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The withdrawal comes in the wake of M23’s capture of Goma in late January and its subsequent takeover of Bukavu, further solidifying the group’s presence in eastern Congo.

Sources from the Burundian army and the United Nations confirmed the retreat, with military trucks carrying Burundian troops seen crossing back into the country. “Burundian troops are leaving the DRC. Several trucks filled with soldiers arrived yesterday,” a military officer revealed.

Burundi’s forces had initially entered eastern Congo to combat Burundian rebel groups but later took on a broader role, joining Congolese forces and allied militias against M23.

Despite reinforcements, Burundian troops struggled against the well-organized rebels and ultimately began their withdrawal after repeated losses.

Burundi was part of a coalition that included the Congolese army, the Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, composed of Rwandan genocidal elements, SADC forces, and European mercenaries.

However, M23’s battlefield successes have disrupted these alliances, leaving Kinshasa’s strategy in disarray.
The military pact between Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, which saw over 12,000 Burundian troops deployed to North Kivu, has also come under scrutiny.

Reports indicate that Tshisekedi paid Ndayishimiye $2 million for this intervention, sparking discontent among Burundian military officers who questioned the true motives behind the deployment.

Meanwhile, human rights organizations have accused Burundian forces, along with their Congolese allies, of committing atrocities against Congolese Tutsi civilians.

As the conflict escalates, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

Burundian troops are leaving the DRC. Several trucks filled with soldiers arrived yesterday.

Eastern DRC has recently turned into an epicenter of gun fire.

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AFC/M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, told The New Times that the surrendered DRC soldiers were victims of President Félix Tshisekedi’s regime.

'They are Congolese who were being used by Tshisekedi and his allies. They are civilians, they are Congolese, and they are victims of Tshisekedi and his government,' speaking from Bukavu, a city recently taken over by the group, Kanyuka stated.

He emphasized that M23 has no issue integrating them into their forces, as they are fellow Congolese who share the same goal of liberating the country from oppression. Before officially joining M23’s ranks in North Kivu, these former government soldiers underwent training.

Kanyuka called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to assess the real situation in the DRC and understand why armed resistance emerged in the first place. He highlighted the ongoing massacres of Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsi communities, which the Congolese government ignores.

'They need to come and see for themselves what is happening, how Tshisekedi is destroying this country, spreading hate speech, and leading a government riddled with corruption. How can he continue killing our people while the world watches and then expect us not to defend ourselves?' Kanyuka questioned.

'We are not fighting to attack the Congolese government. We are fighting to defend ourselves, our families, and civilians who are being slaughtered every day. The world should help us,' he added.

Kanyuka urged SADC and Burundian forces to withdraw from the DRC instead of reinforcing Tshisekedi’s regime, which he accused of promoting ethnic-based ideology and persecution.

On February 13, 2025, ARC/M23 military leader Gen. Maj. Sultani Makenga visited the captured DRC soldiers, who agreed to fight alongside M23 to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.

At that time, the soldiers were undergoing training at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu.

Makenga explained to them how Tshisekedi’s government was looting the country, committing murders, abductions, and ethnic persecution. He assured them that ARC/M23 was committed to liberating the people, and the soldiers pledged to support their cause and defend Congolese civilians from government oppression.

Despite the DRC government’s alliance with armed groups such as the FDLR, responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, as well as Wazalendo, foreign troops from Burundi, SADC, and mercenaries, M23 has continued to repel their advances and reclaim territory.

Some foreign mercenaries who surrendered to M23 were allowed safe passage back to their countries through Rwanda. Malawi recently announced plans to withdraw its troops from the DRC, and reports suggest that Burundian forces have also begun retreating.

These soldiers joined M23 after surrendering during the liberation of Goma at the end of January 2025.

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In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on February 18, 2025, Rwanda accused Belgium of leading an aggressive campaign alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to block Rwanda’s access to development finance, including funds from multilateral institutions.

“Belgium has made a political decision to choose a side in this conflict, which is its right, but politicizing development is plainly wrong,” the statement reads.

The government emphasized that no country in the region should have its development finance weaponized as a tool of political leverage. It warned that punitive, one-sided measures undermine the African Union (AU)-led mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Eastern DRC.

“These efforts demonstrate that there is no longer a sound basis for development cooperation with Belgium. Accordingly, Rwanda is suspending the remainder of the 2024-2029 bilateral aid program,' the statement continued.

“Rwanda will not be bullied”

“Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising national security. Our only aim is a secure border and an irreversible end to the politics of violent ethnic extremism in our region.”

