Rwanda rejected the “break-in” framing, with its embassy in the United States calling the claim a “gross misrepresentation.” Kigali said it was DRC security personnel who escalated the situation, alleging they blocked unarmed Rwandan agents from accessing a shared hallway and elevator area despite both delegations being booked at the same hotel.

Rwanda said the matter was resolved quickly and without further escalation.  

"The Rwandan detail member was briefly restrained from accessing the elevator by DRC security agents, which was inappropriate and wrong behaviour in a common area, but the matter was eventually resolved without further escalation," the Rwandan statement read in part.

Rwanda and the DRC have been in Washington for US-facilitated mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions in eastern Congo, where Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing the M23 rebel group, an allegation Rwanda denies.  

The matter also follows fresh US sanctions announced on March 2, 2026, targeting the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and senior officers over alleged support to M23, sanctions that Rwanda has condemned.  

“I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there,” he said . “I’m chasing them, when is it going to be?”

Hamilton, who has described himself as “half-African,” said he feels pressure as potential dates are discussed. “They’re setting certain dates. I’m like, damn, I could be running out of time, so I’m going to be here for a while until that happens,” he said.

Despite his campaign, an African grand prix does not appear close to being added to the calendar. Hamilton said F1 bosses are “really trying,” but acknowledged no race is imminent.

In recent years, proposals have included Rwanda as a potential host, while talks to bring F1 back to South Africa, including a return to Kyalami near Johannesburg and a possible street race in Cape Town, have stalled. South Africa has since revived its bid to host a race, but no deal has been confirmed.

The border reopening followed the withdrawal of M23 from Uvira in January, at the request of the United States, which sought to consolidate the truce achieved through a Trump-brokered agreement between Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and DRC’s Felix Tshisekedi in Washington in December 2025.

The border closure restricted the movement of people and goods between the two countries, impeding trade and undermining the East African Community’s common market and custom union arrangements that are intended to eliminate trade barriers between the members of the regional bloc.

“When the border was closed, business declined. Without Congolese customers, movement decreased and so did our income,” remarks a Burundian market vendor, who emphasises that the substantial reduction in the number of Congolese customers who would purchase their products in large amounts to resell in their country, strained their small businesses.

The reopening is expected to boost cross-border trade, increasing Burundi’s and the DRC’s exports. During the two-month closure, there were shortages of consumer goods and a rise in prices, which constrained the livelihood of people, especially those living around the border towns of Uvira and Gutamba.

“The reopening of the border is a great joy for us and for all the residents of Uvira. Even in Gatumba, there is celebration. Motorcycles and bicycles are moving. I even saw students leaving their schools to come celebrate at the border,” notes another trader.

As of 2023, over 80% of Burundi’s exports were destined for DRC, a significant portion of which went through the Kavimvira border post. However, the rising insecurity worsened the humanitarian situation, significantly reducing trade flow and dampening the economic prospects of both nations.

This was not the first time Burundi had closed a border due to insecurity. In 2024, the East African nation claimed that its neighbour, Rwanda, was hosting and training the Red Tabara, an anti-regime rebel outfit that Bujumbura attributed to an attack that claimed 20 lives in December 2023. This culminated in the closure of the border between the two countries. The action significantly jeopardised the flow of goods and people, hindering economic activities, mostly along the borderlands.

There are some doubts as to whether the M23 withdrawal from Uvira will be sustained, considering the recent escalation. On Tuesday, the military spokesperson of the rebel group, Willy Ngoma, was killed in a drone strike near Rubaya, North Kivu province. This has heightened tensions with a possibility of fresh confrontation between the Rwanda-backed rebels and the Congolese army.

The frequent conflicts in the Great Lakes region highlight the need for regional blocs, particularly the EAC and the Southern African Development Community, to strengthen their conflict management mechanisms to prevent or mitigate cross-border disputes before they spiral.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

“You treat a country, or a president, or a government like a spoilt child,” Kagame said, referring to how Congo is handled in international diplomacy. “The problem didn’t start in Rwanda, we didn’t cause it,” the East African quotes.

Kagame rejected claims that Rwanda is involved in Congo for economic gain, particularly mineral exploitation.

“If we were in Congo for precious metals and minerals, we’d be 100 times richer than we are today,” he said, insisting Rwanda’s primary concern is national security .

At the centre of Rwanda’s argument is the continued presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group linked to the Interahamwe militia responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Kagame said the group continues to promote genocide ideology and poses a direct threat to Rwanda.

“They keep saying, ‘We want to finish what we started,’” Kagame said, adding that the ideology has been passed down to younger generations despite many original fighters being elderly.

Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing the AFC/M23 rebel group fighting Congolese government forces in eastern Congo, despite United Nations Security Council demands that Kigali withdraw troops and stop supporting the rebels. Rwanda maintains that M23 fighters are Congolese citizens addressing unresolved political and ethnic grievances.

“They say Rwanda and Burundi are twins, but Burundi has chosen to be twins with Congo,” Kagame said. While the UN has acknowledged the security threat posed by the FDLR, Kagame said Congo and its allies,  including Burundi, face little scrutiny.

The MEDP includes a dispute-resolution clause that allows for arbitration. According to Rwanda, the dispute relates to the UK’s non-compliance with specific commitments under the treaty.

In June 2024, the UK and Rwanda exchanged diplomatic notes agreeing to two financial contributions of £50 million each, scheduled for April 2025 and April 2026. These payments were intended to support refugee hosting and economic integration in Rwanda. Rwanda asserts that the UK has failed to make these payments.

The agreement also included arrangements for the UK to resettle some of the most vulnerable refugees hosted in Rwanda. However, these arrangements were never finalised. 

Following the January 2024 election, the new UK government announced that the partnership would be discontinued. 

Rwanda argues that these announcements were made before the treaty's formal termination procedures were followed and that all obligations incurred while the treaty was active remain valid under international law.

Rwanda says it first attempted to resolve the issue through diplomatic engagement. When no agreement was reached, it proceeded to initiate arbitration, as provided by the treaty. 

The UK had originally proposed the MEDP as part of its strategy to manage irregular migration. The plan was consistent with Rwanda’s refugee policies and aligned with its cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Michael Butera, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, said: “Rwanda attempted at first to clarify positions and explore possible paths forward, indicating openness to discussion, including on the orderly conclusion of the partnership, provided that any arrangements were mutually agreed and legally consistent.” 

“As these discussions did not result in a shared understanding, we exercised the dispute-resolution option expressly provided in the treaty,” he told the New Times .

Regarding the expected outcome, Butera said: “Through arbitration, Rwanda seeks a legal determination of the parties’ respective rights and obligations under the treaty, in accordance with international law.” 

He affirmed that Rwanda remains committed to collaboration on migration, refugee protection and development, based on “respect for the rule of law, reciprocity between partners, and the orderly resolution of disputes through agreed legal frameworks.”

The MEDP was originally announced by the UK Government on April 14, 2022, under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a partnership with the Rwandan Government to process and resettle asylum seekers arriving in the UK without authorisation to the East African nation. The initiative aimed to curb illegal entry, especially via small boats across the English Channel.

It was subsequently renamed the UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership. Through this agreement, individuals seeking asylum in the UK would be relocated to Rwanda before their asylum applications were considered.

However, in November 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful due to safety concerns in Rwanda. Following a change in government, the plan was officially cancelled in July 2024, after the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Act in April 2024. 

The RSE announced the partnership through a press release issued on January 26.

The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including knowledge exchange, staff training, market development programmes, and the exploration of opportunities for cross-listings and new financial products. 

According to the RSE, this partnership is expected to enhance both markets and establish new connections between Africa and the Caribbean.

The RSE was incorporated on October 7, 2005. It was demutualised from the start as a company limited by shares and officially launched on 31st January 2011.

RSE Chief Executive Officer Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba commented on the significance of the agreement, stating, “This partnership is about more than documents and meetings; it is about sharing experience, growing together, and opening new doors for businesses, investors, and market professionals in both regions.”

JSE Chief Executive Officer Livingston Morrison also said, “We are excited to begin this relationship with the Rwanda Stock Exchange. By learning from each other and sharing best practices, we believe we can create meaningful opportunities for our markets, our listed companies, and our wider financial communities.”

