This contradicts earlier claims by FARDC spokesperson Major General Sylvain Ekenge and other DRC government officials, who alleged that Brig Gen Gakwerere was a Rwandan government employee and had never been in their country.
On March 1, 2025, Brig Gen Gakwerere and 13 other FDLR fighters were handed over to Rwanda by the M23 armed group via the La Corniche border in Rubavu.
M23’s deputy spokesperson, Dr. Oscar Balinda, stated that Brig Gen Gakwerere was captured in Goma, while the other fighters were arrested in various locations in January 2025.
FDLR spokesperson Cure Ngoma has told the BBC that Gakwerere was indeed a senior leader within the group and had been hiding in Goma due to illness.
“I can confirm he had been sick for a long time and was hiding in Goma. He had not been seen for some time because of his illness,” Ngoma stated.
Ngoma also acknowledged that the other captured fighters were FDLR members but expressed doubts about one individual, suggesting he may have been used for propaganda.
Brig Gen Gakwerere, also known as Sibomana Stany, Sibo Stany, and Julius Mokoko, was formerly the Secretary-General of FDLR and the group’s third-highest-ranking official, after its president and top military commander.
During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he held the rank of Lieutenant and served at the ESO/Butare military academy under Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, the school’s deputy commander.
Reports indicate that Gakwerere led a group of newly recruited soldiers, known as the “New Formula,” responsible for mass killings at roadblocks and other locations in Butare.
He is also believed to have been among the soldiers dispatched by Captain Nizeyimana to assassinate Queen Rosalie Gicanda on April 20, 1994.
Additionally, he is suspected of involvement in the murder of Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the former governor of Butare Prefecture.
As usual, during this year’s race, Amstel organized accompanying events known as the “After Party,” adding excitement to the competition.
The 17th edition of the international cycling race concluded on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with French cyclist Fabien Doubey of Team TotalEnergies emerging as the overall winner.
Many attendees expressed their joy and appreciation for the festivities that accompanied the race.
Emmanuel Niyonkuru from Rubavu District shared his excitement about seeing Yampano, one of the most popular artists of the moment.
“I’m really happy. We got to enjoy a performance by Yampano, who is currently delivering amazing hits. We truly appreciate Amstel for bringing him to us for free,” he said.
Bruce Hirwa also praised these events, highlighting how they bring energy to the city.
“These concerts are fantastic. People spend the whole day on the streets watching the race, so in the evening, it’s great to have a place where we can relax and celebrate in a different way,” he said.
Bralirwa’s management stated that such activities bring joy to people and encourage social interaction, which aligns with Amstel’s mission and purpose. They also promised even more exciting activities for the next edition of the race.
In addition to these events, Amstel also awards stage winners throughout the race.
With increasing interest from travelers in Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa, Rwanda offers a range of experiences, from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to eco-lodges and cultural heritage sites.
The country’s approach to sustainable tourism and conservation will be a key focus during the event.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Transition Lives Here,” highlights how the industry is adapting to new opportunities and challenges.
ITB Berlin provides a valuable platform for Rwanda to engage with tour operators, investors, and travel professionals, fostering new partnerships and collaborations.
{{Visit Rwanda Stand: Hall 21, Stand 112}}
{{Photos showing Rwanda’s participation at a past trade show}}
The exhibition, running from February 22 to March 2, 2025, was officially inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
This year, 28 Rwandan companies registered, with 20 making it to the event up from 18 that participated last year, a testament to the increasing participation of Rwandan businesses in international trade fairs.
“This is the fourth time Rwanda has participated in the Paris International Agricultural Show, which brings together numerous exhibitors from around the world. We are pleased that Rwandans have also taken part in this event,” Amb. Nkulikiyimfura said.
The envoy praised the exhibitors for their dedication, noting that several had already secured contracts with French distributors.
“We appreciate their presence, as they showcased excellent products, and many successfully signed contracts. Those we engaged with expressed great satisfaction with the benefits they are gaining from this exhibition,” he added.
Amb. Nkulikiyimfura also acknowledged the improvement in marketing efforts compared to previous years, highlighting the exhibitors’ proactive approach in reaching out to distributors and importers.
The ambassador expressed confidence in the future of Rwandan exports in Europe and thanked RDB, NAEB, and the embassy team for their support in facilitating Rwanda’s participation.
Among the exhibitors, Nzungize Keza Anita, Sales and Marketing Manager at COOPAC LTD, a coffee export company, is attending for the fourth time since 2022.
