The airline started its Addis Ababa–Kigali route in 1975 and has since become a key link for travel, trade, and cultural ties between Ethiopia and Rwanda.
“We are excited to reach such a milestone,” said the Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “Over 50 years of service to Kigali, we have expanded both our passenger and cargo operations, with increased frequencies for the benefit of our customers. This marks another demonstration of Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to serving the people of Africa.”
Ethiopian Airlines now operates 21 weekly passenger flights and three cargo flights to Kigali. These connect travelers to over 145 destinations worldwide through its Addis Ababa hub.
The airline plays a big role in linking African countries and connecting them to major cities in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
The Kigali route supports trade, tourism, and diplomacy, helping Rwanda grow as a regional hub.
The expanded list includes key U.S. allies such as Egypt and Djibouti, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing a credible internal memo signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
If approved, the proposal would mark one of the largest travel-based restrictions in U.S. history, and follow an earlier executive order that targeted 19 countries, most of them in Africa and the Middle East.
The recent memo was distributed to American embassies over the weekend. It instructs governments of the listed countries to submit initial action plans by Wednesday morning and outlines a 60-day window to meet a series of enhanced vetting and cooperation benchmarks.
The targeted countries face scrutiny due to various issues, including weak identity documentation systems, high visa overstay rates in the U.S., lack of cooperation on deportations, and in some cases, the sale of citizenships with minimal requirements. It also mentions concerns about “anti-American or antisemitic activity” linked to individuals from certain nations.
The nations facing new restrictions are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Additional nations in the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific, including Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Dominica, Tonga, and Tuvalu, are also named in the memo.
The proposal builds on Trump’s recent Executive Order 14161, which imposed full travel bans on countries including Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, Libya, the Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea, while partially restricting Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Other countries affected include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, and Venezuela.
The policy has already sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups, who accuse the administration of disproportionately targeting African and Muslim-majority nations.
Many have drawn comparisons to Trump’s first-term travel ban, which was eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court but remains controversial to this day.
Bintou arrived in Goma, now under the control of AFC/M23, on June 12, 2025, to assess the security situation in areas held by the group. Her findings will be presented to the UN Security Council on June 27.
In addition to talks with AFC/M23 leaders, Bintou also met with the commander of the Southern African Development Community forces in the DRC (SAMIDRC), Maj. Gen. Monwabisi Dyakopu, as well as UN peacekeepers stationed in the region.
At the conclusion of her three-day visit, Bintou stated, “When the helicopter landed at the MONUSCO base, emotions were high. But in the conversations I had, I sensed hope. I believe the ongoing peace talks will yield tangible results.”
This was Bintou’s first visit to Goma since the city was seized by AFC/M23 in January 2025. The rebel group has previously accused MONUSCO of siding with the DRC government and disregarding the views and demands of the opposing side.
The farm’s link to the market in faraway China began in 2018, when Managing Director Dieudonne Twahirwa attended the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
“We saw strong demand for Rwandan dried chilli,” Twahirwa said. The following year, his participation in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo further boosted his confidence.
In 2024, Gashora Farm, which is headquartered in Kigali, partnered with HAIC — Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Hunan Cereals, Oils & Foodstuffs Import & Export Group (Hunan COF) — to launch the Rwanda-Hunan Chilli Pepper Industry Demonstration Project.
Under a contract farming model, the project covers 100 hectares and spans the entire value chain — from seedling cultivation to export. In the first season after the deal was signed, 200 tons of dried chilli were shipped to China.
“The Chinese market offers more than orders. It brings stability and investment,” said Twahirwa.
The project also benefits local communities. The farm employs 15 permanent staff and up to 1,000 seasonal workers at harvest time.
One worker, Eric Hagirimana, said: “I earn 2,500 Rwandan francs (about 2 U.S. dollars) daily, and have bought two cows.”
Jacqueline Mukantagara, a mother of four, also works at the farm. “This job helps me buy essentials and pay school fees,” she said.
Agronomist Aloys Ngambwa said the farm has centralised seedling nurseries and employs modern pest control. Improved techniques have helped it better cope with climate change and irrigation challenges.
Rwanda’s favourable climate, affordable labour force, and efficient government procedures support the project’s growth, Twahirwa said.
