Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The confrontation erupted on August 14, 2025, in the Tukolote area of Kindu city, Maniema province, following an incident in which the son of Amani Useni Josué, also known as Saddam, the Wazalendo commander, was assaulted by security personnel on duty.

Lt. Jérémie Gbe, spokesperson for military operations in eastern DRC, stated that among the dead were five of Saddam’s fighters, two soldiers, and two police officers, while eight others were injured.

The clashes prompted Maniema Governor Mussa Kabwankubi to place the Tukolote area under a curfew from 2:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Since the launch of the incentive programme in early 2024, the total amount disbursed has exceeded Frw1.5 billion, benefiting 130,000 end consumers.

According to the Ministerial Order relating to the VAT rewards, a final consumer is someone purchasing goods or services for personal use rather than resale or business purposes. This person is entitled to a reward equivalent to 10% of the VAT amount indicated on the invoice.

To qualify, consumers must register for the VAT reward programme by providing their name, a Rwandan mobile phone number, a Mobile Money or bank account, and a national ID. Registration can be done by dialing *800# or through the MyRRA platform. The same channels allow users to check their reward accounts and track issued invoices.

So far, nearly 200,000 end consumers have enrolled in the VAT reward programme, resulting in a total of over 4 million invoices requested, which have generated approximately Frw33 billion in VAT revenue.

To get the reward, the value added tax appearing on the invoice must have been declared and paid.

When requesting an EBM invoice, the consumer must ensure that the seller includes their registered phone number.

If a seller refuses to issue an EBM invoice, consumers are encouraged to report the incident to the RRA by providing details such as the trader’s name, Tax Identification Number (TIN), address, date of purchase, proof of payment, and any invalidated invoice.

Consumers, who report such cases receive an additional 50% reward from penalties imposed on the non-compliant trader.

Reports can be submitted to the RRA WhatsApp line: 0739008010. To boost participation, RRA last month launched a partnership with QT Global Software Ltd and AMBI Tech Ltd to provide additional incentives to final consumers.

Through TengaPromo, the more VATable invoices a consumer requests using their registered phone number, the more loyalty points they earn. These points correspond to weekly cash prizes they can play for, ranging from Frw5,000 to Frw1 million.

A total of 1,200 lucky winners can share up to Frw50 million in cash prize each month.

The veterans, currently on a seven-day visit to Rwanda, were commended on Friday, August 16, during an engagement with young people at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The dialogue aimed to inspire Rwandan youth with lessons of resilience, shared humanity, and moral courage.

Veneranda Ingabire, Executive Director of Memory and Genocide Prevention at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), expressed deep gratitude to the peacekeepers for returning to Rwanda to retrace their steps and revisit sites marked by painful memories.

“Your decision to be here today is not a passive one, but an active testament to your enduring connection with our country. You chose compassion over comfort. Thank you. You stayed, and by doing so, you saved lives. Your decision was not just an act of defiance,” Ingabire underlined.

She told the peacekeepers that they have returned to a nation that is no longer defined by its past, but is now united and building a hopeful future that stands on the bare principles of courage and resilience they maintained.

“Look at these men. They are not just heroes of a distant past. They are living examples of what it means to be a person of that past,” Ingabire said.

Speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force, Defence Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga also saluted the former peacekeepers for risking their lives to protect civilians.

“We are here not just to listen to history, but to engage with living witnesses who defied orders, stood their ground, and risked their lives to protect innocent civilians during one of the darkest chapters in human history, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” he said.

Brig Gen Rwivanga lauded the heroism of Ghanaian and Senegalese peacekeepers, who refused to abandon their posts and instead chose to stay on, protecting those under threat. He explained that in those days, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was under immense strain.

When the Belgian contingent withdrew and the UN Security Council voted to reduce the force, most countries pulled out their troops.

But soldiers from Ghana and Senegal refused to abandon their posts, making them direct targets. Despite this, they continued evacuations, escorted survivors to safety, and provided protection in desperate situations.

Maj Gen (Rtd) Clayton Boanubah Yaache who served with the Ghanaian contingent under UNAMIR in Rwanda explained why they chose to stay while other countries withdrew.

“We didn’t stay because we had superior weapons or a more defined mandate. We stayed because of something deep inside us, something that transcended orders or protocol told us that walking away from Rwanda would mean abandoning our shared humanity. As a soldier, I had sworn an oath to serve and protect,” he noted.

The visiting delegation includes Maj Gen (Rtd) Clayton Boanubah Yaache, Brig Gen (Rtd) Martin Owusu-Ababio, Brig Gen Elhadji Babacar Faye, Major (Rtd) Peter Sosi, Ex WO II Lucas Norvihoho, and Ex WO I Sampson Agyare.

