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The WILSa 2025 is a conference that brings together young women and girls to celebrate all women who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

At the announcement of Boukuru’s appointment as Brand Ambassador for WILSa 2025, Iris Irumva, the CEO of Lead Access, a leadership firm that empowers leaders at all levels, revealed that they started working with Boukuru in December 2024 to prepare a special partnership aimed at amplifying the voices of women everywhere.

'Since December 2023, we’ve been hard at work with our very own Boukuru, crafting an extraordinary collaboration that amplifies the voices of women everywhere,' she said.

'This partnership is more than a project. It’s a call to action, a celebration of talent, and the spark for a year-long journey of empowerment and mentorship.,' she added.

Irumva further explained that in 2025, they will go beyond merely celebrating women’s and girls’ achievements to spreading a message that would energize and empower women across all sectors, reinforcing women’s leadership at every level.

'This year, we wanted to create something that doesn’t just celebrate women’s leadership but amplifies it in a way that reaches beyond words. That’s why we’ve collaborated with Boukuru, whose song 'We Are Here- Turi Hano' is more than music. It’s a statement,' she emphasized.

She highlighted that the song symbolizes the need for the voices of women and girls to be heard at the workplace, in decision-making organiations, and in all important spaces. 'It’s a call to all of us to support and invest in the leadership of women and girls,' she added.

Shortly after, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with Boukuru as the official Brand Ambassador for WILSa 2025.

Boukuru expressed her excitement about the collaboration with WILSa, saying that the song “Turi Hano” was meant to highlight the importance of women in everyday life.

'When I worked on 'Turi Hano,’ Irumva approached me, asking if we could create a powerful song that speaks to the value of women in leadership or wherever they may be. Wherever a woman is, she deserves respect. Whether at home, at work or anywhere else. So, I thought about creating a song that would convey this message,' she said.

She went on to share that the song signifies that even if women are not seen in certain places, they are present in other ways. She also pointed out that this song is not just for WILSa’s awards or conferences but is an anthem for every woman.

Boukuru mentioned that she chose to record the song in Kinyarwanda as it was specifically created for the Rwandan audience.

The WILSa 2025 awards ceremony will be preceded by the various Pre-Summit Workshops happening on 6th & 7th March, focusing on women in Agriculture, Technology, Entrepreneurship and the Arts.

On March 20, 2025, a large-scale conference will bring together women and girls from various sectors, followed by a day of intergenerational discussions and debates. The awards ceremony to honor the most outstanding women will take place on March 21, 2025.

The awards will recognize individuals in 15 categories, with three finalist nominees competing to win their category title, driven by public votes and jury’s input. Nominations for these awards opened on February 10, 2025, and will close on February 17. To nominate someone, visit the link http://wilsafrica.com/, select the category and fill out the details.

Irumva, who played a key role in Boukuru’s appointment as Brand Ambassador for WILSa 2025, revealed that this year, they plan to collaborate with more women and girls than ever before.

In 2024, the summit brought together 200 experienced women from various sectors, but this year, they aim to reach 1,000 women in Kigali and beyond.

She also disclosed that following the summit, a year-long mentorship program will be launched to empower women and girls to excel in every aspect of life. This program is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, paving the way for the next edition of WILSa.

The award categories will include; Entrepreneurship, Sports, Education, Arts & Culture, Advocate for Gender Equality, Science Innovation, Technology, Finance, Social Impact, Health & Wellness, Queen of Green (Environmentalist), Agriculture, Hospitality, Media & Communication and Lifetime Achievements.

Boukuru composed a song for WILSA titled ‘Turi Hano’, which highlights the strength of women and emphasizes the need for them to be given more opportunities and to have their voices heard.

Iris Irumva, the CEO of Lead Access, and Boukuru were delighted as they signed the agreement.

Boukuru stated that women deserve to be valued because they play a vital role in society.

Iris Irumva in a press interview.

Boukuru was all smiles as she signed the partnership agreement with WILSA.

The CEO of Lead Access, Iris Irumva, stated that they began collaborating with Boukuru in December 2024 to prepare for an exceptional partnership.

Iris Irumva signing the partnership agreement with Boukuru.

Erica Kabanda, who hosted the discussion, introduced Boukuru as the ‘Brand Ambassador’ of the Women in Leadership Summit and Awards.

