In a message shared on X, President Kagame described the incident as tragic, extending his condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the bereaved families. He also wished a quick recovery to those who were injured.
“My heartfelt condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people of Türkiye for the tragic loss of life in the devastating fire at the ski resort in Bolu. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy. We extend our wishes for recovery to those injured,” he wrote on Wednesday morning.
The tragedy occurred early Wednesday at the Grand Kartal Hotel, located in the popular Kartalkaya ski resort in the Bolu mountains of western Turkey.
The 12-storey hotel, which housed 238 registered guests, was engulfed in flames after the fire broke out on the restaurant floor at around 3:30 a.m. local time.
Survivors recounted harrowing scenes of panic as they scrambled to escape, with some jumping from windows to evade the smoke-filled corridors.
The incident occurred at the height of Turkey’s winter tourism season, as many families from Istanbul and Ankara had travelled to the Bolu mountains for skiing.
The fire has sparked widespread grief and anger in Turkey, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirming the detention of nine people, including the hotel owner, in connection with the tragedy.
Authorities are investigating the hotel’s safety measures, as survivors reported that no fire alarms were activated during the incident, leaving guests to navigate the dark, smoke-filled building without guidance.
The Turkish government is working to identify victims, with DNA tests being conducted at a forensic institute.
The hotel management issued a statement expressing profound sorrow and pledged full cooperation with authorities to uncover the cause of the disaster.
President Erdoğan declared Wednesday a day of national mourning to honour the victims.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the WHO also said it looks forward to maintaining its partnership through constructive dialogue. It reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the root causes of diseases, strengthening health systems, and detecting, preventing, and responding to health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks.
The organization emphasized its crucial role in safeguarding global health and safety, including the well-being of the American people.
The statement highlighted that the United States has been a founding member of the WHO since 1948 and has played a vital role in shaping and governing the organization with other 193 member states, actively participating in the World Health Assembly and the WHO Executive Board.
The WHO acknowledged the contributions of American institutions to its mission and the mutual benefits derived from the U.S. membership.
The statement also underscored the historic reforms undertaken by the WHO over the past seven years developed collaboratively with the United States and other member states. These reforms aim to enhance the organization’s accountability, cost-effectiveness, and global impact, with ongoing efforts to strengthen these achievements.
Describing the complex web of alliances between FARDC, FDLR terrorist group, Wazalendo, and other militias, he paints a chilling picture of the battlefield where survival came at the cost of morality and humanity.
“Whenever we were about to fight, Gen Justin would give us orders on how we should behave in battle and give us ammunition: one would take the machine gun, another the RPG, and another the mortar,” Niyitanga recounted.
“They were provided by FARDC, and we would go to the frontline with assurance of invading Rwanda. After that, we would go to the battle and find FARDC, FDLR, and Burundians there. We used to form a coalition comprising the FARDC, Wazalendo, FDLR and fight together.”
Niyitanga’s journey began when he entered the DRC to seek work but was soon swept into the ranks of the Nyatura militia, along with his companions, after being coerced to carry water for armed groups.
Less than two months of training in a camp called Ntiti left him and other recruits unprepared for the brutality of the battlefield in Eastern DRC, where survival often hinged on compliance with their commanders’ ruthless orders.
“Anyone who disobeyed orders was killed,” he admitted, “so we complied, fighting against M23, even though we were always defeated.”
His experiences echo those of Hatangimana Delphin, a 21-year-old soldier who also defected from the Wazalendo militia.
Hatangimana’s story began tragically when he and other herdsmen were ambushed while grazing cattle.
Rebels stole their livestock, killed his companions, and left him alone and terrified. In a desperate bid to survive, he agreed to join the militia and eventually became a bodyguard to their senior leader.
“As Wazalendo, we fought battles alongside FDLR, FARDC, and other groups,” Hatangimana shared.
