The court session followed extensive submissions from both the Prosecution and Defence teams over alleged errors in the indictment. The Defence, led by lawyer Erias Lukwago, argued that the amended indictment still contained inconsistencies.
“The indictment talks of another person, who in my submission is a third, but the summary of the case talks of four people,” Lukwago noted, urging the court to correct the discrepancies.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma adjourned the matter until January 21, 2026, when the case will next be mentioned.
According to the amended indictment, the accused are charged with two counts of misprision of treason. The Prosecution alleges that they held meetings in multiple countries, including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, to plot the overthrow of the Ugandan government by force. It further claims that Dr Besigye solicited and received $5,000 to facilitate the travel of 36 people from Uganda to Kisumu, Kenya, for training linked to the alleged plot.
The developments came a day after Besigye and Lutale were denied bail for the fourth time. Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that bail could not be granted until the accused had formally entered a plea to the charges.
According to a public notice issued by the city authorities, fireworks will light up the skyline at exactly midnight on the night of December 31, 2025, to January 1 2026, as Kigali joins cities around the world in welcoming the New Year.
The displays will take place at several public locations, including City Hall, Kigali Pelé Stadium, Canal Olympia, and Kigali Heights, offering residents and visitors multiple vantage points to enjoy the celebrations. In addition, fireworks will also be launched from selected private venues, namely Hôtel des Mille Collines, Atelier du Vin, Serena Hotels, and KCC Parkings.
City authorities reassured the public that the fireworks are part of a planned and safe activity, organised to celebrate the year’s end and the dawn of a new one. Each display is expected to last between 10 and 19 minutes, creating a vibrant and memorable moment as the countdown to 2026 reaches its climax.
As festivities unfold, the City of Kigali has reminded revellers to drink responsibly and strictly avoid serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, emphasising the importance of safety and responsibility during the celebrations.
“We wish everyone a safe and joyful festive season,” the City of Kigali told the residents.
The New Year’s crossover is highly anticipated each year, symbolising fresh beginnings, renewed hope, and collective reflection. Across the globe, cities will be counting down to midnight at different moments depending on their time zones.
The very first place in the world to welcome 2026 will be Kiritimati Island (Christmas Island) in Kiribati, which operates on UTC+14. The island will ring in the New Year at 12:00 p.m. Kigali time. It will be followed by the Chatham Islands of New Zealand (UTC+13:45), before larger Pacific nations such as New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga enter the New Year, with cities including Auckland, Wellington, Apia, and Nuku‘alofa marking midnight soon after. Countries such as Fiji, Kiribati’s Gilbert Islands, and parts of Russia will follow, with cities like Suva, Tarawa, and Anadyr joining the celebrations.
While these islands are technically first, global attention often turns to major international hubs. Auckland is widely recognised as the first major metropolitan city to welcome the New Year, followed by Sydney, renowned for its world-famous fireworks display. Tokyo and Seoul then usher in the New Year shortly afterwards, continuing the wave of celebrations across Asia.
“The suspension of Major General Sylvain Ekenge from his position as spokesperson for the FARDC is, in fact, just a smokescreen aimed at the international community, as the problem at the top of the state is deeply rooted,” Nduhungirehe said.
He added that the decision, which he said was clearly taken under Western pressure, echoed historical instances where individuals accused of incitement were protected rather than held accountable.
“This suspension reminds us of the exfiltration of Léon Mugesera by President Juvénal Habyarimana after his inflammatory speech in Kabaya in November 1992,” the minister noted.
After Mugesera declared that Tutsi would be killed and dumped into the Nyabarongo River to be sent back to Abyssinia, the judiciary at the time sought to prosecute him. However, the top leadership of the MRND party protected him and helped him flee.
In 1992, Mugesera first went to Spain and later to Canada, where he worked as a university lecturer until January 2012, when he was extradited to Rwanda to face charges brought by the courts.
Nduhungirehe recalled that Mugesera’s speech took place at a time when the Rwandan state was already organising and enabling violence against Tutsi.
