The announcement was made by M23’s military spokesperson, Lt Col Willy Ngoma, on the night of January 3, 2024, via his X account.
“Katale in Masisi breathes the air of liberation. The enemy has suffered great losses, with many weapons and ammunition seized by the Lions of Sarambwe [M23],” he stated.
Manzi Ngarambe Willy, M23’s coordinator for the diaspora, also confirmed the capture, emphasizing that FDLR forces had been driven out.
The town was taken in the afternoon of January 3 following intense clashes between M23 fighters and a coalition of the Congolese army (FARDC) and FDLR terrorists, which had been ongoing since the morning hours.
Juvénal Munubo, the Member of Parliament for Masisi in the DRC’s National Assembly, voiced concern over the capture, fearing it could lead to the fall of the larger Masisi trading center. He called on the Congolese armed forces to act swiftly to reclaim the area.
“Katale is only 12 kilometers from the Masisi trading center, and its fall increases the enemy’s chances of capturing the Masisi capital of the territory, which is close to Walikale.
“It is urgent for FARDC and other forces defending the country to intensify their efforts to push them back and restore security in the east,” Munubo urged.
M23 fighters seized control of Katale after successfully repelling an attack on their positions, including those in Kahira and Buhimba in the Bashali-Mukoto area of Masisi.
According to media reports, the incident occurred shortly after President Akufo-Addo began delivering his speech, which focused on his administration’s accomplishments and future plans for the nation.
Col Amponsah, a trusted and long-serving aide, suddenly lost consciousness while standing guard in the chamber, causing a stir among lawmakers and officials present.
The incident was captured on video as Parliament’s medical team rushed to offer immediate care. Col Amponsah was quickly given first aid before being transported to a nearby hospital for further assessment.
In the midst of the unexpected event, President Akufo-Addo briefly paused his speech to ensure his bodyguard received the necessary attention before continuing.
Despite the disruption, the address resumed with the President reflecting on Ghana’s progress and future direction.
This came during the meeting between officials of the two countries as a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Ethiopian Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed made an official working visit to Somalia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Friday.
According to the ministry, the Ethiopian delegation held “fruitful discussions” with senior Somali officials, including the country’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It said the discussions “reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to working together to ensure peace and stability in Somalia and the region.”
The two countries “agreed to collaborate on the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and strengthen bilateral relations.” They also agreed to enhance exchanges of visits and discussions among officials of the two countries, according to the statement.
Reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to contributing to the peace and stability of Somalia, Ethiopia’s defense minister stressed that combating terrorism is a key area of cooperation between the two Horn of Africa countries.
Somali Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Ethiopian Defense Forces’ sacrifices and contributions to ensuring peace in Somalia, according to the statement.
Tensions had been escalating between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly signed an agreement earlier in 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia said the agreement is legally invalid.
After a period of mounting diplomatic tensions, leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement last month after Turkish-mediated negotiations in Ankara, marking a breakthrough in resolving recent misunderstandings.
Following the agreement, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Mohamud issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.
Both leaders reaffirmed their respect for and commitment to each other’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. They also agreed to work together to finalize arrangements that would grant Ethiopia access to and from the sea.
In an interview with RBA, ACP Rutikanga highlighted that this was a positive contrast to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, during which two accidents occurred, resulting in two fatalities.
“Security was very good, as unlike Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when there were only two accidents, no accidents were reported on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day across the country,” he said.
ACP Rutikanga further clarified what constitutes an accident, noting that it includes incidents that cause injuries or fatalities, as well as damage to infrastructure.
“I wouldn’t describe an accident as something like a vehicle lightly brushing against another, or a motorcyclist bumping into a car, falling, getting up, and continuing. I’m referring to incidents where vehicles are severely damaged, infrastructure is destroyed, and people are injured or lose their lives,” he added.
Between December 23, 2024, and January 1, 2025, 14 major accidents were reported. ACP Rutikanga stated that across the country, 16 people were injured, and a few lost their lives.
