Yaache, who was part of the African UN peacekeepers deployed to Rwanda, recalled that when the UN Security Council voted to reduce the peacekeeping force to just 270 soldiers in 1994, both Gen. Roméo Dallaire and Ghanaian Gen. Henry Anyidoho opposed the decision, fearing the atrocities against the Tutsi. Despite the downsizing, some Ghanaian troops refused to withdraw and under Gen. Anyidoho’s leadership, they remained to protect civilians.
During the 100 days of the genocide against the Tutsi, Ghanaian troops managed to rescue an estimated 30,000 people.
Speaking to the media in Kigali, Yaache strongly rejected the hero narrative surrounding Rusesabagina, popularised by the film Hotel Rwanda.
“I haven’t watched the film, but I’ve heard many times, and to the effect that an individual was mainly responsible for rescuing people from the hotel. And the propaganda, I would call it, went far and near. I would say that the attitude and that statement are a fallacy. It’s ingenious, it is very, very unhelpful, and it’s not the truth,” Yaache said.
He stressed that it was UN peacekeepers, not hotel management, who were responsible for the safety of those sheltering at Mille Collines.
“The truth is, we had a shelter in the hotel. That’s the truth. We had UNAMIR troops stationed in the hotel. That’s the truth. And we had protection for the people who were there. It wasn’t the management that provided protection. It was UNAMIR. The movement, the planning, the meetings, everything was done by the UN force, not an individual,” he emphasised.
Survivors and several former UNAMIR officers, including Maj. (Rtd) Peter Sosi, have also criticised the film for spreading falsehoods. Sosi recalled once telling an instructor in Ireland that the movie was “riddled with inaccuracies” and should not be used as a teaching resource.
In reality, Rusesabagina only assumed management of the hotel on April 16, 1994 — nine days after the genocide began. Testimonies suggest he often exercised selective control over admissions, favouring those who could pay or those he knew, while disregarding instructions from Sabena Hotels, the Belgian company that owned Mille Collines, which had ordered that all refugees be sheltered free of charge.
Some survivors further accuse him of obstructing arrangements for refugees who sought safe passage abroad.
Yaache concluded that the protection and survival of those at the hotel were due to the sacrifice of Ghanaian peacekeepers and UNAMIR personnel, not one man.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ICC as “a national security threat that has been an instrument of lawfare” against the United States and Israel.
The officials sanctioned include Canadian Judge Kimberly Prost, who approved the court’s investigation into alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and French Judge Nicolas Yann Guillou, who authorised arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal were also sanctioned for supporting the warrants.
Netanyahu welcomed the U.S. move, calling it a “firm measure against the mendacious smear campaign” targeting Israel. Washington emphasised that neither the U.S. nor Israel recognises ICC jurisdiction. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets held by the four officials and bar them from access to the American financial system.
The ICC condemned the designations as “a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution,” stressing that the sanctions threaten the court’s ability to function and undermining global justice.
France also criticised the sanctions, with its Foreign Ministry stating they contradicted the principles of an independent judiciary. United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned that the U.S. measures could “impose severe impediments on the functioning of the office of the prosecutor.”
This latest action follows a previous round of sanctions earlier this year, which targeted ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan KC and four judges over cases involving U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Rubio said the United States remains “steadfast in our opposition to the ICC’s politicisation, abuse of power, and illegitimate judicial overreach.”
The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in its 125 member states or when referred by the U.N. Security Council. Its current high-profile investigations include the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as cases in Sudan, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Venezuela.
While the court has jurisdiction over member states, major countries, including the U.S., Israel, Russia, and China do not recognise its authority.
In response to the sanctions, the ICC urged member states to continue supporting the court and its work, which it said is carried out solely in the interest of victims of international crimes.
The lender confirmed it has secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information security management and ISO 22301:2019 for business continuity management systems. The certifications were awarded by MSECB, an accredited global certification body operating under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
By attaining both standards, BRD becomes one of the few financial institutions in the region to meet such stringent global requirements, positioning itself as a leader in operational resilience and data protection.
