The couple arrived in Kigali on February 21, 2025, and while Legend headlined the concert, they also took time to explore Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.
Sharing the experience with his fans on Instagram, Legend posted a video capturing the intimate encounter with a family of gorillas, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“While we were in Rwanda for @glblctzn #MoveAfrika, we were able to spend some time in nature. We got up close and personal with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he captioned a video highlighting their trekking experience on Saturday night.
The American singer-songwriter and pianist also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality during his first visit to the country.
“We’re so grateful to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality and loving welcome,” he added.
The “Move Afrika” concert, which John Legend headlined, is part of Global Citizen’s larger mission to develop Africa’s international touring circuit.
Meanwhile, gorilla tourism is a major revenue earner for Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda primarily occurs in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest part of the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking, and visitors can embark on guided treks to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, with its lush forests and towering volcanic mountains.
An internal memo seen by several outlets outlines the proposed restrictions, categorizing affected nations into three tiers: “red,” “orange,” and “yellow.”
{{Countries Facing Full Travel Suspension (Red List)
}}
Citizens from 11 countries in the “red” category would face a complete ban on entry into the United States. These countries are:
-* Afghanistan
-* Bhutan
-* Cuba
-* Iran
-* Libya
-* North Korea
-* Somalia
-* Sudan
-* Syria
-* Venezuela
-* Yemen
If approved, these nations would face indefinite travel restrictions under the executive order signed by Trump on January 20, aimed at preventing entry by individuals perceived to pose security risks.
{{Countries Facing Partial Visa Restrictions (Orange List)
}}
A second group of countries, under the “orange” category, would be subject to partial visa suspensions affecting immigrant, tourist, and student visas, with some exceptions. The ten countries on this list include:
A third category, the “yellow” list, includes 22 countries that would be given 60 days to address security and information-sharing concerns raised by Washington.
Failure to comply could result in movement to the more restrictive “red” or “orange” categories. These countries are:
-* Angola
-* Antigua and Barbuda
-* Benin
-* Burkina Faso
-* Cabo Verde
-* Cambodia
-* Cameroon
-* Chad
-* Democratic Republic of the Congo
-* Dominica
-* Equatorial Guinea
-* Gambia
-* Guinea
-* Liberia
-* Malawi
-* Mali
-* Mauritania
-* Republic of the Congo
-* Saint Kitts and Nevis
-* Sao Tome and Principe
-* Vanuatu
-* Zimbabwe
The proposed travel ban marks a return to one of Trump’s most controversial policies during his first term in office.
In January 2017, shortly after taking office, Trump signed the “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” order. This initial travel ban temporarily barred entry for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries and led to widespread protests and legal challenges.
The US Supreme Court eventually upheld a revised version of the ban in 2018, which continued to restrict travel from several nations, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, describing it as “a stain on our national conscience.”
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to reinstate and expand the travel ban to protect the US from perceived threats.
The new proposal remains under review and could face legal challenges similar to those following the 2017 ban.
The minister’s remarks followed a statement issued during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Charlevoix, Canada, held from March 12 to 14, 2025.
The G7, in its statement, accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and stated that the group’s military offensive was a violation of DRC’s territorial integrity. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these claims.
The bloc further urged all parties to commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, supporting the mediation efforts led by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Additionally, it called for accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reacting to the G7 statement, Nduhungirehe took to social media to dismiss it as a “recycled formula” that ignores Rwanda’s legitimate security concerns and the key root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo, including decades of persecution of Congolese Tutsi.
“These recycled formulas, forwarded from a western capital to another, 1) which minimise the support of the DRC government to the FDLR genocidal militia, 2) which overlook the security concerns of Rwanda, 3) which condoned the deployment of European mercenaries at our border, 4) which disregard the continued persecution of the Congolese Tutsi in eastern DRC, and 5) which pay lip service to the Africa-led peace process, are really tiresome,” he wrote in a post on X.
He further emphasised that Rwanda remains committed to supporting the ongoing EAC-SADC peace process to find a lasting solution to the crisis in eastern DRC, despite what he termed as “politically and/or economically motivated statements from overseas.”
The G7 forum brings together the leaders of seven of the world’s advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Rwanda recently termed sanctions from some of the members as counterproductive to efforts to restore peace in eastern Congo.
{{FDLR threat
}}
Rwanda has consistently accused the DRC of harbouring and supporting the FDLR, which it considers a direct security threat.
Kigali argues that the FDLR, which collaborates with the Congolese army, seeks to destabilise Rwanda and push for regime change.
Despite these concerns, international actors, including the G7, have primarily focused on Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 while giving less attention to the presence and activities of the FDLR.
