Speaking at a press briefing, Peng Qingen, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, reaffirmed China’s stance on Taiwan, stating that the country has a “firm will, strong determination and a strong ability” to defend its sovereignty. He emphasized, “We will crush all foreign interference.”
This warning comes after Japan’s announcement that it intends to deploy missile defense systems on Yonaguni Island, located just 110 kilometers from Taiwan’s eastern coast.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly expressed its intention to reunite the island with the mainland, using force if necessary. Taiwan, however, operates as a self-governed democracy and rejects China’s claims, insisting that its future should be decided by its people.
Beijing’s statement reflects its growing frustration over Japan’s increasing involvement in Taiwan’s defense.
Japan’s plans to enhance its military presence near Taiwan have raised concerns in China. The missile deployment, which aims to bolster Japan’s defense capabilities in the East China Sea, is seen by Beijing as a direct challenge to its claims over Taiwan. Chinese officials have described Japan’s actions as “extremely dangerous,” warning that they could escalate tensions and provoke military conflict.
Taiwan’s government has repeatedly asserted that it will not allow any foreign nation to determine its future. In the wake of Japan’s missile defense plans, Taiwan’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its stance, insisting that the island’s future is a matter for its people alone to decide. Despite Beijing’s warnings, Taiwan remains committed to defending its democratic governance and autonomy.
The situation has sparked diplomatic tensions not only between China and Japan but also in the broader East Asia region. The potential for military escalation, particularly in the Taiwan Strait, has drawn international attention.
While the United States has expressed support for Taiwan’s defense and has a security alliance with Japan, the situation remains precarious. The increasing militarization of the region raises concerns about the possibility of conflict and the impact it could have on global security.
As the situation develops, the international community remains on alert, closely monitoring the growing tensions between China, Japan, and Taiwan.
The journey to help these Burundians return home began on the morning of November 25, 2025, in Kirehe and Kigali.
The first group set foot on their homeland at 1:25 PM, after crossing the Nemba border. The returnees included 58 women, 51 children, and 107 individuals from Mahama Camp, along with eight others from Kigali.
They were part of 58 families who had fled Burundi and found refuge in Rwanda.
Gonzague Karagire, Refugee Program Manager at the Ministry of Emergency Management, stated that the decision to repatriate the refugees was made based on their own requests.
“The decision to return was made voluntarily by the refugees themselves. The government of Rwanda, which hosted them, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] coordinated efforts to prepare for their return. All necessary support was provided to them upon arrival in their home country,” Karagire explained.
Some of the returnees, including those who had children born in exile, spoke to IGIHE about their experiences. While life in exile had been difficult, they expressed gratitude for the support they received in Rwanda.
Eric Ndayishimiye, who fled Burundi in 2015 with his family, said he had continued his education at Mahama and was grateful for the opportunities Rwanda provided.
“Rwanda supported us well, providing food and clothing on time without any issues. I had started my first grade and resumed studies upon arrival in the camp, and I was in my fourth year of secondary school, but I also learned motorbike driving and vehicle mechanics,” Ndayishimiye said.
He also shared that while he was young when he fled, he felt a deep longing to return home after hearing that peace had been restored in Burundi.
Aziza Bamuhorubusa, who had been at Mahama Camp since 2015, also expressed her appreciation for Rwanda’s help over the past 10 years.
She said, “I arrived with two children, and now I have five. Over the years, we’ve been following news from home and hearing that peace had returned. After ten years of being in Rwanda, we never faced serious problems apart from the usual difficulties of life in exile. But now, it’s time to return to my country, as there’s value in being in your homeland. Rwanda has taken great care of me and my children.”
François Ndabacekure, who arrived in Rwanda in 2002 and moved to Mahama Camp in 2015, mentioned that after hearing the news of peace in Burundi, he and his family decided to return.
“I came to Rwanda in 2002 looking for work, but in 2015, we were relocated to Mahama Camp. Many of the early returnees told us about the peace back home, so we decided to go back. I hope to settle where I was born, but if life proves difficult there, I will seek other opportunities.”
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, since January 27, 2020, a total of 30,907 Burundian refugees have returned to their home country.
However, there are still 52,862 Burundian refugees in Rwanda, with 42,421 of them living in Mahama Camp and others residing in different locations outside the camp.
Valerie Nyirahabineza, Chairperson of the National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration (RDRC), confirmed to IGIHE that among those repatriated were five children.
