Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

This capacity forms part of Rwanda’s broad overview of petroleum products storage figures, reflecting the nation’s current capability to store fuel and associated products.

In total, Rwanda maintains storage facilities able to accommodate up to 118 million litres of petroleum products, encompassing both government-owned and privately owned reserves.

Government-owned petrol storage facilities in Gatsata hold a capacity of 7.2 million litres, while privately owned petrol tanks in Kabuye, in the City of Kigali, can accommodate up to 3.1 million litres.

In Rwabuye, Huye District, government-owned petrol storage facilities offer a capacity of 1.9 million litres, whereas those in Bigogwe, Nyabihu District, provide government tanks capable of storing 3 million litres of petrol.

Privately owned petrol storage tanks in Jabana, within the City of Kigali, have a capacity of 10 million litres, complemented by additional government-owned tanks in Rusororo that can hold up to 20 million litres.
Overall, Rwanda’s petrol storage facilities boast a combined capacity of 45.2 million litres.

For diesel, storage facilities in Gatsata accommodate 6.7 million litres, while privately owned tanks in Kabuye hold a capacity of 2.7 million litres.

Government-owned diesel tanks in Rwabuye can store 1.9 million litres, and those in Bigogwe have a capacity of 2 million litres. Privately owned diesel tanks in Jabana can accommodate up to 10 million litres.

Furthermore, the government operates diesel storage tanks in Rusororo with a capacity of 36 million litres. In total, Rwanda’s diesel storage capacity reaches 59.3 million litres.

The country also maintains government-owned kerosene storage tanks in Gatsata with a capacity of 1.5 million litres.

With respect to aviation fuel, Rwanda features government-owned storage tanks in Rusororo capable of holding 10 million litres, along with additional tanks in Kanombe offering a capacity of 2 million litres, resulting in a total aviation fuel storage capacity of 12 million litres.

By location, Gatsata hosts petroleum product storage facilities with a combined capacity of 15.4 million litres; Kabuye has 5.8 million litres; Rwabuye, 3.8 million litres; and Bigogwe, 5 million litres. Jabana provides a storage capacity of 20 million litres, Rusororo 66 million litres, and Kanombe 2 million litres. Collectively, these facilities can store up to 118 million litres of petroleum products.

In March 2025, Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi stated that Rwanda’s petroleum reserve storage capacity exceeded 110 million litres, with plans to expand it to 320 million litres within the next two years.

She noted that in 2017, Rwanda consumed approximately 600,000 litres of petroleum products daily, when existing storage facilities had a capacity of 111 million litres, sufficient for six months.

However, owing to rising vehicle numbers and industrial growth, Rwanda now consumes at least two million litres of petroleum products per day.

Consequently, current reserves suffice for no more than two months.
She cautioned that this could present challenges in the event of disruptions to regional fuel supply routes, prompting government plans to increase the nation’s petroleum storage capacity.

Rwanda primarily imports petroleum products from Arab countries, routed through East Africa. The majority arrives via Tanzania, with a smaller share sourced through Kenya.

The incident took place on January 4, 2026, at around 5:30 p.m. local time, in Jarama Sector near the Akagera wetland, close to the Burundi border.

The victims include farmers returning from their daily activities who had sought shelter from the rain in a building used by port guards along the Akagera River.

The lightning struck the shelter, killing nine people instantly. Six others were injured and experienced trauma.

Eastern Province Governor Prudence Rubingisa told the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency that this marked the first recorded incident of its kind in the area.

“This is the first time such an incident has happened here. We have requested experts to investigate potential causes, as the strike appeared unusually intense,” he said.

Rubingisa confirmed that local authorities swiftly initiated emergency response efforts.

“Of the 15 people affected, nine died at the scene, six were injured and others suffered psychological trauma. Local leaders have already launched support operations,” he added.

The bodies of the deceased were transferred to the mortuary at Kibungo Hospital, with burial arrangements being coordinated between Ngoma District authorities and the victims’ families. The injured are receiving treatment.

Rwanda is among the countries affected by natural disasters. In 2023, disasters claimed at over 130 lives and destroyed more than 1,800 houses.

A 2024 disaster risk assessment report indicated that Rwanda has at least 326 locations that are vulnerable to natural hazards. Of these, 134 areas were identified as being at high risk.

