Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

In response to the “current threats” from drone activity over Polish territory, the ministry said it is ready to send a helicopter unit for special operations, equipped with three specially modified Mi-171S aircraft.

Poland requested the unit following a phone call between Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova and her Polish counterpart Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, the ministry said in a statement.

The number of soldiers will not exceed 150, and will be determined based on the current situation and logistical support possibilities, it added.

“Our helicopters can assist in the defense of European airspace within a few days,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on social media platform X.

The Polish air forces shot down multiple drones on Wednesday after the country reported its airspace was violated by a “huge number of Russian drones,” some of which posed a “direct threat.”

Warsaw claimed that this incident marked the first downing of Russian drones over NATO territory, while Moscow dismissed the accusation as groundless.

Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Poland, Andrey Ordash, was quoted by TASS on Wednesday as saying that the drones were from Ukraine.

The court said there are substantial grounds to suspect her of corruption related charges allegedly committed during her tenure as the CEO of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC).

Umuhumuza faces charges including abuse of power, favoritism, and mismanaging public resources.

In the same ruling, the court also ordered the detention of Dominique Murekezi, the former Managing Director of WASAC Development, for 30 days.

By contrast, Vincent de Paul Mugwaneza, who previously managed water distribution projects at WASAC, was released on provisional bail. The court found no strong reasons to keep him in custody.

Mugwaneza had faced accusations including soliciting sexual favors, abuse of power, favoritism, and failure to justify the source of his wealth.

However, the judges concluded there was insufficient evidence to warrant his continued detention and ordered his immediate release following the verdict.

The court reminded defendants that any appeal must be lodged within five days of the ruling being issued.

This development is part of a broader corruption investigation at WASAC, coming after the arrest of former CEO Omar Munyaneza, who is currently serving a 30-day remand on related charges.

In 2023, the IRMCT Appeals Chamber ruled to discontinue Kabuga’s trial, citing that he was unfit to stand trial due to serious health conditions. Since then, he has remained in custody in The Hague, Netherlands.

On 9 September 2025, Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz and his team stated that although Kabuga has repeatedly complained that his continued detention violates his fundamental rights, European countries he sought to be relocated to have refused to host him.

“Yet, two years later, Kabuga remains in limbo, while complaining that his continuing detention violates his most fundamental rights. His preferred European states have proved unwilling to accept him and the Host State is unequivocal that Kabuga ‘cannot be released onto its territory’” reads the prosecution’s submission.

The prosecution further argued that there should be no concerns about transferring Kabuga to Rwanda, stressing that medical arrangements will be made during the flight.

“The Prosecution therefore requests that the Trial Chamber decide on Kabuga’s provisional release,” he noted.

Brammertz and his team also emphasized that further decisions on Kabuga’s case should not be delayed on grounds of medical records, since much of his health information is already public.

Félicien Kabuga, once one of Rwanda’s wealthiest businessmen, has long been identified as a leading financier of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He is accused of, among other charges, importing massive quantities of machetes that were distributed and used in the killings.

Kabuga was arrested in France on 16 May 2020 after 26 years as a fugitive. In October that year, he was transferred to The Hague to face trial before the IRMCT.

The charges against him included genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, attempt to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, extermination, and persecution.

The IRMCT has clarified that the suspension of proceedings did not amount to an acquittal, nor did it establish guilt.

Lt Gen Kabandana was born in 1968. He was among the soldiers who fought in the liberation struggle that began in 1990 and played a role in halting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira, who served alongside him, spoke during a memorial evening held on 9 September 2025 to honor the life of Lt Gen Kabandana. He recalled that most of them had joined the army at a young age, driven by the call to bring peace to Rwandans and build a country in which all citizens could feel a sense of belonging.

He reminded the audience that during the struggle, some fighters died, others were permanently disabled, some were lightly injured, while others recovered. Yet, he emphasized: “What we all fought for whether those who passed away, those permanently wounded, or others—was this country. And indeed, the country was liberated… Kabandana accomplished everything he was meant to do in his youth.”

Gen (Rtd) Ibingira noted that in the 35 years he spent alongside Lt Gen Kabandana, he witnessed him survive multiple gunshots.

“Kabandana was a man who had survived mulltiple bullets. Death, therefore, coming like a stray dog, should not have taken him. The Chief of Defence Staff, present here, commands troops that should have been deployed to shield Kabandana. However, death strikes unexpectedly,” he said.

