Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

At the ceremony, France officially handed over its main military base in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, marking the end of its 125-year military presence in the country.

“We are not breaking our relationship with France, but we are putting an end to the military dimension of this cooperation,” Chadian president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno told the ceremony at Adji Kossei military base.

Chad is open to dialogue with all its international partners, including France, he said, noting that any new alliance must be based on mutual respect and without losing sight of the demands of independence and sovereignty.

“We now have to count on the bravery and professionalism of our soldiers,” the president said. “We must build a stronger, well-equipped army capable of responding to threats.”

In November 2024, Chad announced the end of its security and defense cooperation agreement with France. On December 10, some French troops began to leave Chad.

On December 31, 2024, Mahamat Deby announced the definitive withdrawal of French troops from the country by January 31, 2025.

According to a public notice issued by RGB, the decision follows multiple assessments of FBOs operating in Rwanda, which revealed issues such as non-compliance with legal requirements, poor governance, and persistent internal conflicts.

The organizations whose legal personality has been revoked include Rwanda Victory Mission, Pentecostal Out-Reach Church, International Missionary Society – Seven Day Adventist Church Reform Movement, Eglise De L’heure Prophetique Du Septieme Jour, and Communaute Methodist Unie International.

RGB has urged all faith-based organizations to strictly adhere to the law and standards established by the board.

“RGB urges all Faith-Based Organisations to adhere to strict observance of the law and promote good governance through internal mechanisms as required by the law,” the notice reads in part.

Last year alone about 8,000 churches were shut down as part of a government effort to regulate religious practices and and compliance with the law.

The closures were primarily driven by concerns over safety standards, noise pollution, and the general welfare of congregants.

The government cited that some churches had violated building codes, failed to adhere to health and safety regulations, and lacked necessary permits.

The move also aimed to address issues such as unqualified religious leaders, some of whom were accused of exploiting followers.

The government has often emphasized the need for religious institutions to operate within the framework of the law and in a manner that does not pose risks to the health and safety of the public.

Addressing the closures in August last year, President Paul Kagame warned against those who [establish churches to exploit Rwandans->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kagame-slams-exploitation-of-the-public-in-the-name-of-religion] under the guise of religious devotion.

President Kagame expressed concern that some churches in Rwanda were established with the primary intent of siphoning off the limited wealth of Rwandans for the benefit of their founders, which he strongly opposed.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the North Kivu Province Governor’s offices in the Himbi neighbourhood of Goma, voicing their anger against President Tshisekedi’s administration.

The protests, which involved residents and refugees who had fled various parts of the region, were fueled by the recent surge in targeted killings of Congolese Tutsi, among other grievances.

The demonstrators are calling for the immediate resignation of President Tshisekedi and the withdrawal of foreign forces, including troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), and Burundian military personnel.

The unrest follows the recent capture of Goma by the M23 rebels, who took control of the city earlier this week after intense clashes with Congolese government forces.

The capture of Goma marked a significant victory for the M23, which has long opposed the Congolese government’s handling of the region and the systematic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

The protests are a direct challenge to Tshisekedi’s leadership, with many locals voicing frustration over what they perceive as the government’s failure to address the ongoing violence and instability in North Kivu.

The demonstrators are demanding not only a change in leadership but also the restoration of security and stability to the region, which has been plagued by armed conflict for years.

The M23 rebel group, based in North Kivu, has been vocal in its criticism of the Congolese government.

In a press conference on Thursday, Corneille Nangaa, who heads an alliance of rebel groups that includes the M23, reiterated the group’s stance, stating that the rebels would continue their march of liberation toward Kinshasa until their demands were addressed.

Nangaa criticized the Congolese administration for poor governance and vowed that the M23 would not retreat from Goma until their grievances were resolved.

“We are in Goma and we will not leave… for as long as the questions for which we took up arms have not been answered,” he told journalists at Serena Hotel Goma.

“We are Congolese. We will continue the march of liberation to Kinshasa. When they ask us to retreat, where do they want us to go? We are not going anywhere,” he added.

He also promised that the group would restore essential services like water and electricity to the city within 48 hours, after these services were cut off by the government during the recent battles.

The event, which brought together elite police teams from eight countries, ended with a call to make it a regular regional practice to foster unity, teamwork, and enhance law enforcement capacities.

Rwanda’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, praised the remarkable resilience, skill, and determination demonstrated by all participants throughout the two-day challenge, which was launched on the sidelines of the EAPCCO Annual General Meeting on Wednesday.

He emphasized that the event was more than just a test of physical and tactical abilities, but also a valuable platform for collaboration and strengthening bonds among the regional forces.

“I commend all of you, SWAT participants; you have showcased not only your physical and tactical abilities but also your commitment to the ideals of teamwork, discipline, and professionalism that define the law enforcement community,” IGP Namuhoranye said during the closing remarks.

The IGP particularly highlighted the vital contribution of women in the challenge, noting that their participation was a powerful message for inclusivity within law enforcement.

Ten elite police teams, including a female team from Rwanda, participated in the event, which tested mental sharpness and physical endurance. Seychelles also fielded an inclusive team, further reinforcing the growing parity within the forces.

