Ruto, who met Thursday with holdout opposition groups from South Sudan in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, said the talks will resume in March.
The talks between South Sudan’s transitional government and holdout opposition groups, dubbed Tumaini, meaning hope in Swahili, have been ongoing in Nairobi since last year.
Ruto said in a statement that the mediation process “adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward.”
In December 2023, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan asked Ruto to assume the lead role in mediating the peace talks, taking over from the community of Sant’Egidio in Rome, Italy.
South Sudan is grappling with significant challenges, including 9 million people requiring humanitarian aid, 7.5 million people experiencing food insecurity, and an influx of more than 1 million returnees and refugees fleeing violence in neighboring Sudan.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosions in the Tel Aviv area, which caused no injuries. However, Hamas’ Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, issued a statement praising the attack. “The revenge of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier is present on our lands,” the statement read.
Katz vowed to exact a “heavy price” from those responsible. “We will hunt down the terrorists relentlessly and destroy the terror infrastructure,” he said in a statement released by his ministry.
He said the intensified raids would focus on “the Tulkarm refugee camp and all refugee camps in the West Bank.” Israel’s state-owned Kan TV reported that the Shin Bet domestic security agency was investigating whether those who planted the explosive devices came from Tulkarm after a sticker found on one of the devices suggested the attack was “revenge” for recent Israeli raids that caused widespread destruction in the area.
In the attack, three empty buses exploded within minutes, and explosive devices were found on two other buses, police said.
Public transportation, including buses, trains, and Tel Aviv’s light rail, was temporarily suspended nationwide for security scans.
Speaking to French television channel LCI, Haddad revealed that Macron had already spoken with Trump twice this week regarding Ukraine.
“Our approach is to maintain dialogue with the president of the United States to ensure that the voice of the Europeans is heard in this negotiation,” he said.
Macron is expected to emphasize to Trump that “the future of Ukraine cannot be decided without the Ukrainians, and the future and security of Europe cannot be negotiated and decided without the Europeans.”
Haddad stressed that Europe has contributed more to Ukraine than the United States, and therefore, must have a say in the process.
Moreover, Macron will also address tariffs that Trump plans to impose on European products. “A trade war, protectionism is not in anyone’s interest,” the minister warned.
This week, Macron has hosted European and non-European partners twice to coordinate a common stance on Ukraine. Both meetings concluded with a unified position that any peace talks should include both Ukraine and Europe.
President Félix Tshisekedi has been requesting military support from his counterpart, President Mahamat Idriss Déby of Chad, to fight the M23 armed group, which has made significant advances in the east, capturing strategic areas including the cities of Bukavu and Goma.
Takilal Ndolassem, a prominent politician who leads the opposition party Front Populaire pour la Libération (FPL), stated that just because Chad has good relations with the DRC, it does not mean it should send its soldiers to die in a foreign war.
Ndolassem reminded President Mahamat that the DRC has a large population, and it should be training its own soldiers to protect the country instead of asking Chad—a country with fewer than 30 million people—to send troops.
He said, “It is inappropriate to send Chadians to die in the DRC. It is not possible, Mr. President, because we are a small population on land covering 1,284,000 square kilometres. Yet, in Kinshasa, there are 20 million people, and in all of Congo, 140 million. Why should we send our people to die there?”
The politician explained that the Chadian government has also faced armed groups for many years but has never asked the international community to send troops to help fight them.
He urged President Mahamat to avoid taking sides and to support peaceful resolutions made by African heads of state, which include calls for dialogue between the DRC government and M23.
Human rights advocate, Dr. Ibrahim Mahamat Ali, reminded that in 1998, Chad sent troops to the DRC to assist Laurent-Désiré Kabila, who was fighting the armed group RCD.
He said, “We don’t want history to repeat itself. Today, it is necessary for Chad and other countries to avoid sending troops and instead rely on diplomacy to resolve the conflict. It is time for this to stop!”