{{Near-death experiences}}

Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira recalled that on 21 and 22 December 1990, Lt Gen Kabandana was injured at a place called Nkanda—now part of Kiyombe Sector—when the enemy surprised them between midnight and 1 a.m. The soldiers, exhausted and hungry, woke up to find themselves under attack while trapped between two hills.

In the process of retreating through the thickets, Lt Gen Kabandana was wounded for the first time, but he recovered quickly.

“What I want to say is that a person dies on their destined day. That day was meant to be Kabandana’s last, and many died there. But Kabandana was slightly injured and later healed,” he explained.

Gen (Rtd) Ibingira went on to recount that in 1991, when the RPA troops fought in Ruhengeri, Cyanika, and Muremure, Lt Gen Kabandana—then still a junior soldier—was already demonstrating exceptional strength and courage.

In May 1991, the commander of the operation distributed 10 machine guns to the soldiers of Bravo and Mike battalions. These heavy weapons were meant to be carried by only the strongest and bravest soldiers. Kabandana was selected among those entrusted with a machine gun.

The two battalions were tasked with moving out of the Virunga mountains to block the Rusumo road.

Gen (Rtd) Ibingira recalled: “That was when I came to know Kabandana very well. We gave them the guns in the evening, still wrapped in plastic and covered with grease. It required the soldiers to carefully clean them and prepare them for use.

“Kabandana carried his gun down the mountain. Since I was the commander, I stayed at a designated place. At one point, one of the soldiers challenged him, saying: ‘Who do you think you are to pass here?’ He then confronted some of the strongest soldiers, struck them down, and they panicked and fled.”

One of Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira’s bodyguards once came to him and reported that there was a soldier who had gone wild and beaten them all. The next morning, Gen (Rtd) Ibingira asked his soldiers who had assaulted his guards.

Kabandana immediately admitted it, saying: “Do they love you more than we do? They attempted, … then I beat them.”

According to Ibingira, it was there that Kabandana earned his very first military rank, Corporal.

On 18 May 1991, during a march toward the park (in eastern province), the battalion led by Gen (Rtd) Ibingira was at the front. He instructed his soldiers to rest while Bravo Battalion stayed behind to provide security. However, the enemy manoeuvered and attacked those who had fallen asleep in the bushes.

He recalled: “We were taken by surprise by heavy gunfire. Among the young soldiers who fought to rescue their comrades was Kabandana. He emerged from the bush with his machine gun and began firing at the enemy without anyone commanding him or telling him what to do. That gun had tremendous power, and because of it, many soldiers managed to get out of the bushes and regroup to fire back. I remember that on that date Gen Musemakweri was shot, along with many others.”

The enemy force numbered about 900 soldiers, while their battalion had only 200 poorly equipped men facing the government army.

On 21 May, Gen Ibingira was wounded and taken abroad for treatment. He returned to the battlefield after a year and a half, rejoining Kabandana in the same battalion.

At that time, Kabandana served as deputy in charge of political affairs within their unit, while also actively fighting on the frontlines.

Gen (Rtd) Ibingira recalled: “In 1994, during the struggle to liberate our country and stop the Genocide against the Tutsi, Kabandana and I were together from Mutara all the way to Butare. He was among those seen in Karubamba on social media carrying an infant who had survived the killings at that parish.”

He emphasized that Kabandana narrowly escaped death during events in which very few soldiers survived. In 1994, when they reached Ruhuha in Bugesera, Kabandana joined Gen Mubarakh Muganga. He drove a Daihatsu vehicle and returned with about 12 survivors.

On their way back along the Nemba–Nyanza road, which had been heavily mined, the vehicle exploded after hitting a mine. All those he had saved were killed instantly.

Kabandana himself was severely burned but miraculously survived. “Kabandana fought in all these battles, he even went abroad to confront terrorists and provide security and still did not die. Yet in the end, it was illness that took him,” Gen (Rtd) Ibingira said.

He stressed that Kabandana’s legacy will never fade, as he left behind his children, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), and the country he fought for.

“I often hear some of the Interahamwe saying that heaven will receive them. If that is true, then we shall be the first to be welcomed into heaven. There is no way heaven could exist and not welcome Kabandana, a man who gave his youth, his strength, who worked without pay, without seeking honor, but served the people of Rwanda.

“For four years on the battlefield, he fought without a salary. Religious leaders who found churches today receive offerings immediately, yet he belonged to a ‘church’ that paid no salary, only rewarding truth, life, and spirit,” Gen (Rtd) Ibingira recounted.

