Key appointments include Laurent Nunez as minister of the interior, Jean-Pierre Farandou as minister of labor, Monique Barbut as minister of ecological transition, Edouard Geffray as minister of national education, and Catherine Vautrin as minister of defense.
Roland Lescure was reappointed as finance minister. Jean-Noel Barrot remains in office as minister of foreign affairs, while Gerald Darmanin has retained his post at the Ministry of Justice.
Lecornu met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace earlier in the evening, according to local media reports. Lecornu proposed “a mix of civil society figures with experience and young parliamentarians” for the second edition of his government.
Lecornu had resigned on Monday, less than a month after his initial appointment and just one day after announcing part of his first cabinet. He was reappointed as prime minister on Friday amid ongoing political tensions.
After the deadly floods and landslides of May 2023, which killed 131 people and displaced more than 51,000, Rwanda began reshaping how it handles climate emergencies.
The 2024 Disaster Risk Hotspots Assessment Report revealed 326 danger zones, with 41 percent categorized as high or very high risk.
These areas put at risk around 31,238 people and more than 70 critical facilities such as schools, roads, and power lines.
The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) is using that data to plan ahead. Through its Relocation and Mitigation Plan, the government intends to move over 6,000 families from the most exposed zones and strengthen slopes that threaten homes and infrastructure.
Districts such as Gakenke, Rubavu, and Nyabihu now rely on daily rainfall alerts from Meteo Rwanda to warn residents early.
This is part of a broader anticipatory action approach, pre-positioning equipment, setting up temporary shelters, and releasing funds before disasters happen. Officials say acting early has already helped avoid heavy losses during recent rain seasons.
Rwanda’s topography divides its climate almost in half. To the west, heavy rainfall and steep terrain make landslides and floods an annual reality.
Data from the Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Risks in Rwanda (2024) show that between 2016 and 2023, landslides killed 449 people and floods 259.
The hardest-hit areas include the highlands of Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Ngororero, where annual rainfall can exceed 1,800 millimetres.
Meanwhile, in the east, drought remains the main threat. Districts such as Nyagatare, Kayonza, Kirehe, and Bugesera receive less than 900 millimetres of rain each year.
Temperatures have already risen by 1.4°C since 1981, and projections show an increase of up to 2.2°C by 2050. In 2023, parts of Eastern Province lost as much as 60 percent of their maize and bean harvests due to delayed rainfall and long dry spells.
Adaptation in the western highlands focuses on keeping the hills stable. Reforestation, terracing, and the construction of drainage systems are underway. Engineers are also using gabion walls and vegetation to hold soil in place and prevent slope failures.
In the east, attention is on managing scarce water. Irrigation schemes under the Land Husbandry, Water Harvesting and Hillside Irrigation (LWH) project are helping small farmers store and use water more efficiently. Boreholes and solar-powered pumps have been added to ensure crops survive during dry seasons.
District disaster plans now match each region’s dominant risk, slope stabilization in the west, and irrigation and water storage in the east. Together, these strategies show a country adapting to both extremes.
Floods in the west disrupt national food supply chains, while drought in the east puts pressure on prices and household incomes. Rwanda’s planners now treat disaster management as a nationwide effort, linking local early-warning systems with national climate policies.
As the Disaster Risk Hotspots Assessment Report concludes, the country’s vulnerability may be geographical, but its resilience depends on coordination. Whether facing floods or drought, Rwanda’s strategy is built on a single principle: anticipate, adapt, and act early.
The recognition took place on October 10, 2025, at Jali Finance’s branch in Sonatube, Kigali, during an event marking Customer Appreciation Week.
The celebration also aimed to honor and motivate riders who uphold their contracts by making timely payments for the motorcycles financed through Jali Finance.
Jali Finance partners with various motorcycle dealerships to enable riders to acquire bikes without collateral. Under the arrangement, riders contribute Frw 35,000 per week as repayment.
To qualify, applicants must hold a valid motorcycle driving license, provide proof of residence, have two guarantors, and be free of any outstanding loans from other financial institutions.
