The agreement, signed on December 27, 2025, took effect immediately.
It was formalized by Thai defence minister Nattaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha at a border meeting, following several days of negotiations to halt the conflict that re-ignited earlier this month.
Under the ceasefire, both sides agreed to halt military advances and air operations, maintain current troop positions, and avoid any further hostilities.
The deal also includes provisions for Thailand to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July if the truce holds for at least 72 hours.
The recent clashes have caused significant casualties and displacement on both sides of the border.
Thailand reported military and civilian losses, including at least 26 soldiers and 45 civilians, while Cambodia said at least 30 civilians were killed and 90 injured during the fighting.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes due to the violence.
The ceasefire reiterates past diplomatic commitments and calls for cooperation on issues such as demining and combating cross‑border crimes, including online fraud.
Malaysia played a key role in brokering earlier peace efforts, and regional leaders have welcomed the renewed commitment to peace, even as officials emphasized the truce would be a test of each side’s sincerity.
The jazz performance, known as the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam, has been a holiday tradition at the iconic cultural institution for nearly two decades. But this year, jazz musician Chuck Redd decided to cancel the event after the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees added President Donald Trump’s name to the building’s official signage and title.
The center’s name was recently changed to the “Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” following a decision by a board whose membership has shifted under new leadership.
The name change sparked intense backlash from artists, lawmakers, and members of the Kennedy family, who argue that the institution was established by Congress as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy should not be renamed without legislative approval.
Redd, who had hosted the Christmas Eve jazz event since 2006, said he chose to cancel upon seeing the name change, calling it a matter of principle.
In response, Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell sharply criticized Redd’s decision. Grenell described the cancellation as a political stunt that harmed the nonprofit arts institution financially and culturally, and he indicated the center may seek $1 million in damages from the musician for withdrawing from the event.
Several high‑profile performers have distanced themselves from the center following the renaming, and legal challenges have been raised by lawmakers who contend the board lacked authority to alter the institution’s statutory name.
Rwanda is home to four major national parks that attract a significant number of tourists: Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and Nyungwe National Park.
Among these, Nyungwe National Park, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the longest trail in any of Rwanda’s national parks. This trail is known as the Nshili-Uwasenkoko-Gisovu trail.
The trail stretches from the Nshili Sector in Nyaruguru District to the Twumba Sector in Karongi District, offering a unique opportunity to explore one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
The Nshili-Uwasenkoko-Gisovu trail stands out for several reasons. Not only is it the longest trail in Rwanda’s national parks, but it also ends at the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world. This makes it a particularly special and sought-after hiking route.
Protais Niyigaba, the CEO of Nyungwe Management Company told IGIHE that the trail spans a remarkable 110 kilometers.
“The trail is now open and fully operational. Our goal is to promote it so that everyone knows about it. The trail is divided into a southern and a northern section, but we treat it as one continuous journey,” he explained.
The route follows the chain of mountains that separates the watersheds of the Nile and Congo Rivers, offering hikers both stunning views and a chance to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the region.
Niyigaba added, “At 110 kilometers, this is the longest trail we have in any park in Rwanda. What makes it even more unique is that it passes through Nyungwe’s extraordinary forest. It starts in Nyaruguru District and ends in Karongi District.”
This trail is designed for experienced trekkers, as it typically takes about five days to complete. However, those with more experience or greater stamina may finish in less time.
Niyigaba explained that these five days represent the average duration for tourists to trek through the Nyungwe forest, which is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including 300 species of birds, 13 species of primates, and over 1,000 species of plants.
“It’s an excellent way to relax and stretch your muscles, while also being a great workout,” he said. “This trail will be a valuable asset for international tourists who enjoy long treks.”
Nyungwe National Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including Munazi Lodge, a hotel nestled deep within the forest, the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a rope course for physical challenges, and the Zipline, a thrilling cable ride connecting two mountains.
In 2024, Nyungwe attracted over 26,000 visitors, up from 24,726 in 2023.
Previously, the Rwamagana Industrial Park spanned 80 hectares and had the capacity to accommodate 51 factories along with other supporting services, including a fuel station, banks, warehouses, and over 30 additional facilities.
