According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), the move aims to thwart a potential offensive by the M23 armed group to capture the city of Bukavu.
The reinforcements consist of a full battalion. Reports indicate that the troops were assembled at a military base in Gatumba, near the border, before their deployment to the DRC.
This battalion will be the 16th unit of Burundian forces stationed in the DRC since 2022, following a cooperation agreement between the two countries to combat armed groups in North and South Kivu.
Burundian troops have been fighting alongside the Congolese army in a coalition that includes the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by remnant perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Previously, all Burundian troops stationed in North Kivu were redeployed to South Kivu after suffering losses against M23. They are now securing key strategic locations, including Kavumu, home to a critical airport.
The withdrawal of these troops, led by Brigadier General Pontien Hakizimana, also known as “Mingi,” from North Kivu reportedly facilitated M23’s capture of Sake and Goma.
Reports now suggest that M23 could advance toward Bukavu if its positions continue to come under attack.
Although there is no written rule that states when a person is expected to be married, society has developed much more respect for married individuals than those who are single.
It is the desire of every parent to see their child married before they grow old and most times, these parents will pressure their children into finding a worthy lover.
However, much leniency is given to men than women when it comes to seeking out a lover and marrying. Human society ties a woman’s identity to her success in building a home and her capabilities to sustain her family.
Being a spinster has proven to be difficult as pressure is mostly mounted on women from to marry early before they are no longer attractive in the eyes of men. This rhetoric has birthed a popular dating sites or campaigns which most unmarried women attend in hopes of finding a man.
52-year Pascasia Nyinawumuntu, a mother of seven says that women marry early to avoid so many complications, including health, as menopause often begins between 45 and 55 years old, barring women from procreating and starting a biological family with their husbands.
“As young girls, we were raised to always marry early so we could be of use to our husbands. There was an ancient belief of marriage as strictly for procreation and the extension of legitimate lineages unlike these days where people marry for love or just for fun,” she explained.
In the past, women were believed to always find favor in the eyes of the man who would marry them and care for them, therefore making their individuality and desires obsolete as they would eventually end up as family home caregivers.
Today, according to popular opinion, men have always married later than women, except for some men who married early.
With the strong voice of feminism and the recognition of women beyond their matrimonial services, women are beginning to embrace individuality, such as creating a life and career for themselves before choosing to settle and marry, just as men.
While women are told to marry early, between the ages of 20 and 25, men are allowed to ‘hustle’ and be excused from marrying as early. This part helps society embrace the idea of a young girl marrying an older and accomplished man.
A random survey carried out by IGIHE in Kigali City indicates that, on average, “unmarried youth and their parents view 20 to 25 as acceptable ages for women to marry, while ages 23 to 30 are appropriate for men.
Historically, men’s income-earning capabilities were necessary for marriage, while attractiveness and household capabilities were more important for women.
{{Feminism, a pushback on women marrying early}}
Feminists understand the power dynamic between a man and a woman in a traditional marriage, whereby the men are always authoritative and have dominion over their households.
This is because their wives, who have been conditioned to marry early before chasing any personal goal, have to be financially dependent on them (their husbands). Feminists believe that women should shun the idea of marrying early and instead focus on personal growth and achievements before settling to create a family.
Although there have been fights against women ageing without marriage and starting a home, feminists strive to ensure that all women get the chance to choose their lives and what they want with them rather than being conditioned to enjoy such a life for themselves.
Feminists have claimed that early marriages often lead to early childbirth, and this could pose a disaster for women, especially if they are not emotionally or physically prepared to take on such life-threatening roles.
{{Should women marry early or not?}}
Marrying early or marrying at all is best left to any individual who identifies as an adult. Men are pressured to produce off springs and women are asked to marry early while they are fertile.
However, before any man is congratulated for starting a family, he must be scrutinized by those around him as they gauge his financial capacity to understand if he is ready to take on the role of a “breadwinner.”
This scrutiny is why men are often given the freedom to marry whenever they want, as they could also produce off springs at any age, unlike women.
The remains were transported through the main Rwanda-DRC border crossing, La Corniche, around noon on Friday in a truck belonging to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). They were escorted by other UN vehicles.
After arriving in Rwanda, the convoy continued to the Cyanika border post, from where it was set to proceed to Kampala, Uganda. The bodies will later be flown to South Africa via Entebbe International Airport.
Four other bodies, two each of deceased soldiers from Malawi and Tanzania, were also repatriated from Goma on Friday.
Some of the soldiers were killed in the battle to capture Goma City, while others perished in clashes in Sake involving M23, the Congolese military, and allied coalition forces.
