As part of its commitment to empowering young leaders, Rotary Rwanda annually organizes leadership training programs. This year, over 800 participants gathered to enhance their leadership and innovation skills, a significant increase from the usual 500 attendees.
Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, delivered the keynote address. She praised Rotary’s dedication to fostering leadership and community development.
“Rotary’s commitment to mentorship and service has transformed communities,” she said. “Leadership is not about a title; it is about the change you can bring. Every young person here today has the power to make a difference.”
Ingabire emphasized the importance of breaking barriers, particularly for women in innovation.
“Women have historically driven innovation, yet their contributions often go unrecognized,” she noted. “It is essential to continue advocating for women to have equal access to education, leadership opportunities, and resources.”
She shared key principles for nurturing youth leadership and innovation including encouraging leadership at a young age, ensuring access to education and technology, fostering engagement through networks, and leading with purpose.
“The world needs your leadership, creativity, and passion,” she told the young participants. “Keep pushing boundaries and lead with purpose to create a brighter future.”
{{Rotary Rwanda’s significant investment in community welfare}}
The event also highlighted Rotary Rwanda’s substantial contribution to community development. Carole Karema, the Assistant Governor of Rotary in District 9150, which includes Rwanda, revealed that the organization has implemented projects worth over $10 million (equivalent to more than 14 billion Rwandan Francs) to improve citizens’ welfare.
“Rotary in Rwanda is approaching 60 years of service,” Karema stated. “We have 550 members, but we aim to grow our membership to match countries with over 5,000 members.”
She outlined Rotary’s diverse community initiatives, including providing clean water, improving healthcare and sanitation, supporting education, and empowering women and girls.
“Rotary is a platform where people collaborate to find solutions to societal challenges,” she explained. “Our leadership encourages us to find solutions from within our communities.”
{{Recognizing young change makers}}
As part of the event, outstanding members of Rotaract and Interact Clubs were recognized for their impactful contributions. The awards celebrated those who led transformative projects and played a key role in expanding membership.
Atete Gretta Ame, a student from Kagarama Secondary School, shared how joining Rotary allowed her to make a positive difference.
“In school, we study to pass exams and earn money,” she said. “But through Rotary, I realized that many people need our support. This inspired me to join and contribute to changing lives.”
Lorena Kessy Waihiga Mwangi, from Kigali International Community School (KICKS) also expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing how the award motivates her to continue driving positive change.
“The recognition proves that our work is meaningful,” she said. “We will keep pursuing positive change and inspiring others to do the same.”
Rotary Rwanda’s structure includes Rotary Clubs for professionals, Rotaract Clubs for university students and Interact Clubs for high school students.
By investing in youth leadership and fostering community projects, Rotary continues to empower future generations to lead and innovate.
The celebrations took place at various COPEDU PLC branches, including the CHIC branch and the Nyarugenge Market branch. Employees of the institution also visited women entrepreneurs operating at the Didi Market located in Niboye Sector, Kicukiro District.
Donatha Uwantege, the Manager of COPEDU PLC’s CHIC branch, emphasized the significance of the day for women and reiterated the institution’s commitment to empowering women financially.
She stated, “COPEDU PLC focuses on women, which is why we cannot forget to celebrate this day with them every year. We prioritize women through accessible loans, savings, and financial planning.”
Marie Grace Sekamonyo, one of COPEDU PLC’s clients, expressed her gratitude to the institution for recognizing and celebrating them. She said, “We chose COPEDU PLC not because there are no other banks, but because this institution is particularly supportive of women and makes it easier for us to achieve financial growth.”
While engaging with the women at Didi Market, Solange Uwingabire, the Head of Business at COPEDU PLC, encouraged them to work diligently and adopt a culture of saving to secure their future.
She remarked, “Today, we are here as a financial institution encouraging you to save for a better future. Saving is essential, but it should be done in a secure place to safeguard your assets and plan for future generations.”
Uwingabire also introduced a specialized loan product called “Igire Mugore” designed to support female entrepreneurs with limited capital and no immovable collateral. This loan aims to help them grow their income-generating activities.
The loan ranges from 500,000 Rwandan Francs (Frw) to 5,000,000 Frw, but applicants must first save 30% of the requested loan amount.
Over the past 28 years, COPEDU PLC has played a significant role in promoting women’s projects, investing over 2 billion Frw in more than 3,000 initiatives.
