The recruits from the 21st intake were inducted into service following an eight-month training course at the Rwanda Police Training School in Gishari, located in Rwamagana District.
CP Robert Niyonshuti, the Commandant of Gishari Police Training School, shared that the new officers include 40 individuals assigned to the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) and 178 officers who received training at the Musanze Police Academy, where they also pursued university education in various fields.
The recruits began their training at the Gishari Police Training School on April 17, 2025.
During their training, the recruits gained essential skills and knowledge that will support them in their roles as police officers.
They were taught how to handle weapons, practice marksmanship, and maintain public safety.
Additionally, they learned about law enforcement, police-community relations, road safety, and more. They also received lectures on government programs that will assist them in their daily duties.
“I commend the trainees for their enthusiasm and dedication. The training you have completed is just the beginning. Throughout your service, you will continue to receive additional training and develop skills to effectively fulfil your duties. Wherever you serve, remember that discipline is the pillar of this profession,” said CP Niyonshuti.
Dr. Vincent Biruta, the Minister of Interior, who officiated the pass-out ceremony, expressed confidence that the skills acquired provided a strong foundation for the responsibilities of the new recruits ahead.
“Your progress reflects hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. May this achievement inspire you to continue advancing in this noble career,” noted Dr. Biruta.
The Rwanda National Police also reported that, over the past year, the Gishari Police Training School has trained 8,529 officers and District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) in various courses aimed at enhancing their knowledge and professionalism in their daily roles.
In Kigali, the festive decorations, from sparkling lights to carefully designed displays, are transforming the urban landscape. This year, the city’s transformation is particularly striking, as both the city center and districts like Kacyiru and Kicukiro have embraced the holiday spirit with open arms. Everywhere you look, there’s a sense of celebration, anticipation, and warmth, welcoming both locals and visitors into the magic of the season.
The Kigali City Administration, recognizing the importance of creating a festive atmosphere, called for contributions from residents and businesses early in October 2025, asking them to join in beautifying the city for the holidays. This effort has resulted in an explosion of lights, decorations, and holiday cheer that has already begun to capture the attention of the public.
IGIHE took a stroll through some of the most beautifully decorated spots in the city, capturing the holiday vibe. As the decorations take shape, Kigali’s streets are bustling with people stopping to take photos, share moments with loved ones, and enjoy the festive environment.
Pacifique Dushimimana, a resident of Kanombe, was found at one of the main roundabouts in downtown Kigali, which had been adorned with stunning decorations.
“In the city center, there are so many beautiful spots to take pictures. Being here, with friends and family, feels like the perfect way to end the year,” he shared, smiling as he took in the holiday scene.
Soline Nizeyimana, a resident of Muhima, also brought her two children to one of the city’s festive hotspots to celebrate the peaceful end of the year.
“We are finishing the year well, with no sickness, and we’re all in good health. Coming here to enjoy the decorations brings us joy. I brought my children because it’s not just fun for them, but also a great way for them to learn and celebrate,” she said.
At this roundabout, people from all walks of life, including children on their holiday break, were soaking in the holiday spirit. The festive lights and displays were a joy to behold, and the air was filled with the warmth of celebration.
The streets are now filled with even more people, eager to take in the vibrant sights as they prepare for Christmas and New Year 2026.
Curious to explore the city’s vibrancy during this festive season? Take a look at the photos below capturing Kigali’s holiday charm.
Burundi has hosted a massive influx of Congolese refugees fleeing conflict in areas such as Uvira, Katogota, Sange, Kiliba, Luvungi, and Kamanyola.
Authorities in Burundi have stated that the country lacks the resources to sustain such large numbers and have appealed for approximately $33 million in international assistance to manage the crisis.
Refugees who spoke to BBC, have described severe hardships in Burundi, including sharply rising food prices and acute shortages of essential supplies, which have made daily survival increasingly challenging.
Conditions at the Gatumba transit site near the DRC border remain dire, with persistent food shortages and a cholera outbreak exacerbated by inadequate sanitation.
Reports indicate significant loss of life, including dozens of deaths attributed to cholera and hunger over a short period in mid-December.
The AFC/M23 said on December 20, that it had facilitated the return of over 1000 Burundian nationals from DRC territory to Burundi amid the ongoing instability.
However, the group claims that Burundian authorities have blocked the border, preventing Congolese refugees from returning home, and are planning to move them to sites farther inland.
