The contingent, comprising personnel from both the RDF and the Rwanda National Police (RNP), is set to relieve the current force deployed in the insurgency-hit province, where Rwandan troops have been operating since July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government.
Accompanied by Commissioner of Police Vincent Sano, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Maj Gen Nyakarundi, commended the outgoing forces for their professionalism and success in restoring security and stability in Cabo Delgado, and challenged the new contingent to strive to perform their duties even more effectively.
He urged them to maintain discipline and foster teamwork in order to successfully fulfill their assigned responsibilities.
Since their initial deployment in 2021, the Rwanda Security Forces, in collaboration with the Mozambican army, have played a critical role in weakening Islamic State-linked insurgent groups that had destabilised parts of northern Mozambique.
The partnership has contributed significantly to improved security in the region and the return of internally displaced people to their communities.
In a strongly worded press statement released on Sunday, May 25, AFC/M23 accused the Congolese government and its international allies, including MONUSCO’s senior civilian protection advisor Teohna Williams, of spreading false information to derail the fragile peace process mediated in Doha.
Williams, in a briefing to the international community on May 22, painted a grim picture of Goma’s current state under M23 control, a portrayal the group flatly rejects.
“These falsehoods, coming from a biased actor, cannot deceive informed opinion,” the statement read, defending the group’s occupation of the North Kivu capital since January.
“Goma was then living a daily nightmare… We have ended these atrocities, restored order, and allowed Goma to rise again.”
The rebel movement claims that prior to its takeover, the city was overrun by lawlessness, violence, and ethnic killings, carried out by forces loyal to Kinshasa. It also accuses the Congolese army of using civilians as human shields and deploying artillery in displacement camps around the city.
According to the statement, the camps have since been dismantled and displaced persons have returned safely to their homes.
The group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, blamed MONUSCO for ignoring what he described as widespread human rights abuses committed under government authority. He cited acts such as public executions, arbitrary detentions based on ethnicity, and even cannibalism, which he maintained have been overlooked by the UN mission.
Asserting control over security in Goma, the M23 says it is now conducting a disarmament operation to recover weapons allegedly distributed by the Congolese government to civilians.
AFC/M23 statement also disputes DRC Ambassador Zenon Mukongo’s recent letter to the UN Security Council claiming M23 offensives in several areas, including Kishishe and Bambo. M23 says those locations have been under its control since 2022.
The group pointed to an April 12 press release by the Congolese army (FARDC), which they claim contradicts the ambassador’s allegations.
“The accusations by Mr Mukongo, refuted by the FARDC’s documents, confirm the regime’s duplicity,” the statement said.
The investors held talks with President Kagame on the sidelines of the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference on Saturday night.
“On the sidelines of #BAL5, President Kagame met with @NBA_Africa investors to discuss the growth of the league on the continent,” reads a post shared by the Office of the President on X.
Among the attendees was Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors, a team in the United States’ NBA, who has made significant investments in Rwandan sports.
He recently completed the construction of Zaria Court, a facility in Kigali that will offer recreation and sports opportunities, with a focus on basketball.
In addition, he has a project to build up to 1,000 basketball courts across Africa through his initiative, Giants of Africa, which aims to promote basketball development on the continent.
Another guest received by President Kagame was South Sudanese entrepreneur Luol Deng, a prominent advocate for the sport in Africa. Deng previously played for major NBA teams including the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
They were accompanied by several other figures, including Basketball Africa League (BAL) President Mamadou Gallo Fall, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, and Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire.
Basketball is increasingly being seen as a key driver of Africa’s development and economy, as evidenced by the job creation and infrastructure development spurred by the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the increased global visibility it brings to the continent, and its role in promoting youth engagement and talent retention.
Akamanzi recently revealed that BAL alone has generated $250 million in just four years, with a goal to reach $4.5 billion over the next 10 years.
The final games of the BAL Nile Conference group stage are set to take place on Sunday, May 25. Al Ahly Tripoli of Libya will face MBB Blue Soldiers of South Africa, while Rwanda’s APR will take on Nairobi City Thunder.
Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda, Sao Tome Principe, South Sudan, Zambia, Kenya, the Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic will work with development partners, civil society organizations, and other health experts from across Africa who committed to an agreement at a regional meeting held in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
According to a statement released by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the agreement will further help streamline cross-border transmission challenges, data-sharing mechanisms among countries, and the movement of affected populations.
