The Office condemned “in the strongest possible terms” Russia’s decision to expel a British diplomat last month and its “baseless accusations against our staff,” said the statement.
Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly, it added.
On January 15, the Russian foreign ministry said Russia had decided to expel a British embassy employee for alleged affiliation with the British special services.
The ministry said it summoned the British charge d’affaires in Russia on the same day and lodged a strong protest regarding the issue.
The ministry had decided to revoke the accreditation of the employee and ordered him to leave Russia within two weeks.
“Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British special services staff on Russian territory,” it said, adding that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive “mirror” response.
Uwilingiyimana rose to national prominence after joining politics, especially through her work at the Ministry of Education. She entered public service with a clear vision: ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children, at a time when the system was governed by the policy of ethnic and regional quotas.
She also made history as Rwanda’s first female Prime Minister, serving under President Juvénal Habyarimana. The two, however, held sharply different views, particularly on government policies that promoted exclusion and oppression.
Agathe Uwilingiyimana was killed by soldiers from the Presidential Guard shortly after President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down.
Beyond politics, she played a key role in founding SERUKA (an association advocating for the development of women and families) and contributed significantly to the establishment of Forum for African Women Education ( FAWE), an organization dedicated to promoting education for African women and girls. She strongly advocated for women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making positions.
Before becoming widely known as a politician, Uwilingiyimana was a teacher at the Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare, a profession that deeply shaped her values and leadership style.
{{A woman rooted in culture and discipline}}
Angélique Mpinganzima, her niece, told IGIHE that Uwilingiyimana was also her godmother. At the time of the Genocide, Mpinganzima was 17 years old.
She described Uwilingiyimana as a woman deeply attached to Rwandan culture, both in dress and in family traditions.
“Agathe respected Rwandan cultural practices to a remarkable degree. Whenever she gave birth, she would formally present the child to the family, accompanied by celebrations, including at her in-laws’ home. I clearly remember when she gave birth to her third child—she came wearing a traditional crown. She truly valued our culture,” Mpinganzima recalled.
In her daily life, Uwilingiyimana was known for her discipline, strong sense of organization, and respect for time.
“She always wrote down her weekly schedule. Changing her plans was very difficult because everything she did was carefully planned. She was not the type of person who would get distracted by visits or long conversations and forget her responsibilities,” she said.
{{Her entry into politics}}
According to Mpinganzima, Uwilingiyimana did not initially expect to become Minister of Education, as she was already engaged in other professional responsibilities.
When she was about to enter politics, many people tried to discourage her, telling her that politics was not meant for women and that she could pursue a more comfortable career. Despite this pressure, she remained determined.
“They would tell her, ‘Agathe, you are well educated, you could easily get a good job—why get into politics?’ And she would reply, ‘There are things I must do for the benefit of others. People from Butare, Gitarama, and Gikongoro have been marginalized. Our children are not going to school. I cannot just stand by and watch,’” Mpinganzima recounted.
Even before joining politics, Uwilingiyimana openly opposed injustice in the education system. This explains why one of her main battles was against the quota system, and why she worked to help many children who had dropped out of school return to their studies.
Her appointment as minister was a historic moment for her home area.
“It was a source of pride for the family, the community, and even the country. She was the first person from our area—near the Burundi border—to ever become a minister. It was something extraordinary,” Mpinganzima said.
{{Killed for opposing genocide}}
Agathe Uwilingiyimana was among the first national leaders to be killed following the downing of President Habyarimana’s plane on April 6, 1994. She was murdered on April 7, the very day the Genocide against the Tutsi began openly. Some family members learned of her death early that morning.
“We heard that the Prime Minister had been killed. My parents, uncles, and other relatives gathered at my grandfather’s home. The entire hill came together—people abandoned their farming and returned home. There was nothing we could do. We just sat there, helpless,” Mpinganzima recalled.
The situation soon became even more dangerous, as the family was accused of being responsible for the country’s collapse, with claims that Uwilingiyimana had ‘betrayed’ the nation.
They were eventually saved when Interahamwe militiamen fled after hearing that the RPF had reached Save, allowing the family to escape to Burundi.
