It has been nearly five years since Rwanda first deployed troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province to combat terrorism. This decision was made following a request from the Mozambican government, whose military had been overwhelmed by the terrorist group Ahlu Sunna wa Jama.
The primary mission of Rwanda’s troops was to eliminate the terrorist threat; a goal they have largely achieved as the entire Cabo Delgado region has been liberated.
Following their combat operations, the Rwandan forces were expected to proceed to the next phase, training Mozambique’s soldiers to maintain security after the Rwandan troops return home.
In an interview with IGIHE, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga confirmed that this training initiative is underway, with the first group of 600 soldiers nearing completion.
He stated, “I can confirm that we are now at the stage of training Mozambique’s forces. The first cohort, consisting of about 600 soldiers, is being trained at a center in Nacala, and they will soon complete their training.
In the coming days, we will be there to conclude the first phase of training conducted by Rwanda.” Brig. Gen. Rwivanga further emphasized that peace has largely been restored in Mozambique.
“Mozambique is in a very stable condition now. We have conducted extensive military operations. If you recall, our troop numbers increased, and we took over areas previously held by SADC forces, including Macomia,” he added.
Initially, we were only responsible for Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand our operations.”
He highlighted that SADC forces had left areas still harboring insurgents, which required additional work from the Rwandan forces.
“When SAMIM (the SADC Mission in Mozambique) withdrew from Macomia, the enemy was still present specifically in a forested area called Katupa, resembling Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We conducted numerous operations to flush them out, including along the coastline, and gradually dismantled their positions. The region is now largely peaceful, with only minor incidents that we continue to address on a daily basis,” he explained.
The helicopter, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was on a humanitarian evacuation mission aimed at reducing tensions after fierce clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a loose network of Nuer youth fighters.
The White Army recently overran government positions in Nasir, escalating violence in the region. During the evacuation, the helicopter came under heavy fire while attempting to transport wounded SSPDF officers, including General Dak.
Tragically, the general and his team lost their lives. Despite the attack, one helicopter managed to escape but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all passengers on board. In a national address, President Kiir expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the need for peace and restraint.
“Fellow citizens, I urge you to remain calm. I have said this time and again: our country will not return to war. No one should take the law into their own hands. My deepest condolences go to the families of General Dak and his men,” President Kiir stated.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the attack, calling it “abhorrent” and a potential war crime under international law.
“We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones,” Haysom said. “We also regret the killing of those we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.”
The situation in Nasir has further heightened tensions and disrupted South Sudan’s fragile peace process. There are allegations that the opposition may be supporting the White Army.
The South Sudanese government has responded by arresting senior officials from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), including the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, and SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further escalation. Kenyan President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate, holding talks with President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
“I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country even as the region works towards the stabilization of South Sudan under IGAD’s Strategic Framework,” President Ruto said in a statement.
The attack on the UN helicopter has underscored the growing insecurity in South Sudan, where ongoing political and ethnic tensions threaten to unravel the country’s Revitalized Peace Agreement.
UNMISS continues to call on all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises.
Yoon has been in detention since being arrested in January on charges of leading an insurrection, one of the few criminal charges the president does not have immunity from. However, the Seoul Central District Court on Friday canceled his arrest warrant, allowing for his release, according to a court ruling reviewed by CNN.
In its ruling, the court said the crime of insurrection is not included within the investigative jurisdiction of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, the agency that had requested the arrest warrant against Yoon.
The court also said it was questionable whether the insurrection charges indictment was filed after the defendant’s detention period had expired. It therefore canceled Yoon’s arrest warrant to “ensure procedural clarity and eliminate doubts regarding the legality of the investigation process,” it said.
Any further unresolved “legal controversies” during the criminal trial could “serve as grounds for annulment in a higher court and may also provide grounds for a retrial even after a significant amount of time has passed,” it added.
The court will now send its ruling to the detention center, which said it expects to release Yoon immediately after receiving the documents.
Yoon’s lawyers praised the ruling, saying in a statement that the court had “set the definition straight, declaring what laws and principles are,” and that its decision showed “the rule of law is alive in this country.”
The ruling adds to the uncertainty swirling around Yoon’s various legal battles and the country’s political future. South Korea’s government has been in disarray for months, with parliament also voting to impeach its prime minister and the previous acting president.
Yoon’s criminal charges are separate from his impeachment trial. The country’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to uphold his impeachment or reinstate Yoon to office.
Friday’s ruling means Yoon can now await the impeachment verdict from home instead of in detention.
