Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing FDLR threat ‘integral’ to restoring peace in eastern Congo, says Trump advisor

Speaking during a virtual press briefing following his regional tour, which included Rwanda, DR Congo, Kenya, and Uganda, Boulos said the FDLR, a group founded by the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, featured prominently in his conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

“We definitely discussed the FDLR and the risk in question,” Boulos said on April 17, during the briefing on the outcomes of his African mission, which ended three days earlier.

“This is a major element of any peace accord. If you look at all the peace initiatives, this is the key element from the Rwandan side and it’s an integral part of any upcoming peace accord, initiative or agreement.”

The FDLR is designated a terrorist organisation by both the United Nations and the United States. Despite its history and ongoing human rights abuses, it remains a key part of the Congolese government’s military coalition against the AFC/M23 rebels, who currently control significant territory in the eastern provinces.

The rebels accuse the Congolese authorities of marginalisation and of promoting ethnic cleansing through their alliance with the FDLR and other militias.

For years, Kigali has raised alarm over Kinshasa’s collaboration with the FDLR, whose fighters have been implicated in numerous attacks on Rwandan territory, including nearly 20 incidents since 2018. In response, Rwanda has tightened security along its borders to prevent further incursions.

Tensions between the two neighbours escalated further following statements by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in late 2023, in which he threatened to support regime change in Rwanda and said he would seek parliamentary approval to declare war.

Boulos confirmed that the Trump administration is engaging both sides and supports regional efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.

“We’ve been engaging with both parties and this is one of the main elements of those discussions,” he said. “There are solutions – we are not reinventing the wheel here. There are terms that have previously been drafted and agreed upon by both parties, and we will continue working with them towards that.”

He reiterated Washington’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states involved.

“Our role and commitment is to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in question—not just one country or two, but all that are involved,” Boulos said.

“Everybody has to be at ease and feel comfortable with the terms and safe from any such threats, whether they are actual or perceived or any future threats.”

While in Kigali on April 8, Boulos held talks with President Kagame at Urugwiro Village, where they discussed strengthening U.S.–Rwanda ties and advancing regional peace.

“We are ready to work with Rwanda to achieve this goal, which is why finding a resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC is so essential—it will unlock the region’s untapped potential,” he said.

During his Rwanda visit, Boulos toured the Mutobo Demobilisation Centre, which reintegrates former armed group members.

He spoke with ex-FDLR fighters recently repatriated from eastern Congo, including Maj. Ndayambaje Gilbert, who returned on March 1. Ndayambaje confirmed the FDLR’s strong collaboration with Congolese forces in the ongoing war with the AFC/M23 coalition.

Boulos’s tour included stops in Uganda and Kenya, where he met with Presidents Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto respectively, as well as a meeting with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.

April 17, 2025
BK Group and RSSB announce plans to form new insurance group

The proposed transaction is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s insurance sector by creating a well-capitalised, diversified, and customer-focused insurance group. By uniting the operational strengths and product offerings of BKGI, SGI, and SLA, the new entity aims to offer greater value to policyholders, enhance innovation in the sector, and support long-term sustainability.

According to the joint announcement, BKGI and SGI will merge to form the general insurance arm of the group, while SLA will serve as the life insurance subsidiary. Together, the companies will form a forward-looking institution capable of serving both individual and corporate clients in Rwanda and beyond.

The initiative reflects a broader ambition to boost financial inclusion, improve service delivery, and contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s insurance industry.

The new group is expected to benefit from an expanded distribution network, digital platforms, and a broader suite of products that respond to evolving customer needs and deliver higher value for shareholders.

“This partnership brings together trusted names with shared values and complementary strengths—and sets the stage for a transformative insurance group that will drive innovation, expand access, and deliver meaningful value to Rwandans and our shareholders,” said Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Group CEO of BK Group PLC.

Regis Rugemanshuro, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Social Security Board, described the initiative as part of RSSB’s long-term vision to support inclusive economic growth.

