Category: Politics

Ambassador Rwamucyo emphasized that resolving the situation is primarily the DRC’s responsibility, stating that it requires ownership and political goodwill from the Congolese leadership rather than a military solution.

“The solution to this problem cannot be outsourced. It requires ownership and political will, and looking at the root causes of the conflict comprehensively and addressing them,” Ambassador Rwamucyo stated.

The meeting focused on the intensifying fight involving the M23 rebels, the Congolese army (FARDC), and allied forces, including FDLR and Burundian soldiers.

Ambassador Rwamucyo criticized the DRC for undermining peace initiatives and prioritizing military action.

“The DRC has all the necessary tools to achieve a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict,” he said, lamenting that the Congolese government had instead opted for militarization.

He highlighted the deployment of heavy weaponry and additional troops near the Rwandan border, as well as the FARDC’s actions that violated a ceasefire agreement.

According to Ambassador Rwamucyo, the international community has failed to address these violations equitably.

“Unfortunately, we regret that the international community chose to condemn the M23 for extending its territories without condemning FARDC’s military coalition for violating the ceasefire,” he said.

A central issue raised during the speech was the presence of the FDLR, a genocidal militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which has operated in eastern Congo for decades.

Ambassador Rwamucyo expressed Rwanda’s frustration over the DRC’s failure to neutralize the group, accusing Kinshasa of forming alliances with the FDLR.

“Today, the FDLR has even moved from being a speculative force to a strategic ally of the Kinshasa government,” he noted, describing the militia’s role in destabilizing the region and spreading genocidal ideologies.

He also pointed to MONUSCO’s controversial involvement, alleging that the UN mission had exceeded its peacekeeping mandate.

“MONUSCO… has now joined a broader coalition with a clearly stated goal, which is to enact regime change in Rwanda,” Ambassador Rwamucyo said, citing DRC President Félix Tshisekedi’s threats to invade Rwanda.

While reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to peaceful dialogue, he called for dialogue between the M23 and the Congolese leadership to resolve longstanding issues.

“We strongly believe that there is no military solution to this problem. It has to be resolved politically, diplomatically, and with the support of all partners acting together,” he said.

“Rwanda stands ready to do its part in making sure a practical solution is found that addresses the concerns of all actors involved on an equal footing.”

The ambassador’s remarks come amid mounting tension in eastern Congo, where the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Thousands of civilians have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, with reports of indiscriminate shelling and targeted attacks in populated areas.

Various member countries represented at the gathering also expressed concerns over the prevailing security situation in eastern Congo. M23 fighters have been gaining ground, seizing control of areas including Minova, Masisi, Lumbishi, Numbi, Shanje, and Sake, and threatening to capture Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and home to about two million people.

The group announced on Thursday that its mission is to liberate the Congolese people, particularly Rwandophones, whom the group alleges have faced long-standing persecution.

An intense battle between the coalition forces and M23 has claimed the lives of at least 13 foreign soldiers from MONUSCO and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) over the past three days.

The council members urged M23 to halt its offensive against the coalition forces and called for the resumption of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes to help facilitate an amicable solution to the crisis.

A Head of State summit, which was scheduled for mid-December in Luanda, was postponed after the talks faltered due to the DRC’s refusal to engage directly with M23, despite previous commitments to do so.

According to a statement from the French Presidency, Macron spoke separately with the two Heads of State on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

President Macron expressed concern over the ongoing situation in North Kivu, particularly around the city of Goma. He called for the M23 rebel group to cease its offensives and urged that peace talks resume as soon as possible. Macron also reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the peace process.

The discussions took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions, with M23 seizing various territories and recently signalling plans to take control of Goma.

The DRC government, which had previously agreed to negotiate with M23, has now declared it will no longer engage in talks with the group. This reversal disrupted the Luanda peace talks, which were initially scheduled to lead to a December 15, 2024, agreement between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi but were subsequently postponed.