Findings from the 2024 national climate change risk and vulnerability analysis further show that landslides and lightning strikes are among the deadliest natural disasters in the country.

Between 2016 and 2023, landslides killed 449 people, while lightning strikes claimed 379 lives over the same period.

The conflict intensified in January 2025, as AFC/M23 fighters advanced from the mountainous areas surrounding the city of Sake in Masisi Territory. By mid-January, they captured the city and successfully blocked key supply routes used by the DRC army for transporting weapons.

On January 20, Burundian troops were stationed in Minova, in the Kalehe Territory, tasked with preventing the AFC/M23 coalition from entering Goma. However, by January 21, AFC/M23 had already withdrawn from the area, setting their sights on Goma, which soon became the focal point of their offensive.

In response, the DRC army launched a series of heavy counterattacks in an attempt to push AFC/M23 fighters out of Sake and back into the Masisi region, specifically targeting the Mushaki area. However, AFC/M23 fighters held their ground and managed to push DRC forces towards the outskirts of Goma.

Tragically, during the fighting on January 24, General Maj Peter Cirimwami, the Governor of North Kivu, was killed in Kasangezi while visiting DRC troops engaged in the battle. He succumbed to his injuries while being transferred to Kinshasa for medical treatment.

Despite the setback, AFC/M23 fighters showed no signs of slowing down. The group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, issued a call for DRC forces to vacate Goma, warning that their arrival in the city was imminent, a warning that many initially dismissed as a joke.

On the morning of January 27, a fierce battle broke out in Goma, with the airport becoming a key battleground. By the end of the day, AFC/M23 had taken control of all major locations within the city. In their wake, DRC forces and local militias left behind a considerable amount of heavy weaponry, including Sukhoi-25 fighter jets.

Many DRC forces, alongside Burundian troops, local militias, and the FDLR, retreated to the southern Kivu region, attempting to halt AFC/M23’s advance. Key infrastructure, including the Kavumu airport, which was used by the DRC to launch airstrikes on areas like Minova, became a target for AFC/M23.

On February 14, Kanyuka declared that AFC/M23 had successfully captured the town of Kavumu and its airport, which had been a significant source of conflict for both civilians and the coalition’s military positions.

“We have neutralized the threat at its source,” Kanyuka explained, emphasizing that the control of Kavumu and its surrounding areas was firmly in their hands.

With the capture of Kavumu, AFC/M23 extended their reach towards Bukavu, a journey of approximately 25 kilometers, which they completed on February 16.
Upon entering Bukavu, AFC/M23 fighters found that DRC forces had retreated to Uvira and Kalemie in Tanganyika Province. Meanwhile, Burundian forces, local militias, and the FDLR remained in close proximity, keeping an eye on the developments.

The security situation in Bukavu remained unstable, with some Wazalendo fighters still present in the Kamanyola center. In response, AFC/M23 launched an operation to remove these fighters from the center and the surrounding border areas, pushing them towards Uvira.

The conflict spread further into North Kivu, particularly in Walikale Territory. On March 19, AFC/M23 captured the city of Walikale and the small Kigoma airport, although they eventually withdrew in early April.

AFC/M23’s decision to leave Walikale was part of an effort to build trust in peace negotiations, which had been facilitated by Qatar since March. Qatar had also called for the release of 700 individuals accused of collaborating with the group.

The peace talks, held in Doha, Qatar, helped to de-escalate the violence in eastern DRC, although occasional flare-ups occurred due to provocations by Wazalendo militias. When necessary, AFC/M23 responded with force to assert their control.

On June 29, 2025, AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa announced that the coalition now controlled over 34,000 square kilometers of territory, home to more than 11 million people. This area exceeded the size of Rwanda, which has a land area of 26,300 square kilometers and a population of just over 14 million.

Nangaa explained, “Today, AFC/M23 controls over 34,000 square kilometers of land, home to 11 million people. In just five months, our forces have restored security, established stability, and instilled a sense of hope among the local populations.”

In November, heavy fighting erupted in Walungu Territory, where AFC/M23 captured the city of Nzibira on November 21. Later that month, the coalition also seized the Kamanyola center in Walungu, South Kivu, and the Buhimba center in Walikale after defeating the DRC army and local militias.