Dr. Ibrahim emphasised that Chad is not a military reserve ready to go abroad whenever asked, highlighting that the DRC should have built its own military forces long ago.
He said, “The Congolese should have focused on strengthening their army long ago instead of focusing on fashion.”
Citing Chad’s involvement in Mali, focused on counterterrorism efforts, Dr. Ibrahim said the situation in eastern Congo is “very different.”
“Our intervention in Mali was to protect a people from a terrorist threat. It was a righteous cause. The situation in DRC is very different. Let’s not put our soldiers on the line to defend a leader who seeks to stay in power,” he stated.
He stressed that in Congo, M23 rebels enjoy support from the population they seek to protect from persecution and marginalisation targeted at Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
“We all witnessed the enthusiasm of the people as the M23 arrived in the region under control,” he remarked.
The DRC’s military is already cooperating with those of Burundi, the FDLR, and the Wazalendo militias in the war.
Other groups present in the DRC include troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations peacekeeping force (MONUSCO). Meanwhile, nearly 300 European mercenaries who had been fighting alongside the Congolese army were recently forced to withdraw after the fall of Goma to the M23 rebels.
Makanika was the group’s leader and was killed in a drone strike launched by a coalition of DRC forces on February 19, 2025. Twirwaneho is a Kinyarwanda word meaning “let us defend ourselves.”
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Ndakize Kamasa Welcome, on February 20, the group extended condolences to the Banyamulenge community, its supporters, and Twirwaneho members worldwide.
“Our hero passed away on February 19, 2025, falling on the battlefield while fighting against the genocide that has been waged against the Banyamulenge and similar communities for the past seven years. This genocide has been planned and executed by the government of our country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, in collaboration with Wazalendo and its partners, who carried out the drone attack from Kisangani to weaken our self-defence efforts,” the statement read.
Twirwaneho reiterated that the resistance efforts initiated by Col Makanika would continue, emphasizing that nothing would halt their struggle.
The group also called on Banyamulenge people across the world to rise and join their self-defence mission “until we achieve victory against attempts to exterminate us, seize our ancestral land, and end the injustices and killings we suffer.”
Col Makanika was formerly the Deputy Commander of FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) in Walikale, North Kivu province, where he was in charge of operations and intelligence.
He previously stated that he left the Congolese military after realizing that it was failing to protect his Banyamulenge community, which had long been subjected to violence by armed groups, with some elements within the military allegedly complicit in these atrocities.
For many years, the Banyamulenge in the DRC have been subjected to extreme violence. Observers describe these acts as genocide.
Since colonial times, the Banyamulenge have been denied rights in their own country, including the right to exist. Direct attacks against them date back to 1964 during the Mulele Rebellion. After a period of relative calm, large-scale massacres resumed in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Since April 2017, the violence has escalated dramatically. Armed Mai-Mai groups, in collaboration with Red Tabara and FNL PALIPEHUTU from Burundi, have launched coordinated attacks from various locations, particularly in South Kivu province, including Lemera, Rurambo, Itombwe, Swima, Uvira, Sange, and Lulenge.
These groups have engaged in widespread killings, house burnings, livestock theft, and forced displacements, in what appears to be a well-organized campaign of violence.
A consultative meeting held on February 20, 2025 that focused on shaping careers and creating opportunities in the digital age, brought together young entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and key stakeholders to explore this dynamic landscape.
The event, organized by Code Empowerment Progress (CEP), served as a platform to inspire, educate, and connect, empowering attendees to thrive in the ever-evolving digital economy.
As Ornella Uwase Ndahiro, founder and CEO at CEP explained, the digital age should find young people equipped with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to leverage technology for social and economic growth.
She shared a personal insight into her journey in the digital space, highlighting the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community-building in navigating the digital economy.
Many individuals, such as Isaac Rudasingwa, have been inspired through success stories and gained from knowledge about available tools and opportunities.
