The farewell ceremony was held at Kigali International Airport on Monday, September 15, and was led by Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Army Chief of Staff, alongside Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.
Earlier on Saturday, Maj Gen Nyakarundi briefed members of the contingent at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako. The session, also attended by Commissioner Sano, emphasised the importance of discipline, commitment, and teamwork as the troops prepare to continue Rwanda’s support to Mozambique’s security operations. The new deployment will be commanded by Maj Gen Vincent Gatama.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, commending the achievements of previous contingents and urging the incoming team to maintain the same high standards.
Commissioner of Police Sano also reminded the troops to foster teamwork and avoid any misconduct that could harm Rwanda’s reputation abroad.
Rwandan troops were first deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, following years of attacks by Islamic State-linked insurgents.
Since then, the joint operations between Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican army have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several areas, and enabled thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes.
The latest deployment comes weeks after a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement on the support to fight terrorism in Mozambique was signed. The agreement extends Rwanda’s military support in Cabo Delgado province.
“Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,” President Chapo said, acknowledging Rwanda’s role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite ongoing sporadic attacks.
The ICRC on Monday received a signed copy of the mechanism for the release of detainees during a handover ceremony in Doha, attended by officials from the State of Qatar in its role as mediator, alongside representatives of both the Congolese government and the AFC/M23.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo, where years of conflict have displaced thousands and strained regional stability.
As part of the process, the AFC/M23 has demanded the release of more than 700 prisoners currently held by the Congolese authorities in connection with the ongoing conflict. The request is expected to form a key part of the verification and exchange operations supervised by the Red Cross.
Qatar’s mediation role was highlighted during the talks, which built on the Doha Principles Agreement signed last July. The detainee exchange is seen as a concrete step toward restoring trust between the parties and advancing prospects for a lasting peace settlement.
“This is a pivotal step toward de-escalating hostilities and fostering peace in eastern DRC,” Massad Boulos said in a statement issued on September 12. “We deeply appreciate Qatar’s critical work with the ICRC on this process and encourage parties to use this momentum to make additional progress on reaching a final peace agreement.”
The ICRC has previously facilitated similar operations in the region. Between April 30 and May 15 this year, the humanitarian body assisted in transferring more than 1,300 disarmed personnel from the Congolese government forces, along with their family members, from the city of Goma to Kinshasa.
The 17-page draft outlines measures for regulatory reforms, third-party oversight of mining operations, the creation of cross-border special economic zones, and safeguards to ensure that each country retains full sovereign control over its natural resources.
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the draft builds on principles agreed in August, covering cooperation in energy development, infrastructure, mineral exploitation, national parks, tourism, and public health. It also outlines implementation measures, coordination mechanisms, and annual high-level summits to monitor progress, alongside technical working groups and steering committees.
Under the draft, Rwanda and the DRC would work with the United States and other international partners to develop regulations and reforms aimed at reducing risks for private investors, curbing illicit trade, and increasing transparency. The agreement calls for third-party inspections of mining sites and collaboration with the private sector to create cross-border special economic zones.
In a framework agreed upon last month, both countries reaffirmed their “full, sovereign control” over the exploitation, processing, and export of natural resources while committing to ensure that mineral revenues do not fund armed groups. The draft also seeks to establish a world-class industrial mining sector and improve interoperability of mineral supply chains across borders.
Although the draft is a cornerstone of the June peace deal brokered in Washington under U.S. President Donald Trump, its implementation faces major security hurdles. The peace accord stipulated the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, followed by the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures.
The plan to dismantle the FDLR and remove Rwandan security measures was initially given a 90-day timeframe. However, there is currently no certainty that it will begin soon, as the DRC government continues to delay.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, recently told the Security Council that the DRC government did not agree to launch the operational plan to dismantle the FDLR during a joint security-level meeting held in Ethiopia early August.
Frequent setbacks in the Doha process, which mediates between Kinshasa and the M23 rebels, further complicate the situation.
