According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Prince Kid was taken into custody on March 3, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.
ICE reported that although he initially entered the U.S. legally, he had been residing in Fort Worth illegally for some time.
The U.S. authorities stated that his arrest was in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by the Rwandan Prosecution on October 29, 2024.
Currently, Ishimwe popularly known as Prince Kid is being held in ICE detention facilities as further decisions regarding his removal from the U.S. are pending.
In October 2023, the Rwandan High Court sentenced Prince Kid to five years in prison after finding him guilty of soliciting sexual favors and rape.
During the ruling, neither Prince Kid nor his legal representatives were present in court, while the prosecution was officially represented.
The judge stated that he originally faced a 16-year prison sentence, but since this was his first legal offense, the sentence was reduced to five years along with a fine of 2 million Rwandan francs.
In November 2023, Lawyer Nyembo Emelyne, Prince Kid’s legal representative, confirmed to IGIHE that they did not appeal the court’s decision.
The charges against Prince Kid stem from allegations of sexual assault involving contestants of the Miss Rwanda pageant, an event he had been organizing for years through his company, Rwanda Inspiration Backup.
The move marks a major shift in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as armed groups realign in response to the evolving situation.
In a statement issued by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on Sunday, the group welcomed FCR’s defection, calling on other armed factions, political actors, and Congolese organisations to follow suit.
“This union strengthens the fight for a free and just Congo,” Kanyuka said, emphasising the rebels’ stated objective of challenging poor governance and decades of marginalisation of minority communities, including Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the region.
La terreur à Bukavu ! Des bandits armés font la loi ! Ils entrent maison par maison ! Les habitants apeurés crient : "Au voleur au voleur", Bamwiziii… bamwiziii ! Ces bandits méritent une lourde peine de prison pour s'assurer qu'ils ne recommenceront plus ! Le M23 doit très… pic.twitter.com/Kp7KxkwdtG
The FCR’s defection comes amid mounting pressure on the Congolese government to [negotiate with the rebels->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/eac-heads-of-state-urge-drc-gov-t-to-directly-engage-m23-at-crisis-summit], especially as AFC/M23 continues to gain new fighters and expand its territorial control.
In recent months, the rebels have seized the key cities of Goma and Bukavu after defeating a coalition of government forces, including Wazalendo militias, Nyatura, the FDLR, SADC forces, Burundian army and European mercenaries.
Despite the escalating situation, the government in Kinshasa has maintained its stance against engaging in dialogue with the rebels.
Instead, on Saturday, it called for international assistance to arrest three key AFC/M23 leaders: Corneille Nangaa, the former head of DRC’s electoral commission who now leads the AFC rebel alliance; Sultani Makenga, the military commander of M23; and Bertrand Bisimwa, the M23 political leader.
The government has offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to the rebel leaders’ capture.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight near the intersection of 17th and F Streets NW, just one block from the White House.
According to the Secret Service, local police had alerted them on Saturday about a “suicidal individual” who was possibly traveling to Washington, D.C., from Indiana. Officers later located the suspect’s parked vehicle and spotted a man on foot who matched the description.
“As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm, and an armed confrontation ensued, during which shots were fired by our personnel,” the Secret Service said in a statement released on X by agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.
The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, and his condition remains unknown. No injuries were reported among Secret Service personnel.
The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security tasked with conducting criminal investigations and providing protection to U.S. political leaders, their families, and visiting heads of state or government.
The agency confirmed that the Sunday incident is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team, which reviews all law enforcement officer-involved shootings in the District of Columbia.
President Donald Trump was not in Washington at the time of the shooting; he was at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Last year, Trump survived a [shooting incident->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/fbi-identifies-trump-rally-shooter-as-20-year-old-pennsylvania-resident] during a campaign event in Pennsylvania.
Speaking from the Oval Office after being pressed by the press on Friday, Trump was adamant: “No clash, I was there. Elon gets along great with Marco, and they’re both doing a fantastic job. There is no clash.”
The New York Times and CNN had reported that tensions ran high during Thursday’s meeting, which was focused on sweeping cost-cutting measures across the federal government.
Musk, a key advisor in the restructuring efforts, reportedly clashed with senior officials, including Rubio, over staffing reductions.