Chinese partner Li Ming, African business manager of Hunan COF, oversees planning, shipping, and coordination. “We faced cultural and management differences initially,” he said, “but have found common ground.”
Yields surpassed expectations, reaching 2.5 tons per hectare. Rwandan chillies have entered Chinese cities, including Qingdao, Chengdu, and Changsha, through wholesale markets, gaining consumer recognition.
HAIC’s “Mo La Ge” chilli sauce, made from Rwandan peppers, sold out immediately at a China-Africa shopping festival. Meanwhile, Chengdu hot-pot seasoning companies have started using Rwandan chillies, a sign of the produce’s deeper integration into China’s food supply chain.
The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, taking place from June 12 to 15 in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province, showcases similar success stories and seeks to facilitate new partnerships between African and Chinese stakeholders.
“We aim to expand planting and exports, invigorate the Chinese market, and create more jobs and foreign exchange for Rwanda,” said Li of Hunan COF.
“The Chinese market gives us more than buyers. It gives us partners,” Twahirwa said. “This partnership is transforming our business and farmers’ lives.”
The Rwandan chilli project crystallises deepening Africa-China cooperation. The rise of “Mo La Ge” chilli sauce is a clear sign of a growing bond between African farms and Chinese consumers.
Across the Asian and African continents, stories of trust, cooperation, and shared growth continue to be written.
A new initiative, Bike for Future, backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and implemented by Plan International Rwanda, is helping girls gain vocational skills, launch small businesses, and compete in sport.
Launched in January 2024, the project is part of the wider Sport, Education and Livelihoods in Africa programme, which supports 28 initiatives across 14 countries.
In Rwanda, the focus is on using cycling to improve employability among girls and young women, particularly those facing barriers to education and work.
Through the programme, participants receive training in trades like bicycle mechanics, welding, tailoring, and electrical work, along with toolkits and financial literacy support to help them start their own businesses.
Two all-girls cycling teams have also been formed, giving young athletes the chance to train, compete, and aim for national and international events.
For 16-year-old Amina, the programme has been a turning point. Once unable to pursue her dream of becoming a professional cyclist, she now competes at the national level and hopes to represent Rwanda at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
“Girls need spaces to showcase their potential. Winning challenging cycling competitions has made me stronger, more hardworking and determined,” said Amina.
“I dream of representing my country in international competitions to inspire more girls to follow their dreams.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, one in four young people globally is not in education, employment, or training. The IOC’s Olympism365 strategy addresses this challenge by mobilising sport to foster youth education, job creation, and social engagement.
Bike for Future is one of more than 550 IOC-supported initiatives worldwide designed to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond Rwanda, the IOC is also backing similar programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean.
One such model, Campeonas 2.4, operates in Paraguay, Chile, and Argentina. It combines football training for more than 400 girls with education on gender equality, digital literacy, including technology and AI skills, and vocational guidance, particularly in indigenous and rural communities. These interventions encompass health education with a focus on sexual and reproductive rights, preparing participants for broader societal participation.
The successes of Bike for Future, Campeonas 2.4, and other community-based sport initiatives will be showcased at the invitation-only Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World, taking place from 3 to 5 June in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The summit will bring together representatives from the Olympic Movement, UN agencies, development finance institutions, and civil society to share best practices and secure commitments towards leveraging sport as a powerful developmental tool.
The 24-year-old has signed a two-year deal with APR as a free agent, joining the Kigali-based military side after captaining SC Villa to their first Uganda Premier League title in over 20 years during the recently concluded 2024/25 season.
Ssekiganda becomes the third consecutive SC Villa captain to depart the club in as many seasons, following the exits of Gift Fred in 2023 and Kenneth Semakula in 2024. His departure marks another chapter in what appears to be a growing exodus of leadership talent from Uganda’s most decorated club.
The midfielder initially joined SC Villa in 2019 from CATDA FC, a Kampala Regional League side. That same year, he played a standout role in the Masaza Cup, guiding Bulemeezi to the title and earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
At APR FC, Ssekiganda reunites with his former SC Villa teammate Hakim Kiwanuka and links up with fellow Ugandan international Denis Omedi. The Rwandan side, fresh from claiming the 2024/25 league title with 67 points from 30 matches, also featured veteran midfielder Taddeo Lwanga last season.
