Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

What the DRC government isn’t telling its citizens about the Peace Agreement with Rwanda

The new agreement is not much different from several past ones that the DRC had previously refused to endorse during various negotiations. However, it introduces new elements such as economic cooperation on projects like the Ruzizi III hydropower plant, methane gas extraction in Lake Kivu, and others that had been agreed upon in previous years but faced delays.

When Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisor on African affairs, read the clauses of the agreement, he emphasised the principles of the joint action plan to eliminate the FDLR militia and lift defence measures along the border.

Those principles were first agreed upon on October 31, 2024, by the intelligence agencies of both Rwanda and the DRC. An analysis shows that these principles form the core of the agreement signed in the United States.

At the time of the initial agreement, the DRC had refused to sign, but this time it did. The question now is whether it will be implemented.

At the heart of the agreement was the understanding that both Rwanda and the DRC had responsibilities to fulfil to achieve peace on both sides.

The DRC was tasked with dismantling the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, facilitating the repatriation of its members to Rwanda, and ensuring peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

It was also asked to promote the voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

On its part, Rwanda was required to lift defensive measures along the border and reintegrate former FDLR combatants, a process the country has pursued for more than 25 years.

Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, prior to signing, stressed the importance of implementing those principles first.

“The first order of business is to begin implementing the concept of operations for the neutralisation of the FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Minister Nduhungirehe stated.

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Among the other provisions signed was a commitment by the DRC to support the ongoing negotiations between the DRC and the M23/AFC group, mediated by the State of Qatar. Both Rwanda and the DRC are expected to back these talks until they yield tangible outcomes.

For a long time, President Tshisekedi’s administration maintained that it would never engage in talks with the M23. However, eventually, negotiations have gained momentum in Qatar.

The DRC was also asked to support the peaceful, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin. This clause has long been rejected by the DRC government, which has often claimed that those Congolese who fled to Rwanda are not genuine Congolese nationals.

Rwanda currently hosts over 80,000 Congolese refugees. Over the years, agreements for their repatriation have been signed between Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR, but the Kinshasa government has failed to uphold them.

The first such agreement was signed in 2010 in both Goma and Kigali. It stipulated that refugees were to be repatriated voluntarily, with both countries working to create conditions conducive to their return and reintegration.

The agreement also stated that no one shall be forcibly repatriated to a place where their safety and life may be at risk.

The fact that the DRC has now signed a clause it has long rejected is significant, especially because it also affects the M23 group, which has been fighting for years to defend the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, many of whom have been displaced and accused of being Rwandans.

When Donald Trump received the foreign ministers of both countries, he urged that the Washington Accord be fully implemented. He warned that failure to do so could have serious consequences.

“In the months and years ahead, my administration will continue to work closely with all of the parties in this deal and ensure the agreements are fully carried out. And you’re going to do what’s in the agreement. We’ll say, ‘You better do what’s in that agreement,’ right? Because if somebody fails to do that, bad things happen,” he stated.

“But I have a feeling that after 30 years, you’re all set. I think both of you have said, ‘That’s enough,’ right? That’s enough. You’ve seen it all. So, this is a wonderful day,” he added.

June 28, 2025
Iran says no agreement made to resume U.S. talks

In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Araghchi said the possibility of restarting talks was under consideration but would depend on whether Tehran’s national interests were protected.

“Our decisions will be based solely on Iran’s interests,” he said. “If our interests require a return to negotiations, we will consider it. But at this stage, no agreement or promise has been made and no talks have taken place.”

Araghchi accused Washington of betraying Iran during previous rounds of negotiations on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting U.S. sanctions.

The Iranian diplomat also confirmed that a law suspending cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog had become binding after being passed by parliament and approved by the Guardian Council, a top constitutional oversight body.

“The law is now obligatory and will be implemented. Our cooperation with the IAEA will take a new shape,” he said.

Araghchi also said the damage caused by the 12-day war with Israel was “serious” and that experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran were conducting a detailed assessment. He said the question of demanding reparations was high on the government’s agenda.

The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The attacks came just days before Iran and the United States were expected to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.

In response, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing casualties and damage.

On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force struck three key Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday.

The 12-day conflict ended with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Tuesday.

June 27, 2025
Tshisekedi sceptical of Congo war resolution, to back Trump for Nobel if he succeeds

Speaking with evident scepticism, Tshisekedi said that Trump, as the leader of one of the world’s most powerful nations, could potentially bring an end to the conflict that has lasted for over 30 years in eastern DRC.

“If this senseless war ends — a war that has killed hundreds of thousands, possibly more than those lost in World War II — and if Trump can bring it to an end through mediation, then he would truly deserve the Nobel Prize. I would be the first to vote for him,” he stated.

