The ministry said Russian forces also launched a large-scale strike against Ukrainian military-industrial sites and energy infrastructure in retaliation for Ukraine’s attacks on civilian facilities inside Russia.
“The objectives of the strike have been fully achieved. All designated targets have been neutralized,” the ministry said.
The war in Ukraine continues, with both sides engaged in an ongoing struggle for territorial control. As the conflict approaches its fourth year, uncertainty remains over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its military efforts amid heavy personnel and equipment losses.
The initiative, led by Prikkle Academy Rwanda, focuses on equipping educators with practical, ethical, and locally relevant skills for integrating AI into teaching.
The programme targets nursery and primary school teachers, positioning them as the first step in introducing AI into schools. By training teachers first, the organisation aims to ensure that students engage with AI in a structured and safe manner.
Fasoranti ‘Fash’ Damilola, founder and lead trainer of Prikkle Academy Rwanda, said the focus on teachers rather than students allows the programme to build a strong foundation for AI-supported learning.
“Teachers are with students every day. If we train teachers to be excellent, they will raise excellent children,” he said.
He was speaking during a graduation ceremony held on Friday at Chez Les Bien-Aimés Primary School in Kigali, where a first cohort of 14 teachers received certificates for completing the training and their final projects, which included classroom-ready digital storybooks and personal websites created with AI.
The training was made possible through a partnership between Prikkle Academy Rwanda and JUST EQUIPPING, an education-focused organisation that helped link Prikkle Academy Rwanda with Chez Les Bien-Aimés Primary School. Through this collaboration, the two organisations identified the school, mobilised teachers, and created an enabling environment for practical, school-based AI training. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening teacher capacity and introducing innovative, future-ready learning approaches in Rwandan schools.
The training, titled Generative AI for Curriculum Development and Lesson Planning, was conducted over four interactive sessions. Participants learned to use AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini to generate lesson objectives, classroom activities, and examples aligned with Rwanda’s curriculum. They also adapted AI-generated content to local language, culture, and learner needs across subjects, including mathematics, sciences, and languages.
Several teachers shared their experiences during the graduation. One participant, Okwir Oscar Sam, described how the training had expanded his skills.
“Even though I joined late, I was motivated to try. Learning how to create a website using AI was a completely new experience for me, and I feel I have gained skills that I can now apply in my teaching. I encourage everyone to continue learning and exploring these tools,” he said.
Another teacher, Cubaka Fiat, said the programme had significantly improved his confidence and capabilities.
“There were many things I didn’t know before, but now I feel capable of doing much more with AI. Our coach guided us patiently step by step, even interpreting in French when needed. Receiving my certificate today shows how much I’ve learned, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity,” he said.
Ethical use of AI was a core component of the programme. Teachers were trained to critically review AI outputs, address misinformation and bias, protect student data, and ensure that AI supports learning rather than replacing professional judgement.
Uhuza Munyampenda, co-founder and headmistress of Chez Les Bien-Aimés Primary School, said the training had helped teachers make lessons more structured and engaging.
“Teachers must keep learning to prepare the next generation. This programme has given them new tools to guide students effectively,” she said.
Prikkle Academy Rwanda plans to expand the programme by partnering with more schools, offering advanced training, and reaching schools beyond Kigali, including rural areas.
“This is just the beginning. We hope to partner with more schools and organisations to bring these AI skills to as many teachers as possible,” Damilola said.
“We must adapt to where the world is heading, and training teachers is the first step in ensuring our students are equipped for the future,” he added.
Damilola noted that the programme aligns with Rwanda’s broader goal of strengthening teacher capacity and integrating digital technologies into education, while ensuring that AI is used responsibly in classrooms.
Prikkle Academy, which has its roots in Nigeria, has been operating in Rwanda since 2021. The organisation acts as a youth employment catalyst, bridging skills gaps and connecting talent to jobs through training in soft skills, technology, communication, mentorship, networking, and practical workshops. Its goal is to help individuals secure meaningful, high-impact careers and overcome barriers to employment.
He made the remarks at a weekly press conference in response to a question about whether recent Israeli and U.S. media reports on a possible new Israeli military action against Iran were meant to pressure Tehran into talks over its missile program.
Citing unidentified sources, NBC News reported on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would seek to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump at an upcoming meeting that Iran’s expansion of its ballistic missile program poses a threat that could require swift action.
Iran’s defense capabilities, Baghaei stressed, were designed to deter potential aggressors and were in no way negotiable or subject to bargaining.
He added that the recent media focus on Iran’s missile program was part of the “hybrid warfare” waged against Iran by Israel, with the assistance of the United States and hostile media outlets.
On June 13, Israel launched major surprise airstrikes on multiple locations in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. On June 22, U.S. forces bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.
The agreement covers a loan of 344.5 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to more than $48 million. It was signed in Kigali on August 21, 2025.
The loan will be repaid over a period of 13.5 years, with a grace period of six and a half years before repayments begin. It carries an annual interest rate of 2 per cent.
The project will be implemented in Gisagara District, Southern Province, and is aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity while enhancing resilience to climate change.
Presenting the agreement to Parliament, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa said the project seeks to address climate-related challenges affecting agriculture.
“The objective of this project is to strengthen agricultural capacity and productivity and mitigate the effects of climate change by irrigating 2,640 hectares of land and promoting water harvesting and efficient water-use technologies in Giseke,” Murangwa said.
He added that the project would support long-term economic transformation through major infrastructure works, including the construction of an irrigation dam and associated water distribution networks.
According to the minister, the project will enable farmers to transition from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation-based farming, allowing year-round cultivation and increased yields.
“This will allow farmers to farm throughout the year, improve productivity and expand profitable agricultural practices,” he said.
During the parliamentary debate, some MPs sought clarification on aspects of the agreement. MP Bizimana Minani asked whether the partnership terms had been adequately reviewed and whether the cooperation framework with Exim Bank of China provided sufficient assurances.
MP Germaine Mukabalisa drew attention to provisions indicating that equipment and technology for the project would be procured from China where possible.
“Experience has shown that such conditions can sometimes delay projects. In some cases, the required technologies are available locally, within the region or elsewhere at a lower cost. What happens if the lender insists on procurement from China even when it is more expensive?” she asked.
MP Furaha Rubagumya also raised concerns over clauses stating that technical standards for project implementation should be equivalent to those used in China, noting that local conditions differ.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Murangwa said Rwanda’s cooperation with Exim Bank of China remains strong, citing ongoing collaboration on various projects.
He explained that procurement conditions requiring purchases from the lender’s country are standard practice for concessional loans.
“When a country receives a highly concessional loan like this one, with a six-year grace period, a two-year implementation timeframe and a low interest rate of 2 per cent, it is common for lenders to require that equipment be sourced from their country,” Murangwa said.
He added that the agreement does not impose fixed quotas on procurement from China and that Rwanda remains confident it will secure value for money.
“We are confident that the country will not overpay,” he said.
Murangwa also noted that aligning technical standards with those applied in China would ensure international-quality outcomes, adding that independent, non-Chinese inspectors would be engaged to verify compliance and quality.
The irrigation programme is expected to begin no later than 2028.
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.