The exchange turned contentious when Musk accused Rubio of not adequately reducing the federal workforce, stating that “nobody” had been fired. Rubio quickly countered, highlighting that over 1,500 State Department employees had opted for early retirement through buyout packages as part of the department’s cost-saving measures.
The argument escalated further when Musk and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy disagreed over Musk’s team allegedly attempting to lay off air traffic controllers.
Duffy emphasized the critical need for aviation safety amidst the ongoing restructuring, a point Musk denied. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick sided with Musk, while Duffy remained firm on his position regarding aviation oversight.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins is also reported to have expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of such cuts on veterans, urging a more strategic approach to the workforce reductions.
During the meeting, Trump appeared to sympathize with these concerns, asserting that efficiency measures should focus on retaining the best employees and eliminating inefficiencies, rather than indiscriminately slashing positions.
In response to mounting concerns from his cabinet members, Trump announced that department secretaries would take the lead in implementing workforce reductions, with Musk’s team providing an advisory role.
Later, Trump used social media to clarify that future cuts would be approached with a “scalpel” rather than a “hatchet,” signaling a more measured approach.
Musk, who attended the meeting in formal attire following previous criticism from Trump about his casual dress, later called the discussions “very productive.”
Despite the reported tensions, White House officials insisted that the administration remained committed to improving government efficiency.
As part of its commitment to empowering young leaders, Rotary Rwanda annually organizes leadership training programs. This year, over 800 participants gathered to enhance their leadership and innovation skills, a significant increase from the usual 500 attendees.
Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, delivered the keynote address. She praised Rotary’s dedication to fostering leadership and community development.
“Rotary’s commitment to mentorship and service has transformed communities,” she said. “Leadership is not about a title; it is about the change you can bring. Every young person here today has the power to make a difference.”
Ingabire emphasized the importance of breaking barriers, particularly for women in innovation.
“Women have historically driven innovation, yet their contributions often go unrecognized,” she noted. “It is essential to continue advocating for women to have equal access to education, leadership opportunities, and resources.”
She shared key principles for nurturing youth leadership and innovation including encouraging leadership at a young age, ensuring access to education and technology, fostering engagement through networks, and leading with purpose.
“The world needs your leadership, creativity, and passion,” she told the young participants. “Keep pushing boundaries and lead with purpose to create a brighter future.”
{{Rotary Rwanda’s significant investment in community welfare}}
The event also highlighted Rotary Rwanda’s substantial contribution to community development. Carole Karema, the Assistant Governor of Rotary in District 9150, which includes Rwanda, revealed that the organization has implemented projects worth over $10 million (equivalent to more than 14 billion Rwandan Francs) to improve citizens’ welfare.
“Rotary in Rwanda is approaching 60 years of service,” Karema stated. “We have 550 members, but we aim to grow our membership to match countries with over 5,000 members.”
She outlined Rotary’s diverse community initiatives, including providing clean water, improving healthcare and sanitation, supporting education, and empowering women and girls.
“Rotary is a platform where people collaborate to find solutions to societal challenges,” she explained. “Our leadership encourages us to find solutions from within our communities.”
{{Recognizing young change makers}}
As part of the event, outstanding members of Rotaract and Interact Clubs were recognized for their impactful contributions. The awards celebrated those who led transformative projects and played a key role in expanding membership.
Atete Gretta Ame, a student from Kagarama Secondary School, shared how joining Rotary allowed her to make a positive difference.
“In school, we study to pass exams and earn money,” she said. “But through Rotary, I realized that many people need our support. This inspired me to join and contribute to changing lives.”
Lorena Kessy Waihiga Mwangi, from Kigali International Community School (KICKS) also expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing how the award motivates her to continue driving positive change.
“The recognition proves that our work is meaningful,” she said. “We will keep pursuing positive change and inspiring others to do the same.”
Rotary Rwanda’s structure includes Rotary Clubs for professionals, Rotaract Clubs for university students and Interact Clubs for high school students.
By investing in youth leadership and fostering community projects, Rotary continues to empower future generations to lead and innovate.
The celebrations took place at various COPEDU PLC branches, including the CHIC branch and the Nyarugenge Market branch. Employees of the institution also visited women entrepreneurs operating at the Didi Market located in Niboye Sector, Kicukiro District.
Donatha Uwantege, the Manager of COPEDU PLC’s CHIC branch, emphasized the significance of the day for women and reiterated the institution’s commitment to empowering women financially.
