On February 6, 2025, the U.S. hosted its annual prayer breakfast, known as the USA National Prayer Breakfast, bringing together leaders and dignitaries to pray for the nation and the world. Among the attendees was former U.S. President Donald Trump.
First Lady Jeannette Kagame was also present at the event and was invited to offer prayers for the U.S. and global peace.
Following the event, the U.S.-based legal and political advisory firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. alleged that President Kagame had initially been invited but that his invitation was later revoked due to “his actions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).”
However, the Rwandan Embassy in the U.S. strongly dismissed these claims, calling them entirely false.
“This is a flat-out lie. President Kagame was the main speaker last year. Speakers rotate annually and this year had a different speaker. Rwanda’s First Lady was invited to offer a prayer for the event. Claiming that the President was “uninvited” is just petty nonsense.”
On February 1, 2024, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame attended the same event, where the President addressed an audience of over 3,500 attendees.
His remarks follow a Heads of State summit in Tanzania that brought together leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.
The summit called for direct negotiations between all parties, including the M23 rebel group, an immediate ceasefire, and the withdrawal of uninvited foreign forces.
“The outcomes from the joint summit are in essence confidence-building measures towards a sustainable peace. These confidence-building measures will finally lead to the drawdown of the SAMIDRC troops,” Ramaphosa stated.
Ramaphosa underscored the urgency of the crisis, particularly after the deaths of 14 South African soldiers among 18 SAMIDRC troops killed in recent clashes.
He emphasized that a ceasefire would allow humanitarian aid to reach affected civilians and help stabilize the region.
The summit directed that the EAC/SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces meet within five days to develop a securitisation plan for Goma and the surrounding area, the reopening of Goma airport, the evacuation of civilians and the repatriation of the deceased.
Despite international calls for dialogue, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has remained reluctant to engage with the M23 rebel group, which now controls large swathes of North Kivu.
The summit was convened following the capture of Goma after intense fighting, with M23 also taking control of Sake and appointing provincial leaders in North Kivu.
M23 maintains that it took up arms to defend the rights of persecuted Congolese Tutsi and Rwandaophone communities, citing the DRC government’s failure to address their grievances.
With the situation rapidly evolving, the implementation of the summit’s resolutions will be crucial in determining the path toward lasting peace in the region.
He was speaking on RBA’s Inkuru mu Makuru program where he analyzed the resolutions from the February 8, 2025, summit in Tanzania, that brought together leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the conflict in eastern DRC.
One of the key resolutions from the summit was to restart direct negotiations between the Congolese government and various armed groups, particularly M23.
Despite this resolution, President Tshisekedi has repeatedly stated that he will not negotiate with M23, which he labels a terrorist organization.
When asked whether Tshisekedi might reconsider, Senator Uwizeyimana asserted that refusing to negotiate would lead to the collapse of his forces, warning that “they will be marched all the way to Kinshasa.”
“There are two options: either you negotiate and find a solution, or you face the consequences of firepower. And right now, on the battlefield, the advantage is not on his side,” he added.
Uwizeyimana emphasized that the next step is to determine whether the agreements will be implemented, especially since both EAC and SADC have acknowledged that negotiations are the best way forward.
However, he raised concerns about Burundi deploying more troops to eastern DRC, suggesting that this could hinder efforts to enforce the peace resolutions.
Rwandan EAC Parliament member, Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza, also participated in the discussion and described the summit’s resolutions as a positive step toward resolving insecurity in eastern DRC.
She warned that if Tshisekedi remains defiant, his country could face fragmentation, or his government could be overthrown by Congolese citizens fighting for their rights.
“There are many historical examples. Take South Sudan, for instance. It fought a 50-year war to gain independence from Sudan, which had denied them citizenship and imposed discriminatory policies based on race and religion. Despite Sudan’s military power, South Sudan eventually won its sovereignty,” she explained.
Ndangiza also drew parallels with Rwanda’s history, recalling how the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) waged a liberation war after the Habyarimana regime refused to recognize the rights of Rwandan refugees.
“When people fight for their rights, it may take time, but they ultimately prevail,” she said.
Ndangiza urged Tshisekedi to embrace dialogue with M23, arguing that military force alone cannot resolve the conflict.
“You can suppress them today, but because they are fighting for a cause, their children and grandchildren will continue the struggle. Tshisekedi’s best option is to seek peace and resolve the issue through negotiations,” she concluded.
Ndangiza noted that agreeing to talks with M23 and implementing the agreement could lead to lasting peace.
The decision follows high-level consultations between Egypt and other Arab nations, including Palestine, which requested the summit.
Egypt has also coordinated with Bahrain, the current chair of the Arab League (AL) summit, and the AL secretariat, according to the ministry’s statement.
The announcement comes amid controversy over recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, including Egypt and Jordan. The proposal has been widely rejected by regional and international actors.
During a joint press conference in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated that the U.S. planned to take control of Gaza and redevelop it after relocating its Palestinian residents.
Both Egypt and Jordan have previously dismissed similar proposals, firmly opposing any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Owinow, a retired major-general, replaces Charles Tai Gituai, who served since 2020. His appointment comes at a crucial time, with key provisions of the revitalized peace agreement still pending ahead of South Sudan’s elections in December 2026.
