During an exclusive interview with the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) on Friday, Amb. Nduhungirehe detailed the recent visit to Rwanda by AU lead mediator on eastern DRC peace process Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, accompanied by a panel of experts.
The latter comprises former African leaders: former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.
They were hosted by President Paul Kagame on Friday at Urugwiro Village for high-level discussions on regional stability.
Amb. Nduhungirehe explained that the visit directly followed a high-level meeting convened in Lomé, Togo, on January 17, 2026, convened by President Gnassingbé.
At the meeting, the foreign minister said, participants, including regional facilitators and partners, agreed to “reinforce [and] strengthen the African mediation for the conflict in Eastern DRC” and to ensure “coherence between the African Union mediation and the existing mediations, which are the Qatari and the US mediations.”
The minister noted that one key outcome was the decision for the mediator and facilitators to visit four countries in the region: the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.
The delegation had arrived in Kigali from Kinshasa and was scheduled to continue to Bujumbura and Kampala.
Amb. Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda’s consistent preference for African processes in resolving the eastern DRC conflict. He recalled earlier initiatives such as the Nairobi process under the East African Community (EAC), which involved political dialogue between the DRC government and Congolese armed groups.
He also noted that the Nairobi process included the deployment of the East African Regional Force, which successfully achieved a ceasefire and led to significant territorial withdrawals by M23.
Additionally, he mentioned the bilateral Rwanda-DRC negotiations held in 2024, which were aimed at addressing mutual security concerns, particularly the ongoing threat posed by the FDLR.
He attributed the collapse of both processes to decisions by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, including the sudden expulsion of the AFC/M23 from talks and the East African force, as well as refusal to commit to dialogue with the group despite prior agreements.
Following the fall of Goma and Bukavu, regional actors (EAC and SADC) attempted to re-engage, but external mediations from the United States and Qatar were requested. Rwanda accepted these, the minister said, because “what we want is peace, whatever process, whatever forum, we want peace in our region.”
He expressed particular optimism about the current AU-led track: “We really have faith in this African process. And we believe that to capitalize on the diplomatic gains of 2025, we need to have the African Union involved in implementing the agreement that was signed.
“Because the agreement, Washington and Doha, we cannot touch them because they were already signed, agreed on. What we need now is the implementation phase in which the AU will have a prominent role.”
Addressing renewed calls by DRC authorities for international sanctions against Rwanda, Nduhungirehe described them as evidence of a “lack of political will” and pointed to ongoing ceasefire violations, including daily airstrikes and drone attacks on civilian areas and AFC/M23 positions, in breach of the Washington agreement (June 2025) and the April 2025 ceasefire between the DRC government and AFC/M23.
He argued that genuine progress depends on regional parties returning to Africa and implementing signed commitments.
Amb, Nduhungirehe also touched on Rwanda’s security coordination with the AFC/M23, confirming a January 22, 2026, statement by Rwanda’s ambassador to the United States.
“Yes, it’s true,” Amb. Nduhungirehe said, explaining that the coordination is defensive and focused on shared interests against the FDLR, a group he described as genocidal and a threat to both Rwandan security and Congolese Tutsi communities, particularly given AFC/M23 control of much of the DRC-Rwanda border.
He stressed that AFC/M23’s legitimate political grievances remain Congolese internal matters currently under discussion in Doha with the DRC government, while Rwanda’s engagement addresses longstanding defensive necessities dating back to post-genocide attacks from DRC territory.
According to the March 23 Movement rebel group, the incident occurred on Wednesday at the Rubaya coltan mine in North Kivu province, about 60 kilometers northwest of Goma.
According to Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu, heavy rains triggered the landslide, causing the ground to give way and collapse several mining shafts where people were working and sheltering.
Many of the victims were reportedly miners, children and women. Witnesses described chaotic rescue efforts as family members and neighbours scrambled to pull survivors from the mud and rubble.
Some individuals were saved with serious injuries and taken to health facilities in Rubaya, with plans to transfer the most badly hurt to hospitals in Goma for further treatment.
Officials have not yet confirmed an exact death toll, but multiple local authorities say the figure exceeds 200. One unnamed provincial official told international media that at least 227 bodies have so far been confirmed, though the number could rise as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed tunnels and debris.
The Rubaya mine is a significant source of coltan, a mineral used to produce tantalum, a metal essential in the manufacturing of mobile phones, computers, aerospace components, and other high-tech devices. It contributes approximately 15 percent of the global coltan supply, yet local miners often work without proper safety safeguards and for very low daily wages.
M23 rebels have been controlling the mine since May 2024 after seizing territory from the Congolese government.
