Previously, RDB regulations required bars and clubs to close at 1 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and at 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The temporary changes are aimed at supporting the championship and managing the anticipated irregular traffic flow during the event.
Kigali will host the UCI Road World Championships from 21 to 28 September 2025, marking the first time in the event’s 103-year history that cycling’s crown jewel is held on African soil.
“Rwanda is proud to welcome athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, RDB has said that existing measures, such as noise pollution restrictions and the prohibition on serving or consuming alcohol to persons under the age of 18, remain in effect.
RDB has also reminded all consumers to drink responsibly and not to drive under the influence of alcohol, warning businesses against serving alcohol to anyone who appears intoxicated.
“RDB, in collaboration with other relevant Government institutions, will ensure the proper implementation of these guidelines. Entities that violate these directives will be held accountable,” the statement concluded.
M23 and FARDC accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, while at the same time vowing to respond with force if provoked.
These statements are accompanied by military preparations through drills, increasing the number of soldiers or fighters, and mobilizing more weapons.
All this is happening amid ongoing mediation by the State of Qatar and the United States of America to bring both parties to the negotiating table.
However, the agreed timeline has already lapsed, as the peace accord was expected to be signed no later than August 18, 2025 something that still appears far off.
On the battlefield, it is officially said that no clashes are taking place, yet M23 and militias under the Wazalendo coalition supported by the Congolese government continue engaging in daily skirmishes.
The coalition of government forces has also continued to launch attacks against civilians, including members of the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu Province.
The tense situation in eastern DRC signals that four possible scenarios may unfold in the near future.
{{Tshisekedi’s withdrawal from the talks}}
As a Rwandan proverb says, “Ibitinze birabora”—literally, “what delays will eventually rot.” This adage warns of the setbacks and risks that often accompany unnecessary delays.
The stalled outcome of the Doha process is not a good sign; rather, it shows that efforts to reconcile the two sides have consistently failed, especially after the Declaration of Principles signed on July 19 were not respected.
These principles were supposed to be observed by July 29, followed by peace talks not later than August 8, and finally the signing of a peace accord. However, that entire timeline collapsed.
M23 accuses the Congolese government of continuing to attack civilians and its positions, while also refusing to release 700 of its prisoners despite earlier commitments to do so before peace talks could begin. The group argues that there is no reason to enter negotiations if those principles are not upheld.
The conduct of the Congolese government should serve as a reminder: whenever it has delayed in implementing resolutions from peace talks, it has eventually withdrawn altogether. This was the case at the end of 2022, when it pulled out of the Nairobi talks.
In a meeting held on August 30 with members of the Union Sacrée ruling coalition, President Tshisekedi stated that Congolese people do not need a mediator to hold dialogue, and that those who take up arms should not be included in negotiations. This signaled a different agenda in the Doha process.
“Congolese people do not need a mediator in order to talk. They should not have to take up arms before entering discussions. Congolese people have already demonstrated that they follow democracy, and they engage through democracy and respect for the rule of law in their own country,” he said.
On September 4, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, speaking in South Africa, said that Tshisekedi was seeking war.
“He declared that he has closed the door on all negotiations — he wants war. This is what he has been saying from the very beginning,” he stated.
{{M23 could seize more major cities}}
By June 2025, M23 controlled 34,000 square kilometers of territory in eastern DRC, including key cities such as Goma in North Kivu Province and Bukavu in South Kivu Province.
It appears that if the Congolese army, along with Burundian forces, FDLR, Wazalendo militias, and mercenaries, launched offensives against M23 positions, the conflict could escalate further.
This could push the group’s fighters to capture additional areas, including the city of Uvira, which serves as one of the government’s major strongholds.
On September 2, the commander of M23 Maj Gen Sultani Makenga, told new recruits who had just completed two months of training that he hoped future training sessions would be held in other major cities such as Kisangani in Tshopo Province, Kalemie in Tanganyika, and Kindu in Maniema.
“This country has collapsed; it needs to be liberated, and liberating it requires strength. As a movement, we are happy today, but we will be even happier when next time we begin such training in Kisangani, Kindu, and Kalemie,” he said.
Although M23 declares that it has no intention of provoking hostilities, the group maintains that it will continue fighting—even advancing to Kinshasa with the aim of toppling President Tshisekedi’s government, if attacked or if the security of Congolese citizens remains under threat.
{{A dilemma for Burundian troops}}
Burundian forces have been involved in the fight against M23 since 2023, when the country and Kinshasa signed a military cooperation agreement. However, this partnership has achieved little, as soldiers from both countries have been defeated together and forced to retreat toward Uvira and nearby areas.
