The move comes as the security situation in the region continues to deteriorate due to the advancing M23 rebels and confrontations with the Congolese army and allied militias.
In a statement, the UN confirmed that the relocation affects administrative personnel and those whose tasks can be performed remotely. However, the organization emphasized that this decision will not impact its ongoing humanitarian efforts in North Kivu, particularly in providing food, medical aid, and shelter to vulnerable populations.
The relocation will be reassessed as the security situation continues to evolve.
There have been mounting fears as M23 seized the strategic town of Sake, which had previously served as the last stronghold for government forces ahead of Goma. The group’s territorial gains have raised alarms that Goma, a city home to around two million people, could soon fall under M23 control.
Goma had already been briefly occupied by the rebels in 2012, and now, anxiety is spreading among the displaced populations in the area.
Due to the ongoing instability multiple foreign embassies have issued advisories urging their citizens to evacuate from North Kivu.
M23, which is fighting for the interests of the Tutsi community in eastern Congo, has announced its intention to “liberate” the people of the region, accusing the government of long-standing persecution.
The rebel group has been vocal about its grievances with the Congolese government, accusing it of failing to uphold agreements related to the rights and safety of Rwandophones in eastern DRC.
The ongoing clashes have claimed the lives of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers and left several others wounded in the past few days. Those killed were part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the country.
The military governor of North Kivu Province, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, is also among the recent casualties. M23 announced that Cirimwami was killed on Thursday after travelling to locations near Sake, where the rebels engaged in battle with the government army coalition.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed in a statement on Saturday, January 25, 2025, that it lost nine soldiers in two days of intense fighting with the M23 as the group sought to capture Goma.
Seven of the fallen soldiers were part of the South African contingent deployed in eastern DRC in December 2023 as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the country, while two members were from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Additionally, four other soldiers died while fighting to prevent the M23 from capturing the city of Goma—three from Malawi and one from Uruguay, according to international media reports.
The United Nations force entered Congo more than two decades ago and has around 14,000 peacekeepers on the ground. The mission has often faced criticism for its perceived inability to effectively address the security situation in the troubled region.
M23 has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, encircling the eastern city of Goma, which has about 2 million people. The group announced on Thursday that its mission is to liberate the Congolese people, particularly Rwandophones, whom the group alleges have faced long-standing persecution.
M23 had also warned of a potential confrontation with peacekeeping forces from the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and SADC troops after seizing Sake town, accusing them of collaborating with the Congolese army coalition.
The Congolese government coalition comprises FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, troops from the Southern African Development Community, Burundian soldiers, European mercenaries and a host of local Congolese militia groups.
M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated that while the group has assured it harbours no hostile intentions toward the peacekeeping forces, they are prepared to defend themselves against attacks.
Earlier M23 had claimed responsibility for the killing of Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu Province. Cirimwami had on Thursday reportedly travelled to locations near Sake where the rebels engaged in battle with the government army coalition.
Since M23 took control of several other areas like Minova and Masisi, the DRC government and international organizations have expressed concern that the group might advance and capture Goma. The group accuses the Congolese government of failing to honour past commitments regarding the interests of the Tutsi community in eastern Congo, which has faced marginalization and persecution for years.
The United Nations announced on Saturday that it had temporarily decided to relocate non-essential staff from Goma due to the deteriorating security situation amid calls for citizens to leave the area.
Meanwhile, various leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for a ceasefire and urged that peace talks resume as soon as possible to restore normalcy to the region.
President Lourenço addressed the recent fighting in North Kivu on January 24, 2025, particularly around the city of Sake, and in South Kivu Province.
He urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect human rights, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of personnel from the joint verification mechanism monitoring the ceasefire.
In December 2024, Rwanda and the DRC halted the Luanda dialogue after failing to reach an agreement on the M23 rebel group’s demand for direct talks with the DRC government to achieve lasting peace.
Rwanda had called for direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23, but the DRC rejected this, maintaining that its preferred approach was to continue military action against the group, which controls large parts of North Kivu Province.
President Lourenço reiterated that a military solution cannot resolve the insecurity in Eastern DRC and called for a resumption of the Luanda peace talks.
