RDRC Chairperson Valerie Nyirahabineza shared these details on October 30, 2025, during a ceremony marking the discharge of the 75th cohort, which included 143 individuals from armed groups.
“I am pleased to inform you that, since 2001, 12,602 former combatants have been reintegrated. This program has provided thousands of former fighters and their families with tangible assistance, including civic education, vocational training, and support to enhance livelihoods and economic opportunities,” she stated.
Nyirahabineza called on Rwandans still in the forests of the DRC to lay down their arms, emphasizing that being used as foreign mercenaries to destabilize their own country would lead to nothing positive.
“We urge all Rwandans involved in the FDLR and its affiliated groups to lay down their arms and return home. As the RDRC, we are ready to welcome them and assist in their reintegration into society,” she stated.
A peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June 2025 calls for the elimination of the FDLR, with its combatants to be repatriated and reintegrated into society.
In line with these agreements, on October 10, the DRC military urged FDLR combatants to surrender their weapons to either the DRC authorities or United Nations peacekeepers, warning that those who resist will face military action.
Nyirahabineza emphasized that Rwanda is prepared to receive any FDLR combatants wishing to return, offering them the same support provided to those who have come before them.
“Rwanda is ready to welcome new combatants who are being repatriated from the DRC, including those from FDLR, as called for in the latest statement from the DRC government,” she said.
Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, urged Rwandans to refrain from engaging in actions that could destabilize their motherland and commended those who had chosen to lay down their arms.
“We ask that you demonstrate how the training you received here has transformed your mindset and behavior. Always focus on safeguarding our country’s security, and collaborate with fellow Rwandans to prevent any threats to that security,” he emphasized.
Minister Habimana also encouraged these individuals to leave behind the time spent in the forests of the DRC and embark on a new journey of self-improvement. He reminded them that unity and solidarity among Rwandans are the foundations of all that has been achieved.
He urged them to steer clear of actions that could lead them back to the negative paths they once followed.
“Let us remember that unity and solidarity as Rwandans are the pillars of all our gains. Betraying that unity is forbidden. Therefore, I ask you to avoid anything that could lead you back to the evils of the past and instead join other Rwandans in fighting against genocide ideology and contributing to building our national unity,” he said.
Among the reintegrated former combatants, some have returned with their families. The training program lasted between three to six months.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, aimed to extend its hold on power in the recent elections.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the incumbent, faced 16 other candidates from smaller parties.
Notably, opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains incarcerated after being charged with treason, and Luhaga Mpina, a presidential candidate from the second-largest opposition party, was barred from running.
The electoral body, as reported by AP quoting state TV, announced that President Hassan had taken an early lead, securing 96.99% of the votes in the initial tally from eight constituencies.
Lawmakers from the European Parliament issued a statement on Thursday, calling the elections “neither free nor fair” and urging international democratic partners to “stand firm in the defense of democracy and human rights.”
Violence erupted on Wednesday afternoon as protesters set fire to a bus and a gas station, attacked police stations, and vandalized polling stations.
Amnesty International reported two deaths, a civilian and a police officer, during the protests.
The government has not yet commented on the casualties, but it imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, where the majority of protests took place.
Despite these measures, protests continued into the night. The government also instructed public servants to work from home on Thursday to limit non-essential movement.
Among those repatriated were mostly women and children. They returned on Thursday, October 30, 2025, through the La Corniche border, which connects Rwanda to the DRC.
Upon arrival, the returnees were transferred to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi District.
These Rwandans had been living in a temporary camp in Goma after fleeing from various regions in Eastern DRC, where they were held captives by the FDLR.
The Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of social affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe, welcomed the returnees and assured them that the government has various plans in place to help them reintegrate into normal life.
She said, “In a short time, you will be reintegrated into the community you have returned to. You will receive support to reconnect with your families, and before leaving the center to return to your places of residence, you will be provided with the necessary identification documents, especially for those who have reached adulthood. You will also be given money to help you start life and meet basic needs.”
