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The capture of the airport occurred less than 48 hours after M23 seized the city of Goma. Confirming the development on his X account, Lt. Col. Ngoma stated, “The airport of Goma is fully secured by the lions [M23 forces].”

On January 26, 2025, M23 shut down the airspace over the airport, claiming it was being used by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and allied militias to transport weapons that endangered civilians.

Meanwhile, the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly around Goma, continues to escalate.

Goma International Airport is a critical hub for North Kivu, serving as the region’s primary gateway for air transport. As of 2020, the facility could accommodate up to seven Airbus A320 planes simultaneously.

The airport has long been a vital logistical base for FARDC, United Nations peacekeeping operations (MONUSCO), international organizations, and commercial entities operating in eastern DRC.

M23 rebels have claimed full control of Goma International Airport.

The M23 military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma has take a photo of himself in the surrounding of Goma Intenrational Airport after the rebel group took over control of the facility.

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The development was confirmed via a statement posted on the South African Presidency’s X account.

'The two heads of state have agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks by all parties to the conflict,' the statement noted.

On January 28, 2025, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, described the discussions between President Kagame and President Ramaphosa as productive and consensual.

As President Ramaphosa visited Rwanda in April 2024, he and President Kagame had agreed that a political solution would be much beneficial in ending the conflict in eastern DRC.

At the time, South African troops participating in the SADC mission had been operating alongside the DRC military and armed groups such as FDLR, the Wazalendo coalition, and European mercenaries to combat M23 rebels for nearly five months.

After returning to South Africa, President Ramaphosa stated that the activities happening there risk destabilizing Rwanda, particularly those involving FDLR.

Despite President Ramaphosa’s comments about shifting focus, South African troops under the SADC mission continued to fight alongside DRC forces against M23.

This persisted until January 27, 2025, when M23 captured the city of Goma. South Africa confirmed that between January 23 and January 24, 2025, nine of its soldiers were killed in the conflict. Seven were part of the SADC mission, while two were serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Malawi, which also has troops in the SADC mission, reported that three of its soldiers were killed in two days of fighting against M23 rebels in the town of Sake and surrounding areas.

Reports suggest that just before M23 took control of Goma, soldiers under the SADC mission, along with UN peacekeepers, surrendered and awaited evacuation back to their home countries.

President Kagame and South African counterpart have discussed eastern DRC security crisis.

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This development, which occurred on January 27, 2025, is seen as a significant step for the group in its effort to fully capture the city.

Since the early hours of January 27, M23 fighters have been patrolling Goma, considered the capital of North Kivu Province.

However, the city remained tense as clashes between M23 and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) continued throughout Monday, causing widespread fear among residents, with some beginning to flee.

On the same day, a small number of Congolese civilians, FARDC soldiers, and UN staff crossed into Rwanda through the border connecting Rwanda and Goma, seeking refuge.

Fighting intensified in areas such as Majengo and Himbi as M23 attempted to push further into the city.

Meanwhile, FARDC and allied Wazalendo forces put up stiff resistance. The sound of heavy and light gunfire continued to echo across Goma on Monday, leaving residents confined to their homes in fear.

Other parts of the city, including Birere and the airport vicinity, also experienced gunfire, according to reports.

Security concerns have spilled over to the border between DRC and Rwanda, where shells fired from Congo have landed on Rwandan soil.

Although most were intercepted, some caused fatalities. The Rwandan Defense Forces spokesperson, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, confirmed that five civilians in Rubavu District were killed, and nearly 30 others were injured by these shells.

Reports from Rubavu also indicate that the shells were fired by members of the FDLR, a terrorist group opposing the Rwandan government, in collaboration with FARDC forces.

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According to Vatican News, these measures, imposed after his resignation as Archbishop, restrict his public activities, mandate his residence outside Peru, and limit his use of ecclesiastical insignia.

The confirmation, issued on January 26 by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, followed media reports about accusations filed against the Cardinal in 2018.

Cipriani, a prominent member of Opus Dei (a Spanish Roman Catholic lay and clerical organization whose members seek personal Christian perfection through ordinary life), faced allegations that led to sanctions, including a penal injunction, shortly after stepping down from his role in Lima.

The Vatican’s sanctions aim to address accusations of abuses allegedly committed in the early 1980s. These measures include a requirement for the Cardinal to leave his home country of Peru and maintain a stable residence elsewhere.

Cipriani currently resides in Madrid, Spain, and has adhered to the restrictions since their implementation in 2019. While the Holy See has granted him limited permissions on occasion, the restrictions remain firmly in place.

