The capture of Goma, a key city in North Kivu Province also prompted officials to flee by boat to Bukavu.
Some government soldiers in Goma chose to surrender to M23, handing over their weapons, while others fled to Rwanda.
The soldiers who sought refuge in Rwanda were welcomed by security authorities in Rubavu District.
Over 20 individuals crossed the border with firearms, including ammunition, which they handed over to the Rwanda Defense Forces.
One of the Congolese soldiers who fled to Rwanda after the capture of Goma revealed that he surrendered because the FARDC forces were being defeated by M23.
He said, “I have arrived in Rwanda fleeing the state of war. We fought many battles, but M23 was winning. We came here to surrender to the [authorities].”
Alongside FARDC soldiers, United Nations personnel who were in Goma also sought refuge in Rwanda. They are expected to be taken to Kigali and accommodated in various hotels.
Currently, M23 controls the city of Goma and has declared the airspace closed, halting all activities on the Congolese side of Lake Kivu.
The group has urged Goma’s residents to remain calm, assuring them that the city has been liberated and everything is under control.
They sought passage through Rwanda’s Grande Barrière border to facilitate their relocation to Kinshasa.
The evacuation comes after M23 closed all other exit routes from Goma, including air and land corridors. Many UN staff members were accompanied by their families during this operation.
While the conflict in Eastern DRC has persisted for years, it has escalated dramatically in recent days. M23 has captured several towns, including Goma, a key city in North Kivu Province.
On Sunday night, January 26, international organizations, including the UN, announced plans to evacuate non-essential staff from Goma.
By Monday morning, January 27, 2025, the first group of evacuees had crossed into Rwanda, where they were received in Rubavu. Many expressed uncertainty about their next steps.
One UN staff member reported the absence of border security on the DRC side, with gates locked and no personnel present.
Didier Tebonge, a MONUSCO driver with 10 years of experience, shared his observations: “On the way here, we saw FARDC soldiers stationed near the main hospital and other locations. I didn’t personally see any M23 soldiers on the roads, and the journey was smooth. There were only FARDC soldiers along the way.”
At the border, Tebonge noted that only police officers were present on the DRC side, with no military personnel in sight.
Upon entering Rwanda, UN staff were received by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. They were issued documents indicating their evacuation route from Goma to Kigali and completed forms listing the names of their companions.
Tebonge expressed uncertainty about their next steps: “We believe international humanitarian organizations facilitated this evacuation through Rwanda because no one knows if the conflict will escalate or subside. We are headed to Kigali, and from there, we may relocate to Kinshasa.”
Aboubakar, a Goma resident, described the city as chaotic on the night of January 26:
“Last night in Goma was extremely dangerous. I stayed at a MONUSCO camp, but even there, we could hear gunfire and see flashes of light in the sky. While fleeing, we saw abandoned weapons and military vehicles left behind by the FARDC.”
On January 25, M23 demanded that FARDC troops and allied groups, including FDLR, Wazalendo, and Burundian forces, surrender their weapons. The group later declared Goma’s airspace closed, accusing the Congolese military of using it to transport weapons to harm civilians.
Aboubakar added: “There are no FARDC soldiers left in the city; they’ve all fled. The situation is dire.”
After crossing the border, evacuees were transported to Kigali, where they will first gather at Kigali Pelé Stadium. From there, they will be accommodated in various hotels across the city.
Rwanda is providing logistical support for the evacuation, including transportation to Kigali. The UN is responsible for covering accommodations and other related needs for the evacuees.
The group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed the takeover in the early hours of January 27, 2025.
“We urge the residents of Goma to remain calm. The liberation of the city has been successfully carried out, and the situation is under control,” Kanyuka stated.
As M23 fighters moved into the city, Kanyuka called on DRC soldiers to surrender their weapons to United Nations peacekeeping forces under MONUSCO.
He also instructed them to gather at Goma’s Stade de l’Unité before 3 a.m., warning that after the deadline, the city would be fully under M23’s control.
Uruguayan peacekeepers with the UN mission reported that many DRC soldiers began fleeing M23 advances late last night.