Earlier reports indicated that the bodies had begun to decompose and [remained scattered in different locations->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/decomposing-bodies-of-sa-soldiers-left-unattended-in-goma?var_mode=calcul], having not been placed in hospital mortuaries.
The repatriation was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was delayed due to negotiations between M23, South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is contributing troops to the eastern Congo.
The bodies were cleared for transport after M23, which now controls Goma, agreed to hand them over to South Africa through MONUSCO, the UN mission in the region.
The repatriation of the bodies is a sigh of relief for the South African Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African government, which had come under heavy criticism from members of parliament over the mission in eastern Congo.
Members of the South African Parliament on Tuesday rejected Defense Minister Angelina Matsie Motshekga’s explanation that South African soldiers were sent to the DRC to restore peace in the eastern region.
The MPs argued that the true nature of the mission was unclear, with some asserting that the troops should be withdrawn immediately.
Amid pressure on the government to recall the troops, President Cyril Ramaphosa, during a State of the Nation address on Thursday, hinted at bringing the soldiers home in response to growing calls for a political solution to the conflict in the eastern region.
The conflict pits the Congolese government against the M23 rebel group, which is fighting the marginalization and persecution of Congolese Rwandophones—a situation that has persisted for decades.
Heads of state from the East African Community and SADC will be holding an extraordinary summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this weekend to address the escalating conflict.
As a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s political transformation, Gasamagera shared his perspectives on how the RPF has led the country through significant progress, its ongoing commitment to unity and progress, and the future direction that the party intends to take in shaping Rwanda’s growth.
{{Leadership as the cornerstone of national development}}
During the interview, Gasamagera explained that the RPF’s leadership philosophy is fundamentally tied to the principles of resilience, unity, and clear strategic direction.
“Under President Paul Kagame’s guidance, the RPF has transformed Rwanda from a post-genocide society into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies,” he said.
According to him, the party’s vision revolves around leadership that not only holds power but also inspires collaboration and ensures that every Rwandan has a stake in the country’s success.
Reflecting on the party’s role in uniting a divided nation, Gasamagera noted that leadership within the RPF is about more than governance. It’s about healing historical wounds and building a foundation of trust and cooperation among all citizens.
He highlighted that the RPF’s success in Rwanda is rooted in its leadership’s ability to prioritize inclusivity, good governance, and sustainable development. For him, leadership should empower citizens and contribute to a society where everyone can thrive.
As Secretary-General, Gasamagera plays a pivotal role in maintaining the RPF’s values and reinforcing its commitment to social justice, economic opportunity, and national stability. His leadership focuses on ensuring that these values continue to guide the party as it looks ahead to a future of continued progress.
{{The RPF’s vision for the future}}
Looking to the future, Gasamagera spoke with great optimism about Rwanda’s continued progress and the RPF’s role in fostering long-term national development.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s future growth will rely heavily on sectors such as technology, agriculture, and tourism, areas that are already central to the party’s strategic focus.
Gasamagera is particularly passionate about Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional technology hub, noting that the country’s digital transformation is a crucial pillar of the RPF’s vision. According to him, technological innovation will play a key role in Rwanda’s economic diversification, which is essential for sustainable growth.
The RPF is already investing in digital infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, which Gasamagera sees as essential for Rwanda’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Furthermore, Gasamagera underscored the RPF’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where all citizens have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for upward mobility.
The party’s policies, continue to reflect a dedication to reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities, ensuring that every Rwandan benefits from the nation’s progress is at the core of the party’s long-term vision.
{{A legacy of unity and progress}}
Gasamagera conveyed a deep sense of responsibility for the RPF’s legacy and the future of leadership within the party. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new leaders who are aligned with the RPF’s core values and who are committed to building on the achievements of the past.
The success of the RPF, he noted, is not solely attributed to the party’s historical leadership but to its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the nation.
In his view, the future of leadership within the RPF lies in ensuring that the party remains relevant, transparent, and accountable while maintaining its focus on national unity and sustainable development. He believes that fostering a new generation of leaders who embrace these principles will ensure the continuity of the party’s vision for Rwanda’s future.
Gasamagera also spoke about the importance of leadership in maintaining Rwanda’s social cohesion. He believes that the RPF’s continued success will depend on how well the party can preserve the unity achieved since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while navigating the challenges that come with rapid modernization and global interconnectedness.
As the RPF’s Secretary-General, Gasamagera works tirelessly to maintain this balance and ensure that the party remains focused on its core mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and unity. His insights into the RPF’s leadership and vision for Rwanda’s future offer a compelling picture of the party’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s development.
