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.
Held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village and hosted by the University of Rwanda, the summit convened a diverse coalition of scholars, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa and Australia.
Participants came from countries including Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Somaliland, South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria, with a mission to reimagine higher education through the lens of AI and confront the deep inequalities that digital transformation threatens to deepen.
“This conference is a strategic forum where we show how artificial intelligence is reshaping not only the ways we teach and learn, but also how we conduct research, manage institutions, and solve some of the most complex areas in our studies in order to be more prepared for the future is more than just a gathering,” said Prof. Didas Kayihura, Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.
AI is no longer a future concept, it is a present reality. From predictive health diagnostics to precision farming, AI is transforming how African societies tackle health, food security, gender equity, and even national security.
Dr. Edward Kadozi, Director General of the Rwanda Higher Education Council, acknowledged that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future; it is transforming the present.
“It is timely and essential that this forum brings together such a distinguished group… to explore AI’s transformative potential across sectors,” he said.
At the core of the discussions were five themes, including sustainable food systems, inclusive gender research, resilient health care, geopolitical integrity, and personalised learning.
AI was presented not only as a tool of efficiency but as an enabler of justice, equity, and sustainable progress, as Prof. Aldo Stroebel, Co-chair of the AAUN and DVC at the University of Mpumalanga, explained.
“Not all global communities are tapping the potential of this new wave of innovation. The newest Human Development Report in 2025 shows a large divide between low- and high-income countries in AI technical capacity. This stands as a stark call for a network like AAUN to respond,” he said.
During the forum, a spotlight was shone on early-career researchers, whose innovation will shape the AI landscape of tomorrow. Delegates emphasised building AI readiness across Sub-Saharan Africa, closing education gaps, and correcting linguistic and cultural biases embedded in global AI systems.
The gathering also underlined Rwanda’s rising stature as a continental hub for AI discourse. Fresh off hosting a global AI summit in April, Rwanda demonstrated not only logistical prowess but ideological leadership.
“We want to re-emphasise our role as universities; we cannot sit back and get taken over by our own creations,” said Kayihura, urging institutions to wield AI responsibly.
Operated by Trinity Metals, the mine is Africa’s leading tungsten producer and a cornerstone of Rwanda’s ambitions to become a global hub for critical minerals.
Currently, Nyakabingo Mine employs over 1,800 people and has nearly doubled its tungsten output in the last three years.
Trinity Metals, formed in 2022, consolidated three historic Rwandan mines—Nyakabingo, Rutongo, and Musha—into a single entity.
The company has transformed operations at each site. CEO Peter Geleta reported last year that Nyakabingo increased its monthly tungsten production from 29 to 100 tonnes, now contributing 8% of global tungsten supply.
“We’ve built a professional, international mining company capable of world-class output,” Geleta said.
President Kagame’s tour of Nyakabingo comes amid broader efforts to position Rwanda as a reliable partner in the global critical minerals supply chain.
Just last month, the Rwandan government confirmed it is in talks with the United States over a potential deal that would grant Washington access to Rwanda’s mineral resources.
“Yes, this is part of the discussions we are having with the U.S.,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed.
The United States is seeking to diversify its sources of critical minerals, and Rwanda’s growing output of tantalum—a key component in electronics and automotive capacitors—makes it an attractive partner.
Rwanda currently ranks third globally in tantalum production, behind Australia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The discussions were preceded by high-level diplomatic engagements. Early April, Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on African Affairs, visited Nyakabingo Mine as part of his official trip to Rwanda.
On April 30, President Kagame also received Trinity Metals Chairman Shawn McCormick and his delegation to explore further investment and partnership opportunities in Rwanda’s mining sector.
The growth of Rwanda’s mining sector has been remarkable. Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente announced in March that mineral exports generated $1.7 billion in 2024, up from just $373 million in 2017. Gold led the way, bringing in $1.5 billion, followed by coltan, cassiterite, and wolfram.
Dr. Ngirente credited the performance to modernised mining practices, targeted investments, and a shift toward value addition.
“Production has increased significantly, and we are discovering new minerals like lithium and beryllium, which are in high demand globally,” the Prime Minister noted.
In a vote taken on Thursday, May 22, nearly 90 senators approved the motion to strip Kabila, 53, of the protections granted to him as a “senator for life,” a title he received after stepping down from power in 2019. Only five senators opposed the decision.
“The senate authorises the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila’s immunity,” declared Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, following the vote.
The decision follows mounting accusations that Kabila played a direct role in the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has seized control of several strategic towns in the eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu.
In a statement issued on April 18, the Ministry of Justice claimed it possessed “a substantial body of documents, testimony, and material facts” linking Kabila to the rebels. It also announced the freezing of all of Kabila’s movable and immovable assets and imposed travel restrictions on his alleged collaborators.
Kabila has previously denied any ties to the armed insurgents.
The former Head of State, who has been living in South Africa for the past two years, announced last month that he would return to help find a solution to the conflict in the east. A few days later, he was reported to have re-entered the country through the eastern region, which is under rebel control.
