Category: Uncategorized

Jeune Afrique, citing sources privy to the tensions that followed the capture of Uvira, reports that Kinshasa feared the conflict could spread to other provinces, including Kalemie in Tanganyika, and sought help to counter the rebel advance.

However, Angola refused to send troops, reminding President Félix Tshisekedi that even when the Southern African Development Community (SADC) force was deployed in North Kivu, Angolan soldiers had not been involved. Instead, Luanda proposed political mediation.

On December 14, Tshisekedi visited Angola to meet President João Lourenço, who also chairs the African Union (AU), to discuss dialogue options. Tshisekedi returned on January 5, 2026, agreeing with Lourenço that discussions should include a broad range of Congolese actors, from political opponents to armed groups such as AFC/M23, with talks planned for Kinshasa.

Following the meetings, Lourenço conducted discreet consultations with potential participants, including former President Joseph Kabila and his close associates Moïse Nyarugabo and Raymond Tshibanda. The aim was to prepare a new phase of dialogue, although both governments have avoided calling it a 'new peace process.'

AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, who had earlier communicated the withdrawal of M23 fighters from Uvira in a “confidence-building measure”, requested clarification on how these discussions would differ from the ongoing Doha talks. The rebels were invited to Luanda as part of preparations for the Kinshasa talks, but sought assurances that the initiative would not undermine previous agreements.

Tshisekedi returned to Luanda on January 8 to finalise the list of participants, according to diplomatic sources.

Angola is said to be engaging church leaders and opposition figures in the proposed Kinshasa talks, while carefully avoiding the term 'new peace process.'

The behind-the-scenes efforts mark a subtle relaunch of Angola’s role as a mediator in the DRC conflict after President Lourenço had announced he was stepping back from mediation following his election as African Union chair in March 2025.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) requested military assistance from Angola in mid-December 2025, following the capture of Uvira by AFC/M23 rebels on December 10, it has emerged.

President Felix Tshisekedi has visited Luanda twice since the beginning of January 2026.

IGIHE

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a security conference in Sweden’s Salen, Kubilius said he shared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s view that a forced takeover would deal a fatal blow to NATO and severely damage transatlantic ties. He added that such a move would also trigger a strong negative reaction among Europeans.

U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, on June 25, 2025.

Kubilius said he did not believe a U.S. invasion was imminent, but noted that Article 42.7 of the EU treaty obliges member states to provide mutual assistance if a member country is subjected to armed aggression. He said the bloc could step up support for Greenland at Denmark’s request, including by deploying troops and expanding military infrastructure such as naval presence and counter-drone capabilities.

Denmark and the United States, both NATO members, are scheduled to meet this week to discuss the Greenland issue. Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale, while U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted Washington must “own” Greenland without ruling out the use of force.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Europeans within NATO were discussing ways to strengthen the alliance, but stressed that such work should not be based on any presumption that NATO would stop functioning.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson arrives at the venue of a special European Union (EU) summit in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 1, 2024.

Also at the security policy conference in the western resort town of Salen, Kristersson on Sunday criticized recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and Trump’s “threatening rhetoric” toward Denmark and Greenland, warning that such moves undermine international law and increase risks for smaller countries.

Kristersson said Washington should instead show gratitude toward Denmark, as it has been a longstanding ally. He also pledged Swedish support for Denmark.

Since taking office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring control of Greenland, stating that he would not rule out the use of “military or economic coercion” to achieve that goal.

Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Danish Realm. Trump said in a recent interview that the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland.

People march to protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, on March 29, 2025.

Xinhua

The bill is expected to be passed by March 2026, marking a significant step in Africa’s evolving approach to AI governance.

The proposed legislation is part of the National Digital Economy and E‑Governance Bill, which expands regulatory authority especially that of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) over AI systems, algorithms, digital platforms, and data across sectors.

Under the framework, regulators would have the power to request information, issue enforcement directives, and block or restrict unsafe or harmful AI tools.

