According to a notice dated May 25, 2025, laboratory analysis of the product revealed that it does not meet the required national standard RS 344:2023 for plant-flavoured alcoholic drinks. As a result, the Rwanda FDA has declared the product illegal and unsafe for public consumption.
INEZA Ayurvedic Ltd, the manufacturer of Ubutwenge, is based in Musanze District, Busogo Sector, Gisesero Cell. Authorities confirmed that the company has been producing the drink without proper authorisation and outside the required safety guidelines.
Rwanda FDA has instructed the public to immediately stop consuming the drink to avoid potential health risks.
Retailers have also been ordered to remove all Ubutwenge stock from their shelves and return it to distributors. Wholesalers are required to accept the returned products and coordinate their return to the manufacturer.
Furthermore, the manufacturer has been directed to ensure the safe disposal of all recalled stock.
“The manufacturer, INEZA Ayurvedic Ltd, is requested to organize the immediate and safe disposal of returned stocks of Ubutwenge,” said Prof. Emile Bienvenu, Director General of Rwanda FDA.
The launch event took place on Friday at the MIC Branch, BPR’s flagship location for the Ikamba proposition, and brought together women entrepreneurs, key partners such as GIZ,Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), and the KCB Foundation, as well as BPR Bank’s management and staff.
Ikamba combines both financial and non-financial services tailored to the needs of WSMEs. These include flexible cash-flow-based loans of up to Frw 100 million, reduced transaction fees, smart savings options, and access to dedicated WSME branches with personalized support.
Additionally, members benefit from business insights, capacity-building programs, and discounted access to the BPR Biashara Club, all geared toward fostering business growth and financial inclusion.
In her remarks, Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda, emphasized the bank’s commitment to economic inclusion: “With Ikamba, we are making a bold statement – that Rwandan women in business deserve more than just access to finance; they deserve a partner that understands their unique journeys.
“We are proud to launch this proposition at our MIC Branch, with plans to roll it out to more branches across the country. Ikamba reflects our values of inclusivity, resilience, and innovation.”
BPR is partnering with Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) and GIZ to bring Ikamba to life.
Commenting on the development, Jean Bosco Iyacu, CEO of AFR, remarked: “Ikamba is a result of strategic co-design with BPR Bank to unlock financing for women entrepreneurs in a way that is practical, scalable, and sustainable.
“We are proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our mission to facilitate a diverse and inclusive financial sector that supports increased resilience and sustainable livelihoods for all and contributes to Rwanda’s economic transformation.”
BPR’s MIC Branch is the first dedicated location to roll out the Ikamba proposition. The bank plans to expand to additional branches over time to ensure broader accessibility and continued support for women entrepreneurs across Rwanda.
In a statement, PNAT confirmed it has formally lodged an appeal against the May 16 decision, which concluded there was “no serious and consistent evidence” linking the 82-year-old to either complicity in genocide or participation in a conspiracy to commit genocide.
The prosecutor’s office is requesting further investigations to pursue potential charges of conspiracy to commit genocide, in a case that has dragged on for nearly two decades.
The May 16 ruling dismissed the PNAT’s supplemental indictment request filed in September 2024, which sought to indict Habyarimana after years of stalled proceedings.
The judges noted that “the rumour is persistent” regarding her alleged involvement, but insisted that “it cannot be treated as proof in the absence of specific and consistent evidence.”
Reacting to the appeal, Agathe Habyarimana’s lawyer expressed frustration with the prosecutor’s decision to continue pursuing the case, describing it as a “denial of justice”.
“Faced with an empty case, as analysed by the ten judges who have handled it, they stubbornly persist in a purely delaying strategy aimed only at postponing the inevitable dismissal… all to satisfy diplomatic interests,” he said.
But civil party groups and genocide survivor associations argue that Habyarimana was not a passive figure during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
According to the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), which filed the original complaint in 2008, she was a central member of the Akazu, the elite circle of Hutu extremists believed to have planned and coordinated the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The CPCR has also accused Habyarimana of financing Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), the notorious broadcaster that incited mass violence against Tutsis, and of ordering the massacre of staff at an orphanage she founded.
