Kagame was appearing in RBA interview on monday 4th July 2022 as Rwanda celebrated the Liberation Day.
He made the revelation following concerns by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which claimed that Rwanda should not join regional troops to be deployed in the country to fight armed groups.
DRC has been accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC) but Rwanda repeatedly rejected the allegations and urged Congo to solve its internal problems without dragging it into the war.
Recently, the third conclave for regional heads of state was held in Kenya to find a lasting solution to security issues in eastern DRC.
The meeting also discussed resolutions of Regional Chiefs of Defence Forces held on the previous day on 19th June to agree on deployment of joint forces to DRC.
During the meeting, DR Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) Chief of General Staff, Gen Célestin Mbala Munsense told counterparts that Rwandans should not be part of joint regional forces ‘because the country supports M23’.
The deployment of joint forces is expected this July or August.
Delivering a speech as DRC celebrated Independence on 30th June this year; Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi said that troops to be sent to his country will come from countries having good relations with DRC.
Tshisekedi insisted that he successfully defended his decision of boycotting Rwandan troops from landing on DRC’s land.
During an interview with RBA today, President Kagame has revealed that the issue of M23 requires political solutions other than sticking to military forces.
He insisted that accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebel group is baseless and maintained that the country would be happy if the joint regional force is successful in eliminating elements posing security threat.
“[…] If this force gives guarantees to Rwanda that no more shelling from Congo by either Congolese or FDLR because they have eliminated them; why would I be opposed to that?” he wondered.
“In fact, I am very happy that this can be done without our involvement because getting involved is a cost to us. So, why would I incur the cost when somebody says I am ready to do it for you? I have no problem with that,” Kagame added.
RPA soldiers launched the Liberation Struggle on 1st October 1990. The four-year journey ended with the capture of Kigali City where the then government which perpetrated Genocide against Tutsi fled to former Zaïre, in the current Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As Rwanda celebrates the 28th Liberation Anniversary, we have listed below important dates that marked the journey to free the country from the regime characterized by ethnic divisionism and nepotism.
{{In 1990}}
{{On 1st October: }} On this date, RPA soldiers attacked Kagitumba border. The attack marked the beginning of the Liberation Struggle which lasted for four years after members of RPF Inkotanyi decided to free the country by means of war.
Initially, RPA soldiers were commanded by Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema but attacks were foiled by soldiers of the then regime of Habyarima on the support of mercenaries.
Some of top commanders were killed in the first 14 days of the struggle which left gaps in the leadership of RPA and affected soldiers’ morale.
President Paul Kagame who was at the rank of major at the time took over the leadership and introduced new tactics during the remaining days of the struggle.
{{On 2nd October:}} The commander of RPA soldiers, Gen Maj Gisa Fred Rwigema was shot dead in Nyabwishongwezi.
{{On 4th October:}} 300 French soldiers came to protect its citizens living in Rwanda while RPA forces from the 9th battalion captures Nyagatare town.
In the night of 4th leading to 5th October, the government of Habyarimana lied that Inkotanyi raided Kigali City and arrested over 10,000 Tutsis and many politicians.
{{On 5th October: }} 535 Belgian soldiers and other from Zaire came to Rwanda to support Habyarimana.
{{On 6th and 7th October:}} The 4th Battalion of RPA soldiers captured Gabiro.
{{On 8th October:}} Following the exchange of fire with RPA soldiers; the then government forces (FAR) killed 1,000 Tutsis from Hima tribe in Mutara.
{{From 11th to 13th October:}} Nearly 400 Tutsis were killed in Commune Kibilira.
{{On 23rd October:}} Major Bunyenyezi and Major Bayingana died in an ambush laid in Ryabega.
{{On 13th November:}} Habyarimana allowed opposition parties to operate. He also declared that people’s ethnicity should no longer be mentioned on identity cards even though it never materialized.
{{On 6th December:}} Kangura journal published the 10 commandments of Hutus, including eight inciting Hutus to be violent against Tutsis.
{{In 1991}}
{{On 3rd January: }} RPA changed tactics and launched attacks in Gatuna and Kaniga to block the supply of equipment to FAR.
{{On 7th January:}} A number of Rwandans were handed death sentence accused of spying for Inkotanyi.
{{On 23rd January:}} RPA captures Ruhengeri town and released inmates from Ruhengeri Prison.
{{From the last days of January towards March:}} Between 500 and 1000 Tutsis from Abagogwe tribe were killed.