“They would coordinate us all. For instance, they would say our battalion should lead, and FDLR would back us up, while FARDC would reinforce us. All weapons, bullets, food supplies, and these heavy weapons came from FARDC.”
{{Collaboration between FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo, and Burundians}}
Ishimwe Patrick, 24, had spent years fighting for the terrorist group FDLR. However, upon witnessing its corrupt practices and its genocidal agenda that devastated Rwanda, he decided to defect—even though it felt like signing his own death warrant, as anyone caught fleeing was killed on the spot.
He confirmed that the recent battles they fought against M23 were coordinated with FARDC and other groups allied with the Kinshasa regime’s military.
But despite their heavy weaponry, the M23 forces led by Gen Sultan Makenga consistently defeated them.
He recounted, “We fought at Kishishe alongside FARDC. We fought at Kibilizi with Mai Mai, FARDC, and FDLR. We moved to Kirundure with FARDC and Mai Mai.”
He added that wounded FDLR fighters were treated in government hospitals in DRC, but those who died were abandoned, exposing the inhumane nature of the operations.
{{Genocidal ideology }}
Ishimwe Patrick joined FDLR alongside 200 other fighters, but over time he realized their mission was futile. They suffered constant defeats, often being overwhelmed in battle.
He said, “The ideology of Wazalendo, FDLR, and FARDC is that M23 consists of Rwandans invading Congo. They told us that after defeating M23, we would invade Rwanda. However, given the infighting, tribalism, and disunity within these groups, I doubt they will ever achieve their goals.”
The ideology of extermination, particularly targeting Tutsis, was deeply ingrained in FDLR fighters, FARDC, and allied militias. This doctrine was instilled during their training.
Mugisha, who defected from Wazalendo, explained, “There was someone we lived with called Gen Hadaranka. They claimed he collaborated with Rwanda, even though he was a Congolese soldier working with Mbokani. They later arrested another person, accusing him of being Tutsi. They discriminated against us, even tormenting civilians.”
{{Plot to attack Rwanda}}
Defectors from Wazalendo and FDLR testified that their training and battles revolved around defeating M23 and eventually invading Rwanda.
Niyitanga said, “Life in Congo was extremely challenging. We lived in the forests, and if you came across a woman with money, you would rob her. Our general would order us to find someone with money, break into their house at night, and take it. If they resisted, we would shoot them.”
These young men were brainwashed into believing that looting and killing civilians were ways to sustain themselves.
Hatangimana added, “They told us to fight against Rwanda by fighting M23, accusing them of being Rwandans. They also instructed us to take whatever civilians had so we could survive—soap and other necessities.”
He revealed that their battles would rarely succeed, and whenever M23 retaliated, they would scatter. The wounded were taken to government hospitals in Goma, while the dead were left behind.
{{Message to the youth}}
Having experienced the horrors of the Congolese forests—watching people being killed, looting civilians, and killing for survival—these young defectors said it was a life they would not wish on anyone.
They urged Rwandan youth to seize the opportunities Rwanda offers instead of plunging into a death trap.
Niyitanga said, “Our Rwanda is peaceful. Going to Congo is like embracing death and misery. It is better to stay in Rwanda and contribute to its development.”
Hatangimana appealed to other youth still in FDLR, Wazalendo, and similar militias to return and join the effort to build their country.
He concluded, “I urge my fellow Rwandan youth to avoid being misled by those who promise riches in Congo. They tell you that you will find wealth, but it’s all a lie. You leave a peaceful life in Rwanda only to find that where you came from was better than where you’re going.”
The president arrived at the court around 2:00 p.m. local time and departed roughly 100 minutes later. This marked a historic moment as the first time an impeached South Korean president attended such a hearing in person.
When questioned during the third formal hearing about whether he had ordered military commanders to forcibly remove lawmakers opposing his martial law declaration, Yoon simply responded, “No.”
Yoon, accused of being a key figure in an alleged insurrection, imposed martial law on December 3 last year. However, the National Assembly revoked it within hours.