She stated, “COPEDU PLC focuses on women, which is why we cannot forget to celebrate this day with them every year. We prioritize women through accessible loans, savings, and financial planning.”
Marie Grace Sekamonyo, one of COPEDU PLC’s clients, expressed her gratitude to the institution for recognizing and celebrating them. She said, “We chose COPEDU PLC not because there are no other banks, but because this institution is particularly supportive of women and makes it easier for us to achieve financial growth.”
While engaging with the women at Didi Market, Solange Uwingabire, the Head of Business at COPEDU PLC, encouraged them to work diligently and adopt a culture of saving to secure their future.
She remarked, “Today, we are here as a financial institution encouraging you to save for a better future. Saving is essential, but it should be done in a secure place to safeguard your assets and plan for future generations.”
Uwingabire also introduced a specialized loan product called “Igire Mugore” designed to support female entrepreneurs with limited capital and no immovable collateral. This loan aims to help them grow their income-generating activities.
The loan ranges from 500,000 Rwandan Francs (Frw) to 5,000,000 Frw, but applicants must first save 30% of the requested loan amount.
Over the past 28 years, COPEDU PLC has played a significant role in promoting women’s projects, investing over 2 billion Frw in more than 3,000 initiatives.
Currently, the majority of COPEDU PLC’s shareholders are women. Women also dominate its board of directors, and most of its branches across the country are led by women.
This innovative initiative aims to bridge the financial inclusion gap and empower women entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable business growth and economic independence.
Mireille Umwali, the Board Director at MUA Insurance, expressed her pride and excitement over this milestone. “I’ve been part of the MUA family for over four years now, and witnessing the company’s growth has been incredible. Today, I am especially delighted because of this project,” she said.
“When you hear ‘MUA Femme,’ I want you to think of it as ‘MUA For Me.’ It’s about personal empowerment and ensuring that every woman secures her future through this innovative product,” she added.
Umwali emphasized the urgency of addressing the disparity between men and women in business participation, which had in the recent past few years been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There’s been a huge gap in economic participation, but with MUA Femme, we aim to close that gap and foster greater financial inclusion. Our vision at MUA is to provide innovative financial and insurance solutions, and this product aligns perfectly with that mission. I have no doubt that it will propel women to the next level of business success,” she added.
She further challenged MUA to increase the proportion of women clients to align with the government’s commitment to gender equality.
“Rwanda has made tremendous strides in gender representation, with women holding 61.75% of parliamentary seats. Yet, only 40% of MUA’s clients are women. We need to push that number up by 20%, ensuring that women are equally represented in all areas,” Umwali asserted.
Aretha Rwagasore, the Executive Director of Le Village de la Femme, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the impact it will have on women entrepreneurs.
“Le Village de la Femme began as a platform for women and has grown into a robust organization supporting women entrepreneurs. We provide business skills training, one-on-one mentorship, and facilitate access to finance. Today, we are proud to partner with MUA on this initiative,” she said.
Through this collaboration, Le Village de la Femme and MUA will work with 50 women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors. These women will undergo a three-month Empower program designed to equip them with the skills and resources to access financial institutions confidently.
“This partnership is not just corporate social responsibility; it’s about creating tangible change at a corporate level. The Empower program will give these women the tools they need to approach banks for loans and to secure their business assets through MUA,” Rwagasore explained.
Jovia Mutesi, the proprietor of Jov Creations Ltd and a member of Le Village de la Femme, reflected on her entrepreneurial journey and the significance of this new collaboration.
“Nine years ago, I started as an individual, but today, we have grown into a reputable organization dedicated to the continuous development of women. The training we’ve received from Le Village de la Femme has been invaluable, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration through this partnership with MUA,” she proudly said.
The launch of MUA Femme is a testament to MUA’s commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment by addressing the challenges women face in accessing financial services and providing tailored solutions.
Through strategic collaborations and innovative products like MUA Femme, women are not only securing their futures but also shaping a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.
This message was conveyed by the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, during an interview with IGIHE.
The RDF delegation visiting CAR includes the Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, and Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga. Their visit aims to inspect Rwandan troops stationed there and attend a graduation ceremony for CAR soldiers trained by the Rwandan military.
Rwivanga highlighted that Kagame sent Nyakarundi with a message of appreciation for the troops’ dedication and professionalism.