Through this partnership, BasiGo Kenya and Rwanda will become CATL’s designated service agents for the region.

As an authorized service agent, BasiGo’s service teams in Kenya and Rwanda will receive specialized training and equipment from CATL to provide local maintenance and support for CATL battery technology.

CATL batteries are used in BasiGo’s electric buses, as well as in a growing number of electric vehicles across the region.

These teams will be equipped with diagnostic tools, training, and spare parts to enable rapid and reliable battery service and repair within the region.

“This is a major milestone for BasiGo and a strong endorsement of the capabilities we’ve built across Kenya and Rwanda,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO of BasiGo. “Batteries are the most important component in any EV and and CATL is the global leader in EV battery technology. Through this partnership, we are now equipped to ensure the uptime of CATL batteries in African EV’s, not just for our electric buses, but for the wider ecosystem of EV operators across the continent.”

BasiGo’s proven strength in after-sales service was a key factor in CATL’s approval as its service partner in the region.

“BasiGo’s experience and local presence make them a strong partner for supporting CATL’s expansion in Africa,” said Saba Azizi, Head of Service Network and After-Sales at CATL for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa region. Their strong track record in electric mobility makes them an ideal partner to support the growing demand for reliable EV battery solutions in the region. This collaboration is an important step in expanding CATL’s global service network and supporting sustainable transportation in Africa.”

The partnership will make CATL battery servicing available locally in both Kenya and Rwanda, significantly improving uptime for fleet operators and shortening the supply chain for spare parts needed to keep batteries operating in good health.

BasiGo’s service centers will also act as collection points for end-of-life batteries, supporting CATL’s global recycling efforts. BasiGo’s appointment as a CATL service agent comes at a time of rapid growth in the Africa’s electric mobility sector, with increasing adoption of EVs across both public and commercial transport segments.

The official inauguration of the water pipeline took place on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The pipeline features 30 water collection points that will supply water to residents in these 14 villages of Kiyombe Sector. The project, which cost Frw 309 million , was funded with contributions from various partners.

Jean Pierre Hakizimana, a resident, expressed his gratitude for the provision of clean water, describing it as a significant blessing. He thanked the President of Rwanda for thinking about the welfare of the people and ensuring their well-being.

He said: “This project has saved us from the long hours we used to spend looking for water. It has also protected us from the risks of diseases caused by contaminated water. Now, our children go to school early, and parents have more time to engage in activities that help improve their lives because clean water is now available.”

Domina Mujawamariya, a resident of Nyamirembe Village, shared that they used to drink rainwater, which made them vulnerable to frequent illnesses. She expressed her appreciation for the leadership that provided them with clean water, noting that the community is now thriving and happier.

Nyagatare District Vice Mayor in charge of economic development, Matsiko Gonzague, thanked the development partners who helped build the water supply system for the residents. He encouraged the community to take good care of the water infrastructure, as it plays a vital role in improving hygiene.

“When communities have easy access to clean water, their health improves. Children can go to school without the burden of long walks to fetch water. Additionally, it boosts household productivity and enhances overall cleanliness,” he noted.

Currently, water supply projects in Nyagatare District are ongoing, and the district has achieved 78% coverage providing clean water to its residents.

He emphasized that challenges such as drunkenness, violence, and drug abuse remain persistent threats to community security across the country.

Dr. Habimana delivered the remarks on 14 August 2025 during the official commissioning of 391 new DASSO officers at the Rwanda National Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District.

The new cohort comprises 135 women and 256 men, making up the eighth intake of the organ. They will be deployed in six districts—Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Nyagatare, Rusizi, and Rwamagana—where they will support local governments in maintaining law and order.

In his address, the Minister commended parents and families who encouraged their children to serve the nation through DASSO, noting that safeguarding security is both a demanding and noble responsibility that contributes directly to Rwanda’s progress and development.

He outlined key areas requiring urgent attention, pointing to the need for officers to work closely with communities and other institutions.

“We continue to face challenges such as drunkenness, theft, violence, drug abuse, loitering, school dropouts, poor service delivery, domestic violence, and other forms of misconduct,” Dr. Habimana said. “Tackling these issues requires collective effort so that every Rwandan can live in peace, safety, and dignity while contributing to national development.”

The Minister further underlined that since its establishment, DASSO has made significant contributions to protecting people and property through strong partnerships with citizens and other security agencies. He reaffirmed that the organ will remain central to sustaining Rwanda’s reputation as a country that enjoys safety and stability at all levels of society.

