Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

Goma has been under the control of AFC/M23 since January 27, 2025, following its military victory over the DRC’s armed forces (FARDC), the FDLR militia, and the Wazalendo group.

On the night of April 11 to 12, heavy gunfire was reported in the western parts of Goma, including Mugunga, Kyeshero, and the Lac Vert area, amid claims that armed groups had infiltrated the city.

North Kivu’s Governor, Bahati Musanga Erasto, confirmed that the attack was carried out by a coalition of FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo forces, but stated they were immediately pushed back by AFC/M23 fighters.

“After the provocation by the criminal alliance (FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo…) in several areas and the outskirts of Goma, the situation has now stabilized and calm has returned. The lions are alert. We are committed to fighting for and protecting the civilian population,” AFC/M23 military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, stated.

Bahati called for calm among residents of Goma, assuring them that AFC/M23 remains fully prepared to ensure their peace and security.

The State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2025 by GSMA confirms that Africa is an undisputed leader in digital payments, with the continent’s digital payments trends surpassing those of other regions in 2024.

Out of the world’s 2 billion registered mobile money accounts, Africa (excluding Mediterranean nations) holds 1.1 billion. More than 283 million of these are monthly active users, over half the global total.

The rapid expansion highlights the importance of mobile money in underserved regions, enabling financial inclusion where traditional banking remains limited.

Africa’s mobile money sector added US$40 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP in just one year, reaching a total contribution of US$190 billion.

In countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, mobile money supports between 5% and 8% of national GDP, levels unmatched globally. Kenya leads with 95% adult penetration, cementing East Africa’s status as a mobile money powerhouse.

This growth isn’t limited to established markets. Ethiopia has made significant strides since liberalizing its mobile money market in 2021. Safaricom’s M-Pesa Ethiopia reached 4.5 million users by the end of 2023, while Telebirr, backed by government efforts, has onboarded 32 million users.

In West Africa, Nigeria saw a 20% rise in transactions, despite regulatory hurdles, and Côte d’Ivoire recorded a 24% increase in active accounts.

Ghana’s interoperability platform processed over US$50 billion in 2023, offering a model for regional integration. In Senegal, Wave’s simplified model now serves 90% of the market, and mobile money accounts there surpass traditional bank accounts.

Southern Africa is also catching up, with regulatory reforms in South Africa and innovative services like Mozambique’s mKesh enabling cross-border payments with Tanzania.

Africa’s agent network has become a critical pillar of this ecosystem. With 755 registered agents per 100,000 adults, twice the number in 2021, access to digital finance is becoming more widespread, even in remote areas.

This infrastructure supports a growing range of transaction types, with ecosystem payments like merchant transactions, bills, and bulk disbursements expanding rapidly. In 2024 alone, Africans made over US$100 billion in merchant payments via mobile money, up 21% from the previous year.

International remittances also play a key role, with Africa receiving US$34 billion through mobile platforms. This makes the continent a global leader in mobile-enabled cross-border transfers.

Despite the impressive growth, challenges remain. Regulatory clarity is a persistent hurdle. Experts like Antonita Gomez from Unitel Angola argue that regulators often conflate mobile money with traditional banking, causing friction and slowing innovation.

As demand grows for more sophisticated services, such as savings, insurance, and credit, regulatory frameworks must evolve to support expansion.

Credit products are now offered by 44% of mobile money providers, supplying vital liquidity to small businesses and individuals. “In the DRC, with just 6 million users, the potential is enormous. Micro-loans and overdrafts will drive the next wave of growth,” said Vodacom M-Pesa’s Reenu Verma.

Gender disparities in mobile money are narrowing. In Kenya, 89% of women who hold mobile wallets use them monthly, suggesting that once access barriers are overcome, usage becomes equitable.

Globally, other regions are starting to emulate Africa’s model. Countries like Cambodia, Fiji, and the Philippines are adopting similar agent-based, wallet-first approaches. However, Africa’s combination of trust, widespread adoption, and deep cultural integration remains unique.

The GSMA report concludes that Africa’s mobile money story is far from over. With new growth expected in savings, insurance, and digital credit, especially in underserved markets, the continent remains at the forefront of the digital finance revolution.

Led by CEO Emmanuel Hamez, the delegation joined the nation in commemoration and reflection at one of the most somber memorial sites in the country. The Ntarama Memorial, once a church, holds the remains and memory of thousands who sought refuge and were brutally killed.

In his address, Hamez underscored the importance of remembrance and truth. “Today, we gather here at the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, a place that holds not only the memory of thousands of lives lost, but also the enduring pain and resilience of a nation,” he said.

