Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Through the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), community members undergo six months of training designed to empower villagers to make decisions, manage resources, and implement development projects of their choice.

The process ensures that every resident has a voice in village planning, while grants provided by Spark support initiatives in economic development, governance, and social cohesion.

Each participating village receives between Frw 8 million and Frw 12 million, disbursed in two phases — 60% upfront and 40% later based on performance. The funds are invested in community-selected projects ranging from farming to housing and income-generating activities.

Vestine Yansayidiye, a resident of Musekera village, is among members who described how Spark changed their lives.

“When Spark came to our village in 2014, I joined a savings group and borrowed Frw 20,000. I bought two piglets and some rabbits. As they reproduced, I sold the livestock and earned about Frw 500,000, which I used as capital for business,” she said.

Yansayidiye explained that the profits allowed her family to stop renting and build their own house through the community group Twihute mu Iterambere.

“Now I also contribute to household needs, not everything depends on my husband,” she said.

Vestine has since purchased six plots of land worth Frw 8 million, and her assets from Spark-supported projects now exceed Frw 12 million.

Maria Nyirabarinegura, also from Musekera, shared a similar journey: “Before Spark, I lived in a house with a tiled roof. Today, I own a beautiful house worth Frw 5 million and rear livestock.”

She borrowed Frw 100,000, invested it in farming and pig rearing, and used the profits to build her home and expand into poultry and cattle. She emphasized that livestock farming boosted crop yields through access to manure, which was previously unavailable.

According to Alphonse Sikubwabo, president of Twihute mu Iterambere, Spark’s support enabled the roofing of 142 houses, each family receiving 20 roofing sheets.

“Beyond Spark’s support, we also contributed, with every household adding Frw 1,000. This helped us achieve even more,” he said.

The roofing initiative saw each family receiving 20 roofing sheets, costing over Frw 21.9 million, funded through group lending, farming, and savings.

The community also invested Frw 6.5 million for further improvements including sand flooring.

Founded in 2010, Spark Microgrants is a U.S.-based international NGO operating in eight countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Ghana, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi.

The mission, which began on August 25, 2025, was organized under a cooperation agreement between the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) and Congo-Brazzaville’s Société de Promotion Immobilière (SOPRIM).

It was led by Dr. Julio Nganongo Ossere, Director of the Ministry’s Office of Construction and Urban Housing, accompanied by four technical experts.

Throughout the visit, the delegation toured several institutions and projects across the country, including Rubavu District, the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), and the Rwanda Housing Authority, where they were received by Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe.

They also visited Kigali City, where they were introduced to the KUBAKA platform, a digital system designed to simplify, speed up, and improve the process of applying for and obtaining building permits.

Dr. Nganongo praised Rwanda’s use of digital platforms in service delivery, noting that Congo-Brazzaville intends to adopt a similar system beginning in 2026.

“This system used in Rwanda has been a valuable lesson for us, as we also have plans to roll out such a platform. We are impressed and confident that the knowledge shared by our Rwandan counterparts will guide us in making this a reality,” he said.

The partnership between RHA and SOPRIM was formalized on November 24, 2021, with the aim of strengthening collaboration in housing, urban planning, and the development of affordable, modern housing.

The visiting officials described the exchange as an opportunity to draw inspiration from Rwanda’s achievements in sustainable urbanization and citizen-focused service delivery.

Gen Omega, who once vowed he would only return to Rwanda “when no Tutsi lives there,” has escaped death during numerous offensives against the FDLR. These operations claimed the lives of several senior commanders, including Sylvestre Mudacumura, who was killed in 2019.

Since 2022, when M23 rebels intensified attacks, Gen Omega and the FDLR fighters protecting him have frequently shifted positions. They moved from Tongo in Rutshuru Territory, located within Virunga National Park, to Rusayo, then advanced to Bambiro in Masisi Territory, and to several other locations.

In September 2024, the Congolese army (FARDC) launched large-scale assaults in Rusayo and Shovu, claiming the operations targeted senior FDLR commanders, including Gen Omega. At the time, the Congolese government was under mounting international pressure to dismantle the terrorist organization.

However, it later emerged that, before the offensive began, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, then governor of North Kivu Province, secretly warned the FDLR.

As a result, the group’s fighters and senior leaders, including Gen Omega, managed to escape quietly toward Kanyamahoro. Instead, the strikes ended up hitting fighters from the APCLS militia led by Janvier Karairi, rather than the FDLR’s top command.

{{Is Gen Omega still alive?}}

On January 25, reports circulated widely on social media claiming that Gen Omega, the Commander of FDLR-FOCA, had been killed by AFC/M23 fighters.

At first, the reports were widely believed, but later accounts indicated that he might still be alive.

