Category: News

A contingent of 249 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, part of the now-terminated SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), was scheduled to touch down in Bloemfontein at midday on Friday. Instead, their arrival was delayed until evening, and they were ultimately rerouted to the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.

The first group of #SANDF troops who were deployed to the eastern (#DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) have touched down at at Airforce Base #Waterkloof.@TimesLIVE @SundayTimes
Video Supplied pic.twitter.com/smhB38sU1c

— Shonisani Tshikalange (@21shoni) June 13, 2025

Defence and military veterans minister Angie Motshekga, briefing media at Tempe Military Base in Bloemfontein on Friday afternoon, attributed the disruption to “technical and logistical challenges” involving the SADC’s contracting airline.

But the DA was scathing in its assessment of the situation.

“What was meant to be a dignified homecoming has descended into disarray,” the party said in a statement issued shortly after the failed midday arrival.

“This is yet another example of poor planning. The same kind of failure that plagued SANDF operations in the DRC.”

The party accused the department of orchestrating a media-centric ceremony without ensuring the basics, such as troop arrival, were secured.

“The DA warned that this event was more about spectacle than sincere recognition. Today, those concerns were proved correct. The entire ceremony has turned into a public embarrassment, with soldiers stranded and their supposed heroes’ welcome left in ruins.”

While Motshekga stressed that delays were beyond the department’s control, the DA said the chaos reflects a pattern of leadership failure in the defence portfolio.

“It is not just a failed media stunt,” the DA said. “It is a sign of deeper dysfunction within the Department of Defence. Repeated logistical failures, both abroad and at home, raise serious questions about leadership and competence at the highest levels.”

The disarray in Bloemfontein came just a day after the SADC Secretariat formally began the second phase of troop withdrawal from the DRC, with personnel being repatriated through Rwanda and Tanzania.

The mission was launched in December 2023 with an offensive mandate to push back M23 rebels, but it faced persistent operational hurdles.

In a major setback, M23 rebels seized Goma in January, resulting in the deaths of 18 regional soldiers, 14 of them South African. Since then, SAMIDRC troops had mostly remained confined to their bases until the mission’s formal end in March.

The disorganised welcome on Friday has only added fuel to long-standing parliamentary scrutiny over SANDF’s overseas deployments.

Vincent Nzigiyimfura, also known as Vincent Mfura, 65, of Dayton, Ohio, was arrested on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, following the unsealing of a three-count federal indictment.

The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Nzigiyimfura, a former businessman and butcher in Rwanda, played a leadership role in orchestrating mass killings in and around Gihisi and Nyanza during the Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed more than a million lives.

According to the indictment, Nzigiyimfura allegedly provided weapons, transportation, and material incentives to Interahamwe militia and directed them to capture Tutsi victims. He is accused of helping construct roadblocks used to intercept and kill Tutsis, and of luring those in hiding into traps by falsely claiming the violence had ended.

“As alleged, Vincent Nzigiyimfura directed and encouraged murders during the genocide in Rwanda and then lied to U.S. authorities to start a new life in this country,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The United States is not a safe haven for human rights violators.”

After fleeing Rwanda at the end of the genocide, Nzigiyimfura lived in Malawi before entering the United States in 2009. Prosecutors say he obtained a U.S. immigrant visa by falsely stating that he had not engaged in genocide or persecution. He later attempted to become a U.S. citizen in 2014, again allegedly lying about his past by denying any involvement in crimes or persecution.

The indictment also states that in 2018, he fraudulently applied for a renewal of his green card, later using the card to apply for an Ohio driver’s license in 2021.

“The indictment alleges this defendant facilitated the killings of Tutsis during the genocide and then lied about it on immigration applications in the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris for the Southern District of Ohio. “This egregious conduct will not be tolerated.”

Nzigiyimfura now faces one count of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalisation fraud. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. A U.S. District Court judge will determine the sentence following federal guidelines.

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Cincinnati with support from the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC).

“No one wants a war criminal as their neighbour,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of ICE HSI Detroit. “These allegations paint a grim picture of the horror Nzigiyimfura inflicted on the Tutsi people. His indictment and arrest is a step toward justice for those victims.”

Nzigiyimfura made his first appearance Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

His arrest comes nearly two months after Faustin Nzabumukunzi, also known as ‘Umuvumvu,’ was arrested for similar offences at his home in Bridgehampton, New York, in April 2025.

The remembrance event, held on Friday, June 13, 2025, involved a visit to the memorial site where participants learned about the brutality of the Genocide, particularly in the former Gisenyi Prefecture, a region known for producing several senior political and military leaders implicated in the Genocide.

Gérard Mbarushimana, President of Ibuka in Rubavu District, reminded LOLC Unguka Finance staff that the Genocide was primarily caused by discriminatory and divisive leadership.

“Nothing else caused the Genocide against the Tutsi but bad governance rooted in ethnic discrimination. That’s what we must fight against,” Mbarushimana said.

