The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Kazarwa Gertrude, Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda, and Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, among others.
A representative of the diplomatic corps in Rwanda also laid a wreath in tribute to the country’s heroes.
Rwanda recognizes its heroes under three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi. The Imanzi category includes fallen heroes such as the Unknown Soldier, representing all soldiers who died defending the nation, and Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, who lstarted the liberation struggle on October 1, 1990.
The Imena category honors King Mutara III Rudahigwa Charles Léon Pierre, Michel Rwagasana, Agatha Uwilingiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and the Nyange students, all remembered for their courage and patriotism.
No individual has yet been officially recognized under the Ingenzi category, though efforts are ongoing to identify and honor deserving figures.
Heroes’ Day is observed in Rwanda every year on February 1.
The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, concluded with a resolution to convene an urgent joint meeting with the East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the situation.
This decision follows a request from the EAC Summit held on January 29, 2025, which also gathered regional leaders to discuss the deteriorating security conditions in the DRC.
The summit was attended by leaders from Zimbabwe, Botswana, the DRC, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, and Namibia.
A moment of remembrance was observed for SADC troops who lost their lives in recent clashes, particularly in the town of Sake. The fallen soldiers were primarily from Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa.
SADC forces have been operating in North Kivu since December 2023 under an agreement with the Congolese government to help eliminate the M23 rebel group and reclaim territories under its control.
The forces deployed in the DRC under the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) have been fighting alongside the Congolese army (FARDC) and allied armed groups, including the FDLR, a militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda but faced heavy resistance.
Initially, 5,000 troops were deployed, including 2,900 from South Africa, which leads the mission, and 2,100 from Tanzania and Malawi. However, their presence has not yielded the expected results, as M23 continues to expand its control, recently seizing key cities such as Sake and Goma.
In June 2024, SADC reinforced its deployment, increasing its troop count to over 9,000, with South Africa contributing an additional 2,600 soldiers, Tanzania 750, and Malawi 1,000.
Despite these reinforcements, the mission has struggled to dislodge M23, which claims to be defending Congolese Tutsi communities targeted by government forces and allied militias.
During the summit, leaders acknowledged that the initial objectives of the SADC deployment had not been met and reiterated the need for diplomatic efforts, including supporting the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.
They also called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of essential services in conflict-affected areas, including water, electricity, and food supply lines.
The summit also mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation to engage all parties to the conflict and push for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid.
Additionally, it urged political and diplomatic leaders involved in the crisis to intensify dialogue efforts.
Rwanda took over the leadership of the council from Burundi on Friday, January 31, during the 24th Council of Ministers meeting, and will head the 14-member organization for the next one year.
In his speech, Dr. Biruta thanked his predecessor for his contributions towards advancing the vision and values of EAPCCO and pledged to continue from where he left off, further strengthening regional cooperation and addressing emerging security challenges in the region.
“As the incoming chair, I am well aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. With your support and continued collaboration, we shall achieve our shared goals and ensure that our collective efforts bring about a meaningful impact in our region,” Dr. Biruta said.
As leaders in the realm of security, he added, they are entrusted with the duty of creating a safe and secure environment for the people.
“This is a duty that demands we tighten our bonds and commitment to jointly confront and neutralize common security threats. Let us, therefore, recommit ourselves to strengthening regional collaboration, ensuring that we share available intelligence, and adopt best practices to tackle the challenges we face,” he said.
“Our power lies in unity and cooperation, and we should work in tandem to protect and serve our people effectively,” he added.
Brig Gen. Andre Ndayambaje, the Permanent Secretary in charge of Public Security in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Community Development, and Public Safety in Burundi, emphasized the need for close collaboration and intelligence sharing to address emerging security threats in the region. These threats are mainly cross-border in nature, such as terrorism, counterfeiting, financial crimes, cybercrimes, and human trafficking.
He also called for joint training, simultaneous operations, and strengthened collaboration with local communities to fight radicalization.
The 26th EAPCCO AGM was held under the theme: “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational Organized, and Emerging Crimes.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 26th Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Annual General Meeting in Kigali on Friday, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to adapt to digital-age crimes and transnational security challenges.
Dr. Ngirente commended EAPCCO member states for their continued collaboration and urged police chiefs to align their strategies with technological advancements and emerging crime trends.
“Today, more than ever, the necessity to cooperate and assist each other is imperative. I urge you to put more effort into aligning policing strategies with the ever-changing nature of crime driven by digital and technological advancements.,” PM Ngirente stated.
He also stressed the importance of investing in police training and capacity building to equip officers with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime.
