Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

This sentiment is echoed by President Tshisekedi, who continues to search for a justification for the persistent fighting between the Congolese Army (FARDC) and the M23 rebel coalition.

Since the signing of the agreements, the situation has drastically shifted. While the DRC initially engaged in the process with hope, it quickly escalated its fighting with the M23 and began accusing Rwanda of being the root cause of the tensions.

In a swearing-in ceremony for new officials held on Thursday, President Paul Kagame addressed the growing pressure on Rwanda to resolve regional security issues, emphasizing that each country involved must take responsibility for its role in the conflict, rather than placing the burden on one party alone.

At first, the DRC seemed to accept the agreements. However, after signing, the narrative quickly changed. The government accused Rwanda of continuing to support M23, further intensifying cooperation with Burundian forces and rebel groups like Wazalendo.

This shift in stance has led to a rise in violence targeting Tutsi Congolese and Banyamulenge, deepening the already fragile situation.

Fayulu’s remarks reflect a growing discontent among many Congolese politicians, who believe the agreements are destined to fail. In an interview with France 24, Fayulu argued that the problem would not be solved by the agreements themselves but by imposing sanctions on Rwanda.

When asked why he believed Tshisekedi had been misled by Kagame, Fayulu responded, “I wouldn’t say Trump worked with Kagame, but he wanted to sign an economic partnership agreement between the DRC and the United States. He succeeded.”

Fayulu’s comments suggest that the issue is being mishandled, as several countries, including Uganda, DRC, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda, are involved and must all take responsibility for resolving the crisis. Despite this, Fayulu places the blame squarely on Rwanda.

Fayulu further argued that the failure to properly address the 2018 elections has contributed to the current situation. He claims that he was the true winner, but President Kabila chose Tshisekedi as the winner instead.

Although the DRC had been deeply involved in the peace process, signing the agreement with confidence, the government’s rhetoric shifted after the signing. The DRC now claims that the agreement was “made for Rwanda’s benefit,” accusing Rwanda of manipulating the peace process. Rwanda, however, maintains that the real value of the agreement lies in addressing the root causes of the problem, which had been ignored for years.

Politicians in DRC and Tshisekedi’s government continue to argue that the solution lies in M23 withdrawing from the territories it controls and returning to its original position. However, Rwanda and other parties believe this approach is flawed, as it would strip M23 of its rights as Congolese citizens who should not be excluded from national discussions.

Fayulu also dismissed the Doha talks between the RDC and M23 as ineffective, calling them a mistake. According to him, they have achieved nothing, and what’s truly needed is a Kinshasa-based dialogue that involves Congolese citizens. He suggested that talks should include Kabila, Corneille Naanga (leader of M23), and others—figures previously accused of collaborating with Rwanda but now excluded by Tshisekedi’s government.

Fayulu’s position seems contradictory, as he now believes that figures like Kabila and Naanga, whom he previously accused of complicity with Rwanda, should be included in the peace talks.

Ukraine will review the document, add its proposals and return it to the United States in several days, Zelensky told reporters.

He stressed that the security assurance document they were working on would ultimately go to the Ukrainian Congress, and they would need congressional support, emphasizing that effective security guarantees are necessary.

According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Zelensky also announced that a draft peace plan being developed between Ukraine and the United States now envisages limiting Ukraine’s military personnel to 800,000 service members.

Commenting on the issue regarding the territory of the Donetsk region, Zelensky said current U.S. proposals are “not in the interests of Ukraine,” but emphasized the need to continue discussions to find a compromise.

If one side pulls back its forces by 5 or 10 km from the front line, the other should do the same, he said.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said: “Why should we plead with the United States? We are not in the business of pleading with the United States. We are a sovereign state. They are a sovereign state.”

The minister said that Pretoria will make decisions in the interest of South Africa, while still acknowledging the United States as a strategic trading partner. “That’s why we continue to engage with them on the trade-related matters on South Africa and matters of mutual interest,” she noted.

Speaking on the upcoming G20 Sherpa meeting this month, Ntshavheni said South Africa had indicated its availability to participate.

Ntshavheni stressed that as a founding member of the G20, South Africa’s commitment to “multilateralism and cooperation” remains unwavering, adding that countries could achieve prosperity through multilateralism and collaboration.

The order gives the federal government authority to evaluate state AI laws and potentially withhold federal broadband funding part of a $42 billion program from states whose regulations the administration views as overly restrictive or confusing for innovation.

Trump and his advisers argue that a patchwork of 50 different regulatory systems could slow growth and make compliance difficult for companies developing AI tools, particularly startups.

“We want to have one central source of approval,” the president said, emphasizing the need for a national standard rather than varied local rules.

The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to review state laws and use the funding threat selectively against the most “onerous” regulations while saying it will not challenge rules designed to protect children or address safety concerns.