“Today, we received 22 individuals from forests, including 15 former soldiers and seven civilians connected to armed groups,” she said.
Nyirahabineza further explained that upon arrival in Rwanda, these former fighters are taken to Mutobo, where they undergo training to prepare them for reintegration into civilian life.
“When they return voluntarily, they undergo training for three to four months before being discharged and reintegrated into society. We assess them together with various partners, ensuring that their behavior has changed before they are reintegrated with their families.”
She added that the training program is designed to help former fighters shed the harmful ideologies they were taught in the forests of the DRC, particularly the genocidal ideologies.
In addition to the training, the returnees are provided with various forms of assistance, including medical care, especially for those suffering from trauma-related issues, as many of them face such challenges upon their return.
“Besides the training, they receive extensive support, including medical care, housing, food, clothing, and other basic supplies. Women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities are given additional assistance based on their specific needs,” she noted.
Nyirahabineza also took the opportunity to encourage those who have already returned to Rwanda to urge their comrades still in the forests to lay down their arms and come home, as the country is ready to welcome them.
From January to October 2025, MONUSCO repatriated 54 Rwandan fighters, mostly from the FDLR, along with 44 of their family members.
According to figures from the National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration, since 2001, Rwanda has successfully reintegrated 12,602 former fighters from armed groups operating in eastern DRC, with a total of 75 repatriation cycles carried out to date.
Annalena Baerbock, president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said in a statement that she has signed a joint letter with President of the UN Security Council for the month of November, Michael Imran Kanu, permanent representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, formally initiating the selection and appointment process for the next UN secretary-general.
With the issuance of the joint letter, the president of the UNGA and the president of the Security Council invite UN member states to nominate candidates for the position of the UN secretary-general, who will take over the role from Jan. 1, 2027. The letter includes a call to member states to strongly consider nominating women as candidates.
As president of the UNGA, Baerbock said she will “ensure that the process reflects the principles of the United Nations Charter and the very best of our shared commitments and values.”
“The selection of the next Secretary-General comes at a pivotal moment for the United Nations. We are confronted with escalating conflicts, a rapidly advancing climate crisis, expanding humanitarian needs, enduring obstacles to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, and an increasing pushback against human rights,” Baerbock said.
The multilateral system, with the United Nations at its center, is under mounting financial and political pressure, while “the world needs the United Nations more than ever,” she said.
“The world is looking to the next Secretary-General to provide strong, dedicated and effective leadership in delivering on the three pillars of the United Nations, peace and security, human rights and development, and in making the United Nations fit for the future,” said the UNGA president.
Antonio Guterres, the current and ninth secretary-general of the United Nations, took office in January 2017.
The meeting, attended by Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and Turkish National Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalin, focused on ensuring the success of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, it reported.
The officials agreed to enhance coordination with Israel’s Civil-Military Coordination Center, which oversees the ceasefire, and talked about ways to prevent violations and strengthen the ceasefire, it reported.
The tripartite meeting followed Rashad’s Sunday talks with a Hamas delegation in Cairo, which reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement’s first phase but called for a mediators-supervised mechanism to monitor and halt Israeli “breaches.”
The ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, and took effect on Oct. 10, has sharply reduced Israeli attacks but not halted them entirely.
At least 345 Palestinians have been killed and 889 others injured by Israeli attacks since Oct. 11, Gaza’s health authorities said Tuesday, bringing the overall death toll from Israeli attacks since October 2023 to 69,775, with 170,965 others injured.
He made the remarks after a videoconference of about 30 countries in the “Coalition of the Willing,” joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Macron said the coming days would be used to define the contributions of the parties ready to provide guarantees once a ceasefire is reached.
France and other European Union members are also working on a plan to provide financial support for Ukraine, Macron said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Macron told the RTL broadcast that France could consider sending troops to Ukraine as part of “reassurance forces” alongside British and Turkish units after a ceasefire. However, he stressed that “the first security guarantee” for Ukraine remains the Ukrainian army.
During the 13-minute segment dedicated to Rwanda, Kevin Hart expresses his surprise at how the country contrasts with common American misconceptions about Africa. He explains how his visit to Kigali reshaped his perception of the continent.
Hart began by commenting on Rwanda’s exceptional cleanliness, describing it as one of the cleanest countries he had ever visited, noting that the level of cleanliness was unlike anything he had encountered before.