The impeachment motion, passed by the opposition-led National Assembly on December 14, suspended Yoon’s presidential powers. The constitutional court now has up to 180 days to deliberate the case.
If at least six of the court’s justices uphold the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, prompting a presidential election within 60 days.
Following the hearing, Yoon visited an Armed Forces hospital dedicated to high-ranking officials and their families before returning to the Seoul Detention Center.
The next court hearings are scheduled for later this month and early February. Meanwhile, Yoon remains in detention under an extended warrant granted by a Seoul court.
On Saturday, he attended a four-hour warrant hearing, arguing the legitimacy of his martial law declaration and defending his reputation.
The deadline for submitting declarations for the 2024 rental income is January 31, and RRA has emphasized the importance of using the exact rental amounts received to prevent unintended penalties.
Those renting out buildings, property improvements rented in whole or in part, or any other rented immovable property located in Rwanda, are encouraged to declare early.
The law determining the sources of revenue and property of decentralized entities stipulates that a person is liable for tax when rental income exceeds Frw180,000 per year, provided they are not registered under corporate income tax.
Property owners must have a written contract with the tenant bearing the signatures of both parties.
Karasira Ernest, Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Provincial and Decentralized Revenue Division at RRA, emphasized the importance of using genuine contracts during tax declarations to avoid penalties.
“Property owners are required to provide accurate information as the basis for the tax amounts declared and paid. For example, issuing a contract indicating that a tenant pays Frw 200,000 in rent while actually receiving Frw500,000 would be misleading, violating the law. Both property owners and tenants should have a truthful agreement where the actual payment amounts are clearly reflected in the documents or receipts issued after payment,” he said.
Karasira urged property owners to declare the required tax and, if possible, pay immediately or by the January 31 deadline.
“Property owners are urged to act swiftly to avoid penalties for missing the deadline. Secondly, I remind everyone to provide accurate declarations and avoid submitting false information. If it is later discovered that the data provided was inaccurate, not only will the due tax be paid, but additional penalties will also be imposed,” he added.
{{Penalties}}
The law provides a penalty of 40% of the tax due for late declarations or providing false information. Unpaid taxes are also subject to a 1.5% monthly interest and an additional charge of 10% of the tax due. However, this surcharge cannot exceed Frw100, 000.
{{How rental income tax is calculated}}
When calculating rental income tax, 50% of the rental income received during the year is exempt from taxation, as it is considered a maintenance cost for the property. Interest on bank loans related to the rented property is also deducted from taxable income.
The remaining taxable amount is subject to a 0% rate for annual rental income from Frw1 to Frw180,000; 20% for annual rental income from Frw180,001 to Frw 1 million; and 30% for annual rental income exceeding Frw 1 million.
The declaration is made through the RRA website, where taxpayers must provide accurate rental details including tenant’s name, the rental period, monthly payment, and the total amount paid throughout the year.
The system automatically calculates the tax payable based on the information provided.
They made the remarks Monday at the new compound of the Mission of China to the AU in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where a gala is held to celebrate the start of Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival.
The Spring Festival falls on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, told the event that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations has been elevated to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.
“No matter how international and regional circumstances change, China is always Africa’s most reliable friend, the most reliable partner in African pursuit of development, and Africa’s strongest supporter on the international stage,” he said.
The Chinese government is committed to working with African friends to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, carry out the “10 partnership actions,” and work together on the path toward modernization, Hu said.
Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson for the African Union Commission, said AU-China cooperation has achieved gratifying and fruitful results during the previous years, noting China’s 35-year-long tradition of dispatching its foreign minister to Africa on their first overseas trips at the start of a year.
“In recent years, the political mutual trust between the African Union and China has continued to deepen, and the two sides have closely cooperated in international and regional affairs,” Nsanzabaganwa said.
She noted that China has always firmly supported Africa’s struggle against colonialism, power politics and racial discrimination, for which the African Union is deeply grateful.
