Earlier in 2025, the group expanded its presence in the volatile eastern region, capturing strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu. The escalation heightened tensions with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration, leading to bloody clashes.
In a year-end statement issued from Goma on Wednesday, December 31, AFC/M23 political coordinator Corneille Nangaa highlighted conditions in territories under the group’s administration, noting that displaced persons and refugees are returning home, children have resumed schooling, and hospitals are operating normally.
Additionally, Nangaa noted that agriculture and local commerce are gradually resuming, signalling a recovery in the region’s social and economic life.
“In liberated territories, the population now lives in peace, dignity, and regained security. The young administration is settling in. Justice is now in the process of revitalisation,” Nangaa stated.
While emphasising the improvements, AFC/M23 strongly criticised the Kinshasa government for failing to honour Doha ceasefire agreements and for blocking the release of prisoners. Nangaa accused the government of waging attacks on civilians and engaging in ethnic-targeted violence against Congolese Tutsi communities.
“The Kinshasa regime has demonstrated that the agreements were only a smokescreen for it to rearm and reorganise,” he said, also condemning arbitrary arrests and purges within the army.
The statement framed the ongoing crisis as a domestic issue, warning against externalising it and blaming governance failures in Kinshasa for insecurity, corruption, tribalism, and poverty. AFC/M23 called for a “true, just, and lasting peace” based on accountability and an end to impunity.
Looking ahead, the movement said 2026 would focus on consolidating efforts to restore liberty, justice, and state institutions in the areas it controls. Nangaa urged all Congolese to remain united, saying, “The legitimacy and strength of our struggle depend on our unity, which will become the foundation of a better future.”
Nangaa concluded by urging Congolese citizens to stand united and work toward a dignified and prosperous future in 2026.
“2026 will be a year of consolidating our fight for liberty, justice, peace, and the rebuilding of the state,” he said.
The shelling occurred during clashes between the AFC/M23 rebel group, the DRC army, Burundian forces, Wazalendo, and the FDLR militia in South Kivu, particularly in the Rusizi plain.
Heavy shelling targeted areas under AFC/M23 control in Walungu Territory, including Kamanyola and Kaziba.
A resident, who lost his wife and two children during the attack, told Conspiracy Tracker Great Lakes (CTGL) that civilians had no means of escape. “We were indoors when a shell fell on our house. Four people died: my wife, two children, and a neighbour’s child,” he said.
Kamanyola’s local administrator, Hassan Shabani, said the attacks between 2 and 4 December killed eight people.
“Since December 2, Kamanyola has endured intense shelling from Burundi. Around 150 shells hit the town, which spans seven square kilometres and is home to over 100,000 people. Schools, hospitals, and civilian homes were damaged,” he said.
Shabani expressed concern over why Kamanyola was targeted when most fighting occurred 15 kilometres away in Lubarika and Luvungi.
“The fighting was in Lubarika and Luvungi, yet Burundian forces decided to fire shells at Kamanyola. Heavy weapons were positioned and fired here on December 2. On the 3rd and 4th, they moved their artillery from Katoki to Rukana and continued shelling Kamanyola,” he explained.
A doctor at Saint Joseph Hospital in Kamanyola said the medical facility received 55 casualties from the attacks, including 27 people with severe injuries who were later transferred to Bukavu’s main hospital for advanced treatment.
One programme making this possible is the Tony Football Excellence Program (TFEP). By providing structured training, mentorship, and exposure beyond Rwanda’s borders, TFEP is helping promising players take the first steps toward professional football careers abroad.
Now in its third year, TFEP has prioritised building partnerships with international clubs, offering selected players the chance to gain experience by training with professional teams abroad.
This year, the programme facilitated an opportunity for two young Rwandan talents, Kwizera Fils Elysée, from Muyumbu Sector in Rwamagana District, and Sangwa Nabil Nassem, from Nyakabanda Sector in Kicukiro District, to train with Al Nasr FC in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The two players are set to spend ten days training with the club, an experience that remains rare for Rwandan children. Speaking to IGIHE, their families shared the journeys that led to this milestone.
{{Sangwa’s journey to TFEP
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Sangwa’s mother, Iragena Ashoura, revealed that her son’s sporting journey did not begin with football.
