The president made the remarks in a national address after South Africa presided over the G20 Leaders’ Summit a week ago, from which Washington was absent. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed earlier this week that South Africa would not be invited to next year’s G20 meetings amid tensions in bilateral ties.
“We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right. We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said the U.S. absence from this year’s leaders’ summit was rooted in misinformation and “regrettable.” Trump had cited allegations of “white genocide” in the African country as the reason for boycotting the summit.
“This is blatant misinformation about our country. It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the U.S. gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa had handed over the G20 presidency to the United States earlier this week and that his country values its relationship with Washington and remains committed to dialogue.
The United States is scheduled to formally take over the presidency on Dec. 1.
The decision followed a virtual meeting of member countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, to review global market conditions and the economic outlook.
The eight OPEC+ countries have been raising oil output month by month since April this year.
The statement said the countries will adopt a cautious approach and maintain full flexibility to adjust their outputs as needed.
The countries are scheduled to meet again on Jan. 4, 2026 to make further decisions, according to the organization.
The move, announced by the Ministry of Education on Sunday, is part of enhanced measures in secondary schools aimed at promoting healthier screen habits.
Under the new rules, students’ devices will be kept in designated storage areas or school bags throughout school hours. Schools may, however, grant exceptions in necessary circumstances, the ministry said.
“Screen use among students has been shown to displace important activities such as sleep, physical activity and social interactions with friends and family, and is linked to poorer holistic well-being,” it noted.
According to the country’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC), heavy rains, floods and landslides brought on by the cyclone have destroyed more than 15,000 homes. Nearly 44,000 people have been displaced and are now sheltering in temporary, state‑run centers.
Authorities confirmed that 176 people remain missing, as rescue and relief efforts continue amid challenging conditions.
The government has appealed for international assistance to address the growing humanitarian crisis. Immediately after the emergency declaration, several countries responded with offers of aid.
Rescue operations have been significantly supported by the military, with the army, navy and air force deployed to reach remote and flood‑hit areas, evacuate stranded people and deliver relief supplies.
As floodwaters continue to threaten more regions, especially low‑lying coastal zones and river basins, the authorities have issued widespread evacuation orders. Many residents along flood‑prone areas have been moved to safer zones under escort by security forces.
The scale of the disaster from destruction of homes to displacement of tens of thousands has placed Sri Lanka among the worst‑hit nations in recent years by climate‑related disasters.
International relief agencies and neighbouring countries have begun mobilizing resources to provide urgent humanitarian support.
Known for his groundbreaking Afro-House music events, particularly the Atmosfera series, Lamper’s mission is to elevate Rwanda’s entertainment landscape and showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world.
“Originally from Milan, I moved here almost three years ago, and now I call Rwanda home,” Lamper shared in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, emphasizing the fusion of both cultures that deeply influences his musical work.
Lamper’s love for music began at a young age, though it wasn’t until later in life that he discovered his true calling as a DJ and producer.
In 2018, DJ Lamper graduated with a tourism degree but chose to pursue music mixing instead. Since then, he has performed at various venues in Milan, the economic capital of Italy, as well as in France, Spain, China, Rwanda and more.
For him, each day is filled with creativity and excitement. “I wake up and, honestly, I don’t get much sleep because I work at Lemon. So I gather as much energy as I can,” he laughs. “After waking up, I take a shower, finish my playlist, and do some last-minute edits if needed. I make sure everything is set for the day’s event.”
His dedication to his craft extends beyond his personal routine. “If we have a special guest, I might go pick them up; otherwise, I head straight to Mundi, where the event takes place. My team is always ready, and I communicate with them throughout the day to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he explains.
With the help of his assistant and stage manager, Lamper ensures that the artists and lineup are well-managed, and that the venue is prepared for the show.
{{The vision behind Atmosfera}}
Atmosfera, Lamper’s flagship event series, represents the realization of a long-held dream.
“I have always wanted to bring Afro-House music to Rwanda and make it mainstream here. It’s already a huge genre worldwide, and I wanted to fuse it with Rwandan sounds to create something truly unique,” Lamper explains.