Their two-year term officially started on Jan. 1. Thursday is the first working day of the council for 2025 after the Christmas and New Year break.
The five countries replaced Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland.
A flag installation ceremony was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York to mark the start of their responsibilities.
Kazakh UN ambassador Kairat Umarov, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated the five new council members and wished them success in their two-year term.
The flag installation ceremony for new Security Council members was initiated by Kazakhstan in 2018.
Algerian UN ambassador Amar Bendjama, in his capacity as president of the Security Council for the month of January, thanked the outgoing members and welcomed the newcomers.
He said that it is an “immense privilege” as well as “a huge responsibility” to serve in the Security Council, calling on all council members to work tirelessly and effectively to address the challenges facing the world “and uphold the values of multilateralism.”
The permanent representatives of the five new members made short speeches before they installed their respective national flags outside the Security Council Chamber.
The 15-member Security Council has five permanent members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are replaced every year.
Huang Xin, deputy dean of the School of International Education at Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, said, “Talent training programs and teaching plans for the new group of Rwandan students are being perfected based on the feedback from the first group of students.”
Vocational education, as an important bridge to continue the traditional friendship between China and Africa, shoulders the important responsibility of training variety of talents, passing on technical skills, promoting employment and entrepreneurship, and adding youth power to the dream of modernization for China and Africa. At present, China has built the world’s largest vocational education system.
In the system, Luban Workshops shines like a pearl in the international cooperation of China’s vocational education. Currently, more than 30 workshops have been jointly built in Asia, Europe and Africa. And nearly 10,000 students have been trained in academic education and more than 31,000 people received vocational training.
Jinhua’s cooperation with African countries in vocational education is a “golden card” for China-Africa educational exchanges and cooperation.
As the first batch of pilot institutions of “Future Africa– China-Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Plan” project, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology welcomed the first group of 30 Rwandan students involved in the Future of Africa—Vocational Education Cooperation Plan in April this year. They gained fruitful results during the year in Jinhua.
At Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season IX in 2024, MBONIMANA Philimine won the highest score while Tuyihimbaze Israel won the third prize.
In the finals of Industrial Robot Installation and Maintenance Technical Competition Season V(International Group) of the 2024 Belt and Road and BRICS Skills Development and Technological Innovation Competition, Tuyihimbaze Israel, Musengamana Eugene and Iradukunda Abel won the third prize; Umwali Ange Natacha, Ngabonziza Elie and Uwamahoro Alphonsine won the gold medal in the finals of the Finance and Business Circuit (International Group) of the 2024 World Vocational College Skills Competition, while Mbonimana Philimine won the bronze medal in the Equipment Manufacturing circuit (International Group).
Umwali Ange Natacha was also employed as the international communication envoy of Jin Hub and the promotion officer of Jinhua Mountain Cultural Travel, telling the good story of Jinhua to the world.
At present, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology is also preparing the graduation ceremony for these Rwandan students. The students say that they have lived an extremely fulfilling life in Jinhua and hope to become witnesses, beneficiaries, builders as well as story tellers of China-Africa friendship and cooperation.
Umwali Ange Natacha and Hafashimana Patrick say that they will stay in Jinhua after graduation and have signed letters of intent with Zhejiang Wandefu Intelligent Technology Co., LTD. and Jinhua Runxing Technology Co., LTD respectively.
“Most overseas students choose to return to their country after graduation. We have contacted Chinese enterprises in Rwanda through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda and the Association of Overseas Chinese in Rwanda, and actively helped them realize their dream of returning to China.”
Qian Xiangming, dean of Musanze International College of Jinhua University of Vocational Technology says. He hopes that Rwandan students will innovate and explore “small but beautiful” cooperation projects when promoting local economic development, and become a link of business exchanges between Jinhua and Africa.
In the overseas development of vocational education for Africa, in addition to Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College and Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction are highly active as well.
In October 2023, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College and Morocco Mondiapolis University cooperated in running an overseas branch – Morocco Yiwu Business School, jointly carrying out the training of international trade talents, big data technical talents, and e-commerce talents.
