The convicts were part of a gang accused of operating between April and August 2025, targeting shops, cooperatives, and money transfer outlets across the volatile Beni region.
Prosecutors said their most audacious strike occurred on the night of August 8–9, when they raided the Païdek cooperative, making off with over $100,000 and 76 million Congolese francs. Security forces intercepted the Ugandan group the following day as they tried to return home, recovering $54,350 and 36 million Congolese francs.
Alongside the death sentences for criminal association, the tribunal imposed 10-year prison terms for the theft charges. Two minors implicated in the case were acquitted. In a related proceeding, a man arrested in Dindi with an AK-47 rifle received a death sentence for armed robbery, while his alleged accomplice was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo retains capital punishment, though no executions have been carried out since 2003, creating a de facto moratorium. Nevertheless, death sentences remain frequent in military tribunals handling armed violence or organised crime. In March 2024, Kinshasa indicated plans to resume executions to curb insurgencies in the east.
The Beni region has long suffered from armed group violence, including attacks by the Ugandan-origin Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has displaced at least 500,000 people since early 2025.
The minister is accompanied by Army Commander Maj Gen André Rafael Mahunguane and CP Fabião Pedro Nhancololo, Commander of the Law and Order Service of Mozambique’s National Police.
During the visit, Minister Chume and his delegation on Saturday, August 24, 2025, visited the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters, where they held talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence collaboration and regional security coordination.
The Mozambican delegation was briefed on Rwanda’s contributions to peace and security across Africa. Speaking to the media, Minister Chume said the visit aimed to reinforce defence and security ties, noting that Rwanda is a key partner to Mozambique not only in defence but also in socio-economic development.
He highlighted the joint operations conducted by Mozambican forces alongside the RDF in Cabo Delgado, which have contributed to stabilising the region and enabling displaced communities to return home.
He emphasised that the operations will further degrade the insurgency. He commended the courage and sacrifice of the Rwanda Security Forces in support of the Mozambican people.
Minister Chume also emphasised other areas of cooperation, including training programs and intelligence sharing, underlining that terrorism remains a common regional threat.
In addition to defence discussions, the Mozambican delegation paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and toured the Campaign against Genocide Museum.
Rwanda first deployed a joint RDF and Rwanda National Police force to Cabo Delgado in July 2021, at the request of the Mozambican government. Since then, Rwandan forces have played a crucial role in counterterrorism operations, helping to liberate and stabilise areas previously held by insurgents.
The Ramba Hills project, led by Investment Africa Holdings Ltd. through its subsidiary Ramba Real Estate, is under construction in Gasabo District, near King Faisal Hospital, extending toward Vision City and the Kigali Golf Course.
According to the master plan, Ramba Hills will feature two high-rise towers—one 26 floors and the other 24—alongside four additional towers ranging from 10 to 16 floors. One of the tallest towers will serve as an office block, while the other will be dedicated to residential apartments.
Complementing the skyline will be ten single-storey residential buildings facing the golf course, landscaped gardens, a large swimming pool, and extensive internal road networks. The development will also include a hotel, modern retail outlets, and parking space for more than 1,400 vehicles.
The design allows professionals to live and work within the same development, with convenient access to on-site retail outlets and other essential as well as recreational amenities.
Ramba Real Estate has confirmed that the entire project will cost approximately Frw 115.7 billion ($80 million). Construction is expected to run for four years, with residential houses to be completed within the first 18 months, apartments in two and a half to three years, and the office tower by the fourth year.
Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva, speaking in June 2025, hailed Ramba Hills as one of the flagship projects set to transform the city’s urban landscape.
“Compared to Vision City and the existing apartments, Kacyiru is about to change significantly,” said Dusengiyumva. “Relocating residents sparked much debate, but this project reflects the President’s vision and the city’s clear development plan.”
With its blend of luxury apartments, business facilities, leisure spaces, and green design, Ramba Hills is being positioned as a defining symbol of Kigali’s next phase of urban development.
The statement, issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently, followed claims broadcast by Sudan’s state television in early August that the Sudanese air force had destroyed an Emirati aircraft carrying Colombian mercenaries as it attempted to land at an airstrip controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.
Sudanese military sources accused the UAE of backing the RSF as part of what they described as a “foreign plot” to destabilize Sudan and prolong the war.
