M23’s newly appointed Governor of North Kivu Province, Bahati ‘Erasto’ Musanga Joseph, made these remarks following his official inauguration on February 6, 2025.
North Kivu’s former governor, Maj. Gen. Peter Cirimwami, was shot by M23 fighters on the front lines during a recent battle with government forces.
Videos circulated on social media on January 27, 2025—the day M23 seized control of Goma—showed large numbers of inmates running out of the prison.
Bahati stated that the escaped prisoners who remain at large are among the “problems” facing the new administration.
“This city is facing three major problems. The first is that the prison was holding criminals. All of those criminals have been released; they are now out. They escaped—the government freed them before we arrived here [in Goma],” he told the media.
He added that the new leadership of North Kivu is working with local authorities to apprehend “all criminals” seeking to disrupt security, including the escaped inmates from Munzenze Prison.
The move, announced on Thursday, has sparked global condemnation while receiving support from some quarters.
The sanctions come in response to the ICC’s recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Israel denies, and a Hamas commander.
Trump accused the court of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions” that threaten U.S. sovereignty and national security interests.
In a statement, the ICC condemned the sanctions and vowed to continue its judicial work.
“The court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world,” the ICC said, urging its 125 member states to support its staff.
Trump’s executive order has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the sanctions, stating that the ICC “must be able to freely pursue the fight against global impunity.”
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also voiced regret, emphasizing the court’s role in combating war crimes.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump ally, praised the move, suggesting it was time for Hungary to reconsider its participation in the ICC.
“New winds are blowing in international politics. We call it the Trump-tornado,” Orban posted on X.
The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans on designated ICC officials and their families. Court officials met in The Hague on Friday to assess the implications of these measures, which could significantly impact the court’s operations.
The U.S. has historically opposed ICC jurisdiction over its nationals. During his first administration, Trump imposed similar sanctions on former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda over investigations into alleged American war crimes in Afghanistan. Those sanctions were later lifted by President Joe Biden’s administration.
The ICC has faced resistance from powerful nations before. In 2023, Russia banned ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan and placed him on a wanted list after the court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children.
In response to increasing pressure on the ICC, a coalition of nations, including South Africa and Malaysia, recently formed the ‘Hague Group’ to defend the court’s authority and rulings.
The UN has urged Washington to reverse its decision, warning that the sanctions undermine international justice efforts. However, Trump and his allies remain firm in their stance, arguing that the ICC unfairly targets Israel and threatens U.S. national security interests.
According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), the move aims to thwart a potential offensive by the M23 armed group to capture the city of Bukavu.
The reinforcements consist of a full battalion. Reports indicate that the troops were assembled at a military base in Gatumba, near the border, before their deployment to the DRC.
This battalion will be the 16th unit of Burundian forces stationed in the DRC since 2022, following a cooperation agreement between the two countries to combat armed groups in North and South Kivu.
Burundian troops have been fighting alongside the Congolese army in a coalition that includes the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by remnant perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Previously, all Burundian troops stationed in North Kivu were redeployed to South Kivu after suffering losses against M23. They are now securing key strategic locations, including Kavumu, home to a critical airport.
The withdrawal of these troops, led by Brigadier General Pontien Hakizimana, also known as “Mingi,” from North Kivu reportedly facilitated M23’s capture of Sake and Goma.
Reports now suggest that M23 could advance toward Bukavu if its positions continue to come under attack.
The remains were transported through the main Rwanda-DRC border crossing, La Corniche, around noon on Friday in a truck belonging to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). They were escorted by other UN vehicles.
After arriving in Rwanda, the convoy continued to the Cyanika border post, from where it was set to proceed to Kampala, Uganda. The bodies will later be flown to South Africa via Entebbe International Airport.
Four other bodies, two each of deceased soldiers from Malawi and Tanzania, were also repatriated from Goma on Friday.
Some of the soldiers were killed in the battle to capture Goma City, while others perished in clashes in Sake involving M23, the Congolese military, and allied coalition forces.