If the fighting was to intensify in areas such as Uvira, the situation would become extremely difficult. Each side would deploy maximum force to defend its strongholds and capture new territory, leading to an unprecedented increase in the number of fighters and the use of heavy weaponry.
On September 17, lawmaker Justin Bitakwira, a supporter of President Tshisekedi’s government, told reporters in Kinshasa that if Uvira were to fall, M23 rebels could seize Kolwezi city in Lualaba Province within 24 hours.
Bitakwira, who hails from South Kivu, stated: “If Uvira were to fall today, what would become of the DRC’s situation? Within less than 24 hours, the rebels would be in Kolwezi. Kolwezi is the economic powerhouse of this country.”
Should M23 manage to enter and seize Uvira, the Burundian troops stationed there would have no option but to retreat to Bujumbura, as they could not sustain themselves in the heart of Congo’s conflict, far from their own territory.
This would not be the first time Burundian forces were forced into retreat. In January, they withdrew from all the positions they controlled in Masisi territory, retreated to Minova only to be ousted again as M23 advanced, then moved to Bukavu, and eventually fell back further to Uvira.
{{Tshisekedi under pressure}}
The international community maintains that the conflict in eastern DRC can only be resolved through political dialogue, while President Tshisekedi insists that military force is the only path to reclaim territories seized by M23.
If Tshisekedi once again rejects peace talks and resumes full-scale fighting, he risks suffering defeat as before with his forces losing even more territory. Should that happen, the international community would likely pile heavy pressure on him to return to the political track.
Faced with the loss of strategic areas, Tshisekedi would have no choice but to accept renewed peace negotiations, even if deep down he still harbors resentment.
This is reminiscent of the period when the cities of Goma and Bukavu fell to M23 fighters. At the time, the international community made it clear to President Tshisekedi that he had no choice but to concede, compelling him to send envoys to negotiations in Washington and Doha.
Back then, Tshisekedi had vowed never to engage in talks with M23, branding it a terrorist movement and declaring that entering into dialogue with the group was a “red line” he would not cross.
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,” Trump told a joint press conference before ending his second state visit to Britain, when asked about Britain’s recognition plan. “One of our few disagreements, actually.”
Starmer announced in July that Britain would recognize Palestinian statehood in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the conflict in Gaza. According to media reports, the recognition is expected to be formalized over the weekend after Trump’s state visit.
Starmer said at the press conference that the timing of this move “has got nothing to do” with the U.S. president’s visit.
Earlier on Thursday, the two sides signed a multi-billion-dollar tech deal to boost cooperation in fast-growing sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy.
Under the agreement, Microsoft will invest 30 billion U.S. dollars in AI infrastructure in Britain, while Google will open a data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.
Trump concluded his visit to Britain and departed after the press conference. His itinerary included a visit on Wednesday to Windsor Castle, where he was met by King Charles, as well as protesters outside the royal residence.
“The so-called (U.S.-UK) special relationship does not exist. The Americans only care about their national interest. To them, every country is the same, just a business deal,” satirical artist Kaya Mar said outside the Castle.
Thousands of demonstrators also marched through central London on Wednesday to protest against the U.S. president’s visit, with criticism of the U.S. policies toward Israel and the Gaza conflict among the main rallying calls.
From Los Angeles, Amanda had flown in that very morning to join the protests. “We don’t have good leadership, and I’m very worried about the direction that the United States is taking and the world,” she said.
The decision by Nigerian educational authorities to teach Mandarin was a direct outcome of a recent curriculum review, Mandate Secretary for Education in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Danlami Hayyo said on Wednesday at the commissioning of a new “Chinese Corner” at the Government Secondary School in Nyanya, one of the two “Chinese Corners” introduced this week in the local secondary schools.
“In the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language was selected as one of the international languages to be taught in our senior secondary schools,” Hayyo said, adding that this demonstrates the FCT’s foresight in introducing the subject.
Mandarin will join Arabic and French as an optional foreign language course in Nigerian public senior secondary schools.
According to Mohammed Sani Ladan, director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, the 15 “Chinese Corners” established since 2013 in Nigerian schools have been far more than just physical spaces. “They are symbols of friendship and cooperation,” he said, noting that they also provide opportunities for students and teachers to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, and prepare for global engagement.
In separate interviews with Xinhua, school officials and students expressed appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the immense opportunities the “Chinese Corners” would unlock, from teacher training to international scholarships.
Mojisola Akerele, principal of the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada, told Xinhua that the new learning centers would enable students to acquaint themselves with the Chinese language through donated books and resources.