According to Nsanzabaganwa, 2025 marks the first year for the implementation of the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, and the AU is committed to strengthening the deep synergy of development strategies with China and working together to set a benchmark for international cooperation.
Monday’s event, which attracted the representatives of the AU and the Chinese community in Addis Ababa, featured Chinese foods and traditional performances from both China and Africa, among others.
Ernest Karasira, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Provincial and Decentralized Revenue Division at RRA, stated that the trading license tax is paid by anyone, who opens a business within a district.
To determine the tax rate, consideration is given to those, who can provide their annual turnover from the previous year and those who cannot.
“We urge all concerned traders to declare and pay this tax not later than the January 31. It is important to remember that filing the declaration today and completing the payment before the last day is crucial, as the main issue often arises from failing to declare, which is the first step,” Karasira said.
Declaration and payment has been made easy for all taxpayers, wherever they are in their businesses, leisure or at home. You can declare through the RRA website on the decentralized taxes section. By entering the TIN and password, a taxpayer can declare and receive a payment reference number.
Declaration can also be made in the palm of your hand with your mobile phone by dialing *800#, go to decentralized taxes, and select the trading license tax.
Payments can be made via MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Mobicash, internet banking and mobile banking.
{{1. Trading license tax for those able to determine turnover}}
Between Frw2 million and Frw7 million pay Frw100,000 annually or Frw25,000 quarterly in tax.
Between Frw7 million and Frw12 million is taxed at Frw120,000 annually or Frw30,000 quarterly.
The tax rate increases progressively with turnovers of Frw50 billion and above paying Frw2 million annually or Frw500,000 quarterly, in taxes.
{{2. Trading license tax for those unable to determine turnover}}
Other profit-oriented activities not registered for income tax in urban zones are taxed at Frw60,000 annually or Frw15,000 quarterly. In rural areas, the trading license tax is Frw30,000 annually or Frw7,500 quarterly.
Other rates include Frw40,000 annually or Frw10,000 quarterly for individual owned vehicle used in transport; Frw20,000 annually or Frw5,000 quarterly per boat used in transport activities; and Frw8,000 annually or Frw2,000 quarterly for a commercial motorcycle.
{{3. Annual vs. quarterly payment options}}
When declaring the trading license tax, the system provides two options; annual and quarter.
“The system is designed so that if a taxpayer selects the first quarter, it means they have opted for quarterly payments. You cannot skip a quarter. If you select the second quarter, it means the first is included. If you select the fourth quarter, it means you are paying for the entire year (12 months) at once. Declaring and paying must be done note later than January 31,” he added.
For those that opt to pay quarterly, the second quarter is due by April 30, the third by July 31, and the fourth by October 31 of the taxable year.
{{4. Trading license tax for business headquarters and branches}}
If a taxpayer operates businesses in multiple districts, they must pay the trading license tax in each district. However, if it is a single business with multiple branches within one district, the tax is paid based on the turnover of the headquarters. If they are only branches, the tax is based on the branch with the highest turnover. If the total turnover of a branch is unknown, the tax is calculated based on the headquarters’ turnover.
{{5. Who is exempt from the trading license tax?}}
Those exempt from the trading license tax include government institutions not engaged in commercial activities and small or medium businesses during their first two years of operation.
Karasira said: “Those who started business activities at least two years ago, and had exemptions should now be aware they must begin paying the trading license tax.”
If a business activity begins after January, the taxpayer is required to pay a trading license tax proportional to the remaining months of the year, including the month the activity started.
If a taxpayer ceases or modifies their business activity during the taxable year, a refund can be issued after an audit, depending on the remaining months until December 31.
{{Penalties}}
The law stipulates a 40% penalty of the tax due for late declarations or submitting false information. Unpaid taxes incur a monthly interest of 1.5% and an additional surcharge of 10% of the tax due. However, the maximum surcharge applicable is capped at Frw100,000.