Ishimwe reassured the returnees, reminding them that they were now in the safe hands of a country that cares for them.
“We are glad you have returned, and the country is ready to help you reintegrate. As local authorities, we will continue to guide you through government programs to ensure you are reunited with your families,” she noted.
The returnees were then taken to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi District, where they will stay temporarily.
Once the returnees have received their identification documents, the government will provide them with support to fully reintegrate into society.
This assistance includes basic financial aid to help them restart their lives. Those aged above 18 will receive $188, while individuals under 18 will get $113. In addition, each returnee will be given food rations worth 45,000 Rwandan Francs.
This repatriation follows the return of another group of 277 Rwandans on October 21, 2025.
During an interview with IGIHE. Dr. Frank Habineza recalled a conversation with Evode Uwizeyimana on Rwanda Television, where Uwizeyimana told him not to engage in debates about laws until he had studied them. This advice motivated Dr. Habineza to go back to school.
He said, “I would say that Senator Evode Uwizeyimana sparked a healthy jealousy in me, and I immediately went back to study law. I am now in my final year at the University of Kigali, with expectations to graduate next year. I plan to continue my studies at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, and if necessary, I will pursue a PhD degree in Law.”
Dr. Habineza explained that his decision to study law was not to compete with anyone, but to enhance his knowledge. He added that being a parliamentarian requires legal knowledge, which is crucial to effectively represent Rwandans.
He clarified that he has no issues with Senator Evode Uwizeyimana and that, aside from encouraging him to study law, they both share ideas for the benefit of all Rwandans.
Dr. Habineza stated, “It’s really great to be in the same Senate. I would call him my ‘buddy’ because we have discussions, and even when we disagree, we continue the conversation. Even when we don’t have the same views, it doesn’t mean things have fallen apart.”
Dr. Habineza was elected as a Senator, succeeding Mugisha Alexis from the Green Party, who had completed his five-year term. Many wondered why Dr. Habineza did not allow him to extend his tenure, especially since there was a possibility that Mugisha could have been granted another five-year term.
Dr. Habineza explained that there is no issue with him replacing Mugisha in the Senate since Mugisha had completed his term, but assured that the party would assign him other responsibilities.
He said, “He is still our member, the party’s chief commissioner, and he is still active. We will assign him other duties, and we will continue to explore new opportunities for him. A term lasts for five years, and once it’s over, it doesn’t mean that you can’t take on other roles. People transition into new roles all the time, and that’s what will happen.”
Regarding his new role as a Senator, Frank Habineza emphasized that he will continue to prioritize the interests of the people.
He said, “I am still myself, still original. What I can tell you is that the responsibilities in the legislative process of the Senate are different from those of the Chamber of Deputies. The people expect us to be there for them, and we will continue to serve them well, with God’s help.”
{{Running again after defeat}}
Dr. Habineza has contested for the position of President of Rwanda twice, but on both occasions, he failed to secure even 5% of the vote.
In the most recent election held on July 15, 2024, Paul Kagame won with 99.18% of the vote, securing 8,822,794 votes from Rwandans. Dr. Frank Habineza came in second with just 0.50% of the vote.
Dr. Habineza said that his participation in the presidential election was in the country’s interest rather than his own.
He stated, “I put the country’s interests first by running for the presidency, because we saw that this was more valuable than running for a parliamentary seat. We believed that the country’s interests lay in having someone run for president, especially since we are a party opposed to the government. We believe these ideas shouldn’t be suppressed. I did not put my own interests first, I put the country’s interests first.”
He added that even though he did not win the election, he is confident that the ideas in his manifesto will be implemented.
When asked if he was considering leading the Rwandan Senate, especially as the committee currently leading the Senate will finish its term in 2029 while others will conclude theirs in 2030, he said he was unsure but was ready to serve Rwandans.
He said, “What I can tell you is that I, Frank Habineza, am ready to serve Rwandans. We have paid a great price to serve them, and if they continue to trust us, there is nothing that can stop us from serving them in any capacity.”