Bertrand Bisimwa, the Deputy Coordinator for Political Affairs, Governance, and Diplomacy at AFC/M23, on December 21, relayed testimonies from refugees voicing frustrations that Burundian soldiers are using force, including beatings with sticks, to prevent refugees at Gatumba from boarding vehicles for the journey back to the DRC.
“We are receiving numerous testimonies from our fellow refugees in the Gatumba camp, who are reporting being beaten and sometimes killed for attempting to return to the DRC. It is reported that Burundian soldiers are the ones carrying out these actions,” he said.
An audio message circulated by Bisimwa on X features a woman recounting repeated attempts to depart, only to be driven back through violence, with pleas for assistance in returning safely to the DRC.
“We are trying to board the vehicles, and people are hitting us with sticks, forcing us to go back. We went there for the second time, and they beat us again, forcing us back. Please speak on our behalf, the commanders are coming in, and they want to kill us. Some have already died, and others are imprisoned here in Gatumba. Please, help us return to Congo. Our ambassador is not saying anything. Please, help us,” the refugee said.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 95,000 Congolese individuals entered Burundi between early December and December 21, 2025, primarily through entry points including Gatumba.
According to State Department officials who talked to AP on condition of anonymity, the diplomats were notified last week that their tenures would end in January 2026, and they are expected to return to Washington for new assignments, should they wish to take them.
This recall marks one of the most extensive personnel shifts in the diplomatic corps since Trump began his second term, emphasizing a policy direction that places a premium on diplomatic officials aligned with the administration’s strategic agenda.
The shake‑up is being felt across multiple regions, but Africa has been most affected, with ambassadors from 13 African countries among those recalled. These include Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.
In addition to Africa, ambassadorial changes are also underway in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, affecting diplomatic missions in countries such as Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Armenia, Algeria, Egypt, Nepal, and Guatemala.
The call was made at a one-day regional summit in Uganda’s Entebbe, which brought together leaders and envoys to address the rapidly worsening security situation in eastern DRC and its spillover across the Great Lakes region.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs John Mulimba said participants agreed that the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) should spearhead peace efforts to address the escalating conflict.
“We have agreed that, whereas we have initiatives such as the Doha and Washington peace process, the region must take center stage, and the region we are talking about is EAC and SADC,” Mulimba said.
According to Mulimba, the summit also directed that its communique be revised within 10 days, with a follow-up meeting to be convened within two weeks to incorporate a proposed regional peace framework.
In a statement issued during the summit, Rwanda said there was no need to establish new peace mechanisms, arguing that existing frameworks were sufficient to resolve the decades-long conflict.
Rwandan Minister of Interior Vincent Biruta said the main challenge lay in the lack of implementation of agreements already reached. He described the Washington accord and the Doha peace initiatives as the most viable frameworks for addressing both the internal and regional dimensions of the conflict.
Biruta also reiterated Rwanda’s concern over the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a dissident group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, warning that failure to address this issue “undermines trust and continues to pose a serious threat to regional security.”
Earlier this month, Rwanda and the DRC signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington aimed at ending decades of fighting. However, clashes have since intensified in eastern DRC, with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group advancing to new positions.
The M23 said this week it had begun withdrawing from Uvira, a strategic eastern Congolese city it captured days earlier, adding that the move was made at the request of U.S. mediators as a confidence-building measure to support the peace process.
“Over the last two days in Florida, the Russian Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev held productive and constructive meetings with the American delegation to advance President Trump’s peace plan on Ukraine,” Witkoff said in a post on social platform X.
“Russia remains fully committed to achieving peace in Ukraine,” he said. “Russia highly values the efforts and support of the United States to resolve the Ukrainian conflict and re-establish global security.”
Earlier on Sunday, Witkoff also described separate talks held over the past three days among the United States, Ukraine and Europe representatives in Florida as “productive and constructive.”
According to Witkoff, the U.S.-Ukraine discussions focused on four key documents: further development of a 20-point plan, alignment of positions on a multilateral security guarantee framework, alignment of positions on a U.S. security guarantee framework for Ukraine, and further development of an economic and prosperity plan.
“Particular attention was given to discussing timelines and the sequencing of next steps,” he said.
“Ukraine remains fully committed to achieving a just and sustainable peace,” Witkoff said. “Our shared priority is to stop the killing, ensure guaranteed security, and create conditions for Ukraine’s recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity.”
Witkoff noted the Ukrainian delegation included Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and Andriy Hnatov, chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The U.S. delegation in separate talks with Russia and Ukraine included Witcoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and White House staff member Josh Gruenbaum.
“Key European National Security Advisors also joined the discussions to align on a shared strategic approach between Ukraine, the United States, and Europe,” Witkoff noted, saying Ukraine would continue “close coordination” with both the United States and Europe.