The bill also seeks to promote ethical standards in AI, prioritizing fairness, accountability, and transparency in how AI systems operate. It would adopt a risk‑based approach to oversight and give regulators stronger enforcement powers, including the authority to impose penalties on developers or users who fail to comply with the rules.

In addition to oversight mechanisms, the legislation is designed to support innovation and protect emerging technology businesses, creating a safer ecosystem for startups and fostering responsible AI development across the country.

If passed, Nigeria’s AI regulatory framework would place the country at the forefront of AI governance in Africa, ahead of many other nations that have adopted AI strategies but not yet established binding legal frameworks.

Nigeria is poised to become one of the first African countries to formally regulate artificial intelligence (AI) after lawmakers.

IGIHE

The Association of Insurers in Rwanda (ASSAR) told IGIHE that recent cases involve impostors setting up fake offices, collecting money from public service motorcycle operators, and issuing forged insurance certificates while posing as legitimate insurance agents.

Pamela Umutesi, the Managing Director of ASSAR, said the recent incidents targeted Mayfair Insurance Company Rwanda Ltd and strongly condemned the actions, describing them as criminal offenses punishable by law.

'There used to be other minor issues, such as people altering insurance dates instead of renewing their policies. But this is the first time we have seen people establish fake offices, charge clients, and issue certificates claiming they are insured,' she said.

She added that, in collaboration with relevant authorities, the suspects are under investigation and that several measures have already been put in place to curb the fraud, with more interventions planned.

'Since 2019, as an association, we have been issuing a unified insurance certificate through ASSAR. This means that regardless of the insurance company where a client purchases insurance, it is ASSAR that issues the certificate. It includes a scanning feature that allows authorities such as the Police to verify its authenticity using a mobile phone,' Umutesi explained.

'Because not everyone owns a smartphone, we are also planning to introduce a USSD system using a star code. The insurer will provide a code, which the client can dial to verify whether the certificate they received is genuine,' she added.

Umutesi noted that beyond financial losses, the most serious risk arises when an accident occurs and a rider believes they are insured, only to later discover they were issued a fake certificate.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Kayonza District, one of the areas where the scam was identified, said that toward the end of 2025, two individuals were discovered impersonating representatives of Mayfair Insurance Company Rwanda Ltd. One suspect had set up an office in Murundi Sector and was arrested, while the other remains at large.

Similar cases have also been reported in Nyamasheke and Karongi districts. Investigators say they are following leads pointing to a suspected ringleader who is still on the run.

Mayfair Insurance confirmed the incidents, saying that as soon as the fraud was discovered, the company reported the matter to relevant authorities, including RIB, ASSAR, and the regulator, the National Bank of Rwanda.

The company clarified that it does not provide motorcycle taxi (PSV) insurance and urged the public to remain vigilant when paying for insurance certificates.

'We have noted several cases where fraudulent insurance certificates were issued by rogue individuals falsely claiming to represent us. We urge the public to exercise caution when receiving insurance certificates,' the company’s Managing Director Ms. Jessica Igoma said.

'We also encourage the public to remain vigilant as authorities continue with efforts to apprehend all suspects and put an end to these fraudulent activities,' she added.

Mayfair Insurance, which has operated in Rwanda for nearly a decade, offers a wide range of general insurance products, including motor, property, marine, travel, and specialized corporate insurance solutions.

Members of the public are advised to verify insurance certificates using QR codes on the documents, deal only with authorized agents listed on Mayfair’s official website, or contact the company directly at 0788 381 844.

Taxi moto operators in Rwanda have been cautioned against a growing scam in which individuals masquerade as insurance agents and issue counterfeit certificates to unsuspecting members of the public.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The campus is dedicated to the School of Business Management and Economics. Located in the heart of Kigali’s bustling Remera neighbourhood, the campus, formerly home to AIMS, has been transformed into a cutting-edge learning environment designed to inspire innovation, leadership, and high-impact business education.

