The mercenaries, from the RALF group, a private military company based in Romania, had been collaborating with FARDC to combat the M23 since 2022.
They suffered a setback when M23 fighters defeated the coalition forces and captured the city of Goma on Monday, forcing them to surrender to MONUSCO peacekeepers.
On Wednesday, the mercenaries were granted safe passage through Rwanda to return home from Goma.
They now join thousands of people fleeing the conflict region who have been granted safe passage by the Rwandan government through the Grande Barrier border. Others include nearly 2,000 United Nations personnel and their families, as well as at least 40 World Bank employees.
The UN requested to evacuate their staff and families through Rwanda following the closure of the Goma airspace and waterways last week. M23, which is fighting for the rights of the minority Tusi community in DRC, had accused the Congolese army and allied forces of “using Goma airport to load bombs that are killing the civilian population”.
In the city of Goma, there were around 800 mercenaries from the RALF group stationed in North Kivu, where they also protected the town of Sake. They were all hired by Horațiu Potra from Romania, who was arrested in December by the Romanian government for violating laws on weapons and ammunition and for public incitement.
Additionally, there were 20 other mercenaries from the Bulgarian Agemira group.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from the rice sector to assess progress, discuss challenges, and advocate for increased investment to strengthen the sector’s development.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, emphasized the importance of improving rice productivity and aligning production with market demands.
“The rice value chain has become a critical part of Rwanda’s food systems. Income from rice cultivation contributes to improved livelihoods in rural areas and drives national economic growth,” he stated.
The event was organized under the leadership of Ms. Alice Mukamugena, the Director General of Agriculture Value Chain Management and Trade at MINAGRI, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the sector’s goals.
“This meeting provides an essential platform for stakeholders to share progress, identify challenges, and work together toward solutions for the growth of Rwanda’s rice sector,” she remarked.
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During the meeting, updates on the progress of the rice sector over the past five years were shared. The area under rice cultivation expanded from 29,600 hectares to 34,900 hectares, and annual paddy rice production increased from 116,500 to 141,900 metric tons.
Post-harvest infrastructure has also improved, with 585 drying grounds now capable of processing 14,495 metric tons of paddy rice. Additionally, 28 rice milling companies currently operate in Rwanda, 14 of which are certified by the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB).
These companies are organized under the Rwanda Forum for Rice Millers (RFRM), an industry body that promotes coordination, advocates for millers’ needs, and works to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the rice milling sector.
Farmer cooperatives were also recognized as key drivers of the rice sector’s development. The sector is supported by 120 cooperatives, of which 75 are organized into unions under the National Federation of Rice Farmers’ Cooperatives (FUCORIRWA). FUCORIRWA plays a vital role in coordinating activities across the value chain, from production to marketing, ensuring that farmers’ interests are well-represented and their productivity enhanced.
The meeting also featured participation from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), which plays a critical role in addressing the challenges of rice breeding and seed production. RAB collaborates with research institutions and private sector partners to develop high-yield, resilient rice varieties. Its efforts have been instrumental in improving seed availability, but gaps in the seed system remain a key barrier, highlighting the need for continued investment in seed production and distribution systems.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Only 55% of the potential area for rice cultivation has been developed, and climate change impacts, such as flash floods and water scarcity, pose risks to rice farming. Furthermore, low utilization rates of local rice mills—currently operating at 47% capacity—and gaps in post-harvest infrastructure constrain the sector’s potential. Rwanda continues to import 78% of its rice to meet demand.
“These challenges also present untapped opportunities for investment,” Dr. Bagabe noted, urging stakeholders to collaborate on solutions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the National Rice Development Strategy-2 (NRDS-2) in alignment with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5).
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Ms. Shiotsuka Minako, Chief Representative of JICA in Rwanda, addressed the audience, highlighting JICA’s support for the rice sector through the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) initiative.