Currently, the majority of COPEDU PLC’s shareholders are women. Women also dominate its board of directors, and most of its branches across the country are led by women.
This innovative initiative aims to bridge the financial inclusion gap and empower women entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable business growth and economic independence.
Mireille Umwali, the Board Director at MUA Insurance, expressed her pride and excitement over this milestone. “I’ve been part of the MUA family for over four years now, and witnessing the company’s growth has been incredible. Today, I am especially delighted because of this project,” she said.
“When you hear ‘MUA Femme,’ I want you to think of it as ‘MUA For Me.’ It’s about personal empowerment and ensuring that every woman secures her future through this innovative product,” she added.
Umwali emphasized the urgency of addressing the disparity between men and women in business participation, which had in the recent past few years been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There’s been a huge gap in economic participation, but with MUA Femme, we aim to close that gap and foster greater financial inclusion. Our vision at MUA is to provide innovative financial and insurance solutions, and this product aligns perfectly with that mission. I have no doubt that it will propel women to the next level of business success,” she added.
She further challenged MUA to increase the proportion of women clients to align with the government’s commitment to gender equality.
“Rwanda has made tremendous strides in gender representation, with women holding 61.75% of parliamentary seats. Yet, only 40% of MUA’s clients are women. We need to push that number up by 20%, ensuring that women are equally represented in all areas,” Umwali asserted.
Aretha Rwagasore, the Executive Director of Le Village de la Femme, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the impact it will have on women entrepreneurs.
“Le Village de la Femme began as a platform for women and has grown into a robust organization supporting women entrepreneurs. We provide business skills training, one-on-one mentorship, and facilitate access to finance. Today, we are proud to partner with MUA on this initiative,” she said.
Through this collaboration, Le Village de la Femme and MUA will work with 50 women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors. These women will undergo a three-month Empower program designed to equip them with the skills and resources to access financial institutions confidently.
“This partnership is not just corporate social responsibility; it’s about creating tangible change at a corporate level. The Empower program will give these women the tools they need to approach banks for loans and to secure their business assets through MUA,” Rwagasore explained.
Jovia Mutesi, the proprietor of Jov Creations Ltd and a member of Le Village de la Femme, reflected on her entrepreneurial journey and the significance of this new collaboration.
“Nine years ago, I started as an individual, but today, we have grown into a reputable organization dedicated to the continuous development of women. The training we’ve received from Le Village de la Femme has been invaluable, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration through this partnership with MUA,” she proudly said.
The launch of MUA Femme is a testament to MUA’s commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment by addressing the challenges women face in accessing financial services and providing tailored solutions.
Through strategic collaborations and innovative products like MUA Femme, women are not only securing their futures but also shaping a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.
This message was conveyed by the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, during an interview with IGIHE.
The RDF delegation visiting CAR includes the Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, and Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga. Their visit aims to inspect Rwandan troops stationed there and attend a graduation ceremony for CAR soldiers trained by the Rwandan military.
Rwivanga highlighted that Kagame sent Nyakarundi with a message of appreciation for the troops’ dedication and professionalism.
“The Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, was sent by His Excellency the President of the Republic to deliver a message to the soldiers, commending them for the excellent work they are doing to maintain security,” he said.
He further emphasized that the areas under Rwandan military control in CAR remain secure, and local communities appreciate their presence.
Another key message from President Kagame was to reassure the troops that Rwanda’s security is intact, allowing them to carry out their duties without concern.
“The second message was that Rwanda is entirely secure, and they should continue their work without any worries,” Brig. Gen. Rwivanga added.
Kagame’s message comes amid continued tensions with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which have been accused of plotting to destabilize Rwanda’s government.
When the M23 rebel group took control of Goma, evidence and weapons discovered in the city indicated the involvement of these neighboring countries in plans to undermine Rwanda. Rwivanga reassured the public that Rwanda’s borders are well-secured and that the country faces no immediate threats.
“We can assure the public that Rwanda is safe, and the borders are well-protected. The border-related concerns have been resolved. Since M23 took control of their positions, we have had no further issues along our border, meaning the country remains secure,” he stated, stressing that Rwandan forces remain vigilant and continue to fulfill their duties.
