The potential threat emerged while Flight 292 was flying over the Caspian Sea. In response, the aircraft changed course and headed toward Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. It was escorted by two Eurofighter jets from the Italian Air Force to ensure a secure landing.
American Airlines later confirmed that the bomb threat, which was received via email, was determined to be unfounded.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 199 passengers and 15 crew members, is scheduled to continue its journey on Monday.
This year’s exhibition was officially inaugurated by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
Representing Rwanda at SIA 2025 are the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwandan Embassy in France, and more than 28 companies involved in agricultural product trade and exports.
Rwanda’s agricultural sector has seen substantial growth in exports, with total revenue reaching $3.2 billion (over 4.3 trillion Rwandan Francs) between 2020 and 2024, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
As one of the world’s leading agricultural trade fairs, SIA offers Rwandan businesses a prime opportunity to showcase their high-quality products, forge new market connections, and promote the country’s agricultural sector on an international stage.
Among the participating companies are Kinazi Cassava, represented by Ann Christin Ishimwe, Tropi Wanda Ltd, Effective M&N, ABCD Great Life Ltd, Best in Rwanda, 3N Farms, Hobe Coffee Company Ltd, Ino Coffee Series, Coopac Ltd, Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company Ltd, Mahembe Coffee, Rixu Coffee, and Agrismat.
The 2024 edition of the fair, which marked its 60th anniversary, attracted over 600,000 visitors from various countries, highlighting the event’s significance for global agricultural trade.
As SIA 2025 unfolds, expectations remain high for professionals, producers, and the public to explore innovations and trends shaping the future of agriculture.
Below are some photos of Rwanda’s presence at the SIA 2025, running from February 22 to March 2.
karirima@igihe.com
In a detailed opinion piece published in South Africa’s Sunday Times, Kabila reflects on the fleeting optimism of 2019, when the DRC celebrated its first peaceful transfer of power, only to see it collapse under Tshisekedi’s leadership.
“At the beginning of 2019, Africa and the world celebrated the first peaceful transfer of power in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Kabila writes. “However, the optimism was short-lived as President Félix Tshisekedi soon dismantled the agreement that had underpinned the transition.”
Since then, he argues, the country has deteriorated, with the ongoing war threatening not only the DRC but the stability of the entire region.
Kabila points to the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the resurgence of the M23 rebel group since 2021, as a symptom of deeper failures. He dismisses the government’s narrative that the crisis hinges solely on M23 or tensions with Rwanda as “misleading.”
Instead, he insists, “The crisis… is multifaceted. It is not just a security and humanitarian emergency but also a political, social, and ethical one.”
Kabila also pokes holes in Tshisekedi’s “systematic dismantling of the Republican Pact,” the 2006 constitution born from the Sun City dialogue.
“The pact had provided a foundation for stability, enabling the country to end years of civil war, reunify, hold democratic elections, and witness its first peaceful transfer of power,” he notes.
Yet, under Tshisekedi, this progress has been undone through “violating the constitution, conducting fraudulent elections in December 2023, and consolidating absolute power.”
The former president accuses Tshisekedi of plunging the DRC into “severe democratic backsliding,” with political opposition silenced through “intimidation, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and forced exile of politicians, journalists, and religious leaders.”
Economically, he warns, “The national debt, which had been stabilised in 2010, has surged once again, raising concerns about the country’s financial future.”
Kabila argues that military solutions alone—such as those backed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC)—cannot resolve the crisis without addressing its root causes.
“Any attempt to resolve the crisis without addressing its root causes—namely, the governance failures under Tshisekedi—will be futile,” he writes. “Human rights violations, constitutional breaches, and military crackdowns on civilians will persist even if negotiations with Rwanda are concluded or if M23 is defeated militarily.”
He urges SADC and the international community, particularly South Africa, to reconsider their approach.
“Given the histories of its member states, SADC should recognise this reality,” Kabila asserts. “The grievances of the Congolese people against their government must be acknowledged and addressed. If not, the country will face continued political turmoil, insecurity, institutional instability, and possibly another civil war.”
Kabila maintains that the current conflict can only be fully addressed through a broader solution.
“A lasting solution requires more than just military support—it demands efforts to restore democracy, peace, and stability. Wasting resources on propping up a dictatorship only prolongs the suffering of the Congolese people.”
“The international community, particularly South Africa, must decide whether it will continue supporting a tyrannical regime or championing the democratic aspirations of the people of the DRC.”
Kabila served as the fourth President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019. His remarks come just days after Tshisekedi accused him of colluding with M23 rebels to destabilise Congo.
South Africa had deployed over 2,900 troops as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIRDC). They were joined by forces from Malawi and Tanzania, alongside Burundian troops, fighting alongside the FARDC, Wazalendo militias, and European mercenaries.
