The demonstration drew large crowds, with participants carrying messages calling for lasting peace in the eastern DRC. One placard read: “Residents of Goma and surrounding areas reject the return of AFC/M23 from Uvira. We also oppose the return of FARDC, Wazalendo, Burundian forces, and militias to Uvira.”
Protesters expressed fatigue from years of conflict and called for urgent dialogue to resolve the region’s long-standing disputes.
AFC/M23 fighters left Uvira on 17 and 18 December after spending a week in the city. The coalition said the withdrawal was made at the request of the United States as a confidence-building measure while peace talks with the DRC government continue.
The group has insisted that neither FARDC, Burundian forces, Wazalendo, nor the FDLR militia should return to Uvira. It has called on the US and other mediators to establish a neutral mechanism to ensure civilian safety.
AFC/M23 has also proposed that Uvira be designated a neutral zone, free from armed forces or monitored by impartial troops, allowing residents to resume daily activities without fear, unlike the situation under previous government deployments.
Jennifer Locetta, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs to the United Nations, indicated last week that AFC/M23’s request could be implemented in areas within a 75-kilometre radius of Uvira.
If the request is honoured, AFC/M23 could return to its previous positions, including the Kamanyola centre, before the clashes that erupted in early December 2025.
Spanning 777 square metres, the Gihanga Institute was designed by Rwandan architect Amin Gafaranga and is located in Kigali’s Kimihurura neighbourhood. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, exhibition spaces, performance platforms, a screening room, and artist studios, all intended to foster creativity and provide artists with the resources needed to thrive.
The opening exhibition, Inuma, curated by Kami Gahiga, co-founder of GICA, presents works by an impressive lineup of contemporary artists from Rwanda and beyond. Featured artists include Francis Offman, Kaneza Schaal, Innocent Nkurunziza, Feline Ntabangana, Christian Nyampeta, Sanaa Gateja, and Cedric Mizero. Each artist’s work reflects themes of memory, migration, survival, and the intersection of contemporary and traditional practices.
The title “Inuma” (which means “dove” in Kinyarwanda) symbolises the gentle yet powerful nature of the exhibition, which showcases works that communicate across borders and generations. Christian Nyampeta, for instance, explores communal living and cultural memory through a series of zines, charcoal drawings, and a film, while Kaneza Schaal presents a newly commissioned photographic series that challenges conventional perceptions of value and visibility.
Sanaa Gateja, known for his intricate beadwork, explores the intersection of craft, sculpture, and abstraction, while Francis Offman uses repurposed materials to create art that delves into themes of migration and colonial history. Feline Ntabangana adds a live performance piece that highlights gender, violence, and resilience, while Innocent Nkurunziza presents evocative barkcloth paintings that delve into spirituality and ecological reflection. Cedric Mizero merges photography and sculpture to create an immersive experience that engages with memory and material culture.
Sandrine Umutoni, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Youth and Arts, called GICA’s inauguration a “very special moment” for the country’s cultural arts, noting its role as a non-profit platform that makes the arts more accessible to all.
“We have artists from different disciplines and backgrounds, but we all share one thing in common: our relation to Rwanda,” she said.
She added that GICA’s location and accessibility are central to its impact. “To see the arts come back to Kigali and be presented to such a large audience in an affordable manner allows everyone to access and enjoy the arts. Art connects, it educates, and it has a powerful impact on society. This space brings a higher level to how art should be presented, following global standards, and it sends a strong message that art belongs to everyone, not just the elite,” she said.
Othman Lazraq, the founder of Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) in Marrakech, Morocco, expressed his excitement about the space and its potential.
“Art is a universal language, and this space will give more visibility to artists from Rwanda and beyond. It creates hope for the next generation of artists, offering them a platform where they can build their careers. I’m very proud to be here and support this initiative. It’s an immense addition to the cultural landscape of Rwanda,” he said.
Lazraq highlighted GICA’s role in fostering an international exchange, especially for artists from the region.
“This space provides an alternative, non-commercial environment that will be crucial for young artists starting their careers. The neutral, non-profit model here at GICA offers a platform that gives emerging artists the opportunity to think about the future of their craft, and I look forward to returning to see how it evolves.”
Kami Gahiga, co-founder of GICA, reflected on the institute’s journey and the support it has received from the community.
“This has been a real labour of love for me, for Kayneza, and for Amin Gafaranga, the architect. It took a village to build this place, and we are so thankful for the support from the community,” she shared.
“This is a place for Rwandans, by Rwandans. It’s about showcasing our talent, our love for the country, and giving a voice to perspectives that may otherwise be quieter.”
