The statement came in response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to target Iran’s power infrastructure, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
The Strait of Hormuz has not been fully closed and remains under Iran’s “smart control,” with non-harmful transit continuing under specific regulations to ensure national security and interests, the statement said.
If U.S. threats are carried out, Iran would immediately adopt several punitive measures, including the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz until damaged Iranian facilities are rebuilt, it said.
Other measures would include large-scale strikes on Israel’s power, energy and communications infrastructure, attacks on regional companies with U.S. capital ties, and targeting power facilities in countries hosting U.S. military bases.
The statement stressed that Iran would take “all necessary measures” to defend its national interests and would continue operations against U.S. and allied economic and energy infrastructure in the region.
He made the remarks on Sunday, March 22, 2026, during the Sixth National Congress of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League, which also elected new leadership.
Amb. Bazivamo urged the youth to be guided by integrity, avoid the misuse of social media, reject hate speech and division, and consistently promote unity and national cohesion.
“FPR-Inkotanyi youth should stand out and be exemplary in all aspects by maintaining cleanliness, discipline, professionalism, and delivering quality service wherever you are. Be role models in your families, especially in your communities. Be exemplary in your work, in schools, and in leadership. Be youth who provide solutions wherever you are,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of responsible engagement on digital platforms, encouraging young people to promote truth and counter misinformation.
“On social media, where you interact, we ask you to be exemplary in promoting truth. Avoid harmful content, protect our country’s image, fight falsehoods and division, and use these platforms as a tool to build and develop Rwanda,” he added.
He further reminded the youth that they carry the responsibility of representing Rwanda both locally and internationally.
“Wherever you are, remember that you represent Rwanda. Your behaviour, speech, and actions should reflect integrity, good character, dedication, and patriotism.”
Amb. Bazivamo also commended the outgoing leadership for their dedication and commitment, noting that the newly elected committee is expected to build on those achievements with even greater effort.
“You are required to put in more effort than those before you to achieve even more and build on the strong foundation already laid. We expect you to drive rapid and sustainable development. As members of FPR-Inkotanyi, we are ready to support you in fulfilling your responsibilities,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the party’s Chairman in prioritising youth in national development programs, noting that supporting his vision requires active participation and tangible results.
He encouraged the youth to work together, remain focused on development, and avoid negative behaviours that could hinder progress.
New leadership elected
Mugisha Ernest was elected President of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League, with Rwagitare Nelly elected as Vice President. Kwizera Urindwa Esther was elected as Secretary General.
Other members of the executive committee include Nuru Mupenzi Israel, who will oversee good governance; Marie Valantine Niyodusingiza, who will be in charge of economic affairs; Icyoyishakiye, who will handle social affairs; and Kayiteshonga Kesly, who will be responsible for justice.
In his remarks, Mugisha Ernest pledged to strengthen youth participation in national development and safeguard the achievements made so far.
“We are committed to changing mindsets and acting as true winners. FPR-Inkotanyi is built on a winning spirit, and as youth, we are the future of our country. What has been achieved so far was made possible by our predecessors, but sustaining and building on these gains will require collective effort and unity of purpose,” he said.
Youth achievements highlighted
Over the past two years, of more than 700,000 jobs created, over 570,000, representing 81%, were filled by young people.
In addition, more than 3,700 youth-led projects have been supported with access to finance through various initiatives, including Youth Connekt, the TVET Youth Challenge, and ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi.
These programs have been implemented across the country, with efforts ongoing to expand their reach.
The Youth League has also contributed to community development, including the construction of more than 1,300 houses for vulnerable families, establishment of kitchen gardens, sanitation facilities, and renovation of recreational infrastructure.
Youth members have also supported efforts to keep children in school and helped reintegrate dropouts into the education system.
Through the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme, young people have collectively saved over Rwf 4.8 billion.
Furthermore, more than 2.6 million youth participated in campaigns against genocide ideology, while over 3.9 million engaged in the Intore program during school holidays.
The Secretary General of the FPR-Inkotanyi, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on young people to uphold strong values, use social media responsibly, and play an active role in safeguarding Rwanda’s image and development.The national congress was held on Sunday, March 22, 2026.Mugisha Ernest was elected President of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League.The newly elected leaders of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League.