“I also remind you that at the same time, President Habyarimana was creating the infamous Interahamwe militia, which was already committing massacres against the Tutsi in Kibilira, Mukingo, Murambi, Bugesera, and elsewhere in the country,” he said.
The remarks come in the wake of public outrage over hate speech targeting Congolese Tutsi, following comments made by Gen Maj Ekenge during a recent appearance on national television. While Congolese authorities announced his suspension shortly afterwards, critics argue that the action does little to address what they describe as entrenched tolerance of extremist rhetoric within state institutions.
Further inflaming tensions, President Félix Tshisekedi recently hosted two Congolese nationals from the United States on December 22 2025, under the banner of “Congolese Unity”.
One of them, Jean-Claude Mubenga, has previously described Tutsi as “cockroaches” and a virus that should be eliminated, remarks that drew sharp condemnation.
According to Nduhungirehe, symbolic measures such as temporary suspensions risk obscuring the broader issue of accountability, particularly when senior officials continue to use or tolerate language that fuels ethnic hatred.
The Rwandan government has consistently warned that failure to confront incitement and genocide ideology at leadership level risks further destabilising the eastern region of the DRC and undermines efforts toward lasting peace and regional stability.
The funding round was backed by Burrow Capital, the Luxembourg Development Agency, Hanga Ignite by BRD, and develoPPP Ventures. Kayko said the capital will be used to strengthen its infrastructure, deepen its data capabilities, and support financial institutions with tools that improve credit assessment for small businesses across Rwanda.
Founded in 2021 by brothers Crepin and Kevin Kayisire, both graduates of the African Leadership University (ALU) in Kigali, Kayko was born out of a personal challenge. The idea was reportedly inspired by their mother’s difficulty in securing a bank loan for her catering business due to the absence of formal financial records, a common obstacle for many SMEs in Africa.
Kayko was created to address a structural gap in the financial system, where millions of small businesses operate daily but lack usable financial data needed to grow or access formal credit. While transactions occur, taxes are paid and inventory moves, many banks remain unable to assess these businesses due to limited visibility into their operations.
Today, more than 8,500 SMEs use Kayko’s platform for bookkeeping, inventory management, and tax compliance, making it an increasingly important system of record for small businesses across Rwanda. The platform captures real-time sales, expenses, inventory levels and compliance data, creating what the company describes as a trusted “data layer” that financial institutions can use to better understand SME performance.
“From markets to shops to service businesses, Kayko is quietly becoming the system of record for small businesses across the country,” the firm says.
The startup positions itself as a micro-ERP and data infrastructure provider, rather than a lender. By translating everyday business activity into structured, verifiable data, Kayko enables banks and other financial institutions to assess credit risk without relying on traditional collateral.
As Rwanda continues to push for financial inclusion and digital transformation of its SME sector, Kayko’s data-led approach places it at the centre of efforts to bridge the long-standing gap between small businesses and formal finance.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, made the compelling statement during the 1321st Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on Monday, December 29, highlighting the urgent need to neutralise the FDLR to achieve lasting peace.
The FDLR militia comprises remnants of the individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and continues to perpetuate the genocide ideology, threatening Rwanda’s security along its border.
Nduhungirehe described the “Kinshasa-backed FDLR as the most significant unaddressed security threat in the region,” citing recent violence in the Walikale territory on December 15, 2025, where a village was burned. He stressed that the militia’s actions continue to destabilise the region and undermine efforts for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
“The diplomatic gains of 2025 provide the most credible pathway to ending repeated cycles of violence in our region,” Nduhungirehe said. “We, therefore, call on this Council to fully support their implementation.”
He further underscored that Rwanda has repeatedly raised concerns over the ongoing ceasefire violations by the DRC armed coalition.
“A ceasefire, by definition, is an agreement between two warring parties to silence the guns, pending the settlement of underlying issues. Both parties are bound by it in equal measure,” Nduhungirehe explained. “Therefore, a ceasefire cannot be imposed on one party to the conflict only.”