“By joining forces to form this new insurance group, we are laying the groundwork for a strong, competitive player that is built for the future and committed to serving the needs of Rwandan people,” he said.

The formation of the new insurance group is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, along with the successful completion of legal and procedural requirements.

April 17, 2025
Trump administration mulls closure of nearly 30 overseas missions

The internal document, which has circulated among senior diplomatic circles, outlines a broad cost-cutting initiative that could reshape U.S. engagement overseas, particularly in regions where American diplomatic presence has traditionally played a stabilising role.

If enacted, the proposals would reduce the United States’ diplomatic infrastructure across nearly every continent, with embassies in Africa and Europe particularly affected.

Among those listed for potential closure are embassies in Lesotho, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, South Sudan, and the Republic of Congo. Two small European missions — in Luxembourg and Malta — also face the axe, with recommendations to shift their duties to nearby posts.

The consular network is also set to take a major hit. In Europe alone, five consulates in France — including in Marseille, Lyon and Strasbourg — are on the chopping block, alongside two in Germany and two in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Outside Europe, closures are proposed for consulates in Cameroon, Indonesia, South Africa, and South Korea.

The rationale behind the sweeping changes, according to the document, centres on a wider push by the administration to shrink federal government operations, in line with President Trump’s long-standing pledge to reduce spending. The initiative aligns with previous attempts to cut the State Department’s budget by nearly half.

However, the plan is raising alarms among diplomats and foreign policy experts who warn that scaling back America’s diplomatic presence could weaken national security and cede geopolitical ground to rivals such as China.

Data from the Lowy Institute indicates that the U.S. currently has more diplomatic missions in Europe than China — a lead that could vanish if the proposed closures go ahead. In Africa and East Asia, Chinese missions already outnumber their American counterparts.

Particularly sensitive are the proposed reductions in conflict-prone regions. The memo recommends either downsizing or eliminating the U.S. presence in Somalia, and reducing staffing in Baghdad and Erbil, Iraq — both areas central to counterterrorism operations.

It also floats a shift in how the U.S. structures its overseas missions. Suggestions include the creation of so-called “FLEX-style” posts with smaller teams and narrower mandates, as well as combining leadership roles at missions serving multilateral institutions — such as the U.S. delegations to the OECD and UNESCO in Paris.

When asked about the potential closures, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm the authenticity of the document or discuss its contents.

“I would suggest you check with the White House and the President as they finalise their budget proposals,” Bruce said. “The kinds of numbers we’re seeing in media reports often stem from leaked documents that may not reflect final decisions.”

To date, the administration has only announced ambassadorial nominees for two of the embassies marked for closure: Malta and Luxembourg. Analysts say this could indicate that some decisions are already being acted upon quietly.

While the proposal has yet to be formally approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it forms part of a broader, Elon Musk-backed effort to overhaul and streamline federal agencies under the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency.

As Washington debates the merits of retrenchment versus global engagement, the future of American diplomacy — and its influence in strategically important regions — hangs in the balance.

April 17, 2025
Beyond laptops: How Lenovo is reinventing the future of smart technology

When I first arrived at Lenovo’s innovation centre in Beijing, I expected to see the usual: rows of laptops, desktop computers, maybe a few advanced servers. That’s the Lenovo most people know—a global leader in personal computing.

After all, this is a company that operates in over 180 countries and regions, has offices in 60 different locations, more than 30 manufacturing facilities, and brings in an annual turnover of 56.9 billion US dollars. It ranked 248th on the Fortune Global 500 list in 2024, and its name is often linked with reliable business laptops or gaming PCs.

But the Lenovo I encountered was far beyond what I imagined. It felt like stepping into the future. Behind the familiar brand is a powerhouse of innovation driven by over ten thousand engineers, scientists, and researchers. The company runs 18 global research and development bases and has recently established four new AI innovation centers. And what they’re building goes way beyond laptops.

