Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Addressing more than 6,000 soldiers, police officers, and prison officers at the Gabiro combat training centre in Eastern Province on Monday, August 25, 2025, Kagame praised their hard work and sacrifice, calling it essential to Rwanda’s continued strength.

He reminded them that Rwanda’s history, marked by both tragedy and resilience, has proven one key lesson: Rwanda will never disappear.

Kagame dismissed those who act as though they “created” Rwanda, stressing that external assistance can only complement, but never replace, Rwandans’ own efforts.

“This means that we, as a people, chart our own path and sustain ourselves. Even when support comes from outside, it should only add to what we already have — it can never replace it. It cannot take away the right we hold over who we are. It simply complements our own efforts, and for that, we may indeed thank those who provide it,” he said.

The President underscored the duty of the RDF to shield citizens from “predators” who try to seize what belongs to them. He noted that every three to five years Rwanda faces new external threats—not because it provokes others, but because hostility is imposed upon it.

Kagame said that Rwanda never provokes others; however, whenever a threat arises against the country, its army must be present and ready to fight.

He said, “And fighting means there will be deaths and injuries, but the objective is not to kill or to wound — except when others refuse to understand Rwanda, do not care for it, and instead wage war against it. That is when the profession fulfills its true duty. At that point, war must be fought.”

The head of State reminded the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) that whenever it becomes necessary to enter a war, it must be a guiding principle that they prevail. War, he said, cannot be fought with hesitation or pity, but must be carried through to the end — until Rwanda’s enemies regret ever having started it.

Those who wish Rwanda harm have often threatened to attack, to overthrow the existing leadership, and to install whoever they please, deciding who should live and who should die.

President Kagame cautioned: “We must always remain prepared, because we do not know where an enemy may come from, nor when they may choose to strike.”

{{What it takes to confront Rwanda’s enemies}}

President Kagame emphasized that confronting those who seek to harm Rwanda requires much of its citizens. It begins with a clear understanding of one’s responsibilities, working with diligence and commitment even in difficult times, and joining efforts with fellow Rwandans.

He added that this must be reinforced by discipline, which ensures that individuals remain attentive to their duties and committed to fulfilling them.

The President further stressed that once Rwandan soldiers acquire knowledge, they must put it into practice by mastering the use of equipment in confronting the enemy.

“If it is about using a gun, you must learn to use it properly so that you can shoot the enemy — the one who has brought war against you. It is not simply about pulling the trigger and firing bullets at random. That is not fighting,” he said.

Kagame continued: “Every bullet must carry the name of its intended target. When you aim, it must hit. If you shoot once, twice, three times without striking the target, then there is a problem — either with your training or with you.”

He noted that if a soldier wastes ten bullets just to hit a single target, sustaining such a war would be impossible because ammunition is costly.

“Some ammunition is expensive nowadays. There are projectiles that can cost up to $3,000 or even $5,000 each. If you are meant to hit a target in the sky and you miss once at $5,000, then again at $5,000, and again — that’s already $15,000 wasted. How can you fight a war like that? Where will those resources come from? In that case, you are only helping the enemy,” Kagame said.

President Kagame urged the Rwanda Defence Force to master precision and make effective use of the equipment available to them, rather than relying on superstition.

He warned that hesitation or misplaced beliefs could cost lives: “If someone convinces you that unseen forces will guide your bullet, what they are really doing is preparing the coffin you’ll be buried in.”

He reminded the soldiers that failing to fulfill their duty not only endangers their own lives but also those they are tasked with protecting, handing them over to the enemy.

Kagame further noted that while some people attack Rwanda without reason, there are others with whom Rwanda has genuine, unresolved grievances — such as the Interahamwe militia that devastated the nation during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

“You often hear about the FDLR and their supporters — with them, we truly have unfinished business. But their backers are simply enemies creating problems for us. They are the ones who openly declare, without any shame, that they intend to harm us,” Kagame said.

{{Double standards}}

Kagame cautioned against those who distort Rwanda’s past, particularly attempts to deny or rewrite the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He recalled how, even at the UN, some denied a genocide was happening, portraying it instead as “Rwandans killing each other” to cover up the international community’s complicity.

On eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kagame noted that while the M23 movement has restored stability in areas it controls, Rwanda is unfairly blamed.

“It is not that the facts are different, but powerful countries and some media insist on portraying the problem as if it were M23, AFC, or RDF. If RDF were really there, what they claim is not what RDF would be doing,” he said.

