Barigye was among senior state officials appointed on Thursday as President Kagame unveiled a new Cabinet to steer government operations under his leadership and that of the new Prime Minister.
Barigye will now deputise Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye, who assumed leadership of the central bank earlier this year. His expertise will be crucial as Rwanda intensifies efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability, deepen financial inclusion, and advance digital financial infrastructure.
Barigye’s appointment comes just days after he was named Group Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL), a leading investment company and the largest private-sector employer in Rwanda.
He briefly stepped into the new role after more than five years at the helm of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), where he successfully led efforts to position Rwanda as a Pan-African financial hub.
Under his stewardship, KIFC gained global recognition and attracted strategic international partnerships and investments that bolstered Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
He also previously served as a senior executive at Crystal Ventures Ltd from 2008 to 2014.
In the new state appointments announced on Thursday, four new faces, including two ministers and two state ministers, were appointed to the government.
Dominique Habimana has been appointed Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye takes on the role of Minister of Environment. Both are joining the Cabinet for the first time.
On the side of state ministers, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye has been named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye becomes State Minister for Infrastructure.
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This follows the appointment of Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister, which triggered the formation of a new Cabinet in accordance with the Rwandan Constitution.
Dominique Habimana has been appointed as the Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye takes on the role of Minister of Environment. Both are joining the Cabinet for the first time.
On the side of state ministers, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye has been named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye becomes the State Minister for Infrastructure.
Another notable appointment in the new list of state officers unveiled on Thursday night is that of Nick Barigye as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, a role previously held by the Prime Minister-designate.
The newly announced Cabinet comprises 21 ministers and 10 state ministers, with the majority of them having served under outgoing Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and retaining their positions.
{{Full List of Appointments}}
{{I. Ministers}}
1. Judith Uwizeye – Minister in the Office of the President
2. Inès Mpambara – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
3. Yusuf Murangwa – Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
4. Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
5. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja – Minister of Justice / Attorney General
6. Juvenal Marizamunda – Minister of Defense
7. Consolée Uwimana – Minister of Gender and Family Promotion
8. Dr. Vincent Biruta – Minister of Interior
9. Dominique Habimana – Minister of Local Government
10. Dr. Jimmy Gasore – Minister of Infrastructure
11. Paula Ingabire – Minister of ICT and Innovation
12. Joseph Nsengimana – Minister of Education
13. Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye – Minister of Environment
14. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe – Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources
15. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana – Minister of Health
16. Prudence Sebahizi – Minister of Trade and Industry
17. Nelly Mukazayire – Minister of Sports
18. Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana – Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement
19. Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka – Minister of Public Service and Labor
20. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira – Minister in Charge of Emergency Management
21. Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumutwishima – Minister of Youth and Arts
{{II. Ministers of State}}
1. Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation
2. Mutesi Linda Rusagara – Minister of State for Resource Mobilisation and Public Investment
3. Godfrey Kabera – Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury
4. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye – Minister of State for Infrastructure
5. Marie Solange Kayisire – Minister of State for Local Government
6. Claudette Irere – Minister of State for Education
7. Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye – Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources
8. Dr. Yvan Butera – Minister of State for Health
9. Sandrine Umutoni – Minister of State for Youth and Arts
10. Rwego Ngarambe – Minister of State for Sports
{{III. Other Senior Officials}}
1. Jean-Guy Afrika – Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with the rank of Minister
2. Juliana Muganza – Deputy CEO of RDB, with the rank of Minister of State
3. Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard – Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), with the rank of Minister
4. Nick Barigye – Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).
The meeting follows Dr. Nsengiyumva’s appointment on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, replacing Edouard Ngirente, who had served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister since 2017.
The appointment of Dr. Nsengiyumva is expected to trigger the formation of a new Cabinet, per the provisions of Rwanda’s Constitution.
A seasoned technocrat with a PhD in economics, Dr. Nsengiyumva previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. His professional journey has also included roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and in the Ministry of Education.
Reacting to his appointment on Wednesday, Dr. Nsengiyumva expressed gratitude to President Kagame and pledged to lead with humility and commitment.
“Thank you, Your Excellency Paul Kagame, for your trust and confidence once again. I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful,” he wrote on X.