He reminded attendees of their shared human responsibility. “I speak to you not only as the CEO of Airtel Rwanda… but as a human being. A husband, a father, a colleague. To the descendants of survivors, many of whom walk with silent grief or inherited trauma, we see you, and we stand beside you,” he said.

He emphasized that remembrance must go beyond ceremony, calling it “a commitment to building a more just, more united, more compassionate society.”

While acknowledging the horrors of the past, Hamez also praised Rwanda’s extraordinary journey. “Rwanda has shown the world that a nation can emerge from its darkest hour with resolve, grace, and a vision for a better future.”

He reaffirmed Airtel Rwanda’s role in fostering empathy and inclusion: “Our role in this society goes beyond technology and service. We believe in connecting hearts and minds, and creating spaces where empathy, diversity, and inclusion are not just words, but values we live by.”

Following a state visit to Angola, President Suluhu said that her visit was far more than a diplomatic occasion. “It was a declaration of intent, boldly reaffirming our enduring friendship and a commitment to elevate our bilateral relations to new heights,” she said.

Describing it as a “game changer,” she underscored the importance of reinvigorating ties first forged by founding leaders Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Agostinho Neto.

During her address to the Angolan Parliament, Suluhu evoked the warmth and solidarity between the two countries, likening Angola to “one of the many houses one can have,” where “the warmth and nostalgia keep getting better” with each visit.

Historically united by a shared struggle for liberation and Pan-African ideals, Tanzania and Angola are now pivoting toward mutual economic transformation. The leaders acknowledged that while political solidarity remains strong, economic cooperation has yet to reach its full potential.

Key areas of focus included trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and minerals. Angola’s experience in oil and gas and its robust energy infrastructure complement Tanzania’s growing economy, investment potential, and strategic location as a trade gateway in East, Central, and Southern Africa.

“We have agreed to foster closer cooperation in renewable energy, logistics, the blue economy, and regional trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Suluhu said.

Beyond economic priorities, both countries emphasized investing in people, particularly youth. “We must empower our youth, who are brimming with talent, creativity, and ambition,” she stated, highlighting the need for education, technology, and entrepreneurship to drive inclusive development.

Gender parity, healthcare, education, and infrastructure were also celebrated as shared progress points, with both leaders vowing to strengthen people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges, tourism, and professional collaboration.

Suluhu reiterated the shared responsibility in ensuring regional peace, unity, and security through the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“We will continue to support African solutions to African problems while constructively engaging global partners,” she said.

Quoting Mwalimu Nyerere, she reminded both nations that, “Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.”

At the summit of her visit, Suluhu called for the transformation of a shared history into a future of promise and innovation. “Together we rise. Together, we shape Africa’s tomorrow,” she said.

Scientists and researchers claim to have discovered the location of the famous Noah’s Ark in Turkey, just 30 kilometres south of the summit of Mount Ararat.

Experts are yet to officially confirm the ark’s existence but many have speculated around the spot due to the legendary Durupinar formation.

A 538ft geological structure made of limonite can be seen lying by the mountain which closely resembles the exact dimensions of the ark, according to the Bible. The scientists have expresses confidence of uncovering the truth in the coming years and have already laid out their excavation plans.

Operations at what they label the “boat site” haven’t started yet with dozens of geophysical surveys, core drilling, and careful planning still to take place.

Top researcher Andrew Jones said the location lies in an active earth flow with harsh winters, so protecting the area is a top priority.

“Over the next few years, our Turkish university partners will conduct non-destructive tests like soil sampling, radar scans, and other methods to determine if the structures we’ve detected are truly man-made or simply natural formations,” he said.

“Only after we gather enough evidence and have a proper preservation plan in place will we consider excavating,” he explained.

The team have already had several positive results back from testing the land which has only increased their excitement over a match. Turkish geologist Doctor Memet Salih Bayraktutan collected 22 soil samples from inside and just outside of the “boat shape” last year.

These were shipped off to be analyzed at Ataturk University in Erzurum and came back with some remarkable results.

It was found that there was a lower pH inside the suspected ark structure as well as having a higher organic matter. More potassium was also clearly see inside compared to outside. “These changes are consistent with rotting wood,” the research team say.

It was also discovered was that the grass inside actually turns lighter and more yellow in the autumn. This has made them believe that the structure is an ancient creation made by man rather than an ecological change to the landscape overtime.

In October 2019, a full ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scan was also carried out at the site using two antenna frequencies. The goal was to explore different depths through the radar pulses from the machinery which go on to create images of what’s beneath the ground without digging.

It sends electromagnetic waves into the soil which when hit objects, potentially buried artefacts, walls, or graves, they bounce back to a receiver. Jones described the GPR as “a non-invasive peek into the past”.

