Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed the decision to IGIHE, saying, “Yes, we granted them permission to pass through Rwanda.”
While the exact date of the SADC troops’ departure from the Democratic Republic of Congo has not been confirmed, a task force has already been established to work on the process. This team recently began its work in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Once the withdrawal begins, the troops are expected to enter Rwanda through the Rubavu border and continue on to Tanzania, one of the countries contributing forces to the SADC mission. Other contributing nations include South Africa, whose contingent is the largest, and Malawi.
During earlier discussions between the SADC mission and the M23 group, it had been agreed that SADC troops would be allowed to take their military equipment with them upon departure, but they would not remove equipment left behind by the Congolese national army (FARDC).
FARDC troops currently stationed in Goma are also expected to leave, though the manner of their withdrawal remains unclear.
The repatriation of SADC troops has gained urgency in recent days following a spike in tensions after the M23 accused the regional forces of involvement in the April 11 clashes.
South Africa’s Chief of Defence, General Rudzani Maphwanya, has publicly stated that the withdrawal of the troops must be expedited.
Rwanda had previously allowed UN personnel based in Goma to exit through its territory when fighting intensified between M23 and Congolese government forces. It had also granted passage to wounded SADC troops and the remains of soldiers killed in combat.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing following his regional tour, which included Rwanda, DR Congo, Kenya, and Uganda, Boulos said the FDLR, a group founded by the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, featured prominently in his conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
“We definitely discussed the FDLR and the risk in question,” Boulos said on April 17, during the briefing on the outcomes of his African mission, which ended three days earlier.
“This is a major element of any peace accord. If you look at all the peace initiatives, this is the key element from the Rwandan side and it’s an integral part of any upcoming peace accord, initiative or agreement.”
The FDLR is designated a terrorist organisation by both the United Nations and the United States. Despite its history and ongoing human rights abuses, it remains a key part of the Congolese government’s military coalition against the AFC/M23 rebels, who currently control significant territory in the eastern provinces.
The rebels accuse the Congolese authorities of marginalisation and of promoting ethnic cleansing through their alliance with the FDLR and other militias.
For years, Kigali has raised alarm over Kinshasa’s collaboration with the FDLR, whose fighters have been implicated in numerous attacks on Rwandan territory, including nearly 20 incidents since 2018. In response, Rwanda has tightened security along its borders to prevent further incursions.
Tensions between the two neighbours escalated further following statements by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in late 2023, in which he threatened to support regime change in Rwanda and said he would seek parliamentary approval to declare war.
Boulos confirmed that the Trump administration is engaging both sides and supports regional efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.
“We’ve been engaging with both parties and this is one of the main elements of those discussions,” he said. “There are solutions – we are not reinventing the wheel here. There are terms that have previously been drafted and agreed upon by both parties, and we will continue working with them towards that.”
He reiterated Washington’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states involved.
“Our role and commitment is to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in question—not just one country or two, but all that are involved,” Boulos said.
“Everybody has to be at ease and feel comfortable with the terms and safe from any such threats, whether they are actual or perceived or any future threats.”
While in Kigali on April 8, Boulos held talks with President Kagame at Urugwiro Village, where they discussed strengthening U.S.–Rwanda ties and advancing regional peace.
“We are ready to work with Rwanda to achieve this goal, which is why finding a resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC is so essential—it will unlock the region’s untapped potential,” he said.
During his Rwanda visit, Boulos toured the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre, which reintegrates former armed group members.
He spoke with ex-FDLR fighters recently repatriated from eastern Congo, including Maj. Ndayambaje Gilbert, who returned on March 1. Ndayambaje confirmed the FDLR’s strong collaboration with Congolese forces in the ongoing war with the AFC/M23 coalition.
Boulos’s tour included stops in Uganda and Kenya, where he met with Presidents Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto respectively, as well as a meeting with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.
The proposed transaction is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s insurance sector by creating a well-capitalised, diversified, and customer-focused insurance group. By uniting the operational strengths and product offerings of BKGI, SGI, and SLA, the new entity aims to offer greater value to policyholders, enhance innovation in the sector, and support long-term sustainability.
