This condemnation was issued in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 10, 2025.
The statement emphasizes that the responsibility for the ongoing attacks and fighting in South Kivu DRC cannot be placed on Rwanda.
It accuses the FARDC and FDNB, in coalition with the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo, and foreign mercenaries, of bombing civilian villages, and which the AFC/M23 has said it has been forced to counter.
“Rwanda condemns the Congolese Army [FARDC] and the Burundian Army [FDNB], together with its coalition of the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo and foreign mercenaries, and have been systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border,” the statement reads.
“These deliberate violations of recently negotiated agreements constitute serious obstacles to peace, resulting in the continued suffering of the population in Eastern DRC, as well as a security threat to Rwanda’s western border,” adds the statement.
The statement further highlights the consequences of these actions, specifically the past week’s bombing of Kamanyola from Burundi, which has led to the displacement of over 1,000 Congolese citizens.
These refugees have crossed into Rwanda and are being accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Bugarama, Southern Rwanda.
The Burundian Army, which has reportedly amassed close to 20,000 troops in South Kivu, is accused of laying siege to Banyamulenge villages in Minembwe. This siege is described as a deliberate attempt to starve the residents and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The statement also pointed out DRC’s relenting commitment having openly stated its intention to disregard the ceasefire and continue its military offensive to recapture territories lost to AFC/M23, even while peace talks were ongoing.
In addition, the failure of the DRC to neutralize the FDLR as stipulated in the June 2025 Peace Agreement continues to delay the resolution of the conflict in Eastern DRC, the ultimate goal of the Washington Accords.
“It is now clear that the DRC was never ready to commit to peace, even as President Tshisekedi participated in the 4th December ceremony, as if forced to sign the Accords,” the statement reads.
In the past week, the European Commission opened two antitrust investigations into U.S. tech giant Google and Meta, and fined Elon Musk’s platform X 120 million euros (about 139.49 million U.S. dollars) in its first non-compliance decision under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Simultaneously, the White House published a new National Security Strategy warning that Europe faces the “prospect of civilizational erasure.” This has triggered an unusually sharp backlash from European leaders.
Analysts say the rift between the United States and Europe is widening, a trend that is reinforcing Europe’s drive for greater “strategic autonomy” and making the split increasingly difficult to reverse.
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On Dec. 5, the European Commission issued its first non-compliance decision under the DSA, fining X 120 million euros for the deceptive design of its blue checkmark, a lack of transparency in its advertising repository, and failing to provide researchers with access to public data.
X owner Elon Musk then blasted the European Union (EU) for the fine, warning that his response would target the officials responsible for the penalty.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned the fine as an attack on American companies and an act of censorship against Americans online. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau argued that the EU’s regulatory stance could damage shared Western security and values.
However, EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen has insisted the law “has nothing to do with censorship.”
On Tuesday, the Commission opened a separate antitrust investigation into whether Google has breached EU anticompetitive rules.
U.S. National Public Radio said that Europe has been striving to establish itself as the global authority for digital regulation. The Trump administration has pushed back against perceived curbs on U.S. companies’ profits, highlighting a growing division over the concept of digital sovereignty, which has transformed long-standing allies into competitors.
{{U.S. security strategy rattles Europe}}
While the tech battles have exposed an economic rift, the new U.S. National Security Strategy has raised the issues of identity and values.
Several U.S. and European outlets have pointed out that in the 30-page document, barely two and a half pages are devoted to Europe, a level of neglect they say no previous U.S. strategy document has shown toward its European allies.
Analysts believe the new Strategy underlines how Europe is being pushed down the list of U.S. priorities. “For Trump, however, Europe seems increasingly irrelevant or, on a bad day, even an adversary,” said Leonard A. Schuette, an international security program fellow at the Belfer Center at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Some experts also argue that the strategy extends the rift into the realm of the shared values that once underpinned the transatlantic security alliance. The Financial Times reported that the document “highlights the ideological gulf that has opened up between Washington and its traditional allies.”