“We know some of our comrades who betrayed this cause and chose selfish interests. Whatever rewards they received, they know them, but they will not die with honor.”

Lt Col (Rtd) Naramabuye, who is also Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana’s brother-in-law, thanked the national leadership for doing everything possible to ensure Kabandana received the medical care he needed.

“We lived through many stages together from preparing to defend this country, to fighting on the battlefield, and later working in the South where he guided the youth and others preparing to serve the nation. At that time, [the military leadership will remember this] a decision was made for some soldiers to pursue higher education at the University of Rwanda and elsewhere,” he noted.

Lt Col (Rtd) Naramabuye, then a student at the University of Rwanda, joined Kabandana in counseling young people and comforting those fearful of being blamed for their relatives’ involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi.

He noted: “Just think of the energy our country gained from this. Leaders sent him to teach love to people, including those who had committed crimes. I also remember the lessons we gave to youth survivors studying at the university. I still wonder where his strength came from. But, as we discussed in the family, a person is made up of three types of strength: spiritual strength, intellectual strength, and physical strength. Everything else arises from these three.”

He affirmed that Lt Gen Kabandana lived by these strengths, particularly those of spirit and intellect: “These are the foundations of all human action. They were built on love, as our elders always reminded us that love is the first weapon we must use, even before we could access other weapons. Love works, and it will always work. It is a weapon that can never be defeated.”

He concluded by stressing that Lt Gen Kabandana used this weapon of love to mentor young people: “From the few examples I have shared—and there are many more—he achieved his goals and became a role model for countless people. We have no doubt that God has welcomed him. This is not emotion speaking; his actions speak for themselves.”

{{Lt Gen Kabandana’s legacy to the youth}}

Lt Col (Rtd) Naramabuye urged young people to follow in the footsteps of Lt Gen Kabandana, who was known for his love, selflessness, and many other virtues.

“My request to the youth is that you live by his good example—love one another, work in ways that bring dignity to yourselves and to your families. As you grow, you will realize that the world we live in is, for the most part, not guided by love but by personal interests.

“It often discourages those who try to build their nations on love. But we will never be defeated. We endured very difficult times, yet the good leadership of this country and the foresight of our army have shown that as long as we walk in the strength of spirit, love, and wisdom, God will remain with us, protect us from all dangers, and keep us strong,” Lt Col (Rtd) Naramabuye said.

He recalled that in 1994, churches, once seen as sanctuaries and houses of God, became sites of mass killings and urged the public to stand for the right cause.

“We must put into practice the teachings we constantly preach, just as Lt Gen Kabandana so often demonstrated through his own example. He fought many battles, he confronted evil directly. He never feared evil, he never feared to speak the truth. Even when it challenged the interests of some, he told them: ‘These interests will not last.’ To you, young people here today, and to your peers, we beg you as parents: if you walk in that path, you will prove that you truly loved and will always honor Lt Gen Kabandana.”

The incident occurred on September 9, 2025, at around 11 a.m., when laborers were reinforcing a retaining wall built to hold back soil. Some workers were positioned beneath the wall, while others were adding soil on top when it suddenly gave way.

Security officials, local authorities, and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrived swiftly at the scene to provide reassurance and launch investigations.

Nyamasheke District Mayor, Narcisse Mupenzi, confirmed the arrests, saying: “ Ongoing investigation has led to the arrest of two individuals.”

The suspects are reported to be the site engineer and supervisor. Sources indicate that 13 injured workers including eight in critical condition were transferred to Kibogora Hospital for treatment.

Belyse Uwingabiye, human resources manager at DNG Ltd, the company contracted to build the plant, said about 50 employees had been working on the wall at the time.

Florien Ndahayo, the lead mason on site, described the incident as a tragic accident, noting that the wall had been built in line with soil test results and the approved design.

Security sources confirmed that Gasita left the city in the early hours of September 9, 2025.

His departure is credited with restoring a measure of calm after days of unrest. Reports suggest he was secretly escorted to Bujumbura with the assistance of his bodyguards and Burundian soldiers.

The general’s flight came a day after violent protests in Uvira on September 8 that left three people dead and five others injured, according to South Kivu provincial authorities.

