the United States, because for it to happen, it must have been for very good reasons that The Americans endorsed in their vote,' he said.

Kagame also noted that although there has been a change in leadership through democratic processes, the country’s approach to political issues is expected to evolve.

'There are many things, even geopolitically, at least the approach, that are going to change for sure […] I think that it will be the same to the approach of how African matters may be dealt with generally and also specifically with Eastern Congo. The same might see change happen,' he said.

'That’s what I think from a distance and just waiting for what will follow,' he added.
The President highlighted that changes are taking place not only in the United States but also across the globe at a “terrific pace” and stressed the importance of hard work to thrive in this “whirlwind.”

Donald Trump, of the Republican Party, won the U.S. presidential elections held on November 5, 2024. He defeated his main rival, Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, securing 277 Electoral College votes to Harris’s 224.

After the elections concluded, President Kagame congratulated Donald Trump on his victory and pledged to continue cooperation between Rwanda and the U.S. for mutual benefits in the years ahead.

Trump is expected to take the oath of office as the 47th U.S. President on January 20, 2025.

Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized that restoring America’s dignity would involve refraining from interventionism, focusing instead on strengthening America as a global hub, and improving the quality of life for Americans.

President Paul Kagame expressed optimism in the potential changes under the leadership of Donald Trump.

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The President criticized the DRC government for continuing to blame Rwanda for the presence of these rebels, despite being well aware of their origins.

Speaking at a press briefing on January 9, 2025, President Kagame stated that the M23 fighters are Congolese, a fact acknowledged by the DRC government, and explained that they are fighting for the rights of their fellow countrymen who were persecuted and forced to flee.

'These are Congolese even to the admission of Congo’s leaders, the past and the present. Now, why are they fighting? Why do we have over 100,000 refugees here in Rwanda originating from that region? Is it because Rwanda wants refugees and attracted them from Congo to come to Rwanda? Do they like fighting?' he wondered.

The President further questioned the narrative that labels the rebels as foreigners, pointing out that such accusations are unfounded.

'[They are involved] in the fighting that is happening in eastern Congo, and you call that violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity. How does it arise? On one hand these are Congolese, on the other hand, they are foreigners. How do they combine these two identities?'

President Kagame emphasized that those who call M23 fighters foreigners are either unaware of or are deliberately ignoring the complex history of the situation in eastern DRC.

He explained that the roots of this conflict go back to colonial times when borders were arbitrarily drawn, and that the M23 rebels did not originate from Rwanda when they resumed fighting in November 2021.

He reminded that when the rebels fled in 2013, most of them went to Uganda, where they regrouped and took up arms again to confront the DRC’s forces in 2021.

This was due to the failure of the Congolese government to address the persecution of Rwandophones, particularly Tutsis.

President Kagame noted that one of the reasons Rwanda is blamed for the situation in eastern DRC is because M23 fighters speak Kinyarwanda, and speaking Kinyarwanda in the DRC has become a pretext for the persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

Additionally, President Kagame explained that Rwanda is also blamed due to the presence of the genocidal militia group FDLR in the DRC, which poses a security threat to Rwanda.

He recalled that United Nations peacekeepers deployed to eastern DRC had to handle issues including the dismantling of the FDLR, but despite spending significant resources, they have not made substantial progress.

The President also pointed out that some countries, including former colonial powers in Africa, have created groups of so-called experts to assess the security situation, but when they are in the region, they tend to conceal the truth.

'Those who were involved in the colonial times and who were blamed for it have the power to manipulate and always fall short of doing what is right.

'You find they have groups they create, they say 'Groups of Expert’, expert in doing what? You find these experts are led by people who are supposed to come and really cover up the blame that should be leveled against those who are responsible for those crimes of colonial times,' Kagame stated.

He stressed that anyone wanting to understand the realities of the situation in eastern DRC, and to find solutions, does not need to rely on experts but rather seek peace and security for the Congolese people.

President Kagame reiterated that FDLR plays a major role in destabilizing eastern DRC, and that the problem of this group should not be ignored.

He explained that Rwanda approached the DRC government offering support to eliminate FDLR but they refused despite having allowed Burundi and Uganda to cross into the country to fight armed groups threatening their security.

