Category: Uncategorized

In an interview with IGIHE, Manzi shared his investment journey in Rwanda, his current progress, and his vision for the future.

IGIHE: What inspired you to establish Manzi Finance?

Manzi Aloys: I once attempted to start a business and approached traditional banks for support. They initially agreed to help, but as the project progressed, they rejected my request. This experience isn’t unique to me; others have faced similar challenges.

I realized there was something lacking in Rwanda’s financial services; decisions tend to be delayed, and there’s a need for modernization. We aim to offer quick services, where if you have a project you want to implement, we can quickly give you our feedback. If we find it unfeasible, we promptly advise you to seek other institutions.

Another aspect is that small entrepreneurs often struggle to secure loans. Having been an entrepreneur myself, I understand the challenges, and I’m now providing solutions that our clients appreciate. We are continually improving our services so that everyone can benefit from them.

Why did you choose to invest in Rwanda?

I started running projects in Rwanda in 2014, establishing the Manzi Foundation to help the underprivileged and combat poverty. Sometimes, fighting poverty requires helping people become self-sufficient. I found it necessary to engage in activities that create jobs, contributing to Rwanda’s development.

Living abroad and forgetting your roots is a mistake because if you don’t know where you come from, you won’t know where you’re headed. I love Rwanda and desire to see it become one of the world’s leading countries, and the only way to achieve that is for Rwandans to take the lead in building it. That’s what motivated me to invest in Rwanda.

Where does Manzi Finance stand after more than two years of operation?

Manzi Finance is progressing well. Initially, we applied for the necessary approvals to operate as a recognized financial institution, and recently, the National Bank of Rwanda conducted an inspection and granted us permission to operate as an official financial institution.

We are no longer in the trial phase. We have started supporting entrepreneurs, particularly small business owners, and many others who seek our services. We plan to expand our operations to reach other Rwandans in the diaspora. That’s our next goal.

What makes Manzi Finance stand out?

Manzi Finance offers loans to those looking to build, purchase land, or expand their businesses. We provide funds quickly compared to other financial institutions in Rwanda. That’s our unique feature. We offer swift services, and if we find that someone’s application is not satisfactory, we quickly inform them.

What other investment projects are you planning?

We are now looking to build houses for people in the diaspora and have launched a company called 'Black Rock Construction’ to handle this. These houses will meet the preferences of Rwandans in the diaspora.

In the first phase, we will construct these homes in Kanombe, Busanza, building two-storey houses that cater to the needs of those investing in Rwanda without being physically present. We will also manage these houses to ensure they find clients once completed, offering full support to the owners.

We also have a factory in Kayonza that produces fortified maize flour (kawunga), supplying schools, and we plan to bring it to the market for everyone to access in Kigali, other provinces, and even abroad. We’ve obtained the 'S Mark’ quality certification, and we’re progressing well.

What message do you have for other Rwandans living abroad?

I would encourage my fellow Rwandans living abroad and those interested in investing in Rwanda not to delay, as the country is secure, and no one would invest without confidence in their safety. The country is in good condition, and Rwandans have faith in the country’s future. This progress can’t be achieved by one person alone; it requires everyone’s contribution.

That’s why my partners and I are committed to continuing to expand our investments because there are benefits, including providing jobs and contributing to Rwanda’s development. Rwanda is secure and has everything needed for profitable investments.

Manzi Aloys established Manzi Finance Ltd, a financial institution based in Rwanda.

Manzi discussed his business ventures in Rwanda, with a focus on investment opportunities.

A group photo featuring employees of Manzi Finance Ltd.

Manzi Finance is renowned for delivering fast and efficient services.

Mugabo Ignatius, Manzi Aloys, and an IGIHE journalist visit the Manzi Finance office.

Some of Manzi Finance Ltd employees at work.

[email protected]

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

Dr. Mihigo lost to Tanzanian Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile in a vote conducted by African member states during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

In a heartfelt message shared on his X account on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Dr. Mihigo described the opportunity to represent Rwanda in the race as a 'lifetime experience”.

