The RSF shelled residential areas and a shelter center with 37 artillery shells, targeting civilians.
The SAF’s 6th Infantry Division confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including a 3-year-old girl, and reported that some of the 23 injured were critically wounded and had to be transferred to medical facilities.
The RSF also launched drone strikes on key locations in El Fasher, but the SAF successfully intercepted the drones with air defense systems. The RSF has not yet commented on the attack.
El Fasher has been a hotspot of intense fighting between the SAF and the RSF since May 2023.
Sudan has been embroiled in ongoing conflict since April 2023, resulting in over 29,000 deaths and the displacement of more than 15 million people, according to UN and migration agency reports.
The report was presented during the 57th session of the Economic Commission for Africa: Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Zuzana Schwidrowski, UNECA’s director of macroeconomics, finance, and governance, highlighted that while African economies are resilient, growth rates are still insufficient to significantly drive social development across the continent.
She also pointed out ongoing risks such as global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and reduced aid, which could hinder growth.
Although intra-African trade is diversifying and becoming more vibrant in certain regions, overall trade’s contribution to growth has declined compared to past levels.
The report also revealed that, despite a decline in extreme poverty across the continent, it remains persistently high in most regions, with North Africa as the only exception.
Climate change poses an additional challenge, with rising temperatures expected to lower agricultural yields, exacerbating food insecurity in some regions.
The event, held in Rilima Sector, Bugesera District, was organized by Shooting Touch, an international sport-for-development organization based in Boston, Massachusetts in partnership with the district leadership.
It highlighted the intersection of gender equity and public health. Through basketball competitions and open discussions, community leaders emphasized the need to challenge traditional gender norms and improve health awareness.
Notably, the event provided free health screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV, allowing more than 157 community members to access vital health information and medical support.
Local officials underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering inclusive development. Appolinarie Bamurange, the Gender Monitoring Officer, stressed that achieving gender equality requires collective action and systemic change.
“Everyone’s rights matter and must be fully respected. Our country’s vision is shared and equal welfare, security, and protection of every citizen, with no gender-based discrimination,” she said.
“We must put all our efforts together and find solutions to the challenges we encounter. This will lead us to common and shared development, where no one is left behind because of being male or female,” she added.
The basketball competitions played a central role in showcasing the capabilities of women and youth. Four competitive matches featured women’s teams, U13 youth teams, and U18 girls’ and boys’ teams from Rilima and Mayange Sectors.
These games not only provided a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills but also challenged the societal perception that sports are predominantly male domains.
Ephraim Sebarundi, the Executive Secretary of Rilima Sector, highlighted the value of integrating gender equality principles through sports.
“The Mayange and Rilima women’s teams have shown us outstanding basketball matches. I am sure they could even win against the men! Together, let’s appreciate this gender equality in sports and integrate gender equality principles into the lives of young boys and men,” he said.
Beyond the court, the event advanced community health efforts. Free NCD and HIV screenings targeted individuals aged 35-80, increasing access to early detection and medical advice.
Health professionals on site provided counseling and referred individuals with serious health concerns to district hospitals for further care.
According to Benjamin Tuyishimire, the Health Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, the goal was to empower individuals to take control of their health.
“It’s important for individuals to know their health status and to encourage them to visit health facilities and take initiative in improving their well-being,” he explained.
The success of this initiative underscores the transformative potential of sports in addressing social challenges.
By combining athletic engagement with public health outreach and gender advocacy, the community is fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender or social status.
This announcement follows a brief visit by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to Luanda on March 11, 2025, to discuss the possibility of negotiations.
Angola, which has been acting as the official mediator in the conflict, confirmed that it will first hold preliminary consultations with M23 representatives to organize a delegation for the talks with the Kinshasa government.
The upcoming discussions mark the first formal dialogue between the two sides after months of escalating violence in eastern Congo.
The conflict intensified in late January when the rebels advanced and seized control of the strategic city of Goma. Last month, they also captured Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city.
Despite the rebel group’s territorial gains, the DRC government had previously refused to engage with M23, maintaining a hardline stance against direct negotiations.
