The minister is accompanied by Army Commander Maj Gen André Rafael Mahunguane and CP Fabião Pedro Nhancololo, Commander of the Law and Order Service of Mozambique’s National Police.
During the visit, Minister Chume and his delegation on Saturday, August 24, 2025, visited the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters, where they held talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence collaboration and regional security coordination.
The Mozambican delegation was briefed on Rwanda’s contributions to peace and security across Africa. Speaking to the media, Minister Chume said the visit aimed to reinforce defence and security ties, noting that Rwanda is a key partner to Mozambique not only in defence but also in socio-economic development.
He highlighted the joint operations conducted by Mozambican forces alongside the RDF in Cabo Delgado, which have contributed to stabilising the region and enabling displaced communities to return home.
He emphasised that the operations will further degrade the insurgency. He commended the courage and sacrifice of the Rwanda Security Forces in support of the Mozambican people.
Minister Chume also emphasised other areas of cooperation, including training programs and intelligence sharing, underlining that terrorism remains a common regional threat.
In addition to defence discussions, the Mozambican delegation paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and toured the Campaign against Genocide Museum.
Rwanda first deployed a joint RDF and Rwanda National Police force to Cabo Delgado in July 2021, at the request of the Mozambican government. Since then, Rwandan forces have played a crucial role in counterterrorism operations, helping to liberate and stabilise areas previously held by insurgents.
The Ramba Hills project, led by Investment Africa Holdings Ltd. through its subsidiary Ramba Real Estate, is under construction in Gasabo District, near King Faisal Hospital, extending toward Vision City and the Kigali Golf Course.
According to the master plan, Ramba Hills will feature two high-rise towers—one 26 floors and the other 24—alongside four additional towers ranging from 10 to 16 floors. One of the tallest towers will serve as an office block, while the other will be dedicated to residential apartments.
Complementing the skyline will be ten single-storey residential buildings facing the golf course, landscaped gardens, a large swimming pool, and extensive internal road networks. The development will also include a hotel, modern retail outlets, and parking space for more than 1,400 vehicles.
The design allows professionals to live and work within the same development, with convenient access to on-site retail outlets and other essential as well as recreational amenities.
Ramba Real Estate has confirmed that the entire project will cost approximately Frw 115.7 billion ($80 million). Construction is expected to run for four years, with residential houses to be completed within the first 18 months, apartments in two and a half to three years, and the office tower by the fourth year.
Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva, speaking in June 2025, hailed Ramba Hills as one of the flagship projects set to transform the city’s urban landscape.
“Compared to Vision City and the existing apartments, Kacyiru is about to change significantly,” said Dusengiyumva. “Relocating residents sparked much debate, but this project reflects the President’s vision and the city’s clear development plan.”
With its blend of luxury apartments, business facilities, leisure spaces, and green design, Ramba Hills is being positioned as a defining symbol of Kigali’s next phase of urban development.
General Lucien René Likulia, representing the public prosecutor’s office, called on the High Military Court to sentence Kabila to death for “war crimes,” “treason,” and “organising an insurrectional movement.” The prosecution also requested 20 years in prison for “glorifying war crimes” and 15 years for “conspiracy.”
Kabila, who has been living abroad for over two years, returned briefly to eastern Congo in May, visiting Goma and Bukavu—cities under the control of the M23 group. There, he held consultations with political and civil society representatives, which he said were intended to “contribute to the return of peace” in the country. His visits, however, were viewed by the government in Kinshasa as attempts to legitimise the rebel movement.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by conflict for over 30 years. Violence escalated early this year when M23 seized control of Goma and Bukavu, capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu. The prosecution argued that Kabila bears “criminal and individual responsibility” for the “harm” caused by the rebel group.
According to General Likulia, Kabila allegedly planned a coup against President Félix Tshisekedi, who succeeded him in 2019 following a contested election. Prosecutors claim he intended to “overthrow the constitutional regime by force” with support from figures such as Corneille Nangaa, former head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), before joining M23 in 2023 and heading its political branch, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC).
Prior to his May visit, Kabila released a 12-point peace proposal, calling for disbanding armed groups, national dialogue, engagement with neighbouring countries, and ending authoritarian rule. While his supporters hailed the plan as a step toward peace, authorities deemed it a threat to national stability.
The trial, which opened on July 25 in Kinshasa, marks the first time a former Congolese president has faced prosecution before a military court. Kabila is not expected to appear in person, but the hearings will continue in his absence.