Hart expressed how difficult it was to find even a small piece of litter on the streets, emphasizing that one of the most striking things he witnessed was the country’s tradition of Umuganda, a community clean-up day.
Hart humorously notes that such an initiative would be impossible in many developed countries, including the United States.
Another highlight of Hart’s visit was Rwanda’s safety and tranquility, which he found to be ideal for both relaxation and exploration.
Another highlight of Hart’s visit was Rwanda’s safety and tranquility, which he found to be ideal for both relaxation and exploration. He remarked that the country’s peaceful and well-organized environment made him question why other nations couldn’t achieve the same level of security.
In his special, Hart also addresses the outdated perceptions some Westerners have about Africa. However, upon arriving in Kigali, he realized that the reality was far different from the preconceived notions people often have.
Hart also expresses admiration for the country’s infrastructure, governance, and development, comparing Rwanda favorably to many advanced nations.
Hart reflects on his family’s trip to Rwanda in July 2023, which included visits to the Volcanoes National Park, home to the rare mountain gorillas, as well as Akagera National Park and a memorial to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Before leaving Rwanda, Hart and his family also toured the Haute Baso fashion studio, where they purchased locally made products, including clothing.
Mpakaniye, also known as Che Guevara Jacob, was born in the Rwankuba sector of Karongi District. He fled Rwanda in 1994, following the Genocide against the Tutsi, when he was 20 years old and still in secondary school at EAVFO Kibisabo in Nyabihu.
In an interview with IGIHE, he discussed how he ended up in the FDLR and what he did until 2019 when he was brought back to Rwanda.
“I left Rwanda in 1994 after the country was taken over. In our region in the West, the army had been defeated, and many leaders fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]. My three elders, my mother, and neighbors decided to escape, but my father stayed behind as he was imprisoned,” he said.
They went as refugees to the camps in Kamanyola, DRC, but by 1998, the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) launched attacks aiming to overthrow Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime, which led to the destruction of the camps, and he and others had to flee into the forests, some of whom perished.
In 1998, when FDLR was retreating from Rwanda, they returned to Congo and were instructed that every man and young man among the refugees had to join the military.
He continued, “We joined FDLR not out of choice, but due to the harsh conditions, as Rwandan refugees were being targeted by Mai Mai and AFDL, and it was dangerous to return to Rwanda. At times, if you attempted to return, you risked being killed.”
He further mentioned that they joined with the promise that if they succeeded in the war and removed Rwanda’s government, they would have a better life. Their campaign began in Masisi, and in 2002, he was assigned to a unit that protected the FDLR leaders. Later, they moved to South Kivu with Maj Gen Paul Rwarakabije.
“In 2004, Gen Rwarakabije returned home, and we stayed behind, working with Gen Sylvestre Mudacumura, and I was assigned to protect him specifically. I stayed with this group until 2014 when I suffered from heart disease and was moved to Rutshuru, then later to Goma for treatment.”
Lt Col Mpakaniye emphasized that the living conditions of FDLR fighters led to the recruitment of children under the age of 18.
He explained, “Because fighters in FDLR often stayed away from their families, their children, some as young as 16 or 17, grew accustomed to fighting. These children grew up surrounded by weapons and got used to them from a young age. Their lives became about fighting because they were born into it.”
He added that these children often don’t attend school and by the time they turn 18, they know nothing other than warfare.
{{Warfare mixed with preaching}}
Mpakaniye also shared that in 1992, while still a student, he was already a preacher. When he arrived in DRC, he joined the ADEPR Church in Exile, where he started preaching alongside his military duties in FDLR.
“I began volunteering in preaching in 2003, and had been given full responsibility as a preacher by 2019. The FDLR military unit we were in also had an ADEPR Church. We taught the Word of God, but the FDLR had other groups that promoted messages aligning with its agenda,” he said.
Mpakaniye clarified that his preaching focused on genuine Christian teachings, even though other preachers under FDLR were used to bolster the militia’s morale by falsely claiming that God was supporting them.
He also mentioned some significant battles the FDLR suffered, including the attack that killed Gen Leodomir Mugaragu, one of its top leaders, and operations like “Umoja Wetu” and others from DRC to fight armed groups.
In 2019, while in Goma receiving treatment for his heart condition, he was captured by the DRC military and handed over to Rwanda, where he found himself back in the country.
Mpakaniye concluded by stating that his wife and six children still live in Goma, and he hopes to bring them back to Rwanda once he has fully recovered and reintegrated into civilian life.