President Tshisekedi has consistently rejected direct engagement with M23. He notably skipped the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, where regional leaders urged the DRC to open talks with the rebels.
The pressure on Tshisekedi to engage in negotiations increased during the African Union (AU) summit on February 15, which he also missed to attend a security conference in Munich, Germany.
The AU summit endorsed earlier resolutions from EAC and SADC, reinforcing calls for direct dialogue with M23 to find a lasting solution to the conflict. While M23 welcomed the proposal, Kinshasa remained opposed until now.
Angola’s mediation efforts aim to bridge the gap between the two sides and create a pathway to lasting peace in the conflict-torn eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.
For its part, M23 has long criticized previous peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda, arguing that decisions were made without their involvement.
The upcoming talks represent a critical opportunity to directly address their grievances and seek a negotiated resolution.
He made the remarks while appearing before the Chamber of Deputies before the Committee on governance, gender equality, and social welfare. The session was centered on issues highlighted in the 2023-2024 report by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
Responding to a question from MP Germaine Mukabalisa about efforts to improve journalists’ welfare, Mugenzi clarified that journalists are primarily overseen by RGB.
“RGB does not report to MINALOC, meaning I cannot directly request their report, but we work together. However, this collaboration must be handled carefully to avoid misunderstandings. For example, if I were to speak on RGB’s operations, people might question why I do not do the same for LODA, which is under my direct responsibility,” he explained.
Although RGB does not report directly to MINALOC, Mugenzi assured that collaboration with different government bodies could help resolve these issues.
“The media agenda and journalists’ welfare are matters we will continue to work on together because they fall under our mandate. Although their report is handled elsewhere, I can always engage with the Minister in charge to find a way forward,” he said
“I assure you that this is not an unsolvable issue. What is important is to establish platforms for dialogue and consultation to address these challenges. Both RGB and MINALOC will work together to provide solutions to the concerns raised,” Mugenzi emphasized.
The report by RGB revealed that 44.5% of journalists earn less than Rwf 200,000 per month, an amount deemed insufficient for journalists to perform their duties effectively.
It also indicated that only 42.9% of media outlets provide formal employment contracts to their employees, while only 28.6% offer social security benefits.
The report further highlighted the low representation of women in the media sector. Mugenzi acknowledged this concern but stressed that no one is excluded from the profession.
“Women should continue to increase their participation in the media industry, moving from the current 35% recorded in 2023 to 50% or even beyond,” he stated.
The government, through collaborative efforts with RGB and other stakeholders, aims to address these challenges and create a conducive working environment for all media practitioners in the country.
In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Tesi Rusagara, the Minister of State for Public Investments and Resource Mobilization, outlined Rwanda’s strategic plan.
Among the key targets are doubling exports to $7.3 billion and increasing private investments to 21.5 per cent of GDP. These efforts are part of a broader vision to transform Rwanda into a lower-middle-income country by 2035 and an upper-middle-income country by 2050.
“Taxation plays a crucial role in financing investments and attracting private sector participation,” Minister Rusagara stated. Thus, the government aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 14 per cent to 18 per cent over the next five years through comprehensive tax reforms.
These reforms are designed to widen the tax base and increase domestic resource mobilization. For example, previously exempt sectors, such as financial services and ICT, are now included in the tax framework to align with Rwanda’s growing economy.
The government is also mindful of the potential impact on consumers and businesses, particularly in sectors sensitive to inflation like fuel and food. Special measures are being implemented to monitor and mitigate these effects.
The tax reforms also aim to encourage positive behavior. For instance, the government is offering tax waivers on electric vehicles to promote the adoption of green mobility. These incentives are part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth while addressing environmental concerns.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in Rwanda’s development agenda. Minister Rusagara emphasized that despite a global decline in grants, Rwanda continues to attract both local and foreign investments.
This reflects strong investor confidence in the country’s manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT sectors. “PPPs are essential in leveraging capital, expertise, and innovation to drive infrastructure development,” Rusagara said.
