The event brought together hotel management and guests in a warm atmosphere of togetherness and camaraderie, celebrating Christmas and the upcoming New Year.
Attendees enjoyed festive gifts, including complimentary stays, meals, and access to the gym and swimming pool.
Benjamin Wambua, General Manager of M Hotel, expressed profound appreciation for the guests’ trust and collaboration, which he described as the cornerstone of the hotel’s success.
“Your trust, partnership, and support have been the foundation of our growth,” Wambua stated. “You are not just partners to us; you are part of the larger M Hotel family. We truly appreciate the confidence you place in us.”
He reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, ensuring memorable experiences for every visitor, and extended warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026.
Gatete James, head of sales and marketing, invited public and private organizations to choose M Hotel for their accommodation and event needs, emphasizing the hotel’s readiness to offer international-standard, high-quality services.
M Hotel is a modern four-star property in the heart of Kigali, featuring 114 well-appointed rooms—ranging from standard to VIP suites—equipped with all essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Dining highlights include the renowned Panda Restaurant, offering a fusion of international cuisines prepared by expert chefs in a spotless kitchen. Guests can also relax at two inviting bars: Lark (Lobby Bar) and Heron (Pool Bar).
The hotel excels in event hosting with 11 versatile meeting rooms accommodating 6 to 500 people, fully equipped for conferences and gatherings.
Additional facilities include accommodation, fine dining, a gym, swimming pool, and comprehensive event services, making it a complete destination for leisure and business travelers alike.
Parliamentarians voted on Wednesday to adopt the legislation, which holds that France bears “legal responsibility for its colonial past in Algeria and the tragedies it caused.” Lawmakers wearing scarves in the national colours chanted “Long live Algeria” as they applauded the passage of the bill.
The law sets out a detailed list of abuses committed during France’s rule from 1830 to 1962, including nuclear tests, extrajudicial killings, physical and psychological torture, and systematic plundering of resources. It also asserts that full and fair compensation for both material and moral harm suffered because of colonisation is an inalienable right of the Algerian people.
In addition to categorising colonisation as a crime, the legislation demands that Paris issue a formal apology and pay reparations for the harm inflicted over more than a century of colonial rule. While the law is symbolic and carries no binding international legal authority over France, Algerian officials say the move is politically significant and reflects a broader struggle over historical memory and accountability.
Parliament Speaker Brahim Boughali described the vote as sending “a clear message, both internally and externally, that Algeria’s national memory is neither erasable nor negotiable,” according to state news reports.
The passage of the law comes amid a deepening diplomatic crisis between Algiers and Paris. Tensions have mounted over recent years due to disputes on a range of issues, including France’s foreign policy stances in North Africa and the handling of historical questions related to colonial abuses.
France’s colonial rule of Algeria, which lasted nearly 132 years, was marked by widespread violence and repression, culminating in a brutal independence war from 1954 to 1962. Algeria estimates that up to 1.5 million Algerians died during that conflict, although historians differ on exact figures.
French President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged elements of France’s colonial past as crimes against humanity but stopped short of issuing a formal national apology, a stance that has frustrated many in Algeria.
While the new Algerian law will not automatically compel France to act, analysts say its passage represents a symbolic rupture in bilateral relations and could shape future regional diplomacy and debates about colonial legacy and reparations.
The individuals affected include former European Commissioner Thierry Breton who played a leading role in shaping the EU’s digital regulatory framework as well as activists and campaigners associated with organizations working against online hate and disinformation. U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the five Europeans as part of efforts that potentially threaten U.S. free speech by influencing how American platforms moderate content.
Under a visa policy revived by the administration of President Donald Trump, the U.S. government says it can bar entry to foreigners it deems responsible for “censoring” Americans, including through undue pressure on social media platforms and tech companies. The designation reflects growing concern in Washington about the influence of foreign regulations and digital rules on American speech and technology firms.
European leaders have denounced the decision as unjustified and an attack on democratic regulatory processes. The European Commission demanded clarification from the U.S. and warned that Brussels could take reciprocal measures to protect its interests and regulatory autonomy. Officials argue that Europe’s digital laws, such as the Digital Services Act, were adopted democratically to enhance online safety, tackle harmful content, and ensure fair competition not to suppress free speech.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that digital regulations were developed through a sovereign, democratic process involving EU member states and the European Parliament. He and other European leaders criticized the U.S. move as coercive and undermining of European digital sovereignty. German officials echoed those concerns, saying the bans could weaken transatlantic cooperation on a range of issues.