During his annual year-end press conference in Moscow on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia agrees to end the Ukraine crisis through negotiations, while underscoring Russia’s battlefield advantages in Ukraine. He added that now “the ball is entirely in the court of Ukraine and its European sponsors.”
“Another 130 Abducted Niger State Pupils Released, None Left In Captivity,” Sunday Dare, a spokesman for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, said on X, without giving details.
More than 300 students and teachers were kidnapped following the attack on the St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri area of Niger on Nov. 21. Earlier, security forces had rescued at least 51 students a few days after the incident, while continuing efforts to rescue other victims.
On Dec. 8, Tinubu announced that at least 100 schoolchildren were further rescued, reassuring parents that the government will continue efforts to reunite all the kidnapped students with their families. He also stated that he has directed security forces to rescue all remaining abducted students and other Nigerians across the country and bring them home safely.
She shared these insights in an interview with IGIHE following the first-ever ‘Marrakech Coffee & Tea Festival’ in Morocco, which provided a unique opportunity for Rwandan investors to showcase the quality of Rwandan coffee and tea on the international stage.
During the interview, Amb. Umutoni reflected on the benefits of serving as a Rwandan diplomat, how President Kagame has paved the way for Rwanda’s diplomatic success, and the advantages Rwanda gains from its relationship with the Kingdom of Morocco.
{{IGIHE: Could you provide any recent developments regarding Rwanda’s representation in Morocco?}}
{{Amb. Umutoni: }} After serving in diplomatic missions in countries like Tanzania and Canada and at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to express my gratitude for the trust my country placed in me to take on diplomatic responsibilities in Morocco.
One of the rewarding aspects of being a diplomat for Rwanda is that His Excellency President Paul Kagame has greatly eased our work. While we strive to carry out our duties to the best of our abilities, the President has made it much easier for us.
Today, as a Rwandan diplomat, we engage in various diplomatic initiatives… and the mere recognition that you are a Rwandan diplomat opens many doors. This is a clear reflection of President Kagame’s leadership, which has expanded our nation’s reach and made our work much easier.
When you meet with leaders or investors who wish to engage with Rwanda, they quickly recognize the quality of work being done in Rwanda. They know about the government’s efforts to make investment and tourism in Rwanda more accessible, and they are confident that they will not face challenges as they might in other countries.
This positive image of the country helps make our diplomatic efforts more successful.
As diplomats, President Kagame is our chief diplomat, having opened the door for us to pursue opportunities in diplomacy, trade, culture, and more. Our role is to continue his work, ensuring that diplomacy leads to economic and cultural growth in line with Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
{{IGIHE: After the appointment as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco in 2023, how has the relationship between the two countries evolved?}}
{{Amb. Umutoni:}} First, I’d like to emphasize that the relationship between Rwanda and the Kingdom of Morocco is very strong. It has existed for a long time, but it was further strengthened in 2016 during President Kagame’s working visit to Morocco, followed shortly by a visit from the King of Morocco to Rwanda.
At that time, the relationship reached new heights, with several agreements signed, leading to concrete initiatives. I took on this role in 2023, but the foundation was laid earlier, with the opening of the Moroccan Embassy in Rwanda following the King’s visit. This marked a significant step forward for our diplomatic ties.
Since my arrival, I have continued the work of my predecessors, focusing on strengthening the ties between our countries. The relationship spans diplomatic, political, and economic areas. It is visible through exchanges between heads of state, ministers, and other key officials, as well as in education, where Morocco offers 100 scholarships to Rwandan students annually.
Economically, Morocco has invested in Rwanda through companies like OCP Africa, which provides fertilizer to farmers, and Cooper Pharma, which has built a $6 million pharmaceutical plant. Furthermore, Bank of Africa now operates in Rwanda, showcasing the positive economic relationship between our two nations.
{{Could you share insights on the newest Moroccan investments in Rwanda?}}
{{Amb. Umutoni: }} There are several Moroccan investments in Rwanda. For example, OCP Africa, a fertilizer company, has opened a branch here to support agricultural production.
Cooper Pharma, a pharmaceutical company, has established a $6 million plant to manufacture various medicines. Bank of Africa has also expanded into Rwanda.
This shows the depth of the economic ties between Rwanda and Morocco. However, there is still much more potential for growth. While we have seen successful investments in Rwanda, we haven’t yet seen as many Rwandans initiating businesses in Morocco, which is something we aim to improve.
