On January 23, 2025, M23 announced plans to take control of Goma, claiming its mission is to liberate the Congolese people, particularly Rwandophones, whom the group alleges have faced long-standing persecution.
This is not the first time M23 has targeted Goma. In 2012, the group briefly controlled the city before relinquishing it after peace talks in Kampala, Uganda. Today, Goma’s over two million residents live in fear, uncertain if history is about to repeat itself.
Tensions soared following the reported death of North Kivu Governor Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, who succumbed to gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by M23.
The DRC government has confirmed his death. A neighbor of the late governor told IGIHE that rumors of his demise had circulated before the official announcement, noting he hadn’t seen the governor for a week despite previously seeing him daily.
Fear has gripped Goma, and many residents anticipate an escalation in the conflict. Since M23’s announcement, border crossings between Rwanda and Goma have significantly decreased. At both Petite Barrière and Grande Barrière, fewer people are making the journey.
Yakubu Babu, a trader from Rubavu’s Majengo neighborhood who crosses into Goma daily to sell clothes, described the situation: “You know how it is during wartime. People are scared. Some have stopped working altogether, while others cross cautiously. The traffic to Goma has definitely decreased.”
Another trader, Fabrice Nkundababyeyi, who uses a wheelchair to transport goods, shared similar concerns. He noted that Rwandans entering Goma risk harassment by FARDC soldiers and local porters.
Despite the uncertainty, some services in Goma, such as banking and air travel, remain operational. However, schools and other institutions have been disrupted.
A power blackout on January 24, caused by fighting between M23 and FARDC, has further unsettled residents. The clash damaged the Kibumba-Goma electricity line, plunging the city into darkness.
Kanku Jojo, a young man from Goma traveling through Rwanda en route to Uganda for studies, spoke about the situation back home: “These days, things are very tense. People are scared and unsure of what to do. Those who can afford to leave have already started fleeing.”
Another Goma resident, Baba, added, “Goma feels like a war zone. The conflict is terrifying.”
Intense fighting continues in Sake, about 20 kilometers from Goma, as the city braces for what may come. While M23’s timeline for capturing Goma remains uncertain, the residents live in constant fear, unsure of what the future holds.
On January 24, 2025, MONUSCO stated that its Quick Reaction Forces were working alongside Congolese forces to repel M23 rebels from Sake under the operation dubbed “Springbok 3.”
The mission revealed that its troops had targeted M23 positions in Sake over the past 48 hours and repositioned their equipment around Goma to protect the city from being overrun.
During these confrontations, four peacekeepers were injured on January 23, and an additional five were wounded on January 24.
M23 had issued warnings to MONUSCO troops on January 22, 23, and 24, stating they had the right to defend themselves if attacked. The rebel group accused MONUSCO and the Congolese military of collaborating with a coalition it referred to as “genocidal forces.”
This coalition, according to M23, includes the Congolese army (FARDC), the FDLR terrorist group formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Wazalendo militias, and European mercenaries.
M23 also claimed that Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops, operating under SAMIDRC, were participating in joint attacks against M23 positions, particularly following the rebels’ entry into Sake on January 23.
As the man approached, another officer stepped in to protect his colleague by shooting him, the ministry reported. The targeted security officer suffered burns during the encounter and was transported to the hospital for medical care.
A bystander near the scene was also injured and hospitalized. The ministry stated that the bystander is now in stable condition.
Authorities identified the deceased man and revealed that he had a history of psychological disorders. However, no additional details about his background were disclosed.
This decision comes as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of pensioners in the face of rising market prices, with the changes set to take effect in January 2025.
A statement released by RSSB on January 24, 2025, outlined the key adjustments to the pension and work-related accident benefits, emphasizing a substantial increase aimed at improving financial security for retirees and beneficiaries.
One of the main changes involves an increase in the contribution rates for both employees and employers. Starting in January 2025, employees will contribute 6% of their income, up from the previous 3%, while employers will match the same amount. This brings the total contribution to 12%, an increase from the previous 6%.
Additionally, from January 2027 onward, the contribution rate will increase by 2% each year until it reaches 20% by 2030. This long-term adjustment is intended to sustain the growth of pension benefits in line with inflation and market conditions.
These changes aim to address the current inadequacy of pension payouts, which many have found insufficient in light of the increasing cost of living.
The recent adjustments are a direct response to this concern, ensuring that the benefits given to pensioners reflect the economic reality.
The new pension rates will bring significant increases in payments across various categories. For example, the basic pension and work-related accident benefit will rise from Frw13,000 to Frw33,710.
