Initially, the DRC government had requested all MONUSCO forces to leave the country by December 31, 2024.
However, security in North Kivu has worsened, prompting the extension of the mission’s mandate, which will now expire on December 20, 2025.
This insecurity has been fueled by the ongoing conflict between government forces, supported by a coalition of armed groups, and the M23 rebel group.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the Congolese government’s refusal to engage in dialogue that could address the safety concerns of citizens facing violence in the eastern part of the country.
The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2765 (2024), outlining MONUSCO’s key priorities, including protecting civilians, supporting stabilization efforts, and strengthening state institutions and governance.
The resolution also grants MONUSCO the authority to use “all means at its disposal” to prevent attacks on civilians by armed groups.
MONUSCO will continue to operate with an authorized troop ceiling of 11,500 military personnel, 600 observers, 443 police officers, and 1,270 members of police units.
The Council also called for a tailored strategy for the mission’s gradual and responsible withdrawal, taking into account the evolving conflict dynamics in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
A progress report on the withdrawal strategy is expected by March 31, 2025. The Secretary-General will continue to provide regular updates on the mission’s performance and any necessary adjustments.
MONUSCO has been active in DRC for more than 20 years.
The development was announced by Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana on December 20, at a press conference during which Rwanda declared the end of Marburg Virus Disease.
Rwanda announced the Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. Assessments linked the Marburg virus outbreak to Egyptian rousette bats in mining areas nearby Kigali City.
According to the Ministry of Health, investigations revealed that the initial transmission took place in August 2024. A man contracted the virus in the mine and subsequently transmitted it to his wife, who tragically passed away after being infected.
By the time the outbreak was declared over, the country had recorded 66 illnesses and 15 deaths.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted the importance of understanding bat movements, stating, “We will begin, in the coming weeks, to track and understand the migrations and movements of bats. […] We aim to detect outbreaks before they reach our hospitals.”
The government plans to focus on critical periods, especially in February and August, when bats are more likely to shed viruses.
Over 50 bat habitats have been identified, and warning signs are being placed to prevent human contact in high-risk areas.
While acknowledging the ecological role of bats, Nsanzimana emphasized the importance of creating safer environments to mitigate public health risks.
Richard Nyirishema had assumed the role of Minister of Sports in August 2024, replacing Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, while Richard Tusabe had held the position State Minister in charge of the National Treasury since 2020.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, released on December 20, 2024, confirmed other appointments, including Rwanda’s new ambassadors and leaders in key government institutions.
In ambassadorial appointments, Festus Bizimana has been designated as Rwanda’s proposed ambassador to Senegal, while Parfait Busabizwa will represent the country in the Republic of the Congo.
Olivier Kayumba is proposed as Rwanda’s ambassador to the Central African Republic, and Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President has been nominated ambassador to the Russian Federation.
Lambert Dushimimana, former Western Province Governor has been designated as the proposed ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Vincent Karega who previously served as Rwanad’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, has been appointed Ambassador at Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in charge of the Great Lakes Region.
Other key appointments include Francis Gatare as Senior Advisor in the Office of the President and Eng. Richard Nyirishema as the Executive Chairperson of the Rwanda Water Resources Board.
Francis Gatare previously served as the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Former Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana will serve as the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission, while Brave Ngabo is appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts.
Ariane Zingiro has been named Head of the National Development Planning and Research Department in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
A statement by the council of ministers indicates that the mourning would begin at midnight on 20 December.
In a televised address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi expressed his condolences, offering support to the grieving families and affected communities.
He emphasized the government’s immediate focus on providing shelter, food, water, and other critical aid.
The cyclone devastated the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, damaging over 36,000 homes, 49 healthcare facilities, and key infrastructure.
More than 182,000 people are impacted, with emergency shelters set up for over 1,300 displaced individuals. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing to address the crisis.
The walkout, spanning seven facilities in four states, came during the busiest delivery time in a year as Americans complete their Christmas shopping.
At a San Francisco distribution center, about 50 workers formed a picket line early Thursday morning. Dressed in high-visibility yellow vests, they carried signs reading “Amazon: obey the law” and “Amazon is unfair” and chanted slogans, demanding Amazon negotiate with their union — the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Among them was Leah Penslar, who wore an “Amazon Teamsters” beanie.
“The company needs to come to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with us,” Penslar told NBC.
The strike occurred less than a week before Christmas when delivery networks faced their peak demands. Workers have taken action at delivery hubs including San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and Skokie, with the union reporting picketing activities at hundreds more Amazon facilities nationwide.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in a statement posted on social media.
The situation developed after Amazon did not meet the union’s Dec. 15 deadline to begin negotiations. According to the union, nearly 10,000 Amazon workers joined its movement, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and improved workplace safety conditions.
