Kabuga, a former Rwandan businessman and financier of the genocide, remains in detention in The Hague, Netherlands, as no country has agreed to host him. In 2023, the IRMCT suspended his trial, citing his inability to participate because of illness.
His lawyer, Me Emmanuel Altit, said Kabuga wishes to spend his remaining years in France, where his family lives, and has requested court approval for his transfer. Me Altit noted that if approved, the process would require authorisation from the French government and could take 8 to 10 months.
The CPCR denounced the request as an insult to survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
“This act is an affront to the victims and a disgrace to anyone committed to justice,” the association said. It emphasised that France has a history of granting refuge to some officials involved in the genocide, giving them confidence that they could evade justice.
The organisation also urged that, beyond denying Kabuga entry, France should strengthen efforts to prosecute those still in the country, providing sufficient resources to ensure suspects are tried before age or illness prevents justice.
The CPCR noted that, since the start of this year, no new trials of the genocide suspects have been launched, though around 35 individuals remain accused of genocide-related crimes.
“North Kordofan State is witnessing major operational gains, including the killing of hundreds of militia fighters, the seizure of more than 100 combat vehicles, and the liberation of several areas,” the SAF spokesperson’s office said in a statement.
The statement also noted that Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council and commander of the SAF, visited the strategic city of Bara, which the military recaptured on September 11.
Fierce fighting has continued since Friday night between the SAF and the RSF on the western outskirts of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State.
Field sources said the SAF, backed by allied joint forces, recaptured the town of Um Sumaima, west of El Obeid near the border of North and West Kordofan. The area has changed hands several times between the two sides.
The SAF Special Forces said in a statement that it had expelled RSF units from Um Sumaima, pushing them about 50 km west of El Obeid toward the outskirts of Al-Khuwei, a town in West Kordofan.
The Joint Forces of armed movements allied with the army stated Saturday: “Military operations in the Kordofan area are proceeding according to plan, with precise implementation on the ground driven by determination and resolve. We have achieved significant victories, and the sacrifices of our heroes will bear fruit in a victory worthy of Sudan’s dignity.”
For its part, the RSF said it had repelled an SAF-led attack on multiple fronts west of El Obeid.
“We inflicted heavy losses in personnel and equipment on the attacking forces,” the RSF said. “Our forces remain stationed at their positions and are determined to advance toward new fronts in preparation for continuing the march toward enemy strongholds.”
Meanwhile, in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, the SAF’s 6th Infantry Division reported that it had repelled a new RSF assault on the besieged city.
“The militia attempted to infiltrate and attack El Fasher from the north and southwest, but our forces repelled them and inflicted significant losses in personnel and equipment,” the division said. “In the evening, the militia shelled residential neighborhoods with heavy artillery, suicide drones, and light weapons, but no civilian casualties were reported.” It added that the situation in the city remains “stable.”
Since May 10, 2024, violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher between the SAF and its allies on one side, and the RSF on the other, with the fighting intensifying in recent days.
Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
The positions of the Wazalendo Lunyuki group in Uvira were reportedly heavily shelled by FARDC troops.
André Byadunia, a civil society leader in Uvira, said those killed included one soldier and members of the Wazalendo Lunyuki group, while others were wounded.
“The figures show that two civilians were killed by gunfire, one FARDC soldier was also shot dead by the Lunyuki group, and one member of Wazalendo from the Lunyuki faction was injured,” he said.
FARDC forces and Wazalendo fighters have frequently clashed despite being allies in the fight against AFC/M23 rebels.
Addressing President Paul Kagame, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and international delegates, Lappartient said the 2025 edition in Kigali had exceeded all expectations.
“This week in Kigali has not just met our expectations. It has, of course, done more than that. It has taken our breath away,” he said. “In love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality — we will never forget your country’s welcome.”
The UCI President hailed the historic significance of this year’s championships, the first to be hosted in Africa. He highlighted two milestones: the debut of dedicated women’s under-23 races and the crowning of 12 world champions before Sunday’s men’s elite road race.
“Quite simply, we have never experienced an event like this before,” he said.
In recognition of Rwanda’s role, Lappartient presented President Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey and the UCI Order, the federation’s highest distinction.