The JSE, founded in 1968, is one of the largest stock exchanges in the Caribbean, with over 70 companies listed in its main market securities. 

Together, these two projects are set to reshape how Africa connects within itself — and with the rest of the world.

Ethiopia’s Bishoftu is a mega hub in the making

Construction has officially begun on Bishoftu International Airport, a project aimed at addressing a significant issue: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is expected to reach its capacity limit within two to three years.

Instead of trying to squeeze more out of an airport nearing its operational ceiling, Ethiopia is building a whole new one.

Bishoftu is being developed about 40–45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, and it’s not just an airport — it’s a full-blown $12.5 billion) “Airport City” project and everything about it is huge.

A scale Africa hasn’t seen before

The biggest headline is capacity. Bishoftu is designed to handle 110 million passengers annually, which is far beyond what any airport on the continent currently manages.

To put that in perspective, Africa’s busiest airport right now is O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa , and it handles over 20 million passengers. Bishoftu’s planned capacity completely changes the scale of what “Africa’s biggest airport” even means.

Built like a global transit powerhouse

The infrastructure is equally ambitious. The plan includes:

That aircraft parking capacity is more than quadruple what the existing Bole hub can handle.

The development includes a 38 km high-speed railway that will connect Bishoftu to Addis Ababa in just 25 minutes — a big deal for an airport located outside the capital.

Rwanda’s Bugesera is smaller, but very strategic

While Ethiopia is going for a continent-changing mega hub, Rwanda’s approach is different: high-standard growth with a clear strategic focus.

Rwanda is developing Bugesera International Airport , valued at about $2 billion, through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Qatar Airways, which holds a 60% stake.

That partnership signals just how seriously Rwanda is treating this project — not only as national infrastructure, but as a major aviation investment.

Built to grow in phases

Bugesera is being developed with a step-by-step plan:

It’s not trying to be the biggest in the world — but it’s clearly being built to scale up over time.

Designed to strengthen Rwanda’s regional role

Bugesera is also tied directly to Rwanda’s aviation ambitions.

The airport is expected to boost RwandAir, Rwanda’s state carrier, supporting its expansion into new markets — including the USA and various African nations.

In other words, the airport isn’t just a new building. It’s meant to help Rwanda compete harder in international aviation.

Africa’s aviation hierarchy

Currently, the largest airports in Africa are led by O.R. Tambo (South Africa), Cairo International (Egypt), with roughly 17 million passengers, and Addis Ababa Bole (Ethiopia) with approximately 12 to 25 million passengers.

The new projects in Ethiopia and Rwanda will stand out by significantly raising the ceiling for African aviation. 

Before departing, the contingent was briefed by Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the RDF Mechanised Division, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff. He urged the engineers to apply their technical skills and professionalism to ensure the mission has a visible and positive impact on communities affected by the storm.

Brigadier General Tinka also reminded the team to uphold the core values of the RDF, particularly discipline, which he said was key to earning the trust placed in them by the force’s leadership. He called on both officers and enlisted personnel to maintain these standards throughout the deployment.

Hurricane Melissa hit the Caribbean in late October 2025, causing widespread destruction. Jamaica was among the hardest-hit countries, with severe damage to roads, public facilities and other essential infrastructure. The scale of the devastation prompted a large, multi-agency humanitarian response .

The prosecution of DJ Toxxyk has been postponed , drawing public attention alongside Rwanda’s broader move to tighten traffic regulations. Authorities are enforcing stricter road safety measures, signalling a firmer stance on compliance and accountability as part of wider efforts to improve public safety and order on the country’s roads.

Drivers with foreign licences face potential loss of merit points under new system

Rwanda has announced that drivers using foreign licences could lose merit points under a newly enforced traffic management system. The measure is intended to ensure fairness and consistency across all road users, regardless of licence origin, while strengthening enforcement mechanisms and promoting responsible driving behaviour nationwide.

United States ambassador bids farewell as Kagame hosts outgoing envoy

The outgoing United States ambassador to Rwanda has formally bid farewell to the country’s foreign minister, with President Paul Kagame hosting Ambassador Eric Kneedler as part of the departure process. The meetings highlight ongoing diplomatic engagement between Rwanda and the US, even as leadership transitions take place within the diplomatic corps.

Rwanda says de-escalation with Burundi is complicated by rhetoric and troop presence in Congo

Rwanda has stated that efforts to de-escalate tensions with Burundi are being hindered by hostile rhetoric and the continued presence of troops in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The situation underscores the fragility of regional security dynamics and the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to stabilise the Great Lakes region.

Rwanda moves to support Louise Mushikiwabo for a third term at the Francophonie

Rwanda has confirmed its intention to support and re-nominate Louise Mushikiwabo for a third term as Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. The decision reflects Kigali’s commitment to maintaining influence within international multilateral institutions and backing continuity in Francophonie leadership.

DR Congo and Rwanda

In Washington, Trump hosted a summit where the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda signed what he hailed as a “historic” peace accord. But analysts quickly noted the document merely endorsed a June agreement that had already failed to halt the conflict.

Clashes were intensifying even ahead of the ceremony, with M23 rebels expanding their control in eastern DR Congo. Both Kinshasa and Kigali accused each other of violating ceasefire terms, and there was no public handshake between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, whose tense relations underscored the deal’s fragility.

Within days, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe refused to commit to any troop withdrawal, insisting Rwanda had none in DR Congo. This, despite UN experts saying Rwandan forces were effectively directing M23 operations.

On the ground , M23 seized major cities, artillery pounded eastern provinces, and residents fled into Burundi. Even as Trump praised the summit as “a great day,” rebel advances continued, and regional officials warned the deal’s collapse was a humiliation for Washington.

Thailand and Cambodia

A similar pattern emerged in Southeast Asia . 

In July, Trump pushed Thailand and Cambodia into a border ceasefire . Bangkok agreed reluctantly; Phnom Penh openly welcomed US involvement.

But the truce unraveled within months. Clashes erupted after a Thai engineering team came under fire. Since then, Thai and Cambodian forces have traded artillery, rockets and air strikes along the border, prompting repeated evacuations of communities.

Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines that maimed several soldiers, while refusing to release troops captured during the July clashes. Cambodia, meanwhile, portrayed itself as the aggrieved party and sought international support.

Domestic politics amplified tensions. Thailand’s military was given free rein to “finish the job,” while Cambodia’s leadership took actions that deepened mistrust, including leaking a sensitive phone call that toppled Thailand’s Shinawatra government.

With both sides showing no signs of stopping, it has become apparent that Trump-brokered ceasefire never addressed the root disputes. 

Bangkok repeatedly said it was not ready for new diplomacy until Cambodia showed “sincerity,” leaving the agreement effectively dead.

Taken together, the DR Congo–Rwanda and Thai-Cambodian cases show a consistent pattern: Trump secured highly publicised signing ceremonies, but the underlying conflicts continued almost immediately.

It also raised questions about whether Trump’s rushed deals ever had a genuine chance at peace.

To achieve this transformation, the country estimates a required investment of $23.2 million. The priority areas for intervention include transitioning to low-carbon mining operations, replacing diesel-powered machinery with renewable energy , limiting deforestation, improving land management, enhancing water conservation, and building infrastructure that can withstand climate-related shocks.

The rehabilitation efforts will focus on refilling abandoned pits and restoring vegetation with native tree species to reduce erosion, improve stormwater absorption, and support biodiversity. Flood-impact assessments will be mandatory to ensure rehabilitated areas remain free of pollutants during extreme weather events.

The government aims for 90% of mining operations to integrate climate-compatible practices, such as water-efficient processing techniques and dry-stack tailings systems, by 2030.

Rwamagana District, located in the Eastern Province, has been identified as a priority site for restoration. During Mining Week, observed from 2 to 5 December under the theme "Minerals for a Smarter and Green Future", environment al organisation Save Environment Initiative partnered with MMB Mining Company to plant 3,650 tree seedlings.

Tree species planted included Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Umuhumuro, Umusave, and Iminyinya.

