Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The French-Rwandan developer, which began operations in 2021, has focused on creating quality housing in prime locations including Rebero, Kibagabaga, and soon Kimihurura.

“50 owners or tenants are now living in the apartments and villas we completed during this initial journey,” noted David Benazeraf, Founding partner and Managing Director.

Imara Properties’ first project, Isange Estate Rebero, completed in 2022, introduced 15 high-end villas in a community setting with common gardens and swimming pool.

This was followed by Isange Phase II in 2023, which added 12 apartments and 6 villas to the Rebero neighborhood. The company expanded to Kibagabaga with Isange Apartments, offering 11 premium units near the Convention Center, just handed over, while Ituze Village in Kanombe, introduced functional family homes in 2025.

Currently under construction is Isange Phase III Rebero, featuring 20 luxury villas that continue the company’s commitment to community-focused living. The project, like its predecessors, has seen strong ongoing sales, with over 50% of units already sold.

This consistent market response reflects growing confidence among both local and international investors. “When we launched Imara, we had one ambition: to build communities and raise the standards of residential construction in Kigali”, said Founding partner Serge Kamuhinda.

{{A Focus on Quality and Urban Development }}

What sets Imara apart in Kigali’s competitive real estate market is its emphasis on transparency and quality.

“We’ve maintained a simple principle from the beginning,” explains David Benazeraf. “Every property we sell comes with clear, detailed, and accurate specifications. All room sizes are measured, displayed, and explained.”

This approach has resonated with buyers and tenants from 25 different countries across 4 continents, many of whom appreciate the company’s reliable communication and on-time execution.

Client testimonials support this reputation. “The attention to detail and the property matched the initial descriptions, which isn’t always the case in real estate,” shared an owner at Isange Estate Rebero.

Another buyer at the Kibagabaga apartments noted on-time delivery and excellent finishes quality as key factors in their satisfaction. “They are not selling Instagram 3D pictures. They build reality”, said another one who purchased in two of Imara’s projects.

{{Looking ahead}}

Like many developers, Imara Properties has navigated construction challenges and supply chain delays. However, “projects have consistently sold out before completion” recalled Founding partner Aimé Bakata Nkunzi, a sign of sustained demand for well-managed housing in Kigali.

As Rwanda’s capital continues to grow, Imara appears well-positioned for the future. With additional projects in the planning stages and a proven track record of delivery, the company demonstrates that steady, quality-focused development can succeed in Kigali’s dynamic real estate market. Imara’s projects have created about 200 stable jobs.

The company’s strength stems from a dynamic international team and its diverse founding team, which brings together Rwandan and French expertise across multiple disciplines.

The co-founders include David Benazeraf, a French entrepreneur with extensive African and international market experience; Aimé Bakata Nkunzi, a prominent Rwandan architect; Serge Kamuhinda of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda; Alain Ngirinshuti from Rwanda Social Security Board; along with locally based architect Yannick Miara, and Yonathan Arfi of Group Optimal Gestion.

“The market is becoming more discerning,” noted David Benazeraf. “Buyers prioritize quality and transparency, which aligns with our vision. Moving forward, we aim to keep improving while staying responsive to the city’s housing needs.”

{{About Imara Properties }}

Founded in 2020, Imara Properties is a French-Rwandan developer specializing in residential real estate.

The company has completed four projects totaling over 50 units across Kigali, with a fifth project of 20 villas currently under construction in Rebero and a sixth one starting construction in Kimihurura this year.

Its leadership combines international expertise with deep local market knowledge. www.imara-properties.com

On July 27, 2025, MTN Rwanda announced that it was experiencing a nationwide technical failure, impacting both voice calls and the functionality of its USSD codes.

From that date through July 28, numerous MTN customers reported receiving error messages such as “This number does not exist” when attempting to place calls. Many were also unable to send SMS messages during the outage.

On the evening of July 28, RURA issued a statement confirming it had detected widespread service issues and had officially summoned MTN Rwanda’s leadership for a response.

“The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has noted persistent and recurring issues in MTN’s service delivery, including disruptions in voice services, SMS, USSD, and challenges related to interconnect traffic between service providers,” reads a statement posted by RURA on X.

“In accordance with the regulations, MTN’s leadership has been invited for a formal meeting tomorrow, Tuesday at 9:00 AM, to provide explanations regarding these issues and to present concrete measures to improve service quality and prevent similar disruptions from recurring,” the statement adds.

At approximately 11:00 PM on July 28, MTN Rwanda announced that the technical issues affecting calls and USSD services had been resolved nationwide and expressed appreciation for customers’ patience.

The official ceremony took place at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura, for RDF Generals and Senior Officers, while that for Junior Officers and Other Ranks was held at each RDF Division’s headquarters across the country and the General Headquarters, Kanombe, for RDF Units around Kigali city.

The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF. Also in attendance were the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, RDF Service Chiefs, Generals, Senior Officers, and the retirees’ spouses.

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, 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.

