The launch will mark the brand’s entry into Rwanda’s growing beauty market, featuring a collection made especially for African skin by Africans with German technology.
Bellazuri has already established a presence in several African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Guinea, reflecting the company’s ambition to become a truly pan-African beauty powerhouse. The brand is also available in Colombia and the United States.
A key part of the brand’s strategy is its emphasis on research-driven product development. The company says Rwandan consumers can expect products tailored to their needs, with future lines potentially designed specifically for the local market.
“Our products are not created randomly. Dr. Iman, our lead formulator, develops them in the lab based on real feedback. The Kigali launch will give us insights into what people want, and we have the capacity to refine products accordingly,” said Cynthia Uwineza, the brand’s ambassador in Rwanda.
“Every market we enter, we aim to give them exactly what they want,” she added.
Central to Bellazuri’s identity is its focus on combining natural African resources with advanced German technology. The company uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes from the IKA Group from Germany, ensuring products that are both safe and effective.
Partnership with Peniel Wholesale Ltd.
In Rwanda, Bellazuri has partnered with Peniel Wholesale Ltd, which will serve as the brand’s sole distributor. The collaboration is expected to make the products widely accessible across the country. Peniel’s established distribution channels will ensure Rwandan consumers can easily find Bellazuri’s skincare, body care, and colour cosmetics in trusted outlets.
The company emphasises that its entry into the Rwandan market will go beyond beauty products. By partnering with local distributors and creating demand for sales and distribution services, Bellazuri expects to contribute to job creation and support Rwanda’s economic growth.
Bellazuri’s product line includes skincare, body care, and colour cosmetics formulated to match diverse African skin tones and needs. The brand’s mission is to make premium beauty accessible, inclusive, and representative of Africa.
The Rwandan Embassy in the U.S. termed the delivery as a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade ties.
The shipment, managed by Trinity Metals, also underscores Rwanda’s growing role as a trusted supplier of critical minerals.
“This direct Rwanda-US shipment of tungsten marks an important step in strengthening our bilateral trade ties & highlights Rwanda’s position as a trusted supplier of critical minerals,” the embassy stated on Tuesday evening.
The delivery follows a recent commercial agreement Trinity Metals secured with GTP, part of the Plansee Group, and its offtake partner Traxys.
The partnership aims to establish a reliable supply of high-grade tungsten from the Great Lakes region of Africa to the U.S., supporting industries such as aerospace, defence, electronics, and electric vehicle manufacturing.
Trinity Metals, established in 2022 through the merger of the Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine, Rutongo Tin Mine, and Musha Tin and Tantalum Mine, is Rwanda’s largest producer of these three critical minerals.
The 37-year-old made the revelations on Password, a youth-focused show on Rwanda National Television that discusses personal development and success. While flipping through videos on his phone of the life he envisions, Coach Gaël revealed a range of exciting plans.
Among his goals, he wants to establish a centre supporting at least 7,000 orphans and publish several books, with one planned release by the time he turns 40.
“I want to create a media company that teaches entrepreneurship,” he said. “And yes, one day, I want to stand by my own private jet. I also hope to own a company that acquires others and maintain a healthy lifestyle through sports.”
Speaking to the youth audience, Coach Gaël stressed the importance of action alongside dreams.
“It’s good to have dreams, but you must also take steps to achieve them. In life, when you want something, you stand up and go get it,” he advised.
Asked about continuing his previous missionary work in India, he said it’s no longer his path.
“Preaching the Word of God the way I did before? Not anymore. I’ve found a new approach which is motivating young people and others to achieve their goals.”
Reflecting on his achievements in entrepreneurship so far, Coach Gaël admitted he’s not fully satisfied.
“The level I’ve reached doesn’t excite me much because there’s still a lot of work ahead. In the next two years, I hope to finish my current projects and move to the next stage.”
He attributes his success to two key traits: a love of learning and confidence. “I study constantly to keep up with the latest technology and trends. And I believe that whatever I set my mind to is possible,” he said.
With a mix of high-flying dreams and grounded advice for young people, Coach Gaël continues to inspire audiences across Rwanda with his ambition and energy.
He noted that he hopes Rwanda will not again be requested to facilitate the repatriation of mercenaries, as was the case with the Romanian mercenaries who suffered a humiliating defeat earlier this year.
His comments came in response to a social media post by Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, the DRC’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralisation, and Customary Affairs, who appeared to confirm and even boast about the deployment of foreign mercenaries by a private security firm linked to former U.S. Navy SEAL officer Erik Prince.