However, Amazon disputed these claims.
“For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally misled the public — claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers,” said an Amazon spokesperson in a statement, “They don’t, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative.”
The company also said the union “threatened, intimidated and attempted to coerce” employees and third-party drivers to join their cause.
Despite the protests, Amazon maintained that the strike would have minimal impact on holiday deliveries. The striking workers represent a small portion of the retailing giant’s about 1.1 million U.S. employees.
While there may not be “a material impact” on deliveries, “it is possible there may be some isolated incidents of delay,” said Dan Romanoff, an analyst with the investment research firm Morningstar.
Delivery operations showed signs of slowdown in New York City, while operations in other cities remained largely unaffected. The company’s multiple locations in metropolitan areas serve as a buffer against potential disruptions.
Industry observers noted that Amazon’s extensive logistics network, built over years of rapid expansion, provides significant resilience against localized disruptions.
The strike reflected ongoing discussions about Amazon’s business practices and workers’ rights.
As the second-largest U.S. private employer after Walmart, Amazon often faces questions from unions who say the company’s focus on speed and efficiency can lead to workplace injuries.
The company maintains that it provides industry-leading wages and implements automation designed to reduce repetitive stress.
The company recently announced an investment of 2.2 billion U.S. dollars to raise the wages for employees at its fulfilment and transportation network. But union representatives said such measures did not fully address their concern about workplace conditions and job security.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of genocide survivors being targeted across various parts of the country.
These survivors have faced intimidation through unsigned documents, and some have had their property damaged or destroyed.
The growing trend of violence has been addressed by the country’s leadership, which has emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable.
In an interview with IGIHE, Prof. Dusingizemungu, President of the Parliamentary Forum for the Prevention of Genocide, Denial, and Revisionism (AGPF), shared information that suggests some of the individuals involved in these recent violent acts are those who have completed their sentences for roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi but have failed to change.
“There are people who were convicted for their roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi, and while they have served their sentences, investigations and evidence suggest that some of them are still involved in such activities. It is clear that we need to put in more effort in preparing inmates for reintegration into society,” he said.
Rwanda plans to open a halfway home in February 2025 to help individuals nearing the end of their genocide-related sentences prepare for reintegration into society.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that those who have served their sentences, genuinely repented, admitted their crimes, and sought forgiveness pose no threat.
The real danger, he explained, lies with those who have never acknowledged their crimes and continue to harbor genocidal ideology.
“The problem lies with those who never admitted their crimes. These individuals are still clinging to genocidal ideology, and they are often behind the recent acts of violence against genocide survivors,” he said.
“This group requires special attention, and we must implement specific interventions to address them effectively.”
He also suggested that Rwanda’s approach to reintegrating returnees and former members of terrorist groups—an approach that includes educating them on government policies and national values—should be extended to those serving genocide-related sentences.
“These individuals should undergo similar orientations and guidance, preparing them through community-based activities like Umuganda , involving them in practical ways with their families and the local community. The goal is to ensure they are not isolated but integrated meaningfully into society,” he explained.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized the importance of community involvement in this process, advocating for local residents to interact with these individuals before they return to their communities.
He further suggested that citizens should be informed about the returnees’ presence, helping them understand how to reintegrate former prisoners and prevent misunderstandings.
Statistics show that over 21,000 individuals are incarcerated for genocide-related crimes, with the majority never having repented.
These individuals have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 25 to 30 years or even life sentences.
Prof. Dusingizemungu also pointed to the troubling involvement of youth in violence against genocide survivors, indicating that genocidal ideology persists in some families.
“This raises the question of whether genocidal ideology is being passed down from parents to their children. It shows that more efforts are needed to educate the youth on the history of the genocide, its consequences, and the importance of national unity,” he said.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that encouraging everyone to participate in community development activities is crucial for building a strong and cohesive nation.
Nsanzimana made this statement on the evening of December 18, 2024, during a memorial event organized to honor the deceased medics, with participation from Rwanda’s health sector.
The event, held in collaboration with the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), the Rwanda Medical Association (RMA), and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), brought together health professionals, families, and friends of the fallen doctors.
The ceremony reflected on the legacy of these doctors, their dedication to saving lives, and their ultimate sacrifice.
The nine doctors who lost their lives to Marburg are; Dr. François Ntawuruhunga, Dr. Claudine Uzamukunda, Twahirwa Diogène, Mbabazi Joyce, Jean de Dieu Nduwamungu, Isabelle Ngenzi, Grace Uwanesheje Cyiza, Alice Dushimirimana and Schadrack Nambayisa.
Nsanzimana commended the bravery of health workers who fought against the outbreak, underscoring the extraordinary courage of these individuals who stayed committed to their duties despite the risks.