"Mining continues to play a vital role in Rwanda's development, but unsustainable practices have caused serious environmental degradation – from soil erosion and water contamination to biodiversity loss," said Concorde Kubwimana, CEO of Save Environment Initiative. He noted that damaged wetlands and unstable landscapes are an increasing threat to both ecosystems and communities.

Rwanda remains a significant global producer of tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3Ts), while also exporting gold, gemstones, rare earth elements, and lithium. 

The sector has become Rwanda’s top export revenue source , surpassing tourism. Export revenues grew from $373 million in 2017 to $1.75 billion in 2024, with a target of $2.17 billion by 2029.

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva expressed the government's continued support for a responsible mining sector that aligns with international standards and contributes to local communities.

"Mining is not only about the extraction of resources; it is about creating opportunities for growth, innovation and shared prosperity," he said.

The sector currently employs around 92,000 people, according to the Prime Minister.

“We’ll be involved. We’re sending some of our biggest and greatest companies over to the two countries, and we’re going to take out some of the rare earth and take out some of the assets and pay, and everybody’s going to make a lot of money,” he said.

The ceremony was held at the newly-renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace , with a sign installed the day before. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed on behalf of their countries.

The agreement builds on a deal originally signed by the foreign ministers of each country in June. Both government s have previously accused each other of failing to uphold the terms of the agreement. Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda remain, with ongoing fighting between government forces and militants that Rwanda backs, Kinshasa claims, an allegation Kigali denies.

In addition to addressing the peace process, the agreement includes an economic component to increase trade between the two African nations and the United States .

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most mineral-rich countries in the world, with an estimated wealth of $24 trillion in natural minerals. Many of these minerals are vital for expanding the IT and AI industries, on which the U.S. relies. So far, China has led the way in tapping into the DRC’s reserves; today, Trump is hoping to change that.

Trump’s clear incentives for brokering peace may trigger alarm bells for many, however, the DRC’s government asserts that “sovereignty over resources remains entirely Congolese”. DRC Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama told the press this deal “is not 'peace in exchange for minerals', as has been claimed - it is about securing minerals to deprive the war of financing”.

Control of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth has long been a central driver of the region’s instability. Rebel militia groups like M23 often seize mines and key transport routes to extract revenue. Minerals like cobalt, copper and gold are easily smuggled out of the country and provide a reliable source of income that can be used to pay fighters, buy guns and maintain territorial control.

U.S. investment in Congo’s mining industry could ensure that everyday Congolese people benefit from the wealth extracted from their country’s mines and help starve militia groups of funding.

However, even as Rwanda’s President Kagame and the DRC’s President Tshisekedi arrive in Washington, the fighting rages on in eastern DR Congo. The fighting sides on the ground are less swayed by the U.S. president’s appetite for economic deals and so preliminary accords agreed over the summer, in Washington and Doha, have often been ignored.

This week, both Rwanda and the DRC have accused the other of sabotaging peace talks with ceasefire violations, and few expect today's deal to have an immediate impact on the ground.

Ultimately, whether this deal delivers peace will be decided not in Washington, but in the hills where militias still trade bullets for minerals.

Amid rising global economic and humanitarian pressures, including climate shocks, food security threats, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation says the new plan aims to reach those still left behind: vulnerable children, their families, and communities in fragile circumstances.

In practical terms, the strategy promises to ramp up programmes that will protect children from harm and improve their education.

“Our core actions will protect children from harm, strengthen their education, improve their health and nutrition, help families build resilience and support communities to adapt to climate and economic challenges,” emphasised World Vision Rwanda’s National Director, Pauline Okumu.

Rwanda has made remarkable social and economic progress over the past decades, guided by national vision plans such as Vision 2050 . But the country still faces structural challenges of poverty, limited rural access to services, inequality, and vulnerability to climate and economic shocks.

In this context, World Vision Rwanda’s strategy could act as a powerful supplement to government efforts, targeting the most vulnerable children who risk being left behind otherwise.

Since beginning long-term, child-focused programmes in the early 2000s, World Vision Rwanda has intervened through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, child protection, health, nutrition and livelihoods programmes by delivering clean water access to more than 1 million people between 2018 and 2023, and enabling over 678,500 individuals to access livelihood support and financial inclusion services.

The initiative is being developed as a proof‑of‑concept (POC) under the East African Community (EAC) payments integration agenda, with the goal of scaling to other partner states.

“This preparatory work marks a pivotal milestone in our regional payment system integration agenda, moving us closer to a single regional instant payment ecosystem that will facilitate secure, affordable, and real‑time transactions across borders,” said Eng. Daniel Murenzi, the EAC’s Principal Information Technology Officer.

Chairing the Kigali meeting, Fabian Ladislaus Kasole, Assistant Manager for Oversight and Policy at the Bank of Tanzania’s National Payments Directorate, said the two countries are building a “robust technical and operational framework” to ensure the switch‑to‑switch link runs safely and efficiently. “As a region, we remain committed to establishing a framework that enhances cross‑border payment efficiency and financial inclusion,” he added.

How it will work

Once live, the corridor will allow senders in Rwanda or Tanzania to push funds directly from existing bank accounts or mobile money wallets to recipients across the border, with immediate confirmation and settlement through the two national switches.

By creating a direct pathway between the switches, authorities expect to trim intermediary hops and foreign‑denominated routes, which should lower transaction costs, reduce delays, and improve transparency on fees and delivery times.

South Sudan is staging a comeback, with its oil sector fuelling recovery. Guinea is booming, powered by rich deposits of bauxite and iron ore and a surge in energy projects.

In Ethiopia, growth remains strong, driven by construction, agriculture, and energy expansion.

Rwanda continues to attract attention through its vibrant tech start-up ecosystem and thriving tourism industry, while Uganda is positioning itself for an economic boost from new oil production and robust coffee exports.

The IMF attributes these successes to smart policy reforms and improved debt management, which are enabling these economies to stay steady even as global demand weakens.

So far, Rwanda, Ghana, Uganda, and Eswatini have signed separate agreements with Washington. Each country has accepted small groups of people , most of whom have no personal ties to these nations.

In the latest case, ten people were flown to Eswatini, including individuals from Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen. Rights groups in Eswatini, however, went to court to stop the transfer, arguing it was illegal and violated international law.

The deportees still arrived a day before the hearing resumed in Mbabane. U.S. officials defended the move, saying the policy is meant to handle “uncooperative” countries.

But human rights advocates, including those at Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, call it unethical.

They say it strips people of due process and leaves them stranded in countries where they have no connections or support systems. Governments that agree to the policy often say they are cooperating for diplomatic reasons or humanitarian grounds.

Critics, however, believe some are doing so to maintain good relations with Washington or gain other forms of support.

As Reuters reports, the Eswatini government is now facing a legal challenge over its agreement with the U.S., while there are similar disputes in Ghana over alleged unlawful detentions of deportees.

The growth comes despite challenges in implementing a peace accord aimed at removing Rwandan troops and rebel groups from the country's east.

In the interview he:

Resilience Amid Conflict

Samba highlighted that the Congolese economy has remained “resilient amidst a very difficult context internationally as well as nationally,” citing projected GDP growth of 6.3% this year. Inflation is trending downwards, and the DRC is progressing steadily through its macroeconomic program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “We have kept our promises and our commitments in terms of reforms and in terms of the way the budget has been executed,” he said, expressing confidence in a successful second review of the program scheduled for October.

Despite an ongoing war he attributes to Rwandan-backed armed groups, Samba underscored the government’s focus on economic management rather than solely on security spending. “Security is important,” he said, “but the economy is resilient. Growth is there.”

IMF Partnership and Financial Stability

The DRC receives both technical and financial assistance from the IMF, which provides balance-of-payment support. Samba noted that the country currently holds close to three months of official reserves in foreign currencies , an important buffer against external shocks. “It’s a dialogue,” he emphasised, rejecting the idea that IMF reforms are imposed on Kinshasa. “We discuss, we exchange, and we do agree on what has to be done. So far, it’s going well.”

The country recently completed an IMF programme for the first time.