The Africa CDC reported that the continent has recorded over 16,398 confirmed mpox cases and 1,180 deaths in 22 countries as of Feb. 10.
“The regional nature of the mpox outbreak demands a collective solution. That is why this gathering is so crucial — it is not only a forum for exchanging knowledge but also a springboard for collective action,” said Otim Patrick Ramadan, acting regional manager for emergency response at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa.
Ramadhan said the health agency looks forward to continuing its work with member states and partners to build on the gains made and meet persistent challenges head-on.
Linda Mobula, World Bank senior health specialist in the DRC, said epidemics do not have borders, hence the need to reinforce cross-border collaboration and coordination.
“An agreement is therefore critically important to drive political momentum, reinforce the enabling environment, and strengthen governance,” Mobula added.
The World Bank, in collaboration with the Africa CDC, the WHO, and other partners, including the United Nations Children’s Fund and the International Organization for Migration, convened the meeting to facilitate political engagement, technical discussions, and cross-border cooperation among stakeholders.
The area, previously controlled by Islamic State-linked insurgents, was liberated by the RSF in October 2024.
The activity marked an important step in efforts to restore normal life in the region, following years of instability caused by armed insurgents. Mucojo market, once abandoned due to insecurity, is gradually becoming a centre of renewed social and economic activity.
Hassan Fazenda, Chief of Mucojo village, expressed appreciation for the RSF’s role in restoring peace and supporting community recovery.
“We are thankful for the sacrifices you made that enabled us to return to our homes. Your continued support is helping us to recover from the devastating impact of four years of insurgency,” he said.
Representing the RSF, Lt Col Andrew Mugabo thanked the community and local leaders for their collaboration. He reaffirmed the Rwanda Security Force’s commitment to ongoing support, particularly in efforts focused on restoring livelihoods and fostering long-term stability in the region.
Umuganda is a Rwandan tradition of community service held monthly, where citizens work together on projects such as cleaning public spaces, repairing infrastructure, or planting trees. As a homegrown initiative, Umuganda played a major role in Rwanda’s recovery following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi by fostering unity, civic responsibility, and inclusive development.
By introducing the concept in Mozambique, the RSF is promoting not only physical restoration but also a sense of collective responsibility and national rebuilding. The exercise reflects broader efforts by Rwanda to support peace and recovery beyond its borders.
Rwanda first deployed a joint force of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police to Cabo Delgado in July 2021, at the request of the Mozambican government.
Since then, the RSF has been instrumental in counterterrorism operations, contributing to the liberation and stabilisation of several areas previously held by insurgents.
The Umuganda in Mucojo complements other RSF initiatives in the region, including security support, humanitarian outreach, and capacity-building programs. The efforts include the training of more than 500 troops in an advanced infantry course, who graduated on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The concert took place on Saturday at the BK Arena, which was packed with basketball lovers who had just witnessed the thrilling Day 5 of the Nile Conference matchups.
The event followed a high-stakes game where Al Ahli Tripoli narrowly defeated APR BBC in a nail-biting 106–102 finish.
Before the main acts hit the stage, the crowd was warmed up by performers from Sherrie Silver Foundation and Ishami Talents, who delivered spirited performances that set the tone for the night.
Then came the grand entrance. Bruce Melodie took the stage around 8:30 PM in dramatic fashion, accompanied by a large crew of dancers. Dressed in all-white and sporting a black full-face helmet, his dancers contrasted in all-black outfits with white headgear, creating a stunning visual effect.
In a surprise move, some of his dancers helped him remove the white outfit mid-performance, revealing a shiny reddish-brown costume underneath, amping up the excitement.
Bruce Melodie kicked off his set with Bado, expressing gratitude to everyone who has supported his music journey. He followed it with crowd favourites like Ikinya, Ikinyafu, and When She’s Around (his collab with Shaggy).
The energy peaked during his performance of Katerina, which sent the arena into a frenzy. He kept the momentum going with hits like Katapila, Saa Moya, and Rosa—one of the standout tracks from his latest album, Colourful Generation.
He closed out his set with fan favourites Fou de Toi, Igitangaza, Sawa Sawa, Kungola, and the much-loved Henzapu, leaving the crowd wanting more.