Investments in critical infrastructure, including roads, ICT, and hospitality, are central to the government’s vision. These projects not only improve connectivity but also stimulate job creation and ancillary industries.
Looking ahead, Rwanda remains focused on enhancing its international financial sector to attract investors and solidify its position as a stable and lucrative market in Africa. The government is optimistic that its strategic initiatives will drive long-term economic prosperity.
With a clear roadmap and a commitment to sustainable growth, Rwanda is poised to achieve its ambitious development goals and emerge as a leading economy in the region.
Government officials argue that CAF should have consulted them before taking such drastic measures, especially since the stadium had already been undergoing renovations.
Speaking today, 12 March 2025, Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, confirmed that the government received the news of the stadium’s suspension earlier in the day.
“It is true that we woke up today to the news that CAF has closed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium due to issues with the pitch. Their inspection was conducted about two weeks ago, following the match between Simba and Azam. However, it is important to remember that we had already declared the stadium closed for renovations,” he said.
Msigwa, who also serves as the Chief Government Spokesperson, elaborated on the circumstances leading up to CAF’s decision. “These matches attract large crowds and involve numerous security measures.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) had requested to use the stadium, and on the match day, the pitch had been trimmed down completely. Given the intensity of the game, players experienced some minor instability while running,” he explained.
He further revealed that CAF officials were present during the match and advised the Tanzanian authorities to make necessary improvements. Additionally, they requested to inspect the equipment used for pitch maintenance.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cited the continued decline in the quality of the stadium’s playing surface as the primary reason for the temporary suspension. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, TFF confirmed that this decision will impact upcoming fixtures.
Notably, the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) quarter-final match between Simba SC and Egypt’s Al Masry, originally scheduled for April 9 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, will now need to be relocated to an alternative venue.
“CAF will conduct an inspection of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on 20 March 2025 to assess the improvements made before deciding whether to lift the suspension or extend it,” the TFF statement added.
CAF has directed the Tanzanian authorities to undertake urgent improvements to meet the required standards and prevent the stadium from facing a prolonged ban.
The outcome of the scheduled inspection on 20 March will determine whether the iconic stadium can resume hosting major continental matches or remain under suspension.
The Tanzanian government remains hopeful that the ongoing renovations and collaboration with CAF will lead to a positive resolution.
For now, the spotlight remains on the efforts to restore the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to the standards expected by the continental football governing body.
In a report published on March 12, 2025, HRW alleged that since capturing the cities of Goma and Bukavu in January, the M23 and AFC have engaged in a systematic campaign to suppress dissent. According to the organization, journalists and activists critical of the group’s actions have faced intimidation and violence.
“Restoring a measure of normalcy to the captured cities of Goma and Bukavu will mean allowing journalists and civil society activists to do their jobs without threats, violence, or worse,” said Clémentine de Montjoye, senior Great Lakes researcher at Human Rights Watch.
However, in a strongly worded statement, the AFC/M23 denied the accusations, describing HRW’s report as “unfounded” and an attempt to mislead the public.
“We categorically reject the unfounded allegations presented in Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) report dated March 12, 2025. This publication is a blatant attempt to spread false information, mislead the public, and serve the interests of the Kinshasa regime,” AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated.
The group challenged HRW to present concrete evidence supporting its claims and accused the organization of bias due to its alleged connections to the DRC government.
“Our organization has never arrested, intimidated, or persecuted any journalist or activist. We challenge HRW to provide concrete evidence supporting its claims. Given its well-documented ties to the Kinshasa regime, HRW’s credibility is highly questionable,” the statement continued.
The M23 asserted that they have consistently upheld press freedom and allow journalists to work without restrictions in the areas under their control.
“The AFC/M23 has always upheld press freedom and remains open to both national and international journalists. Media professionals are free to operate within liberated areas without restrictions, censorship, or imposed narratives. We strongly believe in transparency and the fundamental right of journalists to report independently,” the group stated.