For example, to acquire a motorcycle worth Frw 2 million, a rider is required to make an initial payment of Frw 150,000 or less and continue repaying over a period of two years without providing any collateral.
Beyond financing, Jali Finance also supports motorcyclists in cases of traffic fines, allowing riders to reimburse the amount gradually.
One of the beneficiaries, Vedaste Karangwa, expressed gratitude for the program, saying it helped him rebuild his livelihood after losing his previous motorcycles.
He attributed such opportunities to Rwanda’s visionary leadership under President Paul Kagame, emphasizing how government-driven initiatives continue to empower ordinary citizens.
“Let us thank our Head of State, President Paul Kagame, because we owe all this progress to his leadership,” Karangwa said. “This development is a result of good governance, unity, and peace. I had two motorcycles but lost them under difficult circumstances. When I approached Jali Finance for help, they supported me. I had almost lost hope, but they helped me start again.”
Another rider, Eric Ndagijimana, a father of two, shared that Jali Finance helped him upgrade from a small passenger motorcycle to a larger cargo-carrying one, which significantly improved his income.
With the additional earnings, he has been able to support his family and pay school fees for his child.
Ismaël Gasana, a 24-year-old rider, narrated how his life changed after owning a motorcycle through Jali Finance. Previously, he worked using bikes owned by others, which made it difficult to save or plan for the future, as the owners could take the motorcycles back at any time.
“I used to ride other people’s motorcycles, and it was always unstable. They could repossess them any day,” he said. “But now I have my own motorcycle, and I no longer worry. I can work freely and plan ahead.”
Jali Finance Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer, Félix Nkundimana, said the company dedicated this customer week to appreciating riders who honor their commitments and repay responsibly.
He noted that the recognition reflects the institution’s respect for integrity and professionalism among riders, many of whom demonstrate discipline on the road and a genuine desire for progress.
According to a book dubbed ‘The History of Rwanda’ co-authored by Paul Rutayisire and Deo Byanafashe, the roots of the conflict in Rwanda stretch back to September 24, 1914, when German forces, led by Captain Wintgens, attacked Ijwi Island and began consolidating their control over the strategic areas surrounding Lake Kivu.
At this time, Rwanda, under German colonial rule since 1897, was already experiencing the strain of European dominance. With a population of fewer than 50,000 German soldiers across the whole of East Africa, including Rwanda, the Germans faced a daunting challenge to maintain control.
Although Germany lacked the military numbers to secure long-term dominance, their disciplined forces had managed to hold Rwanda, employing guerilla tactics to repel Belgian and British forces.
Rwanda’s central location was critical for the Germans, especially in terms of access to vital trade routes and strategic areas around Lake Kivu. However, Belgium had its own plans for the region. As the Belgians eyed the German-occupied territories in East Africa, the country sought to use Rwanda as a stepping stone for further colonial expansion.
Belgium, having already seized German-controlled Burundi, began advancing toward Rwanda in 1915. Despite the Germans’ smaller numbers, their soldiers and local allies fought fiercely to defend their hold over the country.
King Musinga, although caught in a difficult position, supported the German forces, supplying warriors and essential resources to resist the Belgian advances.
The conflict escalated in 1916 when Belgian forces launched a decisive offensive on Rwanda. On April 28, 1916, Colonel Molitor of the Belgian military led his troops to capture key strategic locations, including Gatsibo, which marked the beginning of their march towards Kigali.
The Belgians, now bolstered by British forces from Uganda, quickly closed in on the German-held capital. German forces, realizing they could no longer defend Kigali, began their retreat.
By May 5, 1916, the last German soldiers left Kigali, making their way towards the neighboring regions of Save and Burundi. The Belgian troops, after a fierce but brief skirmish, entered Kigali on May 9, 1916, taking full control of the city and marking the end of German rule in Rwanda.
The German withdrawal was driven by the fear of being completely surrounded by advancing Belgian and British forces.
German Captain Wintgens, the commander in charge of the retreat, also led his troops through the rugged terrain of Rwanda’s hills towards Nyundo and beyond, seeking refuge in the neighboring forests and eventually making their way out of the region.
