Since late July 2025, the DRC’s military oversight body, led by Gen. Gabriel Amisi Kumba, has been probing whether senior military officers played a role in the withdrawals. Gen. Kumba has identified 25 high-ranking officers, all holding the rank of General, who were involved in the command of operations across Kinshasa, eastern Congo, and other regions.
Among those under scrutiny are Gen. Christian Tshiwewe, former Chief of Staff of the Congolese armed forces, and Gen. Franck Ntumba, who oversees military operations at the President’s office. Both were arrested last month on suspicion of plotting against the Head of State.
Other officers on the list include Army spokesperson Gen. Maj. Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, Lt. Gen. Constant Ndima, former commander of North Kivu, Gen. Chico Tshitambwe Jérôme, and Lt. Gen. Padiri Bulenda David, head of the Rapid Intervention Force.
Gen. Kumba stated that the investigation aims to identify weaknesses in the army’s battlefield operations and implement measures to strengthen military performance.
The AFC/M23 coalition captured Bunagana in June 2022, seven months after launching its offensive. Its leader, Corneille Nangaa, said in June 2025 that the group now controls areas spanning 34,000 square kilometres.
The research, based on World Health Organisation (WHO) data from 102 countries, shows that the average suicide rate decreased from 10.33 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 7.24 in 2021, representing a 29.9% drop.
The decline was steeper in high-income countries, where cases fell by 32.1%, compared to 27.3% in low- and middle-income nations. The study was conducted by Soeun Kim and Selin Woo from the Department of Medicine at Kyung Hee University in Seoul.
The authors cautioned that differences in how suicide is defined and reported across countries could influence the reliability of statistics.
In Europe, they noted, several factors contributed to the downward trend, including responsible media reporting and initiatives aimed at strengthening the social and emotional skills of young people.
Expanded access to psychiatric and psychosocial care, a reduction in stigma surrounding mental health, and the implementation of prevention programs were also identified as major drivers of progress.
{{Income disparities in suicide rates
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In 1990, high-income countries recorded a relatively high suicide rate of 12.68 per 100,000 people. By 2021, this had dropped to 8.61. In low- and middle-income countries, the rate fell from 7.88 to 5.73 over the same period.
Despite the overall decline, the study highlighted persistent underreporting in some countries, often linked to stigma, religious prohibitions, or the criminalisation of suicide. Conversely, increases were observed in developing countries undergoing rapid urbanisation.
Looking to the future, researchers project that the global suicide rate could decrease further to around 6.49 per 100,000 people by 2050. However, they warned that certain population groups and regions are still at high risk and require targeted interventions.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the RNP on August 19, 2025, through its official X account.
The statement followed discussions aired on TV1 and later circulated on social media, in which media personality Kakooza Nkuliza Charles (KNC) and journalist Mutabaruka Angelbert raised concerns that some foreigners in Rwanda act with impunity, including physically assaulting citizens.
KNC argued that just as the Government of Rwanda continues to prioritize the fight against violence, assault, and battery among its citizens, the same standards should be applied to foreign residents.
In its response, the Rwanda National Police stressed that the matter is well known and has been under close monitoring by relevant institutions.
“This issue has been under investigation by institutions including the Police, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB], the National Public Prosecution Authority [NPPA], and the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Measures have already been taken,” the Police stated.
According to the RNP, in the past year, over 240 people were handed over to judicial authorities for crimes including assault, battery, and theft, while 64 foreigners were repatriated to their countries of origin.
The Police reaffirmed that no one is above the law in Rwanda and emphasized that all offenders, regardless of nationality, are held accountable without exception.
“We will continue to work closely with embassy officials representing their countries in Rwanda to encourage their citizens to comply with national laws,” the statement added.
Reports of violent conduct among some foreign residents have frequently been linked to students from countries such as South Sudan and others pursuing studies in Rwanda, with cases often involving drunkenness, assault, and theft.
Rwanda remains one of the African countries most open to foreign nationals, welcoming those who wish to invest or pursue education.
In recent years, the country has attracted thousands of young people from across the continent, many of whom are enrolled in private universities operating in Rwanda.
“You have my assurance,” Trump said in a Fox News interview, a day after hosting a White House summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders.
Trump said on Monday during meetings at the White House that the United States would be “involved” in security guarantees for Ukraine after its war with Russia but did not elaborate. He added more clarity in the morning interview with “Fox & Friends.”
“When it comes to security, they’re willing to put people on the ground,” Trump said, referring to the European countries.
“We’re willing to help them with things, especially probably … by air because there’s nobody that has the kind of stuff we have.”
