Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The Ministry of Sports is coordinating the event, ensuring it aligns with national development goals. Visit Rwanda contributes its hospitality experience, curating memorable experiences for athletes and visitors, while FERWACY offers technical expertise gained from organizing the Tour du Rwanda. Through this collaborative effort, Rwanda is steadily bringing its vision to life.

Rwanda’s hosting strategy relies on its well-established security framework, developed through the successful management of various international events. This includes sports gatherings such as the FIFA Congress in 2023, the FIA Awards ceremony in December 2024 (a first for Africa), and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals, hosted repeatedly since 2021 in Kigali.

Notably, the successful 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda in February 2025 demonstrated Rwanda’s effective safety protocols, as the race navigated diverse regions smoothly, allowing all participants to concentrate fully on competition.

Infrastructure development progresses steadily to welcome the global cycling community. Kigali’s hospitality sector has mobilized to meet anticipated demand, while transport networks are optimizing for seamless connectivity between race routes and cultural attractions. The championship routes themselves will display Rwanda’s lush landscapes, from Kigali’s colourful urban environment to the diverse and unique scenery found throughout Rwanda’s various provinces and districts.

Rwanda continues to ensure accessibility through straightforward travel policies. Visitors from all nations can secure visas upon arrival, with citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and Francophonie member states benefiting from free 30-day visas. The efficient e-Visa system via the Irembo online portal offers added convenience.

Clarifying some misconceptions, yellow fever vaccinations are required only for travelers arriving from at-risk regions, consistent with standard WHO guidelines. Travelers can access detailed and current information on visa requirements and application procedures on the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration of Rwanda’s official website, the reliable source for immigration-related matters.

Beyond the immediate excitement of the races, the 2025 Championships promise a lasting legacy. The event will inspire young athletes across Africa and solidify Rwanda’s position as a premier destination for international sports. As preparations enter their final stages, Rwanda welcomes the world to witness this historic moment in cycling and African sports.

Regular updates on venues, tickets, and related events are available through official channels as the countdown to September continues.

The meeting was confirmed by the Office of the President, Urugwiro Village.

Relations between the two countries have significantly improved in recent years, especially after President Macron acknowledged France’s historical responsibility in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and expressed a desire to rebuild ties and promote reconciliation.

This renewed partnership has been further reinforced through high-level visits and ongoing diplomatic engagement.

In 2021, President Macron paid a landmark two-day official visit to Rwanda aimed at deepening bilateral ties and cooperation.

During the visit, he toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are laid to rest.

There, he laid a wreath and delivered a powerful speech acknowledging France’s role in Rwanda’s history.

“As I stand with humility and respect at your side on this day, I come to recognise the magnitude of our responsibilities,” Macron said.

The visit also included a bilateral meeting and a joint press conference, during which the two heads of state witnessed the signing of two key agreements: one outlining a framework for bilateral cooperation and another focused on sports and talent development.

President Kagame most recently visited France in October 2024, accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, to attend the 19th Summit of La Francophonie, co-hosted by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed on Wednesday.

The talks come after the new U.S. administration imposed a series of unilateral tariff measures, which China said have disrupted bilateral relations and global trade order.

In response, China took firm [countermeasures,->https://en.igihe.com/business/article/trade-war-heats-up-as-china-strikes-back-with-125-tariffs-on-u-s-goods] defending what it calls its legitimate rights and interests.

According to a ministry spokesperson, the U.S. recently expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, prompting China to agree to talks after careful consideration of global expectations, national interest, and feedback from U.S. industry stakeholders.

China emphasized that any negotiation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit, warning against the use of dialogue as a tool for coercion or blackmail.

The spokesperson added that China would not compromise on its core principles and reiterated its commitment to fair international trade, the World Trade Organization, and multilateralism.

The incident was confirmed on Wednesday by Pakistan’s Minister of Defense in a televised address.

Earlier that day, India’s Ministry of Defence stated it had carried out strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claiming the action was in retaliation for a terror attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir that left over 20 civilians dead.

In response, Pakistan strongly condemned the Indian strikes, calling them an unprovoked act of war and a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement that the Indian Air Force had violated Pakistan’s airspace using standoff weapons to target civilian areas.

The strikes reportedly hit Bahawalpur and Sheikhupura districts in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, as well as Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Kotli districts in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani army, said that at least 26 people were killed and 46 others injured after India carried out strikes on six civilian settlements in Pakistan.

In a statement issued Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on both nations to exercise maximum restraint, warning: “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

He had earlier described the situation as the most dangerous in years between the two South Asian nuclear powers, urging both governments to resolve their differences diplomatically.

“A military solution is no solution,” he emphasized, offering his good offices to help ease tensions.

The Secretary-General also condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, calling it “unacceptable” and urging that those responsible be brought to justice through “credible and lawful means.”

The attack occurred on May 3, 2025, in the dense Katupa forest, located in Macomia District.

According to RDF spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the ambush was carried out by insurgents. He noted that while Rwanda suffered casualties, the enemy incurred significant losses.

“Yes, it happened on May 3 in Katupa forest. The soldiers were on duty when they were ambushed. Three were killed and six injured, but they are recovering. The enemy suffered heavy casualties,” Brig Gen Rwivanga told IGIHE.