This retreat signified the final collapse of German authority in Rwanda and the beginning of Belgium’s colonial rule.
Under the Belgian mandate, Rwanda was governed more directly than under the Germans, and the local population would soon feel the effects of this shift. The Belgians established a more rigid political and social order, imposing taxes and forcing labor to support their colonial economy.
King Musinga, though initially hopeful that his relations with the Germans could be rebuilt, found himself under the scrutiny of the new Belgian colonial authorities.
Belgium’s takeover introduced policies that would permanently alter the governance structure of Rwanda. Unlike the Germans, who had worked through local leaders, the Belgians dismantled Rwanda’s traditional power structures, replacing them with direct colonial control.
The consequences of this change were not immediately felt, but the seeds of resistance were sown. The exploitation of Rwanda’s resources, particularly forced labor and the imposition of taxes, led to tensions between the Rwandan people and their new rulers.
King Musinga, who had tried to maintain a delicate balance during German rule, now found himself caught between appeasing the Belgians and retaining some semblance of power for his people.
Rwanda gained its independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. This followed the dissolution of the monarchy and the abolition of the Kingdom of Rwanda in 1961.
However, Belgium’s approach to governance in Rwanda, had sparked ethnic divisionism that culminated to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi halted by the Rwanda Patriotic Army.
Scheduled for November 8, 2025, at Zaria Court, Kigali Sports City, the highly anticipated event is set to become a defining moment for African boxing, bringing together some of the continent’s top fighters under one roof.
Sanctioned by the Rwanda Boxing Federation, this premier continental showdown will feature elite boxers from Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Gabon, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), uniting regional talent and showcasing the depth of African boxing prowess.
The night will feature six professional bouts and five amateur fights, shining a spotlight on both established athletes and emerging stars from Rwanda.
The fight card includes exciting matchups such as Jerry (DRC) vs Ally (Tanzania), Hans (Gabon) vs Joseph (Tanzania), David (Nigeria) vs Aziz (Tanzania), Precious (Nigeria) vs Flora (Tanzania), Daniella (DRC) vs Mukami (Kenya), and Frank (Rwanda) vs Nelson (Gabon).
Each bout highlights the growing strength of African boxing, from rising stars within Rwanda to seasoned fighters representing powerhouse boxing nations.
Fans can now secure their seats for this historic night as tickets are officially available through ticqet.rw.
Multiple categories have been introduced to make the event accessible to everyone, from general admission to exclusive VIP experiences. The first wave of early bird tickets offers the following tiers: Bronze (RWF 10,000), Silver (RWF 12,000), Platinum VIP (RWF 60,000), and Diamond VVIP (RWF 100,000).
The VVIP package includes ringside seats and access to the VIP lounge, while VIP seating is positioned in rows 2–4 just behind the ringside area, also with lounge access. Platinum seating offers premium floor placement, while Bronze tickets cover bleacher seating.
The event, organized by Silverback Sports, Hammerton Barca, and Rwanda Events Group, will officially start at 6 PM on November 8. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to experience the energy, passion, and unity that this continental sporting showcase promises to deliver.
For further information, inquiries can be directed to contact@silverbacksports.net or by phone at +250 787 048 410.
{{About Silverback Sports Limited }}
Silverback Sports Limited is a Rwandan sports promotion and management company dedicated to elevating African athletes to the global stage.
Focused on innovation, sports, and community, Silverback Sports delivers world-class boxing events that inspire both athletes and fans.
{{About the Rwanda Boxing Federation }}
The Rwanda Boxing Federation is the governing body of boxing in Rwanda, committed to developing the sport, supporting athletes, and showcasing Rwanda as a competitive hub for international boxing.
The project was unveiled on October 10, 2025, at the construction site of the new modern estate in Kacyiru Sector, Gasabo District. It will comprise 59 housing units designed to blend comfort, style, and sustainability.
Each of the Jasmine Hills homes will feature a living room, kitchen, dining area, and four spacious bedrooms, each equipped with a private bathroom, toilet, and balcony.