She explained that Rwanda has been an active member of CARD since its launch in 2010, which aims to double rice production across Africa. Under this initiative, Rwanda successfully implemented its first National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS-1) and is now making strides with NRDS-2 (2020–2030).
Ms. Shiotsuka commended MINAGRI for its leadership and reiterated JICA’s commitment to providing technical support and capacity building to further enhance the rice value chain in Rwanda.
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The NRDS-2 aims to triple domestic rice production to 390,000 metric tons by 2030. This will be achieved by expanding the area under rice cultivation to 60,000 hectares and increasing productivity to 6.5 metric tons per hectare. MINAGRI and RAB will play central roles in driving this transformation, providing strategic leadership and ensuring that necessary investments and policies are implemented to strengthen the entire rice value chain.
By supporting these efforts, FUCORIRWA and RFRM will foster coordination among farmers and millers, advocate for their needs, and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of rice production and processing. RAB’s leadership in rice breeding and seed production will also remain critical to boosting productivity and ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality, resilient seeds.
Ms. Mukamugena, in her closing remarks, reiterated the importance of collective efforts in achieving the sector’s goals.
“The growth of the rice sector requires collaboration not only from the government but also from all stakeholders. Together, we can achieve sustainable development in this vital sector,” she concluded.
The drivers, who escaped the fighting with the help of M23 rebels, included 34 Tanzanians, nine Burundians, and three Kenyans.
Clashes between M23 and the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allies erupted near Goma International Airport, where the drivers were stationed in a nearby parking lot. As the violence escalated, their hopes of survival faded.
At the onset of the conflict, they hid beneath their trucks, struggling without food, water, or basic necessities. In a desperate plea for help, they used social media to call for assistance.
After securing the area, M23 forces responded to their distress call and rescued them.
The rescue operation was led by M23 spokesperson Lt Col Willy Ngoma, who reassured the drivers before escorting them to the Rwandan border.
Among those rescued was Burundian driver Ndinzayaha Shadrack, who frequently travels to Tanzania, Kenya, the DRC, and Zambia.
He left Dar es Salaam on January 3, 2025, and arrived in Goma on January 11, where his truck remained unloaded for two weeks before the conflict erupted.
Recalling the ordeal, he told IGIHE: “Gunfire lasted for two days, and we had no way out. We sent distress messages on social media. Today, M23 soldiers told us they had come to rescue us after seeing our call for help. They gathered us together, and Lt Col Willy Ngoma reassured us before escorting us to the Rwandan border.”
Ndinzayaha added: “None of us believed we would survive. The airport became a battlefield, with bullets flying over us. I am truly grateful to M23 for saving us and giving us hope when we had none.”
Another driver, Ndayizeye Alexandre, had left Dar es Salaam transporting flour for the WFP to the DRC.
He described the harrowing experience: “M23 saved our lives, and I can’t thank them enough. May God bless them. Without them, we would have died. Bullets were everywhere, and we hid under our trucks. I was even shot in the head, but by God’s grace, the bullet didn’t kill me. We are also grateful to the Rwandan government for their generosity.”
Kenyan driver David Kahiga was transporting WFP goods from Mombasa to Goma. He arrived in Goma on January 5, 2025, only to be caught in the conflict days later, watching his chances of survival disappear.
“I never thought I would be standing here today. I sincerely thank the Rwandan government for receiving us, taking care of us, and now handing us over to our embassies. We cried out for help, and they responded. As for M23, I cannot thank them enough—we owe them our lives. We spent four days without food or water, with bullets flying above us, but they came and rescued us,” he said.
The drivers expressed deep gratitude to the Rwandan government for providing them with food, shelter, and other necessities at its own expense until they were safely handed over to their embassies.
Alex Mutamba, Division Manager for EAC and Eastern Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Rwanda values strong regional ties and offers assistance without discrimination.
“We help everyone, regardless of nationality. If others find themselves stranded, we will assist them as well. As you have seen, Rwanda provided transportation and other necessities. Rwanda is a country that welcomes all,” he stated.