Other allegations include her involvement in compiling hit lists of Tutsi elites and her support for the presidential guard’s terror campaigns following her husband’s assassination on April 6, 1994.
Despite residing in France since 1998, Agathe Habyarimana has neither been granted asylum nor extradited to Rwanda.
She was evacuated from Kigali on April 9, 1994, with French assistance under the orders of then-President François Mitterrand, a close ally of her late husband. In 2016, French authorities designated her an assisted witness, a status between that of a suspect and a simple witness.
The case has been derailed by multiple legal hurdles, including the 2022 decision by the investigating judge to signal a potential case closure due to “excessive delays.”
However, the PNAT reignited proceedings with a new indictment request in 2024 and continues to push for judicial accountability, citing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing demands for justice by survivors and civil society.
If the Paris Court of Appeal overturns the May 16 decision and grants PNAT’s request, Agathe Habyarimana could finally be indicted for her alleged role in orchestrating one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Conviction on such charges would likely carry a life sentence.
The Court of Appeal’s response to the prosecutor’s appeal is expected in the coming weeks.
Unlike previous editions organized in collaboration with the Rwandan Embassy and Charleroi city authorities, this year’s event was independently coordinated by the local Rwandan community in Charleroi.
The commemoration was attended by key figures including Eugène Twagiramutabazi, President of Ibuka Mémoire & Justice – Belgique; Pamela Kamuzima, head of DRB-Rugali Section Charleroi; and Lina Mukandori, representing the association of genocide survivors in the city.
Also present was Marina Shumbusho, 24, who gave a moving testimony as a child born to genocide survivors. Friends of Rwanda and members of the diaspora from various parts of Belgium also joined the event.
In her remarks, Lina Mukandori reflected on Rwanda’s painful past, noting that 31 years ago, ethnic division led to atrocities where people turned against neighbors, friends, and even close relatives.
“Over the past three decades, Rwanda has chosen a different path—one of unity, rebuilding, and dignity,” she said.
She also addressed genocide denial, especially claims that the genocide began only after the 1994 plane crash that killed President Juvénal Habyarimana. “That’s not true,” she stated, referencing genocide researcher Gregory H. Stanton’s work on the stages of genocide planning.
Eugène Twagiramutabazi commended the youth for their involvement in organizing the event. “We remember, no matter what. Remembrance is not mine or yours—it belongs to all of us,” he said.
As in previous years, the ceremony also honored the 10 Belgian peacekeepers killed in Rwanda on April 7, 1994—including Charleroi natives Corporal Alain Debatty, First Lieutenant Thierry Lotin, and Corporal Marc Uyttebroeck.
The event began with the laying of wreaths at the Genocide Memorial in Parc Reine Astrid, a park in central Charleroi that also holds monuments tied to World War history.
A walk to remember followed, carried out under heavy rain, but continued undeterred, as participants remained committed to the cause.
The final segment included testimonies, solemn songs, reflection, and a night vigil featuring remembrance music and photos of victims—honoring their names, lives, and legacies.
A 21-day-old infant has tested positive for mpox in Moyale town, near the Kenyan border, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and Public Health Institute said in a joint statement.
Noting that subsequent testing also confirmed that the child’s mother is infected with the virus, the ministry said the child and his mother have been placed in quarantine.
According to the ministry, both the child and his mother have not suffered any serious health problems so far and are currently in stable condition. It said coordinated efforts are underway to trace the source of the infection.
As Ethiopia becomes the latest African country to report a mpox case, the total number of affected countries on the continent since the start of last year has now reached 26, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The ministry said that since the onset of the mpox outbreak in Africa, it has implemented a series of coordinated measures aimed at preventing the virus from entering the East African nation, while also establishing strategies to control its spread should it enter the country. It said an emergency coordination center has been established at the Public Health Institute to facilitate such efforts.
