Latest figures from NBR’s report for the year 2021/2022 released on 31st October, shows that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 8.9% in 2022 from 4.4% of the previous year registered in June 2021.
The report also indicates that Rwandan franc depreciated by 3.8% in June by the end of June 2022, compared to 5.3 percent depreciation recorded in the corresponding period of 2021.
On another note, the banking sub-sector’s aggregate net profits increased by Rwf18.5 billion to Rwf74.4 billion during the first half of 2022 from Rwf55.9 billion during the first half of 2021.
BNR indicates that transfers through mobile banking channels increased by 35 percent from 6 million to 8 million transactions and the value of transactions increased by 140 percent from Rwf917 billion to Rwf381 billion.
Meanwhile, funds transfers through internet banking increased by 42 per cent from 1,552,080 to 2,205,107 transactions and the value of transactions increased by 57 per cent from Rwf2,672 billion to Rwf4,200 billion.
The number of mobile banking subscribers increased by 18 per cent from 2,080,549 in June 2021 to 2,244,652 and Internet banking subscribers increased by 32 per cent from 106,312 to 140,662 in June 2022. Active mobile payment subscribers also increased by 9 percent from 5,079,232 in June 2021 to 5,528,109 in June 2022.
Among others; the number of card based Point-Of-Sales (POS) increased by 14 percent from 4,635 POS in June 2021 to 5,263 POS in June 2022 while the number of mobile POS increased to 49,975 in June 2022 from 45,627 in June 2021. On the other hand, Virtual POS (QR based POS) moderately increased from 4,280 in June 2021 to 4,295 in June 2022.
The number of agents providing banking services increased by 33 percent from 6,555 to 8,720 agents while mobile payment agents slightly increased by 2 percent, from 144,250 to 146,930 agents. The number of automated teller machines (ATMs) remained stable with only 1 percent of increase from 338 to 344 ATMs at end June 2022.
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As per released report, the overall value of retail e-payment to GDP increased by 16.4 percent during the period to reach 111.9 percent.
The usage was dominated by mobile payment (transfer and acquiring services) and internet banking services, which account for 67.4 percent and 35 percent of the GDP respectively.
Transfers through mobile payment channels occupied the largest share of the total number of cashless transactions with 70 percent followed by transfers via mobile banking with 26 percent.
In terms of value, transfer through mobile payment represented 51 percent followed by internet banking with 32 percent of total value of transactions.
Rwanda is among countries with segments of the population using traditional cooking fuels. Figures from the Ministry of Environment indicate that 79.9% of the population depends on charcoal and wood as a source of cooking fuels and among the rural populations those using wood is over 90%.
The Ministry also indicates that Rwanda needs at least over US$1.37 billion by 2030 to achieve the target of reducing charcoal and firewood use from 83 percent of 2019 to 42 percent of population.
The government says that the target can only be achieved through collaboration with members of the private sector and donors.
Apart from their effects on the environment, some parts of Rwanda still struggle to access charcoal and firewood as the sources of fuel depending on their topography and the fact that there has been significant deforestation over the years making wood fuel scarce.
The majority of such areas are from Eastern Province, mainly in the districts of Ngoma, Bugesera and Rwamagana.
The issue has been also pointed out by the Governor of Eastern Province, Emmanuel Gasana who revealed that residents sometimes use dry weeds to cook food.
“When it comes to cooking fuels, our province understands it easily because residents in districts including Ngoma, Rwamagana and Bugesera are sometimes hit hard and use dry weeds as an alternative for cooking fuel,” he said.
Residents also explain that they struggle to prepare food for those with no woodlots as they spend a long time roaming around hills to collect wood sticks.
Ernestine Umutesi is a mother of four residing in Mwulire Cell, Rwamagana District.
She revealed that they hardly get cooking fuels as her family has no woodlot.
This pushed parents and children to roam around hills and bushes to be able to prepare food because they cannot cover the cost for a sack of charcoal usually sold between Rwf8000 and Rwf10000.
“Apart from charcoals, firewood bought at Rwf500 is used once. This highlights how getting cooking fuels is a serious problem,” said Umutesi.
Other residents explain that those with means to buy a sack of charcoal cannot use it for more than two weeks.
