Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Jacquemot claimed that the Tutsi population in eastern DRC was not indigenous to the area but was relocated there from various regions in the 1930s while Rwanda was under German and Belgian colonial rule. Nduhungirehe categorically dismissed this assertion as false.

Speaking to Radio France Internationale (RFI), Jacquemot alleged that the majority of people living in eastern Congo were Tutsi, who had supposedly been moved there during the 1930s.

In response, Nduhungirehe, writing on X (formerly Twitter), refuted the claim, clarifying that by 1930, Germany had long ceased its colonial rule over Rwanda and Burundi, having lost control after its defeat in World War I. He emphasized that Rwanda and Burundi were placed under Belgian administration in 1920.

He further emphasized that the Tutsi people in the DRC were not brought from various regions in the 1930s, as Jacquemot suggested, but were native to the land they had inhabited long before that time.

The minister explained that the Tutsi in the DRC are indigenous to the territory that was taken from Rwanda in 1910 during a meeting between Belgium, Germany, and Britain, which drew borders and decided the fate of the region.

He pointed out that the people in the eastern DRC share the Kinyarwanda language, culture, and traditions, with many place names, mountains, and rivers also bearing Kinyarwanda names. The native people in the area have long been connected to Rwanda through history, he added.

Amb. Nduhungirehe noted that while some Rwandans were forcibly taken by Belgian colonists between 1920 and 1950 for labor in the mining sector, it did not change the fact that there were many indigenous Rwandans living in the DRC who were deeply connected to their ancestral lands.

The minister also addressed another falsehood spread by Jacquemot, who claimed that the M23 group was seeking to control the coltan mines in Rubaya, a region in the DRC that reportedly produces 20% of the world’s coltan. Jacquemot alleged that the minerals are processed in Rwanda before being exported to Asia, Europe, and North America with different labels.

Nduhungirehe countered these claims, referencing research by Bojana Coulibaly, who found that the mines in Rubaya were still being worked with traditional methods, with no roads connecting the area to Goma. He questioned how the mines could possibly produce 20% of the world’s coltan without the use of modern mining technology.

He reaffirmed that the coltan mining in Rubaya is conducted by local communities who speak Kinyarwanda, and while the area was once controlled by militia including, no such military presence currently reported there.

Turning to Rwanda’s own mining sector, Nduhungirehe noted that Rwanda has been rich in precious minerals for decades, a fact uncovered during colonial times and continued after independence. Research conducted during both colonial and post-colonial periods has revealed that 52 areas in Rwanda contain valuable minerals, with mining already underway in some of these regions.

The minister stated that Rwanda is one of the world’s leading producers of coltan, with the country accounting for 22.4% of global sales in 2024, second only to the DRC, which contributed 40.2%. Rwanda’s mining industry follows both national and international laws, ensuring that minerals meet the required standards for international trade.

Nduhungirehe further pointed out that there are currently 136 licenses issued to 99 mining companies in Rwanda, as well as licenses for 18 companies engaged in mineral research and 76 companies involved in trading and processing. The minister stressed that Rwanda’s mining sector operates within the boundaries of the law, with proper documentation and traceability for international markets.

In response to Jacquemot’s misleading statements, Nduhungirehe emphasized that individuals like him who use international media to spread lies about the Great Lakes region are attempting to cover up the true beneficiaries of the valuable minerals in the DRC.

Under the new rules, any religious group applying for official status must provide a list of at least 1,000 members from the district where it intends to operate and pay a non-refundable registration fee of Frw2 million.

These requirements apply to churches, religious organizations, and affiliated institutions.

Recent inspections have already led to the closure of over 50 churches in 2024 due to non-compliance with existing regulations. Additionally, more than 900 places of worship were shut down for failing to meet legal and safety standards.

The new guidelines, issued on March 6, 2025, further emphasize compliance, making it mandatory for faith-based organizations to provide official certification from local authorities proving that their place of worship adheres to construction laws and is used exclusively for religious purposes.

Beyond financial and structural requirements, the regulations introduce stricter criteria for religious leadership. Leaders and their deputies must hold a degree in theology from a recognized institution.

If the degree was obtained abroad, an equivalency certificate must be provided. In cases where a leader holds a degree in another field, they must demonstrate completion of at least 1,200 hours of theological studies from an accredited institution.

The registration process for religious organizations has also become more rigorous. In the 2023/2024 period, 116 organizations applied for legal status, but only 19 were approved, while 97 were rejected for failing to meet requirements.

Religious groups wishing to expand by establishing new branches must now submit a formal request to the district and notify RGB, provide a notarized resolution from their governing body approving the expansion, and ensure that their activities align with the district’s development agenda.

In addition to administrative and structural requirements, the new regulations impose strict ethical standards on religious leaders.

Individuals convicted of genocide, genocide ideology, discrimination, or sectarianism are barred from holding leadership positions within faith-based organizations.

Leaders must also be at least 21 years old and have no criminal record involving imprisonment of six months or more, unless officially pardoned.

Financial transparency is another major focus of the new regulations. Religious organizations are required to conduct annual audits performed by professional experts, ensure that donor funds come from legal sources, and prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism by identifying and reporting suspicious transactions.

All financial activities must be conducted through banks or legally recognized financial institutions.

Violations of these regulations will result in severe penalties. Unauthorized branches will face immediate closure, and the organization responsible will be fined Frw5 million.

