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“The Presidency of the Republic wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force, contrary to the Constitution and to democratic principles, is currently underway,” Rajoelina said in a statement released on Sunday morning.

The warning followed dramatic scenes on Saturday when soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit abandoned their barracks on the outskirts of the capital to join demonstrators at the historic Place du 13 Mai. This is the same unit that played a key role in the 2009 uprising that first brought Rajoelina to power.

The troops were widely reported to have been greeted by cheering crowds as they marched into the city centre, calling on security forces to “refuse orders to shoot” and condemning what they described as excessive police force used against protesters.

The protests, led largely by young people identifying with a “Gen Z” movement, began on September 25 in response to chronic power outages and water shortages but have since morphed into a broader call for political reform.

Demonstrators are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, an apology for violence against protesters, and the dissolution of both the Senate and the electoral commission.

According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the demonstrations began. The government disputes those figures, with President Rajoelina insisting that only 12 people, whom he described as “looters and vandals”, have died.

Prime Minister Ruphin Zafisambo, appointed just weeks ago, urged calm and dialogue in an address on Saturday evening, saying the government “remains firm but ready to collaborate and listen to all forces — the youth, unions, and the army.” He warned that “Madagascar will not withstand another crisis if this division among citizens continues.”

The presidency also issued assurances that President Rajoelina “remains in the country” and is “managing national affairs.”

Madagascar has a long history of political instability and military interventions since gaining independence from France in 1960. Rajoelina himself rose to prominence during mass protests that ousted then-president Marc Ravalomanana in 2009, with the backing of the same CAPSAT unit now rebelling against him. He went on to win presidential elections in 2018 and 2023, both marred by opposition boycotts.

U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos said on Saturday that Washington supports the DRC’s “decisive step” to implement the accord, calling it crucial for “facilitating repatriation, restoring state authority, and strengthening stability across the Great Lakes region.”

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In a communiqué issued on October 10, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) directed all FDLR factions operating on Congolese territory to immediately lay down their arms and surrender to Congolese authorities or to the UN mission, MONUSCO, for repatriation to Rwanda.

The statement, signed by Major General Ekenge Bomusa Efomi Sylvain, said the order follows the operational directive adopted on October 1 by the Joint Supervisory Committee overseeing the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, which was mediated by the United States.

The FARDC also urged civilians living in areas under FDLR influence to cut all ties with the rebel group and to encourage its members to surrender peacefully. It warned that any refusal to comply would lead to forced disarmament “by coercion or use of force” in accordance with the Washington accord.

The Congolese army further warned its personnel that collaboration of any kind with the FDLR is strictly prohibited, noting that any soldier found aiding or coordinating with the group would face “severe disciplinary sanctions.”

“The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo exhort the FDLR to facilitate the ongoing peace process by surrendering without violence or bloodshed,” the statement concluded.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda signed the Washington Peace Agreement on June 27, 2025, under U.S. mediation.

Under the deal, Kinshasa committed to dismantling the FDLR, a militia formed by elements responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Kigali has long raised concerns that the group’s continued presence and cooperation with the Congolese army pose a persistent security threat to Rwanda and regional stability.

The implementation of the Washington Pact has faced setbacks in recent months, with Rwanda accusing President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of lacking good faith in its execution. It remains to be seen whether the FDLR, which is deeply entrenched within some government forces, will finally be dismantled, potentially easing long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said the move was necessary to prevent service members from missing their regular pay due on October 15.

“I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, HOSTAGE, with their dangerous Government Shutdown,” he wrote.

The instruction, which Trump said draws on his authority as Commander in Chief, comes amid growing concern that troops would miss their first paycheck since the shutdown began on October 1.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has reportedly notified Congress of plans to reallocate research and development funds within the Department of Defence to cover the payments. According to sources cited by NBC News, there are sufficient funds available for at least two years.

The Defence Department has not yet publicly commented on the directive.

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The shutdown, now in its twelfth day, has deepened the standoff between Republicans and Democrats over a federal spending plan. Democrats have refused to back a Republican proposal unless it includes provisions to maintain key health insurance tax credits and reverse Trump’s cuts to Medicaid, the healthcare program serving low-income and elderly Americans.