Established in 2013 by law, DASSO was created to support district authorities in maintaining security. Its officers undergo three months of intensive training in partnership with the Rwanda National Police before being deployed to serve in different districts.

Rwanda has set an ambitious target of earning USD 1.5 billion annually from exports by 2028/2029, a significant rise from the more than USD 839 million generated in 2023/2024. Achieving this goal will require not only improvements in agricultural practices and increased production, but also efficient systems to deliver produce to both local and international markets.

One of the major concerns has been raised by Kinvest, one of the seven large-scale companies operating in the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub, which spans 5,600 hectares across the Rwimiyaga and Karangazi sectors. The company, co-founded five years ago by American entrepreneur Jesse Ratichek, has expressed worries over limited logistics capacity to move its produce to buyers.

Ratichek, who has lived in Rwanda for nearly nine years, began commercial fruit and vegetable farming three years ago. Today, the company cultivates about 500 hectares in the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub and an additional 70 hectares outside it.

Their crops include French beans, chili peppers, passion fruits, avocados, coffee, and others. However, the main concern remains how this product can reach markets efficiently and in good condition.

Speaking to IGIHE, Ratichek said: “By December 2025, we project to be harvesting between 450 and 550 tons of fruits and vegetables per month. While we have managed to overcome several challenges, the key issue remains the ability to deliver our products to the market on time.”

He further explained that such volumes need to be transported within three days of harvest to avoid spoilage.

“RwandAir informed me that its current capacity is around 500 tons per month. Yet my farm alone will be producing 500 tons monthly. Clearly, it is not possible for all my produce to be transported, since I cannot monopolize the available space. We have a strong partnership, but there is an urgent need to expand cargo capacity so that airlines can keep pace with the growing output from Rwandan farmers.”

Ratichek noted that if Rwanda is to significantly increase its export volumes, transportation capacity must grow in line with this ambition.

He explained that much of their produce is often transported using passenger flights, whereas in many other countries, agricultural exports are supported by dedicated cargo planes operating on a weekly basis.

“We also need cargo planes specifically dedicated to transporting our produce to markets in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe,” Ratichek said. “This requires substantial investment which we, as private companies, cannot afford on our own. However, we trust that the Government will make this investment.”

So far, Kinvest has invested more than USD 10 million. Ratichek emphasized that within five years, they aim to have invested between USD 30 million and USD 50 million in agriculture.

“I want to continue investing in Rwanda, but I need assurance that if I harvest 500 tons of fruits and vegetables in October 2025 and later inject another USD 20 million to increase production to around 3,000 tons per month, there will be sufficient market access,” he added.

Ratichek, who operates both a farming company and an export firm, currently employs between 700 and 900 people each month, depending on the agricultural season. He projects that by next year, his workforce will expand to 1,500 employees.

He further revealed that their produce has already begun reaching international markets in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other European countries.

{{Rwanda plans to acquire another cargo aircraft}}

In 2022, RwandAir purchased its first cargo aircraft after years of preparation and planning.

The airline acquired a Boeing B737-800SF, with a payload capacity of at least 23 tons. The aircraft measures 39.5 meters in length, with a wingspan of 35.8 meters and a height of 12.6 meters.

Since the purchase, RwandAir has reaped significant benefits from cargo operations. In 2024 alone, the airline recorded a 33% increase in cargo volumes compared to the previous year. That year, RwandAir transported 6,113 tons of cargo, up from 4,595 tons in 2023, while in 2022, the figure stood at 3,774 tons, following 3,889 tons in 2021.

Reassuring Ratichek and other exporters, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Cyubahiro Mark Bagabe confirmed that the Government of Rwanda is now working to acquire an additional cargo aircraft.

“RwandAir is in the process of securing another cargo aircraft,” Dr. Bagabe explained.
“Since RwandAir is a state-owned airline, we are in regular discussions with them and we know this is already part of their plan. This is not speculation—it is a confirmed decision. To purchase such an aircraft, you must ensure sufficient cargo volumes, but now that the demand has been demonstrated, the acquisition will follow. RwandAir has several strategies in place to make this happen,” the minister added.

The Minister stressed that the concerns raised by agriculture investors are being taken seriously, particularly for exporters of fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, where reliable cargo capacity offers a major advantage.

Beyond air transport, the Government is also strengthening agricultural value-chain infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, feeder roads, and other logistics systems, to ensure produce moves efficiently from farms to markets.