The 26th EAPCCO AGM, which opened on Wednesday under the theme “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation to Counter Terrorism, Transnational Organized, and Emerging Crimes,” brought together police chiefs and security experts from across Eastern Africa.
The meeting, opened by Rwanda’s Minister of Interior Dr. Vincent Biruta, focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms and enhancing regional security coordination.
Founded in 1998 in Kampala, Uganda, EAPCCO was established as a regional response to rising transnational and organized crimes affecting Eastern Africa. With 14 member states, including Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the organization promotes cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat common security threats.
Prime Minister Ngirente highlighted the significance of joint exercises such as the recently introduced Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) challenge, which took place in Rwanda during the summit.
He praised EAPCCO’s initiatives, including joint field training exercises, games, and sports, as vital in fostering cooperation among regional security forces.
“These commendable initiatives should be upheld to strengthen bonds of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in our region,” he remarked.
In his parting shot, PM Ngirente urged security leaders to renew their commitment to working together, ensuring that regional safety remains a priority.
“I call upon all of you to renew your dedication to working across borders and building a future where safety is a reality for the people you serve,” he said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was announced that South Sudan will host the 27th EAPCCO AGM, while Ethiopia will host the 5th edition of the EAPCCO Games.
At the ceremony, France officially handed over its main military base in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, marking the end of its 125-year military presence in the country.
“We are not breaking our relationship with France, but we are putting an end to the military dimension of this cooperation,” Chadian president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno told the ceremony at Adji Kossei military base.
Chad is open to dialogue with all its international partners, including France, he said, noting that any new alliance must be based on mutual respect and without losing sight of the demands of independence and sovereignty.
“We now have to count on the bravery and professionalism of our soldiers,” the president said. “We must build a stronger, well-equipped army capable of responding to threats.”
In November 2024, Chad announced the end of its security and defense cooperation agreement with France. On December 10, some French troops began to leave Chad.
On December 31, 2024, Mahamat Deby announced the definitive withdrawal of French troops from the country by January 31, 2025.
According to a public notice issued by RGB, the decision follows multiple assessments of FBOs operating in Rwanda, which revealed issues such as non-compliance with legal requirements, poor governance, and persistent internal conflicts.
The organizations whose legal personality has been revoked include Rwanda Victory Mission, Pentecostal Out-Reach Church, International Missionary Society – Seven Day Adventist Church Reform Movement, Eglise De L’heure Prophetique Du Septieme Jour, and Communaute Methodist Unie International.
RGB has urged all faith-based organizations to strictly adhere to the law and standards established by the board.
“RGB urges all Faith-Based Organisations to adhere to strict observance of the law and promote good governance through internal mechanisms as required by the law,” the notice reads in part.
Last year alone about 8,000 churches were shut down as part of a government effort to regulate religious practices and and compliance with the law.
The closures were primarily driven by concerns over safety standards, noise pollution, and the general welfare of congregants.
The government cited that some churches had violated building codes, failed to adhere to health and safety regulations, and lacked necessary permits.
The move also aimed to address issues such as unqualified religious leaders, some of whom were accused of exploiting followers.
The government has often emphasized the need for religious institutions to operate within the framework of the law and in a manner that does not pose risks to the health and safety of the public.
Addressing the closures in August last year, President Paul Kagame warned against those who [establish churches to exploit Rwandans->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kagame-slams-exploitation-of-the-public-in-the-name-of-religion] under the guise of religious devotion.
President Kagame expressed concern that some churches in Rwanda were established with the primary intent of siphoning off the limited wealth of Rwandans for the benefit of their founders, which he strongly opposed.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside the North Kivu Province Governor’s offices in the Himbi neighbourhood of Goma, voicing their anger against President Tshisekedi’s administration.
The protests, which involved residents and refugees who had fled various parts of the region, were fueled by the recent surge in targeted killings of Congolese Tutsi, among other grievances.
The demonstrators are calling for the immediate resignation of President Tshisekedi and the withdrawal of foreign forces, including troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), and Burundian military personnel.
The unrest follows the recent capture of Goma by the M23 rebels, who took control of the city earlier this week after intense clashes with Congolese government forces.
The capture of Goma marked a significant victory for the M23, which has long opposed the Congolese government’s handling of the region and the systematic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
The protests are a direct challenge to Tshisekedi’s leadership, with many locals voicing frustration over what they perceive as the government’s failure to address the ongoing violence and instability in North Kivu.
The demonstrators are demanding not only a change in leadership but also the restoration of security and stability to the region, which has been plagued by armed conflict for years.