{{A lasting lesson for women}}
The last piece of advice Mpinganzima remembers from Uwilingiyimana was her encouragement to learn vocational skills. She later followed that advice, studying tailoring, and is now a vocational instructor.
“The biggest lesson she taught me is courage—especially as a woman. She showed us that if you decide to do something, you can achieve it. That should be a lesson for all women,” she said.
“She never limited herself by where she came from or waited for someone to speak on her behalf. She didn’t ask who would support her. As women, we should learn from her and seize every opportunity we get.”
{{A brief profile}}
Agathe Uwilingiyimana was born on June 23, 1953, in Gikore, in the former Butare Prefecture. She was the daughter of Ntibashirakandi Yuvenali and Nyirantibangwa Saverina. In 1976, she married Ignace Barahira, with whom she had three children.
From February 1989 to April 1992, she served as Director of Small and Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of Industry.
From April 16, 1992, to July 16, 1993, she was Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
She became Rwanda’s first female Prime Minister on July 17, 1993, serving until April 7, 1994, when she was assassinated by members of the Presidential Guard.
Agathe Uwilingiyimana remains a powerful symbol of integrity, courage, and resistance to injustice in Rwanda’s history.
The AFC/M23 leadership stated that the tragedy, which occurred on January 28, 2026, resulted from a landslide triggered by increasingly soft soil in Rubaya amid heavy seasonal rains.
On January 31, the DRC Ministry of Mining announced that most of the victims were involved in illegal mining activities, which AFC/M23 had previously engaged in.
AFC/M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka expressed disappointment with the DRC government’s response to the tragedy, accusing it of attempting to exploit the situation for political gain.
“Instead of taking responsibility for its long-standing failures in managing the mining sector, the regime seeks to exploit a tragic incident caused by torrential rains in the artisanal mines of Rubaya for political gain,” said Kanyuka.
AFC/M23 emphasized that the disaster in Rubaya bears no relation to their control of the area, as similar tragedies have repeatedly occurred in regions under DRC government control. In fact, over 800 people have died in mining accidents in government-controlled areas over the years.
The alliance cited 15 mining incidents that claimed numerous lives under DRC government control in areas including Nyamukubi and Bushushu in South Kivu, where over 500 people died on May 4, 2023.
AFC/M23 also reminded the DRC government of earlier mining disasters, such as the deaths of 37 people in a mine in Fizi in October 2018, 43 people in the KOV mine in Lualaba in June 2019, and 50 people near Kamituga in South Kivu in September 2020, all in areas under government control.
The launch marked the beginning of a transformative initiative designed to unlock Africa’s demographic potential and equip the continent’s emerging leaders with the skills and insights needed to address complex governance challenges.
The event was attended by members of Yetu’s Board of Directors and distinguished guests, including Monica Geingos, 3rd First Lady of the Republic of Namibia and Founder & Co-Chair of Leadership Lab Yetu; Mahamadou Issoufou, Former President of the Republic of Niger; and Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President of the Republic of Botswana. Other notable participants included Dr. Nkosana Moyo, Founder and Executive Chair of the Mandela Institute for Development Studies, and Jakkie Cilliers, Chairman of the Board and Head of African Futures and Innovation at the Institute for Security Studies.
The launch was supported by strategic partners, including the Ministry of Youth and Arts of Rwanda and the African School of Governance (ASG). Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, Rwanda’s Minister for Youth and Arts, and Francis Gatare, President of ASG, delivered remarks encouraging practical leadership and innovation among the inaugural cohort of Dr. Hage G. Geingob Fellows and ASG pioneers.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the first cohort of Fellows joining Yetu’s flagship Intergenerational Leadership Accelerator (ILA). The 12-month program brings together ministers, parliamentarians, senior advisors, and local government leaders from across Africa to collaborate on practical policy solutions for challenges such as job creation, education, and institutional reform.
Alongside the ILA, Leadership Lab Yetu will serve as a hub for forward-looking research on governance, youth inclusion, and demographic trends, generating evidence-based insights to inform policy design and institutional reform across the continent.
