Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of newly appointed officials at Parliament buildings, Kagame said the accusations often come from individuals seeking to pressure Rwanda and wrongly link it to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Rwanda signed the agreement willingly, accepted it, and will fulfil its obligations so that, if others also meet their responsibilities, it will lead us to peace,” he said.
He acknowledged that implementing such agreements is challenging, noting that “the path is never easy. Some people do not speak the truth. There are things people wish for, sometimes not even included in the agreement, or they think should have been included. In an agreement, you don’t get everything you want, but you get what is necessary, and others also get what is necessary.”
Allegations that Rwanda breached the Washington agreement stem from the recent advance of the AFC/M23 rebels to the city of Uvira. Some parties have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, claiming it violated the agreement, a claim Kigali has consistently refuted.
Kagame emphasised that Rwanda did not breach any agreements, pointing out that hostilities between the AFC/M23 rebels and Kinshasa coalition forces were already occurring when he travelled to the United States.
“When we went to America, fighting had already been ongoing for days and weeks, and even on the day we travelled, clashes continued in some areas,” he said.
He added that claims suggesting Rwanda’s actions triggered the fighting are false. “The situation already existed; it did not start after the agreements,” he reiterated.
He concluded by reiterating that many of the allegations against Rwanda are based on falsehoods and malice.
The inauguration ceremony also saw the swearing-in of Solange Uwituze as State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Usta Kaitesi as State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Charles Murigande as Senator, and two Court of Appeals judges, Dr. Ntete Jules Marius and Dr. Nshimiyimana Didace.
The milestone event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, brought together senior government officials, regulators, global partners, and industry leaders to reflect on the Centre’s achievements in its mission to position Rwanda as a financial hub and to outline its next phase of growth.
Over the past five years, KIFC has undergone a rapid ascent on the global financial stage. Kigali now ranks as Africa’s third-best financial centre and second in Sub-Saharan Africa, a recognition attributed to the country’s strong governance, predictable regulatory environment and coordinated institutional support.
Since its inception in 2020, the Centre has mobilised more than $1 billion in targeted investment commitments and licensed over 250 entities, signalling growing confidence among global investors structuring capital through Rwanda.
In her address, KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge described the anniversary as both a celebration and a defining moment for the Centre’s long-term vision. She emphasised that Rwanda’s next phase will focus on consolidating gains and steering the financial hub toward three priority segments: asset management, climate finance, and fintech.
“Success depends on capital, credibility and confidence,” Mudenge said, outlining how KIFC aims to make Rwanda the easiest and most efficient jurisdiction for investors choosing an African base.
She noted that asset management will anchor the Centre’s strategy by positioning Rwanda as a gateway for both foreign and domestic capital mobilisation. Climate finance will shape the policy direction, supporting Rwanda’s ambition for a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, while fintech will serve as the accelerator, enabling faster, more transparent and more accessible financial services.
The CEO also recognised the strong collaboration across government ministries, regulators and development partners that has enabled KIFC’s progress, extending special appreciation to Luxembourg for its support in the development of the Centre’s next five-year strategy.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Yusuf Murangwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Centre’s next phase. He praised the rapid progress made so far, saying KIFC had “proven beyond doubt that Rwanda can build a credible, competitive, and internationally respected financial centre.”
Murangwa emphasised that KIFC is now entering a decisive scaling phase. “The Government of Rwanda remains fully and unequivocally committed to this initiative. KIFC will continue to be a catalyst for prosperity, not only for Rwanda, but for Africa at large.”
Luxembourg’s Chargé d’Affaires, Charlotte Helminger, commended Rwanda’s momentum, observing that “some achieve more in five years than others do in 50,” which, she said, reflects the impressive strides KIFC has made in such a short time.
She cited ongoing joint initiatives, including the Luxembourg Green Exchange’s support to the Rwanda Stock Exchange Green Window, the establishment of the FinTech Centre, development of industry-wide API standards, and work on training and fiduciary-agent curricula, as examples of the “ambitious and forward-looking collaboration” driving the Centre’s next phase.
KIFC executives highlighted the building blocks behind the Centre’s growth, including policy reform, global promotion and talent development. Over the last five years, Rwanda has enacted more than 23 international-standard financial laws, expanded its double-taxation treaty network to 17 countries and fully aligned its regulatory frameworks with OECD and FATF expectations. These measures have strengthened investor protections, enhanced transparency and positioned Rwanda as one of Africa’s most credible jurisdictions for fund structuring.
