Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

South Africa was warned of losing troops in DRC before deployment – Expert

Professor Thomas Mandrup, an associate professor at Stellenbosch University and the Royal Danish Defence College, criticized the mission, arguing that it was ill-advised due to insufficient resources and poor planning.

SANDF deployed soldiers to the eastern DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission which comprises nearly 3,000 troops. The mandate was extended for another year in November 2024.

The operation saw South African forces supporting the Congolese army and allied militia groups in confronting the M23 rebel group, which had been attempting to capture the city of Goma.

At least 14 SANDF soldiers lost their lives in fierce fighting in and around Goma, as well as in the battle for control over the town of Sake in late January.

Professor Mandrup explained that the mission’s offensive nature was a critical misstep. The SANDF was given a mandate to neutralize rebel groups, particularly M23, and was expected to carry out offensive operations.

However, according to Mandrup, the SANDF was not adequately equipped for such a task, nor were they fully prepared for the complexities of the situation on the ground.

“The South African Defence Force is underfunded and has been for years,” said Mandrup. “The necessary renewal of equipment and operational readiness has not taken place, leaving the SANDF with outdated tools for an operation of this scale.”

He added that while certain elite units within the SANDF, such as the special forces, maintain international reputations for excellence, the broader force faces significant challenges, including personnel shortages and a lack of adequate training and equipment.

Furthermore, Mandrup noted that warnings from military analysts, academics, and professionals were ignored before the deployment.

“The political level failed to address these warnings, deploying soldiers without the necessary means to carry out their mandate effectively,” he added.

South Africa’s Minister for Defence, Angie Motshekga, was on Tuesday at pains to explain to members of parliament in the Joint Standing Committee on Defence the decision to deploy forces without essential support like air cover and offensive tools.

The MPs rejected Minister Motshekga’s explanation that South African soldiers were sent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to restore peace in the eastern region. The MPs argued that the true nature of the mission was unclear, with some asserting that the troops should be brought home immediately.

The Minister’s comments raised more questions about the decision-making process, with Mandrup asking whether the risks were properly assessed and whether the SANDF Chief was given adequate resources to ensure success.

February 6, 2025
Tour du Rwanda to proceed as scheduled, organisers confirm

The 2025 edition of the race is set to take place from February 23 to March 2, bringing together top cyclists from Africa and around the world.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, February 6, Tour du Rwanda and the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) reassured teams, riders, and fans that the security situation in Rwanda remains stable.

While recent clashes in Eastern DRC had briefly affected areas near the Rwandan border, organisers stated that all necessary measures have been taken to prevent any disruption to the race.

“Life in Rubavu and all across Rwanda continues as normal. Therefore, the Tour du Rwanda can proceed without any alteration to the schedule, and riders, teams, and supporters can be assured of a safe and enjoyable event,” the statement read.

The Tour du Rwanda, first held in 1988, has grown into one of Africa’s most renowned cycling events. Initially a regional competition, the race became part of the UCI Africa Tour in 2009 and is currently classified as a 2.1 category race, attracting elite professional teams from across the world.

Known for its challenging mountainous routes, the Tour du Rwanda is regarded as one of the most demanding races on the continent. The event not only tests the endurance and skill of cyclists but also showcases Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.

Joe Blackmore from Israel – Premier Tech won the 2024 Tour du Rwanda. He had a fantastic race, even celebrating his 21st birthday during the event and taking the race lead that day. He sealed his victory with a solo win in the final stage in Kigali. It was his first UCI race win, making it a very special achievement.

Beyond its sporting significance, the Tour du Rwanda plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic development in the country. The event is a major source of national pride, uniting Rwandans who enthusiastically line the race routes to cheer for local and international riders.

February 6, 2025
U.S. federal judge indefinitely blocks Trump’s order ending birthright citizenship

Judge Deborah L. Boardman from the United States District Court for the District of Maryland issued a preliminary injunction after a court hearing in Greenbelt, Maryland, in a case filed by civil rights groups seeking to block Trump’s order. The injunction applies nationally.

