According to the Hindustan Times early on Monday, the second black box found was the CVR, and the previous one was the FDR.
India’s federal civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has said that the first black box was found on June 13, and the crash investigation report will be released within three months.
According to The Hindu, downloading and analyzing the black boxes may take four to five days, and several international investigating agencies have reached Ahmedabad to assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with the inquiry into the crash that killed 274.
These seeds, developed after extensive research conducted at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)’s Rubona branch in Huye District for cassava and Musanze branch for potatoes, have been created through a process of crossbreeding various plant tissues in controlled laboratory conditions. The result is a new variety of seeds that will soon be available for farmers to grow.
In Musanze District, trials were conducted using newly developed potato seeds. These seeds were cultivated under controlled conditions and enhanced for resilience without the use of the standard pesticides typically applied to potato crops.
The trial results were promising, with the enhanced seeds thriving, while the traditional seeds failed to grow due to their vulnerability to common potato diseases.
Dr. Nuwumuremyi Athanase, Senior Scientist at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and one of the lead researchers, has shared insights with RBA about the successful outcomes of the trials.
“We aimed to compare the performance of traditional seeds with enhanced seeds, particularly their ability to resist diseases. We planted both types of seeds, applied the same fertilizer, and refrained from using pesticides to observe their resilience. While the traditional seeds succumbed to disease, the enhanced seeds performed excellently,” he explained.
Similarly, research on cassava has been ongoing for four years at RAB’s Rubona farm in Huye District.
The newly developed cassava variety is resistant to diseases such as cassava brown streak disease and cassava mosaic disease. The next step is to distribute these seeds to farmers for cultivation.
Dr. Nuwumuremyi continued, “The new cassava variety can withstand both cassava brown streak disease and cassava mosaic disease. This is a major breakthrough, and the next phase is making these seeds available to farmers.”
The development of enhanced potato seeds was made possible through a collaboration with an international agricultural organization specializing in sweet potatoes. Some of the seeds grown in Rwanda were sent to Kenya, where they were further improved. This partnership has resulted in more resilient potato varieties suitable for Rwanda’s conditions.
Dr. Magembe Eric, a Kenyan researcher involved in the project, highlighted that this accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Africa. He explained that potato seeds from South America were genetically modified to improve their resistance.
The modified seeds are expected to yield between 40 and 60 tons per hectare.
These improved seeds are expected to provide significant benefits to farmers growing cassava and potatoes. By reducing the reliance on expensive pesticides and fertilizers, which can negatively impact the environment, these seeds will help farmers minimize crop losses caused by diseases and pests.
According to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the most frequently donated blood type was O+, accounting for 40,291 bags. This was followed by 3,431 units of O-, 20,007 of A+, and 1,124 of A-. Meanwhile, 15,137 units of B+ were collected, 831 of B-, 3,393 of AB+, and 169 of AB-.
O+ stood out as the dominant blood type, representing 47.75% of all donated blood. The least donated was AB-, which made up just 0.2%. In total, 58,688 people donated blood in 2024. Among them, 16,366 were women (27.89%) and 42,322 were men (72.11%).
Moïse Tuyishimire, Blood Donor Recruitment and Retention at the National Center for Blood Transfusion (NCBT), explained that men played a larger role, contributing 59,394 units, which is 70.39% of the total. Women donated 24,989 units, representing 29.61%.
By blood type, 26,564 donors were O+, making up 45.26%, while 2,246 were O-. There were 17,070 A+ donors (29.09%) and 693 A- donors (1.18%). B+ donors totaled 9,367 (15.96%), while B- donors numbered 483 (1.82%). For AB+, there were 2,111 donors (3.60%), and for AB-, just 154 people (0.26%).
Tuyishimire noted that Kigali led the country in blood donations with 27,259 units donated, accounting for 32% of the total. These came from 18,830 individuals, with men contributing 13,323 units (22.7%) and women 5,507 (9.38%).
Following Kigali, the Northern Province came second, with 14,751 blood bags (18%) donated by 10,329 people—7,753 men (13.21%) and 2,576 women (4.39%). The Eastern Province followed with 14,231 units (17%) donated by 9,572 people—7,039 men (11.99%) and 2,533 women (4.32%).