The UAE firmly denied the allegations, stressing that it has never provided funding or support to the RSF. Instead, Abu Dhabi said it has consistently aligned itself with regional and international efforts aimed at securing peace in Sudan.
“The United Arab Emirates stands with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of peace, stability, and a dignified future,” the ministry said. “Since the onset of the civil war, the UAE has consistently supported regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for violations committed by all warring parties.”
The statement accused the “so-called Port Sudan Authority,” referring to Sudan’s military-aligned leadership, of spreading “escalating fabrications” in an attempt to deflect blame and obstruct genuine peace efforts. “These deliberate propaganda efforts form part of a calculated pattern of deflection—shifting blame to others to evade responsibility for its own actions—intended to prolong the war and obstruct a genuine peace process,” the UAE added.
Reaffirming its stance, Abu Dhabi said it remained committed to a “civilian-led process that places the needs of the Sudanese people above the interests of any faction.” The ministry also underlined its readiness to work with international partners to encourage dialogue, mobilize support for humanitarian relief, and lay the groundwork for long-term peace.
“The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working closely with partners to foster dialogue, mobilize international support, and contribute to initiatives that address the humanitarian crisis and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace,” the statement concluded.
The war in Sudan, now in its second year, has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces against the RSF, plunging the country into a humanitarian disaster and forcing millions to flee.
Col Nduwantare previously served in the Police Department of Criminal Investigation as well as at Bujumbura’s Melchior Ndadaye International Airport.
According to accounts, upon arriving in Zambia he first visited his younger brother, who has lived there for more than 15 years. He then went to see a cousin also residing in the country. On his way back, he reportedly fell into an ambush set by unidentified assailants, who killed him.
His death follows the recent killings of two other Burundians in Zambia: Ndayisaba Alexis, killed on August 18, and Ndayisenga, killed on August 20, 2025.
Burundi’s Ambassador to Zambia, Evelyne Butoyi, on August 21 offered condolences to the families of Ndayisaba and Ndayisenga, stressing that investigations were underway to ensure justice.
“The Embassy of Burundi in Lusaka appreciates that the relevant authorities are conducting investigations so that those responsible for this crime are held accountable. May God receive our departed,” the ambassador said.
Although it remains unclear whether the victims were targeted specifically because of their nationality, the Burundian community in Zambia has expressed concern over the violence, fearing they too could become targets.
This comes as part of the UAE’s leading global humanitarian role in supporting the healthcare sector across Africa and taking immediate measures to prevent the spread of diseases.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues its international humanitarian commitment to address health challenges wherever they arise, by developing appropriate solutions in coordination with international organisations and relevant entities across the world.
He said, “The World Health Organisation has recently warned that the global cholera situation continues to deteriorate, expressing concern after more than 390,000 cases and 4,332 deaths in 31 countries reported so far this year. The organisation’s alert highlighted the spread of the disease in several countries, including the Republic of Chad.”
He noted that the UAE’s urgent humanitarian response reflects its steadfast international commitment to intensifying global efforts to prevent such diseases and to providing timely medical treatments to ensure both prevention and cure.
He further explained that the UAE Aid Agency would continue implementing foreign aid programmes in line with the country’s policy on international humanitarian affairs, including humanitarian response and relief plans, early recovery and stabilisation programmes, as well as providing vital assistance to improve living conditions and support communities facing challenges or crises.
This will be achieved through cooperation with international organisations and local entities in target countries, with the aim of creating tangible and sustainable impact.
According to the organizers, doors will open at 2:00 PM. Guests will have access to activities throughout the day, with performances running into the night.
The lineup will include Rwanda’s Bruce Melodie, Kivumbi King, and Mike Kayihura, as well as regional artist Bien-Aimé.
“Friends of Amstel is all about creating moments of connection, and this year we’re excited to host it at Zaria Court, a new venue that perfectly reflects the vibrancy of Kigali,” said Lieke Bouwhuis, Marketing Director, Bralirwa Plc. “With an incredible lineup and a refreshed experience, this edition will be one of the most memorable yet.”
Tickets will be available in solo and group packages for two, four, or six people. Organizers indicated that sales will be launched on Friends of Amstel’s social media platforms.
Friends of Amstel is part of a regional series of events supported by Amstel. Organizers said the initiative is designed to promote social connection through music and shared experiences.