The FDLR/FOCA spokesperson, Cure Ngoma, dismissed the claims of his death, saying: “The reports about our military leader’s death are false. He is perfectly fine, at work, and carrying out his duties as usual.”

On the morning of March 1, new reports emerged that AFC/M23 was preparing to hand over captured FDLR fighters to Rwanda, including one with the rank of General, though his identity was not immediately confirmed.

The senior officer handed over at that time turned out to be Brig Gen Gakwerere Ezechiel, former Secretary-General of the FDLR. He was accompanied by Major Ndayambaje Gilbert, also known as Rafiki Castro.

Following this handover, journalists were eager to ask AFC/M23 leaders whether Gen Omega was among those in custody. The coalition’s deputy spokesperson, Dr. Balinda Oscar, responded that they had never captured him.

Speaking to IGIHE, Dr. Balinda said: “As for Gen Omega, you will know his fate soon. We are still looking for him. I personally reached his bunker at Kanyamahoro, beneath Mount Nyiragongo. It was empty, neither he nor his body was found there.”

These conflicting accounts, from Cure Ngoma’s claims of Omega’s survival to Dr. Balinda’s assertion that he was missing but not confirmed dead, suggest that, with the support of the Congolese government, Gen Omega may still be alive. Nevertheless, his whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery.

{{Where is Gen Omega?}}

As confusion continued to surround the fate of Gen Omega; Rwanda Defense Force spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, told Jeune Afrique in March 2025 that he had not been handed over to Rwanda. At the time, there were reports that AFC/M23 had captured another senior FDLR officer.

On August 21, 2025, the Commander of RDF forces in Western Province, Maj Gen Eugène Nkubito, addressed residents of Rubavu District, saying that Gen Omega should return to his homeland instead of hiding in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The children and wife of FDLR leader, Pacifique Ntawunguka, are here in Rwanda. Did you know that? … I would advise him, as his children often say, to come back home if he truly wants to live, rather than dying miserably in the bush. Tell me, what is he doing in those forests? What does he hope to achieve?” Maj Gen Nkubito wondered.

According to a United Nations group of experts’ report published on July 3, 2025, intensified AFC/M23 offensives forced Gen Omega and other top FDLR commanders to abandon their positions near Mount Nyiragongo and inside Virunga National Park.

Currently, FDLR fighters are reported to be scattered across several areas including Binza in Rutshuru Territory, parts of Walikale Territory, Uvira in South Kivu Province, and even in Bujumbura. However, the UN experts did not disclose the whereabouts of Gen Omega himself.

Pacifique Ntawunguka was born in 1964 in Gasebeya Sector, Gaseke Commune, Gisenyi Prefecture, today part of Ngororero District in Rwanda’s Western Province.

He attended primary school in Gaseke and secondary school at Rwankeli in the current Nyabihu District before enrolling at Collège Christ Roi in Nyanza. Later, he pursued military training at ESM (École Supérieure Militaire) in Kigali. After ESM, he furthered his education in aviation in Egypt, Greece, and France.

As an officer in the defeated Ex-FAR, Ntawunguka was sent abroad for further aviation training in Egypt, Greece, and France. Between 1990 and 1994, he held the rank of Lieutenant.

When the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi began, Omega was leading the 94th Battalion operating in Mutara. He was defeated by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) and sustained a leg injury during the fighting before retreating to Kigali.

Following the defeat of the former Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), Omega fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) along with other ex-FAR members.

They later established the FDLR in 2000. Since the killing of Sylvestre Mudacumura in 2019, Ntawunguka has served as the commander of FDLR/FOCA.

Over the years, efforts were made to persuade Ntawunguka to return to Rwanda, but he consistently refused.

The opening night was marked by loud applause for Ballet IREBERO, a Rwandan dance troupe whose performance offered a powerful prelude to a rich programme of artistic expression from across Africa.

Speaking at the inauguration, Yvette Umutangana, representative of the Rwandan community and member of Afrika Unity, expressed gratitude to partners and the city’s authorities, while setting out the ambitions of the week-long celebration.

“For a full week we will celebrate Africa’s richness: music, dance, art, culinary workshops and much more,” Umutangana said.

She reminded the audience that “African culture” is not a single entity but a vast tapestry of social practices, beliefs, languages, traditions and culinary specialties across the continent and its diaspora.

Umutangana also highlighted the indispensable role of the City of Bruges in making the festival possible.

“Without the City’s help, this would not have been possible,” she noted, extending special thanks to Mayor Dirk de Fauw, Nico Blontrock (Alderman for Culture), and other committed partners.

Umutangana also praised the cooperation with Limited Afrika Unity, partner organisations, and especially the volunteers whose dedication she described as “indispensable” for the event’s success.

