According to a statement released by the Congo River Alliance on Monday, August 25, at around 2:30 a.m., these forces carried out incursions into densely populated areas of Kibati, Munigi, Goma, and surrounding communities. The attacks resulted in the deaths of four civilians and left three others seriously injured.
The Alliance called on human rights organisations, as well as the national and international community, to document and strongly condemn what it described as “systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity” perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime.
The statement further accused the government of trampling the spirit and letter of the ongoing Doha Peace Process, citing continued arbitrary arrests, death sentences for alleged members of the Alliance, and targeting former President Joseph Kabila in what the group called “a mockery of justice.”
In an earlier statement on Sunday, August 24, the Alliance warned that coalition forces—including foreign mercenaries—had launched attacks on KADASOMWA and nearby positions, causing significant civilian displacement and casualties from drone bombardments.
The statement warned that, unlike previous attacks where perpetrators were allowed to return home without consequence, this new campaign would not go unpunished.
The Congo River Alliance reiterated its commitment to protect civilian populations and establish a security perimeter to neutralise what it described as the “terrorist forces of the Kinshasa regime.”
The AFC/M23 remains engaged in ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, where the group has accused government forces of targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities through marginalisation and violence.
Beyond her public image, she is an entrepreneur who seamlessly blends fashion, business, and philanthropy, most notably by supporting children from underprivileged families with school supplies to promote education.
But while her polished appearances often steal the spotlight, Kate lives a personal life that surprises many. She is unapologetic about her choices, prioritising happiness even when it sparks mixed reactions from the public.
One example is her love for animals—particularly her eight dogs, which she openly showers with affection and care, even buying land for them. For her, the bond is genuine, though some critics see it as excessive.
In an exclusive sit-down with IGIHE, Kate opened up about her journey, lifestyle, and values—from her playful childhood to her passion for giving back, and everything in between.
{{IGIHE: Who is Kate Bashabe?
}}
Kate Bashabe is an ordinary Rwandan woman who loves people, is calm, and enjoys things that bring happiness.
{{What kind of child were you growing up?
}}
As a child, I was very playful, and that energy has never really left me. I still keep everyone at home entertained with my liveliness. Back then, my parents were often concerned, wondering if I would return home safely or without any injuries. Despite my playful nature, I was also a well-behaved and respectful child.
{{We often see you attending football matches outside Rwanda. Which teams do you support?
}}
I am a big fan of Liverpool, but I also support Arsenal. I started following Liverpool when I was in the UK. As for Arsenal, I was once lucky to be invited by the club itself, and that was a very joyful experience because it’s something many people dream of but never get the chance to do. So whenever I get the opportunity, especially to watch Liverpool, I always go because I support them passionately.
{{How do you usually spend your day at home, from morning until night?
}}
When I don’t have work commitments, I often spend time with children from families I am close to. They enjoy being around me because I still have a childlike energy. I love playing, dancing, and watching movies. I also dedicate a lot of time to my dogs, which I love dearly. I currently have eight of them. On such days, I don’t feel the need to do much else. I take time to relax, watch films, or exercise, as fitness is something I really enjoy.
{{How did you develop such a strong love for dogs?
}}
I grew up in a household where dogs were part of the family. My father kept as many as seven, so I was surrounded by them from a young age, and that is where my affection for dogs began. As I got older, I always dreamed of owning my own and caring for different breeds. Beyond companionship, my dogs also provide security at home.
Of course, some people have different opinions, especially when I share a lot about them on social media. They may think I go overboard, but it simply comes from genuine love. Perhaps in the future, I’ll share less, but they remain a big part of my life.
{{With eight dogs, how do you manage their care professionally?
}}
Taking care of dogs is almost like managing another project. If I didn’t have the means, I couldn’t do it, because it requires both time and significant resources. They eat a lot, mostly meat, which is costly. To support them, I even set aside savings specifically for their needs and allocated land where I grow food for them.