For those who enjoy water activities, the park offers boat tours, providing a unique opportunity to explore its picturesque lakes, many of which are home to a variety of wildlife.
The park is home to several stunning lakes, including Ihema, Birengero, Murambi, Shakani, Murambya, Kamemeno, Kivumba, Hago, Shango, Gikube, Gishanju, Mukagasana, Gatete, Mihindi, Rwanyakizinga, and Mirrador.
Each lake has its own unique features, making them truly special. In an interview with IGIHE, Jean Paul Karinganire, the park’s Funding and Reporting Manager, highlighted that these distinctive characteristics make each lake one of a kind, offering something unique to every visitor.
{{Lake Ihema}}
Lake Ihema is the largest lake in Akagera National Park and the second-largest in Rwanda, after Lake Kivu. It covers an area of over 90 square kilometers and has depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters.
The name “Ihema” comes from the Kinyarwanda word used by the English explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who set up camp on the western side of the lake in 1876 while trying to discover the source of the Nile River.
However, his mission was cut short when he was attacked by the king’s forces and forced to return to Tanzania. Notably, the lake is home to Nyirabiyoro Island and Kabuga Bay, as well as Cyogo.
Nyirabiyoro is a water island inhabited by many birds, particularly darters and cormorants. Hippos and crocodiles also inhabit the area, often sunbathing on the shores.
Kabuga Bay attracts animals like elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes due to the abundant food resources. Cyogo is well-known for its crocodile population, which can also be seen basking in the sun.
The waters of Lake Ihema are rich with various fish species, including different types of tilapia, catfish, lungfish, and many kinds of cichlids.
Karinganire explained that Lake Ihema plays a significant role in community development.
He said there is a cooperative engaged in sustainable fishing at the lake, providing affordable fish to help fight malnutrition and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
“The best way to explore Lake Ihema is by boat. Akagera National Park offers four boat trips a day, from morning until evening. For peace and quiet, visitors can sit by the lake, especially at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, a 20-room hotel built in the forest along the lake’s shore.”
{{Lake Hago}}
Lake Hago is situated in the heart of Akagera National Park, along with smaller lakes like Kivumba and Gishanju, enhancing the park’s beauty.
It is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in the park, attracting many visitors who enjoy its central location and scenic photo opportunities.
{{Lake Rwanyakizinga}}
Lake Rwanyakizinga is located in the northern part of Akagera National Park, where you can find the luxurious Magashi Camp and the Magashi Peninsula.
The lake is well-known for the large herds of buffaloes that roam the area and for being home to various bird species like the shoebill stork and fishing eagles.
Visitors to Lake Rwanyakizinga can enjoy the serene environment and the stunning buildings of the Magashi Peninsula, located on its shores.
{{Lake Shakani}}
Lake Shakani is famous for the annual fishing competitions that have taken place in Akagera National Park.
The name “Shakani” comes from the French term “chaque année,” meaning “every year,” reflecting the annual fishing competition that attracts many fishermen and tourists.
The lake still boasts various species of fish, and it remains one of the most admired lakes by those visiting Akagera National Park.
{{Lake Mihindi}}
Lake Mihindi is located in the central part of Akagera National Park, near the Akagera River. It is popular for its “hippo beach,” where visitors can see large groups of hippos in the water, as well as birds living in the papyrus wetlands.
The best way to visit is to stay at Mihindi Campsite or have a meal at Mihindi Café, a popular resting spot for park visitors after three to four hours of touring the park.
Mihindi Café offers excellent resting spots during the day and overnight camping facilities for those who wish to stay.
Visitors can reach the lake in about three to four hours from the southern entrance of Akagera National Park.
In 2024, the number of visitors to Akagera National Park increased by 3.83%, reaching 56,219, up from 54,141 in 2023.
In 2024, Akagera National Park generated $4.7 million in revenue, compared to $4.6 million in 2023. Ten percent of this income is allocated to the local community.
These guidelines are designed to address recurring issues, ensuring that children receive justice that focuses on rehabilitation rather than just punishment.
A report from the Judiciary indicates that during the 2024/2025 period, 1,173 criminal cases involving children were presented to the courts, marking a decrease from 1,525 cases in the previous year.
To improve these guidelines, the Supreme Court convened legal stakeholders, sharing insights and discussing what areas to be prioritized.