“I pledge to serve you and Rwanda with humility and dedication under your leadership and guidance. I fully embrace the responsibility entrusted to me and remain committed to advancing our national priorities with integrity and purpose.”
As the seventh Prime Minister of Rwanda since 1994, Nsengiyumva takes office at a critical juncture, with just four years remaining to implement the country’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), a five-year development plan launched in 2024.
The NST2 outlines ambitious goals across key sectors, including job creation, economic growth, education, healthcare, and service delivery. Among the headline targets are the creation of 1.25 million productive jobs by 2029, doubling private investment from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion, and raising exports from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion.
In agriculture, output is projected to increase by over 50%, driven by an 85% expansion in irrigated land, improved access to fertilisers and seeds, and modernised livestock production. The sector is expected to grow by at least 6% annually through a market-oriented approach.
Education reforms will see pre-primary school enrolment rise from 35% to 65%, while efforts to boost science and technology learning will be scaled up. At least 500,000 people are set to be trained in digital skills, and vocational training will be tailored to match labour market demands.
Healthcare access and quality are also set for transformation. The number of registered health workers is expected to quadruple, with targeted improvements in maternal and child health services. The government aims to reduce child stunting from 33% to 15%.
By 2029, every household, school, and health facility in Rwanda is expected to have access to electricity and clean water. Meanwhile, a digital national ID and fully digitised government services are planned to streamline public service delivery.
Tourism revenue is projected to double, with Rwanda positioning itself as a leading destination for international conferences. On the global stage, the government will focus on foreign investment, increased trade, and deeper engagement with the Rwandan diaspora in national development efforts.
As Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva will be at the centre of driving this wide-ranging national agenda. His leadership is expected to focus on accelerating progress where needed, reinforcing delivery mechanisms, and ensuring Rwanda stays on track to achieve its development goals by 2029.
Developed in China, Juncao — a hybrid grass — is a multifunctional agricultural resource initially introduced for mushroom cultivation. It has since proven effective in addressing food security, income generation, and environmental challenges.
Innocent Shayamano, chief agriculture extension specialist and project coordinator from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the technology is playing a transformative role in Zimbabwe’s rural communities.
“This technology can transform lives. It aligns with our national development agenda, particularly Vision 2030, which aims to improve rural household incomes,” Shayamano told Xinhua on the sidelines of a workshop on Juncao technology in Huye District, southern Rwanda.
The July 16-23 workshop at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center, co-hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University of China, focuses on the use of Juncao technology for mushroom farming, livestock feed and environmental protection.
It brought together agricultural officers, educators and development experts from across Africa.
Shayamano, attending the workshop for the second time, was joined by five Zimbabwean farmers seeking to deepen their understanding of Juncao-based mushroom farming.
He noted that while Zimbabwean farmers have traditionally used cotton waste for mushroom cultivation, the rising cost and declining availability of cotton have made it less sustainable.
In contrast, Juncao grass, with a yield of over 200 tonnes per hectare, provides a cost-effective alternative.
“With climate change affecting livestock feed availability in dry regions, Juncao grass also offers a timely solution for fodder,” Shayamano said. “That’s why we are working to scale this technology across more farming communities.”
He said that the Zimbabwean participants would return home as lead trainers, tasked with sharing their knowledge and skills and encouraging wider adoption of the technology.
Zimbabwe and Rwanda are among several African countries integrating Juncao into their agricultural practices.
Abbas Ahmad Umar, a Nigerian farmer attending the workshop for the first time, described Juncao as a “grass of grace” due to its versatility.
“We use it to grow mushrooms, feed livestock, and even prevent soil erosion. When I return to Nigeria, I hope to raise awareness about Juncao, especially among youth and women,” he said.
Umar expressed confidence that Juncao’s multifunctionality could help alleviate poverty and support sustainable farming across Africa.
“Mushroom farming has many benefits, and I plan to apply what I’ve learned and eventually train others in my country,” he added.
The agreement was reached during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on 24 July 2025. Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, represented Rwanda at the meeting.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum following the Washington Peace Agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group signed earlier this month.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the parties said the new Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map (2025–2026) outlines key operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines to guide the repatriation and reintegration process.