Caring for them goes beyond feeding. It includes cleaning, medical care, and monitoring their overall well-being. My dogs eat twice a day, receive vaccinations regularly, and have a dedicated veterinarian who checks on them. It truly is a lot of work, but I see them as part of the family, deserving of proper attention and professional care.
{{What kinds of sports do you enjoy?
}}
I go to the gym regularly, but I also enjoy walking every evening. The area where I live has hills, so walking there is refreshing. I also love swimming—it’s something I enjoy a lot. Going to the gym and lifting weights helps me stay strong so that when I grow older, I will remain healthy.
{{What do you love so much that you think you might actually be addicted to it?
}}
I love eating! That’s actually why I do a lot of exercise, because I eat a lot and not always the healthiest foods. I love rice, fries, meat, and mayonnaise. I can eat up to four times a day. Honestly, I really love food. If I didn’t exercise, I would gain too much weight. For me, food is life, especially when I enjoy it with a cold soda—it makes me feel alive.
{{What is the most painful experience you’ve ever gone through?
}}
The death of my grandmother. She was my closest friend. When she passed away, it left me traumatised for a long time. Even my parents didn’t know how to help me through it. I struggled in school, and her death broke me completely. I was deeply hurt, and even today, I still think about her.
{{What’s your secret to looking good and maintaining your figure?
}}
The real secret is having a good heart. Let me explain: if you keep stressing about life, it becomes even harder. But if you stay positive, keep smiling, and choose to live with joy, that shows on the outside too. There’s really no magic secret. It’s about being kind, staying humble, and enjoying life with others without thinking of yourself as above anyone else. Life is short, and none of us know what tomorrow will bring.
{{You once participated in MTN Rwanda’s beauty contest and won. Why didn’t you pursue pageantry further like other girls who later competed in Miss Rwanda?
}}
Yes, I was crowned “Miss Nyarugenge” in the MTN Rwanda competition, and we were supposed to move forward to the final round. Unfortunately, my father was in a car accident at the time, and I had to travel to Kenya where he was. I couldn’t continue with the competition. I had set my heart on becoming Miss Rwanda, but once it didn’t work out, I decided to shift my focus and put my energy into business instead.
{{As a businesswoman, what is the first project you worked on that brought you significant income?
}}
It was a contract with MTN. Imagine, I was still in secondary school when I signed it, and it was worth about 1 million Rwandan francs, which was a lot of money at the time. I was paid monthly, and I also earned from having my face on billboards and in newspapers. That was the starting point for my business journey. I saved every franc I earned—I didn’t even spend a coin on clothes. Later, I invested those savings into my own business.
{{What inspired your passion for helping underprivileged children?
}}
Kate Bashabe: I would say my grandmother inspired me the most. She helped so many people, and I lived with her for a while, so I saw that spirit of generosity firsthand. My mother also has a very giving heart. But beyond family influence, it also comes from within. If you don’t genuinely have that heart, you won’t do it, even if your family does. For me, it’s part of who I am—the desire to give and do good.
{{Despite your financial independence, some say women no longer need a husband. What’s your take?
}}
Everyone has their own choices in life. I can’t judge those who feel they don’t need a husband once they have money. But personally, I do want a husband. I dream of having a family, and I don’t believe that financial independence should take that away. Even if I had all the money in the world, I would still wish for a family, because it is something every person naturally desires.
{{Considering your age, what advice would you give to an 18-year-old girl?
}}
My advice would be to pay close attention to the people around you, the groups you associate with, and the friends you spend the most time with because they can influence your direction in life. I would also encourage having a mentor, someone who can guide you and help you understand things better. This could even be a parent, since they often have wisdom in areas you may want to pursue. Lastly, it’s important to remain humble and open to advice, listen carefully, and then choose the guidance that is best for you.
{{How did you receive the recent law passed in Rwanda that allows a woman to carry a child for another through surrogacy?