{{In 1992}}
{{In March:}} A group of Hutu extremists (CDR) that was at the centre of planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was created. Around 300 Tutsis were also killed in Bugesera.
{{In May:}} RPA attack in some communes left over 350,000 people displaced.
{{In August:}} A large number of Tutsis was killed in Kibuye.
{{In November:}} Leon Mugesera delivered a hate speech in Kabaya where he incited Hutus to exterminate Tutsis, insisting that they will be returned to ‘their place of origin’ in Ethiopia through River Nyabarongo.
{{In 1993}}
{{On 8th February: }} RPA captured the largest part of the country and withdrew to alert the international community that Tutsis were being killed of torture.
{{On 8th March:}} An international report indicated the role of the then Presidency Office in the killings of Abagogwe in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri Prefectures.
{{On 7th April:}} The then government received the report and rejected its findings.
{{In August:}} Spread of hate speeches and inciting Rwandans to kill Tutsis through Radio RTLM.
{{On 4th August:}} As RPA and the then regime were asked to implement resolutions of Arusha Peace Accords; the government continued to train Interahamwe, Impuzamigambi and other groups to kill Tutsis.
{{On 28th October:}} The 3rd Battalion of RPA soldiers arrived in CND in Kigali, aligning with efforts to establish the interim government as per Arusha Accords.
{{In 1994}}
{{On 6th April: }} A regional meeting took place in Dar-es-Salaam. The plane which carried the then President Habyarimana was shoot down on the same day around 8:30 p.m. as he returned to Kigali from the meeting.
{{7th April:}} Prime Minister Uwilingiyimana Agathe and 10 Belgian soldiers protecting her were killed. Other ministers and officials opposing the regime were killed.
Genocide began in Butare, Gitarama and Murambi in Byumba.
{{On 8th April:}} RPA soldiers decided to attack Kigali and stop Genocide against Tutsi.
{{On 14th Aril: }} Belgium ordered its troops to withdraw from Rwanda and UN troops deployed in the country. The last soldier left Rwanda not later than 20th April.
{{On 18th April: }} RPA shoot at RTLM over spreading hatred among Rwandans.
{{On 19th April:}} The interim President Sindikubwabo delivered a speech at his birthplace in Butare inciting Hutus to stand up and kill Tutsis. Since then, anyone opposing the plan was also hunted to be killed.
{{On 21st April:}} RPA captured Byumba.
{{On 21st and 22nd April:}} UN Security Council ordered the reduction of its troops in Rwanda and left only 270 soldiers.
{{On 30th April:}} RPA was controlling Rusumo border.
{{On 16th May:}} RPA blocked the road Gitarama-Kigali.
{{On 22nd May:}} RPA captured Kigali International Airport and Kanombe Military Camp.
{{On 29th May:}} RPA captured Nyanza town.
{{On 2nd June:}} RPA liberated Kabgayi.
{{On 13th June:}} RPA captured Gitarama town where the interim government had moved. It had fled to Gisenyi on 10th June.
{{On 21st June:}} As per the 929th resolution of UN, the first French troops arrived at borders between Rwanda and Zaire under “Operation Turquoise”.
{{On 28th June:}} UN released a report indicating that Genocide against Tutsi was happening in Rwanda.
{{On 4th July:}} RPA liberated Kigali City after Butare on the previous day. Since then, the former government fled to Zaire.
{{On 14th July:}} RPA captured Ruhengeri.
{{On 17th July:}} RPA liberated Gisenyi.
{{On 19th July:}} The Government of Rwanda’s Unity was installed, marking the stop of Genocide against Tutsi.
Boris Johnson was in Rwanda last week for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022.
Following the visit, UK Prime Minister said Rwandan government is “shocked” to see the coverage about it in the British media.
Johnson who was speaking to LBC’s Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, said Rwanda needs to be seen and believed.
“You didn’t come on the Rwanda trip. You should’ve done, because lots of people did, the scales fell from their eyes,” he said.
“They saw a country that is really going places, they had a totally different view of what it could mean. And if you talk to Paul Kagame [the president] and the government, they are rather shocked by some of the coverage in the UK. They see this as an opportunity for us to make progress together on a very difficult issue,” Johnson added.
He expressed frustration that while his policy was torn into by some of the press, his counterparts in other countries were putting in place similar policies.
“Funnily enough, not something that is much commented on by some parts of the media, but Joe Biden is doing something very similar with Mexico, to try and send people from Mexico, ping them straight to Spain.
