In June 2025, AFC/M23 claimed control over approximately 34,000 square kilometers of territory in North and South Kivu provinces, home to more than 11 million people.
While the coalition has already installed a governance structure that includes political leadership and provincial governors, it has yet to implement a formal justice system. This gap has reportedly allowed lawlessness and impunity in some areas.
To address the issue, AFC/M23 formed a special commission to assess the feasibility of creating a judicial framework. The commission has submitted its recommendations to the coalition’s top leadership for review and approval.
Key leaders involved in this process include AFC coordinator Corneille Nangaa, his deputy and M23 political head Bertrand Bisimwa, M23 military commander Gen Sultani Makenga, and deputy military commander Brig Gen Bernard Byamungu.
Délion Kimbulungu, AFC Permanent Secretary and chair of the commission, said, “The proposal includes the re-establishment of civilian and military courts, local tribunals, and other essential justice institutions.”
AFC/M23 maintains that it has restored peace and security in the areas it controls and insists it is better positioned to establish effective governance structures than the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi.
The order hereby imposes “additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners.”
Most of the new tariff rates range from 10 percent to 40 percent, according to an annex to the release from the White House.
The new tariff rates will take effect seven days after the date of the executive order with exceptions on logistical grounds.
Trump noted in the executive order that some U.S. trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that do not sufficiently address “imbalances” in trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on “economic and national security matters.”
“There are also some trading partners that have failed to engage in negotiations with the United States or to take adequate steps to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters,” he said.
According to the order, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, together with other senior officials, shall publish every six months a list of countries and specific facilities used in circumvention schemes, to inform public procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.
In addition, major U.S. governmental agencies are directed and authorized to take “all necessary actions” to implement and effectuate this order, consistent with applicable law, including through temporary suspension or amendment of regulations or notices.
He emphasized that neither governments nor faith-based institutions can address Africa’s pressing challenges alone — a principled partnership is required, rooted in “integrity, mutual respect, and a shared vision for justice.”
The Prime Minister made these remarks on July 31, 2025, during the official opening of the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), held in Kigali.
Speaking on behalf of President Paul Kagame, Dr. Nsengiyumva welcomed church leaders and partners from across Africa, calling their presence in Rwanda “a sign of solidarity and a powerful message of shared commitment to the values of hope, reconciliation, and peace.”
“This theme — Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace — is deeply relevant not only to Rwanda’s journey, but to Africa’s broader transformation,” he said. “It echoes the complex but determined path we have taken to rebuild our country after the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.”
He acknowledged the Catholic Church’s vital role in Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery and social development.
“The Church’s contribution to our transformational journey is recognized in the history and lives of our country. In sectors like education, health, and social cohesion, its impact is not only felt — it is deeply appreciated,” he said.
Looking beyond Rwanda, Dr. Nsengiyumva challenged SECAM delegates to explore how the Church can continue to play a constructive role in Africa’s future, particularly in conflict resolution, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership.
“Africa is at a crossroads. The wounds of the past are still healing, and new global pressures are emerging,” he said. “But within these challenges lies a unique opportunity for renewal. The Church in Africa, as a voice of conscience, has a vital role to play in inspiring ethical leadership, promoting dignity, and reinforcing the moral compass of our nations.”
Dr. Nsengiyumva also reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to work hand-in-hand with religious institutions to build a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society.
“We stand ready, as a government and as a people, to continue building inclusive partnerships with faith-based actors committed to service, equity, and peace.”
The Archinbishop of Kigali, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda praised the growth of the Catholic Church in Rwanda despite the devastating impact of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He commended Rwanda for prioritizing national unity and reconciliation in the post-genocide era.
Cardinal Kambanda also expressed deep gratitude to President Kagame for his leadership and political will to support unity and reconciliation, highlighting the Church’s own contribution to this journey.
He added that Rwanda serves as a significant example from which the rest of the world can learn.
SECAM’s Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine, noted that over the past 20 assemblies, the symposium has played a key role in the growth and mission of the Church in Africa.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda, Arnaldo Sanchez Catalan, delivered Pope Francis’ message to, highlighting the Vatican’s appreciation for the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, facilitated with support from the United States.
