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.
The meeting brought together leaders from the political coalition AFC, which consists of various political groups and the M23. Among the attendees were AFC leader Corneille Nangaa, North Kivu’s Deputy Governor Manzi Willy, and M23 military officials.
Recently, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Anglican Church (ECC) launched a program to engage with various groups in the region in a bid to bring peace to Eastern DRC.
On February 9, 2025, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Catholic Archbishop of Kinshasa, announced that the churches were ready to engage M23 rebels, with peace as the primary goal.
“If going to Goma is necessary, we will go. We will meet and talk with everyone. Even if they are in the moon, we will meet them there. We cannot achieve anything if we don’t give everyone a chance, if we want these talks to lead to a lasting solution,” he stated.
However, the initiative by CENCO and ECC has been criticized by the ruling UDPS party in the DRC, which argued that the churches should not be involved in political activities without authorization from President Félix Tshisekedi.
UDPS stated, “UDPS/Tshisekedi reminds that religious groups do not have a mandate to engage in political processes on behalf of the state. We call on religious leaders to focus on promoting peace and unity among citizens, while respecting the authority of the legitimate state leadership.”
Both the Catholic and Anglican Churches support the peace initiatives endorsed by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which include halting fighting in Eastern DRC and facilitating talks between the DRC government and M23.
This discomfort isn’t limited to the bereaved. Even the process of confronting death can be difficult, and many find it challenging to view the deceased face-to-face. This fear often extends to those who work with the deceased, especially mortuary attendants.
While many shy away from such work, one individual has dedicated the last two decades of his life to it at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
Ngarambe Assiel, a 76-year-old man from Ruhango District, has spent 20 years working in CHUK’s mortuary, with a career spanning 43 years in the healthcare sector.
Since 1982, his role has involved receiving bodies, ensuring they are properly stored in fridges until claimed by relatives, and assisting in the medical examination of bodies, particularly in cases of diseases and accidents.
“I’ve never feared working in the mortuary. It’s just a job, and I treat it with respect,” Ngarambe says with a calm demeanor.
Each day, Ngarambe prepares for his work with care, donning protective clothing like a lab coat, gloves, and a mask to avoid direct contact with bodies.
He checks the mortuary fridges regularly to ensure they are functioning properly, preventing any damage to the bodies. Upon receiving the bodies, he ensures they are properly prepared for storage or transfer to the appropriate place for family viewing.
Ngarambe’s work is guided by professionalism and a deep respect for human dignity. He takes great care to ensure that bodies are handled respectfully, especially when families come to identify their loved ones.
He carefully explains the process of storing bodies in cold rooms and ensures that family members are treated with sensitivity and empathy during these emotionally charged moments.
Ngarambe also assists with bodies brought from outside the hospital, meticulously documenting each one and ensuring proper handling. Even when bodies are brought from distant locations, Ngarambe carries out his work with professionalism and care.
Despite his long experience, Ngarambe acknowledges the emotional toll of working in the mortuary. He reflects on the impact of seeing young, vibrant people pass away, which reminds him of the fragility of life.
“There are times when you prepare the body of a young person, or someone in their prime, and you can’t help but think about how short life can be. It makes you reflect on your own mortality and how precious time is,” Ngarambe shares.
For him, the job isn’t just about technical tasks; it’s about showing humanity and respect to the deceased and their families. He emphasizes that he never downplays anyone’s loss, always offering condolences and explanations in a thoughtful, respectful manner.
Despite common superstitions about supernatural occurrences, Ngarambe dismisses these beliefs. He’s never experienced anything unusual, even though some people believe that spirits may return in different forms.
“Those are just stories people tell. The rooms we work in are just like any other. There’s nothing supernatural going on here. I’ve never seen anything strange, even at night,” he explains.
Though he has vast experience, Ngarambe admits that sometimes he dreams about his work. However, this does not frighten him; he simply accepts it as part of his job.
Over the years, Ngarambe has witnessed countless deaths, including those of children, the elderly, the rich, and the poor. For him, this reinforces one simple truth: death does not discriminate. He encourages everyone to live humbly, for none of us knows when the time will come.
“Death doesn’t care if you’re young or old, rich or poor. It comes for everyone. That’s why we should live kindly, treat others with respect, and cherish the time we have,” he says.
This elderly man works day and night, depending on his shift. In 20 years, he has handled countless bodies, including those of his own family members. While he can’t recall the exact number, he says it can reach 50 or 60 in some months.
He recalls the heartbreaking moment of receiving his own child’s body at the morgue: “My child fell ill, and we took him to a health center. His condition worsened, so we brought him here, but he passed away. I received him the same way I do with others. It’s devastating.
“Watching your own child leave this world while you remain behind makes you question, ‘Who will bury me when those who should do it are leaving before me?’ It takes an immense amount of strength to bear such pain.”
Mukantaganda Bernadette, a social worker at CHUK, praises Ngarambe’s dedication to his work, noting his professionalism and compassion.
“He’s an exemplary worker, always respectful and considerate. He also helps guide new staff with his wisdom,” she says.