He highlighted ongoing efforts in developing large-scale farming hubs. For example, the 1,300-hectare site in Kayonza District and the 5,600-hectare Gabiro Agribusiness Hub in Eastern Province are expected to significantly boost production capacity.

“Roads are being constructed to ensure trucks transporting produce are not damaged in the process. We are also preparing the second phase of the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub, which will include cold storage facilities to preserve produce before it is delivered to the market,” Dr. Bagabe said.

Sosi was among the Ghanaian and Senegalese soldiers who chose to remain in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, even after most of the UN troops had been pulled out of the country.

He is currently in Rwanda on a seven-day visit with fellow veterans, including Maj Gen (Rtd) Clayton Boanubah Yaache (Ghana), Brig Gen (Rtd) Martin Owusu-Ababio (Ghana), Brig Gen Elhadji Babacar Faye ( Senegal) , Brig Gen Stephen Parbey (Ghana), Ex WO II Lucas Norvihoho and Ex WO I Sampson Agyare, also from Ghana.

On April 7, 1994, Belgium decided to withdraw its troops from Rwanda, which weakened MINUAR. On that date, it also launched a strong campaign calling for the termination of MINUAR, seeking to have all forces withdrawn from Rwanda.

On April 11, Belgian soldiers abandoned more than 2,000 refugees at ETO Kicukiro, where they were immediately killed by the Interahamwe militia and government soldiers.

Under Belgium’s pressure, on April 21, 1994, the UN Security Council decided to withdraw MINUAR from Rwanda, leaving only 270 soldiers without the capacity to protect the victims.
Maj (Rtd) Sosi said that although the official records state that 270 soldiers remained, in reality they were 318, because some refused to leave.

Some of the names of those who stayed were replaced with those of the departed in order to make the figures align on paper.

On August 14, 2025, when these soldiers visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against the Atrocities Museum at the Parliament, Maj (Rtd) Sosi said that the visit reminded him of many experiences, particularly in Kigali.

“I also stayed, but my name was not on their lists. My commander had already replaced me with someone else. He came and found me lying down and asked what I was doing. I told him that I had stayed and not left. When he asked me why, I told him it was my decision.”

He continued: “There are things we realized we never knew. There was information we did not know, because if we had known it, things would have been different. Here we have again heard how the RPA forces made the decision to liberate the country and confront the government army. All the information we were shown here at the memorial—if we had had it at that time, many things would have gone differently. But because we did not know, we were simply struggling to see if there was something we could do.”

During the Genocide against the Tutsi, these Ghanaian soldiers managed to save about 30,000 people.

Maj (Rtd) Sosi said: “You would find people camped in different places. What we did was to go there, and whenever we arrived, we looked for ways to evacuate them. We also guarded the places where they were. Sometimes the Interahamwe would come. I clearly remember a man they took from Amahoro Stadium and killed behind it. Afterwards I tried to find his family but could not.”

He said that what they witnessed affected him deeply, because he felt that as soldiers on a UN peacekeeping mission they had failed Rwanda.

He said: “I can say that as a mission we failed the people. But there were some of us who decided to remain behind and provide some support. I think we managed to do something, but if the proper system had been in place, we could have done much more.”

{{He was surprised by the RPA’s fighting}}

When the 600 RPA soldiers who were in Kigali came under attack from government forces based in Kanombe and Kacyiru, they held out until the Alpha battalion stationed in Gicumbi arrived in Kigali to reinforce them.

He said: “This is where the 600 were located. They performed well because when you are in a war surrounded by enemies, you need reinforcements, equipment, and soldiers to keep helping you. Because they were surrounded by enemies and all those problems, the only thing they could do was to fight and protect where they were. What they did was very good.”

Maj (Rtd) Sosi said one of the things that surprised him most was the way these forces fought.

He said: “I had never read about Paul Kagame’s way of planning battles. Before, we thought they were fighting without a goal, because there were times they left behind enemy positions and attacked elsewhere. We did not know that this was their plan.”

He said they avoided using “Fix and Destroy” [a method of combat where both sides engage in direct, heavy fighting until one side is crushed] because it causes heavy losses.

He said: “Instead they used ‘Fix and Bypass’ [a method of pinning the enemy in one place with part of your troops, while using others to outflank or seize key positions], which meant they did not lose many soldiers. This is the method they used until they captured Kigali.”

Maj (Rtd) Sosi also expressed delight at the special welcome to Rwanda in 2025.

“I have never been welcomed like this in any other country I have visited. The security, the way everything was organized, the travel assistance, the hotels, and everything else were very good. And I am enjoying the food, the fresh air in Kigali, and the people here. Honestly, I am thinking of moving here,” he noted.