According to an RDF statement released on Wednesday, Sergeant Sadiki Emmanuel, a military driver, accidentally strayed across the Gasenyi–Nemba border and was apprehended by Burundian police. He is currently being held at Kirundo Police Station in Busoni commune, Butanyera Province.
The RDF described the event as an “unfortunate common border incident” and assured the public that diplomatic channels will be used to facilitate the soldier’s return.
“RDF regrets this unfortunate common border incident and will undertake necessary diplomatic actions with the Government of Burundi to bring the soldier back home,” the statement read.
Speaking in a televised address less than two hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)’s scheduled announcement of final results for the election, Chakwera thanked all Malawians for their support over the past five years.
In the last update on the official presidential results Monday, Mutharika had over two million votes against Chakwera’s over 700,000 votes.
“It’s well clear that my main rival, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party, had already secured an insurmountable lead and is the presumptive winner of the presidential election,” said Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party.
“For this reason, a moment ago I called Professor Mutharika directly to congratulate him on his historic victory and to wish him well in his upcoming tenure as the seventh President of the Republic of Malawi,” he said.
He thanked his supporters, saying he would “forever be grateful for your trust in me and for your support of my candidacy,” and urged all Malawians to support Mutharika’s drive for national prosperity.
Chakwera also hailed the MEC for what he described as a commendable job in presiding over the general elections.
The smartphones were distributed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following a training session on the “Byikorere” campaign (do it yourself), which aims to improve access to e-government services. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Rwanda Education Assistance Project (REAP) and Rwamagana District.
Of the smartphones, 150 were distributed to five individuals from each village, including village leaders, community health workers, and selected committee members, while six smartphones were allocated to cell advisory council leaders.
This distribution is expected to enable these leaders to assist residents in accessing Irembo services directly, eliminating the need for lengthy travel to find Irembo agents.
Theoneste Sindambiwe, leader of Nyantoki Village in the Budahanda Cell of Musha Sector, expressed his gratitude for the donation, noting the previous challenges faced by his community. Residents had to either walk for two hours or pay for a motorcycle ride to reach the Irembo agent at the sector office.
“I will now go to my people and help them access services like paying for Mutuelle de Sante, Ejo Heza, and more,” Sindambiwe said. “It was a struggle to reach Irembo services, as we had to pay Frw 3,000 for a round trip, which was very inconvenient.”
Jean Paul Gahamanyi, a community health worker from Rutoma Village, also shared his experience: “I used to need certain services from Irembo, which was exhausting because getting to the agent involved a Frw 1,000 transport cost. Now, I can access many of these services on my own. The money I used to spend on transport will now go towards other needs, and I will be able to assist my fellow citizens as well.”
Emmanuel Muhawenimana, a resident of Rwabiyange Village in the Budahanda Cell, echoed similar sentiments. “There were many services we struggled to pay for due to our remote location. Now, I am excited about using the smartphone to access these services. It will help us save the money we used to spend traveling to find Irembo agents. Additionally, we will be able to get services more quickly.”
Darius Habamenshi, the Country Director of REAP, explained that during a visit by Members of Parliament to Musha Sector last year, community members raised concerns about the challenges they faced in accessing digital government services. This feedback led to the initiative to provide smartphones, aiming to simplify the process for residents in accessing these essential services.
Jeanne Umutoni, the Vice Mayor of Rwamagana District in charge of social welfare, highlighted that providing smartphones would significantly contribute to the development of the community. She encouraged recipients to assist others in accessing government services.
“This will increase productivity, as people will be able to request services without traveling to the Cell or Sector offices,” Umutoni explained. “They can request these services from their homes or fields, improving their livelihoods and preventing people from missing out on important services due to the burden of travel.”
Umutoni also emphasized the district is working with various partners to expand the program, and ensure that more citizens in other sectors benefit from smartphones and the “Byikorere” campaign.
During the visit, both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. A key highlight was a landmark land allocation deal, expected to provide businesses from both countries greater access to regional markets.
Rwanda and Egypt share a strong bilateral relationship, with embassies established in each other’s capitals. This development builds upon numerous cooperation agreements in various sectors, including technology, industrial development, trade, agriculture, education, youth, healthcare, and military collaboration.