Working in the mortuary is not for everyone, it requires patience, empathy, and a strong emotional constitution. For Ngarambe, however, his role is more than just a job. It is a calling, one he approaches with dignity and care, always ready to support others in their time of need.
At a press briefing in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that “communication has become difficult” due to the severing of traditional channels between the two parties, though he refrained from providing further specifics.
The H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the U.S., which began in April 2024, has led to nearly 70 infections, mostly among farm workers.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stressed that while human-to-human transmission remains unconfirmed and the public health threat remains low, individuals with extended exposure to birds, poultry, or livestock are at higher risk.
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, which was formalized by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his inauguration day, has raised concerns about the sharing of critical health data.
Some countries have privately voiced concerns that the U.S. may withhold important information on emerging diseases, which could hinder global efforts to prevent future pandemics.
The situation has become more alarming following the discovery of a second strain of bird flu in dairy cattle in Nevada, heightening fears that the outbreak could spread further.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Ivorian Minister of Commerce Souleymane Diarrassouba highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to global economic shocks, mainly due to heavy reliance on commodities and infrastructure deficits.
More than half of African nations depend on oil, gas, or minerals for over 60% of their export earnings, leaving them exposed to global market fluctuations. Additionally, trade costs across the continent are 50% higher than the global average, owing to underdeveloped transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.
Grynspan emphasized the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which could create a market worth $3.4 trillion. She urged African countries to implement bold reforms, make strategic investments, and fully realize AfCFTA’s potential to enhance economic resilience and global competitiveness.
Key recommendations from the report include diversifying exports, boosting intra-African trade, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are responsible for 80% of Africa’s jobs ,and establishing early warning systems for trade risks.
Grynspan also lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s economic resilience, noting the country contributes 40% of West Africa’s GDP growth and attracts 30% of the region’s foreign investments.
Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe underscored the role of the private sector as the economy’s engine, accounting for 75% of investments and 26% of GDP.
He outlined government efforts to improve business conditions, such as improving logistics, expanding digital connectivity, and providing targeted funding.
The report highlights Africa’s $194 billion annual infrastructure deficit and proposes solutions like tax incentives for industrialization, regional investment funds, and trade finance mechanisms to support businesses affected by crises.
Grynspan reiterated that Africa’s future lies in regional integration, urging faster implementation of AfCFTA. By adopting strategic reforms, the continent could reduce external dependency, stabilize revenue, and achieve more inclusive growth.
The Rwandan Head of State was warmly received by Dr. Ahmad bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, the Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Hamad International Airport, as confirmed by Rwanda’s Embassy in Qatar.
Rwanda and Qatar share a strong, friendly relationship, cooperating in various sectors, which is further cemented through their ongoing diplomatic engagements.
At the end of last year, President Kagame participated in the Qatar Grand Prix, the penultimate event in the Formula 1 calendar.
In February 2024, President Kagame made another working visit to Qatar aimed at reinforcing the already solid ties between the two countries.
Qatari officials have also previously visited Rwanda; on January 31, 2025, President Kagame hosted Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for discussions on bilateral relations and regional matters.
In June 2022, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited Rwanda as a state guest during a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Kigali. This followed a visit in April 2019 by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s Supreme Leader, aimed at advancing bilateral relations.
The two nations cooperate in security, investment promotion, trade, technology, tourism, anti-corruption, and more. Qatar is also collaborating with Rwanda on the Bugesera Airport project, with Qatar Airways holding a 60% stake.
In January 2025, President Kagame noted significant progress in agreements signed with Qatar, especially concerning the construction of Bugesera International Airport and the acquisition of a 49% stake in RwandAir.
The bus, operated by International Express, was traveling from Kigali to Musanze when it veered off the road and rolled down a hill, approximately 800 meters from the main road.
Rulindo District Mayor, Mukanyirigira Judith, had earlier confirmed 16 fatalities, but the death toll later rose to 20 lives which had been lost in the accident. She said that the bus was carrying 52 passengers when it lost control in the mountainous area.
“The vehicle went off the road and rolled down the slope. We are still investigating the cause of the accident,” said Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga.
The Government of Rwanda issued a statement expressing its condolences to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente conveyed the government’s deepest sympathy and confirmed that the injured were immediately transferred to local hospitals for medical care.
“The Government of Rwanda extends its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in today’s tragic road accident that claimed 20 lives and left several others injured in Rusiga Sector, Rulindo District,” he said in a statement.
The government has assured continued support for the bereaved and the injured, emphasizing the importance of road safety.
“We remind all road users, especially drivers, to follow the laws and regulations concerning road safety to prevent accidents and save lives,” added the Prime Minister.
The new operating times were announced by the administration of North Kivu, which was established by M23 rebels following their recent capture of the area.
According to a statement from Governor Bahati Musanga Joseph, the border will now open at 6:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM, providing a longer window for people and goods to cross.
“Starting from Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Grande Barrière border (La Corniche) connecting Rwanda and the DRC will open at 6:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM,” the statement said.
Musanga emphasized that officials on both sides of the border would work together to ensure the smooth flow of activities and keep the crossing efficient and safe for all.
Previously, before the M23 rebels took control, the border’s opening time was later in the morning, and it closed earlier in the evening, limiting the time available for movement.