The United Kingdom also expressed concern, acknowledging each nation’s right to set visa policies while emphasizing support for efforts to keep the internet safe from the most harmful content.
As tensions escalate, European leaders have signaled they will respond firmly if necessary to defend their regulatory framework and the sovereignty of their digital laws.
The crash took place at an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters (13,100 feet), between Barafu Camp and Kibo Summit, along a popular route used by climbers.
Authorities reported that the helicopter had been on a rescue mission, tasked with picking up patients from the mountain when the accident occurred.
The victims included two foreign nationals, a local doctor, a tour guide, and the pilot.
While the cause of the crash remains undetermined, investigations have already begun.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority assured the public that the inquiry would be conducted in accordance with international safety standards to understand the circumstances and determine the probable cause of the incident.
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, is Africa’s tallest mountain.
Aircraft accidents on the mountain are rare, with the last recorded incident dating back to November 2008, which also resulted in four fatalities.
The development comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un strongly condemned South Korea’s efforts to acquire similar submarine technology, calling it a threat to Pyongyang’s security.
The images released on Thursday depict what North Korean state media described as an 8,700‑ton class nuclear‑propelled submarine, with key components such as the engine and possibly the reactor seemingly installed. Kim visited the shipyard to inspect the vessel, accompanied by top military officials and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae.
According to reports, Kim emphasized the strategic importance of the submarine to North Korea’s defense capabilities and accused South Korea of threatening regional stability by pursuing its own nuclear submarine program.
He argued that the United States’ support for Seoul’s efforts, including backing from the U.S. President Donald Trump justified North Korea’s push to strengthen its own naval nuclear capabilities.
North Korea has long prioritized expanding its military arsenal, and this submarine project is part of a broader initiative outlined by Kim in recent years that also includes solid‑fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and satellite systems.
Officials described the vessel as a key part of enhancing the country’s nuclear deterrent, enabling stealthier launch capabilities from underwater.
Experts assessing the images say it remains unclear how close the submarine is to operational readiness, but the public disclosure itself marks a significant step in Pyongyang’s naval development efforts.
The project has raised concerns among regional neighbors and international observers about further escalation of military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim’s criticism reflects deepening frustration in Pyongyang over increased military cooperation between South Korea and the United States, especially regarding advanced submarine technology, which has historically been tightly controlled.
The U.S. has reportedly agreed to share some technology that could enable Seoul to build nuclear‑powered submarines, a move that Pyongyang views as a direct challenge to its security.
The unveiling of the submarine progress arrives amid ongoing political and military tensions across the region, as North Korea continues its weapons development programs while resisting international pressure to halt or scale back its nuclear ambitions.
The move nearly doubles Cook’s personal stake in Nike and was interpreted by analysts as a significant show of confidence in Nike’s ongoing turnaround strategy under its current leadership.
Cook, who has served on Nike’s board since 2005 and holds the role of lead independent director, acquired the shares at an average price of $58.97 each in an open‑market transaction on December 22.
After the purchase, his total holding in the company stands at about 105,000 shares, making this one of the largest direct stock purchases by a Nike director in more than a decade.
The stock market reacted positively. Nike’s shares closed up 4.6% on Wednesday, reversing some of the pressure the stock has faced in recent sessions. The rally followed the disclosure of Cook’s trade and reflected investor optimism that insider buying by major figures can signal confidence in the company’s prospects.
Nike has grappled with challenges this year, including weak profit margins and slower sales growth in key markets such as China. The company’s shares have been under significant pressure, trading down nearly 13% since its earnings report on December 18 and marking several years of performance declines relative to broader market peers.
Under the leadership of CEO Elliott Hill, Nike has been implementing a turnaround strategy focused on reviving innovation and strengthening demand. Hill’s plans also include renewed marketing efforts and efforts to rebuild relationships with major wholesalers to bolster visibility and sales.