He further extended his deep appreciation to President Paul Kagame for his unwavering support throughout the process that culminated in the elections on Tuesday.

'It was a lifetime experience to run for the election of @WHOAFRO Regional Director position. The outcome is not what was expected; however, I’d like to sincerely thank HE @PaulKagame for his full support throughout this process,' Dr. Mihigo wrote.

Other candidates in the race included Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, fronted by Niger, and Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall of Senegal.

Dr. Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled for February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed Regional Director will replace Dr. Matshidiso Moeti. He will serve a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

Strong candidate

Dr. Mihigo was considered a strong candidate for the post due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.

The 57-year-old has held numerous positions, including advisor roles at WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI (the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization). He also served as an advisor at USAID-Rwanda, working in various health sectors.

He currently serves as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC. He has held this position at GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, in Geneva, Switzerland, since March 2024.

Dr. Mihigo lost to Tanzanian Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile in a vote conducted by African member states during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This need has led to the rise of expertise and technologies for climate response across multiple sectors. Food systems are both contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Activities in the Agriculture sector are a significant source of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions, all three of which are potent greenhouse gases. Conversely, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, along with extreme weather events, directly affect crop yields, food quality, and supply chains.

Research, development organisations, and the private sector in agriculture have long focused on increasing productivity and efficiency through technological advancements such as improved seeds, fertiliser technologies, and advanced management practices, as well as through achieving economies of scale. This approach has seen substantial success in Europe, the USA, and Asia, but to a lesser extent in most SSA countries.

The widely recognised negative impacts of unsustainable agricultural intensification have spurred the development of alternative approaches. The Paris Climate Agreement (2015) and the Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) have provided directions towards more fundamental transitions in agri-food systems. The philosophy of regenerative agriculture emerged in the 1980s, alongside movements such as organic agriculture and conservation agriculture. Regenerative agriculture has recently gained renewed traction and is considered a relevant global framework to guide an agri-food transition including the most typical agroecological practices.

Regenerative Agriculture includes a set of farm and land management practices, principles, and processes that restore and rebuild ecosystems’ health, resilience, and biodiversity. As a farming approach, it emphasises soil health improvement as the foundation of a sustainable food system, biodiversity enhancement, water management, minimal disturbance, integrated livestock management, crop diversity, carbon sequestration, circularity and optimum use of resources/inputs, as well as the use of renewable energy.

Collaborative efforts between local researchers, international institutions, and private sector players are instrumental in the creation of context-specific technologies and practices. For example, developing crop and region-specific fertilizers can significantly boost productivity and food security. Additionally, R&D has been shown to facilitate the development of efficient supply chains and market linkages, helping farmers access both the inputs they need and markets for their produce. Equally important is to integrate existing local and context-specific knowledge in innovation processes and ensure that we learn with farmers and other actors as they pursue their development.

Energy consumption by agri-food systems is another critical area for innovation. This in a bid to counter traditional agricultural practices, which often rely on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and energy inefficiencies. Technologies such as solar panels and biogas systems are being adopted on farms and in food processing facilities. Solar-powered irrigation systems, for instance, help reduce the carbon footprint of water management.

Solar panels and biogas digesters provide renewable electricity and heat, and innovations in equipment, such as high-efficiency cooling systems, are being implemented to lower energy consumption in food storage and processing. At the same time, smart grids are optimizing energy use and reducing waste and costs.

SNV’s vision in agri-food centres on a sustainable and resilient agri-food system — able to deliver food security and adequate nutrition for people in all their diversity in such a way that the economic, social, and environmental bases are safeguarded for future generations.

At SNV, we facilitate these innovation processes as we implement projects across Africa, including Regenerative Agricultural Practices for Improved Livelihoods and Markets (REALMS). Working with the IKEA Foundation and other partners, including governments, Small and Medium Enterprises, Civil Society Organisations and Research Institutes we have, over the last four years, co-created the necessary enabling environment for regenerative agriculture in at least 10,000 farms.

