Police said the incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT) and involved a 10-seater minibus, locally known as a matatu, which was traveling from the lakeside town of Naivasha toward Nakuru City.
According to police, the minibus rammed into a stalled truck that had been parked along the highway due to a mechanical problem.
The latest incident brought the total number of people killed in separate accidents on Friday to 20, which includes 16 passengers and four riders, police said, adding that 27 others were injured.
According to police, fatal accidents are common in Kenya due to reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, and failure to use helmets.
An estimated 4,000 Kenyans die in road accidents annually despite concerted efforts by the state and the private sector to promote road safety, according to the National Transport and Safety Authority.
She emphasized that these assaults are, in fact, conducted by the Congolese Army (FARDC) in coordination with Burundian troops and the Wazalendo forces.
Makolo’s remarks came in response to statements by DRC Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, who had insisted that attacks on the Banyamulenge in Minembwe are perpetrated by M23.
Addressing Muyaya’s claims, Makolo highlighted the deliberate misrepresentation of facts, referencing what has become known as the classic poisonous tactic.
“‘Accusation in a mirror’ – where perpetrators falsely attribute their own crimes to their intended victims. Often used to incite violence or genocide, reversing reality to portray attackers as defenders against a threatening out-group and preemptively shift blame,” she stated.
The DRC has long propagated false narratives in its conflict with M23. Even during moments of ceasefire agreement; FARDC, Burundian forces, FDLR, and allied groups have continued attacks in areas controlled by M23.
Peace talks in Doha included agreements on prisoner exchanges and temporary ceasefires, yet FARDC reportedly violated them by continuing targeting civilians.
Rwanda maintains that sustainable peace in the region will only be possible when the DRC takes decisive action against the FDLR, the terrorist group responsible for spreading genocidal ideology throughout the region.
The Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo has dismissed DRC’s false claims on attacks against the Banyamulenge community.
During a press conference, FDNB spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza said that the explosions were caused by a fire that broke out in the ammunition depot of the logistics brigade, located in the Musaga area in Mugere district.
He specified that the fire resulted in material damage to homes, private vehicles, and military equipment and installations.
“The FDNB extends its condolences to the families who lost their members in this accident and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured being treated in various hospitals,” Baratuza said.
Despite the losses suffered, Burundi remains standing and retains its defense capabilities to guarantee the peace and security of the country, he said.
The spokesperson called on the Burundian people to remain calm and to report any unexploded ordnance immediately to the administration or security forces.
Photo taken on March 31, 2026 shows smoke rising after explosions followed a fire at a military camp in Bujumbura Province, Burundi.
He made the remarks following an announcement by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) on March 29, 2026 that it had sent its deputy chief of staff, Lt Gen Nduru Jacques Ychaligonza to Kisangani to initiate operations to disarm FDLR fighters.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has often claimed that the FDLR, terrorist group which Rwanda accuses of collaboration in destabilizing the region, is being used as a pretext.
Rwanda has shown that its fighters are already integrated into FARDC forces, both in combat operations in eastern Congo and in Kinshasa, and have long been involved in teaching genocidal ideology.
Lt Gen Nduru told the media on March 29, 2026 that he had been sent to eastern DRC, in the Kisangani area, to prepare operations against the FDLR. He stated: “They must surrender their weapons voluntarily or by force.”
Minister Nduhungirehe, commenting on a report by RFI about FARDC’s push for FDLR disarmament, emphasized that agreements cannot be implemented through words alone.
“The implementation of the Washington Peace and Prosperity Agreements requires concrete actions on the ground, not empty words, unfulfilled promises, endless awareness campaigns, or a government cacophony over the existence or threat posed by the FDLR genocidaires,” he said.
The Concept of Operations (CONOPS) under the peace agreement signed by Rwanda and DRC in Washington, with support from the United States, indicates that the removal of Rwanda’s security measures will be preceded by actions by the DRC to dismantle the FDLR terrorist group.
Col (Rtd) Augustin Nshimiyimana, also known as Col Bora, a former FDLR combatant, recently told IGIHE that FARDC’s statements about dismantling the FDLR would be hardly achieved, given the ongoing collaboration.