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In a bid to cut expenses, reduce CO2 emissions and save forestry, the ‘Tubeho Neza’ (Live Well) project distributes energy-efficient cooking stoves which rely on wood but in much smaller quantities. It cuts wood use by 71%, and on project completion, will save 64km2 of forestry every year.
The project is run by DelAgua and is committed to uplift people’s livelihoods through access to climate and health friendly cooking stoves. The project specifically focusses on rural communities. DelAgua provides the stove free of charge, as such a high performing stove is unaffordable for the rural poor. Even subsidized, less effective stoves are out of their reach. Tubeho Neza is allowing those most in need and previously denied clean cooking, access to the best quality rocket stove available with all the health and environmental benefits it delivers.
In collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, the organization started distributing energy-efficient cooking stoves in 2012 with the target of increasing the number from current 1 million to 2.3 million stoves by 2024,one for every rural household.
On the celebration of the project’s 10th anniversary on Wednesday, October 26 in Mwulire Sector of Rwamagana District, DelAgua donated the 1 millionth stove, marking a milestone in their emission reduction model.
The donation is meant to eliminate the use of open firewood stoves or three stone stoves mostly used in rural areas . The concept and study of the environment friendly stove was designed by DelAgua to perfectly suit the rural families and is manufactured by Burn in Kenya.
Neil McDougall, the Chairman of DelAgua says that the stove’s design and performance will contribute to improved livelihoods of people in rural areas.
“We commissioned studies in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It was observed that the stove can reduce children’s deaths by 47%. It also reduces smoke as it has the capacity to burn wood cleanly and with little ash compared to three stone stoves. Also, the stove saves firewood and can reduce the use of wood sticks from ten to three. This reduces the money spent on firewood or the time spent to collect them,” he said.
Neil McDougal explained that the multi-million project is promising to contribute to the reduction of emissions and improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods as well.
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The Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya said that Tubeho Neza is the largest project all over the world aimed at distributing environment friendly energy efficient cooking stoves.
“In partnership with the Government of Rwanda, DelAgua initiated the Tubeho Neza project, which is the largest across the world. Today, we are halfway to our target,” she noted.
Dr. Mujawamariya revealed that the government exonerated taxes to make the exercise possible.
The stove donated for free is valued at Rwf80,000 including the lifelong education, support and service programme that is provided to every family alongside the stove.
Such is the effectiveness of the programme, independent audits show that 99% of the stoves given to beneficiaries are still in daily use.
Chantal Muhongerwa is among beneficiaries of the stoves who previously used three stone fires.
The woman explained that she would catch respiratory or eye complications due to the use of traditional fire.
Today, Muhongerwa has a different story to tell as her health conditions have improved and her home is always clean, thanks to the clean cooking stove received eight years ago which also reduced time spent in the kitchen.
“Today, I spend a few minutes cooking food and get time for rest. I save the money previously spent on large quantities of wood in a saving group to diversify sources of income. Before, I would use a log bought at Rwf2000 one day but a small amount of wood bought at Rwf500 can cook food the whole day using the energy-efficient stove. We are thankful for the great support,” she said.
Muhongerwa also revealed that the time she used to spend cooking beans has reduced from four hours to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Premier Ngirente delivered the message at the celebration of World Teachers’ Day marked on Wednesday 2nd November 2022.
In Rwanda, the event was held at BK Arena at national level where Dr. Ngirente addressed over 7000 teachers and delivered the message from President of the Republic.
Premier Ngirente told educators that President Kagame sent him to deliver his message.
“His Excellency, President of the Republic of Rwanda wished to be with you today but could not make it over hectic schedules and other reasons. So, he asked me to represent him at this ceremony,” he said.
“His message is covered in one word. It implies that the Government of Rwanda strongly attaches great relevance to your profession. That is why we continue to call you educators and parents in Rwanda. Keep up the momentum,” added Dr. Ngirente.
The Premier revealed that he is personally proud of the profession which has been the cornerstone for many high profile personalities.
“May the teacher be respected,” he said.
Dr. Ngirente requested teachers to continue to be a good example in their profession and Rwandan society as well.
“I once again request teachers and educators altogether to be defined by good conduct to inspire the children you teach and other segments of the population. People learn from teachers’ good manners but the opposite of this tarnishes their reputation,” he said.