This is part of our practical approaches to developing scalable solutions, which will catalyze widespread adoption. In implementing this project, we have also drawn valuable lessons. Notably, we have learned that while food systems can be transformed through innovation and R&D, impact at scale can only be attained by addressing systemic challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and regulatory barriers.

As such, we are calling upon governments, development partners, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders to foster supportive policy environments that encourage investment in agricultural technology and innovation. This includes streamlining regulations that facilitate the adoption of new technologies and provide financial incentives for startups and businesses that focus on agricultural innovation. By integrating these elements into a cohesive strategy, we can build more resilient and efficient food systems that not only meet our current needs but also enable sustainable growth.

On this note, I am pleased to confirm that we will be at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where we are eager to showcase our experience in implementing evidence-based agricultural solutions, especially around the realm of regenerative agriculture, while highlighting our successes and shortfalls. We hope that our revelations will help the diverse stakeholders at the conference to enhance their own strategies for accelerating Africa’s food system transformation.

The writer is the director of Technical Expertise at SNV.

Andre de Jager

IGIHE

As one of Africa’s largest and oldest rainforests, Nyungwe offers an experience that is both exhilarating and enriching. It draws visitors from across the globe to explore its wonders, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

The park’s allure lies in its remarkable biodiversity. Situated within the Albertine Rift, a region celebrated for its incredible species diversity and endemism, Nyungwe is a haven for nature lovers. The park is home to over 1,068 plant species, including more than 200 tree varieties and 200 identified orchids. Additionally, nearly 300 butterfly species, including several endemic ones, flutter through this verdant paradise.

This rich flora supports a diverse array of wildlife, including more than 80 mammal species. Among these, 13 primate species, such as the charismatic chimpanzees and the striking black-and-white Colobus monkeys, thrive within Nyungwe’s dense forests.

For those eager to experience this wildlife up close, the park offers unique primate trekking opportunities. Two habituated groups of chimpanzees—one in the Cyamudongo Forest and a larger group in the main forest—provide a thrilling adventure as visitors embark on guided treks through the thick vegetation.

Nyungwe is also a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 320 bird species, with 29 species endemic to the Albertine Rift. The park’s diverse landscapes—ranging from swamps and marshes to bamboo thickets and open woodlands—create a variety of microhabitats, attracting an array of birdlife. This makes Nyungwe one of Africa’s premier bird-watching destinations.

The Canopy Walk is also one of the most exhilarating experiences in Nyungwe. With 160 meters long and 70 meters high, this rare adventure allows visitors to stroll along suspended bridges high above the forest floor, offering a bird’s-eye view of the lush canopy. From this vantage point, the forest’s beauty unfolds in all its glory, with the sounds of nature creating a serene and immersive experience.

Nyungwe’s significance extends beyond its appeal to tourists; it is a critical conservation area. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, the park’s intact forests, peat bogs, and grasslands are vital for preserving Rwanda’s biodiversity. Its strategic location on the watershed divide of the Congo and Nile rivers further underscores its environmental importance, providing around 70% of Rwanda’s freshwater.

The park’s rivers, flowing westward, contribute to the River Congo, while those flowing eastward are part of the Nile River system. Nyungwe is historically recognized as the furthest source of the Nile, adding another layer of significance to its conservation.

In 2020, the Rwandan government, in collaboration with African Parks, took significant steps to protect this invaluable ecosystem. Their efforts have led to the successful ecological and economic revival of Nyungwe, safeguarding its unique biodiversity from threats such as poaching, illegal mining, and agricultural encroachment.

Nyungwe is easily accessible via a scenic four-hour drive from Kigali. The park’s headquarters at Uwinka serve as the starting point for a range of activities, including guided hikes along its 130 kilometers of well-maintained trails.

These trails cater to travelers of all fitness levels, offering opportunities to explore the forest’s diverse landscapes and encounter its wildlife. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Nyungwe provides affordable camping facilities at Uwinka, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the serenity of the forest. Accommodations around the park’s periphery also ensure a comfortable stay for all.