Negotiations between the DRC and M23 were a key component of the proposed agreements. Mediators have stressed that resolving the conflict involving M23 is essential to addressing the broader issues between Rwanda and the DRC. Without a lasting solution, M23’s actions risk being repeatedly attributed to Rwanda, further perpetuating tensions between the two nations.

President Macron has reiterated that the Luanda peace talks must continue to find a sustainable resolution to the insecurity in the Great Lakes region. He highlighted this point during a discussion in Paris on January 16, 2025, with Angolan President João Lourenço, who serves as the mediator between Rwanda and the DRC.

Speaking to President Lourenço, Macron stated, “The peace process you initiated must move forward, and we urge the continuation of high-level discussions. France, as a close partner, fully supports this mediation and the steps toward peace.”

President Lourenço affirmed his commitment as a mediator to end the decades-long conflict in eastern DRC and restore peaceful relations between Rwanda and the DRC.

The M23 rebel group is primarily fighting for the interests of the Tutsi community in eastern Congo, which has faced marginalization and persecution for years. The group accuses the Congolese government of poor governance and failure to fulfil terms of previous agreements.

M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated on January 23, 2025, that while the group has assured it harbours no hostile intentions toward the peacekeeping forces, they are preparing to defend themselves against potential attacks.

M23 fighters, engaged in clashes with the Congolese army and allied forces, seized Sake, a town located just over 20 kilometres from Goma, on Thursday after repeatedly warning UN and SAMIDRC forces to stay out of the ongoing conflict.

“All signals indicate that MONUSCO and SAMIDRC are ready to attack us. Therefore, we will defend ourselves,” Kanyuka wrote on his X page.

The capture of Sake, a key strategic point, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing violence between the rebel group and government forces. M23 says it is defending the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have suffered discrimination and exclusion in DRC.

Footage from the Sake-Goma road showed Congolese forces, alongside UN and SADC troops, retreating eastward.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Congolese army has begun deploying warplanes in an effort to dislodge M23 fighters from Sake, even as the group vows to advance and capture Goma

“The people of Goma have suffered greatly, like other Congolese. The AFC/M23 is on its way to liberate them, and they must prepare to welcome this liberation. They need not fear anything: the AFC/M23 is coming to bring them peace,” the spokesperson added.

Mondlane of the Podemos party made the comments during an interview with the BBC, signalling a potential thaw in the icy relationship between the two political rivals.

The overture comes after months of unrest following Mozambique’s contested October 2024 election, which Chapo won with 65% of the vote. Mondlane, who secured 24%, has consistently denounced the results as fraudulent.

In the interview with the BBC, Mondlane stated that he had decided to temporarily halt protests. However, he outlined three demands as conditions for resolving the ongoing political crisis.

These include the unconditional release of 5,000 individuals detained during the demonstrations, financial compensation for the families of those killed by security forces, and the provision of free medical treatment for those injured in the post-election unrest.

“If [President Chapo] meets these conditions, I will open a window for negotiations,” Mondlane told the BBC. He added that he would be willing to serve in Chapo’s government if the president genuinely sought dialogue.

President Chapo of the Frelimo party was inaugurated on January 15, 2025, in Maputo in a ceremony conducted under heavy security.

Addressing around 2,500 attendees, Chapo vowed to unify the nation, stating, “Together, we will restore patriotism and pride in being Mozambican.”

He also pledged to combat corruption and deliver reforms aimed at decentralizing power, promoting human rights, and improving the economy.

“Mozambique cannot remain a hostage to corruption, nepotism, and incompetence,” Chapo declared.

Chapo affirmed his pledge to create job opportunities for the nation’s youth, adding that economic revitalization was key to stability.

“We must recover our country economically… it’s easy to destroy, but building is not an easy task,” he said.

President Chapo has also indicated openness to forming an inclusive government.

