The arrest took place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Kigali. RIB confirmed that the suspects are currently being held at Kimihurura and Kicukiro RIB stations as investigations continue.
The suspects are accused of abusing their positions for personal gain and engaging in practices that violate both the law and ethical standards in public service.
Prof. Munyaneza had served as WASAC’s CEO until July 2025, when he was replaced following concerns over the corporation’s management and service delivery.
RIB said the arrests followed credible reports and evidence provided by citizens and stakeholders, commending members of the public who came forward to report the alleged misconduct.
If found guilty, the suspects could face penalties under Rwanda’s anti-corruption laws, which impose heavy prison sentences and fines for public officials found guilty of abusing their office.
RIB reiterated its commitment to fighting corruption and unethical practices in all public institutions, calling on the public to continue reporting any suspicious activities that undermine transparency and good governance.
Prof. Munyaneza, born in 1973, holds a PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering Management from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands.
He has extensive experience in water management, having taught the subject for many years at the University of Rwanda. He also previously served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors at WASAC.
President Tshisekedi described the new cabinet as a “government of national unity,” highlighting that it includes members of the opposition who agreed to work with him in addressing the pressing challenges facing the country.
Several ministers from the previous administration have been reappointed. These include Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita as Minister of Defense, and Jacquemain Shabani who returns as Minister of Interior.
Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo was reappointed as Minister of Transport and Communications, while Patrick Muyaya continues in his role as Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson.
New faces in the cabinet include opposition figure Adolphe Muzito, now appointed as Minister of Finance; Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali as Minister of Justice; Eliezer Ntambwe, who will oversee veteran affairs; and Floribert Azuluni as Minister of Regional Cooperation.
Notably, no members of the ECIDé party, led by opposition politician Martin Fayulu, were included in the new government, despite earlier expectations following their June 2025 agreement to cooperate in addressing national issues.
Other major opposition parties, such as the PPRD of former President Joseph Kabila and Ensemble led by Moïse Katumbi, were also excluded from the new cabinet. The government has accused these groups of collaborating with what it calls “the enemy” of the Congolese state.
The Congolese government has been fighting the M23 rebel group which re-emerged in late 2021, claiming to fight for rights of marginalized Tutsi communities in DR Congo.
Since then, the rebel group has taken control of large parts of eastern Congo, including key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
Residents in the occupied areas report a sense of restored peace, with M23 pledging to continue providing protection amid ongoing attacks from the Congolese armed coalition that was previously expelled from the region.
U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa made the remarks after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Presidential Palace.
He said the United States will “work directly with the Israelis to ensure a full withdrawal in exchange for the Lebanese army’s deployment,” which, he said, is “essential to prevent southern Lebanon from being a launchpad for rockets and to protect its residents.”
The United States will continue to provide equipment, training, and diplomatic backing — under the leadership of the Lebanese government alone, the congressman added.
Responding to questions about Hezbollah’s rejection of disarmament, Issa stressed that there is only one government, one president, and one legal armed force — the Lebanese army.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Andrea Tenenti, announced in a statement Thursday that its forces, in coordination with the Lebanese army, discovered “an extensive network of fortified tunnels” in the vicinity of the villages of Tayr Harfa, Zebqine, and the town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon.
“The discovery included a number of bunkers, artillery pieces, multiple rocket launchers, as well as hundreds of shells and rockets, anti-tank mines, and other explosive devices.”
The UNIFIL had previously reported the discovery of more than 225 weapons and ammunition caches at various locations.
In an updated statement on Thursday, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, affiliated with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, said one Syrian was killed, and two Lebanese injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting the town of Deir Seryan in southern Lebanon a day earlier.
The official Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes launched intense airstrikes Wednesday night on multiple areas in southern Lebanon, targeting Lebanese Hezbollah sites. Firefighting and ambulance teams faced difficulties in reaching the area due to the intensity of the strikes.
Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the United States and France, has been in effect. It ended the confrontations that erupted between the two sides due to the war in the Gaza Strip.
Despite the agreement, the Israeli army occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are to eliminate Hezbollah “threats.” It has also maintained its forces in five key positions in the Lebanese border area after a deadline for full withdrawal expired on Feb. 18.
He voiced the appreciation on August 6, 2025, in Kigali, following the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements.