“If they truly intended to act, they should start in Kinshasa, because the FDLR is there, and there are FDLR members within FARDC even today. These statements are deceptive—they plan the operation secretly, but instead of announcing it, they should act immediately because the FDLR is already within FARDC ranks. Where would they even pursue them when they are already integrated?” he wondered.
Previously, the number of FDLR combatants was estimated between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters.
Rwanda continues to emphasize its commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement signed on December 4, 2025 and supports the Doha process.
Minister Nduhungirehe has called for concrete actions to dismantle the FDLR.
The incident occurred on the night of March 31 at a military facility known as “Base,” located in the Musaga area of Bujumbura.
Burundi’s military and the Ministry of Internal Security stated that the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
In a message posted on social media platform X, President Ndayishimiye expressed his sympathy to affected citizens and reassured the public.
“I extend my condolences to those affected by the fire that broke out in one of the depots at a military base in Musaga zone. We reassure all Burundians that national institutions are doing everything possible to respond and maintain security. May God protect Burundi,” he said.
The fire triggered a series of powerful explosions from the stored weapons, with blasts heard across several parts of Bujumbura.
According to reports by BBC, explosions were still being heard as late as 10:30 p.m.
The incident caused panic among residents, with some seen fleeing their homes. People living near the military base reported damage to their houses, forcing some to relocate to safer areas within the city.
Fragments from the explosions landed in residential neighborhoods including Kinanira 3 and 4, while others reached Ngagara Zone, particularly Quartier 9, located more than five kilometers from the site of the incident.
As of now, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, though reports indicate that several injuries and dozens of casualties have already occurred near the base and in other areas affected by the explosions.
President Ndayishimiye expressed his sympathy to affected citizens and rcalled for divine protection. Photo taken on March 31, 2026 shows smoke rising after explosions followed a fire at a military camp in Bujumbura Province, Burundi. Several blasts were heard in Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital, on Tuesday.
The accident occurred in Mkiwa Village in Ikungi District when a bus traveling from Dodoma to Mwanza hit a pothole in the middle of the road, causing a front tire to burst and the driver to lose control.
Singida Regional Police Commander Amon Kakwale confirmed the incident, saying officers at the scene were instructed to secure passengers’ belongings and establish the identities of the deceased and injured.
Ikungi District Commissioner Thomas Apson said the injured and the bodies of the deceased were taken to Manyoni District Hospital and Singida Regional Referral Hospital for treatment and further procedures.
According to Bwire James, Manyoni district hospital medical officer, the facility received all 55 injured victims — 34 men and 21 women — along with six bodies of those who died at the scene.
This photo taken on Feb. 24, 2024 shows a road accident site in the Ngaramtoni suburb of Arusha, northern Tanzania.
Despite its ongoing presence, there are those who downplay its significance, particularly in the international community. Often, it is portrayed as an organization no longer a threat to Rwanda, to the Congolese civilians, or to the Great Lakes region in general.
The first mistake made by those who hold such views is the neglect of the fact that the FDLR is rooted in genocide ideology. The extremists within this group continue to wreak havoc in eastern Congo while seeking to destabilize Rwanda.
Although the group remains under UN and U.S. sanctions, this has not stopped it from continuing its operations, even receiving occasional political, military, and logistical support from the Kinshasa government over the years.
Congolese authorities have repeatedly claimed that the FDLR is no longer a formidable force and is merely composed of elderly individuals fleeing justice. However, this claim is far from the truth. The FDLR remains active in politics, military actions, and the propagation of its genocidal ideology.
This has been further demonstrated in the ongoing conflict between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group.
Reports from UN experts in 2024 and 2025 revealed that the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi has utilized the FDLR and other groups such as Wazalendo as auxiliary forces to support government troops against M23. These developments should decisively eliminate any confusion or misinformation about the group being a mere historical relic.
Who are the current leaders of the FDLR?
The FDLR is currently led by Lt Gen Iyamuremye Gaston, also known as Byiringiro Victor or Rumuri, who serves as the group’s president.
Iyamuremye, born in 1948 in the current Musanze District, now resides in Hembe, Bashali-Mokoto, in Masisi, eastern DRC. He is under both UN and U.S. sanctions.