Tshisekedi’s administration is at war with the M23 rebel group, and its collaboration with the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, has heightened tensions with Rwanda. The upcoming agreement in Washington is seen as a step toward lasting peace.

Pakistan recently made a public nomination of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in halting the conflict between Pakistan and India in April and May 2025.

U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter has also submitted Trump’s nomination, based on his involvement in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran in the war, which lasted from June 13 to 24.

June 27, 2025
From modernist relic to community beacon: The new face of Zaria Court (Photos)

The project, led by award-winning architecture studio NLÉ in partnership with Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors and founder of Giants of Africa, is scheduled for a grand opening next month.

Originally built in the 20th century as government housing, the building’s historical significance is deeply intertwined with Rwanda’s past.

Situated in Remera and adjacent to the recently renovated state-of-the-art Amahoro Stadium, it once served as the temporary United Nations headquarters during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, providing refuge in one of the country’s darkest chapters. More recently, it housed the Rwandan Health Authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, further embedding it in the nation’s collective memory.

Now reimagined by NLÉ, a firm founded by Nigerian architect Kunlé Adeyemi and co-led by Berend Strijland, Zaria Court has been transformed from a dormant modernist relic into a thriving centre for sports, hospitality, culture, and entrepreneurship.

“What excited me about Zaria Court was the opportunity to transform a historic site into a vibrant catalyst within Rwanda’s emerging sports ecosystem,” said Adeyemi, known for the Floating Music Hub in Cape Verde.

“Through this development partnership, we demonstrate how architecture can positively impact communities and provide a replicable model of innovative infrastructure, empowering African youth and accelerating sustainable urban development.”

The newly activated Zaria Court offers a diverse range of facilities designed to meet the needs of Kigali’s youth and the wider community. At its heart is a multifunctional event court that hosts sports, music, fashion, and cultural programs, providing a vibrant space for various activities.

The site also includes an 80-room hotel, equipped with a gym, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, a conference hall, a swimming pool, and a rooftop bar, blending comfort with versatility.

Outdoors, visitors can enjoy five-a-side soccer pitches, a dedicated callisthenics training area, and a children’s play zone surrounded by lush native landscaping and open green spaces that encourage safe and informal social interaction.

Adding to its innovative spirit, Zaria Court features a modular retail park constructed from stacked shipping containers, creating affordable commercial spaces for Kigali’s emerging designers, food vendors, and entrepreneurs.

The construction of Zaria Court began in August 2023, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri.

With its completion, it now stands not only as a model of adaptive reuse architecture but also as a powerful symbol of urban regeneration and youth empowerment. As the first development of its kind in Rwanda, Zaria Court embodies a forward-looking vision for community-focused infrastructure across Africa.

June 26, 2025
NATO countries agree to hike defense spending to 5 pct of GDP by 2035

The five-paragraph statement outlined that the new spending target will be split between two key categories: 3.5 percent for core defense and 1.5 percent for related areas, including critical infrastructure, networks, and defense industrial capabilities.

The plan will undergo a review in 2029, taking into account the strategic environment and revised capability targets, the document added.

U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the agreement at a press conference after the summit, asserting that Washington had long carried more than its fair share of the alliance’s defense burden.

However, he singled out Spain, criticising Madrid as the only country refusing to meet its full commitment.

Trump said the United States is negotiating a trade deal with Spain and warned that Madrid could be made to “pay twice as much” through trade measures.

Spain has agreed with NATO to limit its military spending to 2.1 percent of GDP, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Sunday, ahead of the NATO summit.

In his Sunday statement, Sanchez warned that “rushing toward 5 percent” would lead to rising prices and public spending, and reduce investment in key sectors such as education and digital development.

Calling the 5 percent target “disproportionate and unnecessary” for Spain, Sanchez emphasized that Spain is “one of the five NATO countries with the most troops deployed worldwide.” He also stressed that “asymmetry within NATO is normal and inevitable,” citing the economic diversity among allies.

June 26, 2025
Iran’s supreme leader says U.S. got ‘harsh slap’ after entry into war with Israel

He made the remarks in a video message broadcast by state-run IRIB TV while congratulating the Iranian nation on its “victory” in the war with Israel and the United States.

“Despite all its propaganda and claims, Israel was almost knocked down and crushed under Iran’s blows,” said Khamenei.

He added that the Iranian missiles and other weapons managed to pass through Israel’s “advanced multi-layered defense” and raze to the ground many of Israel’s urban and military areas.

Khamenei said Israel should know that any aggression against Iran would be heavily costly for it.

He added the United States entered the war to rescue Israel, “but accomplished nothing from this war.”

He noted that the United States exaggerated its achievements in the war because they failed to achieve their objective and needed that to cover up the truth, emphasizing that “here again, the Islamic Republic of Iran achieved victory and responded by giving the United States a harsh slap in the face.”