The M23 rebel group, based in North Kivu, has been vocal in its criticism of the Congolese government.
In a press conference on Thursday, Corneille Nangaa, who heads an alliance of rebel groups that includes the M23, reiterated the group’s stance, stating that the rebels would continue their march of liberation toward Kinshasa until their demands were addressed.
Nangaa criticized the Congolese administration for poor governance and vowed that the M23 would not retreat from Goma until their grievances were resolved.
“We are in Goma and we will not leave… for as long as the questions for which we took up arms have not been answered,” he told journalists at Serena Hotel Goma.
“We are Congolese. We will continue the march of liberation to Kinshasa. When they ask us to retreat, where do they want us to go? We are not going anywhere,” he added.
He also promised that the group would restore essential services like water and electricity to the city within 48 hours, after these services were cut off by the government during the recent battles.
When asked about his thoughts on the issue during a press conference on Thursday, President Trump acknowledged that it is indeed a serious matter.
“You’re asking me a question about Rwanda, and it is a very serious problem, I agree, but I don’t think it’s appropriate right now to talk about it,” he responded.
During the same interview, President Trump touched on various other topics, focusing on his desire to address both domestic and international challenges.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of collaborating with the M23 rebel group, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied, instead accusing the DRC of supporting the FDLR, a terrorist group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and which still seeks to overthrow the Rwandan government.
This group receives military training, equipment, intelligence, and other support from the DRC government, further strengthening its position and ability to expand its operations.
The situation became even more tense for Rwanda after President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC confirmed intentions to support whoever seeking to topple Rwanda’s leadership.
In response, Rwanda has implemented defensive measures to help combat the security threats along its border with the DRC, while President Tshisekedi remains committed to continuing the war against M23, a group that has been calling for talks for three years but has refused to participate.
M23 has gained control of vast areas in North Kivu Province, including the city of Goma, which they captured earlier this week.
The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated Niger for meeting the criteria to eliminate onchocerciasis, with the country becoming the fifth globally to halt the transmission of the Onchocerca volvulus parasite.
Previous nations that reached this milestone include Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Hakimi expressed appreciation for the 15 years of effort, which provided the scientific evidence needed for elimination.
WHO’s resident representative, Casimir Manengu, praised Niger’s commitment, while WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the significance of this achievement, offering hope to other nations still battling the disease.
Onchocerciasis is transmitted through the bite of an infected blackfly, which breeds in fast-flowing rivers, hence the disease is also known as river blindness. The fly picks up immature worms (microfilariae) when it bites an infected person.
These worms develop into larvae inside the fly, which are then transmitted to others during subsequent bites. Once in the human body, the larvae mature into adult worms, forming under-skin nodules.
The disease causes severe skin issues and vision loss, with over 99% of infected individuals living in Africa and Yemen.
To stop transmission, communities must be treated for 10 to 15 years, the lifespan of the adult worms.
Niger’s success follows its 2013 certification for interrupting dracunculiasis transmission.
Kagame shared the update via X account on Thursday night, stating: “Earlier today, I had a productive conversation with President João Lourenço and discussed the need for a long-term and sustainable solution to the ongoing situation in the DRC.”
He further noted that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working with other regional stakeholders to find a lasting solution while ‘deepening strong bilateral partnership going forward’.
The discussion comes amid escalating violence in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu province, where the M23 rebel group has taken control of several areas, including the provincial capital, Goma.
Earlier this week, M23 forces seized Goma, forcing the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and their allies to either surrender or flee, with some troops seeking refuge in Rwanda.
In response to the crisis, East African Community (EAC) heads of state convened for an emergency summit on January 29, 2025.
Following the summit, regional leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, citing violent protests, attacks on embassies of EAC member states, arson, looting, and other unrest.
The leaders called for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian assistance for affected communities. They also urged all parties to engage in dialogue and pressed the DRC government to hold talks with M23 and other armed groups advocating for their rights.
During the meeting, President Kagame condemned cross-border gunfire from Goma that had killed Rwandan civilians, warning that Rwanda would take necessary action in response.
He also criticized the involvement of foreign nations, particularly South Africa, accusing them of being manipulated by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. Kagame questioned Tshisekedi’s insistence on war despite its repeated failure to resolve the conflict.
Meanwhile, during their first press conference on January 30, 2025, after taking control of Goma, leaders of the AFC/M23 coalition announced plans to advance toward Kinshasa to overthrow Tshisekedi’s regime.
This development comes despite Tshisekedi’s recent declaration that he would intensify military offensives against M23 and called on all Congolese citizens to support the fight.