The approval, confirmed by the U.S. State Department and Pentagon on January 31, 2026, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance Israel’s defense capabilities amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The sale includes state-of-the-art Apache helicopters, which are renowned for their long-range attack capabilities and ability to provide close air support in combat zones. Additionally, the sale features the JLTVs, which are designed to improve Israel’s mobility and firepower on the ground.
These vehicles are equipped with advanced armor to withstand the harsh conditions of modern warfare. Along with these assets, Israel will also receive related components such as power packs for armored carriers and utility helicopters, further strengthening its military capabilities.
The U.S. approval of this deal follows decades of close defense cooperation between the two nations, which has been underpinned by U.S. financial support. The U.S. provides Israel with roughly $3.8 billion annually in military aid as part of efforts to maintain its qualitative military edge in the region. This deal continues that support, ensuring that Israel remains capable of defending itself against various threats from neighboring countries and non-state actors in the region.
However, the approval of the sale has sparked controversy, particularly among some U.S. lawmakers and human rights groups. Critics argue that supplying Israel with advanced offensive weaponry at this juncture could exacerbate the already volatile situation, particularly in Gaza, where Israel’s military operations have raised concerns over civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. These groups fear that the new equipment could lead to further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
On the other hand, proponents of the sale argue that Israel faces numerous threats, particularly from Iranian-backed militias operating in Syria and Lebanon, and that modernizing its defense systems is essential to counter these risks.
The deal remains subject to procedural reviews, including a notification period in which Congress has the option to object. However, given the strong defense ties between the two nations, the sale is expected to proceed without major challenges.
The delivery of the equipment will take place over the next several years, ensuring that Israel remains well-equipped to face evolving security challenges.
Today, however, Rwanda has moved past these events, with cross-border trade once again picking up between residents of Rubavu town and Goma, which is currently under the control of AFC/M23.
In an interview with IGIHE, the Mayor of Rubavu, Prosper Mulindwa, discussed these events, trade between residents of Rubavu and Goma, investment opportunities in the area, and the threat previously posed by the FDLR terrorist group.
{{As we begin 2026, how would you assess how things went for the district last year?}}
{{Mulindwa:}} 2025 is a year that Rubavu residents will not forget, especially around this time, between January 26 and 27, 2026, when the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) attempted to launch artillery strikes at Rwanda in an effort to destabilize our security.
However, their efforts were thwarted due to our country’s strong defense and the bravery of the Rwandan army.
The battle in Goma led to the AFC/M23 taking control, and significant changes followed. The challenges caused by FDLR, Wazalendo, and other groups that had been trying to disrupt Rwanda’s security were defeated and pushed far away, alleviating concerns of insecurity that had been linked to Congo.
Property damaged during the conflict has been repaired, and we assisted 16 families who lost loved ones in the attacks, as well as those who were injured. This support helped revive trade between Goma and Gisenyi, which had previously been disrupted due to the closure of the Kabuhanga border, but is now fully operational.
The main border at Grande Barrière now closes at 6 p.m., whereas the smaller border closes at 12 a.m., a significant change from its previous closure at 9 a.m. This has energized both small and large traders, with an average of 100 to 120 trucks crossing into Rwanda daily to transport goods to Goma.
The transformation in the district is evident, and hope is on the rise. Barriers that once made it difficult for people from the DR Congo to trade in Rwanda have been removed, leading to a significant increase in border crossings.
For example, Grande Barrière now sees 6,000 to 8,000 people crossing daily, while the smaller border handles 36,000 users each day—compared to the past, when trade was almost nonexistent.
Today, people are happier and continue to invest in various sectors. This growth shows that we are heading toward larger projects, and we are seeing a rapid development of the city as most people are now requesting permits to build multi-story buildings, accelerating the city’s development.
{{How would you describe Rwanda’s relationship with AFC/M23, now that they have become a neighboring presence?}}
We cannot say that there is a relationship as we are not concerned with that. Our focus is on whether our borders are functioning. And as far as the borders are concerned, they are open and functioning well. Our citizens travel there and return peacefully. That alone gives us confidence that there is peace in Congo and that the residents there are not causing harm to our people.
Before, we had people trying to destabilize our security, some of whom we arrested in Rwanda. They came with ill intentions, but there has been no security threat from Congo. Our concern is how our people are treated when they cross into Congo, how they are received, how they cross the border, the services they receive, and how they return with good stories. This shows that the country is not a threat to us, and that continues to be the case today.
{{Are you referring to the FDLR as the group that was behind efforts to destabilize Rwanda?}}
Yes, it is FDLR, and as you know, FDLR had been integrated into the FARDC (Congolese military), making it difficult to distinguish between the two. They had been operating on the Congo side of the border, and you could hear them speaking Kinyarwanda language.