The Strategy also calls on the U.S. to “cultivate resistance within European nations” to what it describes as Europe’s current trajectory, and commends far-right “patriotic” parties across the continent.
Liana Fix, a senior fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, pointed out that the document frames Europe’s problems in “civilizational” terms, which is radically different from any past administration’s view of Europe. Fix concluded that it “marks the end of the transatlantic alliance based on liberal values.”
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Europe’s drive for strategic autonomy is looking more urgent than ever, faced with tariff threats, tech enforcement battles, and the new U.S. strategy document.
From U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s blunt criticism of Europe at the Munich Security Conference early this year, to the U.S. tendency to bypass European allies in negotiations on Ukraine, the pattern of “America First” decisions has pushed Europe toward strengthening its own strategic autonomy.
In recent months, the EU has invoked its digital regulations to launch a series of enforcement actions against major U.S. tech firms. Analysts describe these moves as a direct response to the U.S. use of tariff threats to interfere with the bloc’s digital regulatory agenda.
At the same time, several European countries have begun raising defense budgets and expanding joint military cooperation in an effort to reduce long-standing dependence on the U.S. in security and defense.
A recent paper published by the European Union Institute for Security Studies warns that Europe is not facing a “storm that will pass.” It is a multi-round contest in which power, alliances, and resilience are built over time, the paper said.
To prepare for what comes next, the paper urges Europe to “collect more cards and learn to play them smartly,” including boosting defense capabilities, investing in strategic industries, and rebuilding Europe’s economic security, so it can safeguard its own security and democratic future. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollars)
According to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day forum provides a key platform to advance the agenda on women’s rights, peace, and security.
In his opening remarks, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti welcomed the African Union’s (AU) decision to hold the forum in Tunisia for the first time outside AU headquarters, noting that it reflects Tunisia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African partners at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
He emphasized that the current global context calls for greater solidarity and coordinated action to tackle shared challenges, particularly in peace and security.
Nafti also stressed that lasting peace requires preventive, comprehensive approaches that address structural causes such as inequality and poverty, which fuel marginalization and exclusion.
The opening session brought together representatives of AU member states, regional and international organizations, and civil society groups.
This year’s event was attended by Marta Nawrocka, the wife of Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who took the opportunity to explore various exhibits from around the world, including Rwanda’s unique offerings.
The SHOM Charity Bazaar, which highlights the best products from participating countries, raises funds for charitable initiatives supported by non-governmental organizations in Poland and abroad.
This year, the event aimed to assist 17 organizations, including a Polish initiative that established a school for visually impaired children in Kibeho, Rwanda.
Rwanda’s booth featured a selection of its renowned products, including coffee, tea, baskets, and traditional crafts, which attracted a large crowd.
Marta Nawrocka visited the Rwandan booth, where she was warmly welcomed by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Prof. Shyaka Anastase, and his wife, Beata Shyaka. They took the opportunity to explain the significance of Rwanda’s products and the country’s rich culture.
The event, which took place just ahead of Christmas, was also attended by children from a local kindergarten in the Siemiatycze district.
Upon reaching the Rwandan booth, the children were greeted by Ambassador Shyaka and performed Christmas songs in Kinyarwanda, proudly waving Rwandan flags.
Amb. Shyaka expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to showcasing Rwanda’s cultural and artisanal treasures.
He particularly thanked the children for bringing the spirit of Christmas to the event through their songs in Kinyarwanda, offering a glimpse of Rwanda’s vibrant culture to attendees at the charity bazaar.
The advance comes after days of heavy fighting in the Rusizi valley, where AFC/M23 fighters have pushed back DRC government forces across several areas. Prior to taking Kiliba, the coalition captured the town centre of Runingo and other localities, including Katogota, Rurambo, Luberizi, Luvungi, Mutalule, Bwegera, Nyakabere, and Sange.