His expected release will undoubtedly dismay the country’s opposition but be celebrated by supporters, many of whom have regularly gathered outside his detention center since January.
Kwon Young-se, chairman of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, welcomed the court’s decision on Friday, calling it “an important moment to confirm that the rule of law and justice of the Republic of Korea are alive.”
He added that he hoped the Constitutional Court “will make a fair and just ruling based solely on constitutional values” during the impeachment trial.
A statement issued by the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, on March 7, 2025, indicates that those being sought include the leader of the AFC, Corneille Nangaa, the head of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Major General Sultani Makenga, who commands M23 fighters.
Mutamba also revealed that the DRC government is also pursuing “accomplices” of the AFC/M23, including Perrot Luwara, Irenge Baelenge, and others. A reward of four million US dollars has been promised for their capture.
In October 2024, Nangaa, Bisimwa, Makenga, and other AFC/M23 leaders were tried in absentia by a military court in Kinshasa and sentenced to death after being convicted of treason and war crimes.
Following the court’s verdict, Nangaa mocked the DRC government, suggesting that the ruling demonstrated the authorities’ fear of AFC/M23 fighters.
“When a government starts to fear, it realizes its downfall is near. This so-called trial and the baseless punishments issued are a clear sign of a regime gripped by panic and on the verge of collapse,” he said.
Although the DRC authorities claim to have lost track of Nangaa and Bisimwa, the two are reportedly residing in the eastern part of the country, particularly in the city of Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. Makenga is also believed to be based in North Kivu.
He voiced the appreciation on March 7, 2025, after the passout ceremony that saw 438 trained by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), formally integrated into the CAR armed forces.
“First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to the Government of Rwanda and the people of Rwanda on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Head of State, and the armed forces of the Central African Republic,” he stated.
Moloua highlighted that the high level of expertise demonstrated by the new soldiers during their drills was clear evidence of the quality training they had received, ensuring their ability to safeguard their country and its citizens.
“The Head of State is committed to providing them with the necessary resources to help them restore peace and security in the country. They make me proud,” he added.
The Chief of General Staff of the CAR armed forces, Maj Gen Zéphirin Mamadou, stated that while security had largely been restored in the country, remnants of instability persisted in some areas, where criminals engaged in theft and other violent acts.
Maj Gen Mamadou emphasized that both the newly trained soldiers and those who had previously undergone training had acquired valuable skills thanks to the partnership between CAR and Rwanda.
“When we talk about peace, this is what we mean. We now have well-trained soldiers. Look at these young recruits, they have been trained by our Rwandan friends. You can see their level of preparedness. When they first started, they were civilians, but now, the results are evident.”
The general explained that the training was delivered in various phases, starting with basic military instruction for new recruits, from whom the best 100 to 150 were selected for non-commissioned officer training.
He also mentioned that some CAR soldiers were sent to Rwanda for special forces training, all as part of the ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.
Based on the skills acquired by CAR soldiers, Maj Gen Mamadou expressed confidence that they would successfully counter any threats to national security, as they were now well-prepared and fully equipped for combat.
He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, where he discussed the RDF’s missions in the Central African Republic (CAR), including both its role under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, and its operations based on bilateral agreements between the two nations.
For the past 30 years, Rwanda’s security has remained unquestionable, with the country even contributing to regional stability. The RDF has played a crucial role in maintaining security in CAR and Mozambique, training thousands of soldiers in these countries to help them safeguard their nations in the future.
The UN peacekeeping mission in CAR began in 2014 and includes troops from various countries. However, Rwandan forces were given key responsibilities, such as protecting the country’s President and First Lady, as well as securing critical infrastructure, including the capital, Bangui, and the main airport.
In the interview, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga provided in-depth insights into these operations and revealed that in the coming days, over 600 soldiers trained by the RDF in Mozambique will complete their training.
{{Excerpts: }}
{{IGIHE: You have visited Rwandan troops stationed in different parts of the Central African Republic, including those under the UN mission. What was the security situation like?}}
{{Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga:}} The security situation is very stable. Our visit had two main purposes. The first was to inspect the Rwandan troops under the UN mission, MINUSCA, as well as those deployed under bilateral agreements.
The second reason was to attend the graduation ceremony of Central African Republic soldiers we have been training.
We have trained three cohorts of CAR soldiers so far. We visited our forces in various locations, including Bria and Bossembélé. The Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, was sent by His Excellency the President of Rwanda to deliver a message to the troops.
{{What was the main message?}}
It was a message of appreciation for their excellent work in ensuring security across the country. Our forces have effectively secured all assigned areas, and as you may have heard, military officials praise the RDF soldiers for their work.