However, M23 fighters overwhelmed them, killing 14 South African soldiers, capturing Goma, and surrounding the remaining troops. Two soldiers from Malawi and two others from Tanzania also died during the clashes in Sake and Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province.
Following these losses, South Africa’s Parliament has been pressuring President Cyril Ramaphosa to withdraw the troops, arguing that they are being sacrificed in a foreign conflict for the benefit of private interests.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka recently told the media that it was time for South African troops stationed at the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) bases to leave, as they had been offered safe passage through Rwanda.
He stated that Rwanda is the only viable route, as the airport in Goma remains closed after the group shut it down, accusing the Congolese government of using it to load and deploy bombs against civilian populations. He also added that the airport is not safe to use due to unexploded ordnance and a damaged runway.
“We informed them that they can return home via Rwanda. We have no issue with that. Even though they are stationed at MONUSCO bases, they must leave.”
Reports indicate that 189 South African soldiers, including five in critical condition and two expectant women, are set to be evacuated through the Rwandan border on Tuesday, 25 February 2025. These troops were deployed to the DRC in late 2023.
The bodies of the South African soldiers who died in Congo in late January were repatriated through the Rwandan border, transported to Uganda, and then flown home for burial. Reports indicate that South Africa refused an offer to airlift the bodies through Rwanda, accusing Rwanda of backing M23 fighters. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these claims, insisting that the rebels are Congolese citizens fighting for their rights after decades of marginalisation and persecution by Congolese authorities.
During a recent session, South African lawmakers accused President Ramaphosa of deploying troops to the DRC for personal interests, alleging that his family and close associates in the mining sector were seeking access to the region’s mineral wealth.
They also questioned why, out of the 15 SADC member states, only three countries deployed troops while the rest chose not to participate.
In a statement released on Sunday, the president’s office said that during the meeting, the Rwandan Head of State emphasised Rwanda’s commitment to a peaceful resolution while underscoring the necessity of recognising its legitimate concerns.
“President Kagame made it clear that Rwanda is committed to a peaceful resolution but its legitimate security interests must be recognized and respected,” the statement read.
The President also reiterated the importance of respecting the ongoing continental process to bring a lasting solution to the conflict in DRC.
Lammy’s visit to Rwanda followed his participation in the G20 meeting in South Africa, where he had vowed to deliver a strong message to President Kagame regarding alleged Rwandan military presence in eastern DRC. The UK has accused Rwanda of violating DRC’s sovereignty, an allegation Kigali has consistently dismissed as unfounded.
Ahead of Lammy’s visit, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe indicated that discussions would be frank.
In a post on X, Nduhungirehe welcomed Lammy’s anticipated statements but hinted at Rwanda’s firm stance on the issue. “Really? I look forward to seeing this and reading a strong statement after the meeting. Welcome to Kigali, David Lammy!” he posted.
The Rwandan government has continued to criticise what it sees as an international bias in addressing the eastern DRC crisis, pointing to the persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese and the DRC government’s support for the FDLR, a militia composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Kigali argues that any long-term solution must be rooted in regional mechanisms, including efforts led by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the conflict between the Congolese government and M23/AFC rebel group.
In contrast, the UK has signalled potential consequences for Rwanda if it continues to be involved in the conflict. However, Rwandan officials argue that threats of sanctions or punitive measures will not resolve the crisis, noting that past international interventions have failed to stabilise the region.
During his visit to Africa, Lammy also met with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on Saturday.
Rwanda has defended its defensive measures along its border with the DRC, citing recent cross-border attacks and security threats posed by the FDLR. As tensions remain high, Kigali maintains that the solution lies in political dialogue between the Congolese government and armed groups, including M23, rather than external pressure on Rwanda.
According to a report by The New York Times, Tshisekedi, whose government has struggled to retain control over territories recently overtaken by the M23, is negotiating trade agreements for the DRC’s prized minerals.
The Congolese head of state’s goal is to leverage the natural resources—among the most abundant in the world—to garner assistance from Western powers, hoping they will apply more pressure on Rwanda, which he accuses of backing the M23 rebels. Rwanda has repeatedly denied the claims.
The DRC is rich in minerals, including cobalt, copper, diamonds, and gold, and has vast untapped resources valued at an estimated $24 trillion. Cobalt, in particular, plays a crucial role in global supply chains, as the DRC provides about 60% of the world’s cobalt reserves.
Tshisekedi’s offer aims to entice the U.S. and European countries into becoming more involved in the region, with the hope of tipping the scale in the DRC’s favour in its battle against M23 in the wake of the capture of Bukavu and Goma, key cities in eastern Congo.
