IGIHE English

Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

  • Iranian players granted asylum in Australia after refusing to sing national anthem

    Iranian players granted asylum in Australia after refusing to sing national anthem

    Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed the players, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, were “moved to a safe location” by Australian police.

    He added that other team members had been told they were welcome to remain in the country.

    “They want to be clear they are not political activists. They are athletes who want to be safe,” Burke said, noting that discussions with the players had been ongoing for several days.

    The decision came amid concerns for the women’s safety after facing heavy criticism in Iran, where some commentators labelled them “wartime traitors.”

    Australian police escorted the players during their stay, ensuring they could not be approached unaccompanied.

    Burke emphasised Australia’s open offer to the rest of the team, saying, “Australia has taken the Iranian women’s soccer team into our hearts. These women are tremendously popular in Australia.”

    The situation also drew attention from US President Donald Trump, who called on Australia to provide asylum and later confirmed the five had been “taken care of.”

    During the tournament, the players sang the anthem in subsequent matches against Australia and the Philippines, reportedly under the watch of government officials.

    Many supporters in Australia, including members of the Iranian diaspora, expressed solidarity with the team, waving pre-revolution Lion and Sun flags and booing the current Iranian anthem.

    Human rights advocates highlighted the difficult position faced by the players, noting some may feel unable to stay due to concern for their families back home.

    Craig Foster, former captain of the Australian men’s team, said, “Some may have concerns… even if offered the right to remain in Australia, if they feel unsafe, many may not accept that opportunity.”

    The five players are now under Australia’s humanitarian visa program, which allows them to live, work, and study safely in the country.

    Iran players react during their national anthem ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup soccer match between Iran and the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.

  • Rwanda’s inflation rises to 9.2% in February

    Rwanda’s inflation rises to 9.2% in February

    The report shows that prices increased 0.9 percent in February compared with January 2026, indicating continued pressure on the cost of living as households face higher spending on key goods and services. On average, inflation stood at 7.4 percent over the past 12 months, reflecting a steady rise in consumer prices across the economy.

    Several sectors recorded notable price increases over the past year. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, which constitute a large share of the consumer basket, rose by 12.3 percent, while restaurants and hotels registered a sharp 19.9 percent increase. Prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco also climbed significantly, increasing by 18.3 percent, while transport costs rose by 8.6 percent.

    Food prices, which account for a large share of household spending, increased more moderately compared with other sectors. The category of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 4.6 percent annually, with bread and cereals increasing by 11.7 percent and meat by 9 percent, while vegetable prices recorded a smaller annual rise of 3.4 percent.

    The report also points to sharp increases in the health sector, where prices surged by 71.1 percent over the past year, though the category represents a relatively small share of the consumer basket.

    Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as fresh food and energy, rose by 9.6 percent year-on-year, suggesting that underlying price pressures remain. On a monthly basis, core inflation increased by 0.9 percent in February.

    Energy prices also played a role in the rise in consumer costs, increasing by 20 percent annually and 2.6 percent compared with January, reflecting higher fuel and electricity expenses.

    The CPI measures the average change over time in prices paid by households for a basket of goods and services. The index is calculated using data from more than 1,600 products collected monthly from markets, shops, hospitals and other service providers across the country.

    Economists closely watch inflation trends as they influence purchasing power, household spending and policy decisions. In the month under review, the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) raised its key interest rate by 50 basis points to 7.25 percent in a move aimed at curbing rising inflation.

    Inflation in Rwanda increased to 8.9 percent in January 2026, up from 8.0 percent in December 2025, exceeding the Central Bank’s target range of 2–8 percent.

    The rise, Central Bank Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said, was driven largely by higher energy costs, electricity tariffs, fuel prices, and supply constraints on fresh food, particularly vegetables affected by below-normal rainfall.

    “The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to increase the Central Bank Rate to 7.25 percent to limit second-round effects of recent price increases and support a timely return of inflation to the target range,” she stated.

    The latest report from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that prices increased 0.9 percent in February compared with January 2026, indicating continued pressure on the cost of living as households face higher spending on key goods and services.

  • Rwanda showcases gender equality gains at UN women’s commission session

    Rwanda showcases gender equality gains at UN women’s commission session

    Delivering Rwanda’s national statement on March 9, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, said the country remains committed to strengthening women’s rights through inclusive policies, access to justice, and increased participation in governance.

    Uwimana noted that access to justice plays a critical role in achieving gender equality and addressing structural barriers that affect women’s rights and dignity.

    “In Rwanda, access to justice is understood not only as having access to courts, but more importantly, benefitting from policies and legal frameworks that are responsive to women’s realities,” she said.

    The minister highlighted several initiatives Rwanda has implemented to promote the welfare and protection of women and girls. Among them are the Isange One Stop Centres, which provide comprehensive services to survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking.