She emphasized the event’s significance in meeting consumers and expanding their market reach. She also expressed gratitude to the Rwandan government, NAEB, and the Rwandan Embassy in France for their support in ensuring a seamless experience at the exhibition.
Niyindorera Guershom, CEO of Aubin Produce International, shared his excitement about showcasing beetroot wine and honey-based liquor, which have drawn significant attention from French consumers.
“This country has thousands of varieties of wine, but our product gains attention whenever we bring it here. People appreciate the honey liquor because it retains the natural honey taste, attracting many consumers and helping us expand our market reach,” he noted.
The company, which also exports honey and avocado oil, views the trade fair as a vital networking platform to connect with potential buyers. He also thanked RwandAir for its role in facilitating the transportation of products.
Sangwa Jean Roger, founder of Iwacu Boutique, an online marketplace specializing in Rwandan agricultural products, highlighted how the platform responds to consumer demands for authentic Rwandan products.
“We were delighted to engage with Rwandan exporters and will help bring their products to a wider market. Iwacu means ‘home’ and reflects the idea of making Rwandans abroad and others revive memories of the boutiques they shopped at back home,” he said.
Ann Christin Ishimwe, Head of Sales & Marketing at Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd, emphasized the trade fair’s importance in promoting their high-quality cassava flour. She noted that securing contracts with distributors would enable their products to reach European consumers and thanked the government for its continuous support in promoting Rwandan exports.
Niwemugore Djamilla from 3N Farms Ltd expressed excitement about showcasing Nikezz, a pure honey brand sourced from Rwanda’s natural forests. “We are glad to be here and thank the government of Rwanda for facilitating our participation,” she stated.
Ritha Umutoni, Founder and CEO of RIXU Rwanda Coffee, participating for the third time, cited valuable engagements with coffee traders, distributors, and consumers. She remained optimistic about securing new deals and praised Rwanda’s leadership for empowering women entrepreneurs to enter international markets confidently.
Meanwhile, Rukemampunzi Willy from Mahembe Coffee, attending for the fourth time, commended the opportunity to connect with new distributors and importers, fostering optimism for increased sales. He emphasized the importance of working closely with local farmers to ensure quality coffee production and thanked the organizers for facilitating Rwanda’s presence at the event.
With increasing participation and positive outcomes, Rwandan exhibitors remain confident in their ability to expand their footprint in international markets. As Rwanda continues to position itself as a key player in the global agricultural sector, events like the Paris International Agricultural Show serve as crucial platforms for growth, trade, and market expansion.
The support will be delivered under the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, a Presidential mandate aimed at training young Nigerians in digital and technology skills.
Airtel Africa also announced 10 scholarships for Nigerian students to study technology-focused courses at Plaksha University in India under the Airtel Africa Fellowship.
Driven by Airtel Africa Foundation, the scholarships will equip Nigerian youth with cutting-edge digital and innovation skills, reinforces commitment to bridge the talent gap in the technology sector while supporting the country’s aspirations to become a global tech hub.
These pledges to develop Nigeria’s future tech leaders were announced when Airtel Africa’s Chairman, Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, KBE and Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar met with Nigeria’s President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at State House in Abuja.
The meeting also discussed Airtel Africa’s ongoing investments in Nigeria’s telecom and digital economy.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal said: “Nigeria remains a strategic market for Airtel Africa, and we are fully committed to support the government’s digital transformation agenda. Through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and our investment in 3MTT, we are ensuring that the youth of Nigeria have access to world-class education and digital skills. We commend President Tinubu’s vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria and are committed to play our part in making that vision a reality.”
While noting the significant work currently ongoing via the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education Programme which has onboarded 1,260 schools and over 600,000 students in the country to digital learning platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP), Mr. Mittal restated Airtel Africa’s dedication to network expansion, service quality, and financial inclusion.
Airtel Africa welcomed the recent designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), recognizing it as an essential step in safeguarding and expanding Nigeria’s digital backbone. It also emphasised its continued mission to drive financial inclusion across Nigeria, particularly through its subsidiary, SmartCash PSB.
Mr Taldar reiterated the continuing goal of Airtel to support government efforts that are aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy, saying: “Airtel is deeply invested in Nigeria’s digital future. We are expanding our network, driving financial inclusion, and creating opportunities for the people of Nigeria through technology and innovation. Our collaboration with the government through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship and 3MTT ensures that Nigeria remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution.”
Airtel Africa remains committed to working closely with the Government of Nigeria and all stakeholders to drive connectivity, digital skills development, and financial inclusion, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
{{About Airtel Africa}}
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
Airtel Africa’s integrated offer provides national and international mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services to over 156 million customers.