Republicans, in turn, accuse Democrats of prolonging the crisis and disrupting essential services. Trump reiterated this position on Saturday, writing: “The Radical Left Democrats should OPEN THE GOVERNMENT, and then we can work together to address Healthcare, and many other things that they want to destroy.”

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While military personnel are considered “essential” and must continue working even without pay, around 750,000 other federal employees—roughly 40% of the government workforce—have been furloughed without pay.

In a highly unusual move during a shutdown, the Trump administration has begun permanently laying off thousands of workers across several agencies. White House Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed the move Friday, posting on X: “The RIFs have begun,” referring to “reductions in force.”

According to administration disclosures, more than 4,000 employees have already been terminated across seven federal agencies. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saw its entire Washington, D.C. office dismissed, including staff working on immunisations, Ebola response, and the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, said the cuts targeted “nonessential” personnel and were part of efforts to eliminate “wasteful and duplicative entities” under Trump’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Employees at the Treasury Department and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency were also among those laid off.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the AFL-CIO have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Northern California seeking to block the layoffs, calling them unlawful.

“It is disgraceful that the Trump administration has used the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who provide critical services to communities across the country,” said AFGE President Everett Kelley.

In court filings opposing the unions’ motion, the Justice Department revealed that additional cuts could affect staff at the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The filing argued that halting the layoffs would “irreparably harm the government.

Rwanda was also recognized for excellence at the trade show, where the country received a certificate and medal of recognition for quality and innovation from PTAK Warsaw Expo.

Represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country was accorded an exclusive space during the official opening ceremony to showcase captivating visuals that highlighted Rwanda’s diverse tourism attractions.

The fair running from October 10 to 12, was inaugurated by Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka representing Rwanda to the country was among the keynote speakers during the opening session.

In his remarks, Amb. Shyaka commended the strong and growing relations between Rwanda and Poland, and expressed gratitude to the organizers of the fair for naming Rwanda the principal partner in its first-ever participation at TT Warsaw 2025.

He also spoke about the Visit Rwanda brand, noting that it represents Rwanda’s uniqueness and positions the country as an exceptional destination for visitors from around the world.

The Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports expressed appreciation to Rwanda for partnering in this year’s event and commended the country’s remarkable preparations to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

Speaking to IGIHE, Ambassador Shyaka praised RDB and commended all stakeholders in the tourism sector, including the eight Rwandan companies participating in the fair.

“It is a privilege for us to be here together. These companies will help us showcase the beauty of Rwanda’s tourism over the three days of this event,” he said.

The ceremony also featured a performance by Icyeza traditional dance troupe, whose young men and women entertained the audience with energetic dances and celebrations that captivated the crowd.

karirima@igihe.com

The African Union Election Observation Mission (AU-EOM), deployed at the invitation of the Government of Cameroon, arrived in the country on October 7 and will remain until October 16, 2025.

According to a statement from the African Union Commission (AUC), the mission’s objective is to observe the final days of the campaign period, polling day operations, and the counting process to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the electoral exercise.

The mission, led by Makuza, comprises 40 short-term observers drawn from 29 African countries, representing a broad cross-section of the continent’s political, diplomatic, and civil society institutions.

Members include parliamentarians from the Pan-African Parliament, African ambassadors accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa, officials from Election Management Bodies (EMBs), representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and scholars.

The observers hail from countries including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The mission is expected to issue its Preliminary Statement on October 14, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, summarizing its initial findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic governance, transparency, and the rule of law in electoral processes across the continent.

Cameroon’s presidential elections are scheduled for October 12, 2025, with Paul Biya, who has been in power for over 43 years, among the top contenders expected to win.

The 92-year-old leader confirmed that he will run again, representing his party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC).

Although some citizens are calling for change, many still believe Biya stands a strong chance of securing another term.

On the opposition side, Cabral Libii, the leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), is emerging as one of the most promising candidates with significant support. Libii, a young reformist politician focused on tackling youth unemployment and poverty, finished third in the 2018 elections.

Another notable contender is Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), a well-known opposition party active since the early 1990s.

Other candidates in the race include Serge Espoir Matomba (PURS), Hermine Patricia Ndam Njoya (UDC), and Akere Muna, a lawyer and governance expert, all of whom are campaigning on promises of renewal and political change in Cameroon.

The Elysee Palace said in the statement that Lecornu has been tasked with forming a new government.