“His words carry significant weight. His support for the cause of justice is highly important in this regard. The call by President Kagame to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe is a significant one, resonating across the African continent. Through the African Union, this resolution is being adopted, bolstered by the support of leaders like President Kagame,” Prof. Murwira noted.
In 2000, under former President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe launched a land reform program that reclaimed large tracts of land previously controlled by white settlers and redistributed them to Black farmers. This move created diplomatic tensions with several Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the European Union.
By 2001, the U.S. had imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe, with the EU and other nations following suit in 2002. These sanctions severely weakened Zimbabwe’s economy and remain in place to this day.
Since 2017—when he chaired the African Union—President Kagame has consistently advocated for the removal of these sanctions.
Prof. Murwira hailed his efforts, disclosing that a United Nations resolution to remove the sanctions could also be passed by December 2025.
“This momentum stems from calls like the one made by President Kagame, emphasising the need to stand for and execute justice globally. Rwanda serves as an example of a country that stands resilient against adversity, advocating for peaceful resolutions and justice in many spheres, including the issue of sanctions,” he noted.
The Minister also stressed that both President Kagame and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, share a common belief in prioritising their citizens and the principle that African countries must find homegrown solutions for their development.
On his part, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, emphasised the importance of African solidarity in addressing the continent’s challenges.
He thanked Zimbabwe and highlighted the country’s strong contributions to regional peace and security, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, within the framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and across the continent.
Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe further noted that Rwanda values Zimbabwe’s support for the principle that African problems must be solved with African solutions.
Currently, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have signed over 25 cooperation agreements. These cover sectors such as health, youth development, policing, energy, and customs information exchange. The most recent of these agreements was signed on August 6, 2025.
Teta Sandra was arrested after allegedly hitting her husband with her car three times, which resulted in injuries to both of his legs. The incident took place on the night of August 6, 2025, at a bar known as Chans in Munyonyo.
Sources from Kabalagala Police, as reported by The Independent, indicated that Teta Sandra admitted to knocking her husband down but explained that the action followed a heated altercation earlier in the day. She told authorities that Weasel had been verbally abusive and had kicked her and their children out of their home. In response, she sought help from Weasel’s parents.
Weasel’s parents reportedly advised her to return home and attempt to resolve the issue. However, Teta Sandra explained that upon her return, Weasel continued to mistreat her physically. Later that evening, Weasel went to the Chans bar, and Sandra followed him there. After another confrontation at the bar, she made the decision to drive her car into him.
The police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, confirmed Teta Sandra’s arrest and reported that Weasel was taken to Nsambya Hospital for treatment. He added that the initial investigation revealed that the conflict began at home but escalated at the bar. Although Weasel sustained fractures to one of his legs, he is reported to be in stable condition.
Teta Sandra and Weasel have been living together since 2018 and have two children. However, their relationship has been marked by frequent disputes. In 2022, Teta Sandra left for Rwanda but returned to Uganda in April 2023 and reconciled with her husband.
In May 2025, Weasel was in Kigali attending a concert by his brother, Jose Chameleone, and mentioned plans to visit his father-in-law’s home at the time.
According to a White House release, the duties increase to 15 percent for countries such as Lesotho, Madagascar, and Nigeria, while Libya, South Africa, and some others face a 30-percent tax, effective seven days after the date of the order.
African officials and experts have warned that the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy fuels uncertainty for the continent’s development, while underscoring the need for a strategic and coordinated response across African countries.
{{Challenge to fragile economies }}
In July, amid the harsh winter of the Southern Hemisphere, textile workers roamed an industrial zone of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, to search for new jobs.
Landlocked in Southern Africa, Lesotho is one of the world’s least developed nations, classified by the United Nations, with nearly half of its population living below the poverty line and unemployment standing at around 25 percent.
The U.S. tariff regime has dealt a heavy blow to the country’s textile industry, said Mokhethi Shelile, Lesotho’s minister of trade, industry, business development, and tourism, in a recent interview with Xinhua.
Textiles are a cornerstone of Lesotho’s economy as the country is one of Africa’s largest garment exporters to the United States. But since the tariff was announced, many orders have been canceled, potentially leaving around 13,000 workers jobless.
According to Teboho Kobeli, head of Afri-Expo, one of Lesotho’s largest textile companies, the sudden halt in orders has caused a major disruption, even if the U.S.-bound exports account for just 10 percent of their total output. “We had to lay off nearly 500 workers to ease the financial pressure,” he said.