“Our troops are performing their duties as expected, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and borders. Everything is proceeding as usual, and our message here is to assure the troops that Rwanda is safe,” he added.
It has been nearly five years since Rwanda first deployed troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province to combat terrorism. This decision was made following a request from the Mozambican government, whose military had been overwhelmed by the terrorist group Ahlu Sunna wa Jama.
The primary mission of Rwanda’s troops was to eliminate the terrorist threat; a goal they have largely achieved as the entire Cabo Delgado region has been liberated.
Following their combat operations, the Rwandan forces were expected to proceed to the next phase, training Mozambique’s soldiers to maintain security after the Rwandan troops return home.
In an interview with IGIHE, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga confirmed that this training initiative is underway, with the first group of 600 soldiers nearing completion.
He stated, “I can confirm that we are now at the stage of training Mozambique’s forces. The first cohort, consisting of about 600 soldiers, is being trained at a center in Nacala, and they will soon complete their training.
In the coming days, we will be there to conclude the first phase of training conducted by Rwanda.” Brig. Gen. Rwivanga further emphasized that peace has largely been restored in Mozambique.
“Mozambique is in a very stable condition now. We have conducted extensive military operations. If you recall, our troop numbers increased, and we took over areas previously held by SADC forces, including Macomia,” he added.
Initially, we were only responsible for Palma and Mocimboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand our operations.”
He highlighted that SADC forces had left areas still harboring insurgents, which required additional work from the Rwandan forces.
“When SAMIM (the SADC Mission in Mozambique) withdrew from Macomia, the enemy was still present specifically in a forested area called Katupa, resembling Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We conducted numerous operations to flush them out, including along the coastline, and gradually dismantled their positions. The region is now largely peaceful, with only minor incidents that we continue to address on a daily basis,” he explained.
The helicopter, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was on a humanitarian evacuation mission aimed at reducing tensions after fierce clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a loose network of Nuer youth fighters.
The White Army recently overran government positions in Nasir, escalating violence in the region. During the evacuation, the helicopter came under heavy fire while attempting to transport wounded SSPDF officers, including General Dak.
Tragically, the general and his team lost their lives. Despite the attack, one helicopter managed to escape but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all passengers on board. In a national address, President Kiir expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the need for peace and restraint.
“Fellow citizens, I urge you to remain calm. I have said this time and again: our country will not return to war. No one should take the law into their own hands. My deepest condolences go to the families of General Dak and his men,” President Kiir stated.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the attack, calling it “abhorrent” and a potential war crime under international law.
“We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones,” Haysom said. “We also regret the killing of those we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.”
The situation in Nasir has further heightened tensions and disrupted South Sudan’s fragile peace process. There are allegations that the opposition may be supporting the White Army.
The South Sudanese government has responded by arresting senior officials from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), including the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, and SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further escalation. Kenyan President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate, holding talks with President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
“I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country even as the region works towards the stabilization of South Sudan under IGAD’s Strategic Framework,” President Ruto said in a statement.
The attack on the UN helicopter has underscored the growing insecurity in South Sudan, where ongoing political and ethnic tensions threaten to unravel the country’s Revitalized Peace Agreement.
UNMISS continues to call on all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises.
Yoon has been in detention since being arrested in January on charges of leading an insurrection, one of the few criminal charges the president does not have immunity from. However, the Seoul Central District Court on Friday canceled his arrest warrant, allowing for his release, according to a court ruling reviewed by CNN.
In its ruling, the court said the crime of insurrection is not included within the investigative jurisdiction of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, the agency that had requested the arrest warrant against Yoon.
The court also said it was questionable whether the insurrection charges indictment was filed after the defendant’s detention period had expired. It therefore canceled Yoon’s arrest warrant to “ensure procedural clarity and eliminate doubts regarding the legality of the investigation process,” it said.
Any further unresolved “legal controversies” during the criminal trial could “serve as grounds for annulment in a higher court and may also provide grounds for a retrial even after a significant amount of time has passed,” it added.
The court will now send its ruling to the detention center, which said it expects to release Yoon immediately after receiving the documents.
Yoon’s lawyers praised the ruling, saying in a statement that the court had “set the definition straight, declaring what laws and principles are,” and that its decision showed “the rule of law is alive in this country.”
