Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Supreme Court allows injunction forcing Google to change Play Store policies

The ruling is a significant setback for Google, which had asked the court to block orders stemming from its high-stakes antitrust battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games.

The case began in 2020 when Epic accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the mobile app market by forcing developers to use Google’s in-app payment system, which charges commissions of up to 30 percent, and by restricting the distribution of apps outside the Play Store.

In 2023, a U.S. jury sided with Epic, finding that Google’s practices were anti-competitive. U.S. District Judge James Donato later issued a sweeping injunction aimed at opening Android’s app ecosystem to more competition.

Under the new rules, developers will be allowed to offer direct payment options within their apps, bypassing Google’s in-app billing system. Google will also have to make it easier for users to download apps and updates from alternative app stores or directly from developers.

Some of these changes, including enabling external payment links, could take effect within weeks, while more structural reforms, such as full access for rival app stores, are expected to roll out by July 2026.

Google expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision, warning it could compromise the security of Android users.

“We remain concerned that these changes could create significant risks for consumers, including exposure to malware and scams,” Google said in a statement. Epic Games, however, welcomed the decision.

“This is a step toward a fairer, more competitive mobile ecosystem,” the company said, adding that developers will now have greater freedom to reach users and offer cheaper payment solutions.

The decision could set a precedent for tech giants as regulators worldwide push for fairer digital markets. It mirrors similar moves in Europe, where the Digital Markets Act has compelled Apple to loosen restrictions on iOS app distribution.

For millions of Android users and developers, the ruling promises more choice, potentially lower app prices, and faster innovation, though Google warns of potential trade-offs in safety and reliability.

October 7, 2025
World Bank approves $141 million to strengthen Rwanda’s disaster response

The announcement was made in Kigali on Tuesday during a meeting convened by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), in partnership with the World Bank and the World Food Programme, to review strategies for disaster preparedness and response.

Speaking at the event, Ngoga Aristarque, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA), said Rwanda continues to face challenges in responding to severe disasters, often requiring funds to be diverted from other planned activities. He noted that the new support will help the country bridge critical gaps.

“While the national budget allocates resources for disaster response, unpredictable and large-scale disasters can quickly strain available funds. In the past, we had to reallocate resources from other programs, which affected implementation. This new mechanism will allow Rwanda to access emergency funding more quickly,” Ngoga said.

He added that the 2023 disasters highlighted the need for stronger resilience, as the country still requires an estimated $451 million to fully support affected communities two years later.

According to Ngoga, the new World Bank financing will reduce the shortfall between available and required resources, as Rwanda currently has less than half of the funding needed to address the impact of major disasters.

Kabera Godfrey, Minister of State for the National Treasury at MINECOFIN, said disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes cost the country about $145 million each year. Between 2013 and 2023, disasters and droughts alone reduced Rwanda’s GDP by 1.75 percent, with projections showing losses could rise to 3.25 percent without intervention.

“To address these risks, Rwanda has introduced mechanisms including the National Disaster Risk Fund, quick-access credit facilities, and insurance solutions to help mitigate losses. These measures ensure that funds for other national priorities are not diverted to disaster response,” Kabera said.

October 7, 2025
Experiencing Yancheng’s cultural heart on a journey through time (Photos)

Located in Jianhu County, this cultural landmark is built around Huai Opera, a national intangible cultural heritage. What struck me most was how the town blends the charm of an old village with vibrant cultural life, making it a place where the past and present breathe together.

As I wandered through the streets, I saw artisans showcasing their crafts and performers preparing for the next show. Later, I attended a Huai Opera performance based on The Small Town, a famous play that has won top national awards.

The show was immersive and beautifully staged. It felt as though the entire village was part of the performance. What moved me most was watching young performers on stage. It was a clear reminder that cultural heritage survives not through monuments, but through people who keep the stories alive.

My cultural journey continued at the China Yellow Sea Wetland Museum. From the outside, the building immediately catches your eye: a modern structure transformed from an old railway station, with the image of a red-crowned crane spreading its wings.

Inside, it is the first museum in the world dedicated to showcasing the natural and human history of the Yellow Sea wetland region. It houses more than 3,000 specimens, including a sperm whale skeleton and elk remains.

What made the visit truly memorable were the holographic exhibitions and sound installations. At one point, I stood in a darkened room listening to the echo of bird calls and whale sounds as if time itself had rewound.