In the Southern Province, 14,150 units (17%) were donated by 10,097 people, including 7,425 men (12.65%) and 2,672 women (4.55%). The Western Province contributed 13,492 blood bags (16%) from 9,860 donors—6,772 men (11.56%) and 3,078 women (5.24%).
Age distribution also reflected strong youth engagement. Donors aged 18–25 contributed the most, with 27,080 individuals (46.10%). Those aged 26–35 were 11,242 (19.2%), and those aged 36–45 totaled 12,702 (21.6%). Donors between 46–60 years were 7,526 (12.8%), while only 138 donors (0.2%) were over 60 years old.
Rwanda has continued to make impressive progress toward self-sufficiency in blood supply. In 2024, hospitals were able to meet 99.72% of their blood needs. Typically, a unit of donated blood contains about 450 milliliters, though in some countries this can go up to 500 milliliters.
After donation, the blood is screened to ensure it is disease-free, then safely stored until it is needed. When administered, it is matched to the recipient’s blood type and the specific blood components required. Blood consists of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs and give blood its color; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help with clotting in case of injury.
There is also plasma, a yellowish fluid component of blood that is often underutilized but can be life-saving for patients who have lost a lot of fluids, such as burn victims, cancer or malaria patients, and those who have experienced severe bleeding. Rwanda collects around 40,000 liters of plasma each year, but only about 2,000 liters—or 5%—are used. The rest often goes to waste.
To address this, on July 11, 2024, the Ministry issued a new directive allowing for the export of unused plasma to ensure it is utilized more effectively abroad.
Speaking at the celebration of the National Blood Donor Day on June 14, 2025, in Musanze District, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde reaffirmed their commitment to saving lives through donation and pledged that, if possible, the province would surpass 20% of donated blood this year.
Dr Thomas Muyombo, Head of the National Centre for Blood Transfusion at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre stated that Rwanda’s blood donation system is stable, and those in need of blood are receiving it.
He emphasized the need for continuity, noting that regular donors may eventually become ineligible due to age or health, which is why new donors are constantly needed.
He also reassured the public that donating blood is safe, mentioning that some individuals have donated more than 75 times. He explained that the body continuously produces new blood, maintaining balance and health.
Dr. Muyombo reminded the public that anyone who has received a blood transfusion due to illness must wait at least 12 months before becoming eligible to donate again, provided they are medically cleared.
Eugene Bagirishya told IGIHE that he began donating blood at 17 and has now donated over 70 times by the age of 44. He said it gives him pride to know that every time he donates, he may be saving one or two lives—and that’s why he will never stop.
A 2024 hospital survey showed that 99.72% of requested blood components were fulfilled. Of the 127,198 units needed, 126,837 were available and processed, underscoring Rwanda’s steady progress toward a reliable and responsive blood donation system.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, emphasized that a notable feature of this budget is that 91.7% of the funds will come from domestic resources, including locally generated revenues and loans that the country will repay. Only 8.3% will come from external grants.
He added that although this is officially the budget for the next fiscal year, it is closely linked to the current year and to future years as well, given that the government is in the process of implementing the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). This five-year plan is being rolled out incrementally each year, and at this stage, the focus is on accelerating implementation.
Murangwa explained that the 2025/26 budget was allocated according to the goals of NST2 across its three pillars: economic transformation, which will receive 62.8% of the budget; social transformation, which will receive 21.7%; and promoting good governance, which will receive 15.5%.
He noted that in both the upcoming and medium-term periods, the government plans to increase productivity across all economic sectors, strengthen programs that enhance citizens’ well-being, and continue prioritizing climate action, including reducing harmful emissions.
He highlighted several key activities receiving special focus in this budget. These include repayment of national debt, the ongoing construction of the new Kigali International Airport, and the expansion of RwandAir operations.
The government will also continue school feeding programs and ensure timely procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs, such as chemical fertilizers and quality seeds. A portion of the budget is also dedicated to preparing for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
Specifically, the budget allocates $600 million (equivalent to over 853.6 billion Rwandan Francs) to the construction of the new Kigali International Airport.