In Madagascar, the vanilla sector has been directly hit. Contributing around a quarter to the country’s export revenues, the industry relies heavily on the U.S. market, which consumes approximately 70 percent of Madagascar’s vanilla exports.
“The current price of vanilla is already low,” noted Noe Rene Solo, director of agriculture and livestock for the Atsinanana region, one of Madagascar’s key vanilla-producing zones.
If further tariffs are imposed, he warned, prices could drop even more, discouraging farmers and potentially leading to the abandonment of vanilla plantations.
{{Move toward self-reliance}}
In the face of such growing uncertainty, experts are calling for faster economic integration across Africa to strengthen the continent’s resilience.
“In Tanzania, the share of exports — such as construction materials and agricultural products — to neighbors like Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been steadily rising. This provides a buffer against external dependencies,” said Humphrey Moshi, professor of economics and director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began trading in 2021, is emerging as a key lever.
According to Balew Demissie, researcher at the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute, strengthening regional trade through frameworks like the AfCFTA can encourage trade within Africa, spur industrial growth, and promote diversification, which acts as a safety net against global trade disruptions and reduces external dependencies.
Carlos Lopes, former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, urged “a mindset shift” among African policymakers to move beyond viewing integration into global value chains as the ultimate goal.
“The goal should focus on enhancing domestic value addition, investing in regional infrastructure, and expanding economies of scale to strengthen the negotiating position of African countries on the global stage,” he added.
{{Expand global reach}}
As Africa’s top coffee producer and the world’s fifth-largest exporter of Arabica beans, Ethiopia is seeking alternative markets in response to a 10 percent U.S. tariff.
The Ethiopian government will not accept any decision that harms the coffee sector, said Shafi Umer, deputy director general of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA), warning that the Trump administration’s tariff policy could slash about 35 percent of the country’s coffee export revenues.
The ECTA is striving to strengthen trade ties with existing markets such as China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Italy, while exploring new opportunities in the Far East and Middle East regions. The goal for the current fiscal year is to expand coffee exports to 20 countries.
Many others, like South Africa, are also accelerating their diversification strategies toward Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
With the China-Africa economic cooperation gaining momentum, China’s recent decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties has also received a broad welcome.
For Emmanuel Yinkfu, a trader based in Cameroon’s city of Douala, the move is a powerful signal. “This represents a shift toward a more coherent, inclusive, and strategic economic partnership (between China and Africa),” he said.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, believes the policy will unlock trade opportunities and strengthen industrial competitiveness across the continent. Nigeria, he noted, stands to gain substantially from the policy, especially in agricultural exports, value-added manufacturing, and technology partnerships.
Leslie Dwight Mensah, a Ghanaian economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, also views China’s decision as one of the opportunities for African countries to expand their foreign market access, as well as an alternative to help offset losses that might result from the U.S. tariffs.
Minister of Defense Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Murtala Muhammed were killed in the crash, Julius Debrah, chief of staff at the Presidency, announced at a press briefing.
“I have the unpleasant duty to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter this morning around the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Debrah said.
Other victims include Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress Samuel Sarpong, and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
Three crew members onboard, namely Peter Bafemi Anala, Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Ernest Addo Mensah, were also confirmed deceased.
“The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died in service to the country,” Debrah added.
As the country mourns, the government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast until further notice.
The Rwandan government has set ambitious plans for the area, aiming to develop it into a stable and vibrant tourism center, with infrastructure supporting both tourism and economic development, particularly in business.
This vision complements the construction of world-class hotels, such as Wilderness Bisate, Wilderness Sabyinyo, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Amakoro Songa Lodge, nestled beneath the Virunga mountains. Additionally, hotels in the town, such as Fatima Hotel, Classic Hotel, Virunga Hotel, and Hotel Muhabura, contribute to the region’s appeal.
With ongoing transformations, projections for the next 25 years indicate that Musanze will have been transformed into a thriving urban center, one that many would envy—comparable to the sought-after cities of Europe or America.
To achieve this vision, Musanze’s development requires a comprehensive master plan for land use and organization, aligned with the 2050 vision.
This plan was approved under Ministerial Order No. 006/25/10/TC on July 28, 2025. The projects planned for the region focus on promoting tourism while benefiting the local population and ensuring that infrastructure development meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.