“The Danes are doing something very similar. I think it’s entirely sensible to develop a partnership like that with Rwanda.”
Rwanda entered Migration and Economic Development Partnership on 14th April 2022.
The development came at a time when deep global inequalities are driving millions of people from their homes in search of opportunity, at the same time as millions are forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, and other threats to safety.
Under this program, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
Following the agreement, some people, the majority of whom being from the western part of the world, expressed concerns over the partnership.
The plane carrying the first batch of migrants deported from UK to Rwanda under the recently signed Migration and Economic Development Partnership was expected to land in Kigali on Wednesday 15th June 2022.
Few hours before scheduled time for the plane to take off, the flight was stopped after a late intervention from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) led to fresh challenges in the UK courts.
The human rights court said that it had suspended the deportation of one migrant from Iraq who was onboard the plane.
Following the last minute cancellation; the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo said that Rwanda remains committed to welcome the migrants when they arrive.
“We are not deterred by these developments. Rwanda remains fully committed to making this partnership work. The current situation of people making dangerous journeys cannot continue as it is causing untold suffering to so many,” she said.
“Rwanda stands ready to receive the migrants when they do arrive and offer them safety and opportunity in our country,” added Makolo.
Burundi and Rwanda celebrate Independence Day every 1st July to commemorate the day in 1962 when they gained freedom from Belgian colonial rule.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed via Twitter handle that Minister Biruta and his delegation were received on Friday.
The envoy received on the sidelines of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Independence also delivered a special message from President Paul Kagame to his counterpart.
Ndayishimiye said that Rwanda and Burundi are like twins and speak one voice because both countries obtained Independence on the same day.
The celebration of Burundi’s Independence was also attended by dignitaries including the President of Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra and an envoy representing the King of Belgium among others.
President Ndayishimiye said that Burundi has reunited its people and achieved remarkable strides where it has gained international repute, 60 years after obtaining Independence.
He stressed that the country is on the path towards self-reliance where it needs development partners to deliver on its ambitions and move people out of poverty.
During similar celebrations in Burundi last year; Rwanda was represented by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente. The visit was considered as a gesture for Rwanda and Burundi to turn a new page following years of deteriorated relations.
He was delivering a speech via national broadcaster as his country celebrated Independence on 30th June 2022.
Tshisekedi said that the day is celebrated at a time when the eastern part of DRC is faced with insecurity.
He affirmed that Rwanda is behind the deteriorated situation in his country over ‘its support to M23’.
Tshisekedi assured to continue upholding the Independence of DRC, protect territorial integrity and national unity as stipulated in the Constitution.
“I promise the people of DRC that I will make efforts to the best of his ability to maintain peace and security. Those provoking us will be quelled from our territory,” he said.
Tshisekedi requested Congolese to stick to territorial integrity highlighting that his country cannot allow provocations to continue.
“Today, peace and security are our top priorities. DRC suffered huge losses, including more than 10 million deaths while millions of people were displaced and fled due to crimes committed by armed groups including those receiving support from outside the country,” he said.
To address the issue, Tshisekedi said that DRC committed to strive for peace and security through use of military force and diplomatic process.
On diplomatic process, Tshisekedi said that he sought support from the United Nations and the East African Community (EAC).
Two weeks ago, he met with heads of state for the third conclave to find a lasting solution to security issues in eastern DRC.
The meeting also discussed resolutions of Regional Chiefs of Defence Forces held on the previous day on 19th June to agree on deployment of joint forces to DRC.
During the meeting, DR Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) Chief of General Staff, Gen Célestin Mbala Munsense told counterparts that Rwandans should not be part of joint regional forces ‘because the country supports M23’.
Rwanda did not welcome the decision to boycott its troops from participating in the joint operation given that it has been repeatedly refuting DRC’s allegations calling them ‘baseless’.
During the conclave on the next day, Uganda also maintained that the participation of Rwandan troops would be of great significance considering their experience in fighting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
Meanwhile, Kenya and Burundi were on the side of DRC. It was finally agreed that Rwandan troops won’t participate in the joint operation in DRC but can share intelligence with the forces on ground.
Tshisekedi has explained that troops to be sent to his country will come from countries having good relations with DRC.
Tshisekedi insisted that he successfully defended his decision of boycotting Rwandan troops from landing on DRC’s land.
“I strived for it and succeeded in excluding Rwanda due to its support to M23,” he said.
The deployment of joint forces is expected this July or August.
