The meeting focused on finalizing the force composition and deployment plans, marking a crucial step in transitioning from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM, which is scheduled to become fully operational by July 1.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the completion of the Statement of Unit Requirements (SUR), which outlines the specific troop and police capabilities necessary for AUSSOM to carry out its mission effectively.
This includes a range of components such as Quick Reaction Forces, Tactical Battle Groups, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, aviation enablers and police units were also incorporated into the plan.
The finalized SUR aims to enhance AUSSOM’s ability to counter al-Shabab and stabilize Somalia. Senior Defense Advisor to the Somali President, Jihan Abdullahi Hassan, emphasized that AUSSOM’s planning must align with Somalia’s national security vision to ensure sustainability and incorporate lessons from past missions.
The meeting also addressed sector boundaries, military and police deployments, and strategic adjustments to improve force mobility and operational readiness as the new mission takes shape.
The United States has reached agreement with Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea, the White House said on Tuesday.
The agreement followed separate technical-level talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, as well as between U.S. and Russian delegations, held from March 23 to 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Reaching an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to ensure the protection of civilian vessels and port infrastructure will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains, reflecting the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said in a statement.
The United Nations has been working consistently, especially following the letters the UN chief sent to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Feb. 7, 2024, putting forward a proposal for safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, Dujarric said.
The world body also remains closely engaged in the continued implementation of the memorandum of understanding with Russia on facilitating access of Russian food and fertilizers to global markets to address global food security, the spokesman said.
Voicing his support for all efforts towards peace, Guterres reiterated in the statement his hope that such efforts will pave the way for a durable ceasefire and contribute to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions and in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Rwanda maintains that diplomatic efforts have been underway to restore relations between the two nations.
In a recent interview with BBC, President Ndayishimiye alleged that Rwanda was supporting the rebel group RED Tabara, which operates in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through the DRC using RED Tabara. But let me tell them, if they want to reach Bujumbura through Congo, we can also reach Kigali through Kirundo,” he stated.
This is not the first time the Burundian leader has made such accusations. While addressing a congregation at Vision de Jésus-Christ Church, he criticized Rwanda’s influence in the region.
“The idea that they can invade Burundi is madness. I hear people say, ‘Rwanda’s army is strong.’ But do they know the kind of army I have? We have both visible and invisible forces that protect Burundi,” he said.
Despite these remarks, reports indicate that Burundian forces are actively working alongside the DRC government and the FDLR, a militia group with a history of targeting Congolese Tutsis.
Rwanda has consistently denounced the FDLR as a terrorist organization, given its stated aim of toppling the Rwandan government and its continued genocidal ideology.
Though Burundi has aligned itself with the FDLR, recent diplomatic discussions have been reported between Kigali and Bujumbura, aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.
President Paul Kagame recently expressed optimism about restoring relations, suggesting that dialogue remains the best path forward.
{{Burundians and Rwandans are one people}}
According to legal expert and researcher Gatete Ruhumuliza, Rwanda and Burundi share deep historical and cultural ties. He argues that Burundi originated from Rwanda. “Those of us who know history have a responsibility to educate our brothers. Burundians are our relatives. Burundi’s monarchy was founded by Ntare Rushatsi, the son of a Rwandan king.”
He further emphasized that past conflicts between the two nations have always ended in disaster. “They are our brothers. We cannot fight them. In past wars, no side emerged victorious, only tragedy followed.”
He cited a historical battle in Kirundo, where both Rwandans and Burundians suffered heavy casualties, remarking, “It was a war where no one won. It was like brothers fighting each other.”
Ultimately, Gatete advocates for peace, stating, “We are one people. It is our responsibility to remind others of our shared history. In the end, we must coexist peacefully.”
According to the Ministry of Defence, the medal ceremony took place at the RWANBATT-2 Headquarters in the UN Malakal Base Camp, Upper Nile State.
UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian, expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of Rwanda for its significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
He commended the discipline and commitment of the Rwandan peacekeepers, emphasizing their vital role in maintaining peace.
Lt Gen Mohan also extended special recognition to the Battalion for their bravery during rescue operations of UN staff who were at risk of being killed by White Army rebels in Nassir County.
Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire, Rwanda’s Senior National Representative in South Sudan and UNMISS Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations highlighted RWANBATT-2 successful execution of security and stability operations.
These efforts included conducting patrols in coordination with local security forces, monitoring human rights conditions, and gathering intelligence to protect civilians.
The contingent also played a crucial role in securing the UN Malakal Protection of Civilians (POC) site and the Bunj Company Operating Base Camp, ensuring the safety of key installations and personnel.
He acknowledged that RWANBATT-2 achievements were made possible through the guidance and collaboration of all peacekeeping stakeholders, from the Force Commander to the Sector North Commander.