The company’s strategy is focused on delivering a great customer experience across the entire footprint and increasing digital and financial inclusion to transform lives across Africa, in line with our corporate purpose.
On Thursday, February 27, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Rwanda’s Ambassador in Stockholm, citing concerns over alleged Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group.
This move follows mounting international pressure in the wake of M23’s recent capture of Goma and Bukavu, key cities in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Rwanda has consistently refuted allegations of backing M23, instead pointing to the ongoing collaboration between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned genocidal militia.
The Embassy emphasized that Rwanda has for decades faced existential security threats from the FDLR, which continues to launch attacks on Rwandan territory, violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The Rwanda Defence Force [RDF] has consistently maintained defensive measures to address serious security threats along the border with the DRC,” reads part of the Embassy’s statement. “Rwandans have the fundamental right to live in peace, free from the perpetual threat of insecurity emanating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Rwanda has expressed frustration over what it perceives as the international community’s failure to acknowledge its security concerns, particularly the threat posed by the FDLR and the inflammatory rhetoric from Congolese leaders calling for regime change in Kigali.
The Embassy asserted that Rwanda will not be intimidated or pressured into compromising its security.
“Only the Rwanda Defence Force and the Commander-in-Chief can determine the necessary defensive measures to protect the lives of Rwandans, especially when threats emerge a mere two kilometers away,” the statement added. “Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising its national security.”
The Embassy also criticized Sweden for what it called a double standard in addressing the conflict. Given Sweden’s values of mutual respect, equal rights, and peacebuilding, Rwanda found it “shocking and unfortunate” that Sweden has remained silent on the plight of Congolese Tutsi and the targeting of Rwandans in DRC.
“Sweden’s evident alignment with Belgium, a historical actor in the root causes and present-day insecurity and conflict in the region, is disheartening and questionable,” the Embassy noted.
It further argued that Sweden, having no colonial history in Rwanda and no involvement in illicit mineral dealings, is in a unique position to adopt an ‘impartial’ diplomatic stance.
The international community has often framed the conflict in eastern DRC as a simplistic narrative of “Rwanda backing M23,” ignoring the historical and political grievances that led to M23’s emergence.
The Embassy pointed out that M23 is a Congolese movement with legitimate concerns, arising from the DRC government’s failure to honor past peace agreements and protect the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly Tutsi communities, who continue to face persecution, displacement, and targeted killings.
The Rwandan Embassy also condemned the international community’s failure to address the FARDC-FDLR collaboration and its reluctance to sanction those inciting violence against Congolese Tutsi.
The Embassy highlighted that despite clear evidence of this collaboration, the United Nations and international actors have failed to take decisive action against the DRC government.
“How can a national army align itself with a foreign genocidal militia?” the statement questioned. “The international community, including Sweden, is fully aware of the FDLR threat, including its shelling of Rwandan territory on June 10, 2022. Despite this knowledge, Sweden has refused to officially condemn the FDLR and FARDC collaboration. Why?”
Rwanda also took issue with Sweden’s silence on the recruitment of European mercenaries by the DRC government, pointing out that Rwanda has, in contrast, upheld its humanitarian obligations by hosting thousands of refugees, including former FARDC soldiers and militia fighters, and facilitating safe evacuations for MONUSCO personnel and international organizations.
The Embassy urged Sweden to respect and support the African-led mediation process, reinforced by the joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, along with the African Union’s efforts to bring peace to the region.
“Rwanda’s sole objective is a secure border and a definitive end to violent ethnic extremism in the region,” the statement concluded. “The cycles of conflict fueled by the DRC government’s failures and the international community’s inaction must not be tolerated any longer.”
Rwanda maintains that it will continue to safeguard its territorial integrity and protect its citizens while urging the international community, including Sweden, to adopt an impartial and balanced approach to the conflict in eastern DRC.
During a recent parliamentary session, Minister Collins was questioned about the killing of 70 Christians by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Lubero territory, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In response, he claimed to have met with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, who he alleged had “denied all these crimes.”
Taking to social media on February 27, 2025, [Minister Nduhungirehe condemned Collins’ statements as an attempt to distort facts.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/uk-faces-backlash-over-minister-s-comments-linking-amb-nduhungirehe-to-adf]
He further stated that the Rwandan government expects the UK to issue a formal clarification regarding these claims.
