Irembo, a leading digital services provider in Rwanda, termed the strategic partnership a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
By making the RW country domain more accessible, this collaboration aims to simplify the process of domain registration, providing a seamless experience for both individuals and businesses seeking to establish a digital presence in Rwanda and beyond. RW domain registration is now available alongside other services provided on the IremboGov platform.
Through this integration, clients can now purchase RW domains directly on the IremboGov platform, aligning with Rwanda’s vision of building a modern digital ecosystem.
The addition of RW domain services enhances IremboGov’s comprehensive suite of digital services, empowering Rwandans and international investors with an easy-to-use, centralized platform to access essential online services.
“Users can now register their RW domains with just a few clicks,” Irembo said in a statement.
RICTA is a non-profit organization with a mandate to manage Rwanda’s RW country code top-level domain (ccTLD).
The new partnership is part of RICTA’s broader effort to promote the adoption of the RW domain, which is essential for establishing trust and authenticity in the digital space.
The RW domain serves as a symbol of Rwanda’s national identity, offering businesses, startups, and individuals a unique opportunity to strengthen their digital presence while supporting the country’s efforts to foster a thriving digital economy.
The collaboration with Irembo is expected to increase the visibility and adoption of the RW domain, making it the domain of choice within and beyond Rwanda.
RICTA has affirmed its commitment to ensuring the growth of Rwanda’s internet ecosystem. The integration with IremboGov is a significant step toward achieving this goal.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, made the revelation on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, as the government unveiled new tax reforms approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Monday.
Rwanda’s current tax-to-GDP ratio remains below the global benchmark of 16%, necessitating strategic reforms to expand the tax base.
The minister emphasized that raising the tax-to-GDP ratio is essential for funding the country’s transformation agenda under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Data from the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) show that the government collected Rwf 2.62 trillion in tax revenue during the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The revenue is projected to exceed Rwf 2.97 trillion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Minister Murangwa explained that lower-middle-income countries should maintain a tax-to-GDP ratio of at least 19%, upper-middle-income countries should target 23%, and high-income countries aim for at least 38%.
“In the short term, by the end of NST2, we aim to reach at least 18% or 19%, with further increases in the following years,” he said.
“To achieve upper-middle-income status by 2035, Rwanda will need a tax-to-GDP ratio of around 23%. By 2050, as a high-income country under Vision 2050, this ratio should reach approximately 38%.”
To meet these fiscal targets, the Rwandan government has introduced new tax policy reforms for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, focusing on broadening the tax base, enhancing revenue mobilization, and streamlining tax administration.
“These new tax policy reforms are part of the Government’s medium-term strategy to broaden the tax base, increase revenue mobilization, and streamline tax administration in order to meet Rwanda’s development goals,” Murangwa stated.
Key sectors affected by these reforms include consumer goods, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, and gambling. New levies have been introduced to ensure economic sustainability while driving national transformation.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a 15% excise duty on cosmetic and beauty products, including makeup, body lotion, and hair products. However, essential pharmaceutical beauty products will be exempted in consultation with the Ministry of Health.
Vehicle owners will also feel the impact of the reforms, as registration fees for all types of vehicles, including electric cars, will be increased. However, the exact figure was not immediately revealed.
Similarly, the fuel levy has been adjusted from a fixed fee of Rwf 115 per litre to 15% of the Cost-Insurance-Freight (CIF) to support road maintenance initiatives.
Mobile phone users will now have to pay 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on mobile phones, which had been exempted since 2010. The government argues that while the exemption initially helped to boost digital penetration and smartphone affordability, the reintroduction of VAT will allow for more sustainable revenue collection without stifling smartphone access.
A similar VAT exemption introduced in 2012 on ICT equipment will also be revoked, though selected ICT devices will remain tax-free based on consultations with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
The gambling industry is set to face higher tax measures, with the tax on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) rising from 13% to 40%, and withholding tax on winnings increasing from 15% to 25%. The government said the move aims to encourage responsible gambling while also increasing tax revenues from the industry.
Additionally, the tourism sector will be subject to a new Tourism Levy, which imposes a 3% tax on accommodation costs. This measure aims to fund investments in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry, a critical pillar of Rwanda’s economic growth.
