The rainfall, which started around 7 AM and continued until 5 PM, had already saturated the soil in the area, which had been experiencing heavy rains since the beginning of March.
The motorcyclists, who were returning from Gasenyi Trading Center, were caught by the landslide. The victims were Imanirafasha Diedonné, 23, from Nyabiguri Village, Gasharu Cell, and Ishimwe Chance, from Gasharu Cell, Gashanga Village.
The passenger, Harerimana Joseph, 42, from Karambo Village, Murengezo Cell, is currently receiving treatment at Kibuye Referral Hospital.
Fabien Ngendo, the Acting Executive Secretary of Mutuntu Sector, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged residents to be more cautious.
He said, “We urge the community to remain vigilant, as the continuous heavy rainfall in Karongi has caused the soil to become unstable.”
Meteo Rwanda, the Rwanda Meteorological Agency, has forecasted above-average rainfall in March 2026, which could lead to more natural disasters.
This tragic event follows another similar incident three days earlier in Gashari Sector, Karongi District, where a landslide destroyed a house, resulting in two fatalities.
The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) recently reported that from January 1, 2025, to March 18, 2026, weather-related disasters, including heavy rains, landslides, and lightning strikes, have claimed the lives of 207 people nationwide, injured 432, and damaged 2,341 homes, with 35 completely destroyed.
The Head of State made the commitment on March 25, 2026, during a meeting with members of the Muslim community, where he reiterated the government’s support for their development initiatives.
“We have a responsibility to support you. That support is there and will be provided,” Kagame said.
The pledge follows earlier commitments dating back to 2011, which had yet to be fully implemented. Kagame acknowledged the delay, describing it as an obligation he intends to fulfill.
“There are things that were promised, and I recently learned they were not handled as they should have been. I take that as a debt that must be settled,” he said.
Reaffirming his position, the President stressed urgency in resolving the matter. “This year will not pass without it being done. It will be resolved. When we meet again, it will not be you asking me, but me asking you what you have done with it,” he added.
Call for shared responsibility in development
The head of state went on to say that after the difficult history that Muslims in Rwanda, and Rwandans in general have endured, now is the time to effect change, with all citizens playing a role in the country’s development.
“It is a path to transform lives, improve governance, and change mindsets so that Rwanda can progress, with every Rwandan contributing and no one being excluded. Many of the things you now value are praised because they did not exist before, but when someone does what is right and expected, it should not require excessive recognition,” Kagame said.
He urged Rwandan Muslims to actively participate in the country’s development initiatives, alongside all other citizens.
“To make change happen, you must also take part. For Rwanda to transform, all Rwandans need to contribute. Regarding religious institutions, it is understandable to set rules for their functioning and for places of worship to fulfill their responsibilities, and everyone should support that. But for things to run smoothly, these institutions themselves must first operate properly and do what is right,” he said.
President Kagame explained that the government has established mechanisms to monitor the functioning of religious institutions to ensure accountability and prevent people from hiding behind them to exploit citizens.
“In Rwanda, our work, our politics, and our governance aim to put things in the right order. No one is denied peace in any way,” he said.
“The measures put in place by government authorities to ensure proper alignment were meant to prevent abuses. This did not apply only to Muslims; it applied to all religions and faith-based institutions… [where some people could sometimes] use religion to pursue personal gain and take advantage of others.”
“It is like putting up barriers, stopping people, deceiving others about who you are, and beginning to take their property… this should never happen in any religion,” he added.
Kagame assured Rwandan Muslims that the history of marginalization and exclusion they have faced, like other Rwandans, will not be repeated.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Musa, expressed gratitude to the President for engaging with the Muslim community and assured that they will continue to play an active role in the country’s development.
Muslims thanked President Kagame for his engagement and support for the community. President Kagame encouraged muslims’ active participation in Rwanda’s progress.The meeting took place at BK Arena.
The discussions between CG Felix Namuhoranye and Douglas Kanja took place on March 24, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Their talks focused on areas of mutual interest in policing and explored ways to further strengthen the existing cooperation between the Rwanda National Police and the Kenya National Police Service.
Both Police chiefs also discussed the preparation of a cooperation agreement and agreed to work together on combating cross-border and emerging crimes.
CG Namuhoranye and his delegation also toured Police Training Institutions in Kenya, including the National Police Service Senior Staff College–Emali and the National Police College–Kiganjo. At both institutions, the IGP interacted with directing staff and trainees to align training programmes with the contemporary, evolving policing environment.
