Category: News

The initiative includes a wide range of activities designed to strengthen ties between the military and civilians across the region.

In Nyanza District, residents have welcomed the free medical services being provided at the district hospital, noting the convenience of receiving treatment close to home and at no cost.

Uwibogoye Rusi, a patient treated at Nyanza District Hospital, shared her experience, explaining that she previously had to travel to Kabgayi Hospital for treatment, incurring costs for transport and medication.

“Now, I am happy to get treatment from medical specialists here in Nyanza. They are treating us for free, and the medicines are provided at no cost,” she said.

Dr. Dufitumukiza Jerome, Director General of Nyanza District Hospital, emphasized the significance of the EAC Armed Forces’ support.

“Previously, we had to refer patients to advanced hospitals because we could not treat certain conditions. Now, with the help of these specialists, we can treat patients locally, free of charge, and the medicines are also provided for free,” he said.

“These services are typically costly, but now they are offered for free. The initiative is also helping us reduce long waiting lists for surgeries and specialist appointments. Many surgical procedures are not normally available at district-level hospitals like ours. The patients we expect to treat in just five days would otherwise have had to wait up to five months. With the support of experts from across the region, we can now close that gap,” he added.

Dr. Dufitumukiza expressed gratitude to the RDF leadership for deploying the needed medical specialists and acknowledged the broader contribution of the RDF to Rwanda’s liberation and continued commitment to rebuild the country.

Lt Col Dr. Justus K. Bwaley from Kenya Defence Forces noted that EAC CIMIC Week plays an essential role in fostering regional cooperation and professional exchange.

“Working alongside fellow doctors from EAC partner states allows us to build strong bonds, share medical expertise, and overcome clinical challenges together. Ultimately, our people benefit from this collaboration. We need more opportunities like this to further the EAC’s mission of regional integration,” Dr. Bwaley said.

In addition to medical services in Nyanza and Ngoma, EAC Armed Forces personnel are also engaged in a variety of community development projects. These include the installation of solar panels, floor tiles, and clean water facilities for underserved communities.

This regional effort is being implemented in conjunction with the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025, which is taking place nationwide in celebration of kwibohora31 and the 25th anniversary of the Rwanda National Police’s partnership with citizens.

The initiative is also designed to reinforce the bond between the EAC Armed Forces and the people, reflecting shared values of unity, integration, and mutual support among partner states.

Minister Mugenzi made the remarks during a Pan African Movement Rwanda symposium held in Kigali on June 29, 2025.

Dr. Mugenzi noted that African-led solutions are more effective for solving the continent’s problems than allowing the population to disperse in search of prosperity elsewhere, often risking their lives and contributing to the development of other regions.

“It deeply saddens me to see Africans dying in the sea trying to find solutions in Europe. That is potential we are losing. And when we get there, they tell us, ‘That’s how Africa has always been,’ and label us as ignorant. Yet once we’re there, they use us to drive their development, extracting value from us,” he said.

He stressed that many of the answers to Africa’s challenges exist within the continent, but a mindset shift is needed, one that values what Africa has to offer.

“Instead of our people perishing in the Mediterranean, they should seek solutions in other African countries, because those solutions exist here too. We must value our own, and that starts with valuing ourselves and earning the respect of the international community,” he added.

Dr. Mugenzi also emphasised that self-worth includes embracing African languages. Beyond each country’s native tongues, he recommended Swahili as a unifying language for continental gatherings, noting that it is widely spoken and indigenous to Africa.

“A local solution is better than a foreign one. True self-reliance means building on our own capabilities, with each individual actively seeking answers to their immediate challenges. When you wait for someone else to solve your problem, you’ve already made yourself part of the problem. These issues are ours—and so are the solutions,” he added.

According to data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), over 20,000 Africans died or went missing in the Mediterranean Sea between 2014 and 2024 while attempting to reach Europe. In 2024 alone, an estimated 2,452 people lost their lives or disappeared.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 74 senior six students, including 39 boys and 35 girls, Rudakemwa emphasised the importance of translating learning into impact.

“One of our school’s key goals is to provide a strong foundation built on godly values while equipping students with practical, world-class knowledge,” he said. “Let these values guide you in all that you do, and ensure the education you’ve received becomes a tool for building a better future, not something that remains unused.”

He noted that Wellspring Academy has continued to grow in reputation, consistently attracting more applicants than it can accommodate, which he attributed to the public’s confidence in the school’s mission and standards.

Rudakemwa also reaffirmed the school’s openness to students from various backgrounds. Although founded on a Christian ethos and culture of prayer, Wellspring welcomes all students willing to respect the school’s values and code of conduct.

“Representing the Minister of Education, Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, a Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to embrace life beyond the classroom with resilience and confidence.”