“The issue of security guarantees for Ukraine — and potential U.S. involvement in them — has proved to be a sticking point as Trump works to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia,” reported The Washington Post about the development.
“European leaders have been encouraged that Trump appears open to a U.S. role in peacekeeping in Ukraine, but that could complicate negotiations with Russia, which has spent years working to counter increased military support for Ukraine by its allies,” it noted.
The White House rarely hosts so many foreign dignitaries at once as it did on Monday, when Zelensky and European leaders arrived to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict with Trump.
The Monday meetings at the White House mainly focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and a possible trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Disagreements remain on some key issues, such as whether a ceasefire is necessary before further negotiations.
The latest talks came three days after the U.S. and Russian presidents met in the U.S. state of Alaska, when progress was reportedly made but no deal was announced.
The burnt area has more than doubled compared with last week’s tally of 439,568 hectares, underscoring the rapid spread of wildfires in recent days.
According to the JRC’s latest weekly update, this year’s figure far exceeds the 19-year average of 244,000 hectares typically seen by mid-August.
A total of 1,736 major blazes, defined as fires larger than 30 hectares, have been detected in the EU so far, compared with 1,185 during the same period last year. The surge has pushed estimated carbon dioxide emissions to 31.9 million tonnes, almost three times higher than a year earlier.
Looking ahead, the fire danger forecast for Aug. 19-25 suggests easing conditions in the southern part of Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, the Balkans, and Greece. However, risk levels are set to climb in northern and northwestern parts of the continent.
Ireland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, northern Germany, Poland, Denmark, and parts of Sweden and Finland face “very high to very extreme” anomalies in fire danger. Elevated risks are also forecast along the Danube basin in Austria, Hungary, and Romania.
On average, over 60,000 forest fires break out in the EU each year, burning some 500,000 hectares, nearly twice the area of Luxembourg, and causing human casualties and economic losses of around 2 billion euros (about 2.33 billion U.S. dollars), according to JRC data. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar)
Dr. Kacyira passed away on August 12, 2025, at the age of 61 after battling illness. Her funeral service was held at Christian Life Assembly (CLA) in Kigali, where she was a devoted member. Family, friends, government officials, and representatives of international organisations joined to celebrate her life of service and bid her farewell.
Kacyira’s career spanned senior roles in Rwanda and abroad. She served as Mayor of Kigali (2006–2011), Governor of the Eastern Province, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat (2011–2018), and later Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ghana with concurrent accreditation to several West African countries. In 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed her as Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), a position she held until her death.
Her legacy is remembered for leadership, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public service, both in Rwanda and across the world.
In a message delivered by RPF Secretary-General Wellars Gasamagera, President Paul Kagame and his family expressed deep sorrow at her passing.
“The President of the Republic and his family received with sadness the news of the passing of Dr. Aissa Kirabo Kacyira. They join her family and all Rwandans in this time of grief. Her life was marked by courage, dedication, and love for her country. Rwandans will forever remember her tireless devotion as a lasting legacy. May she rest in eternal peace.”
AIG Hilaly Sao, representing the African Union, hailed the late ambassador as a champion of African unity:
“She embodied the spirit of unity, working with dedication, patience, and commitment. In Somalia, she demonstrated compassion, humility, and determination in pursuit of peace and security. She will truly be missed.”
Ambassador James Swan, representing UNSOS, described her death as a profound loss:
“Aissa was a brave, thoughtful person, with a gentle heart and a source of inspiration. She left a mark on everyone she met. Her legacy is one of leadership, expertise, and service with compassion. To us in the UN, she was more than a colleague.”
Her son, Joshua Kacyira, speaking on behalf of her children, said their mother’s strongest legacy was her faith and devotion to service.
“She loved God and served both her country and the world wholeheartedly. She taught us not only through education but also through relationships built with others. The greatest gift she gave us was to love and trust in God.”
Her husband, Col (Rtd) Simon Kacyira, thanked the Government of Rwanda, the UN, and all who stood with the family.
“I deeply thank UNSOS and everyone who cared for Aissa. She was simple, grounded, and true. Even now that she’s gone, she remained the same person I chose to walk with.”
The latest sweep took place in the Kyeshero area in south-west Goma last night, following reports of gunfire the previous evening. Sources say several people were arrested, including those believed to be collaborating with the Congolese army and armed militias.
AFC/M23 has controlled Goma since January 27, after defeating forces from the Congolese army, Wazalendo, the FDLR, and European mercenaries.
Armed groups have continued to threaten security in parts of the city, particularly in western districts.
To restore calm, AFC/M23 has been searching homes for hidden weapons and detaining those involved in destabilising activities. A similar operation was carried out on August 6, resulting in multiple arrests.