Our troops have been tasked with securing major roads, including those connecting Bangui to Douala in Cameroon and Sudan. They have done this successfully, and local communities have expressed their confidence in our forces.
Another key message was to reassure them that Rwanda remains completely secure and that they should continue their mission without any concerns.
Another main purpose of the agenda was today’s passout of Central African soldiers ceremony that saw the graduation of 438 soldiers, adding to the 1,250 we have already trained in two previous cohorts. This is the third group we have trained, forming a highly specialized rapid response unit.
{{How will this unit operate, and how will you support it?}}
This unit has been built with strong capabilities, ensuring that the local forces will have the capacity to maintain security in the city and assist in other regions, in case we make a decision to withdraw our troops from Bangui, where RDF forces have been deployed since 2020.
The unit is now well-trained. We still have about two more training phases before the unit is fully complete.
{{What’s next after the remaining two training phases?}}
Training will continue as part of a structured plan. Once the unit is fully formed, it will take on its operational responsibilities. It is also possible that we will continue providing support and training even as they begin their work. The unit is already functional in certain locations, carrying out its duties effectively.
{{How do the RDF troops under the UN mission and those deployed through bilateral agreements coordinate their work?}}
The UN peacekeeping troops are responsible for ensuring civilian security, protecting UN personnel, and safeguarding key leaders, including the President. They also secure critical infrastructure, such as the airport.
Meanwhile, the troops deployed under bilateral agreements arrived in 2020 as reinforcements following an attack by François Bozizé and his allies, who attempted to overthrow the democratically elected President of CAR. The President of CAR requested support from Rwanda’s President to stop the attack.
We responded by deploying battle groups that halted the rebel offensive. After securing Bangui, our forces shifted their focus to training CAR troops to help them develop independent security capabilities.
We are now in the final phase of that mission, ensuring that local forces are fully equipped to maintain security once international forces leave.
{{What gives you confidence in the new recruits’ readiness after witnessing today’s graduation?}}
There are three key aspects. The first and most important is discipline. During training, we emphasize that military skills alone are not enough—discipline is what determines the success or failure of an army. It is evident that forces collapse because of indiscipline.
Of course, technical skills are also crucial, but discipline and strong leadership are fundamental. We have instilled these values in the troops we train.
{{Beyond CAR, the RDF is also deployed in Mozambique. What is the security situation there?}}
The situation is very stable. As you may recall, additional RDF troops were deployed there. We took over areas that were previously controlled by SADC forces, particularly in Macomia.
Initially, we were securing only Palma and Mocímboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand operations.
When the Southern African Development Community mission (SAMIM) withdrew from Macomia, insurgents were still present, especially in Katupa, a dense forest like Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We launched operations that successfully drove them out.
We also conducted operations along coastal areas, further weakening the insurgents. While some minor security incidents still occur, we are continuously addressing them.
{{What’s next in Cabo Delgado?}}
We are now focused on restructuring the security forces and training Mozambique’s army. The first intake of 600 soldiers is set to complete their training in Nacala soon, and we will be there to oversee their graduation. We are making significant progress in this mission.
{{Recently, there has been tension in neighboring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. What assurance can you give Rwandans?}}
We want to reassure Rwandans that the country is completely secure. Our borders are well-guarded. Previous threats along the border have been neutralized—ever since M23 took control of certain areas, we have had no further security issues on our borders.
This means that our security is intact. Our troops are effectively protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That was part of our message to the forces, ensuring that they know Rwanda is safe.
People can sleep peacefully. As for those who threatened in the past, we all saw how that turned out for them, they achieved nothing.
The update was revealed on March 7, 2025, during the commemoration of National School Feeding Day.
Rwanda is celebrating a decade since the launch of the school feeding program, which initially targeted secondary school students before expanding to include primary schools.
When the initiative began, it had a budget of Frw4 billion. Over time, funding has significantly increased, reaching Frw90 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Education Minister Nsengimana Joseph noted that before the program’s introduction, many students faced challenges such as long commutes, requiring them to go home for lunch and return late, which hindered their learning.
He emphasized that since the program started in 2014, students no longer encounter such obstacles, and many who had dropped out due to food insecurity have returned to school.
“When this program was introduced, we saw many students who had left school come back. It has played a crucial role in ensuring that all children have access to education and can focus on their studies,” he said.
He added that the initiative has also encouraged parents to enroll their children in school on time. Previously, some parents delayed school enrollment due to concerns about their children going hungry, increasing the risk of dropouts.