“Let us also not forget that the FDLR, based in Congo’s forests, still spreads the same genocide ideology, especially among the next generation. Some children are still raised with hatred against the Tutsi. That’s why it’s everyone’s responsibility to denounce all forms of discrimination and uphold national unity.”

He called on all citizens, including corporate entities, to play a role in building a unified and inclusive Rwanda.

Yves Sangano, Chairperson of the Board of LOLC Unguka Finance Plc, emphasized that while their institution offers financial services, they also carry a responsibility to support national unity and reconciliation.

“This is a significant moment to honor our brothers and sisters who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Paying tribute to them reinforces our commitment to ensuring such tragic history is never forgotten and never repeated,” he said.

“As a financial institution that works to improve the livelihoods of Rwandans, we believe we must contribute to building a united, inclusive, and peaceful Rwanda, where every citizen’s life is valued, and no one is targeted for who they are.”

Sangano also thanked Rwanda’s leadership for their efforts in preserving the country’s history and safeguarding memorial sites that serve as crucial educational tools.

As part of the commemoration, LOLC Unguka Finance Plc provided financial support to Rubavu District for the preservation of the Commune Rouge memorial site. They also extended support to some genocide survivors to help improve their livelihoods.

Members of AVEGA-Agahozo, an association of genocide widows who participated in the ceremony, expressed gratitude to LOLC Unguka Finance for the solidarity and support.

Rubavu District Mayor, Prosper Mulindwa, commended the institution’s presence and involvement.

“Your participation shows that you are not just here to provide financial services, but you are committed to the values of unity and resilience that this country stands for,” he said.

“Let us remember that the genocidal government used the nation’s resources, money, banks, and private actors, to fund the killing of Tutsis. By contrast, your actions today show that such history will never be repeated in this country.”

Mulindwa also thanked LOLC Unguka Finance Plc for contributing to the preservation of the Genocide history, emphasizing that such efforts will help future generations understand the past and prevent similar atrocities.

The anticipated mid-June signing at the White House, aimed at achieving long lasting peace in eastern DRC, has been delayed to align with the complexities of ongoing negotiations.

In a statement shared on X, Minister Nduhungirehe explained that after several email exchanges between U.S., Congolese, and Rwandan officials, physical negotiations at the expert level have now commenced in Washington.

As he said, the goal is to craft a “comprehensive, realistic, and win-win peace agreement”.

The minister emphasized that the draft agreement, once finalized by experts, will be submitted to the foreign ministers of both nations for approval before being presented to the heads of state for signing.

This development follows a U.S.-brokered Declaration of Principles signed on April 25, 2025, by the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC, which outlined a commitment to peace and economic cooperation.

The process leading up to the signing involves several prerequisites. Among them, the DRC is expected to address pressing security concerns affecting Rwanda, particularly the issue of the FDLR rebel group operating within Congolese territory.

The United States has also requested that Rwanda halt what it alleges to be support for the M23 rebel movement—allegations Kigali has consistently denied.

At the same time, the DRC is expected to undertake internal reforms that promote more equitable distribution of resources across its provinces and strengthen local governance.

Once the agreement is signed, the U.S. is also expected to enter into economic agreements with both Rwanda and the DRC.

The gym is divided into five main zones, each designed to meet specific wellness needs. These include the Body Fitness Zone, which features machines that help stimulate and activate different body parts; the Stretching and Recovery Zone, equipped with massage and therapy machines for joint flexibility and recovery; and the Strength Training Zone, which offers equipment targeting arms, legs, and other muscle groups.

There is also an Aerobic Zone, where general fitness exercises are performed to music, and a Cardio Zone, dedicated to improving heart function and blood circulation.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Francis Habumugisha, CEO of Goodrich Business Group, emphasized that the gym complements their ongoing initiative called “Medium Fitness Gym at Workplace or Home”, encouraging people to set up personal gyms at home or at work.

“We sell gym equipment for only $11,500 to anyone who wants to stay fit from the comfort of their home or workplace,” he explained.

Dr. Habumugisha said that Goodrich Group Lifecare has supported over 19,600 clients in Rwanda alone, with many testimonies confirming improved health outcomes through their products.

He added that the idea to establish a gym was born out of concern over people misusing poorly managed gyms, often leading to injury.

“I realized many people don’t have guidance in gyms. That’s why we set up a gym with professional trainers and machines that serve all needs,” he said.

The gym, which cost $250,000 to equip, boasts 86 machines, enough to serve as many users simultaneously. It can accommodate over 300–400 clients per day.

The facility also features diagnostic machines that evaluate an individual’s physical condition before starting workouts, ensuring users operate within safe limits.

“We introduced body assessment systems that help determine what your body can handle before you start using the gym,” Dr. Habumugisha said.

The launch event was attended by high-profile guests, including Ambassador Naeem Khan of Pakistan, former Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, singer Mariya Yohana, and Kigali Independent University (ULK) Chancellor Prof. Rwigamba Balinda.

Prof. Rwigamba praised the idea of encouraging home and workplace gyms. “Their supplements contain vital vitamins. Having fitness spaces at home or work is a smart and preventive health measure, which I strongly support,” he said.