M23 has also temporarily suspended activities on Lake Kivu and Lake Albert, pending further announcements.
The group’s capture of Goma followed a 48-hour ultimatum issued to DRC forces, demanding they lay down their arms to avoid turning the city into a battlefield.
This ultimatum came after several days of intense fighting around Sake and the outskirts of Goma, which began on January 23.
Despite assistance from UN forces and the Southern African Development Community (SAMIDRC), the DRC military was eventually overpowered, forcing the withdrawal of allied troops and paving the way for M23 to seize control of the city.
Reports of the death of Ntawunguka, also known as Omega began circulating on Saturday morning. He is said to have died during clashes between the M23 rebel group and a coalition of forces including the FDLR in Nyiragongo territory.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe also mentioned the death of Ntawunguka while addressing the ongoing cooperation between the Congolese army, FARDC and the FDLR.
In a post on X, Minister Nduhungirehe pointed out that the collaboration was evidenced by a recent visit by the First Lady of the DRC, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, to a hospital to see FDLR fighters injured in combat with the M23 fighters.
“I guess that we don’t need any more evidence of the support that this Rwandan genocidal force, which has spread its extermination ideology to the whole FARDC military coalition, benefits at the highest level in Kinshasa,” Minister Nduhungirehe stated.
He added, “It is worth noting that this visit happened few hours after the permanent neutralization of “General” Pacifique Ntawunguka, the FDLR top commander known as “Omega”, despite the attempts by the FARDC military coalition to save his life.”
Ntawunguka, also known by aliases Mulefu, Nzeri, and Israël, was born in 1964 in Gasebeya Sector, Gaseke Commune, in the former Gisenyi Prefecture, now part of Ngororero District in Rwanda’s Western Province.
He attended primary school in Gaseke and secondary school at Rwankeli before enrolling at Collège Christ Roi in Nyanza. Later, he pursued military training at ESM (École Supérieure Militaire) in Kigali. After ESM, he furthered his education in aviation in Egypt, Greece, and France.
When the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi began, Omega was leading the 94th Battalion operating in Mutara. He was defeated by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) and sustained a leg injury during the fighting before retreating to Kigali.
Following the defeat of the former Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), Omega fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) along with other ex-FAR members.
Over the years, efforts were made to persuade Ntawunguka to return to Rwanda, but he consistently refused. In 2016, this was highlighted by Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who recounted his personal efforts to convince Omega to return.
Gen. Kabarebe stated: “I personally called him and said, ‘Pacifique, you’re educated, a pilot trained in France. You’re not ignorant. You’ve been in the Congo forests for over 20 years.
Don’t you see what you’re doing is futile? You’ll never win this war. Why not reconsider your actions? And we know you didn’t participate in the genocide because you were in France at the time for aviation training. What are you fighting for? Are you afraid of facing justice?’
“He listened to me and replied, ‘General, let me tell you one thing. I will return to Rwanda only when there isn’t a single Tutsi left in that country. If there’s nothing else you wanted to tell me, let’s end this conversation here.’ From that moment, I never spoke to Ntawunguka again.”
Dr. Nsanzimana shared this update on Thursday, January 16, 2025, during a presentation to the Senate about the progress of implementing the National Health Policy and efforts to improve primary healthcare services.
Plans to relocate CHUK were first unveiled in 2013, aiming to move the hospital out of Kigali’s city center.
The decision was influenced by increasing congestion in the area due to rapid commercial developments.
According to the minister, the renovation and expansion of the new facilities to house CHUK in Masaka is in its advanced stages with expectations for the relocation process to begin within the set timeframe.
“There are only a few months left. We expect to finalize everything by June or August, for the hospital’s relocation to begin,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated.
He also confirmed that the current CHUK site would continue to offer some healthcare services.
“The current CHUK site will still be used for necessary health services, particularly those that can complement nearby hospitals like Muhima and Nyarugenge. These services are being carefully planned, as demand for them continues to grow. Teams are working to ensure that once the construction and relocation are complete, everything will follow smoothly,” he explained.