The City of Kigali–backed side saw its relegation effectively sealed with one match remaining in the 2025/26 FERWAFA Women’s Super League season, following a 1-1 draw with Inyemera WFC on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in a Matchday 21 fixture.
Inyemera WFC, which hosted the encounter, proved a difficult opponent, and the match ended level despite both teams creating opportunities. The result left AS Kigali WFC in 11th place with 13 points, four points behind Forever WFC, which sits 10th with 17 points.
AS Kigali WFC will be relegated alongside Nyagatare WFC, who lost 2-1 to Bugesera FC. The Nyagatare-based side has failed to register a single point this season and will go down regardless of the outcome of its remaining fixture against AS Kigali WFC.
AS Kigali WFC now features a squad largely composed of young players.
The 2025/26 campaign has been a challenging one for AS Kigali WFC, marked by significant squad changes and instability in the technical bench.
The season began with the return of Mukamusonera Théogènie as head coach, replacing Bizumuremyi Radjab, who had left to join Rutsiro FC in the men’s top division. However, coaching changes continued in February when Mukamusonera was replaced by his assistant, Mubumbyi Adolphe “Igor.”
Mubumbyi struggled to reverse the team’s fortunes, collecting just two points from five matches during his one-month spell in charge.
Despite its relegation, AS Kigali WFC leaves the top flight with a strong historical record. Over its 18-year stay in the first division, the club established itself as the most successful side in the league’s history, winning 12 league titles.
Twagirumukiza’s statements come as the DRC government has repeatedly downplayed the FDLR’s strength, arguing that the group consists mainly of elderly fighters and poses little threat.
Last month, Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson for the DRC government, denied any cooperation between his country and the FDLR. He told journalists that Rwanda should not continually cite the FDLR issue, as many of its members are now located in areas controlled by the AFC/M23, which often attribute regional instability to Rwanda.
Twagirumukiza, however, challenges that view. He is currently completing reintegration training through the National Commission for Demobilisation and Reintegration (RDRC). On March 20, 2026, during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, he recounted his return to Rwanda in October 2025 after realising that the forests of the DRC, where he had lived for 31 years, offered no future prospects.
A native of Kigali, Twagirumukiza explained that during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he served in the former Rwandan Armed Forces (Ex-FAR) but fled to the DRC, like many others. In the Burungi camp in South Kivu, he underwent military training alongside both soldiers and civilians before joining the FDLR, which aimed to undermine Rwanda’s security.
He described the FDLR as a resilient organisation that continues to renew itself through recruitment, noting that many fighters are the children of former members.
“Those who claim the FDLR no longer exists are genocide deniers trying to weaken Rwanda,” he said. “The group has never disappeared. Even during my time in the DRC, we continued to train new soldiers, mostly young men. Today, they are still present, and the FDLR is reasserting itself.”
Twagirumukiza acknowledged that internal divisions have long affected the group. In 2016, a faction broke away to form a new group called CNRD. This group later merged into the MRCD alliance, led by Paul Rusesabagina, which included the military wing FLN. In 2018, the alliance carried out several attacks in Rwanda, killing nine civilians.
*Involvement in CNRD and FLN attacks*
He recounted that while he was part of the CNRD, he was not among those sent to carry out attacks. “I stayed behind, but we understood that people were killed in Rwanda,” he said.
Twagirumukiza left the forests in 2025 after realising that, aside from the promises of their leaders, continuing the fight would achieve nothing. He reflected on the group’s internal divisions and decided to return to Rwanda to rebuild his life.
“I left to find unity and help rebuild my country,” he said. “I urge others still in the group to go home. I will return and support rebuilding without harming anyone.”
Twagirumukiza also described the lasting impact of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “What happened cannot happen again. Witnessing the genocide’s horror firsthand motivates me to prevent anyone from trying to repeat it,” he said.
He noted that many older fighters in the DRC remain unwilling to settle down or pursue normal lives, focusing solely on armed struggle. He praised Rwanda for the progress it has made since 1994.
