Twirwaneho spokesperson Kamasa Ndakize Welcome announced on Tuesday, 5 August, that joint attacks involving the FDLR, FARDC, and a faction of the Mai Mai Ngomanzito militia had begun in the villages of Irumba and Rugezi, located in southern Minembwe.
“Since the early hours of August 5, joint offensives by government forces, including FARDC, FDLR genocidaires, and Mai Mai Ngomanzito, have been carried out on Banyamulenge villages in Irumba and Rugezi,” he stated.
The reports come just days after the community raised concerns that FDLR fighters were undergoing training in Burundi, ahead of being deployed to join FARDC, Burundian forces, and Wazalendo militias in operations targeting the Banyamulenge.
“Military training, which constitutes a criminal act, is being provided to FDLR fighters in Burundi before they are deployed to the DRC. We continue to condemn this. Approximately 20,000 are currently in training, and more than 3,000 have already crossed into the DRC,” the group stated earlier.
Twirwaneho also indicated that credible intelligence showed each FDLR combatant receives $50 prior to leaving Burundi and is then dispatched to areas such as Luvungi, Lubarika, and Lemera, where they reportedly establish temporary bases.
However, in his latest statement, the Twirwaneho spokesperson clarified that Burundian forces were not involved in the August 5 attacks and called for their complete and public withdrawal from what the movement described as a wider campaign to annihilate the Banyamulenge.
“We affirm that Burundian troops did not take part in today’s attacks. We hope they will completely and publicly distance themselves from such operations. Withdrawing from this genocidal war would mark a major step toward peace,” he said.
Twirwaneho reiterated its commitment to peace but stressed its right to defend civilians under threat using all means permitted by law.
The attacks continue despite prior commitments to a ceasefire and an end to violence in eastern DRC, as ongoing talks between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group proceed.
In recent weeks, the rebel group has accused FARDC and its allied militias of carrying out coordinated attacks, urging the international community to condemn the violence and support a peaceful resolution to the conflict, one they say is rooted in the marginalisation and persecution of Banyamulenge communities in eastern DRC.
The aircraft, a Zlin-type plane, was on a training mission when it crashed, said the authorities in a statement.
The victims include two members of the Civil Protection force, a flight instructor from the Civil Protection Aviation School, and an aviation company manager, who was of Chilean nationality.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to be launched.
This marked Ambassador Dombe’s first official visit to the Rwandan Senate, aimed at familiarizing himself with the institution and its operations.
Following the meeting, Senate President Dr. Kalinda stated: “We discussed the strong existing relations between Rwanda and Angola, which are founded on cooperation across various sectors. The two countries have signed multiple bilateral agreements in areas such as the economy, technology, education, and agriculture. We specifically emphasized the importance of implementing these agreements, with a particular focus on trade and investment.”
Rwanda and Angola maintain bilateral agreements in mining and diplomatic cooperation, and have also waived visa requirements for each other’s citizens, further strengthening ties.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Olivier Nduhungirehe, in November 2024, reaffirmed the growing partnership between the two nations.
He also commended Angola’s role in facilitating peace dialogues on the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and assured Rwanda’s continued collaboration with Angola to promote peace, security, and regional development.
The Commission’s trade spokesperson, Olof Gill, said the decision was adopted under an emergency procedure and will require formal approval by a simple majority of member states within two weeks. The tariffs were scheduled to take effect on Aug. 7.
“The Commission has today adopted necessary legal procedures to suspend the implementation of our European Union (EU) countermeasures,” Gill told a press briefing in Brussels, adding that the regulation would be published in the EU’s official journal later the same day.
Ahead of this announcement, there has been mounting criticism from key member states, including France and Germany. German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has expressed frustration at what he described as a “weak” negotiating stance by the EU during the trade talks with the United States.
