Among those elevated in rank, twelve officers who previously held the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police were promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Notable among them are Athanase Nshuti, the former Deputy Regional Police Commander in the Southern Province, and Corneille Murigo, who once served as Deputy Head of the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Unit.
In addition, twenty-four officers were promoted from Senior Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police, while twenty officers holding the rank of Superintendent of Police were elevated to Senior Superintendent.
Sixty-three Chief Inspectors of Police were promoted to Superintendent, and 304 Inspectors were moved up to Chief Inspector.
Likewise, 4 officers who had been serving as Assistant Inspectors of Police also received the rank of Chief Inspector of Police. Furthermore, 560 Assistant Inspectors of Police were promoted to the rank of Inspector.
Beyond these, a significant number of junior officers—3,510 in total—were also promoted across various ranks within the force.
Alongside the promotions, the Rwanda National Police announced the retirement of 150 officers, including 45 junior officers and 105 non-commissioned officers. Seventeen officers were discharged due to health-related reasons, while four others were released from service for various other reasons.
These changes reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the police force through recognition of service and the renewal of leadership at different levels.
Signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and the DRC’s Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the agreement witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is a pivotal step toward addressing decades of insecurity in the Great Lakes Region of Africa.
In an official statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the accord as “a positive and important step toward fostering stability and peace in the region.” The Ministry emphasized that the agreement “emphasizes mutual respect for the sovereignty of both nations and a firm commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful and negotiated means.”
Qatar further commended “the constructive engagement and the commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, which reflect a genuine desire to de-escalate tensions and advance the interests of the peoples of both countries and the wider region.”
The Declaration of Principles comes against the backdrop of over 30 years of conflict in eastern DRC, fueled by hundreds of armed groups.
Previous peace efforts, such as a near-agreement in December 2024 mediated by Angola, collapsed when DRC representatives refused to engage with the AFC/M23.
Qatar’s diplomatic intervention proved critical in breaking this impasse. On March 18, 2025, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, hosted a trilateral meeting in Doha with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi.
The leaders agreed to prioritize political dialogue, aligning with guidelines set by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at their joint summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025.
Qatar’s mediation extended to facilitating dialogue between the DRC and the AFC/M23, culminating in a ceasefire agreement on April 23, 2025.
This ceasefire created a conducive environment for the signing of the Declaration, which establishes a framework for regional governance, security, and economic development.
Qatar expressed appreciation for “the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the United States, which are part of the broader international community’s initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict and promoting security and stability in the Great Lakes region.”
These efforts build on regional progress, including the EAC-SADC summit and the Doha trilateral meeting, which Qatar highlighted as key milestones.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering support for “all joint efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting peace.”
It reiterated “the State’s consistent position advocating for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means, and its commitment to upholding the principles of international law—foundations that are essential to strengthening stability and reinforcing international peace and security.”
The Eastern Province reported the highest number of deaths at 9,358, followed by the Southern Province (8,289) and the Western Province (7,543). The Northern Province recorded 6,404 deaths, while Kigali City had the fewest at 4,048.
Men accounted for a larger share of deaths (19,843) than women (16,178), with a sex ratio at death of 122.7.
Over half of the deaths (54.1%) occurred in communities, with Gicumbi District leading at 915 cases. In contrast, 45.9% took place in health facilities, with Gasabo District recording the highest hospital-based deaths at 1,139.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—including cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart conditions—were the leading cause of death, comprising 47.7% of defined cases.
Communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, followed closely at 42.9%, while injuries and external causes, like road accidents and domestic violence, accounted for 9.4%.
In community settings, unspecified cardiac diseases caused 1,822 deaths, with acute cardiac conditions and digestive cancers also significant.
Meanwhile, Rwanda registered 417,972 live births in 2024, up from 373,260 in 2023. Gasabo District led with 24,641 births, followed by Nyagatare (18,521), Rubavu (15,976), and Bugesera (15,799). Nyabihu, Ngororero, and Nyamagabe recorded the fewest births.
Birth registration saw remarkable improvement, with 99.1% of births registered on time and a completeness rate of 90.3%, nearing the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 100%. These gains reflect Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening its civil registration systems.
The arrival of SAMIDRC, supported by SADC and reinforced by MONUSCO’s shadow, has been presented as a mission for stability. But beneath the surface lies a deeply troubling alliance — one that does not serve peace but feeds a much older, unresolved agenda.
Despite being branded as a peacekeeping initiative, the real purpose behind SAMIDRC’s deployment appears to be something else entirely. Evidence on the ground increasingly suggests that SAMIDRC did not arrive as a neutral arbiter, but rather to collaborate with the Congolese army (FARDC) in fighting the M23 rebels.
Even a recent investigative report by journalist Rutendo Matinyarare revealed images of missiles that were supposedly meant for M23 but were instead being directed toward Rwanda — a clear indication of deliberate provocation or strategic misdirection. This targeting raises serious questions about the true intent of SAMIDRC’s mission.