These people are no longer here. AFC/M23 has defeated them, and they have moved far away.
We also had some of our own citizens who had joined FDLR and Wazalendo in the past, but they have returned to Rwanda and received training at Mutobo and reintegrated into society.
Over 150 of them have returned. This shows that the security issue was real, especially when people tried to bring in new fighters and recruit our citizens into their military to fight against us.
{{Shifting focus from the FDLR, what is the current situation regarding drugs coming across the border?}}
The issue of drugs is still present. However, the legal systems between our two countries are not aligned, so what is prohibited in Rwanda might be allowed in Congo. This challenge continues because the laws have not been harmonized yet.
In Rwanda, drugs are illegal, and we intercept them at the border whenever attempts are made to smuggle them. While we have not completely stopped this, we remain committed to protecting our borders and raising awareness among citizens. Those caught in the illegal drug trade are arrested, and the law is enforced.
{{How is Rubavu faring in terms of business and tourism?}}
After these challenges, our tourism sector picked up in 2025, to the point where there were days when we welcomed more tourists than our available infrastructure could accommodate. In July 2025, we even had so many visitors that all rooms were fully booked, reflecting the growing popularity of Rubavu.
Domestic tourism, with Rwandans coming from other parts of the country, has grown, and many people continue to book new hotels and call on us for support as they implement the national development vision. Construction is still ongoing, so in the near future we will have many more hotels, and we continue to attract new investors.
There is also demand for state land for investments, and we are seeing positive developments in agriculture and livestock, with increased productivity.
In 2025, we also launched a new tourism project, including the Nengo Hill hike and tourism based on conferences, which will complement our tourism sector.
All of this has contributed to raising the district’s commercial profile. The taxes collected from businesses have increased significantly, from Rwf4.2 billion to Rwf5 billion, showing that the private sector is thriving.
{{Rubavu has a new port. How has it transformed water transport?}}
This is the first time Rubavu has had such a port, and it has opened a new route for cross-border trade. We were used to land borders, but because our neighbor, Congo, has vast areas that are more accessible by water, the port has been a great addition. The port has made it easier for goods to reach parts of Congo that were previously hard to access, greatly benefiting cross-border trade.
Today, over 90 vessels use the port, and goods produced in Rwanda now have an easier route to DR Congo, opening up new opportunities in business and helping us make better use of Lake Kivu.
{{There’s been talk of introducing public ferry services. How far along is this plan?}}
The public ferry service is still under preparation, but things are progressing well. The port now has a section dedicated to passengers, and we are in the process of constructing larger ferries to carry more passengers. The President has already approved the ferry for the Nkombo residents in Rusizi, and this will be used by everyone, not just Nkombo residents. The ferry is still being built.
Regarding legal reforms, the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) has presented the project that will regulate passenger transport by water. This is still being reviewed, and the relevant authorities are evaluating it before final approval.
We expect to see the water transport system operational soon, both from a ferry perspective and legally. There will be new signs to guide boats and established routes.
What is the status of plans to upgrade Rubavu’s airport and launch RwandAir flights?
The airport project has been in preparation for some time, and we’ve received information that preparations for flights to Rubavu are almost complete. However, we are still awaiting the exact start date. This is a large-scale project that involves regulatory work, ensuring airport security, and preparing other facilities for the flights.
We are told the project is almost ready, and we are waiting for the announcement of the start date. Everything else has been prepared, and there have been no major obstacles. We expect the launch to happen soon.
{{What are Rubavu’s prospects for 2026?}}
We will continue from where we left off. We are focusing on urban planning to ensure that people build properly and use the land effectively. We are also helping people invest in infrastructure and grow their businesses. Rubavu will continue to be a key economic hub with new multi-story buildings, improved public spaces, and more opportunities for investors.
Rubavu residents are encouraged to make use of the industrial zone, and we continue to focus on agriculture and livestock to improve production. We will keep working towards sustainable growth for everyone in the district.
Following their private meeting, the two Heads of State convened with the African Union–appointed Panel of Experts, comprising former African leaders: former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza.
According to the Office of the President, the talks focused on the “security situation in eastern DRC, the progress of ongoing diplomatic engagements, and ways to strengthen coordination between regional and continental mediation efforts to advance peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes region.”
The Panel of Experts was established in March 2025 through the merger of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, creating a unified framework to harmonise efforts among stakeholders addressing the crisis in eastern DRC. Its mandate includes guiding peace negotiations between the Congolese government and armed groups, including the M23 and other factions active in the region.