Demonstrators, led by Wazalendo fighters and supported by civilians, first marched to the office of Mayor Kifara Kapenda to demand Gasita’s removal, accusing him of being a potential traitor. They later went to the hotel where he was staying, prompting his guards to open fire on the crowd.

Alexis Byaduniya, a Wazalendo member, said: “His guards panicked when we delivered the message, fearing an attack on the hotel. They responded by shooting at civilians.”

President Félix Tshisekedi appointed Gasita in December 2024 to lead the 33rd Military Region, first stationed in Bukavu. He later moved to Kindu in February 2025 when M23 rebels captured the city. In September 2025, Tshisekedi assigned him to Uvira, a decision strongly opposed by Wazalendo.

Protests began on September 2 when residents learned of his arrival. Roads were blocked, daily activities halted, and demonstrators vowed to continue until Gasita was forced out.

While Wazalendo members alleged that the general is Rwandan, the Congolese army denied this, stressing that he remains Congolese and enjoys government support.

The three-month course was designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to safeguard people and their property, even under challenging situations.

The IGP Namuhoranye highlighted the remarkable transformation made by the trainees during the course, noting improvements in both their technical abilities and their overall professionalism and attitude.

“You now graduate not just with new skills, but with the responsibility and capacity to carry out critical missions under pressure — with discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights, both at home and abroad,” said IGP Namuhoranye.

He further urged them to maintain the commitment, discipline, and resilience that defined their training as they move into operational duties.

“Let the dedication and professionalism you demonstrated during training continue to guide you in your daily work, wherever your mission may take you.”

The SWAT course is part of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) broader strategy to build a highly skilled, professional, and adaptable police force capable of responding to modern security threats both domestically and in international peacekeeping or in crisis response operations.

A ceremony was held near the dam in the northwestern Benishangul-Gumuz region to celebrate the project’s official completion.

It was attended by senior Ethiopian officials, African leaders and representatives from the African Union and other international organizations, including African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Kenyan President William Ruto, Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.

Construction of the 5,150-megawatt hydropower project began in 2011 on the Blue Nile River near the Sudanese border.

Addressing the event, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the dam’s potential to strengthen the national economy by providing stable energy for industry, improving livelihoods and advancing regional energy integration.

“Congratulations to all Ethiopians, both at home and abroad, as well as to our friends around the world, on the historic inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam,” he said.

The project, with a designed total water storage capacity of 74 billion cubic meters, has long been a source of tension among the three Nile-bound countries of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan. While Cairo and Khartoum fear the dam will reduce their water share, Addis Ababa maintains that the project will not harm downstream countries.

“We are firm believers in collective advancement,” Abiy said, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to pursuing growth without undermining its neighbors’ interests.

The Blue Nile, known as the Abay River in Ethiopia, originates from Lake Tana about 570 km north of Addis Ababa and is one of the Nile River’s two main tributaries.

Responding to questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Ramaphosa told lawmakers that South African government representatives are currently in the United States for further formal negotiations.

“Our people, who are in the United States, now are fully fired up with this type of approach,” he said, adding that ministers of trade and industry and international relations will join them to advance the discussions.

“They are meeting a number of stakeholders, including representatives in the administration, legislators, business people, and others,” he added.

The president said that the objective of the continued engagement with the United States is to secure a mutually beneficial trade and investment deal, noting that the government has chosen the route of engagement after consultations with exporters, importers, trade unions, and the private sector.

“Our option is informed by what we want to gain. And what we want to gain is to continue exporting to the United States as much as possible, and to enable companies also to invest in the United States, but to also get U.S. companies to invest in us,” Ramaphosa said.

Meanwhile, the president stressed that South Africa entered talks with significant leverage, pointing to the country’s mineral wealth and processing capacity.

“The discussions that we are having now with the United States also revolve around that the critical minerals that South Africa has, and the capacity that we have to process those minerals … something that we take to the table and use as leverage,” he said

Ramaphosa acknowledged that the U.S. administration can at times be “unpredictable” and “retaliatory,” but said he was confident that the strategy of engagement would deliver positive outcomes.

“It is a strategy that we have opted for, a strategy of engagement, and a strategy which we believe will yield results, notwithstanding the fact that we are obviously dealing with the United States administration that at times is unpredictable and that at times just retaliates — without being supplicants, without going on bended knee, which we have never done and which we will never do,” Ramaphosa said.

“We have said we will not be bullied. We will stand as a sovereign country and negotiate and get the best deal for South Africa. That’s precisely what we do,” he noted.