Rudasingwa, Co-founder of Medixr, discussed the role of innovation and digital tools in healthcare and beyond, urging young people to explore tech-driven solutions to everyday challenges.
Similarly, Rogers Kamugisha, an expert in the education sector, shed light into education and leadership development, encouraging attendees to build practical skills and leverage mentorship for career growth.
The event targeted youths aged between 16 and 25 ambitious to leverage technology and brought together individuals, influencers and industry leaders.
During a panel discussion, where speakers shared invaluable insights, Cynthia Umutoniwase, proprietor of LOOPA Ltd., a local company involved in the production of organic waste management material, emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuous learning.
“Share your ideas and be open to feedback, even if it’s not what you want to hear. Always strive to learn something new, and develop strong money management skills,” she advised.
When seeking partners, Umutoniwase cautioned on finding individuals who complement each other sharing the same vision and aspirations. “Always remember to have everything clearly documented,” she said.
Cedric Mupenzi, CEO of Sinc Today, echoed the importance of teamwork and vision. “The biggest mistake young entrepreneurs make is involving unmotivated individuals. As a founder, it’s your responsibility to communicate your goals and visions to your team and work relentlessly to achieve them,” he cautioned.
He revealed that the secret lies in having the right team, a solid structure, logistical support, and the right partners.
The interactive sessions provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the speakers, while networking thus fostering connections between peers and potential mentors.
King Ngabo, founder of the Ingabo Museum based at Rebero, offered a powerful call to action. “Use your energy while you’re young. Don’t wait for approval to pursue your passions. People will recognize and appreciate your work along the way,” he urged.
The consultative meeting offered practical tools and strategies to navigate the digital landscape, equipping youth with the skills needed to build successful careers.
The outcomes included increased awareness of technology’s role in career development, practical insights for taking actionable steps toward digital success, stronger networks between young innovators and stakeholders, and a platform to celebrate the next generation of digital leaders.
The event served as a powerful reminder that the future of work is digital, and young people are at the forefront, shaping their own careers while creating opportunities for themselves and others.
On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against Gen. (Rtd.) Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, accusing him of playing a key role in Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group operating in the eastern Congo, a claim that the government has repeatedly denied.
The U.S. claims that M23 has been responsible for human rights abuses in the region.
Reacting to the move, Rwanda’s Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo dismissed the sanctions as unjustified and ineffective, arguing that punitive measures would not resolve the crisis in eastern DRC.
“The sanctions are unjustified. The international community should support, not undermine, ongoing regional efforts towards a political solution. If sanctions could resolve the conflict in eastern DRC, we would have had peace in the region decades ago,” Makolo said.
Rwanda has consistently argued that the crisis in eastern Congo is rooted in deeper historical and governance issues that require political solutions rather than external pressure.
M23 also denies the allegations of human rights violations, stating that it is fighting against decades of persecution and marginalisation of Congolese Rwandophones in eastern Congo. The conflict has, among others, been attributed to the arbitrary drawing of borders during the colonial period.
“Rwanda was a German colony, and in 1910, 1912, and 1911, there was a meeting in Brussels where Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom decided to draw the borders between the three countries artificially. We had part of the Kingdom of Rwanda which was given to Congo with the people, and another part was given to Uganda. Then we have people of Rwandan culture and heritage in those two countries; in DRC, which was Congo at that time, and Uganda,” Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Oliver Nduhungirehe explained during a recent interview.
“But those in Uganda never had any problem; they were integrated into society, considered as Ugandans. However, those in Congo, who have lived there since 1910, were never considered as Congolese; they were always suspected to be Rwandan. And this went on until the independence of Congo, and this marginalization under suspicion continued. In the 1970s, the then President of Zaire, which was the name of the country, President Mobutu, decided to give them citizenship, but 10 years later in the 80s, he stripped that citizenship from them, so their situation was always difficult,” he added.