In a bid to encourage green mobility and reduce carbon emissions, the government has maintained a 25% import duty exemption for hybrid vehicles while introducing an age-based excise duty system. Under the new system, hybrid cars less than three years old will be taxed at 5%, those between four and seven years old at 10%, and vehicles older than eight years at 15%.
Additionally, VAT and a 5% withholding tax will be reinstated for hybrid vehicles, while fully electric vehicles will remain tax-exempt to encourage their adoption. However, this measure will only take effect in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Excise taxes have also been adjusted in other areas. The tax on cigarettes has increased from Rwf 130 to Rwf 230 per pack, along with an additional 36% tax on the retail price.
The excise duty on beer has risen from 60% to 65% of the factory price. For airtime, the tax has been raised from 10% to 12% in 2024/2025, with a gradual increase to 15% in the medium term.
Beyond these direct tax changes, the government has also signalled upcoming policy adjustments targeting financial services, transportation, and ICT in the next financial year.
Odinga is seeking to make history as the first Kenyan to hold the position of AU Commission Chair since the establishment of the body in 2002.
The election is set to be held on Saturday, February 16, where Odinga will face off against two other formidable candidates, including Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
The longstanding opposition chief was endorsed by his political nemesis, President William Ruto, for the race, turning them into allies after their clash in the 2022 presidential election.
Having unsuccessfully contested for the presidency a record five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022—this race could define his legacy as his retirement beckons.
The 80-year-old has previously held key positions in Kenya, including serving as a Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency for two decades and as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 in a power-sharing government following the disputed 2007 presidential election.
With just a few days before 49 African heads of state convene in Addis Ababa to elect the next AUC chairperson, Odinga exudes a mix of confidence and pragmatism—a reflection of decades spent in the political trenches.
The AU Commission chairmanship presents the octogenarian an opportunity to cement his legacy beyond Kenya’s borders, positioning him as a continental leader at a time when Africa faces complex governance, economic, and security challenges.
Odinga has spent months crisscrossing Africa, rallying support from heads of state, foreign ministers, and diplomatic envoys. His campaign has emphasized his experience in governance, his deep-rooted Pan-African ideals, and his ability to foster unity within the AU, where he served as High Representative for Infrastructure Development from October 2018 to February 2023.
“I have spoken to all the leaders across Africa. If they agree, I will be the AUC chairperson. The vote will be cast on Saturday,” Odinga said on Monday, February 10 during an interdenominational prayer service organized by Kenya’s ODM Women’s Chapter.
With the AU’s rotational leadership principle in play, East Africa, where both Kenya and Djibouti belong, is seen as the preferred region to produce the next chair. This makes Youssouf Odinga’s strongest rival.
To secure a first-round victory, Odinga needs at least 33 votes out of 49 eligible heads of state. The election is conducted via secret ballot, meaning alliances and loyalties will be tested in the voting room. Despite his campaign efforts, Odinga knows that nothing is guaranteed.
“If I am elected, well and good; if I am not, that is also fine. Don’t I have my home?” Odinga told his supporters in Nairobi on Monday.
For Odinga, the AU Commission role represents more than just a new political chapter, it is a chance to shape Africa’s future on a grand scale. If he wins, he will oversee policies on economic integration, conflict resolution, and governance reforms across the continent. If he loses, it could mark the end of an era for one of Africa’s most resilient political figures.
Among his pledges if he wins the coveted seat is the rollout of a continental visa.
According to Odinga, the introduction of an AU visa would significantly enhance the free movement of people and goods across the continent, thereby promoting intra-Africa trade.
Speaking during the launch of his campaign in Nairobi in August last year, Odinga lamented that traders and businesspeople in Africa are required to obtain numerous visas to travel across the continent, while their foreign counterparts can do so freely.
“My friend Aliko Dangote says that to travel across the continent, he needs 35 visas. His French competitor does not need a visa to travel with a French visa in Africa. What a shame. In Europe, you only need a Schengen visa to travel across the entire continent without a problem,” Odinga said.
He pledged to introduce the AU visa to remove the bottlenecks that have hindered free movement for decades.
If elected AU Commission Chair, Odinga also promised to pursue a Continental Air Control System to streamline air travel by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving efficiency, and enhancing coordination between countries.
Despite Odinga’s robust campaign, Djbouti’s Youssouf remains a strong contender, backed by historical voting patterns where Francophone countries often support their own.