Ssekiganda’s move highlights the increasingly visible pipeline of Ugandan talent heading to Rwanda, as the Rwandan Premier League continues to attract East African players seeking new challenges and higher levels of competition.
With continental football on APR’s horizon next season, the acquisition of Ssekiganda is expected to bolster the midfield depth of the 21-time Rwandan champions as they chase further domestic and regional success.
This message was emphasised as the youth visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi as part of the 31st commemoration activities.
The young people, who are receiving technology and entrepreneurship-focused training at ALX Rwanda, toured various sections of the memorial and were given a detailed account of how the Genocide was ideologically constructed, systematically planned, and brutally executed in 1994, leading to the loss of a million lives.
After learning about this painful chapter in history, the students laid wreaths at the mass graves where over 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried.
Participants also attended discussions and heard testimonies reflecting on the country’s dark past, the journey of national rebuilding, and lit candles as a symbol of hope for a future free from division and hatred.
Divin Ibambasi, Deputy Director of Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP), called on the youth to harness their technological knowledge to fight against genocide ideology and denialism.
“You should use your skills in technology to combat genocide ideology and those who deny or trivialise the Genocide against the Tutsi anywhere in the world,” he said.
He further encouraged them to apply their technological expertise to address challenges that threaten to undermine Rwanda’s progress.
Nimie Chaylone Uwurugwiro, Country Director of ALX Rwanda, emphasised that any knowledge or skill is meaningless unless it is used with humanity and directed toward nation-building.
“You may have skills in technology, business, or leadership, but if they’re not grounded in humanity and not used to contribute to your country, they have no value,” she stated.
She added that to effectively challenge genocide denial and distortion, ALX Rwanda decided to organise visits to memorial sites to help students gain a firsthand understanding of the country’s history.
“We bring our students here so they can hear the real stories and understand what happened because, nowadays, many come across distorted narratives on social media platforms run by genocide deniers. Some don’t know the truth.”
“We want them to see it for themselves, learn the truth, and be motivated to take part in building the nation with even greater commitment.”
ALX Rwanda, a branch of ALX Africa, equips young Africans with the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in the digital economy and become future leaders, all without the high cost of traditional degrees.
The school offers practical training in in-demand tech fields like Data Analytics, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering (back-end and front-end), Cybersecurity, and AI Career Essentials (AICE).
Beyond tech, ALX also provides programs in graphic design, content creation, and entrepreneurship through ALX Ventures. This includes the Freelancer Academy (FLA) for independent professionals and the Founders Academy (FA) for startup builders. Additionally, the Pathway Program supports recent high school graduates.
According to a communique issued by the RDF, the registration period will run from June 21 to July 20, 2025, followed by selection exams between July 21 and August 5, 2025. The announcement encourages eligible Rwandans to seize this opportunity to serve their country, with examinations to be held across all provinces.
The nationwide call is part of RDF’s continued investment in building a disciplined and capable force, while offering young Rwandans a path to national service and personal development.
{{Eligibility criteria
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To qualify for recruitment as a junior officer, applicants must be Rwandan citizens in good health, aged between 18 and 25 years, and must have completed at least Senior 3 (S3).
In addition, candidates must have no criminal record, must not have been dismissed from public service, and are expected to demonstrate good morals and conduct. Importantly, they must also be willing to serve in the Rwanda Defence Force and successfully pass the entrance examinations.
Those applying to join the Reserve Force must meet similar requirements. However, age limits vary based on educational background.
Applicants who completed secondary school must be between 18 and 25 years old. Those with a university degree (A0) or vocational training (IPRC) may apply up to the age of 26, while individuals with specialised qualifications in fields such as Medicine, Engineering, or Law may apply until the age of 27.
Required documents include a national ID, A-level certificate, a certificate of good conduct from local authorities, and a criminal record clearance.
{{Selection exam schedule
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Examinations will be held from July 21 to August 5, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM daily.
Each district has designated venues and dates to accommodate all applicants. In Kigali City, exams will take place at IPRC Kicukiro Stadium, ULK Stadium, and Kigali Pelé Stadium. Similar arrangements have been made in all four provinces, including venues like Gicumbi Stadium, Nyamagabe Stadium, Rusizi Stadium, and others.