    The centres offer free and integrated support, including medical care, psychosocial assistance, legal aid, investigations, referrals to prosecution services, temporary shelter, and reintegration support for survivors.

    Minister Uwimana also pointed to Rwanda’s strong record in women’s representation in leadership and governance.

    Women currently hold 64 percent of seats in the Chamber of Deputies, 46 percent in the Senate, and 55 percent in the judiciary, making Rwanda one of the countries with the highest levels of women’s political representation globally.

    Uwimana added that women are also increasingly visible in emerging sectors such as biotechnology, space science, and climate governance.

    Beyond national borders, Rwanda has extended its efforts to support women and girls affected by conflict. The minister cited the relocation of a girls’ school from Afghanistan to Rwanda in 2021, which enabled the students to continue their education in a safe environment.

    Concluding her remarks, Uwimana quoted Paul Kagame, who in his International Women’s Day message emphasised the role of women in Rwanda’s transformation.

    “We celebrate the foundational role women continue to play in Rwanda’s transformation. Your ingenuity and leadership continue to affirm a simple truth: a nation can only truly progress when inclusion and equality are upheld in every sphere,” Kagame said.

    The annual CSW session brings together government leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives from around the world to review progress and accelerate action toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, said Rwanda remains committed to strengthening women’s rights through inclusive policies, access to justice, and increased participation in governance.
  • Over 3,000 global leaders to converge in Kigali for Inclusive FinTech Forum

    Over 3,000 global leaders to converge in Kigali for Inclusive FinTech Forum

    Organised in partnership with the Kigali International Financial Centre, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Finance & Technology Network, the Forum has become a leading global platform for advancing inclusive financial innovation in emerging markets.

    This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Inclusive Finance: Innovation. Impact. Connection.”, will guide discussions on Africa’s digital currency corridors, AI-powered financial inclusion, open finance ecosystems, and climate-focused fintech solutions.

    At a time when nearly 300 million adults across Africa remain unbanked, IFF 2026 represents a critical opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s leadership in digital finance and financial sector innovation.

    Kigali’s growing prominence in the global financial landscape, now ranked third in Africa on the Global Financial Centres Index (2025), reflects the country’s commitment to progressive regulation and cross-border collaboration.

    The Forum will feature high-level participation from central bank governors, global investors, fintech founders, and policymakers. Attendees can expect exclusive announcements, partnership signings, and initiatives aimed at mobilising capital for inclusive finance projects across the continent.

    Organised in partnership with the Kigali International Financial Centre, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Finance & Technology Network, the Forum has become a leading global platform for advancing inclusive financial innovation in emerging markets.
  • Rwandans in the US gather to explore ways to support national development

    Rwandans in the US gather to explore ways to support national development

    The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the United States shared the update on X, highlighting that the retreat brought together diaspora leaders from across the country to discuss strategies for contributing to national growth.

    The gathering comes just months after the Rwanda Convention USA 2025, held from July 4 to July 6, 2025, at the Irving Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. The event marked a significant reunion for the Rwandan diaspora, coinciding with the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day and U.S. Independence Day, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere.

    At the convention, diaspora professionals connected with Rwandan financial institutions, including Bank of Kigali, Equity Bank, BPR, and the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), which is increasingly involved in investment opportunities.

    Attendees explored avenues to invest in real estate, technology, and other sectors. Cultural celebrations featured traditional dance troupes and performances by popular artists such as The Ben, Meddy, Kevin Kade, and Element EleéeH, showcasing Rwandan heritage to the diaspora community.

    Attendees also accessed government services on-site, including assistance with opening bank accounts and obtaining administrative guidance from Rwandan representatives.

    The 2025 convention attracted thousands of participants, demonstrating the diaspora’s commitment to strengthening ties with their homeland.

    The Washington retreat builds on this momentum, focusing on practical steps to harness the diaspora’s resources, knowledge, and networks in support of Rwanda’s ongoing development, with unity, youth participation, and strategic engagement seen as key drivers for the country’s future.

    The retreat brought together Rwandan diaspora leaders from across the United States to discuss strategies for contributing to national growth.
    The retreat was also aimed at strengthening community unity and promoting youth engagement.
  • New HPV vaccine targets more strains in Rwanda’s cervical cancer fight

    New HPV vaccine targets more strains in Rwanda’s cervical cancer fight

    Hassan Sibomana, Director of the Vaccine Programmes Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), told The New Times that Gardasil 9 protects against nine HPV types, compared with the previous Gardasil 4, which covered only four. The additional strains allow broader prevention of HPV-related cancers.

    The vaccine is administered in one or two doses depending on age, with two doses recommended for women 29 and older. Sibomana stressed that Gardasil 9 is safe, highly effective, and comparable in safety to its predecessor.