Now, MINICOM, in collaboration with the district administration, is working to expand the zone from 80 hectares to 180 hectares. Additionally, the zone will no longer be confined to the Mwulire sector; it will also extend to the Munyiginya sector, which shares borders with the current area.
“The Rwamagana Industrial Park has the capacity to host 51 factories and supporting services like a fuel station, banks, and other essential services. With the addition of 100 hectares, 19 factories are already operating, and more are under construction.
“We are confident that in the near future, the number of factories will grow significantly,” said Rwamagana District Mayor, Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi.
Mbonyumuvunyi disclosed that after the addition of 100 hectares, several new factories, including UTEXRWA, will be established in the expanded zone, mainly from Kigali.
He also mentioned that BRALIRWA is planning to build a new factory in the area. This, along with other new factories, will create job opportunities forresidents of Rwamagana.
The mayor acknowledged some of the ongoing challenges in the industrial zone, including frequent power shortages, limited water supply, and poor road infrastructure. However, he assured that efforts to resolve these issues would be made soon.
“We are aware of the water shortage, which affects not only the industries but also the local population. However, a new plant is being built in Karenge, which will provide 48,000 cubic meters of water, compared to the current 12,000 cubic meters. Construction is already underway, and some of this water will be directed to the park, with the rest benefiting the local population,” said Mbonyumuvunyi.
Currently, Rwamagana Industrial Park is home to 19 factories, providing jobs to over 3,500 people.
With the planned 100-hectare expansion, the zone is expected to accommodate more than 100 factories, creating job opportunities for over 20,000 people.
The RDB’s approval, granted on December 26, 2025, follows compliance assessments by the relevant authorities, confirming that the hotel has now met all the required standards to legally provide hospitality services under the applicable tourism regulations.
The leadership of Karongi District shared the news with the public, expressing excitement over the development.
“Your dream of relaxing in one of Rwanda’s most beautiful spots has come true! Château le Marara, the iconic hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi, is authorized to operate once again! The district is home to 14 hotels ready to welcome you,” they posted on social media.
Following the reopening, Royal Retreat, a company specializing in hotel management, will oversee the hotel’s operations moving forward.
The management transition is expected to take some time, with the hotel making necessary improvements to ensure it meets the high standards of service expected.
Before [closure->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rdb-orders-closure-of-hotel-chateau-le-marara], Château le Marara had faced criticism on social media after a wedding held at the hotel resulted in complaints from Shadadi Musemakweri and Uwera Bonnette, who accused the hotel of poor service, including power outages, bad food, and overall unprofessionalism.
The hotel management responded by filing a legal complaint, asserting that the couple had intentionally spread negative publicity to avoid paying for the services they had received.
{{Plans for Château le Marara}}
Emmanuel Ngayaboshya, who works with Royal Retreat that will manage the hotel, explained that the facility will begin receiving guests again before the end of the year.
Ngayaboshya, who will oversee the kitchen at Château le Marara, mentioned that significant improvements will be made, particularly in the kitchen, which has been a major area of concern.
He noted that changes will also be made to the hotel’s reservation system, which previously lacked a structured approach, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
“The way reservations were made, whether for a stay, a wedding, or a photo shoot, will change. There was no streamlined system in place, which led to conflicts between customers and the hotel,” he explained.
Originally, the hotel was expected to meet five-star standards, but an inspection revealed that its services, particularly in the kitchen, fell short of that level. Ngayaboshya emphasized that food and beverage services will now be prioritized to meet the standards of a five-star hotel.
“We are preparing to ensure that the services we offer, particularly in food, are at a five-star level,” he said.
Regarding prices at the hotel, Ngayaboshya shared that some aspects will remain unchanged while others may be adjusted. “The room rates will remain the same, but food and beverage prices may change,” he said.
Another significant change will be in the staff, who will undergo training to meet the standards expected at a five-star hotel.
“The new management is not here to dismantle the existing team but to address weaknesses, whether through training or behavior management, as service delivery relies heavily on staff conduct,” he added.