His goal is to create an Afro-House sound that feels distinctly Rwandan, while showcasing local talent alongside global influences.
“Afro-House is a huge genre internationally, and I want to promote Rwanda’s music scene, which is rich with talented singers, DJs, and artists,” Lamper says. “I am here to give my contribution and push Rwandan entertainment to the international stage.”
Despite the challenges posed by Rwanda’s competitive entertainment industry, Lamper has managed to stand out.
“Rwanda’s entertainment scene is tough. There are many DJs, but few spots to perform,” he admits. “To make a name for myself, I had to do something different. That’s why I started shooting videos in iconic places around Rwanda. This helped me get noticed and build my recognition.”
For Lamper, authenticity has been key. “People started recognizing my unique approach, and that’s how I started building my brand,” he explains.
{{Advice for the youth and the future of Atmosfera}}
As a role model for many young Rwandans, Lamper shares valuable advice: “Never give up. Entertainment can be tough, but consistency is key. Whether you’re winning or not, you must always keep pushing. If you stay consistent and professional, you can make it.”
Looking ahead, Lamper has ambitious plans for Atmosfera. “In five years, I want Atmosfera to be a global event that showcases one culture to the world. Starting next year, we are planning to take it to different countries,” he says. “The ultimate goal is to fill up a stadium with people enjoying this Afro-House experience.”
For Lamper, the mission extends beyond hosting events. It’s about creating a movement that transcends borders, bringing people from all over the world together to celebrate music, culture, and unity.
His work with Atmosfera has not only redefined Kigali’s nightlife but also introduced Rwandan culture to an international audience, fostering a sense of unity and self-expression through music.
According to media reports, the blaze occurred at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, a densely populated residential area.
Emergency teams have worked around the clock to search for survivors, but as of now, authorities have confirmed that the death toll stands at 128, with many others still missing.
Authorities have officially ended search and rescue operations, and the focus has shifted to identifying victims and investigating the cause of the fire.
As of now, officials have not finalized the exact cause, but early reports suggest that poor fire safety measures and the building’s renovation may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The fire has been described as particularly devastating due to the building’s overcrowded conditions and the high number of residents it housed.
The authorities have yet to provide a full breakdown of the victims’ nationalities, though it is known that the complex was home to many low-income families and some foreign workers.
During the meeting, he conveyed the message of appreciation from RDF leadership. Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the peacekeepers for the work well done and professionalism in carrying out their duty.
He also briefed them on the current security situation in Rwanda and the region in general. The ACOS is in the Central African Republic for a working visit to the Rwandan forces deployed under both UN Mandate and Bilateral arrangements.
He is expected to participate in the graduation ceremony of FACA soldiers trained by RDF, meet with MINUSCA officials and FACA military leadership.
The Ministry of Infrastructure is expected to roll out this improved transportation system starting in December 2025.
The new system will focus on providing reliable service, with buses adhering to scheduled timetables.
There will be a modern traffic management system in place, which will track the buses in real-time, ensuring they are dispatched to areas where they are needed. This will guarantee that passengers receive regular service throughout all routes.
The system also aims to protect the environment, supporting Rwanda’s goals for sustainable urban development, as outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.
Recently, the Director-General of RURA, Evariste Rugigana, informed Senators about the plan to address the transportation challenges, especially in Kigali. He mentioned the establishment of a public enterprise, Ecofleet Solutions Ltd, aimed at improving public transport services.
He emphasized that currently, public transport is operated by private individuals seeking profit. Therefore, the establishment of a government company would help improve the system of passenger transportation.
He explained, “Currently, public transport is operated by private businesses that focus on making a profit. If a bus arrives at a terminal but isn’t full, it doesn’t depart. This leads to delays for passengers, as some people have to wait for the bus to fill up. We don’t want to inconvenience passengers. We want to ensure timely service even when there are fewer passengers.”
The meeting took place in Addis Ababa, where the conference was held, as announced by the Rwandan Embassy in Ethiopia.
After the meeting, the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA), through its X account, thanked Ambassador Karamba for warmly receiving their delegation in Ethiopia.