“This is not a rushed process because relocating a hospital and its services requires thorough preparation. Residents need to be informed, equipment must be installed, and resources organized to ensure that services are not interrupted,” he added.
The new CHUK facility will be located in the former Masaka Hospital premises, which have undergone significant upgrades.
As of November 2024, 80% of the renovation work is complete. The project, implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Health, is being financed by the Chinese Government.
The project is estimated to cost Frw 85 billion and will accommodate 827 patients, nearly doubling its current capacity of 400.
The design includes three multi-story buildings, some rising five stories high, to provide expanded patient care.
Additionally, the hospital will feature facilities for research, teaching, and specialized services, contributing to the growth of healthcare in the region.
The Masaka area, designated for healthcare services, is expected to become a hub for medical tourism, further enhancing Rwanda’s healthcare landscape.
“The new site is already home to other healthcare facilities, with more under consideration. For example, the Research Institute against Digestive Cancer [IRCAD] has been operational there for some time, and new laboratories are also set to be built in the area,” he noted.
Among these was TROLL, a satellite developed by the Czech Republic’s TRL Space, which specializes in small CubeSat satellites. TRL Space also operates a branch in Rwanda, TRL Space Rwanda.
The TROLL satellite will orbit Earth in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) region, approximately 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, a common orbit due to its proximity to Earth.
While in orbit, TROLL will partner with the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to gather valuable data on Rwandan crops, supporting research to enhance agricultural productivity.
Beyond Rwanda, the satellite will aid efforts to monitor deforestation and human activities that damage soil and water in the Czech Republic.
Through collaboration with the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO), it will also collect data on rising temperatures and sea levels surrounding the Maldives.
The technology developed for TROLL will play a key role in the creation of a similar satellite being built in Rwanda.
The upcoming Rwandan satellite, equipped with advanced sensors that capture a wide colour spectrum, will provide precise data on crops, soil health, and other environmental factors.
According to Petr Kapoum, CEO of TRL Space Rwanda, the Rwandan satellite is expected to be completed by June 2026, 20 months after October 2024.
Once ready, it will be shipped to the United States for launch from either the Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral in Florida, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
This project highlights Rwanda’s growing role in space technology and its commitment to leveraging space innovations for sustainable agricultural and environmental solutions.
However, further studies are needed to determine the quantity of oil and the costs involved in its extraction.
“The good news is that we have oil. Preliminary research in Lake Kivu revealed 13 wells with signs of oil,” RMB’s CEO, Francis Kamanzi, told members of parliament on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
“Considering discoveries in neighboring regions like Uganda, oil was discovered in Lake Albert, which is believed to be part of the same rift valley stretching through Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganyika. There is confidence that oil exists,” he added.
Kamanzi shared the development during a discussion between the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender Equality and the Ministry of Environment.
Efforts to explore oil in Rwanda began years ago but were halted in 2014.
They resumed after Canada-based company Black Swan Energy discovered that parts of Eastern Kivu could yield oil and gas easily.
The presence of methane gas in Lake Kivu was an initial indicator of potential oil deposits, as methane is often found alongside oil.
Kamanzi expressed optimism, suggesting that Lake Kivu might have larger oil reserves than neighboring countries: “Our Lake Kivu is deeper than other lakes in the region, so we might have more oil than our neighbors.”
While the initial studies confirmed the presence of oil, deeper exploration is needed to determine the quantity, type, and commercial viability.
This involves drilling to collect samples for laboratory analysis.
The process is expensive, as the cost of drilling one well can exceed $15 million (approximately Frw 20 billion).
Earlier research, conducted at depths of up to 480 meters, included deploying machines to collect samples from the lakebed.
These samples confirmed the presence of methane gas and potential oil reserves.
The next phase involves deploying advanced machines to create detailed maps of the lakebed, identifying precise locations of oil and gas reserves.
Previous exploration phases cost Frw 1.7 billion, and future stages are estimated to require between Frw 8 billion and Frw10 billion.
Oil extracted from Lake Kivu could vary in form, ranging from solid asphalt to liquid fuels like diesel or gasoline, or even gas. Determining the exact type will depend on further tests.