For clients, the certifications translate into enhanced information security, continuity of services even in the face of disruptions, and increased confidence in the bank’s reliability.
“Our clients entrust us with what matters most—their financial information and access to essential services. These certifications confirm that BRD meets international standards for information security and service reliability,” said Kampeta Sayinzoga, the bank’s chief executive officer, in a recent statement.
“Clients can be assured that we are not only safeguarding their information but also strengthening the resilience of our systems so they can count on us anytime, anywhere.”
Securing the certifications followed months of preparation that included capacity building and a risk assessment of the bank’s systems, policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with international standards.
BRD described the achievement as a milestone in its ongoing digital transformation. With financial institutions across Africa increasingly adopting digital platforms and financial technologies, the bank says the recognition sets a benchmark for cybersecurity and service continuity in the region.
Founded in 1967, BRD has been central to Rwanda’s development financing, supporting projects in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, affordable housing and green finance. It continues to play a key role in driving the country’s long-term socio-economic transformation.
What began as a cautiously hopeful initiative to end years of conflict has instead become a chronicle of setbacks, highlighting the complex dynamics that continue to frustrate efforts for peace in eastern Congo.
The Doha talks were deemed urgent following renewed hostilities between the rebels and government forces earlier this year, which dramatically reshaped the region’s fragile security landscape.
The M23 rebel group, which accuses the Kinshasa administration of marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the east, launched a rapid offensive, seizing several key cities in North and South Kivu, including strategic hubs such as Goma and Bukavu.
The resurgence had a significant impact, even prompting the withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops, who had been deployed in December 2023 to help neutralise the group.
Rising fatalities in clashes between M23 and Kinshasa-allied forces —Burundi, and local militias such as the FDLR and Wazalendo—heightened calls for a ceasefire in a region long plagued by conflict. Previous interventions, whether led by the United Nations or through the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, had repeatedly faltered, failing to bring an end to the war.
Amid this turmoil, diplomatic efforts intensified. In April 2025, a high-level meeting between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar provided the catalyst for renewed dialogue.
While the details of their discussions remained largely confidential, a key outcome was the commitment of both leaders to prevent further escalation and to pursue a negotiated political settlement with M23.
Following the summit, Qatar offered to mediate talks between Kinshasa and M23 in Doha, bringing together international observers to support a roadmap toward lasting peace.
The stakes were high. M23’s territorial gains, the humanitarian crisis from mass displacement, and the fragile credibility of regional peacekeeping efforts made the need for effective dialogue more urgent than ever.
From the outset, however, the talks were challenged by a complex web of mistrust, preconditions, and differing interpretations of agreements, a combination that would soon set the stage for repeated setbacks.
From this tense backdrop, the Doha negotiations officially began, carrying the weight of both hope and scepticism.
{{June 5, 2025: M23’s initial withdrawal
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The first major disruption came early in the Doha talks. On June 5, 2025, M23 officially withdrew its delegation before any agreements were signed. The rebels cited a “lack of progress” and accused the DRC government of insufficient political will, pointing to ongoing ceasefire violations by the Congolese army (FARDC) and the failure to address their demand for a definitive political solution.
Analysts suggest that this withdrawal was not merely a protest but a calculated move to apply pressure on Kinshasa, signalling that M23 could halt dialogue if its core concerns were ignored.
This early rupture highlighted a longstanding challenge in the negotiations. The M23 group has consistently insisted on recognition and guarantees that go beyond a mere cessation of hostilities. For the Congolese government, which has historically been reluctant to grant political legitimacy to armed groups, this created an immediate tension that would shape subsequent talks.
{{July 19, 2025: Signing the “Declaration of Principles”
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Despite the rocky start, both sides returned to Doha and, in a surprising development, signed a preliminary “Declaration of Principles” on July 19, 2025. The agreement was hailed by Qatar, the United Nations, and other international observers as a milestone. It outlined a roadmap towards a final peace agreement and included several key provisions.
