According to the Ministry of Defence, the medal ceremony took place at the RWANBATT-2 Headquarters in the UN Malakal Base Camp, Upper Nile State.
UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian, expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of Rwanda for its significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
He commended the discipline and commitment of the Rwandan peacekeepers, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining peace.
Lt Gen Mohan also extended special recognition to the Battalion for their bravery during rescue operations of UN staff who were at risk of being killed by White Army rebels in Nassir County.
Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire, Rwanda’s Senior National Representative in South Sudan and UNMISS Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations highlighted RWANBATT-2 successful execution of security and stability operations.
These efforts included conducting patrols in coordination with local security forces, monitoring human rights conditions, and gathering intelligence to protect civilians.
The contingent also played a crucial role in securing the UN Malakal Protection of Civilians (POC) site and the Bunj Company Operating Base Camp, ensuring the safety of key installations and personnel.
He acknowledged that RWANBATT-2 achievements were made possible through the guidance and collaboration of all peacekeeping stakeholders, from the Force Commander to the Sector North Commander.
RWANBATT-2 Contingent Commander, Lt Col Charles Rutagisha, described the medal ceremony as a significant milestone, marking the completion of nine months of dedicated service under UNMISS.
He emphasized the importance of these medals in boosting the morale and motivation of UN peacekeepers.
He also expressed gratitude to UNMISS leadership, the Government of South Sudan, and allied contingents for their support in accomplishing their responsibilities.
Rusagara had been battling cancer for an extended period. In July 2016, his wife, Christine Rusagara, also succumbed to cancer after receiving treatment in the United Kingdom.
In 2016, Rusagara was convicted of spreading false information and inciting public insurrection against the government, as well as action that sought to discredit the state. He was also found guilty of illegal possession of firearms.
After appealing his original sentence, Rusagara was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Court of Appeals in 2019, reducing the 20-year sentence handed down to him by the Military High Court in 2016.
Throughout his career, Rusagara held several key positions, including serving as Rwanda’s military attaché in the United Kingdom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, President of the Military High Court, and Commander of the Nyakinama Military Academy.
Brig Gen (Rtd) Frank Rusagara died at the age of 70.
The UN has urged all parties to honor the 2018 peace agreement, which ended South Sudan’s devastating five-year civil war that claimed 400,000 lives.
According to AP, Machar’s arrest was confirmed by opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng, who stated that Machar is currently “in confinement by the government” and that his life is at risk.
The arrest follows increased hostilities between the opposition and government forces, particularly in the northern region, where an armed group loyal to Machar clashed with government troops.
Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission in South Sudan, called for restraint from all sides and emphasized the importance of adhering to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which brought Machar and President Salva Kiir together in a unity government.
Tensions between the two leaders have been mounting, particularly after the White Army, an armed group loyal to Machar, overran a military base in Upper Nile state in March and attacked a UN helicopter.
The government’s response included airstrikes and warnings for civilians in the area to evacuate or face consequences. Since mid-March, over a dozen people have died, and the UN has raised alarms over the risk of a return to civil war.
In an update on Machar’s arrest, opposition official Reath Muoch Tang reported that 20 heavily armed vehicles arrived at Machar’s home, where he was detained along with his wife.
His bodyguards were reportedly disarmed, and an arrest warrant was presented, though the charges remain unclear.
The UN has warned that South Sudan’s leaders now face a critical choice: either to risk plunging the country back into widespread conflict or to work toward peace, recovery, and democracy in line with the 2018 agreement.
The attack occurred from Monday night to Tuesday when jihadist terrorists targeted a mixed military post close to the Cameroonian border in Wulgo, Nigeria, which is part of Sector III of the MNJTF.
The terrorists used advanced weaponry and light tactical vehicles, likely due to their connection with powerful criminal groups.
The injured soldiers were evacuated to N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, for treatment. This attack is part of the ongoing violence in the Lake Chad Basin, where groups like Boko Haram have been active for over a decade.