The Inzora Service and Protocol team, founded by Tumukunde Nadine, known as Djadja [in the middle], welcomed the attendees at the event where Boukuru was introduced as the Brand Ambassador for the WILS Awards 2025.

Following the announcement of the schedule for the Women in Leadership Summit and Awards and the signing of the partnership agreement with Boukuru, the attendees were excited to take a group photo.

IGIHE

Before M23 entered Kavumu, a significant number of soldiers from the DRC’s coalition forces were seen fleeing the town, heading towards Bukavu, which is approximately 25 kilometres from Kavumu.

A resident in the town was heard saying, 'They have fled. M23 has now reached Kavumu. M23 is chasing them. The soldiers are running fast.'

Kavumu is a strategic location in South Kivu, as it hosts an airport that was used by the DRC’s coalition forces to launch attacks on M23 positions.

This airport was also previously utilised by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in South Kivu before its withdrawal in early 2024.

M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed the capture of Kavumu and its airport, stating that the move was aimed at neutralising threats from the area.

“As we have repeatedly emphasized, we have eliminated the threat at its source. Kavumu Airport posed a danger to the civilian population in the liberated areas and to our positions. Now, Kavumu and its surroundings, including the airport, are under the control of the AFC/M23,” said Kanyuka.

This capture comes after M23 fighters seized the Kabamba and Katana trading centres in Kabare territory during the night of 13 to 14 February 2025.

The DRC government’s coalition forces now fear that M23 may soon advance on Bukavu, the de facto capital of South Kivu.

Some soldiers have begun fleeing to other provinces, such as Tanganyika. Meanwhile, the DRC military continues its efforts to regroup and redeploy its forces for a counteroffensive.

M23 now controls the town of Kavumu and its airport, located in South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Kavumu is a strategic location in South Kivu, as it hosts an airport that was used by the DRC’s coalition forces to launch attacks on M23 positions.

IGIHE

This year’s summit is being held under the theme 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,' with discussions focused on reparatory justice and racial healing.

The high-level gathering will deliberate on key political and socio-economic issues, aiming to advance the welfare and quality of life for African citizens.

As the AU Champion on Domestic Health Financing, President Kagame will on Friday afternoon chair a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing.

The session, convened in collaboration with the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and AUDA-NEPAD, will explore innovative strategies to address financing gaps in Africa’s health systems. The discussions will particularly focus on the role of the private sector and philanthropic organizations in strengthening domestic health investments.

A crucial agenda item at this year’s summit is the election of the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election will determine the leader responsible for driving the AU’s strategic vision and implementation of continental policies over the next four years.

Three candidates are seeking to succeed outgoing AUC chair Moussa Faki Mahamat. The candidates include former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.

Additionally, the summit will see the handover of the AU Presidency from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania to President João Lourenço of Angola, marking a transition in the continental body’s leadership.

Beyond leadership changes, the Assembly will discuss and make key decisions on pressing challenges facing Africa, including conflict resolution, economic development, and regional integration. With Africa’s geopolitical landscape evolving, leaders are expected to propose solutions that will enhance unity, stability, and prosperity across the continent.

President Paul Kagame arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday afternoon.

President Kagame joins fellow Heads of State and Government from across the African continent for the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Trainees include those from Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The course was conducted in partnership with Carabinieri, the Italian Police.

The five-week course covered safety procedures and equipment, hazard awareness and safety, safe riding techniques, emergency braking techniques, motorcycle riding and patrol techniques as well as patrol tactics and motorcycle accident handling.

Ujeneze appreciated the excellent cooperation between Rwanda National Police and Carabinieri through which various courses have been conducted both in Rwanda and Italy.

“Rwanda National Police prioritizes capacity building to accomplish its mission and build a professional and capable force. To achieve this, it requires us to conduct career, professional and specialized courses like this,” Ujeneze said.

She added that Rwanda’s economic growth and its openness to foreign investors, VIPs and dignitaries expanded the RNP tasks from the maintenance of road safety to escort duties, which are vital in modern policing.

The five-week course covered safety procedures, equipment and hazard awareness among others.

“Motorcycles play a key role in ensuring road safety and intervening against security threats due to speed, the ability to maneuver during traffic jam situations; which provide an upper hand to the police in emergency situations,” she said.