The museum is more than a display hall. It serves as a platform for education, research, and cultural exchange. It showed me how technology can make heritage more accessible and engaging, especially for younger generations who may not easily connect with traditional exhibits.

In Huai Opera Town and at the museum, I found two sides of Yancheng’s cultural soul: one rooted in living traditions passed down through people, the other preserved and reimagined through modern interpretation.

Both are essential. Yancheng may be known for its wetlands and green industries, but its cultural heartbeat is equally powerful.

These places offer more than sightseeing. They offer a connection to history, to artistry, and to the enduring human spirit that keeps traditions alive.

October 6, 2025
Germany extends €18 million grant to strengthen Rwanda’s social protection system

The agreement was signed between the Government of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the German Development Bank (KfW). The funds will be channelled through the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), which oversees the implementation of social protection and community development programs nationwide.

Officials said the support will directly reinforce Rwanda’s flagship Vision Umurenge Program (VUP), a cornerstone of the national strategy to accelerate the graduation of vulnerable households from poverty.

“This grant from the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW is a re-affirmation of our shared commitment and partnership to invest in the well-being of the people of Rwanda,” said Yusuf Murangwa, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, during the signing ceremony.

German Ambassador to Rwanda, Heike Uta Dettmann, underscored the significance of the partnership, noting that social protection has immediate and lasting effects.

“Rwanda has shown that investing in its population leads to a meaningful reduction in poverty. Social protection has an immediate impact on the most vulnerable, and the project signed today is a joint step toward this goal,” she said.

The grant is expected to strengthen key components of Rwanda’s social protection framework, with a focus on poverty alleviation, community development, and building resilience against social and economic vulnerabilities.

Both governments highlighted the agreement as a reflection of their shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth for all Rwandans.

October 6, 2025
RSA engages high school students in space tech and science during Space Week

The initiative, running from October 6 to 10, aims to spark curiosity and inspire young Rwandans to explore careers in space technology and innovation.

The campaign is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about opportunities in Rwanda’s growing space sector and the global space industry. This year’s World Space Week, themed “living in space,” celebrates humanity’s achievements in exploring the cosmos and encourages the next generation of innovators.

During the first day of the outreach at the Rwanda Coding Academy and the University of Rwanda, students presented projects demonstrating practical applications of space technology.

Among them, a group of students from the Rwanda Coding Academy showcased an AI-powered project that uses satellite data to monitor security and assist humanitarian organisations in responding to crises.

“We hope to collaborate with the Rwanda Space Agency to access satellite information that will help users make informed decisions,” Diane Iranzi said during the presentation.

Her teammate, Joyeuse, added, “Our project also aims to help humanitarian organisations predict potential crises, such as flooding in Nyabihu, enabling timely assistance to citizens. By using real-time dashboards and AI technology, we can forecast problems and address them before they occur.”

Through this outreach, RSA hopes to nurture a generation of students who will contribute to Rwanda’s vision of leveraging space for socio-economic development.

Over the week, RSA will visit several schools, including Hope Haven Christian School on October 7; Gashora Girls Academy on October 8; Ecole Secondaire Saint Ignace on October 9; and Green Hills Academy on October 10.

October 6, 2025
Rwanda’s industrial output expanded by 8.3% in August 2025

The latest Index of Industrial Production (IIP) shows that the upturn was powered by mining and manufacturing, which together contributed most of the gains. Mining and quarrying output surged 27.9 percent, while manufacturing grew 11.2 percent year-on-year.

The performance lifted the sector’s annual average growth rate to 6.8 percent, signalling renewed momentum in Rwanda’s industrial economy.

Within manufacturing, non-metallic mineral products, which include cement and construction materials, jumped nearly 50 percent, adding 2.4 percentage points to the overall index.

Metal products, machinery and equipment climbed 18.2 percent, and furniture and other manufacturing rose 46.9 percent. However, the data showed a slowdown in some consumer goods: food processing fell by 6.2 percent, while beverages and tobacco slipped 1.6 percent.

Energy output also supported growth, with electricity generation up 7.0 percent, while water supply and waste management saw a modest 1.7 percent increase.

The IIP has recently been rebased to 2024, a technical change that updates the weights assigned to each subsector to better reflect today’s economy. NISR explained that rebasing helps keep the index accurate as new industries emerge and the structure of production shifts.