Rwanda has reaffirmed its full commitment to the peace process, including the implementation of commitments made during the Washington talks between Rwanda, the DRC, and the U.S. In particular, the neutralisation of the FDLR remains a top priority, but progress continues to face setbacks linked to the Kinshasa administration’s lack of good faith.
On the diplomatic front, Rwanda welcomed the unilateral withdrawal of the AFC/M23 from Uvira, viewing it as a positive gesture aimed at encouraging further negotiations. Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s full engagement with the AU mediator and U.S.-supported mediation efforts, emphasising that addressing the FDLR issue is crucial for regional stability.
Rwanda’s call for the neutralisation of the FDLR has been echoed in various international forums, including a recent Extraordinary Summit on the security situation in DRC held in Entebbe, Uganda, in late December. At the summit, Rwanda’s Interior Minister Vincent Biruta stressed the urgency of neutralising the FDLR to ensure long-term peace in the region.
“The neutralisation of this force is important for regional security,” Biruta said, while also urging all actors to honour existing commitments under the Doha and Washington frameworks. These agreements, signed in December, provide the most credible pathway to peace and stability in the region, according to Rwanda.
In his end-of-year message addressed to officers, men, and women of the RDF and other security agencies on Monday, President Kagame expressed deep appreciation for their dedication, noting that their work continues to uphold Rwanda’s values, sovereignty, and national security.
“Through adversity and challenge, the men and women of the Rwanda Defence Force and other Security Organs have consistently served with unwavering distinction — both here at home and on missions far beyond our borders,” the President said.
He highlighted the role of security organs in protecting Rwanda’s territorial integrity and ensuring a stable environment that enables citizens to pursue their daily economic and social activities. According to the Head of State, the country’s progress across multiple sectors is closely linked to the peace and stability guaranteed by the nation’s security forces.
President Kagame also praised Rwanda’s contribution to peacekeeping efforts across the continent, saying RDF personnel deployed abroad continue to honour Rwanda’s commitment to protecting human life with professionalism and resolve.
“As I have mentioned before, the Rwanda Defence Force and other Security Organs are today the forces I have always wished to have,” he said, describing them as a pillar of national unity, dignity, and strength.
Looking ahead to the new year, the President urged security organs to maintain high standards of integrity and accountability, while remaining vigilant and adaptive to evolving security threats in pursuit of a secure, prosperous, and united Rwanda.
He paid special tribute to personnel serving away from their families during the festive season, acknowledging their sacrifice and that of their loved ones. The President also honoured families who have lost relatives in the line of duty, assuring them of continued support from the state.
“On behalf of the Rwandan people, the government, and my own family, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a joyful festive season and a successful year ahead,” President Kagame stated, adding, “May you continue to serve with honour and may your sacrifices always be recognised and rewarded.”
I arrived in Morocco in early December 2025. Located in north-western Africa and often associated with desert landscapes, the country surprised me with its cold weather. Contrary to my long-held assumption that Arab countries are uniformly hot like much of Africa, Morocco experiences biting cold during certain months, largely due to its diverse climatic conditions.
Another immediate impression was the level of security. Upon arrival at the airport, security checks were exceptionally thorough, comparable to those conducted before boarding a flight, despite having just landed.
Travellers from most European countries do not require visas to enter Morocco. Rwandan citizens, however, are required to obtain visas, although the process is relatively fast and efficient.
From my observations, Morocco is a country whose civilisation predates colonial influence by centuries. This is evident in its architecture, historic homes and everyday social practices. Rather than imitating European models, Moroccans display a strong attachment to their own culture, which remains visible across many aspects of daily life.
Travelling between the four cities by road offered a revealing glimpse into the country’s landscapes. Traditional homesteads of farmers and pastoralists sit alongside vast, modern farmlands cultivated with machinery. The colour of the soil changes from one region to another, often reddish, sometimes taking on a khaki-like hue, reflecting Morocco’s varied geography.
The cities are linked by wide, well-maintained motorways known locally as autoroutes. These modern roads were among the most striking features of the journey and play a crucial role in facilitating trade and economic activity in a region historically shaped by commerce and long-distance travel.