The ruling adds to the uncertainty swirling around Yoon’s various legal battles and the country’s political future. South Korea’s government has been in disarray for months, with parliament also voting to impeach its prime minister and the previous acting president.
Yoon’s criminal charges are separate from his impeachment trial. The country’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to uphold his impeachment or reinstate Yoon to office.
Friday’s ruling means Yoon can now await the impeachment verdict from home instead of in detention.
His expected release will undoubtedly dismay the country’s opposition but be celebrated by supporters, many of whom have regularly gathered outside his detention center since January.
Kwon Young-se, chairman of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, welcomed the court’s decision on Friday, calling it “an important moment to confirm that the rule of law and justice of the Republic of Korea are alive.”
He added that he hoped the Constitutional Court “will make a fair and just ruling based solely on constitutional values” during the impeachment trial.
A statement issued by the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, on March 7, 2025, indicates that those being sought include the leader of the AFC, Corneille Nangaa, the head of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Major General Sultani Makenga, who commands M23 fighters.
Mutamba also revealed that the DRC government is also pursuing “accomplices” of the AFC/M23, including Perrot Luwara, Irenge Baelenge, and others. A reward of four million US dollars has been promised for their capture.
In October 2024, Nangaa, Bisimwa, Makenga, and other AFC/M23 leaders were tried in absentia by a military court in Kinshasa and sentenced to death after being convicted of treason and war crimes.
Following the court’s verdict, Nangaa mocked the DRC government, suggesting that the ruling demonstrated the authorities’ fear of AFC/M23 fighters.
“When a government starts to fear, it realizes its downfall is near. This so-called trial and the baseless punishments issued are a clear sign of a regime gripped by panic and on the verge of collapse,” he said.
Although the DRC authorities claim to have lost track of Nangaa and Bisimwa, the two are reportedly residing in the eastern part of the country, particularly in the city of Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. Makenga is also believed to be based in North Kivu.
He voiced the appreciation on March 7, 2025, after the passout ceremony that saw 438 trained by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), formally integrated into the CAR armed forces.
“First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to the Government of Rwanda and the people of Rwanda on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Head of State, and the armed forces of the Central African Republic,” he stated.
Moloua highlighted that the high level of expertise demonstrated by the new soldiers during their drills was clear evidence of the quality training they had received, ensuring their ability to safeguard their country and its citizens.
“The Head of State is committed to providing them with the necessary resources to help them restore peace and security in the country. They make me proud,” he added.
The Chief of General Staff of the CAR armed forces, Maj Gen Zéphirin Mamadou, stated that while security had largely been restored in the country, remnants of instability persisted in some areas, where criminals engaged in theft and other violent acts.
Maj Gen Mamadou emphasized that both the newly trained soldiers and those who had previously undergone training had acquired valuable skills thanks to the partnership between CAR and Rwanda.
“When we talk about peace, this is what we mean. We now have well-trained soldiers. Look at these young recruits, they have been trained by our Rwandan friends. You can see their level of preparedness. When they first started, they were civilians, but now, the results are evident.”
The general explained that the training was delivered in various phases, starting with basic military instruction for new recruits, from whom the best 100 to 150 were selected for non-commissioned officer training.
He also mentioned that some CAR soldiers were sent to Rwanda for special forces training, all as part of the ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.
Based on the skills acquired by CAR soldiers, Maj Gen Mamadou expressed confidence that they would successfully counter any threats to national security, as they were now well-prepared and fully equipped for combat.
He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, where he discussed the RDF’s missions in the Central African Republic (CAR), including both its role under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, and its operations based on bilateral agreements between the two nations.
For the past 30 years, Rwanda’s security has remained unquestionable, with the country even contributing to regional stability. The RDF has played a crucial role in maintaining security in CAR and Mozambique, training thousands of soldiers in these countries to help them safeguard their nations in the future.
The UN peacekeeping mission in CAR began in 2014 and includes troops from various countries. However, Rwandan forces were given key responsibilities, such as protecting the country’s President and First Lady, as well as securing critical infrastructure, including the capital, Bangui, and the main airport.
In the interview, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga provided in-depth insights into these operations and revealed that in the coming days, over 600 soldiers trained by the RDF in Mozambique will complete their training.
{{Excerpts: }}
{{IGIHE: You have visited Rwandan troops stationed in different parts of the Central African Republic, including those under the UN mission. What was the security situation like?}}
{{Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga:}} The security situation is very stable. Our visit had two main purposes. The first was to inspect the Rwandan troops under the UN mission, MINUSCA, as well as those deployed under bilateral agreements.