The declaration called for a permanent ceasefire, mandating an immediate and binding cessation of all military actions and provocations.
It also established a framework for the restoration of state authority, envisioning a phased return of M23-held territories to Congolese civilian control.
Confidence-building measures were also included, committing both sides to exchange prisoners and refrain from making inflammatory statements in public.
Finally, the declaration set an ambitious negotiation timeline. Talks for a final peace deal were scheduled to begin no later than August 8, 2025, with the goal of signing a comprehensive agreement by August 18, 2025.
Even as the declaration was signed, fundamental disagreements lingered. Kinshasa interpreted the document as necessitating an “unconditional withdrawal” of M23 forces, while the rebels insisted that the agreement focused on mechanisms to strengthen state authority, not on withdrawal. This divergence in interpretation would soon resurface as a key source of tension.
{{July 25, 2025: M23 sets conditions and threatens to pull out
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Barely a week after signing the declaration, M23 escalated the standoff. Benjamin Mbonimpa, representing the group, held a press conference in Goma, issuing an ultimatum that if Kinshasa did not release their 700 prisoners by July 27, M23 would see “no reason to return to Doha.”
This move underscored the fragility of the declaration and revealed that the rebels viewed key preconditions as non-negotiable. For M23, the release of prisoners was a core component of trust-building and a symbolic assertion of their leverage.
{{August 8 & August 17, 2025: Missed deadlines
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The ambitious timeline set in July unravelled quickly. By August 8, the scheduled start of the next round of negotiations had passed without a single meeting. The stalemate was caused by persistent disagreements over prisoner releases, ongoing accusations of ceasefire violations, and logistical issues, including the absence of delegations in the same city. Kinshasa insists the prisoners will only be freed after a final peace deal is signed.
The situation worsened on August 17, the day before the planned signing of a final peace deal. M23 confirmed that its representatives would not attend the ceremony in Doha, sending a clear message that, despite the high-profile declarations and international attention, the rebels were not willing to compromise on their core demands.
{{August 19, 2025: AFC/M23 agrees to send delegation to Doha
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The rebel coalition confirmed it would send delegations to Qatar to assess progress on the principles agreement they signed on July 19, 2025.
AFC/M23’s deputy coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa, confirmed that his group’s delegation would focus on key issues, including a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners.
The Congolese government also announced that it would send its own representatives, stressing that their mandate is to protect national interests during the discussions.
Qatar, acting as mediator, has acknowledged the setbacks but says it remains in close contact with both parties to encourage consensus.
Data released on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, shows that between August 11 and 15, the country exported 8,182 metric tonnes of agricultural and animal products, with coffee leading the charge.
Coffee exports generated $4.27 million (Frw 6.18 billion) from 561 metric tonnes, cementing its role as Rwanda’s flagship crop. Tea followed closely with revenues of $1.51 million (Frw 2.18 billion), while diversified agricultural products – including cereals, roots and pulses – brought in $3.45 million (Frw 4.99 billion).
Other key earners during the week included vegetables ($403,772 / Frw 584 million), mainly exported to cross-border countries, India, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and France. Fruits contributed $276,278 / Frw 400 million, with cross-border countries and the UAE emerging as the main markets.
Animal products generated $580,840 / Frw 840 million, largely destined for neighbouring countries. Flowers added $102,915 / Frw 149 million, shipped primarily to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
“Rwanda doesn’t just export commodities; we export quality,” the agency wrote in a post on X.
Rwanda’s agricultural sector has seen substantial growth in exports over the years, with total revenue reaching $3.2 billion (over Frw 4.6 trillion) between 2020 and 2024, according to figures released last year by NAEB.
By the end of June 2025, the bank’s total assets had risen to Frw 916 billion, reflecting a 12% increase since December 2024. Its loan portfolio expanded by 24% to reach Frw 440 billion.
