“I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible,” U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Friday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a court filing on Monday that a total of 4.65 billion U.S. dollars in a contingency fund will be used for November SNAP benefits, which could cover 50 percent of eligible households’ current allotments.
The decision came after a federal judge in Rhode Island on Friday ordered the department to use the contingency fund to pay recipients of SNAP.
Another federal judge in Massachusetts said in a separate case on Friday that the Trump administration’s plan to withhold SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 amid the federal government shutdown was likely “unlawful,” though the judge did not mandate that the administration release the funds.
The Trump administration previously claimed that it lacked legal authority to tap the 5 to 6 billion dollars in emergency funds to cover at least a portion of SNAP, which needs over 8 billion dollars to fund benefits for November.
SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program serving nearly 42 million people. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line.
The announcement was made on Thursday, October 16, during a visit by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MIMINICOM) and other government institutions.
The delegation toured the brewery as part of a nationwide program to assess industrial performance, challenges, and opportunities to boost productivity and job creation.
Speaking during the visit, Thibault Relecom, owner of SKOL Brewery, shared the company’s growth journey since its establishment in 2010 and highlighted the progress achieved in production and employment.
Relecom noted that while SKOL operates in several countries, the Rwandan brewery stands out for producing locally beloved brands such as Virunga and Gatanu, which have gained strong consumer loyalty. He commended the Rwandan government for its investor-friendly environment.
“We are very pleased that the Government of Rwanda supports us as investors and remains close to us to ensure our operations run smoothly while offering valuable guidance,” Relecom said. “Our goal is to continue expanding because the market is growing, and we believe Rwanda offers the right environment for sustainable investment.”
However, he also pointed out infrastructure challenges that affect operations, particularly the poor condition of the road leading to the brewery.
“The road we use to bring in materials and distribute our products is in bad shape, it damages vehicles and slows down transport. Driving on it feels like a massage,” he added with a smile.
Relecom said the planned $25–35 million investment will go into expanding production capacity, improving efficiency, and supporting future growth.
Minister Sebahizi commended SKOL for its contribution to Rwanda’s manufacturing sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local industries.
“Our policy is to encourage industries that meet the needs of Rwandans while adding value to local resources,” the Minister said. “We want them to produce enough for the local market and also export to the region and beyond.”
Beyond business, SKOL has emerged as a key supporter of sports and education in Rwanda, notably through its contributions to football and cycling development, as well as scholarship programs for students at various academic levels.
The Head of State was welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by the Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Ibrahim bin Yousif Fakhro, and Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the State of Qatar Igor Marara Kayinamura.
The summit President Kagame will attend is scheduled for November 4-6, 2025.
It will serve as a pivotal platform for dialogue, cooperation, and joint solutions, convening governments, international organizations, the UN system, civil society, cooperatives, academia, the private sector, and experts to strengthen international cooperation for inclusive social development.
Convening at the level of Heads of State or Government, the summit aims to address the gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action and its implementation and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The summit will be held in Doha at the Qatar National Convention Centre with pre-summit events scheduled on 3 November 2025.
In a world facing deepening inequalities, demographic shifts, and rapid technological and environmental changes, the Second World Summit for Social Development provides a crucial platform for global dialogue and collaborative action.
It is a unique space for leaders from governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society, the private sector, academic institutions, and the UN system to engage on social development issues at the highest level and advance social progress, ensuring that no one is left behind in our global sustainable development journey.
This modern campus embodies UoK’s commitment to innovation, world-class learning environments, and student-centered growth.
Designed to inspire excellence, collaboration, and creativity, the Remera campus offers a vibrant space where knowledge meets opportunity.
Located in the heart of Kigali’s vibrant Remera neighborhood, the new Remera Campus, formerly home to the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), represents a transformative investment in the University’s vision to provide world-class education and foster innovation for national and continental development.
This modern campus boasts cutting-edge facilities, including contemporary lecture halls, advanced computer and research laboratories, spacious student hostels, a modern cafeteria, sports courts, lush green open spaces, and ample parking. Together, these features create a holistic environment for academic excellence, comfort, and innovation.
The acquisition marks a defining chapter in UoK’s evolution as one of Rwanda’s most future-oriented universities, reaffirming its commitment to “Pioneering a Sustainable and Innovative Future” under the UoK Strategic Plan 2025–2029.