“I think we were too weak. We can’t be satisfied with the result that was achieved,” Klingbeil said, referring to the agreement reached late last month between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Under the deal, most EU imports to the United States will face a 15-percent tariff, while the bloc has pledged to purchase more American energy products and increase investment in the U.S. market.
Gill expressed surprise at Klingbeil’s remarks, noting that member states had been “fully briefed” and had supported a negotiated outcome to avoid tariff escalation.
The spokesperson said the suspension would remain in place for six months, during which implementation of the broader understanding would continue. If commitments are not met, Gill noted, the EU retains the right to reactivate its countermeasures. (1 euro = 1.16 dollar)
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe made the announcement during a strategic engagement with Harare City Councillors and municipal officials on Monday. He emphasised that informal trade has severely undermined the viability of formal businesses in Harare’s central business district.
“The proliferation of street and night vending has destroyed the viability of formal businesses in our city,” Minister Garwe stated.
“The government has therefore moved to ban the importation and sale of second-hand clothes, as well as all forms of street vending.”
According to Garwe, informal trading spaces have not only disrupted regulated commerce but have also become hotspots for illicit drug activities and other underground dealings, posing threats to public health and national security.
To ensure effective enforcement, the Minister urged Harare City Council to collaborate closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). He also called for a humane and community-sensitive approach when implementing the new directive, referencing past incidents in which vendors were mistreated during clean-up campaigns.
“Enforcement should not be about being tough or brutal,” he said. “Let us engage with vendor associations and educate the public while upholding law and order.”
In addition to the crackdown on informal trading, Garwe pressed city authorities to urgently address Harare’s worsening traffic congestion, which he described as “unacceptable.”
He encouraged the reinforcement of municipal by-laws to improve the capital’s overall functionality and flow.
“Restoring order in our city is not optional,” he added. “We must act now to preserve the integrity of formal businesses and the safety of our communities.”
The ban is expected to impact thousands who rely on vending for their livelihoods.
This financing agreement represents a major step forward in Rwanda’s industrial transformation agenda under Vision 2050, the country’s long-term development framework aimed at achieving high standards of living for all Rwandans through sustained economic growth, social transformation, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Located just 10 kilometers from Bugesera International Airport and 50 kilometers from Kigali, BSEZ is strategically positioned to become a dynamic hub for light manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.
By mobilizing local capital to fund early-stage infrastructure development, including internal roads, utilities, and site readiness, BK and BRD are turning a long-term vision into tangible progress.
A key highlight of this agreement is the inclusion of $10 million in green financing, offered at concessionary rates to support initiatives aligned with national sustainability and climate resilience objectives.
BSEZ spans 335 hectares and is being developed in phases. Phase 1, covering approximately 75 hectares, is already operational and hosts a growing number of regional and international manufacturers across light industry, agro-processing, and logistics.
It provides plug-and-play infrastructure, ready-to-use plots, and access to utilities, demonstrating the zone’s capacity to deliver on Rwanda’s industrial vision. The zone forms a cornerstone of Rwanda’s strategy to attract high-value investment, promote export competitiveness, encourage import substitution, foster local raw material transformation, and create sustainable jobs.
Commenting on the development, the Managing Director of BSEZ Arnab Bose, stated:
“Today marks a defining milestone as BSEZ achieves financial closure, reaffirming ARISE IIP’s commitment to Rwanda’s industrial future. With $52 million secured, $33 million from BK and $19 million from BRD, including $10 million in green financing. We are proud to partner with BK and BRD to catalyze inclusive, sustainable industrial development.”
Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali also expressed the bank’s pride in funding the project. “The Bugesera Special Economic Zone is a bold step toward realizing Rwanda’s industrial vision. At BK, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey. Financing a project of this scale is not just a demonstration of our confidence in its potential, but a testament to Rwanda’s growing ability to shape its own development path. We are honored to help turn this vision into reality,” she noted.
Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, CEO of the Development Bank of Rwanda, added: “We are excited to be backing a project that ticks every box: it’s strategic, it’s sustainable, and it puts Rwanda’s people and potential front and centre. This is the kind of investment that moves the needle, not just for industrialization, but for inclusive and sustainable growth. We are proud to collaborate with BK and Bugesera SEZ Ltd. to deliver meaningful, long-term impact.”
As part of its commitment to green finance, BRD continues to champion climate-resilient investments through initiatives like Ireme Invest, which ensures that large-scale infrastructure projects like BSEZ are developed with environmental sustainability at their core. By integrating climate considerations into its financing decisions, BRD is helping to ensure that Rwanda’s industrialization is not only inclusive but also aligned with the country’s long-term climate goals.
{{About Bank of Kigali}}
Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels. The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations. BK continues to evolve as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s journey toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
{{About the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD)}}
The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), established in 1967, has played a vital role in financing projects that advance national development, especially in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, affordable housing, green finance, and export growth. With a strong mandate to support Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, BRD provides long-term, affordable, and tailored financing to sectors critical to national progress. It remains a key enabler of the National Strategy for Transformation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
{{About Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ)}}
Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) is Rwanda’s leading industrial hub. Formed in 2023 through a public-private partnership between the Government of Rwanda and ARISE IIP, BSEZ represents a $100 million investment. Strategically located 50 kilometers from Kigali and 10 kilometers from the new Bugesera International Airport, the 335-hectare zone offers serviced industrial land, world-class infrastructure, and direct access to regional and global markets.
Designed as a fully integrated ecosystem, BSEZ promotes sustainable manufacturing, raw material transformation, and export-led growth, contributing directly to Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a competitive, green industrial economy.
He made these remarks on August 4, 2025, while presenting the ratification bill for the peace agreement to the Rwandan Senate. The agreement was signed in Washington D.C., United States in June 2025.
The accord includes four key components: the dismantling of the FDLR rebel group, the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, economic cooperation between the two countries, and a political section that commits both governments to support ongoing talks between the DRC and the M23/AFC, as well as facilitation for the voluntary repatriation of refugees.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe emphasized that while Rwanda remains optimistic about the deal, there are still notable concerns, which have also been communicated to the mediators involved in the process.
First, he pointed out that it is not the first time Rwanda and the DRC have signed peace agreements that were never fully honored.
“There have been many agreements signed by the Government of the DRC over the past 25 years, more than ten, but most of them have never been implemented. Many of these agreements specifically addressed the need to dismantle the FDLR and to resolve the long-standing persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities,” he said.
The second concern, according to Minister Nduhungirehe, relates to the inconsistency between the spirit of dialogue and the actions taking place on the ground in the DRC.
“We informed the mediators that the Congolese government is continuing to acquire weapons, including drones, and has recently hired new foreign mercenaries from Colombia to replace previous ones from Romania. FARDC [the Congolese army] has also deployed additional troops near areas controlled by the M23,” he explained.
The third concern raised was the conduct of some Congolese officials who, after signing peace commitments, begin to distort the content of the agreements in public statements.
He recalled a specific incident involving Congolese Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula during negotiations with Dr. Vincent Biruta in Luanda in 2024, where Minister Lutundula committed to providing a clear plan to dismantle the FDLR. But once he returned to the DRC, he publicly denied even knowing who the FDLR were.
He also referenced the recent shift in rhetoric by Vital Kamerhe, Speaker of the DRC National Assembly. “On July 16, he gave a commendable speech supporting peace and called for both parliaments to endorse the agreement. Yet just days later in Geneva, he launched a harsh attack against Rwanda, making numerous unfounded accusations that completely undermined the peace message.”
{{Can mediators hold the DRC accountable?}}
Minister Nduhungirehe said all these concerns have been clearly communicated to the mediators, who have to ensure that the DRC honors its commitments. He stressed that while failure to implement the agreement would be unfortunate, Rwanda will remain vigilant.