The situation took a dramatic turn shortly before Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace and economic cooperation agreement on December 4, 2025. Two days before the agreement, the Kamanyola center was shelled, and intense fighting erupted.

In the ongoing conflict in the Rusizi/Ruzizi Valley, AFC/M23 captured several strategic locations, including Katogota, Kaziba, Luberizi, Runingu, Sange, Luvungi, Kiliba, and the city of Uvira. However, at the request of international mediators, including the United States, AFC/M23 later withdrew from Uvira, marking the conclusion of the year’s major military engagements.

In separate statements, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of the Treasury said a Venezuelan company targeted by the sanctions had been involved in the sale of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian-designed combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Other sanctioned entities and individuals were accused of supporting procurement networks linked to Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs, said the statements.

“The entities and individuals designated today demonstrate Iran is actively proliferating its combat UAVs and continues to procure missile-related items in violation of UN restrictions,” State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

He added that the Trump administration will take action to curb Iran’s ballistic missile program, block its development of other conventional and asymmetric weapons, and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran’s military-industrial complex access to the U.S. financial system,” said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley.

The U.S. Treasury Department also said that Iran’s UAV and missile programs threaten U.S. and allied personnel in the Middle East and disrupt commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The sanctions came one day after U.S. President Donald Trump, when meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, warned that the United States would support renewed strikes if Iran tries to rebuild its ballistic missile program.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday warned on X that his country would respond harshly to any act of aggression.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s response to any cruel aggression would be harsh and regret-inducing,” Pezeshkian said.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated after a series of strikes in June. On June 13, Israel launched airstrikes on several locations in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. On June 22, U.S. forces bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.

Relations between the United States and Venezuela have also remained strained, with Caracas repeatedly accusing Washington of pursuing regime change and expanding its military presence in the region under what the United States calls an anti-narco-terrorism campaign.

Nteziryayo’s appointment was announced on December 24. She takes over from Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, whose six-year tenure was marked by significant institutional growth, improved financial performance, and an expanded role in mobilizing both domestic and external capital to support Rwanda’s national development priorities.

During the past six years, data show that BRD’s total assets grew from Frw 157 billion to over Frw 1.02 trillion, while the loan portfolio increased from Frw 167 billion to Frw 710 billion.

Annual profitability turned around from a loss to a profit of Frw 22.8 billion, reflecting improved financial sustainability. The bank also achieved a fourfold leverage effect, mobilising three additional francs from external sources for every franc invested by the government.

Over the same period, BRD’s investments contributed to a wide range of national priorities. Notable achievements included connecting over 500,000 households to electricity, raising export volumes from 80 metric tonnes to 8,566 metric tonnes, and issuing Rwanda’s first sustainability-linked bond, which raised Frw 63.5 billion for impact-driven projects.

In education, the digitalisation of the Government student bursary scheme enabled faster disbursements and expanded support for post-graduation bursary reimbursements.

Nteziryayo brings over a decade of experience in macroeconomic policy, debt management, fiscal strategy, and sustainable finance.

She previously served as Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, where she played a central role in shaping Rwanda’s medium-term economic framework, coordinating sovereign financing, and enhancing fiscal sustainability.

BRD, established in 1967, continues to play a key role in providing long-term, tailored financing to sectors critical for Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, aligned with Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation.

By the end of the year, President Kagame had made official visits to 17 countries across four continents, including nine in Africa and five in Asia.

The year’s international engagements commenced on January 7, 2025, with a visit to Accra, Ghana, where he attended the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

On January 13, President Kagame participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a key conference focused on enhancing global cooperation to address climate change. Shortly after, on January 22, he and First Lady Jeannette Kagame embarked on a working visit to Turkey.

In February, President Kagame attended an extraordinary summit of heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8. On February 12, he traveled to Doha, Qatar, for further engagements.

On February 14, the President participated in the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Then, on May 5, 2025, he attended the inauguration of Gabon’s new president, Oligui Nguema.

President Kagame continued his diplomatic engagements on May 7, visiting Paris where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. On May 12, he attended the Africa CEO Forum in Côte d’Ivoire.