Extracting oil from Lake Kivu would follow a similar process to that used for methane gas extraction.
It starts with drilling deep holes in the lakebed, using specialized equipment capable of penetrating rocks and other materials. Once drilled, the base is reinforced with sand or gravel.
Pipes are then inserted into the holes to pump oil from beneath the lakebed to surface storage tanks.
The potential for oil in Lake Kivu represents an exciting opportunity for Rwanda, but significant investment and research are still required to unlock its full potential.
This recognition comes after the international body’s acknowledgment of several other Rwandan heritage sites, including four Genocide memorials and Nyungwe National Park, further highlighting the rich cultural and natural heritage of Rwanda.
This momentous event took place on December 3, 2024, during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay.
The Intore dance’s inclusion on UNESCO’s prestigious list marks a historic first: it is the first time a Rwandan cultural performance has been inscribed, solidifying the Intore as a significant cultural symbol for both Rwanda and the wider world.
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List is a global effort to safeguard traditions that are passed down through generations. The list aims to preserve practices, knowledge, and skills that define a community’s cultural identity. Currently, 678 elements from 140 countries are included, showcasing the diverse cultural practices and traditions from across the globe.
{{Intore: More than just a dance}}
The Intore dance is a powerful expression of Rwandan culture, performed by a troupe of dancers who recreate the movements of warriors in battle. Dancers form lines that represent the ranks of soldiers preparing for combat, with each movement reflecting strength, courage, and the struggle against an unseen enemy. The rhythm of traditional drums and horns guides the dancers, who wield spears and shields in synchrony with their energetic leaps and footwork.
Accompanying the dance are songs and poems that celebrate themes of victory, power, and national pride, adding a rich auditory layer to the performance.
Today, the Intore dance is widely practiced across Rwanda. It is a prominent feature in national cultural events and festivals, often performed alongside the national ballet in performances that are cherished by both locals and tourists. In addition to state-sponsored events, the dance is celebrated by smaller regional troupes that are found throughout the country. Schools and universities regularly organize training sessions, ensuring that the art form is passed on to younger generations.
The practice is also transmitted within families and communities, further embedding the Intore dance into the social fabric of Rwandan life. Whether at weddings, public celebrations, or during the harvest festival, the dance serves as a vibrant symbol of unity, victory, and cultural pride. It remains a popular form of entertainment and an expression of strength during important national moments.
The inclusion of Intore on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List not only protects the dance from potential extinction but also underscores its role in fostering social cohesion and national identity.
The Africa Report is a Paris-based, English-language quarterly magazine focusing on African politics and economics, founded by Patrick Smith two decades ago.
In its first ranking of African cities, the pan-African media platform recognized Kigali as Africa’s second most inviting, livable, and investment-friendly city.
South Africa’s Cape Town and Johannesburg claimed the first and third spots, followed by Morocco’s twin cities of Casablanca and Rabat. Nairobi, Kenya, ranked sixth.
Other cities in the top 10 include Alexandria, Cairo, Abidjan, and Accra. Additional rankings feature Lagos, Dakar, Gaborone, Addis Ababa, Tunis, Lusaka, Cotonou, Oran, Kampala, Abuja, Lomé, Algiers, Douala, Yaoundé, Luanda, Maputo, Harare, Kinshasa, Libreville, and Ouagadougou.
The report highlights progress made by urban centres while identifying areas for growth, using a comprehensive survey of readers and foreign direct investment data to provide insights into Africa’s evolving urban landscape.
Kigali has previously been recognized for its ease of doing business, driven by streamlined regulatory processes, transparent governance, and supportive policies for entrepreneurs and investors.
The city also boasts a clean, orderly environment thanks to initiatives like monthly Umuganda community cleanups and strict waste management systems, earning it a reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest capitals.
In addition, Kigali embraces innovation with tech hubs, smart city initiatives, and a growing startup ecosystem fostering creativity and modern solutions, making it an attractive destination for both business and living.
