AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma, who spoke during a field visit to assess the combat readiness of frontline troops following the successful liberation of the strategic towns of Mubarak and Durasalaam in Somalia, said the allied forces are united in their efforts to flush out al-Shabaab terrorists in the country.
“Through sweat, struggle, and sacrifice, we stand united to eliminate al-Shabaab and secure a future for our brothers and sisters in Somalia,” Kavuma said in a statement on Friday evening after the field visit.
He called on the Ugandan contingent serving under AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, morale, and discipline in fulfilling the mission’s mandate.
“AUSSOM, in partnership with the Somali government and other stakeholders, will provide essential relief support to the liberated communities,” he added.
The joint operation conducted on Monday with international partners resulted in the full capture and securing of two strategic locations that had long served as strongholds and safe havens for al-Shabaab terrorists.
Owiny Akena, Battle Group 44 commander and operation commander, said Mubarak and Durasalaam remain under the full control of the joint forces.
AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma said the allied forces are united in their efforts to flush out al-Shabaab terrorists in the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 6, 2026, the embassy said it is coordinating with the national carrier, RwandAir, and other relevant entities to organise flights for citizens wishing to return home.
“All Rwandans wishing to be repatriated are therefore invited to register with the Embassy the soonest possible,” the statement said.
The embassy also urged Rwandan nationals in both countries to follow safety instructions issued by authorities in their host countries and to remain updated through official communication channels. It added that, so far, no Rwandan national has been harmed.
The advisory comes as the Middle East enters the seventh day of a rapidly escalating regional war triggered by joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran that began on February 28.
The attacks, code-named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure and senior leadership. The opening strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iran later launched retaliatory strikes under Operation True Promise IV, involving waves of missiles and drones targeting U.S. military bases across Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The widening conflict has disrupted international trade, forced the closure of several airspaces and triggered evacuations of foreign nationals from parts of the region, raising concerns about a growing humanitarian and economic crisis.
The Rwandan embassy said its diplomatic and consular team remains available to provide guidance and support to citizens during the ongoing situation.
Rwandans in need of assistance or wishing to register for repatriation have been encouraged to contact the embassy through emergency telephone numbers +971508242987 or +971504253218, or via email at ambaabudhabi@minaffet.gov.rw.
“We expect to have complete and total dominance over Iranian airspace in the coming hours,” Leavitt said at the White House daily press briefing.
She added that deploying U.S. ground troops to Iran is not currently planned, though U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier he is open to the option in the future.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing that the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran is still in its early stages.
Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces will begin striking progressively deeper into the Iranian territory as operations expand.
Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have conducted their first coordinated attacks on Israel amid the ongoing escalation, the Israel Defence Forces told CNN on Wednesday.
On Saturday morning, U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with some of the leader’s family members, senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded through waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the United States will have “complete and total dominance” over Iranian airspace in the next few hours.
Among the major resolutions adopted was a Ministerial Order granting release on parole to 1,874 convicts. The decision forms part of ongoing justice and rehabilitation efforts aimed at facilitating reintegration into society under established legal procedures.
Senior appointments approved
Cabinet also approved several high-level appointments across public institutions, according to a communiqué issued by the Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva Justin.
At the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR)Board of Directors, the following members were appointed:
Mr. Mukete Diko Jacob
Ms. Dushimire Alice
Mr. Nsengumuremyi Cyridion
Ms. Nabaasa Judith
Mr. Mwizerwa Jean Claude
Dr. Batamuliza Jennifer
Ms. Muhongerwa K Judith
For the Appeal Tribunal for Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status, Cabinet appointed:
Ms. Mukabagwiza Edda, Co-President
Mr. Rusanganwa Jean Damascene, Co-President
Ms. Mukanyundo Patricie, Member
Ms. Nyirinkwaya Immaculée, Member
Mr. Rudasigwa Joseph, Member
Mr. Mukama Augustin, Member
Mr. Ndabirora Kalinda Jean Damascene, Registrar
Within the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), appointments included:
Mr. Ingabire Jean Claude, Director General of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Ms. Mukobwa Justine, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
Ms. Uwimanimpaye Jeanne d’Arc, Coordinator of Gitagata Rehabilitation Centre
Mr. Bizimana Servilien, Coordinator of Ngarama Rehabilitation Centre
At the Ministry of Environment, Cabinet appointed:
Dr. Biraro Mireille, Registrar of Land Titles
Mr. Twizeyeyezu Jean Pierre, Registrar of Land Titles
Mr. Uwaysenga Vedaste, Registrar of Land Titles
Ms. Kanyamugenge Akimana Adeline, Division Manager for Inspection at the National Land Authority
For the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), the following officials were named:
Mr. Uwiduheye Jean d’Amour, Head of Department of Mines, Petroleum and Gas Exploration
Ms. Umuhorakeye Alice, Division Manager of Mining Extraction and Inspection
Mr. Maniragaba Ephrem, Division Manager of Mining Exploration
Ms. Kantengwa Catherine, Division Manager of Mining Cadaster and Digital Information
Key draft laws and policies
Beyond appointments and parole decisions, Cabinet approved several draft laws, including a draft organic law governing elections, a draft law on the National Commission for Human Rights, and a draft law regulating virtual assets businesses.
