Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The Senate voted on the same two bills that it failed to pass Tuesday night — one from Democrats and the other from Republicans.

Healthcare benefits remain a key sticking point in the latest negotiations, with Democrats advocating stronger healthcare funding, while Republicans accuse them of seeking to provide free healthcare to undocumented immigrants.

“Now, Senate Democrats are shutting down the government and holding the economy hostage because they want to reinstate those benefits for illegal aliens,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in a Fox News interview on Wednesday.

“Republicans shut down the government because they can’t be bothered to protect health care for Americans across this country,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday on X.

Schumer said Tuesday on social media that Republicans were lying about Democrats’ stance. “This is a lie. Not a single federal dollar goes to providing health insurance for undocumented immigrants. NOT. ONE. PENNY.”

The Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol are among the landmarks closed due to the government shutdown. The Smithsonian Institution said that it will use money from the last fiscal year’s budget to keep its museums, research centers and the National Zoo open at least through Oct. 6.

Most national parks will keep outdoor areas open, but staffed facilities, such as visitor centers, will be closed.

Federal employees who are considered essential must still report to work, although they will not be paid until the government reopens. Hundreds of thousands of others will be placed on unpaid leave. Some public services will be suspended or delayed, and the release of economic data will also be affected.

“Shutdowns don’t save money, they waste money,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement.

“Under shutdowns, we pay federal workers not to work and rent buildings that aren’t being used, all while requiring costly shutdown planning, inefficient allocation of government resources, and a reduction in the services available to the American people. We should avoid a shutdown and keep the government funded,” she said.

The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday during an annual church celebration in the town of Arerti, North Shewa Zone, when a makeshift wooden scaffolding used for finishing work on a church gave way, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation quoted district police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu as saying.

Police said the death toll could rise further as more than 200 people sustained serious and minor injuries. The injured are receiving medical treatment at nearby health facilities.

The collapse caused significant damage, trapping many worshippers beneath the debris and complicating rescue efforts, it was noted, adding that emergency operations are continuing to free those still trapped.

The delegation, led by Col Elias Zulu, is in Rwanda for a study tour from 28 September to 4 October 2025. The visit aims to get insight into Rwanda’s transformation journey and its critical role in promoting peace and security in the region and beyond.

The Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, briefed the delegation on the RDF’s transformation and its contribution to continental security.

In his remarks, Gen Mubarakh expressed appreciation to the Zambia Defence Forces and the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College for selecting Rwanda as a destination for this important phase of professional military education.

He stated that the visit reflects the strong and enduring bonds of friendship and military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of capacity building.

“Rwanda today stands as a nation transformed,” said Gen Mubarakh. “31 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, we have moved from being a recipient of international peacekeeping support to a contributor to peace and security across the continent and beyond. Rwanda is now a peaceful, stable, and forward-looking country committed to long-term socio-economic development, despite complex regional security challenges.”

Col Elias Zulu, Head of delegation, expressed gratitude to the RDF for facilitating the visit. He noted that the delegation gained a deeper understanding of RDF’s contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, which aligns with the objectives of their study tour.

He highlighted the profound impact of visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where the delegation gained valuable insights into Rwanda’s history, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the country’s remarkable journey of recovery and resilience.

As part of the tour, the delegation also visited the Campaign against Genocide Museum and will continue their programme with visits to various government institutions and defence agencies.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be forced to take unpaid leave, with some public services potentially suspended or delayed, and the release of economic data possibly impacted as well.

The shutdown commenced hours after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill that would have temporarily kept the government running. The continuing resolution proposed by Senate Republicans was blocked by Democrats, falling short of the 60 votes required for passage.

In the latest negotiations, healthcare benefits have been one of the core sticking points between the two parties. Democrats are demanding stronger healthcare-related benefits, including an extension of the enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act set to expire at the end of the year, as well as restoring the act’s coverage eligibility for certain immigrants who are legally present, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Republicans, on the other hand, opposed these measures and have been pushing to temporarily maintain current government funding levels to allow more time for negotiations.

Republicans and Democrats continued to trade blame recently, accusing each other of forcing the government into a “shutdown.”

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday afternoon that Democrats want to shut down the government, claiming that their insistence on providing free healthcare to undocumented immigrants has caused the negotiations to stall.

“The Democrats want to shut it down. So when you shut it down, you have to do layoffs. So we’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And they’re going to be Democrats,” Trump said.

While top Democrats in the House and the Senate blamed Trump and Republicans for the shutdown early Wednesday morning, they also voiced Democrats’ readiness to make a deal to reopen the federal government.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement on Wednesday that Democrats “remain ready to find a bipartisan path forward to reopen the government in a way that lowers costs and addresses the Republican healthcare crisis.”

With the shutdown now in effect, federal employees deemed “excepted” — those who work to protect life and property, such as FBI investigators and air traffic controllers — have to stay on their jobs without pay. They will not receive their wages until Congress passes a funding bill and ends the government shutdown.

On the other hand, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be forced into unpaid leave. The Congressional Budget Office estimated earlier that roughly 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day of a shutdown, with the total daily cost of their compensation at roughly 400 million U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, the shutdown will impact some public services. The Brookings Institution recently reported that a government shutdown can be disruptive, leading to delays in processing applications for passports, small business loans, or government benefits; shuttered visitor centers and bathrooms at national parks; fewer food-safety inspections; and other various inconveniences.

“Shutdowns don’t save money, they waste money,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement.