Other priority projects for the 2025/26 fiscal year include stimulating private sector growth and youth employment by increasing investment and developing basic infrastructure in industrial zones such as those in Musanze and Muhanga.
This includes constructing a petroleum storage facility in Ruhanga, building a wastewater treatment plant for the leather factory in Bugesera, and enhancing the capacity of the Kigali dry port.
There are also plans to develop essential infrastructure in the Musanze industrial park to support pharmaceutical production using cannabis, provide basic facilities for Kigali Innovation City, and continue supporting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) initiative as a means to boost tourism revenue.
To better manage and protect the country’s natural water resources, the government will construct the Muvumba multipurpose dam, equip laboratories to monitor Lake Kivu’s behavior, and support both public and private sector projects aimed at improving access to climate finance through programs like INTEGO and the IREME fund.
In the technology sector, the budget will support the creation of a cybersecurity office, provide aid to coding schools, expand the digital ID system, and enhance the use of digital identification and authentication technologies.
In terms of urbanization and rural housing development, the government will deliver infrastructure to sites earmarked for affordable housing, complete payments for the renovation of Amahoro Stadium, refurbish the Parliament building, and expand the Muzo Model Village from 120 to 180 homes. Efforts will also continue to remove asbestos roofing from public buildings and develop updated urban planning maps for informal settlements across Rwanda.
Other planned activities include the expansion of key road networks. These include the 40-kilometer Nyacyonga–Mukoto road, a 30-kilometer road linked to the Kigali Logistics Platform, the construction of a new Nyabugogo bus terminal, and a general improvement of Kigali’s urban mobility systems.
National road upgrades will include rehabilitation of the 45-kilometer Kigali–Muhanga road, the Base–Butaro–Kidaho road, and the 10-kilometer stretch from Prince House to Giporoso to Masaka. The government also plans to build a port in Rusizi on Lake Kivu and establish a model aviation training school.
In the financial sector, new technologies will be introduced to restructure local SACCOs into district-level cooperatives, strengthening the broader banking system. The budget will also bolster the financial intelligence framework to enhance oversight of public spending.
In health, the budget includes the construction of district hospitals in Muhororo and Kabgayi, the expansion of Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, and the building of maternity wards at Kibagabaga Hospital.
Regarding peace and security, Murangwa stated that Rwanda will continue contributing to both regional and international peacekeeping missions. The country remains committed to deploying forces that support stability within neighboring countries, across the region, and on the global stage.
The remembrance event, held on Friday, June 13, 2025, involved a visit to the memorial site where participants learned about the brutality of the Genocide, particularly in the former Gisenyi Prefecture, a region known for producing several senior political and military leaders implicated in the Genocide.
Gérard Mbarushimana, President of Ibuka in Rubavu District, reminded LOLC Unguka Finance staff that the Genocide was primarily caused by discriminatory and divisive leadership.
“Nothing else caused the Genocide against the Tutsi but bad governance rooted in ethnic discrimination. That’s what we must fight against,” Mbarushimana said.
“Let us also not forget that the FDLR, based in Congo’s forests, still spreads the same genocide ideology, especially among the next generation. Some children are still raised with hatred against the Tutsi. That’s why it’s everyone’s responsibility to denounce all forms of discrimination and uphold national unity.”
He called on all citizens, including corporate entities, to play a role in building a unified and inclusive Rwanda.
Yves Sangano, Chairperson of the Board of LOLC Unguka Finance Plc, emphasized that while their institution offers financial services, they also carry a responsibility to support national unity and reconciliation.
“This is a significant moment to honor our brothers and sisters who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Paying tribute to them reinforces our commitment to ensuring such tragic history is never forgotten and never repeated,” he said.
“As a financial institution that works to improve the livelihoods of Rwandans, we believe we must contribute to building a united, inclusive, and peaceful Rwanda, where every citizen’s life is valued, and no one is targeted for who they are.”