Moments later, the much-anticipated BNXN (formerly known as Buju) from Nigeria took the stage to thunderous applause.
He treated the audience to a vibrant set including tracks like Bae Bae (with Ruger), Ole, Phenomena, Outside, and more.
BNXN wrapped up the night with chart-toppers Finesse (his viral hit with Pheelz) and Gwagwalada, as well as his collaboration with Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez.
The show officially ended around 9:30 PM, with host Zuba Mutesi thanking the fans for coming and encouraging them to return for the final games of the tournament on Sunday.
The first match will see Al Ahli take on MBB-South Africa at 2:30 PM, followed by APR BBC facing off against Nairobi City Thunder at 5:30 PM.
The ministry said 307 Russian servicemen have “returned from Kiev-controlled territory,” while the equivalent number of Ukrainian prisoners was freed as well.
“The large-scale exchange initiated by the Russian side will continue,” the ministry said.
The swap followed the exchange of 270 servicemen and 120 civilians from each side announced on Friday.
Following their direct negotiations in Istanbul last week, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners on each side, marking the largest prisoner swap since the start of their conflict in 2022.
“Safety, security, and prosperity in Central Africa are in the clear interest of the United States,” the senators said in a joint release.
The statement, signed by Senators Jim Risch, Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Coons, Ted Cruz, Cory Booker, and John Cornyn, welcomed the recent diplomatic progress made through negotiations facilitated by the United States.
The lawmakers highlighted the April 25 Declaration of Principles signed in Washington D.C. as “a clear step forward” and “the latest testament to the power of U.S. engagement and leadership in this region.”
The senators urged all parties to continue negotiating in good faith and to adhere to the commitments outlined in the Declaration.
“Now is the time for all parties to redouble their efforts at the negotiating table to achieve a lasting and sustainable resolution to the conflict,” they stated.
They also emphasized the importance of including civil society in the negotiation process and ensuring that any future agreement allows for the “neutral and unimpeded access to and delivery of robust humanitarian aid.”
The ongoing U.S.-led talks, alongside mediation efforts from Qatar, Angola, France, and Togo, have brought renewed hope.
If negotiations continue on a positive trajectory, Rwanda and the DRC are expected to sign a peace agreement in June 2025 in Washington D.C., in the presence of the U.S. President Donald Trump.
As the exclusive representative of world-class brands such as Caterpillar, Manitou, Kalmar, Massey Ferguson, and the newly added FAW, Tractafric Equipment offers a comprehensive range of services, including the sale of new and used equipment, spare parts, maintenance, rentals, repairs, fleet management, and training.
For construction, mining, infrastructure development, and more, Tractafric Equipment offers globally recognized CAT and SEM machines.
Their extensive lineup includes bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, and other earthmoving and material handling equipment. Available in diesel. These machines provide customers with flexible power options to suit diverse operational needs.
With a diverse fleet comprising over 100 types of machines, Tractafric Equipment supplies industrial equipment renowned for cargo handling and material movement, with capacities ranging from 1.5 to 60 tons.
Specialized machines are capable of lifting loads up to 30 meters, with brands like Manitou and Kalmar offering models powered by diesel, fuel, or electricity, catering to environmentally conscious businesses.
Given the region’s reliance on agriculture, Tractafric Equipment provides tailored solutions to enhance agricultural productivity.
Partnering with Massey Ferguson, the company supplies a range of tractors equipped with various horsepower options and specialized attachments for plowing, harrowing, fertilizing, and harvesting with exceptional precision.
Beyond equipment sales, Tractafric Equipment is a one-stop center for spare parts, offering components for trucks, tractors, machines, and more. Their inventory includes tires, oil, oil filters, and other essential parts to keep machinery running smoothly.
The company also offers generators up to 4MW and solar-powered generators ranging from small household units to industrial models capable of generating over 2,000 volts.
Additionally, Tractafric Equipment supplies mobile tower lights, which extend up to 7.6 meters, providing reliable illumination for construction sites, events, and other temporary lighting needs. They also stock 400-liter cement mixers, ideal for large-scale construction projects.
Abdourahman Youssouf Ismail, Parts & Service Manager, emphasized the importance of maintenance in protecting the value of machinery investments.