Meanwhile, the draft is currently under review by Rwanda, the DRC, and other stakeholders. Representatives of both countries are expected to meet in early October 2025 to finalise the agreement. Unless changes occur, the economic cooperation pact will be signed by the end of that month, marking the final component of the Washington-brokered peace deal.
U.S. officials have indicated that the agreement is critical for linking peace and economic development in the region and for attracting billions of dollars in Western investment in cobalt, tantalum, copper, lithium, and gold.
The induction ceremony, held on September 14, 2025, was attended by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, leader of the coalition, and M23 commander Maj Gen Sultani Makenga.
According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the new recruits include former soldiers of the Congolese army (FARDC) as well as fighters from groups aligned with the Wazalendo coalition. He said they joined M23 after the capture of Goma and Uvira earlier this year.
In his address, Maj Gen Makenga said the recruits had been trained to “liberate their country,” accusing President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of killing civilians on ethnic grounds, destroying villages, and weakening the national army.
“He has destroyed everything. Even the army, he ruined it, turning it into a dumping ground,” Makenga said, further alleging that the Congolese army has been mixed with Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, Imbonerakure, and foreign mercenaries.
He argued that Tshisekedi values foreign forces more than his own army, adding: “A leader who disrespects the army does not respect the country, nor the Congolese people, and should not remain in power.”
Makenga urged the new fighters to maintain discipline, respect civilians, and distinguish themselves from their adversaries, insisting this would help them achieve their stated objective of liberating the country.
Earlier this month, Makenga declared that M23 aims to expand its control to other key cities, including Kalemie in Tanganyika Province, Kisangani in Tshopo, and Kindu in Maniema, saying this required continued recruitment.
Nangaa echoed the ambition, telling fighters that the movement ultimately plans to “liberate” additional cities, among them Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga, Mbandaka in Equateur, and the capital, Kinshasa.
The AI, named Diella, meaning “sun” in Albanian, will oversee all public tenders, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced at a party assembly in Tirana on Thursday.
Diella was first introduced earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping citizens access government services and navigate the system. Her avatar appears as a young brunette woman dressed in traditional Albanian attire.
Since her launch, Diella has assisted in issuing over 36,600 digital documents and provided nearly 1,000 services through the platform.
“Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present but is virtually created by AI,” Rama said. “Public procurement must be transformed, and we need to gradually transfer it to AI, making Albania a country where public tenders are 100 percent free from corruption.”
Albania has long struggled with corruption, consistently ranking low on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, coming 80th out of 180 countries last year. Graft scandals have frequently erupted around public contracts, complicating the country’s bid for European Union membership, for which it was officially granted candidate status in 2014.
Recent corruption cases, including a major waste management scandal in April that saw seven former officials convicted of abuse of power, have added urgency to the government’s anti-graft agenda.
While Rama has framed Diella as a transformative tool for transparency, the move has raised questions about its legality and effectiveness. Albania’s constitution requires government ministers to be mentally competent citizens aged at least 18, leaving Diella’s official ministerial status ambiguous.
Opposition figures have criticised the appointment, with Gazmend Bardhi, parliamentary group leader of the Democrats, calling it “unconstitutional” and labelling it “buffoonery.”
Despite scepticism, some experts see potential in using AI to curb corruption.
“AI is still a new tool—but if it is programmed correctly, when you put a bid in online, you can see clearly and more closely if a company meets the conditions and the criteria,” said Dr Andi Hoxhaj of King’s College London, who specialises in the Western Balkans and corruption.
Rama has emphasised that Diella is more than a symbolic gesture. “We’re working with a brilliant team, both Albanian and international, to develop the first full AI model in public procurement,” he told the BBC. “Not only will we remove every potential influence on public bidding, but we will also make the process faster, more efficient, and totally accountable.”
Though reactions are mixed, the government hopes the move will encourage other agencies to modernise and rethink traditional ways of working.