“The Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, was sent by His Excellency the President of the Republic to deliver a message to the soldiers, commending them for the excellent work they are doing to maintain security,” he said.
He further emphasized that the areas under Rwandan military control in CAR remain secure, and local communities appreciate their presence.
Another key message from President Kagame was to reassure the troops that Rwanda’s security is intact, allowing them to carry out their duties without concern.
“The second message was that Rwanda is entirely secure, and they should continue their work without any worries,” Brig. Gen. Rwivanga added.
Kagame’s message comes amid continued tensions with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which have been accused of plotting to destabilize Rwanda’s government.
When the M23 rebel group took control of Goma, evidence and weapons discovered in the city indicated the involvement of these neighboring countries in plans to undermine Rwanda. Rwivanga reassured the public that Rwanda’s borders are well-secured and that the country faces no immediate threats.
“We can assure the public that Rwanda is safe, and the borders are well-protected. The border-related concerns have been resolved. Since M23 took control of their positions, we have had no further issues along our border, meaning the country remains secure,” he stated, stressing that Rwandan forces remain vigilant and continue to fulfill their duties.
“Our troops are performing their duties as expected, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and borders. Everything is proceeding as usual, and our message here is to assure the troops that Rwanda is safe,” he added.
It has been nearly five years since Rwanda first deployed troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province to combat terrorism. This decision was made following a request from the Mozambican government, whose military had been overwhelmed by the terrorist group Ahlu Sunna wa Jama.
The primary mission of Rwanda’s troops was to eliminate the terrorist threat; a goal they have largely achieved as the entire Cabo Delgado region has been liberated.
Following their combat operations, the Rwandan forces were expected to proceed to the next phase, training Mozambique’s soldiers to maintain security after the Rwandan troops return home.
In an interview with IGIHE, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga confirmed that this training initiative is underway, with the first group of 600 soldiers nearing completion.
He stated, “I can confirm that we are now at the stage of training Mozambique’s forces. The first cohort, consisting of about 600 soldiers, is being trained at a center in Nacala, and they will soon complete their training.
In the coming days, we will be there to conclude the first phase of training conducted by Rwanda.” Brig. Gen. Rwivanga further emphasized that peace has largely been restored in Mozambique.
“Mozambique is in a very stable condition now. We have conducted extensive military operations. If you recall, our troop numbers increased, and we took over areas previously held by SADC forces, including Macomia,” he added.
Initially, we were only responsible for Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand our operations.”
He highlighted that SADC forces had left areas still harboring insurgents, which required additional work from the Rwandan forces.
“When SAMIM (the SADC Mission in Mozambique) withdrew from Macomia, the enemy was still present specifically in a forested area called Katupa, resembling Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We conducted numerous operations to flush them out, including along the coastline, and gradually dismantled their positions. The region is now largely peaceful, with only minor incidents that we continue to address on a daily basis,” he explained.
The helicopter, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was on a humanitarian evacuation mission aimed at reducing tensions after fierce clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a loose network of Nuer youth fighters.
The White Army recently overran government positions in Nasir, escalating violence in the region. During the evacuation, the helicopter came under heavy fire while attempting to transport wounded SSPDF officers, including General Dak.
Tragically, the general and his team lost their lives. Despite the attack, one helicopter managed to escape but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all passengers on board. In a national address, President Kiir expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the need for peace and restraint.
“Fellow citizens, I urge you to remain calm. I have said this time and again: our country will not return to war. No one should take the law into their own hands. My deepest condolences go to the families of General Dak and his men,” President Kiir stated.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the attack, calling it “abhorrent” and a potential war crime under international law.
“We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones,” Haysom said. “We also regret the killing of those we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.”
The situation in Nasir has further heightened tensions and disrupted South Sudan’s fragile peace process. There are allegations that the opposition may be supporting the White Army.
The South Sudanese government has responded by arresting senior officials from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), including the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, and SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further escalation. Kenyan President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate, holding talks with President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
“I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country even as the region works towards the stabilization of South Sudan under IGAD’s Strategic Framework,” President Ruto said in a statement.
The attack on the UN helicopter has underscored the growing insecurity in South Sudan, where ongoing political and ethnic tensions threaten to unravel the country’s Revitalized Peace Agreement.
UNMISS continues to call on all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises.
