According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), four individuals, including two children, lost their lives after being swept away, while over 45,000 individuals have been affected by flash floods caused by moderate to heavy rainfall in various regions of Somalia since April 15.
OCHA said the Shabelle River burst its banks on Monday in Jowhar district, displacing over 6,000 people and inundating about 11,000 hectares of land.
“OCHA has reached out to partners to provide whatever emergency assistance they can deliver to those affected, particularly shelter, sanitation facilities, and relocation support,” it said in its flash update released in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The UN agency said the flooding is occurring at a time when partners, especially national non-governmental agencies that often serve as frontline responders, are facing crippling funding reductions, which have severely limited their ability to respond to emerging needs.
The floods were triggered by moderate-to-heavy rains during the Gu (April to June) main rainy season, which typically begins on April 15 in parts of Somalia and the Ethiopian highlands, where the Juba and Shabelle rivers originate.
“The rains have, however, brought relief following six months of prolonged dry conditions by replenishing water points and pasture,” OCHA said.
“The Congolese judiciary has gathered the most tangible and irrefutable evidence supporting the clear involvement, the direct participation of senator for life Joseph Kabila in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the massacres of peaceful citizens”, Mutamba told reporters.
“We expect from the senate the pure and simple lifting” of immunity so the case can be heard by the High Military Court, Mutamba added.
Joseph Kabila served as president of the DRC from 2001 until 2019, after which he entered the Senate.
The current government has long accused him of collaborating with the AFC/M23 coalition, which controls large parts of North and South Kivu provinces in the country’s troubled east.
When Kabila visited Goma on April 18, 2025—a city under the control of the AFC/M23 coalition since late January—the Congolese government declared its intention to seize all his assets, calling his presence in the area further proof of his alleged ties to the rebel alliance.
An individual close to Kabila defended the visit, saying the former president was participating in peace talks aimed at resolving the country’s persistent insecurity in the east.
Minister Mutamba, however, asserted that Kabila played a role in atrocities committed in eastern DRC and went as far as to claim that the former president was among the founders of the AFC/M23 coalition.
He clarified that the prosecution is not targeting Kabila in his capacity as a former head of state, but rather as a sitting senator—hence the request to the Senate to remove his immunity so legal action can proceed.
In March 2025, Kabila publicly denied having any connection to AFC/M23, arguing that if he truly had ties to the group, the conflict in eastern DRC would have escalated far beyond its current level.
Kabila’s political party, the PPRD, also issued a statement denying the accusations. The party claimed there is no evidence that Kabila even traveled to Goma and added that even if he had, it would not prove any affiliation with AFC/M23.
He made the remarks during an interview with France 24, which focused on security concerns in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ndayishimiye acknowledged recent diplomatic efforts and peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRC—brokered with the support of the United States and Qatar—stating that although the root issues are now better understood and there is renewed hope for peace, the situation remains delicate.
He emphasized that signs still suggest Rwanda harbors intentions to destabilize Burundi, even as Kigali continues to deny the accusations.
“We have information and evidence. It is based on the fact that Rwanda continues to host the individuals behind the 2015 coup attempt,” Ndayishimiye said.
He further alleged that Rwanda could use these individuals in the same way it allegedly backed the M23 rebel group in the DRC, presenting them as Burundians while covertly supporting them.
“We know that Rwanda could use them, claiming they are Burundians, when in reality, it would be Rwanda behind them,” he added. “As long as these individuals are not handed over to Burundian justice, we remain concerned.”
Despite these concerns, Ndayishimiye said the ongoing war in eastern DRC could limit Rwanda’s ability to launch a direct attack on Burundi.
He also accused Rwanda of supporting the armed rebel group RED Tabara, which has been linked to multiple terrorist incidents in Burundi. According to Ndayishimiye, this alleged support is one reason why his country remains on high alert.
The Burundian president noted that he has not spoken with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in some time. Their last conversation, he said, took place during regional peace talks on the DRC, during which Kagame reportedly assured him that the individuals involved in the 2015 coup would be brought to justice.