Since January 23, 2025, M23 rebels have controlled the city of Sake, located just over 20 kilometers from Goma. Meanwhile, the DRC government has continued to reject any negotiations with the group.
On January 23, 2025, M23 announced plans to take control of Goma, claiming its mission is to liberate the Congolese people, particularly Rwandophones, whom the group alleges have faced long-standing persecution.
This is not the first time M23 has targeted Goma. In 2012, the group briefly controlled the city before relinquishing it after peace talks in Kampala, Uganda. Today, Goma’s over two million residents live in fear, uncertain if history is about to repeat itself.
Tensions soared following the reported death of North Kivu Governor Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, who succumbed to gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by M23.
The DRC government has confirmed his death. A neighbor of the late governor told IGIHE that rumors of his demise had circulated before the official announcement, noting he hadn’t seen the governor for a week despite previously seeing him daily.
Fear has gripped Goma, and many residents anticipate an escalation in the conflict. Since M23’s announcement, border crossings between Rwanda and Goma have significantly decreased. At both Petite Barrière and Grande Barrière, fewer people are making the journey.
Yakubu Babu, a trader from Rubavu’s Majengo neighborhood who crosses into Goma daily to sell clothes, described the situation: “You know how it is during wartime. People are scared. Some have stopped working altogether, while others cross cautiously. The traffic to Goma has definitely decreased.”
Another trader, Fabrice Nkundababyeyi, who uses a wheelchair to transport goods, shared similar concerns. He noted that Rwandans entering Goma risk harassment by FARDC soldiers and local porters.
Despite the uncertainty, some services in Goma, such as banking and air travel, remain operational. However, schools and other institutions have been disrupted.
A power blackout on January 24, caused by fighting between M23 and FARDC, has further unsettled residents. The clash damaged the Kibumba-Goma electricity line, plunging the city into darkness.
Kanku Jojo, a young man from Goma traveling through Rwanda en route to Uganda for studies, spoke about the situation back home: “These days, things are very tense. People are scared and unsure of what to do. Those who can afford to leave have already started fleeing.”
Another Goma resident, Baba, added, “Goma feels like a war zone. The conflict is terrifying.”
Intense fighting continues in Sake, about 20 kilometers from Goma, as the city braces for what may come. While M23’s timeline for capturing Goma remains uncertain, the residents live in constant fear, unsure of what the future holds.
On January 24, 2025, MONUSCO stated that its Quick Reaction Forces were working alongside Congolese forces to repel M23 rebels from Sake under the operation dubbed “Springbok 3.”
The mission revealed that its troops had targeted M23 positions in Sake over the past 48 hours and repositioned their equipment around Goma to protect the city from being overrun.
During these confrontations, four peacekeepers were injured on January 23, and an additional five were wounded on January 24.
M23 had issued warnings to MONUSCO troops on January 22, 23, and 24, stating they had the right to defend themselves if attacked. The rebel group accused MONUSCO and the Congolese military of collaborating with a coalition it referred to as “genocidal forces.”
This coalition, according to M23, includes the Congolese army (FARDC), the FDLR terrorist group formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Wazalendo militias, and European mercenaries.
M23 also claimed that Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops, operating under SAMIDRC, were participating in joint attacks against M23 positions, particularly following the rebels’ entry into Sake on January 23.
As the man approached, another officer stepped in to protect his colleague by shooting him, the ministry reported. The targeted security officer suffered burns during the encounter and was transported to the hospital for medical care.
A bystander near the scene was also injured and hospitalized. The ministry stated that the bystander is now in stable condition.
Authorities identified the deceased man and revealed that he had a history of psychological disorders. However, no additional details about his background were disclosed.
This decision comes as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of pensioners in the face of rising market prices, with the changes set to take effect in January 2025.
A statement released by RSSB on January 24, 2025, outlined the key adjustments to the pension and work-related accident benefits, emphasizing a substantial increase aimed at improving financial security for retirees and beneficiaries.
One of the main changes involves an increase in the contribution rates for both employees and employers. Starting in January 2025, employees will contribute 6% of their income, up from the previous 3%, while employers will match the same amount. This brings the total contribution to 12%, an increase from the previous 6%.