He is expected to address the Congolese people on the night of May 23, 2025, following the lifting of his legal immunity.
The signing took place at CISI’s London headquarters during a high-level visit organised by TheCityUK under the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) Skills Council initiative.
The Rwandan delegation, comprising senior representatives from government, regulators, the stock exchange, and financial development institutions, explored how to address financial services skills gaps in the sector.
The visit forms part of Rwanda’s wider strategy to develop a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem.
Signed by CISI CEO Tracy Vegro OBE and CMA Chief Executive Thapelo Tsheole, the MoU sets out a framework to build capacity in Rwanda’s capital markets through mandatory qualifications and an annual continuing professional development (CPD) requirement.
A key pillar of the agreement is a new three-part licensing pathway for Rwandan capital markets practitioners. This includes CISI’s International Introduction to Securities & Investment qualification, an updated Rwanda Regulatory Assessment, and a role-specific technical unit – a model aligned with international standards and best practice.
The introduction of CPD as a condition for licence renewal will help ensure that practitioners maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills that are fit for the future. These reforms align with Rwanda’s broader goals to position Kigali as an International Financial Centre.
Commenting on the development, Tracy Vegro OBE, CISI CEO stated, “CISI is committed to working in partnership with the CMA to support its delivery of an innovative, premium suite of qualifications, lifelong learning CPD and membership for Rwandan financial services practitioners. Enhanced standards, skills and knowledge are crucial in building a professional financial services sector and essential in maintaining consumer trust and confidence.”
Thapelo Tsheole, CEO of CMA described the MoU as a significant milestone in the journey towards enhancing the professionalism and integrity of Rwanda’s capital markets.
“Through this partnership with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, we are introducing a qualifications-led licensing programme that will equip our market practitioners with the necessary skills and ethical standards to thrive in an increasingly complex financial landscape.
“This initiative aligns with our vision to position Rwanda as a competitive financial centre and supports the implementation of the Capital Market Long-Term Development Strategy, which is pivotal to our long-term economic development goals.”
This renewed collaboration marks a significant step in Rwanda’s capital markets development and reinforces CISI’s role as a key strategic partner in advancing financial sector skills across Africa.
The ceremony took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, where Amb. Ngoga conveyed warm greetings on behalf of President Paul Kagame, the Government of Rwanda, and the Rwandan people.
“I bring you warm greetings from the President, the Government, and the people of RwandaI take the role with commitment to work with you, and everyone in the United Nations family to engage constructively to advance shared ideas,” he said.
Amb. Ngoga succeeds Ernest Rwamucyo, who served as Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN since October 2023. He was posted to Kenya where he oversees Rwanda’s interests.
Amb. Ngoga is a seasoned Rwandan diplomat and public servant with extensive experience in law, governance, and regional integration. Born on March 2, 1968, in Kagera, United Republic of Tanzania, he is married and fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Kinyarwanda.
Before his appointment as Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Ngoga served as High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat.
From 2017 to 2022, he was Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), following his earlier role as a Member of Parliament within the same institution from 2015 to 2017.
Amb. Ngoga played a key role in Rwanda’s justice system, having served as the country’s Prosecutor General from 2006 to 2013, and Deputy Prosecutor General from 2003 to 2006.
Between 1999 and 2003, he was Rwanda’s Special Representative to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania.
His earlier roles include Deputy Head of Public Prosecutions in Butare Province and Head of the Legal Department in Rwanda’s Ministry of Labour and Public Services.
Amb. Ngoga holds a Master’s degree in Genocide Studies and Prevention from the University of Rwanda, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Dar es Salaam, completed in 1996.
With a career spanning diplomacy, regional leadership, and transitional justice, Amb. Ngoga brings a wealth of experience to his current role in representing Rwanda on the global stage.
Rwanda is recognized as a key partner of the United Nations, particularly in peacekeeping. It is currently the fourth-largest contributor of troops to UN peace operations globally.
In addition to its peacekeeping role, Rwanda has played a significant humanitarian role by hosting refugees evacuated from Libya since 2019, under an agreement with the United Nations and the African Union.
These refugees are temporarily housed at the Gashora Emergency Transit Centre as they await resettlement in third countries.
Last week, the United Nations announced a new $1.04 billion cooperation framework with Rwanda, covering the period 2025 to 2029.
The funding aims to advance Rwanda’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision.
“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” Noem said in a statement.
“Enrolling international students is a privilege — not a right — and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard’s repeated failure to comply with federal law.”
DHS said that in addition to barring enrollment of future international students, “existing foreign students must transfer to lose their legal status.”
In response, Harvard issued a statement calling the administration’s action unlawful and harmful.
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University — and this nation — immeasurably,” the statement said.
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
The administration in April froze 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in federal grants to Harvard after the university rejected demands that it eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and evaluate international students for ideological concerns.
As of the fall 2023 semester, international students made up over 27 percent of Harvard’s student body, according to university data.