During the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Iyamuremye held the rank of major and led an armoured battalion.
His continued leadership of the FDLR underscores the fact that the group is still directed by individuals with direct involvement in the genocide.
Iyamuremye has close associates in both political and military operations within the FDLR. These include Moïse Izabayo, who is in charge of foreign relations and also based in Hembe, and Maj Gen Bunani Daniel, also known as Busogo Ukwishatse, responsible for security.
Another key figure is the FDLR’s spokesperson, Augustin Maniragaba, known as Cure Ngoma, who also operates from Hembe. Maniragaba, who hails from Nyamutera in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, was a teacher during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and has been a prominent advocate for the group’s genocidal ideology.
FDLR continues to pose a significant threat to both the region and Rwanda
Military backbone of the FDLR
The FDLR’s military wing, the Forces Combattantes Abacunguzi (FOCA), is led by Maj Gen Pacifique Ntawunguka, known as Omega. Ntawunguka was born in 1964 in Gisenyi (now Rubavu) and resides in the Kirama forest in the Rutshuru area of North Kivu. He was a lieutenant in the FAR (Rwandan Armed Forces) during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and later fled to Congo after the defeat of the genocidal regime.
Ntawunguka, with his extensive military training, remains a senior leader within the FDLR, having undergone military education in Egypt, Greece, and France. His role and leadership show that the FDLR is not a random or ill-trained group, but one with substantial military expertise. He continues to express his defiance, stating that he will not return to Rwanda until no Tutsi is left.
Intelligence and propaganda within the FDLR
The FDLR also has an intelligence division led by Brig Gen Uwimbabazi Sebastien, known as Kimenyi Gilbert Nyembo. Uwimbabazi was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023 for his involvement in the ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Rwandan gendarmerie during the genocide and is closely linked to the group’s propaganda efforts.
FDLR also runs a military academy, headed by Brig Gen Hitimana Bernard, who has been instrumental in training the group’s forces. Hitimana was involved in the FDLR’s operations in 2008-2009 and has served in various leadership capacities in the group.
Ntawunguka, with his extensive military training, remains a senior leader within the FDLR, having undergone military education in Egypt, Greece, and France.
Elite forces
Among the most notorious commandos within the FDLR is Lt Col Rurakabije Pierre Célestin, known as Samba Guillaume, who leads an elite unit called CRAP (Commandos de Recherche et d’Action en Profondeur).
Rurakabije is listed on four international sanctions lists due to his involvement in promoting violence and insecurity in eastern DRC.
Another prominent figure is Col Kubwayo Gustave, known as Sircof Modeste, who leads operations under the name SINAI in many areas of Rutshuru, including Kahumiro, Kazaroho, Katanda, and Mayamoto.
Additionally, there is Col Oreste Ndatuhoraho, who uses the names Uwikunda Oreste or Issa Pierre. He leads CANNAN/JERICHO, which is considered the main headquarters of the FDLR.
Ndatuhoraho was born in Rutobwe in 1970 and worked as a secondary school teacher before joining armed groups. In 1994, he participated in military training for the Interahamwe militia to use weapons aimed at killing the Tutsi during the Genocide.
FDLR is not a group to underestimate
The FDLR is a highly organized and skilled group, with a clear political, military, and ideological agenda. It is not a group of displaced individuals without power, as some would suggest. On the contrary, the FDLR continues to pose a significant threat to both the region and Rwanda, bolstered by military expertise, political ties, and a genocidal ideology that remains influential.
To dismiss the FDLR as a mere historical artifact is to ignore the real threat it still poses today. The international community must recognize the continued existence of this threat and work together to address it. Military action alone is not enough to dismantle the FDLR; a coordinated and sustained international effort is necessary to address the root causes of this violent group.
The FDLR is currently led by Lt Gen Iyamuremye Gaston, also known as Byiringiro Victor or Rumuri, who serves as the group’s president. The FDLR remains active in politics, military actions, and the propagation of its genocidal ideology.
On March 27, 2026, media reports indicated that the AU had decided not to support Macky Sall’s candidacy due to procedural violations.