The government also criticized the failure of the DRC and the international community to dismantle the UN-sanctioned genocidal FDLR militia, which has operated in the region for decades.

“Rwanda needs peace and a durable solution. No one should continue to tolerate the cycles of conflict that persist due to the failure of the DRC Government and the international community to fulfill their commitments,” the statement added.

Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to accountability in the use of development funds, insisting that its partnerships must be based on mutual respect and maintained that full support to the AU/EAC/SADC mediation is essential during these difficult moments for our region.

“Development partnerships must be based on mutual respect, and Rwanda has made it a point to ensure maximum accountability for all the funding we receive, a fact that no partner has questioned.”

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In December 2024, Chameleone was rushed to Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. His condition quickly escalated, prompting doctors to place him under intensive care for 11 days.

Medical experts advised that he needed specialized treatment abroad to prevent further complications.
Taking this advice seriously, Chameleone was discharged on December 23, 2024, and immediately made arrangements to fly to the United States.

His medical evacuation was spearheaded by Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Juliet Zawedde, who covered his medical and travel expenses.

Upon arrival in the U.S., he was admitted to Allina Health Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he has been receiving specialized care ever since. His brother and fellow musician, Weasel Manizo, has been by his side throughout the ordeal.

With just hours left before the operation, fans across the globe are sending their prayers and support. In a January 3, 2025, interview with NTV’s The Beat, Chameleone reassured his supporters that he remains optimistic about his recovery.

'This has been a tough journey, but I’m staying strong. I miss my fans, and I promise to come back stronger than ever,' he stated.

Despite his health struggles, the legendary singer has been plotting his comeback, using his recovery time to reflect on his career and plan new projects.

As the countdown to surgery begins, Uganda, and the entire African music scene waits anxiously, hopeful that the Mama Mia hitmaker will emerge from this battle victorious. Ugandans online wished a quick recovery to talented singer after Reports of him being hospitalized again emerged.

Joseph Mayanja alias Jose Chameleon is a famous Ugandan singer known for his versatile music style that includes Reggae, Dancehall and Afro beats. He has won numerous awards throughout his career including the prestigious MTV Africa Music Award.

The singer, known for hits like Valu Valu and Wale Wale, has been battling acute pancreatitis.

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Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, which hold non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council, along with Guyana, recently voted against a resolution that would accuse Rwanda of sending troops to eastern DRC and condemn its actions.

Tshisekedi, who recently attended an international security conference in Munich, Germany, stated that had these African countries voted in favor of the resolution, the UN Security Council could have condemned Rwanda.

'We have three African countries representing us as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, and they failed to vote for a resolution condemning Rwanda’s actions in DRC,' he said.

The DRC President highlighted that the failure of these three African nations to vote for the resolution reflected the inability of the African Union to achieve unity and cooperation.

'Think about it: we spend day and night hoping for unity, brotherhood, and cooperation in Africa, but the reality we see is that we cannot achieve these ideals,' he said.

Before the UN Security Council and other meetings, Rwanda has repeatedly stated that it does not have troops in eastern DRC, calling the accusations baseless and a smear campaign aimed at diverting attention from DRC’s internal governance issues.

The Rwandan government has also pointed out that the DRC continues to collaborate with the FDLR, a terrorist group that has been a long-standing threat to Rwanda. This collaboration has been backed by various reports, including those from UN experts.

The UN Security Council, composed of 15 countries, includes five permanent members; the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, and China. Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia are the only African representatives.

Many have questioned why Tshisekedi frequently focuses on Rwanda while ignoring the challenges within his own country, including the collaboration of his armed forces with the FDLR terrorist group.

Sierra Leone which holds a non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council declined to support UN to condemn Rwanda.

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This information was confirmed by Ugandan motor-mouthed journalist Andrew Mwenda, who stated that he spoke with the Chief of Uganda’s Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a close friend of his.

'I was speaking with the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He wanted to inform the country that Uganda’s special forces have entered Bunia, in eastern DRC, the capital of Ituri Province. He made a promise, and he has fulfilled it,' Mwenda said.

He explained that Muhoozi’s decision was triggered by a breakdown in communication between the governments of Uganda and DRC. The two nations had initially agreed to deploy their troops to fight armed groups killing civilians in Bunia on February 5, but the DRC later changed its position.

'We had an agreement with the Kinshasa government to deploy the UPDF in Bunia last Wednesday. They canceled the operation at the last minute. Meanwhile, civilians speaking Runyakitara are being killed,' he stated.