“I am not a big fan of football, I love karate,” Iragena said. “When Sangwa was younger, I introduced him to karate at the age of five, six or seven. But when he turned eight, he developed an interest in football. I asked him what he wanted, and he told me he wanted to play football. That’s when he joined Shining Academy in Kimironko.”
According to Iragena, it was Sangwa himself who discovered TFEP and took the initiative to apply.
“He is a very curious child who always looks for information. He was the one who told me about TFEP and even emailed Tony using my phone. They responded and called me to confirm where we lived and when the selection would take place in Kicukiro. That’s how he went, and luckily, he succeeded. I am very proud that he achieved this largely on his own.”
Although she was initially concerned about her son leaving home at a young age, Iragena later came to appreciate TFEP’s balance between football development and education.
“When they told me Tony operates in Musanze, I was hesitant. My son was still in primary school, and I did not like the idea of him being so far away. But after consulting friends and family, I realised it was for his own good. I saw him grow, both in football and academically; he scored 90 per cent. From then on, I fully supported him, wherever his journey may take him.”
{{Sangwa’s determination to seize the opportunity
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Now 13, Sangwa says he is determined to make the most of his training stint with Al Nasr and take another step towards his dream.
“My mother first introduced me to karate, but I always loved football because I admired Neymar Jr,” he said. “The team I played for, Cercle Sportifs, could not take me very far, so one of my relatives helped me join Shining Academy.”
Reflecting on the opportunity in Dubai, Sangwa added, “I plan to perform well, just as I did at Tony. They trusted me not only because of my skills, but because they believed in me. I will continue to give my best, and by God’s will, when I return, more opportunities will come.”
{{Kwizera’s passion for football
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For Kwizera, football has been part of his life from an early age, shaped largely by his family environment. His father, Ndababonye Joël, is both a football fan and a coach.
“The first day I got a football was when my uncle brought one from Kigali,” Kwizera recalled. “I played with my older brother, and at that time, my father was also playing football. We loved watching him. One day, he took me to where he coached, and I played with the under-13s.”
Kwizera narrated that his father later formed a football team, where he continued to develop before joining TFEP.
“I grew up in that team. Later, I did the trials for Tony Football Excellence Program, passed, and joined.”
Kwizera’s father confirmed that he recognised his son’s talent early, prompting him to create a platform for young players in their community.
“I founded Green Lovers Academy in 2018 in Muyumbu, Rwamagana, out of my love for football,” Ndababonye said. “That’s where Kwizera developed his skills and was later recognised by local coaches.”
Kwizera’s mother, Mukeshimana Marie Rose, also believed in her son’s potential, though she admits she worried about the physical risks involved.
“I always knew he would become a footballer,” she said. “Both his father and I love football, and when I saw how committed he was, I told him that one day he would play professionally.”
“Of course, I worried about injuries. Sometimes he would come home hurt, asking for ointment. But despite those moments, I continued to support him.”
{{Kwizera’s dream to go further
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Kwizera says his ultimate goal is to surpass what his father was unable to achieve in football.
“I want to go far and keep improving,” he said. “My father wanted to play at the highest level, but it did not work out for him. I am working hard to fulfil that dream. I believe that when I return from Dubai, even more opportunities will open up for me.”
By 2:00 pm Central Africa Time (CAT) on Wednesday, December 31, several countries in the Pacific and Oceania had already crossed into 2026. Kiribati’s Line Islands became the first place on Earth to welcome the new year at exactly 12:00 pm CAT, followed 15 minutes later by New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Mainland New Zealand, including Auckland and Wellington, as well as the Pacific kingdom of Tonga, ushered in 2026 at 1:00 pm CAT. Fiji, Tuvalu and parts of eastern Russia followed at 2:00 pm CAT.
In contrast, Rwanda and much of Africa were approximately nine and a half hours behind the earliest celebrations, as the New Year’s countdown continued its westward sweep across the globe.
The celebrations were set to roll on rapidly across the Pacific and into Asia. Norfolk Island was expected to ring in 2026 at 2:30 pm CAT, followed at 3:00 pm CAT by much of Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. East Asia, including Japan, South Korea and North Korea, is scheduled to welcome the new year at 5:00 pm CAT.
