Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Mpakaniye, also known as Che Guevara Jacob, was born in the Rwankuba sector of Karongi District. He fled Rwanda in 1994, following the Genocide against the Tutsi, when he was 20 years old and still in secondary school at EAVFO Kibisabo in Nyabihu.

In an interview with IGIHE, he discussed how he ended up in the FDLR and what he did until 2019 when he was brought back to Rwanda.

“I left Rwanda in 1994 after the country was taken over. In our region in the West, the army had been defeated, and many leaders fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]. My three elders, my mother, and neighbors decided to escape, but my father stayed behind as he was imprisoned,” he said.

They went as refugees to the camps in Kamanyola, DRC, but by 1998, the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) launched attacks aiming to overthrow Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime, which led to the destruction of the camps, and he and others had to flee into the forests, some of whom perished.

In 1998, when FDLR was retreating from Rwanda, they returned to Congo and were instructed that every man and young man among the refugees had to join the military.

He continued, “We joined FDLR not out of choice, but due to the harsh conditions, as Rwandan refugees were being targeted by Mai Mai and AFDL, and it was dangerous to return to Rwanda. At times, if you attempted to return, you risked being killed.”

He further mentioned that they joined with the promise that if they succeeded in the war and removed Rwanda’s government, they would have a better life. Their campaign began in Masisi, and in 2002, he was assigned to a unit that protected the FDLR leaders. Later, they moved to South Kivu with Maj Gen Paul Rwarakabije.

“In 2004, Gen Rwarakabije returned home, and we stayed behind, working with Gen Sylvestre Mudacumura, and I was assigned to protect him specifically. I stayed with this group until 2014 when I suffered from heart disease and was moved to Rutshuru, then later to Goma for treatment.”

Lt Col Mpakaniye emphasized that the living conditions of FDLR fighters led to the recruitment of children under the age of 18.

He explained, “Because fighters in FDLR often stayed away from their families, their children, some as young as 16 or 17, grew accustomed to fighting. These children grew up surrounded by weapons and got used to them from a young age. Their lives became about fighting because they were born into it.”

He added that these children often don’t attend school and by the time they turn 18, they know nothing other than warfare.

{{Warfare mixed with preaching}}

Mpakaniye also shared that in 1992, while still a student, he was already a preacher. When he arrived in DRC, he joined the ADEPR Church in Exile, where he started preaching alongside his military duties in FDLR.

“I began volunteering in preaching in 2003, and had been given full responsibility as a preacher by 2019. The FDLR military unit we were in also had an ADEPR Church. We taught the Word of God, but the FDLR had other groups that promoted messages aligning with its agenda,” he said.

Mpakaniye clarified that his preaching focused on genuine Christian teachings, even though other preachers under FDLR were used to bolster the militia’s morale by falsely claiming that God was supporting them.

He also mentioned some significant battles the FDLR suffered, including the attack that killed Gen Leodomir Mugaragu, one of its top leaders, and operations like “Umoja Wetu” and others from DRC to fight armed groups.

In 2019, while in Goma receiving treatment for his heart condition, he was captured by the DRC military and handed over to Rwanda, where he found himself back in the country.

Mpakaniye concluded by stating that his wife and six children still live in Goma, and he hopes to bring them back to Rwanda once he has fully recovered and reintegrated into civilian life.

For those who enjoy water activities, the park offers boat tours, providing a unique opportunity to explore its picturesque lakes, many of which are home to a variety of wildlife.

The park is home to several stunning lakes, including Ihema, Birengero, Murambi, Shakani, Murambya, Kamemeno, Kivumba, Hago, Shango, Gikube, Gishanju, Mukagasana, Gatete, Mihindi, Rwanyakizinga, and Mirrador.

Each lake has its own unique features, making them truly special. In an interview with IGIHE, Jean Paul Karinganire, the park’s Funding and Reporting Manager, highlighted that these distinctive characteristics make each lake one of a kind, offering something unique to every visitor.

{{Lake Ihema}}

Lake Ihema is the largest lake in Akagera National Park and the second-largest in Rwanda, after Lake Kivu. It covers an area of over 90 square kilometers and has depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters.

The name “Ihema” comes from the Kinyarwanda word used by the English explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who set up camp on the western side of the lake in 1876 while trying to discover the source of the Nile River.

However, his mission was cut short when he was attacked by the king’s forces and forced to return to Tanzania. Notably, the lake is home to Nyirabiyoro Island and Kabuga Bay, as well as Cyogo.