The team is working with high efficiency to contain the fires and limit their spread despite field challenges, including soaring temperatures and difficult terrain.
Operations carried out by the team so far have included 18 aerial sorties using two Black Hawk helicopters, with 359 water drops executed over fire hotspots.
The team began its mission last Monday in the Gramsh forest area and neighbouring regions, following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support Albania’s efforts in controlling the wildfires.
Coordination meetings between the UAE team and Albanian officials are ongoing to devise appropriate plans and accelerate firefighting operations, alongside continued field monitoring to prevent the resurgence of flames.
All petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles nationwide will now be required to undergo emissions testing to ensure that they meet environmental standards and help reduce air pollution.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, REMA stated that from 25 August 2025, vehicle owners will be able to book appointments for testing through the Irembo platform, as is customary for other vehicle-related services. However, the emissions testing will be charged separately from regular mechanical inspections.
“The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) informs the public that the Enhanced Vehicle Emission Testing will officially start on 25 August 2025 as part of the ongoing #CleanAir Campaign,” the notice reads in part.
The rollout comes just days after the Cabinet approved the introduction of emissions testing fees for non-electric vehicles and motorbikes.
In a Cabinet meeting on 30 July 2025, chaired by President Paul Kagame, the government approved the introduction of these fees as part of a broader strategy to improve air quality, particularly in urban areas. The initiative aims to protect public health and promote environmental sustainability.
As part of the new system, all vehicles, including motorcycles, will be required to undergo an emissions test. If a vehicle passes, it will be cleared for road use. However, vehicles that fail the test must be repaired and re-inspected within two weeks to avoid further charges. The reinspection fee will be half the cost of the initial test, while a full retest will be required if the two-week window is missed.
The testing will be conducted at existing vehicle inspection centres, with emissions testing equipment currently being installed. The initiative is expected to make a significant contribution to Rwanda’s goal of reducing harmful emissions from vehicles and improving air quality nationwide.
REMA has urged vehicle owners to prepare their vehicles in advance to ensure compliance and contribute to the national effort for cleaner, healthier air for all Rwandans. The emissions testing will be conducted alongside regular mechanical inspections, which are required once or twice a year, depending on the vehicle’s classification and usage.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Yaache from Ghana was part of the African contingent serving under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).
He recalled that when the UN Security Council decided to reduce the number of its troops in Rwanda to just 270 soldiers in 1994, both UNAMIR commander Gen Roméo Dallaire and Ghanaian Gen Henry Kwami Anyidoho opposed the move, warning of the dangers facing the Tutsi population.
Despite the withdrawal, some Ghanaian soldiers under Gen Anyidoho chose to remain behind and displayed remarkable courage by protecting thousands of Tutsis with very limited equipment and manpower. During the genocide, Ghanaian peacekeepers managed to rescue around 30,000 people.
Yaache first arrived in Rwanda in February 1994, two months before the genocide erupted. He was responsible for monitoring operations in Byumba prefecture, a demilitarized zone. Once the killings began, he played a key role in evacuating Tutsi civilians, helping them find food, and relocating them to safer areas.
Speaking to Rwandan youth recently, Yaache explained that UNAMIR’s mandate was to oversee the peace process between the Rwandan government of President Juvénal Habyarimana, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and allied parties.
The peacekeepers were supposed to prevent violations of the accords and report any threats to peace back to the UN but Yaache highlighted that signs of impending dangers were ignored.
“Even from the field, I could see dark clouds of uncertainty forming, the same was true in the capital. The General pleaded with the UN, warning them that signs of looming trouble were evident.”
{{Gen Dallaire’s ignored warnings}}
On January 10, 1994, Gen Dallaire informed superiors at the UN Headquarters, warning that genocide was being planned and requesting permission to seize hidden weapons meant for the Interahamwe militia.
Instead of authorizing action, UN officials instructed him to share the intelligence with the very authorities accused of preparing the killings.
The following day, Dallaire was told by senior UN officials, including Kofi Annan, not to act outside his mandate. He was advised instead to inform President Habyarimana.
“This showed that the mission was fully aware of the trouble that was brewing. We saw the telltale signs. Not from the very beginning, but as events unfolded, there was no shortage of warnings, and the UN’s attention was repeatedly drawn to them,” Yaache stressed.
When the genocide began in April 1994, the UN again failed to act decisively, even hesitating to recognize the killings as genocide.
The situation worsened after Belgian troops withdrew from UNAMIR, leaving thousands of Tutsis in the arms of Interahamwe militia, including those massacred at the École Technique Officielle (ETO) in Kicukiro.