President Paul Kagame has clarified that M23 rebels fighting against the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) forces came from Uganda when they resumed fighting in North Kivu.

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He was responding to a question about the replacement of five ministers since the new government was sworn in after last year’s presidential elections.

The press conference, which included both local and international media, covered various issues, including the security crisis in eastern DRC.

Regarding the replacements, Kagame explained that further changes are still expected.

'Changes in the government are not over. We are still at the beginning,' he said. 'This process is guided by various factors, including the context of the time, the nature of the people, and the leadership’s desire to ensure efficiency, minimize time waste, and reduce costs while achieving our goals.'

He added that these decisions are aligned with the country’s current needs, trying to work at a manageable to address challenges in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, the private sector, and other key areas.

Kagame compared the process to a blueprint. 'It’s like having a plan for everything—how things are done, who does them—and this plan guides the outcome. As things progress, adjustments are made where necessary,' he explained.

The President reiterated that the primary focus is on the people, ensuring that their needs are met in the best possible way.

He acknowledged the limitations posed by the country’s resources but emphasized that the government works to make the most of what is achievable.

He also highlighted the importance of accountability, stressing that leaders must focus on serving the people rather than prioritizing personal interests.

'We must consider whether someone performs well in their current role, or if they might be more effective elsewhere. It’s about ensuring that the focus remains on the people, not on personal interests,' Kagame said.

Before making any appointments or replacements, he follows a thorough process to ensure the leaders selected truly represent the interests of the citizens.

'I go through all these steps first. If I see a need for change, I don’t hesitate. Even if I appoint someone overnight, but realize the next day it’s not working, I will remove the person,' Kagame affirmed.

Kagame further emphasized that his decisions are not swayed by personal feelings.

'I don’t care if someone gets upset or not. What matters to me is whether I’ve addressed an issue for the people and ensured that things are done properly,' he concluded.

President Paul Kagame has emphasized that the Government of Rwanda follows a rigorous process for selecting and replacing leaders.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the declaration on January 7, 2024, as Sudan continues to grapple with a conflict that has plunged the country into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

“Based on overwhelming evidence, I have concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan,” Blinken stated, citing systematic attacks targeting ethnic groups. The acts include mass murders, rape, and the deliberate prevention of civilians from accessing essential supplies.

The RSF, a paramilitary force led by Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, along with allied militias, has been accused of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

What began as a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has had catastrophic consequences for civilians. Over 30 million Sudanese require humanitarian aid, with tens of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands facing famine.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Hemedti and seven RSF-affiliated companies based in the United Arab Emirates, citing their roles in acquiring weapons for the RSF.

Additionally, Hemedti has been designated under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross human rights violations, including the mass rape of civilians in Darfur. This designation bars Hemedti and his immediate family from entering the United States.

'Hemedti has wantonly ignored international humanitarian law and commitments made in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration and the 2024 Code of Conduct,' Blinken said, referencing agreements aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid.

Despite the accords, the RSF has continued to commit war crimes under Hemedti’s leadership, including sexual violence and attacks on fleeing civilians.

'The United States does not support either side of this war,' Blinken emphasized, noting that both factions bear responsibility for the ongoing violence and lack the legitimacy to govern Sudan’s future.

In addition to sanctions, the U.S. has pledged $30 million to support Sudanese civil society actors working toward a peaceful and democratic future.

The toll of the conflict on Sudan is staggering. Since April 2023, millions have been displaced, with entire communities destroyed and left without access to basic necessities.

Blinken signalled the potential for further sanctions against RSF affiliates and other actors undermining peace in Sudan, stating: 'We will continue to evaluate additional measures to ensure accountability.'

Humanitarian groups have welcomed the U.S. measures but stress that more international coordination is urgently needed to address the crisis effectively.

The RSF, a paramilitary force led by Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, along with allied militias, has been accused of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

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Chadian President Mahamat Deby Itno was inside the palace when the attack occurred, but authorities swiftly contained the situation.

During a live broadcast from within the presidential palace, Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah reassured the public, stating that the situation is completely under control.

The incident coincided with a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had earlier praised Deby Itno for efforts to reestablish constitutional order.

This attack comes shortly after parliamentary elections intended to restore democracy.