Media reports indicate that gunfire was heard in Uvira city even before Kiliba fell, allegedly from fighters associated with the Wazalendo coalition. The escalating insecurity has forced businesses and schools in Uvira to close temporarily.
Sources in South Kivu say that Burundian troops stationed in captured areas, including Runingo, withdrew after facing heavy resistance from AFC/M23 fighters. Similar reports emerged on December 8, when Burundian forces, alongside DRC and Wazalendo fighters, reportedly retreated following the loss of Sange town centre.
The situation remains fluid, with residents and authorities closely monitoring the unfolding security dynamics along the Uvira corridor.
On August 7, 2023, IRMCT judges decided to suspend Kabuga’s trial, explaining that he was unable to stand trial due to his medical condition, including dementia.
After receiving a request from the prosecution to temporarily release Kabuga and send him to Rwanda—the only country willing to accept him— the Trial Chamber rejected the request on November 14, 2025, deciding that there was no need to consider whether Rwanda would be an appropriate State for Kabuga’s release.
On November 28, the prosecution filed an appeal, urging IRMCT judges to reverse their decision and send Kabuga to Rwanda to avoid continued detention, arguing that no other country had agreed to accept him.
The prosecution further explained that the judges’ decision on November 14 overlooked reports from doctors, including Dr. Liam Scott, which indicated that Kabuga could be transported by air ambulance to Rwanda without endangering his health.
The prosecution emphasized that there was no hope of finding another country willing to accept Kabuga, citing that in 2023 alone, one European country rejected his request for asylum three times, and another rejected it once.
Kabuga’s continued detention at the IRMCT detention facility in The Hague is also financially burdensome. The prosecution stated that Kabuga and three other detainees cost the tribunal $2 million annually.
In a recent ruling led by Iain Bonomy, the judges called for European countries that had rejected Kabuga’s transfer to reconsider their stance. Prosecutor Serge Brammertz has described this as pressure on the countries to accept Kabuga.
The prosecution noted, “The Trial Chamber’s November 2025 request for these European States to reconsider Kabuga’s requests for residency underscores its inability to resolve the matter. This renewed pressure on these States to welcome Kabuga into their territory is difficult to understand.”
The prosecution argued that Kabuga, who is facing charges related to genocide, does not qualify for protection under European refugee laws due to the serious international crimes he is accused of.
It further stated, “Kabuga, indicted for genocide, is excluded from protection under the Refugee Convention and European law, considered ‘undeserving of international protection’ because there are ‘serious reasons’ for considering that he committed international crimes.
“Not only is he subject to a confirmed genocide indictment—he also has a long history of evading justice, including in at least one of the States where he seeks release.”
The prosecution reminded the judges that the decision made two years ago to delay Kabuga’s trial clearly indicated the urgency of his temporary release, and that efforts should be made to release him to Rwanda.
It stated, “The record is clear that Rwanda is the only realistic option and that an air ambulance can safely fly him there.”
The IRMCT Appeals Chamber has been asked to intervene in this case and make a decision on whether to temporarily release Kabuga to Rwanda, or to submit the case to the President of the Tribunal, Graciela Gatti Santana, to make a ruling based on the authority granted by law.
On December 8, 2025, President of the IRMCT, Santana, decided to appoint a panel of three judges—Carmel Agius, Burton Hall, and Liu Daqun—to review the prosecution’s appeal.
In a statement, the Israeli military said the strikes hit a compound used by Hezbollah’s Radwan Force for training activities. Additional military structures and a launch site belonging to Hezbollah were also targeted.
Video circulating on social networks showed large flames rising above buildings, while Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen TV reported that violent air raids targeted the Iqlim al-Tuffah area and Mount Safi.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The attack was the latest of recent intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that came into effect in November 2024.
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has already resulted in significant civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and displacement on both sides of the border, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
The UN chief stresses that both parties must protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian relief, and urges both parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, the spokesperson said.