Individuals managing multiple religious organizations without proper authorization will lose the right to represent them.

Faith-based organizations already operating in Rwanda must comply with these new regulations within 12 months.

He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, where he discussed the RDF’s missions in the Central African Republic (CAR), including both its role under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, and its operations based on bilateral agreements between the two nations.

For the past 30 years, Rwanda’s security has remained unquestionable, with the country even contributing to regional stability. The RDF has played a crucial role in maintaining security in CAR and Mozambique, training thousands of soldiers in these countries to help them safeguard their nations in the future.

The UN peacekeeping mission in CAR began in 2014 and includes troops from various countries. However, Rwandan forces were given key responsibilities, such as protecting the country’s President and First Lady, as well as securing critical infrastructure, including the capital, Bangui, and the main airport.

In the interview, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga provided in-depth insights into these operations and revealed that in the coming days, over 600 soldiers trained by the RDF in Mozambique will complete their training.

{{Excerpts: }}

{{IGIHE: You have visited Rwandan troops stationed in different parts of the Central African Republic, including those under the UN mission. What was the security situation like?}}

{{Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga:}} The security situation is very stable. Our visit had two main purposes. The first was to inspect the Rwandan troops under the UN mission, MINUSCA, as well as those deployed under bilateral agreements.

The second reason was to attend the graduation ceremony of Central African Republic soldiers we have been training.

We have trained three cohorts of CAR soldiers so far. We visited our forces in various locations, including Bria and Bossembélé. The Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, was sent by His Excellency the President of Rwanda to deliver a message to the troops.

{{What was the main message?}}

It was a message of appreciation for their excellent work in ensuring security across the country. Our forces have effectively secured all assigned areas, and as you may have heard, military officials praise the RDF soldiers for their work.

Our troops have been tasked with securing major roads, including those connecting Bangui to Douala in Cameroon and Sudan. They have done this successfully, and local communities have expressed their confidence in our forces.

Another key message was to reassure them that Rwanda remains completely secure and that they should continue their mission without any concerns.

Another main purpose of the agenda was today’s passout of Central African soldiers ceremony that saw the graduation of 438 soldiers, adding to the 1,250 we have already trained in two previous cohorts. This is the third group we have trained, forming a highly specialized rapid response unit.

{{How will this unit operate, and how will you support it?}}

This unit has been built with strong capabilities, ensuring that the local forces will have the capacity to maintain security in the city and assist in other regions, in case we make a decision to withdraw our troops from Bangui, where RDF forces have been deployed since 2020.

The unit is now well-trained. We still have about two more training phases before the unit is fully complete.

{{What’s next after the remaining two training phases?}}

Training will continue as part of a structured plan. Once the unit is fully formed, it will take on its operational responsibilities. It is also possible that we will continue providing support and training even as they begin their work. The unit is already functional in certain locations, carrying out its duties effectively.

{{How do the RDF troops under the UN mission and those deployed through bilateral agreements coordinate their work?}}

The UN peacekeeping troops are responsible for ensuring civilian security, protecting UN personnel, and safeguarding key leaders, including the President. They also secure critical infrastructure, such as the airport.

Meanwhile, the troops deployed under bilateral agreements arrived in 2020 as reinforcements following an attack by François Bozizé and his allies, who attempted to overthrow the democratically elected President of CAR. The President of CAR requested support from Rwanda’s President to stop the attack.

We responded by deploying battle groups that halted the rebel offensive. After securing Bangui, our forces shifted their focus to training CAR troops to help them develop independent security capabilities.

We are now in the final phase of that mission, ensuring that local forces are fully equipped to maintain security once international forces leave.

{{What gives you confidence in the new recruits’ readiness after witnessing today’s graduation?}}

There are three key aspects. The first and most important is discipline. During training, we emphasize that military skills alone are not enough—discipline is what determines the success or failure of an army. It is evident that forces collapse because of indiscipline.

Of course, technical skills are also crucial, but discipline and strong leadership are fundamental. We have instilled these values in the troops we train.

{{Beyond CAR, the RDF is also deployed in Mozambique. What is the security situation there?}}

The situation is very stable. As you may recall, additional RDF troops were deployed there. We took over areas that were previously controlled by SADC forces, particularly in Macomia.

Initially, we were securing only Palma and Mocímboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand operations.

When the Southern African Development Community mission (SAMIM) withdrew from Macomia, insurgents were still present, especially in Katupa, a dense forest like Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We launched operations that successfully drove them out.

We also conducted operations along coastal areas, further weakening the insurgents. While some minor security incidents still occur, we are continuously addressing them.

{{What’s next in Cabo Delgado?}}

We are now focused on restructuring the security forces and training Mozambique’s army. The first intake of 600 soldiers is set to complete their training in Nacala soon, and we will be there to oversee their graduation. We are making significant progress in this mission.

{{Recently, there has been tension in neighboring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. What assurance can you give Rwandans?}}

We want to reassure Rwandans that the country is completely secure. Our borders are well-guarded. Previous threats along the border have been neutralized—ever since M23 took control of certain areas, we have had no further security issues on our borders.

This means that our security is intact. Our troops are effectively protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That was part of our message to the forces, ensuring that they know Rwanda is safe.

People can sleep peacefully. As for those who threatened in the past, we all saw how that turned out for them, they achieved nothing.