The estate will include three types of housing designs, ranging from two-story homes with private gardens and parking spaces to those with additional basements for extra space. The most exclusive units will be standalone villas enclosed within fenced compounds, complete with gardens and parking for two cars.
Beyond private residences, the estate will offer shared facilities that reflect a modern lifestyle, including a swimming pool, a children’s playground, landscaped gardens, and a fully equipped gym.
According to Bharat Parmar, Chief Executive Officer of Reportage Properties Rwanda, Jasmine Hills will stand out not only for its architecture but also for its natural setting.
The estate is located next to the Rugenge-Rwintare wetland, which is currently being rehabilitated into a green recreational area.
“We bought this land without knowing there was a project to rehabilitate the wetland,” Parmar said. “When we learned about it, we were thrilled. Our houses will now overlook a beautiful green area, it will be a wonderful view for residents.”
Parmar praised Rwanda’s favorable business climate, highlighting that the company’s smooth operations are a result of the country’s strong governance and investment-friendly policies.
“We plan to stay in Rwanda and embark on even bigger projects,” he said. “The support we’ve received from the government, the Rwanda Development Board, the City of Kigali, and citizens has been remarkable. Even though buying unfinished houses is not common here, Rwandans have trusted us and invested in our developments.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Alkesh Kumar Rajput, Chief Executive Officer of Reportage Properties East Africa, described Rwanda as one of the easiest and most efficient countries to do business in.
“For me and other leaders, we call this place the Dubai of Africa,” Rajput remarked. “It’s a beautiful country with strong security, good governance, and excellent organization. Everything functions smoothly, just like in Dubai. It was very easy for us to establish our operations here.”
Reportage Properties Rwanda has introduced a flexible payment plan, offering a 10 percent discount on the purchase price.
Buyers can secure a home by paying 10 percent upfront, followed by one percent of the total cost each month until construction is completed, with the remaining balance paid upon handover.
Prices range from $294,000 to $441,000 depending on the house type and location, and buyers have the freedom to select their preferred finishing materials and interior fittings.
Jasmine Hills is expected to be completed within two and a half years. The project represents Reportage Properties’ second major investment in Rwanda, following Indabyo Heights, a residential development currently under construction in Nyarutarama.
Founded in 2014, Reportage Properties operates across several countries, including the United Arab Emirates and the United States, and continues to expand its footprint across Africa.
Rwanda was also recognized for excellence at the trade show, where the country received a certificate and medal of recognition for quality and innovation from PTAK Warsaw Expo.
Represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country was accorded an exclusive space during the official opening ceremony to showcase captivating visuals that highlighted Rwanda’s diverse tourism attractions.
The fair running from October 10 to 12, was inaugurated by Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka representing Rwanda to the country was among the keynote speakers during the opening session.
In his remarks, Amb. Shyaka commended the strong and growing relations between Rwanda and Poland, and expressed gratitude to the organizers of the fair for naming Rwanda the principal partner in its first-ever participation at TT Warsaw 2025.
He also spoke about the Visit Rwanda brand, noting that it represents Rwanda’s uniqueness and positions the country as an exceptional destination for visitors from around the world.
The Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports expressed appreciation to Rwanda for partnering in this year’s event and commended the country’s remarkable preparations to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.
Speaking to IGIHE, Ambassador Shyaka praised RDB and commended all stakeholders in the tourism sector, including the eight Rwandan companies participating in the fair.
“It is a privilege for us to be here together. These companies will help us showcase the beauty of Rwanda’s tourism over the three days of this event,” he said.
The ceremony also featured a performance by Icyeza traditional dance troupe, whose young men and women entertained the audience with energetic dances and celebrations that captivated the crowd.
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AU-EOM), deployed at the invitation of the Government of Cameroon, arrived in the country on October 7 and will remain until October 16, 2025.
According to a statement from the African Union Commission (AUC), the mission’s objective is to observe the final days of the campaign period, polling day operations, and the counting process to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the electoral exercise.