This development followed battles that began on January 20, 2025, with a coalition of DRC forces, which included Wazalendo militias and Burundian troops.
The capture of the town was strategically important for the militants as the route is frequently used by Burundian forces and members of the Imbonerakure militia travelling northward into North Kivu province to reinforce DRC forces in their fight against M23.
Before seizing Minova, M23 captured several other areas in South Kivu province, including Lumbishi, Numbi, and Shanje, beginning on January 18. All these locations are within Kalehe territory.
The fighting leading up to the fall of Minova prompted many residents to flee, with many heading toward the city of Goma or seeking refuge on Idjwi Island via Lake Kivu.
Separately, on January 20, clashes were reported in areas surrounding the town of Sake, located a short distance from Minova. Reports indicate that M23 forces stationed in Busangara sought to dislodge the DRC coalition forces from their positions in Kimoka.
Kimoka holds significant strategic value, having served as a critical stronghold for the DRC coalition since 2024 in their efforts to protect the city of Goma from falling into M23’s control.
M23 aims to end the violence and persecution of Congolese Tutsis carried out by the country’s armed forces and allied militias, including the FDLR, a group composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Reliable sources indicate that Bishop Mugisha was apprehended on Tuesday and is currently detained at the RIB station in Remera while investigations continue.
Allegations against the bishop first surfaced in early 2024 when some pastors in the Shyira Diocese accused him of poor governance and unfair practices.
They claimed that several pastors who questioned his leadership were reassigned or dismissed, including Pastor Kubwayo Charles and Pastor Kabaragasa J. Baptiste, who were officially dismissed in August 2024.
The dismissed pastors alleged that Bishop Mugisha used church resources for personal benefit.
According to them, the bishop’s company secured a contract to supply sand for a diocesan construction project in Musanze, using a Fuso truck registered in his name.
Additionally, they alleged that his wife’s company was contracted to supply eggs to all nursery schools in the diocese, with the eggs sourced from the bishop’s poultry farm.
They further alleged that farmland owned by the diocese in Nyamutera (Nyabihu) and Kimonyi (Musanze), covering 20 hectares, was used to grow fodder for the bishop’s cattle.
However, others have defended the bishop, arguing that the dismissed pastors had their own issues.
An anonymous source stated, “The pastors were dismissed for misconduct. One had defrauded several people, while another had unpaid debts. Their accusations against the bishop are a way to retaliate.”
The Anglican Church leadership intervened in the ongoing conflict. Bishop Mugisha was temporarily suspended in 2024, and Reverend Augustin Ahimana was appointed interim head of the Shyira Diocese by Archbishop Dr. Laurent Mbanda.
In response to the allegations, Bishop Mugisha recently claimed his suspension was unlawful and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved.
He stated, “Our issues are being addressed through proper channels, and I trust that the truth will come out.”
Following his suspension, reports indicate that Mugisha eventually resigned. The Shyira Diocese has been under scrutiny by both the church and Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) to resolve governance and financial management concerns.
The agreement was signed on Monday, January 20, 2025, by Clementine Mukeka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary for Africa.
The MoU establishes a foundation for closer collaboration between the two nations.
During the discussions, both parties explored ways to expand cooperation in diplomacy and identified opportunities for mutual benefit.
They agreed on potential areas of partnership, including trade and investment, defence and security, education, culture, science, technology, and agriculture.
Following the MoU signing, a delegation of Pakistani military officials, led by Maj Gen Muneer-ud-Din, Director General of Foreign Military Cooperation at the Joint Staff Headquarters of the Pakistan Armed Forces (PAF), held discussions with Rwanda’s Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.
During their three-day visit to Rwanda, the delegation will explore avenues to enhance cooperation between the Rwandan Defense Forces and Pakistan’s security institutions.
Their itinerary includes visits to the Gako Military Academy, the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum at the Parliamentary Building.