The Centre has also invested heavily in talent, establishing the Financial Sector Skills Council and training over 1,000 professionals in partnership with CISI, ICAEW, CFA Society and others. Rwanda’s adoption of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and the launch of the Rwanda Green Taxonomy, the second in Africa, further underscored the country’s commitment to responsible and climate-aligned finance.
During a panel discussion at the event, Capital Markets Authority (CMA) CEO Thapelo Tsheole highlighted Kigali’s unique edge as a nascent financial hub, free from the entrenched legacy systems that often slow innovation in established centres.
“The honest truth is that when you’re building a new financial centre, you don’t have the luxury of legacy baggage, and that’s actually an advantage. We can design rules that are modern from day one,” Tsheole said.
He emphasised benchmarking against global leaders like Singapore and Luxembourg while adapting to African contexts, alongside voluntary compliance with OECD peer reviews and FATF assessments to build trust.
Panellists from PwC Rwanda, the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), MoneyPhone, and Liedekerke echoed the sentiments, hailing Rwanda’s collaborative ecosystem and regulatory agility as drivers of surging interest from international private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure funds.
“We had this very fast-track recognition of the advantages of funds, which was a very pleasant surprise. During the general solicitation process, we were meeting with very capable and technical experts from the CMA, and that was a very pleasant experience,” remarked Louise Verstraete from Liedekerke.
As KIFC marks five years, its ambitious strategy in asset management, climate finance, and fintech is expected to translate into tangible growth for Rwanda’s financial ecosystem, further shaping the country’s engagement in regional and global markets.
Paluku, a veteran journalist and former head of Radio Kivu One, was reportedly shot in Goma. The attackers remain unidentified.
According to a statement from AFC/M23 Cabinet Director, Jean-Pierre Lukamba Alumba Omokoko, Paluku died at Goma General Hospital.
“Following this criminal act, investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Lukamba stated, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased and the revolutionary community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A native of Butembo in North Kivu Province, Paluku joined AFC/M23 in July 2024. Since then, he had frequently been seen alongside the coalion political coordinator Corneille Nangaa, with sources indicating that their relationship went beyond professional ties and that the two were close friends.
The bookstore offers a broad selection of titles, including Bibles, devotionals, inspirational wisdom books, children’s literature, and Bible commentaries. Customers can place orders through the TLG Africa website or via social media platforms such as Instagram, with deliveries made to any location across Rwanda.
According to Patience Harerayesu, the Managing Director of TLG Africa, also known as The Legacy of God in Africa, the organisation’s affordability model is supported by its partnership with Alpha Courses in the United Kingdom. Alpha Courses is a global Christian organisation known for running programmes that introduce people to the basics of the Christian faith, and it helps TLG source books at lower costs.
She says the goal is to ensure that Christian knowledge remains within reach for anyone seeking spiritual development.
“We want people to be able to order a book online and have it delivered wherever they are in Rwanda,” she told IGIHE.
TLG Africa’s growing presence was most recently visible during the Niwe Healing Concert held at BK Arena, where the organisation was among the event’s supporters. Its stand attracted concert-goers who visited to browse books, make purchases, and learn more about the platform’s mission of promoting a reading culture rooted in faith.
One of the moments that stood out during the concert involved gospel artist Richard Nick Ngendahayo, who received a book gift from TLG Africa.
The team presented him with The Power of a Praying Husband, describing the gesture as an appreciation for his ministry and the influence he continues to have among young believers and worshippers.
TLG Africa’s team said their participation in the event offered an opportunity to connect directly with readers, interact with various Christian communities, and reinforce the value of spiritual growth through reading.
{{How to order a book on the TLG Africa website
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The platform continues to draw attention for its straightforward online ordering process. Customers looking to purchase a book simply visit the website, search for their preferred title, select it, click “Order via WhatsApp”, and await delivery to their location.
Beyond sales, TLG Africa positions itself as an organisation committed to enriching communities with literature that inspires learning and strengthens spiritual understanding. The bookstore stocks both new and gently used Christian titles, catering to readers seeking faith-based guidance, study materials, or meaningful gifts.
To place an order, visit TLG Africa on their website: https://tlg-africa.org/
Difference She Makes, launched in 2025 and already reaching more than six million people in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and beyond, is pushing for a shift from symbolic inclusion to real transformation. The campaign argues that while Africa leads globally in progressive gender policies in the justice sector, those policies have not translated into equitable leadership opportunities for women.