“We guide our clients on how to care for their machines because some parts require replacement every 250, 500, or 1,000 hours of use. Without proper knowledge, clients might overlook essential maintenance,” he said.
Pierre Warin, Regional Director for the Great Lakes region, underscored Tractafric Equipment’s commitment to after-sales support, highlighting that their employees receive specialized training directly from manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Perkins, and Massey Ferguson.
“We don’t just sell machines; we provide long-term value by ensuring these machines continue to perform efficiently over time,” Warin noted.
In addition to sales and maintenance, Tractafric Equipment offers rental services, allowing clients to access essential equipment for extended periods.
The company has also introduced a flexible rent-to-own program, enabling customers to acquire equipment through installment payments in partnership with financial institutions. This approach reduces financial strain while empowering clients to grow their businesses effectively.
Sales Manager Kevin Ndahinyuka noted that the company goes beyond sales to provide advisory services, helping clients select the right equipment for their specific operational needs.
“We assist clients in choosing the appropriate machinery based on their needs, and even after the purchase, we continue to support them throughout the machine’s lifecycle,” he said.
Recently, Tractafric Equipment expanded its offerings with the introduction of the FAW J6P truck tractors and tippers, manufactured by the leading Chinese brand FAW.
Designed for mining, construction, and agriculture, these robust trucks offer payload capacities ranging from 7,000 to 18,000 kg, with a 6×4 transmission system ensuring reliable performance in demanding conditions.
As the region continues to develop rapidly, Tractafric Equipment remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier heavy machinery solutions while maintaining a customer-centric approach. “Our mission remains the same: to be the go-to provider of heavy machinery solutions, delivering the best value to our clients,” the company stated.
For business inquiries, Tractafric Equipment’s offices are located in Kigali, Rwanda at KK 6 Ave, Magerwa Road. They can also be reached at +250 788 366 000 for Rwanda and +257 79 33 93 37 for Burundi.
Stay updated with Tractafric Equipment by following them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at Tractafric Equipment Rwanda & Tractafric Equipment Burundi.
Visit their website at https://www.tractafric-equipment.com/en/rwanda–burundi.html for more information.
Held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village and hosted by the University of Rwanda, the summit convened a diverse coalition of scholars, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa and Australia.
Participants came from countries including Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Somaliland, South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria, with a mission to reimagine higher education through the lens of AI and confront the deep inequalities that digital transformation threatens to deepen.
“This conference is a strategic forum where we show how artificial intelligence is reshaping not only the ways we teach and learn, but also how we conduct research, manage institutions, and solve some of the most complex areas in our studies in order to be more prepared for the future is more than just a gathering,” said Prof. Didas Kayihura, Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.
AI is no longer a future concept, it is a present reality. From predictive health diagnostics to precision farming, AI is transforming how African societies tackle health, food security, gender equity, and even national security.
Dr. Edward Kadozi, Director General of the Rwanda Higher Education Council, acknowledged that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future; it is transforming the present.
“It is timely and essential that this forum brings together such a distinguished group… to explore AI’s transformative potential across sectors,” he said.
At the core of the discussions were five themes, including sustainable food systems, inclusive gender research, resilient health care, geopolitical integrity, and personalised learning.
AI was presented not only as a tool of efficiency but as an enabler of justice, equity, and sustainable progress, as Prof. Aldo Stroebel, Co-chair of the AAUN and DVC at the University of Mpumalanga, explained.
“Not all global communities are tapping the potential of this new wave of innovation. The newest Human Development Report in 2025 shows a large divide between low- and high-income countries in AI technical capacity. This stands as a stark call for a network like AAUN to respond,” he said.
During the forum, a spotlight was shone on early-career researchers, whose innovation will shape the AI landscape of tomorrow. Delegates emphasised building AI readiness across Sub-Saharan Africa, closing education gaps, and correcting linguistic and cultural biases embedded in global AI systems.
The gathering also underlined Rwanda’s rising stature as a continental hub for AI discourse. Fresh off hosting a global AI summit in April, Rwanda demonstrated not only logistical prowess but ideological leadership.
“We want to re-emphasise our role as universities; we cannot sit back and get taken over by our own creations,” said Kayihura, urging institutions to wield AI responsibly.