The embassies of Tanzania, Burundi, and Kenya in Rwanda are now working on repatriating their nationals.
The President shared his message on X on January 28, 2024, the same day Pastor Warren was born in 1954 in San Jose, California.
“Dear Pastor Rick Warren—Jeannette and I send our warmest greetings to you and Kay. Also, we take this opportunity to wish you ALL the best for your birthday today and many years ahead of good health! Bless,” he posted.
Pastor Warren is a close friend of President Kagame and has often spoken about their unique relationship.
He has expressed deep admiration for Rwanda’s resilience, highlighting how remarkable it is for the country to rebuild itself after the devastating 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over a million lives and left many displaced.
Over the years, Pastor Warren has been actively involved in various initiatives in Rwanda. Recently, he attended Rwanda Day in Washington, D.C., on February 2-3, 2024, where he delivered a speech encouraging Rwandans to defend and love their country.
In 2023, while in Rwanda for the national prayer breakfast, Pastor Warren reflected on a special bond he has with the country—owning cows gifted to him by a Rwandan, which have since multiplied.
Pastor Warren has also been a vocal defender of Rwanda against its critics. In 2019, he noted that those who speak negatively about the country do so because they are unwilling to acknowledge its achievements.
He praised Rwanda as one of the best places to live, citing its transformation from a tragic past into a model nation.
Pastor Warren first visited Rwanda in 2004 and has since described the country’s progress as extraordinary.
Following the success of his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rwanda invited his Saddleback Church to send volunteers to support the country’s development efforts. This led to the launch of the Peace Plan humanitarian development program in 2005.
To date, over 4,000 churches in Rwanda have partnered with the Peace Plan, helping thousands of volunteers implement community development projects across the country.
The President shared an update on his X platform on January 29, 2025, stating: “Had a productive conversation with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on the need to ensure a ceasefire in Eastern DRC and address the root causes of the conflict once and for all, and on the importance of deepening our bilateral ties based upon respect for our respective national interests. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to create the prosperity and security that the people of our region deserve.”
This conversation took place amid escalating clashes between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army, which have intensified in recent days. The M23 has gained control of Goma and surrounding areas, forcing numerous FARDC soldiers, allied militias, and foreign forces such as SAMIDRC and mercenaries to either surrender or flee to Rwanda.
The situation was followed by protests in Kinshasa on January 28, 2025, where demonstrators, backed by the Congolese government, gathered outside the embassies of Rwanda, the United States, Uganda, Kenya, and France, accusing these nations of supporting M23’s advances in Goma.
Speaking at a diplomatic reception at the Kigali Convention Centre on January 16, 2025, President Kagame reiterated that resolving the crisis in eastern DRC requires addressing its root causes rather than blaming Rwanda for Congo’s internal challenges.
He also questioned the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping forces, which have been in DRC for over 30 years without achieving meaningful results.
Additionally, he highlighted the continued presence of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in eastern DRC.
Military spokesperson Felix Kulayigye told Xinhua that Uganda has been assigned an additional sector previously covered by Burundian forces.
Kulayigye explained that reinforcing Uganda’s presence in Somalia is necessary since the current number of troops is insufficient to manage both sectors.
He added that deployment will commence once AUSSOM finalizes the required paperwork.
Uganda has been part of peacekeeping efforts in Somalia since 2007. Until January, Burundi was among the countries contributing troops to the mission, alongside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
The National Communication Authority (NCA), the industry regulator, said the aim of addressing graphic and defamatory content has been successfully achieved.
“The rise of violence linked to social media content in South Sudan underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses the root causes of online incitement while protecting the rights of the population,” NCA Director General Napoleon Adok Gai said in a letter to telecommunications operators and internet service providers in the country.
The temporary ban followed a week-long suspension of the platforms, which began on January 22 after two days of riots that saw people killed, and shops looted and vandalized.
According to police, a total of 17 Sudanese nationals lost their lives across South Sudan in the night riots.