A moratorium on the death penalty had been in place in the DRC since 2003 and was lifted in 2024, though no executions have occurred since.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the claims as “sensational, baseless, and lacking evidence,” pointing out that even HRW acknowledged it had not independently verified the alleged killings of Hutu civilians said to have occurred over nearly two weeks in July.
“These salacious claims, which raise more questions than answers, are not the result of any credible investigation,” the Rwandan government said. “Rather, they have been hastily released through media leaks in an attempt to entrench a pre-determined narrative. Only an independent investigation will shed light on these allegations.”
Rwanda accused HRW of a “long history of implausible claims” against the country, often timed to coincide with critical political moments. The government noted that the latest report comes as parties to the conflict in eastern DRC prepare to resume negotiations and as the June 27 Washington DC Peace Agreement — which includes the neutralisation of the DRC-backed FDLR militia — is being implemented. Kigali reiterated its commitment to regional peace efforts, including the Doha process.
The Allied Forces Coalition/M23 (AFC/M23) rebel group also dismissed the HRW report recently, calling it “fake, politically motivated, and an instrument of propaganda.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, criticised HRW’s methodology, saying it relied on “unverified telephone testimonies and satellite imagery without on-the-ground verification.”
“The Human Rights Watch report of August 20th, 2025, is fake and a falsification of reality. Its methodology is fraudulent, its sources are corrupt, and its context is truncated,” the statement read.
AFC/M23 further accused HRW of ignoring atrocities allegedly committed by other armed groups allied with the Kinshasa government, including the FDLR, Nyatura, PARECO, and Wazalendo. The rebels maintain that the report is intended to cover up “military failures and crimes against humanity” by government forces.
The flight departed from Ramon Airport in Israel via Karam Abu Salem crossing. To date, the UAE has evacuated 2,785 patients and their families to provide access to medical treatment since the onset of the crisis.
The latest medical evacuation flight is under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to provide medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients throughout the nation’s hospitals. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s leading and continuous commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza and mitigating the devastating impacts of this catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
In this regard, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations and Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, emphasised the UAE’s dedication to providing a rapid humanitarian response, including the urgent transport of patients and injured civilians from the Gaza Strip. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s unwavering and deep-rooted support for the Palestinians without exemption, reflecting the nation’s humanitarian commitment to delivering immediate aid, supporting stability, and alleviating suffering caused by war and conflicts.
Al Shamsi underscored that the Emirati medical teams have transported critically wounded and injured patients to hospitals across Abu Dhabi, while other patients and their family members are accommodated at the Emirates Humanitarian City, where they will receive the necessary medical care, under the supervision of specialised medical teams.
Furthermore, Al Shamsi highlighted that the UAE provides various medical, educational, and cultural support to patients, injured, and their family members, which contribute in alleviating the dire consequences of the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting patients, children, women, and the elderly in Gaza.
Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has continued its leading humanitarian initiatives and extensive efforts in cooperation with UN organisations and international partners to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of the ongoing crisis and alleviate the humanitarian suffering faced by the residents of the Strip. These include medical services, provision of medication, and essential medical equipment on the UAE hospital ship anchored in Egypt’s Al-Arish Port, as well as the operations of the Emirati field hospital in southern Gaza.
The continuous medical evacuation flights are part of a comprehensive and urgent humanitarian response plan to mitigate the crisis and provide relief to those most in need.
The meeting took place in Tokyo on August 21, 2025, where Minister Nduhungirehe was attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
During the talks, Minister Iwaya welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling the commitments made, and expressed his hope for Rwanda’s role in advancing peace and stability.
Minister Nduhungirehe expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding cooperation through TICAD and voiced his commitment to strengthening Japan–Africa partnership while contributing to regional peace and security.
Minister Iwaya further noted Japan’s humanitarian support, including food assistance to refugees and host communities through the World Food Programme (WFP), in response to the deteriorating situation in the Great Lakes region. He emphasised that regional stability is vital for business operations in Rwanda and reiterated Japan’s support for regionally-led stabilisation efforts.
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe conveyed appreciation for Japan’s humanitarian assistance and expressed his wish to deepen cooperation, particularly in the economic field.
Rwanda’s relations with Japan began officially after its independence in 1962 and were strengthened in the early 2000s when both countries opened embassies in Tokyo and Kigali.
This partnership is built on cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, technical assistance, transport, energy, water, sanitation, agriculture, education, information technology, and meteorological services.