“Thank you Ambassador Charles Karamba, for warmly hosting the RBA delegation. Your thoughtful insights, clear guidance, and constructive conversations provided valuable perspective and greatly enriched the delegates’ engagement at the Conference,” reads the message.
The EALS is celebrating 30 years of advancing justice, regional integration, and the rule of law in East Africa. Rwanda continues to lead in developing a strong and unified legal community.
EALS is a professional association of lawyers from the East African region, founded in 1995, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
It brings together legal associations from the East African Community member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Zanzibar, as well as individual lawyers from these countries, numbering over 10,000.
The mission of EALS is to promote the legal profession, protect the rule of law, advance good governance, and defend human rights in the region.
The Cabinet approved the Presidential Order demonetizing old Frw 500, Frw 1000, Frw 2000 , and Frw 5000 banknotes.
This decision involves the withdrawal of these old currency notes from circulation. The notes that are being phased out include Frw 500 notes printed in 2004 and 2013, Frw 1000 notes printed in 2004 and 2015, Frw 2000 notes printed in 2007, and Frw 5000 notes printed in 2004 and 2009.
The deadline for the use of these old notes is set for 12 months. After this period, these notes will no longer be valid for transactions in Rwanda.
In addition to the demonetization, the Cabinet was briefed on the new public transport model designed to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability of transportation in Kigali. This system is intended to make urban mobility more convenient for residents, with plans for possible expansion to other urban areas in Rwanda.
Another significant topic discussed was Rwanda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which outlines the country’s climate action plan. This plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting climate resilience across the nation.
The Cabinet also approved a partnership agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Aegle Onco Care Center Ltd to establish nuclear medicine services at the National Cancer Center.
Several draft laws were discussed and approved by the Cabinet, including the draft law governing the National Bank of Rwanda.
Another significant approval was the draft law ratifying the loan agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Export-Import Bank of China for the Giseke Irrigation Project.
The Cabinet also ratified a draft law approving the Grant and Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), which will support the development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Rwanda.
The Cabinet also approved several appointments within key government ministries and institutions. Notably, Ms. Madeleine Nirere was reappointed as the Chief Ombudsman.
Ambassador Fidelis Mironko was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while Mr. Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
Amb. Mironko is an experienced career diplomat with expertise in bilateral relations and international representation.
He has served in key foreign missions across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, strengthening Rwanda’s diplomatic ties.
Notable roles include Ambassador to Türkiye (2020–2023), First Counsellor at Rwanda’s High Commission in London (2015–2020), and Second Counsellor at the Embassy in Washington DC (2010–2015).
He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science (International Relations) from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from St. Cloud State University.
Meanwhile, Ndayizigiye is a seasoned Internal Auditor and Fraud Examiner with over 10 years of expertise in audit engagement, risk management, governance, fraud investigation, and financial control across diverse sectors, including public institutions, universities, banking, and energy.
He has a proven track record of strengthening internal audit systems, enhancing compliance cultures, and helping institutions achieve unqualified audit opinions.
His notable roles include serving as the Head of Internal Audit at Rwanda Energy Group (Oct 2021 prior to new appointment), Unguka Bank Plc (Apr 2019–Oct 2021), and the University of Rwanda (Jul 2016–Feb 2019). He holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Rwanda (2015) and a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences from the National University of Rwanda (2008).
The Cabinet also approved several other policies, programs, and strategies. These included the consolidated financial statements for the Government of Rwanda for the year 2024/2025, the approval of applications for mineral licenses, and the endorsement of Rwanda’s Sustainable Land Management Investment Framework (SLM-IF).
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the Agrément for several new diplomats representing Rwanda and international organizations. These included ambassadors from Qatar, Spain, Switzerland, Malta, and several other countries.
In addition to these approvals, the Cabinet was informed about upcoming events such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2025.
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2025, and International Anti-Corruption Day, on December 9, 2025, will also be marked by various initiatives across the country.
The Cabinet also ratified the Treaty between Rwanda and Brazil on the transfer of sentenced persons and also ratified an agreement with the Government of Hongkong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China regarding the elimination of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion.