Nyirabiyoro is a water island inhabited by many birds, particularly darters and cormorants. Hippos and crocodiles also inhabit the area, often sunbathing on the shores.

Kabuga Bay attracts animals like elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes due to the abundant food resources. Cyogo is well-known for its crocodile population, which can also be seen basking in the sun.

The waters of Lake Ihema are rich with various fish species, including different types of tilapia, catfish, lungfish, and many kinds of cichlids.

Karinganire explained that Lake Ihema plays a significant role in community development.

He said there is a cooperative engaged in sustainable fishing at the lake, providing affordable fish to help fight malnutrition and improve the livelihoods of local communities.

“The best way to explore Lake Ihema is by boat. Akagera National Park offers four boat trips a day, from morning until evening. For peace and quiet, visitors can sit by the lake, especially at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, a 20-room hotel built in the forest along the lake’s shore.”

{{Lake Hago}}

Lake Hago is situated in the heart of Akagera National Park, along with smaller lakes like Kivumba and Gishanju, enhancing the park’s beauty.

It is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in the park, attracting many visitors who enjoy its central location and scenic photo opportunities.

{{Lake Rwanyakizinga}}

Lake Rwanyakizinga is located in the northern part of Akagera National Park, where you can find the luxurious Magashi Camp and the Magashi Peninsula.

The lake is well-known for the large herds of buffaloes that roam the area and for being home to various bird species like the shoebill stork and fishing eagles.

Visitors to Lake Rwanyakizinga can enjoy the serene environment and the stunning buildings of the Magashi Peninsula, located on its shores.

{{Lake Shakani}}

Lake Shakani is famous for the annual fishing competitions that have taken place in Akagera National Park.

The name “Shakani” comes from the French term “chaque année,” meaning “every year,” reflecting the annual fishing competition that attracts many fishermen and tourists.

The lake still boasts various species of fish, and it remains one of the most admired lakes by those visiting Akagera National Park.

{{Lake Mihindi}}

Lake Mihindi is located in the central part of Akagera National Park, near the Akagera River. It is popular for its “hippo beach,” where visitors can see large groups of hippos in the water, as well as birds living in the papyrus wetlands.

The best way to visit is to stay at Mihindi Campsite or have a meal at Mihindi Café, a popular resting spot for park visitors after three to four hours of touring the park.

Mihindi Café offers excellent resting spots during the day and overnight camping facilities for those who wish to stay.

Visitors can reach the lake in about three to four hours from the southern entrance of Akagera National Park.

In 2024, the number of visitors to Akagera National Park increased by 3.83%, reaching 56,219, up from 54,141 in 2023.

In 2024, Akagera National Park generated $4.7 million in revenue, compared to $4.6 million in 2023. Ten percent of this income is allocated to the local community.

These guidelines are designed to address recurring issues, ensuring that children receive justice that focuses on rehabilitation rather than just punishment.

A report from the Judiciary indicates that during the 2024/2025 period, 1,173 criminal cases involving children were presented to the courts, marking a decrease from 1,525 cases in the previous year.

To improve these guidelines, the Supreme Court convened legal stakeholders, sharing insights and discussing what areas to be prioritized.

The Vice President of the Supreme Court, Alphonse Hitiyaremye, explained that the guidelines aim to address the aspects that were not being handled appropriately.

“Because justice must work better, these guidelines were created to help judges and other institutions provide better justice for children, ensuring that when they face legal issues, the justice they receive is aimed at rehabilitation, not just punishment,” he said.

He added that, in delivering justice, judges must focus on reintegrating children into society with the goal of rehabilitating them.

Monique Mukamana, a child rights officer at NCDA in charge of protection and care reform programming, pointed out that children face many challenges in legal proceedings.

She noted that while children have certain legal rights, these are not always respected. Proper justice for children is a fundamental right.

Typically, a child’s criminal responsibility begins between the ages of 14 and 17. However, Mukamana emphasized that children should not be treated the same way as adults in legal matters.

“The justice we give to a child aims to correct them, to help them change, not to punish them. It’s justice that helps them understand their wrongdoing and guides them back to a better life where they can develop,” she said.

Mukamana further noted that some issues arise when children lack access to legal representation.
Other challenges include delays in the child’s trial, the child not understanding the legal process, and not having a responsible adult to guide them through the process.

There are also instances where children are questioned by the police or prosecutors without proper attention to the fact that they are minors.