A story that captured the attention of many involved a Rwandan man living in Europe who, in 2016, travelled to Kigali to buy a house in Nyarutarama. He had been assured by a friend that a local construction company could provide a fully built home, and he brought with him 80 million Rwandan francs to make the purchase.
However, the excitement of finally owning a home in his homeland quickly turned into disappointment. Soon after moving in with his family during the holidays, he discovered multiple construction flaws: poorly installed tiles, faulty plumbing, electrical issues, and other structural problems. Attempts to resolve the issues with the company were unsuccessful, leaving him facing a significant financial loss.
His story is not unique; several other diaspora Rwandans have reported being misled, defrauded, or left powerless due to the difficulty of monitoring construction from abroad.
In response to these challenges, a new digital platform dubbed StoneForge has been launched. It aims to provide Rwandans in the diaspora with a way to supervise their construction projects remotely, ensuring full transparency and control over their investments.
According to Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, StoneForge was developed in direct response to frequent complaints from diaspora members struggling with unreliable site managers, limited oversight, and a lack of accountability for their investments. The platform is designed to bridge this gap, giving users real-time updates and greater confidence as their projects progress.
“StoneForge was born from a clear need — helping busy Rwandans, especially in the diaspora, supervise their construction projects remotely with full transparency and control,” said Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder.
“Our platform brings everything into one centralised dashboard: daily updates, material tracking, costs, reports — all automated. It’s peace of mind, built into technology.”
Through its web-based system, which went live in May this year, StoneForge provides real-time project updates, daily site reports, financial tracking, and even live camera feeds from construction sites. Site supervisors upload progress photos, track inventory, and flag issues, allowing project owners to follow every step without having to make constant phone calls or travel back home.
According to the founders, what sets StoneForge apart is its all-in-one approach. While other apps scatter budgeting, planning, and updates across multiple tools, StoneForge brings them together with live visuals and automated reporting, giving owners a clear picture of their project from start to finish.
For clients like Egide Nsabimana, who is building an apartment project in Kagarama, Kicukiro, the platform has already made a difference.
“With StoneForge, I don’t need to call my site manager every day or worry about what’s happening on site. From wherever I am, I can see what’s being done, how much it costs, and even view progress with live feed of the site and reports in real time. It’s like being on site, without actually being there,” he said.
StoneForge is initially targeting Rwandans in the diaspora, but the founders say it could also benefit busy professionals and organisations managing multiple construction projects locally.
By digitising supervision and providing transparency, the platform aims to restore trust in a process that for years has left many feeling anxious and vulnerable.
The closure, which followed customer complaints about poor service and negligence during a wedding ceremony in early July, surprised many, who questioned how a hotel that had been in operation for years could continue without proper authorisation.
At the time of the announcement, RDB warned that if the hotel continued operating beyond July 22, 2025, it would be in violation of national laws, a breach that could attract heavy penalties. The agency further explained that reopening would only be considered once the hotel had fulfilled all requirements to obtain an operating license in the tourism sector and complied fully with the relevant laws.
The revelation that such a prominent establishment lacked a valid operating license shocked the public, given that the hotel was well-known and had been welcoming guests for some time.
Speaking to IGIHE, Irène Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, explained that the situation was not unusual, pointing out that Rwanda’s 2014 Tourism Law allows investors to begin their projects while still working toward fulfilling conditions for an operating license, depending on the type of investment.
She clarified that beginning operations does not automatically mean an establishment is licensed in the tourism sector.
“In this case, the issue is not complicated. Registering an investment is simple and can be done online within six hours. But the key question is: what type of investment is it? A hotel, a restaurant, a nightclub, or apartments? The license granted depends on the category, and in their case, they were operating without ever applying for the proper license,” Murerwa said.
She added that although RDB was aware of the hotel’s investment activities, the owners had not completed all requirements needed to secure a tourism license.
“Anyone could see their doors open and assume they were licensed. Of course, RDB knew about them, just as we know many investors. We don’t close businesses the moment they open. We first conduct visits, hold discussions, and agree on timelines. Some investors fulfil requirements quickly, while others encounter delays. That was the case here,” she explained.
According to Murerwa, after an establishment begins operations, RDB reviews whether it meets the standards required for its specific category of tourism business.
“When challenges are communicated, we listen and allow time to address them, because our role is both regulatory and developmental. But once the grace period expires and compliance is still lacking, then closure becomes necessary,” she said.