The partnership between the two nations has been long-standing. In 2017, President El-Sisi visited Rwanda to further strengthen their bilateral relations. Both countries are also active members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Egypt opened its embassy in Kigali in 1976, and Rwanda re-established its embassy in Cairo in March 2015, signaling the importance of their diplomatic ties.
This longstanding relationship was further strengthened by President Kagame’s recent visit to Cairo, a city rich in culture, history, and landmarks.
Here are the top 15 attractions to know about this extraordinary city visited by President Kagame.
{{1. The Pyramids of Giza}}
One of Cairo’s most iconic and unmissable attractions is the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient wonders, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, continue to awe visitors with their scale and grandeur.
The Pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and culture of ancient Egypt, making them one of the most visited tourist sites in the world.
Visitors can explore the inside of the pyramids, learn about the pharaohs’ burial practices, and take camel rides for a more immersive experience.
{{2. The Egyptian Museum: A gateway to ancient Egypt}}
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is an essential stop for anyone looking to delve into Egypt’s remarkable history.
With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities. The highlight of the museum is the treasure of Tutankhamun, including his famous golden death mask.
The museum provides invaluable insights into Egypt’s ancient civilization, offering visitors a chance to learn about mummification, religious rituals, and the everyday life of the pharaohs.
{{3. Coptic Cairo: Egypt’s Christian Heritage}}
Coptic Cairo is an area in Cairo that reflects the deep Christian history of Egypt. It is home to several significant churches, including the famous Hanging Church, which dates back to the 3rd century.
The Coptic Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that trace the history of Christianity in Egypt, from the early Christian period to modern times.
The area also includes the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the ancient Babylon Fortress, marking the historical and cultural crossroads where different religious traditions intersect.
{{4. Islamic Cairo}}
Islamic Cairo is a district filled with some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture. The area is home to historic mosques, madrassas, and palaces.
Key highlights include the stunning Sultan Hassan Mosque, one of the largest in the city, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque, which is one of the oldest in Cairo.
The Citadel of Saladin, which includes the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offers panoramic views of the city and a peek into Cairo’s Islamic history. Islamic Cairo is a living museum, where visitors can walk through streets lined with ancient buildings and immerse themselves in the city’s Islamic heritage.
{{5. Khan El Khalili Bazaar: A shopper’s paradise}}
For those looking to experience the authentic flavors and sounds of Cairo, Khan El Khalili Bazaar is the place to go.
This vibrant market, which has been a trading hub since the 14th century, is filled with colorful stalls offering everything from handcrafted jewelry, spices, and textiles to copperware, perfumes, and souvenirs.
The bustling market is a sensory overload, with its maze of alleyways and lively merchants. Don’t forget to bargain; it’s part of the fun in this traditional Egyptian souk.
{{6. Al-Azhar Park}}
Al-Azhar Park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Cairo, providing visitors with beautiful green spaces and panoramic views of the Cairo skyline.
Located near Islamic Cairo, the park is a perfect place to relax while taking in the breathtaking view of the Cairo Citadel and the surrounding historic mosques. The park is an oasis of calm in the heart of Cairo, offering a unique combination of nature, history, and tranquility.
{{7. Tahrir Square }}
Tahrir Square is not just a central location in Cairo—it has been the site of many pivotal moments in Egypt’s modern political history.
Most notably, it was the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution that led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak.
Today, the square is a key symbol of the country’s political struggles and successes. Surrounding the square are important landmarks, including the Egyptian Museum, and it remains a central hub for both political movements and everyday life in Cairo.
{{8. The Cairo Opera House}}
Cairo is home to one of the most prestigious cultural venues in the Middle East—The Cairo Opera House.
A key part of the city’s thriving arts scene, the opera house hosts performances ranging from classical music and ballet to contemporary dance and opera. It’s a cultural institution in the city, drawing in artists from around the world.
{{9. The Citadel of Saladin: A historic fortress}}
The Citadel of Saladin is one of Cairo’s most important historical sites. Built by the famous Islamic ruler Saladin in the 12th century, the Citadel was the seat of the Egyptian government for almost 700 years.
Visitors can explore its many mosques, including the iconic Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which offers stunning views of the city. The Citadel also houses the National Military Museum and the Police Museum, both of which offer fascinating insights into Egypt’s military history.