He makes it clear that leadership is the driving force behind Rwanda’s achievements and future growth. As the Secretary-General of the RPF, his focus remains on ensuring that the party stays true to its founding principles while adapting to new challenges and opportunities in an ever-changing world.
The RPF’s legacy, as envisioned is one of sustained unity and progress. A political party that has guided Rwanda from recovery to prosperity and remains dedicated to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
The agreement was signed at the conclusion of a visit by a delegation from Namibia’s Correctional Service, which was in Rwanda from February 4 to 6, 2025.
The ceremony took place on February 6, 2025, with Rwanda represented by the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Murenzi Evariste, and Namibia represented by the Commissioner General of its Correctional Service, Raphael T. Hamunyela.
The pact aims to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge, best practices in prisoner management, staff training, and the sharing of information related to correctional services. It also includes provisions for study visits between the two countries, joint research and assessments, as well as cultural and sports exchanges.
During the visit, Hamunyela and his delegation commended Rwanda’s approach to environmental conservation in correctional facilities and the emphasis on protecting inmates’ rights. They also praised the training programs provided to correctional officers in Rwanda, which help enhance their skills.
Similarly, RCS expressed appreciation for Namibia’s vocational training programs within its correctional facilities, which equip inmates with industrial skills, increasing their chances of securing employment or starting their own businesses after reintegration.
Rwanda and Namibia have an existing history of cooperation in various sectors. Since 2015, the police forces of both nations have maintained a partnership, particularly in training programs. By 2022, at least 15 senior Namibian police officers had completed advanced training at Rwanda’s National Police College.
Beyond security cooperation, the two countries have also signed agreements on airspace sharing to enhance trade, tourism, and the movement of people between Rwanda and Namibia.
The embassy stated that his narratives align with hate speech and ongoing acts of violence targeting Banyamulenge and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly those of Tutsi descent.
On February 6, 2025, the embassy expressed its concerns via X in response to South African news outlet Newzroom Afrika, which had recently given Kayumba a platform to share what it called his “truth” about the security crisis in eastern DRC.
This controversy stems from growing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, following remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who labeled the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as “rebels” and denied key aspects of his discussions with President Kagame regarding the war in eastern DRC.
South African troops are deployed in DRC under the regional military coalition fighting M23 rebels, and some of them were recently killed in clashes.
After interviewing Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, Newzroom Afrika deleted the discussion and instead aired an interview with Kayumba Nyamwasa, where he made inflammatory remarks about Rwanda’s leadership.
In a 33-minute and 30-second interview, Kayumba made several accusations against the Rwandan government, even going as far as legitimizing the FDLR, a militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while discrediting M23, which has been fighting for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
The Rwandan Embassy in South Africa reminded the public that Kayumba, despite his attempts to portray himself as innocent, has been actively involved in destabilizing Rwanda through the Rwandan National Congress (RNC) and its armed wing, P5.
“Since 2012, Kayumba’s RNC and its P5 coalition have recruited and trained rebels in eastern DRC with the intent of toppling Rwanda’s leadership. Though Kayumba and his associates have failed in their objectives, these rebel groups have contributed to terrorism and targeted attacks against Tutsi Congolese, with support from the Kinshasa government,” reads the statement.
The embassy further pointed out that Kayumba’s collaboration with genocidal FDLR forces has worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing many civilians into exile across the region.
“Rwanda urges the media to exercise caution and avoid giving a platform to armed groups that threaten peace and security in our region,” the embassy added.
On February 2, 2025, Yolande Makolo also took to X to expose Kayumba’s deceptive tactics. She noted that Newzroom Afrika’s decision to delete the interview about South African troops and instead air an interview with a fugitive convicted in absentia of a 24-year prison sentence by a Rwandan military court confirmed South Africa’s ulterior motives.
Kayumba Nyamwasa was convicted on January 14, 2011, on charges including forming a terrorist group, attempting to destabilize the country, and violating national laws. His crimes date back to 2010, when grenade attacks in Kigali killed multiple civilians.
Over the years, various reports have linked Kayumba to efforts in eastern DRC to recruit fighters for a planned attack on Rwanda.
Pharco Pharmaceuticals, founded in 1983 by Dr. Hassan Abbas Helmy, is one of Egypt’s major pharmaceutical firms. It produces a wide range of medications under the Pharco brand and distributes them in over 50 countries.
In 2019 alone, the company sold 750 million medicine packages globally. Some of its key products include Acne Zinc for skin treatment, Alambuphine for fever relief, and Alfatral, used in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
On Thursday, President Paul Kagame met with a delegation from Pharco Pharmaceuticals, led by its CEO, Dr. Sherine Abbas Helmy. The discussions were also attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.