We are committed to continuing our diplomatic work to further strengthen these ties. In recent months, we have seen significant progress, particularly in the area of security, with visits from Rwanda’s Minister of Defense, top military officials and Rwanda Correctional Service. These visits further highlight the strong ties between our two nations.
{{Can you tell us a bit about the Marrakech Coffee and Tea Festival, which was recently attended by Rwandans?}}
Recently, the first-ever Marrakech Coffee and Tea Festival took place in Marrakech. It was more of an exhibition, with several countries invited to showcase their coffee and tea products. Rwanda was the guest of honor, with over 10 Rwandan coffee and tea producers participating. This was a significant event for us because Morocco has a strong tea-drinking culture, although coffee is also consumed.
Rwanda, on the other hand, is known for producing high-quality tea and coffee. The festival showed us that there are great opportunities for collaboration. After the three-day exhibition, we, as the embassy, organized an additional two days for Rwandan producers to meet with potential buyers in Morocco. This allowed them to discuss their products, understand the market demand, and explore ways to bring Rwandan coffee and tea to the Moroccan market.
We are hopeful that after returning to Rwanda, the producers will take the necessary steps to start exporting their products to Morocco. We believe that this collaboration will create lasting opportunities for Rwandan coffee and tea in Morocco.
{{What role do students and Rwandans living in Morocco play in Rwanda’s development?}}
In Morocco, many Rwandans are students who come here on scholarships. Some of them have completed their studies and are now working, while others are part of various organizations.
The primary role of these students is to participate in initiatives aimed at advancing the country, especially those organized by the embassy.
One of the first things I did when I arrived was to meet with these students, listen to their experiences, and discuss how we could support them in their studies. We also encourage them to contribute to Rwanda’s development after their studies, particularly as many of them are studying sciences.
The students also actively participate in embassy-organized events such as the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in April, Liberation Day in July, and Umuganura. These events are marked both in Rwanda and here in Morocco, and it’s always inspiring to see our students engage in these important occasions.
Some students have also started combining their studies with running businesses. Additionally, we are working to promote Rwandan culture here. We now have a student association that performs and promotes Rwandan traditions during various activities, which has gained recognition. Whenever other groups organize events, we encourage them to involve our students, allowing them to showcase their talents and contribute to the promotion of Rwanda’s culture.
These contributions are vital for advancing the development of our country. The embassy organizes events for the diaspora, celebrating important national holidays, which helps maintain a strong connection between Rwanda and those living abroad. This also fosters a sense of belonging and pride in our students and encourages them to share their love for Rwanda with others.
Many people in Morocco became familiar with Rwanda when our President visited here, as well as during the Moroccan King’s visit to Rwanda. However, many still don’t fully understand what Rwanda is truly like—the culture, values, and the people. Through these events, students and diaspora members have a chance to share more about Rwanda and its development plans.
{{Where do you want to see the relationship between the two countries?}}
As diplomats, our responsibility is to implement the country’s foreign policy. The representative of this policy is the President of the Republic, who provides the framework we follow. Rwanda’s foreign policy includes promoting the country’s economic interests, effectively utilizing the diaspora, and ensuring it plays a role in national development, among other priorities.
When we reach the embassy, we assess the current state of the relationship between the two countries and identify how we can contribute. While we have made progress, there is still much to be done. In the future, we must continue focusing on promoting investments, expanding industries, and facilitating travel between our countries.
For example, we currently don’t have direct flights between Rwanda and Morocco, but this is an area we are working on through discussions. Once travel routes are established, business professionals and those in the travel industry will see the opportunities available in both countries, especially if access becomes easier.
Rwanda has a policy to make visa applications as simple as possible. Diplomats and service passport holders can obtain their visas upon arrival, while regular passport holders must apply beforehand. While applying for a visa is not difficult, we hope that in the future, all Rwandans will be able to travel to Morocco without any hassle.
Morocco has made great strides in tourism, and we believe that Rwanda could learn from them in terms of promoting the country to attract more visitors. We are working on connecting the tourism sectors of both countries by providing information on travel opportunities, such as flights to Rwanda, where visitors can experience gorilla trekking and explore our national parks.
A tourist could visit Morocco, then come to Rwanda, and later continue their journey to Europe or America.
{{You recently earned a PhD degree in Business Management. How did you manage balancing diplomacy, being a mother at home, and being a student to reach this level?}}
Indeed, it’s a lot to juggle, but one thing doesn’t stop the other. It requires commitment and discipline.
I have wanted this PhD degree for a long time, but because of my numerous responsibilities, I couldn’t find the time to pursue it, even though I was eager to do so.