Above, the metal roof is rusted and brittle, its corroded sheets streaked with reddish-brown stains, some sections appearing fragile enough to collapse under the weight of time.
A strong stench fills the air as we step through the open iron doors, their thick rust causing them to creak and groan with each movement, their corroded edges rough to the touch.
It was within these dilapidated walls that more than 2,000 prisoners escaped as government forces (FARDC) fled the city while M23 rebels advanced.
Multiple sources confirmed to IGIHE that the city’s main prison, tucked within the residential area of Avenue De L’Abattoire, was emptied on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
A provincial official and a Congolese army source in Bukavu told Reuters that soldiers had freed some prisoners, while others took advantage of the chaos to escape.
Inside, the scene is pure chaos—discarded clothing, plastic bottles, basins, and buckets litter the floors. Broken furniture lies in disarray, while overturned beds and shattered wooden frames create a nightmarish scene, straight out of a horror movie.
The small cells are in a deplorable state, with ugly, cracked walls stained by years of neglect. The floors are covered in layers of grime and dirt, with cracks running through the concrete, and some parts uneven and worn down. The once-white walls have turned a sickly shade of grey, their surfaces pockmarked and peeling, telling a grim story of the harsh conditions inmates endured behind closed doors. It’s hard to believe that human beings once lived here!
Residents who spoke to us recounted that the mass breakout happened under the cover of night. Prisoners, along with opportunistic locals, ransacked the facility, looting its stores before vanishing into the darkness.
“It was at night when we heard a commotion from the prison. We saw them flee with sacks of beans, maize, mattresses, blankets, and other valuables,” a resident who lives in a story apartment adjacent to the prison told us.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 Spokesperson, said that while some of the escaped prisoners—many of whom were hardened criminals—had surrendered to the rebel group, the majority remained at large, posing a security risk to local communities.
Kanyuka revealed that the mass breakout of inmates is one of the many challenges M23 is addressing in the area.
“When we arrived in Bukavu, we found hell—a nightmare. It looked like a horror film. People were distraught, their homes looted and destroyed. But now, since our arrival, people are happy that we are here. As we entered the city, people applauded, relieved by our presence,” he remarked.
Citing the persecution of Congolese Rwandophones in eastern Congo, who have endured decades of marginalization and have been forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Rwanda, Kanyuka said M23 would do everything to protect the population in the capital of the South Kivu Province.
“We cannot stand by and watch as our people are destroyed and killed by the DRC government, which is supposed to protect our compatriots from the criminals of FARDC and their allied forces.”
Kanyuka also urged any Congolese soldiers still in hiding to surrender, promising that M23, now tightening its grip on Bukavu, Goma, and other strategic towns in eastern Congo, would facilitate their reintegration into military service or civilian life.
He reiterated the need for the Congolese government to end atrocities against Congolese Rwandophones, even as various groups continue to call for dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in the troubled eastern region.
In a statement released by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Rwanda rejected what it described as a campaign of misinformation aimed at undermining the country’s economic collaborations and international reputation.
The Congolese government has, in recent weeks, appealed to global sports clubs, including Arsenal FC, FC Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, to terminate sponsorship agreements with Rwanda, alleging that the country is backing M23 rebels to fuel instability in eastern Congo.
In addition, DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has written to Formula 1 (F1) leadership, calling on the organization to halt discussions about hosting a Grand Prix in Rwanda.
Rwanda has dismissed the claims, stressing the positive socio-economic impact of its partnerships with major sports organizations. Through collaborations such as the ‘Visit Rwanda’ initiative, the country has successfully boosted tourism, developed sports infrastructure, and promoted community engagement in international sporting events.
“Sports has the power to unite communities and drive meaningful change,” the RDB statement read. “Attempting to politicize these partnerships is a misguided approach that ignores the significant socio-economic benefits they provide to Rwanda and the broader region.”