Several South Sudanese have been angered by footage from Sudan that shows the killings of South Sudanese nationals by the Sudanese Armed Forces on January 11 in Wad Madani, Al Jazirah State, Sudan.
Gai said the South Sudanese refugees in Wad Madani were subjected to violent attacks resulting in the deaths of women and children, subsequently captured in videos and shared on social media without regard.
The footage sparked deadly violent riots, particularly in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, and in three states: Warrap, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, and Warrap.
Gai said the ban was imposed to curb the circulation of content deemed to incite violence and instability.
The industry regulator, however, lauded internet service providers and mobile network operators for their cooperation during the blockade and urged stakeholders, including platform operators Meta and TikTok, to strengthen monitoring and report harmful content to prevent future incidents.
“The lifting of the blockage is part of our efforts to foster a safer digital environment and promote peace and stability in the country,” Gai said, adding that the regulator will be reaching out to all stakeholders in the future to avoid similar shutdowns.
Speaking on the evacuation process, Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the Rwandan government for its quick decision-making and exceptional efforts to ensure the safety of those at risk.
“I thank the government of Rwanda for the very timely approval. Because the security situation was evolving, which meant that the lives of those UN staff and their dependents were threatened, they could have become casualties of the fighting. But by the speed of the decision-making by the government of Rwanda, it meant that they were eager to help to secure free passage for these UN national staff,” Ojielo told members of the press on Tuesday.
He noted that, given the nature of the conflict, many evacuees fled without official documents. Despite this, Rwanda stepped in to host them and arranged hotel accommodations, even before securing funds for their stay.
More than 1,800 UN personnel and their families were evacuated to Rwanda on Monday after the conflict between the FARDC coalition forces and M23 rebels intensified in the eastern DRC. The individuals crossed through the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu District.
The situation escalated after M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, on Monday, following the capture of several other strategic towns, including Sake and Masisi, over the past few weeks.
Ojielo described the government’s efforts at the border as highly organized and effective.
“You’ll be surprised that by 6 a.m. that same Monday, the entire architecture of government was at the border, on the Rubavu side. From state security, police, you name that, medical personnel, they were all there,” the official remarked.
Recognizing the efforts of ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) and the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), he praised the seamless process through which evacuees were identified, transported, and accommodated.
“At Kigali Pele Stadium, the highest levels of government were present, coordinated by MINAFFET through Permanent Secretary, [and] the Inspector General of Police was in charge. People arrived by buses, they were processed. Rwanda Convention Bureau made elaborate arrangements with various hotels, people were put in buses, and taken to the hotels,” he explained.
The first group of evacuees, totalling 660 individuals—mostly women and children—arrived at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday afternoon after being transported from the Rubavu border in military convoys. By the end of the day, over 1,832 individuals had been processed and accommodated in hotels.
“I cannot tell you how grateful we are as a United Nations country team in Rwanda to our government for the truly exceptional mobilization of capacities and resources of the government of Rwanda to support these UN staff come through,” Ojielo added.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has forced multiple international organizations to evacuate non-essential personnel.
Rwanda became a critical evacuation hub after Goma’s airspace and waterways were shut down amid allegations by M23 that the Congolese army was using the airport to load bombs targeting civilians.
Ojielo noted that in the coming days, the focus will be on the safe return of non-essential UN staff to their home countries and continued support for refugees in Rwanda. Many of the UN personnel hosted by Rwanda are originally from Congo. Plans are in place to facilitate the return of those wishing to travel to Kinshasa by air.
“Though not all of those evacuated were refugees, Rwanda continues to host thousands of refugees, many of whom have fled the DRC over the past two decades,” Ojielo added.
He urged the international community to increase support for Rwanda’s ongoing efforts.
“I appeal to the international community to assist Rwanda in supporting the refugees, especially those who are still here or may come, as this is a significant burden for the country to shoulder,” Ojielo concluded.
The mobs protesting the fall of the capital and largest city of North Kivu Province to the M23 fighters targeted the embassies of Rwanda, the United States, France, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya in the attacks.