Gahiga emphasised the importance of GICA as an educational and cultural space. “We want to create a rich program focused on conversation, education, and the visibility of African art. This is Rwanda’s first non-profit institute dedicated to contemporary art, and it’s about time we had something like this. People often ask, ‘How can we think so high in Rwanda?’ But this is what Rwanda deserves. We have so much beauty in this country, and it’s time to showcase it.”
At the heart of the Gihanga Institute is its commitment to promoting African art globally while fostering intellectual and artistic exchanges. The institute’s name, “Gihanga,” honours the legendary Rwandan hero who is credited with introducing essential cultural practices and technologies that shaped Rwandan society. The institute’s founders hope to continue this legacy by offering a space where artists can reflect on Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage while pushing boundaries in contemporary art.
The institute’s debut exhibition, Inuma: A Bird Shall Carry the Voice, which ran from December 20-21, 2025, was a powerful introduction to the rich and evolving world of contemporary African art.
Representing Rwanda at an Extraordinary Summit on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), held at Uganda’s State House in Entebbe and chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, Interior Minister Vincent Biruta emphasised the need for coordinated action under established frameworks.
“Rwanda believes the Doha and Washington frameworks remain the most credible pathways to lasting peace in the region,” Biruta said, urging all actors to honour prior commitments rather than creating new mechanisms that could slow progress.
A key concern highlighted was the continued presence of the FDLR, a militia group made up of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, collaborating with DRC forces.
“The neutralisation of this force is important for regional security,” Biruta said.
The Washington Accord, signed on December 4 by Presidents Kagame, Félix Tshisekedi, and U.S. President Donald Trump, formalised a June agreement calling for the neutralisation of the FDLR, which Kigali maintains poses a security threat to Rwanda.
On the other hand, the Doha process brings together the Kinshasa administration and the AFC/M23 group for dialogue. Earlier this year, the group expanded its control in eastern DRC, capturing the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The M23 accuses the Congolese government of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and of poor governance.
The Doha process has been hampered by ceasefire violations, resulting in renewed violence.
In his address, Minister Biruta urged operationalisation of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, noting that the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC reflects gaps in the implementation of previous agreements.
“Rwanda stands ready and fully committed to playing its part and calls upon all parties involved to honour and implement the agreements they have signed in the interest of lasting peace and stability in our region,” the minister stated.
The summit brought together regional leaders and representatives to discuss coordinated approaches to ending violence and promoting stability in eastern DRC, with Rwanda emphasising political will and genuine commitment as critical to sustainable peace.
Under the new guidelines, all business establishments, including shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, will be allowed to operate until 3:00 am from Monday to Thursday. Venues are also permitted to remain open throughout the night on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays during the festive period.
Although hospitality venues will enjoy longer hours, RDB stressed that all existing regulations continue to apply.
“Existing measures, such as noise pollution restrictions, venue safety and health guidelines, and the prohibition on serving or consuming alcohol to persons under the age of 18, remain in effect,” RDB said in a public notice issued on Sunday.
The board also reminded consumers to drink responsibly and avoid driving under the influence, noting that alcohol should not be served to anyone who appears intoxicated.
The temporary adjustments are part of RDB’s efforts to support festive season activities while maintaining public safety and order.
Zelensky said the proposal was put forward by the United States and conveyed to him by Ukraine’s chief peace negotiator, Rustem Umerov, according to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
Zelensky said that he was not sure that the meeting would bring something new, but noted that the result of previous talks in Türkiye was the return of captured soldiers and civilians.
“I am very glad that we had exchanges. Our people, our military, primarily prisoners, returned home. And civilians. And therefore we need to take such steps,” he said.
Zelensky added that “if the results are exchanges or some other agreements, I cannot be against it, then we support the proposal of the United States of America. Let’s see how it goes.”
He noted, however, that the most difficult issues in the ongoing peace process remain unresolved, including territorial issues, control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The initiative, established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed three years ago, aims to strengthen Rwanda’s education system by deploying skilled personnel in key sectors, including education, health, and information and communication technologies.
The Zimbabwean teachers completed a detailed pre-departure orientation in Harare, equipping them for their roles in Rwanda. According to Simon Masanga, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, the country continues to lead the exchange programme, with Zimbabwean specialists currently supporting Rwanda’s education reforms.
“We were in Rwanda a few weeks ago to assess both the living and working conditions of our specialists. I have never seen such excitement. They have mastered the local language, integrated into the community and the Government of Rwanda is extremely pleased with the contribution they are making,” Masanga told Zimbabwe’s state-run daily newspaper, The Herald.
Zimbabwe first sent a group of 154 specialists three years ago. Many are teaching English and mathematics in schools and teacher training centres, while others teach health sciences at the University of Rwanda. In addition to educators, Zimbabwe has also deployed health professionals and ICT specialists to Rwanda.
Rwanda and Zimbabwe’s bilateral relations continue to strengthen, with over 30 cooperation agreements signed across sectors such as education, health, energy, and tourism during the Third Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation held in August.
