Category: News

The report describes the crisis as endemic, systemic and worsening, noting that while armed conflict remains a major driver, cases have been documented in communities across all provinces and have risen sharply since 2022.

Data compiled by child protection and gender-based violence service providers show that the scale of abuse continues to grow. In 2024, nearly 45,000 cases of sexual violence against children were recorded, representing almost 40 per cent of all reported sexual violence cases nationwide, three times higher than in 2022. UNICEF warns that the true toll is likely far higher due to widespread under-reporting caused by fear, stigma, insecurity and limited access to services.

“Case workers describe mothers walking for hours to reach clinics with daughters who can no longer walk after being assaulted. Families say that fear of stigma and retaliation often keeps them from reporting the abuse,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Stories like these are repeated across provinces, exposing an entrenched crisis driven by insecurity, inequality and weak support systems.”

The report highlights distinct regional patterns. The highest number of cases has been recorded in conflict-affected eastern provinces, particularly North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, where displacement and weakened protection systems expose children to extreme risk. However, significant numbers have also been documented in Kinshasa and the Kasai region, where poverty, food insecurity and school dropout increase girls’ vulnerability to exploitation and early marriage.

Adolescent girls account for the largest and growing share of survivors nationwide, UNICEF said. Boys are also victims of sexual violence but remain significantly under-represented in reported cases. Children with disabilities face heightened risks, as physical, social and communication barriers increase their vulnerability and limit access to care and justice.

Separate UN-verified data cited in the report show that cases of sexual violence against children were already high in 2022 and 2023, before rising by nearly 30 per cent in 2024. Preliminary figures from early 2025 suggest the situation remains acute, with cases reported in the first six months potentially accounting for more than 80 per cent of the total recorded last year.

Survivors often suffer severe physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies, increased risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and long-lasting psychological harm, including anxiety, depression and social rejection. Yet access to life-saving support remains limited.

The global UN organisation, dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide, said it is working with the Congolese government and partners to provide survivor-centred services, including clinical care, psychosocial support, safe spaces and case management. Between 2022 and 2024, the number of child survivors assisted by UNICEF increased by 143 per cent, reaching more than 24,200 children in the most affected provinces in 2024.

However, insecurity and global funding cuts have forced many UNICEF-supported safe spaces, mobile clinics and community-based protection programmes to scale back or close. By mid-2025, only 23 per cent of gender-based violence interventions were funded, down from 48 per cent in 2022, placing hundreds of thousands of children, about 300,000 of them in conflict-affected eastern regions, at risk of losing access to critical support.

UNICEF has called on the government, parties to the conflict, civil society and international partners to prevent and end all forms of sexual violence against children, strengthen accountability through investigations and prosecutions, and increase sustained investment in protection and prevention services.

“Addressing this crisis of sexual violence requires an immediate response and adherence to international law in conflict settings,” Russell said. “Perpetrators must be held accountable, and women and children must have access to protection and support.”

The event, organised by the Rwanda Community Abroad (RCA) with the support of the Rwanda Embassy, was attended by Ambassador Major General Joseph Nzabamwita and his spouse. It drew mainly Rwandan students from various universities, alongside embassy staff and their family members.

In his opening remarks, RCA Russia leader Alex Rukeratabaro thanked the Ambassador for attending the celebrations and for his continued support of community activities that promote unity and Rwandan culture in the Russian Federation. He also welcomed new members to the community and encouraged them to actively take part in RCA programmes and initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Nzabamwita shared key highlights from President Paul Kagame’s end-of-year message, reflecting on Rwanda’s milestones in 2025, the country’s continued progress, and the critical role of young people in sustaining these gains. He emphasised the importance of innovation and youth participation in addressing national challenges and shaping Rwanda’s future.

The Ambassador recalled several achievements that enhanced Rwanda’s international standing during the year, including the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA), now led by former Ambassador of Rwanda to Russia Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, as well as the annual Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA).