Often, they are not informed about the charges they face, do not have an adult with them, and their cases may not be properly followed up.

The law requires that a child should not be detained for more than five days before trial, and temporary detention should not exceed 15 days. However, these regulations are sometimes ignored.

Furthermore, to order the detention of a child, the crime they are charged with must carry a penalty of at least five years in prison.

Mukamana said, “As child rights defenders, we want the law to be followed. If a child has committed a crime, the law should be applied accordingly. If they are temporarily detained, those 15 days should be respected, and if they need legal representation, it should be provided so they receive proper justice.”

Mukamana also stated that punishing children should not always mean imprisonment; they could also receive a suspended sentence.

The Rwanda Senate’s Commission on Social Affairs and Human Rights recently evaluated the 2023-2024 report on the justice provided to children.

It revealed several issues, including the failure to appeal children’s cases on time, the lack of preparation for trials, frequent postponements due to the absence of legal representatives, and the trial of children as adults when the crime occurred while they were still minors.

It was also noted that technology is sometimes used in trials, but children are not familiar with it. The report also highlighted concerns about how children are treated during their trials. Many children are coerced into confessing to crimes, with promises of immediate release or reduced sentences, and there are delays in trials for children held in custody.

{{Challenges faced by lawyers representing children}}

One lawyer, who has represented children for years, pointed out that one of the reasons these issues persist is because lawyers are paid very little.

He explained that individual lawyers assigned to represent children typically receive Frw 400,000, while those in law firms receive Frw 500,000. These lawyers are also required to travel to police stations when a child has been arrested, as they are obligated to represent the child.

He noted that the money they receive often runs out after travel expenses, leaving them demotivated, and sometimes they sign year-long contracts without any increase in their fees.

The President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Moïse Nkundabarashi, told IGIHE that there are plans to increase the number of lawyers representing children and raise their fees.

“We have been working with the Ministry of Justice for over 15 years to be able to represent as many children as possible. Each year, we handle between 5,000-8,000 cases of general legal assistance,” he noted.

“For children, we have seen an increase in cases each year, but the number of lawyers available remains the same because they are the ones we can afford. This means the work can sometimes become overwhelming. We are looking for ways to expand our capacity to ensure that every child who is incarcerated has a lawyer until their case reaches the appeals level,” added Nkundabarashi.

He also mentioned that there are ongoing discussions with UNICEF, which could result in the association gaining more resources to ensure all children are adequately represented.

{{Over 390 children incarcerated at Nyagatare Juvenile Correctional Facility}}

The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) reports that there are 395 children incarcerated at the Nyagatare Juvenile Correctional Facility, including 16 girls.

The facility offers nine years of basic education to help children continue their education, as well as vocational training in skills like carpentry, construction, tailoring, and hairdressing to support their reintegration after serving their sentences.

RCS also indicates that many of the children in detention committed crimes due to a lack of awareness of the law, poor living conditions in their families, child abuse, domestic violence, and other factors that push them toward criminal behavior.

The crimes most commonly committed by children include drug trafficking, theft, assault, sexual abuse, and homicide.

However, it is noted that when children are convicted and incarcerated, they often face mental health issues and unusual behavior, requiring ongoing counseling to help them regain their mental health and correct their negative mindset.

In a statement on its official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC condemned Israel’s “brutal crime,” saying Tabtabai was targeted in Beirut’s southern suburbs in a “flagrant and terrorist” act. The statement added that “the resistance axis and Hezbollah” reserve the right to avenge the killing and that a decisive response would come “at the appropriate time.”

At least five people, including Tabtabai, were killed and 28 others wounded in Sunday’s Israeli airstrike on a residential apartment in Haret Hreik, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the strike in a statement on Monday, calling the attack a “brutal aggression” against Lebanon’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced the pause in a televised address, saying his fighters would halt operations to allow aid deliveries and protect civilians. He said the group agreed to the truce to offer “hope” to a population “exhausted by this war.”

Dagalo pledged to set up a field mechanism monitored by the Quad — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States — along with the African Union and other international bodies, to ensure aid reaches civilians. He also vowed to hold RSF members accountable for abuses and safeguard offices of humanitarian organizations.

The RSF has been accused by rights groups and diplomats of widespread atrocities, including the killing of more than 2,000 civilians in El Fasher, a key Darfur city the group seized from the army in October.

The announcement came after army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan rejected a Quad proposal that called for a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process aimed at a permanent settlement.