{{10. The Nile River}}
The Nile River has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years, and it continues to play a central role in the life of Cairo.
Tourists can take a relaxing boat ride or even a traditional felucca ride on the river to see the city from a different perspective.
Many luxury hotels and restaurants along the Nile offer dining experiences with beautiful views of the river and the city skyline.
{{11. The Nile Corniche}}
The Nile Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade that runs along the Nile River in Cairo. The Corniche is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering stunning views of the river and the city’s historic buildings.
Visitors can take in the sights of Cairo’s skyline, cross over bridges, or simply sit at one of the many cafes that line the river. It’s an ideal spot to experience the dynamic energy of Cairo’s urban life while enjoying the tranquility of the river.
{{12. The City of the Dead}}
One of Cairo’s more unusual attractions is the City of the Dead, a vast necropolis located in the eastern part of the city. This sprawling cemetery houses tombs that date back to the Mamluk period and even earlier.
The City of the Dead is home to some of Cairo’s poorest residents, who live among the tombs, making it a fascinating and thought-provoking site for visitors. While it may be an unconventional tourist attraction, it offers a unique window into Cairo’s past and present.
{{13. Zamalek: Cairo’s Greenest District}}
Zamalek is an upscale district in Cairo known for its lush greenery, colonial-era architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. Located on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is a quiet residential area that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the rest of Cairo.
The district is home to embassies, art galleries, and cultural venues, including the Cairo Opera House. It’s a great area for walking, dining, and enjoying Cairo’s more laid-back side.
{{14. The Museum of Islamic Art}}
The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo offers a fascinating collection of Islamic artifacts spanning over 1,400 years.
The museum’s exhibits include rare manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork from various periods in Islamic history.
Visitors can explore the rich artistic and cultural legacy of the Islamic world, with artifacts from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
{{15. Cairo Tower}}
Standing tall at 187 meters, the Cairo Tower offers the best panoramic view of the city. Located on Gezira Island, it provides a breathtaking view of Cairo’s skyline, the Nile River, and iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza in the distance.
Visitors can enjoy a meal or drink at the revolving restaurant on the tower’s top floor, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset or gaze at the sprawling cityscape.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, their discussions focused on potential investment opportunities in Rwanda, with particular emphasis on energy, infrastructure, and industrial growth.
Elsewedy Electric is a global leader that has transformed from a local manufacturer of electrical products to an integrated infrastructure solutions provider. With over 19,000 employees, the company recorded revenues exceeding USD 5.13 billion in 2024.
Elsewedy Electric operates across five key business sectors: wire, cable and accessories, electrical products, engineering and construction, digital solutions, and infrastructure investments.
The company has a strong presence in 19 countries, with 34 production facilities located across Africa and Asia, including Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Tanzania.
Additionally, Elsewedy Electric exports a wide range of high-end products to over 110 countries globally.
In 2022, the company entered the Rwandan market through an agreement with Rwanda’s Energy Group (REG) and EPC Africa, which involved selling 185.5 kilometers of cables to Rwanda.
Should Elsewedy Electric invest further in Rwanda, it could support the country’s efforts to expand electricity access, build industries, enhance infrastructure, foster technological advancements, and advance renewable energy projects.
In an interview with Russia’s Izvestia newspaper, Galuzin said that what he described as a “war party” in the EU was seeking to undermine positive steps in U.S.-Russia contacts, including the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, which focused on a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
“These forces … are trying to disrupt this process and pull the United States to their side,” Galuzin said. “They are resorting to unscrupulous methods such as baseless accusations against Russia of violating NATO countries’ airspace or sending drones into their territory.”
Galuzin stated that allegations of Russian airspace violations lack credible evidence.
His remarks followed recent statements by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, who said Tallinn had requested consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after claiming that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace last Friday.
Russia’s Defense Ministry denied the allegations, saying that the aircraft had conducted a planned flight from Karelia to the Kaliningrad region in full compliance with international airspace regulations.
The ministry underlined that the jets did not deviate from their approved route and did not cross Estonia’s borders, a fact confirmed by objective monitoring data.
“I declare Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta, a duly nominated candidate in respect of the presidential elections 2026,” said EC Chairperson Simon Mugenyi Byabakama.