Additionally, from January 2027 onward, the contribution rate will increase by 2% each year until it reaches 20% by 2030. This long-term adjustment is intended to sustain the growth of pension benefits in line with inflation and market conditions.
These changes aim to address the current inadequacy of pension payouts, which many have found insufficient in light of the increasing cost of living.
The recent adjustments are a direct response to this concern, ensuring that the benefits given to pensioners reflect the economic reality.
The new pension rates will bring significant increases in payments across various categories. For example, the basic pension and work-related accident benefit will rise from Frw13,000 to Frw33,710.
In addition to this, those who were receiving Frw20,000 will now receive Frw47,710; those who were receiving Frw50,000 will now get Frw92,710; those previously receiving Frw100,000 will now see an increase to Frw155,210; those who were receiving Frw 500,000 will now get Frw580,000; and those receiving Frw 1,000,000 will now receive Frw1,095,210 .
These increased amounts will apply to all beneficiaries who were enrolled in these categories before the decree was announced.
{{Understanding pension calculations}}
RSSB is responsible for administering pensions, which act as a substitute for income when workers can no longer earn due to aging, disability, or for the dependents of workers who pass away after contributing to the system.
A person is eligible for a retirement pension at age 60, provided they have contributed for at least 15 years. The pension amounts to 30% of their average monthly salary from the last five years of employment, with an additional 2% added every year of contribution.
In addition to the standard retirement pension, early retirement is available if an individual’s health significantly declines, as confirmed by a medical professional. RSSB also provides disability pensions that are unrelated to work and survivor pensions for the dependents of deceased members.
For survivor pensions, a widow receives 50% of what the deceased member would have received, while a child with one surviving parent is entitled to 25%. An orphan, who has lost both parents, will receive 50%. If the deceased member had neither a spouse nor children, the pension is allocated to the parents, who will receive 25% of the monthly pension amount.
Individuals who fail to make the required 15 years of contributions are not eligible for a monthly pension but are entitled to a one-time payment upon reaching the age of 60.
Currently, over 60,000 people in Rwanda are receiving monthly pensions, according to RSSB.
This increase in pension benefits reflects Rwanda’s commitment to improving the financial security of its retirees and ensuring that those who have contributed to the country’s development are supported in their later years.
On January 24, 2025, Jeune Afrique reported that not only have those close to Tshisekedi confirmed this news, but other sources, including security officials, also confirmed the death of Gen Maj Cirimwami.
Reuters news agency also reported that they received confirmation from a member of the DRC government, along with documentation from the United Nations, all supporting the claim that Gen Maj Cirimwami died from his injuries.
The spokesperson for the DRC government, Patrick Muyaga, and the country’s military spokesperson, Maj Gen Sylvain Ekenge, have not commented to Jeune Afrique about the incident, although sources from the Southern African Development Community ((SAMIDRC) troops confirmed that Cirimwami had been injured and rushed to Kinshasa.
The spokesperson for the M23 armed group’s political wing, Lawrence Kanyuka, announced on the night of January 23, 2025, that their fighters had killed Gen Maj Cirimwami in the Kasengezi area.
Maj Gen Cirimwami was seen in a viral video on social media, appearing alongside DRC soldiers. It was reported that he had gone to support troops fighting against M23 in the city of Sake.
The fighting in Sake has severely destabilized the DRC government. It prompted President Tshisekedi to cut short his trip to Switzerland, where he had attended an international economic summit, in order to convene an urgent security and cabinet meeting.
The prosecution’s special investigative headquarters made the request to the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday, which was predicted to decide on the extension as early as Friday.
A warrant to keep Yoon in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another Seoul court on Jan. 19.
The prosecution was widely expected to indict Yoon under detention for insurrection and other charges.
Yoon was apprehended in presidential office on Jan. 15, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested.
The motion to impeach Yoon was passed through the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon’s presidential power is suspended.
Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charge, declared a martial law on the night of Dec. 3, but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.