The merged peace process prioritises the implementation of previously agreed measures, such as the disarmament of the FDLR militia, a militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The regional efforts are complemented by international support from countries including Qatar and the United States, aimed at restoring stability in the region.
According to authorities, more than Ksh.11 billion (about Rwf 124 billion) was siphoned off through fictitious surgeries and fraudulent claims by health facilities within just six months, between October 2024 and April 2025.
Introduced to replace the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), the system was designed to modernise access to healthcare and provide improved health coverage for all Kenyans. However, only months after its launch, it is now facing a serious crisis of confidence, with hundreds of facilities accused of manipulating reimbursement claims.
Investigations have uncovered practices such as fictitious treatments, inflated billing, and the registration of “ghost patients.” Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, appearing before members of the National Assembly in Naivasha this week, revealed a disturbing trend in which expectant mothers were allegedly forced to undergo unnecessary caesarean sections to inflate insurance claims.
“Somebody wants to force a mother to a C-section when she can deliver normally just because they want to get a difference of Ksh.20,000 (Rwf 225,000),” Duale told lawmakers.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula expressed concern over the growing reliance on surgical deliveries.
“We used to see doctors tell mothers to push during birth. Nowadays it is just go to theatre. We want to go back to pushing,” he said.
Authorities said irregularities were detected using artificial intelligence, including one striking case in Kwale County, where an insured individual was listed as having 381 dependents.
“We are handing over that patient to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” Duale said.
In response to the revelations, more than 1,100 health facilities have been closed or suspended, and dozens of medical professionals have been deregistered from the SHA system. Criminal investigations are ongoing, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations pursuing those implicated in the fraud.
Despite the crisis, the government maintains that the Taifa Care programme, central to Kenya’s push for universal health coverage, will continue. Officials say tighter controls and stronger oversight measures are being implemented to restore public trust and ensure the system operates fairly for all Kenyans.
Launched as part of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) in 2017, when only 27% of district residents had electricity access, the initiative has made steady progress with coverage reaching 60.6% by 2024.
In an interview with IGIHE, Jean Claude Habanabakize, Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Development, highlighted the district’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access.
“Our goal under the upcoming 2025–2029 development plan is 100% household coverage,” he stated. The EPC Nyabihu Project, implemented by the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL), draws funding from multiple sources.
It includes 14.7 million USD (approximately Rwf 21.46 billion) from one budget line, supplemented by over Rwf 5 billion specifically for connecting the 21,000 households.
“This combined investment will raise electricity coverage to 82.9% in the near term,” Habanabakize explained. “Already, 17,209 households are connected via the main power line. Upon full completion, we anticipate reaching 92% coverage.”
He noted that sectors where electricity has been extended are experiencing rapid socio-economic growth, with businesses thriving and development accelerating.
Habanabakize also urged residents to adhere to land use plans and relocate to designated village settlements, where infrastructure rollout, including electricity, is more efficient and cost-effective.
DIRCO said the decision follows “a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice” by Seidman, which it described as posing “a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.”
“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a deliberate failure to inform DIRCO of purported visits by senior Israeli officials,” the department said.
DIRCO said Seidman’s actions were “a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention,” adding that they have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.
It urged the Israeli government to ensure that its future diplomatic conduct respects South Africa and established principles of international engagement.
The initiative forms part of a wider partnership between the Ministry of Education and MTN Rwanda to identify areas of collaboration to improve digital access across the education sector.
Under the partnership MINEDUC and MTN will align on various interventions and initiatives such as zero-rating of selected education platforms, customized bundles for teachers, and affordable connectivity solutions for education institutions and learning-related activities.
These interventions are designed to strengthen teaching, learning, and access to digital resources nationwide.
The Digital Skills and Digital Jobs initiative specifically, is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen youth employability, digital entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness.
Delivered through the MTN Skills Academy, the DSDJ platform provides free, on-demand training in digital literacy, digital marketing, data analytics, coding, financial literacy, and work readiness, alongside career guidance and access to more than 500 online courses to support young people’s transition from learning to earning.
Importantly, the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative will be integrated into the Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) Programme, enabling out-of-school youth who are often excluded from formal learning pathways to access practical digital skills and participate in Rwanda’s digital transformation.
Through RISE and beyond, the platform will support job readiness, digital entrepreneurship, and the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative directly contributes to national priorities under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, particularly in the areas of job creation, digital inclusion, and human capital development.
It complements existing education, TVET, and workforce-development frameworks by addressing persistent digital skills gaps while ensuring alignment with national standards and policy direction.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education emphasized the importance of strategic public–private partnerships in accelerating national priorities and expanding opportunities for young people across Rwanda.
