In his end-of-year message addressed to officers, men, and women of the RDF and other security agencies on Monday, President Kagame expressed deep appreciation for their dedication, noting that their work continues to uphold Rwanda’s values, sovereignty, and national security.
“Through adversity and challenge, the men and women of the Rwanda Defence Force and other Security Organs have consistently served with unwavering distinction — both here at home and on missions far beyond our borders,” the President said.
He highlighted the role of security organs in protecting Rwanda’s territorial integrity and ensuring a stable environment that enables citizens to pursue their daily economic and social activities. According to the Head of State, the country’s progress across multiple sectors is closely linked to the peace and stability guaranteed by the nation’s security forces.
President Kagame also praised Rwanda’s contribution to peacekeeping efforts across the continent, saying RDF personnel deployed abroad continue to honour Rwanda’s commitment to protecting human life with professionalism and resolve.
“As I have mentioned before, the Rwanda Defence Force and other Security Organs are today the forces I have always wished to have,” he said, describing them as a pillar of national unity, dignity, and strength.
Looking ahead to the new year, the President urged security organs to maintain high standards of integrity and accountability, while remaining vigilant and adaptive to evolving security threats in pursuit of a secure, prosperous, and united Rwanda.
He paid special tribute to personnel serving away from their families during the festive season, acknowledging their sacrifice and that of their loved ones. The President also honoured families who have lost relatives in the line of duty, assuring them of continued support from the state.
“On behalf of the Rwandan people, the government, and my own family, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a joyful festive season and a successful year ahead,” President Kagame stated, adding, “May you continue to serve with honour and may your sacrifices always be recognised and rewarded.”
I arrived in Morocco in early December 2025. Located in north-western Africa and often associated with desert landscapes, the country surprised me with its cold weather. Contrary to my long-held assumption that Arab countries are uniformly hot like much of Africa, Morocco experiences biting cold during certain months, largely due to its diverse climatic conditions.
Another immediate impression was the level of security. Upon arrival at the airport, security checks were exceptionally thorough, comparable to those conducted before boarding a flight, despite having just landed.
Travellers from most European countries do not require visas to enter Morocco. Rwandan citizens, however, are required to obtain visas, although the process is relatively fast and efficient.
From my observations, Morocco is a country whose civilisation predates colonial influence by centuries. This is evident in its architecture, historic homes and everyday social practices. Rather than imitating European models, Moroccans display a strong attachment to their own culture, which remains visible across many aspects of daily life.
Travelling between the four cities by road offered a revealing glimpse into the country’s landscapes. Traditional homesteads of farmers and pastoralists sit alongside vast, modern farmlands cultivated with machinery. The colour of the soil changes from one region to another, often reddish, sometimes taking on a khaki-like hue, reflecting Morocco’s varied geography.
The cities are linked by wide, well-maintained motorways known locally as autoroutes. These modern roads were among the most striking features of the journey and play a crucial role in facilitating trade and economic activity in a region historically shaped by commerce and long-distance travel.
Morocco generally follows a culture that discourages alcohol consumption, although alcohol is available in designated outlets, most of which close early. Visitors who wish to purchase it must plan ahead or rely on hotels, where it is more readily available. For non-drinkers, the country offers an abundance of well-prepared tea and coffee, both of which are central to Moroccan hospitality.
{{Marrakech: The southern gateway
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The first city I arrived in, flying from Cannes in southern France, was Marrakech, often described as the southern gateway to Morocco.
Founded around the 11th century by Berber dynasties, Marrakech quickly emerged as a political, commercial and cultural centre in the Maghreb. It earned the nickname “the Red City” due to the distinctive colour of its walls and buildings.
Over the centuries, Marrakech served as the capital of several dynasties and as a key junction for caravan routes linking sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean basin. Its historic Medina, meaning “the City”, remains a vibrant hub of markets, craftsmanship and religious heritage, bearing strong testimony to the city’s enduring cultural significance.
{{Casablanca: Morocco’s economic engine
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Casablanca, whose name traces back to the ancient port of Anfa, has a history shaped by conflict, reconstruction and transformation. Influenced by Portuguese and later French rule, the city evolved steadily over the centuries. By the 20th century, it had become Morocco’s principal economic and industrial centre.
Its Atlantic coastline and modern urban districts underline its role as a commercial gateway connecting Morocco to global markets. Today, Casablanca stands as the backbone of the national economy, driven by its port, industrial sector, cultural industries and manufacturing base.
{{Rabat: The political capital
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Rabat is home to the royal palace of King Mohammed VI and the country’s key state institutions. It serves as Morocco’s administrative and political capital and also hosts the Embassy of Rwanda, which represents Rwanda’s interests in Morocco as well as in Mauritania and Tunisia.