Over the years, Rwanda has implemented a range of strategies—integrating community involvement, cutting-edge technology, and strong tourism frameworks—ensuring these creatures not only survive but thrive.
Mountain gorillas, which are primarily found in the [Volcanoes National Park->https://www.silverbacktour.com/], have seen a remarkable population increase. Thanks to years of concentrated conservation efforts, the global population of mountain gorillas has risen to 1,063, with 604 of these living in the Virunga Mountain range, which includes Rwanda.
In the 1980s, the species was on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining. Rwanda, which is home to Volcanoes National Park, has been a leader in this recovery.
One of the cornerstones of Rwanda’s success in gorilla conservation is its revenue-sharing program. For years, a portion of the income generated by gorilla tourism has been reinvested into the communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park.
This program is built on the premise that local communities should benefit directly from the preservation of these endangered animals.
In 2023, gorilla tourism generated a staggering $650 million, a 35% increase from the previous year, marking another significant milestone for the tourism sector. This growth is largely attributed to the increasing number of tourists visiting Rwanda’s gorilla sites, with 25,927 visitors in 2023—a 29.4% increase from the previous year.
With the number of tourists steadily growing, this revenue has been reinvested into infrastructure and community projects.
Since 2005, the Rwandan government has invested over Frw10 billion in improving the livelihoods of those living near the parks, funding projects such as schools, healthcare facilities, water systems, and sanitation.
The government also increased the revenue-sharing percentage from 5% to 10% in 2017, ensuring that communities continue to directly benefit from the thriving tourism sector.
Beyond direct financial benefits, Rwanda’s conservation efforts have been supported by a range of research institutions, including the renowned Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This organization plays a vital role in tracking gorilla populations, educating the public about the importance of conservation, and assisting in the protection of the animals from poachers.
Their efforts, along with those of local rangers and conservationists, have been instrumental in the survival and growth of the mountain gorilla population.
In addition to these long-standing conservation measures, Rwanda has embraced innovative solutions to further safeguard its gorillas. The government recently introduced an AI-powered initiative called “Interspecies Money.”
This unique program enables tourists to make symbolic financial contributions during real-time interactions with the gorillas via digital wallets, similar to mobile money platforms like MoMo.
The funds collected through this initiative are used to protect gorilla habitats and improve their overall well-being, offering an innovative way for tourists to contribute directly to conservation while enhancing their experience.
Rwanda’s annual Kwita Izina ceremony, now in its 20th year, has also played a pivotal role in the conservation story.
This event, which involves the naming of newborn gorillas, celebrates the progress of the conservation efforts and serves to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the species.
Since its inception, 395 baby gorillas have been named during the ceremony. The event draws global attention, attracting celebrities, conservationists, and dignitaries who come together to celebrate Rwanda’s achievements in gorilla conservation.
It’s a symbolic moment that connects the global community to Rwanda’s efforts and reminds everyone of the importance of sustaining these efforts for generations to come.
Rwanda’s use of technology has also been integral in advancing its conservation efforts. In addition to traditional monitoring methods, the country has pioneered the use of GPS tracking collars, camera traps, and drones to keep a close eye on the gorillas and their habitats.
These tools allow conservationists to monitor the animals in real-time, detect illegal activities, and assess the health of the park’s ecosystem.
In fact, daily staff members—149 in total—work in the high-altitude forests of Volcanoes National Park to monitor the gorillas and ensure their safety. Another 27 staff members assist tourists, ensuring that both the animals and visitors have a safe and enriching experience.
Looking ahead, Rwanda’s tourism sector is projected to continue expanding. The country’s goal is to generate $1.1 billion in revenue by 2024 under the second phase of its National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
As the demand for eco-tourism grows, the Rwandan government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of gorilla tourism are shared with local communities, supporting their development and creating new opportunities.
Rwanda’s conservation efforts are not limited to gorillas but extend to broader environmental protection strategies. By ensuring the long-term sustainability of its protected areas, Rwanda is positioning itself as a model for other nations striving to balance wildlife protection with economic development.
The country’s success demonstrates that with thoughtful planning, innovative solutions, and community involvement, it is possible to create a future where both endangered species and human communities can thrive side by side.