The new plan aims to provide lasting solutions for thousands of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Rwandan refugees in DRC, and is seen as a critical component of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
President Paul Kagame has in the past maintained that Rwanda currently hosts more than 100,000 Congolese refugees affected by the conflict in eastern DRC, which is attributed to the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
Following the Thursday meeting, the parties reaffirmed the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without constraints. The plan also calls for improved coordination between the two governments and UNHCR, the provision of accurate information to refugees, and the establishment of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently hosted at a transit centre in Goma, DRC. This will be carried out with support from UNHCR and in coordination with relevant local authorities.
The road map also places emphasis on inclusive reintegration planning, ensuring returnees have access to housing, education, livelihoods, health services, and civil documentation. Additionally, it calls for engagement with donors and development partners to support the long-term recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the three parties also agreed to hold regular technical working group meetings to monitor implementation of the road map and plan to reconvene at the ministerial level in six months to assess progress and offer strategic guidance.
School feeding has become an important part of Rwanda’s education policy, aimed at reducing child hunger during school hours and expanding access to learning, especially for children from low-income families.
At Busasamana Technical School, physics teacher and school feeding coordinator Alice Allouette Marie Munyurabanga sees mushroom farming as a promising way to enhance meal quality for students. Mushroom cultivation presents new opportunities to improve the meals we provide, particularly for those whose families struggle financially, she said.
“The school feeding program faces a real challenge when some parents cannot afford to contribute on time,” she said. “Mushroom cultivation is potentially a good option to fill the gap. But we do not have enough knowledge and skills on the techniques needed to cultivate mushrooms.”
She made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua during a recent Juncao technology training session at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center (C-RATDC) in Huye District in the country’s Southern Province.
Munyurabanga was among 57 participants from five African countries attending the Second African Training Workshop on Applications of Juncao Technology, held from July 16 to July 23.
The workshop, co-hosted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, focused on the use of Juncao technology for mushroom farming, livestock feed and environmental protection. It brought together agricultural officers, educators and development experts from across Africa.
Earlier in May, Munyurabanga joined a study tour to China, where she was introduced to Juncao technology for the first time. The experience, she said, sparked a new interest in applying the innovation at her school.
“By chance, I was selected to take part in this latest capacity-building training,” she said. “I see it as a great opportunity for my school, and for the country, to deepen our understanding and improve our skills in mushroom cultivation. With the knowledge I have gained, I will be able to help produce enough mushrooms for our students when I return to school.”
Juncao, a hybrid grass developed in the 1980s by Lin Zhanxi, a professor of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, is a multifunctional agricultural technology. It is mainly used as a substrate for growing edible and medicinal mushrooms but also serves as livestock feed and aids in ecological restoration. The innovation has been introduced in over 100 countries, including Rwanda.
The Juncao technology project was launched at the UN headquarters in 2017 and supported by the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.
Munyurabanga said that mushrooms were chosen among various vegetables because they are both nutritious and cost-effective. Currently, her school includes mushrooms in students’ meals at least twice a week.
Her school also has access to a large piece of land for agricultural activities. After returning from China, she introduced Juncao technology to her colleagues, who welcomed the idea. The school has since decided to plant Juncao grass to begin producing its own mushroom substrate.
“My hope is for our school to become a model in mushroom cultivation and substrate production,” she said. “Other schools could learn from us, not only how to grow mushrooms, but also how to prepare the substrate, how to cook the mushrooms, and how to incorporate them into school meals.”
Having gained insights into Rwanda’s school feeding program, Chen Xiaobin, an expert at the C-RATDC, said he hopes to organize future training workshops specifically for schools, aiming to better support the national feeding strategy through the application of Juncao technology.
He made the remarks at the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) Strategic Planning Meeting, held in Kigali from July 22 to 24, 2025.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, governors, local government associations, and development partners from across the East African Community (EAC), under the theme: “Strengthening the Role of County and Local Governments in Regional Integration and Cross-Border Cooperation.”
Highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration, Mugenzi noted initiatives like cross-border markets and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
“Regional integration and cooperation are essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability,” he stated, underscoring the need for empowered local governments to drive these efforts.
He stressed that “Local governments play a crucial role in governance, poverty reduction, and regional collaboration,” urging coordinated partnerships to tackle challenges like youth unemployment, civic engagement, and climate change.
The Minister pointed to the Mpazi Rehousing Model in Kigali as a successful example of local governments addressing housing and socioeconomic issues through community collaboration.