Amb. Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has explained that the 20 AU member states who broke their silence were not rejecting any candidacy but rather opposing the flawed procedure initiated by President Ndayishimiye, which ignored AU rules governing international nominations.
“What happened today at the African Union is a stark reminder that leadership matters. It’s unbelievable to note that a whole continental organisation can be tarnished or driven into a crisis by its own Chairperson, who is in office for not even two months,” Nduhungirehe posted on X .
The nomination process for the UN Secretary-General can be initiated by any country or group of countries, but the nominee need not necessarily be from the country that submits the candidacy.
On March 2, 2026, the Permanent Representative of Burundi to the UN notified the General Assembly that the Burundian government serving as current Chair of the African Union nominated Macky Sall, former President of Senegal, for the position.
“This submission of an African candidature to the position of UN Secretary General came as a surprise to all African Heads of State and Government, as none of them was consulted by the AU Chairperson before taking this important decision,” Nduhungirehe emphasized.
After the nomination, President Ndayishimiye attempted to pressure fellow African leaders into endorsing his decision by imposing a 24-hour “silence procedure.”
According to Amb. Nduhungirehe, Ndayishimiye convened the AU Bureau, where only two other members participated, and gave African governments 24 hours to approve or reject the nomination either by silence or by response.
“In other words, President Ndayishimiye, instead of calling an AU meeting for advice on the right procedure, chose to give his fellow AU Heads of State and Government only 24 hours to either endorse, by keeping silent, an AU decision that ‘EXPRESSES ITS FIRM SUPPORT to the President of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, Chairperson of the AU for 2026, for having presented the candidacy of President Macky Sall […] for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations,’ or to reject it by breaking the silence,” Amb. Nduhungirehe added.
This authoritarian approach was too much for many AU member states, which responded by breaking their silence and blocking the decision. They reminded Ndayishimiye that the AU must be governed by the rule of law.
Despite the damage to the AU’s international reputation, Nduhungirehe hopes this incident will serve as a lesson for future appointments of AU Chairpersons.
The new UN Secretary-General will begin their term in January 2027. Any candidate must be nominated by a country or group of countries, and it is not a requirement for the candidate to come from the country making the nomination. This means that Burundi could have nominated Macky Sall on their own behalf, but the actions of Ndayishimiye caused a stir within the AU.
While it is not always followed strictly, UN leadership positions are generally rotated among different regions of the world, and there is growing support for the idea that it is time for a woman to lead the UN.
Other candidates who have submitted their nominations for the position include Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile; Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency; Rebeca Grynspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica; and Virginia Gamba from Argentina.
Since Ndayishimiye took over the AU chairmanship, analysts have criticized his leadership, questioning his ability to address the pressing challenges facing Africa, such as the ongoing war in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Burundi is involved in the conflict.
Since Ndayishimiye took over the AU chairmanship, analysts have criticized his leadership, questioning his ability to address the pressing challenges facing Africa
He was speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) on March 26, 2026, where he reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to a political resolution for the region, calling for a focus on the root causes of the conflict.
Amb. Ngoga made it clear that the conflict in eastern DRC is not of Rwanda’s making, noting that the country remains deeply concerned about the presence of the FDLR, a genocidal group founded by the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
According to Amb. Ngoga, the FDLR’s ideology remains unchanged and continues to spread throughout the region, posing a constant threat to Rwanda.
“The FDLR is not an ordinary armed group. It is a genocidal force, founded by remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and its genocidal ideology has never changed,” said Ngoga. “For Rwanda, it remains an ever-present threat, particularly given the devastation our country suffered as a result of that ideology.”
Amb. Ngoga stressed that eliminating the FDLR and its ideology is critical to any credible and lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
“Addressing the threat of FDLR is indispensable to any credible and lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern DRC,” he asserted. “This group must be neutralized, and their ideology and its vectors, such as hate speech, must be eradicated.”
Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to UN, Amb. Martin Ngoga stressed the need to neutralize FDLR to ensure as sustainable solution to eastern DRC protracted conflict.
Root causes of the conflict in DRC
Amb.Ngoga highlighted the internal dynamics of the conflict in DRC, stating that the root causes of instability in the region must be addressed by the Congolese themselves.