“The Maryland lawsuit is one of at least six different federal cases brought against Trump’s order by a total of 22 Democratic-led states and more than half a dozen civil rights groups,” according to The Washington Post.

Trump signed the order hours after taking office on January 20. It directed federal agencies to halt recognition of citizenship for children born after February 19, if neither parent is a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident.

Over 20 states and civil rights groups immediately filed lawsuits challenging the order, calling it blatantly “unconstitutional.”

On January 23, Senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, a federal judge in Seattle, Washington state, temporarily blocked Trump’s executive order for at least 14 days, as lawsuits in Washington state and elsewhere over Trump’s action proceeded.

The 14th Amendment states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”

Trump’s executive order argued that the 14th Amendment “has always” excluded from birthright citizenship persons who were born in the United States but not “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.”

February 6, 2025
U.S. lawmaker tells Tshisekedi to ‘get serious’ about eastern DRC peace

In a post on X, Joe Wilson, who has represented South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001, urged the Congolese leader to use the upcoming joint summit of heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as a platform for cooperation rather than escalating tensions with Rwanda.

He emphasized that the crisis in “Goma is in the hands of Tshisekedi.”

“Félix Tshisekedi must get serious about the peace process in the Eastern DRC now. The EAC summit in Dar es Salaam is an opportunity for the DRC to work together with Paul Kagame for peace, not point fingers and deepen tensions,” he wrote.

.@FelixUdps must get serious about the peace process in the Eastern DRC now. The @jumuiya summit in Dar es Salaam is an opportunity for DRC to work together with @PaulKagame for peace, not point fingers and deepen tensions. The crisis in Goma is in the hands of Tshisekedi.

— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) February 4, 2025

Tshisekedi skipped an extraordinary summit convened by the EAC on January 29 to address the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. His absence raised concerns about Kinshasa’s willingness to embrace dialogue, even as pressure mounts for a political resolution to the conflict.

He has previously resisted direct negotiations with M23, labeling them a terrorist group. His government has also failed to honour previous agreements with the rebels, who claim to be fighting against the marginalization and persecution of Congolese Rwandophones. Instead, Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of aiding the group’s activities—allegations Rwanda has denied.

The EAC summit, chaired by Kenya’s President William Ruto and attended by President Paul Kagame and other regional leaders, urged Tshisekedi’s administration to engage directly with M23 rebels and other armed groups in a bid to resolve the escalating crisis in the country’s east.

SADC, which is contributing troops to the region, held a separate meeting last Friday and made a similar appeal to the Congolese government.

On Monday, President Ruto said both President Kagame and President Tshisekedi had confirmed their participation in the upcoming summit, which aims to “coordinate responses” to the crisis.

“Through our collective effort, we will ensure security reigns on our continent,” he said.

The meeting will be preceded by a ministerial session on Friday, before the Heads of State convene on Saturday.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has graciously agreed to host the summit to deliberate on the situation in Eastern DRC,” Kenya’s State House said in a statement.

February 6, 2025
What CNN didn’t air in the interview with President Kagame

During the interview, the Rwandan President strongly rejected claims that Rwanda was fueling the conflict in the mineral-rich region by supporting the M23 rebel group, which recently captured the city of Goma. He reiterated that the M23 rebels are not Rwandans but Congolese nationals fighting for their rights.

The President dismissed claims that Rwanda exploits minerals from the DRC, an allegation frequently made by Congolese authorities and echoed in some international reports. He denied the claims and stated that South Africa and European countries are the primary beneficiaries of DRC’s vast mineral resources.

Regarding the presence of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops in the DRC, President Kagame dismissed suggestions that their mission was primarily focused on peacekeeping. He accused South Africa of deploying troops to secure the region’s mineral wealth rather than fostering peace.

In response to the edited excerpts aired by CNN, the President’s Press Secretary, Stephanie Nyombayire, pointed out that several crucial elements of the interview had been omitted to fit a “predictable editorial line.”