}}
I don’t have much to say about the law itself, because people’s situations are different. There are women who may not have the ability to carry a child themselves, and this gives them an option to still experience motherhood. However, I would personally prefer to carry my own children.
According to Reuters, the six-year contract grants Meta access to Google Cloud’s servers, storage, and networking services.
The partnership comes at a critical moment as Meta intensifies its investment in AI and rapidly expands its data infrastructure on a global scale.
For Google, the agreement is a significant achievement in the fiercely competitive cloud market, traditionally dominated by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. Google Cloud recently reported 32% revenue growth in the second quarter of 2025, and bringing Meta on board further consolidates its position as a leading provider of large-scale computing power.
Meta has made no secret of its commitment to artificial intelligence as the core of its future strategy. In July, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on new data centres and AI systems.
The company also raised its 2025 capital expenditure forecast to between $66 billion and $72 billion, an increase of $2 billion compared to earlier projections. To support this growth, Meta has been selling off roughly $2 billion worth of data center assets, a move designed to balance costs while maintaining the pace of expansion.
Partnering with Google Cloud offers Meta the flexibility to scale quickly without being constrained by its own facilities.
The deal also reflects broader trends across the technology industry. Google Cloud has secured similar partnerships with other AI companies, including OpenAI, underscoring how even rival firms are turning to its infrastructure to power their most advanced projects.
News of the agreement was well received by investors. Meta’s stock rose 2% to $754.55 on Thursday, recovering some ground after a week of steep declines.
Analysts view the deal as a clear signal that Meta is consolidating its role in the AI race while making strategic infrastructure choices that could shape the future of the industry.
His remarks come days after French investigative judges dismissed a long-running case against her, citing insufficient evidence.
Speaking to France Inter on Saturday, Duclert said, “The archival documents we are collecting show the very strong involvement of Agathe Habyarimana in the Genocide against the Tutsi, being, like her brother, the mastermind of the Zero Network, the secret command center tasked with exterminating the Tutsi.”
French judges ruled on August 20 that there were no grounds to prosecute Kanziga for complicity in genocide or crimes against humanity, noting she was herself affected by the April 6, 1994 plane attack that killed her husband.
However, Duclert stressed that historical records tell a different story, pointing to her alleged role in coordinating the extremist “Zero Network” and her continued activism after being evacuated to France by French forces on April 9, 1994.
“The most numerous and converging analyses confirm that the attack on her husband’s plane was the work of the Zero Network, either directly or as the instigator,” Duclert said, adding that Kanziga was also heavily involved in the killings that immediately followed.
He argued that further investigation into her role “clearly seems necessary.”
{{Appeals against dismissal
}}
The ruling has already sparked appeals. On Thursday, France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) announced it would contest the decision, alongside the Civil Parties Collective for Rwanda (CPCR), which represents genocide survivors.
Lawyer Richard Gisagara, who represents survivor organisations, confirmed that the decision to halt the probe will not stand unchallenged.
“Do not be discouraged by the celebrations of génocidaires, deniers, hatemongers, and their supporters. This is only one step in the case. The next steps are appeal and annulment. The case cannot be declared closed until it has gone through all these stages,” he said on August 22.
{{A contested legal history
}}
The case against Kanziga dates back to 2008, when survivors’ groups filed a complaint in France over her alleged role in the genocide. Judges previously attempted to close the case in 2022, citing lack of evidence, but PNAT pushed for a broader inquiry covering her activities in the weeks leading up to April 6, 1994. Despite these requests, investigative judges in May 2025 again dismissed the case, a decision reaffirmed last week.
The ruling has been welcomed by the Habyarimana family, including Kanziga’s son Jean-Luc, who claimed the case was permanently closed. But survivor groups and prosecutors argue that both the scope and evidence considered by the judges were too limited.
Kanziga, now 82, has lived in France since her evacuation during the genocide, reportedly surviving on state support. Analysts argue that her protection reflects enduring political sensitivities in France over its role in Rwanda.
