In its latest monthly oil market report released in February, OPEC anticipates global oil demand to rise by 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, followed by an increase of 1.43 million bpd in 2026.
According to the organization, this year’s growth is expected to be fueled by strong demand for transportation fuels, particularly due to increased air travel and stable road mobility. Additionally, non-OECD countries are projected to see higher oil consumption in the industrial, construction, and agricultural sectors.
OPEC also maintained its global economic growth outlook, forecasting an expansion of 3.1 percent in 2025 and 3.2 percent in 2026.
Facilitated by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the training highlighted the importance of AML compliance in safeguarding the integrity of Rwanda’s financial market.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, Thapelo Tsheole stressed the critical importance of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) compliance.
CEO Thapelo affirmed that adherence to global standards is mandatory for all licensed capital market intermediaries and urged collaborative efforts to foster the sustainable growth of Rwanda’s capital market industry.
Chief Executive Officer of MO Capital Ltd, a trading member of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, Olivier Muneza stated that “this training has significantly enhanced my understanding of AML/CFT practices and how they can be effectively implemented in our daily business operations.”
The training equipped market participants with practical guidance on implementing risk-based approaches, ensuring beneficial ownership transparency, conducting customer due diligence (CDD), and applying enhanced due diligence (EDD).
It also covered internal controls, governance measures, Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), and reporting obligations, preparing firms to identify and mitigate ML/TF/PF risks effectively.
According to UN officials, any initiative that encourages direct discussions between Russia and Ukraine is seen as a positive development. They emphasized that progress toward ending the war depends on both nations’ willingness to engage in negotiations.
The UN also acknowledged the significance of continued dialogue between the United States and Russia, noting that regular communication between major global powers plays a crucial role in resolving international disputes.
Both Washington and Moscow confirmed that the two leaders held a phone conversation, during which they agreed to initiate direct negotiations to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Regarding the UN’s potential involvement in the talks, the organization stated that it remains open to providing diplomatic support if requested by the parties involved.
According to the ministry, the incident took place on Tuesday evening when a military patrol from Tunisia’s Rapid Intervention Unit, operating under the UN’s peacekeeping mission, was ambushed.
The unit was on a routine mission as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Tunisia has been contributing troops to MINUSCA since June 2021, with its Rapid Intervention Unit tasked with reinforcing frontline security, ensuring civilian protection, securing strategic locations, escorting humanitarian convoys, and safeguarding UN personnel.
As regional tensions continue to boil, with the M23 rebels seizing Goma in the eastern part of DR Congo and threatening to advance to Bukavu, Kagame firmly responded to the allegations in a video conference interview with Jeune Afrique.
He called for a fair judgment based on facts and evidence rather than sweeping accusations. “We have faced existential threats for years. Threats and sanctions will not deter Rwanda from defending its sovereignty and security,” he said.
Kagame made it clear that it is not his responsibility to intervene in the internal matters of the DR Congo or support any group for political change. “It’s none of my business to try and effect supporting them or do it for them to do the change that may be justified and they want to see,” he asserted.
Regarding casualties during the ongoing conflict, Kagame explained that casualties in any conflict are inevitable, but questioned the logic behind holding those defending their nation accountable for enemy losses.
The Head of State emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering position in defending its national interests while also encouraging a broader understanding of the complex situation in the Great Lakes region.
The M23 crisis, which has been shaking the region for almost three decades, has once again come onto the international spotlight as leaders prepare to discuss the crisis further during the upcoming African Union summit in Addis Ababa.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the DRC government officially barred flights from Rwanda from entering its airspace or landing on its territory, citing security concerns. Just hours after the announcement, RwandAir confirmed that it had started implementing the directive.
“Due to the closure of DRC airspace to Rwandan-registered aircrafts, RwandAir has established alternative routes for affected flights. We are doing everything possible to ensure safe and reliable travel while minimizing disruptions for our customers,” RwandAir said in a statement. The airline also apologized to passengers affected by the decision.