In a post shared on X on Monday, Shabani shared an image of ocean water with the caption “Blackwater” alongside the DRC flag. The firm associated with Erik Prince has been widely reported to provide mercenaries to support the Congolese army, including guarding strategic mineral sites and fighting against the M23 rebels.
Reacting to the post, Nduhungirehe said it was “only in DRC” that a senior government official could publicly brag about the deployment of mercenaries, despite international law prohibiting the practice under the 1977 OAU/AU Convention and the 1989 United Nations Convention.
He recalled that in late January 2025, more than 280 Romanian mercenaries fighting alongside the Congolese army in Goma were routed by M23 rebels and later granted safe passage through Kigali before flying back to Europe.
“Following the humiliating defeat of Romanian mercenaries in Goma… the Government of DRC has this time hired Colombian mercenaries through Erik Prince’s private security firm, once known as Blackwater,” Nduhungirehe said.
The minister stressed that Congo’s continued reliance on mercenaries undermines peace efforts, running against the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Declaration of Principles, which were intended to help the DRC achieve lasting stability.
“And I hope that Rwanda will not again be requested to facilitate the repatriation of another bunch of mercenaries,” he concluded.
The exchange comes amid growing fears of renewed escalation in eastern Congo, where M23 accuses the Congolese army and its allied forces and militias of targeting civilians in the eastern DRC.
Manzi is facing charges including money laundering, illegal currency trading, and fraudulently acquiring property. Prosecutors allege he lured citizens into investing in Billion Traders by promising high returns, but later failed to deliver.
The defence maintains that part of the funds, equivalent to Frw 7 billion, was repaid, a claim prosecutors dispute, saying no proof has been presented.
Appearing before the court on September 29, Manzi said there was no intent to defraud, adding that he had even approached the National Bank of Rwanda and the Capital Market Authority seeking regulations for his business.
“I believed we were all building the country together, both the investors and us who were generating returns,” he said.
Defence lawyers argued that some investors had already reached repayment agreements, which they said should not be combined with the criminal proceedings.
But lawyers representing more than 100 complainants countered that the case is criminal, not commercial, and that any agreements with Manzi could serve as evidence of fraud rather than remove liability.
The Prosecution has requested a 15-year prison sentence and a $52 million fine, stressing that the scheme undermined public trust and damaged the economy.
The court will deliver its verdict on October 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
This marks the first time an African tourism brand has secured sponsorships across both the NBA and NFL, further expanding Visit Rwanda’s global sports footprint.
The new partnerships add to Visit Rwanda’s growing portfolio of sports sponsorships, which already includes collaborations with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Atlético de Madrid, and an academy partnership with FC Bayern Munich.
“Sport connects people, uniting communities through shared values of excellence and aspiration. Through sponsorships with the LA Clippers and LA Rams, Rwanda and Los Angeles unite to promote the spirit of the game,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, Rwanda Development Board CEO.
“This engagement enables us to export Rwanda’s unrivalled natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity to the people of Los Angeles as well as NBA and NFL fans everywhere.”
Under the agreement, Visit Rwanda will become the exclusive jersey patch sponsor of the Clippers and the official coffee sponsor of Intuit Dome. The sponsorship will include Visit Rwanda branding on all game and practice jerseys, both at home and on the road.
The multi-year deal will also feature community initiatives in Los Angeles and Rwanda, such as court refurbishments and coaching clinics.
The NBA has long prioritised international growth, including the creation of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership with FIBA featuring 12 African club teams. Since its launch in 2021, the BAL has hosted games across the continent, including at Rwanda’s BK Arena, providing young athletes opportunities to develop their skills and experience the values of teamwork and community.
“The energy and passion for basketball across Africa, including in Rwanda, makes this sponsorship a natural fit,” said Gillian Zucker, CEO of Halo Sports and Entertainment. “It’s focused on growing the game and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.”
As part of the engagement, the Clippers will refurbish a basketball court in Rwanda. The team’s G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers, will host Rwandan youth coaches for annual training sessions and provide virtual coaching support to help elevate local talent.
Visit Rwanda will also become an official international tourism sponsor of the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium, and Hollywood Park, the largest urban mixed-use development currently under construction in the western United States. The sponsorship includes naming rights for two premium spaces within SoFi Stadium and digital advertising across the venue.
“This sponsorship not only builds on Visit Rwanda’s long-standing relationship with Arsenal but also gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen our presence in Africa,” said Kevin Demoff, President of the Los Angeles Rams.
With these agreements, Visit Rwanda continues to leverage sport as a platform to promote tourism, youth development, and Rwanda’s global brand, connecting fans in Los Angeles and around the world to the nation’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.