Dujarric said the secretary-general reiterates his call on the parties to return to the framework of the Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, recommit to the ceasefire, and implement de-escalation and confidence-building measures.
Guterres calls on both parties to make full use of all mechanisms for dialogue to find a lasting solution to the dispute through peaceful means, the spokesperson said.
“The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region,” Dujarric said.
Border clashes broke out again between Thailand and Cambodia from Sunday to Monday, with artillery fire reported in several areas and residents rushing to evacuate in multiple provinces, less than two months after the two countries signed a joint peace declaration.
This figure was revealed by the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service, CG Evariste Murenzi, who stated that since the beginning of 2025, the service has received over 23,000 people sentenced by the courts.
On average, this means that at least 2,090 people are imprisoned each month. Currently, the total number of incarcerated individuals is over 70,000, with 23,000 new inmates received this year alone.
The Rwanda Human Rights Commission recently noted a decrease in the number of detainees, contributing to a reduction in overcrowding in prisons by 24.3%, from 134.3% to 110%.
The Commission also revealed that the total number of prisoners is 74,253, including 68,944 men, 4,773 women, and 536 children.
CG Murenzi emphasized that RCS is focused on rehabilitating offenders rather than punishing them as was done in the past.
He added that work-release programs are being implemented to reduce overcrowding, which allow inmates to work outside of prison three days a week, benefiting both the individual and their community.
President of the Supreme Court, Mukantaganzwa Domitilla, stated that efforts to promote reconciliation and restorative justice would further reduce incarceration rates.
The cost of detaining prisoners accounts for a significant portion of the budget. For example, last year, the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) was allocated over Frw 40 billion, with 60% of this amount used for the care of inmates across various correctional facilities.
This means that more than Frw 24 billion was spent on this, while the remaining funds were used for other activities.
Rubavu is a popular hub for entertainment and tourism in Rwanda. On weekends, people of all ages flock to enjoy the beaches of Tam Tam, the hot springs known as Amashyuza in Nyamyumba, and other scenic spots that offer stunning views of the city of Goma and the surrounding hills of Lake Kivu.
The district’s administration unveiled these major projects during a retreat that brought together various stakeholders in the district’s development.
The Rubavu district authorities say that in the next five years, five new hotels will be built along the shores of Lake Kivu, along with other initiatives that will transform the region’s tourism landscape.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Mayor of Rubavu District Prosper Mulindwa, stated that they are continuing to support local and international investors who wish to invest in hotels and tourism.
“These five hotels will be built by establishing large tourism investment zones, in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board [RDB] and local and international private investors. We will continue to encourage investment in hotel services, offering support in planning, permits, roads, and basic infrastructure,” he said.
Mulindwa added that these hotels will offer international standard services, provide training for tourism service providers, and be places for learning and work.
The hotels are also expected to increase the number of modern rooms for international conference attendees and tourists, help youth with entrepreneurship, and boost the economy through services.
For instance, just below Serena Hotel, near the Rubavu district offices, a tall hotel building is under construction, although the name has not yet been revealed.
According to information obtained by IGIHE, the hotel, being built by the family of former President Pasteur Bizimungu, will be a five-star establishment.
Reports suggest that this hotel will stand out in Rubavu as it will have over 80 rooms, making it the largest in the city. It will also feature a large conference room, a rare addition for hotels in Rubavu.
Additionally, the hotel will have an outdoor pool, offering a view of Lake Kivu from the top.
In Nyamyumba, another five-star hotel is under construction. This hotel will feature a unique system that uses hot springs in the rooms, replacing traditional water heating systems.
Currently, Rubavu has 24 hotels, offering a total of 2,059 rooms, with 1,471 of these located in Gisenyi sector. The largest hotel is Serena Hotel, with 69 rooms, followed by Stipp Hotel with 50 rooms.