He also commended the RCA football team for reaching the quarter-finals of the UN Games of Friendship tournament held last September, where Rwanda received a trophy for having the best fans. Ambassador Nzabamwita encouraged new students to volunteer in various community activities, including sports teams, traditional dance troupes, music and cultural preservation initiatives, as well as event organisation and protocol, as a way of positively representing Rwanda abroad.

The celebrations continued in a lively and festive atmosphere, with guests sharing meals, drinks and dances. The evening featured performances by the cultural dance troupe Imena mu Nganzo, a live music band and other entertainment, marking a warm and reflective start to the new year for the Rwandan community in Russia.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account, adding that further details would be shared later.

Earlier on Saturday, Maduro declared a state of emergency, accusing the United States of “very serious military aggression” after explosions and aircraft-like sounds were reported across Caracas. Footage published by Venezuelan television station NTN24 showed plumes of smoke rising from the city, with eyewitnesses describing chaotic scenes. “My heart was pumping and legs were shaking,” one resident told the BBC.

The US has intensified its military operations in recent months, citing efforts to combat alleged drug smuggling linked to Venezuela, including strikes on speedboats and ports. Over the past few weeks, Trump has made repeated references to military actions in Venezuelan territory, with prior reports indicating strikes in Zulia, an oil-rich state, and the seizure of two sanctioned oil tankers.

The Venezuelan government has condemned the US actions, calling them “extremely serious military aggression” and urging grassroots organisations and militias to mobilise in response. Maduro has consistently accused the Trump administration of attempting to force regime change in Caracas.

Their two-year term officially started on January 1, but Friday was the first working day of the council for 2026 after the Christmas and New Year break.

A flag installation ceremony was held to mark the start of their responsibilities.

Kazakh UN ambassador Kairat Umarov, who co-hosted the ceremony, congratulated the five new council members and wished them “perseverance, unity of purpose, and success” in their term.

“We hope that you will make meaningful contributions over the next two years to address critical global challenges and reinforce the council’s mandate to promote peace and security,” he said.

The installation of flags serves as a visible reminder that service on the Security Council is both a privilege and a responsibility. It marks the beginning of the demanding mandate carried out on behalf of the entire UN membership, said Umarov.

Somali UN ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, as president of the Security Council for the month of January and co-host of the ceremony, welcomed the five new members and wished them a successful and impactful term.

“Over the coming two years, your voices and your efforts will be essential in guiding our collective pursuit of peace and security,” he said.

The Security Council has a unique mandate to respond to threats to peace and to foster cooperation, and to support the most vulnerable by working together, upholding the principles of multilateralism, and demonstrating respect for the UN Charter, said Osman.

The five countries replaced Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.

The 15-member Security Council has five permanent members, including Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are replaced each year.

According to the ministry, 961 babies were delivered nationwide on December 25, 2025, up from 941 births recorded on Christmas 2024, marking an increase of 20 children.

Girls slightly outnumbered boys, with 487 girls and 474 boys born on the festive day.

Among districts, Nyarugenge recorded the highest number of births with 59 children, followed by Gatsibo (56), Rubavu (52), Gasabo (50), Bugesera (46), Musanze (45), Nyagatare (43), Ngororero (40), Kayonza (37), and Huye (33).

By province, the Eastern Province had the largest number of births, with 263 children, compared with 254 in 2024. The Western Province followed with 228 births, the Southern Province had 195, Kigali City recorded 140, and the Northern Province 135.

The health ministry also noted that births on Christmas increased significantly compared with non-holiday days, rising to 59% from the usual 41%.

The ministry emphasised that the high number of births underscores the importance of maintaining sufficient healthcare staff during holidays and festive periods, particularly on Christmas, to ensure safe deliveries and quality care.