In 2018, Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction gave full play to the industrial advantages of national intangible heritage Dongyang wood carving, and cooperated with the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of the Congo to recruit the first batch of international students from the country, becoming the first vocational college in Zhejiang province to recruit international students in the field of arts and crafts.
At the end of March this year, it cooperated with Sassu University of the Republic of the Congo to build the “China-the Republic of the Congo Silk Road College”, carrying out all-round cooperation in running schools around personnel training, skills training and cultural exchanges.
The appreciation was conveyed through his end-of-year 2024, message to Rwanda’s Defence and Security Forces.
The President took the opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of the year and encouraged the continued dedication of the forces.
“I take this moment to express my deepest gratitude for your service to our nation,” President Kagame stated, acknowledging the discipline and professionalism that have been the cornerstone of Rwanda’s Defence and Security Forces.
He emphasized that their efforts, even in the face of adversity, have ensured that Rwanda remains a symbol of peace, stability, and progress within the region and globally.
This year marked two key milestones in Rwanda’s history: 30 years of liberation and 20 years of active participation in peacekeeping operations.
These accomplishments, President Kagame pointed out, reflect Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation while contributing to global security efforts.
The President also took the opportunity to praise the forces for exemplifying the highest standards of patriotism, teamwork, and innovation in addressing modern security challenges.
“Your role in promoting Rwanda’s national interests and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our citizens is invaluable,” he said, underlining the importance of their work in advancing national and global peace.
As Rwanda looks toward the new year, President Kagame urged the Defence and Security Forces to continue upholding the principles of integrity and accountability that define them.
He encouraged vigilance and adaptability to evolving security threats while maintaining a firm focus on the shared goal of a secure, prosperous, and united Rwanda.
The President also recognized the sacrifices made by the families of those who have lost loved ones in service.
“I honour your sacrifice and assure you that we will always stand by your side and that the sacrifices shall never be in vain,” President Kagame assured the grieving families, expressing his deepest respect and commitment to honoring their memory.
The President also extended heartfelt wishes to all members of the Defence and Security Forces and their families for a joyful festive season and a successful year ahead.
Recent reports have highlighted incidents of violence against genocide survivors in certain parts of Rwanda.
These include killings, threats via unsigned letters and property damage.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, [retired diplomat ->https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-mutaboba-67930367/?originalSubdomain=uk] Ambassador Mutaboba lamented that even 30 years after the genocide, such actions persist.
“It is infuriating that after committing such heinous crimes, serving prison time, or seeing your accomplices held accountable, you would still come out and engage in the same hateful behaviors as 30 years ago is unacceptable,” he said.
Amb. Mutaboba pointed out that these acts undermine government efforts to foster unity among Rwandans. He also raised concerns about external influences encouraging division within the country.
“There’s more to be done. Efforts to educate Rwandans have been made, but we need to intensify them. Some people understand, while others either ignore or reject the teachings. If a child grows up exposed to harmful ideologies, those lessons shape their worldview,” he explained.
Amb. Mutaboba stressed the importance of teaching Rwanda’s youth the nation’s history comprehensively, starting from pre-colonial times, through colonial rule, and into the post-colonial era.
“We need to double down on teaching young people where Rwanda came from—how it was united before colonization. That history must be thoroughly explored and taught to the younger generation,” he said.
Amb. Mutaboba also acknowledged the existence of hidden forces working to sow division, urging a resolute and vigilant approach to counter these influences.
“It’s deeply troubling and frustrating. These divisive actions must stop, and the law must be enforced without compromise to set an example for anyone caught engaging in them,” he insisted.
Amb. Mutaboba called for stronger initiatives to discourage those who fuel such harmful activities within Rwanda.
“We must also address the enablers of these actions. Some individuals within the country engage in dangerous behaviors because they are paid small amounts of money. These people spread harmful ideologies, and that needs to end,” he said.
Amb. Mutaboba encouraged young people to counter false narratives about Rwanda’s history and avoid being misled by those who seek to distort the truth.