Political analyst Tite Gatabazi told IGIHE that remnants of the Mitterrand era continue to shield her.
“She holds secrets about France’s role in the genocide. She was evacuated by a French plane. To this day, she lives on support from the French state. Even though governments have changed, she still has powerful protectors,” he said.
In an interview with NBC News, Vance rejected the notion that Moscow was stringing President Donald Trump along, saying the Russians have been “flexible” on some of their demands.
“I think the Russians have made significant concessions to President Trump for the first time in three and a half years of this conflict,” Vance said. “They’ve actually been willing to be flexible on some of their core demands. They’ve talked about what would be necessary to end the war.”
“Of course, they haven’t been completely there yet, or the war would be over. But we’re engaging in this diplomatic process in good faith,” he added.
“We’re going to keep on doing what we have to do to bring this thing to a close,” Vance said. “I don’t think it’s going to happen overnight.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not being planned.
Intense diplomatic efforts have been underway in recent weeks to end the conflict in Ukraine. Following the Trump-Putin meeting in the U.S. state of Alaska, Trump held talks with Zelensky and European leaders on Monday.
Sixty juniors, ranging from 4 to 16 years old, competed across four divisions, bringing a mix of excitement, composure, and raw talent that left parents, coaches, and spectators convinced Rwanda is nurturing players who could soon compete on the continental stage.
The 18-hole advanced category proved the highlight of the day, delivering a commanding performance from Mukabwa Murenjekha, whose precision and calmness under pressure earned him a net 65 to secure first place.
His younger sister, Wambui Murenjekha, followed closely with a sharp short game and impressive course management, finishing with a net 70. Hannah Murenzi joined them on the podium with an equally composed net 70. Their consistency and strategic play sent a clear message: Rwanda’s junior golf program is producing athletes with the skill and temperament to excel regionally and beyond.
In the 9-hole intermediate division, six-year-old Joey Zane Wimfura Mutaboba stole the spotlight, claiming victory with a composed 49. Yao Yao and Cyibil Wambui weren’t far behind, with scores of 51 and 52, respectively, proving the depth of talent emerging in Rwanda’s youth golf scene.
The energy carried into the younger categories, where the 6-hole beginners put on a spirited performance led by Rodney Rwivanga at 35 strokes. In the 3-hole contest, Sine Saro and Travis Yuhi Emile tied for top honors with 17 strokes each. Even at these early levels, discipline and skill were evident, demonstrating that this tournament is more than just an event—it’s a vital pipeline for Rwanda’s future golf stars.
“This series isn’t simply about competition; it’s about building a pathway,” said Ambassador Bill Kayonga, Chairman of the Rwanda Golf Union. “We now have a structure for young golfers to develop their skills and feed directly into Rwanda’s national team. We thank NCBA for making this possible.”
“We’re proud to offer a glimpse into the next generation of African golf,” said Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda. “Our investment in junior golf reflects our commitment to ‘Change the Story’ and build opportunities where they matter most.”
The event’s success was also a testament to the meticulous planning by Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, which has invested heavily in its junior academy. “Seeing these kids take the course with professionalism and joy proves that consistent coaching and opportunities pay off,” said Gaston Gasore, Acting CEO of Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.
As competition wrapped up, the tournament transformed into a lively family celebration. A poolside prize-giving ceremony featured grand trophies, giveaways, and a cake-cutting ceremony, with music, swimming, food, and ice cream courtesy of the sponsors. Families, golfers, and guests celebrated not only a successful tournament but also the bright future of Rwandan golf.
With strong partnerships, rising talent, and a clear development pathway, Rwanda’s next generation of golfers is swinging confidently toward a future filled with possibility.
Ndikuriyo made these remarks during a recent media briefing in Butanyerere District, Buye, which addressed several national issues, including widespread poverty, fuel shortages, refugee returns, border closures, and prospects for restoring ties with Rwanda.