    Currently, the rollout is limited to the four districts to monitor the vaccine’s effectiveness and acceptability before expanding nationwide. Once more doses are available, Gardasil 9 will be accessible at health facilities in the targeted areas, and communities will be informed.

    “With broader coverage, we can accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer. Our target is 90% vaccination coverage, 70% of women screened, and treatment for 90% of those who test positive,” Sibomana said.

    Rwanda has already achieved high HPV vaccination rates among 12-year-old girls, with more than 95% of districts reporting over 90% coverage. The Gardasil 9 rollout aligns with World Health Organization guidelines that extend HPV vaccination to adults, including women who were not covered when the program began in 2011.

    The new vaccine is administered in one or two doses, depending on age, with two doses recommended for women 29 and older.

  • APR BBC signs two-time NBA champion Quinn Cook

    APR BBC signs two-time NBA champion Quinn Cook

    Cook, aged 32, is expected to arrive in Kigali on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and will immediately join preparations with the team for Africa’s premier basketball competition.

    Cook is a familiar name in the National Basketball Association (NBA), having won the championship twice: in 2018 with the Golden State Warriors and in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has also played for several other NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

    He becomes the fourth new addition to APR BBC’s roster, following Leonard Craig Randall and Sudanese players Madut Akec and Mangok Mathiang.
    APR BBC will begin the tournament in the Kalahari Conference, which is scheduled to tip off on March 27, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa.

    Last year, APR BBC finished third in the BAL, and team management has now expressed strong ambitions to win the championship, especially with the finals set to take place in Kigali this May.

    Quinn Cook won the NBA championship in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
    Quinn Cook played alongside Kevin Durant with the Golden State Warriors.
    Quinn Cook spent two seasons with the Golden State Warriors.

  • Duterimbere IMF celebrates Women’s Day, inspiring women to reach their potential

    Duterimbere IMF celebrates Women’s Day, inspiring women to reach their potential

    Women make up 87% of Duterimbere IMF’s workforce, a contribution recognised as central to the institution’s growth and success.

    Speaking during the celebrations on Sunday, March 8, CEO Ngabonziza Alphonse said the institution’s goal is to elevate women and praised the pivotal role they play in driving the organisation’s growth and success.

    “The majority of our Board members are women. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and the key role they play in decision-making, which enables our institution to advance steadily every day,” the CEO stated.

    Uwimbabazi Hélène, Chairperson of the Board, highlighted the far-reaching impact of women, not only in the workplace but also in strengthening families and contributing to national development.

    “Women are the heart of the home, and when they build strong families, it benefits the entire nation. There was a time when women were denied the right to work, own property, or participate in leadership and politics. Today, celebrating this day is a recognition of the progress we have made,” she remarked.

    Mutamuriza Anitha, who has worked at Duterimbere IMF for the last 15 years, shared her personal journey of successfully balancing family responsibilities with a thriving professional career.

    “I started working here with three young children. Despite the challenges, I was able to manage my home and deliver at work because I had a clear plan. Confidence and capability are key for women to reach their potential,” she said.

    Duterimbere IMF Plc is a microfinance institution dedicated to empowering women by providing financial services, including short-term loans, to help them grow and improve their livelihoods.

    Women working at Duterimbere IMF were encouraged to believe in themselves and continue delivering exceptional work.
    Women serving on Duterimbere IMF’s Board of Directors were commended for their valuable role in decision-making that drives the institution’s success.
    Duterimbere IMF CEO Ngabonziza Alphonse highlighted the significant role women have played in driving the growth and success of the institution he leads.
    Mutamuriza Anitha, who has worked at Duterimbere IMF for the last 15 years, shared her personal journey of successfully balancing family responsibilities.
    Uwimbabazi Hélène, Chairperson of the Board at Duterimbere IMF, said that a woman’s role in building a strong family contributes to the development of the entire nation.
    Duterimbere IMF offers loans to women pursuing diverse entrepreneurial projects.
  • Rwanda takes FDLR threats seriously, Nduhungirehe responds to Habyarimana’s son

    Rwanda takes FDLR threats seriously, Nduhungirehe responds to Habyarimana’s son

    In a statement addressing Jean-Luc Habyarimana’s recent post on X , Nduhungirehe said the former president’s son’s description of his frequent visits to Kinshasa as “private” was an insult to Rwanda’s intelligence services.

    “Here, your impulsive and violent nature from 1994 has evidently resurfaced. Instead of enjoying a peaceful life in your Parisian exile, instead of seeking stable employment in France, you made the decision to enter the arena, offering your services to the genocidal FDLR and President Tshisekedi, to plan subversive actions against your own country. But rest assured, we take this threat very seriously,” Nduhungirehe said.

