This model comes in three variants, two of which are automatic. The car was officially unveiled in Kigali on the afternoon of January 30, 2025.
Alphonse Manege, the Sales Supervisor at Toyota Rwanda Ltd, highlighted that the Starlet Cross maintains the renowned quality of other Toyota models, tailored to meet the specific needs of Rwanda’s road conditions.
“This car is designed for travelling everywhere, as it belongs to the SUV category. Its engine capacity has been reduced to allow Rwandans to use less fuel,” he said.
“We brought it in as a solution because its price is relatively lower compared to the other models we’ve introduced.”
These cars are currently available at Toyota’s Karuruma showroom. Nenad Predrevac, the Managing Director of Toyota Rwanda, encouraged companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals to consider purchasing this car because it is durable, and its maintenance is affordable, offering numerous benefits.
{{The 2025 Toyota Starlet Cross specifications}}
This model is equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, generating 105 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s power is transferred to the front wheels, making it a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicle.
This engine performance makes it easy to drive on smooth roads, while it also manages to handle rougher terrain.
The 2025 Starlet Cross has a width of 1.76 meters, a ground clearance height of 1.55 meters, and a length of 3.99 meters from front to back.
The distance between the front and rear tires is 2.52 meters, and the car weighs 1,005 kg when empty (without passengers or cargo).
It is equipped with airbags in both the front and rear positions, including the doors, to reduce the impact of accidents.
The car also features an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking when sudden braking occurs, making it easier for the driver to maintain control.
Additionally, the 2025 Starlet Cross is equipped with Hill-Start Assist technology, which prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on a steep incline. Its tires are 16 inches in size.
For those interested in test-driving the car before purchasing, Toyota Rwanda has provided a [platform->https://www.toyotarwanda.com/?form=book-a-test-drive] to book a test drive, either online on their website or by calling 0788 314072.
Also on Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long criticized the UNRWA.
During Trump’s first term in June 2018, the United States withdrew from the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying that it has rendered membership to unworthy nations and harbored “disproportionate focus and unending hostility towards Israel.”
However, in February 2021, then U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the Biden administration would reengage with the council as an observer.
Since 1950, UNRWA has been assisting Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The Congolese government has called for Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain to sever their partnerships, accusing the Rwandan government of using sports as a tool for “sportswashing” amid ongoing tensions in eastern DR Congo.
Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, recently wrote to the clubs, questioning the morality of their deals with Rwanda, alleging the sponsorship is funded by illicit mining from conflict zones in eastern DR Congo.
However, during an exclusive interview with CNN, President Kagame firmly rejected the accusations, terming the Congolese government’s campaign a “wasted effort.”
The Head of State suggested that the Congolese government’s focus should be on managing internal issues and solving the country’s political problems.
President Kagame maintained that Rwanda is not directly involved in arming or supporting the M23 rebels.
He pointed out that much of the “sophisticated equipment” used by M23 in the recent fighting, which led to the capture of Goma City, came from the Congolese army, which had been defeated and pursued by the rebels.
During the interview, President Kagame expressed frustration with President Félix Tshisekedi’s absence from diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the conflict, especially after he skipped a Heads of State extraordinary summit that brought together Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the security situation in eastern Congo.
“When you have a problem, you must look for the cause. The one with the problem must seek a solution,” Kagame emphasized.
President Kagame has often accused the Congolese administration of ignoring the root causes of the conflict in the eastern region and prioritizing military solutions over a political resolution, which can be achieved through dialogue with the M23 group fighting for the interests of the Congolese Rwandophones, particularly the Tutsi community.
Speaking in a separate interview with Al Jazeera, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe dismissed the narrative of Rwanda exploiting minerals in Congo as a distraction from the more profound issues of ethnic persecution and governance failures.
“This narrative of minerals as the root cause of this conflict is really a lazy and unacceptable narrative,” he remarked, stressing that the conflict’s core lies in the protection and rights of communities.