The expansion also increases the institution’s capacity to accommodate a growing student population and strengthens its ability to nurture globally competitive graduates.
Beyond infrastructure, the Remera Campus reflects UoK’s Green University Ambition, integrating eco-friendly design, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable landscaping aligned with Rwanda’s green economy goals.
The new facilities will enhance digital learning, foster research-driven innovation, and promote community engagement through partnerships with industries, government, and local organizations.
By revitalizing the former AIMS facility, a globally recognized hub for science and innovation, UoK reinforces its strategic focus on internationalization and partnerships, opening doors for collaborations with global institutions, visiting scholars, and international students.
Adding to this momentous milestone, UoK has also earned a place in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for the very first time. This recognition highlights UoK’s growing global presence and dedication to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful teaching, research, and community engagement.
This recognition places the University of Kigali among a select group of African institutions demonstrating measurable impact in education, research, and community development. It underscores UoK’s growing international reputation and its dedication to fostering inclusive, high-quality education that transforms lives and societies.
Professor George Kimathi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali, hailed these developments as a reflection of collective effort and institutional resilience:“These two milestones, a new campus and global recognition, symbolize our shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive University of Kigali. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all staff and students for their dedication and contribution to this success. Together, we will continue to make UoK a source of pride for Rwanda, Africa, and the world.”
The Remera expansion and international recognition collectively reaffirm UoK’s position as a leading private university investing in people, innovation, and sustainable development.
Strategically located near Kigali’s business and academic ecosystem, the campus strengthens UoK’s engagement with industry and the community while serving as a launchpad for the next generation of thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
As the University continues its upward trajectory, the Remera Campus stands as a living symbol of UoK’s promise, to pioneer a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future, one student, one idea, and one campus at a time.
According to the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey 7 (EICV7) in Rwanda, the percentage of households with electricity has doubled, rising from 34% in 2017 to 72% in recent years.
The survey also highlights that 68% of households in Rwanda are located in areas more accessible for infrastructure development, such as electricity.
The Ministry of Infrastructure’s performance report for the 2025/26 fiscal year indicates that over 2.1 million households across the country have been connected to the national electricity grid, while 893,000 households rely on solar-powered electricity.
The report also outlines that by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year, which will conclude in June 2026, over 210,898 households will be connected to the national grid, and more than 50,000 will be powered by solar energy.
The government has allocated over 110.4 billion Rwandan Francs to expand electricity access to households across the country in this year’s budget.
The Government of Rwanda has also announced that by 2029, efforts will be intensified to ensure all villages in the country have access to electricity.
In August 2025, during the presentation of the government’s five-year program to the Rwandan Parliament, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva emphasized that the government would make significant efforts in expanding electricity across all cells in the country.
“To achieve this, we will increase efforts to expand electricity access across the country. Priority will be given to industries, commercial buildings, schools, health centers, and other facilities that contribute to the development and well-being of the population,” he said.
The Cabinet meeting on September 15, 2025, was informed that the number of households with access to electricity has increased to 85% in 2025, compared to less than 2% in 2000.
The updated sanctions list now includes several other senior Ukrainian officials, such as Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev.
The measures include freezing the individuals’ non-cash funds, uncertificated securities, and property in Russia, as well as prohibiting them from transferring capital out of the country.
Svyrydenko was approved as Ukraine’s prime minister by the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in July, having previously served as first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
Tshisekedi made this claim during an address to the Congolese diaspora in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
He told his citizens that Rwanda, under President Paul Kagame, is plotting to divide the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans to annex the eastern part of the country.
“His goal is to divide our country and annex it, particularly the eastern region, which is rich in minerals and agricultural land,” he stated.
Despite Tshisekedi’s allegations, Rwanda has consistently shown that it has no intention of looting Congo or annexing its territories.
In March 2025, President Paul Kagame reaffirmed that the security of Rwanda is the primary concern, not the natural resources of the DRC.
In a conversation with Marioo Nawfall, the President emphasized that Rwanda is not one of the countries exploiting the mineral resources of the DRC.
“If you look at the list of hundreds of entities from China, Europe, U.S., Canada, and so on, including all of us in the region, who are interested in the minerals in Congo, Rwanda would come as a 100th. We would come at the bottom,” he said.
President Kagame further clarified that Rwanda’s primary concern is its security, not minerals.
“Once we are not assured of our security, we can’t be thinking about minerals in that situation. That would be the last thing on our minds,” he added.