Students began classes shortly after the official opening, filling the campus with renewed energy as they explored its smart classrooms, advanced computer labs, collaborative study areas, and modern academic facilities. University leaders praised the campus as a bold step toward delivering world-class, industry-aligned education and enriching the student experience.

Professor George Kimathi, Vice Chancellor, expressed profound pride during the historic first day of classes.'These state-of-the-art facilities reflect our collective vision for a globally competitive institution. The lecture halls, computer and research labs, hostels, and recreational areas were all designed to offer a holistic, inspiring, and world-class academic experience. This is where champions will be created.'

Speaking on the broader impact of the new campus, Mr. Philibert Afrika, Chairman of the Governing Body, emphasized UoK’s ambition to lead regional business education and strengthen Africa’s professional talent pipeline. 'This new campus is not merely an expansion of our physical footprint; it is a dedicated centre of excellence. Here, we will nurture exceptional talent across Financial Management, Marketing Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership, skills urgently needed in Rwanda’s evolving economy and across the continent.'

Professor Manasseh Nshuti, Chairman of the Board of Promoters, connected the inauguration to the university’s long-term institutional transformation agenda. 'This milestone aligns perfectly with our 2025—2029 strategic pillars, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and industry engagement. By investing in world-class learning spaces like Remera, UoK affirms its commitment to becoming a beacon of innovation and sustainability in higher education.'

In the first week of December 2025, barely weeks after its official opening, the Remera Campus achieved another historic first as UoK, in partnership with EduHubAfric, hosted the inaugural Pan-African Economics Olympiad (PAEO).

The four-day event brought together 120 brilliant secondary school students from Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria, turning the campus into a buzzing centre of innovation, collaboration, and youthful intellectual competition.

Students competed in Economics, Financial Literacy, and an intense Business Case Challenge. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Ogechi Adeola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Enterprise) of the University of Kigali, underscored the importance of nurturing economic thinking among Africa’s youth.

'Africa’s future will be shaped by young people who can think critically, understand economic systems, and apply financial literacy to real-world challenges. Initiatives such as the Pan-African Economics Olympiad go beyond competition; they cultivate a Pan-African mindset, encourage collaboration across borders, and prepare the next generation of economists, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders our continent urgently needs,' she said.

Rwanda excelled in Economics and Financial Literacy, earning top positions across multiple categories, while Kenya’s iconic Alliance High School clinched the Business Case Challenge, demonstrating outstanding creativity and analytical depth. These achievements mark a powerful step forward for the region’s future economists, innovators, and business thinkers.

The Remera Campus’s modern design enriched the Olympiad experience, with smart classrooms, tech-enabled halls, innovation-friendly lounges, and business-focused study areas helping to set a continental standard for academic competitions.

Mr. Nasser Okoth, Minister Counsellor at the Kenyan Embassy in Rwanda, delivered inspiring remarks at the ceremony. 'What we have witnessed here is truly remarkable: unity, brilliance, and the spirit of Pan-African excellence. The University of Kigali has provided an environment worthy of Africa’s future leaders, and these young economists will shape the continent’s next chapter.'

As Rwanda’s official partner for the International Economics Olympiad, one of only four recognized countries on the continent, UoK continues to cement its growing reputation as a regional hub for academic advancement and global-standard talent development.

The Olympiad aligns with UoK’s broader commitment to Pan-African academic excellence and regional talent development, university officials noted.

The Olympiad aligns with UoK’s broader commitment to Pan-African academic excellence and regional talent development.

In the first week of December 2025, barely weeks after its official opening, the Remera Campus hosted the inaugural Pan-African Economics Olympiad (PAEO).

The four-day event brought together 120 brilliant secondary school students from Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria, turning the campus into a buzzing centre of innovation, collaboration, and youthful intellectual competition.

Participating students competed in Economics, Financial Literacy, and an intense Business Case Challenge.

IGIHE

In an interview with Jeune Afrique journalist François Soudan, Ambassador Nduhungirehe directly addressed the persistent difficulties in improving ties with Burundi.