Afrika Unity, the driving force behind the festival, has set clear goals: strengthening social ties, promoting intercultural cooperation, and reaching the widest possible audience in Bruges.

“Let us enjoy together: taste, dance and celebrate. In doing so, we build bridges between Africa and Belgium,” Umutangana concluded, inviting the public to attend the upcoming events.

From 1 to 7 September, visitors can explore the Rwanda stand, which highlights the country’s beauty through artworks and exhibitions.

Beyond Rwanda, Afrika Week offers a colourful programme of concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, culinary workshops, and conferences—an opportunity to experience the plurality of African cultures while reinforcing social cohesion in the heart of Bruges, Belgium.

karirima@igihe.com

Known for his masked appearances and propagandist videos, Abu Obeida whose real name was reported as Hudhayfa al-Kahlut had become the voice of Hamas’ military campaigns for years.

He was particularly prominent after the October 7, 2023 attacks, during which Hamas militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.

Israeli officials described his elimination as a major symbolic and operational blow to Hamas’ communication strategy.

Military spokespeople stated that Obeida had not only served as a mouthpiece but also played a role in coordinating propaganda efforts that encouraged violence and sought to project strength during Israel’s continuing offensive in Gaza.

The announcement of Obeida’s death coincided with a high-level meeting of Israel’s security cabinet.
Ministers met to discuss widening the Gaza offensive, particularly into densely populated urban areas. According to reports, the session focused on strengthening the military’s operational scope rather than considering a ceasefire.

The absence of any discussion on negotiations has sparked growing anger among families of Israeli hostages, many of whom fear for their loved ones’ lives as fighting escalates.

Demonstrations were reported outside government buildings, where relatives demanded that securing the release of captives remain a top priority.

Over the weekend, the Israeli military intensified strikes across Gaza City, officially declaring it a “combat zone.”

At least 43 Palestinians were confirmed killed between Saturday and Sunday, many of them in airstrikes and others while attempting to collect desperately needed humanitarian aid.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. The United Nations estimates that more than 90% of the population has been displaced, with families forced to move multiple times in search of safety.

Aid agencies report that hundreds of people, including children, have died from hunger and malnutrition, as food, water, and medical supplies remain critically scarce. The ongoing blockade and restrictions on aid delivery have intensified fears of famine spreading further.

Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and international observers. The expansion of strikes into crowded neighborhoods has raised alarms about compliance with international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians.

Meanwhile, infrastructure projects under way in southern Gaza initiated by Israeli authorities—are being criticized as measures that could amount to forced displacement of Palestinians, further complicating prospects for peace.

For Israel, the killing of Abu Obeida is being presented as a victory that undermines Hamas’ ability to project power through media and psychological warfare. For many Palestinians, however, his death is likely to be portrayed as martyrdom, reinforcing narratives of resistance in the face of overwhelming military pressure.

“Yemen cannot afford to become a battleground for a broader geopolitical conflict,” Grundberg said in a statement.

“These attacks need to stop,” he said, urging all parties to “use available diplomatic channels to de-escalate” and to “protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with their obligations under international law.”

The Houthis said on Saturday that al-Rahawi and several other ministers were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa on Thursday while they were attending a government workshop.

The group vowed to retaliate, with Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Supreme Political Council — the Houthis’ top governing body — warning in a speech aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV that “Israel should await dark days.”

The Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014, forcing the internationally recognized Yemeni government into exile in Aden. Since then, they have controlled much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah, and set up an unrecognized government in the capital.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a weekly cabinet meeting that Israel would eliminate all Houthi leaders.

In a separate development, Grundberg condemned what he called a “new wave” of arbitrary detentions of UN personnel by the Houthis.

At least 11 UN staff members were detained on Sunday in Sanaa and Hodeidah, bringing the total number of detained UN staff in northern Yemen to 34, he said.

Grundberg urged the Houthis to “immediately and unconditionally” release the detainees, warning that the continued detention of UN staff, aid workers, and civil society activists was undermining humanitarian operations and efforts to advance peace in Yemen.

Several employees of the UN World Food Program (WFP) were also arrested by the Houthis in Sanaa on Sunday, security and humanitarian sources told Xinhua.

A local security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said one WFP employee was taken from the organization’s headquarters in Sanaa, while several others were arrested from its office in Hodeidah. A WFP source in Yemen confirmed the arrests, adding that three security guards working at the Sanaa headquarters were also detained when Houthi forces stormed the building.

There has been no immediate comment from the Houthis regarding Sunday’s arrests.

Situated along two international borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rusizi enjoys the advantages of cross-border trade. To harness this potential, the government has established modern cross-border markets such as those in Bugarama and Rusizi, with investments exceeding 3.2 billion Rwandan francs. The city also benefits from a regional airport served by RwandAir, making travel and commerce even more accessible.

