“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
He later told journalists that South Africa’s leadership was involved in serious wrongdoing, stating that an investigation was underway. He suggested that beyond land confiscation, the situation could be even more severe.
In response, South Africa’s foreign ministry stated that it expects Trump’s advisers to use the investigation period to better understand the country’s policies within its constitutional democracy.
South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency, with the U.S. set to take over next.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the country’s relationship with Trump, noting that he had spoken to him after his election victory and looked forward to working with his administration.
During his first term, Trump claimed that white farmers in South Africa were being killed on a large scale and that land was being seized through violent takeovers.
In an official press statement issued on February 2, 2025, FARDC confirmed that Colonel Rugabisha died in combat on Saturday, February 1, near Mukwiza in Kalehe territory, South Kivu.
The colonel was leading his troops in a fierce battle on the Southern Front, courageously repelling enemy forces from Nyabibwe to the outskirts of Minova before succumbing to his injuries.
“The Congolese nation will forever be grateful to this worthy son of the country who shone through his feats of arms and consistently defended his homeland against aggressions and rebellions within our borders,” the statement read, signed by Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, spokesperson for the FARDC General Staff.
His death comes amid escalating tensions in South Kivu, where FARDC forces are engaged in relentless battles against M23 rebels. The region has been the epicenter of violent clashes in recent months, as M23 forces advance toward strategic towns.
The colonel’s death follows the demise of Pacifique Ntawunguka (Omega), who was the leader of the military division of the FDLR known as FOCA (Les Forces Combattantes Abacunguzi), and who also fought alongside the FARDC forces.
After losing many soldiers on the battlefield, the FARDC withdrew from the city of Goma on January 26, 2025, along with other areas in North Kivu. Fighting continued in South Kivu with the United Nations recently announcing a critical phase of the conflict, where M23 rebels are advancing close to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.
Reports indicate that rebel forces are now within 20-25 kilometers of the city, raising fears of a potential fall that could further destabilize the region.
The M23 leadership has maintained that they will continue fighting until they have captured Kinshasa. Meanwhile, the Congolese government has vowed to reclaim all the areas that the group has taken over.
In an interview with IGIHE, Minister Nduhungirehe addressed statements from a recent SADC extraordinary summit, where the bloc alleged that RDF troops were operating in DRC’s North Kivu province and attacking Congolese forces, SADC troops under SAMIDRC, and civilians.
“There were statements in the SADC meeting that are completely unacceptable—blatant lies claiming that RDF is in DRC and responsible for civilian deaths,” Nduhungirehe stated.
He pointed out that these accusations follow similar unfounded claims by South Africa’s government, particularly from its Minister of Defence. Nduhungirehe linked the SADC allegations to recent tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, which he attributed to certain South African officials.
“The root of this issue is some South African leaders, particularly their Minister of Defence. However, Presidents Kagame and Ramaphosa had two productive discussions last week, agreeing that a ceasefire is needed and that DRC must engage in dialogue with M23.”
During their talks, President Ramaphosa reportedly acknowledged that South African soldiers killed in a recent clash were attacked by DRC’s army (FARDC), not M23 or RDF.
Additionally, Nduhungirehe revealed that Ramaphosa requested Rwanda to allow SADC troops access to water, electricity, and food, a request President Kagame agreed to facilitate.
However, the situation escalated after South Africa’s Defence and Foreign Ministers falsely claimed that Ramaphosa had given Kagame an ultimatum, leading to a response from both Nduhungirehe and Kagame.
“I responded on X, correcting the false claims that RDF had been warned. The truth is, SAMIDRC troops are not peacekeepers—they are fighting alongside FARDC, FDLR, and mercenaries.”
Rwanda maintains that SADC troops were deployed to fight alongside the Congolese army, rather than to restore peace, as they claim. Kigali has also accused DRC’s government of collaborating with FDLR, Burundian forces, and European mercenaries in planning attacks against Rwanda.
“Recent intelligence from Goma confirms that the military buildup in Eastern DRC was not just aimed at fighting M23, but at launching an attack on Rwanda,” the Rwandan government stated.
While Kigali insists RDF will not attack civilians, it has made it clear that its forces will defend Rwanda’s borders and protect its citizens from any cross-border threats.
Meanwhile, discussions between EAC and SADC leaders have been proposed to de-escalate tensions and find a regional solution. Rwanda has indicated its willingness to engage diplomatically, but remains firm in rejecting what it calls “baseless accusations”.
The decision, communicated in an official memorandum dated February 1, 2025, was issued by Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security. It follows a recommendation from Bintou Keita, the UN’s Designated Official for the DRC, in consultation with the Security Management Team (SMT).
Michaud stated, “Due to the prevailing security situation in Kinshasa, the Designated Official, in consultation with the Security Management Team, has recommended implementing family restrictions for eligible family members of United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) internationally recruited personnel.”