Dr. Habineza disclosed that his dreams of becoming president are not over. He stated that if his party members trust him again in the future, he will run for president once more.
He outlined that if he was elected in 2029, his key focus would be eradicating poverty completely in Rwanda, ensuring that everyone is self-sufficient in food production, and reducing the need for imports.
He also emphasized strengthening industries, promoting environmentally friendly transportation, improving the quality of education, caring for teachers and healthcare workers, and introducing a minimum wage among others.
Dr. Habineza said that he will continue to advocate for a minimum wage in Parliament, as this issue has been pending for over six years under the Prime Minister’s office without a solution.
After the election defeat, Dr. Habineza said he chose to focus on party activities because they needed him most at the time.
He refrained from addressing the negative atmosphere that had been reported within the Green Party, stating that the issue was resolved and was based on the misconduct of a few individuals but had since been corrected.
Following the presidential and parliamentary elections, the Green Party sold its headquarters. The party has now received the funds allocated to political parties that contested and won seats in the National Assembly. Green Party has already received the funds and has purchased a new headquarters located in Muyombo.
He said, “Elections are expensive, and those we compete against have many supporters, which helps them raise money. We don’t have as many supporters as they do. Our supporters did contribute, but their contributions weren’t enough. We sold our assets to avoid loans.”
He commended the good management of various sectors during the presidential election, including local governments, security, and others, noting that it contributed to the smooth running of the elections.
To promote development and self-reliance, the Green Party has started helping its supporters by assisting them with livestock farming, producing organic fertilizers, and improving their projects so that they benefit both the supporters and the party.
{{Constructive criticism}}
Dr. Habineza explained that when the party was founded, they considered themselves confrontational and radical opposition but later decided to be a constructive opposition party aimed at raising issues and providing alternative solutions to problems.
He said, “In the past, we criticized everything, seeing no good in anything. But now, we say, ‘No, that’s not right.’ We can acknowledge the good where we see it, but also address the bad and offer solutions on how it should be corrected. This is the direction we have taken, but we are still an opposition party in a constructive way, not one that aims to destroy but to build.”
He emphasized that there is no reason for him to engage in negative actions that could lead to harm when he has the opportunity to do good and achieve positive outcomes.
He also noted that the Green Party’s supporters continue to grow as they understand the party’s goals, vision, and the reasons for being part of it.
This plot contradicts the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and DRC in June 2025, with the assistance of the United States, where both countries agreed to dismantle FDLR to be followed by the lifting of Rwanda’s security measures.
Reliable sources confirm that Tshisekedi and the Habyarimana family intend to provide FDLR with ample resources, assist in recruiting new fighters, and appoint new leadership for the group. Jean-Luc Habyarimana, the son of the late Juvénal Habyarimana, is set to become the new leader of FDLR.
A source close to the DRC presidential office revealed that the DRC government is working with Jean-Luc, members of the RNC coalition led by Kayumba Nyamwasa, and Thomas Nahimana, who heads the self-proclaimed ‘Government of Rwanda in Exile.’ These individuals are involved in coordinating actions aimed at destabilizing Rwanda.
Tshisekedi plans to hold a high-level meeting in Kinshasa in early 2026, bringing together individuals from terrorist groups claiming to oppose Rwanda’s government. The aim is to form a military alliance allegedly capable of threatening Rwanda’s security and possibly overthrowing its government.
To facilitate this meeting, the DRC government is arranging travel documents for these Rwandans via its embassy in South Africa.
In early October, members of these terrorist factions gathered in Cape Town, South Africa. Jean-Luc Habyarimana attended the meeting via video call due to security concerns. The discussions focused on recruiting new members and encouraging Rwandans in the diaspora to support the creation of a “strong military alliance.”
Tshisekedi sees Jean-Luc as the ideal candidate to lead this alliance, citing his lineage as the son of Rwanda’s former president. He believes Jean-Luc could unite the fractured opposition groups and connect Rwandans abroad with the FDLR.