In addition to this, those who were receiving Frw20,000 will now receive Frw47,710; those who were receiving Frw50,000 will now get Frw92,710; those previously receiving Frw100,000 will now see an increase to Frw155,210; those who were receiving Frw 500,000 will now get Frw580,000; and those receiving Frw 1,000,000 will now receive Frw1,095,210 .
These increased amounts will apply to all beneficiaries who were enrolled in these categories before the decree was announced.
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RSSB is responsible for administering pensions, which act as a substitute for income when workers can no longer earn due to aging, disability, or for the dependents of workers who pass away after contributing to the system.
A person is eligible for a retirement pension at age 60, provided they have contributed for at least 15 years. The pension amounts to 30% of their average monthly salary from the last five years of employment, with an additional 2% added every year of contribution.
In addition to the standard retirement pension, early retirement is available if an individual’s health significantly declines, as confirmed by a medical professional. RSSB also provides disability pensions that are unrelated to work and survivor pensions for the dependents of deceased members.
For survivor pensions, a widow receives 50% of what the deceased member would have received, while a child with one surviving parent is entitled to 25%. An orphan, who has lost both parents, will receive 50%. If the deceased member had neither a spouse nor children, the pension is allocated to the parents, who will receive 25% of the monthly pension amount.
Individuals who fail to make the required 15 years of contributions are not eligible for a monthly pension but are entitled to a one-time payment upon reaching the age of 60.
Currently, over 60,000 people in Rwanda are receiving monthly pensions, according to RSSB.
This increase in pension benefits reflects Rwanda’s commitment to improving the financial security of its retirees and ensuring that those who have contributed to the country’s development are supported in their later years.
On January 24, 2025, Jeune Afrique reported that not only have those close to Tshisekedi confirmed this news, but other sources, including security officials, also confirmed the death of Gen Maj Cirimwami.
Reuters news agency also reported that they received confirmation from a member of the DRC government, along with documentation from the United Nations, all supporting the claim that Gen Maj Cirimwami died from his injuries.
The spokesperson for the DRC government, Patrick Muyaga, and the country’s military spokesperson, Maj Gen Sylvain Ekenge, have not commented to Jeune Afrique about the incident, although sources from the Southern African Development Community ((SAMIDRC) troops confirmed that Cirimwami had been injured and rushed to Kinshasa.
The spokesperson for the M23 armed group’s political wing, Lawrence Kanyuka, announced on the night of January 23, 2025, that their fighters had killed Gen Maj Cirimwami in the Kasengezi area.
Maj Gen Cirimwami was seen in a viral video on social media, appearing alongside DRC soldiers. It was reported that he had gone to support troops fighting against M23 in the city of Sake.
The fighting in Sake has severely destabilized the DRC government. It prompted President Tshisekedi to cut short his trip to Switzerland, where he had attended an international economic summit, in order to convene an urgent security and cabinet meeting.
About 5 million children in the 17 malaria-endemic African countries, which represents more than 70 percent of the global malaria burden, have been protected from the disease after being inoculated, Gavi said in a statement issued Thursday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
Gavi Chief Executive Officer Sania Nishtar described the consistent rollout of the malaria vaccine as a game changer in combating the mosquito-transmitted disease.
“This early data is a small indicator of the potential public health impact of a program we hope to scale up dramatically by the end of this decade, protecting tens of millions of children around the world, and reducing the stress malaria imposes on African health systems,” Nishtar said.
The successful implementation of pilot malaria vaccination programs in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi from 2019 to 2023, which reached 2 million children and led to a 13 percent drop in overall child mortality, has informed rollout in other high-burden countries on the continent, according to Gavi.
In addition to vaccines, other vital interventions like mass distribution of insecticide treated nets have been pivotal in reducing malaria transmission and deaths in Africa, Gavi said.
The introduction of malaria vaccine in African countries grappling with strife, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was hailed by the agency for revitalizing malaria fight, Gavi noted.
In 2025, Gavi plans to introduce malaria vaccines in six to eight new countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali and Burundi, protecting an additional 13 million children by the end of the year.
Between 2026 and 2030, Gavi aims to help high-burden countries protect an additional 50 million children with four doses of the malaria vaccine upon availability of funding, it said.
The prosecution’s special investigative headquarters made the request to the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday, which was predicted to decide on the extension as early as Friday.
A warrant to keep Yoon in custody for up to 20 days, including the arrest period, was issued by another Seoul court on Jan. 19.