Despite the social media backlash from the wedding incident, Ngayaboshya believes that the hotel’s reputation remains strong, and it is set to welcome many guests in the coming year. Château le Marara has 21 rooms and is ready to continue offering high-quality services.
Najib, 72, was convicted on four counts of abusing his position and 21 counts of money laundering in what has been described as the largest and most significant trial connected to the 1MDB scandal. The allegations stem from the alleged misappropriation of billions of dollars from the state‑owned fund that Najib co‑founded in 2009.
The judge in the case, Collin Lawrence Sequerah, rejected Najib’s defence that the funds were legitimate Saudi Arabian donations, calling that claim “implausible” and pointing to evidence of an “unmistakable bond” with fugitive financier Jho Low, who Malaysian and U.S. authorities say acted as an intermediary in siphoning money from the fund.
Under Malaysian law, Najib could face maximum sentences of 15–20 years in prison on each count, as well as hefty fines. A separate ruling on the exact sentence was pending at the time of publication.
The 1MDB scandal, one of the largest global corruption cases in recent history involved the diversion of at least $4.5 billion from the development fund into offshore accounts and luxury purchases, drawing investigations in multiple countries. Najib has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that he was misled by officials and that some funds were donations, claims dismissed by the court.
Najib has already been serving a reduced 12‑year prison sentence from a previous 1MDB‑related conviction, after an earlier sentence was halved by the pardons board. His most recent attempt to serve the remainder of that sentence under house arrest was rejected by the Malaysian court earlier this week.
The verdict is likely to put additional strain on Malaysia’s political landscape. Najib’s party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), remains a key member of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Najib’s continued influence has complicated efforts to present a unified governing agenda.
Internationally, the 1MDB case has ensnared several global financial institutions and led to hefty fines and ongoing legal actions across jurisdictions including the United States, Singapore, and Switzerland. Investigators have recovered significant sums, but key figures such as Jho Low remain at large.
French daily Le Parisien, citing police sources, reported that the three victims sustained light injuries and were treated by emergency services.
The suspect, described as a Malian-born man, escaped via another metro line before being arrested later at his home. Police sources quoted by Le Parisien said a terrorist motive had been ruled out.
Metro Line 3 has already resumed normal operations.
In a statement, Youssouf praised the calm and orderly conduct of the process, saying that “the holding of these elections constitutes an important initial step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to advance democratic governance across the country.”
Youssouf underscored that the municipal-level polls contribute to the strengthening of participatory governance and offer valuable experience as Somalia advances its nationally-led political and electoral trajectory.
He encouraged all Somali political stakeholders to continue engaging constructively through dialogue and inclusive consultation to support national unity and long-term stability.
The chairperson reaffirmed the 55-member continental bloc’s continued engagement in accompanying the Somali people in their efforts to strengthen inclusive governance and advance lasting peace and stability.
According to official reports, more than 500,000 voters in Mogadishu cast ballots on Thursday in municipal elections widely seen as a key step toward the East African country’s first direct national elections in more than five decades.
Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission said some 1,604 candidates from 20 political parties are running for 390 posts in district councils in Mogadishu, in a vote viewed as crucial to dismantling the country’s long-standing clan-based political system.
The joyful event brought together children from 11 football academies across the country for a special holiday clinic. It included 100 girls aged 13 and under from five academies and 120 boys in the 11-, 13-, and 15-year-old age groups from six academies, accompanied by their coaches.
Each child received a football through FIFA’s Football for Schools programme, which was launched in Kigali in 2023 to support youth development via sport.
President Kagame highlighted football’s power to foster unity and peace, praising Infantino’s efforts.
“He uses football to bring people together for peace. Amahoro, like we are here, this stadium is called Amahoro Stadium, so this is the right place to use football to actually deliver peace. You know, we don’t have enough peace in our region, but he has been using football to contribute to bringing peace to our region and beyond in other places,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended the world-class infrastructure of Amahoro Stadium, suggesting it as an ideal venue for the FIFA Series matches scheduled in Kigali in March 2026.
“I am so happy to be here with you today in Kigali in this beautiful stadium. Congratulations President. Congratulations to Rwanda. This is a state of the art stadium. We will actually play the FIFA Series in March here in this very stadium…And it will be absolutely beautiful,” he remarked.