This is not the first time Tshisekedi has attempted to bring these factions together to challenge Rwanda’s government. In June 2024, Jean-Luc secretly traveled to Kinshasa, meeting with Tshisekedi’s associates and security officials to discuss supporting the FDLR.
A month later, Tshisekedi’s office revealed plans to welcome Rwandan genocide suspects currently residing in Niger, including Captain Innocent Sagahutu, who had previously attempted to infiltrate FDLR in 2017 before the plan failed.
However, the DRC government suspended this plan after a letter, signed by Antony Nkinzo Kamole, the chief of staff of Tshisekedi’s office, outlining the reception of these individuals, was unexpectedly leaked to the media.
In March 2025, Thomas Nahimana, a key participant in the planned 2026 meeting, traveled to DRC and Burundi. During his stay in Kinshasa, he reportedly met with Tshisekedi’s inner circle and frequently communicated with FDLR leaders.
While in Kinshasa, Nahimana received financial support amounting to $10,000 from those close to Tshisekedi to support his activities and those of his allies.
At the end of 2023, Tshisekedi announced his intent to remove Rwanda’s government and expressed his readiness to support Rwandans he believes seek political change. He views FDLR, which collaborates with DRC forces, as a critical part of this plan.
Rwanda has shown it is aware of FDLR’s malicious intentions and Tshisekedi’s government’s complicity in these activities.
In response, Rwanda has tightened security measures along its border, stating that these measures will remain in place as long as there is a potential threat to its security.
The large-scale raid was launched Tuesday against members of the Comando Vermelho gang in the Alemao and Penha favelas in the northern part of the city, the Rio de Janeiro state government said.
At a press conference, Rio state’s civil police secretary Felipe Curi revised the death toll from an initially reported 128 to 119, including 115 suspected criminals and four police officers.
State Governor Claudio Castro called the operation a “success” and the four slain officers the true victims.
The governor said the figure was based solely on bodies registered at the forensic medical institute, suggesting the final toll could rise.
“I cannot give a final tally until all the bodies have been counted,” he added.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said an analysis of satellite imagery has corroborated new evidence of continuing mass killings in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, during the 48 hours following the Sunday takeover by the Rapid Support Forces.
The World Health Organization has verified 185 attacks on health care in Sudan, with 1,204 deaths and 416 injuries of health workers and patients since the start of the conflict in April 2023, excluding the latest attacks. This year alone, 966 people have died in 49 attacks.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 36,000 people fled El Fasher between Sunday and Tuesday. The IOM said local sources reported that due to insecurity and a lack of transport options, thousands of people remain stranded and are unable to flee from the capital.
OCHA said it is coordinating life-saving assistance about 40 km away with partners in Tawila, where displaced families are being hosted at overcrowded sites, lacking adequate shelter, sanitation and privacy, urgently in need of shelter, food, water, health care and protection.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher approved on Wednesday a 20 million U.S. dollar allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund for Sudan to support the scaling up of emergency aid in Tawila and other locations in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan regions. The amount comes on top of the 27 million dollars already allocated from the fund in 2025.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Tuesday that it was horrified after five Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers were killed, and three others were reported missing while distributing food in the locality of Bara in North Kordofan. Twenty-one Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been killed since the conflict began in April 2023.
OCHA said that civilians, humanitarian workers and medical personnel must always be protected, once again calling on all parties to immediately halt hostilities, guarantee safe passage for civilians and aid workers, and ensure sustained humanitarian access to all affected areas.
The event held on October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C, brought together various leaders and conservationists, to celebrate global initiatives in wildlife protection and ecosystem preservation.
In his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva thanked the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) for its unwavering dedication to advancing global conservation and emphasized Rwanda’s strong commitment to the cause.
“Peace and prosperity cannot be sustained, without protecting the environment that our people depend on,” Dr. Nsengigumva stated. “That’s why Rwanda has placed conservation at the heart of our national development strategy, for the past three decades.”