The AFC/M23 also addressed the killing of popular musician Indego. They reiterated their earlier claim, made via social media on February 13, 2025, that Indego’s death resulted from internal conflicts among the Wazalendo militia and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).
“We stated that his killing resulted from internal conflicts among different factions of the Wazalendo militia and the FARDC, a fact that some media outlets have deliberately ignored in favor of misleading narratives,” the statement clarified.
The AFC/M23 rebel group has, in recent months, gained large swaths of territory in the eastern region, where it accuses President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of poor governance and the persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities.
Sixteen South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members died in the cross-fire in January, the biggest contingent since the battle of Bangui in 2013.
Answering questions about the situation in the National Assembly on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, Ramaphosa said he’s hopeful a negotiated settlement brokered by African leaders can be reached.
Ramaphosa says with the temporary cessation of hostilities in the eastern DRC, SANDF soldiers in Goma are not in any direct danger.
“They are in quite a precarious situation right now. But as it is, the peace is holding, the troops much as they are just located at the airport, they are not being fired on.”
On a question from the Democratic Alliance’s Chris Hattingh as to when South African troops can be withdrawn, Ramaphosa said this was dependent on the guns being silenced.
“We want a negotiated settlement, and that in itself, will be a precursor to ensuring that we have a cessation of hostilities and in the end our troops do come back home.”
Ramaphosa said the movement of food supplies, water and electricity is, however, currently still subject to consultations with other armies and the M23.
The exchange event was facilitated using participatory methods to encourage mutual learning and empowerment. It brought together government agencies, national and international NGOs, researchers, private sector enterprises, tree seed cooperatives and farmers.
Organized as a joint output of the “Right Tree, Right Place, Right Purpose (RTRP-Seed)”, “Quality Tree Seed for Africa (QT-Seed)” and Transforming the Eastern Province through Adaptation (TREPA)” initiatives, the event brought together key stakeholders in tree seed systems and the landscape restoration sector.
Athanase Mukuralinda, the Country Director of CIFOR-ICRAF, emphasized that tree seeds are the foundation for successful forest restoration and sustainable landscapes. However, many people do not understand the importance of using high-quality tree seeds.
“While many recognize the importance of seed quality for crops like maize or potatoes, there’s a common misconception that any tree seed is suitable for planting. However, just as with crops, poor-quality tree seeds can lead to weak, poorly growing trees. Rather, “high-quality tree seeds are crucial for effective forest restoration and the production of valuable wood, fruit and other products” Mukuralinda explained.
The projects focus on awareness, highlighting the importance of protecting seed sources to ensure seed quality for future harvests, and building capacities for communities and sector stakeholders about which trees to collect seeds from, how and when to harvest tree seeds, as well as how to store them properly to maintain their quality.
“We bring together seed producers, collectors, and tree planters to exchange knowledge and collaborate,” Mukuralinda said.
Jens-Peter Barnekow Lillesø, a senior researcher at the University of Copenhagen and a CIFOR-ICRAF fellow, stressed the need to evaluate the genetic quality of tree seeds.
“Currently, tree seeds are only checked for germination, but this does not reveal how well a tree will grow in the future,” Lillesø noted. He highlighted that most tree seeds in Rwanda are collected from farmlands without assessing their genetic quality.
Factors like the number of mother trees, their health, and whether pollinators are present are crucial for producing seeds that grow into robust trees. Different seed sources are suited to specific environments, such as dry lowlands or humid highlands, and using seeds from the wrong region can lead to poor growth and decreased survival.
Lillesø called for documenting seed sources and recognizing the seed custodians who manage them.
“These custodians play a critical role in protecting seed sources and should receive incentives for their work,” he said.
Lillesø also pointed out that the national seed center cannot manage all seed sources alone and needs to delegate responsibilities to local communities, while maintaining quality oversight.
These ongoing initiatives aim to bridge the current gaps in the tree seed sector by fostering cooperation between different stakeholders.
By improving tree seed quality and recognizing the contributions of seed custodians, among other measures, Rwanda can strengthen its forest ecosystems and support sustainable agriculture and restoration efforts.