In July, Kigali was ranked among the top five favourite destinations for travellers visiting Africa and the Middle East. It moved up four spots from ninth place in the World’s Best Awards 2024, behind Marrakesh, Cape Town, Jerusalem, and Dubai, respectively.
The awards, organized by Travel + Leisure, a New York City-based travel magazine, consider traveler experiences to rank the world’s top cities based on parameters such as sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value.
In the 2024 edition, voters described Kigali as a beautiful and well-organized hub with friendly and helpful residents.
“Amazingly clean and progressive city! I felt safe walking all over,” wrote one voter. “There is a wide variety of cuisine available and amazing coffee.”
The 51-year-old was one of three top African conservationists honoured by Prince William at the Tusk Conservation Awards ceremony held at The Savoy Hotel in London, the United Kingdom (UK), on the night of Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, sponsored by the Nick Maughan Family Foundation, gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of individuals who work in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife.
Born near the [Nyungwe forest he now protects->https://en.igihe.com/tourism/article/from-forest-curiosity-to-global-conservation-hero-claver-ntoyinkima-s-journey?var_mode=calcul], Ntoyinkima combines his deep ecological knowledge of the park’s bird population with a passion for educating and inspiring others.
As a ranger, he has played a vital role in primate habituation and anti-poaching patrols, while also guiding scientific research and bird conservation efforts across Rwanda.
The father of four is also keen to extend his legacy to the next generation through conservation clubs he founded for local youth, promoting a lasting commitment to Rwanda’s natural heritage.
He expressed his joy at winning the international award, saying: “I am truly grateful to be a finalist for the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards; there are no words to describe how proud I am to win this award. The acknowledgement of my dedication and efforts to give back to the community is truly inspiring. I am very grateful for this historical support and recognition of the conservation efforts made by field-based actors like me.”
The 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards also recognized two other exceptional African conservationists: Nomba Ganamé from Mali, who was awarded the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa for his groundbreaking work in protecting desert elephants, and Edward Aruna from Sierra Leone, who received the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa for his efforts in marine turtle conservation.
Prince William commended the winners for their relentless dedication and contributions to the preservation of nature, highlighting their pivotal roles in safeguarding Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems.
“Now is the time to support those globally who work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature. We live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists, and I want that for the generations that follow. I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda, and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia.
“It will be thanks to extraordinary leaders – such as those that we are celebrating today – that this will happen. They remind us of the importance of living at peace with nature; they should guide and inspire us all to drive change,” the Prince of Wales stated.
Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, emphasized the critical role of conservationists in protecting Africa’s biodiversity.
“Africa is still rich in animal, plant, and marine biodiversity. Tusk’s vision is a future where the continent’s wildlife and human communities not only coexist peacefully, but positively thrive. Tonight we once again celebrate the remarkable, courageous, and committed individuals on the ground who safeguard Africa’s natural heritage day and night, and who demonstrate to us all the power of understanding, respecting, and protecting the natural world,” the CEO remarked.
Hendrik du Toit, Founder and Chief Executive of Ninety One, also spoke about the urgent need for continued conservation efforts, stressing the precarious state of the natural world.
“The endless degradation of the natural world is pushing our planet dangerously close to a series of tipping points that will lead to a less hospitable Earth for people and wildlife.
“Congratulations to all of those who have been recognized at the Tusk Awards. Their dedication to conservation plays a vital role in preserving Africa’s endangered environments and species, and it is essential that we continue to support their unwavering commitment to this task.”
The 12th edition of the awards, organized in partnership with Ninety One, an Anglo-South African asset management firm, was hosted for the second year running by wildlife biologist and presenter Liz Bonnin.
Previous winners of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award include Jealous Mpofu from Zimbabwe (2023), Neddy Mulimo from Zambia (2022), Suleiman Saidu from Nigeria (2021), Amos Gwema from Zimbabwe (2020), Benson Kanyembo from Zambia (2019), Julius Obwona from Uganda (2018), Solomon Chidunuka from Zambia and Lucky Ndlovu from South Africa(2017), Manuel Sacaia from Angola (2016) and Edward Ndiritu from Kenya (2015).