Amb. Nduhungirehe confirmed that High Commissioner Thorpe was summoned on February 27, 2025, to discuss the matter and convey Rwanda’s concerns.
The ADF, an extremist militia originating from Uganda, operates primarily in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces of the DRC.
Despite repeated insinuations, there is no evidence linking Rwanda to the group’s activities. On the contrary, Rwanda has been a target of ADF-planned attacks, all of which have been foiled.
UN reports have previously confirmed that the ADF had planned attacks in Kigali during the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Additionally, in October 2021, Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested 13 individuals linked to the ADF who were allegedly planning attacks on key infrastructure in Kigali using explosives.
Rwanda continues to reject any unfounded allegations and remains firm in its commitment to regional security and stability.
The country is home to a variety of valuable minerals, some of which have been mined since the colonial era. A 2017 study identified 52 mineral-rich zones, with 37 already licensed for extraction, while five remain within protected national parks.
One notable mining site is Nyiramuganza in Ngororero District, where research on a six-square-kilometer area uncovered deposits of coltan, cassiterite, wolfram, and gold. Experts estimate that fully extracting these minerals could generate up to $800 million. Gold mining continues to be a key driver of the industry, with major extraction sites in Miyove, Ruzizi, Nyamasheke, and Musanze.
Rwanda is also intensifying geological research, particularly on lithium and gemstones, which are crucial for the production of modern technology. The government’s 2024/25 strategy focuses on boosting both the quantity and quality of exported minerals, aiming for a revenue increase from $1.2 billion in 2023/24 to $1.3 billion. Quarterly earnings are expected to reach $325 million.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, the industrial sector saw a 5.7% increase in output in December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with mining output alone rising by 2.5%.
The country has made significant progress in mineral processing, with refined gold from Gasabo Gold Refinery and processed tin from LuNa Smelter among its key exports. The long-term objective is to ensure that all minerals are processed before being exported.
Exploration efforts will continue in 26 promising locations, including Ndiza, Miyove, Nyamasheke, Ruhango, Ruli, Gatumba, Burera-Rulindo, and Huye, as authorities work to expand mining operations.
The Rwanda Mining Association (RMA) is advocating for a shift from traditional mining methods to a more professional and technology-driven approach. Currently, 96% of mining sites employ trained workers, while 34.9% utilize modern technology, a figure expected to increase to 44.9% by June 2025.
Additionally, a nationwide survey is being conducted to map mineral deposits across different regions, providing accurate data to guide investment decisions. While almost all districts have licensed mining activities, Gisagara remains the only district without a mining permit.
With ongoing investment in modern technology, value addition, and exploration, Rwanda’s mining sector continues to be a key pillar of economic growth.
The talks aim to advance the next phase of the truce agreement while ensuring the implementation of previously established commitments, according to Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS).
Discussions also focused on enhancing humanitarian aid to Gaza, addressing the ongoing crisis, and stabilizing the region.
The renewed negotiations follow the completion of a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas under the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which is set to expire on Saturday.
Israeli officials confirmed that their delegation traveled to Cairo to assess the possibility of extending the truce in exchange for the release of more hostages.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that Israel is open to continuing the framework under specific conditions.
According to Israeli reports, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with their safe return being a priority for Israeli authorities.
Hamas has expressed willingness to proceed with discussions on the second phase of the agreement but insists that any further hostage releases must be tied to a sustained ceasefire.
The ongoing truce, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. support, first took effect on January 19. The outcome of the Cairo negotiations will determine whether the fragile peace can be maintained.
The tariff, which targets European goods including automobiles, was presented by Trump as a necessary measure against what he described as European trade practices that disadvantage American businesses. He accused the EU of blocking U.S. exports, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors.
In response, the European Commission emphasized that American companies have benefited significantly from investments in Europe.
Officials underscored that the EU’s single market structure has enhanced trade and reduced costs for international businesses, including those from the United States.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting free and fair trade, vowing swift action against any unjustified trade barriers.
European Parliament leaders warned against economic isolation, emphasizing the shared values between Europe and the U.S. France and Spain echoed the call for unity, with French officials stressing the need for a strong and proportionate reaction.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister underscored the EU’s commitment to open trade and cooperation, rejecting Trump’s claims that the bloc was formed to undermine the U.S.
Other European leaders also voiced concerns over the impact of the tariffs. Italy, a key exporter, expressed apprehension about escalating trade disputes, with industry leaders warning that these measures could disrupt European economies and threaten jobs.
Calls for a more assertive response to U.S. policies have grown among European businesses, which fear long-term economic consequences.