Walking through Rusizi, one quickly notices the rapid pace of development. Hotels, restaurants, and modern commercial buildings are sprouting up, signaling that tourism has become a cornerstone of the district’s economy. The area’s natural treasures—including Lake Kivu, Nkombo Island, and Nyungwe National Park—make it an attractive destination for both local and international tourists.

Rusizi is home to more than 400,000 residents, according to the 2022 census. Over 70 percent of them are under the age of 25, and more than 70 percent depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Farming remains the backbone of the district, with key cash crops such as coffee and tea, supported by agro-processing industries. Livestock farming is also widespread, with nearly 60 percent of households engaged in animal husbandry.

This strong agricultural and trading base sustains a vibrant local economy. From fish and second-hand clothing to small-scale retail, commerce thrives in the heart of the city. As a secondary hub supporting Kigali, Rusizi continues to expand its infrastructure and industry. Over the next five years, 145 kilometers of new paved roads are expected to be built, linking urban and rural areas more efficiently.

Land prices in the city have been rising sharply, reflecting its growing economic value. A plot that sold for around 10 million francs in 2023 can now fetch nearly double. Investors are drawn by the district’s unique opportunities, including Rwanda’s largest modern abattoir, completed at a cost of more than 4 billion francs, which supplies both local and regional markets.

Industries are multiplying as well, adding to the well-known cement plant, Cimerwa. Small and medium-scale enterprises are particularly well-positioned to benefit from ongoing improvements in transport, especially shipping across Lake Kivu.

A transformative project currently underway is the construction of the Rusizi Port, designed to handle four boats simultaneously—two for loading and two for unloading.

Once operational, the port will open new trade routes with other Western Province districts along Lake Kivu and strengthen links with the cities of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC. This will allow locally produced goods to reach markets faster and cheaper, boosting trade and attracting more investment.

Speaking to IGIHE, Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba highlighted the region’s immense potential.

“One of our greatest opportunities lies in cross-border trade. Lake Kivu connects us with other districts up to Rubavu. Water transport is unique because it allows us to carry large volumes of goods. Investment in water transport on Lake Kivu will significantly change the dynamics of trade and mobility,” he explained.

But Rusizi is more than just business and infrastructure. It is a community where people balance work with cultural and spiritual life.

By day, residents work hard to earn their livelihoods; by evening, they gather to pray, share meals, and celebrate the beauty of their homeland. With safe and well-maintained roads now connecting Rusizi more closely to the rest of Rwanda, the city feels closer than ever.

With its unique mix of natural beauty, booming commerce, and strategic location, Rusizi is positioning itself as a must-visit destination, and perhaps the perfect getaway for a weekend retreat.

The modern bus terminal, which cost more than 500 million Rwandan francs, is expected to significantly benefit residents of Shyorongi Sector in Rulindo District, who have long struggled with transport challenges when traveling to Kigali.

Justin Uwiringiyimana, the General Manager of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine, said the company remains committed to supporting local communities.

“This bus station was built through a partnership between Nyakabingo Mine and Rulindo District, with the dedication of many people working on the project. The entire initiative, including surrounding works, cost around 500 million Rwandan francs. Beyond being a bus station, it is a symbol of the vision of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine and Trinity Metals as a whole to continue supporting local development and a better future,” he said.

He added that the company’s operations are anchored on seven pillars: promoting local procurement, supporting infrastructure development, creating jobs and employment opportunities, improving health and wellbeing, preventing and mitigating disasters, advancing education and skills, and strengthening community safety and security.

Construction of the Shyorongi bus station began in 2024 to reduce road accidents caused by the absence of a designated vehicle parking and boarding area.

Peter Geleta, the CEO of Trinity Metals, explained that as a mining company, it was important for them to also contribute to local development. “We chose to build a bus terminal in Rulindo because the district did not have one,” he said.

Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali said the new bus station will be integrated into a revised travel plan between Nyabugogo and Shyorongi.

“This is a major milestone that shows we can only reach Vision 2050 if we work together. This station will transform the lives of Shyorongi residents and strengthen trade between them and Kigali. We believe it will accelerate development for the people of Rulindo,” she said.

She added that work is underway to finalize the new Shyorongi–Nyabugogo bus route, a 24-kilometer corridor that will include proper road signs, bus stops, and modern payment systems to enhance efficiency.

Rulindo District Mayor Judith Mukanyirigira thanked Trinity Metals for funding the project. She assured residents that the station will greatly improve livelihoods and trade, and urged the community to take good care of the facility.

She further noted that the new infrastructure is expected to attract more people to settle in the district, as transport had been a key obstacle for many.

Once the Shyorongi–Nyabugogo route is operational, it will be served by four large buses, which are expected to make a major contribution to meeting the transport needs of the area’s residents.