She observed that with the increase in road safety demands, and acquisition of new motorcycles, resulted in skills gaps and created need to increase the number of officers, who are able to competently operate motorcycles.

“The knowledge and skills you acquired will only serve the purpose if they are effectively used. I, therefore, urge you to practice what you have learned and maintain discipline on and off duty,” she emphasized.

Training facilitators also included five RNP understudy trainers. The commandant of PTS, Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, said that RNP will now start conducting similar courses on its own.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Administration and Personnel, DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneze presided over the pass out.

IGIHE

Several sources have confirmed that the deceased passed away in an incident that caught the attention of Ugandans who took to their different social media platforms to send their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

The Uganda Police Force while confirming his death took to their X to issue a statement. Ugandans thanked the deceased for his contribution to the society while he alive.

'The Uganda Police Force is mourning the death of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Okoth Ogola, who served from 1981 to 1985. He passed away today, February 14, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital,' police said.

The current IGP Abas Byakagaba has extended condolences to the family and ensured that the late IGP is honored in a manner fitting his legacy.

The police will provide updates on funeral arrangements. Okoth Ogola’s leadership and contributions to the Uganda Police Force will be remembered and cherished. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Inspector General of Police Okoth Ogola served from 1981 to 1985.

IGIHE

'I told President Tshisekedi multiple times, 'The only way to end this conflict is through dialogue,’' Lourenço said in an interview with Jeune Afrique following the capture of Goma by the M23 rebels. 'But each time, my advice was met with resistance.'

Lourenço warned that the conflict in eastern DRC risks spreading across the region without dialogue to address M23 grievances on, among others, persecution and marginalisation of Congolese Rwandophones.

'We cannot allow this war to escalate further. Every effort must be made to stop it,' he emphasized.

Reflecting on Angola’s own history, Lourenço drew parallels between the DRC crisis and Angola’s past conflicts.

'Even when we faced aggression, we sat down with our enemies. We negotiated with South Africa’s apartheid-era military and reached the 1988 New York Agreement,' he said.

'We also engaged in talks with UNITA to bring peace to Angola. Why should the DRC be any different?'

According to Lourenço, the December ministerial meeting between Rwanda and the DRC had made significant progress, with Rwanda agreeing to lift defensive measures and the DRC committing to dismantling the FDLR. However, he stressed that further steps were still needed.

'We must build on that progress and work toward a peace agreement signed by both leaders,' he urged.

As he prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union, Lourenço reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the crisis, stating that appointing a mediator for the Rwanda-DRC conflict would be a priority.

'Tshisekedi must understand that there is no other way,' Lourenço concluded. 'If we truly want peace, we must be willing to talk.'

Angolan President João Lourenço has revealed that he repeatedly advised his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart, Félix Tshisekedi, to engage in dialogue with the M23 rebel group, calling it the only viable solution to the ongoing conflict. However, Tshisekedi remained reluctant to take this approach.

IGIHE

Judge Amir Ali of the U.S. District Court in Washington issued the ruling on Thursday in response to a lawsuit brought by two health organizations that receive U.S. funding for global programs.

The order applies to existing contracts before Trump’s January 20 executive order, which halted nearly all foreign aid spending as part of a broader effort to reassess U.S. funding priorities.

In his decision, Judge Ali criticized the administration’s blanket suspension of congressionally appropriated aid, stating that officials failed to justify why an across-the-board freeze was necessary for reviewing individual programs.

The ruling temporarily unblocks funding that had been stalled, restoring critical assistance to humanitarian and development projects worldwide.

The freeze had triggered widespread disruptions, forcing USAID and State Department contractors to halt humanitarian aid, lay off staff, and suspend services in vulnerable regions.

The administration had argued the suspension was needed to conduct a thorough review of aid programs and eliminate wasteful spending. However, the court found no evidence that such a broad suspension was a rational or necessary step in that review.

Separately, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols ruled on Thursday that a previous order preventing the Trump administration from pulling thousands of USAID staffers from their posts worldwide would remain in place for at least another week.

Nichols’ ruling follows reports that the funding freeze and USAID staff reductions left employees stranded, particularly in high-risk areas like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where political unrest recently escalated.