CG Felix Namuhoranye also invited his counterpart to attend events in May when the Rwanda National Police will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Rwanda and Kenya already collaborate in various sectors, including security. In November 2026, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri, visited Rwanda and held talks with his Rwandan counterpart, Gen Mubaraka Muganga.
The discussions between CG Felix Namuhoranye and Douglas Kanja took place on March 24, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.The Inspector General of Rwanda National Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye is on an official working visit to Kenya, where he held talks with his Kenyan counterpart, Douglas Kanja.
The courses have equipped them to serve as professional company commanders, platoon commanders, company sergeant majors, and platoon sergeants.
While presiding over the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh congratulated the trainees for their dedication and achievement. He noted that the courses are essential in shaping professional military leaders.
The CDS commended the discipline and commitment demonstrated throughout the training.
He emphasized the relevance of the training in modern operations, highlighting that the experience gained is critical for today’s complex security environment.
He further stressed that training goes beyond theory, urging the graduates to apply what they have learned in their respective duties.
The comprehensive training focused on enhancing military skills, tactical thinking, leadership, and management, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to professionalise the force and prepare for current and future security challenges.
The comprehensive training focused on enhancing military skills and tactical thinking among others. The CDS commended the discipline and commitment demonstrated throughout the training.Trainees underwent militart career courses at Gabiro Combat Training Centre.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, triggered extensive flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction, causing an estimated $8.8 billion in damages across Jamaica.
IGIHE has learned that the mission concluded at the end of last week, with the RDF team departing Jamaica on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
The Rwandan forces focused on repairing infrastructure and homes in the city of Montego Bay, located in the St. James parish. Over a two-month period, the RDF Engineering Contingent, in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) engineers, successfully reconstructed 62 houses. The team also built additional rooms for a school and made improvements to a home for children with disabilities.
The initiative played a vital role in the recovery and rebuilding efforts for communities devastated by the disaster.
The Chief of Defence Staff of the JDF, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, recently expressed her gratitude, commending the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force for deploying troops to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
Colonel Moses Kayigamba, Commander of the RDF Engineer Contingent, emphasized that Rwanda’s intervention is deeply rooted in its history.
“Rwanda’s swift response is not driven by wealth but the deeper understanding of suffering shaped by the painful history of Genocide against the Tutsi that occured at the watch of the world. For Rwanda , the suffering of any kind anywhere is taken as seriously as our own,” he said.
The RDF deployment began on January 14, 2026, under a bilateral agreement aimed at rehabilitating critical infrastructure destroyed by natural disasters.
The contingent, led by Colonel Moses Kayigamba, included 100 military engineers who brought both technical expertise and humanitarian support to the island.
Over a two-month period, the RDF Engineering Contingent, in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) engineers, successfully reconstructed 62 houses.The Rwandan forces focused on repairing infrastructure and homes in the city of Montego Bay, located in the St. James parish.The Chief of Defence Staff of the JDF, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman commended the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force for deploying troops to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.RDF engineering contingent has completed mission in Jamaica.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the RDF Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, and was attended by RDF Generals and officers.
The course was designed to strengthen the operational readiness of RDF Special Operations personnel by equipping them with advanced tactical knowledge and practical skills needed to address emerging security threats. It also aimed to enhance their ability to effectively respond to terrorist incidents and conduct rescue operations for victims held by terrorist groups.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the trainers for their dedication and professionalism in delivering high-quality instruction that strengthens the capabilities of RDF personnel. He further congratulated the graduates for their discipline and successfully completing the demanding training and acquiring valuable skills essential for future missions.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the trainers for their dedication and professionalism in delivering high-quality instruction. Best performers were awarded at the ceremony.RDF officials followed final drills as trainees showcased acquired practical skills.
Kinyera died on March 3, 2026, at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment.
According to the ministry, the funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00, at Our Lady of Africa Church in Mbuya, followed by a vigil in Naalya, Wakiso District from 3:00 p.m. onwards.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, his body will be transported to his birthplace in Amuru District, where a vigil will take place in the evening.
His burial is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Akurukwe, within the same district.
Santa Mary Laker Kinyera had served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda since 1994.
In addition to his posting in Rwanda, he held diplomatic positions in Uganda’s embassies in Denmark, the United States, and Turkey.