One of the most surprising things I saw was Lenovo’s smart car project. This is not just a car—it’s a moving intelligent system. The vehicle is designed with smart, transparent windows that do more than just let you look outside.

As you drive past a building, you can tap on the window, and information about that building pops up instantly. Want a picture with it? The car lets you take one without ever stepping outside. It’s fully autonomous and equipped with AI services, a computing platform, display sensors, an entertainment system, intelligent solutions, and an advanced automotive operating system. It combines hardware and software in ways that make the entire experience smarter and more interactive.

Then there’s Lenovo’s Age Computing Empower smart branch platform, which is changing how banks and service branches operate. Traditional strategies can’t keep up with the current pace of technology. Lenovo’s solution integrates AI with cloud and edge computing to enable unified management.

In places with multiple branches, the system can analyse video and image data in real time, producing insights for monitoring, marketing, analysis, and even customer care. It’s all handled by a single system that also tackles network latency and data security. It can run multiple AI models at once, including computer vision, natural language processing, and video rendering, all supported by multiple cameras.

Another innovation I saw was the Daystar Bot GS. Despite its name, it’s a six-legged robot. Unlike wheeled or four-legged robots, this one is built for tough terrain. Its design allows it to move smoothly and steadily in rough environments. It can carry up to 80 kilograms and operate at speeds of up to 1.6 meters per second, though 1 meter per second is ideal for stable performance.

It’s 102 by 72 by 60 centimetres in size and weighs 68.5 kilograms. It’s equipped with LIDAR sensors and PTZ payloads, and has an IP66 protection rating, meaning it can function in harsh conditions. The robot runs on a 1 kWh lithium-ion battery, charges fully in three hours, and reaches 70 percent in just 100 minutes with quick charging. It’s designed for industries that need smart, mobile data collection systems in challenging environments.

Lenovo is also pushing forward in computing infrastructure. Their ThinkSystem SR9250-V3, powered by 8th and 4th generation Intel Xeon processors, is designed for industries that demand high performance and advanced computing capabilities. It supports heavy digital workloads and represents Lenovo’s continued dominance in enterprise-level technology.

Then there’s the vision: “Smarter AI for All.” Lenovo wants artificial intelligence to be accessible, fair, and useful to everyone. Whether in homes, businesses, or public institutions, the company is building systems that are inclusive and easy to use.

One example is their 3D display laptop that lets users control objects on the screen using just their fingertips. You can rotate, move, or examine objects from any angle, all with simple hand gestures. It’s more than interaction—it feels like you’re shaping the digital world with your hands.

They’ve also developed 3D and 5D laptops, high-performance gaming devices, and a unique dual-screen laptop that features both a standard display and a second screen where the keyboard usually sits. A physical keyboard can still be attached, offering flexibility for different users.

On top of that, Lenovo is working on automated kitchen systems, smart living rooms, and even AI-powered beds. These innovations are not science fiction—they’re real products designed to fit into modern homes and lifestyles.

What I saw at Lenovo’s innovation center changed my understanding of what this company truly is. It’s not just a laptop brand—it’s a technology giant that’s reshaping how we interact with the world. Lenovo is building a smarter, more connected future.

April 17, 2025
Chinese envoy condemns global trade tensions, calls for stronger China-Africa unity

He emphasised the need for China and Africa to work more closely to defend multilateralism and fairness in global trade, stating that the world is entering a dangerous period of uncertainty and geopolitical tension.

Xue made the remarks on April 15, 2025, in Beijing during a high-level seminar hosted by the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), under the theme “Building a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”

The event brought together African and Chinese diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and young leaders to explore deeper cooperation between the two regions in diplomacy, education, security, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.

Reaffirming China’s opposition to economic coercion, Xue warned that “hegemony, decoupling supply chains, building trade barriers, and using tariffs as weapons” are destabilising global trade.

