Identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for the Refoundation (CMR),” the soldiers said they convened on Sunday and decided that “Mr. Patrice Talon is dismissed from his functions as president of the republic.”
Gunshots were reported at Camp Guezo, near the president’s residence in the largest city of Cotonou, and local media said soldiers had taken control of the state broadcaster.
However, the Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation.
The current events in Benin come amid a wave of military takeovers in West Africa. Just in late November, a coup in Guinea-Bissau ousted President Umaro Embalo following a disputed election in which both the incumbent and opposition declared victory.
In a statement released on December 6, 2025, AFC/M23 clarified that the movement does not claim any territory outside the DRC and has no ambitions in Burundi, despite the country’s ongoing involvement in destabilizing eastern DRC.
“The world has witnessed the extensive destruction caused by bombs launched from Burundian territory by Burundian forces: roads and bridges destroyed, schools damaged, health centres affected, and homes and places of worship destroyed,” the statement read.
“These attacks, carried out from beyond our borders, continue to harm our communities, spread fear, and force thousands of families to flee their homes.”
The statement also highlighted that Burundian forces, armed and supported by the Kinshasa regime, are being used to target Tutsi Banyamulenge populations in Minembwe. AFC/M23 pledged to stand by civilians and urged residents to remain calm while continuing daily activities.
The call for Burundian withdrawal comes amid heavy fighting in South Kivu. Over the past five days, clashes between DRC forces and AFC/M23 have intensified in areas including Kamanyola, Kaziba, and Rurambo in Uvira territory. AFC/M23 fighters have captured Rurambo and are attempting to seize Lubarika, while DRC forces try to regain control of Katogota and Kamanyola.
Reports indicate heavy shelling in Kamanyola originating from Luvungi, while other shells have fallen in Luvungi from Kamanyola. Civilian homes and infrastructure, including schools, have been destroyed, leaving many dead or injured and forcing thousands to flee.
A displaced resident from Kamanyola recounted the harrowing experience: “They were firing shells that landed in houses. People were dying, others were injured, houses were burning. I have a family of seven: my husband, five children, and I. We fled the war.”
Burundi’s forces have been implicated in the cross-border shelling. AFC/M23 condemned the attacks and vowed to continue protecting civilians, while elite fighters reportedly launched a major counterattack on December 4 against Burundian army positions in South Kivu, killing multiple soldiers, including Lt. Col. Athanase Minani, and taking others captive.
Burundian forces have been openly operating in South Kivu Province since 2022, after Burundi and the DRC signed a military cooperation agreement in an attempt to neutralise M23 rebels.
The handover event took place on December 3, 2025, in a ceremony organised in partnership with the Eastern Province, Nyagatare District, and the Rwanda Housing Authority.
The beneficiaries are 125 families resettled in the model village located in Karangazi Sector, Ndama Cell, Rwabiharamba Village.
Founded in 2020 and operational since 2023, BioMassters aims to address climate change by promoting clean and affordable cooking solutions.
The company operates a production facility in Rubavu and several outlets in Kigali. Over the past two years, it has supplied two stove models: the clay-based Iryacu and the metal Inzuchief. Both are known for their durability, cleanliness, and ability to reduce fuel costs by up to 50% compared to charcoal. Importantly, the stoves cook without producing smoke, improving household health.
Bosco Nsanzabandi, one of the recipients, welcomed the initiative, noting that the new stove will help resolve the persistent problem of indoor smoke.
“We thank our government for caring about citizens like us. In this area, we faced severe smoke-related challenges. These stoves will help us protect the environment and also reduce what we spend on charcoal and firewood,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Grace Umwari, said the stove would not only eliminate smoke but also ease the burden of sourcing firewood, which had become increasingly difficult.
Nyagatare Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development and Finance, Gonzague Matsiko, urged residents to maintain the stoves properly, emphasising their impact on reducing smoke emissions, fuel expenses, and cooking time.
“Our citizens are no longer mere beneficiaries but partners, because we work together to protect the environment. One of the ways to do this is by reducing the pressure we put on trees,” he said.
He added that the stoves do not rely on wood or charcoal, and encouraged residents to purchase the affordable fuel that will be brought closer to them to ease their cooking activities.