The insecurity in the region dates back to 1994, when the Ex-FAR and Interahamwe forces murdered more than a million people in the Genocide against the Tutsi and fled to Zaire (now DRC). These groups were allowed to establish camps near Rwanda in Goma and Bukavu, which soon became military bases.
There, they recruited new fighters, trained them, and launched attacks back into Rwanda. This coalition later evolved into FDLR.
Today, it is estimated that between 7,000 and 10,000 FDLR fighters remain in the DRC, harboured by the Kinshasa government and collaborating with government forces in the fight against the M23 rebel group.
Emmanuel Twagirumukiza, a former FDLR fighter, says the militia group remains entrenched, continues to recruit youth, and has not abandoned its longstanding plan to destabilise Rwanda.
According to Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, the attacks occurred on the night of March 21–22, 2026, targeting densely populated areas, including the villages of Gakenke and Kalingi, as well as the centre of Minembwe.
“These indiscriminate attacks have caused deaths, triggered massive displacement, and inflicted significant destruction on local communities,” Kanyuka said in an official update on Sunday. “They mark a serious escalation aimed at annihilating entire communities.”
The AFC/M23 called on the Congolese people to bear witness to what it described as systematic, deliberate, and openly committed attacks against civilians, which have taken place in full view of all, while the international community remains silent.
The group emphasised that the continued targeting of civilian populations represents an intolerable situation requiring urgent attention.
Repeated ceasefire violations and ongoing hostilities have hampered efforts to stabilise the region, despite multiple declared ceasefires.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, said the attacks occurred on the night of March 21–22, 2026, targeting densely populated areas, including the villages of Gakenke and Kalingi, as well as the centre of Minembwe.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said the strike on Friday evening also injured 113 people, completely destroyed the upper floor of the hospital’s emergency department, and caused extensive damage to the hospital’s infrastructure and medical equipment, adding that a number of victims remain trapped under the rubble as search and rescue operations continue.
The RSF called the strike a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” urging an independent international investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Idris Khater, head of the civil administration in East Darfur, put the injuries at more than 90, and noted that most of the victims were women and children.
He said the strike, which completely destroyed the hospital’s emergency department, was a “direct targeting of a vital civilian institution.”
In a post on social media platform X, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan said it is “appalled” by the strike, and stressed the need to protect civilians and healthcare workers.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has not immediately commented on statements accusing it of launching the strike.
The SAF and RSF have been at war since April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions inside Sudan and across the region. East Darfur, including its capital Al-Daein, has been under the control of the RSF since the early months of the conflict.
More than 60 people, including 12 children, were killed in a drone strike on Al-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, western Sudan, local and UN sources said.
During the assembly, a new national executive committee was established to steer the League’s agenda for the coming term. Uzamukunda, who currently serves as the National General Secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Rwanda, will be deputised by Emilienne Kabega. The committee also includes Virginie Mukandayisenga, who was elected as the League’s Secretary General.
Other members of the executive committee include Christine Hitimana Niyotwambaza, in charge of governance, Ninette Umurerwa, in charge of justice, Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, in charge of social welfare, and Maryse Mbonyumutwa Kangabo, in charge of economic affairs.
The Congress served as a platform to review the significant milestones achieved by the League over the past two years. A primary highlight was the success of the “One Hundred Women” (Ijana ry’Abagore) program, a self-reliance initiative that has provided Rwf 100,000 in startup capital to at least 100 vulnerable women in every sector across Rwanda.
Furthermore, the League highlighted the impact of the “Triple Roles” framework, which assists parents in balancing household responsibilities with their contributions to national development. This sits alongside the “Women in Vision 2050” program, an initiative aimed at fostering knowledge-sharing and economic autonomy at the village level.
Reflecting on the 2023–2025 period, the League noted its success in transitioning women from informal street vending into organized cooperatives and enhancing participation in the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme. Beyond economic gains, the League remained a key player in social advocacy, driving campaigns to return school dropouts to the classroom and addressing critical health issues such as stunting and teenage pregnancy.
Looking toward the 2025–2027 strategic period, the party aims to further entrench financial inclusion and justice for women. In her inaugural remarks, Uzamukunda expressed her readiness to work closely with women across all structures to accelerate these development goals.
The RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on members to maintain the momentum of citizen mobilisation, while the party’s Vice Chairperson, Consolée Uwimana, reminded the assembly that while progress has been substantial, the journey toward total empowerment requires consistent and collective effort from both men and women.
The RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on members to maintain the momentum of citizen mobilisation.Members of the RPF-Inkotanyi Women’s League convened for their Sixth National Congress on March 21, 2026, electing Pudentienne Uzamukunda as the League’s new President. The high-level meeting, attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, coincided with the national celebration of Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Empower Her: Shape the Future Generation.”
What are these additional forces, what is their mission, and can they achieve it?
What are the additional forces?
U.S. media reported on Friday that the U.S. military’s amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, accompanied by the dock-landing ship USS Comstock and amphibious transport dock USS Portland, had left San Diego, California. They are transporting the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising about 2,500 Marines, to the Middle East.
On Tuesday, maritime tracking data showed the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying Marines and sailors to the Middle East, was nearing the Malacca Strait off Singapore as it made its way to the region. The Tripoli is the Navy’s most updated amphibious warship, known as a “big deck.”
A U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit typically has over 2,000 Marines. Its ground forces are equipped with armored vehicles and artillery, while its air combat element features Osprey aircraft, helicopters, and F-35 fighter jets.
Based on their location, it will take at least three weeks for the three warships, including the USS Boxer, to reach the Middle East. The USS Tripoli had already reached waters near Singapore earlier this week. Once assembled, U.S. troops in the region will reach 50,000.
A Marine Expeditionary Unit was last used in a U.S. raid on Venezuela earlier this year. The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima transported the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with Delta Force, for that military operation.
This file photo shows visitors watch the USS Iwo Jima as it sailed on the Hudson River during the “Parade of Ships” in New York, the United States, on May 25, 2011.
What is their mission?
Iran has restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, targeting ships associated with the United States and Israel. Blockade of this vital global energy route has driven up oil and gas prices worldwide, exacerbating inflation in the United States. Trump recently called on allies to send warships for escort operations in the strait, a request that has so far garnered little response.
U.S. media reported that the Trump administration is also considering deploying ground forces to Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub, to seize it as leverage for restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island lies about 25 km off Iran’s northwestern Gulf coast. Roughly 6 km long and 3 km wide, it handles about 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports because much of Iran’s coastline is too shallow for large tankers.
On March 12, U.S. forces carried out heavy strikes on the island, while deliberately sparing its oil facilities. Trump warned that any interference with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, by Iran or any other party, would prompt him to “immediately reconsider” that decision, leaving open the possibility of future strikes on the island’s energy infrastructure.
The photo released on July 21, 2019, shows the British oil tanker “Stena Impero” surrounded by speedboats of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran.
Can they achieve it?
Regarding the U.S. plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, military experts have said that success is unlikely without deploying ground forces to control Iran’s coastline.
“You’ll need to create a buffer zone on the ground if it’s determined that air strikes do not sufficiently decrease Iran’s ability to fire onto traffic transiting the straits,” said retired Army General James A. Marks. “That’s why Marines are en route. It’s a contingency force.”
Jason H. Campbell, a senior fellow on defense and security issues at the Middle East Institute in Washington, also said U.S. forces would need to take control of the Iranian coastline bordering the Strait and create a buffer zone.
However, analysts noted that, given low U.S. public support for military action against Iran and the failure to achieve a quick victory, using ground forces could pose significant political risks for the Trump administration.
A joint public opinion poll completed by Reuters and Ipsos on Thursday showed that 59 percent of Americans disapprove of the U.S. taking military action against Iran, while only 7 percent support sending ground troops to fight in Iran.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, recently told the media that Washington has not yet decided whether to deploy ground forces to Iran, “but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal.”
He made the remarks on March 19, 2026, during a session with the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender Equality, and Women’s Empowerment.
According to Dr. Nsanzimana, the addition of services that were previously not covered has significantly raised the cost borne by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB). These new services are expected to increase annual expenditure by at least Rwf 21 billion.
On February 24, 2026, the government announced reforms aimed at strengthening Mutuelle de Santé, a program that has been in place for 25 years and is rooted in the principle of solidarity to improve access to healthcare for all Rwandans.