His comments come in the wake of renewed trade tensions between China and the United States, including a controversial move by President Donald Trump to impose a whopping 145% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs of up to 125%. Many economists and diplomats have warned that the tit-for-tat exchange marks a major escalation in the ongoing trade war, raising fears of deeper disruption to global supply chains and financial markets.

“Global instability and uncertainty are on the rise. The world is, again, at a critical juncture,” Xue said.

“We need to jointly shoulder historical responsibilities and advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. China is ready to work with Africa to remember history, forge ahead together, and jointly uphold the basic rules of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.”

Xue’s message aligns with China’s broader diplomatic agenda of building a “Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”—a concept rooted in mutual benefit, non-interference, and collective progress, especially among developing nations. The seminar provided a platform to align that vision with Africa’s aspirations for inclusive growth and modernisation.

The event was hosted by the China Foreign Affairs University, a premier institution directly under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Known for training the country’s top diplomats, CFAU plays a key role in shaping international dialogue and global policy through research and education.

It is part of China’s “Double First-Class” university initiative and houses the Research Centre on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, which is dedicated to advancing China’s global diplomatic narrative.

Speaking during the seminar, Paul Kamweru Ndungu, Director General of the Foreign Service Academy of Kenya, underscored the importance of preparing African diplomats for emerging global challenges.

“Diplomats must be prepared and equipped with sound knowledge, strategies, and the right skills to handle the complex and shifting diplomatic environment, so they can remain relevant and effective in addressing 21st-century problems,” he said.

“We are at the doorstep of a new future, and as we go into that future, we must be ready to confront every obstacle… every challenge—and we must remain strong and united for the good of the China-Africa community with a shared future, and for the good of all of us,” he added.

CFAU President Professor Wang Fan expressed optimism about the future of China-Africa cooperation, describing it as essential for building a better world.

“To combat global challenges and jointly build a better world has received more and more recognition and support, especially from African countries and with more companies joining us. We will surely go further on this new journey. Building a community with a shared future is our shared dream, and modernisation is the path to turn that dream into reality.”

April 16, 2025
Access to improved drinking water sources reaches 90% of households in Rwanda

This marks a notable increase from 87% in 2017, reflecting continued national efforts to improve living conditions across the country.

The report defines improved water sources as those that include piped water into homes or neighbouring dwellings, public standpipes, protected wells and springs, boreholes, rainwater, bottled water, and tanker truck deliveries.

Among the various sources, access to piped water into the home or bottled water rose from 9% in 2017 to 16% in 2024. Similarly, piped connections to neighbouring homes or public standpipes increased from 35% to 39%.

However, reliance on “other improved sources,” such as protected wells and springs, saw a decline—from 43% in 2017 to 35% in 2024—indicating a shift toward more reliable infrastructure.

The survey also reveals that 68% of households use a basic drinking water service, defined as water from an improved source that can be collected within 30 minutes. Meanwhile, 21% fall under the “limited service” category, spending over 30 minutes to access water.

The EICV7 report goes beyond water access, offering a comprehensive look at living conditions across the country.

Among other findings, the survey highlighted a sharp rise in access to electricity, climbing from 34% in 2017 to 72% in 2024. This includes 50% of households connected to the national grid and 22% relying on solar power. Rural electrification saw dramatic gains, with access increasing from 24% to 65% over the same period.

In terms of clean energy for cooking, only 5% of households nationwide use clean fuels, a modest increase from 1% in 2017. Urban areas saw higher adoption at 17%, while rural areas lag behind at just 1%.

The majority of households continue to rely on traditional fuels such as firewood (63%), straw or sticks (12%), and charcoal (19%).

The report also highlighted significant progress in poverty reduction. The national poverty rate dropped to 27.4% in 2024, down from 39.8% in 2017. Extreme poverty has also been halved, from a predicted 11.3% to 5.4%.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa described the release of the report as timely, noting that it will support evidence-based policymaking to achieve the goals of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

“These results will define where and how the government and partners should invest to get maximum results for NST2 objectives by 2029,” he stated.