The Visit Rwanda campaign, launched in 2018, has helped raise the country’s global profile, with significant partnerships with high-profile football clubs, which have boosted Rwanda’s tourism sector and foreign investments.
Rwanda has repeatedly dismissed sportswashing claims, with the country’s Chief Tourism Officer, Irene Murerwa, calling such claims a “distraction” from Rwanda’s achievements.
In a candid interview with Al Jazeera, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the historical context of the conflict, pointing to the artificial borders drawn by colonial powers in the early 20th century, which he argues have led to the marginalization and persecution of Congolese Rwandophones, particularly the Tutsi community in Eastern DRC.
“Rwanda was a German colony, and in 1910, 1912, and 1911, there was a meeting in Brussels where Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom decided to draw the borders between the three countries artificially. We had part of the Kingdom of Rwanda which was given to Congo with the people, and another part was given to Uganda. Then we have people of Rwandan culture and heritage in those two countries; in DRC, which was Congo at that time, and Uganda,” Nduhungirehe explained.
“But those in Uganda never had any problem; they were integrated into society, considered as Ugandans. However, those in Congo, who have lived there since 1910, were never considered as Congolese; they were always suspected to be Rwandan. And this went on until the independence of Congo, and this marginalization under suspicion continued. In the 1970s, the then President of Zaire, which was the name of the country, President Mobutu, decided to give them citizenship, but 10 years later in the 80s, he stripped that citizenship from them, so their situation was always difficult,” he added.
The minister insisted that the continued persecution of Rwandophones in eastern Congo birthed the M23 group, which is fighting for the rights of the marginalized group.
He emphasized that the M23 is fundamentally a Congolese movement defending its community, dismissing the narrative that marginalized groups were foreigners in their own land and that Rwanda was aiding them.
“The M23 is a Congolese movement supporting and defending a Congolese community,” he stated, adding that Rwanda’s purported involvement in the conflict had been misrepresented.
Nduhungirehe was particularly vocal about the international community’s failure to address the genocide ideology propagated by the FDLR, a group sanctioned by the United Nations but still active and collaborating with the DRC government. The FDLR continues to pose a security threat to Rwanda, three decades after being involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“It’s unacceptable for the government of DRC to collaborate with this group of genocidaires, the FDLR,” he noted, criticizing the bias in international reports and the lack of condemnation for atrocities committed against Congolese Tutsis.
He further accused the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, of not only failing in its mandate but also exacerbating the situation by supporting forces that include genocidal elements and mercenaries. He maintained that such actions violate international conventions.
“MONUSCO in Eastern DRC has not been part of the solution; it has been part of the problem,” Nduhungirehe asserted.
More than 280 European mercenaries recently fled DRC after being defeated by the M23 in a battle that led to the capture of Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province. The Romanian mercenaries departed for their home country through Rwanda last week following the closure of Goma airport.
The minister also addressed the often-cited narrative that the conflict is primarily driven by mineral wealth, dismissing it as a distraction from the more profound issues of ethnic persecution and governance failures.
“This narrative of minerals as the root cause of this conflict is really a lazy and unacceptable narrative,” he remarked, stressing that the conflict’s core lies in the protection and rights of communities.
Regarding peace processes, Nduhungirehe spoke with frustration about the stalled negotiations, particularly under the Nairobi and Luanda frameworks.
He criticized the international community for not pushing for a political solution to the M23 issue, despite Rwanda’s consistent advocacy for direct talks between the DRC government and the M23.
“We have always supported a political solution to the M23 question,” he said.
Nduhungirehe’s remarks come at a time when tensions in DRC remain high following the capture of Goma and several key towns by M23.
Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) are expected to hold a joint crisis meeting in Tanzania later this week to chart the way forward in silencing the guns in eastern DRC.
SADC is contributing troops to the region and has, in recent days, suffered at least 14 deaths from the fight between the M23 and coalition forces allied with the Congolese government.
