Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

According to the results announced by the Speaker of the French National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet, only 194 were in favor of Bayrou out of 558 valid votes. This marks the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic that a government has fallen during a vote of confidence, local media reported.

Speaking to the deputies Monday afternoon ahead of the vote, Bayrou stressed that France’s excessive debt was “life-threatening” for the country.

According to official figures, France’s public debt stood at 3,345.8 billion euros (about 3,914.6 billion U.S. dollars), or 114 percent of its GDP, at the end of the first quarter of 2025.

“Reality will remain inexorable, spending will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly,” Bayrou said, urging the country to “act without delay.”

“It only requires the mobilization and moderate efforts from everyone, provided we act in time,” he stressed.

In a speech before the vote, Marine Le Pen, former presidential candidate of France’s far-right wing party National Rally, called on President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly to hold new elections following Bayrou’s defeat.

Following the confidence vote result, several parties voiced support for Bayrou’s leaving. Mathilde Panot, president of the deputies of the hard-left party La France Insoumise (LFI), welcomed the outcome. “Mr. Bayrou wanted a moment of truth,” she said. “He got it.”

LFI’s national coordinator, Manuel Bompard, said: “The fall of this government is a relief for all those who would have borne the full brunt of the dramatic consequences of the Bayrou budget. Today, the popular mobilization on September 10 and the unwavering determination of La France Insoumise have already achieved a first victory.”

Laurent Wauquiez, president of the deputies of the right-wing party The Republicans (LR), voted in favor of the confidence motion while allowing “freedom of vote” for his party’s elected representatives.

Olivier Faure, first secretary of the Socialist Party, emphasized the need to “restore energy and give purchasing power back to the French.” “I want a government of the left and the ecologists, and it will then be up to Parliament to decide.”

In a press release, the Elysee said that Macron “acknowledged” the result of the vote. “He will meet with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou tomorrow to accept the resignation of his government,” the Elysee said. Macron will nominate a new prime minister in the coming days, it added.

The political turmoil in France has reverberated across Europe. On Monday evening, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told the media that he “hoped” a solution to France’s political crisis would be found “as soon as possible,” voicing concern over its potential repercussions for the rest of the continent.

Macron nominated Francois Bayrou as France’s new prime minister on Dec. 13, 2024, succeeding Michel Barnier, who had been ousted in a no-confidence vote a week earlier.

Bayrou was the fourth French prime minister nominated in 2024 by Macron. He was born in 1952 and founded the centrist party Democratic Movement (MoDem) in 2007. He ran as a presidential candidate three times, in 2002, 2007, and 2012. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollars)

The recent power cuts, he explained, have been caused by multiple factors. In some cases, REG issues advance notices when electricity is scheduled to go off due to planned works. In other cases, however, power cuts occur unexpectedly and last for extended periods.

Speaking in an interview with IGIHE, Eng. Zingiro highlighted the main causes: “The reasons behind power outages are varied. Most often, they are caused by faults on power lines or by reductions in power supply resulting from technical issues at power plants. Whenever this happens, we move quickly to resolve the issue so that the outage duration is minimized.”

Zingiro added that outages may also result from maintenance or network expansion activities. “When the works are planned, we inform our customers in advance so they can prepare,” he said.

According to Zingiro, REG has put in place immediate measures to better communicate with customers whenever outages occur, while also carrying out regular maintenance on the grid and power plants to prevent such problems.

As part of its broader plan to improve supply during peak evening hours, REG announced that on September 6, 2025, it began a two-month project to rehabilitate a 1.5-kilometer line connecting Kimisagara and Kigali sectors in Nyarugenge District. The upgrade will benefit an estimated 3,000 residents who previously struggled with blackouts in the evenings.

REG added that similar cases across the country are being factored into its planning to ensure lasting solutions.

On the issue of communication, Zingiro explained that REG uses different channels to inform customers when outages are planned. “Whenever power is about to go off, we notify people. We use various methods, including social media.

“We also have hotlines and REG branches across the country that operate 24 hours a day to respond to customer queries and inform them of any issues. If it is planned work that will cause outages, we always send prior notices through official announcements,” he said.

{{Incurred losses due to outages?}}

Because electricity sometimes goes off without prior notice, many people whose daily activities depend on it suffer damage to equipment or disruption of services, leading to financial losses.

Asked whether those who incur losses receive compensation, REG CEO Eng. Armand Zingiro responded that such cases are regrettable, but that REG itself is also affected.

“Power cuts hurt us as well because they are never intentional. The losses are not borne by customers alone — we also experience them. We will continue to do everything possible to prevent the causes of these outages,” he said.

For individuals and businesses with equipment or goods that cannot tolerate even brief outages, REG recommended installing backup generators to ensure continuity whenever there is a power cut.