{{Rwanda readies lights, prayers and fireworks
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As the global countdown advances, anticipation is building in Rwanda, where New Year’s Eve blends modern celebration with spiritual reflection and community tradition.
Kigali has been transformed by festive holiday lighting, with illuminated roundabouts and public landmarks adding colour to the city’s streets as residents prepare for the final hours of 2025. The City of Kigali has confirmed that midnight will be marked by major fireworks displays at several locations, including Kigali Heights near the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali Pelé Stadium in Nyamirambo, and Canal Olympia in Rebero. In addition, fireworks will also be launched from selected private venues, namely Hôtel des Mille Collines, Atelier du Vin, Serena Hotels, and KCC Parkings.
For many Rwandans, however, the New Year begins not with fireworks but with prayer. Thousands are expected to attend “Watch Night” services across the country. Catholic parishes typically begin their services as early as 6:00 pm, while Protestant congregations often gather later in the evening, welcoming 2026 with worship, reflection and thanksgiving.
Celebrations will also stretch beyond the capital. In Rubavu, residents and visitors will usher in the new year along the shores of Lake Kivu, with music, fireworks and the scenic hills framing the celebrations.
{{Africa and the world join the countdown
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Across the continent, cities are preparing to welcome 2026 in their own distinct styles. In East Africa, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam are hosting outdoor concerts and beach-style gatherings, with coastal Kenya and Zanzibar remaining popular destinations for those seeking a seaside celebration.
Further south, South Africa is preparing for large-scale festivities, with Cape Town set to host its iconic fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront, while Johannesburg pulses with urban energy through events such as the “Made in Jozi” festival and rooftop celebrations overlooking the city skyline.
In West Africa, Lagos continues its tradition of high-energy New Year celebrations through the Greater Lagos Fiesta, featuring street parties and Afrobeat performances. Accra, Ghana, combines spiritual Watch Night services with the vibrant AfroFuture festivities that often continue into the early hours of January 1.
The United States and American Samoa will be among the last places to welcome 2026, with millions watching the iconic ball drop in New York’s Times Square long after sunrise breaks over Kigali.
The court session followed extensive submissions from both the Prosecution and Defence teams over alleged errors in the indictment. The Defence, led by lawyer Erias Lukwago, argued that the amended indictment still contained inconsistencies.
“The indictment talks of another person, who in my submission is a third, but the summary of the case talks of four people,” Lukwago noted, urging the court to correct the discrepancies.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma adjourned the matter until January 21, 2026, when the case will next be mentioned.
According to the amended indictment, the accused are charged with two counts of misprision of treason. The Prosecution alleges that they held meetings in multiple countries, including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, to plot the overthrow of the Ugandan government by force. It further claims that Dr Besigye solicited and received $5,000 to facilitate the travel of 36 people from Uganda to Kisumu, Kenya, for training linked to the alleged plot.
The developments came a day after Besigye and Lutale were denied bail for the fourth time. Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that bail could not be granted until the accused had formally entered a plea to the charges.
According to a public notice issued by the city authorities, fireworks will light up the skyline at exactly midnight on the night of December 31, 2025, to January 1 2026, as Kigali joins cities around the world in welcoming the New Year.
The displays will take place at several public locations, including City Hall, Kigali Pelé Stadium, Canal Olympia, and Kigali Heights, offering residents and visitors multiple vantage points to enjoy the celebrations. In addition, fireworks will also be launched from selected private venues, namely Hôtel des Mille Collines, Atelier du Vin, Serena Hotels, and KCC Parkings.
City authorities reassured the public that the fireworks are part of a planned and safe activity, organised to celebrate the year’s end and the dawn of a new one. Each display is expected to last between 10 and 19 minutes, creating a vibrant and memorable moment as the countdown to 2026 reaches its climax.
As festivities unfold, the City of Kigali has reminded revellers to drink responsibly and strictly avoid serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, emphasising the importance of safety and responsibility during the celebrations.
“We wish everyone a safe and joyful festive season,” the City of Kigali told the residents.
The New Year’s crossover is highly anticipated each year, symbolising fresh beginnings, renewed hope, and collective reflection. Across the globe, cities will be counting down to midnight at different moments depending on their time zones.