Singer Mariya Yohana shared her personal experience, saying that Goodrich products helped her manage memory loss and joint pain. “I couldn’t even bend due to past injuries. But after using their nutritional supplements, I regained strength and now do my chores,” she testified.

Currently serving as the ITF Development Officer for East and Central Africa, a role he has held since 2011, Ntwali has played a pivotal part in transforming the tennis landscape across the region.

His work includes supporting national federations, organizing elite tournaments, and spearheading programs like the Junior Tennis Initiative.

In Rwanda, Ntwali has previously served as Technical Director of the Rwanda Tennis Federation, national coach, Davis Cup captain, and Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee. He also led the national delegation as Chef de Mission during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Ntwali expressed delight at receiving the International Trailblazer award from the Tennis Black List.
“I am proud, humbled and filled with gratitude. As someone who has dedicated more than a decade to the development of tennis in East and Central Africa, this recognition is deeply meaningful, not just for me personally but for the entire region.

“It shines a light on the often-unseen efforts taking place to grow the game in communities where tennis is still emerging.”

The Tennis Black List, launched in 2022, is the only global platform focused on recognizing and celebrating Black and mixed-Black contributions to tennis—from grassroots to professional levels.

Inspired by similar initiatives in football and rugby, the platform seeks to create a legacy of visibility and impact.

Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo emphasized the movement’s legacy.

“Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis.”

With this award, Thierry Ntwali joins a growing list of global changemakers using tennis as a tool for transformation and inclusion.

The source confirmed that the musician succumbed to illness. Natty Dread had been undergoing treatment at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) since September 2022.

In February 2024, after several months of treatment, he returned to Kigali and attended the premiere of a Bob Marley documentary screened at Canal Olympia. At the time, he told IGIHE he was feeling better and optimistic about his recovery.

Although his condition had improved at one point, enough for him to travel back to Rwanda, his health later declined, prompting his return to Germany for further care, where he eventually died.

Born Mitali Raphael in 1969 (though official documents list 1964, a date he reportedly altered to join the military), Natty Dread was born in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge.

When he was three, his family relocated to Kenya, where he later met Israeli family friends who introduced him to connections in Jamaica, eventually leading him to meet Bob Marley.

Holding Israeli citizenship, Natty Dread is best known for his hit song “Hobe Rwanda”, which remains popular among Rwandan music lovers. He is survived by seven children from four different women.

Natty Dread holds a significant place in Rwanda’s post-genocide cultural history, being the first international artist to perform in the country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He shared the stage with Cedella Booker, Bob Marley’s mother, during a historic concert in 1996.

During the meeting, the Chairperson welcomed the collaborative efforts of the EAC and SADC in de-escalating tensions in Eastern DRC and acknowledged progress towards a peace agreement.

Youssouf and Amb. Karamba also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement.

On peacekeeping on the continent, they underscored the importance of sustainable peacekeeping financing, with UNSC Resolution 2719 providing a key framework for predictable support.

Amb. Karamba expressed appreciation for the Chairperson’s early visit to Kigali and reiterated Rwanda’s continued support for his leadership.

The handover ceremony, which took place at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi from June 9 to 13, 2025, was presided over by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, who passed the RECSA flag and instruments of establishment to Rwanda.

Rwanda will be deputized by Tanzania in this leadership role. The high-level meeting brought together ministers and representatives from various member states, including Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta.

One of the key resolutions from the meeting was a renewed commitment to the effective implementation of all provisions of the Nairobi Protocol and harmonized binding instruments aimed at combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Additionally, member states agreed that the 17th Technical Advisory Committee and the 12th Ordinary Council of Ministers meetings will be held in Kigali in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The meeting was attended by ministers and plenipotentiaries from Burundi, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The five-day meeting concluded with a unified commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges posed by small arms proliferation and reinforcing cooperation among member states and international partners to promote sustainable peace and security.

The MDA reported two people critically injured, two moderately, four lightly-moderately, while the remaining individuals suffered light injuries or trauma-related symptoms, including panic attacks.

Following the launches, air defense sirens were activated, sending millions of residents to protected rooms and shelters for more than an hour.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin said that most missiles were intercepted by the air defense system or did not reach their target. He noted that the injuries reported occurred inside buildings, with several caused by shrapnel from intercepted missiles.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said following the launches that “Iran crossed red lines when it dared to fire missiles at civilian population centers in Israel.”

“We will continue to protect the citizens of Israel,” he said, warning that the country would “ensure that Tehran pays a very heavy price for its criminal actions.”

Meanwhile, the IDF denied Iranian media reports that Iran had downed an Israeli fighter jet and detained its pilot.

In a separate statement, the IDF said it had attacked earlier Friday Iranian Air Force bases in western Iran, destroying Tabriz Airbase, without providing further details.

It added that the IDF attacked and destroyed dozens of Iranian air defense targets, drones, and surface-to-surface missile launchers.

“The IDF is prepared to continue to operate as necessary,” the statement read. “The IDF is continuously conducting situational assessments and will continue to update on developments.”