Khamenei said Iran attacked U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, “which is among the U.S. important bases in the West Asia region,” and inflicted damages, stressing that some sought to downplay it and said nothing had happened.

On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and damage.

On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.

Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on Tuesday.

June 26, 2025
$1.8B mobilised in three years as 84 nations back Kigali declaration on NTDs

This is according to a statement released Tuesday marking the third anniversary of the Kigali Declaration on NTDs.

Since its launch in 2022 by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the declaration has grown from 57 initial endorsers to 84 countries and organisations, reflecting a surge in international commitment to combat diseases that continue to afflict over one billion people worldwide, primarily in the poorest and most vulnerable communities.

“We can confidently say this is not where we started, and that’s worth celebrating. Every decision by a country to endorse the Kigali Declaration represents a step toward eliminating diseases that continue to devastate lives,” said Dr.Isatou Touray, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases.

“What we need now is concrete, sustained commitment to go further and faster. That’s exactly what it will take to reach the goal of eliminating NTDs by 2030.”

The Kigali Declaration has attracted support from across sectors, including strong backing from the pharmaceutical industry. Merck recently delivered its five billionth dose of Mectizan, GSK has distributed 12 billion doses of albendazole, and Novartis has nearly doubled its investment in research and development for NTD treatments. Earlier this year, the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) announced a €46 million fund to support NTD research.

Despite the achievements, the statement warned of growing threats to progress due to sharp cuts in official development assistance (ODA), particularly from major donors such as the United States. Without urgent action, more than a million donated medicines could expire in the next nine months, putting millions at risk of going untreated.

To help track progress and maintain accountability, the Kigali Declaration Commitment Tracker, considered the world’s only publicly accessible NTD financing tracker, remains a key tool for governments and stakeholders.

The statement also highlighted recent success stories: at the 2025 World Health Assembly, Mauritania and Papua New Guinea were recognised for eliminating trachoma, bringing the total number of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD to 56.

As the declaration marks three years, health advocates are calling for renewed financing and policy action to preserve gains and push toward the 2030 target of ending NTDs globally.

June 26, 2025
How Chinese white tea grown in Rwanda is making waves back in China

Those were the words of CGTN reporter Wendyl Martin, describing what, for many, is an unexpected blend of origin and tradition: Rwandan-grown white silver needle tea, being sold and tasted in China.

But this tea’s journey is more than a sip of flavour; it’s a story of ancient trade routes, modern partnerships, and cross-continental adaptation.

“Our ancestors have been selling Chinese tea to the world,” said Wang Mingjie, a tea vendor at the market. “They exported tea from Fujian Province via the ancient Silk Road. Our generation’s goal is to plant Chinese tea all over the world.”

That dream led Chinese tea entrepreneurs to the highlands of East Africa, where climate, altitude, and soil converge to create near-perfect conditions for tea cultivation.

Rwanda and Kenya, in particular, offer the ideal mix of cool, misty hills and fertile volcanic earth perfect for growing premium varieties like white silver needle, a tea prized for its delicate flavour and high antioxidant content.

Rwanda now produces a rare, high-quality silver needle white tea, also known as “Silverback Needles.” Grown at elevations of 5,500–7,500 feet in areas such as the Rukeri Valley and Gisovu Estate near Nyungwe Forest, it has found a home far from its Chinese roots.

“So we searched for a suitable area for the tea plantation. In Africa, we found the temperature and environment in Rwanda and Kenya especially suitable for tea trees,” Wang continued. “We brought Chinese tea-making techniques there. Let’s spread Chinese tea to the world.”

The decision to export not just the product but also the production process is beginning to bear fruit. White silver needle tea, long a hallmark of China’s Fujian Province, is now part of Rwanda’s increasingly diverse agricultural export portfolio.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) Annual Report, Rwanda’s tea sector has shown strong growth. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, tea export revenue reached $114.88 million—a 7.1% increase from the previous year, despite a slight drop in production. The growth is attributed to improved quality and favourable global prices.

While the tea is taking root in African soil, it is also coming full circle—back to Chinese cups, Chinese hands, and Chinese markets. And it does so with a unique identity: Chinese in technique, African in terroir, and global in ambition.

What makes this story especially intriguing is how Chinese tea-growing expertise met Rwandan altitude and ecology. Rwanda’s volcanic soil, rainfall patterns, and higher elevations mirror the misty mountains of Fujian, the original home of white silver needle tea.

Thanks to this environmental harmony, Chinese entrepreneurs like Wang Mingjie haven’t just built a supply chain, they’ve discovered a second homeland for their centuries-old craft.