As Albania pushes to accelerate EU accession negotiations, with a target completion by 2027, the success of Diella could set a precedent for other nations seeking innovative solutions to entrenched corruption.
The UN General Assembly, in its 79th session, adopted a resolution on UN-AU cooperation, emphasizing that strengthening the cooperation will contribute to the advancement of the principles of the UN Charter and of the Constitutive Act of the AU.
“This resolution is a strong endorsement of Africa’s leadership and of the vital partnership between the UN and AU in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development,” the AU Commission chief said in a statement issued Saturday.
“Together, we will translate this commitment into concrete action that delivers for Africa’s people and contributes to global stability,” he added.
The resolution, among other things, emphasized that the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint Agenda 2063 “reflects the commitment to the pan-African vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”
Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with the UN” in achieving both Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The resolution emphasized the need to pursue ongoing measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of UN-AU cooperation in addressing threats to peace and security, as well as obstacles to development, and promoting human rights in Africa.
The match, held on Saturday night, September 13, 2025, at Cairo’s Hassan Mostafa Hall, saw Rwanda start strongly, taking the first set 25-20. However, Morocco responded by winning the second set 25-16.
The North African side carried their momentum into the third set, overpowering Rwanda 25-13. Rwanda bounced back in the fourth set, winning 25-21 to force a decisive fifth set. Morocco ultimately clinched the match with a 15-11 victory in the tie-break.
Rwanda will face Cameroon in their second Group B match on September 15, before closing their group stage against Kenya on September 17, 2025.
Scheduled for 22–29 November 2025 in Kigali, the festival is also expanding beyond the capital, with activities lined up in different provinces. More than 160 nominees are in the running across 23 categories, selected through the Iziwacu Cinema programme.
Festival CEO and founder Trésor Senga said the changes were designed to push the event to new heights and give more value to the individuals behind Rwanda’s fast-growing film industry.
Alongside the new car prizes for the People’s Choice categories, the festival has introduced a slot for film technicians, shining a spotlight on often-overlooked creatives. Winners in most categories will be picked by a jury, but fans will have their say through online voting, which opens on Monday, September 15. Voters will even get 20% of their money back for each vote cast.
Among the actors vying for Best Actor (People’s Choice) are familiar names such as Mugisha Emmanuel, a.k.a. Kibonge (Deceiver), Benimana Ramadhan, better known as Bamenya (Bamenya Series), and Niyitegeka Gratien, popularly known as Papa Sava. On the actresses’ side, contenders include Mumararungu Joyeuse (Micky in Igihome), Dusenge Clenia (Madedeli in Papa Sava), and Irakoze Ariane Vanessa, who fans know as Kate/Maya in Hurts Harder.
The week-long event will also feature Mashariki Market, a three-day industry forum expected to draw more than 500 film representatives from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and across Africa. For local creatives, it’s a chance to plug into international networks through platforms like Mashariki Residence and Mashariki Academy.
But the festival isn’t just about red carpets and awards. This year, film stars will tour five districts across Rwanda to connect with audiences, showcase their work, and take part in community service.
With bigger prizes, fresh categories, and wider reach, Mashariki African Film Festival 2025 promises to be its most exciting edition yet.
The session, held at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, was also attended by Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.
The contingent, made up of both army and police personnel, will relieve colleagues who have served in the insurgency-hit province over the past year. The new deployment will be commanded by Maj Gen Vincent Gatama.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, reminding the troops to maintain the discipline and momentum demonstrated since Rwanda first deployed forces to Mozambique in 2021. He commended the achievements of previous contingents, stressing that the same high standards must continue to guide operations.
The troops were reminded that commitment and discipline are essential to the success of operations aimed at supporting the Mozambican state authority through combat operations and security sector reform.
Commissioner of Police Sano, in his remarks, urged the troops to foster teamwork and avoid any misconduct that could damage Rwanda’s reputation abroad.