'After the fall of Uvira, meetings between Burundian and Rwandan security officials were held at the border on December 14 and 28, 2025, to establish modalities for de-escalation,' he said. 'Rwanda’s objective is, and has always been, to pursue improved relations with Burundi. Unfortunately, statements by President Ndayishimiye and his Minister of Foreign Affairs have not made this task any easier.'

Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi escalated in early December 2025 when AFC/M23 rebels captured parts of the Ruzizi Plain and the town of Uvira in eastern DRC, near the Burundian border.

Burundi quickly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels and of shelling its territory, claims Kigali firmly rejected as baseless.

Amid fears of a broader regional conflict involving Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, security officials from both countries met twice in December to prevent further escalation.

Relations have remained strained since late 2023, yet Rwanda has consistently signalled openness to dialogue. Bilateral delegations have met multiple times and agreed to avoid actions that could worsen the situation.

However, President Ndayishimiye has continued to make strongly worded public statements against Rwanda in addresses to citizens, official meetings, and media appearances.

In a March 2025 BBC interview, he warned that any Rwandan attempt to attack Burundi would be met with a counterstrike on Kigali, stating: 'We tell them that if they want to attack Bujumbura through Congo, Kigali is not far either if we pass through Kirundo.'

In August 2025, President Ndayishimiye appointed Dr Édouard Bizimana as Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Albert Shingiro. The new minister, a former ambassador to Russia, has drawn criticism for adopting a confrontational tone widely viewed as undiplomatic.

Since early December 2025, Minister Bizimana has repeatedly used the social media platform X to criticise Rwanda, even while bilateral talks were underway.

On January 3, 2026, he posted accusations that Rwanda was violating Washington agreements by continuing to seize territory in eastern DRC, claimed Kigali had tested U.S. resolve without repercussions, and questioned Qatar’s mediation role, alleging the Gulf state was using financial influence to block American action.

The post provoked widespread backlash, especially for targeting an international mediator. It was later deleted following intense criticism. President Ndayishimiye subsequently distanced himself from the remarks, publicly praising Qatar’s contributions to mediation and development.

President Ndayishimiye has continued to make strongly worded public statements against Rwanda in addresses to citizens, official meetings, and media appearances.

In August 2025, Dr. Édouard Bizimana was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Albert Shingiro. The new minister, a former ambassador to Russia, has drawn criticism for adopting a confrontational tone widely viewed as undiplomatic.

IGIHE

The announcement was made during a meeting on January 12, 2026, attended by AFC/M23 leadership and prominent figures from North Kivu province in eastern DRC.

Addressing the gathering, Nangaa referred to Kabila as a 'visitor' in the area and promised a future public appearance.

'Here we have a visitor, the former President of the Republic, Joseph Kabila,' Nangaa said. 'Do you know he is here? One day we will bring him so that he can come and greet you. He remains a lifelong Senator as provided by the Constitution, although he was removed from the Senate.'

This is the first public acknowledgment of Kabila’s presence since he was last seen in AFC/M23-controlled territory in June 2025.

During that earlier visit, Kabila spent several days meeting Congolese citizens from diverse backgrounds, holding discussions focused on restoring peace to the country. He set up a temporary office at his private residence in the Kinyogote neighbourhood, in western Goma.

Shortly after that June visit, the Kinshasa Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into Kabila’s activities. He was subsequently tried in the Military High Court, convicted in absentia of treason and membership in an illegal armed group, and sentenced to death.

After June 2025, Kabila traveled to various African countries, including Kenya, where he established a political coalition named 'Sauvons le RDC’ (Save the DRC), aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.

Kabila was last seen in AFC/M23-controlled territory in June 2025.

IGIHE

U.S. “President (Donald) Trump has always expressed that diplomacy is the first option,” Leavitt said on Fox News. “However, he is unafraid to use the lethal force and might of the United States military if and when he deems that necessary.”