“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, wishes to emphasize its commitment to enhancing ongoing measures aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of the disease,” it said. The ministry also urged anyone who has come into contact with individuals infected with the virus, as well as those exhibiting symptoms of mpox, to promptly seek appropriate medical care.
Given that the virus has been reported only in a confined area, the ministry said the public should remain calm and maintain their usual daily routines while adhering to safety protocols outlined by health authorities.
On Thursday, the Africa CDC announced that 25 mpox-affected African countries had reported more than 130,000 cases since the start of last year. Of these, 31,745 were confirmed, and about 1,774 related deaths were recorded.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral disease transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials. The infection often causes fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.
The announcement was made on Monday morning via a statement shared on X by the movement’s coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, marking a significant political moment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kabila’s return to the eastern city comes after an extended period abroad, primarily spent in South Africa and Zimbabwe, where he lived in forced exile.
According to AFC/M23, his decision to return via Goma is being seen as both symbolic and strategic.
“The return of this prominent political figure is warmly received. He made the right choice by coming back rather than remaining in forced exile,” the statement read.
AFC/M23 emphasised that Goma is currently the only part of the country free from political persecution, arbitrary arrests, hate speech, and tribal discrimination.
Since February, the movement claims Goma has hosted delegations from diverse backgrounds, including a joint mission from the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) and the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), which AFC/M23 says blessed the peace efforts under their control.
The group also positioned Goma as a safe haven for political actors who wish to operate freely.
“The gates of Goma—which are also the gates of Congo—are wide open to all compatriots who wish to carry out political activities in a republican spirit,” they said.
{{Katumbi’s reaction}}
Kabila’s return has also drawn sharp political reactions. Moïse Katumbi, a leading opposition figure and former Katanga governor, echoed the sentiments shared by Nangaa, through a pointed message posted on X.
“I stand with you, dear coordinator @CNangaa. What you said is true, painful, and powerful. Those who were supposed to lead the fight for justice and freedom have fallen short. They’ve forgotten why they once rose up,” Katumbi wrote.
He contrasted Kinshasa’s current leadership with the environment in Goma, saying, “While Kinshasa crushes, humiliates, insults, and divides, Goma welcomes, protects, and unites. Even Joseph Kabila is returning there. That alone shows how far Tshisekedi’s regime has pushed away all the values of the Republic.”
Katumbi ended his statement with a call for change: “Our only wish today is to remove Tshisekedi from power. Congo deserves better than this disguised dictatorship, this institutionalised tribalism, and this incompetence turned into a system. Thank you for saying out loud what so many are quietly thinking. The people will decide.”
Last week, DRC senators voted to lift Joseph Kabila’s immunity, paving the way for possible prosecution over alleged links to the M23 rebel group. The move followed the seizure of his assets by authorities who accused him of supporting the rebels.
The situation intensified amid reports that Kabila had visited Goma in April—claims he has firmly denied.
In an address to Congolese on May 23, 2025, Kabila clarified he had not been to Goma but plans to visit soon, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated and based on rumors.
He also noted that even if such a visit had occurred, it would have been in the spirit of dialogue with fellow Congolese, especially given the government’s ongoing peace talks with M23 leaders in Qatar.
The AFC/M23 claims to fight for the rights of marginalised communities, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking groups long subjected to persecution in eastern Congo.
Following a major offensive, the group now controls key territories, including the cities of Bukavu and Goma, which it seized in January 2025.
Recent mediation efforts by the U.S. and Qatar led to talks between M23 and the Congolese government. However, tensions remain high, with Kinshasa reportedly committed to continued military action.
After the withdrawal of Romanian mercenaries defeated by M23, President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration is now said to be seeking new mercenaries from Colombia.
As Kabila’s reemergence and Katumbi’s defiance converge in the eastern region, the political climate in the DRC appears to be shifting, possibly setting the stage for deeper opposition alignment ahead of future national transitions.
The contingent, comprising personnel from both the RDF and the Rwanda National Police (RNP), is set to relieve the current force deployed in the insurgency-hit province, where Rwandan troops have been operating since July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government.