Jean Baptiste Gasominari, a lawyer, echoed Mutaboba’s concerns, stating that attacks against genocide survivors are fueled by persistent genocidal ideology in the region.
“We are in a region where the genocide ideology remains prevalent. This issue extends beyond Rwanda. Look at what has been happening in Burundi since 2015, or the ongoing situation in the eastern DRC. Many individuals claiming to oppose the Rwandan government spend their time on social media, radio, and television spreading hate. Eradicating these ideologies is no easy task,” Gasominari explained.
He also urged the Rwandan government to strengthen its efforts to educate citizens and address the challenges posed by those who continue to promote genocide ideology globally.
“Education must be continuous. The Rwandan government is doing its best to educate the population, counter these actions, and prevent new attempts. However, the government cannot be everywhere at once. The persistence of these actions is largely due to perpetrators of the genocide who remain free and active around the world,” he said.
Gasominari concluded by emphasizing that the primitive mindset of taking another person’s life is unacceptable and reflects a dangerously low level of moral and intellectual development.
The escape involved 1,534 prisoners from the Central Prison and the Maximum Security Prison of Machava, known as B.O., resulting in clashes with the National Penitentiary Service staff, in which at least 33 people were killed.
The commission, which has already started its work, aims to understand the circumstances of the escape, identify possible internal or external failures, and determine whether there was negligence on the part of those responsible for security, the report quoted Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs Filimao Suaze as saying.
Suaze said the inquiry commission will also analyze the deaths that occurred during the ongoing operation to search for and capture the fugitives.
According to the deputy minister, about 280 prisoners have already been recaptured, more than 100 of them on Friday, thanks to the cooperation of families and reports of escapes in the neighborhoods.
Suaze emphasized that many of the fugitives returned voluntarily or were handed over by their relatives, who reported the escapes after noticing the irregularities.
The deputy minister also denied allegations that the escape was part of a premeditated plan to eliminate the prisoners, as some information on social media suggested. He clarified that the fugitives, some of whom are considered terrorists, are being monitored and that the police are committed to recapturing them.
Suaze called on the public to continue to cooperate with the authorities in locating the escaped prisoners, warning that the situation has caused panic in several neighborhoods in Maputo.
The commission has not set deadlines for completion of its report, but the deputy minister said he expected significant progress in the investigation in the coming days.
These systems are seen as a sustainable solution to meet energy needs while protecting the environment.
The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) plan outlines that $52 million (over Frw 71.7 billion) will be used to procure solar water heaters for urban residential buildings.
This initiative aims to support Rwanda’s commitment to combating climate change.
The funding will facilitate loans and grants to help individuals acquire these systems, aligning with the country’s green building initiatives.
Additionally, $8 million (over Frw 11 billion) is needed to reduce reliance on biomass energy sources, such as firewood, and decrease imports of energy-related products.
Thadée Twagirimana, acting director general in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Adaptation, explained that procuring solar water heaters is a vital part of Rwanda’s strategy to address climate change. The initiative aims to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030.
The energy sector is expected to reduce at least 1,530,000 tons of carbon emissions, with solar water heaters contributing 3% of this reduction.
Twagirimana emphasized that the majority of Rwandans, 79%, still rely on firewood and charcoal for energy, which contributes to deforestation and health issues. Solar water heaters offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.
Recently, solar water heaters were distributed to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in agriculture processing, bakeries, and hospitality.
These systems are projected to cut 1,500 tons of carbon emissions annually and save businesses Frw 3.7 million per month on firewood, charcoal, and other fuels.
Ernestine Tuyishimire, owner of Buganza Good Wine, reported that her business previously used about five cubic meters of firewood daily, costing Frw 100,000.
With the solar water heater, the business now only uses one cubic meter of firewood, resulting in substantial cost savings.
Reports indicate that $1.37 billion will be needed to reduce firewood use among households relying on charcoal, decreasing the dependency rate from 83% to 42% by 2030.