Separately, it has secured commitments from the World Bank and is working with the African Development Bank to fund the world's biggest hydro-electric project, the Grand Inga Dam. Mukoko Samba insisted that the project will go ahead despite large finance gaps remaining and little apparent appetite from private-sector companies to engage.

Regional Economic Integration

The minister acknowledged that political tensions have slowed progress on economic cooperation with Rwanda but reaffirmed President Félix Tshisekedi’s longstanding commitment to regional integration. He identified the potential for joint exploitation of gas reserves in Lake Kivu as one area where the US-brokered talks could bear fruit. However, his words were accompanied by a warning:

"What we don't want is this illegal exploitation of natural resources from DRC, the use of armed groups to instil instability, to disrupt the rule of law and to disrupt the right of the DRC government to rule its own territory and to manage its own resources. So we can go into deals with any neighbour, but that has to be cooperation, collaboration, dialogue, and not imposition."

Trade with the US and AGOA

Asked about the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is up for renewal in Washington amid a U.S. government shutdown, Samba was optimistic: “I don’t think there is anything to fear about that. We are still willing to discuss with the US government so that we can renew AGOA for the benefit of both.” 

Cobalt and Resource Policy

Samba reaffirmed his government’s ambition to move up the value chain in mining, particularly in cobalt, of which the DRC supplies about 70% of the global market. After months of prohibiting exports of the metal, a new quota system will come into force this month. "The measures that we took in February this year show that there is a way to manage the cobalt market differently," he observed.

The minister argued that local processing is critical to controlling prices and preventing market manipulation by foreign stockpiling. “When you supply 70% of the world market,” he said, “tell me then why you shouldn’t be… at least having a say in where the prices get fixed.”

But prices aren't the only issue; it's important for the DRC to increase its refining capacity so that more profits from the minerals remain in the country. As well as trying to push foreign miners to do more, the government is supporting local initiatives, Mukoko Samba said.

He pointed to the Buenassa project in Katanga, which is establishing a Congolese-led refinery for cobalt and copper with government equity participation.

Interview filmed by Said Echarif at the Crans Montana Forum in Rabat on Oct 3, 2025

Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa on September 17, DRC’s Minister of Justice, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko, stated:  “In the situation we find ourselves in, they want to commit seemingly legal and legitimate acts to cover up their crimes. So it's important to remember that all these actions are null and void. The appropriate authorities will be able to impose sanctions on these magistrates who will begin their work. You know, even to be appointed magistrates, there are criteria; you cannot appoint a magistrate who is over 62 years old.”

 “The principle is to refer all cases of misconduct to mediation. As long as we have all chosen to give it a chance, the more the day goes by, the more they reveal their true intentions,” Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media, said.

“That's why it's important that all Congolese understand us and say no, because no one can ally themselves with those whose only goal is to kill and intimidate." 

The remarks follow failed efforts to establish peace in the eastern region. In July, the DRC and M23 signed a Declaration of Principles, brokered by Qatar, agreeing to a permanent ceasefire with plans for implementation by August 18. However, the ceasefire did not take effect, as M23 withdrew from the talks, citing alleged violations by the DRC and the failure to release M23 prisoners.

These developments occurred after a separate agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, mediated by the United States and Qatar, was signed in Washington on June 27.

The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, particularly in North and South Kivu. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

But the report also highlights the rising stars of innovation in lower-middle-income and low-income economies — many of which are considered to be performing better than their levels of development.

Lower middle-income

1. India 

India, the world’s most populous nation, once again topped the lower middle-income group, ranking 38th overall. It was named an innovation overperformer for the 15th consecutive year, meaning it outpaced expectations for its level of development. India’s strongest asset remains its booming ICT services exports, supported by a 7.6% jump in scientific publications.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam came in 44th globally and second among lower-middle-income economies, also earning overperformer status for the 15th straight year. It ranked particularly high in creative outputs, knowledge and technology outputs, and market sophistication, with creative goods exports and high-tech trade standing out as its main strengths.

3. Philippines

The Philippines entered the top 50 overall this year, clinching the third spot in its income group. The country excelled in knowledge and technology outputs and in business sophistication. High-tech exports and imports were cited as its strongest contributions to the global innovation ecosystem.

Low income

1. Rwanda

Rwanda topped the list of low-income economies, ranking 104th worldwide and 10th in Sub-Saharan Africa. WIPO described Rwanda as an overperformer, pointing to its strong institutions and human capital investment as its key areas, and a stable business environment as its main strength.

2. Togo

At 117th overall, Togo was credited with strong market sophistication, with its main strength lying particularly in microfinance. It performed broadly in line with expectations for its level of development.

3. Uganda

Uganda, ranked 124th, rounded out the top three in the low-income group despite slipping three spots from last year. Its main strengths remain its institutional framework and business sophistication, as well as its youthful population.

The roster of namers included international icons and local celebrities . Among them were:

Michelle Yeoh Todt, award-winning actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador; Mathieu Flamini, former Arsenal footballer and climate entrepreneur; Khaby Lame, social media personality with global reach; Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein, philanthropist and artist; Yemi Alade, Nigerian Afropop singer-songwriter; Claver Ntoyinkima, senior ranger from Nyungwe National Park; Brenda Umutoni, ranger at Volcanoes National Park

Their chosen names included Izere (Hope), Rwandanziza (Beautiful Rwanda), Cyubahiro (Respect), Terimbere (Progress), and Cyerekezo (Vision).

Why celebrities?

According to Rwandan officials, inviting global figures to name gorillas is more than a publicity gesture. It sends the conservation message, drawing worldwide attention to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, whose survival was once in jeopardy.

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who officiated the event, called the tradition “an act of love and a public commitment to conservation.” By connecting gorillas with famous names, Rwanda leverages global influence to inspire broader awareness and funding for wildlife protection.

The ceremony is modelled on a centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming children in the presence of family and community. Rangers and researchers first used the practice informally to track gorilla families before it was formalised into a public event in 2005.

On September 8, Rwandan President Paul Kagame received letters of credence from four newly accredited ambassadors: Irene Vida Gala of Brazil, Casper Stenger Jensen of Denmark, Aurélie Royet-Gounin of France, and Hanan AbdelAziz Elsaid Shahin of Egypt. The diplomats pledged to strengthen partnerships with Rwanda in areas such as trade, investment, and education. Ambassador Vida Gala highlighted Brazil’s interest in agricultural cooperation, social policies, and student exchanges, stressing shared challenges in poverty reduction and access to quality services.

Eastern Africa peace support training

A training course for battlegroup commanders in peace support operations opened on September 8 at the Rwanda Peace Academy in Musanze District. Seventeen senior officers from six Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) member states are participating in the two-week programme, organised by the EASF Secretariat, Rwanda Peace Academy, and African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga of the Rwanda Defence Force underscored the importance of the initiative in building regional capacity for sustainable peacekeeping.

Rwanda launches Africa’s first public flight of self-flying air taxi

Rwanda, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), successfully launched Africa’s first public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi on September 3. The Ministry of Infrastructure said the project is part of Rwanda’s strategy to position itself as a hub for advanced air mobility. Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore noted that the technology will help reduce traffic congestion, connect communities, and support sustainable transport solutions.

Aviation Africa Summit showcases Chinese technologies

The ninth Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition took place in Kigali from September 4 to 5, drawing 1,700 industry professionals and more than 100 companies. Under the theme “Collaborating to unlock Africa’s growth – How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?”, the event highlighted challenges and opportunities in the sector. The EH216-S pilotless aerial vehicle from China’s EHang was the centrepiece of the exhibition, making its maiden flight in Africa in the presence of President Kagame and Chinese representatives.

Kagame calls for affordable air travel across Africa

In his opening address at the aviation summit, President Kagame reiterated his call to lower the high cost of air travel across the continent. He said affordable aviation is essential for inclusive development, tourism, and economic growth, stressing that flying should not remain a luxury for the wealthy. Kagame urged African governments and industry leaders to invest in building a more dynamic and accessible aviation sector that connects people and fuels growth.

Researchers at Human Rights Watch (HRW) analysed photos and dozens of testimonies to piece together how farmers, some with their hands tied, were beheaded or had their throats cut with machetes or were simply shot.

