Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, which hold non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council, along with Guyana, recently voted against a resolution that would accuse Rwanda of sending troops to eastern DRC and condemn its actions.

Tshisekedi, who recently attended an international security conference in Munich, Germany, stated that had these African countries voted in favor of the resolution, the UN Security Council could have condemned Rwanda.

“We have three African countries representing us as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, and they failed to vote for a resolution condemning Rwanda’s actions in DRC,” he said.

The DRC President highlighted that the failure of these three African nations to vote for the resolution reflected the inability of the African Union to achieve unity and cooperation.

“Think about it: we spend day and night hoping for unity, brotherhood, and cooperation in Africa, but the reality we see is that we cannot achieve these ideals,” he said.

Before the UN Security Council and other meetings, Rwanda has repeatedly stated that it does not have troops in eastern DRC, calling the accusations baseless and a smear campaign aimed at diverting attention from DRC’s internal governance issues.

The Rwandan government has also pointed out that the DRC continues to collaborate with the FDLR, a terrorist group that has been a long-standing threat to Rwanda. This collaboration has been backed by various reports, including those from UN experts.

The UN Security Council, composed of 15 countries, includes five permanent members; the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, and China. Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia are the only African representatives.

Many have questioned why Tshisekedi frequently focuses on Rwanda while ignoring the challenges within his own country, including the collaboration of his armed forces with the FDLR terrorist group.

This information was confirmed by Ugandan motor-mouthed journalist Andrew Mwenda, who stated that he spoke with the Chief of Uganda’s Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a close friend of his.

“I was speaking with the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He wanted to inform the country that Uganda’s special forces have entered Bunia, in eastern DRC, the capital of Ituri Province. He made a promise, and he has fulfilled it,” Mwenda said.

He explained that Muhoozi’s decision was triggered by a breakdown in communication between the governments of Uganda and DRC. The two nations had initially agreed to deploy their troops to fight armed groups killing civilians in Bunia on February 5, but the DRC later changed its position.

“We had an agreement with the Kinshasa government to deploy the UPDF in Bunia last Wednesday. They canceled the operation at the last minute. Meanwhile, civilians speaking Runyakitara are being killed,” he stated.

On February 15, 2025, Gen. Muhoozi announced that he would deploy troops to Bunia to stop the killings of the Hima people. That same day, he gave an ultimatum, demanding that all armed forces in the area surrender their weapons within 24 hours.

“Under the leadership of General Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, I am giving all armed forces in Bunia 24 hours to lay down their weapons! If they do not comply, we will treat them as enemies and engage them,” Muhoozi declared.

Two days later, Uganda’s military command, which has been engaged in operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the DRC, met with the Congolese military leadership in Ituri to discuss the possibility of expanding their joint operations.

The spokesperson for the Congolese army in Ituri, Lt. Jules Ngongo, stated that this is not the first time Ugandan forces have been deployed in the province, suggesting that there was prior agreement regarding their presence in Bunia.

On February 18, footage emerged showing Ugandan military vehicles and tanks moving toward Bunia, a city that has frequently suffered attacks from armed groups such as ADF and CODECO.

According to veteran war reporter Marc Hoogsteyns, while the situation in Goma has stabilized, the local population remains divided. Some residents have welcomed M23’s rule, while others remain skeptical.

Despite these tensions, M23 has moved quickly to establish order, clearing bodies from the streets and setting up a new administration.

Unlike their brief occupation of Goma in 2012, M23 is now more organized and better equipped. Their leadership views this moment as an opportunity to push for the return of displaced communities from Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond.

At the beginning, their immediate goal was to reclaim lands in Masisi and Rutshuru, but their preceding movements suggested otherwise. Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, is now also under their control.

M23’s rapid gains have exposed deep flaws in Kinshasa’s military strategy. The Congolese army (FARDC), alongside its allies, including the FDLR and Wazalendo militias, failed to mount effective resistance.

Key positions fell one after another, from Bunagana to Rutshuru, leaving government forces retreating south. M23’s capture of Kavumu Airport, a critical transport hub, further strengthened their hold on the region.

The Congolese government has consistently blamed Rwanda for supporting M23, an allegation Kigali denies. Meanwhile, Kinshasa’s decision to integrate FDLR fighters into its ranks has fueled further instability, as the group has a history of targeting ethnic Tutsis.