With over four decades in military and diplomatic roles, Owinow previously served as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda (2020-2022) and as Deputy Force Commander for the African Union Mission in Somalia (2019-2020).
RJMEC has urged swift financial and political action to implement critical reforms, including unifying forces, to meet the extended election deadline.
In its latest report, the body emphasized the need for stronger political will to secure lasting peace.
Trump’s order specifically criticizes the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows the South African government to take private land without compensation in certain cases.
The order states, “It is in shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights that the Republic of South Africa recently enacted a law that enables the government to seize land owned by ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation.”
The U.S. government announced that it will stop providing aid to South Africa and will offer refugee status to White Afrikaners who want to leave the country due to alleged racial discrimination.
“The United States will promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination,” the order emphasized.
Beyond the land law, Trump’s administration also accuses South Africa of taking positions that go against U.S. interests, such as supporting Palestine in the International Court of Justice and strengthening its relationship with Iran.
The order states that South Africa’s actions “undermine U.S. foreign policy and pose national security threats to “our” nation and allies.
The South African government responded on Saturday, strongly rejecting the claims. Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson for the International Relations Department, called the executive order misleading and lacking factual accuracy.
“It is disappointing to see such misinformation being spread about our country,” he posted on X. The ruling African National Congress (ANC), which leads South Africa’s government, also reacted to Trump’s offer of refugee status for Afrikaners.
The party’s secretary general posted an image online showing a Black man standing at an open door, appearing to gesture Afrikaners to leave the country.
The South African government insists that land reform is necessary to address historic inequalities. It argues that White South Africans, not just Afrikaners, still own about 70% of the country’s land.
Officials say the law is not meant to target any race but will be used only when land is needed for public projects, such as schools, and that owners will receive “fair and equitable compensation.”
Emma Powell, a spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), criticized the government’s approach. She told the media, “For decades, the DA has opposed the ANC’s race-based policies. These policies have only benefited the political elite while most South Africans remain in poverty.”
Powell added that her party plans to take legal action to protect property rights and will send representatives to Washington, D.C., to discuss the issue with U.S. officials. “It is time for the ANC to rethink both its domestic and foreign policies, which are hurting our country,” she said.
The executive order has been welcomed by some Afrikaner groups. AfriForum, a civil rights organization representing many Afrikaners, said it was grateful for Trump’s intervention.
“This is a direct response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s irresponsible actions,” the group said in a statement. However, AfriForum insisted that Afrikaners still have a future in South Africa and called for solutions to protect their rights.
Not everyone in South Africa is concerned about Trump’s move. Julius Malema, firebrand leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), dismissed the order and called for even stronger ties with countries like Russia and China.
“Given the U.S. aggression against South Africa, we should strengthen our alliances with BRICS nations to avoid unnecessary confrontations with maniacs like Donald Trump,” Malema wrote on X.
Malema has been a controversial figure, having faced hate speech charges for singing an anti-apartheid struggle song with lyrics calling for violence against White farmers.
The dispute between Trump and South Africa adds another layer of tension between the two nations, raising questions about the future of their diplomatic and economic relationship.
Speaking in an interview with Kenya’s NTV on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Makolo addressed the ongoing insecurity in eastern DRC and the repeated accusations that Rwanda is backing M23.
She reiterated that Rwanda’s focus is on strengthening its own security and not interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbor.
She maintained that the conflict in eastern DRC is a Congolese issue that must be resolved internally. She also pointed out that Rwanda is directly affected by the instability across the border, making security a top priority.
During the interview, NTV journalist Michelle Ngele Odhiambo questioned Makolo about M23’s growing military strength, noting that the rebel group has continued to gain ground, including the strategic city of Goma.
She referenced analysts who argue that the scale of M23’s operations suggests external support and further mentioned President Paul Kagame’s recent visit to Turkey, where Rwanda reportedly acquired new military equipment.
There have been claims that some of these weapons found their way into M23’s hands, a suggestion she put forward to Makolo for clarification.
In response, Makolo firmly stated that Rwanda, like any sovereign nation, has the right to develop its military to safeguard national security. She dismissed the notion that Rwanda’s defense investments were meant for anything other than protecting its own borders and people.
“Every country, including Kenya and the DRC, buys weapons from different suppliers. It is every nation’s right to protect its security and build its military. This is not a matter for debate,” she said.
She went on to explain that the weapons in M23’s possession were largely obtained from the Congolese army itself. According to Makolo, each time M23 defeats the Congolese forces in battle, they leave behind significant amounts of military equipment, which the rebel group then uses.
“The primary supplier of weapons to M23 is the Congolese military itself. Every time they engage in battle with M23 and lose, they leave behind large quantities of weapons and equipment. That is how M23 has been able to amass weapons,” she explained.
Makolo reiterated that Rwanda’s primary concern is its own national security, not M23’s activities.
“We are not preoccupied with M23. They are fighting their own battle for their survival and their right to live on their land in peace, without discrimination or ethnically motivated killings,” she said.