RWANBATT-2 Contingent Commander, Lt Col Charles Rutagisha, described the medal ceremony as a significant milestone, marking the completion of nine months of dedicated service under UNMISS.
He emphasized the importance of these medals in boosting the morale and motivation of UN peacekeepers.
He also expressed gratitude to UNMISS leadership, the Government of South Sudan, and allied contingents for their support in accomplishing their responsibilities.
Rusagara had been battling cancer for an extended period. In July 2016, his wife, Christine Rusagara, also succumbed to cancer after receiving treatment in the United Kingdom.
In 2016, Rusagara was convicted of spreading false information and inciting public insurrection against the government, as well as action that sought to discredit the state. He was also found guilty of illegal possession of firearms.
After appealing his original sentence, Rusagara was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Court of Appeals in 2019, reducing the 20-year sentence handed down to him by the Military High Court in 2016.
Throughout his career, Rusagara held several key positions, including serving as Rwanda’s military attaché in the United Kingdom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, President of the Military High Court, and Commander of the Nyakinama Military Academy.
Brig Gen (Rtd) Frank Rusagara died at the age of 70.
The UN has urged all parties to honor the 2018 peace agreement, which ended South Sudan’s devastating five-year civil war that claimed 400,000 lives.
According to AP, Machar’s arrest was confirmed by opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng, who stated that Machar is currently “in confinement by the government” and that his life is at risk.
The arrest follows increased hostilities between the opposition and government forces, particularly in the northern region, where an armed group loyal to Machar clashed with government troops.
Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission in South Sudan, called for restraint from all sides and emphasized the importance of adhering to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which brought Machar and President Salva Kiir together in a unity government.
Tensions between the two leaders have been mounting, particularly after the White Army, an armed group loyal to Machar, overran a military base in Upper Nile state in March and attacked a UN helicopter.
The government’s response included airstrikes and warnings for civilians in the area to evacuate or face consequences. Since mid-March, over a dozen people have died, and the UN has raised alarms over the risk of a return to civil war.
In an update on Machar’s arrest, opposition official Reath Muoch Tang reported that 20 heavily armed vehicles arrived at Machar’s home, where he was detained along with his wife.
His bodyguards were reportedly disarmed, and an arrest warrant was presented, though the charges remain unclear.
The UN has warned that South Sudan’s leaders now face a critical choice: either to risk plunging the country back into widespread conflict or to work toward peace, recovery, and democracy in line with the 2018 agreement.
The attack occurred from Monday night to Tuesday when jihadist terrorists targeted a mixed military post close to the Cameroonian border in Wulgo, Nigeria, which is part of Sector III of the MNJTF.
The terrorists used advanced weaponry and light tactical vehicles, likely due to their connection with powerful criminal groups.
The injured soldiers were evacuated to N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, for treatment. This attack is part of the ongoing violence in the Lake Chad Basin, where groups like Boko Haram have been active for over a decade.
According to reports, this new assistance package includes a variety of military supplies, such as Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA missiles for Mirage fighter jets, Mistral air defense missiles, armored vehicles, munitions, and drones. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s long-term peace and security.
The announcement came ahead of the summit of the “coalition of the willing” scheduled for Thursday, which will focus on short-term military support and explore how European countries can offer long-term security guarantees for Ukraine’s defense.
Macron also addressed the issue of peacekeeping forces, clarifying that such troops would not be stationed on the front lines. Instead, they may be deployed in strategic locations behind the front lines, such as towns or bases, to support Ukraine’s military capacity.
Zelensky, speaking alongside Macron, expressed hopes that the United States would maintain its efforts to enforce a ceasefire.
However, Russia’s condition for lifting sanctions on its banks and exports was met with a firm rejection from Macron.
He stated that lifting sanctions would depend on Russia’s compliance with international law and insisted it was “far too early” to consider easing them.
The transformation from its violent past to a beacon of economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability has captivated the attention of global observers.
Recently, a group of Harvard University students visited Rwanda to learn firsthand about the country’s evolution. Their reflections offer insights into Rwanda’s remarkable journey and the lessons it holds for other nations.
Jordan Thomas, a fourth-year student at Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, was part of the Harvard Africa Caucus, which held the trip. As a JD-MBA dual degree student, Thomas was eager to delve into Rwanda’s economic and governance structures.
“There’s a lot to learn from Rwanda. Studying the economic and institutional structures from a legal standpoint has been incredibly enriching. But more than that, it’s the experience of Kigali and Rwanda as a whole that has made this trip so rewarding,” he said.
Schola Chioma Eburuoh, a U.S. citizen with Nigerian roots, joined the trip almost by chance but she acknowledges that this has been one of the most exceptional movements of her life.