Rwandan troops were first deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, following years of attacks by Islamic State-linked insurgents.
Since then, the joint operations between Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican army have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several areas, and enabled thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes.
The latest deployment comes weeks after a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement on the support to fight terrorism in Mozambique was signed. The agreement extends Rwanda’s military support in Cabo Delgado province.
“Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,” President Chapo said, acknowledging Rwanda’s role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite ongoing sporadic attacks.
Appearing on The Long Form podcast hosted by Sanny Ntayombya, Mugisha spoke candidly about his 2018 Supreme Court petition that sought to decriminalise adultery. He argued that sending spouses to prison for infidelity undermines the family unit.
“You probably have the breadwinner in jail. What happens to that family? You end up with complicated issues of reconciliation—how do you expect reconciliation to happen after that?” he said.
“If the state were to allocate resources to support families, it might be more effective to divert them to counselling services, psychologists, or mediators, rather than criminal prosecution and investigations, which, in my view, do not make the best use of state resources.”
He argued that he still believes the law “satisfies a vendetta” but does little for the family’s long-term well-being.
The petition sparked controversy at the time, with 48 women’s organisations opposing it, arguing it was an attempt to “legalise adultery.” Mugisha insists this was a misinterpretation, noting that most prosecutions involved two married people and that the law remains ineffective due to the difficulty of proving cases.
Although the Supreme Court rejected his arguments, he believes the debate highlighted the need for more effective approaches to family disputes.
{{Law in the age of AI
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Turning to the future, Mugisha noted that AI is revolutionising legal work, particularly research and contract drafting, but said lawyers must sharpen human-centred skills.
“AI will never close a deal. That requires negotiation, understanding clients, and convincing parties,” he said. For young lawyers, he recommended broader education—psychology, philosophy, or history—before specialising in law, to cultivate critical thinking beyond what machines can replicate.
On whether AI could replace judges, he was cautious, noting that while AI can improve efficiency and accuracy, it cannot initiate investigations or examine witnesses. He believes that human judgment will remain indispensable.
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Mugisha also discussed Rwanda’s evolving legal landscape, including his role in challenging laws that criminalised caricatures and writings deemed humiliating to government officials. While the Supreme Court upheld restrictions around depictions of the president, lawmakers later amended the law after President Kagame himself disagreed with the ruling.
“The arguments we were making before the court were that this was just endangering journalists for no good reason, because anyone could overuse the hand of the law to stifle criticism,” he stated.
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As a former president of the East African Law Society, Richard Mugisha has been a vocal advocate for enabling lawyers to practice across East African borders. He expressed frustration with regional “protectionism,” noting that while the “value” of legal integration is widely acknowledged, reluctance to open markets often stalls progress.
During his tenure, Mugisha said, he pushed for collaboration in “non-jurisdiction-specific” areas like construction, mining, and project finance, where legal expertise could be applied regionally without being hindered by local laws. He emphasised that “fear” of losing local opportunities prevents the creation of East Africa-wide law firms, forcing countries to rely on external expertise for specialised legal work.
Mugisha also shared personal stories of growing up as a refugee in Uganda during Idi Amin’s regime, where arbitrary arrests and land dispossessions fuelled his passion for justice.
After studying law in Lesotho and later completing an LLM at New York University, Mugisha returned to Rwanda in 1995, working first in government before co-founding Trust Law Chambers. The decision, he said, was inspired by a desire to contribute to national development through the private sector.
“It wasn’t a hard sell at home,” he said of leaving his government job to start a firm with limited savings. “My wife had a job, we had only one child, and we could live on little while figuring things out. But it was scary, embarking on uncharted territory.”
Beyond his legal work, Mugisha serves as Lithuania’s Honorary Consul in Rwanda, a role he took on in 2019. Though voluntary, he views it as an opportunity to foster business and cultural ties, as well as to support Lithuanian nationals in Rwanda.
“I’ve enjoyed connecting people and solving problems,” he said.