Following his reappointment, Lecornu said on social media that the political crisis, which has stirred public anger and damaged France’s image and interests, “must come to an end.” He pledged to “do everything possible to ensure France has a budget by the end of the year.”

Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by Macron and just one day after unveiling part of his cabinet lineup, saying that the conditions “were no longer in place” for him to remain in office.

The movement of civilians came shortly after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas entered into effect at noon local time, ending two years of conflict that left tens of thousands of people killed and caused widespread destruction across the enclave.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said its forces had redeployed along new lines in accordance with the terms of the agreement and the framework for the return of captives.

It added troops under the Southern Command would continue to monitor the situation and respond to any immediate threats to Israel’s security.

In a message to Gaza’s residents, army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israeli troops would remain deployed in specific areas inside the Gaza Strip and warned civilians against approaching military sites “until further notice.”

He cautioned civilians to avoid Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and al-Shuja’iyya in the north, as well as Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor in the south, describing them as high-risk areas.

Adraee also urged residents to stay away from the sea and border areas, advising against fishing or swimming during the coming days.

Local security sources and eyewitnesses reported that shelling and gunfire stopped completely across the Gaza Strip as the ceasefire took effect. A cautious calm prevailed over Gaza City, the central region, Khan Younis, and Rafah for the first time in months.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians were seen walking or driving north along the coastal Rashid Road, which reopened to traffic following the withdrawal of Israeli military vehicles from the area. Heavy movement was also reported along Salah al-Din Road as more families began to return to their homes in northern Gaza.

“We are going back despite the destruction; what matters most is that the war has stopped and our children are safe,” Mohammed al-Louh, a displaced resident from Gaza City, told Xinhua.

He described the moment as “the beginning of life’s return after two years of hardship.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israeli forces will remain in the Gaza Strip to maintain pressure on Hamas until the group disarms and the enclave is demilitarized.

In a televised address, Netanyahu said the Israeli military “remains deep inside the strip and holds all the positions that control it.”

“In this way, we are encircling Hamas from every direction ahead of the next stages of the plan, in which Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized,” he said. “If this is achieved the easy way — that will be good. If not, it will be achieved the hard way.”

He said that 20 living hostages and 28 bodies would be released in the coming days.

The implementation of the ceasefire follows days of intensive negotiations in Egypt, as part of broader understandings that include a prisoner exchange and arrangement to reopen border crossings and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Under the agreement, the Israeli army would halt fighting and partially withdraw from the Gaza Strip, while Hamas would release all remaining detainees in exchange for Israel freeing more than 2,000 Palestinian detainees.

Two years of Israeli strikes have left Gaza in ruins, caused famine, and killed more than 67,000 people, according to the Gaza health authorities.

The appointments were announced in a communiqué released by the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Mukakizima had previously served as the Deputy Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President (OTP). Prior to that, she had served as Director General of Communications in the same office since July 2021.

Meanwhile, Colonel Rwagasana has been serving as the Executive Office Security Liaison in the OTP since 2021.

Busu Bwa Ngwi Patrick, the South Kivu governor appointed by AFC/M23, disclosed this on Thursday, October 9, 2025, while handing over an electricity transformer to residents of Kamanyola Centre in Walungu territory.

Governor Busu told residents that the rebel coalition remains committed to removing the “bad government” of President Félix Tshisekedi and invited willing citizens to join the movement. He added that the coalition’s military commander, Gen. Maj. Sultani Makenga, tasked him with informing the local population that operations to take Uvira would begin soon.

“In a few days, we will move to capture Uvira,” Busu quoted Gen. Maj. Makenga as saying.

The announcement comes amid a strong presence of FARDC forces in Uvira and surrounding areas, supported by Burundian troops and local militias, including Wazalendo fighters led by William Yakutumba and John Makanaki, who have vowed to resist any incursion by AFC/M23.

Prof. Stanislas Baleke, a senior AFC/M23 leader, urged the commanders to leave Uvira promptly to avoid casualties. “Flee immediately when you hear the first gunshot. I don’t want you to die,” he said.

AFC/M23 has recently clashed with Wazalendo forces across South Kivu, capturing areas including Chulwe, Kintuluku, and Lubimbe near Shabunda and Mwenga centres.

The latest developments come amid efforts to silence the guns in eastern DRC through dialogue in Qatar, which have been hampered by setbacks and counter accusations of ceasefire violations.