He called for the EALGF to serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation, saying, “This forum should be the right platform to challenge us on how we could foster collaboration and innovation among regional Local Government leaders and associations, address shared challenges, and enhance sustainable development for our citizens.”
Mugenzi encouraged participants to focus on key priorities, including strategies to address regional challenges, empower local government associations, and set standards for effective service delivery.
Ben Kumumanya, Chairperson of the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) and Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Local Government, called for robust strategies to position local governments as key drivers of regional development.
“Our ultimate goal is to position counties and local governments as key drivers of regional development, increased visibility, and active contributors to the East African Community’s integration objectives,” he emphasized.
Kumumanya also urged delegates to focus on creating actionable strategies aligned with EAC priorities, including economic development, infrastructure, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Established in 2011, the EALGF facilitates engagement between local governments, promoting decentralization, local democracy, and cross-border trade to drive economic integration at the grassroots level.
The plant, owned by HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, will produce more than 1,800 tonnes of construction and sanitary hardware annually. Its product range includes plumbing and electrical fittings, water system pipes, LED lighting, Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) wall panels, and glass shower enclosures essential for interior finishing works.
Located in the rapidly developing Bugesera Industrial Park, the factory occupies a one-hectare plot, with 6,000 square metres of built-up space, half of which is currently in use. It has a daily production capacity of up to five tonnes and is expected to significantly reduce Rwanda’s reliance on imported construction materials.
Speaking during a pre-inauguration event on Wednesday, July 23, Jean Bosco Mungwarareba, the founder and managing director of HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, said his 25 years of experience importing construction materials inspired him to invest in local production.
The move aligns with the government’s “Made in Rwanda” initiative aimed at promoting local manufacturing and reducing the trade deficit.
Mungwarareba said he aims to expand the factory’s capacity so that, in the near future, it can locally produce at least 30 percent of the construction materials he used to import.
“Eventually, we want to start exporting these high-quality products and help bring foreign currency into the country rather than lose it through imports.”
Currently, the factory employs 22 permanent staff, with more casual workers expected as production scales up.
The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has praised the initiative, noting the strategic importance of local manufacturing. Callixte Kanamugire, Chief Advocacy Officer at PSF, said the factory will not only help cut Rwanda’s import bill but also support job creation and export growth.
“These are globally competitive products. With the government’s emphasis on quality assurance, local factories like this one are well-positioned to serve both domestic and regional markets,” Kanamugire said, adding that such ventures are key to addressing Rwanda’s trade deficit.
The Bugesera Industrial Park, which spans 335.67 hectares, is being developed in three phases as part of a joint venture between the Government of Rwanda and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP).
Phase I covers 91.63 hectares and already hosts 18 factories—12 operational and six under construction. Phase II, extending over 99.45 hectares, is set for completion by the end of this year, while Phase III (144.58 hectares) is scheduled to be finalised by 2027.
Once fully developed, the industrial zone is expected to contribute $1.2 billion to Rwanda’s manufacturing sector, create 45,000 jobs, and attract over $400 million in foreign direct investment.
Damascene Munyaneza, Director of Administration and Finance at HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, applauded government efforts in creating enabling environments for industrial growth.
“The establishment of special economic zones is accelerating the implementation of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2),” he said.
The establishment of the new factory marks a significant step towards greater self-reliance in the construction sector and positions Rwanda as a rising industrial hub in the region.
Dr. Nsengiyumva, who was previously the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows.
Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
According to Article 119 of the Constitution, the new Prime Minister’s responsibilities include leading government operations based on the overarching guidance provided by the President of the Republic, overseeing the implementation of laws, and preparing the government’s action program in consultation with other Cabinet members.
He is also required to present the government program to Parliament within 30 days of assuming office. Additionally, he assigns responsibilities to Ministers, State Ministers, and other government officials; convenes Cabinet meetings; and prepares the agenda for such meetings in consultation with fellow Cabinet members. The agenda must be submitted to the President and other Cabinet members at least three days before the meeting—except for urgent matters handled in extraordinary sessions.
The Prime Minister has the authority to chair Cabinet meetings, although the President presides when in attendance. He also issues orders determining the objectives, duties, and organizational structures of government institutions under his authority.
