Category: News

Since May 2025, the Chief Prosecutor at the DRC Court of Appeals has been investigating Mutamba for allegedly embezzling $19 million intended for the construction of Kisangani Prison in Tshopo province.

During his appearance before a special commission of the National Assembly tasked with overseeing his case, Mutamba admitted that the $19 million was missing and explained that the funds had been redirected to a fraudulent company account. He also took the opportunity to apologize.

Further questioning by the prosecution revealed that Mutamba’s statements helped uncover additional details of the crime.

While awaiting trial, Mutamba submitted his resignation to President Tshisekedi on June 17, 2025, reflecting on the positive contributions he had made during his time as Minister of Justice. However, he noted that his efforts had led to growing opposition against him.

Mutamba said, “Unfortunately, while I was committed to prosecuting senior leaders of AFC/M23, I was betrayed and backstabbed through a political plot orchestrated in Kigali by some of our own citizens, who sought to halt these reforms and my dedication to the country.”

He went on to explain that there had been multiple attempts on his life and that he had been vilified by “mafia groups” who blamed him for the judicial reforms he had championed.

In his message to President Tshisekedi, Mutamba also revealed that Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, had recently expressed support for his prosecution. He claimed that both Nduhungirehe and the leaders of AFC/M23 wished for his death.

On June 16, Nduhungirehe had stated that Mutamba’s actions, driven by genocidal ideology and hatred towards Rwanda, had become increasingly evident. He warned that such behavior would inevitably have consequences.

The minister’s message reminded the public that Mutamba had long targeted Rwanda, even claiming that he would imprison President Paul Kagame and label those he viewed as traitors.

Since the legal proceedings against him began, Mutamba has portrayed himself as a victim of betrayal by individuals with whom he had conflicts since joining the government.

He accused several officials, including Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and Chief Prosecutor Firmin Mvonde, of supporting former President Joseph Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2009, during a time when Kabila was allegedly linked to AFC/M23.

As one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, it was the first to open its doors after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over the years, the hotel has had several name changes, including Hôtel Novotel, Hôtel Meridien, and Hotel Umubano, before being acquired and expanded.

The hotel was first purchased in 2017 by Marasa Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of the international Madhvani Group.

Initially, the hotel was expected to reopen in 2019, but construction delays and further expansion projects led to a postponed timeline.

Mövenpick Kigali Hotel’s General Manager, Umulisa Médiatrice, shared with IGIHE that the renovation is 70% complete, with the hotel scheduled to begin operations in September 2025.

“The hotel will be named Mövenpick Kigali, and we have added a presidential suite. It will be managed by a company called Kasada,” she said.

Mövenpick is a well-known brand under Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, a Swiss company owned by the French multinational hospitality company Accor.

The expansion will increase the hotel’s room count from 100 to 124, with additional upgrades to cater to VIP guests.

The hotel will move from a three-star to a five-star rating upon reopening, offering four conference rooms, with the largest accommodating up to 360 people.

Additionally, the hotel will provide both permanent and temporary office spaces, alongside various other amenities.

Umulisa will be the first woman to lead a five-star hotel in Rwanda, among the approximately 10 such hotels in the country.

She added that the hotel will provide employment for around 100 permanent staff, with the majority being Rwandan nationals. Half of the staff will be women, reflecting commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness.

Antonio was received as an envoy of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the acting chair of the AU.

“This is about exploring, in a spirit of constructive dialogue, ways to collectively support the fight against terrorism and promote development in the Sahel,” he was quoted by a post on the Malian presidency’s social media as saying.

The discussions with Goita focused on ways and means to strengthen the bonds between Africans, reinforcing African solidarity and shared destiny, said Antonio, reaffirming the AU chair’s commitment to “the stability and security of Mali and the entire Sahel region.”

Before arriving in Bamako, the AU envoy had visited Burkina Faso on Monday.

Representing the Government of Mozambique, the Palma District Administrator, João Buchili expressed heartfelt appreciation for the continued support and cooperation from the Rwandan Security Force, stating that it is a demonstration of true partnership.

“Rwanda Security Force is not only helping us keep our communities safe, but they are also working with us in restoring livelihoods and hope,” said João Buchili.

On behalf of the Commander of the Rwanda Security Force, ACP Francis Muheto, the Police Component Sector North Commander emphasized the RSF’s commitment, that it is not only ensuring peace and security in the Cabo Delgado, but also contributing to the community’s resilience and socio-economic stability.

“This boat is a symbol of our shared commitment to rebuilding lives, by supporting local livelihoods like fishing, we aim to reinforce peace through development and it is a gesture of solidarity and support towards human security and local economic recovery.” said ACP Muheto.

The members of Mashalla Cooperative also expressed gratitude and commended Rwanda Security Force for restoring security in the region, from which they resumed economic activities.

The donated fishing boat is expected to boost the cooperative’s capacity, enhance productivity, and improve income for local families who rely on artisanal fishing as a primary source of livelihood.