Katupa forest, in northern Macomia, is one of the regions where insurgents regrouped after being expelled from other areas of Cabo Delgado. The area was previously under the control of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission.

In late 2023, Rwandan forces engaged in intense fighting in the region and successfully rescued approximately 600 hostages held by insurgents.

The latest attack comes as Rwanda is also involved in training Mozambique’s national forces to strengthen their capacity to independently protect their country once international missions conclude.

Mozambique’s Army Chief, Maj Gen Tiago Alberto Nampele, previously stated that 95% of insurgent activity had been eliminated by the end of 2023.

However, he acknowledged that small militant cells remained in areas like Katupa, where they operate from mobile camps and avoid setting up fixed bases.

In response, Rwandan forces have intensified surveillance using helicopters, particularly after the discovery of landmines planted by insurgents in the forest. In 2024, a Mozambican military vehicle was destroyed by one such explosive in Katupa.

Since Rwanda’s initial deployment to Mozambique to combat the Al Sunnah wa Jama’ah insurgent group, several high-ranking militant leaders have been eliminated.

In August 2023, RDF troops killed the group’s top commander during a targeted ambush on August 16. Most of the group’s original leadership has since been dismantled and replaced by new operatives.

Currently, Rwanda’s security operations in Mozambique are led by Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who commands the Joint Task Force (JTF).

He is supported by Brig Gen Justus Majyambere, the Task Force Battle Group Commander. The Rwandan police contingent in Mozambique is headed by CP William Kayitare, with ACP Francis Muheto serving as his deputy.

He urged the officer to remain focused on their duties and the overarching goals of their mission, highlighting their critical role in maintaining peace and security, and particularly protection of civilians.

The two contingents–Rwanda Formed Unit One (RWAFPU-1) of 140 officers and Rwanda Formed Police Unit-Two (RWAFPU-2) of 180 officers will replace their colleagues in Bangui and Kaga Bandoro, respectively.

RWAFPU-1 is commanded by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bernardin Nsengiyumva while RWAFPU2 is under the command of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Jules Rutayisire.

DIGP Sano reminded the officers of the significance to carry the Rwandan flag with honor and dignity to uphold the Rwandan legacy.

He further emphasized the core values such as teamwork, discipline, loyalty, and patriotism towards a successful tour-of-duty.

The Deputy Police Chief also reiterated the importance of operational readiness, handling contingent owned equipment well, mental resilience, and cultural sensitivity.

“You are entrusted by your country to undertake Police related duties under the UN flag. The guidance you receive reinforces the training you have undergone, and it is essential to integrate this knowledge into your work. By conducting yourselves with professionalism, you will enhance the reputation of the nation you represent,” DIGP Sano said.

“You are deployed to contribute to peace and restore security in the CAR. To fulfill your responsibilities effectively, it is essential to follow in the footsteps of your predecessors with professionalism, integrity, commitment, and diligence” the Deputy Police Chief said.

Rwanda started its peace support operations in CAR in 2014, and currently maintains four contingents there–three Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU)

PSU also operates in the capital Bangui while RWAFPU-3 is deployed in Bangassou.

The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others.

He was presenting the 2024 Annual Audit Report to both chambers of Parliament on May 6, 2025.

The report, covering the fiscal year ending 30 June 2024, also detailed other improvements, including a reduction in unlawful expenditure and significant recoveries through preventive audits.

The increase to 94% of public entities earning unqualified opinions on their financial statements reflects growing adherence to financial standards.

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) expanded its audit coverage, examining 239 public entities and issuing 242 financial audit reports and 243 compliance audit reports, compared to 222 and 220, respectively, in 2023.

Additionally, the OAG conducted 18 performance audits, 7 information systems audits, and 10 special audits requested by stakeholders.

Compliance with laws and regulations improved, with 75% of entities receiving unqualified opinions, up from 69%. Value-for-money audits also advanced, with 66% of entities achieving unqualified opinions, compared to 59% in 2023.

Preventive audits were a key success, enabling the recovery or adjustment of Frw 9.29 billion in inflated bills out of Frw 9.39 billion identified since 2023.

Unlawful expenditure decreased to Frw 2.04 billion in 2024 from Frw 2.57 billion in 2023, reflecting enhanced oversight.

Despite these gains, challenges remain, including delayed contracts, stalled construction projects, and idle assets.

The implementation rate of audit recommendations rose slightly to 60% from 59%, indicating a need for better follow-through.

According to the Office of the President, discussions centered on the ICRC’s work in Rwanda and beyond.

The ICRC has been working with the Government of Rwanda since 1963, establishing a permanent presence in the country in 1990.

The organization collaborates closely with government institutions on matters related to policy, law enforcement, and training, aiming to promote adherence to international humanitarian law.

Beyond Rwanda, the ICRC plays a key role in supporting families affected by conflict in the Great Lakes Region, especially in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—an area long plagued by instability.

Rwanda currently hosts over 130,000 refugees, primarily from the DRC and Burundi, who receive continued support from international partners including the UNHCR and the ICRC, in collaboration with the Rwandan government.