The Prime Minister may also issue implementing orders for laws within his remit, and sign orders concerning the appointment and dismissal of senior officials, including the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Executive Secretaries of national commissions, Advisors and Heads of Units within the Prime Minister’s Office, and other senior government officials whose appointments are not governed by other procedures.
This power extends to senior and managerial positions in the Parliament, Supreme Court, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Prosecutor General, ministries, and other government institutions.
It also includes national-level prosecutors, heads of higher-level prosecution offices, and public servants appointed at the same level as the aforementioned officials, as well as others specified by law.
The Prime Minister also co-signs laws passed by Parliament, presidential orders, and other legal instruments initiated by the Government.
{{Focus on NST 2 Targets}}
Beyond general constitutional responsibilities, Dr. Nsengiyumva’s administration faces the crucial task of delivering on the remaining goals of Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), which has four years left.
NST 2 is built on five main pillars: job creation, boosting exports, improving education quality, combating malnutrition and stunting, and enhancing service delivery.
Under this strategy, agriculture is expected to grow at 6% annually, driven by market-oriented production. Agricultural output is projected to increase by over 50% through the expansion of irrigated land to 85%, and increased use of fertilizers and improved seeds. Livestock farming is also to be modernized.
The plan also aims to create 1.25 million new income-generating jobs, with at least 250,000 created each year.
Private investment is expected to double from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion by 2029. Exports are projected to rise from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion. The “Made in Rwanda” initiative is set to be strengthened to boost local production and employment, particularly through agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors.
In education, enrollment in pre-primary schools is to increase from 35% to 65%, reinforcing the commitment to early childhood education. More students are expected to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), supported by access to resources and equipment. Additionally, 500,000 people are to be trained in digital skills, and vocational model schools will be prioritized to meet labor market demands.
In the health sector, service delivery will be improved, with the number of healthcare workers expected to quadruple. Special attention will be given to services for pregnant women and children. The goal is to reduce child stunting from 33% to 15%, and by 2029, every household, school, and hospital should have access to electricity and clean water.
In tourism, revenues are projected to double, driven by Rwanda’s ambition to become a top destination for international conferences and related activities.
A digital national ID will be introduced to simplify access to public services, and by 2029, all government services are expected to be delivered digitally.
On the international front, the government will focus on enhancing foreign trade and attracting investment to boost economic development. Rwandans living abroad will also be increasingly engaged in sustainable development initiatives, while peace and security will continue to be prioritized.
To achieve all of this in the remaining timeframe, the government under Prime Minister Nsengiyumva is anticipated to implement strong and urgent strategies to accelerate progress in lagging areas and ensure that all targets are met by 2029.
In a strongly worded statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that while regional and international actors are preoccupied with interpreting the recently signed declaration of principles, the Congolese government has continued large-scale troop deployments and military operations in civilian-populated areas.
“While everyone is bogged down in interpreting the declaration of principles, the illegitimate Kinshasa regime relentlessly continues the deployment of its troops on all fronts, directs its heavy weapons toward densely populated areas, and intensifies offensives in the Uvira Highlands, targeting the Banyamulenge villages of Rurambo,” Kanyuka said.
Kanyuka added that the offensives, carried out by a coalition of Congolese government forces (FARDC), the FDLR, Maï-Maï Wazalendo, and the Burundi Defence Force, have killed numerous civilians and worsened an already dire humanitarian situation.
The statement marks the latest in a series of accusations levelled by the AFC/M23 movement against the Congolese government in the aftermath of peace initiatives launched in Washington and Doha.
On July 17, the group publicly warned of continued military aggression from Kinshasa, claiming it undermines the peace efforts being pursued in Doha, Qatar.
Two days earlier, the group had accused government forces of killing four of its members in what it described as a demonstration of “warlike intentions” that contradicted the spirit of dialogue.
At the time, Kanyuka reaffirmed the group’s intention to protect civilians and eliminate threats “at their source”, in a video shared on social media.
“We will not yield to intimidation or the manoeuvres of an illegitimate and bloodthirsty regime, which sacrifices peace for the sake of its selfish interests.”
The Doha negotiations, led by Qatar, were brokered to end the fighting in eastern DRC, which earlier this year saw the rebels capture large swathes of territory, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. The rebels accuse President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and practising poor governance.