“What President Trump will do next only he knows, so the world will have to keep waiting and guessing, and we will let him decide,” she said, refusing to discuss any potential U.S. actions or policy decisions concerning Iran.

Leavitt said the U.S. forces last year “totally obliterated” the Iranian nuclear program, which she described as the Middle Eastern country’s “greatest leverage.”

Trump said Sunday his administration is weighing “some very strong options” including potential military action against Iran, claiming Iran was “starting” to cross the U.S. red line.

The U.S. president is scheduled to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine on Tuesday to weigh U.S. options, which could include boosting antigovernment sources online, deploying secretive cyber weapons against Iranian military and civilian sites, placing more sanctions on Iran and military strikes, as well as the possibility of the U.S. sending terminals of Starlink, a satellite-based internet service owned by Elon Musk, into Iran for the first time during the Trump administration, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Sunday.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday diplomacy remains the preferred approach for the United States to deal with Iran, though the Trump administration will not rule out military options if necessary.

Xinhua

Trump made the comments in a January 7, 2026, interview with The New York Times, where he emphasised that simply having a military presence on the island is not enough for him.

Trump argued that owning Greenland outright would provide strategic and psychological advantages that cannot be achieved through existing agreements or leases. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with significant self‑government, already hosts a U.S. military presence under a Cold War‑era defence agreement, but Trump said that 'ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do' through those arrangements.

When asked by a New York Times reporter whether it was psychologically important to him personally or to the United States as a whole, Trump responded without hesitation that it was 'psychologically important for me.' He added, 'Maybe another president would feel differently, but so far I’ve been right about everything.'

In the interview, Trump also hinted that he would be willing to consider using military force if necessary to acquire the Arctic territory, though he acknowledged that such action 'might upset NATO,' since Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO member.

The idea of owning Greenland has drawn widespread criticism from both allies and experts. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated Denmark’s commitment to Greenland’s sovereignty and self‑determination, and many European leaders have rejected the notion of a U.S. takeover.

Greenland’s own government has strongly rebuffed Trump’s comments, insisting that decisions about the territory’s future belong to Greenlanders and Denmark under international law. EU officials have warned that any attempt by the United States to take over by force could jeopardise the future of NATO, as the alliance would be obligated to defend a fellow member state.

China has also criticised Trump’s stance, calling it self‑serving, and military analysts have dismissed the idea that ownership is necessary for defence, noting that the U.S. already maintains extensive global military partnerships without controlling foreign territory.

Trump’s remarks come amid rising geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where strategic resources and new shipping routes are attracting attention from major powers including Russia and China. As debates over Greenland’s future continue, Trump’s comments have added a controversial chapter to U.S. foreign policy discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants the United States to have full ownership of Greenland, calling the idea 'psychologically important' to him personally, in a remark that has sparked international concern and political backlash.

Rania Umutoni

Trump wrote that the tariff policy is 'effective immediately' and described the order as 'final and conclusive.' He did not provide further details about the legal authority under which the tariffs would be imposed nor about whether the policy applies to all Iranian trading partners.

The tariffs would be paid by U.S. importers of goods from countries that continue doing business with Iran, a long‑sanctioned member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Iran exports large quantities of oil and other products, with major trading partners including China, Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and India.

Beijing strongly criticized the announcement. The Chinese embassy in Washington said it opposed what it called unilateral sanctions and the extension of U.S. jurisdiction beyond its borders, warning that China would take necessary measures to safeguard its interests.
Officials from Japan and South Korea said they were monitoring the situation closely but did not announce specific actions.

Trump’s comments come as Iran experiences significant anti‑government protests, described by rights groups as the largest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and as Washington weighs how to respond to the unrest. Tehran has indicated it is keeping lines of communication open with the United States even amid heightened tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country doing business with Iran will face a tariff rate of 25% on all trade with the United States. The announcement was made in a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform and is intended as part of Washington’s response to the ongoing situation in Iran.

Rania Umutoni