In an official communiqué issued a day before, M23 claimed that the ceasefire was in response to the “humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime,” while reiterating its commitment to protecting civilians in areas under its control.
“The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) hereby informs the public that, in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime, it declares a ceasefire starting February 4th, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,” the statement read, signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, the Communication focal-point of the AFC.
Addressing widespread concerns over its territorial ambitions, M23 denied having any plans to seize Bukavu, despite recent reports of its forces advancing toward the city.
“It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” the statement continued.
In its communiqué, M23 also condemned the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) for what it described as continued aerial bombardments targeting civilian areas. The rebels criticized military operations conducted from Kavumu Airport, accusing FARDC of loading “bombs that kill our compatriots in liberated areas.”
Additionally, the rebels renewed their call for SAMIDRC to withdraw from the DRC, claiming that the regional peacekeeping force’s mission is no longer justified.
“We urge SAMIDRC to withdraw its forces from the DRC, as we have repeatedly stated that their mission is no longer justified,” the statement read.
The ceasefire announcement comes ahead of an extraordinary regional summit scheduled in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where leaders from Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and the DRC will meet to discuss the worsening crisis.
Meanwhile, the United States has issued an emergency security alert, advising its citizens to leave Kinshasa amid fears of potential unrest, reflecting growing global concern over the conflict’s potential to destabilize the broader region.
He stated that Rwanda received a request from the UN to allow passage for these workers, who were stationed in different branches of the organization in Bukavu.
“A total of 224 UN employees crossed the border into Rwanda from Bukavu. They are UN staff, not diplomats from embassies. What we can confirm is that they crossed the border into Rwanda,” he clarified.
Mukuralinda refrained from providing further details regarding how the staff would be accommodated or taken care of as they continued their journey. According to him, the UN had initially engaged with the Rwandan government to seek approval for the passage of its personnel.
This development comes as the M23 rebel group, having taken control of the city of Goma on January 26, 2025, have dismissed any plans to seize Bukavu despite recent reports of its forces advancing toward the city.
On January 31, Jean Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, confirmed that the M23 rebels were advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
Rwanda had recently facilitated the evacuation of UN staff from Goma, allowing them passage through its border with the DRC in Rubavu District.
Upon arrival in Kigali, they were provided with initial assistance at Kigali Pelé Stadium then transferred to hotels for rest before continuing their journey. At that time, more than 1,800 UN employees and their families were received.
Besides the UN personnel who fled the conflict between the Congolese army (FARDC), M23, and allied armed groups such as FDLR, European mercenaries from Romania were also evacuated through Rwanda. Additionally, some FARDC soldiers, after suffering defeats at the hands of M23, fled into Rwanda.
He made these remarks on February 3, 2025, during an interview with CNN journalist Larry Madowo.
Kagame firmly rejected claims that Rwanda is responsible for the war, stating that those fighting in eastern DRC, particularly the M23 rebels, are not Rwandans but Congolese seeking their rights.
“This war you see was not started by Rwanda; it was started by the DRC. These people fighting for their rights did not come from here [Rwanda],” he said.
The M23, a group composed primarily of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, took up arms after years of persecution and failed negotiations with the Kinshasa government. Rather than addressing the grievances of its own citizens, Kagame argued, the Congolese government has opted to blame Rwanda for the crisis.
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have been exacerbated by Kinshasa’s continued support for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Head of State pointed out that the FDLR operates freely in the DRC with the support of its government, posing a security threat to Rwanda.
With President Félix Tshisekedi repeatedly making statements about attacking Rwanda, Kagame made it clear that his country will do whatever is necessary to protect itself. “No one, not even the United Nations or the international community will ensure our security if we do not do it ourselves,” he stated.
When asked whether the conflict in eastern DRC could spill over into the broader region, Kagame responded that he does not believe anyone, including Tshisekedi, is genuinely interested in war.