Sangano also thanked Rwanda’s leadership for their efforts in preserving the country’s history and safeguarding memorial sites that serve as crucial educational tools.
As part of the commemoration, LOLC Unguka Finance Plc provided financial support to Rubavu District for the preservation of the Commune Rouge memorial site. They also extended support to some genocide survivors to help improve their livelihoods.
Members of AVEGA-Agahozo, an association of genocide widows who participated in the ceremony, expressed gratitude to LOLC Unguka Finance for the solidarity and support.
Rubavu District Mayor, Prosper Mulindwa, commended the institution’s presence and involvement.
“Your participation shows that you are not just here to provide financial services, but you are committed to the values of unity and resilience that this country stands for,” he said.
“Let us remember that the genocidal government used the nation’s resources, money, banks, and private actors, to fund the killing of Tutsis. By contrast, your actions today show that such history will never be repeated in this country.”
Mulindwa also thanked LOLC Unguka Finance Plc for contributing to the preservation of the Genocide history, emphasizing that such efforts will help future generations understand the past and prevent similar atrocities.
The anticipated mid-June signing at the White House, aimed at achieving long lasting peace in eastern DRC, has been delayed to align with the complexities of ongoing negotiations.
In a statement shared on X, Minister Nduhungirehe explained that after several email exchanges between U.S., Congolese, and Rwandan officials, physical negotiations at the expert level have now commenced in Washington.
As he said, the goal is to craft a “comprehensive, realistic, and win-win peace agreement”.
The minister emphasized that the draft agreement, once finalized by experts, will be submitted to the foreign ministers of both nations for approval before being presented to the heads of state for signing.
This development follows a U.S.-brokered Declaration of Principles signed on April 25, 2025, by the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC, which outlined a commitment to peace and economic cooperation.
The process leading up to the signing involves several prerequisites. Among them, the DRC is expected to address pressing security concerns affecting Rwanda, particularly the issue of the FDLR rebel group operating within Congolese territory.
The United States has also requested that Rwanda halt what it alleges to be support for the M23 rebel movement—allegations Kigali has consistently denied.
At the same time, the DRC is expected to undertake internal reforms that promote more equitable distribution of resources across its provinces and strengthen local governance.
Once the agreement is signed, the U.S. is also expected to enter into economic agreements with both Rwanda and the DRC.
The gym is divided into five main zones, each designed to meet specific wellness needs. These include the Body Fitness Zone, which features machines that help stimulate and activate different body parts; the Stretching and Recovery Zone, equipped with massage and therapy machines for joint flexibility and recovery; and the Strength Training Zone, which offers equipment targeting arms, legs, and other muscle groups.
There is also an Aerobic Zone, where general fitness exercises are performed to music, and a Cardio Zone, dedicated to improving heart function and blood circulation.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Francis Habumugisha, CEO of Goodrich Business Group, emphasized that the gym complements their ongoing initiative called “Medium Fitness Gym at Workplace or Home”, encouraging people to set up personal gyms at home or at work.
“We sell gym equipment for only $11,500 to anyone who wants to stay fit from the comfort of their home or workplace,” he explained.
Dr. Habumugisha said that Goodrich Group Lifecare has supported over 19,600 clients in Rwanda alone, with many testimonies confirming improved health outcomes through their products.
He added that the idea to establish a gym was born out of concern over people misusing poorly managed gyms, often leading to injury.
“I realized many people don’t have guidance in gyms. That’s why we set up a gym with professional trainers and machines that serve all needs,” he said.
The gym, which cost $250,000 to equip, boasts 86 machines, enough to serve as many users simultaneously. It can accommodate over 300–400 clients per day.
The facility also features diagnostic machines that evaluate an individual’s physical condition before starting workouts, ensuring users operate within safe limits.
“We introduced body assessment systems that help determine what your body can handle before you start using the gym,” Dr. Habumugisha said.
The launch event was attended by high-profile guests, including Ambassador Naeem Khan of Pakistan, former Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, singer Mariya Yohana, and Kigali Independent University (ULK) Chancellor Prof. Rwigamba Balinda.