She detailed that during the interview, President Kagame spoke about the threat posed by FDLR, a group associated with rebel forces in the region and composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He stated that the group is supported by governments in the area, despite posing a security threat to Rwanda.

He maintained that Rwanda would do everything to protect itself against such security threats.

“Their goal is not just to fight M23, but to fight Rwanda and overthrow its government, as they have publicly declared. Does anyone think Rwanda will simply sit back and allow that to happen? We will defend ourselves in any form necessary. There is no doubt about it,” he stated.

On the principle of national sovereignty, the President emphasized, “I believe in the respect of sovereignty for all countries, including Rwanda. There is no sovereignty more important than another. This is the basic principle.”

Reflecting on the broader international community’s role, he noted, “The very same international community blaming Rwanda is the one that has allowed the FDLR to operate in Congo for 30 years. After decades and nearly $40 billion spent, what stability has been achieved? Blaming Rwanda is simply a way to cover up the mess the international community has caused in our region.”

The President also criticized how others were framing the insecurity issue, saying, “The problem is simple to understand, but people complicate it to avoid taking action. Even the most uninformed person could grasp the situation after 30 years.”

According to President Kagame, the conflict in the eastern DRC has been exacerbated by external forces working with President Felix Tshisekedi.

“I don’t believe anyone, including President Tshisekedi, wants war. However, he has been encouraged by others to fight wars on his behalf. If those external forces weren’t involved, perhaps he would see reason and prioritize peace,” he added.

“I am focused on protecting my country and managing national affairs to ensure peace. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi is obsessed with humiliation and his own ego. You cannot run a country or resolve regional issues based solely on ego.”

Finally, he emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s self-reliance: “For Rwanda, our priority is clear: we must protect ourselves. We know from history, particularly from 1994, that no one will come to our aid. That’s why we have invested heavily in our security and defence, and the results speak for themselves.”

February 5, 2025
USAID puts staff on leave, recalls overseas personnel

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said only designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs will be exempt. Essential staff expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 pm.

USAID also announced that it is also preparing a plan to bring home personnel currently posted outside the United States within 30 days, in coordination with the State Department and overseas missions.

The agency will cover the cost of return travel and will terminate Personal Services Contract (PSC), and Independent Services Contract (ISC) deemed non-essential. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals facing personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other significant issues.

“For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming,” USAID said.

The move is the latest in a series of actions reflecting the Trump administration’s tough stance on foreign aid.

Since regaining office, President Trump has pursued efforts to curtail U.S. assistance programs, arguing that such initiatives are wasteful and should be significantly reduced or eliminated. Internal discussions about bringing USAID under the direct control of the State Department have sparked fears that the agency could be dismantled altogether.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed alarm at the administration’s handling of USAID, warning that its restructuring would require congressional approval.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Brian Schatz, along with Representatives Gregory Meeks and Lois Frankel, issued a statement stressing that USAID’s independence is protected by law, while Senator Chris Murphy affirmed that “a president cannot eliminate an appropriated federal agency by executive order.”

Adding to the uncertainty, billionaire Elon Musk has publicly attacked USAID following a reported clash between the agency’s security personnel and Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk leads.

On Sunday, Musk labeled USAID a “criminal organization” and called for its dissolution. His post on X (formerly Twitter), stating “Time for it to die,” has raised fears that the administration is committed to dismantling the agency.

USAID’s website also temporarily went offline over the weekend, and a bare-bones page appeared under the State Department’s domain, suggesting possible consolidation efforts. Senator Chris Coons responded by accusing Trump of attempting to “gut the agency altogether.”

As the largest provider of foreign assistance, the U.S. distributed $72 billion to nearly 180 countries last year—more than half through USAID. The agency’s projects in Africa, in particular, are at risk as funding freezes and personnel cuts threaten ongoing programs in health, education, economic development, and governance.

USAID has played a critical role in Rwanda since 1964, supporting initiatives that enhance economic capacity, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental resilience. The loss of U.S. assistance could leave a significant void, potentially opening the door for rival powers such as China to expand their influence in the region.