He questioned why RDF is vilified while groups like the FDLR and Wazalendo, which kill Congolese civilians, are sanitized.

{{Rwanda’s contribution to global peace}}

Kagame emphasized that Rwanda has not only focused on defending itself but has also supported peace efforts in countries including Mozambique, the Central African Republic and South Sudan

“Even in eastern Congo, if they had sought our support, we would have provided it. […] If they want us to work together to maintain security on both sides, that has always been our goal.”

{{Countering false narratives}}

President Kagame urged members of the security forces to actively counter those who defame Rwanda, particularly on social media, stressing that no one should be exempt from being challenged.

“If they fail and instead resort to war, then you respond with force. But do not tire yourselves with unnecessary worry. Rwanda will never go out to provoke wars in other countries. We are not aggressors — but we are fighters. Whether we fight or not depends on where the war comes from, how it begins, and what it means for us,” he said.

He further reminded the security organs that fulfilling their duties effectively also requires taking care of their own well-being, supported by the country’s leadership structures.

Gaza health authorities said the strike on the hospital in Khan Younis, the last one operational in southern Gaza, killed five journalists and four medical staff.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called the attack “just one episode in a relentless series of massacres deliberately targeting civilians.” The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labelled it a “new episode in a long series of blatant Israeli violations of international humanitarian law.”

In a statement, Netanyahu said Israeli military authorities were conducting a thorough investigation. “Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians,” he said.

An Israeli military spokesman, Effie Defrin, told reporters the army “does not intentionally target civilians” and blamed Hamas for creating “impossible conditions” in the territory.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, an initial strike hit the fourth floor of the complex, and a second strike targeted medical teams as they responded to the casualties.

Citing Israeli military officials, Israel’s Kan TV reported the strike was carried out by a tank, not an aircraft. The report said the tank targeted a camera on the hospital that troops believed Hamas was using to monitor their movements.

The war, which began in October 2023, has devastated the coastal enclave. Israel does not permit foreign journalists into Gaza, but local reporters continue to provide coverage. According to Gaza health officials, at least 273 journalists and a total of 62,744 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the conflict began.

The development comes at a time when figures from the Ministry of Health show that, between 2020 and 2024, at least 5,925 people in Rwanda needed assisted reproductive services because they were unable to conceive naturally.

This article outlines key aspects of the new surrogacy law, including the responsibilities of both surrogate mothers and intended parents.

{{Surrogacy practices abroad and in Rwanda}}

Surrogacy is already common in many parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In India, for example, only legally married couples may apply, while surrogates must be between 25 and 35 years old and are only allowed to carry one pregnancy for someone else in their lifetime.

In Rwanda, the law takes a different approach. While in some countries surrogacy became commercialized, with surrogates earning between $55,000 and $100,000 depending on the country and their experience, Rwanda insists it will remain an act of compassion.

No payment is allowed beyond covering medical expenses linked to pregnancy and childbirth.

{{Legal framework and eligibility}}

The law passed on August 4, 2025, defines surrogacy as an assisted reproductive arrangement in which a surrogate mother agrees to carry a child for another person or couple and hand over the baby immediately after birth.

To qualify as a surrogate, a woman must be aged between 21 and 40, must have previously carried a pregnancy to term without complications, and must pass a medical assessment confirming she is healthy enough for another pregnancy.

The intended parents are responsible for finding their own surrogate. They must cover all medical costs throughout the pregnancy and for up to six weeks after delivery, including any complications the surrogate may face.

They are also required to respect the surrogacy contract and to accept any outcome of the pregnancy. This means that whether the child is born with a disability, is stillborn, or is of a particular sex, the intended parents must accept the circumstances.

{{Responsibilities of the surrogate mother}}

Like any pregnant woman, the surrogate is expected to safeguard her health and that of the baby. The law requires her to follow medical advice, attend regular health check-ups, and avoid any actions that might endanger the pregnancy. She must also keep the intended parents informed of her condition.

Once the baby is born, the surrogate is legally obliged to hand the child over to the intended parents and honor the terms of the agreement.

{{Restrictions on genetic selection}}

The law makes it clear that reproductive technology cannot be used to alter a person’s genetic makeup or to select the sex of the baby.

In addition, sperm or embryos donated by one individual cannot be shared with more than one couple seeking assisted reproduction.