On February 15, 2025, Gen. Muhoozi announced that he would deploy troops to Bunia to stop the killings of the Hima people. That same day, he gave an ultimatum, demanding that all armed forces in the area surrender their weapons within 24 hours.

'Under the leadership of General Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, I am giving all armed forces in Bunia 24 hours to lay down their weapons! If they do not comply, we will treat them as enemies and engage them,' Muhoozi declared.

Two days later, Uganda’s military command, which has been engaged in operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the DRC, met with the Congolese military leadership in Ituri to discuss the possibility of expanding their joint operations.

The spokesperson for the Congolese army in Ituri, Lt. Jules Ngongo, stated that this is not the first time Ugandan forces have been deployed in the province, suggesting that there was prior agreement regarding their presence in Bunia.

On February 18, footage emerged showing Ugandan military vehicles and tanks moving toward Bunia, a city that has frequently suffered attacks from armed groups such as ADF and CODECO.

An advance team from the UPDF is staying in Bunia, as part of the force-sharing arrangement with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

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According to veteran war reporter Marc Hoogsteyns, while the situation in Goma has stabilized, the local population remains divided. Some residents have welcomed M23’s rule, while others remain skeptical.

Despite these tensions, M23 has moved quickly to establish order, clearing bodies from the streets and setting up a new administration.

Unlike their brief occupation of Goma in 2012, M23 is now more organized and better equipped. Their leadership views this moment as an opportunity to push for the return of displaced communities from Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond.

At the beginning, their immediate goal was to reclaim lands in Masisi and Rutshuru, but their preceding movements suggested otherwise. Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, is now also under their control.

M23’s rapid gains have exposed deep flaws in Kinshasa’s military strategy. The Congolese army (FARDC), alongside its allies, including the FDLR and Wazalendo militias, failed to mount effective resistance.

Key positions fell one after another, from Bunagana to Rutshuru, leaving government forces retreating south. M23’s capture of Kavumu Airport, a critical transport hub, further strengthened their hold on the region.

The Congolese government has consistently blamed Rwanda for supporting M23, an allegation Kigali denies. Meanwhile, Kinshasa’s decision to integrate FDLR fighters into its ranks has fueled further instability, as the group has a history of targeting ethnic Tutsis.

President Félix Tshisekedi’s approach, arming local militias and delaying negotiations, has only deepened divisions, making the prospect of a military comeback increasingly unlikely.

The future of M23’s rule in the Kivu region depends on their ability to transition from military occupation to effective governance.

While they have shown discipline on the battlefield, running a city of Goma’s size presents new challenges. Security remains a major concern, with reports of looting and violence in the early days of their takeover. However, order is gradually being restored.

The international response remains uncertain. While Kinshasa continues to call for military intervention, M23’s rapid advances suggest that diplomatic engagement may be the only viable solution. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Congolese government pursues negotiations or attempts another military campaign.

For now, Goma is firmly in M23’s hands. Whether their control extends further into South Kivu remains to be seen. As tensions persist, the people of eastern Congo remain caught in the middle, hoping for peace but bracing for more conflict.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Taking to his official X account on February 18, 2025, Museveni dismissed claims that Besigye’s detention was politically motivated, emphasizing that the focus should be on the gravity of the charges against him.

“I have seen the concern by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of Dr. Besigye for the very serious offences he is alleged to have been planning. If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be: 'Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?’ The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out,” Museveni wrote.

The President rejected calls for leniency, arguing that national security must come first. “Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s,” he said.

Museveni cited Uganda’s past struggles under oppressive regimes, stating that the country enjoys stability today because freedom fighters fought to remove threats to national security.

He insisted that Besigye’s case should be resolved through legal processes rather than public sympathy. On the issue of delays in Besigye’s trial, Museveni placed the responsibility on Uganda’s judiciary, particularly the transition from military to civilian courts.

“Who slowed down the trial process? It is the Courts that pointed out some gaps in the Military Courts and ordered the transfer of the cases to Civilian Courts. The concerned people are now working on two fronts: transferring files to the Civilian Courts and closing the gaps in the Military Courts,” he explained.

Addressing concerns about Besigye’s health, Museveni downplayed the seriousness of the situation, arguing that the opposition leader’s hunger strike was a strategic move to gain public sympathy.

“There is, first of all, a Government hospital in the prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics,” he stated.

“However, in this case, Dr. Besigye was on a hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail?” Museveni wondered.