However, Odinga has garnered support from Anglophone and reformist AU blocs, leaving the outcome uncertain and potentially hinging on last-minute alliances.
The Cabinet approved the changes during a meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the Finance Ministry, the changes are part of Rwanda’s medium-term strategy to strengthen economic resilience and promote self-reliance.
“These new tax policy reforms are part of the Government’s medium-term strategy to broaden the tax base, increase revenue mobilization, and streamline tax administration in order to meet Rwanda’s development goals,” the Minister of Finance Yusuf Murangwa stated in a statement on Tuesday.
The reforms touch on multiple sectors, including consumer goods, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, and gambling. They also introduce new levies aimed at enhancing economic sustainability while ensuring the continued transformation of the country as outlined in the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a 15% excise duty on cosmetic and beauty products, including makeup, body lotion, and hair products. However, essential pharmaceutical beauty products will be exempted in consultation with the Ministry of Health.
Vehicle owners will also feel the impact of the reforms, as registration fees for all types of vehicles, including electric cars, will be increased. However, the exact figure was not immediately revealed.
Similarly, the fuel levy has been adjusted from a fixed fee of Rwf 115 per litre to 15% of the Cost-Insurance-Freight (CIF) to support road maintenance initiatives.
Mobile phone users will now have to pay 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on mobile phones, which had been exempted since 2010. The government argues that while the exemption initially helped to boost digital penetration and smartphone affordability, the reintroduction of VAT will allow for more sustainable revenue collection without stifling smartphone access.
A similar VAT exemption introduced in 2012 on ICT equipment will also be revoked, though selected ICT devices will remain tax-free based on consultations with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
The gambling industry is set to face higher tax measures, with the tax on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) rising from 13% to 40%, and withholding tax on winnings increasing from 15% to 25%. The government said the move aims to encourage responsible gambling while also increasing tax revenues from the industry.
Additionally, the tourism sector will be subject to a new Tourism Levy, which imposes a 3% tax on accommodation costs. This measure aims to fund investments in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry, a critical pillar of Rwanda’s economic growth.
{{Green transportation incentives and increased excise taxes
}}
In a bid to encourage green mobility and reduce carbon emissions, the government has maintained a 25% import duty exemption for hybrid vehicles while introducing an age-based excise duty system. Under the new system, hybrid cars less than three years old will be taxed at 5%, those between four and seven years old at 10%, and vehicles older than eight years at 15%.
Additionally, VAT and a 5% withholding tax will be reinstated for hybrid vehicles, while fully electric vehicles will remain tax-exempt to encourage their adoption. However, this measure will only take effect in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Excise taxes have also been adjusted in other areas. The tax on cigarettes has increased from Rwf 130 to Rwf 230 per pack, along with an additional 36% tax on the retail price.
The excise duty on beer has risen from 60% to 65% of the factory price. For airtime, the tax has been raised from 10% to 12% in 2024/2025, with a gradual increase to 15% in the medium term.
{{Additional tax policy measures}}
Beyond these direct tax changes, the government has also signalled upcoming policy adjustments targeting financial services, transportation, and ICT in the next financial year.
Among the expected measures are an environmental levy on single-use plastics, new VAT charges on select fee-based financial services, and taxes on fossil fuels and road transportation services of goods.
Under the ICT sector, the government is expected to roll out the Digital Services Tax, which will be imposed on digital platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and others.
The government has assured taxpayers that public awareness programs will be rolled out to educate citizens and businesses on these new tax provisions to facilitate a smooth transition.
“The Government of Rwanda remains committed to working closely with taxpayers to ensure a smooth transition and to foster a prosperous future for all,” the Ministry added.
The decision, which is expected to drive up costs for import-dependent industries, has already drawn sharp criticism from major trading partners, including Canada, as well as from domestic businesses.
Trump has long championed protectionist economic policies. He framed the tariffs as a step toward reviving American manufacturing.
“This is a big deal—the beginning of making America rich again,” he declared. “Our nation requires steel and aluminium to be made in America, not in foreign lands.”
Despite concerns about rising consumer prices, Trump insisted that, in the long run, the move would be cost-effective. He hinted at further trade measures, suggesting future tariffs could target pharmaceuticals and semiconductor imports.
The US, the world’s largest steel importer, relies heavily on suppliers from Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Canada, which provided over 50% of US aluminium imports last year, is expected to be the hardest hit by the new tariffs.