The danger becomes even clearer when we examine the structure of the CCCO (Centre Conjoint de Coordination des Opérations), where operational posts are shared not only with FARDC and SADC forces, but also with the genocidal FDLR — a militia with a well-documented record of crimes against humanity.
The fact that such a group remains a stakeholder in this command structure is nothing short of scandalous. One must ask: who is behind this carefully coordinated strategy? And why does the world remain silent?
Part of the answer lies in history and identity. Many of the countries contributing troops to SAMIDRC harbor exiles from the Hutu and Bantu communities — some of whom are fugitives from justice, others propagandists who lost power or wars to Rwanda.
The trauma of defeat in the First and Second Congo Wars has never been addressed, and for some, the battlefield is now disguised as diplomacy. There is a quiet but powerful desire for revenge against Rwanda’s dominance in the region, one fueled by old wounds and unresolved grudges.
Ethnic undertones continue to shape regional dynamics. The divide between Nilotic and Bantu groups plays out subtly, yet dangerously. Take, for example, the case of DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba, whose speech in New York sought to revive unfounded claims of genocide against Hutus in Burundi.
Although she later attempted to retract her remarks, the damage had already been done — the message was delivered, and it was far from accidental. It was a carefully scripted narrative in a long-term campaign.
This also helps explain why several SADC countries have been reluctant to extradite genocide fugitives. Rwanda has repeatedly provided evidence of fugitives sheltered within SADC borders, yet extradition requests are ignored. These countries continue to serve as safe havens for individuals who openly work to destabilize Rwanda and spread propaganda, manipulating both media and regional platforms to do so.
Rwanda’s political stability and governance success stand in stark contrast to its neighbors — and that success has bred envy. Where Rwanda has invested in development, security, and systems, others have fallen prey to corruption, mismanagement, and endless internal conflict. Rather than seek reforms, some actors choose to undermine Rwanda’s achievements. It is telling how quickly certain countries react whenever anyone speaks against Kigali — not out of principle, but from a place of insecurity.
Meanwhile, chaos on the ground provides fertile soil for profiteers. During disorder, commanders from regional forces — and even FARDC itself — seize the opportunity to divert funds, embezzle logistics, and prolong conflict for personal gain. For many generals in the Congolese army, peace is bad business. The war economy has become a source of income and authority, and there’s no appetite to end it anytime soon.
Adding to this crisis is the sheer weakness of Congolese leadership. The DRC, rich in resources, is plagued by a governance vacuum. Armed groups, foreign soldiers, and criminals act with impunity — even against Congolese civilians — because no institution steps in to protect the people. The country is practically a no-man’s land, where order is a myth and justice an illusion.
At the center of all this is the DRC’s mineral wealth. From cobalt to coltan, diamonds to gold, the country’s riches remain both a blessing and a curse. Everyone wants a piece, and none are willing to wait. As long as the soil of the DR Congo remains untouched by full extraction, there will be no peace. But the process will take generations, perhaps centuries — meaning this chaos is not temporary. It is systemic.
The world must stop pretending that SAMIDRC is a peacekeeping force in the traditional sense. Its deployments, alliances, and the motives of those behind it suggest otherwise.
What we are witnessing is not peacebuilding, but a dangerous geopolitical game — one that could destabilize the entire region and undo decades of hard-won progress. It is time to call things what they are and demand accountability, even though nothing may change. This narrative has been repeated for years, and those who have the power to correct it are the very ones profiting from the chaos.
The public lecture, held as part of the ongoing 100 days of remembrance, was attended by institutional leaders, senior police officers, and other officials. Participants were taken through the genesis, planning, and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as current strategies to counter the persistent ideology behind it.
Dr Bizimana outlined how colonial rule laid the foundation for ethnic divisionism in Rwanda. He explained that identity-based segregation, introduced by colonial administrators and reinforced by missionaries, paved the way for decades of discrimination and, eventually, the Genocide against the Tutsis.
“The genocide was not a spontaneous act—it was a long-planned political project,” Dr. Bizimana said. “Colonial structures and post-independence politicians fueled and institutionalized ethnic hatred supported by different media outlets, political parties, and the army [Ex-FAR]. This incited citizens to turn against their fellow Rwandans.”
The minister narrated the escalation of anti-Tutsi violence since 1959, through waves of persecutions and exiles, to the extermination campaign between 1990 and 1994. Dr. Bizimana further highlighted the critical role of propaganda and state institutions in spreading hate speech and justifying mass killings.
To combat genocide ideology today, he emphasized on Rwanda’s holistic approach through education and other sectors by educating youth through school curricula, promoting national identity through the “Ndi Umunyarwanda” program, engaging communities through Itorero and dialogues, and preserving memory of the victims through visits to genocide memorials. There has also been legal accountability on the perpetrators, reintegration of former convicts into society, and digital strategies to counter online hate.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, commended the Minister for his in-depth presentation and called for the extension of such programs to police academies, stating that every officer should be grounded in this history, since it shapes the institutional commitment to unity and justice.