BioMassters’ Director of Business Development and Sales, Sylvain Rucyaha, said the company’s mission is to make cooking safer and more affordable while safeguarding the environment.
“At BioMassters, we strive to ensure people cook in safe, smoke-free conditions and at a reasonable cost. That is why we implement projects like this: to respond to the challenges faced by families struggling to access clean cooking fuel,” he said.
To date, BioMassters has distributed nearly 8,000 stoves and reached more than 70,000 users nationwide. The Iryacu model distributed in Nyagatare retails at Rwf 40,000, while the Inzuchief costs Rwf 50,000.
BioMassters’ Chief Operations Officer, Yasmine Karam, said the company is steadily achieving its long-term goal of expanding access to clean cooking solutions in Rwanda.
“The aim was to find a clean and efficient cooking solution and introduce it to Rwanda. This technology creates jobs while helping us meet the needs of Rwandans, and we are seeing continuous progress,” she said.
BioMassters stoves use pellets made from wood and agricultural residues, which are environmentally friendly and affordable. A kilogram costs Rwf 350 in Kigali shops and Rwf 380 at partner outlets across the country.
The company is also working closely with the Ministry of Education. Six schools have already adopted the clean cooking system, and the number is expected to rise to 10 by the end of the year.
The deal was formalised on Friday, December 5, in Washington by Jeremy Lewin, Senior Official, Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines a comprehensive plan to strengthen Rwanda’s health system, save lives, and enhance U.S. national interests through global health engagement. It builds on Rwanda’s significant progress in addressing HIV/AIDS, where the country has reached the 95-95-95 epidemic control goals.
“This partnership builds on Rwanda’s progress by moving away from parallel NGO delivery systems, investing in cutting-edge health infrastructure, fostering greater national ownership over health delivery systems and frontline workers, and putting Rwanda on an accelerated path to a more durable, responsive, and sustainable health system, including Rwanda taking over full control of its HIV/AIDS response by year four of the partnership,” the U.S. Department of State said in its statement.
Under the partnership, the United States will provide up to $158 million over five years to support Rwanda’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infectious diseases, while also strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities. Rwanda, in turn, will contribute an additional $70 million from its own domestic health budget, gradually assuming greater financial responsibility as U.S. support declines.
The agreement emphasises national ownership of healthcare delivery, moving away from parallel NGO systems, and investing in cutting-edge health infrastructure. By year four of the partnership, Rwanda is expected to take full control of its HIV/AIDS response, reinforcing a sustainable and self-reliant health system.
The MoU also fosters U.S. commercial interests in Rwanda and the broader region. The deal builds on the U.S. Department of State’s November 2025 award to Zipline International Inc., supporting the construction of American-made advanced robotics for delivering life-saving medical products. Rwanda, as an early adopter of Zipline technology in Africa, will manage and maintain this infrastructure. Additionally, the agreement includes $10 million for U.S. biotech firm Ginkgo Bioworks to expand disease outbreak surveillance in Rwanda, establishing a regional biothreat radar system.
Other areas of collaboration include next-generation HIV treatments and the deployment of artificial intelligence in healthcare, further reinforcing Rwanda’s health system and promoting sustainable development.
This agreement follows Kenya’s recent signing under the America First Global Health Strategy, which was launched in September 2025. The strategy aims to enhance the self-reliance of recipient countries in managing their health sectors and replaces certain funding previously provided by USAID.
The U.S. government plans to continue signing multi-year bilateral health agreements with additional countries in the coming weeks, advancing the objectives of the America First Global Health Strategy.
The figure, agreed upon by the two ministries, represents a decrease from the 117.5 billion shekels allocated in 2024 and the 135.7 billion shekels this year, during which Israel was engaged in fighting on several fronts.
The ministries said the reduction is due to a significant expected drop in the recruitment of reserve soldiers next year following the Gaza ceasefire that took effect on October 10.
Despite the decrease compared to the wartime budgets, the 2026 figure is still 47 billion shekels higher than the 2023 defense budget, which covered most of the period before the Gaza war erupted in October that year.