Speaking at the launch, Monica Geingos highlighted the importance of preparing Africa’s next generation of leaders to navigate complex challenges and implement scalable solutions.
“The African leaders that emerge in the next 10 years will be the architects of the world’s evolution over the course of the next 100 years… We are thrilled to launch Leadership Lab Yetu as a transformative space where the innovation and drive of high-potential, innovative leaders can converge with the experience of those who understand the bottlenecks inherent in state processes and systems,” she said.
Rumbidzai Chisenga, CEO of Leadership Lab Yetu, emphasised the lab’s mission to strengthen institutions and equip leaders with practical policy insights.
“The research we produce will be timely and forward-looking. The bold ideas that new and experienced leaders co-create will become the bedrock for inclusive and effective governance across the continent,” she remarked.
Monica Geingos is a Namibian lawyer and entrepreneur who served as the country’s First Lady from 2015 to 2024. Her professional background includes serving as Managing Director of Stimulus Investments, a major private equity fund, and as Chairperson of eBank Namibia. She also chaired the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. Through Leadership Lab Yetu, she now aims to leverage her experience to mentor and connect the next generation of African leaders.
The attacks, attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a prominent separatist group in the region, included suicide bombings and armed raids targeting security installations, police stations, markets, and civilian areas, resulting in significant casualties among civilians and security personnel. Authorities confirmed that the violence marked one of the deadliest escalations in recent years.
The attacks began with coordinated assaults on key infrastructure, such as a high-security prison, military checkpoints, and government facilities. The insurgents used bombs and heavy artillery in a bid to destabilize the region. A significant number of civilian casualties were reported, with bombings in busy markets and civilian buildings adding to the devastation. In addition to militants, several police officers and military personnel lost their lives in the attacks.
In response, Pakistan’s military, along with paramilitary forces and police, launched a counteroffensive operation that lasted approximately 40 hours, resulting in the deaths of 145 fighters associated with the BLA.
This operation dealt a significant blow to the insurgent group, representing a direct retaliation to the ongoing insurgency that has plagued the region for years.
Provincial authorities have accused the militants of being backed by India, though these claims have been denied by the Indian government, which labeled the accusations as “baseless and politically motivated”.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and resource-rich province, has long been a hotspot for ethnic separatism. Local Baloch groups have expressed grievances over the lack of political autonomy and the unequal distribution of resources.
These grievances have fueled the separatist insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives. The region’s separatist groups are demanding greater autonomy or even independence, citing economic and political marginalization by the central government in Islamabad.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the most prominent group leading the insurgency. In recent years, the group has carried out several high-profile attacks on security and government targets.
Analysts argue that military actions alone will not resolve the conflict in Balochistan. They warn that continued military responses, without addressing the region’s political and economic issues, will only exacerbate the cycle of violence. Experts stress the need for a long-term solution that includes dialogue, development, and political autonomy for Balochistan.
The President made the remarks on February 1, 2026, during the National Prayer Breakfast, a national prayer and thanksgiving event organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship.
This year’s gathering, which coincided with Heroes Day celebrations, was held under the theme, “Building a strong and secure family.”
Addressing participants, President Kagame emphasised that patience and mutual understanding are essential in building families, noting that he finds it difficult to understand how disagreements between two people can lead to separation.
“How can two people fail to live together? When many people are brought together, that is understandable, but two people? People should be patient with one another. What kind of wrongdoing does one person commit that makes the other say, ‘I no longer want you, I am leaving’? What really happened?” he asked.
The President said that even when serious issues arise, couples should prioritise dialogue and seek solutions together rather than choosing separation, warning that problems may persist elsewhere.
“Even if something has happened, and it is possible, can’t people sit down, look at each other, and talk? If you leave, where will you go without finding similar problems? You may even encounter worse ones,” he said.
President Kagame further warned that the breakdown of families has wider consequences for society and the nation as a whole.
“If this happens to many couples at the same time, two, three, five, or ten, the country suffers. A nation is weakened. These are challenges that can be managed, especially for those who believe in God and in the power of prayer,” he said.
He challenged religious leaders to ensure that the values they teach are applied in daily life, particularly in resolving family conflicts.