Initially, citizens contributed Rwf 1,000, a figure that was later raised to Rwf 3,000 in 2011. Under the new structure, contributions are now categorized based on socio-economic status: citizens in the first social registry will be fully subsidized by the government; those in the second category will pay Rwf 3,000; the third category Rwf 5,000; the fourth Rwf 8,000; while those in the fourth social registry will contribute Rwf 20,000. RSSB estimates that about 90% of members will pay between Rwf 4,000 and Rwf 8,000.
The minister emphasized that the increase reflects the inclusion of costly but essential treatments such as cancer care, kidney dialysis, organ transplants, orthopedic and spinal surgeries, and assistive devices for people with disabilities, including hearing and vision impairments.
Last year, the scheme spent Rwf 98 billion, while member contributions totaled Rwf 31 billion, just 34% of total funding, highlighting the financial gap the reforms seek to address.
Dr. Nsanzimana detailed the distribution of contributors: 6.89% of citizens are fully covered by the government due to extreme poverty; 23% will pay Rwf 3,000 with a government top-up of Rwf 1,000; over 35% will pay Rwf 5,000; 26% will contribute Rwf 8,000; and 8% will pay Rwf 20,000.
He noted that efforts are underway, led by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and RSSB, to correct misclassifications in socio-economic categories to ensure fairness. These adjustments are expected to be completed by July 2026, when the new insurance year begins.
Despite the increase, the minister stressed that contributions remain relatively low compared to the cost of services provided. For instance, the inclusion of cancer treatment drugs alone has added at least Rwf 9 billion annually to RSSB expenditures.
“These costs are substantial, which is why we had to review how to strengthen the scheme financially, while ensuring that the burden on citizens remains manageable,” he said, noting that earlier proposals had considered raising contributions up to Rwf 15,000 from Rwf 3,000.
He warned that failing to adjust contributions over time had strained service delivery. “It was like trying to draw water from an empty container. We must reinvest in the system, especially now that we have added very expensive services,” he said.
The expansion of coverage is already improving access to care. Previously, dialysis sessions covered by the scheme were limited to 18 per patient, after which individuals had to cover the costs themselves.
Each dialysis session costs about Rwf 75,000, and patients typically require at least three sessions per week, making it unaffordable for many without insurance support.
Dr. Nsanzimana also highlighted progress in specialized treatments, including kidney transplants now performed by Rwandan doctors trained abroad, as well as plans to expand services such as heart surgery.
He noted that in 2024, more than 6,000 patients in need of orthopedic surgery had been unable to access care, but have since been treated following the inclusion of such services under Mutuelle de Santé.
Lawmakers called for increased public awareness to ensure citizens understand the reasons behind the changes. MP Deogratias Nzamwita pointed out that similar resistance was observed when RAMA and Mutuelle de Santé were first introduced, but public understanding later improved.
MP Etienne Mvano Nsabimana added that clear communication would help ease public concerns.
Meanwhile, Anastase Nabahire, Chairperson of the committee, urged authorities to address persistent issues such as inconsistencies in prescribed medication, where treatments recommended by specialists are sometimes altered by RSSB-affiliated doctors, raising questions among patients.
The revised contributions have already begun to be collected and will officially take effect in July 2026.
On 20 March 2026, residents of Kiryanongo village in Bananywa reportedly attacked the home of Semasaka and Hakiza Damascene following the detection of a strong, unpleasant smell.
Upon searching the house, they found body parts belonging to a woman from Nakabugo village who had been reported missing for several days. Some of the remains were reportedly stored in a bag. Angered by the discovery, the residents allegedly beat the two men to death.
Following the incident, the Kiryanongo village leader alerted Bananywa Police, who involved district authorities to investigate the case.
Luke Kigozi, spokesperson for the Uganda Police in the Wamala region, condemned the violence and confirmed that an investigation has been launched into both the death of the woman and the attack on the two men.
The bodies of Semasaka, Hakiza, and the woman were taken to Ntwetwe Health Centre for examination.
An investigation has been launched into both the death of the woman and the attack on the two men.