However, the main opposition party boycotted the polls, and analysts suggest the elections may further consolidate Deby Itno’s power.

President Mahamat Déby took over in 2021 following his father’s death during a rebel clash.

He was recently elected to lead Chad in a controversial election, facing allegations of vote-rigging and suppressing opposition voices.

Chad continues to struggle with ongoing violence and terrorism, including threats from extremist groups such as Boko Haram.

President Mahamat Déby took over in 2021 following his father’s death during a rebel clash.

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The new medication, designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection among individuals, is being tested at two health centers in Kigali: Gikondo and Busanza.

The pilot phase began on January 3 and is expected to last for a year, during which time the effectiveness and acceptance of the treatment will be evaluated. Based on the results, plans for a nationwide rollout may follow.

Dr. Basile Ikuzo, the Director of the HIV Prevention Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), explained that the injectable form, known as Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is administered once every two months.

The treatment offers a significant advantage over the daily oral PrEP regimen, providing a more convenient and discreet option for individuals facing adherence challenges.

'This is not for the general population but specifically for high-risk groups such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), discordant couples, and adolescent girls and young women,' Dr. Ikuzo told The New Times.

The new injection could also help reduce the stigma often associated with daily oral PrEP, particularly among younger people.

Rwanda has seen notable success in its fight against HIV, with new cases dropping from 10,000 annually a decade ago to around 3,000 today.

Dr. Ikuzo emphasized that expanding prevention methods is crucial to continuing this progress.

'This initiative is part of our broader strategy to ensure everyone at risk has access to the best tools for protection,' he added.

Injectable PrEP, like oral PrEP, will be provided free of charge, and the RBC has already begun efforts to raise awareness about this new option. A larger public education campaign is expected to roll out by the end of June, targeting those most at risk.

Rwanda has rolled out a pilot program for long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of renewed efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

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In an interview with RBA, Minister Sebahizi emphasized the importance of key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining as pillars of the national economy.

He underscored the ministry’s dedication to strengthening mineral extraction to fuel economic growth.

'There remains significant untapped potential in mining, especially with the entry of new investors who add value to processed minerals. This is why we are focusing on increasing investment in industries to drive production and sustain economic progress,' he said.

Bosco Kayobotsi, Managing Director of Gasabo Gold Refinery Ltd, highlighted the significant growth in gold and silver processing during the 2023/24 fiscal year.

'Our production has grown steadily, with the past two years showing the most substantial rise compared to the previous five years,' he noted.

Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that the industrial sector’s overall output grew by 14.7% in November 2024 compared to November 2023.

The mining and quarrying sector alone registered a remarkable 45.2% growth, while electricity production increased by 9.6%, and water and sanitation services rose by 12.8%.

Oreste Mukiza, Public Relations and Communication Specialist at the Rwanda Mining Board (RMB), attributed this growth to initiatives supporting the mining sector, such as providing electricity to remote mining sites.

'These electricity provisions enable the use of heavy machinery and advanced technology, making operations more efficient and significantly boosting production,' Mukiza explained.

Research conducted in 2017 identified 52 mineral-rich areas across Rwanda.

The nation’s underground mineral reserves are estimated to be worth approximately $154 billion.

The RMB reported that Rwanda’s mineral exports generated over $1.1 billion in 2023, a 43% increase from $772 million in 2022.

The Minister of Industry and Trade, Sebahizi has vowed to enhance mineral extraction.

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This marks her third year with the team, and she has once again been selected to be part of the roster for this year’s competitions. She credited her success to the excellent support from her team, which provides everything she needs to train and prepare without any setbacks.

Reflecting on the previous year, Ingabire expressed her pride in participating in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, a milestone she described as one of her biggest achievements.

Looking ahead to the new year, Ingabire is focused on continuing her strong performance, especially in the World Championship to be held in Rwanda.

“This year, I aim to compete in high-level races. I also want to focus on improving my teamwork skills with my teammates so that we can secure victories together. Personally, I am determined to give my best in the World Championship in Rwanda,” she said.

The World Championship is scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 21 to 28, 2025.

Ingabire has once again been selected by her team to be part of the roster for this year’s competitions.

It is now three years since Ingabire joined Canyon/SRAM Generation team from Germany.

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