Murerwa confirmed that Château le Marara had been inspected several times and was repeatedly reminded of what it needed to comply with. However, despite discussions, the hotel continued to report difficulties in meeting the legal requirements.
“We visited them and held discussions. But at some point, it became clear they were not treating the requirements with the seriousness of legal obligations. People wondered how such a well-known hotel, recognised by the community and local authorities, could lack RDB approval. The truth is that while they had the right to invest, they did not have the license to operate in the tourism sector,” she said.
Currently, investors registering in the tourism industry are required to fulfil up to 22 conditions, in addition to specific requirements depending on the category of business. These include registering the investment, employing qualified staff, and adhering to hygiene, safety, and environmental standards, among others.
While she did not disclose which specific requirements Château le Marara had failed to meet, Murerwa emphasised that any failure to comply constitutes a violation of the law.
“In tourism, there are many conditions to meet. If out of more than 20, you have fulfilled only five, you are still violating the law. While much attention is on Château le Marara, many other establishments have not met all conditions, and these cases must equally be reported to the authorities,” she concluded.
According to RDB officials, an establishment may be suspended for several reasons, such as employing workers without contracts—which is prohibited by law—or when clients suffer health complications due to non-compliance with required standards.
By law, RDB may grant an establishment a grace period during which it continues to operate while working to meet the required conditions. However, if follow-up inspections reveal ongoing non-compliance and no valid justification is provided, the institution risks suspension.
Murerwa explained: “There are instances where, for example, an employee mistreats a guest. That alone does not immediately warrant closure. In such cases, we conduct visits, issue warnings, and give time for correction. But if a client suffers health complications because the establishment failed to meet hygiene or safety requirements, then it becomes a serious matter, and closure is enforced immediately.”
She emphasised that closure is not necessarily permanent. Once the owner fixes the violations and meets all required conditions, they may request reopening. The application is reviewed through an inspection by a joint team from RDB, the Police, and other relevant agencies. If the team confirms compliance, the establishment is granted a license to resume operations.
Currently, a tourism operating license issued by RDB costs 80,000 Rwandan francs, although the fee may change in the future as part of an ongoing legal review process.
Château le Marara is located in Karongi District, on the shores of Lake Kivu.
RDB clarifies the reasons behind the closure of Château le Marara.
A month has now passed since Château le Marara was ordered to close its doors
Speaking during an interview with conservative radio host Todd Starnes on Thursday, Trump said he would be “going out tonight with the police and with the military” and pledged that “we’re going to do a job.”
The statement comes less than two weeks after Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., and invoked provisions of the Home Rule Act to assume federal control of the city’s law enforcement.
On August 11, his administration transferred authority over the Metropolitan Police Department to federal command and deployed National Guard troops across the city. Since then, Washington has seen a significant increase in the presence of federal agents and military personnel, with checkpoints and joint patrols established in several neighbourhoods.
The move has generated mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the deployment demonstrates a firm commitment to restoring order, while critics, including local officials, have expressed concern that the takeover undermines the city’s autonomy and risks politicising public safety.
In Congress, lawmakers are already debating legislation that could extend federal control of Washington’s police force beyond the initial emergency period, signalling that the measure could have lasting political implications.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, August 21, 2025, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said Washington was “encouraged by continued negotiations between the DRC and M23, facilitated by the State of Qatar.”
He described this week’s talks as a “critical step” following the signing of a Declaration of Principles last month, which laid out a roadmap for ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
Boulos reaffirmed the U.S. call for “an immediate end to violence against civilians” and stressed the importance of “concrete actions to uphold commitments to peace and stability.”
The comments come as both Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 announced this week that they would send delegations to Qatar.
The meetings are, among others, intended to evaluate progress on commitments made in the July 19 Declaration of Principles, including a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners.
AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed that his group’s technical team would focus on “the practical arrangements for the application of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners.”
The Congolese government also confirmed its participation, while emphasising that its negotiators would prioritise protecting national interests.
Despite the July agreement, mistrust between the two parties remains high. The sides had initially pledged to meet key commitments by July 29, paving the way for formal peace talks by August 8. Instead, accusations of ceasefire violations and disputes over detainees stalled progress.
The question of prisoners remains particularly contentious. AFC/M23 claims Kinshasa is holding around 700 members and supporters, while the government insists any releases can only follow the signing of a final peace deal. The impasse derailed efforts to conclude a broader agreement by August 18.
Qatar, which has been mediating since July, has acknowledged the setbacks but says it continues to work closely with both sides to encourage compromise.