As Rwanda continues to establish itself as a top travel destination, Nyungwe National Park stands as a testament to the country’s dedication to conservation and sustainable tourism.
In 2023, Rwanda’s tourism sector experienced remarkable growth, with 1.4 million visitors flocking to the country—a significant recovery following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sector’s revenues surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a 124% recovery rate. Domestic tourism also thrived, generating $47.7 million, with national parks contributing $35.79 million.

Figures from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) show that Rwanda National Parks registered a positive performance in both revenues and visitors. The parks were visited by 135,869 tourists and generated USD 35.79 million.

This represents an increase of 26% and 31 %, respectively, compared to 2022. The Volcanoes National Park registered the highest increase of 38% in visitors, followed by Akagera National Park which increased by 24%, and Nyungwe National Park by 10%.

Nyungwe National Park attracted 22,764 visitors, 20,529 of whom were paying tourists, with international visitors making up 55% of this number.

White Colobus monkeys are among species found in Nyungwe’s dense forest. Photo by Visit Rwanda Tour

Nyungwe is also a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 320 bird species. Photo by Visit Rwanda Tour

The Canopy Walk is also one of the most exhilarating experiences in Nyungwe.

The Canopy Walk is a rare adventure that allows visitors to stroll along suspended bridges high above the forest floor, offering a bird’s-eye view of the lush canopy.

The Canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park is 160 meters long and 70 meters high.

Nyungwe National Park is home to over 1,068 plant species, including more than 200 tree varieties and 200 identified orchids.

Théophile Niyitegeka

This comes in the wake of complaints that a local contractor recently failed to fulfil waste collection duties, allowing garbage to pile up on the roadside in Nyamirambo Sector, Nyarugenge District.

In a notice to all garbage collection companies on Wednesday, August 28, the City of Kigali urged the companies to adhere to the regulations outlined in their contracts or risk penalties.

'Any company that fails to comply with these regulations, and all other waste management regulations in the City of Kigali, will face penalties,' the notice reads.

The companies are required to adhere to waste collection schedules, avoid piling waste or scattering it on roadsides, and are prohibited from disposing of waste in unauthorized locations.

They are also required to keep waste collection points clean and use insecticides to eliminate pests and foul odours.

Other measures include providing employees with protective equipment such as aprons, gloves, and masks, as well as ensuring that waste collection vehicles are in good condition and meet police technical controls.

'Let’s unite our efforts to maintain a clean and safe Kigali,' the management said.

Kigali is widely recognised as the cleanest city in Africa due to the exceptional levels of hygiene and cleanliness that the city continues to display.

The government of Rwanda and city leadership have implemented regulations and public awareness campaigns to maintain cleanliness and environmental standards. This includes initiatives such as Umuganda, a type of community work where residents engage in various activities to clean the city.

In 2018, Eric Solheim, who served as Executive Director of UN Environment Programme between May 2016 and November 2018, referred to Kigali as the 'cleanest city on the planet', both in terms of lack of street rubbish and its adorable green initiatives.

Many other cities in the region continue to grapple with the garbage problem.

Early this month, more than 30 people lost their lives after a mountain of garbage collapsed in Kampala, Uganda.

The accident occurred on Friday, August 9, 2024, when a large chunk broke off the mound of trash at the Kiteezi landfill on the northern outskirts of Kampala. Dozens of homes near the dumpsite were buried as residents slept.

The incident is believed to have been triggered by heavy rainfall.

The management of the City of Kigali has urged all waste collection companies to adhere to established regulations in order to maintain the city’s top-notch cleanliness standards.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to the ministry, some of these churches are located in areas that make them unfit for holding prayer activities.

This was established during a recent nationwide inspection that led to the closure of more than 9,000 places of worship due to non-compliance with various regulations.

The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, revealed during an interview on RBA’s *Imboni* program that around 600 churches were found to be unfit for reopening, including those that must be demolished because they pose a threat to public safety.