Canadian officials reacted with outrage, with Minister of Innovation Francois-Phillippe Champagne calling the decision “totally unjustified.”
“Canadian steel and aluminium support key US industries from defence to automotive,” Champagne stated. “This policy undermines North American competitiveness and security.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford accused Trump of destabilizing economic relations, warning that shifting trade policies put jobs at risk.
Meanwhile, industry lobbyists in Canada urged immediate retaliation, with lawmakers exploring ways to reduce dependence on the US market.
The tariffs prompted a surge in US steelmaker stock prices, with Cleveland-Cliffs gaining nearly 20%. However, broader market reactions remained subdued, as investors speculated whether Trump might later soften his stance or introduce exemptions.
Economic analysts likened the move to Trump’s 2018 tariff campaign, which initially imposed levies on steel and aluminium but later carved out exceptions for countries like Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
Dartmouth College economist Douglas Irwin suggested the latest announcement could be a bargaining tactic rather than a firm policy shift.
“The biggest question is whether Trump is using this as leverage or truly committing to long-term protectionism.”
Trump’s track record includes a history of abrupt trade policy shifts. Just last week, he announced a 25% duty on Canadian and Mexican imports before postponing enforcement by 30 days. He also introduced a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing.
Critics warn the tariffs will inflate costs for US industries reliant on imported metals, affecting sectors from construction to consumer goods. The US International Trade Commission previously estimated that similar tariffs raised domestic steel and aluminium prices by 2.4% and 1.6%, respectively.
White House officials defended the policy as a measure to curb unfair competition, particularly from China and Russia.
The administration introduced stricter regulations requiring steel to be “melted and poured” and aluminium to be “smelted and cast” in North America, aiming to prevent foreign suppliers from bypassing tariffs through third-party nations.
Nick Iacovella, spokesperson for the pro-tariff Coalition for a Prosperous America, emphasized concerns over a surge in steel imports from Mexico.
“There are still imbalances in US-Canada trade that need addressing,” he said, adding that Trump’s approach signals a broader effort to rebalance North American trade relations.
Iohannis, a pro-EU centrist, had initially planned to remain in office until his successor was elected. However, his position was fiercely criticized by far-right politicians and their supporters, who gained significant ground in the first round of December’s election. That vote was later annulled by Romania’s top court due to allegations of Russian state interference.
The cancellation triggered widespread unrest, with tens of thousands of Romanians taking to the streets last month to protest what they saw as an attack on democracy.
Opposition lawmakers, capitalizing on the growing dissatisfaction, renewed their push to suspend Iohannis, putting forward a motion in parliament that could have led to his impeachment.
Faced with the prospect of a divisive political battle, Iohannis announced on Monday that he would step down voluntarily, arguing that his resignation would spare the country from further turmoil.
“In order to spare Romania and its citizens from crisis, I resign from the office of president,” he said in a press conference at Cotroceni Palace. “I will leave office the day after tomorrow, on February 12.”
His departure leaves Senate Speaker Ilie Bolojan, leader of the ruling coalition’s Liberal Party, as interim president with limited powers until the election.
Meanwhile, the political landscape remains highly polarized, with the far-right gaining influence. NATO-critic Calin Georgescu, a little-known figure before last year’s vote, has emerged as a key contender.
The European Union and NATO member state, which shares a border with Ukraine, has been thrown into institutional uncertainty since Georgescu’s unexpected success in the December election.
With mainstream pro-European parties divided and the far-right gaining traction, analysts believe some centrist lawmakers may have been willing to back the impeachment effort, further fueling Romania’s political crisis.
Crin Antonescu, the candidate backed by the ruling coalition, said Iohannis’ resignation was the “preferable outcome” compared to impeachment, which he argued would have only distracted from key national issues.
With the election re-run just months away, Romania now faces an uncertain political future, with its democratic institutions under scrutiny and growing concerns about external influence in its electoral process.
Speaking at the South African National Assembly on Monday during a debate on the deaths of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers in eastern DRC, Malema condemned the government’s decision to send troops under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
Malema argued that the mission was not a peacekeeping effort but a direct combat operation against the “well-equipped” and strategic M23 rebels. He accused the government of deploying soldiers without essential military assets, such as drones and fighter jets, leaving them vulnerable.