February 5, 2025
Trump expected to withdraw U.S. from UN Human Rights Council

Also on Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long criticized the UNRWA.

During Trump’s first term in June 2018, the United States withdrew from the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying that it has rendered membership to unworthy nations and harbored “disproportionate focus and unending hostility towards Israel.”

However, in February 2021, then U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the Biden administration would reengage with the council as an observer.

Since 1950, UNRWA has been assisting Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

February 4, 2025
“Wasted effort”: Kagame dismisses Congolese appeal to soccer teams to cancel partnerships

The Congolese government has called for Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain to sever their partnerships, accusing the Rwandan government of using sports as a tool for “sportswashing” amid ongoing tensions in eastern DR Congo.

Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, recently wrote to the clubs, questioning the morality of their deals with Rwanda, alleging the sponsorship is funded by illicit mining from conflict zones in eastern DR Congo.

However, during an exclusive interview with CNN, President Kagame firmly rejected the accusations, terming the Congolese government’s campaign a “wasted effort.”

The Head of State suggested that the Congolese government’s focus should be on managing internal issues and solving the country’s political problems.

President Kagame maintained that Rwanda is not directly involved in arming or supporting the M23 rebels.

He pointed out that much of the “sophisticated equipment” used by M23 in the recent fighting, which led to the capture of Goma City, came from the Congolese army, which had been defeated and pursued by the rebels.

During the interview, President Kagame expressed frustration with President Félix Tshisekedi’s absence from diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the conflict, especially after he skipped a Heads of State extraordinary summit that brought together Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the security situation in eastern Congo.

“When you have a problem, you must look for the cause. The one with the problem must seek a solution,” Kagame emphasized.

President Kagame has often accused the Congolese administration of ignoring the root causes of the conflict in the eastern region and prioritizing military solutions over a political resolution, which can be achieved through dialogue with the M23 group fighting for the interests of the Congolese Rwandophones, particularly the Tutsi community.

Speaking in a separate interview with Al Jazeera, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe dismissed the narrative of Rwanda exploiting minerals in Congo as a distraction from the more profound issues of ethnic persecution and governance failures.

“This narrative of minerals as the root cause of this conflict is really a lazy and unacceptable narrative,” he remarked, stressing that the conflict’s core lies in the protection and rights of communities.

The Visit Rwanda campaign, launched in 2018, has helped raise the country’s global profile, with significant partnerships with high-profile football clubs, which have boosted Rwanda’s tourism sector and foreign investments.

Rwanda has repeatedly dismissed sportswashing claims, with the country’s Chief Tourism Officer, Irene Murerwa, calling such claims a “distraction” from Rwanda’s achievements.

February 4, 2025
Rwanda faults international community for turning blind eye to DRC conflict root causes

In a candid interview with Al Jazeera, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the historical context of the conflict, pointing to the artificial borders drawn by colonial powers in the early 20th century, which he argues have led to the marginalization and persecution of Congolese Rwandophones, particularly the Tutsi community in Eastern DRC.

“Rwanda was a German colony, and in 1910, 1912, and 1911, there was a meeting in Brussels where Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom decided to draw the borders between the three countries artificially. We had part of the Kingdom of Rwanda which was given to Congo with the people, and another part was given to Uganda. Then we have people of Rwandan culture and heritage in those two countries; in DRC, which was Congo at that time, and Uganda,” Nduhungirehe explained.

“But those in Uganda never had any problem; they were integrated into society, considered as Ugandans. However, those in Congo, who have lived there since 1910, were never considered as Congolese; they were always suspected to be Rwandan. And this went on until the independence of Congo, and this marginalization under suspicion continued. In the 1970s, the then President of Zaire, which was the name of the country, President Mobutu, decided to give them citizenship, but 10 years later in the 80s, he stripped that citizenship from them, so their situation was always difficult,” he added.

The minister insisted that the continued persecution of Rwandophones in eastern Congo birthed the M23 group, which is fighting for the rights of the marginalized group.

He emphasized that the M23 is fundamentally a Congolese movement defending its community, dismissing the narrative that marginalized groups were foreigners in their own land and that Rwanda was aiding them.

