Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that Lt. Gen. Yeiy Dak fled to Jonglei State, specifically the Lou Nuer area. He explained that some members of the SPLA-IO, who were integrated during the unification of forces, became fearful and fled Juba.
Lul urged them to return to the capital and resume their duties. He made these remarks during a press conference in Juba, Monday, March 10, 2025.
“Some components of the SPLA-IO, which were integrated into the system during the unification of the second level of command, began to fear, especially those who had been fueling and funding the conflict in Nasir,” Lul stated.
“Those who felt they had contributed to the unrest in Nasir through mobilization and funding took off. Some went into hiding here, while others fled to the nearest SPLA-IO cantonment areas in Central Equatoria, Terekeka, and some even as far as Lou Nuer areas,” he said.
“As we speak, we have the Deputy Director General for National Security ISB, Lt. Gen. Yeiy Dak, who was in charge of operations, having fled to the Lou Nuer area,” he added.
“We are appealing to them, including those who went as far as Lou Nuer, to return, and for those still nearby, to come back and resume their normal duties.”
Last week, the SPLM-IO claimed that several of its members, including Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang, had been “arbitrarily arrested.”
Last week, Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed that the officials were arrested for violating the law.
The delegation led by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and President of PF-ICGLR, Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete will also meet President Yoweri Museveni.
Welcoming the delegation to Uganda, Speaker, Anita Among on Monday, 10 March 2025 at Parliament commended them for their commitment to regional peace and reaffirmed Uganda’s support for African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“As Africans, we have always agreed that African problems can only be solved locally. This pursuit that you are doing, moving from one country to another, meeting heads of state to find the best way to achieve peace, is a very good initiative and I applaud you and your team for that,” she said.
Among also reiterated Uganda’s commitment to regional peace, stating that peace in the DRC is crucial for stability in the Great Lakes Region.
“Problem-solving is why they are here. We want to see how best peace can be created in the DRC and that peace can only be achieved with our heads of state and with us as Africans. It begins with us,” she said.
Among also highlighted Uganda’s active participation in the forum, noting that the country remains up to date on its financial obligations.
Butete outlined the objectives of the visit, emphasizing the importance of regional leadership in resolving conflicts.
“This is the fourth phase on issues relating to peace and security in the Eastern DRC,” she said adding that, ’without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.
She underscored the need for African nations to take charge of their security concerns, avoiding external intervention where possible.
“We don’t want to invite strangers to come and intervene in our affairs when we have responsible leaders in our presence who can take charge and guide citizens to ensure peace and stability in the region,” Butete stated.
The delegation’s findings will be presented to the PF-ICGLR plenary in April before being escalated to higher levels for further discussion.
Butete, who is concluding her term as President of the forum, emphasized the importance of tangible progress before the leadership transition in Angola.
Uganda remains a key player in regional peace and security efforts, advocating for home-grown solutions to Africa’s challenges.
According to reports, the suspect, Collins Leitich, alias Chepkulei, a resident of Asis Village in Ndugulu location, took it upon himself to establish a police patrol base at a building, and went as far as painting the structure in official police colors, creating the impression of a legitimate security post.
The discovery of the unauthorized base was made by local authorities, who promptly commenced investigations.
Officers from Kamuyu Police Post, under Kondoo Police Station, were alerted and recorded the incident under OB04/08/03/2025.
Residents expressed shock at the revelation. “We were surprised to learn that the police patrol base was not official. Many of us thought it was a genuine initiative to improve security in the area,” said one of the residents.
Authorities have yet to establish the suspect’s motive for setting up the unauthorized patrol base. Police have assured residents that appropriate action will be taken as they continue with their investigations.
According to reports given by most Kenyans, the man did this due to lack of jobs. Taking to his different social media platforms to speak on this, the former Governor of Nairobi, Honorable Mike Sonko stated that nothing is impossible in Kenya.
As part of its commitment to empowering young leaders, Rotary Rwanda annually organizes leadership training programs. This year, over 800 participants gathered to enhance their leadership and innovation skills, a significant increase from the usual 500 attendees.
Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, delivered the keynote address. She praised Rotary’s dedication to fostering leadership and community development.
“Rotary’s commitment to mentorship and service has transformed communities,” she said. “Leadership is not about a title; it is about the change you can bring. Every young person here today has the power to make a difference.”
Ingabire emphasized the importance of breaking barriers, particularly for women in innovation.