Gloria Umurerwa, a parent, said the program has significantly reduced the burden on families who previously struggled to provide lunch for their children.
“Now, I can go about my daily work without worrying about my child’s lunch. Knowing they are well-fed at school brings peace of mind. This initiative has been a great relief for many of us,” she said.
The national celebration took place at G.S Kigali, where schools that efficiently managed their budgets and implemented sustainable initiatives, such as growing their own fruits and vegetables, were recognized.
Top-performing schools at the district level received Frw800,000, while those excelling at the provincial level were awarded Frw2 million.
The insurance company made a pledge through signing the WIFR Gender Charter.
The event was graced by Annie Nibishaka, Managing Director of Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda, Betty Sayinzoga, co-founder of WIFR and Group HR Executive for Sanlam Allianz, members of the management team and staff.
Speaking at the interactive ceremony, Nibishaka emphasised that joining Women in Finance Rwanda reaffirms Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda’s commitment to championing gender inclusivity, and driving meaningful change through deliberate initiatives and measurable progress.
According to Nibishaka, the insurer reports female representation of up to 34% of the company’s workforce and an impressive 54.5% in leadership positions.
“These statistics reflect our unwavering commitment to building a balanced workforce and ensuring that women receive the support and guidance necessary for their career advancement, even in the face of unique challenges,” Nibishaka stated.
The MD further emphasized that empowering women in the workplace is not just a corporate objective but a fundamental principle embedded in the company’s culture.
“At Old Mutual, we firmly believe in the power of inclusion within the workplace. Empowering women and championing gender equality are not just ideals we aspire to—they are guiding principles reflected in our actions, decisions, and everyday commitments,” she added.
By joining Women in Finance Rwanda, Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda aims to strengthen its initiatives that support women’s professional development, mentorship, and leadership training.
Nibishaka expressed optimism that this partnership will open more opportunities for women in finance and help bridge the gender gap in decision-making roles within the sector.
Betty Sayinzoga, co-founder of WIFR, shared her excitement about Old Mutual’s new membership, recognizing the growing strength of the network.
“The network is getting bigger, with almost 20 members, it’s very important for us to be able to touch each and every company in the finance sector. Our strengths rely on the size of the network we’re building,” Sayinzoga remarked.
She also highlighted the significance of the insurance sector’s involvement, noting that industry-specific training opportunities are now available and that the upcoming launch of the WIFR Insurance Chapter will further empower women in the sector.
“For women to have access to training with CISI (Chartered Insurance Institute) and other technical insurance training is very important.
“The success of a woman is not a threat; it’s a blessing for other women. We are not competitors,” she emphasized, reinforcing the collective spirit of WIFR.
The onboarding of Old Mutual Insurance to WIFR comes with several other advantages, including members benefiting from mentorship programs, training, and scholarships.
Five staff members of the insurer are among the first cohort of 20 young professionals set to benefit from a nine-month WIFR mentorship program in partnership with Gates Consulting, which is set to kick off later this month (March).
Clementine Muhorakeye, Internal Audit Manager at Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda, expressed her excitement about joining the mentorship program.
Muhorakeye highlighted the value of learning from successful women in the financial sector, stating, “I’m really eager to interact with my mentor and gain practical experience that will not only benefit our institutions but also the wider community.”
Sonia Umwari, Marketing and Communication Manager at Old Mutual, also looks forward to the mentorship journey.
She reflected on the challenges she faced as a woman climbing the corporate ladder and her hope of learning from her seniors while also helping others learn from her challenges, noting, “The biggest challenge was challenging the status quo. I had to prove my value beyond being judged for being a woman.
As curtains came down on the event, Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda formally joined a growing list of insurance companies committed to advancing the gender parity agenda in the sector. Other members include Mayfair, Sanlam, Zep-Re, and dozens of financial institutions that have joined the foundation since its launch in 2023.
Recent partnerships have also expanded to leading financial sector players, such as Bank of Kigali, BRD, NCBA Rwanda, KIFC, Access to Finance Rwanda, EcoBank, I&M Bank, Umwalimu Sacco, Coopedu, and many others.
In collaboration with over 118 global stock exchanges and organizations, the event underscored the vital role of the private sector in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Youths including young girls from Gashora girls school were also invited to attend the occasion.
Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, the CEO at the RSE, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the collective efforts behind the movement and highlighting the critical role of the private sector.
“Today, we stand united with our partners in an international campaign underscoring the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment,” he declared.
“Investors, shareholders, and CEOs must implement measures that guarantee inclusive workplaces, equal pay for equal work, and leadership opportunities for women,” he urged.