The conflict in eastern DRC has seen renewed violence, with the M23, which insists it is fighting for the rights of marginalised communities in eastern Congo, capturing key territories.
The group is scheduled for peace talks with the Congolese government in Angola on March 18, with the aim of resolving the conflict through a peace deal, after the military solution by Congo failed.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed that the ministerial talks will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 17, 2025.
During the summit, the ministers will review a report prepared by the chiefs of defence staff from EAC and SADC, who met in Dar es Salaam on February 24, regarding the cessation of hostilities in eastern DRC and ongoing humanitarian operations.
Additionally, the meeting will focus on preparing a framework for political talks between the DRC government and its adversaries.
The EAC and SADC ministers’ meeting follows decisions made by the heads of state of the two organisations during their extraordinary summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025.
The meeting comes amid plans for the phased withdrawal of SADC troops from eastern Congo.
On March 13, 2025, an extraordinary summit of SADC heads of state reaffirmed that political dialogue is key to ending the conflict in eastern DRC, ahead of proposed talks between the Congolese government and M23 in Angola, scheduled for March 18.
The heads of state decided to withdraw SADC troops from DRC after nearly a year and four months of deployment. The troops include soldiers from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi.
Speculation about Gen Omega’s death surfaced in January 2025 after clashes between the M23 armed group and a coalition of Congolese army forces and FDLR fighters in areas including Kanyamahoro, Sake, and the outskirts of Goma.
On March 1, 2025, when M23 handed over captured FDLR fighters to Rwanda—including Brig Gen Jean Baptiste Gakwerere—M23’s deputy spokesperson, Dr Oscar Balinda, told IGIHE that Gen Omega’s body had not been found.
“Gen Omega’s whereabouts will be revealed soon. We are still searching for him. I personally entered his bunker in Kanyamahoro, beneath Nyiragongo Volcano. No one was inside, and we did not find his body either,” Dr Balinda stated.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, Brig Gen Rwivanga confirmed that the RDF is still seeking information about Gen Omega. He noted that the RDF is yet to determine whether he is dead or alive.
“We have not received Pacifique Ntawunguka. We are waiting to confirm whether he was captured, killed, or is still alive,” Brig Gen Rwivanga said.
{{Who is Gen Omega?}}
Gen Omega, born in 1964 in what is now Ngororero District, Western Province, Rwanda, studied at Collège Christ-Roi in Nyanza before attending Rwanda’s Military Academy (ESM) in Kigali. He later trained as a pilot in Egypt, Greece, and France.
Between 1990 and 1994, he held the rank of Lieutenant in the former Rwandan army (Ex-FAR). During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he led Battalion 94 in Mutara but was defeated by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA). Wounded in the leg, he fled to Kigali before eventually escaping Rwanda.
Despite efforts by the Rwandan government to persuade him to return home—like some former FDLR members—Gen Omega refused. He infamously told Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, a former RDF Chief of Defence Staff, that he would only return to Rwanda if no Tutsi remained in the country.
After the death of Gen Sylvestre Mudacumura in September 2019, Gen Omega took over as the FDLR’s military leader.
In September 2024, the DRC army launched operations described as a manhunt, but it was later revealed that these operations were merely a facade.
However, a UN expert report later revealed that Gen Maj Peter Cirimwami, then Governor of North Kivu, had tipped him off, allowing him to relocate before the operation began.
The FDLR, a terrorist group composed of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has long sought to destabilise Rwanda through armed conflict.
The DRC government has been accused of collaborating with the FDLR, allowing it to operate freely within its borders.
The fate of Gen Omega remains unknown, but ongoing investigations may soon reveal whether he is still alive or has been eliminated.
The March 18 talks in Luanda, Angola, mark the first official dialogue between the two sides after months of intensifying conflict, but M23 insists that Kinshasa must demonstrate genuine willingness to engage.
In a statement issued on March 13 by its spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 reiterated that a military solution cannot resolve the crisis in eastern Congo. The group welcomed Angola’s mediation efforts but criticized the DRC government’s past reluctance to engage.
“The Kinshasa regime has persistently refused to engage in dialogue and has repeatedly declared that it will NEVER negotiate with our organisation,” M23 stated, citing recent remarks by DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.
The group called on Tshisekedi to make an unequivocal public declaration committing to direct negotiations.
M23 also raised concerns about the mediation process, urging Angola to formally notify all stakeholders about the structure and terms of the talks.
The group claimed that it has only learned about the negotiations through a statement published on the Facebook page of the Angolan Presidency, highlighting the need for greater transparency.
Additionally, M23 requested clarification on the implementation of resolutions adopted at the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, which called for a political settlement to the conflict.