Speaking recently on the sidelines of the Africa-Nordic Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting in Victoria Falls, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, hailed the teacher exchange as a model of successful South-South collaboration, emphasising the programme’s positive impact on Rwanda’s education sector.
The arrival of the new batch of specialists marks another step in deepening ties and supporting Rwanda’s efforts to enhance education quality across the country.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, December 20, when DJ Toxxyk, driving at high speed, lost control of his vehicle while descending Payage Road from Kiyovu. The officer, who was standing across the road, was struck and dragged for approximately 30 meters.
RNP spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said the driver initially fled the scene but was later apprehended in Karongi District.
“He is currently held at Remera Police Station,” ACP Rutikanga stated.
Preliminary reports suggest that DJ Toxxyk may have swerved to avoid construction barriers on the road before hitting the officer.
The Rwanda National Police said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum and focused on advancing the traditionally friendly relations between Moscow and Kigali. According to officials, discussions centred on identifying practical ways to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in trade, economic engagement and humanitarian affairs.
Both sides also reiterated their shared resolve to deepen political dialogue and enhance coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral fora in addressing global and regional challenges.
Opening the talks, Lavrov said the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum had evolved into a key platform for engagement since its establishment following the Russia–Africa Summit. He described the forum as more than an organisational framework, noting that it provides a convenient space for consultations on regional issues as well as bilateral relations.
“We value our warm relations with Rwanda,” Lavrov said, expressing hope for a productive exchange on bilateral ties alongside regional and international matters.
Nduhungirehe welcomed the discussions, describing the meeting as constructive and expressing satisfaction with the growing Russia–Africa Partnership Forum. He said the talks provided an opportunity to review the “excellent bilateral cooperation” between the two countries and to explore ways of further expanding it.
The two ministers also discussed the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with Nduhungirehe thanking Russia for its continued support of ongoing peace processes.
In line with broader Russia–Rwanda cooperation, Rwanda plans to establish a nuclear research centre in collaboration with Russia by 2030. The centre is expected to focus on producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, improving agriculture through radiation technologies, and advancing industrial testing methods. Additionally, Rwanda is preparing to host Africa’s first demonstration of a Dual Fluid nuclear reactor and is exploring small modular reactor (SMR) technology to sustainably meet the country’s growing energy demands.
Beyond bilateral issues, Nduhungirehe, while speaking during the ministerial conference, highlighted Rwanda’s appreciation of Russia’s consistent support for a more just and representative international system. He referred to the African Union’s flagship Agenda 2063 initiative, Silencing the Guns, noting that the goal of ending conflicts on the continent remains unrealised.
“We believe it is high time for African countries and the AU to reflect on the root causes of conflicts in order to provide sustainable solutions,” he said.
The Second Ministerial Conference in Cairo builds on earlier engagements, including the first ministerial meeting held in Sochi in November 2024 and the Second Russia–Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in July 2023. The meetings laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across security, diplomacy and development.
“In a pre-dawn action early this morning on December 20, the US Coast Guard with the support of the Department of War apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela,” Noem said on X.
The U.S. military seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on December 10, a move the Venezuelan government condemned as “a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he has ordered a total blockade of all U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. He also said in a later interview that the United States will continue seizing additional oil tankers.
He made the remarks on Friday, December 19, 2025, during the 17th National Congress of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which convened over 2,200 party members to discuss key priorities for Rwanda’s transformation.
“But even as things change, and they must change continually, not everything changes. There is always something that remains constant: who you are, and the values and aspirations that define how you should live and respond in the midst of change. The core must remain constant,” President Kagame, who also serves as the party chairman, stated.
He emphasised that while strategies and tools may adapt over time, fundamental principles endure.
“The RPF has always said we must fight corruption. That principle does not change. The idea of fighting corruption from 31 years ago cannot be abandoned simply because we now live in a world that tolerates corruption, whatever that world may be. Rather, what changes are the methods we use to fight it. The principle itself does not change,” he added.
Rwanda continues to rank highly in global anti-corruption efforts. According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Rwanda is ranked the 49th least corrupt country globally and the least corrupt in East Africa.
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Meanwhile, Friday’s Congress ratified a series of organisational changes within the party. Christophe Bazivamo was appointed Secretary General of FPR–Inkotanyi following revisions to the party’s statutes and leadership structure approved during the Congress. Under the new arrangement, the National Executive Committee now comprises two Vice Presidents and two Secretaries General.
Consolée Uwimana was confirmed as First Vice Chairperson, Kayisire Marie Solange as Second Vice Chairperson, and Stephen Gasana was appointed Deputy Secretary General. Bazivamo replaces Gasamagera Wellars, who previously held the position.