“This is the highest award given to people who make an outstanding impact on the sport of cycling,” he said.
President Kagame, in his own remarks, welcomed the honour and congratulated Lappartient on his election as UCI President. He also acknowledged the warm presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
With humour, Kagame noted the symbolic value of the gift: “So, for me, I won’t necessarily have to participate in the competition. I have more or less already won.”
The President emphasised the unifying power of sport and its role in inspiring Africa’s youth.
“The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,” he said.
“For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.”
He added that investment in sports across the continent is part of investing in Africa’s future.
“It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,” Kagame said.
As the evening drew to a close, both leaders praised the organisers, the Rwandan Cycling Federation, and hundreds of volunteers whose smiles and energy were credited for much of the event’s success.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the highly anticipated men’s elite road race, set to feature some of the world’s top riders in what promises to be a historic finale.
Speaking at the gala dinner in Kigali, Kagame thanked UCI President David Lappartient, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and cycling fans worldwide for supporting the championship.
“Today, we stand here because the leadership at UCI put their trust in our country and our people to provide you with the best possible experience,” Kagame said.
“Rwanda is proud to be contributing to such an important moment in cycling history, and we are happy to be sharing it with you all as one team.”
The President described the week-long championships as a source of inspiration for Africa’s youth.
“The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,” he said. “For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.”
Kagame stressed that investing in sports on the continent goes hand in hand with creating opportunities for the next generation.
“It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,” he said.
UCI President David Lappartient, in his remarks, hailed Rwanda’s successful staging of the first Road World Championships ever held in Africa.
“This week in Kigali has not just met our expectations. It has, of course, done more than that. It has taken our breath away,” Lappartient said.
“The cycling family has fallen in love with your country, Your Excellency — in love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality.”
Lappartient highlighted the historic nature of Kigali 2025, which included dedicated women’s under-23 races for the first time and the crowning of 12 world champions so far.
He presented Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey and the prestigious UCI Order, the federation’s highest distinction, in recognition of his role in advancing cycling and supporting the championships.
Both leaders paid tribute to organisers, the Rwandan Cycling Federation, and the volunteers who ensured the success of the event.
“They are always ready with a big smile and assistance,” Lappartient noted, to applause.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the men’s elite road race, a highly anticipated finale that will feature some of the sport’s top riders after an unforgettable week in Kigali.
Speaking at the event, Lappartient praised Rwanda for staging a championship that “took our breath away,” describing it as an unforgettable milestone for the global cycling community.
“The cycling family has fallen in love with your country, Your Excellency, Rwanda, this week,” he said. “In love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality. These UCI World Championships are not over, but we can already declare them an immense success.”
The UCI President also noted the groundbreaking nature of the Kigali edition, highlighting that it was the first time the Road World Championships were held on the African continent, and the first time women in the under-23 category had their own dedicated races.
“Quite simply, we have never experienced an event like this before,” he said.
In a gesture of appreciation, Lappartient presented President Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey, the same awarded to world champions during the week, along with the UCI Order medal.
“This is the highest distinction awarded to people who make an outstanding impact on the sport of cycling,” he said. “We will leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories, and we sincerely hope that you will also have unforgettable memories of the UCI World Championships.”
For his part, President Kagame welcomed guests, including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, senior officials, and the wider cycling family.
He congratulated Lappartient on his recent election and thanked him for the honour bestowed upon him. “So, for me, I won’t necessarily have to participate in the competition. I have more or less already won,” Kagame joked, drawing applause.
The President emphasised the power of sport to unite and inspire, particularly among Africa’s youth. “The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,” he said.
“For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.”
Kagame added that investing in sport on the continent is part of investing in Africa’s future. “It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,” he said.
The evening closed on a celebratory note, with both leaders commending the tireless work of organisers, volunteers, and the Rwandan Cycling Federation in delivering what has already been hailed as one of the most memorable championships in UCI history.
The UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the highly anticipated men’s elite road race, bringing together some of the world’s best talent after an unforgettable week in sporting history.