He stated that the peace deal was a positive political step toward resolving longstanding conflicts.
Catalan emphasized that this SECAM gathering in Kigali aims to explore how the Catholic Church can actively contribute to peacebuilding, healing, and dialogue across Africa.
The President of SECAM and Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, applauded Rwanda’s hospitality and stressed that the Catholic Church must enhance its efforts in reconciling communities and promoting unity, encouraging collective action across Africa.
“This year’s theme resonates strongly in these times of conflict affecting many African countries,” he said. “The Church in Africa must become a symbol of reconciliation, justice, and peace. We must walk together as a family of God’s children, called to be witnesses, peacemakers, and prophets of hope in a world longing for light.”
“This assembly is an opportunity to reinforce the internal cohesion of SECAM, encourage dynamic leadership, and deepen synergy between our regional conferences. In everything, we want to walk together as one Church, united in faith, mission, and service,” he said.
The 20th Plenary Assembly of SECAM which opened on Thursday, beginning with a Mass at Regina Pacis Parish in Remera, part of the Archdiocese of Kigali, continues through August 3, 2025.
After the Mass, the sessions continued at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together 13 Cardinals, 100 bishops, over 70 priests, and numerous lay participants to reflect on the Church’s role over the next 25 years.
The assembly will close with a major youth-attended Mass in Kibeho, a revered Catholic pilgrimage site in Rwanda.
The announcement was made by the RDF on the evening of Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Among those retiring are two Major Generals and seven Brigadier Generals.
The last time RDF personnel at the rank of General retired was in 2023. That cohort included prominent figures such as Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira, Lt Gen (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, and others.
In this article, we take a closer look at the careers of the Generals who have now transitioned into retirement.
{{Maj Gen Andrew Kagame}}
Major General Andrew Kagame is among the senior RDF officers who have officially retired.
He most recently served as the Commander of the 1st Division, which covers Kigali City and the Eastern Province.
He was appointed to this role in October 2024, replacing Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who was named Coordinator of Rwanda’s Security Operations in Mozambique.
Prior to this assignment, Maj Gen Kagame served as the Deputy Commander of the Reserve Force.
{{Maj Gen Wilson Gumisiriza}}
Major General Wilson Gumisiriza was born in 1962 in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge.
He played an active role in the Rwandan Liberation Struggle, and held the rank of Major by the end of the campaign.
During the struggle, he served as the Head of Intelligence for the 157th Battalion, which played a critical role in the capture of the Gako Military Academy.
The 157th Battalion was also home to several other prominent military leaders, including Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira, Maj Gen (Rtd) Eric Murokore, and the current RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarak Muganga.
Over the course of his military career, Maj Gen Gumisiriza held several key leadership roles within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He served as Commander of the Armoured and Mechanized Division, and later led the 3rd Division, which operates in Rwanda’s Western Province.
He also previously commanded the 501 Brigade.
In recent years, Maj Gen Gumisiriza has provided strategic guidance to RDF troops deployed to Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, as part of Rwanda’s counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
{{Brig Gen Joseph Demali}}
Brigadier General Joseph Demali served in the Rwanda Air Force. Throughout his career, he held several key positions within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including serving as the Air Force Chief of Staff from 2013 to 2014.
He also represented Rwanda abroad, serving as the Defence Attaché at the Rwandan Embassy in Turkey, and later in the same role at the Rwandan Embassy in Kenya.
{{Brig Gen Fred Muziraguharara}}
Brigadier General Fred Muziraguharara held various key positions throughout his career in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
Between 1998 and 2000, he served as the Director of Research. From 2005 to 2006, he was the Chief Instructor at the Gako Military Academy.
In 2007–2008, he served as the Director of Operations in the RDF, before being deployed to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur, where he served as Chief of Strategic Planning.
From 2010 to 2012, Brig Gen Muziraguharara was the Director of Planning within the RDF.
He later represented the RDF at the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
He also served as the Director General of Administration and Finance at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) from 2013 to 2018.
As of now, Fred Muziraguharara serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Group Ltd.
He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in January 2018, rising from the rank of Colonel.