According to Village Urugwiro, the meeting focused on identifying areas of collaboration between Rwanda and the pharmaceutical firm, particularly in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Before meeting President Kagame, Dr. Sherine Abbas Helmy and his delegation also held discussions with Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Following the meeting, RDB stated, “The discussions explored opportunities to expand access to essential medicines, conduct clinical trials, and establish local pharmaceutical manufacturing.”
Rwanda has been making significant investments in its healthcare sector, aiming to improve medical services and modernize healthcare infrastructure. These efforts seek to reduce the number of Rwandans seeking medical treatment abroad while attracting international patients to the country’s healthcare facilities.
If the pharmaceutical factory project is launched, it will complement Rwanda’s ongoing initiative to establish a vaccine manufacturing plant in partnership with Germany’s BioNTech.
Additionally, in November, RDB signed an agreement with Bio Usawa Inc. to build a pharmaceutical plant specializing in the production of treatments for severe eye diseases, including those affecting diabetic patients.
The virtual event brought together key industry leaders to educate the public on the advantages, risks, and accessibility of CIS.
CIS are investment funds that gather money from multiple investors and allocate it into a diversified portfolio of assets. These schemes offer several benefits, including professional fund management, lower investment risk through diversification, and access to investment opportunities that may be difficult for individual investors to reach.
In Rwanda, two CIS are currently licensed: the RNIT Iterambere Fund and the BKC Aguka Fund. By the end of December 2024, their total assets under management (AUM) had grown to RWF 67.49 billion, with 34,465 unit holders, up from RWF 64 billion and 28,895 unit holders in June 2024.
This growth reflects increasing investor confidence and participation in Rwanda’s capital markets.
Agnes Nyirankeza, CEO of BCP Investment Managers noted that “The CIS industry can help create quality jobs in Rwanda by employing financial analysts and portfolio managers. It is a crucial part of our economy, offering diverse investment opportunities with professional management.”
Siongo Kisoso, Managing Director of BK Capital stressed that “The future of CIS in Rwanda is bright. As the market develops, we expect greater innovation, increased investor participation, and a wider range of investment options. CIS provide a balanced approach, combining professional management with accessibility and risk diversification.”
Jonathan Gatera, CEO of RNIT Iterambere Fund said that since launching in 2016 as Rwanda’s first CIS, the RNIT Iterambere Fund has grown its assets from RWF 3 billion to over RWF 45 billion.
“Investors can start with as little as RWF 2,000 and only need an ID card. The Net Asset Value per unit has increased from RWF 1,000 to RWF 1,238, reflecting an annual net return of about 11.78%. We plan to introduce more schemes to enable broader participation,” he said.
Pierre-Célestin Rwabukumba, CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) expressed commitment to educating the public on CIS, as they provide the easiest access to the market.
“I encourage BK Capital to consider listing on the RSE for visibility, and I urge all stakeholders to introduce more CIS and investment products to expand opportunities for everyone,” he advised.
Thapelo Tsheole, CEO of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) explained that CIS offer the simplest entry point for market investment.
“To enhance productivity, we must create more schemes, develop new investment products, and invest in technology. By working together, we can broaden the scope of CIS in Rwanda,” he said.
As Rwanda’s capital markets continue to expand, the rise of CIS will play a key role in driving financial inclusion and economic development, providing investors with accessible and secure long-term investment opportunities.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, praised the participating Rwandan companies for showcasing their high-quality fruits and vegetables.
“Despite being a landlocked country, Rwanda continues to leverage its strength and expertise to access global markets like ‘Fruit Logistica’ in Berlin,” he said.
Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager also highlighted the significance of the event: “We are excited to participate once again in this trade fair, as it is one of the largest platforms where we secure market opportunities, engage with buyers, and exchange knowledge.”
This year’s edition features 91 participating countries, with over 115,000 exhibitors and visitors, including farmers and buyers from around the world.
“It is also a valuable learning experience, allowing us to understand best practices in handling and transporting fresh produce,” she added.
Basiima also emphasized RwandAir’s critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of Rwanda’s fresh produce to global markets. “Fruits and vegetables require specialized transport as they are highly perishable. RwandAir helps us ensure efficient deliveries,” she noted.
“For destinations beyond RwandAir’s coverage, we rely on KLM and Ethiopian Airlines. Recently, we conducted trial shipments for avocado exports to Dubai, and if successful, we may expand it.”
Rukundo Robert, the founder of Almond Green Farm and Chairperson of Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR), underscored the importance of Rwanda’s participation in global trade fairs.