Cabinet also endorsed amendments to financing agreements between the Government of Rwanda and the International Fund for Agricultural Development relating to additional loans supporting small livestock markets and irrigation and watershed management projects.
In addition, members approved the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Policy, applications for mineral and quarry licenses, a housing development agreement with Bauhaus International Rwanda Ltd, and the lease of state land to Kivu Waterfront Limited for investment purposes.
International engagements and upcoming events
Cabinet granted agrément to new diplomats representing Sweden, South Africa, and Cuba.
Ministers also briefed Cabinet on upcoming national and international engagements, including celebrations of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, Rwanda’s participation in the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, a three-month citizen outreach programme led by security organs, and preparations to host the International Astronautical Federation Global Space Conference on Climate Change (GLOC 2026) in June.
The Cabinet meeting was chaired by President Paul Kagame at at Urugwiro Village.
The Rwandan contingent, known as Rwanbatt-1, received the honours during a medal-pinning ceremony held at the UN Tomping Compound in Juba. The colourful event brought together military personnel and UN officials to celebrate the battalion’s dedication and service over the past ten months.
Presiding over the ceremony was Major General Robert Yaw Affram, Deputy Force Commander of UNMISS, who underscored the deep significance of the award. He described the United Nations Medal as a powerful symbol of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to peace.
The Rwandan contingent, known as Rwanbatt-1, received the honours during a medal-pinning ceremony held at the UN Tomping Compound in Juba.
“The United Nations Medal you have received today is a symbol of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication to peace. It represents long days under challenging conditions, sleepless nights on operations, and the courage to stand firm in the face of uncertainty. It is earned, never given,” he said.
Major General Affram also conveyed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Defence Force for their continued support to UNMISS through the deployment of disciplined and capable troops.
Rwanbatt-1 Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Ndushabandi, commended the men and women of the battalion for their resilience, courage, and selfless service throughout their deployment. He urged them to sustain their commitment during the remainder of their mission.
“I urge the Rwanbatt-1 to maintain this momentum for the remainder of the deployment. Today’s medal-pinning ceremony marks yet another significant milestone in our noble service to humanity,” he stated.
The colourful event brought together military personnel and UN officials to celebrate the battalion’s dedication and service over the past ten months.
The ceremony featured a colourful military parade, during which the Rwanbatt-1 cultural troupe showcased both their discipline and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
Rwanda is currently the second-largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations after Nepal, with more than 5,000 military and police officers deployed across missions.
Presiding over the ceremony was Major General Robert Yaw Affram, Deputy Force Commander of UNMISS, who described the United Nations Medal as a powerful symbol of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to peace.Rwanbatt-1 cultural troupe showcased both their discipline and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump told reporters at the beginning of his talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office.
“By the way I’m not happy with the UK either,” Trump said. “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament on Monday that Britain is not joining the U.S.-Israeli “offensive strikes” on Iran.
Merz is the first foreign leader to meet Trump in person since the U.S. administration launched large-scale airstrikes against Iran on Saturday morning. The two leaders said the Iran operation will be a major topic during their closed-door meeting.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to “cut off all trade with Spain” for Spain’s refusal to allow the U.S. military to use its base for attacks on Iran.
“As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action. U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted-for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region,” the command said in a post on X.
In another post earlier in the day, the command said the U.S. forces have sunk 11 Iranian naval vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman.
The United States and Israel began massive airstrikes against Iran on Saturday morning. Iran confirmed on Sunday that its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the airstrikes the previous day.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the military campaign against Iran has “capability to go far longer” than four to five weeks.
Democratic lawmakers have lashed out at the military operation, arguing that there was no imminent threat and the attack was not authorized by Congress.
Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, wrote in a post on X on Sunday that he was “heartbroken by the loss of life of multiple service members in the Middle East.”
“No more American heroes need to die because of a reckless decision to go to war. Congress must act this week to restrain this President,” said Jeffries.
The United States and Israel began massive airstrikes against Iran on Saturday morning.
In an official communique, the group said its forces, positioned on the outskirts of Kisangani, neutralised drones that were “about to be launched to massacre civilians and attack our positions.” AFC/M23 described the operation as a “patriotic duty to protect innocent populations.”