“The commission calls on all participants, their agents, aspirants, and the general public to uphold the values of peace, dignity, and mutual respect throughout the nomination process and mostly in the upcoming campaign period for the presidential candidates,” Byabakama added.
The ruling National Resistance Movement party in July endorsed Museveni, who has been in power for 39 years, as its sole presidential candidate and national chairman for the next five years.
Museveni, 81, accompanied by other senior party officials, thanked the commission for approving his candidacy. The president, seeking a seventh consecutive five-year term, said his priorities would include wealth creation programs, free education in government schools, road maintenance, improved health services, and tackling crime.
According to the commission, presidential campaigns will start on Sept. 29, with voting scheduled for Jan. 2, 2026.
Fabian Ndenzako, WHO representative to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community, made the remarks at the Fifth African Ministers of Health Session on Palliative Care, held as part of the eighth International African Palliative Care and Allied Services Conference from Tuesday to Friday in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.
Ndenzako emphasized that Africa continues to bear the highest burden of life-threatening diseases while facing significant legal and logistical barriers to accessing essential pain-relief medications.
He commended the progress made by many governments in the region. “Many governments have included palliative care in their universal health coverage documents, strategies, and guidelines,” he said, also noting advances in training health professionals and supporting community and home-based care models.
Lawrence Ookeditse, Botswana’s acting minister of health, acknowledged the country’s strides, such as the launching of its National Hospice and Palliative Care Policy. However, he cited ongoing challenges, including political prioritization, financing, coverage, and commodity availability.
Ookeditse reiterated the government’s commitment to bolstering both community home-based care and palliative care. “Together we will advocate for stronger support, a higher level of investment, and better policies that prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable populations,” he said.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, the two leaders held private discussions, before being joined by members of their respective delegations for an expanded meeting.
Rwanda and Egypt have a strong bilateral relationship, with each country maintaining an embassy in the other’s capital. The two nations recently signed several agreements in various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, trade, and others, on August 12, 2024.
As part of these agreements, both countries committed to exchanging land for business purposes. Rwanda has been granted land in Egypt, while Egypt has been provided with 10 hectares of land in the Kirehe District of Rwanda, near the border with Tanzania.
Rwanda and Egypt have multiple cooperation agreements across various sectors such as technology, industrial development, trade, agriculture, education, youth, healthcare, and military cooperation, among others. In 2017, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited Rwanda with the aim of further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Both Rwanda and Egypt are also members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
The partnership between Rwanda and Egypt has been long-standing, with Egypt having opened its embassy in Kigali in 1976, and Rwanda reopening its embassy in Cairo in March 2015.
The celebration took place in Bweramana Sector, Ruhango District, marking the 16th World Bamboo Day. The event is observed every year on September 18.
The theme for this year’s celebration highlighted bamboo as a solution for both environmental sustainability and innovative applications in the craft industry.
EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda was lauded for its contributions to environmental protection, with a particular focus on its efforts to restore land along riverbanks in eight districts. Notably, 307 hectares of land in Ruhango District were restored, and bamboo was planted to combat soil erosion.
In addition to land restoration, EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda created employment for 1,000 people and established 60 kitchen gardens to help combat malnutrition in the region. The organization also partnered with local communities to promote modern farming techniques that contribute to soil restoration, with efforts covering seven hectares in Bweramana.
Furthermore, EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda supported 270 farmers through various initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods. The organization also renovated five houses for vulnerable families and built a daycare center to support community well-being.
Sharon Higiro Umuratwa, the General Manager of EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda, expressed the organization’s commitment to advancing bamboo cultivation to protect riverbanks and improve the livelihoods of people in Ruhango District. She also extended her gratitude to the community for their partnership over the past three years, which has been instrumental in the restoration of the 307-hectare area.
The Vice Mayor for Economic Development of Ruhango District, Jean Marie Vianney Rusilibana, highlighted EcoPlanet’s significant role in improving the community’s quality of life through erosion control measures and emphasized the importance of bamboo conservation for providing sustainable livelihoods.
Remy Songa, representing the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), emphasized how bamboo plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions and combating soil erosion and landslides.
Divine Cyambarantama, Forest Extension Officer at Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), also urged the residents of Ruhango to continue preserving bamboo and thanked EcoPlanet for its ongoing contributions to environmental conservation.