“We engage with international partners to expand our markets. Being here also allows us to assess our progress and set future goals for increasing export volumes. I appreciate the government’s support in securing opportunities like these for us.”
Angel Rugema Uwantege, a representative of BAHAGE Foods and a regular exhibitor at ‘Fruit Logistica,’ shared her experience: “Every year, we gain new insights, whether in marketing technologies, climate change adaptation, or advanced farming techniques.”
Rwanda exports fruits and vegetables to countries including France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. This year, Rwandan exhibitors showcased avocados, chili, French beans, and passion fruit.
In 2024, Rwanda exported 97,165 tons of fruits and vegetables, generating $75.1 million (over RWF 104.5 billion), accounting for 8.95% of the country’s total agricultural exports.
The country’s agricultural exports continue to grow, with revenues surpassing $839.2 million (over RWF 1.162 trillion) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Key export products include coffee, which generated $78.71 million, and tea, which brought in over $114.88 million in 2023/2024.
In addition to the rising fresh produce sector, which contributed over $75.12 million, Rwanda earned $562.43 million from value-added agricultural products and livestock exports, while pyrethrum exports generated $8 million.
According to NAEB, between 2020 and 2024, Rwanda exported 261.6 million kilograms of horticultural products, including 170.8 million kilograms of vegetables, 86.4 million kilograms of fruits, and 4.3 million kilograms of flowers.
These exports earned Rwanda $233.6 million (over RWF 317 billion), with vegetables contributing $128.5 million, fruits $79.5 million, and flowers over $25.4 million.
The rewards are based on invoices requested during the months of October, November, and December 2024.
A Ministerial Order gazetted in March 2024, stipulates that a final consumer, who purchase an item not intended for business, is entitled to a reward of 10% of the VAT amount indicated on the invoice.
To receive the reward, one must be registered under this program by dialing *800# and choosing EBM services or using MyRRA. After registration, the consumer is required to always remind the seller to include their phone number on the invoice issued.
Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, emphasized that this reward is not a short-term promotion and encouraged everyone to participate, contributing to national development while also benefiting personally.
Since April 2024, about 58,000 people have registered for VAT rewards. Among them, 18,215, who made invoiced purchases in the last third quarter, started receiving their rewards amounting to Frw184.4 billion, since Wednesday.
“Of those registered, more than 43,000 have already requested invoices since this program started in April last year. The total value of invoices requested so far is a substantial Frw97.3 billion, with VAT amounting to nearly Frw15 billion,” Uwitonze stated.
Given that the reward is 10% of the VAT paid on these invoices, final consumers have collectively accumulated Frw1.48 billion in rewards.
Uwitonze urged all buyers to consistently request EBM invoices and reminded business owners of their obligation to issue them, warning of penalties for non-compliance.
A consumer, who is denied an invoice for the goods purchased, is urged to report it to the tax administration. In doing so, the affected final consumer receives an additional reward equal to 50% of the penalty imposed on the seller.
To report the trader, who refuses to issue an EBM invoice or provides incorrect one, consumers can send a message to the RRA WhatsApp number 0739008010.
“Infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, and security; all these need resources. Everyone should contribute to national development, knowing that sustainable progress comes from our collective efforts towards tax compliance,” Uwitonze added.
{{Why the received reward might be lower than expected}}
While consumers continue to receive their rewards, some have noticed that the amount received is lower than the amount displayed in the system, either via *800# or MyRRA.
This may be due to various factors, including the invoices belonging to the ongoing fourth quarter. The reward amount is deposited quarterly to the mobile money or bank account designated by the final consumer after the declaration of VAT.
“Sometimes, a consumer requests an EBM invoice, but the seller does not declare it or pay the corresponding VAT. In such cases, the unpaid VAT is deducted from the reward amount pending further follow up with the taxpayer in question, leading to differences between the expected and received rewards,” Uwitonze explained.
“There could also be ongoing verification before granting the reward on certain invoices, or a seller might have failed to declare some information. This means that the expected reward cannot be disbursed immediately. However, once the taxes are recovered, they are added to the pool of pending rewards and paid out accordingly.”
Some cases have also been reported where rewards were sent but did not reach recipients due to technical issues, requiring reprocessing, he said. In issuing EBM invoices, some sellers also generate invoices and later cancel them falsely claiming they were issued by mistake.
Uwitonze assured that such fraudulent practices would not succeed, as the system tracks all seller activities, including invoice issuance, refunds, and inventory adjustments.
He warned that tax audits could be conducted at any time, and those found engaging in such malpractices would have to correct them and face heavy penalties as provided by the law.