He stated, “There are buildings with serious issues. Among them, 336 are unsuitable for any activity; they are in locations where they should not be, and even their owners acknowledge this. We are not doing this in secret; their owners have discussed it with us and admitted that the best solution is to abandon or demolish these buildings and wait until they can carry out a proper construction project.”

He emphasized that if a church is built in an area where people cannot live, “you cannot expect to renovate it and resume activities there the next day; it’s just not possible.”

Minister Musabyimana also pointed out that some churches will remain closed because they were found to be mere front organizations with no permanent locations. “You cannot claim to have a church with no permanent location, carrying its papers around, and then rent a space meant for other purposes,” he added.

Minister Musabyimana clarified that closing a church does not equate to closing a religion, as a single denomination may have multiple places of worship, allowing for the closure of one while others continue to operate.

The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) recently announced that in December 2023, it met with representatives of faith-based organizations at the district level, reminding them that the grace period given by the law for those who lacked the required qualifications ended in September 2023. This law provided a five-year window to meet other requirements, including obtaining necessary academic qualifications, as there was a need for time to study and fulfill these obligations, which concluded in September 2023.

In May 2024, RGB also sent a letter to all religious leaders requesting documentation on the locations of their branches, information on those in charge, and their educational qualifications, but not all were able to provide the required documents.

**110 ‘Wilderness’ Sites Permanently Closed**

Minister Musabyimana noted that during the church inspections, they found over 110 locations where people were worshipping in mountains, caves, water springs, pits, and other dangerous places, with some even struck by lightning.

“You are aware that many Rwandans were worshipping in various remote locations, such as mountains with water springs, caves, and what we referred to as wilderness sites, often without any form of safety. We heard of incidents where lightning struck and killed people in trees, only to find out that these were people who had gone to pray in such hazardous places,” he explained.

“We agreed to close those sites because there is no reason for people to conduct prayer activities in such dangerous locations. There are no buildings there; it’s just places where people gather, like pits.”

The 2022 national census revealed that at least 390,000 Rwandans do not adhere to any religion. Catholics constitute over 5 million, accounting for 40% of the population, while ADEPR has 21%, Protestants 15%, Adventists 12%, Muslims 2%, and those practicing traditional beliefs less than 1%.

The EAR church in Buyoga Sector has been identified as needing to be demolished because it is old and too small.

The EAR Muhingo church in Musanze District is also among those that need to be demolished.

IGIHE

Odinga stated that the introduction of an AU visa would significantly enhance the free movement of people and goods across the continent, thereby promoting intra-Africa trade.

He lamented that traders and businesspeople in Africa are required to obtain numerous visas to travel across the continent, while their foreign counterparts can do so freely.

'My friend Aliko Dangote says that to travel across the continent, he needs 35 visas. His French competitor does not need a visa to travel with a French visa in Africa. What a shame. In Europe, you only need a Schengen visa to travel across the entire continent without a problem,' Odinga said.

Raila Odinga makes his remarks during the official launch of his bid for the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

He pledged to introduce the AU visa to remove the bottlenecks that have hindered free movement for decades.

'We will also ensure that we reach a stage where we can issue an AU visa and allow people to travel across the continent without much difficulty,' Odinga stated.

Odinga was speaking during the official launch of his campaign for the top continental role at State House Nairobi. The ceremony was attended by five heads of state and high-ranking dignitaries from various countries.

If elected AU Commissioner Chair, Odinga also promised to pursue a Continental Air Control System to streamline air travel by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving efficiency, and enhancing coordination between countries.

'Air transport is a major challenge in Africa. Today, travelling across the continent is too expensive. You have to obtain permits to fly over countries, which delays movement. Flying over Europe is much easier than in Africa. We need to have a Continental Air Control System within the continent so that people can travel from East to West and North to South without a problem,' Odinga said during the launch.

'I will make the African Union more people-centered to align with the vision of Your Excellencies if elected to this position,' he added.

He also emphasized the need to address constraints in infrastructure development across the continent to facilitate trade between African countries, stating that greater efforts should be dedicated to building highways that link the continent.