However, he noted that external influences have led the Congolese leader in that direction. “I don’t think anyone is keen on war. I don’t even think Tshisekedi himself is truly interested in war, but he has been led in that direction by those who promised to fight his battles for him.”
Kagame also addressed accusations that Rwanda exploits DRC’s mineral wealth, an allegation frequently made by Congolese authorities and echoed in some international reports. He dismissed the claims and stated that South Africa and European countries are the primary beneficiaries of DRC’s vast mineral resources.
“I invite you to come and see where we mine coltan,” Kagame said when asked if Rwanda extracts minerals from the DRC. He clarified that Rwanda has its own mines and does not depend on the DRC’s resources.
“I don’t know anything about that because it’s not an issue. The people benefiting the most from DRC’s minerals are South Africa and those Europeans.”
Available statistics indicate that Rwanda has its own mineral wealth, with underground reserves estimated at 112 million tons, valued at approximately $154 billion. A 2017 study identified 52 mineral-rich zones in Rwanda, with 37 already licensed for extraction. The country also processes its minerals domestically, with refining plants for tin and coltan.
Official data from the Rwanda Mining, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB) shows that Rwanda’s mineral exports generated over $1.1 billion in 2023, up from $772 million in 2022. The figures indicate steady growth in the sector, contradicting claims that Rwanda depends on illegal mineral trade from the DRC.
In October 2023, Rwanda exported 1,015 kilograms of gold, earning $62.1 million, while in November and December, exports reached 823 and 1,320 kilograms, generating $52.9 million and $87.5 million, respectively.
The country also recorded significant exports of tin, coltan, and wolfram, reinforcing its position as a legitimate mining and refining hub in the region.
Kagame concluded that despite ongoing accusations, Rwanda remains focused on its national priorities, including security and economic growth.
“Many stories will be told. I cannot stop people from talking […]. What can I do about it? What matters is that we must focus on our responsibilities and ensure that we survive any threats to our country,” he said.
He made the disclosure during a talkshow aired on different local news outlets where he emphasized that Rwanda has solid explanations backed by evidence to counter accusations made by DRC and the means to present them effectively.
Mukuralinda pointed out that DRC consistently amplifies its claims on various platforms, making it seem as though it has outpaced Rwanda in publicizing its narrative.
However, he assured that Rwanda is well aware of these tactics and is taking appropriate measures to respond.
“Everything the Congolese do, they publicize it widely and announce it everywhere they go. Do you think there is anything they say that Rwanda does not respond to? It is not necessary for Rwanda to respond to every claim all the time,” he said.
He acknowledged that among DRC’s allegations is the call for sanctions against Rwanda.
However, he reassured that Rwanda is never denied a platform to present its case on the international stage.
In many instances, he said, Rwanda has been given opportunities to explain the situation, revealing the falsehoods in DRC’s statements.
Mukuralinda further stated that Rwanda is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to ensure that the requested sanctions are not imposed.
“Rwanda’s diplomacy will do everything possible, both publicly and behind the scenes, to prevent these sanctions from being enacted. And as long as Rwanda’s calls for a resolution to the issue go unheard, it will take necessary measures to protect its citizens and national sovereignty. Once the issue is resolved, those measures will be lifted,” he added.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts should not be complacent about DRC’s statements or its calls for sanctions.
However, he expressed confidence that those responsible for handling the matter are capable of addressing the challenges effectively.
Mukuralinda cited an example of DRC’s attempt to pressure football clubs sponsored by Visit Rwanda to terminate their partnership agreements with Rwanda.
“They wrote to the presidents of these clubs, but no one can simply make a decision without consulting the other party. If we provide explanations, do you think the outcome will be the same? Had we remained silent all this time, the sanctions they are pushing for would have already been imposed,” he said.
Mukuralinda called on all Rwandans to actively contribute to explaining the truth about Rwanda’s position, as the facts are clear and well-supported.
“All Rwandans should step up and explain because the truth is there, and it is well understood,” he urged.