Tshisekedi’s negotiations come at a time when China has made significant inroads into the DRC’s mining sector, with many of the country’s mineral resources controlled by foreign entities.
This has fueled ongoing tensions, as the local population continues to live in poverty despite the wealth generated from mining activities. Congo’s mineral wealth has often been siphoned off by foreign companies, with only a fraction of the proceeds benefiting the Congolese people.
The DRC’s mineral wealth has long been a point of contention, especially regarding Rwanda’s alleged role in supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Tshisekedi has repeatedly made.
Rwanda, for its part, denies involvement, and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka has refuted Tshisekedi’s assertion that the group is motivated by the DRC’s mineral resources.
In past media statements, Kanyuka stated that M23’s struggle is not for control of valuable land but for survival, accusing Kinshasa of oppressing ethnic groups, particularly the Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the east, and denying them recognition as true Congolese citizens.
Meanwhile, reports of Tshisekedi’s latest overtures come just days after the U.S. government imposed sanctions on General (rtd) James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accusing him of facilitating connections between Rwanda and M23.
The Rwandan government strongly condemned the sanctions, terming them “unjustified” and counterproductive to regional peace efforts.
“The sanctions are unjustified. The international community should support, not undermine, ongoing regional efforts toward a political solution. If sanctions could resolve the conflict in eastern DRC, we would have had peace in the region decades ago,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said.
Rwanda has consistently argued that the crisis in eastern Congo is rooted in deeper historical and governance issues that require political solutions rather than external pressure.
The agreement, inked behind closed doors at 2 a.m. on Sunday in Nairobi, led to the formation of the Sudan Founding Alliance.
The signing marked the culmination of four days of intense negotiations in Kenya, where key stakeholders convened to chart the way forward for Sudan.
More than 20 political parties, 10 civil organizations, and five military groups, including the RSF, were signatories to the charter.
The agreement calls for the creation of a “secular, democratic, decentralized state” in Sudan, based on principles of freedom, equality, and justice, without favouritism towards any cultural, ethnic, religious, or regional identity. One of its most contentious provisions is the formation of a “new, unified, professional, national army,” incorporating all armed factions while eliminating political interference within the military.
The new army would be tasked with ending the ongoing conflict, countering terrorism, and improving diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries. The charter also aims to ensure unhindered humanitarian aid and integrate armed groups into a single, national force.
Among the signatories was Abdelaziz al-Hilu, a powerful rebel leader controlling significant territories in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Abdel Rahim Daglo, the deputy and brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, also signed the pact.
However, the formation of this parallel government has sparked concern among international bodies, including the United Nations, which warned that such moves could further fragment Sudan and exacerbate the crisis. The Arab League also condemned actions that could threaten Sudan’s unity.
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The Sudanese army, which has been battling the RSF for control, strongly opposed the formation of the alliance. Sudan’s government in Port Sudan has accused Kenya of hosting a “rebel militia” and recalled its ambassador from Nairobi in protest.
In response, Kenyan President William Ruto maintained that Kenya had merely provided a neutral platform for Sudanese stakeholders to engage in dialogue.
Despite growing diplomatic friction, signatories of the pact insisted that their goal was to resolve Sudan’s deep-rooted problems rather than further divide the nation. They argued that the government operating out of Port Sudan had failed to bring peace and that the new alliance would provide a pathway toward stability.
The war between the RSF and the Sudanese army, which began in April 2023, has devastated the country, leading to what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst hunger and displacement crises. More than 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, and famine looms in multiple regions.
While the RSF has seized most of the western Darfur region and parts of Kordofan, it is facing pushback from the Sudanese army in central Sudan. The army recently retook key areas in greater Khartoum and Al Jazirah state, further intensifying the conflict.
With both the RSF and the Sudanese army solidifying their respective power bases, Sudan appears increasingly divided. The formation of a rival government threatens to deepen existing fractures, making peace efforts even more complex.
Spectators gathered in anticipation at the grand opening ceremony of the Tour du Rwanda, filling the BK Arena with an electric energy.
The prestigious cycling event, which has gained international recognition, brings together top cyclists from Africa and beyond.
The honour of being the first rider to set off went to Nzafashwanayo Jean Claude, representing the Centre Mondial Cyclisme team. He is one of 16 Rwandan cyclists participating in this year’s competition, which features a total of 14 teams and 69 riders.
The opening day’s race will cover a 3.4-kilometre individual time trial, where each rider competes against the clock to set the best time.
The 2025 Tour du Rwanda is scheduled to run from February 23 to March 2, traversing all four provinces of Rwanda as well as the City of Kigali.
The race, renowned for its challenging mountainous routes, continues to grow in prominence as one of Africa’s most demanding and thrilling cycling events.