Lt Col Ngoma, a senior official within the group, was reportedly killed in a drone strike by Kinshasa forces in Rubaya on February 24, a development that AFC/M23 said underscores the government’s violation of the ceasefire and its strategy of terror targeting both soldiers and civilians.
“The blood of our compatriots who were brutally murdered, including Lieutenant Colonel Ngoma, will neither be forgotten nor passed over in silence,” AFC/M23’s spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said in a communiqué. “The Kinshasa regime and its criminal coalition bear full responsibility for these heinous crimes.”
The group vowed that operations to neutralize the drone threat would continue “resolutely” as long as civilian populations remain at risk in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. AFC/M23 reaffirmed its solidarity with affected communities and its determination to defend and protect civilians from any threat.
AFC/M23 said the attack that killed Col. Willy Ngoma targeted both soldiers and civilians far from the front lines.
While the UAE’s advanced defence systems successfully intercepted most of the 137 missiles and 209 drones, debris from these interceptions still caused damage to several prominent landmarks.
Here’s a look at the six UAE landmarks impacted by debris from the strikes:
1. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Debris from intercepted missiles caused minor damage to a concourse at Dubai International Airport. Four airport staff were injured, though most passengers had already been evacuated thanks to pre-emptive contingency measures.
A drone strike resulted in one death and seven injuries, when debris struck airport facilities. The incident tragically claimed the life of an Asian national.
BREAKING:
Iranian suicide drone strikes Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.
Debris from a missile interception triggered a fire at one of the port’s berths, though fortunately no injuries were reported. Dubai Civil Defense teams responded quickly, extinguishing the fire and securing the area.
Debris from an intercepted drone caused minor damage to the hotel’s outer facade, resulting in a small fire that was promptly controlled by Civil Defence teams. No injuries were reported.
🇦🇪🇮🇷⚡️ An Iranian drone struck the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, igniting a fiberglass structural beam that extends from the first to the sixth floors.
➡️ The five-star hotel, a 321-meter, 60-story tower built on an artificial island, is one of the UAE’s most recognizable landmarks.… pic.twitter.com/QHNZiRma2t
A building on Palm Jumeirah caught fire when debris landed on it. Four people sustained injuries but were immediately transferred to medical facilities. Authorities confirmed the fire is now under control.
🚨🇮🇷🇦🇪 BREAKING: Palm Jumeirah in Dubai has been struck.
Palm Jumeirah is one of the most iconic luxury developments on Earth, and a major investment hub for the Trump family, which operates Trump International Golf Club Dubai and has extensive real estate interests across the… pic.twitter.com/l5uCCjSTRD
Debris from the barrage also struck this luxury hotel, causing a fire and minor structural damage. Emergency services responded quickly to contain the situation, preventing further harm to guests or staff.
🚨BREAKING: Massive Fire Engulfs Fairmont The Palm Hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah After Loud Explosion!
Thick smoke billowing from luxury resort tonight following huge boom – eyewitnesses report blasts across the area.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that 137 missiles and 209 drones were detected during the attacks. 132 missiles were successfully destroyed, with most of the remaining projectiles falling into the sea or causing only limited debris damage on land.
Authorities praised the “high efficiency” of the defence systems, noting that while debris caused some damage, catastrophic strikes on civilian infrastructure were largely avoided.
The strikes on the UAE come amid heightened tensions in the region following joint US-Israeli operations in Tehran, which Iran views as an aggressive preemptive attack. Iran’s retaliatory campaign is part of a broader confrontation with Israel and the United States over its nuclear program, regional influence, and military activities in the Middle East.
The UAE, as a close ally of both the US and Israel and a strategic hub in the Gulf, became a target in Tehran’s effort to demonstrate its military reach and retaliate against countries supporting actions against Iran.
Most returnees are women and children born to families who fled Rwanda during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Many of their spouses joined armed groups in the DRC, including the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 atrocities and has a history of attacks against Rwanda.
MINEMA reports that over the past 30 years, more than 3.5 million Rwandans have returned to the country.
The current wave of repatriation follows agreements reached at a trilateral meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.
Since then, Rwanda has been receiving returnees gradually. The latest group, 208 people, arrived on February 27, 2026, having been held hostage by the FDLR in the DRC.
The government provides support to help returnees reintegrate into daily life. Adults over 18 receive $188, minors receive $113, and all are provided with basic food supplies worth 45,000 Rwandan francs.
Separately, Rwanda continues to host more than 100,000 Congolese refugees who have fled instability in eastern DRC.
MINEMA reports that over the past 30 years, more than 3.5 million Rwandans have returned to the country.