In February 2025, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, told IGIHE that it is, in fact, Burundi that poses a threat to Rwanda—claiming that Burundian actions have already escalated beyond rhetoric.
He added that Burundi has aligned itself with the DRC in efforts to undermine Rwanda’s government and has aligned with armed groups, including the FDLR—a group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—and the Wazalendo militia.
Despite rising tensions, officials from both countries have recently held talks aimed at easing hostilities and restoring bilateral relations.
In March, Nduhungirehe noted that Rwanda and Burundi were on a constructive path toward de-escalation and mutual understanding, as dialogue between their governments continued.
{{Why Rwanda has not extradited the 2015 coup suspects}}
The individuals at the center of the dispute are accused of participating in the 2015 coup attempt that sought to overthrow former Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Rwanda has consistently stated that it cannot extradite them, citing international refugee law. Under agreements signed with the United Nations, any country that grants asylum to an individual claiming to flee persecution is not allowed to forcibly return them—particularly if the UN has formally granted them refugee status.
Rwandan authorities argue that returning these individuals would violate international obligations and set a precedent that no responsible state should follow.
Burundi, for its part, has previously submitted a list of the individuals it wants extradited, insisting that their handover is crucial to restoring normal diplomatic ties between the two nations.
While Rwanda maintains that legal repatriation is not possible, it has suggested exploring third-country resettlement options for the individuals in question.
The decision will result in the closure of 25 embassies, consulates, and missions in places including the Vatican, Albania, Vietnam, and Seychelles, and merge them into Libyan missions in countries that include Italy, Malaysia, and Kenya.
The decision also calls for the formation of a committee to reduce the number of diplomats and employees at Libyan missions abroad.
During a meeting with the state-owned National Oil Corporation on Tuesday, Dbeibah announced the intention to reduce the number of Libyan diplomats abroad by 20 percent.
“We will close a number of embassies. This is an important decision for the people, and it will help create a surplus of foreign currency consumption, especially since these embassies consume large amounts,” Dbeibah said during the meeting.
Dbeibah’s decision comes amid growing calls to cut government spending in an effort to improve Libya’s economic situation.
Gabon’s reinstatement came after the council in its 1,277th meeting reviewed the country’s political transition and processes, which were found to be “generally successful,” PSC Chairperson Rebecca Amuge Otengo said in a briefing.
Otengo said as a result, the AU has lifted all sanctions and welcomed Gabon back to its full participation in the union’s activities.
Gabon was suspended from the AU following the unconstitutional change of government on Aug. 30, 2023.
“It is with great honor and pride that I announce to the Gabonese people, on behalf of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic, Head of State, Gabon’s return to the great African family,” declared Gabonese Foreign Minister Regis Onanga Ndiaye from the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The removal of these sanctions allows Gabon to reclaim its position within the African community and extend its participation internationally, the minister emphasized.
Gabon can now actively engage in major international meetings organized by the AU and its partners.
Following the coup on Aug. 30, 2023, which brought General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to power, Gabon faced several sanctions, including those imposed by the AU.
The country has since returned to constitutional order after a recent presidential election, in which transitional leader Nguema secured a landslide victory with 94.85 percent of the vote.
The official inauguration of the president-elect is scheduled for May 3 in Libreville, the capital of the Central African country.
The 15th intake, which began in September last year, covered a range of subjects, including police operations, firearms handling, ethics, internal security, civic education, community policing, and public relations.
During the training, participants also took part in field sessions that supported security operations during the festive season, and attended special operation sessions to apply the lessons learned.
The trainees visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to deepen their understanding of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and National Liberation Museum Park in Gicumbi District to learn more about the campaign that helped end the Genocide.
While closing the course, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Operations, Vincent Sano, congratulated the trainees on their successful completion and emphasized the importance of continuous learning.
“NCOs form the backbone of police operations. This training is key to public security and order. As you join various departments, maintain a positive attitude, use your skills to enhance service delivery, and act with professionalism and patriotism,” said DIGP Sano.