“We are considering profiles of individuals who demonstrate competence, patriotism, and meritocracy,” Chapo said, referring to ongoing discussions about involving opposition members in governance.

The measures, focused on energy independence, economic revitalization, and a rollback of diversity and immigration initiatives, signal a dramatic pivot in national policy.

At the forefront of President Trump’s initiatives was the declaration of a national energy emergency, a move he claimed would unlock the nation’s untapped potential in fossil fuel resources.

“We have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have, the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth, and we are going to use it,” Trump said during his inaugural address.

The declaration grants the administration sweeping powers to expedite permits for fossil fuel infrastructure, including mining and drilling projects.

Trump also ordered the resumption of oil and gas drilling in Alaska and the repeal of Biden-era restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports, asserting these steps would boost domestic energy production and lower energy costs for Americans.

The 47th President of the United States ordered his administration to “eliminate the electric-vehicle mandate” — his bid to undo regulations governing automotive pollution and fuel-economy standards which he believes unfairly limit consumer choice.

The declaration to encourage expanded fossil fuel production is expected to draw criticism from environmental advocates, especially as climate disasters continue to escalate.

Meanwhile, in line with his “America First” agenda, President Trump signed orders to investigate alleged unfair trade practices and re-evaluate trade deals, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The administration plans to assess China’s compliance with the 2020 trade deal and explore imposing new tariffs to protect domestic industries.

“Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump said.

Trump also proposed the creation of an “External Revenue Service” to oversee tariff collections and launched a review of the U.S. industrial base to identify opportunities for strengthening manufacturing.

The Trump administration reinstated a freeze on federal hiring, barring exceptions for military and immigration enforcement roles, and reintroduced Schedule F, a controversial category of federal employment that removes job protections for certain civil servants. Federal workers were also ordered to return to in-office work, ending remote work policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigration policies saw some of the most dramatic reversals. Trump reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, suspended the refugee admissions program, and declared a national emergency at the southern border to redirect funds toward wall construction. He also announced plans to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a proposal likely to face significant legal challenges.

“We’re taking back control of our borders,” Trump declared. “No longer will America be a sanctuary for those who enter illegally.”

In a broad push to reshape federal priorities, Trump ordered the termination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and recognized only two genders under federal law: Male and Female. Protections for transgender individuals in federal prisons were also rescinded.

On climate, Trump’s orders included withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and halting offshore wind farm leasing, moves he justified as essential for economic growth.

Trump also ordered the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the second time he has issued such orders.

“Oooh, that’s a big one,” the newly inaugurated US president, who has been critical of how the international body handled Covid-19, said as he approved the document after arriving back at the White House.

Trump began the process of pulling America out from the Geneva-based institution during the pandemic in his first term. President Joe Biden later reversed that decision.

On Monday, Trump also ordered a review of the TikTok ban, granting the platform a 75-day extension to comply with a law requiring either a sale or a ban due to national security concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers.

The President has floated the idea of a joint venture, proposing a 50-50 partnership between “the United States” and TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance.

Other orders issued on Monday include the renaming of Mount Denali and the Gulf of Mexico. Trump also tasked tech billionaire Elon Musk, a close associate, with leading a cost-cutting initiative dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency.

In a striking departure from tradition, the ceremony will host a notable roster of foreign leaders, making it an unprecedented international affair, as no heads of state have previously made an official visit to the U.S. for an inauguration.

Trump, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, will take the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol, followed by a day of celebrations, including musical performances, a parade, and inaugural balls.

However, the spotlight will be on the distinguished and unconventional guest list, which includes sitting heads of state, former leaders, and notable political figures from around the globe.

Typically, U.S. presidential inaugurations are domestically focused, attended by American officials, former presidents, and other VIPs, with foreign representation limited to diplomats.

Trump, however, has invited several heads of state and two former leaders to his inauguration, signalling a significant break from protocol.