Earlier reports indicated that the bodies had begun to decompose and [remained scattered in different locations->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/decomposing-bodies-of-sa-soldiers-left-unattended-in-goma?var_mode=calcul], having not been placed in hospital mortuaries.
The repatriation was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was delayed due to negotiations between M23, South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is contributing troops to the eastern Congo.
The bodies were cleared for transport after M23, which now controls Goma, agreed to hand them over to South Africa through MONUSCO, the UN mission in the region.
The repatriation of the bodies is a sigh of relief for the South African Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African government, which had come under heavy criticism from members of parliament over the mission in eastern Congo.
Members of the South African Parliament on Tuesday rejected Defense Minister Angelina Matsie Motshekga’s explanation that South African soldiers were sent to the DRC to restore peace in the eastern region.
The MPs argued that the true nature of the mission was unclear, with some asserting that the troops should be withdrawn immediately.
Amid pressure on the government to recall the troops, President Cyril Ramaphosa, during a State of the Nation address on Thursday, hinted at bringing the soldiers home in response to growing calls for a political solution to the conflict in the eastern region.
The conflict pits the Congolese government against the M23 rebel group, which is fighting the marginalization and persecution of Congolese Rwandophones—a situation that has persisted for decades.
Heads of state from the East African Community and SADC will be holding an extraordinary summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this weekend to address the escalating conflict.
As a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s political transformation, Gasamagera shared his perspectives on how the RPF has led the country through significant progress, its ongoing commitment to unity and progress, and the future direction that the party intends to take in shaping Rwanda’s growth.
{{Leadership as the cornerstone of national development}}
During the interview, Gasamagera explained that the RPF’s leadership philosophy is fundamentally tied to the principles of resilience, unity, and clear strategic direction.
“Under President Paul Kagame’s guidance, the RPF has transformed Rwanda from a post-genocide society into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies,” he said.
According to him, the party’s vision revolves around leadership that not only holds power but also inspires collaboration and ensures that every Rwandan has a stake in the country’s success.
Reflecting on the party’s role in uniting a divided nation, Gasamagera noted that leadership within the RPF is about more than governance. It’s about healing historical wounds and building a foundation of trust and cooperation among all citizens.
He highlighted that the RPF’s success in Rwanda is rooted in its leadership’s ability to prioritize inclusivity, good governance, and sustainable development. For him, leadership should empower citizens and contribute to a society where everyone can thrive.
As Secretary-General, Gasamagera plays a pivotal role in maintaining the RPF’s values and reinforcing its commitment to social justice, economic opportunity, and national stability. His leadership focuses on ensuring that these values continue to guide the party as it looks ahead to a future of continued progress.
{{The RPF’s vision for the future}}
Looking to the future, Gasamagera spoke with great optimism about Rwanda’s continued progress and the RPF’s role in fostering long-term national development.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s future growth will rely heavily on sectors such as technology, agriculture, and tourism, areas that are already central to the party’s strategic focus.
Gasamagera is particularly passionate about Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional technology hub, noting that the country’s digital transformation is a crucial pillar of the RPF’s vision. According to him, technological innovation will play a key role in Rwanda’s economic diversification, which is essential for sustainable growth.
The RPF is already investing in digital infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, which Gasamagera sees as essential for Rwanda’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Furthermore, Gasamagera underscored the RPF’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where all citizens have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for upward mobility.
The party’s policies, continue to reflect a dedication to reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities, ensuring that every Rwandan benefits from the nation’s progress is at the core of the party’s long-term vision.
{{A legacy of unity and progress}}
Gasamagera conveyed a deep sense of responsibility for the RPF’s legacy and the future of leadership within the party. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new leaders who are aligned with the RPF’s core values and who are committed to building on the achievements of the past.
The success of the RPF, he noted, is not solely attributed to the party’s historical leadership but to its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the nation.
In his view, the future of leadership within the RPF lies in ensuring that the party remains relevant, transparent, and accountable while maintaining its focus on national unity and sustainable development. He believes that fostering a new generation of leaders who embrace these principles will ensure the continuity of the party’s vision for Rwanda’s future.