The Vice President of the Supreme Court, Alphonse Hitiyaremye, explained that the guidelines aim to address the aspects that were not being handled appropriately.
“Because justice must work better, these guidelines were created to help judges and other institutions provide better justice for children, ensuring that when they face legal issues, the justice they receive is aimed at rehabilitation, not just punishment,” he said.
He added that, in delivering justice, judges must focus on reintegrating children into society with the goal of rehabilitating them.
Monique Mukamana, a child rights officer at NCDA in charge of protection and care reform programming, pointed out that children face many challenges in legal proceedings.
She noted that while children have certain legal rights, these are not always respected. Proper justice for children is a fundamental right.
Typically, a child’s criminal responsibility begins between the ages of 14 and 17. However, Mukamana emphasized that children should not be treated the same way as adults in legal matters.
“The justice we give to a child aims to correct them, to help them change, not to punish them. It’s justice that helps them understand their wrongdoing and guides them back to a better life where they can develop,” she said.
Mukamana further noted that some issues arise when children lack access to legal representation.
Other challenges include delays in the child’s trial, the child not understanding the legal process, and not having a responsible adult to guide them through the process.
There are also instances where children are questioned by the police or prosecutors without proper attention to the fact that they are minors.
Often, they are not informed about the charges they face, do not have an adult with them, and their cases may not be properly followed up.
The law requires that a child should not be detained for more than five days before trial, and temporary detention should not exceed 15 days. However, these regulations are sometimes ignored.
Furthermore, to order the detention of a child, the crime they are charged with must carry a penalty of at least five years in prison.
Mukamana said, “As child rights defenders, we want the law to be followed. If a child has committed a crime, the law should be applied accordingly. If they are temporarily detained, those 15 days should be respected, and if they need legal representation, it should be provided so they receive proper justice.”
Mukamana also stated that punishing children should not always mean imprisonment; they could also receive a suspended sentence.
The Rwanda Senate’s Commission on Social Affairs and Human Rights recently evaluated the 2023-2024 report on the justice provided to children.
It revealed several issues, including the failure to appeal children’s cases on time, the lack of preparation for trials, frequent postponements due to the absence of legal representatives, and the trial of children as adults when the crime occurred while they were still minors.
It was also noted that technology is sometimes used in trials, but children are not familiar with it. The report also highlighted concerns about how children are treated during their trials. Many children are coerced into confessing to crimes, with promises of immediate release or reduced sentences, and there are delays in trials for children held in custody.
{{Challenges faced by lawyers representing children}}
One lawyer, who has represented children for years, pointed out that one of the reasons these issues persist is because lawyers are paid very little.
He explained that individual lawyers assigned to represent children typically receive Frw 400,000, while those in law firms receive Frw 500,000. These lawyers are also required to travel to police stations when a child has been arrested, as they are obligated to represent the child.
He noted that the money they receive often runs out after travel expenses, leaving them demotivated, and sometimes they sign year-long contracts without any increase in their fees.
The President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Moïse Nkundabarashi, told IGIHE that there are plans to increase the number of lawyers representing children and raise their fees.
“We have been working with the Ministry of Justice for over 15 years to be able to represent as many children as possible. Each year, we handle between 5,000-8,000 cases of general legal assistance,” he noted.
“For children, we have seen an increase in cases each year, but the number of lawyers available remains the same because they are the ones we can afford. This means the work can sometimes become overwhelming. We are looking for ways to expand our capacity to ensure that every child who is incarcerated has a lawyer until their case reaches the appeals level,” added Nkundabarashi.
He also mentioned that there are ongoing discussions with UNICEF, which could result in the association gaining more resources to ensure all children are adequately represented.
{{Over 390 children incarcerated at Nyagatare Juvenile Correctional Facility}}
The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) reports that there are 395 children incarcerated at the Nyagatare Juvenile Correctional Facility, including 16 girls.
The facility offers nine years of basic education to help children continue their education, as well as vocational training in skills like carpentry, construction, tailoring, and hairdressing to support their reintegration after serving their sentences.
RCS also indicates that many of the children in detention committed crimes due to a lack of awareness of the law, poor living conditions in their families, child abuse, domestic violence, and other factors that push them toward criminal behavior.
The crimes most commonly committed by children include drug trafficking, theft, assault, sexual abuse, and homicide.
However, it is noted that when children are convicted and incarcerated, they often face mental health issues and unusual behavior, requiring ongoing counseling to help them regain their mental health and correct their negative mindset.