Since its launch in 2018, the Visit Rwanda campaign has elevated the country’s global presence, leading to increased tourism and foreign investment. The initiative has been credited with making Rwanda the second most popular destination for business events in Africa.
Rwanda attributed the instability in the eastern DRC to deep-rooted governance failures and the proliferation of illegal armed groups in the region.
RDB highlighted that the M23 rebellion in eastern Congo is driven by grievances among Congolese Rwandophones over security and ethnic persecution, which has resulted in more than 100,000 victims seeking refuge in Rwanda.
The agency, mandated to accelerate Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth, also pointed to the continued threat posed by the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“The DRC government’s failure to protect its people has left them vulnerable to violence and exploitation,” the statement noted.
“The leadership of the DRC has escalated the situation by promoting hate speech against Congolese Rwandophones, called for attacks on Rwanda, and advocated for the overthrow of its government, which further undermines regional stability.”
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability through diplomatic engagement. The government stated that it remains invested in African-led mediation efforts and believes in a political resolution to the eastern DRC crisis.
“Rwanda is committed to a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC. This conflict requires a political settlement that addresses the root causes, including violent ethnic extremism, illegal armed groups, and the safe return of refugees,” the statement added.
“Rwanda continues to support the African-led mediation process as the only credible pathway to peace. We also advocate for the protection of the rights of minority groups in Eastern DRC, and the cessation of hostilities.”
Additionally, Rwanda refuted allegations that it exploits minerals from the DRC, calling such claims a deflection from the corruption and mismanagement within Congo’s mining sector.
“The allegations that Rwanda is exploiting minerals in the DRC are unfounded and a distraction from the DRC’s own mismanagement of its mining sector, including pervasive corruption, weak regulatory enforcement, and political instability.”
Earlier this month, President Paul Kagame also dismissed the Congolese appeal to sports organizations, terming it a[ “wasted effort”->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/wasted-effort-kagame-dismisses-congolese-appeal-to-soccer-teams-to-cancel].
Speaking during an interview with CNN, President Kagame said the Congolese government’s focus should be on managing internal issues and solving the country’s political problems.
A Cessna 172S and Lancair 360 MK II collided while upwind of runway 12 on Wednesday morning, according to preliminary information from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Both planes were smaller fixed wing single engine planes, according to the Marina Police Department. Both aircraft had two passengers each.
The Cessna landed uneventfully, while the Lancair impacted terrain near the other runway, and a post-impact fire ensued, according to the NTSB.
The Marana Police Department was on scene at the airport to handle the aircraft collision.
The NTSB and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the accident.
At least 2 KILLED in #Arizona plane collision Local cops confirm 2 small aircraft involved in crash, with charred wreckage of plane seen near landing strip at Marana Airport It's the latest in a string of deadly US aviation incidents#USpic.twitter.com/LnvKdTD52A
According to the FAA, the airport is an “uncontrolled field” that does not have an air traffic control tower in use. Pilots use a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to communicate with other planes in the vicinity of the airport.
It is the responsibility of the pilot-in-command to maintain a safe distance from other aircraft in the area, Fox News reported.
Wednesday’s accident marks the latest in a string of aviation disasters starting from the plane crash in Washington, D.C. late January.
On January 29, an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C., sending both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River and killing all 67 people aboard the two aircraft.
The D.C. aeroplane crash was one of the deadliest aircraft disasters in U.S. history.
On January 31, a medical Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff in Philadelphia, killing all six passengers, including a pediatric patient and her mother. One person on the ground was also killed, and at least 22 others were injured.
On February 10, a Learjet 35A veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 upon landing at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, leaving one dead and four others injured.
A CRJ-900 Delta Air Lines regional jet, with 76 passengers and four crew members from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, flipped on its roof on Monday afternoon while landing at Canada’s Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring 21 of the 80 people on the flight.
The recent aeroplane accidents have raised concerns about aviation safety and air traffic control at regional airports.