In a statement late Sunday, Al-Burhan said the roadmap would “eliminate the existence of the armed forces” and dissolve security agencies while leaving the RSF “in its positions.”

Al-Burhan, who also heads Sudan’s ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council, accused the UAE of bias and of seeking to weaken the army. On Monday, the UAE’s foreign ministry accused Al-Burhan of “consistently obstructive behavior.” The UAE has long denied accusations from the Sudanese army that it arms and funds the RSF.

Al-Burhan also criticized Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Boulos risked becoming an obstacle to peace. Boulos has accused the army of blocking aid and using chemical weapons, allegations the military denies.

Fighting between the army and the RSF erupted in April 2023 and has killed thousands and displaced millions, fueling one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

“Many of the controversial provisions were either softened or at least reshaped” to get closer to a Ukrainian position or reduce demands on Ukraine, Oleksandr Bevz, a Ukrainian official who participated in the Geneva talks, was quoted by The Washington Post as saying.

He added that the Thursday deadline, set by U.S. President Donald Trump for an agreement on the 28-point plan, now appears more flexible than it did before.

“It’s not a code red — it’s more important to finalize the text,” said Bevz.

Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya told the Financial Times that the new draft bore little resemblance to the leaked 28-point version.

“Very few things are left from the original version,” he said.

The new draft leaves the most contentious issues for Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to decide, according to multiple media reports.

The earlier 28-point version would have required Ukraine to cede territory in eastern Ukraine, reduce its military and forswear NATO membership. The plan thus crossed several long-standing Ukrainian red lines, drawing criticism from Ukraine and across Europe, according to reports.

Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and European countries met in Geneva on Sunday as the White House pushed for agreement on the 28-point plan.

Following a meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and national security advisers from Britain, France and Germany, the Ukrainian side held bilateral talks with the U.S. representatives.

It’s reported that Sunday’s Geneva meeting was attended on the U.S. side by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, with Zelensky’s office chief Andriy Yermak leading the Ukrainian delegation.

According to a joint statement issued by the White House on Sunday night, the talks between U.S. representatives and Ukrainian officials in Geneva made “meaningful progress toward aligning positions.”

The Kremlin said it has not received official details from Geneva and does not plan talks with U.S. officials this week, according to a Newsweek report.

Trump has set Thursday as the deadline for reaching an understanding with Kiev on the framework, while suggesting that talks could continue beyond that date if progress is being made.

The summit opened under strain. The United States boycotted the meeting entirely.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum were also absent from the summit. Putin is wanted by the international criminal court, to which South Africa is a signatory. Xi has delegated attending many international gatherings this year to China’s premier, Li Qiang.

In an unusual move, world leaders from the Group of 20 broke with tradition and adopted a declaration at the start of their summit in South Africa on Saturday despite opposition from the United States.

Traditionally, such declarations are adopted at the end, but the hosts acted early to ensure the meeting showed at least a minimum of unity.

The declaration focused on the priorities of developing countries, highlighting debt sustainability and the need for support to nations affected by climate-related disasters.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the text “reaffirms our renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and our recognition that our shared goals outweigh our differences.” The declaration remained non-binding and largely symbolic.

Besides, the war in Ukraine dominated discussions, and French president Emmanuel Macron warned that the G20 “may be reaching the end of a cycle,” saying members were finding it difficult to resolve major crises together.

Only hours after the declaration was adopted, Argentina’s foreign minister said his country “cannot approve this declaration,” pointing to “red lines,” especially regarding the wording on the Middle East conflict.

The United States also criticized the host country, accusing South Africa of “weaponising their G20 presidency to undermine the G20’s founding principles.”

Although a joint declaration allowed the summit to save face on paper, the tensions revealed in Johannesburg showed the fragile state of the forum.

The visit took place on November 18 and 19, 2025, during which Dr. Muyoboke toured various justice-related institutions in The Gambia, including the country’s school of law.

In 2024, The Gambia revised its law regulating the legal profession, adding provisions that specify which countries’ law degrees are recognized for practicing law in Gambia. According to the new law, no one can practice law in Gambia without presenting a valid degree from a recognized country.

In Africa, recognized countries include Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. In Europe, countries like Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom, which colonized Gambia, are recognized. In the Americas, only Canada is accepted, while in Asia, countries like India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia are recognized.

Dr. Muyoboke explained that the relationship between the two institutions has sparked the beginning of discussions on how justice institutions in both countries can collaborate.