“The M23 is a Congolese movement supporting and defending a Congolese community,” he stated, adding that Rwanda’s purported involvement in the conflict had been misrepresented.

Nduhungirehe was particularly vocal about the international community’s failure to address the genocide ideology propagated by the FDLR, a group sanctioned by the United Nations but still active and collaborating with the DRC government. The FDLR continues to pose a security threat to Rwanda, three decades after being involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

“It’s unacceptable for the government of DRC to collaborate with this group of genocidaires, the FDLR,” he noted, criticizing the bias in international reports and the lack of condemnation for atrocities committed against Congolese Tutsis.

He further accused the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, of not only failing in its mandate but also exacerbating the situation by supporting forces that include genocidal elements and mercenaries. He maintained that such actions violate international conventions.

“MONUSCO in Eastern DRC has not been part of the solution; it has been part of the problem,” Nduhungirehe asserted.

More than 280 European mercenaries recently fled DRC after being defeated by the M23 in a battle that led to the capture of Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province. The Romanian mercenaries departed for their home country through Rwanda last week following the closure of Goma airport.

The minister also addressed the often-cited narrative that the conflict is primarily driven by mineral wealth, dismissing it as a distraction from the more profound issues of ethnic persecution and governance failures.

“This narrative of minerals as the root cause of this conflict is really a lazy and unacceptable narrative,” he remarked, stressing that the conflict’s core lies in the protection and rights of communities.

Regarding peace processes, Nduhungirehe spoke with frustration about the stalled negotiations, particularly under the Nairobi and Luanda frameworks.

He criticized the international community for not pushing for a political solution to the M23 issue, despite Rwanda’s consistent advocacy for direct talks between the DRC government and the M23.

“We have always supported a political solution to the M23 question,” he said.

Nduhungirehe’s remarks come at a time when tensions in DRC remain high following the capture of Goma and several key towns by M23.

Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) are expected to hold a joint crisis meeting in Tanzania later this week to chart the way forward in silencing the guns in eastern DRC.

SADC is contributing troops to the region and has, in recent days, suffered at least 14 deaths from the fight between the M23 and coalition forces allied with the Congolese government.

February 4, 2025
U.S. embassy reduces staff in Kinshasa, urges citizens to leave DRC ‘immediately’

In a security alert issued on February 3, the embassy announced a reduction in its staff and advised Americans to make immediate travel arrangements while commercial options remain available.

“Ensure that your and your family’s travel documents are in order, and pack essential items in bags that you can easily carry. We understand that border crossings remain open for transit, and many flights are departing from N’Djili Airport in Kinshasa,” the embassy advised.

At the same time, the embassy, which was among several foreign missions attacked in [recent protests in Kinshasa->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/protesters-attack-foreign-missions-in-kinshasa-after-m23-offensive-in-goma], informed the public and U.S. nationals that it would be unable to conduct visa interviews or offer routine services.

“Due to the security situation in Kinshasa, the U.S. Embassy will not be conducting any visa interviews and will not be able to offer routine services for U.S. citizens,” the embassy added.

The advisory comes just a week after the M23 rebel group seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. The group has vowed to continue its offensive all the way to the capital, Kinshasa, unless its grievances are addressed.

Speaking during a press conference in Goma on Thursday, Corneille Nangaa, who heads an alliance of rebel groups that includes the M23, said the group would not abandon its course due to “poor governance”.

“We will continue the march of liberation all the way to Kinshasa,” Nangaa stated.

M23 is fighting against the systematic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the region, a situation that has persisted for decades.

Accusing the Congolese administration of poor governance, Nangaa stated that the rebel alliance, AFC, had established a team tasked with reviving the troubled region’s socioeconomic life, as well as overseeing humanitarian, financial, and infrastructure development.

Several other organizations, including the United Nations, have evacuated their staff and families from Goma, citing the deteriorating situation. Due to closed airspace and waterways, the staff were evacuated through Rwanda.

February 3, 2025