Almost half of these loans were new, issued mainly through branches across the country, with a large portion allocated to first-time clients, demonstrating the growing confidence customers place in the bank.
Customer deposits also registered growth, rising 12% to Frw 737.7 billion by June 2025. This was largely attributed to branch network expansion and service improvement initiatives.
The bank reported effective cost management, with reduced cost-to-income ratio of 45%.
A substantial share of this spending went toward employee-focused programs, which increased by 27%, reflecting investment in staff training, welfare, and professional development.
According to the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Mutimura, the strong performance was the result of customer trust and the bank’s continued focus on market leadership, strategic partnerships, and a customer-first approach. He stressed that these priorities had consistently delivered positive results.
In addition to financial growth, the bank underscored its broader social contribution, noting that its initiatives had positively impacted the lives of more than 200,000 Rwandans.
Management emphasized that this progress reflects a commitment to inclusive development and shared prosperity, made possible through strong partnerships, employee dedication, and client loyalty. Looking ahead, the bank reaffirmed its focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centered growth.
Established in 1963 under the name Banque Commerciale du Rwanda (BCR), I&M Bank Rwanda is the country’s oldest commercial bank. It has been listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since March 2017.
Since late July 2025, the DRC’s military oversight body, led by Gen. Gabriel Amisi Kumba, has been probing whether senior military officers played a role in the withdrawals. Gen. Kumba has identified 25 high-ranking officers, all holding the rank of General, who were involved in the command of operations across Kinshasa, eastern Congo, and other regions.
Among those under scrutiny are Gen. Christian Tshiwewe, former Chief of Staff of the Congolese armed forces, and Gen. Franck Ntumba, who oversees military operations at the President’s office. Both were arrested last month on suspicion of plotting against the Head of State.
Other officers on the list include Army spokesperson Gen. Maj. Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, Lt. Gen. Constant Ndima, former commander of North Kivu, Gen. Chico Tshitambwe Jérôme, and Lt. Gen. Padiri Bulenda David, head of the Rapid Intervention Force.
Gen. Kumba stated that the investigation aims to identify weaknesses in the army’s battlefield operations and implement measures to strengthen military performance.
The AFC/M23 coalition captured Bunagana in June 2022, seven months after launching its offensive. Its leader, Corneille Nangaa, said in June 2025 that the group now controls areas spanning 34,000 square kilometres.
The research, based on World Health Organisation (WHO) data from 102 countries, shows that the average suicide rate decreased from 10.33 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 7.24 in 2021, representing a 29.9% drop.
The decline was steeper in high-income countries, where cases fell by 32.1%, compared to 27.3% in low- and middle-income nations. The study was conducted by Soeun Kim and Selin Woo from the Department of Medicine at Kyung Hee University in Seoul.
The authors cautioned that differences in how suicide is defined and reported across countries could influence the reliability of statistics.
In Europe, they noted, several factors contributed to the downward trend, including responsible media reporting and initiatives aimed at strengthening the social and emotional skills of young people.
Expanded access to psychiatric and psychosocial care, a reduction in stigma surrounding mental health, and the implementation of prevention programs were also identified as major drivers of progress.
{{Income disparities in suicide rates
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In 1990, high-income countries recorded a relatively high suicide rate of 12.68 per 100,000 people. By 2021, this had dropped to 8.61. In low- and middle-income countries, the rate fell from 7.88 to 5.73 over the same period.
Despite the overall decline, the study highlighted persistent underreporting in some countries, often linked to stigma, religious prohibitions, or the criminalisation of suicide. Conversely, increases were observed in developing countries undergoing rapid urbanisation.
Looking to the future, researchers project that the global suicide rate could decrease further to around 6.49 per 100,000 people by 2050. However, they warned that certain population groups and regions are still at high risk and require targeted interventions.