Babies born on Christmas often hold a special place in families and communities. For many Christians, especially Catholics, being born on this day carries symbolic significance, as it coincides with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Beyond the personal joy of welcoming a child, a Christmas birth is seen as a blessing and a meaningful start, reflecting the themes of hope, renewal, and new beginnings that are at the heart of the holiday.

The ceremony, held at the Digital Transformation Center in Kigali, underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that the digital future is accessible to all.

The event brought together key partners and dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda, a representative of the German development agency GIZ, officials from the Ministry of ICT, the Segal Family Foundation, Dot Foundation, the Rwanda Basic Education Board, the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and Dot Rwanda—highlighting the strong collaborative spirit driving this initiative forward.

Rwanda Assistive Technology Access is an NGO founded in 2018 by Rene William Ngabo, with a core mission to promote access to assistive technology and advance the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities.

It is driven by the belief that the right devices, equipment, and software can unlock limitless potential, and works to fill critical gaps in the assistive technology landscape in this digital era.

“Passion and commitment make things possible. At RATA, we bridge the gap in assistive technology because we believe the right devices and software can unlock limitless potential.

“Today, seeing our talented graduates gain real coding skills proves that when barriers are removed, ability becomes unstoppable,” said Rene William Ngabo, RATA’s Founder and Director, as he addressed the graduates, recognizing their resilience and the collective effort that made this milestone possible.

Marie Grace Niwemukiza, a representative from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), said the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s National Priorities.

This is a strong initiative aligned with NST2 and the One Million Coders Initiative, which is a key government priority to build a digitally skilled workforce,” she said. “Programs like this expand access to digital skills, strengthen inclusion, and support national efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.”

She further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting inclusive digital programs that broaden skills and employment opportunities, particularly for persons with disabilities.

She also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to inclusive digital programs that expand skills and opportunities, particularly for persons with disabilities.

The celebration underscored a unified commitment to inclusive progress.

GIZ representative Norman Schräpel addressed the graduates directly, affirming: “Training in coding for people who normally don’t have access to this kind of skills is making history.”

He emphasized the critical need for diverse perspectives in tech, addressing both gender gaps and the inclusion of persons with disabilities to build a truly representative talent force.

Echoing the sentiment of shared vision and resilience, the Ambassador of Israel, Einat Weiss, drew parallels between Rwanda and Israel, focusing on innovation as a cornerstone of development.

She commended the graduates’ extraordinary dedication, adding: “Seven months of coding is very hard and you set a standard.”

She concluded with a powerful call to action, urging stakeholders to make digital accessibility a standard, invest in inclusive design, and build partnerships that place persons with disabilities at the center of innovation.

The seven-month intensive program equipped the graduates with fundamental and advanced coding skills, preparing them to be active contributors to Rwanda’s growing tech ecosystem.

Selected as the top performers from RATA’s foundational digital literacy training, these graduates have now mastered coding, marking a significant leap in their tech careers.

They are now poised to pursue tech careers, participate in the local production of assistive technologies, and develop solutions for their communities, contributing to projects that leverage technology for social good.

In a communiqué dated January 2, 2026, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka dismissed allegations made by DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya in a statement issued on December 31, 2025. The group said the claims of territorial conquest and mass civilian casualties were “based on no credible or verifiable sources” and accused Kinshasa of manipulating public opinion.

The DRC government has alleged that fighting along the Kamanyola–Uvira axis since early December involved bombs and kamikaze drones, leaving more than 1,500 civilians dead and displacing over 500,000 people. Kinshasa has also claimed that observed troop movements pointed to a planned military manoeuvre towards Fizi and an advance along the strategic Kalemie axis in Tanganyika province.

AFC/M23 disputes this account, arguing that government forces sought to reoccupy areas following what it described as the withdrawal of its own fighters, using those locations as bases for sustained offensives. The group accused Congolese forces of launching repeated attacks on its positions and on densely populated areas, particularly in Uvira and Makobola, and alleged cases of mass rape and systematic looting by government troops.