Historically, Rabat developed from a military fortress along the Atlantic coast and experienced major growth during the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, remnants of which still stand today. In the 20th century, it became the centre of modern Moroccan governance.
Today, Rabat combines historical heritage, government institutions and recreational spaces. Among the cities visited, it stood out for its greenery and calm atmosphere. In 2012, the city was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding historical value.
{{Ben Guerir: A city of knowledge and innovation
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I also visited Ben Guerir, a relatively young city that represents Morocco’s investment in education, research and industrial development. Unlike Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat, whose identities are shaped by centuries of history, Ben Guerir is a product of modern planning.
Located in the El-Rhamna region, the city expanded rapidly in the 20th century due to phosphate mining activities led by the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP), followed by large-scale development projects.
Since the early 2000s, Ben Guerir has emerged as a centre of higher learning with the establishment of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Founded in 2013 on the initiative of OCP and supported by international partnerships, the university focuses on applied research in agronomy, engineering, energy and advanced technology, closely aligned with national and regional industrial needs.
The presence of UM6P, along with its postgraduate programmes and research laboratories, has elevated Ben Guerir’s profile as a hub for innovation, sustainable development and economic transformation.
Together, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Ben Guerir form a complementary portrait of Morocco. Marrakech reflects royal heritage and craftsmanship; Casablanca embodies economic power; Rabat represents governance and institutional history; while Ben Guerir illustrates the country’s forward-looking investment in education and industry.
Collectively, these cities reveal a nation of remarkable depth and diversity, one where ancient traditions and modern aspirations coexist and reinforce one another.
{{The beauty of the city of Marrakech in photos.}}
{{As you travel through Casablanca, the landscape changes from one area to another.}}
{{Ben Guerir is a rapidly developing city in Morocco that has become important for education, industry and innovation.}}
The suspension, confirmed by Congolese authorities, was authorised by the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC, Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe, and signed on December 28, 2025. It came a day after Gen Maj Ekenge appeared on state broadcaster RTNC and warned against marrying Tutsi women, claiming they do not bear children with people from other ethnic groups.
The comments sparked fierce backlash, reigniting concerns over the normalisation of ethnic slurs by senior state officials at a time of heightened tensions, particularly in the country’s conflict-affected eastern regions.
In announcing the suspension, Lt Gen Mwilambwe said the remarks were inconsistent with the army’s doctrine and national policy. However, critics argue that the decision amounts to damage control rather than a genuine break from a broader pattern of ethnic hostility tolerated at the highest levels of power.
Fanny Kaj Kayemb, the Deputy Director General for Finance of the AFC/M23 coalition, dismissed the suspension as cosmetic, saying the army spokesperson merely articulated a line sanctioned by senior authorities.
“An army spokesperson does not think independently; he executes,” Kayemb said. “He speaks according to a line approved by the top military leadership. In the DRC, the person at the very top has a name: Félix Tshisekedi, the Supreme Commander.”
Kayemb described the disciplinary action as a theatrical manoeuvre designed to mislead both Congolese citizens and the international community, arguing that the remarks reflect unspoken views embedded in the current political leadership’s ideological orientation.
The controversy has also revived scrutiny of the state’s long-standing failure to act against figures accused of inciting hatred against Tutsi communities. For years, MP Justin Bitakwira openly targeted Tutsi, particularly the Banyamulenge, referring to them as an “evil ethnic group”, without facing consequences at home. He was only sanctioned by the European Union in 2022.
Further inflaming tensions, President Félix Tshisekedi hosted two Congolese nationals from the United States on 22 December 2025 under the banner of “Congolese Unity”.
One of them, Jean-Claude Mubenga, has previously described Tutsi as “cockroaches” and a virus who should be eliminated, remarks that drew sharp condemnation.
Observers caution that when such rhetoric is voiced or tolerated by state institutions, it evokes a troubling historical legacy, leaving open the question of whether these statements are mere slips of the tongue or a deliberate psychological warfare strategy reminiscent of the Hutu Ten Commandments that preceded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
While the suspension of Gen Maj Ekenge may momentarily ease pressure, many observers contend that it does little to address the underlying climate of impunity surrounding hate speech and ethnic incitement within the DRC’s political and security establishment.
This meeting was part of his official visit to Brazzaville, which included a series of other engagements.
“Amb. Bazivamo, after conveying the greetings of the Chairman of the RPF Inkotanyi, His Excellency President Paul Kagame, who wished them good health and prosperity in their endeavors, presented Rwanda’s national development agenda. He also took the opportunity to remind them that, as Rwandans, they should actively contribute to these efforts,” reads a statement from RPF Inkotanyi shared on X account.