{{Brig Gen James Ruzibiza}}
In 2019, James Ruzibiza was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and appointed as the Commander of the Engineering Brigade within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
He also served as the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (Chief J9), overseeing collaboration and engagement between the military and civilian populations.
{{Brig Gen Frank Mutembe}}
Brigadier General Frank Mutembe recently served as the Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division Commander in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019, from the rank of Colonel.
As part of Rwanda’s counter-terrorism mission in Mozambique, Brig Gen Mutembe served as the Task Force Battle Group Commander, a role he held until 2023.
He also previously served as the RDF Task Force Division Commander and commanded Rwandan peacekeeping forces deployed to Darfur under a United Nations mission.
{{Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi}}
Brigadier General Pascal Muhizi most recently served as the Commander of the 5th Division of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), operating in the Eastern Province.
He also previously commanded the 2nd Division, which is based in the Northern Province.
He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in June 2021.
Brig Gen Muhizi served as the Battle Group Task Force Commander of Rwandan troops deployed in the Mozambique counter-terrorism mission.
{{Brig Gen Nelson Rwigema}}
Nelson Rwigema was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019. Over the course of his military career, he held several key positions, including Commander of the 2nd Division, operating in the Northern Province, and Commander of the Reserve Force in the Western Province.
{{Brig Gen Jean Paul Karangwa}}
Jean Paul Karangwa was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019, from the rank of Colonel. Following his promotion, he was appointed as the Commander of the Military Police Regiment in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
He also previously served as the Commander of RDF forces in Kigali City.
During the ceremony, the President reaffirmed the strong ties between Rwanda and China, describing China as a long-standing and reliable partner.
As Xinhua reported, he expressed his commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and enhancing practical cooperation between the two nations.
President Kagame also assured that the Government and people of Rwanda will extend full support and facilitation to Ambassador Gao as he undertakes his diplomatic mission.
Amb. Gao conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings, and hailed the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, where China-Rwanda relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring fruitful cooperation on all fronts.
China stands ready to work together with the Rwandan side to enhance political mutual trust and promote practical cooperation to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples, the Chinese ambassador added.
China has emerged as one of the countries that clearly sees the investment potential in Rwanda. Over the past five years, it has consistently ranked among the top sources of foreign direct investment into the country.
In 2024 alone, Chinese investments in Rwanda reached $460 million, surpassing $445 million from India.
In previous years, Chinese investment figures were $79.1 million in 2023, $182.4 million in 2022, $357.7 million in 2021, and $282 million in 2020.
Across this five-year period, China led all other countries in the volume of investments made in Rwanda in four out of five years.
Beyond attracting Chinese investment, Rwanda is also expanding its exports to China at a notable pace.
Between 2021 and 2024, Rwandan exports to China grew from $16 million to over $100 million, representing more than a fivefold increase in just four years.
In 2024 alone, Rwandan exports to China rose by 29.5%.
This growth reflects a broader strengthening of bilateral trade, with the total trade volume between Rwanda and China reaching $1.6 billion in 2024, up from $742 million in 2021.
Ambassador Gao Wenqi assumed his post as China’s new Ambassador to Rwanda recently, succeeding Wang Xuekun, who completed his term at the beginning of this year .
This partnership is a significant milestone for Rwanda as it is the first African nation to host the world’s biggest cycling event in the competition’s 125-year history.
The UCI Road World Championship is one of the most prestigious events in international cycling, drawing elite athletes, industry stakeholders, and fans from around the world.
The weeklong competition will bring global attention to Kigali and is expected to deliver high-level racing, sportsmanship, and a celebration of cycling culture.
BRALIRWA’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting community-focused initiatives. As Rwanda welcomes international visitors and athletes, BRALIRWA will play a central role in promoting unity, excellence, and national pride through its portfolio of beverage brands.
“We are delighted to welcome BRALIRWA as the official beverage sponsor of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” said Samson Ndayishimiye, President of Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY). “Their support brings added energy to what will be a defining moment for Rwandan sport.”
During the championship, BRALIRWA will organize fan zones, sports workshops, and community screenings of the races. These activities will be hosted in local neighborhoods to encourage participation, promote sportsmanship, and provide entertainment and refreshment in an inclusive setting.