For the first time since the competition began 125 years ago, the world’s best cyclists battled for rainbow jerseys on African soil, and they did so before record crowds.
The UCI President called the event “probably the most beautiful World Championships ever, here in Africa,” saluting the passion of over one million spectators who lined the routes.
“What amazing races we witnessed this week… There were one million people along the roads today. Thank you very much,” the UCI President said, praising Rwanda’s organisation and President Paul Kagame for delivering an unforgettable debut.
{{Battle for the podium
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More than 100 nations sent riders, but only 18 countries managed to convert their efforts into medals across the 13 races, a proof of just how intense and unpredictable the championship was.
At the top of the medal standings, the Netherlands emerged as the most successful nation, claiming two golds, one silver, and one bronze (4 total medals). Great Britain took a close second, powered by two crucial golds but no additional podium spots. France rounded out the top three with a balanced haul of one gold, two silver, and one bronze (4 total medals).
Not far behind, Belgium, Spain, and Switzerland produced a rare four-way deadlock for fourth, each earning one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Several riders delivered career-defining performances at the championship. Remco Evenepoel of Belgium once again proved his class, winning the Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial and battling through two bike changes to claim silver in the road race, finishing just behind Tadej Pogačar, who lit up Kigali’s climbs with a trademark long-range attack to secure a second consecutive men’s road race world title on Sunday.
Jay Vine of Australia delivered versatility and power, pairing a silver in the men’s time trial with a pivotal ride in the gold-winning Team Time Trial Mixed Relay.
Swiss time trial specialist Marlen Reusser celebrated a long-awaited breakthrough by capturing the Women’s Elite ITT gold and contributing to Switzerland’s bronze in the mixed relay.
Spain’s young phenom Paula Ostiz Taco made headlines with a stunning victory in the Women’s Junior Road Race — the first ever for her nation — and added a silver from the junior time trial.
Meanwhile, rising Slovakian talent Viktória Chladoňová impressed with double silver in the inaugural Women’s Under-23 standalone events.
{{What comes next?
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The peloton’s next rainbow dream will unfold in Montreal, Canada, host of the 2026 UCI Road World Championships, with Kigali’s edition setting a new benchmark for sporting excellence as well as inclusivity and global reach, proving that the world’s biggest cycling stage can thrive far beyond its European origins.
In a communiqué issued on Sunday, the group said coalition forces composed of the Congolese army (FARDC), FDLR, Mai-Mai/Wazalendo militias, foreign mercenaries, and the Burundi National Defence Force (FDNB) destroyed a bridge in Mpeti, Walikale Territory.
According to the statement, the incident has cut off riverside communities from vital necessities, disrupting the movement of people and goods. The group denounced the act as “deliberate sabotage” and a violation of the ceasefire framework agreed under the Doha peace process.
“This premeditated and systematic campaign to destroy the Congolese people’s basic infrastructure is isolating civilian populations and obstructing the free movement of people and goods,” the AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated.
Terming the attacks as “crimes against humanity,” the group accused Kinshasa and its allies of pursuing a strategy designed to “starve and suffocate innocent civilians.” The movement also alleged that Uvira has been turned into “a command centre of terror” for coordinating such operations.
While vowing to “protect and defend civilians,” the AFC/M23 reaffirmed its determination to neutralise “negative forces” threatening populations in eastern Congo.
The accusations come amid a highly volatile situation in eastern DRC, where both the Kinshasa government and M23 frequently trade blame over ceasefire violations and renewed hostilities. Regional leaders and international partners continue to push for a negotiated settlement, but clashes and claims of atrocities persist on the ground.
Tadej Pogačar etched his name even deeper into cycling history on Sunday, delivering a breathtaking performance to secure back-to-back world road race titles at the UCI World Championships in Rwanda’s capital.
The Slovenian superstar rode with daring and dominance, launching a decisive attack on Mount Kigali more than 100km from the finish and holding off every chase to claim the rainbow jersey for a second year running.
{{Fast and furious from the gun
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The 267.5km men’s elite road race, with almost 6,000m of climbing, wasted no time erupting into action. Grenada’s Red Walters sparked early excitement, but his breakaway quickly dissolved as Germany’s Marius Mayrhofer, Denmark’s Anders Foldanger, the Netherlands’ Menno Huising, Portugal’s Ivo Oliveira and Switzerland’s Fabio Christen formed a new lead group.