Morocco generally follows a culture that discourages alcohol consumption, although alcohol is available in designated outlets, most of which close early. Visitors who wish to purchase it must plan ahead or rely on hotels, where it is more readily available. For non-drinkers, the country offers an abundance of well-prepared tea and coffee, both of which are central to Moroccan hospitality.
{{Marrakech: The southern gateway
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The first city I arrived in, flying from Cannes in southern France, was Marrakech, often described as the southern gateway to Morocco.
Founded around the 11th century by Berber dynasties, Marrakech quickly emerged as a political, commercial and cultural centre in the Maghreb. It earned the nickname “the Red City” due to the distinctive colour of its walls and buildings.
Over the centuries, Marrakech served as the capital of several dynasties and as a key junction for caravan routes linking sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean basin. Its historic Medina, meaning “the City”, remains a vibrant hub of markets, craftsmanship and religious heritage, bearing strong testimony to the city’s enduring cultural significance.
{{Casablanca: Morocco’s economic engine
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Casablanca, whose name traces back to the ancient port of Anfa, has a history shaped by conflict, reconstruction and transformation. Influenced by Portuguese and later French rule, the city evolved steadily over the centuries. By the 20th century, it had become Morocco’s principal economic and industrial centre.
Its Atlantic coastline and modern urban districts underline its role as a commercial gateway connecting Morocco to global markets. Today, Casablanca stands as the backbone of the national economy, driven by its port, industrial sector, cultural industries and manufacturing base.
{{Rabat: The political capital
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Rabat is home to the royal palace of King Mohammed VI and the country’s key state institutions. It serves as Morocco’s administrative and political capital and also hosts the Embassy of Rwanda, which represents Rwanda’s interests in Morocco as well as in Mauritania and Tunisia.
Historically, Rabat developed from a military fortress along the Atlantic coast and experienced major growth during the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, remnants of which still stand today. In the 20th century, it became the centre of modern Moroccan governance.
Today, Rabat combines historical heritage, government institutions and recreational spaces. Among the cities visited, it stood out for its greenery and calm atmosphere. In 2012, the city was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding historical value.
{{Ben Guerir: A city of knowledge and innovation
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I also visited Ben Guerir, a relatively young city that represents Morocco’s investment in education, research and industrial development. Unlike Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat, whose identities are shaped by centuries of history, Ben Guerir is a product of modern planning.
Located in the El-Rhamna region, the city expanded rapidly in the 20th century due to phosphate mining activities led by the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP), followed by large-scale development projects.
Since the early 2000s, Ben Guerir has emerged as a centre of higher learning with the establishment of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Founded in 2013 on the initiative of OCP and supported by international partnerships, the university focuses on applied research in agronomy, engineering, energy and advanced technology, closely aligned with national and regional industrial needs.
The presence of UM6P, along with its postgraduate programmes and research laboratories, has elevated Ben Guerir’s profile as a hub for innovation, sustainable development and economic transformation.
Together, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Ben Guerir form a complementary portrait of Morocco. Marrakech reflects royal heritage and craftsmanship; Casablanca embodies economic power; Rabat represents governance and institutional history; while Ben Guerir illustrates the country’s forward-looking investment in education and industry.
Collectively, these cities reveal a nation of remarkable depth and diversity, one where ancient traditions and modern aspirations coexist and reinforce one another.
{{The beauty of the city of Marrakech in photos.}}
{{As you travel through Casablanca, the landscape changes from one area to another.}}
{{Ben Guerir is a rapidly developing city in Morocco that has become important for education, industry and innovation.}}
The suspension, confirmed by Congolese authorities, was authorised by the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC, Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe, and signed on December 28, 2025. It came a day after Gen Maj Ekenge appeared on state broadcaster RTNC and warned against marrying Tutsi women, claiming they do not bear children with people from other ethnic groups.
The comments sparked fierce backlash, reigniting concerns over the normalisation of ethnic slurs by senior state officials at a time of heightened tensions, particularly in the country’s conflict-affected eastern regions.
