Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, he was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili sect. He assumed the role of Imam in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Aga Khan III.

Throughout his nearly seven-decade long leadership, Aga Khan IV was renowned for his profound commitment to philanthropy and the betterment of society. He established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which operates in over 30 countries, focusing on initiatives in health care, education, cultural preservation, and economic development.

The network invests approximately $1 billion annually in various projects, particularly in Africa and Asia, aiming to improve living conditions and promote sustainable development.

In a 2018 interview with the Financial Times, Aga Khan IV described his role as akin to a venture capitalist for challenging environments, emphasizing the integration of social and economic development. He stated, “We are investing in people’s quality of life.”

Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Aga Khan IV was an accomplished horse breeder and racing enthusiast. He owned several notable racehorses, including Shergar, the 1981 Epsom and Irish Derby winner. His passion for horse racing brought him significant acclaim in the equestrian world.

Despite his immense wealth, estimated between $800 million to $13 billion, Aga Khan IV led a life dedicated to service and the development of marginalized communities. He was honored globally for his contributions, receiving numerous accolades maintaining close relationships with international leaders. Former Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird remembered him as “a remarkable leader.”

Following his passing, ceremonies and tributes have taken come through worldwide, especially within Ismaili communities. His successor will be named based on his will, with his eldest son, Prince Rahim, anticipated to assume the role.

Reflecting on his life’s work, Aga Khan IV once remarked, “The role of the Imam is to guide his community and to contribute to improving the quality of life of all those amongst whom they live.”

The Aga Khan’s burial is scheduled to take place in Lisbon, though the date remains unannounced. His enduring legacy of compassion, leadership, and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.

In an official communiqué issued a day before, M23 claimed that the ceasefire was in response to the “humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime,” while reiterating its commitment to protecting civilians in areas under its control.

“The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) hereby informs the public that, in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime, it declares a ceasefire starting February 4th, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,” the statement read, signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, the Communication focal-point of the AFC.

Addressing widespread concerns over its territorial ambitions, M23 denied having any plans to seize Bukavu, despite recent reports of its forces advancing toward the city.

“It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” the statement continued.

In its communiqué, M23 also condemned the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) for what it described as continued aerial bombardments targeting civilian areas. The rebels criticized military operations conducted from Kavumu Airport, accusing FARDC of loading “bombs that kill our compatriots in liberated areas.”

Additionally, the rebels renewed their call for SAMIDRC to withdraw from the DRC, claiming that the regional peacekeeping force’s mission is no longer justified.

“We urge SAMIDRC to withdraw its forces from the DRC, as we have repeatedly stated that their mission is no longer justified,” the statement read.

The ceasefire announcement comes ahead of an extraordinary regional summit scheduled in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where leaders from Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and the DRC will meet to discuss the worsening crisis.

Meanwhile, the United States has issued an emergency security alert, advising its citizens to leave Kinshasa amid fears of potential unrest, reflecting growing global concern over the conflict’s potential to destabilize the broader region.

He stated that Rwanda received a request from the UN to allow passage for these workers, who were stationed in different branches of the organization in Bukavu.

“A total of 224 UN employees crossed the border into Rwanda from Bukavu. They are UN staff, not diplomats from embassies. What we can confirm is that they crossed the border into Rwanda,” he clarified.

Mukuralinda refrained from providing further details regarding how the staff would be accommodated or taken care of as they continued their journey. According to him, the UN had initially engaged with the Rwandan government to seek approval for the passage of its personnel.

This development comes as the M23 rebel group, having taken control of the city of Goma on January 26, 2025, have dismissed any plans to seize Bukavu despite recent reports of its forces advancing toward the city.

On January 31, Jean Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, confirmed that the M23 rebels were advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.

Rwanda had recently facilitated the evacuation of UN staff from Goma, allowing them passage through its border with the DRC in Rubavu District.