The attacks appear to have begun on July 10 or 11 after farmers who had been ordered off their fields were told by M23 leaders that they could return on payment of a $10 tax. Militiamen blocked the roads for several days to prevent people leaving and even reportedly killed relatives who came to retrieve bodies.

“I left to hide some tools but when I returned to get my family, I saw the M23 had reached them,” said a farmer who was living in a field near Kiseguru. “I could see them [his family members] from a distance … they were all shot dead.” He told HRW his wife and their three children —aged 9 months to 10 years old—were killed in front of him.

The bodies of men were apparently left in the fields to support claims that they had been killed in an operation against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, another armed group linked to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in neighbouring Rwanda.

However, witnesses said women and children were led away.

One woman recounted:

“Around 10 a.m., we were forced to walk toward the place where our lives were going to end. We walked in silence. If a child started crying, they threatened to kill them. They killed with knives.” She said they were a group of about 70 people, including women and girls: “We walked all day until we reached the confluence of the Kitchuru and Rive Rivers in the evening…. They told us to sit on the edge of the riverbank, and then they started shooting at us.”

She said she escaped by falling into the river. Almost 50 people were killed, she said.

The killings continued for several weeks.

HRW reported that witnesses identified the fighters as members of the M23 group, and also saw soldiers in Rwandan military uniforms. However, Rwanda has denied any involvement, blaming the killings on another group hostile to M23.

The massacres happened after the signing of a peace treaty between Rwanda and the Congolese government, mediated by Donald Trump , which was supposed to end the violence.

In 2025 alone, over 15 African countries are actively involved in space programmes, with Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya leading the charge. According to the African Space Industry Annual Report, the continent’s space economy was valued at $19.49 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $23 billion by 2026.

Country-by-Country Dispatches

The NewSpace Africa Conference 2025, held in Egypt, also officially launched AfSA and unveiled the EU-Africa Space Programme, a €100 million collaboration supported by NASA, ESA, Airbus, and more.

While China leads the charge in infrastructure development, it has 23 bilateral space partnerships across Africa, spreading from satellite assembly labs to monitoring telescopes with strategic advantages like data access and long-term presence. Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal are also engaged in a proposed moon base program.

While resource constraints and external dependencies remain, the launch of AfSA, growth in local expertise, and growing international partnerships give hope that space might now be an instrument for inclusive development.

A high-profile deal with the United Kingdom, which promised deportees clean accommodations, daily meals, recreational facilities, and satellite television, ultimately collapsed after UK courts deemed Rwanda unsafe for asylum seekers. 

This was despite London committing nearly $500 million, along with individual resettlement payments.

The US is expected to provide significantly less. 

Under a previous agreement, the Trump administration allocated just $6 million to support 300 deportees sent to El Salvador, prompting concerns about the level of care and resources available in Kigali.

While Rwanda remains associated in the global sphere with the 1994 genocide, the country has since rebuilt its image. It is now considered one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most stable economies.

President Paul Kagame, in power since 2000, is widely credited with restoring order and spearheading Rwanda’s development. However, his administration has drawn criticism for eroding democratic freedoms, restricting press and political opposition, and allegedly supporting rebel activity in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As the deportation deal proceeds, questions remain about how deportees will be treated — whether they are seen as security threats or simply undocumented individuals.

In Kinshasa, Romeo Limaka, a university professor, stressed that ordinary citizens primarily want the fighting to stop. “The people were going to be involved to learn the timelines and outcomes of this agreement with a view to peace, which is much more sought after because that is what is most important to the people: peace, the end of the war,” he said.

However, others fear the exclusion of key stakeholders could sow future unrest. Ngena Ewaenwa, president of EPPAF, voiced concern about armed groups and patriotic factions being left out of negotiations. “But what makes us regret is seeing how the Patriots, the Wazalendo group, the MF23, who fight day and night, were not involved in this agreement. The same goes for us, who are Patriots and carry patriotism in Africa,” he warned. “This is what worries us. So perhaps tomorrow, there could also be bad reactions to unforeseen issues.”

Opposition figures also called for greater transparency and participation. Pacifique Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition, said the accord requires substantial revisions. “If there are agreements with the United States , economic agreements, we agree. But now, on this deal, there are many things to improve. There are many things to change. But not everything is bad, just as not everything is good,” he said. Epenge urged religious leaders to convene an inclusive national dialogue. “We want CENCO and ECC to quickly bring us together, including the revivalist churches, so that we can have a national and inclusive dialogue quickly,” he added

From the government’s side, officials emphasised the economic potential of the accord, particularly in the mining sector. Phillipe Undji, secretary of the ruling Sacred Union, said the agreement could finally bring development dividends to Congolese citizens if resources are properly managed. “We must now establish an economic framework that works on traceability: knowing where the minerals come from, where they are sold, at what price, with what interest, and what the DRC gains as the state that owns the minerals,” he explained.

The peace deal , signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, outlines key steps including military disengagement, the lifting of Rwandan defensive measures, and the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group that Rwanda sees as a threat.

The agreement also affirms respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC and allows either party to withdraw from the deal with 60 days' notice.

Despite this, many in Kinshasa and Kivu remain uncertain about the agreement’s effectiveness due to a history of failed peace efforts.

Romeo Limaka, a university professor in Kinshasa, emphasised the public’s desire for transparency and long-term peace. “The people were going to be involved to learn the timelines and outcomes of this agreement with a view to peace, which is much more sought after because that is what is most important to the people: peace, the end of the war,” he told CGTN.

Others have raised concerns about the exclusion of key local groups from the agreement. Ngenga Ewaenwa, President of the School of Patriot and His Patriotism in Africa (EPPAF) noted the absence of domestic armed groups and patriotic forces from the discussions. “But what makes us regret is seeing how the Patriots, the Wazalendo group, the M23, who fight day and night, were not involved in this agreement. The same goes for us, who are Patriots and carry patriotism in Africa. This is what worries us. So perhaps tomorrow, there could also be bad reactions to unforeseen issues.”

Supporters of President Felix Tshisekedi have welcomed the agreement. Phillipe Undji, secretary of the ruling Sacred Union, highlighted potential economic benefits. “We must now establish an economic framework that works on traceability… if there can be small commission agents in the sales chains and all that, in the profit, that the DRC earns a large part of its resources, well, we say that it is a victory.”

Just recently, a confidential UN report said Rwanda controls M23 rebels advancing in eastern Congo, gaining power and mineral access. Experts added that Rwanda trained M23 fighters and supplied them with advanced military tech to outmatch Congo’s army.

Recent reports indicate that over 7 million individuals have been forcibly displaced due to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Nearly 780,000 people were compelled to abandon their homes between November 2024 and January 2025.

Since January 1, over 100,000 refugees have entered neighbouring countries. Of these, 69,000 have sought refuge in Burundi, 29,000 in Uganda, and approximately 1,000 in Rwanda and Tanzania, the UN Refugee Agency reports.

Rwanda is launching four initiatives to eradicate blood expiry by 2027, as reported by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). These initiatives include using electric motorcycles for urban blood transport, establishing the Intwari Club 25 to mobilise youth donors, digitising blood services to streamline operations, and proactively matching blood collection with anticipated demand. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of the blood donation system while concurrently promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce transfusion needs.

Peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have reached a provisional peace agreement , aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, as reported by various news sources. This agreement, mediated by the United States and Qatar, includes disarming M23 fighters and other armed groups, while also permitting Western countries to exploit the mineral-rich region for significant investments, amidst accusations of Rwandan support for M23. 

Arrest of opposition leader Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda

Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire was arrested by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for allegedly mobilising a group to incite public unrest, as indicated by the RIB's statement. Her arrest follows her appearance in a separate trial related to a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Ingabire, who previously served a prison sentence for forming an armed group, is now under investigation as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures.

Strengthening military ties: Morocco and Rwanda's defence collaboration

Morocco and Rwanda have formalised their military cooperation with a new agreement focusing on training, technical assistance, and shared expertise, as affirmed by Moroccan Minister Abdeltif Loudyi during the Rwandan Defence Minister's visit. This collaboration is viewed as a strategic response to recent tensions with Algeria, reinforcing both nations' commitment to stability and security in the region.