“Women have historically driven innovation, yet their contributions often go unrecognized,” she noted. “It is essential to continue advocating for women to have equal access to education, leadership opportunities, and resources.”
She shared key principles for nurturing youth leadership and innovation including encouraging leadership at a young age, ensuring access to education and technology, fostering engagement through networks, and leading with purpose.
“The world needs your leadership, creativity, and passion,” she told the young participants. “Keep pushing boundaries and lead with purpose to create a brighter future.”
{{Rotary Rwanda’s significant investment in community welfare}}
The event also highlighted Rotary Rwanda’s substantial contribution to community development. Carole Karema, the Assistant Governor of Rotary in District 9150, which includes Rwanda, revealed that the organization has implemented projects worth over $10 million (equivalent to more than 14 billion Rwandan Francs) to improve citizens’ welfare.
“Rotary in Rwanda is approaching 60 years of service,” Karema stated. “We have 550 members, but we aim to grow our membership to match countries with over 5,000 members.”
She outlined Rotary’s diverse community initiatives, including providing clean water, improving healthcare and sanitation, supporting education, and empowering women and girls.
“Rotary is a platform where people collaborate to find solutions to societal challenges,” she explained. “Our leadership encourages us to find solutions from within our communities.”
{{Recognizing young change makers}}
As part of the event, outstanding members of Rotaract and Interact Clubs were recognized for their impactful contributions. The awards celebrated those who led transformative projects and played a key role in expanding membership.
Atete Gretta Ame, a student from Kagarama Secondary School, shared how joining Rotary allowed her to make a positive difference.
“In school, we study to pass exams and earn money,” she said. “But through Rotary, I realized that many people need our support. This inspired me to join and contribute to changing lives.”
Lorena Kessy Waihiga Mwangi, from Kigali International Community School (KICKS) also expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing how the award motivates her to continue driving positive change.
“The recognition proves that our work is meaningful,” she said. “We will keep pursuing positive change and inspiring others to do the same.”
Rotary Rwanda’s structure includes Rotary Clubs for professionals, Rotaract Clubs for university students and Interact Clubs for high school students.
By investing in youth leadership and fostering community projects, Rotary continues to empower future generations to lead and innovate.
The celebrations took place at various COPEDU PLC branches, including the CHIC branch and the Nyarugenge Market branch. Employees of the institution also visited women entrepreneurs operating at the Didi Market located in Niboye Sector, Kicukiro District.
Donatha Uwantege, the Manager of COPEDU PLC’s CHIC branch, emphasized the significance of the day for women and reiterated the institution’s commitment to empowering women financially.
She stated, “COPEDU PLC focuses on women, which is why we cannot forget to celebrate this day with them every year. We prioritize women through accessible loans, savings, and financial planning.”
Marie Grace Sekamonyo, one of COPEDU PLC’s clients, expressed her gratitude to the institution for recognizing and celebrating them. She said, “We chose COPEDU PLC not because there are no other banks, but because this institution is particularly supportive of women and makes it easier for us to achieve financial growth.”
While engaging with the women at Didi Market, Solange Uwingabire, the Head of Business at COPEDU PLC, encouraged them to work diligently and adopt a culture of saving to secure their future.
She remarked, “Today, we are here as a financial institution encouraging you to save for a better future. Saving is essential, but it should be done in a secure place to safeguard your assets and plan for future generations.”
Uwingabire also introduced a specialized loan product called “Igire Mugore” designed to support female entrepreneurs with limited capital and no immovable collateral. This loan aims to help them grow their income-generating activities.
The loan ranges from 500,000 Rwandan Francs (Frw) to 5,000,000 Frw, but applicants must first save 30% of the requested loan amount.
Over the past 28 years, COPEDU PLC has played a significant role in promoting women’s projects, investing over 2 billion Frw in more than 3,000 initiatives.
Currently, the majority of COPEDU PLC’s shareholders are women. Women also dominate its board of directors, and most of its branches across the country are led by women.
This innovative initiative aims to bridge the financial inclusion gap and empower women entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable business growth and economic independence.
Mireille Umwali, the Board Director at MUA Insurance, expressed her pride and excitement over this milestone. “I’ve been part of the MUA family for over four years now, and witnessing the company’s growth has been incredible. Today, I am especially delighted because of this project,” she said.