State Minister for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, recently told Members of Parliament that infertility in Rwanda is caused by male factors in 30 percent of cases and female factors in another 30 percent. Another 30 percent of cases are due to problems affecting both partners, while 10 percent remain unexplained.

He made these remarks during the celebration of the Anglican Church of Rwanda’s 100th anniversary, which took place at Gahini Diocese in Kayonza District.

When asked about the progress of reopening closed churches, Dr. Mbanda explained that they are working to fulfill all the requirements and are hopeful that the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) will authorize their reopening.

“The requirements and guidelines from RGB are being implemented. We are using the Irembo platform to register all churches that meet the standards. Many have already completed this process while others are still working on it. This does not only concern the Anglican Church but applies to all churches in Rwanda that wish to reopen,” he said.

Dr. Mbanda also cautioned religious leaders and Christians against criticizing the policy of closing churches that fail to meet standards, emphasizing that the measures are meant to protect the faithful, not to serve the interests of the state.

“Sometimes we misinterpret these requirements. But they are actually for our own good. If someone tells you that a church must have toilets, proper ventilation, or sufficient lighting, those are not bad demands—they are meant to help us. It is true that some churches face financial challenges that prevent them from meeting all the requirements immediately, but difficulty does not mean they are unnecessary. In fact, they are very important,” he said.

He added: “We need to comply step by step, patiently putting in place the necessary facilities. Once this is done, RGB will begin inspections and allow churches that meet the standards to reopen.”

Dr. Mbanda admitted that it is not easy for all churches to meet the requirements at once, but noted that the situation is improving gradually.

“Some churches struggle to raise funds, while others have pastors who do not yet meet the required educational qualifications. However, many denominations have started addressing this. For example, ADEPR has sent more than 1,000 pastors to pursue diplomas so they can meet the standard,” he explained.

He urged church leaders to fulfill the requirements, stressing that doing so benefits both the leaders themselves and their congregations.

According to RGB, a nationwide inspection in 2024 found that out of more than 13,000 churches, about 59.3% were closed for failing to meet standards. In February 2025, a follow-up inspection led to more than 20 denominations losing their licenses to operate in Rwanda.

Speaking on August 24, the coalition’s deputy coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa, stated that Kinshasa must account for the charges brought against Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019.

Kabila is currently being tried before the country’s High Military Court on accusations of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The trial opened on July 25, 2025.

Prosecutors allege that Kabila committed these crimes in connection with his supposed leadership role within the AFC/M23 movement, despite his earlier public denial in March that he had no involvement with the group.

During court proceedings on August 22, 2025, prosecutors requested the death penalty for Kabila. They also demanded the confiscation of assets valued at approximately $32 billion and sought an additional $21 billion in damages.

Bisimwa has pointed out that the trial contradicts commitments recently signed between the government and AFC/M23 under a Qatar-brokered agreement.

The deal included a provision for the release of more than 700 detainees, comprising suspected members and affiliates of the coalition.

“The Kinshasa regime owes us explanations regarding this media-judicial lynching of President Joseph Kabila, who is being prosecuted and sentenced to death for his alleged support to the AFC/M23, at a time when we had agreed that detainees prosecuted for the same charges should be released,” Bisimwa said.

The funding of 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.45 billion U.S. dollars) was committed at the June G7 Summit held in Canada’s Kananaskis.

About 835 million Canadian dollars (603 million dollars) of the total are planned to procure a range of critical equipment for Ukraine, including armored vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as additional drone capabilities and other urgently needed equipment and supplies for Ukraine, the release said.

About 680 million Canadian dollars (491 million dollars) are for the purchase of military equipment sourced from the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance, the release said.

About 220 million Canadian dollars (159 million dollars) will be used to purchase drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, including investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industry, it said.

This warning follows complaints from some residents of Cyanzarwe Sector, Rwangara Cell, in Buramazi Village, Rubavu District, who have for several days been demanding that one of their neighbors accused of bewitching children leave the area and return to his place of origin.

In May 2025, some residents of Cyanzarwe told IGIHE that their neighbor was bewitching children. They claimed that even the Executive Secretary of the cell had signed a document ordering the suspect to return home.

According to them, the accused lived in hiding during the day and only came back at night. Residents warned that unless action was taken, they would stone him to death.

Earlier, in December 2023, Rwanda Police reported the arrest of five people suspected of stoning a neighbor to death after accusing him of witchcraft. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, December 2, 2023, in Cyanzarwe Sector, Makurizo Cell, Makurizo Village.