Speaking at the commissioning events, Yang Jianxing, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described the “Chinese Corners” as a “bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries.” He said that learning the Chinese language offers possibilities for Nigerian youth, from participating in economic and trade exchanges to furthering studies in Chinese universities.
In a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, the group’s military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the missile targeted a military target in the city of Jaffa (Tel Aviv), while the three drones hit targets in the city of Beer Sheva and the port city of Eilat.
“Eilat will remain under the continuous targeting of our military operations,” Sarea said.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that a drone hit a hotel in Eilat and damaged its gate, while the missile and other drones from Yemen were intercepted. No casualties were reported.
According to Israeli media, following the launch, air defense sirens were activated in large areas of central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, sending millions rushing to shelters.
The Houthis, who control much of northwestern Yemen, have launched attacks at Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023. Israel, in response, conducts retaliatory strikes on Houthi-held areas.
The Houthis say their attacks aim to show solidarity with Palestinians, demanding an end to the war and blockade in Gaza.
Before joining the cabinet, Iradukunda has been serving as the Permanent Secretary in MINICT since 2020.
Iradukunda joined the public service from the Allan&Gill Gray Philanthropy (AGGP) where he served as the Rwanda Country Director. Before AGGP, he was a Senior Director at MASS Design Group overseeing operations in Rwanda and ensuring coordination across other global offices for the design collective.
Iradukunda holds a Diploma of Public Service Innovation from Cambridge University Judge School of Business. He is an MBA alumnus of the African Leadership University School of Business and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Oklahoma Christian University.
Among others, Iradukunda has an educational experience through his work with Bridge2Rwanda as a professional career advisor focusing on talent development, coaching, and counseling scholars and professionals regarding their personal and career development.
He is also a Certified Career Direct Consultant with Crown Financial Ministries, through which he conducts assessments and offers personalized guidance on academic and career choices.
Iradukunda co-founded both ELERwanda, which promoted entrepreneurship among youth; and Academic Bridge, Ltd., a software development firm.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for Bridge2Rwanda and as the chairman of Water Access Rwanda, a social enterprise that provides clean water to people in rural areas.
Other appointees include Dieudonne Gatete who was named Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President (OTP). Gatete, born in 1985, is long-serving officer of the National Intelligence Security Service, most recently served as liaison officer in the Eastern African region.
Viviane Mukakizima was appointed Deputy Director of Cabinet, while Ambassador Claude Nikobisanzwe was named Chief of Protocol in the OTP.
In the Office of the Prime Minister, Leonard Minega Rugwabiza was appointed Head of the Delivery Unit.
Among others, Ambassador Moses Rugema was named Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. Canoth Manishimwe was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, replacing Gisele Umuhumuza, while Clement Kabiligi was named Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Labour.
In MINICT, Eraste Rurangwa was appointed Permanent Secretary, succeeding Yves Iradukunda, who now joins the Cabinet as State Minister.
Thaddée Tuyizere was appointed Vice Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) while Jimmy Christian Byukusenge was named Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA). Colonel Claude Nkusi was appointed Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
Gasamagera made these remarks during a meeting held on September 18, 2025, between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and members of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations.
Ingabire, the founder of DALFA-Umurinzi (an unregistered political party in Rwanda), has been in detention since June. She faces charges of attempting to undermine the government, spreading false information, and planning activities intended to incite public unrest.
Her trial was scheduled to begin on September 2, but she rejected the panel of High Court judges assigned to her case, claiming she did not trust them to deliver justice, since it was the same panel that had previously requested investigations against her in a case involving other members of DALFA-Umurinzi.
On September 11, members of the EU Parliament demanded that Ingabire and others facing similar charges be released immediately, alleging that their cases were politically motivated.
Minister Nduhungirehe described the EU Parliament’s request as contemptuous, though not surprising, since it was not the first time such demands had been made while Ingabire was under detention.
“This did not surprise us,” he said. “They demanded the immediate release of Victoire Ingabire. Their request was full of contempt. It’s actually the third time: they did it in 2013, 2015, and now again in 2025.”
Gasamagera argued that the EU Parliament’s action was not only disrespectful but also reflected a colonial mindset.
“It is not just arrogance,” he said, “it is like considering Rwanda as if it were one of your provinces.”
He reminded the forum that when Victoire Ingabire was released in September 2018, it was through a presidential pardon granted by President Paul Kagame after she had admitted her wrongdoing and pledged not to reoffend. Gasamagera stressed that those now calling for her release endorsed her past actions.
“We all know what happened. We know this woman’s behavior, how she asked for clemency, and how she was pardoned after committing to change. That pardon was granted because she promised not to repeat her mistakes. Those who now advocate for her are the same people who stood by her then. But for us, the unity of Rwandans is a principle that cannot be compromised or bargained away.”