The very first place in the world to welcome 2026 will be Kiritimati Island (Christmas Island) in Kiribati, which operates on UTC+14. The island will ring in the New Year at 12:00 p.m. Kigali time. It will be followed by the Chatham Islands of New Zealand (UTC+13:45), before larger Pacific nations such as New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga enter the New Year, with cities including Auckland, Wellington, Apia, and Nuku‘alofa marking midnight soon after. Countries such as Fiji, Kiribati’s Gilbert Islands, and parts of Russia will follow, with cities like Suva, Tarawa, and Anadyr joining the celebrations.
While these islands are technically first, global attention often turns to major international hubs. Auckland is widely recognised as the first major metropolitan city to welcome the New Year, followed by Sydney, renowned for its world-famous fireworks display. Tokyo and Seoul then usher in the New Year shortly afterwards, continuing the wave of celebrations across Asia.
“The suspension of Major General Sylvain Ekenge from his position as spokesperson for the FARDC is, in fact, just a smokescreen aimed at the international community, as the problem at the top of the state is deeply rooted,” Nduhungirehe said.
He added that the decision, which he said was clearly taken under Western pressure, echoed historical instances where individuals accused of incitement were protected rather than held accountable.
“This suspension reminds us of the exfiltration of Léon Mugesera by President Juvénal Habyarimana after his inflammatory speech in Kabaya in November 1992,” the minister noted.
After Mugesera declared that Tutsi would be killed and dumped into the Nyabarongo River to be sent back to Abyssinia, the judiciary at the time sought to prosecute him. However, the top leadership of the MRND party protected him and helped him flee.
In 1992, Mugesera first went to Spain and later to Canada, where he worked as a university lecturer until January 2012, when he was extradited to Rwanda to face charges brought by the courts.
Nduhungirehe recalled that Mugesera’s speech took place at a time when the Rwandan state was already organising and enabling violence against Tutsi.
“I also remind you that at the same time, President Habyarimana was creating the infamous Interahamwe militia, which was already committing massacres against the Tutsi in Kibilira, Mukingo, Murambi, Bugesera, and elsewhere in the country,” he said.
The remarks come in the wake of public outrage over hate speech targeting Congolese Tutsi, following comments made by Gen Maj Ekenge during a recent appearance on national television. While Congolese authorities announced his suspension shortly afterwards, critics argue that the action does little to address what they describe as entrenched tolerance of extremist rhetoric within state institutions.
Further inflaming tensions, President Félix Tshisekedi recently hosted two Congolese nationals from the United States on December 22 2025, under the banner of “Congolese Unity”.
One of them, Jean-Claude Mubenga, has previously described Tutsi as “cockroaches” and a virus that should be eliminated, remarks that drew sharp condemnation.
According to Nduhungirehe, symbolic measures such as temporary suspensions risk obscuring the broader issue of accountability, particularly when senior officials continue to use or tolerate language that fuels ethnic hatred.
The Rwandan government has consistently warned that failure to confront incitement and genocide ideology at leadership level risks further destabilising the eastern region of the DRC and undermines efforts toward lasting peace and regional stability.
The funding round was backed by Burrow Capital, the Luxembourg Development Agency, Hanga Ignite by BRD, and develoPPP Ventures. Kayko said the capital will be used to strengthen its infrastructure, deepen its data capabilities, and support financial institutions with tools that improve credit assessment for small businesses across Rwanda.
Founded in 2021 by brothers Crepin and Kevin Kayisire, both graduates of the African Leadership University (ALU) in Kigali, Kayko was born out of a personal challenge. The idea was reportedly inspired by their mother’s difficulty in securing a bank loan for her catering business due to the absence of formal financial records, a common obstacle for many SMEs in Africa.
Kayko was created to address a structural gap in the financial system, where millions of small businesses operate daily but lack usable financial data needed to grow or access formal credit. While transactions occur, taxes are paid and inventory moves, many banks remain unable to assess these businesses due to limited visibility into their operations.
Today, more than 8,500 SMEs use Kayko’s platform for bookkeeping, inventory management, and tax compliance, making it an increasingly important system of record for small businesses across Rwanda. The platform captures real-time sales, expenses, inventory levels and compliance data, creating what the company describes as a trusted “data layer” that financial institutions can use to better understand SME performance.
“From markets to shops to service businesses, Kayko is quietly becoming the system of record for small businesses across the country,” the firm says.