According to the communiqué, civilian deaths resulted from airstrikes and what it termed indiscriminate bombings allegedly carried out by forces allied to the Kinshasa government, including the Congolese army (FARDC), the FDLR, Mai-Mai Wazalendo militias, foreign mercenaries and Burundi’s national defence forces. AFC/M23 said these attacks hit populated areas such as Kamanyola, Luvungi and Sange, reporting eight deaths and 55 injuries in Kamanyola alone.

The group also accused Congolese security forces of using heavy artillery to disperse a civilian march in Uvira on December 22, 2025, saying the action endangered lives and violated fundamental rights.

AFC/M23 further condemned what it described as repeated ceasefire violations, hate crimes and coordinated attacks by forces allied to Kinshasa across land, lake and air. It criticised the anti-Tutsi slur made by FARDC spokesperson General Sylvain Ekenge on state broadcaster RTNC in late December, arguing they reflected an official government policy rather than isolated remarks.

In its statement, AFC/M23 warned of what it called a “real and imminent risk of genocide” against Congolese Tutsis, citing hate speech, discrimination and continued breaches of the ceasefire, which it said contradict the Doha Framework Agreement. It referenced multiple international and regional human rights conventions, arguing that current actions amounted to serious violations of international law.

The country saw at least 407 mass shooting incidents in 2025, defined as shootings in which four or more people were killed or injured, not including any shooter who may also have been killed or injured in the incident, according to the GVA, a nonprofit organization formed in 2013 to provide free public access to accurate information on gun-related violence in the United States.

The data also indicated that 224 children aged 11 or younger were killed by gunfire, while 461 others in the same age group were wounded during the year. In addition, 1,030 adolescents aged 12 to 17 were killed in shootings, and 2,733 were injured.

The GVA’s gun-related death statistics include homicides, murder, defensive gun use and accidental shootings, but exclude suicides. However, citing preliminary estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the GVA reported that more than 24,000 people died in firearm suicides in 2025.

Local media noted that although shooting-related deaths and injuries have declined for four consecutive years since 2021, more than 40,000 people were killed or injured by gunfire in 2025, with suicides excluded. This means that, on average, more than 110 people were killed or injured by gun violence per day last year.

Giving out his New Year message early on Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the world to invest “more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars.”

“It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice,” Guterres said. “Our future depends on our collective courage to act. This new year, let’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace.”

In his annual New Year’s Eve address on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the unity of the Russian people “determines the sovereignty and security of our Fatherland, its development, and its future.”

“The New Year is, above all, a time when we hope for the best, for goodness and good luck,” Putin noted. “It is a special and magical holiday, when we open our hearts to love, friendship, and compassion, to sympathy and generosity.”

As South Africa hosted the first G20 summit on African soil in 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Wednesday that the country stands proud that its presidency ensured the voices of Africa and the Global South were “recognised, reflected and respected.”

“Despite the challenges we face, our country is getting stronger, our economy is improving,” he added. “As we prepare to welcome a new year, let us remain united to building the South Africa of our dreams.”

Vowing “a sweeping leap and growth in all fields,” South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledged commitment to stable growth underpinned by peace in 2026.

“Solid peace is another word for growth, and strong security is the driving force of prosperity,” he said in his New Year’s speech on Thursday morning, noting his government will step up efforts to bolster regional peace and stability through cooperation.

Despite fractured trade and rising geopolitical tensions, global economic growth proved “more resilient than anticipated,” said Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday.

“Let us carry this mindset into the new year — resilient and united, determined and hopeful,” he said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to “defeat the decline and division offered by others” in his New Year message on Wednesday.

“Things have been tough in Britain for a while,” he began, promising that more people will feel once again a sense of hope in 2026, “a belief that things can and will get better, feel that the promise of renewal can become a reality, and my government will make it that reality.”

In his speech, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined his three wishes for the French people: unity, strength and hope.

