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Jeune Afrique reports that the text, shared with both parties on August 14, details security arrangements, transitional governance, and political reforms — but sharp disagreements remain.

The draft comes after the Doha Principles were signed on July 19, in which both sides pledged to reach a final deal by August 18. That deadline passed without an accord, though Doha insists negotiations are ongoing.

“Although the August 18 deadline was not met, both parties responded positively to the facilitator and expressed their willingness to continue,” a Qatari official told Jeune Afrique.

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The draft seen by the publication outlines a three-phase conflict resolution process expected to take at least seven months after signing. The first phase prioritises humanitarian relief and security, with the establishment of an “interim special force” under the Interior Ministry.

Half of its members would be drawn from “eligible” M23 fighters, working alongside elements of the national police. The force would operate only in affected areas of North and South Kivu, before its members are eventually integrated into the army and police.

To ensure compliance, the draft establishes a multilateral monitoring mechanism co-managed by the DRC and M23, with Qatar and the African Union (AU), serving as observers.

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Perhaps the most sensitive provision concerns the restoration of state authority in areas controlled by M23. The plan envisions the Congolese government appointing interim local authorities, while allowing for candidates proposed by M23. These transitional administrations would govern until elections scheduled for 2027.

Kinshasa insists this requires a full rebel withdrawal, while M23 argues it will not abandon what it calls “liberated” zones. The group has also voiced frustration that its federalism project, denounced by the government as “balkanization”, is absent from the draft.

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The agreement also calls for a national dialogue in 2026, long demanded by Congolese opposition groups and backed by religious leaders. However, political analysts note that the recent formation of a new government has further delayed prospects for such talks.

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The release of hundreds of prisoners remains a sticking point. M23 has demanded it as a precondition for resuming talks, but Kinshasa insists it will only act after a final deal. While the Qatari draft includes the measure, the government has yet to concede.

Despite the hurdles, both sides are preparing for a fresh round of negotiations in Doha. A Congolese delegation and M23 representatives are expected to participate.

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.

“As part of the implementation of the Declaration of Principles of July 19, 2025, a technical team from our Movement will travel to Doha to examine the practical arrangements for the application of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners in accordance with the said declaration,” he shared on X.

The Congolese government also announced that it would send its own representatives, stressing that their mandate is to protect national interests during the discussions.

According to the timeline agreed in Qatar, both sides were expected to meet their commitments by July 29, paving the way for peace talks scheduled to begin no later than August 8. Chief among these commitments was the permanent suspension of hostilities. However, despite the agreement, the two parties have continued to accuse one another of violations.

Tensions have further deepened over the question of detainees. AFC/M23 accuses the Congolese government of refusing to release around 700 people—including its members and suspected supporters. Kinshasa insists the prisoners will only be freed after a final peace deal is signed.

As a result, peace talks failed to open on August 8, and the broader agreement, initially expected by August 18, was not signed. Qatar, acting as mediator, has acknowledged the setbacks but says it remains in close contact with both parties to encourage consensus.

While AFC/M23 has agreed to send a delegation to Doha, it has emphasized that the mission’s mandate will be strictly limited. This stance signals that the group is holding firm on its demand that prisoners be released before it fully commits to peace negotiations.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the bank’s journey to strengthen its commitment to delivering outstanding financial services and contributing to innovation, aligned with Rwanda’s sustainable development goals.

Serge Atikossie brings extensive experience in financial services and leadership positions. He is expected to ensure excellent governance and further enhance the bank’s engagement with clients.

Bank of Africa Rwanda emphasized that his client-focused approach aligns perfectly with the institution’s mission to provide Rwandans with financial services that are accessible, efficient, and transparent.

Speaking on his appointment, Serge Atikossie expressed his enthusiasm and commitment: “I am honoured to join Bank of Africa – Rwanda and lead a team that is deeply committed to serving customers and supporting Rwanda’s economic growth. Together, we will build on the bank’s strong achievements, introduce innovative solutions, and continue to deliver value to our clients, partners, and communities.”

Vincent Istasse, who served as Managing Director of Bank of Africa Rwanda for the past two years, played a pivotal role in the bank’s growth and in strengthening relationships with clients.

He expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and wished his successor success in continuing the bank’s development.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Managing Director of Bank of Africa – Rwanda. I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team and I am confident that Mr Serge Atikossie will take the bank to even greater heights,” he stated.

Bank of Africa Rwanda also thanked its clients, partners, and stakeholders for their continued trust and collaboration.

Bank of Africa is a commercial bank operating in over 18 African countries. In Rwanda, it started operations in 2015 and has steadily grown its footprint, now operating 14 branches nationwide, eight in Kigali and six in other provinces.

On Friday, Putin and Trump concluded a high-stakes summit in Anchorage, the U.S. state of Alaska.

“President Putin expressed satisfaction with the manner in which his talks with President Trump proceeded and the emerging alignment on the peace process,” the South African presidency said in a statement.

According to the presidency, Ramaphosa appreciated the briefing from Putin while also stressing the need for “more compromise on key issues for lasting peace to be attained between Russia and Ukraine.”

Both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests, the presidency added.

Ramaphosa, along with other African leaders, has also been mediating to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On Monday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some European leaders at the White House.

In a statement, the government said it is “astonished” by the persistence of certain UN agencies in Burkina Faso in deliberately and carelessly using ambiguous terminology, concealing a clear intention to legitimize or redefine the barbarity that the Burkinabe people have suffered for a decade.

It said an official clarification had already been issued on March 25, after representatives of the agencies concerned were summoned.

The statement added that for her role in co-chairing the drafting of a report “compiling data without objective sources, without evidence or justification, and conveying serious and false information,” Flore-Smereczniak had been declared “persona non grata.”

Given that she unilaterally confirmed information without legally acceptable evidence and submitted it to such a strategic body as the UN Security Council, and to preserve and strengthen the important achievements of cooperation between Burkina Faso and the UN, the government considered that Flore-Smereczniak is “no longer a credible interlocutor,” read the statement.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to the UN ideals, acknowledging its contributions in the context of security and humanitarian challenges, and reiterated its readiness to continue working with the UN through its representatives and country teams “for genuine and sincere cooperation,” it said.

Earlier in 2025, the UN published a report titled “Children and armed conflict in Burkina Faso”, alleging violations against children in the West African country.

The discussions took place at the White House in a high-stakes meeting that brought together Zelensky, Trump, and top European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was also present.

“If everything works out today, we’ll have a trilat,” Trump said, referring to potential three-way talks between himself, Zelensky, and Putin. “We’re going to work with Russia, we’re going to work with Ukraine.” Zelensky responded positively, stating, “We are ready for trilateral. I think this is very good.”

The meeting follows Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska last Friday.

Trump has urged Zelensky to consider concessions, including abandoning Ukraine’s goal of joining NATO and giving up Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. European leaders, excluded from the Alaska talks, attended Monday’s session to ensure Ukraine’s security and safeguard the continent from potential aggression.

During the White House meeting, discussions also focused on NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, which could provide a durable framework for peace. While Putin opposes Ukraine joining NATO outright, Trump’s team indicated that Russia might accept Western powers committing to defend Ukraine if attacked.

Despite the high tensions surrounding the war, the atmosphere between Trump and Zelensky was calm, a contrast to their February Oval Office meeting, where Trump publicly criticised Zelensky over US military aid.

Trump even complimented Zelensky on his black jacket, joking, “I love it,” a lighthearted moment that drew attention to the Ukrainian leader’s decision to wear his signature war-leader attire rather than a formal suit. The choice of attire was a change from his previous visit in February, when he was criticised by a reporter for not wearing a formal suit and said he would wear one “after the war is finished.”

Air raid sirens sounded over Kyiv as the European delegation arrived in Washington, underscoring the ongoing threat from Russian strikes that killed at least seven people overnight.

Zelensky described the talks as “very serious” and emphasised the need for “reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and the whole of Europe,” highlighting the importance of Western security guarantees.

Trump said he planned to speak with Putin later on Monday, maintaining that while a ceasefire may not be necessary for negotiations, there remains a “good chance” of ending the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Four of the victims were struck by lightning, while one died when a house collapsed. The fatalities were reported in Burera, Gicumbi, Ngororero and Rusizi districts.