The second reason was to attend the graduation ceremony of Central African Republic soldiers we have been training.
We have trained three cohorts of CAR soldiers so far. We visited our forces in various locations, including Bria and Bossembélé. The Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, was sent by His Excellency the President of Rwanda to deliver a message to the troops.
{{What was the main message?}}
It was a message of appreciation for their excellent work in ensuring security across the country. Our forces have effectively secured all assigned areas, and as you may have heard, military officials praise the RDF soldiers for their work.
Our troops have been tasked with securing major roads, including those connecting Bangui to Douala in Cameroon and Sudan. They have done this successfully, and local communities have expressed their confidence in our forces.
Another key message was to reassure them that Rwanda remains completely secure and that they should continue their mission without any concerns.
Another main purpose of the agenda was today’s passout of Central African soldiers ceremony that saw the graduation of 438 soldiers, adding to the 1,250 we have already trained in two previous cohorts. This is the third group we have trained, forming a highly specialized rapid response unit.
{{How will this unit operate, and how will you support it?}}
This unit has been built with strong capabilities, ensuring that the local forces will have the capacity to maintain security in the city and assist in other regions, in case we make a decision to withdraw our troops from Bangui, where RDF forces have been deployed since 2020.
The unit is now well-trained. We still have about two more training phases before the unit is fully complete.
{{What’s next after the remaining two training phases?}}
Training will continue as part of a structured plan. Once the unit is fully formed, it will take on its operational responsibilities. It is also possible that we will continue providing support and training even as they begin their work. The unit is already functional in certain locations, carrying out its duties effectively.
{{How do the RDF troops under the UN mission and those deployed through bilateral agreements coordinate their work?}}
The UN peacekeeping troops are responsible for ensuring civilian security, protecting UN personnel, and safeguarding key leaders, including the President. They also secure critical infrastructure, such as the airport.
Meanwhile, the troops deployed under bilateral agreements arrived in 2020 as reinforcements following an attack by François Bozizé and his allies, who attempted to overthrow the democratically elected President of CAR. The President of CAR requested support from Rwanda’s President to stop the attack.
We responded by deploying battle groups that halted the rebel offensive. After securing Bangui, our forces shifted their focus to training CAR troops to help them develop independent security capabilities.
We are now in the final phase of that mission, ensuring that local forces are fully equipped to maintain security once international forces leave.
{{What gives you confidence in the new recruits’ readiness after witnessing today’s graduation?}}
There are three key aspects. The first and most important is discipline. During training, we emphasize that military skills alone are not enough—discipline is what determines the success or failure of an army. It is evident that forces collapse because of indiscipline.
Of course, technical skills are also crucial, but discipline and strong leadership are fundamental. We have instilled these values in the troops we train.
{{Beyond CAR, the RDF is also deployed in Mozambique. What is the security situation there?}}
The situation is very stable. As you may recall, additional RDF troops were deployed there. We took over areas that were previously controlled by SADC forces, particularly in Macomia.
Initially, we were securing only Palma and Mocímboa da Praia, but due to the confidence the Mozambican leadership had in us, we were asked to expand operations.
When the Southern African Development Community mission (SAMIM) withdrew from Macomia, insurgents were still present, especially in Katupa, a dense forest like Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. We launched operations that successfully drove them out.
We also conducted operations along coastal areas, further weakening the insurgents. While some minor security incidents still occur, we are continuously addressing them.
{{What’s next in Cabo Delgado?}}
We are now focused on restructuring the security forces and training Mozambique’s army. The first intake of 600 soldiers is set to complete their training in Nacala soon, and we will be there to oversee their graduation. We are making significant progress in this mission.
{{Recently, there has been tension in neighboring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. What assurance can you give Rwandans?}}
We want to reassure Rwandans that the country is completely secure. Our borders are well-guarded. Previous threats along the border have been neutralized—ever since M23 took control of certain areas, we have had no further security issues on our borders.
This means that our security is intact. Our troops are effectively protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That was part of our message to the forces, ensuring that they know Rwanda is safe.
People can sleep peacefully. As for those who threatened in the past, we all saw how that turned out for them, they achieved nothing.