At the primary level, the best performer was Arakaza Leo Victor from Wisdom School in Musanze District, who scored 99.4%. He was followed by Impano Brave Gloria from Bugesera District (98.8%), Ihirwe Kanimba Honnette from New Vision Primary School in Huye District (98.8%), Duhirwe Gall Gavin Darcy from École Internationale La Racine in Bugesera District (98.8%), Nsengiyumva Joannah Holiness from Bugesera District (98.8%), and Ashimwe Keza Gerardine from Bugesera District (98.8%).
Because five candidates tied with the same score of 98.8%, six students were recognized in this category instead of the usual top five.
Overall, 15,695 pupils completing primary school were placed in boarding secondary schools, while more than 150,000 were admitted into day schools.
Among the primary school laureates, Nsengiyumva Joannah Holiness highlighted prayer, faith in God, and consistent study as the main factors behind her success.
“The first thing that helped me was prayer and trust in God, because nothing is possible without Him. The second was studying diligently and using time wisely,” she said, adding that she aspires to become a doctor.
At the ordinary level of secondary education, the top performer was Izere Hennock Tresor of E.S Kanombe in Kicukiro District, who scored 98.67%. Other top students included Uwumuremyi Albert of Hope Haven School in Gasabo District (98.00%), Ineza Flora Elyse of Hope Haven School (97.89%), Ndayishimiye Jean D’Amour of Haven School in Gasabo (97.89%), and Agaba Happy Jean Eudes of Petit Séminaire St Aloys in Rusizi District (97.78%).
The Ministry of Education awarded the best performers with school materials, laptops, and a full year of tuition coverage for those continuing in public or government-supported schools.
Izere Hennock Tresor, who topped the ordinary level, attributed his success to five key factors: faith in God, support from his parents, studying in a good school with quality teaching, his personal commitment and effort, and encouragement from his siblings.
“Studying wasn’t very difficult to the point of staying up late at night, but I made sure to dedicate quality time to it and focus whenever I had tasks to complete,” he explained.
He acknowledged facing challenges particularly in Kinyarwanda but said he overcame them through extra effort and discipline. Izere expressed his ambition to pursue studies in technology, inspired by global trends, and emphasized his determination to excel in the field.
Although he sat for the exams aiming to achieve high marks, he admitted he had not expected to emerge as the country’s top student.
“I told myself I should at least try to be among the top students, but I also knew there are many brilliant learners across the country who study even harder. I didn’t imagine I would be number one,” he said.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the RNP on August 19, 2025, through its official X account.
The statement followed discussions aired on TV1 and later circulated on social media, in which media personality Kakooza Nkuliza Charles (KNC) and journalist Mutabaruka Angelbert raised concerns that some foreigners in Rwanda act with impunity, including physically assaulting citizens.
KNC argued that just as the Government of Rwanda continues to prioritize the fight against violence, assault, and battery among its citizens, the same standards should be applied to foreign residents.
In its response, the Rwanda National Police stressed that the matter is well known and has been under close monitoring by relevant institutions.
“This issue has been under investigation by institutions including the Police, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB], the National Public Prosecution Authority [NPPA], and the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Measures have already been taken,” the Police stated.
According to the RNP, in the past year, over 240 people were handed over to judicial authorities for crimes including assault, battery, and theft, while 64 foreigners were repatriated to their countries of origin.
The Police reaffirmed that no one is above the law in Rwanda and emphasized that all offenders, regardless of nationality, are held accountable without exception.
“We will continue to work closely with embassy officials representing their countries in Rwanda to encourage their citizens to comply with national laws,” the statement added.
Reports of violent conduct among some foreign residents have frequently been linked to students from countries such as South Sudan and others pursuing studies in Rwanda, with cases often involving drunkenness, assault, and theft.
Rwanda remains one of the African countries most open to foreign nationals, welcoming those who wish to invest or pursue education.
In recent years, the country has attracted thousands of young people from across the continent, many of whom are enrolled in private universities operating in Rwanda.