When journalists asked about the potential reopening of borders and the restoration of bilateral relations, Ndikuriyo was unequivocal. He stated that Burundi is not prepared to live in harmony with Rwanda until those involved in the 2015 coup attempt are surrendered.
“Rwanda must hand over those who attempted the coup d’état. If they continue to refuse, we will not back down because Burundians respect themselves and their dignity,” he stated.
Burundi closed its borders in January 2024, after repeatedly accusing Rwanda of supporting the RED Tabara rebel group following an attack in the Gatumba area of Bujumbura. At the time, the Rwandan government dismissed the claims, saying they were false and that Rwanda had no connection to any armed group in Burundi.
Rwanda has also made clear that it cannot hand over the individuals involved in the coup attempt, as doing so would violate international refugee law.
Bilateral relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated sharply in 2015 during an attempted coup against Nkurunziza. The coup, led by soldiers including Gen. Maj. Godefroid Niyombare, unfolded while Nkurunziza was attending an East African Community summit in Tanzania.
On May 15, 2015, forces loyal to Nkurunziza regained control, prompting Niyombare and other coup participants—soldiers, police, and politicians—to flee. Burundi claims many sought refuge in Kigali, and has repeatedly requested their extradition, which Rwanda has refused on legal grounds.
On March 10, 2025, intelligence officials from both countries met in Kirundo Province to discuss security issues that have exacerbated tensions. While talks also addressed potential pathways for restoring relations, progress has been stalled by Burundi’s continued accusatory stance towards Rwanda.
The border closure has significantly disrupted travel and trade between the two countries.
{{FDLR presence complicates reconciliation
}}
While Burundi focuses on accusations against Rwanda and demands the extradition of coup plotters as a precondition for better ties, experts warn that its tolerance of the FDLR militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda could hinder the restoration of relations.
The collaboration between Burundian troops and the FDLR has been evident in eastern DRC, where they have worked alongside the Kinshasa administration in efforts to neutralise the AFC/M23 rebel coalition.
Analysts also warn that if military operations targeting the FDLR are carried out as part of the DRC–Rwanda agreement signed in June, its members may seek refuge in Burundi.
The FDLR remains a major security threat to Rwanda, having contributed to instability in eastern DRC for the past three decades. Rwanda has consistently affirmed that as long as the group exists, it will maintain defensive measures to protect its security.
As part of this initiative, RURA has engaged lecturers, researchers, university administrators, and students—especially those involved in technology, telecommunications, and broadcasting—to contribute ideas for the law’s revision.
The discussions took place on August 22, 2025, at the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology, and were attended by senior officials from telecom companies and internet service providers.
RURA’s Director General, Evariste Rugigana, stated that universities should play a visible role in decisions across different sectors through research or input on desired directions, which is why they were brought together.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Dr. Didas Muganga, emphasised the importance of giving universities the opportunity to participate in development-focused decision-making, noting that they house experts in various fields. He also highlighted that universities conduct research aimed at societal transformation, and giving them a platform in certain changes provides a valuable contribution.
Charles Gahungu, General Manager of ICT Regulation at RURA, told IGIHE that the law governing service quality standards is currently under revision.
“We are bringing all relevant stakeholders together to determine how these regulations should be designed so they are fair for everyone—both service providers and users,” he said.
“That’s why we convened here at the University of Rwanda. We brought RURA, universities, and service providers together to share ideas—researchers give their input and hear the challenges faced by service providers, and providers also hear these ideas. We then combine them to benefit citizens.”
He noted that the revisions will consider new technologies such as 5G and 4G, which were not adequately addressed in the existing law.
“New technologies have emerged that the old laws did not cover. For example, 5G is now being deployed in Kigali, but its services did not previously have clear regulations regarding standards. There is also VoLTE technology, which allows calls over 4G internet and was launched last year by Airtel. Our old laws did not cover these new services, and as technology evolves, so do the standards.”