“We must stand firm on what we cherish: humanity, peace, and freedom,” he said Wednesday. “So, let us look ahead and look far into the future, as citizens and as a nation. I wish you a very happy and prosperous year 2026.”

The demonstrations took place at Mahama Refugee Camp in Kirehe District and Kigeme Camp in Nyamagabe District, where refugees marched peacefully around the camps, carrying placards and chanting messages condemning what they termed incitement and discrimination.

Maj Gen Ekenge appeared on Congolese national television on December 27, 2025, during a programme discussing the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in areas affected by ongoing fighting in South Kivu Province. During the broadcast, he made remarks that refugees say targeted Congolese Tutsis, including comments discouraging intermarriage with Tutsi women.

The statements triggered widespread criticism and diplomatic pressure, prompting Congolese authorities to suspend Maj Gen Ekenge from his duties.

Mahama Refugee Camp, one of the protest sites, hosts about 72,100 refugees, including approximately 27,000 Congolese nationals. Many have lived in exile for more than three decades, while others were born in refugee camps after their families fled violence in eastern DRC.

Chantal Umutoni, a refugee at Mahama Camp, said the demonstration aimed to draw international attention to what she described as long-standing discrimination and insecurity facing Congolese Tutsis.

“We cannot celebrate festive seasons like others while our relatives continue to be killed or forced to flee, and the world remains silent,” she said.

She accused the DRC government of portraying Congolese Tutsis as foreigners in their own country and condemned the remarks made by the FARDC spokesperson, warning that such language could incite violence.

Umutoni and other protesters called for Maj Gen Ekenge to be held accountable under international law, arguing that his statements could encourage attacks against Tutsi women or reinforce social exclusion based on ethnicity.

Justine Mukakayonga, who has lived as a refugee for 30 years, said the remarks underscored the persistence of the violence that forced her and others to flee.

“These comments show that the conditions we escaped still exist and that the Congolese state is not ready to end them,” she said, appealing to the international community to advocate for refugees’ rights and facilitate their safe return home.

Twenty-five-year-old Eric Mandera said he was saddened by having been born in exile while what he described as hate speech against his community continues to circulate in his country of origin.

Another protester, Justin Ndagijimana, warned that labelling a particular ethnic group as untrustworthy fuels social exclusion and violence.

“When leaders portray citizens of a certain group as suspicious, it sends a message that they should be isolated or eliminated,” he said. “We are citizens like any other and deserve equal rights, including the right to return to our land and live in safety.”

Christophe Ndayisaba, a representative of Congolese refugees, said the protests were directed not only at Maj Gen Ekenge but also at what he described as a broader pattern of inflammatory rhetoric among senior DRC officials.

“Suspension alone is not enough,” he said. “We are calling for justice and concrete action from the international community so that this problem is addressed and refugees can return home with dignity.”

Similar demonstrations were held at Kigeme Refugee Camp in Gasaka Sector, Nyamagabe District, which hosts 14,415 Congolese refugees. Many have lived in exile for years, including individuals born in refugee camps who have never seen their ancestral homes due to repeated displacement.

At Kigeme, protesters marched with placards and loudspeakers, criticising the DRC government and condemning what they described as the continued spread of hate speech.

Judith Mukansanga, originally from Masisi in North Kivu Province, spoke to IGIHE while caring for her grandchild. She described the hardships of refugee life, particularly during a period when others were celebrating the New Year.

“While others celebrate, we struggle to survive,” she said, explaining that her daughter had left the child with her in search of work. “Life in exile is extremely difficult, yet the international community looks on. We want help to return to our ancestral land.”

She added that persistent hostility towards certain Congolese communities reflected a lack of political will to resolve the refugee crisis.

The DRC government has repeatedly denied targeting any ethnic group and has dismissed claims that Congolese Tutsis are persecuted. However, refugees and rights advocates point to ongoing military operations, allied armed groups, and public statements by senior officials as evidence that ethnic tensions and discriminatory rhetoric persist.