“If the agreement is not implemented, it will be regrettable. But regarding our national security, Rwanda will continue to take precautionary measures. Our defense strategies will remain in place until the agreement is fulfilled,” he said.
He expressed hope that the broad coalition of mediators involved in the Washington agreement could influence the DRC’s compliance, especially since many of them hold significant regional and global weight.
“What’s new in this agreement is the number of mediators involved—more than in previous efforts—including actors like the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission. We believe that this expanded and more powerful group of mediators could help make a difference in ensuring this agreement is actually implemented,” he added.
Ntahontuye was appointed just eight months after he was named Minister of Finance, Budget, and Planning.
His new role was officially confirmed by the Burundian Senate on the same day, shortly after it elected its new leadership, headed by Gervais Ndirakobuca.
Ntahontuye holds a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Burundi. He has worked in the fields of planning and research with several international organizations, including Care International, Oxfam, and the Global Fund, both within Burundi and across the region.
Before being appointed Minister of Finance in December 2024, Ntahontuye served as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee responsible for monitoring public resource management, finance, economic affairs, and national planning.
Beyond remittances, some members of the diaspora have chosen to invest in impactful projects back home. One such individual is Mukarugwiza Drocelle, who lives in Rwanda and Germany.
Mukarugwiza invested in the Nyanza District, specifically in Busasamana Sector, in an area known as Gihisi.
Among her initiatives in Gihisi is Gira Impuhwe Primary School, as well as Chez Drocella Eglantine Lodge, which welcomes tourists and visitors exploring Nyanza.
The guest house boasts a beautiful garden, comfortable guest rooms, conference facilities, and more.
It is located approximately 100 kilometers from Kigali and 36 kilometers from Huye.
Chez Drocella Eglantine Lodge blends comfort with cultural richness.
Surrounded by lush gardens, the lodge offers cozy rooms, peaceful verandas, meeting spaces, and the soothing sounds of nature. Guests are welcomed with fresh air, the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the melodic chirping of birds in the morning.
Meals are freshly prepared using ingredients sourced from local farms. For those curious about rural life, guests can tour nearby cattle farms, enjoy fresh milk, or engage with local traditions in Nyanza.
In an interview with IGIHE, Mukarugwiza reflected on her journey. She and her husband began their work in Gihisi in 1990, long before it became a travel destination.
“At the time, we were caring for children living with HIV/AIDS—many had been abandoned and left without support,” she recalled. “After the Genocide against the Tutsi, our mission turned to helping survivors, especially widows, girls, and orphaned children.”
She explained that the area has now been transformed into a guest house, but they continue to use the income to support genocide survivors and ensure children at the school have access to essential learning materials.
Mukarugwiza invited Rwandans from Nyanza and friends in the diaspora, as well as visitors from across Rwanda, come and experience the breathtaking views of Mwima and Mushirarungu hills.
Ndirakobuca was one of two senators recently elected to represent the ruling CNDD-FDD party in Bujumbura Province, and he was elected with 100% of the votes cast by the Senate.
In the same session, Générose Ngendanganya was elected as First Vice President of the Senate, and Clotilde Kampimbare was elected as Second Vice President.
Known by his nickname “Ndakugarika,” Ndirakobuca has held several key roles in the Burundian government, including Head of the National Intelligence Service (SNR) and Deputy Chief of Police.
From June 2020 to September 2022, he served as Minister of Internal Security, before being appointed Prime Minister, succeeding Alain Guillaume Bunyoni.
In May 2025, President Évariste Ndayishimiye formally retired Ndirakobuca from the Burundi National Police, where he held the rank of Lieutenant General. This opened the path for his candidacy in the Senate, representing CNDD-FDD in Bujumbura.
Ndirakobuca replaces Emmanuel Sinzohagera, who previously held a dual role as President of the Senate and head of the United Methodist Church in Burundi and Rwanda.