The development is part of new appointments by MTN Group in different countries including Uganda and Cameroon.
The statement released by MTN Group shows that the new reforms are meant to cement its commitment on delivery of its Ambition 2025 strategy which is about building leading digital platforms that enable Africa’s progress across the telecom, fintech, infrastructure, API and content and messaging ecosystem.
MTN Rwanda CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi has been named CEO of MTN Cameroon, replacing Stephen Blewett, who is leaving the Group.
Ng’ambi oversaw the listing of MTN Rwanda as well as the establishment of its fintech subsidiary. She was instrumental in strengthening the business’s stakeholder engagement and has also worked in MTN’s Benin and Zambian operations.
The new CEO of MTN Rwanda, Mapula Bodibe has been working as MTN South Africa Chief Consumer Officer. She brings more than 15 years’ experience with MTN, including in Uganda.
Bodibe has a strong background in commercial strategy, consumer marketing, customer strategy, brand management and communications, product management and customer analytics.
Among others, Sylvia Mulinge becomes MTN Uganda CEO, joining from Safaricom, where she served as Chief Consumer Business Officer for the Group. A seasoned executive, she brings with her a passion for transforming customers’ lives using technology.
Mulinge replaces Wim Vanhelleputte, who will take on the new MTN Group role of Operations Executive: Markets. In this position, he will leverage his experience in furthering financial inclusion and strengthening MTN’s position as a market leader.
Vanhelleputte is a former MTN Côte d’Ivoire CEO and has extensive operational experience across Africa.
New appointments will go into effect on 1st September 2022.
MTN has also announced the creation of a new senior MTN Group post; that of Operations Executive for Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, and Congo-Brazzaville effective 1 August 2022, reporting to the Senior Vice President: Markets, Ebenezer Asante -Twum.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has said taht he looks forward to working with new CEOs to deliver on its strategy.
“My thanks to Stephen for his valuable contribution to the MTN Group over the years and wish him well as he journeys to new opportunities outside of the African continent. I welcome Sylvia to the Y’ello family and look forward to working with her, as well as with Mitwa, Mapula and Wim in their new roles, as we continue to execute on our Ambition 2025 strategy,” he said.
The tension rose from DRC’s allegations accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
Meanwhile, Rwanda accuses Congo of collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It also blames DRC for having shelled Rwandan territory at different times in collaboration with FDLR. The projectiles injured civilians and destroyed houses.
As he made a presentation to the UN Security Council on security issues in DRC; Bintou Keita, the Head of UN’s Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO), explained that the issues arise from the resurgence of M23 where they might stall achieved strides in restoring security in the country and the region.
She urged DRC and Rwanda ‘to seize the upcoming summit to be hosted by President João Lourenço of Angola in Luanda’ as an opportunity to mend tensions through dialogue.
Meanwhile, Bintou stressed the need for both countries to work with the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanisms (EJVM) to monitor border incidents and make informed decisions.
She did not however reveal timelines for anticipated talks between both countries.
Different envoys who attended the meeting also recommended dialogues to calm the situation.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Claver Gatete pointed out that the resurgence of M23 has overshadowed the presence of more than 130 armed groups in eastern DRC, including FDLR.
He drew attention to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s false allegations — especially that Rwanda backs M23 ‑ and stressed he rejected the propaganda narrative that countries of the region want to “Balkanize” the east of Congo.
Since Rwandan troops were deployed to fight terrorists from Ahlu al-Sunnah wal-Jamaah in the country in July 2021, they have been handing over captured areas to Mozambican forces.
As Rwandan troops captured terrorists’ strongholds in areas including Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, they fled to the region controlled by Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.
It has been quite some time since terrorists have resurged and plotted more attacks in the area.
On 23rd June 2022, the rebels conducted an attack to an area known as Nkoe which was followed by another one in Nanjaba of Macomia.
On 22nd June, Tanzanian soldier died in terrorists’ attack in Nangade District.
Realizing that terrorists fled to Macomia, Rwandan troops entered agreement with SADC forces for collaboration to root them out.
On 30th March, Rwandan troops arrived in Macomia District to chase out rebels
{{The fight takes new shape}}
Following the deployment, rebels fled to Nampula Province that had never faced insecurity since 2017 when terrorist activities escalated in the country.
Early 2022, terrorists developed new tricks and reorganized in Nampula from where they conducted more attacks in Cabo Delgado.