“Our concern is the safety of Rwandans and ensuring that our borders remain secure from the Congolese army, the FDLR, or the over 200 armed groups operating in eastern DRC.”
Her remarks come as M23 continues to advance, raising concerns about their next possible target, including Bukavu in South Kivu.
In response to the growing crisis, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently met in Tanzania.
The summit called for an immediate ceasefire and urged a peaceful resolution through dialogue between the DRC government and all stakeholders, including M23.
He died at Kampala Hospital for an injury sustained during the Nile Special Rugby Premiership fixture between Buffaloes Rugby Club and Kampani Eagles RFC on February 8, 2025, at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Kampani Eagles RFC and the Uganda Rugby Union announce the passing of Kayondo Ronnie, a valued member of the Kampani Eagles RFC,” the statement read.
The statement, signed by Adam Kabalega, Chairman of Kampani Eagles Rugby Club, and Godwin Kayangwe, President of the Uganda Rugby Union, further expressed grief over the loss of the young player:
“The Uganda Rugby Union, Kampani Eagles RFC and the wider rugby community mourn the loss of this promising young player, who had so much more to offer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ronnie’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
While comprehensive statistics on rugby-related fatalities in Uganda are scarce, the sport has witnessed tragic incidents in the past. In 2012, a Kenyan women’s rugby player Lillian Shikoyi died after sustaining a spinal injury during a match at Kyadondo.
Globally, rugby union is recognized as a full-contact sport with a relatively high risk of injury, including fatal and catastrophic spinal injuries.
The Ugandan rugby community has expressed an outpouring of condolences for Kayondo, whose passion and dedication to the sport were widely recognized. His passing is a heartbreaking loss, and he will be remembered for his contributions to Kampani Eagles RFC and the sport in Uganda.
“May the soul of the dearly departed rest in eternal peace,” the statement concluded.
This was due to registered businesses that never operated or ceased operations for various reasons. The closure of these accounts led to a reduction of nearly 100,000 small taxable businesses.
Jean Paulin Uwitonze, the Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications at RRA, told the national broadcaster (RBA) that the decrease resulted from technological reforms that enabled the identification of registered businesses and taxpayers that were not actually operational.
“With the adoption of digital systems, RRA was able to access information that was previously unavailable, allowing us to make informed decisions. For instance, some young graduates eager to become entrepreneurs would register businesses and receive TINs, but later, many found formal employment, leaving their TINs unused with no tax payments, no imported goods, and no business transactions within the country,” he explained.
Previously, RRA’s digital system imposed penalties on these inactive accounts as non-compliant taxpayers. However, after thorough investigations confirmed that these businesses never operated, the authority opted to close the TINs instead.
Additionally, some TINs were either closed or suspended due to businesses that had been active but later ceased operations.
“There were TINs that were once used for tax payments but later became dormant. After a period of inactivity with no indication of ongoing business operations, some owners even approached us to explain that they had secured employment and stopped running their businesses. Should we continue treating them as taxable businesses? In such cases, we closed or suspended their TINs,” Uwitonze added.
He emphasized that this move was aimed at ensuring that only those required to pay taxes are taxed, clarifying that it does not indicate a decline in the number of taxpayers.
The decision also relieved individuals who had inactive TINs from penalties for non-compliance, despite no longer engaging in business.
In the past fiscal year, RRA closed over 40,000 tax accounts and suspended more than 130,000 others. As a result, the number of taxable small businesses dropped from 465,378 to 382,318, while the number of taxable medium-sized businesses declined from 842 to 786.
The decision, reached during a meeting of the EALA Commission and Committee Chairpersons on February 6, 2025, comes as the Assembly struggles with financial constraints linked to delayed contributions from some East African Community (EAC) Partner States.
“This decision was reached during a Sitting of the EALA Commission and Committee Chairpersons held on the 6th February 2025, to review the Assembly’s calendar,” EALA stated in a statement.
The cash crunch has been an ongoing issue, with some Partner States failing to remit their financial obligations on time. In recent years, South Sudan and Burundi have been among the worst defaulters, with South Sudan alone owing over $22 million in past contributions, as reported in late 2022.
The financial instability has forced EALA to suspend legislative sessions and other critical activities in the past.
In response to the crisis, Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker of EALA, has initiated discussions with key EAC leaders to resolve the matter.
“The Speaker of EALA has initiated a follow-up discussion with the Hon. Beatrice Asukul Moe, The Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, and H.E. Veronica Mueni Nduva, the Secretary General of the East African Community, to urge Partner States that have outstanding contributions to remit their dues promptly to enable the resumption of activities,” the statement added.
A review of the financial situation is expected within the next three weeks. In the meantime, the Assembly has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering regional integration despite the setback.
“EALA remains committed to its mandate of promoting regional integration through Legislation, Oversight, and Representation. We are optimistic that the ongoing consultations will yield positive outcomes, allowing the Assembly to resume its critical functions as soon as it is practicable,” EALA assured in its statement.
The financial challenges facing EALA point to the broader issue of funding sustainability within the EAC. Without timely contributions from Partner States, the regional legislative body risks further disruptions, which could hinder the progress of key legislative and oversight functions necessary for deepening East African integration.