Later on May 27, President Kagame traveled to Kazakhstan to participate in the Astana International Forum, where he also held discussions with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

In June, President Kagame visited Algeria at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. On August 31, he attended the African Food Security (AFS) Summit in Senegal, hosted by President Diomaye Faye.

President Kagame’s travels continued in September with a three-day visit to Azerbaijan on the 19th. On September 23, he was in Egypt, where his visit culminated in the signing of several bilateral agreements, including one on land exchange.

On October 9, the President attended the EU-Africa Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium. Later that month, on October 27, he participated in the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

On November 3 , President Kagame returned to Doha to attend the World Summit for Social Development. He later visited Guinea-Conakry on November 11, for a two-day working visit.

The final international trip of the year took place on December 2, when President Kagame arrived in Washington D.C. to attend a signing ceremony for Peace Accords between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This marked the conclusion of his official travels abroad for 2025.

The decision was taken in line with the principle of reciprocity, according to a statement signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean Marie Traore.

The United States announced on Dec. 16 that it would fully suspend the entry of Burkina Faso nationals starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The statement reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality of states and reciprocity in international relations.

Burkina Faso also remains open to cooperation with all partners, provided that such cooperation is based on respect for reciprocal interests, the statement emphasized.

Provisional results indicated that Doumbouya secured 86.72 percent of the first-round votes, winning by a wide margin over the other eight candidates.

Abdoulaye Yero Balde, leader of the Democratic Front of Guinea, came a distant second with 6.59 percent of the votes.

According to the electoral authority, about 6.8 million voters were registered for the poll, with a turnout of 80.95 percent. No major security incidents were reported during the election. Political actors, electoral authorities, as well as domestic and international observers generally agreed that the voting process was calm and orderly.

Earlier on Tuesday, four candidates acknowledged their defeat and congratulated Doumbouya on his victory. The Supreme Court is expected to validate and proclaim the final results in the coming days.

This is the first presidential election in Guinea since a military coup overthrew former President Alpha Conde in September 2021, marking an important step toward restoring constitutional order.

In September, Doumbouya promulgated a new constitution through a referendum and announced the presidential election. The new constitution lifted the ban on junta members running for office and extended the presidential term from five to seven years, paving the way for Doumbouya’s candidacy.

According to the official website of the Guinean presidency, Doumbouya, 41, was born on Dec. 5, 1984, in Kankan, in the northeast of the country.

“We are discussing this with President Trump and representatives of the Coalition of the Willing. This would be a strong position in security guarantees,” Zelensky told reporters, adding that the decision on the issue will be made by the United States.

Earlier on Tuesday, Zelensky said in a post on Telegram that national security advisors of the Coalition of the Willing countries plan to meet in Ukraine on Jan. 3, 2026, followed by a leaders’ meeting in France on Jan. 6.

This decision follows the government’s official announcement about integrating BDF into BRD, a strategic move aimed at enhancing service delivery, improving efficiency, and increasing access to finance for businesses across Rwanda.

The integration of BDF into BRD is expected to yield several benefits for Rwandan businesses. Entrepreneurs seeking loans through partner banks and microfinance institutions will experience faster turnaround times, with reduced delays in accessing credit guarantees. Additionally, the merger will provide a wider range of financing options tailored to the needs of startups, growing businesses, and large-scale investment projects.

From the end of the year, all former BDF clients will be served directly by BRD. These services will be available through BRD’s digital service platform at online.brd.rw.

By consolidating BDF services under one roof, BRD aims to streamline processes, improve coordination, and provide clearer, faster, and more efficient services to clients across the country. With improved accessibility through both digital channels and local presence, more entrepreneurs, especially those in rural areas, will benefit from development finance.

BDF has supported over 40,000 businesses through credit guarantees and other financing products, while BRD has played a pivotal role in funding national development priorities, including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and affordable housing.

The integration combines BDF’s grassroots reach and specialized support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with BRD’s financial strength, sectoral expertise, and large-scale lending capacity.

As part of the government’s broader vision, this restructuring will allow BRD to become a more agile and impactful development finance institution, helping unlock the private sector’s potential as a key driver of economic transformation.

The newly restructured BRD will continue to offer all current BDF products, facilities, and support systems, now managed under BRD’s umbrella.