According to the joint announcement, BKGI and SGI will merge to form the general insurance arm of the group, while SLA will serve as the life insurance subsidiary. Together, the companies will form a forward-looking institution capable of serving both individual and corporate clients in Rwanda and beyond.
The initiative reflects a broader ambition to boost financial inclusion, improve service delivery, and contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s insurance industry.
The new group is expected to benefit from an expanded distribution network, digital platforms, and a broader suite of products that respond to evolving customer needs and deliver higher value for shareholders.
“This partnership brings together trusted names with shared values and complementary strengths—and sets the stage for a transformative insurance group that will drive innovation, expand access, and deliver meaningful value to Rwandans and our shareholders,” said Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Group CEO of BK Group PLC.
Regis Rugemanshuro, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Social Security Board, described the initiative as part of RSSB’s long-term vision to support inclusive economic growth.
“By joining forces to form this new insurance group, we are laying the groundwork for a strong, competitive player that is built for the future and committed to serving the needs of Rwandan people,” he said.
The formation of the new insurance group is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, along with the successful completion of legal and procedural requirements.
In an in-depth interview with a Tanzanian journalist, Nyamvumba was asked about Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery, secretes on how the country healed from deep wounds and managed to rebuild itself from scratch.
As a former member of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) that stopped the genocide, Nyamvumba described the state of the country in July 1994, saying that the first steps in nation-building began amid complete devastation.
“In 1994, Kigali was a city filled with corpses. The very first thing we did after taking control of the country was to clean up the city and remove the bodies. We saw dogs and vultures feeding on the dead. That was the image of Rwanda, a country in total disarray, without a single functioning piece of infrastructure,” he said.
He explained that the RPA’s immediate task was to restore dignity and order, but there were no institutions, no systems and no resources to rely on.
“After the Genocide, there was nothing left. No government institutions, nothing that was working. So, when you look back to where and compare it to where Rwanda is today, it feels like a miracle. But it’s a miracle we created ourselves,” he emphasized.
To illustrate just how much has changed, he shared a personal anecdote. He revealed that between 2008 and 2009, his children came home with a math assignment and asked for help, but he couldn’t remember the methods.
He remembers using phone to look it up and walking them through the assignment. “I told them they were lucky that he was able to use his phone reminding them of a time when this country didn’t even have mobile phones. They laughed and asked, ‘But Dad, how did people even survive back then?” he said.
Nyamvumba said it’s hard for the younger generation to grasp the hardships Rwanda faced, like the absence of electricity and communication systems because of how far the country has advanced.
Looking to the future, Gen Nyamvumba reaffirmed Rwanda’s ambitious development goals; to become a middle-income country by 2035 and achieve high-income status by 2050.
“We believe it’s possible. In 1994, Rwanda’s GDP was about $3 billion. Today, it exceeds $15 billion. With strategic investment and hard work, over a million people have been lifted out of poverty in just the past 20 years,” he said.
“We’ve seen other countries, particularly in East Asia, do it. We might be from different continents, but we have the same minds, the same determination. With our leadership and vision, we will get there. That’s my belief,” he said.
Speaking on the implementation of the 2013 Peace and Security Cooperation Framework, at the UN Security Council, Kayinamura highlighted the FDLR’s destabilizing role and urged the international community to take decisive action to neutralize the group and address the root causes of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kayinamura emphasized that the FDLR, despite over 20 UN Security Council resolutions condemning its activities since 2003, remains a significant security threat.
He accused the group of continuing to recruit, train, and commit atrocities, including sexual violence, ethnic cleansing, and mass killings.
“Now FDR has graduated to being integrated into FARDC [Congolese Army]before your own eyes. This is no longer a secret but a fact based on the reports of the secretary general presented in this council,” he noted, highlighting that the coalition undermines both regional stability and the peace and cooperation framework itself.
The Rwandan envoy was unequivocal in labeling the FDLR an “existential threat” to Rwanda and the region. He criticized any efforts to entertain or legitimize the group, warning that such actions only exacerbate the conflict.
“Entertaining or legitimizing the FDLR, even tacitly, prolongs the conflict and destabilizes the region further,” Kayinamura declared, calling for the Security Council to enforce its resolutions without selectivity and hold accountable those who support or collaborate with the FDLR and its splinter groups.