Reflecting on Rwanda’s conservation achievements, Dr. Nsengigumva pointed out the success of the Kwita Izina program, initiated twenty years ago, which involves naming all baby mountain gorillas born in the previous year.
This initiative, he noted, came at a time when mountain gorillas were critically endangered.
“Today, thanks to our conservation efforts, the population has rebounded to over 1,000, a four-fold increase, and we can proudly say they are no longer critically endangered,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the restoration of Akagera National Park, where a public-private partnership with African Parks led to a dramatic rise in the park’s wildlife population.
“Since then, Akagera’s wildlife population has more than doubled, from fewer than 5,000 large mammals to nearly 12,000, and the park is now self-funding,” Dr. Nsengigumva revealed.
Rwanda’s commitment to reintroducing species, such as lions and rhinos, was another point of pride.
Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after being decimated in 1994, followed by the return of Eastern Black Rhinos and the introduction of Southern White Rhinos, marking the largest single rhino translocation in history,” he stated, adding a lighthearted remark.
Dr. Nsengigumva stressed the vital role of local communities in Rwanda’s conservation success.
“None of these results could have been achieved without the support of the communities that surround these parks. They have become the frontline defenders of wildlife in Rwanda because we always make sure that they benefit directly from wildlife conservation,” he explained.
Dr. Nsengigumva also spoke about Africa’s broader commitment to conservation, referencing the Kigali Call to Action for People and Nature, adopted by African leaders in 2022.
He pointed out the innovative potential within the continent’s parks, from wildlife monitoring to biotechnological advancements like genomic sequencing.
“We cannot allow Africa’s parks to be used by terrorist groups, or criminal organizations, to create insecurity,” the Prime Minister added, emphasizing Rwanda’s commitment to preserving peace and safety in the region.
He expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s leadership in facilitating regional peace, which includes provisions for cross-border cooperation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on wildlife conservation and tourism.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva expressed his thanks to those supporting conservation initiatives, particularly highlighting Rob Walton’s remarkable contributions to the field, including the recent establishment of the African Conservation Academy in Akagera.
“When we work together, we can create a better future for our children and our planet,” he concluded.
The 2025 ICCF U.S. Congressional International Conservation Leadership Gala is one of the most prominent events in Washington, D.C. dedicated to advancing bipartisan U.S. leadership in global conservation efforts.
Hosted by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the gala convenes over 200 distinguished guests, including members of the U.S. Cabinet and Congress, global policymakers and opinion leaders, international business executives and NGO leaders, celebrities and conservation advocates.
The gala serves as a platform to raise awareness and political support for habitat and biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and international collaboration.
It highlights the work of the ICCF Group in building political will and delivering cost-effective, resilient conservation solutions through its International Conservation Corps and parliamentary caucus model.
Since its inception in 2006, the gala has featured notable figures such as; King Charles III; Founder of Amazon and Bezos Earth Fund,Jeff Bezos; Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton who are also Honorary Co-Chairs of ICCF.
The officials, including those from California, New York, as well as the District of Columbia, announced that they are suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully suspending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The federal court lawsuit filed in Massachusetts requests that the judge block the administration’s prior orders directing states to suspend benefits and compel the USDA to utilize all available resources to continue providing SNAP benefits in November.
“Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement.
According to U.S. media, SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program serving nearly 42 million people, which is over 12 percent of the U.S. population. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line.
To reach the decision, the court analyzed the history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the specific actions of Dr. Munyemana, using testimonies from survivors, expert evidence, and statements from the accused himself.
Both the defense and witnesses agreed that after the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, extremists, political leaders, and high-ranking military officers initiated a nationwide campaign to kill Tutsis, based on a premeditated plan.
Initially, Butare remained peaceful as its Prefect, Habyarimana Jean Baptiste, had prohibited violence. However, two days after the transitional government forced him to resign on April 17, 1994, President Théodore Sindikubwabo called on the population to “do the work,” which meant killing Tutsis.