Former Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner to Rwanda Kinyera died on March 3, 2026, at Mulago Specialised National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
In a statement, the network said the casualties included 10 women, based on preliminary information from the area.
Rocket shelling destroyed the town’s only health center, and medical staff working there were assaulted, with one of them arrested and remaining unaccounted for, the statement said.
The network condemned what it called a “large-scale violation” that caused civilian deaths, spread fear among residents, and targeted health facilities, triggering a wave of displacement toward nearby villages amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
The Emergency Lawyers, a legal group, said on Tuesday in a separate statement that the RSF’s attack on Monday included an armed raid and the burning of several homes. It was preceded by drone strikes targeting several civilian locations, including the health center, residents’ homes, the market, and guest houses, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, and forced displacement of residents.
An eyewitness from the nearby city of Kabkabiya told Xinhua that dozens of families had arrived in the city in recent hours after fleeing Mustariha.
“They were in shock. Some walked long distances on foot. Many spoke of heavy shelling and homes being burned, and they were unable to take any belongings with them,” the witness said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Mustariha is considered a stronghold of Musa Hilal, one of the leaders of a branch of the Rizeigat tribe, from which several RSF commanders originate. Since the outbreak of fighting in Sudan, Hilal has declared his support for the Sudanese army and allied with the joint forces, which includes armed Darfuri groups fighting alongside the army.
The RSF has not yet commented on the attack.
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries and the displacement of millions of people inside and outside the country, while regional and international efforts continue to seek a ceasefire.
“We are willing to give exclusive access to our minerals to the United States. Also, we are open to offer military bases,” Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, told AFP.
“We believe we will agree on something with the United States.”
He also did not rule out the possibility of allowing Israel a military presence.
The northern territory has run its own affairs since declaring autonomy from Somalia in 1991, with its own passports, currency, army, and police, though Mogadishu still considers it part of Somalia. Israel became the only country to recognize Somaliland’s independence in December.
Earlier this month, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said Somaliland expected to reach a trade agreement with Israel, which could include access to valuable mineral deposits.
Officials say Somaliland is rich in lithium, coltan, and other materials critical for batteries and electric vehicles, though independent studies are limited. Abdullahi also indicated Somaliland would seek access to Israeli technology in return.
The region’s strategic location across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen adds to its geopolitical significance. Recognition by Israel has drawn threats from Houthi rebels and the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab group, which has fought against Somalia’s central government for two decades. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the move as a violation of Somali sovereignty, a position supported by most African and Arab states.
Washington has not yet made any formal change in policy toward Somaliland, though President Donald Trump hinted in August that the issue could be addressed. Somaliland officials say their overtures to the US are part of a broader push for international recognition and strategic partnerships.
Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency, said that Somaliland is willing to give the United States exclusive access to its minerals and is also open to offering military bases.
Over the three-day engagement, the 7th Proximity Commanders’ meeting delegations reviewed matters arising since the previous (6th) session held from September 30 to October 2, 2025 in Kabale, Uganda, including progress on agreed-upon border-security initiatives, responses to illegal cross-border movements, human trafficking, illicit trade, livestock theft, smuggling of illicit brews, fraud and impersonation along the border.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the two forces through continuous dialogue and coordinated efforts for border security and regional stability. Participants also underscored the need to expand proximity meeting activities to include local communities through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, environmental protection programmes, and joint military exercises.
Speaking on behalf of the RDF leadership, Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi, the 5 RDF Division Commander, commended the spirit of openness, professionalism, and mutual respect that characterized the deliberations.
He noted that the constructive engagements reaffirmed the shared commitment to sustaining peace, stability, and trust along the common border. He emphasized that as commanders, they reaffirm close coordination, information sharing and the joint address of emerging challenges.
Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, the 2 UPDF Infantry Division Commander, reaffirmed the commitment of the Uganda People’s Defence Force to implement resolutions from the 7th Proximity Commanders’ Meeting and remain responsive to emerging border issues. He expressed appreciation for the strategic guidance and support provided by the leadership of both countries in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The next Proximity Commanders’ Meeting is proposed to take place in June 2026 in Uganda.
Participants of the meeting in a group photoMaj Gen Ruki Karusisi, the 5 RDF Division Commander, commended the fruitful deliberations of the meeting. The meeting reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the two forces through continuous dialogue and coordinated effortsMaj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, the 2 UPDF Infantry Division Commander, reaffirmed the commitment of the Uganda People’s Defence Force to implement resolutions from the meeting.