Reports, including from the International Bar Association, show that women are joining law schools, courts, corporate legal departments and law firms in unprecedented numbers. Yet across many countries, they remain under-represented at senior levels, and where women do rise, cultural norms and institutional biases often impede their ability to lead fully and visibly.
{{Driving accountability, not celebration
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Difference She Makes seeks to close this gap by building institutional accountability for cultural change, beyond simply celebrating representation statistics. The movement uses storytelling, art, culture and intergenerational dialogue to expose invisible barriers and elevate the voices of women shaping Africa’s evolving legal landscape.
“This campaign is a timely intervention,” said Irene Kerubo of Difference She Makes. “While women continue to enter the legal profession in record numbers, their leadership is still held back by persistent structural and cultural constraints. This campaign brings those realities to the surface, not simply to acknowledge the gaps, but to drive accountability and reimagine environments where women in law can lead and thrive.”
The campaign’s philosophy centres on three principles: transformation over tokenism, institutional responsibility over individual burden, and transparency instead of exclusive power networks.
Advocate Susan Musambaki noted that the movement “amplifies our collective voice to make legal spaces more inclusive and truly reflective of women’s leadership.”
{{A continental coalition for change
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Difference She Makes is powered by a diverse mix of legal trailblazers, young professionals and partner organisations committed to reform. Among them are Linda Kasonde, Zambia’s first female Bar Association President; Nigerian lawyer Becky Dike; South African human rights lawyer Tamika Thumbiran; retired Judge Mohini Moodley; and Kenya’s Natasha Ali Errey.
The movement also collaborates with influential platforms, including Legally Clueless, Drunken Lectures, Nalafem and the East Africa Media Group, building momentum toward a continent-wide coalition for structural reform.
Visibility remains a core challenge, according to South African journalist Ntombi Nkosi, who said the initiative ensures that “women in law are not just included, but visible, respected and celebrated.”
{{Key initiatives driving impact
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Difference She Makes has launched several pioneering initiatives:
{{1. Amplifying Women’s Stories
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Through the Legally Clueless podcast, a journalist–lawyer fellowship and a digital storytelling series, the campaign is uncovering entrenched biases in Africa’s justice systems. The first episode features Anne Ireri, CEO of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya).
{{2. Pan-African to Global Advocacy
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In partnership with NALAFEM, the movement is coordinating a regional advocacy agenda that highlights Africa’s achievements and remaining challenges. Insights from regional convenings will shape Africa’s contribution to the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), positioning the continent as a leading voice on gender equality in justice.
{{3. Off the Table, On the Record Series
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This dialogue series creates culturally grounded safe spaces for women, allies and decision-makers to address issues often avoided in formal settings, surfacing realities that must be acknowledged to drive meaningful change.
{{4. Voice and Verdict Fellowship
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A first-of-its-kind Pan-African fellowship bringing together six journalists and legal professionals from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The fellows will produce investigative storytelling aimed at confronting tokenism, institutional bias and opaque power structures within Africa’s justice systems.
The fellowship includes legal professionals Susan Musambaki, Judith Anukie Ojovbo and Mpho Mokgehle, alongside journalists Ntombi Nkosi, Lucy Riley and Isioma Joseph Madike.
Organised in partnership with Intore Entertainment and Kontent, with support from NUDOR, the event featured a fireside chat, exhibitions, and interactive sessions facilitated by renowned cultural curator Mary Maina. It was hosted alongside the Davido 5ive Alive Tour Kigali as part of a broader effort to elevate East Africa’s creative industry.
The event aimed to highlight opportunities within Rwanda’s fast-growing creative economy, with a focus on fashion, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and financial literacy. Chief Guest, the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Mutoni, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting youth-driven creative enterprises and inclusive cultural development.
Key speakers included Matthew Rugamba, Founder of House of Tayo, and Troy Elimu, Founder of Denim Cartel, who shared insights on growing fashion brands in African markets, brand storytelling and authenticity, business discipline, financial literacy, and intellectual property protection. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities for scaling local creative enterprises.
In collaboration with NUDOR, the event showcased Futured Exhibitions, featuring creative works by artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities. Performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation further highlighted the importance of inclusion and the wealth of underrepresented talent in the creative sector.