Gasamagera also spoke about the importance of leadership in maintaining Rwanda’s social cohesion. He believes that the RPF’s continued success will depend on how well the party can preserve the unity achieved since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while navigating the challenges that come with rapid modernization and global interconnectedness.
As the RPF’s Secretary-General, Gasamagera works tirelessly to maintain this balance and ensure that the party remains focused on its core mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and unity. His insights into the RPF’s leadership and vision for Rwanda’s future offer a compelling picture of the party’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s development.
He makes it clear that leadership is the driving force behind Rwanda’s achievements and future growth. As the Secretary-General of the RPF, his focus remains on ensuring that the party stays true to its founding principles while adapting to new challenges and opportunities in an ever-changing world.
The RPF’s legacy, as envisioned is one of sustained unity and progress. A political party that has guided Rwanda from recovery to prosperity and remains dedicated to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
The agreement was signed at the conclusion of a visit by a delegation from Namibia’s Correctional Service, which was in Rwanda from February 4 to 6, 2025.
The ceremony took place on February 6, 2025, with Rwanda represented by the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Murenzi Evariste, and Namibia represented by the Commissioner General of its Correctional Service, Raphael T. Hamunyela.
The pact aims to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge, best practices in prisoner management, staff training, and the sharing of information related to correctional services. It also includes provisions for study visits between the two countries, joint research and assessments, as well as cultural and sports exchanges.
During the visit, Hamunyela and his delegation commended Rwanda’s approach to environmental conservation in correctional facilities and the emphasis on protecting inmates’ rights. They also praised the training programs provided to correctional officers in Rwanda, which help enhance their skills.
Similarly, RCS expressed appreciation for Namibia’s vocational training programs within its correctional facilities, which equip inmates with industrial skills, increasing their chances of securing employment or starting their own businesses after reintegration.
Rwanda and Namibia have an existing history of cooperation in various sectors. Since 2015, the police forces of both nations have maintained a partnership, particularly in training programs. By 2022, at least 15 senior Namibian police officers had completed advanced training at Rwanda’s National Police College.
Beyond security cooperation, the two countries have also signed agreements on airspace sharing to enhance trade, tourism, and the movement of people between Rwanda and Namibia.
The embassy stated that his narratives align with hate speech and ongoing acts of violence targeting Banyamulenge and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly those of Tutsi descent.
On February 6, 2025, the embassy expressed its concerns via X in response to South African news outlet Newzroom Afrika, which had recently given Kayumba a platform to share what it called his “truth” about the security crisis in eastern DRC.
This controversy stems from growing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, following remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who labeled the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as “rebels” and denied key aspects of his discussions with President Kagame regarding the war in eastern DRC.
South African troops are deployed in DRC under the regional military coalition fighting M23 rebels, and some of them were recently killed in clashes.
After interviewing Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, Newzroom Afrika deleted the discussion and instead aired an interview with Kayumba Nyamwasa, where he made inflammatory remarks about Rwanda’s leadership.
In a 33-minute and 30-second interview, Kayumba made several accusations against the Rwandan government, even going as far as legitimizing the FDLR, a militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while discrediting M23, which has been fighting for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
The Rwandan Embassy in South Africa reminded the public that Kayumba, despite his attempts to portray himself as innocent, has been actively involved in destabilizing Rwanda through the Rwandan National Congress (RNC) and its armed wing, P5.
“Since 2012, Kayumba’s RNC and its P5 coalition have recruited and trained rebels in eastern DRC with the intent of toppling Rwanda’s leadership. Though Kayumba and his associates have failed in their objectives, these rebel groups have contributed to terrorism and targeted attacks against Tutsi Congolese, with support from the Kinshasa government,” reads the statement.
The embassy further pointed out that Kayumba’s collaboration with genocidal FDLR forces has worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing many civilians into exile across the region.
“Rwanda urges the media to exercise caution and avoid giving a platform to armed groups that threaten peace and security in our region,” the embassy added.