“Good conduct has to go hand in hand with hygiene which should characterize all Rwandans from teachers to students. The country, parents and Rwandan society expect you to play a role in instilling such good manners among them,” added Dr. Ngirente.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya reminded teachers that they do a great job that requires dedication.
“We salute teacher’s dedication to their work. Apparently, teaching is a calling and we have been witnessing the fruits of your work. A lot still needs to be done to promote quality education, work relentlessly, and assess students’ knowledge, take heed of hygiene and work with parents whom we educate their children among others,” she advised.
Rwanda registers over 5603 teachers in nursery schools; 63,788 in primary schools; 29,858 in public and semi-public secondary schools and 7,813 in technical schools while 20,000 are from private schools.
During the ceremony, five outstanding teachers were awarded for promoting quality education while five others were awarded for efficiently utilizing loans from Umwarimu Sacco.
BPR Bank Rwanda Plc is the second largest bank in Rwanda created out of the merger of KCB Bank Rwanda plc and Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) last year while ADHI Corporate Group is a real estate company which uses modular parts pre-made in a factory for faster and more affordable construction.
This method addresses climate change concerns while providing homes that are well-suited to African climates.
ADHI Rwanda runs a Rwf100 billion eco-friendly housing project dubbed ‘Bwiza Riverside Homes’ whose first phase was launched in February this year in Karama, Kigali sector of Nyarugenge District in Kigali City.
The estate expected to give a boost to urban settlement in Kigali, is part of a project to build 2700 affordable housing units.
The project to be completed in five phases came at a time when the government of Rwanda seeks to address low and middle-income communities’ housing challenges with an aim to create 150,000 new dwellings annually to meet the projected demand of 5.5 million dwellings by 2050.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Kigali City, the Managing Director of BPR Bank, George Odhiambo said that the agreement aligns with the lender’s ambitions to create an impact to the community it serves.
He underscored that the partnership will last as long as ADHI will be constructing houses.
“BPR Bank is the bank of people. Our customer base is diverse. One of the challenges the country face is decent and affordable housing. This means that many of our customers need houses and we want to come in between and support them,” he said.
“Housing or ownership is something that some people live a life-time without acquiring. One of the greatest impacts we can create in a society is to provide decent houses. We are the bridge where we give them money to acquire the house and pay us over many years.
Our mortgage loan stretch up to 20 years. So, someone whose income is not so high can acquire a house and pay gradually. This is the contribution want to make in partnership with ADHI,” added Odhiambo.
He disclosed that the bank has engaged with many partners from various parts of the world for the last few years to help the growing population own homes but many of them died at the point of concept.
Odhiambo commended ADHI Rwanda for having reached a great milestone to break the ground and begin implementation, which has become a key enabler for the deal to materialize.
Odhiambo further stated that the MoU gives relief to customers who would hardly build houses.
“We are pleased to know that you have made this a reality. This is something that many of our customers that we fund for their personal development do not necessarily come to buy houses because they are out of their reach, To know that there is someone in town who can just deliver a house in a few weeks, or months is a big achievement for us and our customers” said Odhiambo.
As Odhiambo revealed, BPR Bank has over 1.5 million customers of whom ten thousands are rightfully qualified to start getting those houses for staying in or for investment.
ADHI Chairman, Soleman Idd said that BPR Bank becomes the only regional partner for the ongoing project and encouraged the lender to get involved in more relevant activities including training offered to young people to construct ecofriendly buildings.
Normally, an individual willing to buy a house at Bwiza Riverside was required to pay 10% upfront.
According to ADHI Chairman Vice President, Mme Soleiman Sadiya, the MoU removes the barrier as the mortgage loan can be provided without down payments.
“BPR is coming as the only bank that can finance the full ownership. You will only start paying your mortgage, the moment you have your keys. It is like you are having a house as a rental that will become yours in 20 years. This is the difference from other banks. What BPR is doing is very important for us as developers and for the customers,” she said.
The first phase of Bwiza Riverside estate is expected to be completed in July next year and will be comprised of 270 housing units.
Dr. Habumuremyi and Bizimana were not present in the court but the businessman was represented by his defence lawyer.
“Concerned parties have reached consensus and we are here to request for cancellation of the court case,” he said.