Translocation of Southern White Rhinos to Rwanda's Akagera National Park

Seventy southern white rhinos have been successfully relocated from a controversial breeding facility in South Africa to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, as reported by CNN. This significant operation , part of African Parks' Rhino Rewild initiative, entailed thorough planning and execution, aiming to establish a genetically viable population and combat poaching challenges amidst dwindling rhino numbers in Africa.

The agreement was concluded during the official visit of Rwandan Defence Minister, Juvenal Marizamunda, who met with Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi. The Rwandan ambassador to Morocco also attended the signing, underscoring its strategic and diplomatic weight.

Key areas of cooperation are: military training and joint exercises, logistics and technical support, military health services, and personnel exchanges and expertise sharing

A joint military commission will be established to oversee the implementation of these activities, with meetings alternating between Rabat and Kigali.

Both countries described the move as part of a shared vision to address Africa’s evolving security challenges through South–South cooperation . They emphasised the need for collective efforts in regional peacebuilding, amid growing instability in the Sahel and parts of Central Africa.

This initiative reflects a broader shift toward continental self-reliance in defence matters, as African states like Morocco and Rwanda take on more proactive roles in shaping the continent’s security architecture.

Intra-African military agreements have become a growing trend, with African countries increasingly signing military cooperation agreements with each other, with the aim of boosting regional capacity, reducing reliance on foreign powers, and addressing shared threats like terrorism and insurgency.

Key examples include;

These partnerships support the African Union’s goal of regional security ownership and reflect a broader push for continental integration and self-reliance.

For years, farmers in Rwanda have depended on using artificial insemination as a method of producing cows in large quantities for breeding purposes.

This process has however not been without problems. One of the key problems was that the semen used for insemination had to travel long distances over rough roads, which reduced its quality.

Transporting it in large, heavy containers filled with liquid nitrogen also made the process slow and difficult.

This often caused disagreements between farmers and vets when cows failed to conceive.

To solve this, the drone delivery company Zipline Rwanda began testing how drones could carry semen directly to vets and farmers.

Their trials, which have lasted six months, show that using drones keeps the semen in better condition and increases the success rate of insemination to over 90 percent which is a big improvement from the national average of 40 percent as of 2024.

So far, around 400 cows have been inseminated during the pilot programme in two districts in Eastern Rwanda.

Farmers who used to wait several hours for deliveries are now getting semen in under an hour and one drone can carry enough semen to inseminate 40 cows and fly up to 210 kilometres in a round trip.

Meanwhile, Zipline has indicated plans to expand the service to more parts of the country after the current testing phase ends.

What they said

“It is not acceptable that individual member states of ECCAS, including the DRC, be permitted to manipulate the regional organisation against a fellow member state,” Rwanda’s cabinet stated , condemning DRC’s actions during its 2023–2024 ECCAS chairmanship. The DRC, however, accused Rwanda of fueling the eastern conflict by supporting M23 rebels, a claim backed by UN reports and Western governments but denied by Kigali.

Rwanda announced on Saturday, June 7, that it is withdrawing from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), accusing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of manipulating the bloc with support from some member states. The decision was made at the 26th ECCAS summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, attended by Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente. Rwanda criticised the summit for denying it the rotating chairmanship and excluding it from the 2023 summit in Kinshasa under the DRC's leadership. "Rwanda denounces the violation of its rights," the foreign ministry stated, adding that ECCAS is not living up to its principles.

Health ministry warns of COVID-19

The Ministry of Health has warned of rising COVID-19 infections as Rwanda shifts from the rainy to the dry season. Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, in a post on X on June 9, urged the public to maintain good hygiene and watch for flu, COVID-19, and malaria. He also cautioned about increased malaria risk, advising the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. Covid-19 cases are rising globally, according to the WHO, driven by the NB.1.8.1 variant, which currently poses no higher risk than existing strains. The WHO urged countries to remain vigilant and continue risk-based COVID-19 management.

Rwanda eyes carbon credits to attract green investment

As Rwanda aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 , it is exploring using carbon credits as collateral to boost green investments. Jean Claude Uwizeye of the Energy Private Developers Association says the idea is promising but requires banking reforms to allow projected credits to serve as security for loans. Companies like DelAgua Rwanda already generate tradable carbon credits, which could help manufacturers raise funds independently of banks, according to Country Director Monica Keza.

Rwanda is among African nations leading a record-breaking tourism boom

In 2024, Rwanda joined South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, and others to drive record-breaking tourism growth in Africa. Strategic investment and sustainability efforts boosted Rwanda’s tourism revenues to CHF 1.9 trillion and nearly 386,000 jobs. The sector is expected to reach CHF 2.1 trillion and over 402,000 jobs by 2025, thanks to Rwanda’s focus on conservation-based, high-value tourism experiences.

Delegates call for farmer-centred solutions at Rwanda agriculture tech forum

At ACAT in Kigali, delegates called for urgent investment in farmer-centred agricultural technologies to empower smallholder farmers. Minister Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe emphasised equipping farmers with knowledge and tools to tackle modern agriculture challenges. AATF’s Canisius Kanangire noted the forum builds on innovation to address climate change, pests, and diseases. ACAT runs through Thursday, bringing together over 800 participants to discuss science, technology, and innovation for agriculture.

On Monday, May 12, M23’s military spokesperson, Willy Ngoma, presented 181 men to the media at Goma’s main sports stadium, identifying them as “Rwandan subjects” allegedly in the country illegally.

Although the men carried Congolese identification documents, the rebel group claimed the papers were fake and proceeded to burn them publicly on the stadium grounds, according to an AFP journalist on site.

Several hundred women and children —relatives of the detained men—were also brought to the stadium aboard trucks arranged by M23.

One detainee, who identified himself only as Eric, told AFP he was from Karenga in North Kivu, a region known to be a stronghold of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), a rebel group formed by former Rwandan Hutu leaders responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

By early Saturday, 360 individuals had been loaded onto buses from Goma, said Eujin Byun, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The agency emphasised that any repatriation of refugees must be “safe, voluntary, and carried out with dignity,” in accordance with international law.

Back at home, however, the mayor of the Rubavu district in Rwanda, Prosper Mulindwa, expressed his excitement about receiving the returnees and helping them to integrate into the Rwandan way of living.

"We are happy to welcome so many Rwandans. Today we are receiving 360 people , but we have information that in Goma, at the UNHCR centre, more than 2,000 Rwandans are preparing to return home. So we are happy because we will have additional help to accelerate the development of our country," he told AFP.

Makolo revealed that the move is partly a response to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) decision to ban all Rwandan aircraft from its airspace, a restriction that has disrupted operations and forced the suspension of routes including Brazzaville, Abuja, and Cotonou.

“Unfortunately, we had to suspend some routes because the flight time became a bit long,” said Makolo. “Until the issue is resolved, we want to focus more on the eastern and southern routes.”

As part of the revised strategy, RwandAir plans to launch direct flights to Mombasa and Zanzibar.

Makolo acknowledged that intra-African travel remains expensive, citing high fuel prices, airport charges, taxes, and overflight fees as contributing factors. “We are talking to airports and governments for some of the things that are out of our control,” she said. On its part, the airline is working to reduce costs by streamlining its fleet and improving fuel efficiency.

She, however, stressed the role of technology in improving passenger services but noted that investments are needed to make significant progress. While parts of the booking and check-in process have been automated, she said more enhancements are planned, including upgrades to the airline’s call centre.

RwandAir also plans to double its fleet size over the next five years from the current 14 aircraft as part of its strategy to sustain revenue growth.

The airline currently operates 107 destinations, including those served through codeshare agreements.

Formally approved by the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment , the second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance will run from 2025 to 2029.

The plan was first introduced in December 2024 during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.

Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, happens when bacteria and other germs become stronger than the drugs meant to kill them.

According to health experts, this could make common infections, surgeries, and even childbirth more dangerous if action isn’t taken.

“This marks another important step in our journey to safeguard the effectiveness of life-saving medicines for future generations,” Dr Claude Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, told The New Times .

The new strategy builds on Rwanda’s first AMR plan, which ran from 2020 to 2024 but takes a broader approach by focusing not just on human health, but also on animals and the environment.