April 16, 2025
Visit Rwanda and PSG renew partnership through 2028

The renewed agreement is set to deepen the relationship between Rwanda and one of Europe’s leading football clubs, placing a strong emphasis on youth development, cultural exchange, and tourism promotion.

Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), described the extension as a strong indicator of the partnership’s success and pledged to further build on it.

“This partnership has contributed significantly to positioning Rwanda as a leading destination for tourism and investment and a beacon for talent, sports, and cultural innovation,” he said.

“Renewing through 2028 allows us to build on that success and create even more impact for Rwandans and the global PSG community.”

Visit Rwanda is the tourism promotion arm of RDB. The institution has active partnerships with Arsenal and Bayern Munich, two football powerhouses in England and Germany respectively.

Since the partnership with PSG began six years ago, the Visit Rwanda brand has gained widespread exposure through PSG’s global platforms.

From in-stadium branding at Parc des Princes to creative campaigns and immersive storytelling, the collaboration has introduced millions of fans to Rwanda’s natural beauty, rich culture, and hospitality. The unique initiative has seen Rwandan coffee served to thousands of PSG supporters in Paris, France, blending culture with fan engagement.

A key pillar of the partnership is its focus on youth empowerment. PSG Academy Rwanda, launched under the agreement, has trained more than 400 young Rwandans in elite football, academics, and mentorship.

In 2022, the academy’s U13 team won the PSG Academy World Cup, earning international acclaim and showcasing Rwanda’s budding football talent.

The new phase of the partnership promises even greater visibility for Rwanda, including the placement of the Visit Rwanda logo on training kits at PSG’s U.S.-based academies and on the sleeves of PSG’s men’s first team during the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

Victoriano Melero, CEO of Paris Saint-Germain, emphasised that the renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to meaningful engagement and community impact.

“We are looking forward to continuing this journey with Visit Rwanda. This partnership goes far beyond visibility, it’s about values, real opportunities, and long-term impact. Together, we’re demonstrating how football can inspire, empower, and connect communities around the world.”

Since 2019, the PSG-Visit Rwanda partnership has stood out as an innovative model of sports diplomacy—linking tourism, economic development, and social investment. With the latest renewal, Rwanda aims to further cement its reputation as a premier travel destination and a forward-looking nation leveraging sport for inclusive growth.

April 16, 2025
Kenya lifts ban on licensing new commercial banks

The apex bank said in a statement issued in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the ban, which has been in place since November 2015, was imposed against the backdrop of operational challenges in the sector.

“It was intended to provide space for the strengthening of the Kenyan banking sector. Since then, significant strides have been made in strengthening the legal framework for Kenya’s banking sector,” the CBK said.

Since the moratorium was placed, there have been about 10 mergers and acquisitions by existing players and the entry of foreign strategic investors.

The CBK said its recent increase in minimum core capital requirement for commercial banks to 10 billion Kenyan shillings (about 77.2 million U.S. dollars) will further strengthen the sector.

It added that stronger and more resilient banks will be able to navigate the growing risks in global, regional, and domestic arenas, and support large-scale financing needs to meet Kenya’s development operations.

April 16, 2025
Gov’t vows to leave no Rwandan behind as 1.5 million lifted out of poverty

The pledge was made by Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente during the official launch of the 7th Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) at the Kigali Convention Centre on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that the national poverty rate fell from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024, with approximately 1.5 million Rwandans lifted out of poverty over the past seven years.

This 12.4 percentage-point reduction was achieved during the implementation of the first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).

“These achievements were realized over the seven years of implementing NST1,” said Prime Minister Ngirente.

“They were driven mainly by strategic investments made by the Government of Rwanda and its partners. Our goal remains clear: we are determined to make sure that no one is left behind,” he added.

He credited the progress to targeted efforts in social protection, economic recovery post-COVID-19, and infrastructure development.

“The long-standing social protection schemes played an important role in improving the well-being of our citizens,” Ngirente noted.