“Today marks a special day for soldiers who have made immense sacrifices. While you are retiring from active military service, you are not retiring from the values of the Rwanda Defence Force. These values will continue to guide you and keep you ready to serve whenever called upon. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and loyalty you demonstrated, from the liberation struggle, through the efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to the long and difficult journey of rebuilding our nation. You have played a vital role in shaping Rwanda into the country it is today.”

He also extends heartfelt thanks to the retirees’ spouses who stood strong in their absence, holding the families together and supporting their service from afar, noting their resilience is deeply appreciated.

Maj Gen (Rtd) Wilson Gumisiriza, speaking on behalf of the retirees, expressed pride in the progress of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the contributions they made in transforming it into the respected institution it is today. He noted that although they are entering a new phase in life, they remain committed to serving Rwanda in different ways.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic for the visionary leadership he provided to the RDF, which has grown into a highly respected force, both nationally and internationally. Although we have retired from active duty, we remain ready and willing to serve our country whenever called upon. Today, we may be taking off our military uniforms, but we are not stepping away from our duty to the nation,” he said.

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

Schoof has convened an emergency meeting in The Hague during the summer recess, bringing together government ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“The government’s goal is crystal clear: the people in Gaza must have immediate, unhindered, and safe access to humanitarian aid,” Schoof wrote.

Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) reached a deal with Israel aimed at facilitating greater humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. That agreement is set to be reviewed Tuesday by EU member states. Should Israel be found to have fallen short in its commitments, further actions could be taken at the EU level.

The Dutch prime minister indicated that the Netherlands is also prepared to take unilateral steps if necessary.

“We are also considering national measures to increase the pressure,” Schoof warned, adding that he had conveyed this message directly to Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a phone call on Monday.

Guterres “urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace,” Farhan Haq, the UN chief’s deputy spokesperson, said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General commends Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their dedicated efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement said.

The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, it added.

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to implement a ceasefire from midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting hosted by him in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Addressing the official opening session on Monday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the need to transform global food systems to address critical sustainable development challenges.

“Food systems transformation is not just a moral imperative. It is a strategic necessity central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially ending hunger, reducing poverty, and building climate-resilient economies,” he said.

The AUC chief highlighted Africa’s “bold steps” in food systems transformation, supported by collective continental commitments and investment targets to build resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems. He further called on global partners to support African-led solutions.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the vital need to realize shared commitments in ensuring global food systems that are inclusive, sustainable, equitable, resilient, and rooted in human rights.

“Global hunger is rising, trade shocks are pushing food prices out of reach, and one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet while one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted,” Guterres said, warning that climate change and conflict are further driving hunger across the globe.

For her part, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need to address the major drivers of global food insecurity. She noted that although food insecurity has drastically decreased over the past decades, the phenomenon still affects about 10 percent of the world’s population.

“This percentage is largely concentrated here in Africa, where one in five people suffer from hunger and do not have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead a healthy life. This situation, already complex, has been exacerbated by the crises the world is currently facing,” Meloni said.

Describing food insecurity as a critical global political and economic issue, she warned of the catastrophic consequences, including poverty and conflicts, as communities become more vulnerable to violence, terrorism, and forced migration.

Echoing the sentiment, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the importance of ensuring predictable financing to support investments in agriculture, rural transformation, infrastructure, and nutrition in Africa and beyond.

Abiy, in particular, emphasized the need to put in place fair access to technology and finance for agricultural modernization in Africa. He further emphasized the importance of fair trade rules that create a level playing field and a strong global partnership that empowers local solutions.

The summit, held on July 27-29, is expected to reflect on global progress in food systems transformation, strengthen collaboration, and unlock finance and investments to accelerate action toward the UN SDGs.

According to media reports, the meeting on Monday brought together Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet in an effort to halt fighting that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000 from both sides.

Anwar described the outcome as a positive step toward peace, with the ceasefire set to take effect at midnight on July 28 (1200 GMT). He added that military commanders from both countries will meet Tuesday to discuss further de-escalation.

US and Chinese diplomats were present, with Anwar noting that leaders from both nations, including US President Donald Trump, played a role in supporting the peace process.

Hun Manet praised the talks, expressing hope that the ceasefire would help rebuild trust between the neighbors. Meanwhile, Phumtham affirmed Thailand’s commitment to the agreement, despite earlier doubts about Cambodia’s intentions.

Recent clashes included rocket fire by Cambodia into Thailand’s Sisaket province, and accusations from both sides of troop buildups and attacks near contested temple sites.

Cambodia’s defense spokesperson accused Thai forces of using heavy weapons and smoke bombs in the disputed areas but said Cambodian troops successfully repelled the assaults.

According to the July 2025 edition of the index, Rwandan passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 63 destinations. This places Rwanda in the 23rd position in Africa and 73rd globally, ahead of several countries in the region, including Mozambique (62) and Togo (60).

At the top of the African continent, Seychelles leads the ranking with access to 156 destinations, followed by Mauritius (149) and South Africa (103). These nations remain Africa’s strongest performers on the global mobility scale.

Other East African nations in Rwanda’s neighborhood rank closely: Kenya has access to 71 destinations, Tanzania to 70, Uganda and Zambia to 67, while Burundi lags behind with 48.