“If what you teach and preach is truly believed, then it should help people overcome anger, wrongdoing, and hostility. What is the value of those teachings if they cannot be used to bring peace into families?” he added.
The President stressed that challenges within households are a shared responsibility and called on Rwandans to actively cultivate family stability as a foundation for national development.
“These are issues we must take seriously. If Rwandans adopt this mindset, the country will continue to progress, and the painful lessons from our history will not have been in vain,” he said.
Religious leaders welcomed the President’s message and committed to placing greater emphasis on family unity in their teachings. Pastor Ngendahayo Phocas of Christian Life Assembly in Nyarutarama said the message underscored the link between strong families and national stability.
“The President emphasised the importance of a well-built family. Families are made up of individuals, and those individuals must be built first. Together, they form the nation. He reminded us of our responsibility to help individuals grow and learn how to live with others,” he said.
Pastor Phocas said the address was more than a political statement.
“He spoke more like a preacher than a politician. The message resonated deeply with us and challenged us to continue fulfilling our mission,” he said.
According to a report by the Judiciary, 2,674 divorce cases were heard during the 2024/2025 judicial year, down from 2,833 cases in the previous year.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda, Chief Justice Domitille Makantaganzwa, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Gertrude Kazarwa, and other dignitaries.
President Kagame and the First Lady were the first to lay wreaths at the memorial, followed by the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Rwanda, Prof. Charity Manyeruke, representing the diplomatic community in Rwanda. The couple observed a moment of silence at the memorial to honour the sacrifices of Rwanda’s heroes.
After the event, they proceeded to the Kigali Convention Center for a thanksgiving prayer breakfast, organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship.
{{Rwanda’s heroes
}}
Rwanda’s national heroes are recognised in three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi.
The Imanzi category honours the highest-ranking heroes, including an Unknown Soldier, representing all who gave their lives in battle, and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema, who led the Rwandan Patriotic Front at the start of the liberation struggle in October 1990.
The Imena category includes heroes such as King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and the Nyange Secondary School students, recognised for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
The Ingenzi category currently has no officially listed heroes, although the National Heroes, Medals, and Decorations Office (CHENO) is reviewing over 30 living individuals to potentially recognise them as national heroes or award them national honors.
The ceremony marked a solemn moment of remembrance and celebration of the courage, sacrifice, and contributions of Rwanda’s heroes.
The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, whose body was discovered at a Russian position in the Donetsk region following a deadly assault operation.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Mogesa had previously lived and worked in Qatar before signing a contract with the Russian army. He was subsequently assigned to one of Russia’s assault units and reportedly sent to the frontlines despite insufficient military training.
“The Kenyan national had been living and working in Qatar before later signing a contract with the armed forces of the Russian Federation and being assigned to one of the occupiers’ assault units,” the statement read.
The Ukrainian report also noted that Russian forces did not evacuate Mogesa’s body after his death, and his family has yet to receive any official communication from Russian authorities. At the time his body was discovered, Mogesa was carrying passports belonging to two other Kenyan citizens, believed to be fellow recruits.
Ukrainian intelligence used the incident to issue a warning to foreign nationals against travelling to the Russian Federation or accepting any form of employment on its territory, particularly illegal work.
“Travelling to Russia carries a real risk of being forcibly deployed to assault units without adequate training and with little to no chance of survival,” the Ukrainian intelligence warned.
This incident follows the recent repatriation of 18 Kenyans who were fighting in Russia, confirmed by the Kenyan government through the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. Authorities estimate that at least 200 Kenyans may have been recruited into the conflict, with recruitment networks believed to operate both in Kenya and Russia.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine began in February 2014, when Russia occupied Crimea following Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity. Fighting subsequently erupted in the eastern Donbas region between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists.
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting major cities including Kyiv. The war is fueled by a complex mix of geopolitical, historical, and security concerns, including Russia’s opposition to NATO expansion, Ukraine’s alignment with the West, and historical claims over Ukrainian territory.