France, sensing danger, turned up the heat with Julian Alaphilippe attacking and Julien Bernard bridging across. Spain’s Raúl García Pierna soon joined them, but behind, Slovenia and Belgium, home to favourites Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel, kept the peloton measured and steady.
{{Crashes disrupt the chase
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The furious early pace began to take a toll on the peloton. Britain’s Bjorn Koerdt, Spain’s Marc Soler and Belgium’s Ilan Van Wilder, a crucial helper for Evenepoel, were all forced to abandon after crashes, disrupting the chase and momentarily slowing the bunch. Belgium and Slovenia quickly regrouped, trimming the break’s lead back to 2:30 as the race approached its pivotal phase.
By the time riders swung onto a new 42.5km loop featuring the towering Mount Kigali and the fearsome cobbled Mur de Kigali, the gap had shrunk to 1:35, and the tension was building.
{{Pogačar lights up Mount Kigali
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The day’s defining moment came on the steep ramps of Mount Kigali. Julien Bernard crested alone, but just behind, Pogačar surged with trademark power, catching Bernard and taking Spain’s Juan Ayuso and Mexico’s Isaac Del Toro with him.
On the bone-rattling Mur de Kigali, Ayuso cracked and slid back, leaving Pogačar and Del Toro as the last men standing up front. With 90km remaining, they held just 44 seconds over a disorganised peloton struggling to find rhythm.
{{Evenepoel’s troubles, Pogačar’s freedom
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Belgium’s hopes wavered when Evenepoel was forced into two costly bike changes, visibly frustrated as precious seconds ticked away. At the head of the race, Del Toro began to fade, and once back on the city circuit, Pogačar struck out alone.
A spirited chase tried to form, Ireland’s Ben Healey linking with Denmark’s Mikkel Honoré and France’s Pavel Sivakov, and briefly cut the gap to 35 seconds. But the Slovenian’s tempo proved unmatchable. Their move died, the peloton splintered, and Pogačar’s lead stretched past a minute.
Evenepoel, refusing to surrender, attacked late to salvage silver, but the victory was long gone.
After 6 hours, 21 minutes, and 20 seconds of racing, Pogačar crossed the line alone, arms wide in triumph, as Kigali’s fans roared in celebration. Evenepoel took second at +1:28, and Ben Healy powered to Ireland’s first men’s elite road race medal in years, finishing +2:16 behind.
“I was chasing this for the whole year… I am so happy to retain this beautiful jersey. It’s been an amazing last few days, an incredible experience, I am super happy and super proud of this week,” said Tadej Pogačar, proud to defend his crown in Kigali.
Pogačar’s victory cements him as the first rider ever to win the Tour de France and world road race title in consecutive years, confirming his place among cycling’s all-time greats.
{{Rwanda’s brave but painful day
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For the home nation, it was a race of pride and heartbreak. Rwanda fielded six riders — Nsengiyumva Shemu, Manizabayo Eric, Muhoza Eric, Masengesho Vainqueur, Byukusenge Patrick, and Nkundabera Eric — each cheered passionately on the punishing climbs. One by one, though, they slipped out of contention, victims of the unrelenting gradients and brutal race tempo.
Of the 165 starters, just 30 made it to the finish. Eritrea’s Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier was the final man across the line and the sole African to survive to the end.
Sunday’s race marked a thrilling conclusion to the weeklong UCI World Championships in Kigali, the first ever held in Africa. The event drew global attention and showcased Rwanda’s growing reputation as a premier cycling destination.
The closing ceremony was attended by President Paul Kagame, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and UCI President David Lappartient, who presented medals to the finalists.
Watters made the comments during Jesse Watters Primetime on Tuesday while discussing U.S. President Donald Trump’s address to world leaders at the General Debate of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA). His remarks came after Trump experienced technical difficulties with an escalator and a teleprompter at the UN headquarters.
“What we need to do is either leave the UN or we need to bomb it… maybe gas it… we need to destroy it,” Watters said during the broadcast.
After the UN contacted Fox News about his remarks, Watters issued a private apology to Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for global communications.
Dujarric emphasized during a briefing that such language was unacceptable. “There is nothing funny or ironic in calling for the bombing, the gassing, the destruction of this building,” he said.
Regarding the technical issues, the UN confirmed that the escalator malfunction occurred after Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it, because a White House videographer likely triggered the safety mechanism that caused the escalator to stop. A UN official said the teleprompter was being operated by the White House, according to Reuters.
“If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately,” White House Press Secretary Leavitt wrote on X on Wednesday.
The General Debate of the 80th UNGA officially opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. Nearly 150 heads of state and government attended the high-level week of the UNGA.