The company urged all its customers to promptly report any issues so that assistance can be provided without delay. It also appealed to the public to cooperate in protecting electricity infrastructure, warning against vandalism of power poles and cables.

As of July 25, 2025, Rwanda’s electricity access rate stood at 84.6% of the population.

The ceremony took place on September 8, 2025, with Denmark and Brazil establishing a resident presence in Kigali for the first time.

Denmark’s first resident ambassador to Rwanda, Casper Stenger Jensen, formally assumed his role after Denmark opened its embassy in Kigali in August 2025. Prior to this, Denmark maintained only 11 embassies across the African continent.

Amb. Jensen said Rwanda and Denmark already enjoy strong relations and stressed his commitment to advancing investment and trade ties.

“The partnership between Denmark and Rwanda has steadily evolved over the past few years and is now entering an exciting new phase. We will explore new areas of cooperation, with particular focus on harnessing investment opportunities and expanding mutual trade,” he said.

The two countries have signed several agreements over the years, including a landmark agreement on climate change and environmental protection in January 2024.

Denmark has also cooperated with Rwanda on refugee issues and, in recent years, extradited genocide fugitives, including Emmanuel Dushimiyimana in 2014 and Wenceslas Twagirayezu in 2018.

{{Promoting partnerships and “Visit Rwanda” in Brazil }}

Brazil’s new ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala, also presented her credentials. Until now, Brazil’s representation in Rwanda was handled from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

She said she has already been impressed by her time in Rwanda, calling the country “a valuable partner.”

Ambassador Gala highlighted agriculture, livestock development, poverty reduction, and education as key areas of future cooperation. She added that Brazil is keen to learn from Rwanda’s experience in peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Notably, she expressed a personal ambition to promote Rwanda’s brand in Brazilian football.

“My dream is to see ‘Visit Rwanda’ featured on the jersey of one of Brazil’s major football teams. We have some of the biggest clubs, and why not bring ‘Visit Rwanda’ to one of them, especially now as Brazilian football looks to recover its strength,” she noted.

Relations between Rwanda and Brazil date back to 1981. In recent years, ties have expanded, with Rwanda opening its first embassy in Brasília in December 2023.

In May 2025, during an official visit to Brazil, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, highlighted cooperation with local livestock institutions where Rwanda is expected to introduce Girolando cattle breed developed in Brazil.

In July 2025, the two countries signed agreements on climate-resilient agriculture and food security.

Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and oranges. Rwanda already imports wheat and sugar from Brazil, a trend that grew after the war in Ukraine disrupted traditional supply chains.

{{Justice and reconciliation at the center of ties with France }}

France’s new ambassador, Aurélie Royet-Gounin, succeeds Antoine Anfré, who concluded his term in July 2025. She said her priority is to build on the renewed partnership forged after President Emmanuel Macron’s landmark visit to Rwanda in 2021.

Ambassador Royet-Gounin emphasized justice and accountability as key pillars of France–Rwanda relations.

“Military cooperation is important, but so is justice. We will intensify efforts to fight impunity and denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In France, we have already set up a special unit to pursue accountability for genocide suspects,” she said.

Relations between Rwanda and France have gone through difficult periods, particularly after France’s role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Ties began to normalize following President Macron’s 2021 visit, during which he acknowledged France’s responsibility and paid hommage to victims laid to rest at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Ambassador Anfré, her predecessor, was the first French envoy to Rwanda in six years when he took office in June 2021.

Another ambassador who presented credentials to President Kagame was Hanan AbdelAziz Elsaid Shahin of Egypt, with residence in Kigali.

Rwanda and Egypt signed a series of agreements covering sectors such as health, transport, and trade.

The agreements also include a land exchange for commercial use, under which Rwanda was allocated land in Egypt, while Egypt received 10 hectares in Rwanda’s Kirehe District, near the border with Tanzania.

The two countries already enjoy a broad framework of cooperation in areas including technical exchange, industrial development, agriculture, education, youth, health, and defense.

In 2017, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi visited Rwanda to strengthen bilateral ties. Both nations are also members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which facilitates duty-free trade among member states.

Rwanda and Egypt share a long history of diplomatic relations. Egypt has maintained an embassy in Kigali since 1976, while Rwanda reopened its embassy in Cairo in March 2015.

The contest will now accept applications until 15th September 2025. This extension comes in response to growing interest and requests from startups who needed additional time to finalize their submissions.

The Tangira Startup TV Contest is Rwanda’s maiden startup TV Contest designed to empower young entrepreneurs with mentorship and most importantly a platform to showcase their ideas to a wider audience, while they also win cash prizes that will help them grow and scale their businesses.