According to reports, this new assistance package includes a variety of military supplies, such as Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA missiles for Mirage fighter jets, Mistral air defense missiles, armored vehicles, munitions, and drones. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s long-term peace and security.
The announcement came ahead of the summit of the “coalition of the willing” scheduled for Thursday, which will focus on short-term military support and explore how European countries can offer long-term security guarantees for Ukraine’s defense.
Macron also addressed the issue of peacekeeping forces, clarifying that such troops would not be stationed on the front lines. Instead, they may be deployed in strategic locations behind the front lines, such as towns or bases, to support Ukraine’s military capacity.
Zelensky, speaking alongside Macron, expressed hopes that the United States would maintain its efforts to enforce a ceasefire.
However, Russia’s condition for lifting sanctions on its banks and exports was met with a firm rejection from Macron.
He stated that lifting sanctions would depend on Russia’s compliance with international law and insisted it was “far too early” to consider easing them.
This tax declaration specifically pertains to business activities conducted between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Following the end of this tax period, taxpayers are granted an additional three months to complete their accounting and submit their income tax returns to the RRA.
With the deadline fast approaching, the RRA reminds taxpayers that timely compliance is essential to avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure smooth processing of their returns.
Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Taxpayer Services and Communication, explains that those concerned with this tax are individuals or businesses that generate income and have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Thus, they must declare whether they engaged in business activities or not or if they made profit or not.
“We have individuals who obtained their TINs in 2024. When you acquire a TIN, you are required to declare, for the first time, between January and March of the following year,” he clarified. “You may have operated for a month, two months, or the entire year. The important thing is that if you have engaged in profit-generating activities, you are required to pay income tax, and that will be determined after declaration.”
“We are saying that any taxpayer with a TIN, whether they have operated or not, should declare their status and whether they made a profit or not, fulfilling their obligation to declare is required by law.”
Apart from taxpayers registered under the real regime, who manage their accountancy and pay the corporate income tax at 28 percent rate, small enterprises composed of those whose turnover is between Frw 12 million and Frw 20 million, must pay a lump sum tax of 3% on annual turnover. Micro-enterprises pay a flat tax based on their annual turnover.
Taxpayers under the lump sum or flat tax regimes can file their returns by dialing *800#, allowing them to declare easily using their mobile phones. Corporate income taxpayers, however, file their declarations through the e-tax system.
{{Assistance for Taxpayers facing difficulties}}
To support those encountering difficulties during the declaration process, a help desk was set up and will remain open to assist taxpayers, who may encounter challenges while filing their 2024 income tax, with just few days left until the March 31, deadline.
Kimihurura support desk assists those in the City of Kigali while those in provinces can access the same services from their respective district tax centres.
“Currently, very few have declared, which is an issue. We expect a rush and high traffic at the last minute, yet the system has been open for three months,” Uwitonze explained.
“That’s why we encourage people to declare early—it doesn’t mean you have to pay right away. Declare early, know your tax amount, and you can pay later on the 28th, 29th, or 30th of the month; but make sure you have declared to avoid becoming one of those in last minute long queues in need of urgent help.”
With the changes made this year, taxpayers can now generate a declaration document (Doc ID) in the system. To do this, go to E-Tax, select “Online Requests,” and find the option to request the declaration document. Choose the type of tax and the period, and then continue.
Taxpayers are urged to act promptly to declare their taxes and avoid the last-minute rush, which may lead to penalties.
{{Penalties for non filing }}
The tax procedure law states that a taxpayer who fails to declare and pay tax within the legal time limit must pay the tax due and is subject to an administrative fine. It provides for both general fixed administrative fines and non-fixed administrative fines for non-filers.