Tshisekedi continues to fuel hostile rhetoric against Rwanda, despite the peace agreements signed between both countries in June, raising doubts about his commitment to their implementation.
The funds were collected through an auction organized as part of the event. The first item auctioned was a PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) jersey signed by the team’s players, which was bought by Mutesi Jolly for $1,000 (approximately Frw 1,449,500).
Other bids included $800 for a two-night stay at a hotel in Kibuye, $2,900 for a gorilla trekking experience, $1,200 for another charity activity, $1,800 for a one-night stay at a hotel in Kiyovu, and $2,000 for a night at a luxury hotel. The total amount raised reached Frw 14,132,625.
The funds will support over 1,000 children under the Sherrie Silver Foundation.
In addition to this contribution, BK Foundation pledged to cover the school fees for 100 children supported by the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whether enrolled in public or private schools.
Ingrid Karangwayire, the Executive Director of BK Foundation, said the initiative reflects their commitment to promoting education.
Sherrie Silver expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the event, saying the funds will be used to support education, health, and the well-being of vulnerable children assisted by her foundation.
The gala also featured other highlights, including awarding the fashion brand “Icyacumi” with $5,000, and Bwiza, who was named Best Dressed, received $1,000.
Artists such as Ross Kana, Chriss Eazy, Massamba Intore, Chella from Nigeria, Sherrie Silver, Vex Prince, Juno Kizigenza, and Butera Knowless entertained the audience throughout the night.
Genomics is the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes and their interactions with each other and the environment.
The development was highlighted during a week-long visit to China, which ended on October 25, where Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) held discussions with executives and researchers from BGI Genomics, BGI Research, and BGI College, all subsidiaries of the world-leading BGI Group.
The meetings focused on collaboration in genomics, joint research, capacity building, and technology transfer.
Speaking to The New Times, Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), said the move aligns with Rwanda’s vision to build a sustainable healthcare system powered by artificial intelligence and bioinformatics.
“We are exploring how partnerships in genomics and precision medicine can strengthen our disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment capacity,” he said. “Our goal is to localize advanced genomic research and training to make Rwanda a regional hub for precision health.”
While touring BGI’s laboratories in Shenzhen, Muvunyi observed how genomic data is used to guide clinical decisions and improve public health planning.
He also delivered a keynote address at the 20th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-20), where he presented Rwanda’s genomic sequencing achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Although there are gaps in pathogen genomics for surveillance across Africa, Rwanda built sequencing capacity during COVID-19,” he said. “That foundation helped us identify and trace the Marburg virus in bats. Genomics play a role in strengthening public health resilience.”
In Hangzhou, Muvunyi met with officials from the Zhejiang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to explore cooperation in disease surveillance and epidemic preparedness.
“The Zhejiang CDC model provided valuable lessons for Rwanda as we enhance our surveillance and emergency response capacities,” he noted.
The visit also included talks with Pékin Teaching University of Shenzhen on cervical cancer screening and research training for Rwandan scientists.
In a statement shared via X by the U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, on Saturday, the ongoing efforts through the Doha peace process were highlighted as a step forward in promoting peace and stability in the eastern DRC.
Boulos emphasized that both parties had made notable strides in demonstrating their shared commitment to peace, noting that this progress should not be jeopardized by recent violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Despite the ceasefire agreement signed in April 2025, fighting has continued in the North and South Kivu provinces, with both sides engaged in heavy attacks.
In mid-October, the DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed to establish a joint monitoring mechanism to ensure the ceasefire’s implementation. However, fighting has persisted, raising concerns over the fragility of the peace process.
Major General Sylvain Ekenge, the spokesperson for Congolese military, recently justified the continued fighting stating that his forces were retaliating against attacks from AFC/M23.
AFC/M23 also accuses Kinshasa of violating ceasefire with recurrent strikes to their positions and populated areas. This back-and-forth has fueled further instability, undermining efforts to create a peaceful environment for negotiations.
Boulos expressed concern that violations of the ceasefire could derail the significant strides made thus far, urging all parties to adhere to their commitments made in Doha.
“All must honor their commitments made in Doha, including maintaining the ceasefire and fully engaging the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to rebuild trust and reduce tensions on the ground,” he said.
Boulos also highlighted the potential for lasting peace and prosperity in the region if both the DRC government and AFC/M23 continue to demonstrate sustained effort in the peace process.