Many of the invited leaders share ideological alignment with Trump, particularly from right-wing or populist circles, while a few represent diplomatic overtures.

Media reports indicate that an estimated 500,000 guests are expected in total.

{{Who’s Attending?
}}

The confirmed attendees for President-elect Trump’s second inaugural ceremony include several prominent figures. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a far-right leader and strong ally of Trump, will be present, with Trump having praised him as a transformative force for Argentina.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also expected to attend, though her participation depends on her schedule. Meloni’s potential presence follows her meeting with Trump in Florida in January, which solidified their political rapport.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has confirmed his attendance, citing his support for Trump’s leadership in the Americas.

Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a key figure in European right-wing politics, has also confirmed his presence.

Former President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, is also expected at Trump’s historic inauguration.

However, several other leaders have faced hurdles preventing their attendance. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close Trump ally, will not be there due to domestic commitments.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, often called the “Trump of the Tropics,” is unable to attend due to a travel ban imposed by Brazil’s Supreme Court, although he has expressed strong support for Trump.

{{Notable Absences
}}

Notably absent from the guest list are prominent allies from NATO and the European Union, underscoring Donald Trump’s often-contentious relationships with traditional Western powers.

Both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were excluded from the event, while far-right figures such as Nigel Farage from the UK and Alice Weidel from Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) were invited.

Despite their previous associations with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also not be attending. Instead, Modi will send Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as his representative.

A report by United Nations experts released on December 27, 2024, revealed that DRC forces had established a significant base in Lumbishi, located in Kalehe Territory.

Since May 2024, the Congolese army, in collaboration with armed groups like the FDLR, launched attacks in Lumbishi, targeting M23 positions in Masisi Territory, such as Ndumba. Lt. Col. Ndjike told the media that the forces stationed in North and South Kivu launched “Operation Caterpillar” to prevent M23 fighters from expanding their positions in the two provinces.

Following intense clashes on January 18, 2025, M23 fighters captured Lumbishi and advanced to Numbi and Shanje on the morning of January 19, as reported by Kalehe Territory Administrator Thomas Bakenga.

“After taking Lumbishi, they proceeded to Numbi and Shanje, both in Kalehe Territory,” Bakenga said.

As M23 fighters took control of Lumbishi, residents welcomed them with joy, expressing relief at their arrival. They also voiced complaints about crimes committed by the Congolese government forces, the FDLR, and allied militias.

M23 informed Lumbishi residents that they had driven out the FDLR, predominantly composed of remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, putting an end to the community’s suffering caused by the terrorist group.

This included dismantling illegal roadblocks, ending unlawful taxation, stopping sexual violence, preventing child recruitment into armed forces, and addressing other grievances that had plagued the area.

Speaking at a special general meeting in Dodoma, President Samia revealed that she had accepted Dr. Mpango’s “request to rest” after careful consideration. However, he will continue to serve as Vice President until the General Election scheduled for October.

“Dr. Philip Mpango, our Vice President, approached me recently to express his wish to step down. He cited several personal reasons, none related to his work. He mentioned that he is now 68 years old and would like to prioritize his health and well-being,” President Suluhu revealed.

“Last week, he handed me his resignation letter. While I initially hesitated, I later presented the matter to the Central Committee, and we collectively agreed to grant him his request,” she added.

Before assuming the vice presidency, Dr. Mpango served as Tanzania’s Minister of Finance and Planning from November 2015 to March 2021. His extensive career includes roles such as acting Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority, Executive Secretary in the President’s Office (Planning Commission), Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance & Economic Affairs, Personal Assistant to the President (Economic Affairs), Head of the President’s Economic Advisory Unit, and Senior Economist for the World Bank.

He was sworn in as Vice President on March 31, 2021, following unanimous consent from the Tanzanian Parliament and nomination by President Suluhu.

Mpango’s nomination for the vice presidency came in the wake of President John Pombe Magufuli’s passing, which led to then-Vice President Suluhu assuming the presidency.