{{For fixed administrative fines, a taxpayer provides different rates:}}
-* Frw 50,000: If the annual turnover is below Frw 20 million:
-* Frw 300,000: For a public institution, a non-profit organization or a taxpayer whose annual turnover exceeds Frw 20 million
-* Frw 500,000: If they fall under the category of large taxpayers.
{{In addition, there are non-fixed administrative fines, and the law provides different rates:}}
-* A penalty of 20% of the due tax applies if the delay does not exceed 30 days.
-* A penalty of 40% applies if the taxpayer pays within 31 to 60 days after the deadline.
-* A penalty of 60% applies if the delay exceeds 60 days.
{{Late payment interests}}
If a taxpayer declares the tax due within the legal time limit but fails to pay it on time, the following fines apply:
-* 5% of the due tax if the delay does not exceed 30 days.
-* 10% of the due tax if the payment is made between 31 and 60 days after the deadline.
-* 30% of the due tax if the delay exceeds 60 days.
{{A taxpayer who fails to pay tax within the period set by law is also subject to late payment interest on the principal tax amount:}}
-* 0.5% if the delay does not exceed 6 months.
-* 1% if the delay is between 6 and 12 months.
-* 1.5% if the delay exceeds 12 months.
Late payment interest is non-compounding and is calculated on a monthly basis from the first day after the due date until the payment date. Each month that begins is counted as a full month. The total late payment interest cannot exceed 100% of the due tax.
In a recent interview with the BBC, President Ndayishimiye claimed he had credible information indicating that Rwanda plans to invade Bujumbura using RED Tabara, which he says is based in South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
“We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through the Democratic Republic of Congo, using RED Tabara. But we are telling them that if they want to attack Bujumbura via Congo, Kigali is also not far if we go through Kirundo.”
Ndayishimiye began accusing Rwanda of backing RED Tabara in December 2023, following the group’s attack on the Gatumba area near Bujumbura. Rwanda denied the accusations, stating it does not support any group opposing the Burundian government.
On March 26, 2025, RED Tabara’s military spokesperson, Patrick Nahimana, released a statement dismissing Ndayishimiye’s claims as baseless. He emphasized that the group is solely supported by Burundians.
“RED Tabara strongly denies being supported by Rwanda or any other entity. Our struggle is solely backed by Burundians who understand that our existence is rooted in the need to restore the rule of law and the Arusha Peace Agreement, which the CNDD-FDD-led government has violated—leading to Burundi’s political crisis since 2015,” Nahimana said.
The group pointed out that Rwanda previously handed over captured RED Tabara fighters to Burundi in July 2021. These individuals were arrested in Nyungwe Forest in September 2020 after crossing from Kibira Forest.
RED Tabara argued that it is illogical to accuse Rwanda of supporting them while it is actively participating in peace talks with Burundi aimed at restoring diplomatic ties strained since the 2023 Gatumba incident.
“How could Rwanda be supporting RED Tabara while it is simultaneously in dialogue with Burundi to resolve their differences?” the group questioned.
They further accused President Ndayishimiye of using Rwanda as a scapegoat to deflect attention from Burundi’s worsening economic conditions.
The group invited international observers to visit their bases and investigate any claims of external support, urging transparency.
Meanwhile, President Ndayishimiye has firmly stated that his government will not negotiate with RED Tabara, insisting that the group’s fighters must be brought to justice.
In response, RED Tabara called on international organizations that supported the Arusha Peace Agreement to pressure the Burundian government into engaging in dialogue with political and armed opposition groups.
They argued that, had such pressure been applied earlier, the ongoing conflict might have been resolved.
He was addressing youth representatives from Kigali and nearby districts on March 25, 2025, after raising concerns about the potential impact of the sanctions on Rwanda.
Dr. Bizimana clarified that the countries that imposed the sanctions were more focused on the stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which they see as a loss. He emphasized that although these countries criticize Rwanda, they are fully aware of the true situation.
He pointed out that many countries impose sanctions primarily for their own national interests, often under the pretext of human rights, while pursuing their own agendas.