“I wanted to experience a new place, especially East Africa. I had only visited Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco, so Rwanda was an exciting new addition to my travels. I’m very impressed by how welcoming the people are, and the openness of the government, it feels like everyone is invited to contribute,” she explained.
Monserrat Magana, a student from Mexico, was drawn to Rwanda for its ambitious post-genocide transformation. “I had heard a lot about the improvements Rwanda has made after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As someone who enjoys nature and adventure, visiting Rwanda also gave me the opportunity to see the gorillas and experience a safari, which I had always dreamed of,” she said
The beauty and community spirit of Rwanda stood out to many of the students. Magana shared, “There’s a sense of unity here. People help each other in the streets, and you can see a real sense of social interaction and togetherness.”
This theme of unity was echoed by Brandon Tran, a mid-career student in Public Administration from the U.S. He noted the strong social contract between the government and the people, which contributes to Rwanda’s development.
Tran was especially moved by his visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. “The memorial walks you through Rwanda’s history in such a complex and personal way. It shows the pre-colonial and colonial periods, the events leading up to and during the genocide, and then the incredible regeneration post-1994. It’s not just about the tragedy of 1994, it’s about understanding what happened before and how Rwanda has rebuilt itself,” he said.
This careful and nuanced approach left a lasting impression on him. The students were equally struck by Rwanda’s bold vision for the future. The government’s focus on tourism and technology is shaping the country as a regional model for development.
Tran, for instance, was intrigued by Rwanda’s widely perceived ambition to become the ‘Singapore of Africa.’ “It’s clear that the government is proactive and focused on long-term goals. Kigali’s development is incredible, and the country’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment are impressive,” he observed.
Yuchen Ji, also known as Rain, a public policy student from Beijing, emphasized the importance of a unified vision in Rwanda’s success.
“One of my biggest takeaways was the country’s ability to invite different government agencies to align with a shared goal. For instance, in discussions with the Ministry of Justice, I learned how critical rule of law is for both societal development and attracting foreign investment,” she noted.
The Ministry of Education’s focus on developing human capital also resonated deeply with the students. As Rain explained, Rwanda’s efforts to equip its citizens with both knowledge and practical skills play a crucial role in its economic development.
“This holistic approach, addressing everything from the rule of law to education, sets the country on a strong path forward,” she explained.
Tunde Wey, a Nigerian fellow at the Graduate School of Design, also reflected on Rwanda’s design aesthetics, which resonated with his own cultural background. “The design sensibility here is familiar to me. There’s an elegance and functionality that speaks to a deep-rooted cultural understanding of space and community,” he revealed.
Throughout their trip, the Harvard students came to recognize Rwanda as a country that not only acknowledges its tragic past but actively works towards a brighter future. The nation’s resilience, unity, and proactive approach to governance have left a deep impression on each of them.
As they prepared to leave, the students reflected on Rwanda’s incredible transformation and the lessons that other nations might take from its journey.
“Rwanda is a shining example of how a country can rebuild, not just physically, but socially and politically. The resilience of the people here and the commitment to healing and progress are truly inspiring,” said Jordan.
Rwanda, once synonymous with tragedy, is now a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of unity and transformation. The students from Harvard left with a deeper understanding of the country’s journey and with a renewed belief in the potential for positive change anywhere in the world.
The appointment was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
As head of RIB, Col. Kabanda will oversee the overall direction and operations of the bureau, including leading investigations, ensuring accountability, and upholding the rule of law.
In addition to Col. Kabanda’s appointment, the cabinet also confirmed several other key positions across different institutions, including the reappointment of Oda Gasinzigwa as chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). She will be deputized by Kizito Habimana.
Other members of the commission include Fortunée Nyiramadirida, Nicole Mutimukeye, Carine Umwali, Jean Bosco Mutijima, Faustin Semanywa, Françoise Kabanda Uwera, and Judith Mbabazi.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the Cabinet also appointed Jeanne Umuhire as the new Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
Nassi Agaba Bisengo was appointed Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Technical and Vocational Education Training Board (RTB).
In the Ministry of Education, John Bosco Nkuranga was named Strategic Projects Implementation Unit Coordinator.
Dorian Cyubahiro joins the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as Chief Technical Advisor.
At the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, Dr. Joram Ndayishimye will head the Nuclear Technologies and Research Development Department, while Capt. Agnes Mutoni will lead the Nuclear Safety and Security Department. Eng. Alexis Ruhinda steps into the role of Manager of the Research Reactor Division, and Eng. Yves Butera becomes Manager of the Nuclear Power Production Development Division.
In the Office of the Prime Minister, Chantal Tuyishimire takes on the role of Senior Policy Analyst, with Françoise Niyigena, Oscar Uwayo, and Ornella Rwaniza all appointed as Policy Analysts.