The launch of Odinga’s AUC bid was presided over by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who expressed confidence in his ability to lead the AUC due to his illustrious leadership career.

'I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat, as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobilizer for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful,' President Ruto said.

Also present were Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania.

The heads of state vowed to support Odinga’s bid during the polls scheduled for February 2025, saying he was the best fit.

Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation, James Kabarebe, represented President Paul Kagame at the event.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, said he would prioritize the rollout of a continental visa if elected chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The results were announced on August 27, 2024, at the headquarters of the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) in Remera.

The Minister of Education, Gaspard Twagirayezu, disclosed that a total of 202,021 candidates sat for the primary school leaving exams, comprising 111,249 girls and 90,772 boys.

The girls achieved a pass rate of 97%, slightly outperforming the boys, who had a pass rate of 96.6%. Science and Kinyarwanda were the top-performing subjects, though Twagirayezu stressed the need for improvement in Mathematics and English.

In Ordinary Level, boys outperformed girls with a pass rate of 95.8%, compared to 92% for girls. A total of 143,227 students took the exams, including 79,933 girls and 63,294 boys.

Minister Twagirayezu noted that students generally did well in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while also identifying areas requiring further attention.

Among the 137,052 students who passed from Ordinary Level, 52.8% were placed in general education schools, 40.5% in technical and vocational schools, 4.7% in teacher training colleges (TTC), 1.8% in accounting, and 0.2% in early childhood education programs.

Lucky Fabrice Igiraneza from Pioneer School emerged as the top performer among Primary School leavers, followed by Alliance Igeno from Irerero Academy in Kamonyi, Benita Kirezi Remezo from Ecole Autonome de Butare, Senga Nshuti Davi from Kigali Parents School, and Vanessa Kazubwenge Mahirwe from Ecole Espoir de l’Avenir.

In the Ordinary Level category, Terimbere Ineza Alliah Ange Steven from Luccé Notre Dame de Cîteaux was the overall best performer, followed by Denys Prince Tuyisenge from Hope Haven, Aaron Twarimitswe from Efotec Kanombe, Happiness Abeza from FAWE Girls’ School, and Jean de Dieu Niyonzima from the Educational Institute for Blind Children in Kibeho.

Each of the top performers received a laptop and had their tuition for the entire year covered by Umwarimu SACCO. They were also provided with school supplies for the whole year.

The next academic year will begin on September 9, 2024, and end on June 27, 2025.

To check their grades, students can visit the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) website. Alternatively, if using a feature phone, they can send their code to 8888, after which their grades and the school they have been placed in will be displayed immediately.

Results announced today indicate a strong performance by girls in primary school, while boys excelled in Ordinary Level exams.

Each of the top performers received a laptop and had their tuition for the entire year covered by Umwarimu SACCO.

IGIHE

A statement released by the justice ministry on Monday indicated that police were among a group of individuals who raided the site in an attempt to “oust” a French diplomat.

Diplomatic sources told the media that during the scuffle, an embassy cultural cooperation diplomat was struck and held for nearly three hours, while two other diplomats were “shoved around but not wounded.”

The justice ministry stated that police officers and officials from the prosecutor’s office involved in the assault on Saturday, August 24, 2024, have been apprehended.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Therese Wagner Kayikwamba expressed “deep regret” over the incident, which she said “violated international conventions.”

Meanwhile, France’s ambassador, Bruno Aubert, reportedly met with President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday to discuss the matter.

“We discussed this situation and the measures that will be taken, some already, by the Congolese authorities to ensure such an incident does not happen again,” Aubert was quoted as saying in a statement released by Kayikwamba’s office.

The ownership of the site where the incident occurred has been contested for many years. The French embassy has occupied the site since 1972, and last year, a court ruled in favor of France in the dispute.

A statement released by the justice ministry on Monday indicated that police were among a group of individuals who raided the site in an attempt to “oust” a French diplomat.

Wycliffe Nyamasege