Upon arrival in Kigali, they were provided with initial assistance at Kigali Pelé Stadium then transferred to hotels for rest before continuing their journey. At that time, more than 1,800 UN employees and their families were received.

Besides the UN personnel who fled the conflict between the Congolese army (FARDC), M23, and allied armed groups such as FDLR, European mercenaries from Romania were also evacuated through Rwanda. Additionally, some FARDC soldiers, after suffering defeats at the hands of M23, fled into Rwanda.

He made these remarks on February 3, 2025, during an interview with CNN journalist Larry Madowo.
Kagame firmly rejected claims that Rwanda is responsible for the war, stating that those fighting in eastern DRC, particularly the M23 rebels, are not Rwandans but Congolese seeking their rights.

“This war you see was not started by Rwanda; it was started by the DRC. These people fighting for their rights did not come from here [Rwanda],” he said.

The M23, a group composed primarily of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, took up arms after years of persecution and failed negotiations with the Kinshasa government. Rather than addressing the grievances of its own citizens, Kagame argued, the Congolese government has opted to blame Rwanda for the crisis.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have been exacerbated by Kinshasa’s continued support for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Head of State pointed out that the FDLR operates freely in the DRC with the support of its government, posing a security threat to Rwanda.

With President Félix Tshisekedi repeatedly making statements about attacking Rwanda, Kagame made it clear that his country will do whatever is necessary to protect itself. “No one, not even the United Nations or the international community will ensure our security if we do not do it ourselves,” he stated.

When asked whether the conflict in eastern DRC could spill over into the broader region, Kagame responded that he does not believe anyone, including Tshisekedi, is genuinely interested in war.

However, he noted that external influences have led the Congolese leader in that direction. “I don’t think anyone is keen on war. I don’t even think Tshisekedi himself is truly interested in war, but he has been led in that direction by those who promised to fight his battles for him.”

Kagame also addressed accusations that Rwanda exploits DRC’s mineral wealth, an allegation frequently made by Congolese authorities and echoed in some international reports. He dismissed the claims and stated that South Africa and European countries are the primary beneficiaries of DRC’s vast mineral resources.

“I invite you to come and see where we mine coltan,” Kagame said when asked if Rwanda extracts minerals from the DRC. He clarified that Rwanda has its own mines and does not depend on the DRC’s resources.

“I don’t know anything about that because it’s not an issue. The people benefiting the most from DRC’s minerals are South Africa and those Europeans.”

Available statistics indicate that Rwanda has its own mineral wealth, with underground reserves estimated at 112 million tons, valued at approximately $154 billion. A 2017 study identified 52 mineral-rich zones in Rwanda, with 37 already licensed for extraction. The country also processes its minerals domestically, with refining plants for tin and coltan.

Official data from the Rwanda Mining, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB) shows that Rwanda’s mineral exports generated over $1.1 billion in 2023, up from $772 million in 2022. The figures indicate steady growth in the sector, contradicting claims that Rwanda depends on illegal mineral trade from the DRC.

In October 2023, Rwanda exported 1,015 kilograms of gold, earning $62.1 million, while in November and December, exports reached 823 and 1,320 kilograms, generating $52.9 million and $87.5 million, respectively.
The country also recorded significant exports of tin, coltan, and wolfram, reinforcing its position as a legitimate mining and refining hub in the region.

Kagame concluded that despite ongoing accusations, Rwanda remains focused on its national priorities, including security and economic growth.

“Many stories will be told. I cannot stop people from talking […]. What can I do about it? What matters is that we must focus on our responsibilities and ensure that we survive any threats to our country,” he said.

Makolo was responding to a statement by Ramaphosa on Monday, February 3, 2025, in which he defended his decision to keep South African troops in the DRC, despite the recent deaths of 14 soldiers.

Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s commitment to supporting African nations, stating, “As a country, we have a duty of support towards the nations of Africa whose solidarity and material support helped secure our liberation. South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC so that they may have the peace and security they rightfully deserve.”