Major technology firms, including OpenAI, Google and Meta, which have called for federal leadership on AI policy, welcomed the move.

However, critics, including Democratic lawmakers and some state leaders, argue the measure could undermine consumer protections and states’ rights, potentially violating the U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment.

Several states, such as California and New York, have already passed or are considering their own AI laws related to algorithmic transparency, deepfakes and personalized pricing regulations that could be affected by the new federal order.

Trump’s action comes amid wider political debate over how to govern AI, with lawmakers divided over how much power should sit with Washington versus individual states as technology continues to advance and impact sectors from business to civil liberties.

The promotions were announced on the morning of Friday, December 12, 2025, by the RDF leadership.

Innocent Munyengango, Commander of the Logistics Brigade and François Regis Gatarayiha, Head of Defence Intelligence Department at RDF Headquarters were elevated from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General.

Additionally, 43 officers holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel were promoted to Colonel, while 253 with the rank of Major were elevated to Lieutenant Colonel.

A total of 79 Captains were promoted to Major, and 299 Lieutenants were elevated to Captain.

Among others, eleven soldiers moved from the rank of Staff Sergeant to Sergeant Major. Another 2,296 personnel were promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant.

Furthermore, 10,260 soldiers rose from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant, while 7,822 personnel were promoted from Private to Corporal.

He made the remarks on December 11, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of new officials, including Dr. Usta Kayitesi, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr. Solange Uwituze, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources; and Dr. Charles Muligande, appointed Senator.

Also sworn in were two newly appointed judges of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Didace Nshimiyimana and Dr. Jules Marius Ntete.

President Kagame noted that although similar reminders are often given during swearing-in ceremonies, repeating them is necessary because the responsibilities entrusted to senior leaders must be taken seriously.

“The responsibilities we hold demand different kinds of effort—and a great deal of it. Those who fall short may have their reasons, depending on the circumstances and resources of their countries; some even grow complacent.

“But for our country, considering where we come from, where we are headed, and the unique challenges we face, we must work in extraordinary ways. We must use every ability we possess—our knowledge, our intelligence—and above all, align with the determination to deliver,” he noted.

He added that challenges are numerous: “Some problems are solved, others emerge; some persist. Given our past, our present, and our ambitions for the future, these challenges demand even greater effort, wisdom, and discipline.”

The judges sworn in today were appointed during the Cabinet meeting held on November 28, 2028, while the Ministers of State and Senator Dr. Muligande were appointed on December 1.

{{Profiles of newly appointed leaders}}

{{Dr. Solange Uwituze}}

Recently appointed Minister of State in MINAGRI, Dr. Uwituze replaced Dr. Ndabamenye. She had been serving as Acting Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), a role she also assumed after replacing Dr.
Ndabamenye when he joined the government. Before that, she was Deputy Director General of RAB.

Dr. Uwituze serves as Board Chair of Gabiro AgriHub Business Ltd, and Deputy Board Chair of Gako Meat Company Ltd.

She is also a board member of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and a founding fellow of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences (RAS).

{{Dr. Usta Kayitesi}}

Appointed Minister of State in MINAFFET, Dr. Kayitesi previously served as a Senator and chaired the Committee on Political Affairs and Governance. She replaces Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who was named Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President.

Dr. Kayitesi previously served as CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) from July 2019 to August 2024, taking over after serving as its Deputy CEO. She holds a PhD in Law and formerly lectured at the former National University of Rwanda. She also served as Principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).

She was among the seven commissioners who worked on the 2015 Constitutional review, serving as the Commission’s Vice Chair.

{{Dr. Charles Muligande}}

The newly appointed Senator replaces Dr. Usta Kayitesi following her new appointment. Dr. Muligande is a seasoned public servant with a long career in Rwanda’s political and diplomatic spheres.

He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame de la Paix in Namur, Belgium. From 1994–1995, he served as Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs. Between 1995 and 1997, he was Minister of Transport and Communications before becoming Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.

He later served as Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi and as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2002 to 2008.

He briefly served as Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs (2008–2009) and then as Minister of Education (2009–2011) before being appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to several countries between 2011 and 2015, including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.

In June 2016, he became Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda in charge of Institutional Advancement, a role he held until his retirement.

The latest batch of returnees comprised 234 children, 22 men, and 81 women, who crossed into Rwanda through La Corniche border post linking Goma and Rubavu.

The repatriation follows agreements reached during a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.

Upon arrival on December 11, 2025, returnees were taken to the Kijote Transit Camp in Nyabihu District.

These Rwandans had been living in a transit camp in Goma after fleeing from various areas in eastern DRC, where they had been held captive by the FDLR.

The Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of social affairs, Ishimwe Pacifique, urged the returnees to join others in building the nation.

“We consider you as the strength we had lost, but we are happy to join hands with you in rebuilding the nation,” she noted.