In a statement addressing the accusations, Cipriani denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he never committed abuse in 1983 or at any other time.

He stated that he first learned of the allegations in 2018 and was informed by the Apostolic Nuncio in Peru in 2019 that the then-Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had imposed sanctions.

These included limitations on his priestly ministry, a mandate to live outside Peru, and restrictions on public statements.

Cipriani expressed concern over the recent publication of information he described as originating from confidential Vatican documentation.

While maintaining his innocence, he reiterated his condemnation of sexual abuse, particularly involving minors and vulnerable individuals.

Despite his denial, the Vatican has emphasized the importance of addressing such allegations with seriousness and accountability.

Cipriani concluded his statement by affirming his prayers for abuse victims, expressing forgiveness for his accusers, and maintaining that the allegations against him are baseless.

Cardinal Cipriani expressed concern over the recent publication of information he described as originating from confidential Vatican documentation.

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During a meeting in Nairobi, they emphasized that restructuring the AU would help the organization better serve the needs of the continent and its people.

The discussions, led by Kenyan President William Ruto, focused on revitalizing the AU’s structures and operations to enhance its ability to implement programs and manage resources efficiently.

The retreat was attended by presidents John Mahama of Ghana, Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, and Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau. Also present was AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.

As part of the proposals, the leaders agreed to establish a committee of five presidents to drive the implementation of reforms.

They also emphasized the need to strengthen mechanisms for conflict resolution, advance financial autonomy, and operationalize the African Court of Justice.

These steps aim to make the AU more self-reliant and capable of addressing disputes within the continent.

Suggestions included creating a dedicated AU peace support department, inspired by the UN model, to manage peace operations more effectively.

The leaders also highlighted the importance of reducing inefficiencies and overlapping mandates to streamline decision-making processes and restore confidence among African citizens and international partners.

The leaders concluded that implementing these reforms is crucial for the AU to address the continent’s challenges and take advantage of its vast opportunities for growth and development.

African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa

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The police chief made the remarks during the official opening of the 49th EAPCCO Permanent Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Kigali on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Addressing the gathering of heads of criminal investigations and Interpol central bureaus from 14 East African countries, IGP Namuhoranye emphasized the importance of collective resolve in combating evolving threats like terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized financial crimes.

He stressed that criminal fugitives should not be able to find safe havens across the region’s borders, calling for more collaborative efforts in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

'Your resolve should send a strong message to criminals and fugitives in the region that they will not find safe havens across our borders,' said IGP Namuhoranye.

The meeting, which is part of ongoing efforts by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO), serves as a platform for member countries to discuss security concerns and align strategies to tackle transnational crime.

IGP Namuhoranye urged the police chiefs to enhance the capacities of investigators and harmonize operational approaches to improve regional policing efforts.

The event comes ahead of the 26th EAPCCO Annual General Meeting, which will take place on January 29, 2025, at Kigali Convention Centre.

The 49th PCC meeting includes discussions on critical security issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, with key sessions including counter-terrorism and cybercrime subcommittee meetings.

EAPCCO’s regional cooperation aims to consolidate efforts to disrupt criminal activity, particularly human trafficking, illicit drug trade, and intellectual property crimes, which have become increasingly sophisticated across the region.

Africa Apollo Sendahangarwa, the CEO of EAPCCO and Head of the Interpol Regional Bureau, also reinforced the need for a unified approach to combat these crimes. He highlighted the use of modern technologies by criminals and the financing of terrorism, urging member countries to work together to effectively counter these threats.

The ongoing PCC meeting is expected to lead to more coordinated and actionable plans in addressing the growing challenges posed by transnational criminal networks in the region.

IGP Namuhoranye makes his remarks during the official opening of the 49th EAPCCO Permanent Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Kigali on Monday, January 27, 2025.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).

The meeting serves as a platform for member countries to discuss security concerns and align strategies to tackle transnational crime.

IGP Namuhoranye urged the police chiefs to enhance the capacities of investigators and harmonize operational approaches to improve regional policing efforts.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The fighting in eastern DRC intensified after M23 announced its capture of towns such as Sake and Masisi and warned that Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province, would be their next target. The city fell under the control of M23 fighters in the early hours of Monday morning.

Following the instability in the region major countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, advised their citizens to evacuate to safer locations.

The United Nations, which already has peacekeeping forces under the MONUSCO mission, had earlier stated that non-essential personnel would be evacuated.

