Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

During the ceremony, the President reaffirmed the strong ties between Rwanda and China, describing China as a long-standing and reliable partner.

As Xinhua reported, he expressed his commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and enhancing practical cooperation between the two nations.

President Kagame also assured that the Government and people of Rwanda will extend full support and facilitation to Ambassador Gao as he undertakes his diplomatic mission.

Amb. Gao conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings, and hailed the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, where China-Rwanda relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring fruitful cooperation on all fronts.

China stands ready to work together with the Rwandan side to enhance political mutual trust and promote practical cooperation to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples, the Chinese ambassador added.

China has emerged as one of the countries that clearly sees the investment potential in Rwanda. Over the past five years, it has consistently ranked among the top sources of foreign direct investment into the country.

In 2024 alone, Chinese investments in Rwanda reached $460 million, surpassing $445 million from India.

In previous years, Chinese investment figures were $79.1 million in 2023, $182.4 million in 2022, $357.7 million in 2021, and $282 million in 2020.

Across this five-year period, China led all other countries in the volume of investments made in Rwanda in four out of five years.

Beyond attracting Chinese investment, Rwanda is also expanding its exports to China at a notable pace.

Between 2021 and 2024, Rwandan exports to China grew from $16 million to over $100 million, representing more than a fivefold increase in just four years.

In 2024 alone, Rwandan exports to China rose by 29.5%.

This growth reflects a broader strengthening of bilateral trade, with the total trade volume between Rwanda and China reaching $1.6 billion in 2024, up from $742 million in 2021.

Ambassador Gao Wenqi assumed his post as China’s new Ambassador to Rwanda recently, succeeding Wang Xuekun, who completed his term at the beginning of this year .

This partnership is a significant milestone for Rwanda as it is the first African nation to host the world’s biggest cycling event in the competition’s 125-year history.

The UCI Road World Championship is one of the most prestigious events in international cycling, drawing elite athletes, industry stakeholders, and fans from around the world.

The weeklong competition will bring global attention to Kigali and is expected to deliver high-level racing, sportsmanship, and a celebration of cycling culture.

BRALIRWA’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting community-focused initiatives. As Rwanda welcomes international visitors and athletes, BRALIRWA will play a central role in promoting unity, excellence, and national pride through its portfolio of beverage brands.

“We are delighted to welcome BRALIRWA as the official beverage sponsor of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” said Samson Ndayishimiye, President of Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY). “Their support brings added energy to what will be a defining moment for Rwandan sport.”

During the championship, BRALIRWA will organize fan zones, sports workshops, and community screenings of the races. These activities will be hosted in local neighborhoods to encourage participation, promote sportsmanship, and provide entertainment and refreshment in an inclusive setting.

“We will create spaces where communities can come together to celebrate the championship, enjoy our beverages, and share the joy of true togetherness,” said Lieke, BRALIRWA’s Marketing Director.

“Through our fan zones and activations, we aim to offer memorable experiences while also promoting responsible enjoyment throughout the event.”

As the official beverage sponsor, BRALIRWA aims to contribute to a successful and memorable championship while supporting a lasting legacy for Rwanda’s sporting and community development.

Adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, Resolution 2789 instructs all the member states to “take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel of all types to armed groups and associated individuals operating in that country,” according to a UNSC meeting coverage.

It also extends the mandate of the panel of experts that assists in the implementation of the sanctions until Aug. 31, 2026.

The UNSC lifted last year the arms embargo on the CAR government through Resolution 2745, but left in place the arms embargo on armed groups and associated individuals operating in the CAR and the targeted measures of asset freeze and travel ban against entities and individuals designated by the Sanctions Committee.

In a statement, Downing Street called on Israel to immediately allow the United Nations to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to prevent starvation, agree to a ceasefire, and clearly state that there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

The statement also called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer elaborated on the conditional nature of recognizing a Palestinian state during a press conference on Tuesday. He said the British government’s primary goal is to change the reality on the ground, and that “this is intended to further that cause.”

Starmer also explained the timing of the announcement: “I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is receding and feels further away today than it has for many years.”

“There is no better solution for the future of the region than two states,” with Israel living with its secure borders recognized and at peace with their neighbors free from the threat of terrorism, and Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security free of occupations, said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday at a high-level international conference on “The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” held at the UN headquarters.

At a media press stakeout after his statement at the meeting, Lammy said the decision that has been taken “puts us on a pathway towards recognition” of the State of Palestine.

“We have seen the most terrific scenes. The global community is deeply offended by children being shot and killed as they reach out for aid,” he told reporters.

More than 200 members of parliament from nine political parties signed a letter to the prime minister and Lammy on Saturday, calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state.