He emphasized the importance of the Doha Framework for Peace, which provides a platform for dialogue to address these internal issues and drive long-term peace in the region.
“The Doha Framework for Peace provides an important platform for dialogue aimed at addressing these internal drivers of instability. Progress in this process is therefore essential,” Amb. Ngoga explained.
He also pointed out that, alongside the Doha process, the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement will be crucial in creating the conditions for a sustainable political settlement.
The Ambassador further emphasized that the peace process must address long-standing issues, including the return of refugees who have spent decades in camps.
“This track also provides the framework to finally resolve enduring challenges, such as the dignified return of refugees who have remained in camps for nearly three decades – Three hundred thousand in the region and many others in western countries,” he said.
International collaboration and accountability
Amb. Ngoga acknowledged the vital role of international partners, including the United States, Qatar, and the African Union, in supporting the peace process. He emphasized that the success of these efforts depends on continued impartial engagement, rooted in facts and verifiable evidence.
“Decisions and actions taken in support of peace must reinforce the credibility of these processes and ensure that all parties remain equally bound by the commitments they have made,” Amb.Ngoga stated.
“Enforcement and support mechanisms should apply equally and justly to all parties. In other words, enforcement and support mechanisms for these peace processes must be not only even-handed but also be seen to be even handed,” he added.
Former FDLR Secretary General Brig Gen Gakwerere was tranferred to Rwnda after his arrest last year.
Humanitarian crisis and the need for immediate action
The Ambassador also addressed the rising humanitarian consequences of ongoing hostilities, particularly the increasing use of drones and aerial attacks in civilian areas.
These attacks have caused significant civilian casualties, including a recent tragedy in Goma, where a humanitarian worker and several civilians lost their lives.
“Recent months have also seen an escalation in the use of drone strikes and other aerial attacks in populated areas. As the report notes, such attacks have already resulted in civilian casualties,” Amb. Ngoga explained.
From January to March, Congolese army, FDLR, and other allied groups carried out several drone attacks, including one on March 9, 2026, in Minembwe, which damaged infrastructure, and another on March 19, 2026, that hit civilian homes, destroying buildings and causing numerous casualties.
Amb. Ngoga called for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of conditions to protect vulnerable communities and support ongoing political processes.
“These developments underscore the urgent need for a ceasefire and for conditions that can effectively protect vulnerable communities and support ongoing political processes,” he stated.
Amb. Ngoga reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Framework for Peace. He emphasized the importance of turning agreements into tangible progress on the ground and ensuring that the agreed monitoring mechanisms are effectively implemented.
“If we remain focused on implementation and on addressing the root causes of this conflict, we have a genuine opportunity to move toward a durable and lasting peace in the region,” Ngoga concluded. “Rwanda pledges to play its part honestly and fully.”
The three-day meeting, taking place from 24 to 26 March 2026, brings together the RDF 5th Infantry Division and the TPDF 202 Infantry Brigade, whose areas of responsibility lie along the shared border between Rwanda and Tanzania.
The RDF delegation is led by Major General Ruki Karusisi, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, while the TPDF delegation is headed by Brigadier General Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, Commander of the 202 Infantry Brigade.
On the first day, commanders conducted joint field visits to key border areas to assess prevailing security challenges and engage with local communities. The visits focused on raising awareness about the dangers of illegal border crossings and unlawful fishing activities in shared water bodies.
The delegations visited border communities including Nyarubare and Katwe villages in Kyerwa District, as well as Nyakakoni Village in Kayisho Sector on the Tanzanian side, opposite Rwanda’s Rwimiyaga Sector.
These areas are characterized by porous borders, with lakes, rivers, and swamps, particularly the Akagera River frequently used for unauthorized crossings.
Commanders identified these locations as hotspots for smuggling and other illicit cross-border activities, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen preventive measures and enhance joint efforts to curb illegal movements and improve overall border security.
Commanders interact with local communities to raise awareness on illegal border crossings and related risks.Delegations from RDF and TPDF conducted field visits to assess security conditions along the shared border.Military leaders from Rwanda and Tanzania engage in joint discussions during the Proximity Commanders’ meeting.RDF and TPDF officials inspected key border areas identified as hotspots for cross-border activities.