“Civil or government aircraft registered in Rwanda, or elsewhere but operating in Rwanda, are prohibited from DRC airspace and territory due to security threats posed by the ongoing conflict,” the DRC Civil Aviation Authority said earlier.
This decision comes as tensions between the two countries continue to rise amid ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and the armed group M23, which has controlled the city of Goma since January 27, 2025.
The latest ban follows a similar measure imposed by the DRC in 2022, which suspended RwandAir’s operations within the country. Before that, RwandAir operated flights to key DRC airports, including Goma International Airport, Lubumbashi International Airport, and N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa.
This agreement signifies that both nations have agreed to remove visa requirements for their citizens. However, once both parties finalize and confirm the terms, a formal agreement will be signed, ensuring there are no further changes or improvements needed.
The announcement of this agreement was made on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
The official confirmation took place during a Government Council meeting led by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.
This approval means that Rwandans wishing to travel to Qatar will no longer need a visa, and similarly, citizens of Qatar will not require a visa to visit Rwanda. Since 2019, Qatar has included Rwanda among the countries whose citizens can travel to Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days.
Opening the doors for citizens of other countries to easily obtain visas upon arrival, or apply for them later, aims to promote trade, business, and tourism between the two nations.
This agreement comes shortly after President Kagame’s official visit to Qatar, where he met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. President Kagame arrived in Doha on the evening of February 11, 2025, for a working visit.
Rwanda and Qatar already share strong cooperation in several sectors, including security. In October 2024, the Rwanda National Police and Qatar’s internal security agency, Lekhwiya, signed a cooperation agreement to enhance security and fight crime.
Additionally, the two countries collaborate in air transport, with Qatar Airways expected to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir in the near future.
Qatar also holds a 60% stake in the Bugesera International Airport project, which is set to be completed with an investment of $780 million. Upon completion, the airport will be capable of accommodating 14 million passengers annually.
The ceremony was held in RWABATT-1 Headquarters, at the UN Tomping Base Camp at Juba on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian who presided over the medal awarding ceremony, thanked the Government of Rwanda for providing key contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations and commended Rwandan peacekeepers for their discipline and dedication while performing their duties.
He highlighted that Rwandan peacekeepers are the largest peacekeeping contingent in South Sudan and therefore the backbone of the UNMISS.
Brig Gen William Ryarasa, the Sector Unity Commander and Rwanda Senior National Representative in South Sudan, said that RWABATT-1 successfully carried out various operations that contributed to security and stability in their area of responsibility.
They include patrols to liaise with local security forces, monitor human rights situations, and gather critical information for the protection of civilians.
RWABATT-1 ensured the security of the UN Tomping and Torit Company Operating Base Camp, safeguarding key installations and personnel.
They also conducted community activities aimed at promoting cleanliness, health and education such as provision of medical services to the local community, provision of scholastic and hygiene materials to students and planting of trees and cleaning among others.
Lt Col Emmanuel Ntwali, RWABATT-1 Contingent Commander, said that the event was a milestone for the peacekeepers who have now completed 11 months fulfilling their duties under UNMISS.
He added that Medal decorations play a crucial role in raising UN Peacekeepers’ motivation and morale.
Lt Col Ntwali further appreciated the support rendered by the UNMISS leadership, the Government of South Sudan and friendly contingents in accomplishing the mandated tasks.
The event was attended by fellow peacekeepers from different nations under the UNMISS, South Sudan senior military officials and other friends. It was marked by parade demonstration, medal pinning and cultural dance performance.
The two leaders discussed the “continuous positive bilateral relations between Rwanda and Qatar and partnership in key sectors,” according to the President’s Office.
A day before, the Head of State arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a work visit. He was welcomed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr. Ahmad bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, at Hamad International Airport.
Rwanda and Qatar are friendly nations with cooperation in various sectors that benefit both sides. These countries collaborate in areas such as security, investment promotion, economic partnership, trade and technology, tourism, anti-corruption, and more.