    The minister’s comments follow social media posts by Jean-Luc Habyarimana in which he sought to portray his personal trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as unrelated to any regional security issues or his links with the FDLR, a militia group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

    Nduhungirehe’s statement also referenced the history of the Habyarimana family, noting that Rwanda continues to consider regional security, including its relationship with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, as a priority.

    “I will simply focus on the fact that you present your frequent visits to Kinshasa as ‘private.’ My response is this: this is an insult to our intelligence, whether understood in the common or institutional sense of the term,” the minister added.

    President Paul Kagame recently raised concerns over Jean-Luc Habyarimana’s visits to Kinshasa during a dinner with members of the diplomatic corps in Kigali. During the meeting, the Head of State reaffirmed Rwanda’s strong stance on national security and regional stability.

    “The Congolese government has provided political cover and financial support to the FDLR and integrated this group into its military structures, from where it now operates with total impunity. They have attacked Rwanda on multiple occasions. Some countries even issued travel advisories as a result,” he said.

    He also referenced recent videos showing Jean-Luc Habyarimana travelling to Kinshasa in 2025.

    “Lately, the son of the former leader of Rwanda, who led this country into genocide, along with other close collaborators, has been visiting Kinshasa to deepen the alliance with the FDLR, and they have more or less openly been welcomed there,” he added.

    The FDLR currently maintains bases in the DRC, with estimates placing its fighters between 7,000 and 10,000. Rwanda has consistently expressed concern over the group’s activities, which threaten both national and regional security.

    Rwanda continues to stress the importance of regional cooperation and the enforcement of security measures to prevent destabilising activities by armed groups operating across its borders.

    A recent trip to Kinshasa by Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, has raised concerns over ties with the genocidal FDLR and President Félix Tshisekedi, whose administration continues to harbour the group.
  • Flash floods kill 42 in Kenya, thousands displaced

    Flash floods kill 42 in Kenya, thousands displaced

    Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku said the updated death toll follows Friday evening’s flash floods that swept through several counties, causing widespread destruction. The fatalities rose from the 25 deaths reported shortly after the disaster.

    Multi-agency teams, including the National Police Service, the Kenya Defence Forces and the Kenya Red Cross Society, have been deployed to assist with search and rescue operations and distribute relief supplies to affected families.

    Nairobi hardest hit

    The capital, Nairobi, accounts for the majority of the deaths, with 26 of the 42 fatalities recorded there.

    Authorities said most of the victims were residents of informal settlements located near overflowing rivers in areas such as Mathare, Mukuru and Kibra. Among those who died were 21 adult men, three adult women and two children.

    The remaining 16 deaths were reported in other parts of the country, including the Eastern region (10), Rift Valley (4), Coast (1) and Homa Bay County (1).

    Several people are still missing, with officials saying the figures may change as rescue teams continue searching in areas that remain cut off by floodwaters.

    Widespread damage

    Authorities reported that floodwaters swept away 172 vehicles in Nairobi alone, though all have since been recovered. Damage to homes, private property and road infrastructure remains extensive.

    Across the country, more than 50,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, with many now sheltering in schools, churches and temporary relief centres.

    The floods have also devastated livestock, killing at least 607 animals, including pigs and poultry in parts of Nairobi and more than 200 animals in Migori.

    Ruku said the government will cover hospital bills and burial costs for victims of the disaster as part of emergency support to affected families.

    Relief teams are currently distributing food, blankets and mattresses to displaced residents in hard-hit neighbourhoods such as Mathare and Ruaraka.

    The Kenya Meteorological Department has maintained a heavy rainfall advisory until Monday, March 9, warning that saturated soils could still trigger flash floods and landslides even if rainfall intensity decreases.

    Although the rains eased slightly on Sunday, forecasters warned that moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms could continue in parts of Nairobi and neighbouring counties.

    Residents living near rivers, including the Nairobi River, have been urged to move to higher ground, while motorists have been advised to avoid submerged roads and bridges.

    Authorities also warned of possible water contamination in densely populated settlements and urged residents to seek emergency assistance through local officials or by calling national emergency lines.

    Transport disruption and recovery plans

    Heavy rainfall has disrupted transport in several areas after damaging roads and bridges. In some cases, motorists have been forced to use alternative routes after major highways became impassable due to flooding and traffic congestion.

    Government officials said relief centres have been established in sub-county offices in affected regions, while distribution of building materials to displaced households is expected to begin on Monday as authorities transition from emergency response to early recovery.

    Meanwhile, Johnson Sakaja has defended his administration against criticism over the city’s preparedness for flooding.

    “I am not resigning, I’m working,” Sakaja said, acknowledging the challenges posed by limited financial resources and long-standing infrastructure gaps in the city.

    He said the county government is working to expand drainage systems and address flooding risks, but warned that progress has been slowed by budget constraints and inherited debts from previous administrations.

    Multi-agency teams have been deployed to assist with search and rescue operations.