A complete schedule of dates and venues by district has been published in the [RDF communique->https://www.mod.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=132376&token=44312a2269e33f75b59c417199fd218711a9df56] and is available on the Ministry of Defence website: [www.mod.gov.rw->https://www.mod.gov.rw/].
A contingent of 249 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, part of the now-terminated SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), was scheduled to touch down in Bloemfontein at midday on Friday. Instead, their arrival was delayed until evening, and they were ultimately rerouted to the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.
Defence and military veterans minister Angie Motshekga, briefing media at Tempe Military Base in Bloemfontein on Friday afternoon, attributed the disruption to “technical and logistical challenges” involving the SADC’s contracting airline.
But the DA was scathing in its assessment of the situation.
“What was meant to be a dignified homecoming has descended into disarray,” the party said in a statement issued shortly after the failed midday arrival.
“This is yet another example of poor planning. The same kind of failure that plagued SANDF operations in the DRC.”
The party accused the department of orchestrating a media-centric ceremony without ensuring the basics, such as troop arrival, were secured.
“The DA warned that this event was more about spectacle than sincere recognition. Today, those concerns were proved correct. The entire ceremony has turned into a public embarrassment, with soldiers stranded and their supposed heroes’ welcome left in ruins.”
While Motshekga stressed that delays were beyond the department’s control, the DA said the chaos reflects a pattern of leadership failure in the defence portfolio.
“It is not just a failed media stunt,” the DA said. “It is a sign of deeper dysfunction within the Department of Defence. Repeated logistical failures, both abroad and at home, raise serious questions about leadership and competence at the highest levels.”
The disarray in Bloemfontein came just a day after the SADC Secretariat formally began the second phase of troop withdrawal from the DRC, with personnel being repatriated through Rwanda and Tanzania.
The mission was launched in December 2023 with an offensive mandate to push back M23 rebels, but it faced persistent operational hurdles.
In a major setback, M23 rebels seized Goma in January, resulting in the deaths of 18 regional soldiers, 14 of them South African. Since then, SAMIDRC troops had mostly remained confined to their bases until the mission’s formal end in March.
The disorganised welcome on Friday has only added fuel to long-standing parliamentary scrutiny over SANDF’s overseas deployments.
Vincent Nzigiyimfura, also known as Vincent Mfura, 65, of Dayton, Ohio, was arrested on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, following the unsealing of a three-count federal indictment.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Nzigiyimfura, a former businessman and butcher in Rwanda, played a leadership role in orchestrating mass killings in and around Gihisi and Nyanza during the Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed more than a million lives.
According to the indictment, Nzigiyimfura allegedly provided weapons, transportation, and material incentives to Interahamwe militia and directed them to capture Tutsi victims. He is accused of helping construct roadblocks used to intercept and kill Tutsis, and of luring those in hiding into traps by falsely claiming the violence had ended.
“As alleged, Vincent Nzigiyimfura directed and encouraged murders during the genocide in Rwanda and then lied to U.S. authorities to start a new life in this country,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The United States is not a safe haven for human rights violators.”
After fleeing Rwanda at the end of the genocide, Nzigiyimfura lived in Malawi before entering the United States in 2009. Prosecutors say he obtained a U.S. immigrant visa by falsely stating that he had not engaged in genocide or persecution. He later attempted to become a U.S. citizen in 2014, again allegedly lying about his past by denying any involvement in crimes or persecution.
The indictment also states that in 2018, he fraudulently applied for a renewal of his green card, later using the card to apply for an Ohio driver’s license in 2021.
“The indictment alleges this defendant facilitated the killings of Tutsis during the genocide and then lied about it on immigration applications in the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris for the Southern District of Ohio. “This egregious conduct will not be tolerated.”
Nzigiyimfura now faces one count of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalisation fraud. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. A U.S. District Court judge will determine the sentence following federal guidelines.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Cincinnati with support from the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC).
“No one wants a war criminal as their neighbour,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of ICE HSI Detroit. “These allegations paint a grim picture of the horror Nzigiyimfura inflicted on the Tutsi people. His indictment and arrest is a step toward justice for those victims.”
Nzigiyimfura made his first appearance Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
His arrest comes nearly two months after Faustin Nzabumukunzi, also known as ‘Umuvumvu,’ was arrested for similar offences at his home in Bridgehampton, New York, in April 2025.