The event spotlighted Rwanda’s achievements in gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Rwanda ranks among the top nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, having closed over 70% of the gender gap.
Despite this progress, Rwabukumba acknowledged the barriers that persist. “There are still pay gaps, fewer opportunities for women in leadership, and structural stereotypes that limit potential. We must focus on dismantling these barriers to build a brighter future.” he noted.
Mireille Batamuliza, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), reflected on Rwanda’s three-decade journey toward gender equality. “We no longer talk about basic education access, we discuss increasing women’s participation in STEM fields and closing gender digital gaps,” she stated.
Batamuliza called for collective action in three key areas: challenging all forms of violence and discrimination, investing in gender-transformative approaches, and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Representing UN Women Rwanda, Tikikel Tadele Alemu, Programme Management Specialist and Head of Programmes, praised the RSE’s commitment to gender equality.
“The significance of ‘Ringing the Bell’ extends beyond a symbolic act. It is a call to action, highlighting the essential role the private sector plays in advancing gender equality,” she remarked.
Alemu underscored the importance of implementing gender-responsive policies. “We must advocate for equal pay, invest in women-led businesses, and prioritize strategic investments that empower women and girls,” she urged.
Alemu also emphasized the broader implications of gender inequality, citing findings from the 2022 Rwanda Labour Force Survey.
“The unadjusted gender pay gap in Rwanda stands at 26.2% at the hourly level and 38.5% at the monthly level. Moreover, women-owned businesses secure only 4% of the monetary value of public tenders,” she revealed. According to her, these figures highlight the urgent need to accelerate gender-responsive procurement policies.
On her part, Janice Ryu, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Representative for Rwanda and Uganda, framed gender equality as not only a moral obligation but also smart business.
“Investing in women and girls boosts productivity, organizational effectiveness, and return on investment. If we make real progress on gender equality, we could add $12 trillion to the global economy,” Ryu asserted.
She outlined the IFC’s approach to bridging gender gaps which entails increasing female leadership, promoting women’s labor force participation, enhancing access to assets and markets, supporting gender-inclusive consumer products and engaging with community stakeholders.
“We work with our partners to address barriers to entrepreneurship, including access to capital and social networks. Our support for the National Bank of Rwanda has led to legal reforms prohibiting gender-based discrimination in access to credit,” she explained.
Rwanda’s impressive record in gender parity stands in sharp contrast to global trends. While women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats in Rwanda, global progress remains slow.
A 2024 Deloitte study indicates that women hold only 23.3% of board seats worldwide and at the current pace, gender parity in the boardroom may not be achieved before 2038.
A total of 438 trainees completed the program, which covered key military skills, including enemy detection, combat strategies, map reading, and field training.
The graduation ceremony, held at Kasai Military Camp, was attended by high-ranking officials, including RDF Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi and CAR’s Prime Minister Félix Moloua, who served as the guest of honor. The soldiers had undergone six months of intensive training.
Among the graduates was 19-year-old Wassialo Nzeti, who joined the military due to her country’s ongoing security challenges. She emphasized the critical role of youth in nation-building.
“When there is security, the nation prospers. The training we received was far superior to what was previously available in our military,” she said.
Nzeti particularly valued lessons in map reading, combat tactics, and weapons handling.
“I will remain in the military because I am passionate about security matters. I will also encourage others to join since security is the foundation of everything. What I admired most about RDF is their discipline, dedication, and professionalism.”
Another graduate, Wanda Choisi, praised the training for its focus on discipline and practical skills.
“One of the most valuable lessons was map reading. Before this training, I had never studied it, but now I have mastered it, and it will be crucial in my duties.”
The newly trained soldiers have been assigned to a specialized unit responsible for rapid response in critical situations.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi expressed confidence in their ability to apply their training effectively to protect CAR.
“I trust that the skills you have acquired will be used to confront threats rather than harm the citizens you are sworn to protect. Today, you stand before us as soldiers committed to defending your country with courage,” he noted.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi acknowledged the rigorous nature of the training, emphasizing that discipline and hard work were essential in preparing them to become competent soldiers.
He also extended gratitude to the leadership of both Rwanda and CAR, as well as the military commanders of RDF and FACA, for their support in making the program a success.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi reaffirmed RDF’s commitment to training CAR soldiers, noting that 159 personnel had recently undergone advanced training, with another cohort set to begin training in the coming month.
Among the 438 graduates, 38 were women, reflecting a growing role for female soldiers in CAR’s military.