The new defense budget, subject to parliamentary approval as part of the 2026 state budget, was agreed upon after extensive discussions between the two ministries.
The ministries noted that the planned defense budget allows the government to avoid tax increases next year and even creates room for potential tax relief within the state budget.
They also agreed on a separate three-year budget package of around 725 million shekels to reinforce security infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, including travel protection measures, new road construction, military facilities, and projects along the eastern border with Jordan.
The week-long celebration went beyond formalities, serving as a genuine expression of gratitude to the people who make the hotels special. From loyal guests to trusted partners, every moment was dedicated to saying “thank you” in meaningful and memorable ways.
This year’s festivities began with lively lobby hosting sessions, where warm greetings and personal interactions transformed every arrival into a welcoming experience. The hotels’ lobbies buzzed with energy, reflecting the core belief that hospitality is about people and personal connections.
The spirit of appreciation extended beyond the hotels’ walls as the sales team visited clients and partners in person. These visits fostered open conversations, strengthened relationships, and underscored the importance of genuine human connections in business.
In line with Marriott International’s proud value of “Spirit to Serve,” the team also reached out to the community by spending a joyful day at the Sherrie Silver Foundation. They shared laughter, donated food and school supplies, and were touched by heartfelt performances from the children; moments that reminded everyone why giving back is at the heart of the hotel’s mission.
The celebration culminated in a grand Customer Appreciation Event, featuring a variety of dining experiences, lively entertainment, and exciting prize giveaways. Guests left with lasting memories, feeling truly recognized and celebrated.
“Global Customer Appreciation Week gives us the chance to pause and sincerely thank the incredible people who choose Kigali Marriott: our guests, partners, and community,” said Aditya Chacko, Multi-Property General Manager.
“Hospitality is more than just service; it’s about building real connections and making a positive difference beyond our doors. At our hotels, we are dedicated to delivering warm, personalized hospitality where every guest feels valued and connected through thoughtful service and meaningful community engagement.”
The signing followed a landmark ceremony earlier in the day in Washington, D.C., where Rwanda and the DRC formalised a US-brokered peace accord aimed at ending decades of conflict, enhancing regional security, and unlocking new opportunities for cooperation. The Washington Accord was witnessed by US President Donald Trump, President Paul Kagame, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, and several African and international leaders.
In addition to the peace compact, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, concluded two separate economic agreements: the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) with his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, and the Framework Between the United States and Rwanda for Shared Economic Prosperity with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreements are designed to accelerate economic integration and promote shared prosperity across the region.
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Minister Nduhungirehe said the newly signed REIF creates a structured platform for Rwanda and the DRC to make joint investments in five priority sectors: energy, infrastructure, mineral supply chains, national park management and tourism, and public health.
He noted that the framework provides both countries with pathways to strengthen cross-border trade and cooperation, complementing the security commitments embedded in the Washington Accord.
“This agreement opens economic opportunities for Rwanda and the DRC to work together in a coordinated and mutually beneficial way,” Nduhungirehe said.
The economic components of the REIF align with the broader objectives of the Washington Accord, which emphasises regional economic integration as a foundation for durable peace.
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A second agreement signed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio establishes a bilateral framework for economic cooperation between Rwanda and the United States. The partnership focuses on mining and mineral processing, energy, and broader trade and investment promotion, operating outside the scope of the REIF.
The framework is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s position as a reliable partner in critical mineral supply chains and expand American investment opportunities in the country.
The peace and economic agreements come at a pivotal moment as Rwanda and the DRC seek to turn the page on three decades of instability in eastern Congo. During the signing of the Washington Accord, President Trump hailed the development as “a great day for Africa,” underscoring the accord’s potential to bring lasting stability and unlock new economic prospects.
President Kagame emphasised that the success of the agreement and the new economic frameworks rests primarily with African leadership and commitment.
“Rwanda will not be found wanting,” he said, reaffirming Rwanda’s readiness to play its part decisively.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi described the accord and its accompanying frameworks as a turning point that offers a pathway out of the “cycle of violence, mistrust, and forced displacement” that has long affected both nations.
By committing to deeper cooperation in sectors ranging from energy to mineral supply chains, Rwanda, the DRC, and the United States aim to lay the groundwork for a more stable, interconnected, and prosperous Great Lakes region.