The 164.6-kilometre battle on Kigali’s demanding circuit, comprising 11 laps lined with punishing gradients and bone-rattling cobbles, tested the world’s best. With altitude, heat and 3,350 metres of climbing, the race promised attrition and delivered it in spades. One hundred and four riders from 44 nations rolled out; only the strongest would survive.
{{A day of early ambition and constant upheaval
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Austria’s lone entrant, Carina Schrempf, set the early tone with an audacious solo move before the second ascent of the Côte de Kigali Golf. She built a gap beyond three minutes, her boldness briefly stirring memories of Austria’s Olympic shock gold in Tokyo. Behind, the peloton watched and waited, Italy and the Netherlands quietly policing the pace.
But patience turned to action mid-race. Spain’s Usoa Ostolaza attacked, Hungary’s Blanka Vas countered, Belgium’s Julie Van de Velde chased, and the Dutch rolled through moves with Yara Kastelijn, Femke de Vries and Shirin van Anrooij. Van Anrooij eventually forged a solo lead of more than 30 seconds before being reeled back with 55 kilometres to ride.
Then Switzerland’s Noemi Rüegg and Spain’s Mireia Benito surged clear and prised out a half-minute, Australia steadying the chase as numbers in the bunch dwindled. Amanda Spratt’s sharp acceleration on the approach to the final laps tore the race apart and forced the favourites to commit.
By 30 kilometres to go, defending champion Anna van der Breggen was gone, her Dutch squad still clinging to Riejanne Markus as their hope.
{{The front group sharpens and a moment to strike
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With the peloton two minutes behind, a decisive move formed: Vallieres, Fisher-Black, García, Markus, Antonia Niedermaier and others worked to consolidate the lead. From behind, time trial world champion Marlen Reusser surged with Silvia Malcotti, later joined by Swiss teammate Elise Chabbey, briefly threatening to bring the front back.
Then came the first true warning shot. On the penultimate ascent of the Côte de Kigali Golf, Spain’s García exploded from the group. Vallieres and New Zealand’s Fisher-Black matched the move, forming a trio of clear favourites. Niedermaier clawed back, Markus hovered but could not fully latch on. Behind, Chabbey jumped in pursuit but could not close the gap.
{{A fearless final attack
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Inside two kilometres to go, on the cobbles of Kimihurura, Vallieres made the move of her life. Knowing Fisher-Black’s sprint would be lethal, she surged as soon as she sensed fatigue in the Kiwi’s pedal stroke. The cobbles amplified her advantage; in seconds she was alone, powering clear while the chasers hesitated.
Fisher-Black and García could only watch the Canadian disappear into the deafening cheers of the Rwandan crowd. Behind them, the chasers splintered; Chabbey’s brave pursuit ran out of road.
{{A breakthrough win and emotional finish
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Vallieres hit the final steep ramp alone and unstoppable, punching the air as she crossed the line for Canada’s first rainbow jersey in the elite women’s road race.
Fisher-Black took silver 23 seconds back, García bronze at 27 seconds. Chabbey arrived fourth at 41 seconds, Markus fifth at 57, while Demi Vollering, tipped as the top favourite, led the remnants of the big names 1:34 down in seventh.
“The girls believed in me, so I believed in myself,” Vallieres said after the finish. “I told myself I didn’t want to have regrets. I knew I probably wouldn’t beat Niamh in a sprint, so when I saw her fade, I went all in. It was my dream to win it, and now it’s real. It’s crazy.”
Great Britain was absent altogether despite having six allocated spots. Former champion Lotte Kopecky skipped the race after an injury-disrupted season, and Denmark’s Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig also withdrew earlier in the week. But the quality of the field and the savagery of the Kigali circuit still produced a thriller that crowned a new, fearless champion.
{{Rwanda fights but falters on home roads
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For the host nation, the day was one of grit but heartbreak. Rwanda fielded four riders, including Nirere Xaveline, Ingabire Diane, Irakoze Neza Violette and Nzayisenga Valentine, cheered by passionate crowds on every climb. Yet the brutal pace and unrelenting terrain proved unforgiving; one by one, the local riders slipped back and were pulled from the race.