The plan was developed by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre with help from local groups and international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and several health NGOS.

It focuses on raising awareness about AMR, improving hygiene to stop infections, and using antibiotics more carefully in hospitals, farms, and communities.

The plan also pushes for new tools like better tests, vaccines , and treatments.

Rwanda is the first country in Africa to use a tool called the Smart Choice Process to help decide which actions to take. The full plan is expected to cost around $29.6 million.

Officials believe the plan will help protect the country’s health system, reduce the cost of treating drug-resistant infections, and support international goals to make medicine safer and more effective worldwide.

Emmanuel Tuyizere, the founder of Greenalytic Ltd., said his team created special electronic devices that are placed inside vehicles.

These devices measure the amount of pollution and send the information to an online dashboard where drivers can see it.

"We have developed electronic devices that work alongside software platforms to control vehicle emissions. These devices are installed in vehicles to continuously monitor emissions and send the data to online dashboards," Tuyizere was quoted by The New Times .

The move supports the government ’s plan to start stricter emissions testing in May 2025.

Under the new plan, emissions testing will be separated from regular mechanical checks, but both services will still happen at the same testing centres, known as Contrôle Technique.

For the first time, motorbikes will also be tested for pollution and road safety.

The government says this change shows how serious Rwanda is about protecting public health and making the environment cleaner.

Officials are asking vehicle and motorbike owners to service their machines regularly to meet the new pollution rules.

Ethiopian military chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula is visiting Rwanda for four days starting April 13 to enhance military cooperation between the two nations. During his visit, he discussed collaboration with Rwanda Defence Force Chief Gen. Mubarakh Muganga and met with Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda. The visit aims to deepen bilateral ties and explore new defense collaboration areas, following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation during Gen. Muganga's visit to Ethiopia in mid-March. Birhanu is also scheduled to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to honour the victims of the 1994 genocide.

Genocide

Rwanda is accelerating the consolidation of Genocide memorial sites in line with a 2019 Presidential Order aimed at enhancing preservation, visitor experience, and resource allocation. The initiative focuses on merging sites that are vulnerable to natural hazards, have fewer than 1,000 bodies, or are poorly maintained. For instance, the Southern Province is reducing its memorial sites from 69 to 53. Nationwide, the goal is to decrease the number of district-managed memorials from 214 to 152. Consultations with families of victims are a prerequisite for relocation. The government emphasises the need to maintain historical symbols in areas of consolidation. Additionally, ongoing efforts include digitizing memorial sites to provide virtual tours.

Surge in tourism

Rwanda's tourism generated $647 million in 2024, a 4.3% increase from 2023, driven largely by gorilla tourism, which brought in $200 million. The total number of visitors exceeded 1.3 million, with significant growth in gorilla and educational tourism. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) plans to exceed $700 million in tourism revenue in 2025, aiming to enhance Rwanda's global profile through major events, including the Kwita Izina celebration and the UCI Road World Championships. National parks saw a 10.7% increase in visitors, contributing to an $38.8 million revenue rise.

Exports to UAE

Rwanda's exports to the UAE soared by 63.9%, rising from over $951 million in 2023 to more than $1.55 billion in 2024, making the UAE Rwanda's largest export market, accounting for 63.9% of total exports. Overall, Rwanda's goods exports rose nearly 30% to over $3.2 billion . The DR Congo followed the UAE with $229.5 million in exports, while exports to Luxembourg surged by 243.8% to $55.4 million. Key factors for this growth included increased cargo capacity from RwandAir, enhanced business support by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and ongoing development of special economic zones. Rwanda's total export receipts reached $4.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a 22% increase from the previous year.

1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

Joseph Sagahutu, a Catholic priest suspected of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, is reportedly living freely in Belgium while allegedly promoting hate ideology. Rwandan Minister Jean Damascène Bizimana highlighted Sagahutu's role in the genocide during a commemoration event for Tutsi victims at Kibeho Catholic Parish, where many were killed. Sagahutu, along with local mayor Juvenal Muhitira, is accused of supervising the massacres at Muganza Parish. The minister condemned clergy members who facilitated the killings, stating that they continue to serve while bearing "innocent blood." Bizimana also named other priests involved in the genocide, emphasising the betrayal of their religious values by participating in such violence.

The plant is run by TKMD Rwanda, a branch of a Chinese company called Anhui Tiankang Medical Technology .

It was built with support from the Gates Foundation and has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). This makes it the first of its kind in Rwanda.

Most of the syringes will be sent to UNICEF for use in vaccination programs across the continent. Until now, many African countries have relied on syringe imports from Asia , which can take months to arrive.

The Ministry of Health said the new plant will also help Rwanda by creating jobs. More than 100 people are already working there, and 80% of them are women.

Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s health minister, said during the launch that the factory brings Rwanda one step closer to being self-reliant in healthcare.

“This is not just about syringes — it’s about saving lives and building local strength,” he added.

Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for M23, confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the need for an immediate withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) troops from Goma.

“We had a meeting with the SADC concerning the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from Goma. We also discussed the reopening of Goma airport, which, as you are well aware, is badly damaged by bombs and mines left behind by the Kinshasa regime,” Kanyuka told the AFP.

Kanyuka further stated that SADC has committed to assisting with repairs at Goma airport to facilitate the withdrawal of its troops as soon as possible.

“The SADC has decided to help us repair Goma airport so that it can open as quickly as possible and allow for the withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops,” he added.

The DRC government has long accused neighboring Rwanda of backing M23 to gain control over the region’s rich mineral resources and fertile lands. While Rwanda denies providing direct military support to M23, a United Nations experts’ report has indicated that Rwanda maintains an estimated 4,000 troops in eastern DRC assisting the armed group.

SAMIDRC, comprising troops from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa, was deployed in December 2023 to support the DRC government in its efforts to restore peace and security.

Rwanda assertively aims to protect its national interests and the dignity of its citizens while promoting sovereignty and mutual respect.

In light of these developments, Belgium condemned Rwanda's actions as "disproportionate" and expressed regret over the termination of diplomatic ties. Maxime Prevot, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister, said that Rwanda's preference for disengagement rather than dialogue was apparent.

Belgium announced reciprocal actions, including declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and ending governmental cooperation agreements.

Amidst these developments, two regional groups, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community convened in Harare to discuss peace measures for the eastern DRC.

Eventually pushed back to Goma, Congolese forces found themselves trapped—surrounded by the enemy on one side and Lake Kivu on the other, the AFP reports.

John Baraka, a 33-year-old unemployed resident, expressed his hopes for a better future: "You know, we have no choice. The people of Bukavu expect, above all, to see improvements in our lives - jobs and economic growth. We want young people to have opportunities and for everyone's living conditions to improve."

Similarly, Jean-Claude Mazombo, a father of six, emphasised the need for change: "We expect the new leaders to bring real transformation, unlike what we experienced in the past. We struggled with unemployment, but we hope the current authorities will listen to us and provide opportunities."

Another resident, Fiston, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We hope to see changes in all sectors. Young graduates need jobs. We want our education to count so that we can support our families."

UN Security Council Calls on Rwanda to Halt Support for M23

Meanwhile, as rebels continue their advance in eastern DR Congo, the United Nations Security Council has, for the first time, called on Rwanda to cease its backing of the M23 group and to put an end to the violence. UN experts estimate that the group has received support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, the AFP reports.

The rapid territorial expansion of M23 has forced thousands of people to flee their homes. The rebel group now controls significant portions of eastern DR Congo, a region known for its wealth of natural resources. Fighters seized the South Kivu provincial capital, Bukavu, on Sunday, just weeks after taking control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu and the largest city in the country's eastern region.

The Congolese government has implemented new measures to combat mining smuggling in the eastern region. Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, announced on February 18 that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the European Union to ensure the traceability of minerals, Radio Kapi reports. The DRC aims to curb illicit mineral trade by leveraging economic and diplomatic strategies, including ICGLR measures to track mineral origins and prevent the sale of minerals from conflict zones.