“Due to the complete interruption of electricity supply, a water crisis occurred as the Nile stations and wells went out of service,” the Khartoum State government said in a statement, attributing the power outage and water shortage to the RSF drone attack on the Merowe Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Nile River.

“We are making intensive efforts to implement some urgent solutions to address the drinking water crisis,” it added.

The Merowe Dam, located about 350 km north of Khartoum, is one of the largest hydropower projects in Africa.

Governor of Khartoum State, Ahmed Osman Hamza, inspected a number of wells in the western districts of Al-Thawra neighborhood, checking the operation of wells with generators, the state’s media office said Saturday.

It noted that the governor has instructed authorities to supply citizens with water from Al-Manara water station’s reserve.

Meanwhile, Khartoum State Water Corporation said its engineers were working on implementing emergency measures to operate the water wells and restore water flow into the national network.

It revealed that 15 wells have been activated in several neighborhoods, which has significantly contributed to providing water supply to some areas.

Omdurman, Sudan’s second most populous city, has seen a surge in population after it became one of the safest areas in the state, prompting thousands of displaced people to move to the city. Amid the severe water shortage, residents have to stand in long queues to obtain water from old wells or water trucks.

Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced nearly 15 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organizations.

The claims were made by outgoing U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, during an interview with AFP.

Nduhungirehe termed the allegations as “totally false” in a statement shared on X late on Saturday, January 18, 2024.

Nduhungirehe clarified that Rwanda was never involved in any negotiations regarding the Lobito Corridor, nor did it oppose its extension.

“Rwanda was NEVER associated in any way in the negotiations for the Lobito Corridor. Therefore, our country NEVER opposed any extension of this corridor to the eastern DRC and was NEVER invited to the Lobito Summit held in December 2024 in Angola,” he stated.

The Lobito Corridor project, championed by the United States, seeks to connect the Lobito port in Angola to key regions in the DRC and Zambia, enhancing regional trade and economic integration.

Phee had in the interview indicated that Washington proposed “positive incentives” to both Rwanda and the DRC to reach an agreement, including a potential extension of the corridor to eastern DRC. However, she claimed that Rwanda distanced itself from the initiative, citing President Paul Kagame’s absence from the Luanda Summit in December 2024 as “evidence”.

Phee also noted that the extension of the Lobito Corridor project heavily relied on Kinshasa’s commitment to combat (FDLR), a terrorist group comprising remnants of persons responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. According to Phee, the Congolese government failed to act decisively, forcing the United States to reset its approach.

This "information" provided by the outgoing US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa is totally false. Rwanda was NEVER associated in any way in the negotiations for the Lobito Corridor. Therefore, our country NEVER opposed any extention of this corridor to the eastern DRC and… https://t.co/xiXn6GoCSl

— Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe (@onduhungirehe) January 18, 2025

The security situation in eastern DRC remains volatile due to the ongoing conflict between government and allied forces and the M23 militia group, which accuses the Congolese government of marginalizing and persecuting Congolese Tutsis.

M23 first emerged in 2012, launching an armed struggle to demand that the DRC government honour agreements made with the former National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP). The agreements aimed to restore the rights of Congolese Tutsis and end the violence they had endured.

Between 2012 and 2013, M23 captured significant areas in North Kivu province, including the city of Goma. However, these territorial gains were reversed following a decision by regional heads of state, who assured M23 that the DRC government would address the grievances of the Congolese in the east.

Despite these promises, the DRC government failed to fulfil its commitments. After eight years of waiting, former M23 fighters came under attack by DRC forces in November 2021, reigniting the conflict.

M23 maintains that it does not kill civilians or commit any form of abuse. Instead, the group claims to ensure civilian safety—a sharp contrast, it says, to the DRC government’s forces, who are accused of harming the very civilians they are meant to protect. M23 continues to urge the government to respect the terms of the agreements.