The prosecution was widely expected to indict Yoon under detention for insurrection and other charges.
Yoon was apprehended in presidential office on Jan. 15, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested.
The motion to impeach Yoon was passed through the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon’s presidential power is suspended.
Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charge, declared a martial law on the night of Dec. 3, but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.
Over the years, Rwanda has implemented a range of strategies—integrating community involvement, cutting-edge technology, and strong tourism frameworks—ensuring these creatures not only survive but thrive.
Mountain gorillas, which are primarily found in the [Volcanoes National Park->https://www.silverbacktour.com/], have seen a remarkable population increase. Thanks to years of concentrated conservation efforts, the global population of mountain gorillas has risen to 1,063, with 604 of these living in the Virunga Mountain range, which includes Rwanda.
In the 1980s, the species was on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining. Rwanda, which is home to Volcanoes National Park, has been a leader in this recovery.
One of the cornerstones of Rwanda’s success in gorilla conservation is its revenue-sharing program. For years, a portion of the income generated by gorilla tourism has been reinvested into the communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park.
This program is built on the premise that local communities should benefit directly from the preservation of these endangered animals.
In 2023, gorilla tourism generated a staggering $650 million, a 35% increase from the previous year, marking another significant milestone for the tourism sector. This growth is largely attributed to the increasing number of tourists visiting Rwanda’s gorilla sites, with 25,927 visitors in 2023—a 29.4% increase from the previous year.
With the number of tourists steadily growing, this revenue has been reinvested into infrastructure and community projects.
Since 2005, the Rwandan government has invested over Frw10 billion in improving the livelihoods of those living near the parks, funding projects such as schools, healthcare facilities, water systems, and sanitation.
The government also increased the revenue-sharing percentage from 5% to 10% in 2017, ensuring that communities continue to directly benefit from the thriving tourism sector.
Beyond direct financial benefits, Rwanda’s conservation efforts have been supported by a range of research institutions, including the renowned Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This organization plays a vital role in tracking gorilla populations, educating the public about the importance of conservation, and assisting in the protection of the animals from poachers.
Their efforts, along with those of local rangers and conservationists, have been instrumental in the survival and growth of the mountain gorilla population.
In addition to these long-standing conservation measures, Rwanda has embraced innovative solutions to further safeguard its gorillas. The government recently introduced an AI-powered initiative called “Interspecies Money.”
This unique program enables tourists to make symbolic financial contributions during real-time interactions with the gorillas via digital wallets, similar to mobile money platforms like MoMo.
The funds collected through this initiative are used to protect gorilla habitats and improve their overall well-being, offering an innovative way for tourists to contribute directly to conservation while enhancing their experience.
Rwanda’s annual Kwita Izina ceremony, now in its 20th year, has also played a pivotal role in the conservation story.
This event, which involves the naming of newborn gorillas, celebrates the progress of the conservation efforts and serves to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the species.
Since its inception, 395 baby gorillas have been named during the ceremony. The event draws global attention, attracting celebrities, conservationists, and dignitaries who come together to celebrate Rwanda’s achievements in gorilla conservation.
It’s a symbolic moment that connects the global community to Rwanda’s efforts and reminds everyone of the importance of sustaining these efforts for generations to come.
Rwanda’s use of technology has also been integral in advancing its conservation efforts. In addition to traditional monitoring methods, the country has pioneered the use of GPS tracking collars, camera traps, and drones to keep a close eye on the gorillas and their habitats.
These tools allow conservationists to monitor the animals in real-time, detect illegal activities, and assess the health of the park’s ecosystem.
In fact, daily staff members—149 in total—work in the high-altitude forests of Volcanoes National Park to monitor the gorillas and ensure their safety. Another 27 staff members assist tourists, ensuring that both the animals and visitors have a safe and enriching experience.
Looking ahead, Rwanda’s tourism sector is projected to continue expanding. The country’s goal is to generate $1.1 billion in revenue by 2024 under the second phase of its National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
As the demand for eco-tourism grows, the Rwandan government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of gorilla tourism are shared with local communities, supporting their development and creating new opportunities.
Rwanda’s conservation efforts are not limited to gorillas but extend to broader environmental protection strategies. By ensuring the long-term sustainability of its protected areas, Rwanda is positioning itself as a model for other nations striving to balance wildlife protection with economic development.
The country’s success demonstrates that with thoughtful planning, innovative solutions, and community involvement, it is possible to create a future where both endangered species and human communities can thrive side by side.