Qatar is also partnering with Rwanda in transportation investments, particularly in the Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake.
Last month, Kagame mentioned that significant progress had been made regarding agreements Rwanda signed with Qatar for the construction of Bugesera International Airport and the purchase of a 49% stake in RwandAir, with most aspects bearing fruitful results.
At the end of the work visit, the head of state, along with his delegation, was once again accompanied by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, to Hamad International Airport for departure.
The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, which has been engaged in conflict since November 2021, allegedly causing human rights violations in North Kivu. This case, filed in August 2023, comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
In his address, Dr. Ugirashebuja brought to light the numerous procedural irregularities and legal shortcomings in the case brought against Rwanda.
“From its inception, this application has been marked by lack of coherence, procedural irregularities, and an outright disregard for the established principles governing the court’s jurisdiction and admissibility requirements. It is not merely flawed, but fundamentally untenable,” he stated, criticizing the DRC’s approach from the start.
Dr. Ugirashebuja elaborated on the procedural lapses, emphasizing several instances of non-compliance with court rules.
He specifically pointed to the DRC’s filing of an additional application for an expedited procedure, which he called “an unprecedented move that had no justification.”
He further speculated that the DRC may have been seeking a quick resolution ahead of an upcoming election, though the court had rightfully dismissed this request.
Additionally, he condemned the DRC’s diplomatic maneuver when a government official visited the court in August 2024 with little notice, which he described as “perhaps an attempt to intimidate its members.”
He continued, “This is unheard of. President of the court, members of the court… graver yet was when the applicant sought to lodge 11,000 observations to the respondent’s rejoinder in another breach of procedural norms that underscores the opportunistic and unstructured nature of the applicant’s approach to this case.”
Dr. Ugirashebuja noted that the DRC’s actions, such as filing duplicative claims before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) without disclosing this to the AfCHPR, revealed a “cavalier attitude” towards the proceedings.
According to the Minister, the DRC’s conduct undermines the integrity of the legal process.
“It should therefore be clear that the applicant’s attempt to conceal its litigation strategy erodes the principles of good governance and transparency essential to international adjudication,” Dr. Ugirashebuja argued, calling for the court to firmly reject such tactics.
Beyond procedural flaws, Dr. Ugirashebuja also pointed to the lack of a solid legal foundation for the DRC’s claims. He stated that the DRC had invoked a wide range of legal instruments without demonstrating their relevance or applicability.
“The applicant seems to be under the impression that it suffices to invoke a bewildering array of legal instruments and alleged norms without demonstrating their applicability, let alone their ratification or even binding nature upon the respondent,” he explained.
Dr. Ugirashebuja emphasized that the DRC had failed to establish a bona fide legal dispute or to address preliminary objections raised by Rwanda.
“The applicant has opted to raise as many arguments as possible while ignoring the respondents’ legitimate objections and is now simply hoping that the court will somehow sort out its case,” he said.
Additionally, Rwanda pointed out the DRC’s failure to exhaust local remedies before seeking international intervention.
Dr. Ugirashebuja underscored that the burden of proof lies with the applicant to show that such remedies were unavailable or unnecessary, a requirement the DRC had not met.
“The applicant has utterly failed to rebut, preferring to believe that it is not bound by the usual rules of admissibility,” he added.
The Rwandan Minister concluded by urging the court to consider the procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies of the case.
“This case is therefore remarkable, but it’s couched with a lot of procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies,” he said. He called on the court to reject the claims and reaffirm the importance of adhering to international legal principles.
Rwanda’s legal representative, Prof. Dapo Akande, argued that the African Court lacks jurisdiction over the case filed by DRC, as it pertains to actions outside Rwanda’s borders.
Rwanda’s representatives claimed the complaint aimed to dodge diplomatic processes for peace in eastern DRC.
This case, led by ten judges, follows a similar complaint filed by DRC against Rwanda in the East African Court of Justice in September 2024, related to the ongoing conflict since November 2021.