He noted that the 2013 framework, designed to end the cycle of conflict in the DRC, has not achieved its goals due to persistent challenges such as ethnic discrimination, armed group proliferation, and impunity. The FDLR’s activities, he argued, are a primary driver of these issues, perpetuating violence and hindering peace efforts.
Proposing concrete steps, Kayinamura called for the disarmament and neutralization of the FDLR as a top priority. He urged the Security Council to ensure full enforcement of its resolutions and to condemn hate speech and ethnic incitement in the DRC, which he said fuels violence and division.
Additionally, he advocated for stronger support for African-led regional processes, such as those led by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which he believes offer the best chance for lasting peace.
The envoy also criticized the DRC’s lack of ownership in addressing its internal challenges, accusing Kinshasa of externalizing blame and relying on militias like Wazalendo, which he said violate ceasefires without condemnation.
“Blame games have become their business,” Kayinamura remarked, emphasizing that the DRC must confront its internal contradictions to achieve sustainable peace.
Kayinamura’s address reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the Peace and Cooperation Framework and its vision of transforming the Great Lakes region into a zone of peace and stability.
He called for genuine accountability, regional alignment, and bold political leadership from the DRC, the region, and the Security Council to eliminate the FDLR and the legacy of genocide once and for all.
“Rwanda looks forward to working with all partners to permanently get rid of armed groups,” he concluded, signaling Kigali’s readiness to collaborate on regional solutions.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, with Kigali repeatedly accusing Kinshasa of supporting the FDLR, a group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
This marks a notable increase from 87% in 2017, reflecting continued national efforts to improve living conditions across the country.
The report defines improved water sources as those that include piped water into homes or neighbouring dwellings, public standpipes, protected wells and springs, boreholes, rainwater, bottled water, and tanker truck deliveries.
Among the various sources, access to piped water into the home or bottled water rose from 9% in 2017 to 16% in 2024. Similarly, piped connections to neighbouring homes or public standpipes increased from 35% to 39%.
However, reliance on “other improved sources,” such as protected wells and springs, saw a decline—from 43% in 2017 to 35% in 2024—indicating a shift toward more reliable infrastructure.
The survey also reveals that 68% of households use a basic drinking water service, defined as water from an improved source that can be collected within 30 minutes. Meanwhile, 21% fall under the “limited service” category, spending over 30 minutes to access water.
The EICV7 report goes beyond water access, offering a comprehensive look at living conditions across the country.
Among other findings, the survey highlighted a sharp rise in access to electricity, climbing from 34% in 2017 to 72% in 2024. This includes 50% of households connected to the national grid and 22% relying on solar power. Rural electrification saw dramatic gains, with access increasing from 24% to 65% over the same period.
In terms of clean energy for cooking, only 5% of households nationwide use clean fuels, a modest increase from 1% in 2017. Urban areas saw higher adoption at 17%, while rural areas lag behind at just 1%.
The majority of households continue to rely on traditional fuels such as firewood (63%), straw or sticks (12%), and charcoal (19%).
The report also highlighted significant progress in poverty reduction. The national poverty rate dropped to 27.4% in 2024, down from 39.8% in 2017. Extreme poverty has also been halved, from a predicted 11.3% to 5.4%.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa described the release of the report as timely, noting that it will support evidence-based policymaking to achieve the goals of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
“These results will define where and how the government and partners should invest to get maximum results for NST2 objectives by 2029,” he stated.
The renewed agreement is set to deepen the relationship between Rwanda and one of Europe’s leading football clubs, placing a strong emphasis on youth development, cultural exchange, and tourism promotion.
Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), described the extension as a strong indicator of the partnership’s success and pledged to further build on it.
“This partnership has contributed significantly to positioning Rwanda as a leading destination for tourism and investment and a beacon for talent, sports, and cultural innovation,” he said.
“Renewing through 2028 allows us to build on that success and create even more impact for Rwandans and the global PSG community.”
Visit Rwanda is the tourism promotion arm of RDB. The institution has active partnerships with Arsenal and Bayern Munich, two football powerhouses in England and Germany respectively.