Kagame was speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in Ankara on Thursday, where he expressed appreciation for Turkish investments, particularly highlighting the renovation of the Amaro National Stadium—an important project that showcases the strengthening partnership between the two nations.
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived in Turkey on January 22, 2025, for an official visit.
They visited different places including Anıtkabir, the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and laid a wreath in honor of the leader who held power from 1923 until his death in 1938.
Anıtkabir mausoleum complex is located in the Çankaya district of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. It was constructed between 1944 and 1953.
Both leaders also held a tête-à-tête meeting before a bilateral discussion with members of both delegations.
The heads of state also witnessed the signing of four agreements in the fields of; Media and communications, Civil aircraft accident and serious incident investigation, Radio and television and Military electronics and C4I technologies.
In his remarks, Kagame said that the signing of the agreements is an indication of this shared vision for deeper cooperation and highlighted the impact of Turkish investments in Rwanda’s infrastructure development.
“We appreciate Turkey’s significant investments and support. We have had the recent renovation of Amaro National Stadium as being one of the examples. There are many other projects in the pipeline, and here I cannot miss thanking the company from Turkey, SUMMA.”
Kagame further emphasized the important role of Turkish companies, citing SUMA’s significant impact on Rwanda’s infrastructure development.
“I want to express how significant their presence has been in this development of infrastructure in our country and spreading to the region and beyond,” he added.
As of January 2023, Rwanda registered Turkish investments worth over US$500 million in the fields of industry, construction and hospitality among others.
Some of the mega projects executed by Turkish firms include the construction of Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena and the renovation of Amahoro Stadium.
Kagame underscored Rwanda’s continued openness to welcoming even more Turkish businesses.
“There is certainly a lot we can do together and learn from one another,” he remarked, highlighting the mutual benefits that both countries can derive from their growing economic ties.
Kagame also acknowledged Turkey’s broader role in global peace and security, particularly in conflict resolution.
He praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his mediation efforts in the Somalia-Ethiopia conflict, noting, “I want to commend you for your mediation efforts in various conflicts, and notably the recent commendable efforts you put into bringing Somalia and Ethiopia together.”
Kagame expressed confidence that these mediation skills could prove valuable in addressing regional challenges, especially in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The President also stressed that Rwanda’s experience in conflict resolution has shaped the country’s approach to global security.
“The uncertain global security environment shows us that we must tackle instability ourselves instead of outsourcing that responsibility,” he said, highlighting Rwanda’s proactive role in conflict resolution.
The President also praised the strength, unity, and resilience demonstrated by the Turkish people in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes of 2023, noting that Turkey’s recovery efforts provided a lesson for the rest of the world.
President Erdoğan, in his remarks, described the visit as an important milestone in the bilateral relationship between Rwanda and Turkey.
The bilateral relations between Rwanda and Turkey have grown significantly since Rwanda opened its embassy in Ankara in 2013. The following year, Turkey reciprocated by opening its embassy in Kigali.
“I have now determined that the continued redaction and withholding of information from records pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is not consistent with the public interest and the release of these records is long overdue,” Trump said in the executive order.
“And although no Act of Congress directs the release of information pertaining to the assassinations of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I have determined that the release of all records in the Federal government’s possession pertaining to each of those assassinations is also in the public interest,” Trump said.
In the executive order, Trump instructed the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to present a plan to him for the “full and complete” release of records relating to the assassination of JFK within 15 days. The Senate has confirmed neither of the nominations.
Trump also directed that they have 45 days to present a plan to release all the RFK and MLK files.
JFK, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a motorcade. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the murder, yet numerous conspiracy theories about the circumstances of Oswald’s dramatic death two days after the assassination remain prevalent even today.
In 1992, Congress required that all documents related to the assassinations be made available to the public within 25 years, by October 26, 2017.
In his first term that started in January 2017, Trump accepted proposed redactions from executive departments and agencies, but ordered the continued re-evaluation of those remaining redactions.
Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump, issued subsequent certifications concerning these records in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which gave agencies additional time to review the documents and withhold information from public disclosure, according to the order.
Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said on June 30, 2023 that 99 percent of records associated with JFK’s assassination were available for public consumption through the National Archives and Records Administration.
RFK, another prominent figure from the Kennedy family, was well-known for his roles as a U.S. senator and attorney general. He was assassinated in 1968 during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Trump’s nominee for secretary of health and human services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is a son of RFK senior.
MLK stands as one of the most prominent figures in the American civil rights movement. He is widely celebrated for his commitment to nonviolent campaign against racial segregation and inequality, as well as his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