“Developing relevant digital skills is essential to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. Through policy-aligned partnerships such as this, we are expanding access to future-ready competencies while ensuring inclusion, quality, and coherence with our national education and skills frameworks.”
“This partnership with the Ministry of Education is about ensuring that technology truly supports learning for both students and educators. By expanding access to connectivity, supporting customized data and devices plans, and strengthening digital skills, we are working together to make digital education more inclusive and practical.
“We believe that when learners and educators are empowered with the right tools, they are better prepared for the future of work and Rwanda’s digital growth,” states Monzer Ali Chief Executive Officer MTN Rwandacell Plc.
The Ministry of Education will provide policy guidance, alignment with national standards, and oversight, while MTN Rwanda contributes digital infrastructure and delivery expertise, ensuring the initiative strengthens and complements existing public programmes.
MTN Rwandacell Plc is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
The telecom offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to customers, with a belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
Inyambo cows are renowned for their striking features, most notably their long, elegant, upward-curving horns, which make them stand out in any crowd. But beyond their beauty lies a deep historical and cultural connection that ties them directly to Rwanda’s monarchy and the traditions of the people. These cows are not simply bred for milk or meat like ordinary cattle; they have a much more profound role in Rwandan society.
The roots of the Inyambo breed trace back to the 12th century, and their association with the Nyiginya monarchy has shaped their role in Rwandan culture. Unlike other cattle, Inyambo were not just a part of the royal family’s possessions; they were essential for royal ceremonies and played a central role in the celebration of power and prestige. Kings and chiefs would keep these cows as symbols of their status, and during important events, the
Inyambo were adorned with beads, bells, and jewellery.
Trained from a young age, these cows were made to parade gracefully and were even taught to follow traditional songs, creating a spectacle that showcased Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and royal traditions.
The Inyambo were not mere personal property of the kings; they belonged to the kingdom itself. These cows were seen as public treasures, embodying the unity of the Rwandan people and symbolizing the identity of the nation.
Historical records suggest that Rwandan kings were often reminded by their advisors that the Inyambo cows were part of the nation’s heritage, not just private possessions. This connection to the people and the kingdom made the Inyambo far more than just cattle; they were living representations of Rwanda’s culture, strength, and unity.
Beyond their royal associations, Inyambo cows have a deep cultural significance. They symbolise gratitude, blessings, and the close relationship between the people and their land. As symbols of prosperity and goodwill, the Inyambo were often used as gifts and diplomatic tokens, further cementing their role as icons of Rwandan culture.
However, the journey of the Inyambo breed has not been without its challenges. Over time, diseases, wars, and crossbreeding with other cattle breeds led to a significant decline in their population. The once-prevalent Inyambo cows found themselves on the brink of endangerment.
Recognising the importance of preserving this iconic breed, the government of Rwanda has taken active steps to protect and revive the Inyambo population, ensuring that this piece of living heritage does not fade into history.
Today, the Inyambo are carefully preserved and maintained at institutions like the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where herders continue the ancient traditions of grooming, handling, and parading the cows.
These cows are not only a cultural attraction for visitors but also a source of national pride. Visitors to Rwanda can marvel at the sight of the Inyambo cows, and many are drawn to the sight of the cows’ ceremonial parades, where the elegance and grandeur of these animals are on full display.
To further protect and preserve the breed, modern breeding programs have been introduced by the Rwanda Agriculture Board. These programs combine traditional knowledge with cutting-edge techniques, including in vitro fertilisation and cryopreservation, to maintain the breed’s unique genetic traits. Such scientific efforts ensure that the Inyambo cows continue to thrive in a changing world, securing their place in both Rwanda’s past and its future.
The Inyambo also continue to play a vital role in Rwandan cultural celebrations. During national events and festivals like Umuganura, where the country celebrates its harvest and unity, the Inyambo cows are paraded as symbols of elegance and cultural pride. Their presence at these celebrations is a reminder of the nation’s rich royal history and its commitment to preserving its traditions.
In essence, the Inyambo cows are not just cattle; they are a living bridge between Rwanda’s past and present. These majestic animals are a direct link to the royal courts of the past, and they continue to serve as symbols of Rwanda’s cultural pride, history, and unity. They represent the strength of the Rwandan people and their resilience in preserving their heritage.
So, the next time you see the majestic horns of an Inyambo cow, take a moment to reflect on the history, culture, and tradition that these animals carry with them. They are not just a reminder of Rwanda’s royal past but also a symbol of a proud and thriving nation that has maintained its cultural roots while looking toward the future.