President Félix Tshisekedi’s approach, arming local militias and delaying negotiations, has only deepened divisions, making the prospect of a military comeback increasingly unlikely.

The future of M23’s rule in the Kivu region depends on their ability to transition from military occupation to effective governance.

While they have shown discipline on the battlefield, running a city of Goma’s size presents new challenges. Security remains a major concern, with reports of looting and violence in the early days of their takeover. However, order is gradually being restored.

The international response remains uncertain. While Kinshasa continues to call for military intervention, M23’s rapid advances suggest that diplomatic engagement may be the only viable solution. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Congolese government pursues negotiations or attempts another military campaign.

For now, Goma is firmly in M23’s hands. Whether their control extends further into South Kivu remains to be seen. As tensions persist, the people of eastern Congo remain caught in the middle, hoping for peace but bracing for more conflict.

Taking to his official X account on February 18, 2025, Museveni dismissed claims that Besigye’s detention was politically motivated, emphasizing that the focus should be on the gravity of the charges against him.

“I have seen the concern by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of Dr. Besigye for the very serious offences he is alleged to have been planning. If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be: ‘Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?’ The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out,” Museveni wrote.

The President rejected calls for leniency, arguing that national security must come first. “Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s,” he said.

Museveni cited Uganda’s past struggles under oppressive regimes, stating that the country enjoys stability today because freedom fighters fought to remove threats to national security.

He insisted that Besigye’s case should be resolved through legal processes rather than public sympathy. On the issue of delays in Besigye’s trial, Museveni placed the responsibility on Uganda’s judiciary, particularly the transition from military to civilian courts.

“Who slowed down the trial process? It is the Courts that pointed out some gaps in the Military Courts and ordered the transfer of the cases to Civilian Courts. The concerned people are now working on two fronts: transferring files to the Civilian Courts and closing the gaps in the Military Courts,” he explained.

Addressing concerns about Besigye’s health, Museveni downplayed the seriousness of the situation, arguing that the opposition leader’s hunger strike was a strategic move to gain public sympathy.

“There is, first of all, a Government hospital in the prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics,” he stated.

“However, in this case, Dr. Besigye was on a hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail?” Museveni wondered.

The President questioned why Besigye was demanding bail instead of pushing for a speedy trial. “If you are innocent, why do you not demand a quick trial so that you can prove your innocence and expose those who are ‘persecuting’ you instead of demanding bail, forgiveness, as if serious crime is also entitled to holidays?” he argued.

Museveni’s comments come amid mounting public debate over Besigye’s case, with opposition supporters calling for his release while government officials insist that due process must be followed.

Bahati’s statement follows M23’s takeover of the entire Congolese section of Lake Kivu on February 16, after capturing the city of Bukavu.

M23 first gained control of parts of the lake after seizing the Minova area in South Kivu on January 21, 2025. Their control expanded further when they took over Goma six days later.

Lake Kivu transport between Bukavu and Goma had been disrupted for over three weeks due to intense fighting between M23 and a coalition of the Congolese army (FARDC) and allied forces in South Kivu.

Governor Bahati informed residents of both cities that lake transport services would resume at 6 a.m. on February 18.

This decision aligns with the resolutions of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders, who, on February 8, urged the reopening of key routes to ensure civilians could continue their daily activities.

In a February 16, 2025, interview with France24, Guterres stated that the conflict should not be considered a regional war, as both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have agreed on ceasefire measures, including the dismantling of FDLR.

“The first and most important step is to dismantle FDLR… then find a solution with M23. I believe in a key principle: foreign armed groups must leave Congo, and Congolese citizens must find a way to coexist peacefully without relying on ethnic divisions,” he said.

For over 30 years, Interahamwe militia and former Rwanda government soldiers who fled to the Congolese forests after committing atrocities during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, have reorganized with the intent to launch attacks on Rwanda.

These groups, including ALIR (which later became FDLR), have played a significant role in spreading genocidal ideology in eastern DRC. Since then, Tutsis in the region have faced killings, destruction of property, and mass displacement.

UN reports have repeatedly confirmed that FDLR has been integrated into FARDC, provided with weapons, and trained by the Congolese army in coordination with President Tshisekedi’s government to attack Rwanda. EAC and SADC leaders have agreed on measures to eliminate FDLR. However, recent events raise questions about DRC’s commitment to this goal.