“When you hear ‘MUA Femme,’ I want you to think of it as ‘MUA For Me.’ It’s about personal empowerment and ensuring that every woman secures her future through this innovative product,” she added.
Umwali emphasized the urgency of addressing the disparity between men and women in business participation, which had in the recent past few years been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There’s been a huge gap in economic participation, but with MUA Femme, we aim to close that gap and foster greater financial inclusion. Our vision at MUA is to provide innovative financial and insurance solutions, and this product aligns perfectly with that mission. I have no doubt that it will propel women to the next level of business success,” she added.
She further challenged MUA to increase the proportion of women clients to align with the government’s commitment to gender equality.
“Rwanda has made tremendous strides in gender representation, with women holding 61.75% of parliamentary seats. Yet, only 40% of MUA’s clients are women. We need to push that number up by 20%, ensuring that women are equally represented in all areas,” Umwali asserted.
Aretha Rwagasore, the Executive Director of Le Village de la Femme, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the impact it will have on women entrepreneurs.
“Le Village de la Femme began as a platform for women and has grown into a robust organization supporting women entrepreneurs. We provide business skills training, one-on-one mentorship, and facilitate access to finance. Today, we are proud to partner with MUA on this initiative,” she said.
Through this collaboration, Le Village de la Femme and MUA will work with 50 women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors. These women will undergo a three-month Empower program designed to equip them with the skills and resources to access financial institutions confidently.
“This partnership is not just corporate social responsibility; it’s about creating tangible change at a corporate level. The Empower program will give these women the tools they need to approach banks for loans and to secure their business assets through MUA,” Rwagasore explained.
Jovia Mutesi, the proprietor of Jov Creations Ltd and a member of Le Village de la Femme, reflected on her entrepreneurial journey and the significance of this new collaboration.
“Nine years ago, I started as an individual, but today, we have grown into a reputable organization dedicated to the continuous development of women. The training we’ve received from Le Village de la Femme has been invaluable, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration through this partnership with MUA,” she proudly said.
The launch of MUA Femme is a testament to MUA’s commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment by addressing the challenges women face in accessing financial services and providing tailored solutions.
Through strategic collaborations and innovative products like MUA Femme, women are not only securing their futures but also shaping a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.
This message was conveyed by the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, during an interview with IGIHE.
The RDF delegation visiting CAR includes the Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, and Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga. Their visit aims to inspect Rwandan troops stationed there and attend a graduation ceremony for CAR soldiers trained by the Rwandan military.
Rwivanga highlighted that Kagame sent Nyakarundi with a message of appreciation for the troops’ dedication and professionalism.
“The Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, was sent by His Excellency the President of the Republic to deliver a message to the soldiers, commending them for the excellent work they are doing to maintain security,” he said.
He further emphasized that the areas under Rwandan military control in CAR remain secure, and local communities appreciate their presence.
Another key message from President Kagame was to reassure the troops that Rwanda’s security is intact, allowing them to carry out their duties without concern.
“The second message was that Rwanda is entirely secure, and they should continue their work without any worries,” Brig. Gen. Rwivanga added.
Kagame’s message comes amid continued tensions with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which have been accused of plotting to destabilize Rwanda’s government.
When the M23 rebel group took control of Goma, evidence and weapons discovered in the city indicated the involvement of these neighboring countries in plans to undermine Rwanda. Rwivanga reassured the public that Rwanda’s borders are well-secured and that the country faces no immediate threats.
“We can assure the public that Rwanda is safe, and the borders are well-protected. The border-related concerns have been resolved. Since M23 took control of their positions, we have had no further issues along our border, meaning the country remains secure,” he stated, stressing that Rwandan forces remain vigilant and continue to fulfill their duties.
“Our troops are performing their duties as expected, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and borders. Everything is proceeding as usual, and our message here is to assure the troops that Rwanda is safe,” he added.
It has been nearly five years since Rwanda first deployed troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province to combat terrorism. This decision was made following a request from the Mozambican government, whose military had been overwhelmed by the terrorist group Ahlu Sunna wa Jama.
The primary mission of Rwanda’s troops was to eliminate the terrorist threat; a goal they have largely achieved as the entire Cabo Delgado region has been liberated.
Following their combat operations, the Rwandan forces were expected to proceed to the next phase, training Mozambique’s soldiers to maintain security after the Rwandan troops return home.