On challenges faced by investors that the revised law could address, Gahungu noted that older standards like 2G and 3G remain expensive to maintain because they require additional equipment, while technology continues to advance and older services gradually exit the market.
“At RURA, we look at both sides: ensuring citizens can continue to access services without disruption or poor quality, while also implementing measures that encourage users to transition to modern technologies,” he said.
MTN Rwanda’s CEO, Ali Monzer, said the company is committed to providing quality services but investment should prioritise advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G rather than 2G and 3G, which could limit progress.
“Providing quality services is essential, but it must align with our long-term vision. If we continue to focus heavily on maintaining 2G and 3G networks, it will reduce our capacity to accelerate investment in 4G and 5G,” he said, adding: “Allow us to align quality service delivery with investment.”
Airtel Rwanda’s Managing Director, Emmanuel Hamez, echoed this view, noting that investing heavily in 2G and 3G is increasingly costly and inefficient, as these networks may soon become obsolete.
CanalBox CEO, Aimé Abizera, praised the ongoing progress, emphasising the importance of contributing to initiatives that improve internet use and transform the lives of Rwandans.
Dr Migiro succeeds Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, who has been nominated to run alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan as her vice-presidential candidate in the upcoming October general election.
The announcement of Migiro’s appointment was made by CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Amos Makalla, after a round of nomination meetings chaired by President Samia in her capacity as party chair.
At 69, Dr Migiro brings to the role decades of political, diplomatic and academic experience. She is best known globally for serving as the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General from 2007 to 2012 under Ban Ki-moon, the first Tanzanian and only the third person ever to hold the post.
Her political career at home has been equally trailblazing. She became Tanzania’s first female Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2006, after five years leading the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children. In those roles, she was at the forefront of regional diplomacy, chairing the Great Lakes Region peace process and guiding Southern African Development Community (SADC) efforts to support elections in countries emerging from conflict.
{{From academia to politics
}}
Dr Migiro began her career in academia, teaching law at the University of Dar es Salaam and later heading key departments in the Faculty of Law. She also served on Tanzania’s Law Reform Commission and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women before fully venturing into politics.
Her path within CCM has been steady, starting at grassroots ward leadership level in the 1990s before rising through the regional structures. Although she unsuccessfully sought the party’s presidential nomination in 2015, she later represented Tanzania abroad as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
{{A historic first for CCM
}}
Founded in 1977, CCM has been the dominant political force in Tanzania since independence, but leadership at its highest ranks has long been male-dominated. Dr Migiro’s elevation to Secretary-General marks a milestone for the party and is seen as further cementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s push to open more leadership spaces for women.
Born in Songea in 1956, Dr Migiro studied law at the University of Dar es Salaam before earning a doctorate in Germany. She is married to Professor Cleophas Migiro and is a mother of two. In addition to Kiswahili and English, she speaks basic French and German.
The convicts were part of a gang accused of operating between April and August 2025, targeting shops, cooperatives, and money transfer outlets across the volatile Beni region.
Prosecutors said their most audacious strike occurred on the night of August 8–9, when they raided the Païdek cooperative, making off with over $100,000 and 76 million Congolese francs. Security forces intercepted the Ugandan group the following day as they tried to return home, recovering $54,350 and 36 million Congolese francs.
Alongside the death sentences for criminal association, the tribunal imposed 10-year prison terms for the theft charges. Two minors implicated in the case were acquitted. In a related proceeding, a man arrested in Dindi with an AK-47 rifle received a death sentence for armed robbery, while his alleged accomplice was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo retains capital punishment, though no executions have been carried out since 2003, creating a de facto moratorium. Nevertheless, death sentences remain frequent in military tribunals handling armed violence or organised crime. In March 2024, Kinshasa indicated plans to resume executions to curb insurgencies in the east.
The Beni region has long suffered from armed group violence, including attacks by the Ugandan-origin Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has displaced at least 500,000 people since early 2025.