The startup positions itself as a micro-ERP and data infrastructure provider, rather than a lender. By translating everyday business activity into structured, verifiable data, Kayko enables banks and other financial institutions to assess credit risk without relying on traditional collateral.
As Rwanda continues to push for financial inclusion and digital transformation of its SME sector, Kayko’s data-led approach places it at the centre of efforts to bridge the long-standing gap between small businesses and formal finance.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, made the compelling statement during the 1321st Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on Monday, December 29, highlighting the urgent need to neutralise the FDLR to achieve lasting peace.
The FDLR militia comprises remnants of the individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and continues to perpetuate the genocide ideology, threatening Rwanda’s security along its border.
Nduhungirehe described the “Kinshasa-backed FDLR as the most significant unaddressed security threat in the region,” citing recent violence in the Walikale territory on December 15, 2025, where a village was burned. He stressed that the militia’s actions continue to destabilise the region and undermine efforts for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
“The diplomatic gains of 2025 provide the most credible pathway to ending repeated cycles of violence in our region,” Nduhungirehe said. “We, therefore, call on this Council to fully support their implementation.”
He further underscored that Rwanda has repeatedly raised concerns over the ongoing ceasefire violations by the DRC armed coalition.
“A ceasefire, by definition, is an agreement between two warring parties to silence the guns, pending the settlement of underlying issues. Both parties are bound by it in equal measure,” Nduhungirehe explained. “Therefore, a ceasefire cannot be imposed on one party to the conflict only.”
Rwanda has reaffirmed its full commitment to the peace process, including the implementation of commitments made during the Washington talks between Rwanda, the DRC, and the U.S. In particular, the neutralisation of the FDLR remains a top priority, but progress continues to face setbacks linked to the Kinshasa administration’s lack of good faith.
On the diplomatic front, Rwanda welcomed the unilateral withdrawal of the AFC/M23 from Uvira, viewing it as a positive gesture aimed at encouraging further negotiations. Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s full engagement with the AU mediator and U.S.-supported mediation efforts, emphasising that addressing the FDLR issue is crucial for regional stability.
Rwanda’s call for the neutralisation of the FDLR has been echoed in various international forums, including a recent Extraordinary Summit on the security situation in DRC held in Entebbe, Uganda, in late December. At the summit, Rwanda’s Interior Minister Vincent Biruta stressed the urgency of neutralising the FDLR to ensure long-term peace in the region.
“The neutralisation of this force is important for regional security,” Biruta said, while also urging all actors to honour existing commitments under the Doha and Washington frameworks. These agreements, signed in December, provide the most credible pathway to peace and stability in the region, according to Rwanda.
In his end-of-year message addressed to officers, men, and women of the RDF and other security agencies on Monday, President Kagame expressed deep appreciation for their dedication, noting that their work continues to uphold Rwanda’s values, sovereignty, and national security.
“Through adversity and challenge, the men and women of the Rwanda Defence Force and other Security Organs have consistently served with unwavering distinction — both here at home and on missions far beyond our borders,” the President said.
He highlighted the role of security organs in protecting Rwanda’s territorial integrity and ensuring a stable environment that enables citizens to pursue their daily economic and social activities. According to the Head of State, the country’s progress across multiple sectors is closely linked to the peace and stability guaranteed by the nation’s security forces.
President Kagame also praised Rwanda’s contribution to peacekeeping efforts across the continent, saying RDF personnel deployed abroad continue to honour Rwanda’s commitment to protecting human life with professionalism and resolve.
“As I have mentioned before, the Rwanda Defence Force and other Security Organs are today the forces I have always wished to have,” he said, describing them as a pillar of national unity, dignity, and strength.
Looking ahead to the new year, the President urged security organs to maintain high standards of integrity and accountability, while remaining vigilant and adaptive to evolving security threats in pursuit of a secure, prosperous, and united Rwanda.
He paid special tribute to personnel serving away from their families during the festive season, acknowledging their sacrifice and that of their loved ones. The President also honoured families who have lost relatives in the line of duty, assuring them of continued support from the state.
“On behalf of the Rwandan people, the government, and my own family, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a joyful festive season and a successful year ahead,” President Kagame stated, adding, “May you continue to serve with honour and may your sacrifices always be recognised and rewarded.”