He made these remarks on July 29, 2025, during a parliamentary session where Members of Parliament voted to ratify the Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., United States, on June 27, 2025.

MP Minani Bizimana raised concerns about expectations for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures while the root causes of insecurity have not yet been resolved.

He asked, “Is national defense now considered a crime? Even powerful nations maintain defense systems, including satellite surveillance. So why would it be a problem for Rwanda to do the same?”

In response, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted that trusting the DRC remains difficult.

“We signed the agreement, but we know these people—we’ve worked with them and we’re still in contact. There are mercenaries fighting on the front lines. You saw Romanian mercenaries pass through Kigali, and now they have brought in others from Colombia… we told them, ‘this is happening right in front of you, and you are watching.’”

He emphasized that Rwanda expects the DRC to fully implement the commitments it signed onto.

“What we are asking for is political will. As we have always said, we cannot accept any situation that threatens Rwanda’s security or that of its people. That is non-negotiable. That is why our defense measures will remain in place until a clear and visible resolution is achieved.”

Minister Nduhungirehe further stated that Rwanda cannot dismantle its security structures as long as the FDLR, whose presence prompted the measures, is still active and has not been dismantled, as stipulated in the agreement.

He explained that the peace process would begin with encouraging FDLR fighters to voluntarily repatriate. For those who refuse, military force would be used to neutralize the threat.

Dr. Gasore made these remarks on July 29, 2025, during an inspection visit to the Nyabarongo River.

In an interview with RBA, the minister described the situation as critical, noting that the reduced river flow is already affecting water production capacity. He announced the formation of task forces to monitor the situation and manage the limited supply more effectively.

“This is a serious issue that has disrupted the volume of water reaching Kigali,” he said. “As an immediate response, we’ve established a mobile team to inspect our water distribution networks and ensure equitable access to the available supply, as we continue to work on long-term solutions.”

Water from the Nzove plant is distributed to several areas across Kigali, including Gisozi, Kibagabaga, Nyarutarama, Kimihurura, Bumbogo, Birembo, the Special Economic Zone, Gasanze, Karama, Mont Kigali, Kimisange, Nyanza in Kicukiro, Mageragere, and Rebero.

The MoU was signed on July 28, between Wellington Dias, Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger and co-chair of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, the Rwandan Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, on the sidelines of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Dr. Bagabe welcomed the deal as a great milestone in bilateral cooperation. “Today is an important moment in our relations with Brazil. We are consolidating our partnerships in agricultural extension and technology transfer,” he noted.

The signed agreement includes a wide range of joint initiatives aimed at promoting resilient agriculture, strengthening public policies, and expanding access to inputs, technologies, and water for agricultural production in both countries.

Wellington Dias also celebrated the agreement with Rwanda and the current situation in Brazil.

“We are delighted that we are advancing in this partnership. We celebrate this new stage and will work towards positive results in the future. We are working to ensure the eradication of hunger and poverty and are exchanging experiences between the two countries,” he said.

The Brazilian minister explained that the signing of the memorandum and Rwanda’s commitment to the Accelerated Implementation Plan, within the framework of the Global Alliance, represent a strategic opportunity to advance the goals of eradicating hunger and poverty.

“We will motivate our technical teams to begin implementing activities as soon as possible to achieve concrete results, demonstrating the effectiveness of South-South cooperation,” he emphasized.

Wellington emphasized how these initiatives will benefit development in Rwanda, which, along with Brazil, is one of the founding countries of the Global Alliance.

“Cooperation in small-scale agriculture is essential, but through the Global Alliance, we are also already advancing with Rwanda in the area of socioeconomic inclusion, both urban and rural,” he continued.

The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Brazil began in 1981, and since then, the two countries have signed several cooperation agreements. For example, in 2019, they signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to facilitate air travel between the two nations.

In 2011, they also signed another agreement focused on cooperation for food security. Brazil is the world’s leading producer of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and oranges.

Since 2022, Rwanda has been importing wheat from Brazil after supplies from Ukraine significantly declined. Rwanda also regularly imports products such as sugar from Brazil.

These include Major General Andrew Kagame and Major General Wilson Gumisiriza, as well as Brigadier Generals Joseph Demali, Fred Muziraguharara, James Ruzibiza, Frank Mutembe, Pascal Muhizi, Nelson Rwigema, and Jean Paul Karangwa.

In addition to the Generals, President Kagame approved the retirement of 120 senior officers, 26 junior officers, and 927 other ranks.

Speaking at [a send off ceremony ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rdf-honors-retiring-service-members] of retiring soldiers on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF expressed his appreciation for the outstanding service rendered by Retirees during the times when Rwanda needed them.