Minister Nduhungirehe also highlighted that the EU lawmakers rushed to conclusions while ignoring the basic legal principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He noted that Ingabire has not yet gone through intensive trials, making the EU Parliament’s intervention premature.
The FCAP equips community members with the skills to work collaboratively, make transparent decisions, and lead their own development.
Through weekly FCAP meetings, village members identify challenges, select profitable projects, and receive a seed microgrant from Spark Microgrants to bring their plans to life.
This process provides both financial assistance and expert guidance, helping residents gain the confidence to drive their own initiatives.
Community members happily report gaining valuable skills in financial management and in designing effective development plans.
Clémentine Nyirakamagaza explained that she was among the first in Bucyaba village to attend training sessions part of the FCAP. Today, she leads FCAP activities in her community.
“When FCAP started in our village, some people did not understand it and participation was low. We were trained first, then we went out to sensitize others. Those who accepted joined the groups, and together we started solving problems,” she said.
“The program gave us confidence. I realized that taking care of the household does not only mean providing food, but also paying attention to cleanliness. The training became a starting point for self-development. Today, I have been able to buy two plots of land and renovate my house,” added Nyirakamagaza.
Phineas Rwamanywa, who is differently abled, testifies how the skills he gained through the FCAP and the microgrant he received from Spark Microgrants transformed his life.
“Through FCAP and Spark Microgrants’ support, our village chose cattle farming. I was lucky to be among those selected to receive a cow. It calved, and the money from the calf, funded other development projects while continuing to rear cattle,” he said.
“As a person with a disability, FCAP did not exclude me. Instead, it showed me that anyone, no matter their condition, can work and achieve the development they aspire to,” added Rwamanywa.
Aime François Niyonsenga, the Deputy Mayor of Gakenke District in charge of Economic Development, confirmed that the project has transformed citizens’ attitudes and participation in government programs.
“This project has changed many things, especially the mindset. Citizens now actively take part in government initiatives and community projects. For example, when it comes to subscriptions for community-based health insurance [Mutuelle de Santé], they now achieve 100% coverage,” he noted.
Residents commonly use the grants provided by Spark Microgrants to invest in farming, small businesses, tailoring, and digital services including those offered through platforms such as Irembo, among others.
M Hotel, one of Rwanda’s leading hotels, has stepped up its readiness to welcome guests who will arrive for the championship. The hotel has also introduced a range of new offers and services designed to enhance the experience of visitors during this historic event.
Michael Ho, M Hotel’s Operations Manager, explained that preparations have been ongoing for months to ensure world-class service.
“We have spent more than two months preparing to welcome our guests during the championship period, in line with the tradition of excellence at M Hotel,” Ho said.
To make the event even more enjoyable for guests, the hotel has unveiled special promotions, including discounts on food and beverages.
M Hotel has long established itself as a top destination for high-profile visitors. It has hosted distinguished guests attending major international gatherings in Rwanda, such as the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the 73rd FIFA Congress.
The hotel is particularly renowned for its fine dining options, including the Panda Restaurant, which meets international standards, and two stylish bars—the “Lark” lobby bar and the “Heron” pool bar. Its modern kitchen, run by professional chefs, offers a wide variety of expertly prepared dishes.
Management has also invested in staff training to ensure exceptional service throughout the championship period.
M Hotel features 114 rooms, including both standard and VIP options, fully equipped with amenities to meet guests’ needs.
The hotel also boasts 11 conference rooms, with capacities ranging from six to 500 people, each equipped with amenities to host meetings and events smoothly.
With these preparations and innovations, M Hotel aims to be a key hub of hospitality during the UCI Road World Championships, ensuring visitors enjoy both the thrill of world-class cycling coming to Africa for the first time, and Rwanda’s renowned warmth in service.
Since the group took control of Goma late January, the operating hours of the La Corniche border post had already been extended, running from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
However, the Governor of North Kivu Province appointed by AFC/M23, Bahati Musanga Erasto, announced that starting from Friday, September 19, 2025, the crossing will operate from 6:00 a.m. until midnight.
“All residents of North Kivu, particularly those in Goma, are informed that beginning Friday, September 19, 2025, the main border post will be open daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.”
Governor Bahati also instructed border service providers to comply with this new directive.
In July, authorities in Rubavu District noted that traffic across both the main and smaller border posts had significantly increased since M23 took control of Goma. Between 2020 and 2024, an average of 20,000 people crossed the border daily.
In 2025, that figure rose to 43,000 excluding those crossing through Kabuhanga, according to Rubavu District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa.
Users of the main and small border include traders, buyers, workers, visitors, and tourists traveling between the two sides.