After this speech, Tutsis were targeted through roadblocks, ambushes, and mass killings at churches and government offices, which were falsely labeled as “safe,” yet were set up as traps to kill them. These acts were part of a nationwide strategy.
For the court to establish a link between the violence in Butare and Dr. Munyemana’s actions, it was necessary to examine detailed information about his activities, his standing in the local community, and his political affiliations.
{{Dr. Munyemana from Butare}}
Dr. Munyemana was a gynecologist who worked at Butare Hospital before and during the genocide, and also served as a lecturer at the former National University of Rwanda (UNR).
He was a member of the MDR party, the Vice President of the local intellectuals’ group (Cercle des Intellectuels)of the party in Butare, and had close ties to key figures, including Kambanda Jean, the Prime Minister of the interim government.
The court found that Dr. Munyemana’s reputation and influence allowed him to carry out actions that affected the Butare population, as he was seen as an influential figure.
On April 16, 1994, Dr. Munyemana, along with other intellectuals, signed a document supporting the interim government, which played a significant role in the mass killings of Tutsis. The court determined that by signing this document, Dr. Munyemana knowingly supported the continuation of the genocide.
The court’s ruling, issued on October 27, 2025, stated, “It is clear that the accused, from April 16, 1994, supported the transitional government’s plan and its execution, calling on Hutus to ‘start work,’ which meant continuing to kill ‘enemies’ labeled as Tutsis across the country.”
{{Dr. Munyemana’s involvement in roadblocks and patrols }}
The court confirmed that Dr. Munyemana attended a meeting at the Tumba sector office on April 17, 1994, where a decision was made to initiate patrols and set up roadblocks. He was assigned to a security committee responsible for implementing these measures.
From April 21, 1994, the roadblocks and patrols were used to search for and arrest Tutsis to kill them.
The court noted that Dr. Munyemana knew that Tutsis were being captured at the roadblocks and patrols, but continued to participate in these operations without intervening to stop the violence against Tutsis or protect the victims.
Dr. Munyemana admitted that François Bwanakeye, the head of Tumba sector, gave him the keys to the sector offices, which he held from April 23 to May 19, 1994.
The court found that Dr. Munyemana locked many Tutsis in the sector offices, and most of them were arrested and killed. He prevented them from escaping, allowing the Interahamwe militia to bring in more victims, whom he then handed over for execution.
Survivors from the genocide testified that Dr. Munyemana played a role in the death of Tutsi. A witness stated that one of the Tutsis who had been imprisoned at the sector offices was the only survivor.
{{Dr. Munyemana’s defense and court’s rejection}}
Dr. Munyemana claimed that he did not know the killings were planned, but the court found that he was well aware, as he followed the media and knew what was happening in Kigali. He was close to the leaders who orchestrated the killings.
The accused also argued that he confined Tutsis in the sector offices to protect them. However, the court found that locking them in a small building without essential resources such as food, water, or security was intended to facilitate their deaths.
Dr. Munyemana further claimed that he did not know what happened to the Tutsis after they were removed from the offices. However, the court noted that he never inquired about their fate, even though he could clearly see that those he claimed to be “rescuing” had disappeared.
To explain his inaction, Dr. Munyemana asserted that he was just a doctor with no political involvement. The court, however, disagreed, as it found that he played an active role in politics in Butare and at the national level.
{{Court’s decision}}
The judges concluded that Dr. Munyemana played a direct role in the genocide by imprisoning Tutsis at the sector offices in Tumba, fully aware that they were to be killed. This constituted a crime of depriving people of their liberty with the intent to kill them as part of the genocide plan.
The court also found that Dr. Munyemana contributed to the planning of the genocide through his involvement in various meetings, his support of the genocidal government, and his participation in security operations designed to capture and kill Tutsis.
However, the court acquitted him of crimes against humanity due to lack of evidence proving that he personally tortured, murdered, or committed other inhumane acts against the Tutsis detained at the sector offices.
Dr. Munyemana was sentenced to 24 years in prison, a sentence he had previously received from the Paris Court of Assizes in December 2023.