DMCC was established in 2002 with just 28 member companies. Over the years, it has grown remarkably, and by 2025 it has more than 25,000 members from 180 countries and employs over 90,000 people.
Speaking on the program Business With Bartawi, Ahmed reflected on how difficult DMCC’s early years were. Between 2001 and 2004, money was being invested but growth was slow, largely because there were no similar models around the world to learn from.
He recalled that one of the turning points in his journey came during a meeting in 2002 or 2003, which was attended by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
At the time, Kagame was visiting Dubai to explore projects that Rwanda might replicate.
“I had a few meetings that triggered me in different ways. One was with President Kagame and his wife. He was visiting multiple initiatives in Dubai to see what could be replicated in Kigali,” he noted.
“When I met him, I was anxious, just the operating officer, while my CEO wasn’t present. I felt I was being set up. My focus was to get through the slides without stuttering,” added Sulayem.
During the presentation, he explained DMCC’s plans around diamonds, gold, silver, commodities, and the 360-meter Almas Tower.
“It was probably around 2002 or 2003. We didn’t yet have a coffee center, but we had decided to create storage and service facilities for tea and grow it organically,” he noted.
At the end of the presentation, Kagame made a remark that stayed with him.
“Kagame said; ‘When your tea center is ready, let me know. I’m going to have all of our tea sent there’” he recalled.
Surprised, Sulayem thanked him but asked why Rwanda would want to send all its tea directly to DMCC, given that it had no track record at the time.
Kagame responded: “Because I am tired of our tea leaving Mombasa and being sold abroad as Kenyan tea. I want to protect our brand.”
Ahmed said this was a powerful lesson. “At the time, I didn’t even know where Rwanda was on the map, or that it was landlocked—meaning no seaport, only transport through neighboring countries. For a country like that, protecting its national brand was crucial. That day I learned how much identity and positioning matter in trade,” he stated.
Today, two decades later, the United Arab Emirates stands as Rwanda’s leading export destination.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that in the first quarter of 2025, the UAE received the largest share of Rwanda’s exports, mainly minerals, coffee, and tea.
According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), Rwanda produced 40,003 tonnes of tea in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, generating $114.8 million (approximately Frw 166 billion).
In the same period, coffee output reached 17,038 tonnes, earning $78.7 million (Frw113.8 billion), with 16,479 tonnes shipped abroad.
According to AP, U.S. District Judge William Orrick ruled that 34 cities and counties—including major urban centers such as Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles—cannot be denied federal grants because of their policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration had attempted to use executive orders to pressure local governments, making access to federal funds conditional on their compliance with immigration directives.
One executive order issued by Trump directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to withhold federal money from sanctuary jurisdictions.
Another order directs every federal agency to ensure that payments to state and local governments do not “abet so-called ‘sanctuary’ policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation.”
Judge Orrick found this approach unconstitutional, saying it amounted to coercion and exceeded the authority of the executive branch.
His decision not only broadens an earlier ruling, which covered a smaller number of jurisdictions, but also blocks the government from attaching immigration-related conditions to specific grant programs.
The ruling highlights the continuing clash between the federal government and local authorities over immigration enforcement.
Sanctuary jurisdictions maintain that their policies are designed to build trust with immigrant communities, while the administration argues they undermine national immigration law.
In a phone call, the two sides discussed threats by France, Britain and Germany, collectively known as the E3, to reinstate international sanctions on Iran on the verge of the expiration of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, said a statement released by the Iranian foreign ministry early Saturday.
The statement said the E3 has no legal and moral competence to resort to the snapback mechanism and reinstate the Security Council’s sanctions on Tehran as it has “flagrantly violated” Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 JCPOA, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
The “snapback” clause, part of the JCPOA, allows world powers to reimpose international sanctions if Iran fails to comply with the deal.
The statement added that the ministers also exchanged views on the path ahead of the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the West, stressing that Resolution 2231 should end at the scheduled date, which falls on Oct. 18.
Earlier in the day, Araghchi held a joint phone call with the E3 foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, elaborating on Iran’s positions regarding the potential triggering of the snapback mechanism and the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the Europeans.
During the phone call, it was decided that Iran and the E3 would resume nuclear talks next Tuesday at the level of deputy foreign ministers.
Since September last year, Iran has held several rounds of talks with the three European states, most recently in Istanbul in late July.