In a recent community meeting with residents of Rubavu and Cyanzarwe sectors, the Western Province Police Commander, CP Emmanuel Hatari, reminded citizens to refrain from mob justice.

“We are concerned about cases of mob justice driven by ignorance and harmful beliefs. Some people claim a child has been bewitched but instead of taking the child to the hospital for treatment, or reporting the matter to local authorities, they choose to take justice into their own hands,” he said.

“We have already registered two such cases in Cyanzarwe. This is unacceptable, because once you engage in mob justice, the law holds you accountable. We have leadership structures and a functioning justice system. There is no reason for anyone to resort to mob justice. Always approach the authorities so that your problems are resolved lawfully,” CP Hatari added.

Seven children and three women are among the injured, and 21 are in critical condition, said the ministry in a statement. Houthis officials told Xinhua Sunday night that the toll could increase, as several of the wounded remain in critical condition.

The strikes, carried out Sunday afternoon, targeted fuel and power stations, the presidential palace complex and other civilian facilities, according to the Houthis.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed in a statement that an air attack was carried out in Yemen.

The military said the sites included the presidential palace, the Asar and Hizaz power plants and a fuel storage facility, which it said were being used for military activity.

Israeli state-owned Kan TV reported that 14 warplanes took part in the attack, dropping about 40 bombs in the area.

In a statement issued Sunday evening, the Houthi group accused Israel of “brutal aggression” against civilian facilities and held both Israel and the United States responsible for what it described as a “heinous crime.”

The Houthis vowed to strike back in retaliation.

The strikes came two days after the Houthis fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, damaging houses with shrapnel but causing no deaths.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah port, have launched repeated attacks on Israel since November 2023, in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas.

The statement, issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently, followed claims broadcast by Sudan’s state television in early August that the Sudanese air force had destroyed an Emirati aircraft carrying Colombian mercenaries as it attempted to land at an airstrip controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.

Sudanese military sources accused the UAE of backing the RSF as part of what they described as a “foreign plot” to destabilize Sudan and prolong the war.

The UAE firmly denied the allegations, stressing that it has never provided funding or support to the RSF. Instead, Abu Dhabi said it has consistently aligned itself with regional and international efforts aimed at securing peace in Sudan.

“The United Arab Emirates stands with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of peace, stability, and a dignified future,” the ministry said. “Since the onset of the civil war, the UAE has consistently supported regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for violations committed by all warring parties.”

The statement accused the “so-called Port Sudan Authority,” referring to Sudan’s military-aligned leadership, of spreading “escalating fabrications” in an attempt to deflect blame and obstruct genuine peace efforts. “These deliberate propaganda efforts form part of a calculated pattern of deflection—shifting blame to others to evade responsibility for its own actions—intended to prolong the war and obstruct a genuine peace process,” the UAE added.

Reaffirming its stance, Abu Dhabi said it remained committed to a “civilian-led process that places the needs of the Sudanese people above the interests of any faction.” The ministry also underlined its readiness to work with international partners to encourage dialogue, mobilize support for humanitarian relief, and lay the groundwork for long-term peace.

“The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working closely with partners to foster dialogue, mobilize international support, and contribute to initiatives that address the humanitarian crisis and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace,” the statement concluded.

The war in Sudan, now in its second year, has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces against the RSF, plunging the country into a humanitarian disaster and forcing millions to flee.

Col Nduwantare previously served in the Police Department of Criminal Investigation as well as at Bujumbura’s Melchior Ndadaye International Airport.

According to accounts, upon arriving in Zambia he first visited his younger brother, who has lived there for more than 15 years. He then went to see a cousin also residing in the country. On his way back, he reportedly fell into an ambush set by unidentified assailants, who killed him.

His death follows the recent killings of two other Burundians in Zambia: Ndayisaba Alexis, killed on August 18, and Ndayisenga, killed on August 20, 2025.

Burundi’s Ambassador to Zambia, Evelyne Butoyi, on August 21 offered condolences to the families of Ndayisaba and Ndayisenga, stressing that investigations were underway to ensure justice.

“The Embassy of Burundi in Lusaka appreciates that the relevant authorities are conducting investigations so that those responsible for this crime are held accountable. May God receive our departed,” the ambassador said.

Although it remains unclear whether the victims were targeted specifically because of their nationality, the Burundian community in Zambia has expressed concern over the violence, fearing they too could become targets.