Attendees included emerging creatives, designers, entrepreneurs, youth organisations, and ecosystem builders from across the East African region. Programming highlights included a networking breakfast, a fireside chat with leading fashion entrepreneurs, an exhibition walkthrough of disability-inclusive creative work, and peer-learning sessions fostering community building among creatives.
SEEV AFRICA’s Executive Director, Paul Atwine, highlighted the importance of creating platforms for East African creatives to connect, learn, and showcase inclusive talent.
“The Davido concert presented a perfect opportunity to convene East African creatives with and without disability for a peer-learning knowledge exchange, reinforcing its mission to elevate creativity as a driver of social impact and sustainable development,” Atwine remarked.
This edition of Beyond the Stage built on a previous interactive creative café held in August during the Giants of Africa festival closing concert. It featured renowned East African DJ and cultural icon, DJ Etania, and placed a special focus on women in the creative space.
In a statement released on Wednesday, December 10, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka described the capture of the city as a liberation and urged civilians who had fled the fighting to return, assuring them that the rebel forces are present to protect them.
“For more than three months, we have denounced the spread of hate speech, targeted attacks, and massacres in areas previously liberated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime and their ally, Burundi. Today, the threat has been removed, and Uvira is now liberated,” Kanyuka said.
The capture of Uvira marks the rebels’ deepest advance in South Kivu since February and follows a series of territorial gains earlier this year, including the takeover of Goma in January and Bukavu in mid-February. Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu, had been a key government stronghold on the southern axis.
At a press conference in Goma yesterday, the group accused the Congolese government of committing more than 30 ceasefire violations since July 2025, alleging that the worsening security situation stems from what it described as a “deliberate political strategy” by Kinshasa.
AFC/M23 political coordinator Corneille Nangaa condemned daily confrontations driven by discriminatory notions of “natives” and “non-natives,” accusing government forces of targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
The rebel coalition also accused Burundi of direct military involvement in the conflict and said government forces were backed by a mix of regional militias and foreign mercenaries. Nangaa claimed that recent battles, including around Kamanyola, saw Burundian troops taking a leading role, including airstrikes launched from within Burundi.
The group denounced the ongoing blockade of Minembwe, which has left thousands of residents without essential supplies, and cited multiple attacks on civilians, including a December 6 incident that killed four women attempting to bypass the blockade. Thousands of civilians have fled into Rwanda amid the fighting.
Despite the accusations and ongoing conflict, AFC/M23 reiterated its commitment to civilian protection, peace, and dialogue.
“Despite the severity of the situation, the M23/AFCM remains committed to peace, to protecting civilians, to respecting international obligations, and to engaging in sincere dialogue,” Nangaa said.
The fall of Uvira is a major setback for Kinshasa in its struggle to regain control of South Kivu, where government forces have been attempting to reclaim large territories lost to the rebel forces through offensives and dialogue in Doha, Qatar.
The figure, based on the urban Consumer Price Index (CPI) used as the country’s benchmark for monetary policy, remained broadly stable month-on-month, increasing by 0.2 percent compared to October.
The latest CPI release shows that while general inflation pressures have eased compared to earlier in the year, price increases remain uneven across key sectors. Health services recorded the steepest rise, surging by 70.9 percent year-on-year, while restaurants and hotels also saw significant increases, rising by 19.4 percent.
Food-related inflation showed a mixed picture. Although overall food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by a modest 1.4 percent, specific items placed notable upward pressure on households. Meat prices increased by 18.4 percent, while bread and cereals rose by 12.8 percent. However, these gains were partially offset by a sharp 10.1 percent decline in vegetable prices, contributing to a softer food inflation outlook.
Energy and import-related pressures continued to shape inflation dynamics. The energy index rose by 12.4 percent, reflecting higher costs for fuel, electricity, gas and other household fuels. Imported goods inflation stood at 10.2 percent, substantially higher than the 6.2 percent increase for locally produced goods.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 7.7 percent, while transport inflation reached 9.3 percent.
Core inflation, which excludes fresh food and energy and is closely watched by policymakers as an indicator of underlying price trends, rose by 9 percent year-on-year.
At the national level, which combines urban and rural indices, the overall CPI rose by 4.1 percent, reflecting significantly lower rural inflation of 2 percent. The rural index even registered a monthly decline of 0.3 percent as fresh food prices continued to ease.
The annual average inflation rate between November 2024 and November 2025 stood at 6.9 percent, slightly below the headline monthly figure. Policymakers are expected to assess the latest data against macroeconomic conditions as they consider future adjustments to the monetary policy stance.