The President questioned why Besigye was demanding bail instead of pushing for a speedy trial. “If you are innocent, why do you not demand a quick trial so that you can prove your innocence and expose those who are 'persecuting’ you instead of demanding bail, forgiveness, as if serious crime is also entitled to holidays?” he argued.

Museveni’s comments come amid mounting public debate over Besigye’s case, with opposition supporters calling for his release while government officials insist that due process must be followed.

Dr. Besigye is accused of very serious offences he is alleged to have been planning.

Once friends, Museveni and Besigye are now foes.

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These policies, which align with broader government goals to promote work-life balance and community engagement, carry significant socio-economic implications for the population.

The policies to mandate early business closures and later work start times stem from Rwanda’s vision of cultivating a holistic approach to societal wellbeing. By closing businesses at 1:00 AM, the government aims to regulate nightlife activities, ensuring public safety and fostering a conducive environment for rest and recovery.

Similarly, the 9:00 AM work start time allows individuals to begin their day with less stress, fostering stronger family bonds and reducing traffic congestion. Together, these initiatives align with Rwanda’s broader commitment to fostering unity, cultural preservation, and a balanced lifestyle.

One of the primary benefits of these policies is the promotion of community cohesion. Activities like Umuganda, Rwanda’s monthly national community service day, often occur during these designated hours.

By reducing work hours and delaying start times, the policies facilitate higher participation rates in such activities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective progress among citizens.

The combination of early closures and later work start times provides families with more opportunities to spend time together. This is particularly significant in urban areas, where the hustle and bustle of daily life can strain family relationships.

Strengthening family bonds contributes to the emotional wellbeing of individuals, which in turn supports societal stability. The delayed start of work at 9:00 AM allows parents to spend quality time with their children in the morning before school.

This opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions, such as having breakfast together or assisting with school preparations, strengthens family ties and provides emotional support to children.

For parents, this time helps reduce morning stress and fosters a sense of involvement in their children’s daily lives, which is crucial for their development.

Delaying the start of work to 9:00 AM also provides an opportunity for individuals to engage in early morning sports activities. This shift encourages citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles by allocating time for physical exercise such as jogging, yoga, or team sports.

Regular participation in sports not only improves physical health by reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular diseases but also enhances mental wellbeing by reducing stress and promoting a positive mood.

Furthermore, engaging in community sports fosters social connections, contributing to a more cohesive and active society.

Both policies also serve to encourage greater participation of women in the workforce. The delayed start to the workday allows mothers to manage morning family responsibilities, such as preparing children for school, without the pressure of early commutes.

By fostering a more balanced work-life environment, these measures reduce barriers that traditionally deter women from fully engaging in professional roles.

The policies support gender equality by enabling women to better navigate their dual roles as caregivers and contributors to the economy, leading to a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

While some may view reduced business hours as a potential economic drawback, research suggests that shorter workdays can enhance employee productivity. With limited time to complete tasks, workers often adopt more focused and efficient approaches to their responsibilities.

The policies also play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases associated with stress, prolonged working hours, and substance abuse such as excessive alcohol consumption.

By encouraging a balanced lifestyle, these measures help individuals prioritize self-care, engage in physical activities, and avoid harmful coping mechanisms. This shift contributes to improved mental and physical health outcomes, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and enhancing overall productivity.

Another significant benefit of the early closure policy is its contribution to reducing overnight accidents, theft, and other security concerns. By encouraging businesses to close by 1:00 AM, the policy helps to limit late-night activities that often result in road accidents or opportunistic crimes.

A more regulated evening schedule allows law enforcement to focus their efforts more effectively, enhancing public safety. Furthermore, reduced nighttime economic activity discourages environments that foster substance abuse and related risks, creating safer communities.

The policy to close businesses early and limit nighttime operations also plays a key role in reducing noise pollution. Excessive noise from bars, nightclubs, and late-night traffic often disrupts residential areas, affecting the quality of life for community members.

By regulating operational hours, the policy fosters quieter and more peaceful neighborhoods, which is especially beneficial for families, elderly individuals, and students.

Additionally, reduced noise pollution enhances the quality of sleep for residents. Quality sleep is essential for physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

Improved sleep patterns contribute to better productivity, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall quality of life. This policy, therefore, has far-reaching benefits for both individual health and societal harmony.

The policies’ impact on small businesses, particularly those in the informal economy, requires careful consideration. While reduced working hours can challenge businesses that rely on late-night operations, the effects are especially pronounced for overnight businesses such as bars, nightclubs, and transport services.

For these sectors, early closures limit their peak revenue-generating hours, potentially leading to significant financial losses. Bars and nightclubs often thrive during evening and nighttime hours, serving as key venues for socializing and entertainment.