“The skills and knowledge you gained will enhance your service to the public. Do not fall into misconduct that can damage your career or tarnish the institution’s image. Avoid corruption, drunkenness, excessive use of force, and other behaviors that go against police values,” he added.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, the Commandant of PTS, commended the trainees for their discipline and conduct during training.
He reminded them that the nation now looks to them to serve professionally and responsibly.
This high-level engagement comes at a time when Rwanda’s mining industry is experiencing remarkable growth.
In 2024, mineral exports generated $1.7 billion, an impressive leap from $373 million recorded in 2017. These figures were disclosed by Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente during his address to members of Parliament on March 27, 2025.
According to the Prime Minister, Rwanda exported 2,384 tonnes of coltan in 2024, earning $99 million. Cassiterite exports totaled 4,861 tonnes and generated $96 million, while 2,741 tonnes of wolfram brought in $36 million. Gold continued to dominate the sector, with 19,397 kilograms exported, generating $1.5 billion in revenue.
Rwanda’s mining sector is capital-intensive, requiring significant investments in exploration, modern equipment, and infrastructure. Trinity Metals is among the key players driving this growth. The company operates the Nyakabingo Mine in Rulindo District, which produces over 1,000 tons of wolfram annually. Production is expected to double within the next four years.
Wolframite, the mineral extracted from Nyakabingo, is the primary source of tungsten, a highly durable metal used in industries such as construction, aerospace, defense, and electronics.
Rwanda currently exports wolfram at 68% purity, as the country lacks a facility to refine it into high-grade tungsten. Once exported, mainly to Austria, the mineral is refined to a purity level of 99.999%, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
In 2024 alone, 1,107 tons of wolfram from Nyakabingo were shipped to Austria, where it is recognized for its exceptional quality.
Trinity Metals has invested $40 million across its Rwandan operations, which include the Musha Mine—currently producing cassiterite and coltan and under exploration for lithium, and the Rutongo Mine, a major cassiterite site.
That year, Trinity Metals exported a combined 2,226 tons of wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan. The company has set an ambitious target to increase its annual exports to 5,201 tons by 2029, signaling its long-term commitment to Rwanda’s mining sector.
Rwanda has been represented by Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, Head of International Military Cooperation, and Brig Gen Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
The talks were also attended by Massad Boulos, the United States Senior Advisor for Africa, as well as representatives from Togo, France, and Qatar, which hosted the meeting.
This high-level meeting follows the signing of a ‘Declaration of Principles’ on April 25, in which Rwanda and the DRC agreed on a roadmap toward sustainable peace in the Great Lakes Region, with support from the United States.
At the time of signing, the U.S. urged both countries to submit a draft peace agreement by May 2 for mutual review.
The U.S. also confirmed that representatives from both nations would return to Washington, D.C., to resolve any disagreements regarding the draft.
Speaking after the recent signing of ‘Declaration of Principles’, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized the importance of tackling root causes and fostering regional cooperation for lasting peace.
He also noted that the declaration supports African-led peace efforts, including those under the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and Qatar’s Doha track, with the ultimate goal of a comprehensive peace agreement.
The current agreement builds on a series of ongoing negotiations. These include mediation efforts led by African Union-appointed facilitator and Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, as well as separate dialogue tracks between Rwanda and the DRC, and between the DRC and the M23/AFC coalition, facilitated by Qatar since March 2025.
Outcomes from regional summits involving leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have also helped shape the peace roadmap.
France, represented at the April 30 talks in Doha, expressed its willingness to contribute to regional peace efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously brought together Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi in September 2022 and attempted to do so again in February 2025, though the latter effort was unsuccessful.
In just 24 months, the electric mobility company has become a driving force behind sustainable transportation and inclusive job creation, with more than 2000, bikes already on Rwandan roads, a number expected to grow exponentially by end of this year.
“This anniversary is more than a number. It reflects the trust we have earned in the community and the strength of our brand on the ground,” said Arunkumar Bhandari, Country Head at Spiro Rwanda.
At the heart of this success is Spiro’s shift to local assembly. Bikes are now being assembled in Kigali, with plans underway to transition into full manufacturing.