Speaking on the extension, the organizing team described it as an oportunity for more startups to prepare strong applications and join the ‘exciting journey’.

“We are inviting entrepreneurs that have been left out in so many projects like this due to language barriers. This time round we have our own Kinyarwanda StartUp Contest where all sectors are invited to participate and also women are encouraged to showcase in our local language,” said Remmygious Lubega the executive producer of the show and CEO of RG-Consult Inc, the curators of this project.

Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through the official website www.tangira.rw and take advantage of this extended opportunity or simply click on this [link->https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YFLWheLsyWlgLatDQplCMl9LlI-pATVYGzhFWJehzNg/viewform?edit_requested=true.] for the application form.

With the extended deadline, organizers hope to see even more innovative ideas and ambitious projects from across the country where outstanding startups will win over Frw 10m cash prize and so much visibility and great opportunities to scale their businesses.

Today, the spotlight is on TRL Group, a Czech Republic–based company that has expanded footprints in Africa through its subsidiary in Rwanda, TRL Space Rwanda.

The company has two divisions including TRL Space, which develops satellites, and TRL Drones, which manufactures drones for agriculture, security, and defense.

TRL Group recently showcased its technologies at the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, where President Paul Kagame visited its exhibition stand.

TRL’s satellites are launched into orbit to observe global activity. They monitor agricultural growth, detect crop diseases, analyze soil conditions, and assess construction activities—including identifying unauthorized buildings.

The satellites, powered by artificial intelligence, process large volumes of data and generate actionable insights.

The company’s drones complement satellite systems by providing more detailed, ground-level data. On a 5,000-hectare farm, for example, satellites can give an overview of crop health, while drones can pinpoint specific diseases or localized problems.

Founded by Petr Kapoun, TRL Group entered Rwanda three years ago to take advantage of the country’s innovation-friendly environment. Within a year, it had launched production of drones for agriculture and security, alongside satellite services for multiple sectors.

“The reason we have those two divisions is to combine all the data, since satellites provide a wide view of the land while drones deliver detailed information,” said Kapoun highlighting the company’s dual approach.

Artificial intelligence drives both systems, enabling them to detect risks and provide critical information.

“We came to Rwanda with the vision of making it a hub for satellites and drones in Africa,” Kapoun noted.

TRL manufactures a wide range of drones. Among them are VTOL drones, which are fully electric and support agriculture and environmental protection. These models can fly at speeds of up to 250 km/h and cover areas within a 200 km radius.

The company also produces military-grade drones designed for security and defense. These aircraft can carry payloads of up to 10 kilograms, including explosives, fly at speeds of 500 km/h, and operate at altitudes of up to six kilometers.

Equipped with advanced engines and radar systems, they can detect and respond to threats in real time.

Annual output will depend on demand, but Kapoun pointed to the company’s capacity in Europe as a benchmark: “In the Czech Republic, we produce 200 drones per month. Since Rwanda will serve as our African headquarters, we expect to surpass that figure as we expand across the continent. However, it will take some time and depend on the customers.”

Currently, TRL Group operates a small assembly facility for drones. In 2026, it will begin constructing a larger factory in Rwanda, with completion expected in about two years. While some components will be imported, others will be sourced locally.

The company has already trained 10 Rwandan specialists in drone and satellite production, with a target of 50 in the near future. These experts will work in both manufacturing and operations, creating high-value jobs.

TRL is also equipping drones with advanced imaging systems, enabling them to capture visual data even when signal connections are disrupted.

The company works closely with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and national security institutions.

Drone prices vary by design and capability. For example, a VTOL drone with a three-meter wingspan can cost up to $250,000.

Although TRL initially focused on civilian applications, Kapoun emphasized that the shift to security followed naturally.

“First of all, the company was founded to serve civilian purposes. The defense aspect came naturally because once we developed technologies for agriculture and the environment, it became clear they could also be applied to other areas, such as border surveillance,” he said.

Smaller drones run on electric power, while long-range models use fuel engines, offering flexibility for different missions.

According to reports, the clashes that erupted on Sunday, September 7, 2025, saw AFC/M23 seizing Mafuo, Biholo, Shoa, Bwambaliro, Busoro, Kinyeere, Burora, and Ngesha villages—all located in Osso Banyungu sector.

Following their defeat, FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo fighters retreated to the localities of Kazinga and Mahanga, on the border between Masisi and Walikale territories.

Local media outlet Actualite reported that both FARDC and Wazalendo militias are regrouping in preparation for counteroffensives aimed at retaking the lost positions.

Although AFC/M23 currently controls much of Masisi’s administrative center, parts of the territory remain under government authority.

Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has stood as a testament to Rwanda’s conservation journey. Over the past two decades, the ceremony has evolved from a cultural tradition into an international platform that showcases Rwanda’s leadership in protecting endangered mountain gorillas, promoting sustainable tourism, and empowering local communities.

This year, the celebration highlighted two decades of remarkable achievements that have placed Rwanda at the forefront of global conservation efforts.

Bank of Kigali, a proud sponsor of the event, aligns its commitment to conservation with its broader mission of being a bank for Rwandans and supporting Rwanda’s development, through Nanjye ni BK.

By also standing alongside the Rwanda Development Board and local communities, the Bank contributes to initiatives that safeguard biodiversity, preserve forests, and create opportunities for families living around Volcanoes National Park.

“At Bank of Kigali, we believe that protecting Rwanda’s treasures is protecting Rwanda’s future. Our support for Kwita Izina reflects our commitment to conservation, community development, and national pride,” said Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali.

Over the past 20 years, Kwita Izina has become a true conservation success story, with mountain gorilla numbers steadily rising.

It has also fueled tourism-driven growth, positioning Rwanda as a leading eco-tourism destination.

At the same time, the ceremony has contributed to community development, ensuring that conservation efforts translate into better livelihoods for the people living around the park.

{{About Bank of Kigali}}

Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels.

The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations, and continues to evolve as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s journey toward a more prosperous future.

Its excellence has been consistently recognized, with multiple wins as Best Bank in Rwanda from Euromoney Awards for Excellence (2021, 2024, 2025) and Global Finance Magazine, most recently in 2025 for the 5th time.

His passing deeply saddened many who knew him, with tributes describing him as a man of integrity, humanity, and unwavering dedication to duty.

In a message shared on X, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, remembered him as “a truly remarkable individual.” She wrote:

“Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the life of Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana. I feel deeply saddened to lose a friend, yet I’m grateful for the time we shared.”

Recalling his role as Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., she said: “During my early days as ambassador, he was more than just a colleague – he was a trusted partner and sounding board. His strategic mind, diplomatic finesse, and unwavering dedication to Rwanda embodied the very values of a Rwandan officer.”

She also praised his unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and growth, all for the benefit of Rwanda.

Amb. Mukantabana concluded that his legacy lives on through his wife Sabine and their children—Monia, Brave, Brandon, and Noria—“who have grown into fantastic individuals.”

The Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, also expressed her sorrow, saying: “Gen Kabandana was known for his integrity, wisdom, and boundless love for his family and for his country. Those of us who lived and worked with him are deeply saddened by his sudden passing, but the legacy he leaves behind on this earth is a source of comfort.”

{{A lifetime of service}}

Lt Gen Kabandana joined the Rwandan Patriotic Army in 1990, playing a crucial role in the liberation of Rwanda and in halting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Throughout his career, he gained extensive experience in operations and leadership. He served as Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., Chief Instructor at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, and Deputy Force Commander in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Within the RDF, he held senior positions including Head of Logistics, Commandant of the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Commander of the Special Forces.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the first to wear the wristband, during his visit to the Games’ pavilion, highlighting his support for the event and the values it represents.

The launch reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering community engagement, encouraging active lifestyles, and promoting unity through sport.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, “The launch of the official wristband for the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 represents a significant milestone in our preparations for this global event. It reflects the unwavering support of our wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading destination that brings the world together through sport, while inspiring the adoption of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

He added: “The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is fully committed to supporting the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 by providing all the facilities and resources needed to ensure the success of this landmark event, being hosted for the first time in the Middle East. The Council is also dedicated to encouraging the participation of sports enthusiasts from around the world, underscoring its mission to advance the role of sport as a strategic driver in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global centre of sporting excellence and a vibrant platform for cultural exchange.”

The wristband serves as a symbolic identifier of the Games and will accompany athletes, participants, and supporters as they prepare for the multi-sport event scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from 6 to 15 February 2026.

With thousands of athletes expected to take part in more than 30 sports, the Games will bring together diverse cultures and sporting communities from around the world.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will feature a wide range of sports, including traditional sports that have long been an integral part of Emirati heritage, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s role as a global destination for sporting excellence and cultural exchange.

Asked by a reporter if he’s ready to move to “the second phase of sanctions against Russia” as he left the White House for New York, Trump answered, “Yeah, I am.” He did not elaborate.

Trump has grown increasingly pessimistic about the chance of brokering an end to the conflict anytime soon or seeing the Russian and Ukrainian presidents meet in person, reported NBC News last week, citing two senior administration officials.

A key building in Kyiv’s government district was attacked during Russia’s drone and missile attack overnight into Sunday morning, according to U.S. media outlets.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said it was the first time since the start of the conflict that the main government building in Kyiv had been damaged.