The minister highlighted Canada’s position, stating that although Canada has not been traditionally supportive of Rwanda, it imposed sanctions under the guise of protecting Congolese interests.
However, he pointed out that Canada’s real motivation was safeguarding its economic interests in the DRC.
“Canada does not support Rwanda, but it imposed sanctions restricting Canadians from attending conferences in Rwanda and preventing Rwandans from participating in events in Canada,” Dr. Bizimana noted, emphasizing Canada’s mining interests in the DRC.
Dr. Bizimana further explained that Western countries with no direct interests in the DRC did not engage in imposing sanctions on Rwanda.
He referenced Luxembourg, which opposed the sanctions, stating that it found no reason to penalize Rwanda, as it saw no fault with the country.
Luxembourg instead highlighted that the real issue was the governance and security situation in the DRC, where armed groups operate unchecked.
The minister also discussed Belgium’s position, explaining that the country’s interest in DRC’s minerals influenced its advocacy for sanctions against Rwanda.
He clarified that these sanctions serving as tools for Western powers to exert their influence, will not have permanent effect.
Dr. Bizimana encouraged the youth to remain resilient and seek solutions within their own country, asserting that Rwanda has the capacity to overcome these sanctions.
“We can thrive without them. If they say we cannot go to the U.S., we will reach a level where we no longer need to go there,” he said.
He urged the youth to focus on unity, hard work, and self-reliance as the path to a prosperous future for Rwanda.
Dr. Bizimana also dismissed the sanctions as misguided, particularly pointing out the threat to confiscate assets of individuals like General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, which they do not have in those countries.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that Rwanda’s strength lies in its unity and continued hard work, ensuring that essential services and development goals are achieved for the benefit of all citizens.
Scholz will remain as caretaker chancellor until a new government takes office.
The negotiation to build a ruling coalition is underway. Germany’s conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), took the lead in the country’s 2025 federal election, followed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The results have paved the way for a CDU/CSU and SPD coalition.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz is expected to head the new government. He has voiced the willingness to put the government in place by Easter.
Also on Tuesday, CDU’s Julia Kloeckner was elected as the new president of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament.
Born in 1972, Kloeckner served as a Bundestag member from 2002 to 2011. She held the position of Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection from 2009 to 2011. From 2018 to 2021, she served as minister of food and agriculture and again a member of the Bundestag from 2021.
The election took place during the first gathering of the 21st Bundestag following February’s election. The first sitting marks the end of the previous electoral term and the Bundestag adopted its rules of procedure.
The term of the current federal government concludes with the constitution of the new Bundestag.
Waltz’s statement followed Goldberg’s revelation that he had been inadvertently added to the group, which included high-profile officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Goldberg’s report in The Atlantic exposed the breach, which critics argue compromised national security by allowing a journalist to overhear classified discussions about military operations.
In a Fox News interview, Waltz acknowledged his role in creating the group but struggled to explain how Goldberg was added.
He blamed a “technical mistake,” saying that Goldberg’s name appeared similar to another person’s contact. Waltz further criticized Goldberg, calling him “the bottom scum of journalists” and suggesting that the incident was a result of a mix-up rather than any deliberate action.
While Waltz claimed no staffer was to blame, President Trump seemed to offer a contradictory explanation, suggesting that a lower-level staff member may have inadvertently shared Goldberg’s contact information.
According to The Guardian, Trump defended Waltz, dismissing the leak as a minor issue. However, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, with Senator Mark Warner calling it an example of “sloppy, careless” handling of classified information.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Chris Coons also expressed concern, with Coons stating that the breach could constitute criminal behavior, even if accidental.
The leak raises questions about the use of Signal for sensitive communications, with some arguing that it may have violated provisions of the Espionage Act, as Signal is not approved for sharing classified information. The controversy continues to stir criticism over the handling of U.S. military secrets.