The protest attacked and petrol-bombed the French Embassy, causing a fire. Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s foreign minister, condemned the violence terming it as “unacceptable”. He said the fire had been brought under control.
BREAKING: French embassy in Kinshasa 🇨🇩 “attacked and firebombed” but protesters were unable to enter, France’s foreign ministry tells CNN.
Security forces defending the embassy fired shots, the ministry said, but embassy staff are now safe pic.twitter.com/4MWyAr2Ho7
The protests also spread to the United Nations building. Security forces were forced to use tear gas to disperse the crowds outside the US Embassy, where protesters had breached the construction site of a new embassy building.
The demonstrators accused the foreign powers of failing to intervene effectively as M23 forces intensified their assault on Goma.
In an escalation of the conflict, M23 rebels have in recent weeks captured key towns in the eastern region in renewed fights with the Congolese army and a coalition of armed groups including FDLR, a genocidal force linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
East African Community (EAC) leaders are set to convene an emergency summit on Wednesday, January 29 to address the escalating security crisis in the eastern Congo.
Kenya’s President William Ruto, who also serves as the EAC Chairperson, confirmed the summit on Monday during a high-level retreat on African Union (AU) institutional reforms.
“We have agreed under the framework of the East African Community to convene an urgent extraordinary meeting and summit on the situation in Eastern DRC on Wednesday,” said President Ruto, who also serves as the EAC Chairperson.
“The situation in Eastern DRC now demands our collective focus. And as the chair of the East African Community, I will be convening this meeting.”
M23 asserts that its fight is centred on defending the Tutsi minority in eastern DRC, who have faced decades of marginalization and persecution. Peace processes proposed to mediate the dispute in Luanda, Angola, and Nairobi, Kenya, have previously faced challenges, as the Congolese government opposes the inclusion of the group in the talks.
President Ruto emphasized that a military solution is not viable, advocating instead for dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders to find the root cause of the problem.
“Engagement, dialogue, consultations is the only viable way out of the situation in DRC,” he said. “A direct engagement with M23 and all the other stakeholders in the theatre in Eastern DRC is a necessity.”
Additionally, over 600 residents living near the border have been relocated to a camp in Nyabihu District for safety.
Fighting in the area has intensified since the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group.
FARDC, alongside allied groups such as the FDLR terrorist group and Wazalendo militia, has been firing across the Rwandan border.
Rwanda’s military reported intercepting some projectiles, but stray bullets resulted in casualties and injuries.
Speaking to RBA, Mukuralinda confirmed the death toll had risen to nine.
Earlier, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga told IGIHE that 35 people had been injured by gunfire from FARDC coalition, with some in critical condition.
Mukuralinda also reported that 681 residents near the border fled to avoid the gunfire and are now being housed at the Kijote Camp in Bigogwe Sector, Nyabihu District. Additionally, five houses in Rubavu District were damaged.
Despite the tension, Mukuralinda assured residents in Rubavu of their safety, emphasizing that the RDF is actively protecting the population. He noted that gunfire heard on Monday had significantly subsided.
Addressing rumors circulating on social media about FARDC troops allegedly crossing into Rwanda, Mukuralinda dismissed these claims.
“There’s been misinformation suggesting that FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo forces crossed the Rwandan border, causing destruction and taking control of some administratice offices. None of this is true. The situation is under control, and Rwanda’s security forces are ensuring the safety of the population,” he said.
He clarified that any FARDC soldiers seen in Rwanda had surrendered with their weapons and were in the custody of the RDF.
Mukuralinda also highlighted Rwanda’s ongoing support for refugees fleeing Goma. So far, over 1,200 Congolese refugees have crossed into Rwanda and have been relocated to the Rugerero Transit Camp.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to reopen schools in Rubavu, which were temporarily closed due to the conflict. Authorities aim to reassure students and resume classes, with schools expected to reopen by Wednesday.