The defence lawyer revealed that they took the decision based on article 123 of the law determining processes to handle civil cases.
He explained that Bizimana got in negotiations with the daughter of Dr. Habumuremyi with whom they agreed to cancel the court case on condition that the plaint can be filed again in case the pledge is not honoured.
“That is why Pierre Damien was not present in the court. He was aware of this consent,” disclosed the defence lawyer.
Dr. Habumuremyi is a former politician who served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister between 2011 and 2014.
After serving as Prime Minister from 7th October 2011 to 23rd July 2014, he was named as the chairman of Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decoration of Honour from February 2015 prior to his arrest in 2020 over issuance of unguaranteed cheques.
Dr. Habumuremyi was released on 14th December 2021 after spending a year and three months in jail.
During trial proceedings, the prosecution said that Dr. Habumuremyi had Rwf1.5 billion in debts.
The clemency granted to him nullified the three-year jail term and Rwf892 fine that he was handed by Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on 27th November 2020.
He had to clear all debts owed to plaintiffs but experienced hurdles to clear them as his university (Christian University) which dragged him into debts was also closed owing to irregularities.
It is reported that Dr. Habumuremyi paid some individuals in installments but others did not receive a single coin.
According to sources, Dr. Habumuremyi recently told plaintiffs during negotiations that he is unable to pay pending debts because all his properties were auctioned.
He however promised them to pay them gradually within one year.
The court’s ruling on the request will be read on 10th November 2022.
Kagame delivered the message on Tuesday 1st November 2022 as he addressed members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), government officials and envoys accredited to Rwanda.
He particularly congratulated EALA, which is holding its sitting in Rwanda under its fourth term to be concluded in December, for the commendable work that has been done, over the last five years, ‘in the service of our Community and our people’.
Since its re-establishment more than twenty years ago, Kagame said, the East African Community has made significant progress towards the creation of a single market.
EALA has been an integral part of this success by harmonizing laws and policies, and providing oversight of regional bodies to ensure the interests of all citizens are being served.
Despite the progress, Kagame observed that there are still challenges in the implementation of EAC programs and projects.
“First, the East African Community is currently underfunded, delaying the implementation of projects and programs. As partners, we must work together to adopt a sustainable financing mechanism, and take full ownership of our development, with less reliance on external support, which we are appreciative of,” he said.
The President also stressed the need to ensure that the bloc’s resources are spent soundly, and make financial accountability a top priority.
Secondly, Kagame said that the bloc is far behind the timeline set to achieve some of the major goals for the Community.
He reminisced on the establishment of EAC single currency noting that East African Monetary Institute is necessary for achieving a monetary union.
Lastly, the Head of State highlighted that a good progress has been made in removing non-tariff barriers even though many still remain.
As he said, unsettled challenges hinder the free movement of goods and services, yet it is the foundation of the region’s shared prosperity of the future.
“Here, political will is the solution,” he stated.
Despite these areas needing improvement, the Head of State divulged that the East Africa Community ranks highly in independent reviews of Regional Economic Communities.
He however observed that it does not suffice, ‘for Regional Economic Communities across our continent to do well, individually’. To this end, Kagame said that they must collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another, to fulfill the wider objective of a more united and prosperous Africa.
Among others, the president said that the coming years will bring numerous challenges and new opportunities to the continent and urged countries to face the future with a sense of urgency, working closely together.
In consideration of the fact that the youth account for the vast majority of the continent’s population while the number is projected to continue growing, Kagame stated that Africa should become the engine of the world’s growth and innovation in the second half of this century.
However, the president stressed the need to make the necessary investments in people, in infrastructure and in regional integration ‘right now’.
Creating a bright future for today’s young people, means putting good governance and security at the center of everything we do. Rwanda remains committed to peace and stability efforts, within agreed frameworks, at both the regional and continental levels,” he said.
EALA started its plenary sitting in Rwanda on 24th October to be concluded on 5th November 2022.
It is part of the assembly’s principle to have rotational sittings in all partner States.
During the sitting held in Rwanda, members are expected to discuss on different draft laws and receive a report from the eight committees making up the assembly.
Amb. Karega was notified of the country’s decision to expel him on in the morning of Monday.
The decision was reached on Saturday during a High Defence Council presided over by President Felix Tshisekedi following escalating tensions between Rwanda and DRC.