Analysts and portfolio managers viewed Cook’s transaction as more than just a personal investment decision a vote of confidence in Nike’s strategy. “For Tim Cook to be an inside buyer is a modest positive,” said one market participant, highlighting the symbolic weight of such a high‑profile insider purchase.
In addition to Cook’s move, other Nike board members have also made insider purchases, further reinforcing the narrative of executive confidence amid a challenging period for the brand.
Speaking to the congregation, the cardinal stressed the urgency of the project, noting how the current church often overflows, with worshippers spilling outside and tents needed for extra space.
“It’s time for us to come together and build a spacious, beautiful cathedral,” he said, urging everyone to get involved.
He encouraged Christians to reach out to the chief priest at St. Michel Parish with ideas or donations within their means.
The goal is a grand church that matches Kigali’s rapid growth and modern vibe, built on land donated by the president.
When pressed for specifics like an exact start date or budget, Cardinal Kambanda said planning is ongoing but fundraising and preparations continue full steam ahead.
The new cathedral will rise on the site of the former Nyarugenge Prison, known locally as “1930.” Designs show a contemporary building with room for at least 5,000 inside and vast outdoor areas to handle up to 20,000 for big celebrations.
Cardinal Kambanda first voiced his vision for a fitting city cathedral back in 2019 during his installation ceremony at Amahoro Stadium.
In 2023, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced that efforts to raise 40 billion Rwandan Francs for the construction were still underway.
Currently, the Cathedral of Kigali is located in Kiyovu, Nyarugenge District, where St. Michel Parish is based. However, it is too small to accommodate large events.
St. Michel Parish was founded in 1963 as part of the Kabgayi Diocese and became a Cathedral Parish on May 3, 1976, when the Archdiocese of Kigali was established.
This impressive haul came from a total of 9,538 tons of products shipped abroad. Key contributors included coffee, with 893 tons earning $6,264,518, and tea, where 931 tons brought in $2,758,516. Horticultural items also performed strongly: vegetables (500 tons) fetched $345,176, fruits (313 tons) added $241,609, and flowers (21 tons) contributed $113,958.
Other agricultural goods accounted for 6,572 tons, generating $3,425,424, while livestock products added 308 tons worth $615,484.
These exports reached markets across Europe (including France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands), the Middle East (such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman), and various African countries.
This follows a similar strong performance the previous week, when exports from December 8 to 12 brought in $12.5 million from 9,650 tons.
On a broader scale, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources reported that Rwanda’s agricultural and livestock exports for the full year of 2025 exceeded $893.1 million, roughly equivalent to 1.3 trillion Rwandan francs.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics further highlights steady growth where exports in the 2024/25 period topped $893 million, a 6.4% rise from $839 million the year before.
Looking ahead, Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) sets an ambitious goal of $1.54 billion in annual revenues from these sectors by 2029.
These taxes must be declared and paid by 31 December 2025.
Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, Batamuliza Hajara, said that as the festive season approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to fulfill their obligations early to avoid potential technological disruptions in the final days, which could result in penalties for late declaration and payment.
“We want to enhance our self-reliance. We encourage everyone to pay all their taxes early so that they can enjoy the festive season with peace of mind, without any tax-related concerns. Christmas is near, and taxpayers are advised to settle their obligations in advance so that they can enter the holidays owing nothing to the public treasury,” she said.
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Commissioner Batamuliza noted that from the beginning of the year, a system was open to immovable property tax declarations and payments, either in full or in quarterly installments, depending on their capacity, while knowing in advance the total amount due.
“Since there are mechanisms that allow early declaration and gradual payment, there should be no reason for anyone to delay to the point of being penalized,” she added.
Property tax is calculated based on the location and use of the property.
According to the law governing sources of revenue for decentralized entities, when a property consists of land with a building, the tax is levied on the market value of both the building and the related plot. For undeveloped land, the tax is based solely on the land’s surface area.
The tax rate is determined annually by the District Council or the City of Kigali, depending on the property’s location and use, but it must not exceed FRW 80 per square meter.
Residential buildings and their plots are taxed at 0.5% of their market value; properties used for commercial purposes are taxed at 0.3%; while those used for industrial purposes or belonging to micro and small enterprises are taxed at 0.1%.