For instance, the terrorists plotted 14 attacks in Meluco District of Cabo Delgado Province in January which escalated in May.
They continued to escalate in June in southern parts of Cabo Delgado including Quissange, Ancuabe, Chiure and Mecufi as well as Nampula border.
In February this year, Rwanda and Mozambican troops launched offensives in the areas of Nhica do Rovuma and Pundanhar where some terrorists were killed while others fled to Nangade.
Realizing the two areas were liberated from rebels, Rwanda security forces handed them over to Mozambicans and continued their operations in Macomia where terrorists had a new stronghold.
As rebels learnt that Rwandan forces were deployed in Macomia, which would prevent them from infiltrating into Siri I and Siri II (areas with presence of dense forests offering protection), they plotted hit and run attacks to regions under control of Mozambican army.
They recently attacked government’s army in Maparanganha and set residents’ vehicle on fire.
It is suspected that terrorists’ leaders stay in Macomia.
As Rwandan troops arrived in Macomia, they seized Chai area where more than five villages are currently safeguarded and rescued more than 3000 residents from terrorists in forests.
On 13th May, they were handed over to Mozambique and returned home.
Rwandan forces established a base in the area where they continue to conduct offensives to restore security in the area.
This week, the forces ambushed terrorists, killed three of them while others fled.
{{Rotation of forces might be delayed}}
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that the rotation of forces deployed in Cabo Delgado might be pushed back due to the resurgence.
It has been almost a year since Rwandan troops were deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021.
The fact that terrorists are currently infiltrating through areas left under control of Mozambicans might delay the rotation of forces because Rwandan forces deployed last year are more familiar with the terrain even though new troops are making preparations to replace their colleagues.
IGIHE has learnt that some commanders of the new troops to be deployed have arrived in Cabo Delgado.
These include Brig Gen Frank Mutembe who will replace the current The Task Force Battle Group Commander, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi.
Sources reveal that the replacement of troops from Mozambique was expected to take place from July to August.
It might however be pushed back for the forces on ground to clear some enemy pockets.
On the other hand, residents in some areas previously held by terrorists including Mocímboa da Praia and Palma town are safe.
As of today, over 10,000 displaced citizens have returned to their homes in Mocímboa da Praia.
The meeting saw Rwanda reaping eight fruits throughout the week-long event where the country landed different deals with Commonwealth members and other institutions for implementation of projects expected to promote national economy.
Besides, talks between Heads of Government are expected to yield results in the near future. Resolutions taken during the meeting will also touch lives of people from member countries that increased to 56 after admitting Gabon and Togo during the meeting.
This article will focus on fruits Rwanda reaped during the CHOGM week that run between 20th and 25th June 2022.
{{Vaccine manufacturing facility}}
As CHOGM was underway on Thursday 23rd June 2022, President Kagame laid broke the ground for construction of vaccine manufacturing facility in Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro of Gasabo District.
The ground-breaking event of BioNTech Group vaccine manufacturing facility, based on BioNTainer modular system was attended by different dignitaries including the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; the CEO of BioNTech, Prof Dr Uğur Şahin ; the Chairperson of African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat ; the Director General of World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aïssata Tall Sall among other partners.
The facility will be used to manufacture vaccines for COVID-19, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
{{Kigali Financial Square}}
On the second day of CHOGM 2022, President Paul Kagame laid foundation stone for the construction of Kigali Financial Square, a commercial building of Equity Group which owns Equity Bank Rwanda Limited.
The building is expected to be the tallest in Rwanda.
He said that the US$100 million project will see two identical tall skyscrapers (Twin Tower) erected in Kigali.
The eco-friendly building is expected to be completed in 24 months.
One section will be comprised of 24 floors that will house offices while the second will be a 20-floor building comprised of a hotel and residential structures.
{{FIFA President to be elected in Kigali}}
During CHOGM 2022, the world football governing body (FIFA) confirmed Rwanda as the host of the 73rd edition of the FIFA Congress, where the election of its new president is due to take place. The congress was scheduled for Kigali in Rwanda on 16th March 2023.
An election timeline was approved by the FIFA Council at its meeting in March this year in Doha, where current President Gianni Infantino announced he would stand for re-election.
Rwanda was confirmed as a host after proving its competencies in hosting high-profile events.
{{Air Canada to commence flights to Rwanda}}
As the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) drew to the end in Kigali on Saturday 25th June 2022; the Government of Rwanda and Canada signed Air Transport Agreement (ATA) expected to boost connectivity between both countries.