First held in 1988 as a regional competition, the Tour du Rwanda became part of the UCI Africa Tour in 2009. It is currently classified as a 2.1 category race, attracting elite professional teams from around the world.
The race has become a key event on the international cycling calendar, drawing some of the best riders to compete on Rwanda’s scenic but grueling terrain.
The 2024 edition saw Joe Blackmore of Israel – Premier Tech claim victory in a memorable fashion. Not only did he celebrate his 21st birthday during the race, but he also took the race lead on that day and secured his triumph with a solo win in the final stage in Kigali.
The victory marked his first UCI race win, making it an especially significant milestone in his career.
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The Tour du Rwanda is more than just a race; it serves as a platform to showcase Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
The event plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic growth, drawing visitors from around the globe and uniting Rwandans who passionately line the race routes to cheer for their favourite riders.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a brief statement confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff rested well.
“The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” Bruni said, without providing further details on whether the pope was awake or had resumed eating.
Francis remains in critical condition as he recovers from a complicated lung infection that led to the severe respiratory episode on Saturday morning.
Medical sources at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the pope has been receiving treatment since February 14, told several international news outlets that the crisis was prolonged and required intensive medical intervention, including oxygen therapy to assist his breathing.
The pope also underwent blood transfusions due to a significant drop in platelet levels, a condition that can be caused by infections or medication side effects.
Despite the gravity of his condition, the Vatican reported that Francis was alert and spent much of Saturday sitting in an armchair, though experiencing increased pain. Doctors have classified his prognosis as “reserved,” meaning that while he remains stable, the situation remains uncertain given his advanced age and history of lung disease.
Medical experts warn that the primary risk facing Pope Francis is the potential onset of sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.
So far, tests indicate no signs of sepsis, and the pope has been responding to the medications administered for his condition.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, emphasized the precarious nature of the pope’s health. “Sepsis, combined with his respiratory difficulties and age, would pose a significant challenge,” he stated during a press briefing.
Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been prone to respiratory illnesses and bronchitis, particularly in winter months. The Vatican confirmed that he has been under a regimen of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen to manage his condition.
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As speculation grows over the possibility of Pope Francis stepping down due to his deteriorating health, Vatican officials have firmly denied any discussions of resignation. The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, dismissed such speculation as “unfounded” and emphasized that the primary concern is the pope’s recovery.
“There is no movement toward resignation, nor have I heard anything suggesting such discussions,” Parolin told Corriere della Sera in an interview. He also dismissed recent reports that Vatican officials had secretly met with the pope in the hospital to discuss his potential departure.
Francis has previously stated that he has written a letter of resignation to be used in case he becomes medically incapacitated. However, he has also asserted that he views the papacy as a lifelong mission and has no immediate plans to step aside.
Meanwhile, Vatican events marking the Holy Year of 2025 continue without the pope’s direct participation. This weekend, the Vatican was set to celebrate deacons, a key ministry within the Catholic Church. Pope Francis had planned to preside over the event but was forced to withdraw due to his health.
Two of the five hostages were transferred earlier on Saturday from a vehicle of al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, to vehicles of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Rafah, southern Gaza, which later carried them to the IDF and the Israel Security Agency, according to Israeli and Palestinian sources.
The two are Avera Mengistu, 38, an Ethiopian-born Israeli man from Ashkelon, who crossed into Gaza in 2014 and had been held captive ever since, and Tal Shoham, 40, who was seized during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the sources told Xinhua.
Shoham’s wife and two children, who were also taken hostage, were released in November 2023 under a temporary ceasefire agreement.
Later in the day, three other Israeli hostages were handed over by Hamas to the Israeli authorities via the ICRC in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, according to Palestinian sources.
The three — Omer Shem-Tov, 22, Eliya Cohen, 27, and Omer Wenkert, 23 — were also seized during the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
According to eyewitnesses at the handover ceremony, the three hostages appeared to be in good health, wearing military uniforms and carrying their release certificates. In a striking moment, one of them was seen kissing the heads of two masked members of the al-Qassam Brigades standing beside them.
Another Israeli hostage, 37-year-old Hisham al-Sayed, was released in central Gaza without an official ceremony later on Saturday, said a source within the al-Qassam Brigades.
The Israeli military said al-Sayed has been handed over to Red Cross representatives after being held for almost 10 years and is on his way to Israeli troops in Gaza.
The releases are part of the latest hostage-prisoner swap under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to which Israel will free 602 Palestinian prisoners later in the day. The swap is also the final one where Hamas handed over living hostages under the first phase of the agreement.
The first phase, effective since January 19, is set to conclude next week when Hamas is expected to finish the release of 33 Israeli hostages — 25 living ones and eight dead — in exchange for over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners.