“Completing secondary education is a remarkable achievement. I wish you all success as you strive to become professionals and pursue your dreams,” he said. “Face the future with courage, and trust in your own potential.”

Also addressing the graduates was Pastor Peter Nkunzingoma, Senior Pastor of Christian Life Assembly, who reminded students to safeguard their well-being and keep their faith central to their ambitions.

“Whenever you seek success or strength in life, turn to God and ask for His guidance and presence in all you do,” he said.

Established in 2007 by Christian Life Assembly, Wellspring Academy began with just 106 students. Today, it is recognised among Rwanda’s top international schools, offering the Cambridge curriculum. The school aims to deliver high-quality education while nurturing ethical, visionary leaders who will contribute to Rwanda’s progress and promote its values around the world.

Located in Ruhimbi Village, Ruganda Cell, Kamembe Sector, approximately 20 kilometres from Rusizi town, the facility will be the first of its kind in Rwanda’s Western Province and is expected to serve neighbouring districts as well.

Once completed, the plant will treat up to 42 cubic meters of faecal waste and 13 tonnes of solid waste daily. Organic waste will be converted into compost, while non-biodegradable materials like plastic and paper will be recycled into reusable products.

Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba told IGIHE that the facility will play a key role in improving public hygiene and protecting the local ecosystem.

“All waste from Rusizi town will be collected and sorted at the site. Biodegradable waste will be turned into compost, while plastics—such as bottles often seen in Lake Kivu and the Rusizi River—will be recycled into reusable materials,” he explained.

The project is being implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group).

According to Robert Bimenyimana, Public Relations and Communications Manager at WASAC, construction of the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) and the accompanying modern landfill began in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by March 2026.

“The facility will include separate zones for faecal sludge treatment, composting of organic waste, and sorting and recycling of non-biodegradable waste such as plastics and paper,” he said.

Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly boost waste management capacity in the region, reduce pollution, and support Rwanda’s broader sustainability and sanitation goals.

The historic accord was signed on Friday in Washington, D.C., with the two nations represented by their respective Foreign Ministers, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe of Rwanda and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner of the DRC.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attended by key international mediators.

President Donald Trump hosted a follow-up presentation of the signed document in the Oval Office, accompanied by Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance, hailing the occasion as a “glorious triumph” after 30 years of conflict.

In a statement released the same evening, Guterres commended the leadership of the United States, particularly the role of President Trump and the U.S. Department of State, in facilitating the breakthrough, alongside mediation efforts by Qatar and African Union facilitator President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.

He also acknowledged contributions by regional blocs, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The UN chief urged both nations to fully honour their commitments under the agreement, consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025), which demands a cessation of hostilities and the resumption of diplomatic dialogue.

“The UN, including through its peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners,” Guterres said.

Coinciding with the signing, the UN Security Council convened on Friday to discuss the situation in the DRC. Bintou Keita, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of MONUSCO, welcomed the accord, describing it as a vital milestone in the quest for peace.

The agreement establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and outlines steps toward the neutralisation of the FDLR, a rebel group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda has long accused the DRC of supporting the FDLR, while Kinshasa alleges that Kigali backs the M23 rebel movement operating in its eastern provinces. Kigali has repeatedly denied the claims, urging the Kinshasa administration to resolve its internal issues without dragging Rwanda into its affairs.

“The first order of business is to begin implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Neutralisation of FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Minister Nduhungirehe said.

“This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias. That is the bedrock of peace and security in our region,” he noted.

The peace accord has also been welcomed by the African Union and several countries, including Israel, France, Ukraine and Qatar, among others.

The ceremony was attended by the families of those killed in the attacks as well as high-ranking Iranian officials and military commanders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Shamkhani, who was severely injured in the Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

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

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

The mourners waved Iran’s flags while chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. They carried pictures of the “martyred” commanders and nuclear scientists, including Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, Chief Commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Division Amir Ali Hajizadeh and chief commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and his successor, Gholam Ali Rashid and Ali Shadmani respectively.

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said at the ceremony that the United States and Israel proved that they failed to honor any of their commitments.

He emphasized that the Iranian armed forces were highly vigilant to give a decisive response to any “malicious action” or breach of promises by the “enemy.”

The burial ceremonies are scheduled to be held on Sunday.

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The first contingent had departed from eastern DRC on April 29, 2025, comprising 13 military vehicles and 57 accompanying soldiers.

The final group of SADC troops left Rubavu, located at the Rwanda-DRC border, on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, at around 9:00 a.m. This final phase involved vehicles transporting the remaining soldiers.

During this latest movement, IGIHE observed 15 vehicles carrying the troops as they departed.

[Related article: Additional SADC equipment withdrawn from Goma through Rwanda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/additional-sadc-equipment-withdrawn-from-goma-through-rwanda]