“Over time, the economic structure changes (new industries emerge, some decline, relative sizes shift), keeping an old base year can make the index less relevant, less reflective of the current structure, and harder to interpret,” NISR explained its decision to review the previous 2017 base year.

The industrial sector remains a key driver of Rwanda’s economic transformation agenda, with the government targeting stronger local production to reduce import dependence and support exports. As of 2024, manufacturing represented 68.1 percent of the country’s formal industrial base by gross value added, while mining accounted for 15.8 percent

The Index of Industrial Production is a key economic indicator used to measure short-term industrial trends in Rwanda’s formal sector, excluding construction activities. It complements the country’s quarterly Gross Value Added statistics and provides policymakers, investors, and analysts with timely insights into the health of Rwanda’s industrial economy.

October 6, 2025
More than 350 trekkers rescued after sudden Everest blizzard

Authorities say about 200 others remain stranded in severe weather as rescue operations continue.

Reports indicate that more than 500 people were caught by surprise when unusually heavy snow and rain lashed the Tingri region of Tibet, one of the main routes to ascend the world’s highest mountain. Those rescued on Sunday were taken to the small township of Qudang, a critical staging point for climbers on the northern approach to Everest.

Some 200 trekkers who remained trapped as of Sunday were expected to arrive in Qudang in phases under the guidance and support of local government-organised rescue teams, according to China Central Television (CCTV).

The report did not clarify whether all local guides and support staff had been accounted for, nor whether trekkers closer to the mountain’s north face were affected.

Heavy snowfall began late Friday and continued into Saturday, battering valleys at elevations averaging 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). The unexpected storm quickly created whiteout conditions and dropped temperatures to dangerous levels.

Ticket sales and entry into the entire Everest Scenic Area were suspended from late Saturday, the local Tingri County Tourism Company announced on its official WeChat account, warning visitors to avoid the mountain until conditions stabilise.

“It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” said Chen Geshuang, part of an 18-member trekking group that reached safety in Qudang, speaking to Reuters.

“The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly.”

The blizzard has drawn renewed attention to increasingly unpredictable climate patterns in the Himalayas, where mountaineers and guides have warned of shifting weather seasons. Rapid, unforecasted storms like this one increase the risks for trekking groups and strain rescue capacities.

While Chinese authorities lead the ongoing evacuation efforts on the northern slopes, Nepal is simultaneously battling related heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Nepali officials have reported dozens of fatalities from weather-linked disasters across the border.

Rescue operations in Tibet are expected to continue into the week, with teams working to bring down those still stuck at high altitude. Conditions remain challenging, but improving visibility may allow more helicopters and ground crews to reach remote areas.

October 6, 2025
French political turmoil escalates with PM Lecornu’s sudden resignation

Lecornu, a 39-year-old former defence minister and close ally of Macron, was France’s fifth prime minister in under two years. His resignation comes just 27 days after his appointment.

He had been appointed in late September following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government, which fell after parliament rejected its austerity budget aimed at cutting €44 billion in public spending.

In a brief statement outside the Hôtel de Matignon, Lecornu criticised political factions for their unwillingness to compromise.

“I was ready for compromise, but all parties wanted the other party to adopt their entire programme,” he said. He added that parties needed to “cast some egos aside” to make governance work.

The new cabinet, announced on Sunday evening, provoked immediate backlash from both allies and opponents. Critics argued it was either too right-wing or insufficiently reformist, raising doubts about its viability in a fragmented parliament where no party holds a majority.

Several groups have since called for early elections, with far-right National Rally leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella urging Macron to dissolve the National Assembly.

The resignation has sent shockwaves through France’s financial markets. Paris stocks fell sharply, with Societe Generale dropping over 6% and BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole also down, while the CAC 40 index closed 1.5% lower. The euro weakened against both the dollar and sterling, and French government borrowing costs rose to levels last seen during the previous political stalemate.

France’s political turbulence has persisted since snap parliamentary elections in July 2024 produced a hung parliament. Attempts to govern have repeatedly faltered, leaving Macron facing mounting pressure to stabilise the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for Macron’s impeachment, while the far-right pushed for new elections, signalling that the country’s political crisis shows no immediate signs of easing.

Lecornu’s resignation marks one of the shortest tenures for a French prime minister in recent history and brings to the fore the ongoing fragility of governance in Paris.