President Tshisekedi’s wife, Denise Nyakeru, was recently seen visiting wounded soldiers in a hospital, including FDLR fighters, casting doubt on the Congolese government’s intentions.

Currently, the M23 rebel group, which fights for the rights of Tutsis and Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in DRC, has been dominating headlines. The group continues to defeat a coalition of FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo, Burundian troops, European mercenaries, and SADC forces.

Meanwhile, at a special UN Security Council meeting on January 26, 2025, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UN, Ernest Rwamucyo, accused MONUSCO of collaborating with FDLR instead of eliminating it.

“MONUSCO supports FDLR, a UN-sanctioned terrorist group, alongside European mercenaries, violating the 1989 UN agreements. This is unacceptable. MONUSCO is engaging in a conflict it should be neutral in. It must focus on protecting civilians, particularly the displaced, rather than fighting alongside FARDC’s coalition,” Rwamucyo stated.

Although Guterres did not directly address MONUSCO’s role, he emphasized that following the resolutions by EAC and SADC leaders, diplomatic efforts should be prioritized to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.

“There is still much diplomatic work to be done to ensure peace in eastern Congo. However, the primary objective must be to uphold the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he added.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the Congolese government remains adamant that it will not negotiate with M23 and continues to focus on international propaganda and military confrontation.

The event will take place in Kigali, comprising academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to address critical challenges and opportunities.

Themed “United Leadership: Harnessing African Education for Sustainable Growth,” the summit will explore equitable partnerships, sustainability, digital transformation, and research-driven employability.

Over 350 delegates will engage with more than 100 thought leaders, exchanging insights on fostering regional collaboration and leveraging education for economic progress.

Prominent speakers will include Dr Philip Cotton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, and Dr DeWayne Frazier, President and Vice-Chancellor of the American University of Nigeria.

Discussions will focus on building inclusive partnerships to strengthen collaboration across the continent, integrating sustainability into higher education, and exploring digital innovation to expand access and improve efficiency.

The summit will also address how African institutions can align research with workforce needs to enhance employability.

Additionally, THE experts will conduct data masterclasses analyzing the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025 and THE Impact Rankings 2025, which assess universities based on global sustainable development goals.

Phil Baty, THE’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, emphasized the summit’s significance. “Africa is vital to the future success of the world, and we are delighted to be hosting such a timely and relevant event. This gathering in Kigali will highlight Africa’s growth as an education hub and its leadership in sustainability.”

With Rwanda emerging as a center for academic and technological innovation, the summit is set to reinforce Africa’s role in global education and development.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, confirmed the arrival on Monday in a post on X with the caption, “US Deportations Begin,” according to Hallmark News.

“The first group will be convicted prisoners, those who committed crimes and are in US prisons. Some of them are those who have clearly violated US immigration laws,” U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills Jr. told reporters in Nigeria.

“They appealed but were denied yet they are still in the US. They have committed immigration crimes, people who have been ordered to leave,” he added.

But Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned the U.S. to act with ‘dignity.’ “With the new administration in the US, we want a situation where there will be commitments. If there will be repatriation, we want a dignified return,” she exclaimed.

“Will there be any way of ameliorating their pains? This has been of great concern to not just Nigerian nationals in the US but family members in Nigeria who depend on them for survival, children whose school fees are paid for by these diasporans,” she added.

“We are asking as a country whether they will be given ample time to handle their assets or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated? It will really be traumatic, especially for those who had not committed any violent crime,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu piously proclaimed.

Meanwhile, as Nigerian officials lament having to take back their own citizens who illegally entered the U.S.A., the African country recently celebrated its own campaign of deportations with the announcement that 828 illegal migrants into Nigeria were deported last year.

U.S. immigration officials have detained 201 Nigerians for deportation back to their home country as the first plane with 85 of those detainees landed in Lagos on Monday. This has left the left a widely divided public opinion.

“FG ready to welcome deported Nigerians from US’. NiDCOM says as 3,690 Nigerians in US face deportation. When you see them around, respect them and give them their caps; they are heroes. it’s not easy,” Ilesanmi Oluwakayode Samuel, a facbook user said.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech after listening to representatives of private entrepreneurs.

Li Qiang and Ding Xuexiang also attended the symposium, which was presided over by Wang Huning.