It is mainly used to save time, reduces costs, and preserve dig sites. Initial scans of the site showed rectangular shapes were sat around 22ft down within the boat-shaped formation.

Another American geophysicist re-examined the data and claimed to find a long hallway which opened up into a large central space. This has led researchers to believe there are still open cavities inside the formation which Noah’s Ark Scans hope to soon drill into.

Why is locating Noah’s ark important?

For those involved in the research, the importance of the discovery is not just limited to its religious implications.

While Noah’s ark is a key element in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the story also speaks to larger human questions about survival, faith, and the fragility of life in the face of natural disasters.

The team’s findings, particularly the materials embedded in the formation’s soil, suggest that the area may have been submerged in a vast body of water at some point, potential signs suggesting evidence of the great flood

While the theory remains highly speculative, the notion that ancient humans witnessed and survived such a cataclysm has captivated scholars and theologians alike for centuries.

For scientists and archaeologists alike, the potential to link these scientific findings with one of history’s most famous legends is as daunting as it is crucial.

The story is also a key part of the Abrahamic religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and is often interpreted as a message of faith, obedience, and God’s promise to never destroy the Earth with a flood again.

According to the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 to 9, God decided to flood the Earth because of humanity’s widespread wickedness.

But he chose to spare Noah because of his righteousness and tasked him with building a large ark to save himself, his family, and a pair of every animal. The team are looking to create a gap and use a camera to see inside without damaging the site.

“We also plan to take core samples from across the formation, which should help us confirm whether the right angles and geometric patterns we see on the GPR scans are man-made structures or just natural formations,” Jones said.

So far, results support the existing theories. The soil tests suggest this formation isn’t simply part of the surrounding mud flow, it’s a distinct object. This comes as startling new archaeological evidence could finally solve another religious mystery.

New clues are emerging from the dust of one of the world’s most historic sites which could finally settle a long-standing debate over the death of Jesus and where he was buried.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Johnston Busingye, reiterated this appeal during the launch of the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, held by Rwandans living in the UK.

Busingye emphasized that the continued presence of genocide suspects in the UK remains a serious obstacle to justice for survivors of the Genocide. He called on the UK to strengthen its cooperation with Rwanda to ensure justice is served for crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

“Survivors deserve justice while they are still alive. It offers deep comfort. Many Western countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Sweden have either prosecuted or extradited genocide suspects. But the UK continues to host them. Six known genocide suspects are still residing on British soil and are known to the authorities,” he said.

He noted that Rwanda has repeatedly requested for their extradition, and once again called on countries to uphold international laws they have ratified, including UN conventions on genocide prevention and punishment.

Busingye explained that Rwanda initially pursued legal channels to request the suspects’ extradition for trial in Rwanda. Although British courts acknowledged that the suspects had a case to answer, they ruled that they would not receive a fair trial if returned to Rwanda.

Nevertheless, Rwanda remains hopeful that justice will ultimately be delivered, even as the suspects age.
He stressed that testimonies from survivors should help the international community fully grasp the reality of the Genocide, during which over a million innocent people were murdered in broad daylight simply because of how they were born, while the world watched in silence.

He reminded the audience of the day the UN Security Council decided to reduce the number of UNAMIR peacekeeping troops in Rwanda from 2,165 to just 270 even as genocide was underway.

This happened despite pleas from commanders on the ground, such as Canadian General Roméo Dallaire, who called for more troops.

Among the genocide suspects still living in the UK are Célestin Mutabaruka, Dr. Vincent Bajinya, Emmanuel Nteziryayo, Célestin Ugirashebuja, and Charles Munyaneza.

Busingye also emphasized the importance of remembrance and vigilance. “We must remember, and stay alert to ensure the ideology of genocide does not return, even in disguised language or divisive policies,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of teaching the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in schools to help young people understand what happened, recognize the warning signs, and ensure it never happens again.

Jabo Butera, Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in the UK, noted that Rwandans living in cities such as Manchester, Newcastle, and Portsmouth came together to mark the beginning of the 100 days of commemoration, not only on April 7 but also through ongoing events.

“April 7 is the first day of the 31st commemoration, but other activities are planned during these 100 days of remembrance. For instance, on May 3, we will hold a major gathering in Portsmouth for the National Rwandan Community Association event,” he said.

Commemorations are also planned in other cities, including Liverpool, many of which host memorials dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Butera urged Rwandans living in the UK to keep their identity and history close to heart. “Being Rwandan should live in our hearts. These are our stories, and we must teach them to the world, especially to the younger generation.”