Since the partnership with PSG began six years ago, the Visit Rwanda brand has gained widespread exposure through PSG’s global platforms.
From in-stadium branding at Parc des Princes to creative campaigns and immersive storytelling, the collaboration has introduced millions of fans to Rwanda’s natural beauty, rich culture, and hospitality. The unique initiative has seen Rwandan coffee served to thousands of PSG supporters in Paris, France, blending culture with fan engagement.
A key pillar of the partnership is its focus on youth empowerment. PSG Academy Rwanda, launched under the agreement, has trained more than 400 young Rwandans in elite football, academics, and mentorship.
In 2022, the academy’s U13 team won the PSG Academy World Cup, earning international acclaim and showcasing Rwanda’s budding football talent.
The new phase of the partnership promises even greater visibility for Rwanda, including the placement of the Visit Rwanda logo on training kits at PSG’s U.S.-based academies and on the sleeves of PSG’s men’s first team during the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.
Victoriano Melero, CEO of Paris Saint-Germain, emphasised that the renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to meaningful engagement and community impact.
“We are looking forward to continuing this journey with Visit Rwanda. This partnership goes far beyond visibility, it’s about values, real opportunities, and long-term impact. Together, we’re demonstrating how football can inspire, empower, and connect communities around the world.”
Since 2019, the PSG-Visit Rwanda partnership has stood out as an innovative model of sports diplomacy—linking tourism, economic development, and social investment. With the latest renewal, Rwanda aims to further cement its reputation as a premier travel destination and a forward-looking nation leveraging sport for inclusive growth.
The pledge was made by Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente during the official launch of the 7th Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) at the Kigali Convention Centre on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that the national poverty rate fell from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024, with approximately 1.5 million Rwandans lifted out of poverty over the past seven years.
This 12.4 percentage-point reduction was achieved during the implementation of the first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).
“These achievements were realized over the seven years of implementing NST1,” said Prime Minister Ngirente.
“They were driven mainly by strategic investments made by the Government of Rwanda and its partners. Our goal remains clear: we are determined to make sure that no one is left behind,” he added.
He credited the progress to targeted efforts in social protection, economic recovery post-COVID-19, and infrastructure development.
“The long-standing social protection schemes played an important role in improving the well-being of our citizens,” Ngirente noted.
“These efforts have also effectively contributed to the creation of income-generating activities and job opportunities in Rwanda, and it is a clear demonstration of the impact that can be achieved through good planning and effective implementation.”
The survey, conducted between October 2023 and October 2024 and covering over 15,000 households nationwide, also revealed a significant drop in extreme poverty—from 11.3% in 2017 to just 5.4% in 2024. Notably, the report by NISR estimates that a Rwandan currently needs at least Rwf 560,027 annually to meet basic needs, including food and non-food essentials.
Rural areas, traditionally more affected by poverty, have seen substantial improvements. While rural poverty now stands at 31.6%, urban poverty is significantly lower at 16.7%. Musanze District emerged as a standout success story, recording a dramatic decline in poverty from 42.3% to 21.0%—the highest improvement among all districts.
Additionally, the number of districts with over 40% of their population living in poverty has dropped from 22 in 2017 to just 14 in 2024. Meanwhile, 16 districts now report poverty levels below the national average.
The Prime Minister noted that Rwanda’s strong post-COVID economic recovery—marked by an average growth rate of 9.1% over the last four years—has played a critical role in these gains.
“This recovery has created more jobs and boosted household incomes, which we see reflected in the increase in household consumption,” he said.
Improvements have not been limited to income. The EICV7 findings indicate that access to electricity increased from 34.4% to 72%, mobile phone ownership rose from 66.9% to 84.6%, and internet access doubled from 17% to 30%.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa praised the report’s timing, emphasising its importance for evidence-based policymaking under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which runs until 2029.
“These results will guide government and partners in making targeted investments that yield maximum impact,” he said.
As Rwanda marches toward its Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Prime Minister Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s resolve to elevate every member of the Rwandan society.
“Our aspirations are high, but so is our determination. We want every family, in every corner of Rwanda, to benefit from our economic development.”