Prof. Rwigamba praised the idea of encouraging home and workplace gyms. “Their supplements contain vital vitamins. Having fitness spaces at home or work is a smart and preventive health measure, which I strongly support,” he said.
Singer Mariya Yohana shared her personal experience, saying that Goodrich products helped her manage memory loss and joint pain. “I couldn’t even bend due to past injuries. But after using their nutritional supplements, I regained strength and now do my chores,” she testified.
Currently serving as the ITF Development Officer for East and Central Africa, a role he has held since 2011, Ntwali has played a pivotal part in transforming the tennis landscape across the region.
His work includes supporting national federations, organizing elite tournaments, and spearheading programs like the Junior Tennis Initiative.
In Rwanda, Ntwali has previously served as Technical Director of the Rwanda Tennis Federation, national coach, Davis Cup captain, and Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee. He also led the national delegation as Chef de Mission during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Ntwali expressed delight at receiving the International Trailblazer award from the Tennis Black List.
“I am proud, humbled and filled with gratitude. As someone who has dedicated more than a decade to the development of tennis in East and Central Africa, this recognition is deeply meaningful, not just for me personally but for the entire region.
“It shines a light on the often-unseen efforts taking place to grow the game in communities where tennis is still emerging.”
The Tennis Black List, launched in 2022, is the only global platform focused on recognizing and celebrating Black and mixed-Black contributions to tennis—from grassroots to professional levels.
Inspired by similar initiatives in football and rugby, the platform seeks to create a legacy of visibility and impact.
Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo emphasized the movement’s legacy.
“Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis.”
With this award, Thierry Ntwali joins a growing list of global changemakers using tennis as a tool for transformation and inclusion.
Ndayishimiye was speaking exclusively to Cyclingnews in Glasgow after attending the final stage of the Tour of Britain Women at the invitation of British Cycling, where he emphasized the significance of the championship.
“It’s the biggest event in the cycling world. So, for me as the President of the Federation, and for the Federation, the country, the continent, it’s a pleasure,” he said.
Ndayishimiye also expressed gratitude to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the global cycling community for trusting Rwanda with the responsibility to host such a monumental event.
“We appreciate the good relationship we have with the UCI and the rest of the world for giving us this opportunity and trusting us to deliver,” he added.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali are expected to be a game-changer for the sport in Africa.
The Kigali event is expected to attract global attention, boost local infrastructure, draw investment, and inspire a new generation of African cyclists.
Beyond the competition itself, the UCI is committed to leaving a lasting legacy. As part of its long-term development strategy, the UCI recently opened a World Cycling Centre satellite in Rwanda, aimed at nurturing talent across the continent.
“In February, we opened the UCI satellite, the second one on the continent of Africa,” Ndayishimiye noted. “It’s a good opportunity not only for the riders, but also for everybody else involved, commissaires, coaches, mechanics. All of that is part of the legacy we are looking at.”
With the countdown to Kigali 2025 officially underway, anticipation is growing. The event is expected to elevate the continent’s presence on the global cycling map for years to come.
The source confirmed that the musician succumbed to illness. Natty Dread had been undergoing treatment at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) since September 2022.
In February 2024, after several months of treatment, he returned to Kigali and attended the premiere of a Bob Marley documentary screened at Canal Olympia. At the time, he told IGIHE he was feeling better and optimistic about his recovery.
Although his condition had improved at one point, enough for him to travel back to Rwanda, his health later declined, prompting his return to Germany for further care, where he eventually died.
Born Mitali Raphael in 1969 (though official documents list 1964, a date he reportedly altered to join the military), Natty Dread was born in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge.
When he was three, his family relocated to Kenya, where he later met Israeli family friends who introduced him to connections in Jamaica, eventually leading him to meet Bob Marley.
Holding Israeli citizenship, Natty Dread is best known for his hit song “Hobe Rwanda”, which remains popular among Rwandan music lovers. He is survived by seven children from four different women.
Natty Dread holds a significant place in Rwanda’s post-genocide cultural history, being the first international artist to perform in the country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He shared the stage with Cedella Booker, Bob Marley’s mother, during a historic concert in 1996.