As of early 2026, combined military casualties in the conflict are estimated at nearly 2 million, with Russia reportedly losing around 1.2 million personnel and Ukraine sustaining roughly 500,000–600,000 casualties.
Civilian losses are severe, with the UN verifying nearly 16,000 deaths, and approximately 10.6 million Ukrainians displaced. Infrastructure across Ukraine has been heavily damaged, with tens of billions of dollars in losses to energy, housing, and transport networks.
The visiting staffers were received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, for discussions focused on strengthening the Rwanda–United States partnership.
The engagement also provided an opportunity to exchange views on Rwanda’s development progress, governance priorities, and long-term nation-building efforts following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Rwanda Visit Program is designed to equip U.S. Congressional staff with first-hand knowledge of Rwanda’s political and socio-economic transformation, with a particular focus on post-genocide reconstruction, reconciliation, and inclusive development. Through structured discussions and field engagements, participants gain deeper insight into Rwanda’s policy frameworks and development model.
As part of broader congressional engagement with Rwanda, the U.S. Congressional delegation visited the Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District on Friday. During the visit, the delegation met former combatants of the FDLR militia who voluntarily repatriated and renounced armed struggle. The militia group active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The delegation was briefed on Rwanda’s demobilisation and reintegration programme and heard testimonies from former combatants who chose peace and reintegration into civilian life. The Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission highlighted the country’s approach to promoting security, unity, and stability in the Great Lakes Region.
Speaking on behalf of the congressional delegation during the Mutobo visit, Congressman Nick Hawatmeh commended Rwanda’s efforts to foster unity and social cohesion and expressed appreciation for the work being carried out to support reconciliation and long-term peace.
“We appreciate the incredibly important work to ensure Rwandans stay unified and together,” Hawatmeh said. “The work you do is extremely important.”
Established in 2022 under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, the Rwanda Visit Program has hosted several cohorts of U.S. Congressional staff and continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between Rwanda and the United States.
Those ambitions took centre stage this week in Islamabad, where the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), in collaboration with the High Commission of Rwanda in Pakistan, organized the inaugural Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 from January 29 to 30.
Held at the Mövenpick Hotel, the two-day event provided a dedicated platform to showcase Rwanda’s high-quality specialty coffee while strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Pakistan remains Rwanda’s leading buyer of tea through the auction system, positioning it as a strategic partner for Kigali. With demand for specialty and premium coffee rising, driven by an expanding café culture and a younger consumer base, NAEB is seeking to position Rwandan coffee as a high-value product capable of attracting competitive prices and fostering long-term partnerships.
Speaking on the sidelines of the festival, NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana said Rwanda’s participation was guided by clear objectives.
He explained that the festival offered an opportunity to market Rwandan coffee directly to the international market and to reconnect with companies previously engaged through trade platforms in Mombasa.
Bizimana added that NAEB also used the occasion to engage tea-processing factories, exploring possibilities for direct sourcing from Rwanda, which could help increase import volumes, boost production, and ultimately raise farmers’ incomes.
“The Rwanda Coffee Festival was a success, attracting many participating companies and generating strong interest after visitors tasted our coffee. All of this aligns with the plan to increase agricultural exports, contribute more to the national economy, and improve farmers’ livelihoods overall,” he noted.
The festival attracted a diverse audience, including business leaders, officials, and sector stakeholders from both countries.
A delegation of Rwandan coffee producers and exporters took part, alongside Bizimana and Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi.
The event was officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Sebahizi together with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou, and Bizimana, symbolizing deepening cooperation between Kigali and Islamabad.
A major highlight of the event was the traditional coffee cupping session, where participants sampled Rwanda’s signature coffee profiles, known for their floral notes, balanced acidity, and rich, complex aromas.
On the margins of the festival, Bizimana also held discussions with High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou on practical ways to enhance the visibility of Rwandan products and ease access to the Pakistani market.
The initiative forms part of Rwanda’s long-term strategy to diversify export markets and position itself as a reliable source of high-quality agricultural products.
Having already established a strong presence in Pakistan’s tea imports, Kigali now hopes to replicate that success with coffee, aiming to make Rwandan brews a familiar feature in Pakistani cups.