{{A new city vision}}
Musanze is home to some of Rwanda’s most stunning natural wonders, including Volcanoes National Park, which houses the mountain gorillas, Lake Ruhondo, the Buhanga Ecopark (a royal forest), and the Musanze caves. The Musanze aerodrome serves as an essential infrastructure for tourism, with plans to expand the facility to accommodate more visitors with ease.
As part of the newly approved land-use and development master plan, the Mukungwa Urban Eco-Tourism Park will be created.
This sports and eco-tourism zone will span 148 hectares, which represents 2% of Musanze’s urban land. It will feature developments such as Kinigi Eco-Tourism, Musanze Cave Park, Ruhengeri Theme Park, Mpenge River Camping Sites, Agri-Food Park, and integrated lake tourism initiatives.
Furthermore, an additional 163 hectares within the district will be designated for eco-tourism projects.
The region will also have the “Ruhengeri Convention Centre,” a new facility designed to host national and international conferences, complementing the Kigali Convention Centre.
Musanze already has district-level hospitals, 17 health centers, 32 health posts, and six private clinics, with plans to expand health services further. By 2050, the region will have two hospitals, and every sector will have two health centers.
{{Canopy walkway in Volcanoes National Park}}
Similar to the canopy walkway in Nyungwe National Park, which allows visitors to walk through the trees while observing wildlife, a new canopy walkway will be built in Volcanoes National Park.
This will enable visitors to explore the park and observe various wildlife, including gorillas, buffaloes, monkeys, and chimps, without the physical strain of hiking up steep slopes.
{{Byangabo business center}}
The Byangabo center, located 12 kilometers from Musanze town, is a bustling market with strong trade connections to Nyabihu and Rubavu districts in the Western Province.
This market significantly contributes to Musanze’s economy. The area, covering 448.9 hectares in the western part of the city, will see the construction of a wood furniture workshop to increase employment opportunities.
As the population continues to grow, plans are underway to expand the market and build a bus station to accommodate travelers along the Musanze-Rubavu highway.
{{Kinkware and Kampara in Nyakinama}}
Kinkware and Kampara, covering 620 hectares, are located 7 kilometers from Musanze’s city center. These areas host key institutions like the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) Musanze College.
These areas will continue to develop with upgraded infrastructure, including road improvements and modern markets, supporting small-scale businesses and the mining sector.
{{Musanze’s planned residential units}}
In line with the district’s 2050 vision, Musanze plans to build modern residential units across its 15 sectors. A total of 200,750 houses will be constructed, including 112,500 in the city, 13,250 in the surrounding centers, and 75,000 in rural areas.
A new model village, Cyahafi, will be built near the Virunga mountains and Sabyinyo. It is expected to accommodate current residents and newcomers, featuring modern homes and amenities such as a designated commercial area and public facilities like schools.
{{Population growth and development projections}}
According to the 2022 national census, Musanze is home to 476,522 people. Projections indicate that by 2035, the population will reach 607,163, and by 2050, it is expected to grow to 803,000.
Whether you’re starting a journey to another part of Rwanda or simply navigating your way through the city, Nyabugogo is the gateway that connects it all. The energy here is infectious, and there’s always something happening, making it an exciting place to be.
For those arriving in Kigali for the first time, Nyabugogo offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant spirit. It’s fast-paced, yes, but it’s also full of opportunity and connection. Everything feels within reach, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air—this is Kigali’s gateway, where every journey begins.
{{A crossroads for over 200,000 passengers}}
The City of Kigali has revealed that over 200,000 people pass through Nyabugogo every single day, making it one of the busiest and most vital transit hubs in Rwanda.
Located in Kigali Sector, Nyabugogo borders Kimisagara in Nyarugenge District and Gatsata Sector in Gasabo District. It is a dynamic commercial area, bustling with vendors, service providers, and travelers alike. The city estimates that at least 400 individuals work daily in Nyabugogo, engaged in diverse economic activities.
Nyabugogo is especially known for its vibrant food market, particularly around the well-known Kwa Mutangana. Here, vendors, many of whom have been operating for years, begin their days before sunrise. Shoppers arrive as early as 3 a.m. to buy fresh vegetables and fruits transported overnight from different provinces, often at lower prices than found elsewhere in the city.
Dorothe Nyirabagwiza, a vendor with eight years of experience at Kwa Mutangana, shared her story: “This market sustains many of us. Thanks to my business, I’ve been able to live in Kigali and support my three children. I may not live luxuriously, but I’m moving forward because of this trade.”