Since the morning of December 5, 2025, DRC, Burundian, and Wazalendo forces have launched attacks in parts of Uvira territory, including Katogota, Kamanyola, and the Luvungi groupement.
Shelling in Luvungi has forced residents to flee to other areas of Uvira that are not affected by the clashes, including Sange, Runingu, Ndolera, and Uvira town.
Bertrand Bisimwa, the AFC/M23 rebellion’s deputy coordinator, said Burundian forces stationed in Burundi were targeting Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi.
“This morning, Burundian troops in Burundi shelled densely populated areas in Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi, causing civilian casualties, including children, and destroying homes, schools, churches, and markets,” Bisimwa said.
Footage shared on social media shows homes destroyed by the shelling. In one clip, a resident near Ngomo hill in Kamanyola reported, “The first shell fell here. All the houses were destroyed. Six people died near Ngomo. Things are terrible.”
Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 spokesperson, added that the shelling of civilian areas began more than three days ago and that the group’s fighters remain prepared to defend affected populations.
The fighting erupted despite ceasefire commitments made by both parties during the ongoing mediation efforts in Doha, Qatar, raising concerns about escalation of violence.
The ceremony, held at the newly inaugurated United States Institute of Peace, was attended by US President Donald Trump, African leaders, and key international dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, President Trump described the event as “a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, and a great day for these two countries.” He praised the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC for their courage and persistence in bringing the long-running conflict in eastern Congo to a potential close after three decades.
“This compact we are signing today, known as the Washington Accords, formalises the terms agreed to in June, including a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of non-state forces, provisions for refugees to return home, and justice for those who have committed atrocities,” Trump said.
The US Head of State also emphasised the accord’s economic dimension, highlighting the potential for regional economic integration and US investment in the two countries’ mineral wealth.
President Paul Kagame, who spoke after Trump, expressed deep gratitude to all parties involved, singling out President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos for their pivotal roles in creating a space for breakthrough negotiations.
Kagame emphasised that the responsibility for the success of the accord ultimately rests with African nations themselves.
“If this agreement falters and things do not work out as they are supposed to, the responsibility will not lie with President Trump, but with ourselves,” he said. He reassured that Rwanda will play its part decisively:
“It is up to us in Africa, working with our partners, to consolidate and expand this peace. There will be ups and downs on the road ahead. There is no doubt about it. Rwanda, I know, will not be found wanting. I can assure you of that.”
He framed the accord as a clear path toward a prosperous and stable future for Rwanda, emphasising the country’s commitment to security and development after enduring years of tragedy.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi also hailed the accord as a turning point, describing it as more than just a document, but “a framework for regional economic integration and cooperation that finally overcomes the cycle of violence, mistrust, and forced displacement.”
He reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to fully implementing its obligations under the agreement and called for mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations.
The Washington Accord represents not only a formal ceasefire but also a framework for justice, economic cooperation, and regional integration. It aims to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to the DRC and have continued to promote genocidal ideology, posing a threat to Rwanda’s security along the border.
The agreement also aims to facilitate refugee returns and create new opportunities for prosperity in both countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by African leaders, including Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, William Ruto of Kenya, João Lourenço of Angola, and Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové of Togo, as well as representatives from Uganda, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the African Union.
The regional tournament, scheduled for December 6–9, 2025, will bring together ten countries from the East and Central African region as they vie for places in next year’s continental finals for school-based teams.
Rwanda is among the nations fielding both boys’ and girls’ squads. The teams left Kigali early on Thursday, December 4, 2025, ahead of the CAF African Schools Championship CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.
Before departure, Louise Ndengeyingoma, Chairperson of the Governance and Legal Commission at FERWAFA, encouraged the young players to aim high and uphold discipline.
“You carry the national flag on your chest,” she said. “Approach your matches with focus, display discipline, and remember to balance your education with your talent. This journey is not just about winning a single game; it is about raising Rwanda’s profile.”
The boys’ tournament will feature Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia.
The girls’ competition will include Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
The qualifiers will also feature young referees participating under CAF’s talent development programme and will include D-level coaching clinics.