Amb. Bazivamo reminded the Rwandans that Rwanda, their homeland, fully supports them in their development endeavors and that the country stands ready to assist them in every possible way.
He also encouraged the Rwandan community to uphold core Rwandan values, particularly the principles of unity, collaboration, and integrity.
Amb. Bazivamo also extended his heartfelt wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year in 2026 to all those present.
Amb. Bazivamo is currently in Congo, where he was invited to attend the sixth congress of the ruling political party, Parti Congolais du Travail (PCT).
He noted with satisfaction the similarities in inclusive governance and the pro – people centeredness between RPF Inkotanyi and PCT and renewed the party’s commitment to advance bilateral cooperation with PCT and through the two political formations, bilateral relations between Rwanda and the Republic of Congo.
The two countries have long enjoyed diplomatic and political relations. Rwanda opened its embassy in Congo-Brazzaville in August 2016.
In 2011, Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville signed several agreements in key sectors such as aviation, tourism, energy, security, justice, environmental protection and fisheries.
In 2023, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville visited Rwanda, significantly boosting bilateral relations between the two countries.
The visit occurred a few hours after Congo-Brazzaville had granted Rwandans visa-free access. This visit also resulted in the signing of eight additional cooperation agreements, bringing the total number of agreements between the two nations to 33, following the signing of 25 agreements during President Kagame’s visit to Congo-Brazzaville in April 2022.
According to Reuters, the exercises involve the deployment of warships, fighter jets, artillery, and other military assets, simulating attacks on maritime and land-based targets, as well as military blockades and encirclement tactics near Taiwan’s major ports.
These drills are seen as part of China’s continued efforts to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province.
This latest round of military exercises follows increased U.S. support for Taiwan, highlighted by an $11.1 billion arms sale approved by Washington in recent weeks. This sale, the largest of its kind, has exacerbated the already tense situation, prompting Beijing to express its strong disapproval through military action.
China has framed the exercises as a warning against any form of “Taiwan independence” and external interference in its domestic affairs. The PLA’s exercises focus on simulated strikes and a show of force, meant to underscore China’s capability and readiness to take action if necessary.
Taiwan, in response, condemned the military drills as an act of military intimidation designed to undermine peace and stability in the region.
Taiwanese defense officials reported detecting a significant number of Chinese aircraft and naval vessels near the island, which prompted Taiwan’s military to raise its alert levels and conduct its own rapid-response exercises.
Additionally, Taiwan highlighted its military readiness with footage of U.S.-supplied systems, such as the HIMARS rocket artillery, as a testament to its ability to defend itself against external threats.
Despite these escalatory moves, Taiwan’s financial markets have remained relatively stable, with investors continuing to show confidence amid growing geopolitical pressure.
China’s longstanding policy on Taiwan remains one of reunification, with Beijing.
Currently, the nearest sources for these critical medical materials are often Egypt or, further afield, Europe. Domestic production is expected to reduce costs and create around 100 high-tech jobs in the nuclear and radiation sectors.
Remy Wilson Bana, acting division manager for nuclear and radiation safety at RURA, told the New Times that Rwanda has already acquired the necessary equipment.
“Economically, this is a great achievement because most Rwandans have been going abroad, especially in India or Europe, for diagnosis,” Bana explained, adding that nuclear medicine allows doctors to track diseases early, improving treatment outcomes.
The initiative, backed by the government in partnership with Aegle Onco Care, will see nuclear medicine departments licensed at major hospitals, including Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital and King Faisal Hospital. It also complements existing cancer care infrastructure, such as MRI, CT scans, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgeries.
The move marks Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional medical hub, reduce reliance on imported medical isotopes, and offer high-quality healthcare at home.
In a speech broadcast by the Houthi-run Al-Masirah television channel, al-Houthi stated that his forces consider “any Israeli presence in the Somaliland region a military target,” “aggression against Somalia and Yemen, and a threat to the security of the region.”
He added that the group would take “all possible supportive measures to stand with the brotherly Somali people.”
Al-Houthi, whose movement controls large parts of northern Yemen, indicated that Israel aims to “make Somaliland a foothold for hostile activities against Somalia, African countries, Yemen, and other Arab countries,” a move he said would destabilize an already fragile region.
He also called for a “firm and serious” Arab and Islamic stance in support of Somalia and its people, urging collective action to counter what he characterized as Israeli expansionism.
Meanwhile, several Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the evening of December 27, 2025, the state broadcaster RTNC featured Major General Sylvain Ekenge in a segment ostensibly providing updates on security in eastern DRC, particularly South Kivu amid ongoing conflict.