June 26, 2025
How Rwanda is taming Lake Kivu’s risks while powering its energy future

To the casual observer, it’s a scene of calm and beauty—one of Rwanda’s most picturesque natural wonders and a source of food, transport, and livelihood for thousands. Beneath the lake’s surface, however, lies a silent, invisible threat that scientists say could turn this tranquil body of water into a zone of catastrophic destruction.

Lake Kivu, shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, holds enormous volumes of methane and carbon dioxide gases trapped deep within its waters. These gases, accumulated over centuries, sit under pressure in the lake’s depths, forming a geological time bomb that, if triggered, could release a toxic cloud capable of suffocating entire towns.

Over two million people live in the lake’s basin, including the cities of Goma and Rubavu, making the stakes unimaginably high. And unlike the 1986 Lake Nyos disaster in Cameroon—which killed 1,700 people in a remote rural area—an eruption at Lake Kivu could hit densely populated urban centres, potentially displacing or killing millions.

Add to this the lake’s position in an active volcanic zone—with Mount Nyiragongo looming nearby—and the risks become even more urgent. The 2021 eruption of Nyiragongo, which caused deadly tremors and cracked buildings in Goma, was a stark reminder of how close this threat remains.

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Rwanda, fully aware of the potential danger, has not waited for disaster to strike. Instead, the government has taken a bold and forward-looking approach to address the threat, transforming Lake Kivu’s peril into a source of clean, sustainable energy.

Central to this strategy is the extraction of methane gas from the lake’s depths. In 2008, Rwanda piloted the first project, Kibuye Power Plant 1. Building on that experience, the government partnered with international investors to launch KivuWatt, a large-scale methane-to-power facility operated by U.S.-based ContourGlobal, which began producing electricity in 2015.

More recently, the Shema Power Lake Kivu (SPLK) project was inaugurated in 2024. With an installed capacity of 56 megawatts, it stands as one of Rwanda’s most ambitious energy projects, contributing significantly to the national grid.

The process involves pumping methane-rich water from deep beneath the lake, separating the gas, and reinjecting the remaining water—minus the methane—back into the lake at a controlled depth. Reinjection is carefully managed to ensure that it does not destabilise the lake’s natural layering, known as stratification, which is essential for containing the gases.

To ensure this delicate operation is done safely, the Rwandan government established the Lake Kivu Monitoring Programme (LKMP)—now operating under the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). The programme constantly monitors gas concentrations, temperature gradients, and any seismic activity that could disturb the lake’s stability.

In addition to monitoring, Rwanda has worked with international scientists to develop a set of Management Prescriptions—technical guidelines that define safe extraction methods, reinjection levels, and environmental limits. These prescriptions are binding on all operators and are designed to balance energy production with ecological safety.

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Recognising that Lake Kivu is a shared resource, Rwanda and the DRC signed a Validation Act in 2020, committing both nations to adhere to common safety standards and collaborative oversight. The act was facilitated with support from international experts and donors, reflecting the global concern around the lake’s potential hazards.

This cross-border coordination ensures that activities on either side of the lake, whether extraction or infrastructure, do not compromise the overall stability of the ecosystem.

While the risks remain, Rwanda’s proactive approach has positioned it as a model of responsible natural resource management. The country is not only preventing disaster but also harnessing the lake’s energy to drive socio-economic transformation.

June 26, 2025
Obasanjo continues regional peace talks in Kinshasa after Kigali stop

Obasanjo, who co-chairs the Panel of Facilitators for the eastern DRC peace process alongside former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, was appointed in March during a joint summit of heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as part of a five-member team of former African leaders tasked with steering dialogue in the region.

During his meeting with President Tshisekedi, Obasanjo reaffirmed his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to the prolonged armed conflict in eastern DRC.

“The discussions I had with my two brothers from Rwanda and the DRC are on the right track,” Obasanjo said.

His remarks came after a high-level meeting with President Kagame in Kigali a day earlier.

Obasanjo and his team of facilitators are working to mediate between the Congolese government and armed groups, including the AFC-M23 rebels.

The team’s mandate includes promoting direct dialogue, coordinating international peace efforts, and ensuring the implementation of measures such as the disbandment of the FDLR militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The FDLR continues to collaborate with the Kinshasa administration, a situation that has contributed to ongoing tensions with Kigali.

Obasanjo is expected to proceed to Lomé, Togo, where he will report to Faure Gnassingbé, who was appointed by the African Union as an additional mediator in the Rwanda–DRC conflict.

“We have a mediator named by the African Union, Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council of Ministers. I will travel to Lomé to present my report and consider what needs to be done to achieve lasting peace in the region,” Obasanjo said.

Parallel to the efforts of African mediators, international actors, including Qatar and the United States have been supporting complementary peace initiatives.

June 26, 2025