NISR collects more than 40,000 price observations nationwide every month for the CPI, covering 1,622 goods and services across urban and rural markets.
The statement was issued by the coalition’s political coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, who addressed journalists in Goma alongside senior M23 figures Bertrand Bisimwa and Freddy Kaniki, just hours after rebel forces made their deepest advance in South Kivu since February.
{{‘No functioning authority in the DRC’
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Nangaa condemned what he described as daily confrontations driven by discriminatory notions of “natives” and “non-natives”, accusing government forces of treating sections of the Congolese population, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, as “second-class citizens” denied basic rights.
He claimed Kinshasa had shown “total irresponsibility”, arguing that the state had collapsed to the point that no real authority existed in the country.
“For several months now, the M23/AFCM has repeatedly asked for the signing and full implementation of a ceasefire under international supervision,” Nangaa said. “Far from being a sign of weakness, this call reflects our concern for civilians and the humanitarian suffering they face.”
{{31 ceasefire breaches
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According to the movement’s account, the Congolese army (FARDC), supported by regional militia groups and Burundian troops, violated the ceasefire at least 31 times between July and November 2025. The alleged breaches occurred despite commitments outlined in the Joint Communiqué of April 24, the Doha Principles Declaration of July 19, and subsequent monitoring mechanisms.
Among the incidents cited, the M23 said Burundian troops were deployed on July 17 2025, to Ndunguye and Baraka alongside FARDC and allied militias, sparking offensives across Masisi, Kirumba, Kaina, Gifuru, and neighbouring areas. Between 21 and 23 July, coordinated attacks were carried out in Uvira’s Hauts Plateaux, Fizi, Baraka, Masisi, and Rutshuru, with FARDC allegedly operating alongside the FDLR and other militia groups.
{{Humanitarian crisis in Minembwe
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The group further condemned an “unacceptable humanitarian blockade” imposed on the Banyamulenge community in Minembwe.
Nangaa stated that FARDC, FDLR elements, and allied militias had effectively isolated the population since February, cutting off essential supplies including food, fuel, medicine, salt and soap.
Minembwe, he said, had suffered more than ten bombings this year alone, including a strike on 19 February that killed General Michel Makanika and another attack on a humanitarian aircraft in June.
He also denounced a December 6 attack in which four women were reportedly killed while attempting to bypass the blockade to buy vegetables. Others were abducted, and many remain missing.
{{‘A coordinated and methodical war’
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The movement accuses Kinshasa of escalating a “methodical” offensive across Masisi, Rutshuru, Tongo, Kanyabayonga, Sake and other hotspots, resulting in more than a hundred civilian deaths and mass displacement.
The rebel coalition blamed Burundi for “directly engaging in an unjustifiable war” by deploying troops inside DR Congo and launching strikes from Burundian territory.
{{Coalition of foreign fighters
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The group reiterated that FARDC operates alongside a wide coalition comprising the FDLR, Mai-Mai groups, Burundian armed elements and foreign mercenaries from Romania, Colombia and parts of Europe.
The group maintained that its forces remained in a “strictly defensive posture”, though it reserved the right to neutralise threats under “legitimate self-defence”.
The AFC/M23 called on the UN Security Council, the African Union, the United States, Qatar, Togo and Great Lakes governments to recognise Kinshasa’s refusal to establish a humanitarian safe zone, which the rebels say they have repeatedly proposed.
Despite the accusations, Nangaa insisted that the movement remained committed to peace, civilian protection and dialogue.
“Despite the severity of the situation, the M23/AFCM remains committed to peace, to protecting civilians, to respecting international obligations, and to engaging in sincere dialogue. History will judge each actor. We have chosen responsibility, protection and dignity for our people,” the group said.
The press conference came as AFC/M23 rebels made a major territorial advance, entering the strategic city of Uvira on Tuesday after days of fighting along the Ruzizi plain.
Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu, had been the main government stronghold on the southern axis since February. Its fall marks the rebels’ biggest gain since capturing Bukavu earlier this year and follows the takeover of Goma in January and Bukavu in mid-February.
Government forces, including Burundian units, FDLR remnants, Wazalendo militias and foreign fighters, had struggled to maintain cohesion, with internal conflicts weakening the defensive lines. Recent battles around Kamanyola saw Burundian forces take a leading role, including airstrikes launched from within Burundi.