“You stood firm during the liberation struggle, stopped the genocide against Tutsi, and have been instrumental in rebuilding our country ever since. You played a crucial role in transforming RDF into a strong and professional force, both within Rwanda and on international platforms. Your contributions, especially in the military, have left a lasting legacy,” he said.

He also said that even as they retire, their experience and wisdom remain vital to our nation’s progress. He urged them to always be part of the RDF family and assured them to continue to benefit from their expertise.

In his address, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, expressed appreciation to the RDF retirees for their sacrifices, commitment, and significant contribution to the nation.

He commended them for the discipline they upheld throughout their military careers and encouraged them to continue collaborating with the wider Rwandan community in efforts to develop the country.

As a token of appreciation, the retirees were awarded certificates in recognition of their dedicated service to the Rwanda Defence Force.

At the time, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, noted that the discussions had made significant progress and showed potential to restore cordial relations between the two countries.

“Rwanda and Burundi are on a promising path to ending hostilities and reaching an understanding, as discussions between the leaders of both countries continue,” he stated.

There was renewed optimism that Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye would refrain from launching further baseless accusations against Rwanda, as he had between December 2023 and February 2025. At the time, he threatened regime change in Rwanda and accused it of planning attacks on his country.

However, that optimism quickly faded. Following the two rounds of dialogue hosted in each country, President Ndayishimiye renewed his hostile remarks against Rwanda, declaring that Burundians were prepared to defend themselves should Rwanda attempt aggression.

On May 4, Minister Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to peaceful relations with Burundi but expressed concern that each time progress was made, President Ndayishimiye undermined it through media statements.

“These accusations are not based on facts. When someone says that Rwanda is planning to invade Burundi, it’s simply not true—and even Burundians know that. We hope these kinds of comments decrease, especially from the Burundian side, so that we can continue working together and restore relations in the right time.”

Ndayishimiye also revived longstanding grievances, insisting that until Rwanda extradites individuals suspected of involvement in the failed May 2015 coup against former Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, the borders between the two countries will remain closed.

Burundi closed its borders in 2015, reopened them in 2022, but shut them again in January 2024 following a RED Tabara attack in Gatumba, a Bujumbura province zone near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

{{What truly led Ndayishimiye to derail the negotiations?}}

A report by United Nations experts, released on July 3, 2025, revealed that Burundian President Ndayishimiye’s renewed attacks on Rwanda in February were prompted by significant territorial gains by the M23/AFC coalition in South Kivu Province, nearing Burundi’s border.

Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have long collaborated in efforts to combat M23/AFC, accusing Rwanda of supporting the group, as well as the armed rebel group RED Tabara. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

The Rwanda-Burundi talks held in March had initially led to a de-escalation in rhetoric from Ndayishimiye. However, tensions flared again in late March when M23/AFC captured more territory in South Kivu, testing Burundi’s patience.

President Ndayishimiye stated at the time: “We know Rwanda is attempting to attack us through Congolese territory, using the RED Tabara militia. But let me be clear, if they try to reach Bujumbura via Congo, then we also know that Kigali isn’t far if we pass through Kirundo.”

According to the UN experts, beginning in early April 2025—just days after those remarks—Burundi deployed between 7,000 and 9,000 troops into South Kivu.

These forces were stationed in the Rusizi Plain near the border and in the mountainous areas surrounding Minembwe in Fizi Territory to contain M23/AFC advances.

The report further notes that Burundian troops operate in close coordination with the Congolese army (FARDC), the Wazalendo militias backed by the DRC government, and the FDLR, a genocidal militia hostile to the Rwandan government.

The new figures were released on July 28 in the latest Labour Force Survey. The report shows that both men and women benefited from the rise in employment. Employment among men and women respectively stood at 61.7% and 46.8%.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 had a job rate of 49.1%, which is lower than the 57.4% seen among adults aged 31 and above.

The report shows that most people are now working in the services sector. Meanwhile, the number of people working in agriculture went down to 38.0% in May 2025, compared to 39.3% in the same period last year.

Jobs in the industry sector also dropped slightly, while employment in services increased from 44.0% to 45.6% over the same time.

In total, Rwanda’s working-age population (people aged 16 and above) is now around 8.5 million. Out of that, 4.5 million people are working, about 710,000 are unemployed, and 3.2 million are not part of the labour force, meaning they are not working and not looking for work either.

Unemployment also went down. The rate of people without jobs dropped to 13.4%, a big improvement from last year’s 16.8%, and even better than the 15.0% recorded before COVID-19 in 2019. However, women are still more affected, with an unemployment rate of 15.3%, compared to 11.8% for men.

Young people also face more challenges, with 15.4% of them unemployed, compared to 12.1% among adults.