U.S. sanctions M23 spokesperson

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Lawrence Kanyuka, a key M23 figure, along with his two companies - Kingston Holding (France) and Kingston Fresh (UK) - on February 20. The sanctions follow M23’s violent occupation of Goma and Bukavu, resulting in civilian casualties. Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith said , “OFAC is also sanctioning Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston (Kanyuka), a prominent member and spokesperson for M23 and the Congo River Alliance, and two of Kanyuka’s companies registered in the United Kingdom and France. In late January, M23 and the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) captured Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu in the DRC, in a battle that killed thousands of civilians. M23 and the RDF continued their advance, capturing Kavumu Airport, a key transportation hub in eastern DRC, and occupying the city of Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu." The Congolese government welcomed the sanctions and urged other institutions to take similar action.

DRC condemns African Security Council members

At a UN Security Council session on February 19, the DRC criticised Algeria, Somalia, and Sierra Leone for refusing to condemn Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner accused the three nations of aligning with the African Union’s reluctance to denounce Rwanda, despite UN evidence of its involvement. "Mr President, three meetings in less than a month? Today, you all condemned Rwanda in your speeches. I apologize to all of you, except the A3, namely Algeria, Somalia and Sierra Leone," Wagner is quoted by Deskeco .

U.S. calls for urgent UN action on M23

The U.S. renewed calls for the UN Security Council to take immediate action against the M23 rebellion, accusing Rwanda of fueling the conflict. During a session on February 19, U.S. Deputy Representative Dorothy Camille Shea denounced M23’s repeated ceasefire violations and territorial expansion. The U.S. strongly condemned the capture of Kavumu Airport and Bukavu, calling for Kigali’s return to negotiations to prevent further violence. “How many times do we have to meet to discuss this predictable cycle of violence? For two months, we have consistently watched the M23 and Rwanda ignore the ceasefire, seize territory under false pretenses, and deny that they have no intention of going further, only to repeat this cycle, we have watched the M23 sow chaos, violence against civilians in the streets of Masisi, Goma, and now Bukavu. All under the guise of liberation and the restoration of order. The United States strongly condemns the capture of Kavumu airport and the city of Bukavu by the M23 and Rwandan forces,” Actualite CD quoted Shea.

World Bank pledges budgetary support

Facing economic strain from ongoing conflict, the DRC has received assurances of flexible financial support from the World Bank. Minister of State for Budget Aimé Boji met with World Bank Country Director Albert G. Zeufack, who expressed solidarity and commitment to aiding the DRC. La Prosperite Online reports that the institution acknowledged the war’s severe economic impact and pledged to assist in rationalising public spending while prioritising security and development efforts.

For weeks, Belgium has called for stronger sanctions against Rwanda, saying it is backing the M23 rebel group, which has taken control of more areas in eastern Congo, including Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Rwanda denies supporting M23.

The suspension affects a development aid agreement between the two countries that was supposed to last until 2029. Rwanda’s foreign ministry said international partnerships should be based on mutual respect and called Belgium’s stance an “unwarranted interference” in regional matters.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot responded to Rwanda’s decision , saying his country “takes note” of the move. He defended Belgium’s actions, saying, “Following Rwanda’s violation of the territorial integrity of the DRC, we were in the process of reviewing our cooperation with a view to taking decisive measures in response to this situation.”

Prévot added that Belgium will handle the suspension carefully to protect the benefits of the aid programme for the Rwandan people. He also said Belgium remains committed to finding a peaceful solution through international law.

Belgium is not alone in its stance against Rwanda. The European Parliament recently voted in favor of suspending a rare minerals agreement with Rwanda and stopping European aid to the country.

In a statement, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot, emphasised that Belgium had already been reviewing its commitments with Rwanda before the latter’s unilateral suspension.

"Following the violation of the territorial integrity of the DRC by Rwanda, we were reviewing our cooperation with a view to taking decisive measures in response to this situation," Prévot stated . He added that Brussels intended to conduct a professional suspension process that preserves the benefits of cooperation for the Rwandan people.

Belgium also reaffirmed its diplomatic efforts to rally the international community toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC, grounded in international law.

The Rwandan government announced on Tuesday the suspension of its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium, accusing Brussels of engaging in an "aggressive campaign" in coordination with Kinshasa to block Rwanda’s access to development financing.

In a statement, Rwanda argued that Belgium had taken sides in the conflict by implementing punitive and unilateral measures, which it claims undermine mediation efforts led by the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

"No country in the region should see its development funding compromised for political pressure purposes," Rwanda asserted, warning that such decisions weaken peaceful resolution efforts and risk exacerbating regional instability.

The Rwandan government further insisted that it would not be intimidated, defending its military engagement as necessary to secure its borders and combat the FDLR - a militia formed by remnants of the former Rwandan Armed Forces involved in the 1994 genocide.

The government says the extra money will help pay for national development projects, including the Second National Strategy for Transformation.

Yusuf Murangwa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, explained that the tax increases are needed to support the country’s growth and to raise funds for important projects.

The new taxes will go up gradually each year for the next five years.

The move also aims to reduce the use of alcohol and tobacco, which can lead to serious health problems.

Activists have long called for higher taxes on these products to help fight diseases.

Rwanda already has high taxes on tobacco. For example, there is a 36 percent tax on the retail price of a pack of cigarettes, plus a fixed fee per pack.

In the past, the excise tax on cigarettes went from 60 percent in 2001 to 150 percent in 2009. By 2023, Rwanda had the highest cigarette tax in the region, with taxes making up 50 percent of a pack's price.

The government says these tax increases will not only boost the economy but also improve public health.

Dady Djamba, a member of the Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan group, stated, "We came here to warn the embassy, to tell them that what they are doing is not right. This aggression must end," he told the AFP.

Maya Ford, a student from New York who lived in Congo for two years, emphasised the need for global attention. "Congo deserves better. It deserves a voice. This conflict has been ignored for too long, and we need to make sure Congo’s needs are heard," she said.

The protest comes as M23 fighters and Rwandan troops threaten another key town in eastern DRC, having already seized Goma and advanced into South Kivu province. The ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many, with armed groups taking control of mineral-rich areas.

In response, the United Nations Human Rights Council has announced an investigation into alleged violations and abuses during the violence.

The violence has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among the population, with many forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

Musahada Babunga Bienfait a motor conducter told AFP "At the level of Dar es Salaam, there will be no solution. I am convinced that there won't be given that he hasn’t left. He had to confront directly with, so, Paul Kagame, the Rwandan president, because he is the real enemy of the DRC. The Congolese who are at the level of North Kivu, those who are in South Kivu fighting are just pawns, but the real enemy of our country is really Rwanda."

The Congolese residents in Angola are criticising Western powers for not doing enough to address the root causes of the conflict and for not providing sufficient support to regional efforts to broker peace.

Muamas Pablo André, a member of the Congolese community in Luanda, told AFP, "We don't need help anymore. You never help, you never help, you don't know how to help others. Bloodthirsty people that you are, you have always created wars for centuries and centuries, but now time has changed. Time changes day by day. We don't need the Americans or the Europeans!"

M23 Rebel forces made a significant move into Goma on Monday, January 27, marking a severe escalation of the long-running conflict in the region. This development led to exchanges of fire between Congolese troops and the Rwandan military across the border, signalling a worrying intensification of violence that hasn't been seen in over a decade.

The conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for years, but tensions rose when Rwandan troops, alongside M23 rebels, reportedly entered the city of Goma.

UN officials estimate that around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers were involved in escorting the rebels. Heavy fighting has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and fears are growing that the violence could spread to other cities like Bukavu, which has a population of over a million.

Ramaphosa, in a tweet , directly blamed Rwanda for the deaths of the South African troops, who were part of a regional force deployed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

He called for an immediate end to hostilities, urging foreign forces to withdraw from Congolese territory and demanding that peace talks resume.

Kagame, in a sharp response , accused Ramaphosa of spreading lies about the conflict.

He dismissed South Africa’s role as a peace mediator, claiming that the SADC mission was not a peacekeeping force but a combat unit supporting the Congolese army against its own people. He warned that if South Africa sought confrontation, Rwanda was prepared to respond.

With tensions between South Africa and Rwanda rising, there are concerns that the crisis could become even worse.