“These efforts have also effectively contributed to the creation of income-generating activities and job opportunities in Rwanda, and it is a clear demonstration of the impact that can be achieved through good planning and effective implementation.”

The survey, conducted between October 2023 and October 2024 and covering over 15,000 households nationwide, also revealed a significant drop in extreme poverty—from 11.3% in 2017 to just 5.4% in 2024. Notably, the report by NISR estimates that a Rwandan currently needs at least Rwf 560,027 annually to meet basic needs, including food and non-food essentials.

Rural areas, traditionally more affected by poverty, have seen substantial improvements. While rural poverty now stands at 31.6%, urban poverty is significantly lower at 16.7%. Musanze District emerged as a standout success story, recording a dramatic decline in poverty from 42.3% to 21.0%—the highest improvement among all districts.

Additionally, the number of districts with over 40% of their population living in poverty has dropped from 22 in 2017 to just 14 in 2024. Meanwhile, 16 districts now report poverty levels below the national average.

The Prime Minister noted that Rwanda’s strong post-COVID economic recovery—marked by an average growth rate of 9.1% over the last four years—has played a critical role in these gains.

“This recovery has created more jobs and boosted household incomes, which we see reflected in the increase in household consumption,” he said.

Improvements have not been limited to income. The EICV7 findings indicate that access to electricity increased from 34.4% to 72%, mobile phone ownership rose from 66.9% to 84.6%, and internet access doubled from 17% to 30%.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa praised the report’s timing, emphasising its importance for evidence-based policymaking under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which runs until 2029.

“These results will guide government and partners in making targeted investments that yield maximum impact,” he said.

As Rwanda marches toward its Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Prime Minister Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s resolve to elevate every member of the Rwandan society.

“Our aspirations are high, but so is our determination. We want every family, in every corner of Rwanda, to benefit from our economic development.”

April 16, 2025
Poverty in Rwanda drops by 12.4%

The 7th Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), conducted between October 2023 and October 2024, covered 15,066 households across the country. The report was officially launched by Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente at the Kigali Convention Centre on Wednesday.

The survey shows that the national poverty rate dropped from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024, with approximately 1.5 million Rwandans lifted out of poverty since the last survey.

“These achievements were realized over the seven years of implementing the first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1),” said Prime Minister Ngirente during the launch. “They were driven mainly by strategic investments made by the Government of Rwanda and its partners over the last seven years.”

He added: “The long-standing social protection schemes played an important role in improving the well-being of our citizens. These efforts have also effectively contributed to the creation of income-generating activities and job opportunities in Rwanda, and it is a clear demonstration of the impact that can be achieved through good planning and effective implementation.”

The rural poverty rate now stands at 31.6%, while urban areas report a significantly lower rate of 16.7%. The Western Province remains the most affected, while the City of Kigali reports the lowest poverty levels.

Among the districts, Musanze recorded the most dramatic improvement, with poverty levels falling from 42.3% to 21.0%—a 21.3 percentage-point drop.

Only 14 districts had more than 40% of their population living in poverty in 2024, down from 22 districts in 2017. Meanwhile, 16 districts now report poverty rates below the national average.

Extreme poverty also declined sharply, dropping by 5.9 percentage points compared to 2017. The national extreme poverty rate now stands at 3.1%.

According to NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi, a Rwandan needs at least 560,027 Rwandan Francs annually to meet the basic cost of food and non-food necessities.

The report also highlighted improvements in other socio-economic indicators, particularly in rural areas, where access to electricity, mobile phones, internet, and improved drinking water sources has significantly increased. Household access to electricity rose from 34.4% to 72%; mobile phone ownership increased from 66.9% to 84.6%; and internet access grew from 17% to 30%.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa described the release of the report as timely, noting that it will support evidence-based policymaking to achieve the goals of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

“These results will define where and how the government and partners should invest to get maximum results for NST2 objectives by 2029,” he stated.

April 16, 2025