The conflict has worsened since late January when M23 captured the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Despite these advances, Kinshasa had previously maintained a hardline stance, refusing to engage in direct negotiations with the rebel group.
Pressure has been mounting on Tshisekedi to change his position. During the African Union (AU) summit on February 15, regional leaders reinforced calls for direct engagement with M23. However, Tshisekedi skipped the summit, choosing instead to attend a security conference in Munich, Germany.
With the March 18 talks approaching, M23 insists that Tshisekedi’s public commitment to the process is crucial for building trust and ensuring productive discussions.
Rwanda is set to establish a new institution dedicated to training in cybersecurity and technology-related fields, according to the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire.
The upcoming Cyber Academy is expected to provide education on digital security and the application of technology across various sectors.
The minister revealed the plans while addressing Rwanda’s Parliament, specifically the Governance, Gender, and Social Affairs Committee, in response to questions related to the 2023-2024 performance report of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
Minister Ingabire confirmed that the academy will be operational before the end of 2025.
{{Boosting digital skills in Rwanda
}}
The minister emphasized that the academy will play a crucial role in enhancing Rwandans’ knowledge and skills in technology use.
“We are setting up the Cyber Academy, which will offer courses in cybersecurity. The goal is to equip young people with the knowledge to develop digital solutions while ensuring their security and contributing to national strategies,” she stated.
“The academy will be launched this year, and we will collaborate with various partners to ensure the successful delivery of its programmes in Rwanda,” she added.
Minister Ingabire also provided an update on the country’s digital progress, revealing that 22% of Rwandans currently use digital services, despite internet coverage reaching 96% of inhabited areas and 75% of the entire national territory.
She reaffirmed the government’s target of achieving 100% internet coverage across the country by 2029.
Additionally, the number of Rwandan households with fixed internet connections has increased from 7,501 to 79,107, reflecting a significant improvement in digital connectivity.
However, the minister acknowledged that challenges remain, including the high cost of internet services, expensive digital devices, and limited digital literacy among the population.
Despite these obstacles, Minister Ingabire highlighted ongoing initiatives to increase digital adoption, stating that 68.5% of Rwandans aged 10 and above now possess basic digital skills. The government continues to invest in awareness campaigns to ensure that all citizens can independently access and utilize online services.
The decision was reached during a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
The summit deliberated on the security situation in eastern DRC, where SADC forces had been deployed to support the Congolese army and their allied forces to neutralize the M23 rebel group.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security, urging continued diplomatic engagement to address the crisis. The DRC government and M23 rebels are set to [hold peace talks in Angola on March 18->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/drc-gov-t-and-m23-rebels-to-hold-peace-talks-on-march-18-in-angola] in an attempt to resolve the conflict.
The withdrawal of SADC troops follows concerns over escalating tensions and humanitarian challenges in the region.
The summit also called on the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the violence in eastern DRC.
SADC, a regional economic bloc comprising 16 member states, includes the DRC, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The bloc had deployed its military intervention force, SAMIDRC, in December 2023, consisting of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops, with an offensive mandate to defeat M23 and other rebel groups.
Despite an initial deployment period, SADC extended the mission’s mandate by one year in November 2024, citing continued hostilities between the Congolese army and the M23 group, which says it’s fighting against the systematic persecution of the Tutsi minority community. However, the mission faced significant challenges, including battlefield losses.
SADC forces suffered 18 fatalities, including 14 South African soldiers, two from Malawi, and two from Tanzania, in clashes leading to the capture of Goma in January. Dozens of others were wounded, further intensifying scrutiny over the mission’s viability.
Since the fall of Goma, SADC troops have remained confined to their bases, facing mounting pressure for repatriation, particularly from South African lawmakers, who questioned the justification for the country’s involvement in the conflict. Critics argue that South African soldiers have been put in unnecessary danger, sacrificing lives for a foreign conflict driven by private interests.
In a rare interview with Belgian researcher and former senator Alain Destexhe, Makenga accused President Félix Tshisekedi of failing to protect all Congolese citizens, labelling him “a bandit” who has shown no love for the country.
Since late 2021, M23 has reignited its armed struggle, claiming to defend Tutsis, Banyamulenge, Hema, and other Kinyarwanda-speaking communities who face persecution, killings, and other abuses due to their ethnicity.
Makenga insists that M23 took up arms only because they were “threatened with extermination.”
“We are fighting for our survival,” Makenga said. “We could not allow ourselves to be wiped out without reacting. It is unfortunate that the outside world refuses to see this.”
Citing attacks against Tutsi-majority villages, he pointed to a recent incident in Nturo, Masisi territory, where a village was burned down simply because of its ethnic composition.