The report details that 50% of households are now connected to the national grid, while 22% utilize solar panels, primarily through standalone solar systems.
While urban areas experienced an increase in household electricity access from 76% to 88%, the growth in rural areas has been even more substantial.
Access in rural areas dramatically increased from 24% in 2017 to 65% in 2024. Notably, electricity access has also improved for the lowest economic segment, with 53% of households in the lowest quintile now having access, compared to only 9% in 2017.
The EICV7 report also provides insights into household electricity usage, indicating that it is most commonly used for lighting and charging mobile phones.
Regarding cooking methods, the report indicates that a majority of households still rely on traditional fuels. Approximately three-quarters of households use firewood (63%) or straw/sticks (12%) for cooking, while 24% use charcoal (19%) or other improved methods, mainly bottled gas.
The survey further examined infrastructure access in Rwanda where ninety-six percent of households are reported to live within 20 minutes of an all-weather road, an increase from 93% in 2017.
However, the report notes regional disparities, with households in the Western Province having less access to all-weather roads (89%) compared to other regions.
The survey also indicates that 90% of households have access to an improved source of drinking water, up slightly from 87% in 2017.
In terms of poverty reduction, the report shows that the poverty rate in Rwanda has decreased to 27.4%, down from 39.8% in 2017. Besides, the population in exteme poverty was 5.4% in 2024, down from a predicted 11.3% in 2017.
News reaching IGIHE has confirmed that a request has already been made for these SAMIDRC soldiers to transit through Rwanda. “Yes, it’s true—they will pass through Rwanda, but we don’t know the exact day. The request was made several days ago,” a source said.
Earlier, a one-page SAMIDRC communique advised of a delay in the re-opening of Goma airport, stating it “could cause further delays” in the SAMIDRC withdrawal.
It also noted withdrawal will be by road from Goma through Rwanda to the designated general assembly area of Chato in Tanzania, adding the SADC Secretariat will “engage” Rwanda to facilitate safe passage for SAMIDRC troops.
The three troop contributing countries were tasked with “beefing up” the withdrawal planning element with operations, intelligence and logistics experts. They will be tasked to “conduct reconnaissance and develop instructions for withdrawal.”
This is a point from discussion of a revised withdrawal plan at a meeting last Friday April 11,2025, attended by chiefs of the three defense forces that contributed troops and equipment to the mission.
They are generals Rudzani Maphwanya (SA National Defence Force), Jacob Mkunda (Tanzania People’s Defence Force- TPDF) and Paul Phiri (Malawi Defence Force). Also present at the Dar es Salaam headquarters of the TPDF for the meeting was Professor Kula Theletsane, Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs.
Initial deployment for the mission, under the acronym SAMIDRC, was in December 2023 to the eastern DRC under the command of South African Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu.
Its termination, to be followed by a phased withdrawal, was made public by the regional bloc on 13 March. The announcement came two months after all three SAMIDRC troop contributing countries reported deaths in action against M23 with South Africa (14) bearing the brunt.
On February 6, two weeks after the fatalities during combat around Sake and Goma in North Kivu province, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera ordered his soldiers to start preparing for withdrawal from Goma and surrounds in the eastern DRC.
The SADC planning elements will lead and direct the SAMIDRC Force Commander on formulating a withdrawal plan adhering to guidelines permitted by the troop contributing countries.
The M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) claims SAMIDRC forces are carrying out joint operations with DRC government forces (FARDC), Wazalendo militia and other elements around Goma.
These, according to a 12 April statement by the M23, “violate the existing SADC agreements and delay therefore the rehabilitation of Goma airport, compelling the AFC/M23 to demand the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces.
“Despite our restraint in response to these persistent criminal acts, the AFC/M23 finds itself compelled to reconsider its position to prioritize the security of the Congolese population and that of the SAMIDRC elements present in the liberated areas,” the statement said.
Fighting has been taking place north of Goma since last week. It is believed that DRC government forces and Wazalendo militia forces that retreated into the Virunga national park are clashing with M23 rebels in the area.
A withdrawal by land complicates things for the SAMIDRC troops, as a long logistic trail through Rwanda was not something they were anticipating. It is slow, rough roads and reliant on Rwanda to agree to the plan.