In announcing the suspension, Lt Gen Mwilambwe said the remarks were inconsistent with the army’s doctrine and national policy. However, critics argue that the decision amounts to damage control rather than a genuine break from a broader pattern of ethnic hostility tolerated at the highest levels of power.
Fanny Kaj Kayemb, the Deputy Director General for Finance of the AFC/M23 coalition, dismissed the suspension as cosmetic, saying the army spokesperson merely articulated a line sanctioned by senior authorities.
“An army spokesperson does not think independently; he executes,” Kayemb said. “He speaks according to a line approved by the top military leadership. In the DRC, the person at the very top has a name: Félix Tshisekedi, the Supreme Commander.”
Kayemb described the disciplinary action as a theatrical manoeuvre designed to mislead both Congolese citizens and the international community, arguing that the remarks reflect unspoken views embedded in the current political leadership’s ideological orientation.
The controversy has also revived scrutiny of the state’s long-standing failure to act against figures accused of inciting hatred against Tutsi communities. For years, MP Justin Bitakwira openly targeted Tutsi, particularly the Banyamulenge, referring to them as an “evil ethnic group”, without facing consequences at home. He was only sanctioned by the European Union in 2022.
Further inflaming tensions, President Félix Tshisekedi hosted two Congolese nationals from the United States on 22 December 2025 under the banner of “Congolese Unity”.
One of them, Jean-Claude Mubenga, has previously described Tutsi as “cockroaches” and a virus who should be eliminated, remarks that drew sharp condemnation.
Observers caution that when such rhetoric is voiced or tolerated by state institutions, it evokes a troubling historical legacy, leaving open the question of whether these statements are mere slips of the tongue or a deliberate psychological warfare strategy reminiscent of the Hutu Ten Commandments that preceded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
While the suspension of Gen Maj Ekenge may momentarily ease pressure, many observers contend that it does little to address the underlying climate of impunity surrounding hate speech and ethnic incitement within the DRC’s political and security establishment.
Currently, the nearest sources for these critical medical materials are often Egypt or, further afield, Europe. Domestic production is expected to reduce costs and create around 100 high-tech jobs in the nuclear and radiation sectors.
Remy Wilson Bana, acting division manager for nuclear and radiation safety at RURA, told the New Times that Rwanda has already acquired the necessary equipment.
“Economically, this is a great achievement because most Rwandans have been going abroad, especially in India or Europe, for diagnosis,” Bana explained, adding that nuclear medicine allows doctors to track diseases early, improving treatment outcomes.
The initiative, backed by the government in partnership with Aegle Onco Care, will see nuclear medicine departments licensed at major hospitals, including Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital and King Faisal Hospital. It also complements existing cancer care infrastructure, such as MRI, CT scans, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgeries.
The move marks Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional medical hub, reduce reliance on imported medical isotopes, and offer high-quality healthcare at home.
The UK’s Home Office announced visa restrictions on DRC citizens late on Saturday, citing the country’s insufficient cooperation with British authorities in repatriating migrants without legal status in the UK. The restrictions include the revocation of fast‑track visa processing and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision‑makers. The UK government warned that further measures, up to a complete halt of visas for DRC nationals, could follow if cooperation does not improve.
At the same time, Angola and Namibia have agreed to accept the return of illegal migrants and foreign criminals. The agreements were reached after the British government threatened visa penalties for any country that refused to cooperate with deportations of its nationals living in the UK without legal permission.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the UK expects countries to “play by the rules” and take back their citizens if they have no right to be in the UK. She added that the visa measures are part of broader reforms intended to tighten asylum rules and ensure faster deportations of irregular migrants.
The move to curb DRC visas comes amid a wider push by the UK government to enforce stricter immigration controls, reflecting ongoing challenges related to irregular migration and asylum backlogs. While Angola and Namibia responded positively to the UK’s pressure by agreeing to take back migrants, the DRC has yet to meet the cooperation standards required, prompting the visa curbs.