Globally, Singapore tops the 2025 index with a visa-free score of 193, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with access to only 25 countries without a visa.

The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as the most authoritative passport ranking system. The index tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a unique snapshot of each country’s passport power.

Rwanda’s upward mobility in the rankings reflects its growing diplomatic reach and continued efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, especially across Africa and Asia.

The most recent country to grant [visa-free access to Rwanda is Antigua and Barbuda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-antigua-and-barbuda-ink-deals-on-visa-waiver-health-tourism], through a bilateral agreement signed on July 18, 2025.

Here is the full list of how African countries are ranked:

| Africa Rank | Country | Visa-Free Score | Global Rank |
| 1 | Seychelles | 156 | 24 |
| 2 | Mauritius | 149 | 27 |
| 3 | South Africa | 103 | 48 |
| 4 | Botswana | 85 | 59 |
| 5 | Namibia | 79 | 63 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 76 | 65 |
| 7 | eSwatini | 74 | 66 |
| 8 | Malawi | 73 | 67 |
| 9 | Morocco | 73 | 67 |
| 10 | Kenya | 71 | 69 |
| 11 | The Gambia | 71 | 69 |
| 12 | Tanzania | 70 | 70 |
| 13 | Benin | 67 | 71 |
| 14 | Cape Verde Islands | 67 | 71 |
| 15 | Ghana | 67 | 71 |
| 16 | Tunisia | 67 | 71 |
| 17 | Uganda | 67 | 71 |
| 18 | Zambia | 67 | 71 |
| 19 | Sierra Leone | 65 | 72 |
| 20 | Rwanda | 63 | 73 |
| 21 | Zimbabwe | 63 | 73 |
| 22 | Mozambique | 62 | 74 |
| 23 | Sao Tome and Principe | 61 | 75 |
| 24 | Togo | 60 | 76 |
| 25 | Burkina Faso | 59 | 77 |
| 26 | Cote d’Ivoire | 59 | 77 |
| 27 | Senegal | 59 | 77 |
| 28 | Gabon | 58 | 78 |
| 29 | Madagascar | 58 | 78 |
| 30 | Guinea | 57 | 79 |
| 31 | Mauritania | 57 | 79 |
| 32 | Niger | 57 | 79 |
| 33 | Equatorial Guinea | 56 | 80 |
| 34 | Algeria | 55 | 81 |
| 35 | Mali | 55 | 81 |
| 36 | Guinea-Bissau | 54 | 82 |
| 37 | Chad | 52 | 83 |
| 38 | Comoro Islands | 52 | 83 |
| 39 | Central African Republic | 51 | 84 |
| 40 | Liberia | 51 | 84 |
| 41 | Cameroon | 49 | 85 |
| 42 | Egypt | 49 | 85 |
| 43 | Angola | 48 | 86 |
| 44 | Burundi | 48 | 86 |
| 45 | Congo (Republic) | 48 | 86 |
| 46 | Djibouti | 47 | 87 |
| 47 | Ethiopia | 45 | 88 |
| 48 | Nigeria | 45 | 88 |
| 49 | Congo (Democratic Republic) | 43 | 90 |
| 50 | South Sudan | 43 | 90 |
| 51 | Sudan | 41 | 92 |
| 52 | Eritrea | 39 | 94 |
| 53 | Libya | 38 | 95 |
| 54 | Somalia | 32 | 96 |

“The Ministry strongly condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the step taken by the terrorist RSF militia in announcing a fake government, claiming to assign government positions to run Sudan,” the statement said.

The ministry urged neighboring countries, the international community, regional and international organizations, as well as all governmental and non-governmental entities, to denounce the declaration of the parallel government and refrain from recognizing or engaging with it.

It emphasized that any form of engagement with the parallel government would constitute an infringement on Sudan’s legitimate authority and sovereignty over its entire territory, and a clear violation of the rights and resources of the Sudanese people.

On Saturday, the Sudan Founding Alliance, led by the RSF, announced the formation of a parallel government.

The parallel government was announced in a televised statement broadcast via Telegram, naming Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as the “prime minister.”

According to the statement, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was selected as “President of the Presidential Council,” the highest sovereign authority, while leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu was appointed as “Vice President of the Presidential Council.”

The RSF signed a founding charter with various political and armed groups in February, setting the groundwork for the parallel government.

Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders.

According to local media reports, ADF fighters stormed a Catholic church early Saturday in the town of Komanda, Ituri Province. A local civil society leader in Komanda said most of the victims, primarily Catholic worshippers, were preparing for Sunday celebrations when the attack took place. Several houses were burned, and an unknown number of people remain missing.

Witnesses said the assailants also looted a local bank and other community properties before retreating into the nearby forest.

The ADF rebels have stepped up assaults in Ituri since early July. In a statement issued earlier this week, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC condemned the recent ADF attacks, which have killed at least 82 civilians in both Ituri and neighboring North Kivu Province.

The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group operating in eastern DRC, prompting joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces to pursue the group since November 2021.