On February 2, 2025, Yolande Makolo also took to X to expose Kayumba’s deceptive tactics. She noted that Newzroom Afrika’s decision to delete the interview about South African troops and instead air an interview with a fugitive convicted in absentia of a 24-year prison sentence by a Rwandan military court confirmed South Africa’s ulterior motives.
Kayumba Nyamwasa was convicted on January 14, 2011, on charges including forming a terrorist group, attempting to destabilize the country, and violating national laws. His crimes date back to 2010, when grenade attacks in Kigali killed multiple civilians.
Over the years, various reports have linked Kayumba to efforts in eastern DRC to recruit fighters for a planned attack on Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, praised the participating Rwandan companies for showcasing their high-quality fruits and vegetables.
“Despite being a landlocked country, Rwanda continues to leverage its strength and expertise to access global markets like ‘Fruit Logistica’ in Berlin,” he said.
Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager also highlighted the significance of the event: “We are excited to participate once again in this trade fair, as it is one of the largest platforms where we secure market opportunities, engage with buyers, and exchange knowledge.”
This year’s edition features 91 participating countries, with over 115,000 exhibitors and visitors, including farmers and buyers from around the world.
“It is also a valuable learning experience, allowing us to understand best practices in handling and transporting fresh produce,” she added.
Basiima also emphasized RwandAir’s critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of Rwanda’s fresh produce to global markets. “Fruits and vegetables require specialized transport as they are highly perishable. RwandAir helps us ensure efficient deliveries,” she noted.
“For destinations beyond RwandAir’s coverage, we rely on KLM and Ethiopian Airlines. Recently, we conducted trial shipments for avocado exports to Dubai, and if successful, we may expand it.”
Rukundo Robert, the founder of Almond Green Farm and Chairperson of Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR), underscored the importance of Rwanda’s participation in global trade fairs.
“We engage with international partners to expand our markets. Being here also allows us to assess our progress and set future goals for increasing export volumes. I appreciate the government’s support in securing opportunities like these for us.”
Angel Rugema Uwantege, a representative of BAHAGE Foods and a regular exhibitor at ‘Fruit Logistica,’ shared her experience: “Every year, we gain new insights, whether in marketing technologies, climate change adaptation, or advanced farming techniques.”
Rwanda exports fruits and vegetables to countries including France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. This year, Rwandan exhibitors showcased avocados, chili, French beans, and passion fruit.
In 2024, Rwanda exported 97,165 tons of fruits and vegetables, generating $75.1 million (over RWF 104.5 billion), accounting for 8.95% of the country’s total agricultural exports.
The country’s agricultural exports continue to grow, with revenues surpassing $839.2 million (over RWF 1.162 trillion) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Key export products include coffee, which generated $78.71 million, and tea, which brought in over $114.88 million in 2023/2024.
In addition to the rising fresh produce sector, which contributed over $75.12 million, Rwanda earned $562.43 million from value-added agricultural products and livestock exports, while pyrethrum exports generated $8 million.
According to NAEB, between 2020 and 2024, Rwanda exported 261.6 million kilograms of horticultural products, including 170.8 million kilograms of vegetables, 86.4 million kilograms of fruits, and 4.3 million kilograms of flowers.
These exports earned Rwanda $233.6 million (over RWF 317 billion), with vegetables contributing $128.5 million, fruits $79.5 million, and flowers over $25.4 million.
The rewards are based on invoices requested during the months of October, November, and December 2024.
A Ministerial Order gazetted in March 2024, stipulates that a final consumer, who purchase an item not intended for business, is entitled to a reward of 10% of the VAT amount indicated on the invoice.
To receive the reward, one must be registered under this program by dialing *800# and choosing EBM services or using MyRRA. After registration, the consumer is required to always remind the seller to include their phone number on the invoice issued.
Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, emphasized that this reward is not a short-term promotion and encouraged everyone to participate, contributing to national development while also benefiting personally.
Since April 2024, about 58,000 people have registered for VAT rewards. Among them, 18,215, who made invoiced purchases in the last third quarter, started receiving their rewards amounting to Frw184.4 billion, since Wednesday.