He highlighted that nine of the total number of 15 people who succumbed to the virus were healthcare workers.
He reassured the families of the deceased that the government is planning special measures to support them.
“The government has pledged to take concrete steps to support the families of the doctors who died battling Marburg by the end of December 2024. This initiative is a gesture of solidarity and recognition of their sacrifice.
Additionally, RSSB will explore extraordinary measures to assist these families, acknowledging the significant contributions of these professionals,” he said.
André Gitembagara, President of the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Health’s leadership during the unexpected Marburg outbreak.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our colleagues in combating this virus. I received calls from nurses working in Marburg treatment centers expressing their fears, but the structured and organized approach in those facilities reassured them and strengthened their resolve to care for patients,” he said.
Gitembagara affirmed the commitment to continue supporting the families of the deceased and praised RSSB for standing with its members even after their passing.
The Director General of RSSB, Regis Rugemanshuro, assured the families that benefits due to them will be processed promptly to provide them with comfort and support.
The Ministry of Health noted that the 42-day period required to declare the outbreak eradicated concludes on December 19, 2024. It extended gratitude to all Rwandans for their dedication in overcoming the outbreak and reaffirmed the need for vigilance in the fight against future epidemics.
Launched by the East African Community (EAC) in April 2022, the Nairobi Process aimed to address the conflict in eastern DRC, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed as the mediator.
M23 representatives had initially attended the talks but were expelled by the DRC government, which accused them of reigniting fighting in the Rutshuru territory.
However, M23 denied the accusations, calling them an excuse to exclude the group from the dialogue.
Subsequent talks held in Luanda, Angola, and Rwanda urged the DRC to engage in direct dialogue with M23.
Initially, the DRC rejected this proposal but later indicated that if dialogue were to occur, it would be based on the Nairobi Process.
On December 20, 2024, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, declared that the group would not engage in discussions that do not involve direct talks with the government of Kinshasa.
“Our organization reaffirms its commitment to peacefully resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC through direct and sincere dialogue with the Kinshasa regime, in addressing the root causes of the conflict,” reads part of the statement.
“We also wish to clarify that our organization is not willing to participate in any dialogue with the militias and the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime,” the statement adds.
M23’s rejection of these talks comes as the group continues to control significant swaths of eastern DRC.
The event marks a major milestone in the country’s sporting calendar, which will also see Rwanda hosting the World Cycling Championships later in 2025.
The race will take place on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, in the scenic Burera and Musanze districts, offering participants the chance to race through some of Rwanda’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The course promises stunning views of the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, as well as the towering Virunga Mountains and five iconic volcanoes: Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Sabyinyo, Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Bisoke, and Mt. Gahinga.
Participants will have two options for the race: a 110km, two-day race covering the full weekend, or a shorter 50km race on Sunday.
According to the organizers, the race will attract over 100 international competitors from the United States, Australia, and Europe.
The event is supported by the Clarion Welbsy Foundation, which will provide essential kits to local runners, ensuring they are fully equipped to compete.
Alexander Fetherston-Godley, Race Director at Ultra X, was ecstatic about bringing the inaugural Ultra X Rwanda to life.
“The event will showcase Rwanda’s extraordinary beauty and allow our international competitors to experience its warm culture and welcoming people. Most importantly, we want this event to be celebrated as a Rwandan and African race first and foremost, which is why we’ve worked hard to make it accessible to East African participants,” he stated.
UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, also expressed excitement about the race and wished the participants the best of luck.
“This ultramarathon will be an incredible test of athleticism and endurance in some of Rwanda’s most beautiful locations. I wish the runners the best of luck as they race through the land of 1,000 hills!”
She added, “At the British High Commission, we believe sports are fundamental to promoting good health and can be a brilliant driver of economic growth. It is fantastic to see British companies like Ultra X working in Rwanda, and I will be supporting the Rwandan Ministry of Sports and other partners to promote this event and others like it.”
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirishema, said the event offers athletes a challenging and inspiring course set against Rwanda’s stunning natural backdrop and urged international athletes to enrol for the race.
“This event not only promotes long-distance running but also fosters a spirit of determination, resilience, and sportsmanship among participants. We encourage athletes from all over the world to test their limits and experience the power of sport in Rwanda,” the minister remarked.
Ultra X is a global multi-day ultramarathon series, which hosts trail races in some of the world’s most adventurous and scenic locations.
The series has previously held events in Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Croatia, and its current portfolio spans Rwanda, Tanzania, Scotland, Finland, Slovenia, Wales, England, Jordan, Nevada, Morocco, and Madeira.
In the Rwandan race, Ultra X is collaborating with Tugende, an organization dedicated to promoting well-being and making a positive impact through sport and community.
Interested participants can access the local entry registration [{{here}}->https://tugende.rw/ultraxrwanda/].