The mission, led by Makuza, comprises 40 short-term observers drawn from 29 African countries, representing a broad cross-section of the continent’s political, diplomatic, and civil society institutions.
Members include parliamentarians from the Pan-African Parliament, African ambassadors accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa, officials from Election Management Bodies (EMBs), representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and scholars.
The observers hail from countries including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The mission is expected to issue its Preliminary Statement on October 14, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, summarizing its initial findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic governance, transparency, and the rule of law in electoral processes across the continent.
Cameroon’s presidential elections are scheduled for October 12, 2025, with Paul Biya, who has been in power for over 43 years, among the top contenders expected to win.
The 92-year-old leader confirmed that he will run again, representing his party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC).
Although some citizens are calling for change, many still believe Biya stands a strong chance of securing another term.
On the opposition side, Cabral Libii, the leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), is emerging as one of the most promising candidates with significant support. Libii, a young reformist politician focused on tackling youth unemployment and poverty, finished third in the 2018 elections.
Another notable contender is Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), a well-known opposition party active since the early 1990s.
Other candidates in the race include Serge Espoir Matomba (PURS), Hermine Patricia Ndam Njoya (UDC), and Akere Muna, a lawyer and governance expert, all of whom are campaigning on promises of renewal and political change in Cameroon.
The Elysee Palace said in the statement that Lecornu has been tasked with forming a new government.
Following his reappointment, Lecornu said on social media that the political crisis, which has stirred public anger and damaged France’s image and interests, “must come to an end.” He pledged to “do everything possible to ensure France has a budget by the end of the year.”
Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by Macron and just one day after unveiling part of his cabinet lineup, saying that the conditions “were no longer in place” for him to remain in office.
The movement of civilians came shortly after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas entered into effect at noon local time, ending two years of conflict that left tens of thousands of people killed and caused widespread destruction across the enclave.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said its forces had redeployed along new lines in accordance with the terms of the agreement and the framework for the return of captives.
It added troops under the Southern Command would continue to monitor the situation and respond to any immediate threats to Israel’s security.
In a message to Gaza’s residents, army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israeli troops would remain deployed in specific areas inside the Gaza Strip and warned civilians against approaching military sites “until further notice.”
He cautioned civilians to avoid Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and al-Shuja’iyya in the north, as well as Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor in the south, describing them as high-risk areas.
Adraee also urged residents to stay away from the sea and border areas, advising against fishing or swimming during the coming days.
Local security sources and eyewitnesses reported that shelling and gunfire stopped completely across the Gaza Strip as the ceasefire took effect. A cautious calm prevailed over Gaza City, the central region, Khan Younis, and Rafah for the first time in months.
Thousands of displaced Palestinians were seen walking or driving north along the coastal Rashid Road, which reopened to traffic following the withdrawal of Israeli military vehicles from the area. Heavy movement was also reported along Salah al-Din Road as more families began to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
“We are going back despite the destruction; what matters most is that the war has stopped and our children are safe,” Mohammed al-Louh, a displaced resident from Gaza City, told Xinhua.
He described the moment as “the beginning of life’s return after two years of hardship.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israeli forces will remain in the Gaza Strip to maintain pressure on Hamas until the group disarms and the enclave is demilitarized.
In a televised address, Netanyahu said the Israeli military “remains deep inside the strip and holds all the positions that control it.”
“In this way, we are encircling Hamas from every direction ahead of the next stages of the plan, in which Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized,” he said. “If this is achieved the easy way — that will be good. If not, it will be achieved the hard way.”
He said that 20 living hostages and 28 bodies would be released in the coming days.
The implementation of the ceasefire follows days of intensive negotiations in Egypt, as part of broader understandings that include a prisoner exchange and arrangement to reopen border crossings and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
Under the agreement, the Israeli army would halt fighting and partially withdraw from the Gaza Strip, while Hamas would release all remaining detainees in exchange for Israel freeing more than 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
Two years of Israeli strikes have left Gaza in ruins, caused famine, and killed more than 67,000 people, according to the Gaza health authorities.