Multi-Storey residential buildings receive special consideration to encourage efficient land use. A residential building with up to three storeys is taxed at 0.25% of its market value, while those exceeding three storeys are taxed at 0.1%.
Properties exempt from immovable property tax include one building designated by the owner as their primary residence, along with its annexes located on a residential plot for a single household. The building remains considered the owner’s primary residence even if it is not occupied for various reasons; however, the land on which it is built remains taxable.
Commissioner Batamuliza clarified that if a property has already been taxed during the year of purchase, it is not taxed again, since taxation is levied on the property itself, not on the individual.
“As of this evening, we had surpassed 70% of declarations. Some taxpayers have declared but not yet paid, which is understandable. However, our message is directed to those who have neither declared nor paid, reminding them that the deadline is 31 December,” she added.
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Vehicle owners are also reminded to declare and pay the motor vehicle road maintenance levy.
The law determining this tax was published in the Official Gazette on 29 May 2025. For the current year, the levy is applied on a pro rata basis for the remaining months following the publication of the law.
The levy is set as follows: cars and jeeps – FRW 50,000; pick-ups, microbuses, minibuses, and buses – FRW 100,000; trucks and small trailers – FRW 120,000; and large trailers – FRW 150,000.
Exempted vehicles include those owned by the Government of Rwanda, diplomatic missions, and international organizations that have agreements with the Republic of Rwanda.
“These amounts may seem small, but they make a meaningful contribution to road maintenance. We remind vehicle owners to pay early, because delays may result in penalties that can be almost equal to the tax itself,” Commissioner Batamuliza said.
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Time is running out for taxpayers required to make third-quarter income tax prepayments.
This covers sales made in July, August, and September 2025. The quarterly prepayment tax is calculated from tax paid for the previous annual tax period divided by the turnover of the same tax period, times the current quarterly turnover.
“This is designed to make it easier for taxpayers. For example, if the total annual income tax due is around FRW 200 million, quarterly prepayments mean that by the end of the year, a taxpayer may have already paid half or more of the total amount, leaving only the balance to be settled,” Batamuliza explained.
“It is a facilitative mechanism and a legal right for taxpayers. Beyond supporting taxpayers, it also enables the government to fulfill its obligations in a timely manner.”
Declaration of the motor vehicle levy and immovable property tax can be done through the RRA website or by dialing *800#. The third quarterly prepayment tax is declared through the RRA website via the E-Tax system.
This funding, derived from tourism revenues, will be used to implement various initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of local communities.
The allocation is part of a broader tourism revenue sharing program, aimed at encouraging communities to actively participate in conservation efforts.
The announcement was made on December 22, 2025, in Nyamasheke District, during the selection process for projects that will receive support under this initiative in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
The program, which began in 2005, aims to ensure that local communities benefit from the economic gains brought by tourism, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility for the protection of the park.
Initially, 5% of the tourism revenue was shared with surrounding communities, but since 2017, this share has been increased to 10%.
Alfred Habimana, the Vice Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of economic development, stated, “In Rusizi, several cooperatives have received support, both in agriculture and livestock. Last year, 32 households living in substandard housing were provided with new homes.”
Habimana further explained that this year, the allocated funds would be used to enhance the Rasano Health Center, upgrading it to the level of a health post. This upgrade will ease access for residents who previously had to travel 30 kilometers to the Bweyeye Health Center or 40 kilometers to the Nyabitimbo Health Center for medical services.
Julienne Ntakirutimana, the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of economic development, announced that Rwf 107 million would be allocated to provide 100 pigs to residents of Mutuntu Sector.
Ntakirutimana added, “The remaining funds will be used to construct three new classrooms in Twumba Sector, where students previously had to walk up to four kilometers to attend school.”
Telesphore Ngoga, an official from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), highlighted that the allocated funds should be used for projects that will generate income for local residents.
He emphasized that a 2022 study revealed that 76% of the revenue from the tourism-sharing program was used for infrastructure development, a trend that should continue to be prioritized.
He further noted that 24% of the funds would be directed towards infrastructure improvements, while the remaining 76% should be focused on income-generating initiatives.
Over the past 25 years, the tourism revenue-sharing program has distributed a total of Rwf 18 billion to communities living near the parks, contributing significantly to the economic development of these areas.