This initiative is part of broader civil-military and community policing cooperation efforts undertaken by the Rwanda Security Force in Cabo Delgado, where they continue to play a key role in stabilizing and supporting recovery efforts after years of conflict and displacement caused by Islamic State-linked insurgents.

The negotiations culminated in both delegations initialling a landmark peace agreement, laying the groundwork for a formal signing ceremony scheduled for June 27, to be witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Proud to lead three days of peace talks, which resulted in the initialling of the peace agreement by delegations from the DRC and Rwanda,” Boulos wrote on X.

“Together, we’re working toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.”

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, who also participated in the negotiations, praised the outcome, noting that the agreement builds on the Declaration of Principles signed on April 25 under the auspices of Secretary Rubio.

“This week’s talks built on momentum following the April 25 signing… We look forward to the Ministerial signing of the peace agreement in Washington on June 27 and subsequent timely implementation,” Hooker stated.

The comprehensive accord includes key provisions aimed at fostering lasting stability and cooperation between the two nations.

These include commitments to respect territorial integrity, a prohibition on hostilities, and measures for the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.

Additionally, the agreement establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, incorporating the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) outlined on October 31, 2024.

Beyond security, the Peace Agreement prioritises humanitarian and economic objectives. It facilitates the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensures humanitarian access, and lays the foundation for a regional economic integration framework to promote shared prosperity.

The negotiations benefited from close coordination between the United States and Qatar, with Qatari representatives participating to align their complementary peace initiatives.

Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed gratitude for the pivotal roles played by the U.S. and Qatar in advancing dialogue and fostering a peaceful resolution.

The peace process had faced delays earlier this month. Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, clarified via social media on June 14 that the original June 15 date for signing had been delayed due to the complexities of ongoing negotiations. He emphasised the need for a “comprehensive, realistic and win-win” agreement.

In a detailed briefing to the UN Human Rights Council on June 16, Türk revealed that Congolese soldiers, alongside members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia, have engaged in killings, rapes, and looting during military operations, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces.

The abuses have occurred amid the Congolese army’s offensives against M23 rebels and other armed groups.

“Congolese soldiers and members of the DRC-backed Wazalendo militia killed, raped, and looted,” said Türk, citing preliminary findings from an ongoing fact-finding mission.

He expressed concern over a “complete disregard” for the protection of civilians during and after combat, particularly during the battle for Goma in late January, where command structures reportedly collapsed as army units retreated.

Türk’s statements follow months of warnings from human rights groups about atrocities committed by Congolese forces and their militia allies. On May 23, Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented widespread abuses by Wazalendo fighters in South Kivu, including attacks on Banyamulenge villages near Bibokoboko in early March.

Witnesses said the fighters targeted civilians based on ethnicity, declaring Banyamulenge to be “Rwandan” and vowing to “clean them out.”

“They killed seven people and destroyed homes, health centres, and schools,” a local community leader told HRW.

The UN’s findings put further scrutiny on President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, which has formed alliances with numerous militias, including the FDLR, accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to bolster its military campaign in the east.

Analysts and activists have raised alarm over the government’s apparent weaponisation of anti-Tutsi sentiment to justify violence against Congolese Tutsi communities under the pretext of fighting M23.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Kinshasa has publicly celebrated the UN’s decision in February to establish an independent investigative mechanism into atrocities in the east. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya praised the resolution on X, but critics say the administration has tried to downplay or deny war crimes committed by its own forces.

Civil society groups and international observers are now questioning whether President Tshisekedi will be held accountable for what they describe as a campaign of ethnic persecution and possible crimes against humanity.

The landmark agreement, formalized during a three-day official visit by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, to the Kingdom of Morocco, establishes a robust framework for enhanced military ties and lays the foundation for a broader strategic partnership.

Minister Marizamunda, accompanied by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla Umutoni, Chief J7 Col David Mutayomba, and Lt Col Angeline Kamanzi, Director of Analysis in Defence Intelligence, began the visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

This solemn tribute honored the historical legacy of Morocco’s father of independence, setting a tone of mutual respect and shared values.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, the first day’s agenda featured a high-level bilateral meeting at the Headquarters of the Administration of National Defence in Morocco.

Minister Marizamunda and his delegation engaged in productive discussions with their Moroccan counterparts, led by Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defence.

The talks focused on strengthening defense cooperation, exploring avenues for joint training, intelligence sharing, and other strategic initiatives.

The culmination of the day was the formal signing of the Military Cooperation Agreement.

Rwanda and Morocco share a longstanding partnership, reinforced through multiple agreements over the years.

In 2016, King Mohammed VI visited Rwanda, during which the two nations signed 19 cooperation agreements in areas such as banking, diplomatic relations, and investment facilitation.

One of the agreements allowed diplomatic and official passport holders to travel between the two countries without restrictions.

In 2019, Rwanda and Morocco signed 12 additional agreements in Rabat, further solidifying their collaboration. Morocco remains a key partner in education, offering numerous scholarships to African students, including Rwandans.

In 2020, Rwanda’s then-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta, and his Moroccan counterpart signed two agreements, one enhancing government collaboration and another focused on sports development in Africa.