“We must move beyond this ideology of ethnic hatred and instead promote reconciliation,” he added.
Makenga denied that capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu was a strategic objective but argued that it became necessary to stop ongoing attacks.
“From Goma, the FARDC [Congolese army] and other forces were shelling our positions and the civilians under our protection. We could not tolerate this any longer,” he explained.
He also accused the Congolese and Burundian forces of regrouping in Bukavu and receiving supplies through Kavumu Airport, which, he said, posed a threat that M23 had to neutralize.
Despite their military successes, Makenga dismissed suggestions that M23 intended to advance on Kinshasa, saying, “No, unless we are threatened.”
{{SADC troops and foreign mercenaries}}
As part of efforts to counter M23’s offensive, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania to eastern DRC. However, many of these forces are now holed up in bases around Goma following heavy losses.
“They can move freely but without weapons. We allow them to resupply,” Makenga stated, adding that M23 has no interest in holding them captive. “We want them to go home. They are free to leave whenever they wish.”
The M23 leader also condemned the involvement of foreign mercenaries alongside Congolese forces, particularly the alleged presence of Romanian fighters.
“It is unjust for people to come from Europe to kill those defending their rights. The world should be shocked, but apparently, it is not.”
Despite the ongoing conflict, Makenga expressed willingness to negotiate, particularly in response to an initiative led by Angola, which currently holds the African Union presidency.
“Of course, we want negotiations,” he said. “We have acknowledged Angola’s position, but we have not yet heard anything from Kinshasa.” Shortly after the interview, Kinshasa signaled its acceptance of the talks, with negotiations set to begin on March 18.
It remains to be seen whether the March 18 talks will bring about the much-needed peace deal in the eastern region.
According to RBC, youth are among the most affected, with sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) being at particularly high risk of infection.
HIV was first detected in Rwanda in 1983 and spread rapidly from 1986 onwards, with the peak of infections occurring between 1988 and 1996. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to suppress its progression.
Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.
“When we examine HIV-related deaths, we estimate that 2,600 people die from AIDS-related complications every year. Among Rwandans aged 15 to 49, 2.7% are living with HIV,” Dr Basile revealed.
Regarding children aged 0 to 14 with HIV, 80% are receiving treatment.
RBC highlights that sex workers and men who have sex with men remain among the most vulnerable groups. The organization is increasing efforts to provide targeted interventions for these populations.
According to Dr. Ikuzo, 35% of sex workers in Rwanda are living with HIV, while 5.8% of MSM are infected. Only 43% of MSM know their HIV status.
“When you compare these figures to the general population, they remain alarmingly high, which is why we prioritize these groups in our prevention efforts,” he said.
On a positive note, 99% of HIV-positive mothers in Rwanda can now give birth without transmitting the virus to their children, thanks to effective medical interventions.
{{Youth face rising HIV infections
}}
Dr. Ikuzo emphasized that youth remain particularly vulnerable, especially in Kigali City and the Eastern Province, which consistently report the highest rates of new infections.
“Young people aged 15 to 29 account for most new infections, with young women being the most affected,” he said. “Among older adults, men are more likely to be HIV-positive than women, indicating that men are transmitting the virus to younger women.”
In Eastern Province, 1.7% of young people aged 10 to 24 tested positive for HIV, and 27% of those tested also had sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr. Ikuzo stressed the importance of condom use not only to prevent HIV but also to protect against other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
{{Testing and treatment gaps among youth
}}
Despite awareness efforts, youth remain less likely to get tested. For instance, in the Northern Province, only 30% of young people know their HIV status.
HIV transmission methods have changed over time. Cases from blood transfusions or mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding have significantly declined due to improved health interventions. Today, unprotected sexual intercourse remains the leading cause of HIV infection.
Dr. Ikuzo highlighted that people who inject drugs are also at risk of contracting HIV through shared needles.
{{Access to medication
}}
Among the 230,000 people living with HIV in Rwanda, 97% are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a major achievement exceeding the government’s initial goal of 95% coverage.
There are 600 health centers across Rwanda offering free HIV treatment, including public hospitals and select private clinics.
{{Male circumcision and HIV prevention
}}
A recent study by the Ministry of Health found that 56% of men aged 15 to 64 in Rwanda are circumcised, with the highest rates reported in Kigali City.
Dr. Ikuzo urged uncircumcised men to undergo voluntary medical male circumcision, as it reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 60%.
In 2019, 87% of people diagnosed with HIV were receiving treatment. This figure has now increased to 97%, reflecting significant progress in controlling the epidemic.
However, young people still face challenges in adhering to treatment. Data show that 63% of HIV patients on medication are women, while 37% are men.