“Our government has deliberately misled the people. The reality is that our soldiers are fighting an enemy with superior weaponry, resources, and intelligence,” he remarked.
Malema also blamed the recent casualties on SANDF’s failures in intelligence and coordination, particularly during the M23 offensive on Goma.
According to him, intelligence lapses left South African forces unprepared, while poor coordination with regional allies and the Congolese military led to a weak and fragmented response.
The lack of clear directives from leadership, he added, resulted in disorganized retreats and unnecessary casualties, which also led to the deaths of two soldiers from Tanzania and two from Malawi under SAMIDRC.
The EFF leader further attributed SANDF’s declining capability to years of government neglect and corruption. He noted that budget cuts have crippled the military, grounding aircraft and helicopters due to lack of maintenance.
Despite the deployment costing the government R2.3 billion since it began, he argued that mismanagement and corruption have severely weakened the army’s effectiveness.
“Officials have looted and mismanaged funds, sending South Africa’s defence technology to foreign entities. This is nothing short of crazy,” he said.
Additionally, Malema criticized the Department of Defence for wasting over R250 million outsourcing IT services while ignoring internal capabilities, calling it blatant theft of state resources at the expense of soldiers.
Some of the fallen soldiers were killed in the battle for Goma City, while others died in clashes in Sake involving M23, the Congolese military, and allied coalition forces.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) transported their remains to Uganda through the main Rwanda-DRC border crossing, La Corniche, around noon on Friday, following days of delays.
Upon arrival in Kampala, the decomposing bodies were scheduled for preparation before being flown to South Africa via Entebbe International Airport. However, as of Monday afternoon, they were yet to be repatriated, with final arrangements expected this week.
Malema expressed outrage over the delays, calling the situation “unacceptable.”
“We must be clear. The deployment of our soldiers in the DRC is not about achieving peace. It’s about sacrificing our soldiers for a war with no end in sight. This government continues to send them to die in a foreign land, and when they do, their bodies are not even repatriated with the dignity they deserve,” he lamented, adding that the delays had subjected the families of the fallen soldiers to severe anguish.
M23 accuses the Congolese government of decades-long persecution and marginalization of Congolese Rwandophones.
Malema called for the immediate withdrawal of South African troops, arguing that no more lives should be lost in a “senseless conflict.”
He urged the government to bring the troops home, echoing calls for a ceasefire made during discussions at the recent joint Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) summit in Tanzania.
During the EAC-SADC summit on Saturday, regional Heads of State called for a political solution rather than a military one. The Congolese government has been urged to prioritize meaningful and honest dialogue with M23 and other rebel forces in the country to silence guns in the eastern region.
The film will be shown in the Forum section of the festival, which is scheduled to run from February 13 to 23, 2025.
Sharangabo told IGIHE that he and a team of about 10 who worked on the film will arrive in Germany on February 12, 2025, a day before the screening.
He expressed his pride in having his film showcased at Berlinale, marking its official premiere and giving film enthusiasts the opportunity to watch it in theatres afterwards.
“I am very happy, and what I can tell people is that this will be the film’s first public screening. After this, it will start being shown in different places. It’s a significant step for Rwandan cinema and a result of the daily efforts and struggles we go through. I’m grateful and appreciate everyone who contributed to making this project successful,” he said.
Minimals in a Titanic World is Sharangabo’s first feature film, centred around Anita, a dancer aspiring to turn her passion into a professional career.
After being imprisoned due to misconduct, Anita returns to a life of performing music and dancing in a nightclub. However, she receives heartbreaking news about the death of her lover, Serge.
As her friends support her through grief, Anita meets Shema, Serge’s close friend, and the two form a bond that helps her find solace and refocus on building her life as a songwriter.
Set in contemporary Kigali, the film explores themes of ambition, love, loss, and the struggle of young people trying to achieve their dreams while navigating life’s uncertainties.
The film features actors Aline Amike, Niyigena “Rwasibo Joe” Jean Pierre, Ganza Moise, Nasser Makala, and Alice Amike.