October 6, 2025
Tshisekedi’s latest U-turn rekindles Kagame’s past remarks on his character

Delegations from both countries had worked tirelessly, day and night. Everything was in order; all that remained was to put pen to paper. But on October 3, 2025, when the day finally arrived, everything changed.

In an unexpected turn of events, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi instructed his delegation not to sign the agreement with a precondition of “withdrawal of 90% of Rwandan troops.”

Rwanda has repeatedly denied the Kinshasa administration’s claims of troops in the DRC, insisting that its defensive posture along the border is necessary due to the security threat posed by the DRC-backed FDLR militia, formed by the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Meanwhile, Rwanda was stunned by President Tshisekedi’s U-turn. Throughout all the previous discussions, not once had the issue of troops been raised. What was meant to be a historic step towards peace and cooperation suddenly became a story for another day.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, said, “They [the delegations] were ready to initial the document the following morning, but President Tshisekedi instructed, at the last minute, his delegation NOT to sign, fearing the negative reaction of his internal public opinion.

Ambassador Nduhungirehe added that the agreement was purely economic and did not touch on security matters.

“Indeed, negotiations on the REIF are purely economic and don’t consider security matters, which are handled by the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM),” the minister added.

He explained that the DRC’s last-minute decision caused confusion after months of intense mediation efforts led by Massad Boulos and the U.S. Department of State, who had worked tirelessly to ensure both sides reached an understanding.

Minister Nduhungirehe recalled that in September 2024, it was again Tshisekedi who prevented his Foreign Minister from signing an agreement on dismantling the FDLR militia group and lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures, even though the military representatives of both countries had already agreed on those terms.

{{President Kagame had foreseen it}}

Those closely following Rwanda–DRC relations were quick to recall President Paul Kagame’s remarks during his interview with Mario Nawfal in March 2025 after witnessing Tshisekedi’s latest behaviour.

President Kagame revealed that he had held several discussions with President Tshisekedi since the latter assumed office, but found it difficult to reach a lasting understanding with him, as Tshisekedi often went back on their agreements.

“I have no problem speaking with President Tshisekedi, but making deals is the most difficult thing. You agree on something, but once he steps out of the room, it’s completely different—either forgotten, changed, or he’ll say we never said that,” President Kagame stated.

When asked what he would tell President Tshisekedi if they were sitting together at that very moment, President Kagame responded: “I would tell him I wish he wasn’t president of that good country,” he responded when asked what he would tell the DRC Head of State if they met.

“Next time I meet him, I will tell him that,” he added.

Tshisekedi’s sudden reversal on the agreement has now left many questioning whether he genuinely intends to honour the commitments made under the Washington peace accord between Rwanda and the DRC.

At a time when the world had placed its hopes on this deal as the dawn of a new era of cooperation, President Tshisekedi’s decision has once again cast a shadow of uncertainty over relations between the two nations.

October 6, 2025
DRC: National TV journalist condemned for urging doctors to kill M23 leaders and families

The remarks, made during an RTNC program hosted by Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, urged medical professionals not to treat anyone associated with M23 and, if necessary, to kill them.

Human rights organisations and civil society groups have condemned the statements, warning that such rhetoric risks turning ethnic discrimination in healthcare into a weapon of war. Doctors, they note, are sworn to treat all patients without bias.

Analysts suggest Abdallah’s comments are part of a broader pattern of hate speech in the DRC, targeting Tutsi communities and specifically members of AFC/M23, including professionals such as doctors. In North and South Kivu, some Tutsis have reportedly begun avoiding certain hospitals due to rising ethnic hostility.

Human rights groups in Kinshasa and Goma have called on the government to publicly condemn the remarks and hold Abdallah accountable, emphasising that all Congolese, regardless of political or ethnic affiliation, are entitled to equal access to healthcare.

Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative to the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), recently condemned the spread of hate speech, noting that it undermines unity and fuels conflict.

“Hate speech continues to permeate daily life, families, and social media, often sparking discrimination and threatening reconciliation efforts,” he said.

The rhetoric has intensified following renewed clashes involving the AFC/M23 rebel movement, which advocates for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsi Congolese. Some senior officials have labelled the communities as foreigners due to their language, fueling rising tensions and reinforcing perceptions of Tutsis as enemies.

Videos circulating in recent years have depicted attacks on Tutsi civilians, highlighting fears about escalating ethnic violence in the region.

October 5, 2025