“Under shutdowns, we pay federal workers not to work and rent buildings that aren’t being used, all while requiring costly shutdown planning, inefficient allocation of government resources, and a reduction in the services available to the American people. We should avoid a shutdown and keep the government funded,” MacGuineas said.

Announcing the verdict in Kinshasa, Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, who presided over the military tribunal, said Kabila was found guilty of treason, crimes against humanity, premeditated murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection.

Kabila, who led the DRC for nearly two decades, has lived mostly in Southern Africa since late 2023, although he appeared earlier this year in Goma — one of the cities recently captured by the M23 rebel group fighting against government coalition forces.

The trial began on July 25, 2025, without Kabila’s presence. Prosecutors accused him of treason, leading an unauthorized armed group, rape, and torture, arguing that these acts were committed in his alleged role as a leader of the AFC/M23.

While prosecutors demanded the death penalty, government lawyers also requested that Kabila’s assets be seized and that he be fined USD 24 billion.

Kabila publicly dismissed the proceedings on September 2, describing the trial as politically motivated and intended to deflect attention from the government’s alleged mismanagement and corruption.

A ruling on those requests was initially expected on September 12 but was postponed to September 30.

The race took place from September 21 to 28, marking the first time in its 125-year history that the competition was held on the African continent.

Rwandans embraced the event with warmth, lining the streets alongside international fans all week. Flags waved, drums echoed, and chants rolled through Kigali’s avenues.

Reflecting after the race, UCI President David Lappartient said his strongest memory was the passion and enthusiasm that defined the event — exhausted but joyful riders, dedicated organizers, and spirited spectators all contributing to what he described as an atmosphere of “happiness.”

He stressed that all the key elements for success came together — local expertise, political will, stability, and a well-established cycling culture — and highlighted the decisive support of President Paul Kagame in making the event possible.

Beyond the races themselves, Lappartient emphasized the international reach of the championships, which put Rwanda in the global spotlight.

A record 132 nations took part in the UCI Congress, 108 competed in the race, and television broadcasts reached audiences in 130 countries, placing Rwanda “at the center of the world” during the event.

Many visitors also took the opportunity to explore national parks and the country’s scenery, combining tourism with the sporting experience.

Responding to early doubts from some quarters, the UCI president underlined the organization’s political neutrality and expressed regret over attempts to politicize the event.

He noted that several delegations who were initially hesitant eventually came to Kigali and left with a positive impression after witnessing the smooth organization.

“The purpose of sport,” he said, “is also to unite and bring people together,” a mission he believes was fully achieved in Kigali.

Looking ahead, Lappartient confirmed that major events are on the horizon, including the 2027 combined World Championships in Haute-Savoie, France, which will bring together around twenty cycling disciplines at once.

Lappartient also hailed Rwanda’s modern infrastructure, and said he leaves Kigali with “unforgettable memories,” convinced the event will mark a historic chapter for cycling and its athletes.

karirima@igihe.com

The initiative was announced recently by the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council (IHPC), Office of Development Affairs, and the Presidential Court.

The programme is designed to deliver strategic masterclasses to reimagine aid through smarter tools, stronger collaboration and future-ready leadership.

Built on four foundational pillars – education, capacity building, experience sharing, and strategic networking – it aims to sharpen leadership in a volatile aid and development landscape. It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to a future-ready foreign aid model by focusing on leadership development, ecosystem strengthening, innovation and knowledge, and collaboration.

It will equip leaders in the humanitarian sector to reimagine how aid is delivered through innovation, technology and strategic partnerships.

The initiative integrates diplomacy, development and data to address modern crises with holistic solutions. It is based on the premise that the UAE has a unique opportunity to redefine the future of aid and development regionally and globally at a time of shifting global priorities and reduced budgets from major donors.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of the Office of Development Affairs, said the programme reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to advancing global cooperation in aid and development. He noted, “It highlights the UAE’s willingness to learn from external expertise, networks and resources, underscoring its unique position in the global ecosystem as a unifying force working to bridge divides and achieve shared goals.”

He added that in a world that is increasingly reactive, the need is for proactiveness, innovation and leadership. “The future of aid depends on anticipation and agility, and the UAE stands ready to deliver both through strategic initiatives such as the Aid Foresight Programme. Developing and promoting adaptive leadership in the aid and development space is crucial. Adoption of cutting-edge features including the use of digital tools to enhance delivery, tracking and coordination is important.”

The five-day programme covers a wide range of topics, including innovation and leadership, innovation in government, data and analytics in development and humanitarian aid, developments in Africa, East Asia and Latin America, partnerships and resources, climate and health diplomacy, innovative financing, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on aid.

On October 18, 2025, Kigali’s BK Arena will host the PFL Africa League semi-finals, where some of the continent’s top fighters will compete for a place in the grand finals scheduled for December.

In a video shared on the league’s social media platforms, Francis Ngannou, who serves as Chairman of PFL Africa, confirmed he will be present in Rwanda.

“I am calling all of you to join us in Kigali at BK Arena on October 18, where Africa’s MMA [Mixed Martial Arts] takes center stage,” Ngannou said. “Come witness greatness, watch our warriors rise, and be part of history. Don’t miss it — be there with us.”

A total of 22 fighters will face off across different divisions, including Heavyweight, Bantamweight, Welterweight, and Featherweight.

This marks the first time for Rwanda to host a continental-level mixed martial arts event. Among the featured bouts, James Opio will represent Rwanda, facing Isaac Omeda from Uganda.

The event, being held in Africa for the first time, is organized by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) through the Professional Fighters League Africa.