He further emphasized that, in response to these recommendations, “I hereby authorize the evacuation of the eligible family members of UNSMS internationally recruited personnel from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
The memorandum was addressed to all Security Focal Points and Alternates of Organizations of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), the HR Network, the ICSC Secretariat, and UNDSS Headquarters Personnel.
Copies were also sent to Ms. Bintou Keita, the UN Designated Official for the DRC, and Mr. Nathan Danquah, the Principal Security Adviser for the country.
According to Michaud, each UNSMS organization will determine the evacuation destination for their staff’s family members. He concluded by stating, “On behalf of the Secretary-General, I approve the DO recommendations with immediate effect.”
While the memo does not specify the immediate cause of concern, the decision aligns with the UNSMS Security Policy Manual, Chapter IV, Section D, which outlines risk avoidance measures for personnel in volatile environments.
During their time in Kigali on January 31, 2025, the students received advanced training in film production, photography, and related fields. Their decision to visit the school stemmed from their desire to enhance their skills in these areas.
Jilly Claude Uwizeyimana, the director of IBTC Film School, told IGIHE that the visit aimed to help the students improve their expertise.
“They reached out to us after seeing our work on our website. One of them visited first, and then requested to return with the rest,” he explained.
He added, “Since we have been in the industry for a long time, it is important to support those who want to enhance their skills. We have extensive experience, and we are helping them build on it.”
Uwizeyimana also expressed his excitement about students seeking to learn from IBTC, stating that the institution will continue expanding its activities to attract even more learners in the future.
The visiting Ugandan students were equally thrilled about the experience, emphasizing that the knowledge gained at IBTC would help them become competitive in the job market.
Among them was Bright Ngabirano, the youngest at just eight years old, who shared his enthusiasm:
“I learned a lot at IBTC, and I will apply these skills in the future. My dream is to become a great photographer and establish a photography studio.”
Ian Mugisha, the founder of Elite Training Academy, thanked IBTC Film School for welcoming them and broadening their expertise.
“I discovered IBTC through their online presence and was impressed by their experience and equipment. I immediately thought it would be beneficial to learn from them. We are excited because we have gained knowledge that is not yet available in Uganda, as we are still in the early stages,” he said.
Founded in 2012, IBTC Film School offers courses in film production, video editing, and photography. So far, it has trained 1,029 professionals who have joined the job market.
The school’s impact has led to the establishment of similar institutions, such as KFTV, KIAC, and Bright Academy, as well as numerous companies that have benefited from IBTC-trained professionals.
Additionally, IBTC Film School has expanded its teaching methods by offering online courses, allowing students to learn from anywhere in a convenient and flexible manner.
RNP fielded two SWAT Teams in the sixth edition, joining 103 teams from over 70 countries across the world, in the five-day competition for elite law enforcement tactical units.
The teams will in the next five days showcase their exceptional tactical and strategic skills in five specialized challenges designed to test both physical and skill-based abilities in high demanding situations.
These include the Tactical Operations Challenge, the Assault Challenge, the Officer Rescue Competition, the High Tower Challenge, and the Obstacle Course.
By the end of Day two of the Challenge on Sunday, RNP SWAT Team 1 was 8th on the table of 103 teams, with 183 points. RNP SWAT Team 2 is 11th with 169 points. China leads the standings with 200 points.
Day one saw teams competing in Assault Event while day two focused tactical event.
During the 2024 UAE SWAT Challenge, RNP SWAT Team-1 emerged the overall best team in ‘Obstacle Course’ while RNP SWAT Team 2 came 6th.
The 2025 UAE SWAT Challenge came few days after Rwanda hosted a successful SWAT Challenge, the first of it’s kind for the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO), a regional body composed of 14 countries.
The latest U.S. trade protectionist measure has drawn widespread opposition and immediate retaliations.
Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports late Saturday after Trump imposed 25-percent tariffs on most Canadian products.
Canada will impose a levy of 25 percent on 30 billion Canadian dollars (21 billion U.S. dollars) worth of American goods as of Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after chairing the Cabinet meeting and hosting a virtual meeting with provincial and territorial premiers.
Trudeau said the tariffs will then be applied to another 125 billion Canadian dollars worth of goods in 21 days. American beer, wine and spirits, along with vegetables, clothing, shoes and perfume, will be among the first items, as well as household appliances, furniture and sports equipment.
More non-tariff trade actions, he said, are still to be decided but could include restrictions on exporting critical minerals and energy products to the United States and a move to block American companies from bidding on government contracts.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Saturday instructed the Secretariat of Economy to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico’s interests in response to the levies imposed by the Trump administration.
Problems are not resolved by imposing tariffs, but by talking and dialoguing, Sheinbaum said on the social platform X.
“We categorically reject the White House’s slander against the Mexican government of having alliances with criminal organizations, as well as any intention of intervention in our territory,” she said.
The president said that if the United States wants to combat criminal groups that traffic drugs and generate violence, both countries should work together in an integrated manner, always under the principles of shared responsibility, mutual trust, collaboration, and above all, respect for sovereignty, “which is not negotiable.”