He cited an example of foreigners who exposed the lies of President Tshisekedi, noting that some had witnessed M23 being welcomed by the population in Goma while Tshisekedi claimed they were not present.
Mukuralinda encouraged Rwandans to use such examples to clarify the reality of the situation.
He confirmed that Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi are among the heads of state who have confirmed their participation, sharing the update on his X account.
“Through our collective effort, we will ensure security reigns in our continent,” he said.
Kenya’s State House also confirmed that the summit will be held on Friday and Saturday following an agreement between SADC Chairperson, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and EAC Chairperson, Kenyan President William Ruto.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has graciously agreed to host the summit to deliberate on the situation in Eastern DRC,” reads a statement from Kenya’s State House, quoting President Ruto.
The summit will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on Friday, before the Heads of State convene on Saturday.
Ruto said he has engaged several regional leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, all of whom have confirmed their participation.
The confirmation of the summit follows SADC’s acceptance of an EAC request during a meeting hosted by Mnangagwa in Harare on Friday.
The discussions were prompted by the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, which had led Ruto to convene EAC leaders for a virtual session on Thursday.
During the virtual summit, [EAC Heads of State proposed a joint session with SADC to address the escalating security crisis in eastern DRC.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/eac-heads-of-state-urge-drc-gov-t-to-directly-engage-m23-at-crisis-summit]
In a post-summit statement, the leaders emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the conflict.
“The summit called for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts and strongly urged the government of the DRC to directly engage with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups that have grievances,” the statement read.
As M23 advanced into Goma, FARDC soldiers and their allied forces, including the FDLR terrorist group, were defeated. Instead of repelling the attackers, they launched artillery shells into Rwanda’s Rubavu District.
Speaking at the summit, [President Kagame vowed to take action->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/we-will-definitely-take-care-of-that-kagame-reacts-to-recent-shelling-from-drc] following the shelling, which resulted in the deaths of 15 Rwandans and left several others injured.
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2022.
Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the rebels, a claim Rwanda has repeatedly denied, urging the DRC to resolve its internal issues without blaming neighboring countries.
Kagame also expressed frustration over [the unyielding involvement of international actors in the DRC crisis, particularly highlighting South Africa’s role.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-rebukes-ramaphosa-s-distortions-about-their-conversations-on]
Makolo was responding to a statement by Ramaphosa on Monday, February 3, 2025, in which he defended his decision to keep South African troops in the DRC, despite the recent deaths of 14 soldiers.
Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s commitment to supporting African nations, stating, “As a country, we have a duty of support towards the nations of Africa whose solidarity and material support helped secure our liberation. South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC so that they may have the peace and security they rightfully deserve.”
In response, Makolo accused Ramaphosa of misleading South Africans and suggested that his government’s military engagement in the DRC is driven by personal interests in the country’s mineral resources rather than a genuine commitment to peace.
“South Africans deserve to know the truth. You are not supporting the people of DRC to achieve peace. You are sending your troops to fight President Tshisekedi’s war to kill his own people,” Makolo posted on X.
“And this kind of statement only makes the Congolese president more intransigent, while the suffering continues. Please tell your people the truth about the personal interests in mining that you have in the DRC – these are the interests for which, sadly, SANDF soldiers are dying,” she added.
Her remarks come amid reports that South Africa is preparing to send additional troops and equipment to South Kivu, where M23 rebels continue their military campaign, claiming to fight for the rights of persecuted Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
This latest exchange adds to growing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, which escalated after Ramaphosa recently referred to Rwandan troops as rebels.
President Paul Kagame swiftly rejected the claim, asserting that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is a legitimate national army, not a rebel group. He also warned that if South Africa was seeking confrontation, Rwanda was prepared to respond accordingly.
Ramaphosa had earlier stated that if M23 forces killed more South African troops, he would consider it an act of war by Rwanda, further straining diplomatic relations between the two countries.