The attack hit the village of Sukharevo, where the New Jerusalem church complex, a significant local landmark, was set ablaze after Ukrainian drones dropped explosives, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported Thursday on his Telegram channel.
No injuries were reported in the aftermath.
The New Jerusalem church complex, an entirely wooden construction, is a major monastery of the Russian Orthodox Church.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio will oversee the signing of a “declaration of principles” on Friday, alongside DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
A declaration of principles is defined as a formal document that outlines the shared values, intentions, and commitments of parties entering into a diplomatic or peace process.
While not always legally binding, it serves as a foundational framework for future negotiations or agreements.
The State Department has yet to release further details about the content of the agreement.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed to IGIHE that a signing is indeed scheduled, but did not disclose specific terms of the agreement.
In an insightful interview with IGIHE, Dr. Eldirdiri Osman Ali, a medical expert from Baho International Hospital, shared valuable knowledge about the types, causes, symptoms, and management of diabetes.
The diabetologist’s expertise sheds light on how early recognition and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in combating this pervasive disease.
Dr. Ali began by distinguishing between the two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes, he noted, accounts for approximately 90% of cases worldwide, making it the predominant form.
This condition arises when the body either fails to produce sufficient insulin—a hormone essential for transporting sugar into cells—or becomes insensitive to insulin, impairing sugar metabolism.
The result is a cascade of health issues that can affect nearly every organ in the body, from the heart and kidneys to the eyes, feet, and nervous system. Beyond physical complications, diabetes can also take a toll on mental health and interpersonal relationships, underscoring its far-reaching consequences.
The causes of diabetes, as Dr. Ali explained, are multifaceted, with lifestyle playing a central role. Obesity, lack of physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle are major contributors, particularly when coupled with excessive abdominal fat, which triggers inflammation throughout the body. Hereditary factors also increase susceptibility, meaning individuals with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk.
Other risk factors include gestational diabetes during pregnancy, certain ovarian conditions, and the use of medications like steroids, which can induce the condition. Dr. Ali emphasized that these factors, while diverse, often converge on one key issue: lifestyle choices.
Recognizing diabetes early is crucial to preventing its severe complications, which include heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, non-healing wounds, and neurological issues.
Dr. Ali highlighted common symptoms that should prompt a visit to the doctor: excessive thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and persistent fatigue.
Alarmingly, some individuals remain unaware of their condition until a major complication, such as a heart attack, reveals it.
“If you delay diabetes for five years without knowing, that’s when complications arise,” Dr. Ali warned, stressing that while early-stage diabetes is manageable, reversing complications is far more challenging.
Prevention and management, according to Dr. Ali, hinge on proactive lifestyle changes. He advocated for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week, describing it as a simple, cost-effective way to reduce risk.
Dietary adjustments are equally important: avoiding sugary foods, white bread, rice, and fizzy drinks while prioritizing vegetables, beans, and lean meats can significantly improve health outcomes.
Smoking cessation and minimal alcohol consumption further support prevention efforts. For those already diagnosed, controlling blood sugar through regular testing, adherence to prescribed medications, and exercise is paramount.
Dr. Ali underscored the importance of exercise, noting that it constitutes “50% of the treatment” for diabetes, complementing the effects of medications.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the severity of the condition. Initial management often involves Metformin, a tablet taken once or twice daily, with additional drugs introduced if blood sugar levels remain high.
In advanced cases, where the pancreas no longer produces insulin, injections become necessary. Dr. Ali emphasized the role of regular check-ups and tests like glycated hemoglobin, which provide a three-month snapshot of blood sugar control, guiding treatment decisions.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational, Organized, and Emerging Crimes,” the meeting has brought together top law enforcement officials from the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO), representing 14 member states.
In his remarks, IGP Namuhoranye described the gathering as an important platform for reinforcing joint strategies to address the region’s crime threats and those beyond its borders.
“There is no silver bullet that can replace trust and mutual understanding among ourselves. That is why partnership remains our major strength and our priority,” he said.
“I urge all of us to open real-time communication channels and remove any barriers—small or big—that disrupt collaboration and information sharing,” he added, stressing the importance of putting strategies into action to build a safer region.
IGP Namuhoranye also challenged participants to identify key areas needing intervention or improvement, based on a review of progress made on previous decisions and recommendations.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Africa Apollo Sendahangarwa, Chief Executive Officer of EAPCCO and Head of the Interpol Regional Bureau, said the meeting was timely in orienting actions based on resolutions from recent Annual General Meetings, including those of the Chiefs of Police Council.
“The focus will include assessing crime trends, the modus operandi of criminals, and recommending more effective ways to tackle crime—not only within individual member countries, but also as a unified region,” noted the EAPCCO CEO.
On the first day of the meeting, members of EAPCCO witnessed the handover of the chairmanship of the Permanent Coordinating Committee (PCC) from Col. Aimable Mutagatifu, Director of Criminal Investigation in the Burundi National Police, to Jean Marie Twagirayezu, Director General of Criminal Investigation at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
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