Addressing the children, Infantino added, “Let me say, dear children, how happy and proud I am to be here today because we celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas to everyone. And of course, we celebrate you, the children of this beautiful country.”
Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire thanked FIFA for its continued support, pointing to the ongoing construction of four modern pitches in Gicumbi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and at FERWAFA headquarters under the FIFA Forward programme.
She noted that these facilities will aid training, unite communities through sport, and nurture young talent.
Infantino announced further expansion, revealing plans to build 20 additional mini-pitches in schools nationwide.
Séraphine Umunyana, a coach at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, emphasised that the gifted footballs will significantly boost the children’s skills, as consistent practice with a proper ball is key to developing talent.
As part of the wider FIFA Football Festival initiative, around 5,000 footballs are expected to be distributed across Rwanda.
IGIHE spoke with locals, expats, and tourists about what these holidays mean to them today, how traditions have evolved over the years, the highs and lows of 2025, and their hopes for the year ahead.
Vinny Cila, an IT expert who has lived in Kigali for almost seven years, remembers childhood Christmases as big neighborhood affairs. Families and kids would go from house to house, visiting and celebrating together.
“Back in the days, we used to hang out with friends, meet everyone,” he recalls. These days, though, phones, TikTok, and social media have changed things, people connect more online than in person. Working in the IT field, he sees the irony every day.
Di-Carmel Dushime, a banker and Sylvia Gitari visiting from Kenya, notice similar changes. Big village gatherings with extended family have shifted to smaller, nuclear-family celebrations: church for Catholics, a nice meal, laughter, and maybe a quick outing.
The childhood wonder, staying up until midnight to “hear the baby Jesus cry” and opening gifts, has faded into adult realities like rising prices and high rent. Now it’s more about giving than receiving. “There’s no fantasy about it anymore,” Dushime says with a smile, “but it’s still a good time.”
Brisa Bejarano, an American accountant visiting her fiancé, celebrated Christmas in Rwanda for the first time. She is keeping it simple: a quiet dinner with loved ones and gift exchanges, enjoying the contrast to holidays back home.
Pacifique Evans, a 22-year-old filmmaker, likes to keep things private, quality time with his parents and siblings, away from the crowds.
Singleton John, Rwandan artist who stays in the US, currently in Kigali for holidays, kicked off the festivities hosting friends and family, playing games, sharing meals, and walking the decorated streets of Kigali at night.
Besides, favorite gift memories still bring smiles. For Vinny, the best was last year’s surprise visit from his mother after seven years apart, an emotional reunion no material gift could top.
Dushime holds dear a simple set of clothes his parents gave him as a child, loaded with meaning. Evans beams talking about the guitar his mom bought him five years ago, knowing his passion for music, he still plays it regularly.
Looking back at 2025, people describe it in glowing terms: amazing, successful, exciting, stretching. Brisa graduated college, Evans turned hard work into achievements he once thought impossible, Gitari earned her master’s while strengthening her faith and traveling through Uganda and Rwanda.
John felt pushed to his limits but came through stronger. Dushime landed a promotion that sparked new growth. For Brisa, the year’s highlight was meeting her fiancé, a man who puts God first.
The year’s lessons come through loud and clear: work hard and never quit, chase your dreams no matter what others say, be prepared when opportunity knocks, and know there’s always room to grow.
“I wanted to quit sometimes,” Brisa admits about her studies, “but I pushed through and finally held my diploma.”
As the New Year begins to unfold, Vinny wants career progress and maybe marriage. Gitari, turning 26 soon, plans to grab opportunities, serve her community, and deepen her faith. Others hope for economic gains, personal wins, travel, and finishing university.
Their final words carry encouragement. “Trust the process,” Vinny says softly.
“Everything meant for you will come at the right time.” Dushime pushes for optimism and chooses happiness every day.
Evans speaks with passion: stay focused, pray hard, work tirelessly, for yourself, your family, and Rwanda. “Let’s not be lazy,” he adds. “The country has all eyes on us. We are the ones to make it better.”