The rains also damaged 15 houses and caused localised flooding in parts of Kigali and other districts, though officials said river levels remained stable.

MINEMA Permanent Secretary Aristarque Ngoga warned that unusual August rainfall highlights shifting weather patterns linked to climate change. He urged the public to take precautions during storms, including staying indoors, avoiding electrical appliances, and reinforcing rooftops against strong winds.

“Ordinarily, August is not known for heavy rains, but this time we recorded storms that claimed lives and caused damage. It is further evidence that weather patterns are changing,” Ngoga told RBA.

Authorities said emergency teams are working with districts to support affected families and provide assistance to those who lost relatives or property.

The donation took place on Sunday, 17 August 2025, in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali City, where the foundation routinely carries out initiatives to assist individuals affected by cancer.

This contribution was part of the foundation’s ongoing awareness campaign, ‘Turi Kumwe’ (We Are Together), which seeks to demonstrate solidarity with cancer patients, survivors, and those currently undergoing treatment, ensuring they feel supported and not alone.

Raissa Umutoni, founder of the organisation and sister of Yvan Buravan, explained that the ‘Turi Kumwe’ initiative was inspired by her brother’s passing.

“This is our third year running the campaign. We aim to reach out to those who have lost loved ones to cancer, support those currently battling the disease, and remind the healthy to take care of their health. Even minor health concerns should prompt a medical checkup. We want people to understand that cancer should not create fear but awareness,” she stated.

Umutoni emphasized the critical message that early detection significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment. She reflected that if Buravan had been aware of his condition earlier, it might have been manageable.

“Understanding that early intervention can save lives is crucial. Among us are survivors, patients still fighting, and others unaffected by the disease, we thank God for their wellbeing,” she added.

She also noted the emotional challenge of facing a cancer diagnosis and the importance of encouraging frequent screenings to avoid late detection.

“Buravan remained strong despite our initial disbelief. Had he known the possibilities of early detection, the outcome could have been different. There were times we thought it was impossible, and doctors sought alternative explanations before sharing the prognosis. We are grateful that his actions and legacy continue to guide us today.”

In addition to the awareness campaign, YB Foundation aimed to provide practical support to patients at Bethania Home Care by donating 1,109 liters of fuel, valued at over Rwf 2 million, to facilitate easier access to medical services.

Sr. Helena L. Katebera, Executive Director of Bethania Health Care, expressed gratitude to YB Foundation, noting that despite Buravan’s passing, he left a lasting impact.

“We are deeply grateful. Your late colleague left a remarkable legacy, which continues to positively impact lives. This was part of God’s plan, ensuring he left something meaningful behind.”

Bethania Health Care continues to assist individuals affected by cancer, particularly those with limited resources for treatment.

The ‘Turi Kumwe’ campaign began in Bugesera in 2022, following the death of Yvan Buravan on 17 August 2022 at a hospital in India, where he had sought treatment for aggressive cancer.

The campaign’s most recent activities were held last year during a commemorative concert at BK Arena, which included voluntary cancer screenings and other initiatives to raise awareness.

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) battalion, known as Rwanbatt-2, relieved their colleagues at the Sector North base in a routine troop rotation aimed at maintaining continuity in peacekeeping operations.

Upon their arrival, the RDF said in a statement, Maj Gen Rayamajhi received a detailed briefing from Lt Col Robert Rwagihungu, the Rwanbatt-2 Contingent Commander, on the battalion’s operational readiness and deployment plan.

In his address to the troops, the Sector Commander commended the outgoing contingent for their professionalism and dedication, urging the incoming personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline and training.

He reminded them that their mission—protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian assistance, and contributing to lasting peace in South Sudan—was both critical and demanding.

With the handover completed, Rwanbatt-2 has now fully assumed its duties in Sector North, reinforcing Rwanda’s longstanding contribution to international peacekeeping.

Rwanda remains one of the world’s top contributors to UN peace operations. According to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as of May 31, 2025, Rwanda was the second-largest troop-contributing country with 5,886 personnel, following Nepal with 6,119. Other leading contributors included Bangladesh (5,686), India (5,393), and Ghana (2,845).