China’s foreign ministry and commerce ministry both expressed strong opposition to the U.S. tariffs on China.
China firmly deplores and opposes the U.S. decision to impose a 10-percent additional tariff on imports from China and will take necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.
“China’s position is firm and consistent. There is no winner in trade and tariff wars,” the spokesperson stressed, adding that the U.S. unilateral tariff hikes severely violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. This move cannot solve the U.S. problems at home, and more importantly, does not benefit either side, still less the world.
China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the U.S. tariffs on China. In response to the erroneous action by the United States, China will file a complaint at the WTO and take corresponding countermeasures to firmly safeguard its rights and interests, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Sunday.
China urges the U.S. side to view and address its fentanyl and related issues objectively and rationally, rather than frequently use tariffs to threaten other countries, according to the statement.
Ambassador Dan Munyuza conveyed President Paul Kagame’s greetings to al-Menfi, and they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries for their mutual benefit and to promote further cooperation.
Rwanda and Libya have had a long-standing partnership, which includes investments from Libyans. Even before the death of former Libyan President, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, he initiated several projects in Rwanda, such as building hotels, roads, and mosques.
After Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s death, Libya was plagued by ongoing conflict, and many of its citizens began fleeing. In 2019, Rwanda received migrants from refugee camps in Libya.
Since then, Rwanda has received over 1,800 migrants from Libya, some of whom have moved on to other countries. These migrants come from various African nations. Ambassador Munyuza is also Rwanda’s representative in Egypt, where his office is located.
United States President Donald Trump announced the military action late Saturday, stating that he had ordered “precision military air strikes on a senior ISIL attack planner and other terrorists” in Somalia.
Trump said the operation “destroyed the caves they live in and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians.” Trump, who assumed office barely a month ago for a second non-consecutive term, also took a swipe at his predecessor, Joe Biden, accusing him of delaying action against the ISIL operative.
The strikes targeted ISIL strongholds in northern Somalia, where Puntland Security Forces (PSF) have been conducting counterterrorism operations since December. The mountainous terrain has served as a refuge for the group, which, while smaller than the dominant al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab, has been increasing its activities in the region.
“Recent air strikes have led to the neutralization of key figures within ISIS, marking a significant advancement as we progress into the second phase of our operation,” the Puntland administration stated on Sunday.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation was a critical step in dismantling ISIL’s ability to coordinate attacks that threaten American citizens and global security.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his appreciation for US support, posting on X that Washington’s counterterrorism efforts were “highly valued and welcomed in Somalia.”
Puntland’s Information Minister, Mohamud Aidid Dirir, confirmed that the airstrikes specifically hit ISIL bases in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, a segment of the Golis range. However, he noted that the number of casualties remained uncertain due to the nighttime operation.
Despite sustained pressure from Somali forces, US air raids, and al-Shabab rivalries, ISIL continues to operate in remote and urban areas, leveraging extortion, smuggling, and illicit taxation to fund its activities.
The International Crisis Group estimates the group’s fighters in Somalia to be in the hundreds, primarily scattered across the rugged Cal Miskaad Mountains.
In a statement on Sunday, February 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation revealed that documentary evidence uncovered after the M23 seized the city of Goma earlier this week pointed to broader plans to launch an offensive against Rwanda, beyond simply neutralizing the M23 group.
“Recent information coming from Goma on what has been discovered, and the documentary evidence of attack preparations, planned together with the foreign forces fighting in eastern DRC, including the FDLR, indicate that combat objectives were not limited to defeating M23 rebel group, but also attacking Rwanda,” the statement reads in part.
The FDLR comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who still pose a threat to Rwanda’s security along the border with DRC.
The ministry made the revelation while distancing the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) from accusations made against the force during the Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on January 31, 2025, which had accused Rwanda’s military of colluding with the M23.
Rwanda emphasized that the RDF’s primary mission is to defend the country’s sovereignty, protect civilians, and safeguard its borders, and not to attack civilians in other countries.
Rwanda also criticized the presence of SADC forces (SAMIDRC) in the DRC, arguing that their involvement was unjustified, as they were fighting against the citizens of the DRC and effectively escalating the conflict.
“It is clear that SAMIDRC together with coalition partners that include the Burundian armed forces, the FDLR and European mercenaries are central to the conflict, and should not be there because they are adding to the problems that already existed,” the statement adds.
At the same time, the government reiterated its long-standing call for a political solution to the crisis and expressed support for the proposed joint summit between the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to discuss a peaceful resolution.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe has previously maintained that constant threats from the Congolese administration to invade Rwanda, along with growing tensions in the eastern region, have prompted the government to bolster its border defences.
The M23 rebel group is fighting against the systematic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the region, a situation that has persisted for decades.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group reiterated its openness to [dialogue with President Félix Tshisekedi’s government->https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/m23-reaffirms-commitment-to-peace-calls-for-dialogue-with-tshisekedi-gov-t?var_mode=calcul] to address the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo.