In response, Makolo accused Ramaphosa of misleading South Africans and suggested that his government’s military engagement in the DRC is driven by personal interests in the country’s mineral resources rather than a genuine commitment to peace.

“South Africans deserve to know the truth. You are not supporting the people of DRC to achieve peace. You are sending your troops to fight President Tshisekedi’s war to kill his own people,” Makolo posted on X.

“And this kind of statement only makes the Congolese president more intransigent, while the suffering continues. Please tell your people the truth about the personal interests in mining that you have in the DRC – these are the interests for which, sadly, SANDF soldiers are dying,” she added.

Her remarks come amid reports that South Africa is preparing to send additional troops and equipment to South Kivu, where M23 rebels continue their military campaign, claiming to fight for the rights of persecuted Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

This latest exchange adds to growing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, which escalated after Ramaphosa recently referred to Rwandan troops as rebels.

President Paul Kagame swiftly rejected the claim, asserting that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is a legitimate national army, not a rebel group. He also warned that if South Africa was seeking confrontation, Rwanda was prepared to respond accordingly.

Ramaphosa had earlier stated that if M23 forces killed more South African troops, he would consider it an act of war by Rwanda, further straining diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The arrest was reportedly ordered by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, following intelligence reports that the officer had been leaking classified military information.

The detained officer, whose identity has not been disclosed is based in the Communication and Information Technology Department at the Ministry of Defence.

According to journalist Andrew Mwenda, the officer was apprehended after allegedly receiving a payment of $300,000 (approximately UGX 1.1 billion) from an undisclosed SADC country. The money was purportedly meant to facilitate access to and monitoring of UPDF communications, a serious breach of national security.

After being suspected of compromising national security by granting foreign entities access to sensitive military information, reports indicate that upon arrest, the officer quickly refunded the full amount to the UPDF.

While security officials remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the case, sources within the military suggest that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the security breach. The officer is expected to face charges related to espionage, abuse of office, and endangering national security.

This incident comes at a time when Uganda is strengthening its defense and intelligence structures amid growing regional security concerns. Analysts suggest that such a breach, if confirmed, could strain diplomatic relations between Uganda and the implicated SADC country.

Military sources indicate that additional arrests may be made as the investigation deepens, with authorities working to establish whether the accused officer acted alone or was part of a wider espionage network.

The UPDF is yet to issue an official statement, but insiders confirm that the matter is being treated with the highest level of urgency to safeguard national security.

In an official press statement issued on February 2, 2025, FARDC confirmed that Colonel Rugabisha died in combat on Saturday, February 1, near Mukwiza in Kalehe territory, South Kivu.

The colonel was leading his troops in a fierce battle on the Southern Front, courageously repelling enemy forces from Nyabibwe to the outskirts of Minova before succumbing to his injuries.

“The Congolese nation will forever be grateful to this worthy son of the country who shone through his feats of arms and consistently defended his homeland against aggressions and rebellions within our borders,” the statement read, signed by Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, spokesperson for the FARDC General Staff.

His death comes amid escalating tensions in South Kivu, where FARDC forces are engaged in relentless battles against M23 rebels. The region has been the epicenter of violent clashes in recent months, as M23 forces advance toward strategic towns.

The colonel’s death follows the demise of Pacifique Ntawunguka (Omega), who was the leader of the military division of the FDLR known as FOCA (Les Forces Combattantes Abacunguzi), and who also fought alongside the FARDC forces.

After losing many soldiers on the battlefield, the FARDC withdrew from the city of Goma on January 26, 2025, along with other areas in North Kivu. Fighting continued in South Kivu with the United Nations recently announcing a critical phase of the conflict, where M23 rebels are advancing close to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.

Reports indicate that rebel forces are now within 20-25 kilometers of the city, raising fears of a potential fall that could further destabilize the region.

The M23 leadership has maintained that they will continue fighting until they have captured Kinshasa. Meanwhile, the Congolese government has vowed to reclaim all the areas that the group has taken over.