MONUSCO requested to evacuate their staff and families through Rwanda following the closure of the Goma airspace and waterways on Thursday. M23 had accused the Congolese army and allied forces of “using Goma airport to load bombs that are killing the civilian population”.

By 7:00 AM, the first group of UN staff and their families had begun arriving at the border, where their identities were verified to confirm they were UN personnel. After this process, they were transported by vehicles to Kigali Pele Stadium.

The first group, consisting of 660 individuals, mostly women and children, was received at the stadium at 3:00 PM. Plans were initially made to allocate them to hotels or transport them to the airport, but the United Nations opted to accommodate all evacuees in hotels first.

Meanwhile, the conflict between M23 and FARDC continues to escalate, with Congolese government forces intensifying cross-border shelling into Rwanda.

More than 1,260 staff members of various United Nations agencies and their families have been evacuated to Rwanda due to the escalating conflict between the FARDC coalition forces and M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Following the instability in the region major countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, advised their citizens to evacuate to safer locations.

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The celebrated Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, born Temilade Openiyi, will perform at the iconic BK Arena on March 22, 2025. Rwanda will be a key stop on her global tour, which includes several major African cities, including Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, and Addis Ababa.

Tems performs at Radio City Music Hall on the New York stop of her “Born in the Wild” Tour, on September 5, 2024.

The Kigali concert represents more than just an evening of unforgettable music. It reflects Rwanda’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class entertainment, thanks to strategic collaborations like the partnership between BK Group and QA Venue Solutions Rwanda.

The partnership, which secured the naming rights for BK Arena in 2022, has transformed the venue into a hub for international stars and high-profile events.

Tems will perform at the iconic BK Arena on March 22, 2025.

John Ntigengwa, Country Director at QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming concert and its impact on Rwanda’s growing entertainment scene.

'Hosting an artist of Tems’ calibre alongside other major African cities highlights Rwanda’s strides in establishing itself as a destination for top-tier events. The BK Arena is proud to play a key role in this journey, leveraging partnerships to bring unforgettable experiences to fans,' he said.

Kigali Arena is a 10,000-capacity indoor venue suitable for sports, conferences, and entertainment events.

Tems, known for chart-topping hits such as “Free Mind” and “Essence”, has garnered a massive global following.

The 29-year-old won her first Grammy at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023. She won in the category of Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future’s song “Wait For U,” which also featured Drake.

Her performance in Kigali promises a night of electrifying music that will draw fans from across the region and beyond, further positioning Kigali as a rising entertainment capital in Africa.

Tickets for the event are now available on www.ticqet.rw, with exclusive discounts for BK Card holders. Early buyers can enjoy a 30% discount until February 21, while a 20% discount is available until March 17. After this period, tickets will be sold at full price.

Music lovers are encouraged to secure their tickets early to witness what promises to be a historic performance at the BK Arena.

The celebrated Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, born Temilade Openiyi, will perform at the iconic BK Arena on March 22, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Mega Global Link is a renowned company supporting individuals travelling abroad for various purposes, including work, education (long-term and short-term studies), visiting friends and family, tourism, and medical treatment.

The company provides these services in European countries, Canada, the United States, and other regions.

The permit to operate in Toronto was granted to the company by the Canadian government on January 20, 2025.

Dr. Habumugisha Francis, the CEO of Mega Global Link, stated that the company’s services are now fully operational in Canada. He emphasized that those wishing to work in Canada are being supported, as the company has already signed agreements with employment agencies.

Dr. Habumugisha assured clients that the Canada office is equipped with a dedicated team ready to serve them. He extended a warm welcome to those wishing to visit or settle in Canada.

He said, 'If you want to travel to Canada with your family, come and let us assist you. Whether you’re coming to work or study, we have signed work agreements to meet your needs. Everything will be handled smoothly.'

Mega Global Link runs a number of branches worldwide, including an office in Kicukiro District in Kigali City, operations in New York in the United States, and several locations in Europe.

In 2024, Mega Global Link was awarded the Abroad Education Agency of the Year by Karisimbi Events for its outstanding service to clients.

The company recently ventured into an online marketplace for fitness equipment and nutritional supplements. The platform offers products designed to improve health and wellness.

The CEO of Mega Global Link, Dr. Habumugisha Francis, stated that the company has obtained the necessary permits to operate in Canada.

Some of the awards Mega Global Link company has received.

The headquarters of Mega Global Link are located in Kicukiro District.

Mega Global Link has commenced operations in Canada.

Mega Global Link also provides a variety of services, including products that help prevent and treat various illnesses.

Mega Global Link also offers products designed to improve health and wellness.

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