During the visit, the President of the Gambian Bar Association, Neneh Cham, spoke with the President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Moise Nkundabarashi, exploring avenues of collaboration between Rwandan lawyers and their Gambian counterparts.

This collaboration is expected to facilitate Gambian students who graduate from ILPD and other future initiatives.

Dr. Muyoboke further mentioned that both The Gambia’s Supreme Court and Rwanda’s Supreme Court have set up dedicated teams to assess how the justice institutions can work together effectively.

In September of this year, the President of the Supreme Court of Rwanda, Mukantaganzwa Domitille, also visited The Gambia’s justice institutions, marking the start of in-depth discussions on collaboration.

This followed the visits of The Gambia’s Supreme Court President, Hassan B. Jallow, and the Head of the Gambian Law School, Rougie Thomasi, to Rwanda.

Dr. Muyoboke expressed hope that these discussions would yield positive results in the future.

He said, “This visit will strengthen cooperation in judicial education, research, and the development of the legal profession. There is a strong desire to promote legal professionalism and collaboration in our continent, and this will be possible through our partnership.”

The President of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, also stated that Dr. Muyoboke’s visit was very valuable, as it continues to build the good relationship between The Gambia and Rwanda, particularly in the field of justice.

He added, “For me, Rwanda is like a second home. I lived and worked there. The partnership we will have benefits us all, and working together as Africans is what is needed on our continent.”

During his visit, Dr. Muyoboke also met with The Gambia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dawda A. Jallow, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Hussein Thomasi, and others, including former ILPD students from The Gambia, who have now founded an association called the ‘ILPD Alumni, Gambia Chapter.’

One Gambian lawyer, B.M. Bajo, who works in Rwanda, told IGIHE that he is excited about the collaboration between the two countries.

He explained that before the legal recognition agreement between Rwanda and The Gambia, Gambian lawyers working in Rwanda faced challenges in advancing their careers.

However, he believes that these issues are now left behind, as the partnership allows them to represent clients in court and tackle other legal obstacles.

To date, 50 students from The Gambia have graduated from ILPD, with others still studying.

Some of the graduates have chosen to continue working in Rwanda, where they appreciate the values they learned, such as cleanliness, fighting corruption, and advocating for justice.

According to Rwanda’s Office of the President, the two Heads of State discussed the existing cooperation, including Rwanda’s ongoing support through the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) troops serving under the existing bilateral security agreement as well as those serving in the United Nations Mission.

Both leaders also exchanged on the opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation through collaboration in various sectors of mutual benefit for the people of the Central African Republic and Rwanda.

President Touadéra arrived in Kigali on November 23, 2025, where he was received by Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta, before meeting President Kagame later in the evening.

Relations between Rwanda and the Central African Republic have grown significantly over the years, with security cooperation standing at the core of this partnership.

Rwanda first deployed troops to the Central African Republic in 2014 as part of efforts to restore stability following waves of conflict that began in 2012.

Rwandan forces were initially deployed under the African Union mission, MISCA, before transitioning to the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, a few months later.

Their responsibilities included protecting civilians, safeguarding UN equipment, and ensuring the security of the CAR Head of State and his family.

In 2020, Rwanda sent additional troops under a bilateral agreement with the Central African Republic. Through the same agreement, Rwandan forces have been training CAR’s national army.

In March 2025, the third cohort of 438 CAR soldiers trained by Rwandan troops completed their military courses, which included enemy detection, territorial defence, map reading, and field operations.

Over nearly 11 years of cooperation, the partnership has expanded beyond security, with Rwandan peacekeepers also supporting community welfare initiatives, including providing medical services to local residents.

In February 2025, Rwanda and the Central African Republic further deepened their cooperation by signing a security partnership agreement between their respective interior ministries.

President Touadéra’s visit comes just days before the Central African Republic heads to presidential elections scheduled for December 2025.

In July 2025, he announced that he would be seeking another term in office.

According to media reports, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff attended the meeting.

The Ukrainian delegation was led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office.

Also, national security advisers from France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives of the European Union, also took part in the meeting.

Yermak said on social media platform X on Sunday that the Ukrainian delegation had begun its work in Geneva.

He said the team held its first meeting with national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany and would next meet with the U.S. delegation, adding that they were “in a very constructive mood.”

Yermak added that a series of meetings in various formats was planned for the day as the sides continue working together to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said on social media platform X on Sunday that he hoped the talks would be constructive and lead to a positive outcome.