“Of those registered, more than 43,000 have already requested invoices since this program started in April last year. The total value of invoices requested so far is a substantial Frw97.3 billion, with VAT amounting to nearly Frw15 billion,” Uwitonze stated.
Given that the reward is 10% of the VAT paid on these invoices, final consumers have collectively accumulated Frw1.48 billion in rewards.
Uwitonze urged all buyers to consistently request EBM invoices and reminded business owners of their obligation to issue them, warning of penalties for non-compliance.
A consumer, who is denied an invoice for the goods purchased, is urged to report it to the tax administration. In doing so, the affected final consumer receives an additional reward equal to 50% of the penalty imposed on the seller.
To report the trader, who refuses to issue an EBM invoice or provides incorrect one, consumers can send a message to the RRA WhatsApp number 0739008010.
“Infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, and security; all these need resources. Everyone should contribute to national development, knowing that sustainable progress comes from our collective efforts towards tax compliance,” Uwitonze added.
{{Why the received reward might be lower than expected}}
While consumers continue to receive their rewards, some have noticed that the amount received is lower than the amount displayed in the system, either via *800# or MyRRA.
This may be due to various factors, including the invoices belonging to the ongoing fourth quarter. The reward amount is deposited quarterly to the mobile money or bank account designated by the final consumer after the declaration of VAT.
“Sometimes, a consumer requests an EBM invoice, but the seller does not declare it or pay the corresponding VAT. In such cases, the unpaid VAT is deducted from the reward amount pending further follow up with the taxpayer in question, leading to differences between the expected and received rewards,” Uwitonze explained.
“There could also be ongoing verification before granting the reward on certain invoices, or a seller might have failed to declare some information. This means that the expected reward cannot be disbursed immediately. However, once the taxes are recovered, they are added to the pool of pending rewards and paid out accordingly.”
Some cases have also been reported where rewards were sent but did not reach recipients due to technical issues, requiring reprocessing, he said. In issuing EBM invoices, some sellers also generate invoices and later cancel them falsely claiming they were issued by mistake.
Uwitonze assured that such fraudulent practices would not succeed, as the system tracks all seller activities, including invoice issuance, refunds, and inventory adjustments.
He warned that tax audits could be conducted at any time, and those found engaging in such malpractices would have to correct them and face heavy penalties as provided by the law.
These lawmakers have called for the withdrawal of South African troops and the repatriation of the fallen soldiers, though challenges persist as some troops are reportedly surrounded by M23 fighters.
As he declared national mourning in the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 6, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa read the names of the fallen soldiers, who held various ranks, including Corporals, Staff Sergeants, Riflemen, and Privates.
“I have directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in honor of these fallen heroes for a week, starting tomorrow morning,” he said.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed soldiers to the eastern DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2023. The mandate was extended for another year in November 2024.
The initial deployment consisted of 5,000 soldiers, including 2,900 from South Africa, which leads the mission, alongside 2,100 from Tanzania and Malawi.
On June 26, 2024, it was announced that SADC had reinforced its presence in Goma, increasing troop numbers from the initial 5,000 in North Kivu to over 9,000.
Reports indicate that South Africa contributed an additional 2,600 troops, while Tanzania and Malawi reinforced their contingents with 750 and 1,000 soldiers, respectively.
Despite this buildup, the forces have not met the DRC government’s expectations, as they have failed to push M23 out of the areas under its control. Instead, the rebel group has continued to expand its territory.
Ramaphosa’s recent statement has sparked mixed reactions. Critics have questioned the characterization of South African soldiers in the DRC as peacekeepers, noting that they were directly involved in combat with M23.
Some have even suggested that the soldiers were sent to the conflict zone as part of the president’s mining interests, with claims that they were sent to die in the process.
The bodies of South African soldiers who died in clashes with the M23 rebel group continue to decompose in Goma, with reports indicating that some remain scattered in different locations and have not been placed in hospital mortuaries.