“The participation of women serves as a powerful message to the growing inclusivity and parity within our forces. Your performance has been exceptional and serves as a motivation to others, who aspire to make their mark in this profession,” IGP Namuhoranye said.

The event, attended by ministers and Chiefs of Police from EAPCCO member states, was a joint training exercise aimed at enhancing security and law enforcement cooperation. IGP Namuhoranye called for regular SWAT challenges to maintain readiness, develop capacities, and build esprit de corps among the officers.

“As the challenge comes to an end, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can overcome the challenges that face us and ensure peace and security for our people. Let us plan and conduct this kind of challenge on a regular basis to uphold readiness, develop capacities and maintain esprit de corps among our officers,” he concluded.

Besides Rwanda and Seychelles, other teams that participated were from Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The graduating class comprises 46 officers and 485 other ranks, all of whom underwent rigorous training designed to enhance their tactical and operational capabilities.

The pass-out ceremony was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. MK Mubarakh, who commended the graduates for their resilience and determination throughout the demanding program.

Gen. Mubarakh emphasized the importance of discipline and operational readiness, urging the newly trained personnel to maintain high morale and preparedness at all times.

“You must uphold the morale and skills you showcased during the demonstration whenever you’re called upon to defend our country’s sovereignty. Be prepared to carry out any mission as Special Operations Force personnel,” he stated.

The RDF Chief of Defence Staff also extended gratitude to the instructors for their dedication in moulding the trainees into elite soldiers equipped for specialized missions.

As part of the ceremony, the top three performers were recognized for their exceptional achievements. Captain Sam Muzayirwa emerged as the overall best performer, followed by Lieutenant Moise Butati Gakwandi in second place, while Nahemia Gakunde Kwibuka secured third position.

During the 11-month training, the graduates acquired specialized skills essential for special operations. These included proficiency in heavy and small arms shooting, hand-to-hand combat, reconnaissance, military map reading, river and water crossing, combat engineering, heliborne and mountaineering operations, as well as advanced first aid.

The comprehensive training program is designed to enhance the RDF’s capacity to safeguard Rwanda’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, ensuring that the country’s special operations forces remain highly capable and mission-ready.

Speaking at their first press conference since seizing Goma, Corneille Nangaa, the political head of the AFC/M23 rebel group blamed the Congolese government for the outage, which has disrupted daily life for much of the week.

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

He urged residents who had fled their homes to return and resume their daily lives.

The M23 rebel group also vowed to continue with their ‘liberation march’ to Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC in a sustained effort to pressure the Congolese government into addressing their grievances.

Nangaa dismissed calls to abandon their struggle, insisting they would not back down until their demands were addressed.

“We are in Goma to stay. We are Congolese. We will continue the march of liberation to Kinshasa. When they ask us to retreat, where do they want us to go? We are not going anywhere,” he told journalists at Serena Hotel Goma.

M23 captured Goma following the rapid capture of strategic towns, including Masisi and Sake in recent weeks.

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

Days after the city’s capture early this week, signs of normalcy are beginning to emerge, albeit cautiously, as the M23 continues to consolidate its control over the city.

A visit by IGIHE to Goma on Wednesday, January 28, revealed a stark contrast to the chaos of previous days. The streets, once emptied by fear and gunfire, are now seeing more activity, with residents tentatively returning to their daily routines.

Although business owners are eager to resume their work, many shops remain shuttered, a reminder of the economic uncertainty that still lingers.

For Mamouda, a local trader, the past week has been one of fear and disruption in Goma, the capital and largest city of North Kivu Province.

“On Sunday, it was impossible to step outside. The sound of gunfire was everywhere, even in my neighbourhood. It wasn’t until Tuesday that people started to flee, and only then did things begin to calm down,” the trader shared.

Access to basic services such as water and electricity remains a challenge after being cut off by the Congolese government. Mamouda has been helping neighbours by offering power from his generator to charge phones—a crucial lifeline during a time of limited communication.

At the border, which had been a flashpoint of conflict, signs of a fragile peace are visible. M23 fighters have assumed control, and while their presence is evident, they appear to be engaging with the community more peacefully than the military forces they replaced.

Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, a military spokesperson for M23, was seen walking through Goma’s streets with his entourage, a moment of apparent normalcy as residents waved and clapped in support.

“The M23 are better than the FARDC,” said Jean Claude Etienne, a resident of Quartier Les Volcans. “I can walk freely, carry my phone, and go about my business without fear. This wasn’t possible before.”

Such sentiments are echoed by many who speak of the abusive behaviour they experienced under the government forces, with some alleging that FARDC soldiers would confiscate phones and other belongings.

In contrast, M23 fighters, according to locals, are seen as more disciplined and friendly. The group has been fighting against the systematic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the larger eastern region of the DRC.

“They’ve treated us with respect,” noted Darius, another resident. “We are hopeful that life will improve now.”

Despite the changing dynamics, the conflict is far from over. The M23’s grip on Goma remains firm, and while local businesses like Hotel Serena continue to operate, the future remains uncertain for many. For now, Goma’s residents are cautiously optimistic, hoping that they will be able to rebuild their lives amid ongoing instability in the wider eastern Congo region.