This move has generated over 300 jobs, spanning both technical roles and office-based positions. Notably, 40% of Spiro’s workforce is female, a figure that is rare in the traditionally male-dominated automotive sector.
“We are proud of the growing number of women in our technical and operational teams. This isn’t just a win for Spiro; it’s a statement about gender inclusion and the power of ESG values in action,” Bhandari said.
As part of its expansion strategy, Spiro is setting its sights beyond Kigali, targeting areas such as Muhanga, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Rusizi, and Musanze. The expansion plan supports not just growth in market reach but also deeper community engagement and economic empowerment in underserved regions.
The localization of assembly has also led to significant youth upskilling. Spiro is developing a training initiative, dubbed the “Spiro Academy” to partner with universities and the Rwandan government.
The academy will focus on equipping young people, especially women, with the technical skills needed to participate in the country’s emerging electric vehicle sector.
“We’re building capacity not just for Spiro, but for the entire Rwandan manufacturing landscape. We don’t want to import talent, we want to grow it here,” Bhandari noted.
The company’s vision aligns closely with national policy, particularly following the government’s recent ban on the registration of internal combustion engine motorcycles in Kigali.
Spiro’s electric bikes are positioned as a clean alternative, helping to reduce carbon emissions while also supporting the broader goals of climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
“Our work is aligned with the government’s clean mobility agenda. We’re not just a business, we are partner to Rwanda’s green future. This journey has only been possible thanks to the government of Rwanda’s goodwill, incentives, and backing that have allowed us to grow,” Bhandari affirmed.
On the ground, the impact of Spiro’s presence is tangible. Jean De Dieu Ndatimana, the company’s first-ever customer in Rwanda, described how the electric bike transformed his life.
“Initially, we didn’t know much about Spiro, but when we saw its agenda, especially for protecting the environment, we embraced it. Today, I don’t only use the bike for transport but as a vehicle for progress,” he said.
“I’ve used the income from my partnership with Spiro to educate my child in a modern school and start a chicken project at home. It has changed my life,” Ndatimana added.
As Spiro looks to the future, its vision remains clear; to lead the electric mobility revolution in Rwanda while remaining firmly grounded in local empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive development.
This historic collaboration marks Atlético de Madrid’s first-ever commercial partnership with an African brand, positioning Rwanda as a key player in global tourism, investment, and sports development.
This partnership amplifies Rwanda’s growing footprint in European football, building on existing collaborations with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, and marking its debut in Spain’s La Liga.
Commenting on the development, Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, highlighted that this landmark partnership with Atlético de Madrid reflects Rwanda’s strategic ambition to position itself as a premier global hub for investment, tourism, and sports development.
“The Club’s values of resilience, discipline, and excellence closely align with Rwanda’s national ethos and transformation journey. Through this collaboration, we aim to showcase Rwanda as an attractive destination for investors, a unique experience for global travelers, and a platform for nurturing talent and expanding opportunities for young Africans through sport,” he stated.
Effective until June 30, 2028, the multi-year agreement designates Visit Rwanda as a Premium Partner, with prominent branding on the men’s first team training and warm-up kits for the remaining five LaLiga matches and during the Club World Cup.
Starting next season, the branding will extend to the women’s first team training and warm-up kits and appear on the back of the official match jerseys for both teams.
The Visit Rwanda logo will also be showcased across the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, Atlético de Madrid’s global digital platforms, and through fan engagement initiatives worldwide.
As the club’s Official Training Partner, Official Tourism Destination Partner, and Official Coffee Supplier, Visit Rwanda will highlight Rwanda’s renowned coffee, embodying the nation’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and hospitality.
Óscar Mayo, Atlético de Madrid’s General Director of Revenue and Operations, welcomed the partnership as a major step toward the club’s goal of international expansion.
“We are always looking for partners with global solvency, linked to football and Visit Rwanda is an example of this. It is a country in constant growth and I am convinced that we will both benefit from this partnership,” he stated.
Beyond branding, the partnership is expected to advance Rwandan football by providing young players and coaches access to Atlético de Madrid’s world-class training programs, fostering local talent development and creating new opportunities.