The decision was communicated to Amb. Karega by Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula who informed him that he must leave the country in 48 hours.
Amb. Karega did not wait until the last minute but decided to depart from the country as soon as possible.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that Amb. Karega departed from Kinshasa on Monday afternoon heading for Congo Brazzaville from where he will be flown to Kigali.
Despite his departure, other diplomats and employees of Rwanda’s embassy in the country have stayed and will carry on their work as usual.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Alain Mukuralinda has told IGIHE that circumstances under which Amb. Karega was expelled is against diplomatic process as she learnt about the decision via television.
“It is not usually done before summoning an ambassador for discussions and informing him of possible decision. Even if it might be taken before, you can notify him instead of learning about the decision through television,” he said.
Congolese government last summoned Amb. Karega in May this year to provide explanations on the country’s allegations that Rwanda supports M23 rebel group.
Rwanda has repeatedly rejected the accusations and urged DRC to solve internal problems instead of externalizing them.
On the other hand, Rwanda has expressed regret over DRC’s decision to expel Amb. Vincent Karega, adding that security forces remain on alert over ongoing security problems in Congo.
Rwanda highlighted that the ongoing collaboration between Congolese Army and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and their attempts to target the border area with heavy weaponry is a situation of concern.
FDLR is a terrorist formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The statement further indicates that Rwanda continues to bring to the attention of the international community the persistent hate speech, public incitement and violent harassment against Rwandans and Congolese Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC, carried out by Congolese officials and the general public.
Rwanda has expressed concerns over DRC’s continued provocation through scapegoating Rwanda ‘to cover up and distract from their own governance and security failures’.
The country also reiterated commitment to contribute to a sustainable, peaceful regional security solution within the agreed regional frameworks, including the Luanda Roadmap and the Nairobi Process.
Mukuralinda sent the warning on Sunday following DRC’s decision to expel Rwanda’s Ambassador, Vincent Karega.
The decision was reached through a High Defence Council chaired by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on Saturday.
It was taken at a time when Congolese Army (FARDC) continues to loose bases to M23 rebel group and attributes its strength to alleged support from Rwanda.
Rwanda has however denied the allegations repeatedly calling the fight with M23 an internal problem which should be addressed by DRC.
Appearing in RBA talk show in the evening of Sunday 30th October 2022, Mukuralinda affirmed that bilateral relations have deteriorated but observed that the things have not fallen apart.
“It is something that can frustrate everyone be it the government or Rwandans. They cannot express contentment over deteriorating relations. It is important to bring it to their attention that bilateral relations have been spoiled but things have not fallen apart,” he said.
Mukuralinda explained that bringing the setback to their awareness helps Rwandans to remain protected against effects of speeches propagated by leaders from the neighbouring country.
He was referring to DRC’s recent announcement to suspend RwandAir flights and revoke all agreements with Rwanda which was followed by protests against Rwandans.
Mukuralinda said that the declarations of Congolese leaders affect citizens who begin to sharpen machetes and turn violent against Rwandans running businesses in the country and harass Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
“Such behaviours take roots from the leaders’ speeches. It is a reality that people should neither overlook nor forget. That is why I have to advise people, like students to cross with vigilance. I would advise individuals to suspend travel to the country for one week where it is possible, while others unable to do so should be watchful along the way,” he noted.
The Government of Rwanda recently announced that security forces remain on alert amidst ongoing fight between M23 and FARDC which has teamed up with FDLR.
The request was made through a joint statement released on Sunday by Senegalese President, Macky Sall who also serves as the incumbent AU Chairperson and Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the AU Commission following DRC’s decision to expel Rwanda’s Ambassador, Vincent Karega.
The decision was reached through a High Defence Council chaired by President Felix Tshisekedi on Saturday.
It was taken at a time when Congolese Army (FARDC) continues to loose bases to M23 rebel group and attributes its strength to alleged support from Rwanda.
Rwanda has however denied the allegations repeatedly calling the fight with M23 an internal problem which should be addressed by DRC without externalizing its matters.
Expelling Rwanda’s envoy has further worsened the situation and considered as a major setback on efforts and peaceful processes established through regional and international frameworks to mend relations between the two neighbouring states and secure eastern DRC.