Key contributors to the film include Samuel Ishimwe Karemangingo and Nasser Naizi, who handled cinematography, while Kivu Ruhorahoza was responsible for editing. The film’s music was composed by Amin Goudarzi, with Amadou Massaer Ndiaye overseeing sound design. Carine Umunyana led the production design, shaping the film’s visual aesthetic. The production team was led by Sharangabo, alongside Samuel Ishimwe Karemangingo, Remy Ryumugabe, Didacienne Nibagwire, Alexander Wadouh, Roxana Richters, and Augustine Moukodi.
The film was co-produced by Imitana Productions and Iyugi Productions, both based in Kigali, along with Chromosom Film in Berlin and Zili Studios in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Sharangabo, the film’s creator, is also the organizer of the Kigali CineJunction Festival, which has been held twice in Rwanda since its launch in 2023.
The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), established in 1951 and held in February since 1978, is widely considered one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, alongside Cannes and Venice.
In addition to Berlinale, Minimals in a Titanic World is also competing in the feature film category at the Festival Panafricain du cinéma et de la télévision de Ouagadougou (FESPACO), which will take place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from February 22 to March 1, 2025, for its 29th edition.
FESPACO is the most prestigious film festival in Africa and has been hosted in Ouagadougou every two years since 1972.
The sharpest increases were observed in transport costs, which surged by 18.5% year-on-year, and in restaurant and hotel prices, which rose by 9.5%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages also saw a significant annual price hike of 7.2%, while education costs went up by 8.4%.
The overall CPI for Rwanda, which includes both urban and rural areas, registered an annual increase of 5.7% but declined by 1.6% on a monthly basis. Rural inflation remained lower than urban inflation, rising by 4.5% year-on-year but dropping by 2.9% from December 2024.
The core inflation rate, which excludes fresh food and energy, increased by 6.2% compared to January 2024, reflecting the persistence of underlying price pressures.
Rwanda’s inflation trends have fluctuated in recent months, with rising costs in key sectors such as transport, hospitality, and essential goods affecting household budgets. The annual average inflation rate between January 2024 and January 2025 stood at 5%.
The NISR compiles the CPI based on data from 12 urban centres across the country, tracking price movements in a basket of 1,622 products.
“Weights used for the index are from the Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV4) results conducted in 2013-2014 with a sample of 14,419 households,” the report reads.
The index serves as a key indicator for policymakers and the central bank in managing inflationary pressures and economic stability.
In a statement, Most Rev. Laurent Mbanda, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and current Chairman of Rwanda Inter-Religious Council, extended sympathies to the victims of the hostilities, including those in border communities in Rwanda.
The council acknowledged the suffering of families who have lost loved ones, as well as those injured, displaced, and affected by the destruction of property due to the persistent unrest.
“Our hearts sincerely go out to all the families that have lost their loved ones, the injured, the displaced, and those who have lost their properties due to the ongoing conflicts. May God bring comfort and healing to all the affected families and communities,” the statement read.
The escalating conflict recently led to the capture of Goma City and several strategic towns in eastern Congo by the M23 rebel group, which has accused the Congolese government of persecuting and marginalizing Congolese Rwandophones in the region. The persecution stems from the artificial borders drawn by colonial powers in the early 20th century.
RIC emphasized that, with political will from all conflicting parties, the suffering could have been avoided. The council commended ongoing regional efforts aimed at achieving peaceful resolutions and alleviating the humanitarian crisis, stressing the need for open and honest dialogue.
“We are convinced that honest dialogue can lead to lasting and sustainable peace in the region. We therefore wish to encourage the conflicting parties to engage in candid conversations that deal with the actual historical root causes of the problems,” the statement added.
Beyond diplomatic efforts, RIC called upon religious communities to pray for peace and stability in the region and urged people of goodwill to extend relief to those affected by the conflict.
Regional efforts have intensified in recent weeks to address the conflict.
Over the weekend, Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held a joint summit in Tanzania, directing the merger of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and the resumption of direct negotiations and dialogue between Kinshasa, M23, and other non-state actors within the merged process.
The regional leaders emphasized that both processes were crucial, resolving to strengthen them individually to “enhance complementarity.”
The Nairobi Process, spearheaded by the EAC, aims to mediate a resolution between the Government of the DRC and various armed groups operating in the country’s eastern regions.
The Luanda Peace Process, on the other hand, is mediated by Angola under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the African Union (AU). It primarily seeks to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with Kinshasa accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has repeatedly denied this the claims, insisting the M23 rebels are Congolese nationals fighting for their rights.