In an interview with IGIHE, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga confirmed that this training initiative is underway, with the first group of 600 soldiers nearing completion.
He stated, “I can confirm that we are now at the stage of training Mozambique’s forces. The first cohort, consisting of about 600 soldiers, is being trained at a center in Nacala, and they will soon complete their training.
In the coming days, we will be there to conclude the first phase of training conducted by Rwanda.” Brig. Gen. Rwivanga further emphasized that peace has largely been restored in Mozambique.
“Mozambique is in a very stable condition now. We have conducted extensive military operations. If you recall, our troop numbers increased, and we took over areas previously held by SADC forces, including Macomia,” he added.
Initially, we were only responsible for Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand our operations.”
He highlighted that SADC forces had left areas still harboring insurgents, which required additional work from the Rwandan forces.
“When SAMIM (the SADC Mission in Mozambique) withdrew from Macomia, the enemy was still present specifically in a forested area called Katupa, resembling Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We conducted numerous operations to flush them out, including along the coastline, and gradually dismantled their positions. The region is now largely peaceful, with only minor incidents that we continue to address on a daily basis,” he explained.
The helicopter, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was on a humanitarian evacuation mission aimed at reducing tensions after fierce clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a loose network of Nuer youth fighters.
The White Army recently overran government positions in Nasir, escalating violence in the region. During the evacuation, the helicopter came under heavy fire while attempting to transport wounded SSPDF officers, including General Dak.
Tragically, the general and his team lost their lives. Despite the attack, one helicopter managed to escape but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all passengers on board. In a national address, President Kiir expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the need for peace and restraint.
“Fellow citizens, I urge you to remain calm. I have said this time and again: our country will not return to war. No one should take the law into their own hands. My deepest condolences go to the families of General Dak and his men,” President Kiir stated.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the attack, calling it “abhorrent” and a potential war crime under international law.
“We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones,” Haysom said. “We also regret the killing of those we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.”
The situation in Nasir has further heightened tensions and disrupted South Sudan’s fragile peace process. There are allegations that the opposition may be supporting the White Army.
The South Sudanese government has responded by arresting senior officials from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), including the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, and SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further escalation. Kenyan President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate, holding talks with President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
“I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country even as the region works towards the stabilization of South Sudan under IGAD’s Strategic Framework,” President Ruto said in a statement.
The attack on the UN helicopter has underscored the growing insecurity in South Sudan, where ongoing political and ethnic tensions threaten to unravel the country’s Revitalized Peace Agreement.
UNMISS continues to call on all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises.
Yoon has been in detention since being arrested in January on charges of leading an insurrection, one of the few criminal charges the president does not have immunity from. However, the Seoul Central District Court on Friday canceled his arrest warrant, allowing for his release, according to a court ruling reviewed by CNN.
In its ruling, the court said the crime of insurrection is not included within the investigative jurisdiction of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, the agency that had requested the arrest warrant against Yoon.
The court also said it was questionable whether the insurrection charges indictment was filed after the defendant’s detention period had expired. It therefore canceled Yoon’s arrest warrant to “ensure procedural clarity and eliminate doubts regarding the legality of the investigation process,” it said.
Any further unresolved “legal controversies” during the criminal trial could “serve as grounds for annulment in a higher court and may also provide grounds for a retrial even after a significant amount of time has passed,” it added.
The court will now send its ruling to the detention center, which said it expects to release Yoon immediately after receiving the documents.
Yoon’s lawyers praised the ruling, saying in a statement that the court had “set the definition straight, declaring what laws and principles are,” and that its decision showed “the rule of law is alive in this country.”
The ruling adds to the uncertainty swirling around Yoon’s various legal battles and the country’s political future. South Korea’s government has been in disarray for months, with parliament also voting to impeach its prime minister and the previous acting president.
Yoon’s criminal charges are separate from his impeachment trial. The country’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to uphold his impeachment or reinstate Yoon to office.
Friday’s ruling means Yoon can now await the impeachment verdict from home instead of in detention.
His expected release will undoubtedly dismay the country’s opposition but be celebrated by supporters, many of whom have regularly gathered outside his detention center since January.
Kwon Young-se, chairman of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, welcomed the court’s decision on Friday, calling it “an important moment to confirm that the rule of law and justice of the Republic of Korea are alive.”
He added that he hoped the Constitutional Court “will make a fair and just ruling based solely on constitutional values” during the impeachment trial.