In a statement released on Sunday, Macky Sall and Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed concerns over deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.
They also called on concerned parties for immediate cease fire, respect international laws, the safety and security of civilians and the stability at borders of all countries in the region.
Mack Sall and Mahamat has requested the fighting sides to opt for constructive dialogue within the existing mechanism of the African Union’s Peace. Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region and the East African Community’s Inter-Congolese peace dialogue.
In this regard, both Sall and Mahamat have called on all the parties to participate ‘in good faith in the third Inter-Congolese peace dialogue in Nairobi form 4th to 13th November 2022’.
The dialogue convenes DRC with some armed groups but the country recently withdrew interests from talks with M23 which it considered as ‘a terrorist group’.
Meanwhile, M23 accuses Congo of failure to implement peace accords signed in 2013.
The statement also indicates that President Sall and Mahamat support the Luanda Roadmap aimed at normalizing relations between Rwanda and DRC.
“They encourage President Joao Lourenço in his mission as a facilitator of a constructive dialogue between the two brother countries, DRC and Rwanda,” concludes the statement.
Rwanda accuses DRC of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda also alleges that the coalition of Congolese Army and FDLR continues to approach Rwanda’s border with heavy weapons
In a statement released on Sunday following DRC’s decision to expel Amb. Karega, Rwanda said that it is monitoring the situation in the neighbouring country adding that Rwandan security forces at the border are standby amidst the worsening situation.
On Sunday, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo received Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio as a special envoy of President Joao Lourenço.
DRC’s Presidency has disclosed that the envoy’s message is centered on bilateral relations and security problems in eastern Congo.
Their discussions are held few hours after DRC resolved to expel Rwanda’s Ambassador, Vincent Karega.
The reaction comes at a time when the fighting between Congolese Army (FARDC) and M23 continues to escalate with the national army losing different areas to the rebel group.
In a message posted on Twitter on 31st October 2022 at 1:59 a.m, President Kagame said: “Few hours ago I had good discussion with the UNSG on the conflict in E.DRC.
The ways and means to de-escalate…& address the issues to a peaceful end are with us building on the Nairobi, Luanda & other international efforts! We just have to commit ourselves to applying them!!!”
Recent discussions between Rwanda and DRC on the mediation of Angola have seen concerned parties setting an agenda to accelerate efforts meant to achieve durable peace.
The discussions took place at a tripartite summit in Angola on Wednesday 6th July 2022 and brought together the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; his counterpart of DRC, Félix Tshisekedi and Angolan President, João Lourenço who is the Chairperson of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and mediator on tension between Rwanda and DRC.
Also on the agenda of the meeting, was the establishment of a climate of trust between the states of the region and create optimal conditions for dialogue and political consultation to resolve the current security crisis in eastern DRC.
The roadmap also stressed the need to defeat the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and its splinter groups (CNRD- FLN, RUD-Urunana, FPPH-Abajyarugamba) believed to be at the origin of tensions between Rwanda and DRC and play a major role in the insecurity of the DRC in order to ensure that the threat to security ceases completely.
Creating the necessary conditions for the return of refugees and reactivating the Joint Intelligence Team Rwanda-DRC to agree on the practical modalities and the program for fighting the FDLR, in coordination with the Presidency of the ICGLR and the Nairobi Process were also among outlined priorities as per roadmap released at the time.
Both countries also agreed on reconvening a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).
Among others, it was resolved that more efforts would be geared towards fighting hate speech and offensive language in the region by all parties.
It was also agreed to prevent violations of territorial integrity and ensuring compliance with the commitments made by ICGLR States in this regard.
The Nairobi Process pointed out during discussions between President Kagame and Guterres requires DRC to engage in dialogue with armed groups to end hostilities.
DRC has not expressed willingness to respect the process highlighting that it cannot engage in dialogue with M23 which it considers as a ‘terrorist group’.
Meanwhile, the fighting between FARDC and M23 is ongoing. On Sunday, gunfire was heard in the vicinity of Rugari Parish.
The areas of Kiwanja and Rutshuru have been already captured by M23 since the fighting resumed one week and half ago.
DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting M23. However, Rwanda has repeatedly rejected the allegations and requested the country to solve internal problems instead of scapegoating ‘a good neighbour’.