I tried before, but I was unable to make it work due to time constraints. However, two years ago, I decided to go for it because I realized my children were growing, and I now had the time to commit to my studies while balancing everything else.
To achieve this degree, I chose a Hybrid Program, where most of the learning was done remotely, with in-person sessions on weekends.
Over these two years, it wasn’t easy. Studying doesn’t stop you from working, and working doesn’t stop you from being a mother. Similarly, being a mother doesn’t prevent you from managing your home.
So, everything comes down to knowing how to manage your time effectively.
I’m proud to have completed my degree, and one of the reasons it was easier for me was that I worked on topics related to my profession. I focused on diplomacy in economics, investment, and development, with a special focus on programs like Visit Rwanda and Made in Rwanda.
These are areas I am already involved in, and conducting research with my fellow Rwandan ambassadors helped me gain valuable insights into economic diplomacy and leveraging Made in Rwanda and Visit Rwanda. This made the process easier because I was working on familiar topics, allowing me to perform better.
For students in Rwanda who want to study in Morocco, for businesses seeking opportunities in Morocco, or for those interested in tourism, we welcome them all. Rwandans, wherever they are, are always welcome.
He made these remarks during the 17th RPF Inkotanyi Congress, held on Friday at Intare Arena in Rusororo.
President Kagame emphasized that he particularly appreciates the security sector for their efforts.
He said, “Among the sectors I want to thank, I would like to specifically highlight the security forces. RDF, the police, the security services—what these people do, what they do for our country, for all of us—I cannot ask more than what they are already doing. Our forces are the ones I have always wanted to have.”
He continued by praising the Rwandan people, saying they deserve special recognition for their role in the nation’s progress.
” I don’t know of any country with better citizens than ours. I say this because of where we have come from: divisionist politics, genocide. And yet we have reached a point where our people stand together, even as the world keeps trying to take them back to that history.
“The first place where outsiders who seek to destroy us have failed is with our citizens. They tried to divide Rwandans again, to create conflict among them, but our people resisted—and those efforts failed,” he said.
He pointed out that those who fled the country were used as instruments by those seeking to divide Rwandans.
“Even those who fled the country were first used by external forces trying to divide the RPF and separate the Rwandan people…” he said.
He also referred to attempts by some foreign influences to interfere with internal politics, suggesting that certain individuals should become president.
However, he emphasized that desiring such a position is not a crime; rather, it is about how one goes about it. He insisted that those under foreign influence eventually failed.
President Kagame acknowledged that the Rwandan people have been a powerful force against those attempting to divide the country, including those trying to operate under the guise of non-governmental organizations and other groups.
He further emphasized that while Rwanda is home to wonderful people, leaders who fail to provide what the people deserve should reflect on their actions and change their ways.
President Kagame also praised other political parties for their stance against efforts to divide the Rwandan people.
The recent Rwanda Governance Scorecard (RGS), released on October 31, 2025, highlighted that Safety and Security pillar remains Rwanda’s highest-performing area with a score of 90.02%, reaffirming the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest nations.
The report attributes this to consistently high citizen confidence in the Rwanda Defence Force, National Police, and local security structures.
As a company that believes in the benefits of a modern, connected life, MTN Rwanda recognizes that both young and old deserve to safely enjoy the opportunities offered by the internet.
MTN Rwanda is now offering a Child Online Protection USSD-based solution that empowers parents and guardians to manage and control the type of online content their children can access.
Through a simple dial of *807#, parents and guardians can block websites and content they deem inappropriate, giving them peace of mind while allowing children to explore the digital world safely.
This initiative ensures that children can remain connected without parents and guardians having to worry about the content they are exposed to, reinforcing MTN Rwanda’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the digital age.
“As we enter the festive season, we reflect on how best to serve our customers and ensure the safety of Rwanda’s children as they spend more time online, which emerged as a clear priority. While the internet is a powerful and valuable tool, without guidance it can quickly become harmful.
“Through the use of *807#, we are providing parents and guardians with the peace of mind that their children can explore the benefits of the internet without being exposed to damaging content,” states Sharon Mazimhaka, General Manager, Corporate Services and Company Secretary.
By introducing this simple, free, and mobile-first solution, MTN Rwanda bridges the digital safety gap by enabling even non-smartphone users with a tool that allows them to protect their children online.
This Child Online Protection solution marks an important step towards making every connection safe, by empowering parents and guardians, educating young users, and partnering with key stakeholders to safeguard Rwanda’s digital future.