“We will create spaces where communities can come together to celebrate the championship, enjoy our beverages, and share the joy of true togetherness,” said Lieke, BRALIRWA’s Marketing Director.
“Through our fan zones and activations, we aim to offer memorable experiences while also promoting responsible enjoyment throughout the event.”
As the official beverage sponsor, BRALIRWA aims to contribute to a successful and memorable championship while supporting a lasting legacy for Rwanda’s sporting and community development.
Adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, Resolution 2789 instructs all the member states to “take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel of all types to armed groups and associated individuals operating in that country,” according to a UNSC meeting coverage.
It also extends the mandate of the panel of experts that assists in the implementation of the sanctions until Aug. 31, 2026.
The UNSC lifted last year the arms embargo on the CAR government through Resolution 2745, but left in place the arms embargo on armed groups and associated individuals operating in the CAR and the targeted measures of asset freeze and travel ban against entities and individuals designated by the Sanctions Committee.
In a statement, Downing Street called on Israel to immediately allow the United Nations to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to prevent starvation, agree to a ceasefire, and clearly state that there will be no annexations in the West Bank.
The statement also called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer elaborated on the conditional nature of recognizing a Palestinian state during a press conference on Tuesday. He said the British government’s primary goal is to change the reality on the ground, and that “this is intended to further that cause.”
Starmer also explained the timing of the announcement: “I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is receding and feels further away today than it has for many years.”
“There is no better solution for the future of the region than two states,” with Israel living with its secure borders recognized and at peace with their neighbors free from the threat of terrorism, and Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security free of occupations, said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday at a high-level international conference on “The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” held at the UN headquarters.
At a media press stakeout after his statement at the meeting, Lammy said the decision that has been taken “puts us on a pathway towards recognition” of the State of Palestine.
“We have seen the most terrific scenes. The global community is deeply offended by children being shot and killed as they reach out for aid,” he told reporters.
More than 200 members of parliament from nine political parties signed a letter to the prime minister and Lammy on Saturday, calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state.
He made these remarks on July 29, 2025, during a parliamentary session where Members of Parliament voted to ratify the Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., United States, on June 27, 2025.
MP Minani Bizimana raised concerns about expectations for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures while the root causes of insecurity have not yet been resolved.
He asked, “Is national defense now considered a crime? Even powerful nations maintain defense systems, including satellite surveillance. So why would it be a problem for Rwanda to do the same?”
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted that trusting the DRC remains difficult.
“We signed the agreement, but we know these people—we’ve worked with them and we’re still in contact. There are mercenaries fighting on the front lines. You saw Romanian mercenaries pass through Kigali, and now they have brought in others from Colombia… we told them, ‘this is happening right in front of you, and you are watching.’”
He emphasized that Rwanda expects the DRC to fully implement the commitments it signed onto.
“What we are asking for is political will. As we have always said, we cannot accept any situation that threatens Rwanda’s security or that of its people. That is non-negotiable. That is why our defense measures will remain in place until a clear and visible resolution is achieved.”
Minister Nduhungirehe further stated that Rwanda cannot dismantle its security structures as long as the FDLR, whose presence prompted the measures, is still active and has not been dismantled, as stipulated in the agreement.
He explained that the peace process would begin with encouraging FDLR fighters to voluntarily repatriate. For those who refuse, military force would be used to neutralize the threat.
Dr. Gasore made these remarks on July 29, 2025, during an inspection visit to the Nyabarongo River.
In an interview with RBA, the minister described the situation as critical, noting that the reduced river flow is already affecting water production capacity. He announced the formation of task forces to monitor the situation and manage the limited supply more effectively.
“This is a serious issue that has disrupted the volume of water reaching Kigali,” he said. “As an immediate response, we’ve established a mobile team to inspect our water distribution networks and ensure equitable access to the available supply, as we continue to work on long-term solutions.”
Water from the Nzove plant is distributed to several areas across Kigali, including Gisozi, Kibagabaga, Nyarutarama, Kimihurura, Bumbogo, Birembo, the Special Economic Zone, Gasanze, Karama, Mont Kigali, Kimisange, Nyanza in Kicukiro, Mageragere, and Rebero.