Thousands of civilians have fled the renewed fighting, with many crossing into Rwanda and reporting abuses by coalition forces.
Meanwhile, Rwanda, which recently signed a peace deal with the DRC dubbed the Washington Accord, has [condemned the renewed violence->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-condemns-ceasefire-violation-of-washington-accords-by-congolese-and], accusing the DRC and Burundi of violating ceasefire provisions and escalating the conflict.
“Rwanda condemns the Congolese Army [FARDC] and the Burundian Army [FDNB], together with its coalition of the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo and foreign mercenaries, and have been systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border,” the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reads.
“These deliberate violations of recently negotiated agreements constitute serious obstacles to peace, resulting in the continued suffering of the population in Eastern DRC, as well as a security threat to Rwanda’s western border.”
Located in Kacyiru, one of Kigali’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, the new hotel sits on the historic grounds of the former Umubano Hotel, once among the city’s first international hospitality landmarks. Its transformation into Mövenpick Kigali marks both a renewal of the site’s legacy and an investment in Rwanda’s fast-growing tourism and business ecosystem.
Just minutes from Kigali International Airport and within close reach of the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, and major diplomatic institutions, the hotel is strategically positioned at the heart of the capital’s diplomatic and lifestyle district.
Owned by Kasada Capital Management, in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority and Accor, the project aims to redefine urban hospitality in Kigali through sustainability, community-centred initiatives, and thoughtful design.
“Our goal is to create joyful moments of genuine reconnection, where every guest feels both inspired and at home,” said Mediatrice Umulisa, General Manager of Mövenpick Kigali, in a statement on Monday, December 8, 2025.
“Our approach blends Swiss hospitality, heartfelt Rwandan service, and thoughtful design to create an experience that feels warm, contemporary, and deeply rooted in place. Whether guests join us for business, relaxation, or culinary discovery, we want them to feel the joy of a stay that is nourishing, generous, and full of meaning.”
The hotel features 124 elegantly designed rooms and suites, many overlooking Kigali’s green, hilly skyline. Interiors, developed by Shelter Group Africa, incorporate biophilic design and Rwandan cultural motifs to create calming, modern spaces that reflect both the country’s heritage and the brand’s global standards.
Guests can enjoy signature Mövenpick offerings, including the beloved Chocolate Hour, an afternoon celebration of Swiss indulgence, and RAAVA, the hotel’s new all-day dining restaurant serving an eclectic mix of local and international cuisine. A poolside bar further enhances the relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.
Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel includes four flexible meeting rooms with capacity for up to 300 people. Each space offers panoramic city views, making it an attractive venue for conferences, corporate events, and co-working.
Additional facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a wellness spa, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Families are also well-served through the “Little Birds Club,” an engaging space tailored for young guests.
Raki Phillips, Accor’s Regional President for the Premium, Midscale and Economy division across the Middle East, Africa & Türkiye, described the opening as a milestone for the brand in Rwanda.
“The opening of Mövenpick Kigali marks a proud new chapter for our brand in Rwanda, a country known for its warmth, and forward momentum. Mövenpick Kigali is a bridge between past and future, reimagining a beloved landmark while contributing to the city’s continued transformation,” Raki remarked.
“Through the creation of meaningful local employment, investment in young talent, and a deep commitment to sustainability, this opening reflects our belief that hospitality should leave a positive imprint both for our guests and the communities we serve.”
More than 160 permanent jobs are expected to be created, with a strong focus on hiring local talent, including graduates from Rwanda’s top hospitality schools and former Umubano Hotel staff.
Sustainability is central to the hotel’s operations. Mövenpick Kigali is working toward Green Globe certification and has adopted a full no-single-use-plastic policy, alongside other eco-friendly measures designed to reduce its environmental impact.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, praised the project’s contribution to Rwanda’s tourism and investment landscape.
“The launch of Mövenpick Kigali is both a renewal and a continuation of history. This site holds deep significance in Rwanda’s hospitality journey. Mövenpick’s arrival honours that legacy while ushering in a new era of excellence.”
To mark the opening, members of ALL, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, will earn four times the usual Reward points for stays between December 21, 2025 and April 26, 2026, when booked by December 21, 2025.
With its blend of Swiss precision, Rwandan hospitality, and a modern vision for sustainable tourism, Mövenpick Kigali is set to become one of the capital’s standout destinations for travellers, residents, and global investors alike.