The agreement signed between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and his counterpart of Canada, Mélanie Joly; will see Air Canada and RwandAir allowed to use each country’s airspace.
Canada also announced plans to open embassy in Rwanda and appoint new ambassador with residence in Kigali with a view to deepen bilateral ties.
{{Commonwealth School of Compliance in Rwanda}}
The government of Rwanda also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DLA Piper and FTI consulting to set up the Commonwealth School of Compliance aimed at raising standards of compliance and governance across the Commonwealth. The MoU which is crucial to trade and investment was signed on 22nd June 2022.
The Commonwealth School of Compliance will be a platform for increasing shared understanding, knowledge and interconnectivity between member countries and will help train future leaders from across public and private sectors in best practices of sustainability, governance, risk and compliance.
{{Rwanda and Jamaica signed tourism development partnership}}
The Government of Rwanda and Jamaica, on 25th June 2022, signed an agreement for tourism collaboration that will see both tourism sectors mutually benefit from each other.
Following the deal, Edmund Burtlett, the Jamaican Tourism Minister announced via Twitter handle that he had started discussions with the Rwanda national carrier, RwandAir paving the way for direct flights between Kigali and Kingston in the near future.
In April this year, President Paul Kagame visited Jamaica where both countries signed bilateral agreements in different areas.
The Memoranda of Understanding were signed on political consultations as well as tourism development and promotion.
During the visit, leaders from both countries also held discussions on critical areas of interest for cooperation. These include investments in agriculture, special economic zones, manufacturing and logistics with additional commitment to further explore collaboration in culture, health, youth engagement, energy and digital technology.
On the margins of 26th Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM); Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Invest Barbados signed an agreement to promote and implement strategic private sector investments in both countries.
The agreement was signed between Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of RDB and Kaye-Anne Greenidge, the CEO of Invest Barbados.
Invest Barbados is the main investment promotion agency that attracts and facilitates foreign investment. It offers guidance and direction to new and established investors seeking to pursue investment opportunities in Barbados.
Among sectors of partnership mentioned include Agro-processing for local and international export markets, tourism, health, mining, real estate and financial services.
{{Rwanda, Zambia agriculture development partnership }}
On 23rd June 2022, the CEO of RDB, Clare Akamanzi an MoU with the Director General of Zambia Development Agency, Albert Halwampa, to promote partnerships in agriculture between both countries.
The deal followed the commitments between President Paul Kagame and his counterpart of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema to promote trade and investment.
The EJVM is a mechanism of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) composed of military officers from the 12 member countries that is charged with monitoring and verification of border violations between DRC and neighbouring countries.
A new report of UN experts on security issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seems to contradict the country’s accusations that Rwanda supports M23.
DRC started accusing Rwanda as the fighting between M23 rebel group and FARDC erupted in the past few months.
The report indicated that ‘the resurgence of M23 was fuelled by failure to implement peace accords of 12th December 2013’.
It also reads that M23 held talks with DRC Government but were called off in September 2020.
The negotiations had prompted M23 to release a statement announcing that dialogues between the regime of President Tshisekedi were promising to yield good results.
As the report shows, M23 was represented by a delegation including Benjamin Mbonimpa, Laurens Kanyuka and Castro Mbera during negotiations.
It further reveals that M23 had not resumed fighting until November 2021 when it launched an attack on FARDC military position that saw the rebel group killing soldiers and stealing arms, military uniforms and telecommunication gadgets.
The experts went on explaining that M23 plotted more attacks on FARDC bases in Rutshuru one month later and January 2022. Since then, the report indicates that M23 attacked more regions including Tshanzu, Gisiza, Ndiza and Runyoni.
{{No evidences pinning Rwanda}}
Following attacks plotted by M23 between January and March 2022, FARDC started putting forward speculations that the rebel group is comprised of Rwanda’s special forces.
On 28th March 2022, the Spokesperson of North Kivu announced that M23 on the support of Rwanda raided FARDC bases in Tshanzu and Runyoni.
The UN report indicates that sources from EJVM do not point out any involvement of foreign countries in the resurgence of M23.
During a recent interview with DW; the Spokesperson of M23, Maj Willy Ngoma said that the rebel group M23 didn’t receive any support.
He disclosed that some of used weapons were kept in their hideouts after defeat in 2013 while others are bought from Congolese soldiers or seized during the ongoing fight.
Ngoma revealed that fighters also sell part of their properties including houses and cars to buy weapons.