Judge Nichols, a Trump appointee, closely questioned administration lawyers about their plans to ensure the safety of displaced USAID employees. When pressed, a Justice Department attorney was unable to provide a clear strategy, prompting Nichols to request further documentation.

The administration’s actions have faced significant opposition from federal employee unions, Democratic lawmakers, and humanitarian organizations, all of whom argue that Trump lacks the unilateral authority to freeze foreign aid or dismantle USAID operations without congressional approval.

The Department of Government Efficiency, a new agency led by Elon Musk and tasked with reducing federal spending, has been central to the recent cost-cutting efforts, though critics claim its real aim is to undermine USAID’s mission.

Judge Ali’s ruling represents a legal setback for the administration, which had insisted that Trump’s executive authority over foreign affairs allowed him to halt aid disbursements.

Ali found that the freeze was likely causing irreparable harm to aid organizations, citing reports of mass layoffs, shuttered refugee protection programs, and disrupted global supply chains.

Despite the ruling, the court did not fully block Trump’s executive order. While aid funding will resume, the administration is still permitted to conduct its internal review of foreign aid programs. The White House must now submit a status report by Tuesday outlining compliance with the court’s order.

The legal battle over USAID and foreign assistance is expected to continue as aid groups and federal employee unions push for further protections against what they view as an overreach by the administration.

A federal judge has ordered the Donald Trump administration to temporarily lift a three-week funding freeze that had shut down U.S. aid and development programs worldwide, marking the latest legal challenge to the President’s executive actions on foreign assistance.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking at the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Gatete emphasized that the current global governance structures have hindered Africa’s economic progress.

He urged for a reformed financial system where Africa has a stronger voice in shaping policies that impact its development.

Gatete also criticized Africa’s credit ratings, which are largely determined by external agencies that often apply unfair assessments.

With only Botswana and Mauritius holding investment-grade ratings, he advocated for the establishment of an African-led credit rating agency to provide more accurate and fair evaluations of the continent’s economies.

Highlighting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative opportunity, Gatete stressed the need for investment in infrastructure and manufacturing to reduce Africa’s reliance on external markets.

He also called for the development of regional value chains to ensure that African resources are processed locally, creating jobs and driving industrialization.

The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Amb. Claver Gatete, has called for a major overhaul of the global financial system.

IGIHE

“I have decided for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a reciprocal tariff – meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them no more, no less. In other words, they charge us a tax or tariff and we charge them the exact same tax or tariff. Very simple,” Trump said at the White House.

According to the memorandum, “it is the policy of the United States to reduce our large and persistent annual trade deficit in goods and to address other unfair and unbalanced aspects of our trade with foreign trading partners.”

Under the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan,” the administration will work “strenuously” to counter non-reciprocal trading arrangements with trading partners by determining the equivalent of a reciprocal tariff with respect to each foreign trading partner. “This approach will be of comprehensive scope, examining non-reciprocal trade relationships with all United States trading partners,” it said.

Under World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, “reciprocity” meant overall balance, in terms of concessions given and concessions received, between each country on the one hand and all its trading partners on the other hand, but Trump has redefined the meaning of “reciprocity” to apply on a line item basis, country by country, rather than overall balance, Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua.

“With reciprocity, as defined by Trump, U.S. tariffs would probably on average 10 to 15 percentage points higher. In my opinion, tariffs actually hurt the U.S. economy, so while they would raise revenue … they would reduce GDP growth,” Hufbauer said.

Observers believe that this logic undermines the traditional principle of overall balance under the WTO framework, potentially leading to trade frictions and negotiation deadlocks, and prompting other countries to take countermeasures in response to U.S. tariff increases.

Trump has signed a plan to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on trading partners.

Xinhua

In a post on the social media platform X, Ghebreyesus stated that the funds would help strengthen Uganda’s response efforts, including surveillance, laboratory support, logistics, infection prevention, and treatment.

The WHO had previously provided $1 million on January 30 and mobilized trial vaccines to aid Uganda’s health authorities in containing the outbreak.

Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak last month following the death of a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of Wednesday, the country has recorded nine laboratory-confirmed cases, including one fatality, while at least 265 people who had contact with the first case are under monitoring.

WHO is working closely with Ugandan authorities to enhance surveillance, case management, community awareness, and risk communication.

IGIHE