One of Nyabugogo’s key draws is its central bus terminal, sometimes referred to as an international station, due to its role in connecting Kigali with Rwanda’s provinces and neighboring countries. Most public transportation companies have offices and fleets operating from Nyabugogo, making it a vital bridge between the capital and other regions.
For many, Nyabugogo is a one-stop center — a place where one can find nearly anything, from basic household goods to transportation and mechanical services. Prices are often more affordable compared to other markets in Kigali, attracting buyers and sellers from all walks of life.
“Nyabugogo is our top location. There are always passengers, many of them arriving from outside Kigali or coming here to shop. It’s easy to find customers, affordable goods, and even mechanical services — everything is fast and convenient,” said Elysee Vugugaba, a motorcycle taxi operator.
However, with its popularity comes challenges. The high volume of people and vehicles makes Nyabugogo prone to petty crime, particularly theft, especially during peak hours when the terminal is overcrowded.
Still, Nyabugogo remains a central pillar in Kigali’s daily rhythm — a place of opportunity, energy, and constant motion.
{{Revamp of Nyabugogo bus terminal}}
Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, often referred to as Rwanda’s “international hub,” is the largest in the country, serving as a critical connection point between Kigali and all provinces, as well as neighboring countries. The City of Kigali has announced plans to upgrade the terminal to meet modern standards, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2025.
The renovation project is projected to cost between $100 million and $150 million.
According to Fulgence Dusabimana, the Deputy Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure in Kigali, the upgraded terminal will feature modern and essential infrastructure.
He noted that the redesigned terminal will include separate sections for City public transport, Inter-provincial buses, and Cross-border/international buses.
Dusabimana also revealed that the project includes the construction of additional road infrastructure to address the persistent issue of traffic congestion in the Nyabugogo area.
“There will be roads designed to ease traffic flow in and around the terminal,” he said.
“You’re aware that traffic jams are common at certain hours, especially during peak travel times. The new infrastructure will help us eliminate these challenges—this includes the construction of overpasses to enhance mobility.”
He also emphasized that, given the large number of international passengers passing through Nyabugogo, accommodation facilities will be part of the terminal’s redevelopment.
“Some travelers coming from outside Rwanda may need accommodation nearby. The plan includes lodging facilities to ensure they don’t have to go far to find a place to stay,” he added.
The revamped terminal is set to become a multi-functional transport and commercial hub, reflecting Kigali’s ambition to modernize public infrastructure and meet the demands of a growing urban population.
{{Things to watch out for when visiting Nyabugogo for the first time}}
If you are visiting Nyabugogo for the first time, know that you’ve entered one of Kigali’s busiest urban areas. You may encounter many people trying to “teach you” the city or guide you around — some of whom may not have the best intentions. While Rwanda has modernized and most citizens are now well-informed and urban-minded, a word of caution can still be helpful.
It’s advisable to have clear communication with the person who is supposed to receive you. Agree in advance on your departure and arrival times, so they can be there to meet you.
This will help you avoid getting lost or falling into the hands of people who may try to take advantage of your confusion.
If your host isn’t present or you have to continue your journey alone, avoid being distracted by the many sights and sounds around you. Stay focused on your travel route and proceed without delay. If you are transferring to another location, make your move promptly and don’t linger unnecessarily.
Be cautious of strangers who approach you offering help or information, no matter how friendly or helpful they may seem. Politely decline such offers because it’s often difficult to distinguish between someone with good intentions and a potential scammer. Giving such people your attention could lead to being misled or even robbed.
Keep your valuables safe and secure. This includes items like mobile phones, laptops, cash, or any other important belongings. Make sure they are stored discreetly and out of easy reach, as this will reduce the chances of being targeted by opportunistic thieves.
Lastly, don’t stay too long in the area—especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. While your curiosity may tempt you to explore more, it’s better to move on with your journey. You can always return later with someone who knows the place well or once you’re more familiar with the surroundings.
{{Below are photos offering a glimpse of Nyabugogo}}
“As for the topics covered, then, first of all, of course, it is the Ukrainian crisis. And the second topic is the prospects for the possible development of strategic cooperation between the United States and Russia,” Ushakov said, adding that the talk was “very useful and constructive.”
Ushakov said that further details will follow after Trump is briefed on the outcome.
Witkoff previously visited Moscow on April 25 and St. Petersburg on April 11, holding talks with Putin both times.