While the primary focus was on military developments, the discussion largely shifted to attacks on Rwandans and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, especially Tutsis, whom Ekenge accused of deception.
He warned viewers to be cautious about marrying Tutsi women, alleging that traditional leaders facilitate such unions only for the woman’s relatives, such as cousins or uncles, to later intervene.
Ekenge claimed these relatives father children with the wife, attributing the offspring to supposed genetic dominance in the Tutsi community, and described the practice as a scam to infiltrate marriages.
Minister Nduhungirehe noted that this came after the DRC government had cooperated with the FDLR terrorist group in attacks on Banyamulenge in Minembwe and hosted Jean-Claude Mubenga in Kinshasa, where the latter allegedly called Tutsis “cockroaches” and a virus that must be eradicated.
He added that General Ekenge was now endorsing Gitera’s document.
“The spokesperson of the Congolese army now, FARDC, is adopting on national television RTNC the first of the ‘Ten Commandments of the Hutu’ [1990] from the extremist Rwandan newspaper Kangura,” he said.
Gitera founded the Association for the Social Promotion of the Masses (APROSOMA), which fostered division and hatred among Rwandans. He issued the set of ten commandments during a party meeting in Ngoma, Butare, on September 27, 1959.
The first prohibited Hutus from trusting Tutsis, while subsequent ones forbade praising them, forming relationships with them, among others designed to divide Rwandans.
These ideas were later republished and expanded in Kangura, a magazine that promoted genocidal ideology, in its December 1990 edition.
Minister Nduhungirehe observed that General Ekenge appeared to be drawing from material by intellectuals such as Professor Filip Reyntjens , as the term “intelligence” (often used by the Belgian academic to describe Tutsis) was a focus of the military officer’s remarks.
“This Congolese general does not stop there and even goes as far as repeating colonial theories that laid the foundation for the ‘ethnic’ division and the Genocide against the Tutsi, specifically the idea that the Tutsi are ‘Nilotics’ who conquered Rwanda and oppressed the Hutu, even appropriating ‘their Bantu language’’ Kinyarwanda,” Nduhungirehe said.
The minister concluded by warning that, even if President Félix Tshisekedi dismisses General Ekenge due to embarrassment or Western advice, the Congolese Tutsi community would still suffer the consequences of his words unless the international community responds decisively.
The UK’s Home Office announced visa restrictions on DRC citizens late on Saturday, citing the country’s insufficient cooperation with British authorities in repatriating migrants without legal status in the UK. The restrictions include the revocation of fast‑track visa processing and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision‑makers. The UK government warned that further measures, up to a complete halt of visas for DRC nationals, could follow if cooperation does not improve.
At the same time, Angola and Namibia have agreed to accept the return of illegal migrants and foreign criminals. The agreements were reached after the British government threatened visa penalties for any country that refused to cooperate with deportations of its nationals living in the UK without legal permission.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the UK expects countries to “play by the rules” and take back their citizens if they have no right to be in the UK. She added that the visa measures are part of broader reforms intended to tighten asylum rules and ensure faster deportations of irregular migrants.
The move to curb DRC visas comes amid a wider push by the UK government to enforce stricter immigration controls, reflecting ongoing challenges related to irregular migration and asylum backlogs. While Angola and Namibia responded positively to the UK’s pressure by agreeing to take back migrants, the DRC has yet to meet the cooperation standards required, prompting the visa curbs.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Rwanda “fully aligns with the statements issued by the African Union and the East African Community in support of Somalia” and encouraged efforts towards a path based on shared peace and prosperity, in accordance with international law.
The position follows strong remarks from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who rejected any recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and reiterated the AU’s “unwavering commitment” to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia.
He reaffirmed the AU’s long-standing stance, grounded in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, particularly the principle of respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as established by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity.
The AU Commission firmly rejected any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland, stressing that the region remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It warned that actions undermining Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity risk setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across Africa.
The Commission also reiterated its full support for Somalia’s federal authorities as they seek to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions and advance inclusive governance.
The renewed diplomatic focus comes after Israel announced on Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, becoming the first country to make such a declaration. The announcement prompted a sharp response from Mogadishu, with Somalia’s federal government describing the move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that could undermine regional peace.
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in May 1991, following years of conflict that left the country in turmoil. Despite maintaining its own government, security structures and currency, it has long lacked formal international recognition.
Several international actors have since distanced themselves from Israel’s declaration. The United States said it would continue to recognise Somalia’s territorial integrity, explicitly stating that this includes Somaliland. The European Union also criticised the move, warning that it threatens peace and security in the region, while urging Somalia and Somaliland to resolve their long-standing differences through dialogue.
Rwanda’s statement adds to mounting regional and international support for the AU’s position that Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld.