Accompanied by Commissioner of Police Vincent Sano, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Maj Gen Nyakarundi, commended the outgoing forces for their professionalism and success in restoring security and stability in Cabo Delgado, and challenged the new contingent to strive to perform their duties even more effectively.
He urged them to maintain discipline and foster teamwork in order to successfully fulfill their assigned responsibilities.
Since their initial deployment in 2021, the Rwanda Security Forces, in collaboration with the Mozambican army, have played a critical role in weakening Islamic State-linked insurgent groups that had destabilised parts of northern Mozambique.
The partnership has contributed significantly to improved security in the region and the return of internally displaced people to their communities.
The area, previously controlled by Islamic State-linked insurgents, was liberated by the RSF in October 2024.
The activity marked an important step in efforts to restore normal life in the region, following years of instability caused by armed insurgents. Mucojo market, once abandoned due to insecurity, is gradually becoming a centre of renewed social and economic activity.
Hassan Fazenda, Chief of Mucojo village, expressed appreciation for the RSF’s role in restoring peace and supporting community recovery.
“We are thankful for the sacrifices you made that enabled us to return to our homes. Your continued support is helping us to recover from the devastating impact of four years of insurgency,” he said.
Representing the RSF, Lt Col Andrew Mugabo thanked the community and local leaders for their collaboration. He reaffirmed the Rwanda Security Force’s commitment to ongoing support, particularly in efforts focused on restoring livelihoods and fostering long-term stability in the region.
Umuganda is a Rwandan tradition of community service held monthly, where citizens work together on projects such as cleaning public spaces, repairing infrastructure, or planting trees. As a homegrown initiative, Umuganda played a major role in Rwanda’s recovery following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi by fostering unity, civic responsibility, and inclusive development.
By introducing the concept in Mozambique, the RSF is promoting not only physical restoration but also a sense of collective responsibility and national rebuilding. The exercise reflects broader efforts by Rwanda to support peace and recovery beyond its borders.
Rwanda first deployed a joint force of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police to Cabo Delgado in July 2021, at the request of the Mozambican government.
Since then, the RSF has been instrumental in counterterrorism operations, contributing to the liberation and stabilisation of several areas previously held by insurgents.
The Umuganda in Mucojo complements other RSF initiatives in the region, including security support, humanitarian outreach, and capacity-building programs. The efforts include the training of more than 500 troops in an advanced infantry course, who graduated on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The ministry said 307 Russian servicemen have “returned from Kiev-controlled territory,” while the equivalent number of Ukrainian prisoners was freed as well.
“The large-scale exchange initiated by the Russian side will continue,” the ministry said.
The swap followed the exchange of 270 servicemen and 120 civilians from each side announced on Friday.
Following their direct negotiations in Istanbul last week, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners on each side, marking the largest prisoner swap since the start of their conflict in 2022.
“Safety, security, and prosperity in Central Africa are in the clear interest of the United States,” the senators said in a joint release.
The statement, signed by Senators Jim Risch, Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Coons, Ted Cruz, Cory Booker, and John Cornyn, welcomed the recent diplomatic progress made through negotiations facilitated by the United States.
The lawmakers highlighted the April 25 Declaration of Principles signed in Washington D.C. as “a clear step forward” and “the latest testament to the power of U.S. engagement and leadership in this region.”
The senators urged all parties to continue negotiating in good faith and to adhere to the commitments outlined in the Declaration.
“Now is the time for all parties to redouble their efforts at the negotiating table to achieve a lasting and sustainable resolution to the conflict,” they stated.
They also emphasized the importance of including civil society in the negotiation process and ensuring that any future agreement allows for the “neutral and unimpeded access to and delivery of robust humanitarian aid.”
The ongoing U.S.-led talks, alongside mediation efforts from Qatar, Angola, France, and Togo, have brought renewed hope.
If negotiations continue on a positive trajectory, Rwanda and the DRC are expected to sign a peace agreement in June 2025 in Washington D.C., in the presence of the U.S. President Donald Trump.