Returnees will be provided with essential documents, and further assistance to facilitate their reintegration.

Those over 18 years old will receive $188, while those under 18 will receive $113. Additionally, each individual will be given essential food supplies worth Frw 45,000.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions were chaired by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, and Wojciech Zajączkowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

During the meeting, both leaders also exchanged views on current developments in regional and multilateral issues.

The meeting comes at a time when the relationship between Rwanda and Poland continues to grow stronger.

During Polish President Andrzej Duda’s visit to Kigali in February 2024, the two countries signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for trade and economic cooperation, as well as collaboration in green technologies, environmental engineering, geology, and energy efficiency.

Education remains a cornerstone of this partnership, as the 2022 Rwanda-Poland Education Forum led to the signing of a series of MoUs between UR and four Polish universities.

On November 13, 2024, Poland and Rwanda signed an Air Service Agreement to enable regular flights between the two countries, creating opportunities to enhance economic and cultural exchanges.

Diplomatic ties have also grown in recent years, with Rwanda opening its embassy in Warsaw in 2021, followed by Poland opening its embassy in Kigali the following year.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday in the Al-Mustaqbal neighbourhood when an unoccupied building collapsed, triggering the collapse of an adjacent four-story structure, the prosecutor said. The second building was hosting a traditional Aqiqah celebration marking a birth.

Women and children were among the victims. Sixteen other people were injured, with some in serious condition. Authorities said the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.

Judicial police have opened an investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings show the two buildings were constructed in 2006.

Local officials said the structures were built under so-called “self-construction” schemes for residents of the Ain Smen area as part of the “Fez, City Without Slums” program.

The disaster has renewed concerns over building safety in Morocco. In January, Secretary of State for Housing Adib Ben Ibrahim said about 38,800 buildings nationwide were at risk of collapse.

Fez, Morocco’s third-largest city, has seen protests in recent months over poor living conditions and public services. The collapse is among the deadliest building accidents in the country since a minaret fell in the historic city of Meknes in 2010, killing 41 people.

Burundian forces have been working alongside the FARDC troops for over three years in their fight against the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, who are engaged in a battle against President Tshisekedi’s government.

Various UN reports indicate that the Burundian military is working alongside FDLR fighters in this conflict.

The FDLR is a terrorist group made up of former members of EX-FAR and Interahamwe who were involved in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The group is built on the ideology of genocide, which they have spread in Eastern DR Congo for over 30 years.

Speaking to RBA on December 10, Minister Nduhungirehe confirmed that Burundi collaborates with FDLR.

“Burundi does not support the FDLR; they collaborate. Burundi works with the FDLR because it is one coalition, with FARDC joining forces with the FDLR, Burundian troops, and mercenaries—it’s one unified coalition,” he stated.

Nduhungirehe also noted that over 20,000 Burundian soldiers stationed in South Kivu had kept the Banyamulenge people confined to their homes, preventing them from going to markets or engaging in other livelihood activities.

In Eastern DR Congo, there are between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters aligned with FARDC and Burundian forces.

“The main concern is about security. You cannot collaborate with the FDLR without intentions to disrupt Rwanda’s security because what FDLR desires is to destabilize Rwanda, and you remember in 2023, during elections in DR Congo, President Tshisekedi mentioned in political meetings or on radio and TV that he had plans to launch attacks on Kigali, without deploying ground troops, and he would support Rwanda’s youth in overthrowing the government.”

These words, spoken publicly, were later reflected in actions as Tshisekedi aligned FARDC, FDLR, Burundian forces, and mercenaries to fight in a campaign aimed at destabilizing Rwanda.

“This situation is threatening regional security. To resolve this issue, Burundian forces need to leave Eastern Congo, the FDLR must be eradicated, and these attacks by Congolese troops should end, allowing us to implement the agreements we’ve signed.”

Rwanda indicates that by March 2025, relations with Burundi were headed in a positive direction but were strained when President Ndayishimiye deviated from the held negotiations and began making false claims in international media that Rwanda was preparing for war against Burundi.

Rwanda and DR Congo signed peace and economic cooperation agreements on December 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with the presence of Burundian president.

However, on that same day, a coalition of FARDC, Burundian forces, Wazalendo, FDLR, and mercenaries launched attacks in South Kivu near the Rwandan border, causing over 1,000 people to flee to Rwanda.

Nduhungirehe said, “We told the mediators, we told everyone involved that what we want is peace. For peace to return, Burundian forces creating instability in South Kivu must withdraw, and these attacks by the Congolese government must stop so that we can implement the agreements we signed.”

The signed agreements include provisions that, once the fighting ceases, a joint security coordination mechanism involving DR Congo, Rwanda, and the U.S. will be responsible for implementing security measures, including the elimination of the FDLR, after which Rwanda can lift its border security measures.