Similarly, transport services, including taxis and motorcycle taxis, experience high demand late at night. Curtailing these operations disrupts income streams for workers and business owners alike.

The policies also have a profound impact on youth employment, particularly for individuals working in the nightlife sector. DJs, event organizers, and bar staff are among those most affected, as their work heavily depends on late-night activities.

The loss of these opportunities not only reduces income but also limits avenues for creative expression and skill development in entertainment industries. To mitigate these challenges, supportive measures such as tax incentives, flexible hours for nightlife businesses, and vocational training programs for affected workers should be explored.

Such interventions can balance the policies’ social objectives with the economic realities of these critical sectors. The closure of businesses at 1:00 AM could also deter Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality sector. Nightlife is a significant attraction for tourists seeking entertainment and cultural experiences.

Bars, nightclubs, and late-night restaurants are often pivotal in enhancing a country’s appeal as a vibrant tourist destination. Similarly, the restrictions may discourage international travelers who rely on overnight services such as transportation, food, and recreation during their visits.

Without strategic adaptations, the policy risks creating a perception of limited entertainment options, which could affect Rwanda’s competitiveness in the regional and global tourism markets.

For the hospitality industry, early closures might result in lower occupancy rates for establishments that cater to late-night patrons. To mitigate these impacts, Rwanda could explore strategies such as designated entertainment zones with extended hours or specialized permits to support the tourism sector while maintaining public safety.

The policies may inadvertently influence consumer behavior, encouraging people to shop or access services earlier in the day. This shift could lead to a more evenly distributed demand throughout operating hours, alleviating congestion during peak times and promoting smoother business operations.

By delaying the start of work, the policy helps stagger commuting hours, alleviating congestion during peak times. This leads to shorter commute durations, lower fuel consumption, and reduced vehicle emissions, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Beyond economic metrics, these initiatives highlight the importance of measuring wellbeing through social and cultural indicators. By fostering a harmonious balance between work and personal life, the policies contribute to a more satisfied and resilient population.

While the policies have commendable objectives, their implementation requires careful consideration of their impact on different sectors. To maximize their benefits and mitigate potential drawbacks, the following recommendations are suggested below;

Firstly, conduct comprehensive impact assessments bearing in mind that regular evaluations of the policies’ effects on various industries and demographics will provide valuable insights for fine-tuning their implementation.

Secondly, support small businesses by introducing subsidies or flexible work schedules to help small enterprises adapt to reduced hours without compromising their financial stability.

Thirdly, enhance public awareness through clear communication about the policies’ objectives and benefits to foster public support and cooperation.

Lastly, explore sector-specific adaptations for industries where late-night operations are critical, such as hospitality and transportation, tailored guidelines can ensure minimal disruption.

Rwanda’s innovative policies on early business closures and later work start times showcase a forward-thinking approach to balancing economic activity with social and environmental priorities.

By encouraging community participation, reducing stress, promoting family bonding, and fostering healthier lifestyles, these measures address the holistic needs of the population. Starting work at 9:00 AM complements these efforts by alleviating traffic congestion, supporting early morning activities, and enhancing overall productivity.

While challenges such as the impact on nightlife businesses and informal economies must be addressed, the potential for these policies to reshape societal norms and enhance overall wellbeing is immense.

Through strategic adaptations and stakeholder collaboration, Rwanda can continue to lead by example, demonstrating how thoughtful policies can create a more equitable, sustainable, and fulfilling way of life for its citizens.

The country’s commitment to prioritizing both personal and communal growth is a testament to its vision for a harmonious and prosperous future.

The author is a policy analyst

Alex Twahirwa

Bahati’s statement follows M23’s takeover of the entire Congolese section of Lake Kivu on February 16, after capturing the city of Bukavu.

M23 first gained control of parts of the lake after seizing the Minova area in South Kivu on January 21, 2025. Their control expanded further when they took over Goma six days later.

Lake Kivu transport between Bukavu and Goma had been disrupted for over three weeks due to intense fighting between M23 and a coalition of the Congolese army (FARDC) and allied forces in South Kivu.

Governor Bahati informed residents of both cities that lake transport services would resume at 6 a.m. on February 18.

This decision aligns with the resolutions of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders, who, on February 8, urged the reopening of key routes to ensure civilians could continue their daily activities.

Goma and Bukavu will begin operating 24 hours a day starting February 18, 2025.

The Governor of North Kivu, Bahati Musanga Erasto.

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