The 74-kilometre showdown kicked off at 8:20 am, with fans packing the climbs and roundabouts to cheer every move. Spain wasted no time showing intent. Leyre Almena Requena lit up the opening hour, going solo and stringing out the peloton. Her attack forced the rest of the field to burn matches early.
Crashes and mechanicals shaped the race long before the finale. Italy’s Giada Silo slid out on a slick corner but clawed back, while Dutch world time trial champ Megan Arens never looked at ease on the ascents and eventually faded to 20th.
Africa roared when Tsige Kiros of Ethiopia chased back after a costly mechanical on the cobbles. Determined and fearless, she rejoined the front group, stirring the Kigali crowds.
But it was Switzerland’s Anja Grossmann who dictated the pace, marking every dangerous move and keeping the peloton under control. Britain’s Arabella Blackburn tested the field, the Australians stayed watchful, and Spain quietly shielded Ostiz, saving her legs for the finale.
{{The final lap explodes
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With two laps to go, 37 riders were still in the hunt. Czech rider Antonie Cermanova and Dutch Roos Muller launched daring attacks, only for Grossmann to snuff them out. Greece’s Stampori had a go too, but Spain reeled her in.
By the bell lap, just 24 remained. The heat was biting, and bottles were tossed. Then came the race’s make-or-break feature: the jagged Côte de Kimihurura.
Grossmann hit the gas on the final cobbled climb, shredding the group. Kiros finally cracked, joined by Australia’s Tuffy S and Britain’s Erin Boothman, whose bad luck with mechanical issues resurfaced and ended her day.
{{The rainbow sprint
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Five riders crested the climb together — Grossmann, Italy’s Chantal Pegolo, and a perfectly poised Ostiz among them. With 200 meters to go, the Spaniard unleashed her sprint. Calm all day, she rocketed past her rivals in an unstoppable burst.
All three podium finishers clocked 2:09:19, but Ostiz’s raw speed gave her clear daylight at the line. Pegolo and Grossmann settled for silver and bronze.
“It’s a dream come true,” Ostiz said, fighting back tears as she celebrated Spain’s breakthrough. “My family is watching me now, and I can only thank God. I knew I had to save my strength until the end because the climbs were tough. I trusted my sprint, and it worked when it mattered most.”
{{Pride for the hosts
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The home crowd had reason to cheer, too. Rwanda’s Yvonne Masengesho and Liliane Uwiringiyimana toughed out the savage course to finish 48th and 49th from a 73-rider start. They were loudly applauded as they completed each lap.
The national carrier announced the promotion on September 26, 2025, through its official social media channels, encouraging travellers to take advantage of the reduced fares.
“Enjoy 50% off flights across our network for travel until 30 June 2026. From safaris to cityscapes and beaches, the world is yours to explore at half the price,” the airline said.
The latest announcement follows a similar offer made in August, which had slashed fares by half for tickets purchased for travel through November 30, 2025. At the time, RwandAir said the deal applied to flights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, highlighting options for beach getaways, city breaks, and spontaneous trips.
RwandAir currently operates flights to more than 23 destinations worldwide. In 2024, the airline carried over 1 million passengers and is targeting 1.2 million travellers in the 2025/26 fiscal year.
A year after claiming the junior rainbow jersey in Zurich, Finn delivered a masterclass of tactics and strength, sealing his second world title in as many years with a decisive late solo move.
The race started with high tempo, and before the first lap was even completed, an early three-man breakaway, including Michal Pomorski (Poland), Danylo Kozoriz (Ukraine), and Ramazan Yilmaz (Turkey), surged ahead, building a 24-second gap. But the peloton, strong and controlled, hunted them down methodically, with Kozoriz the last of the three to be reeled back in after 142 km.
Kigali’s searing heat and relentless climbs soon began to take their toll. Riders from the UAE, Thailand, Turkey, Seychelles, and Slovakia were among the first to drop out, and by the fourth lap, only 77 of the initial 121 starters remained in contention.
As the race moved into its middle stages, Belgium took the reins, ramping up the pace to force further splits. Riders like Germany’s Mauro Brenner struggled to keep up, while early attacks from Italy’s Pietro Mattio and Belgium’s Jasper Schoofs were neutralised by the chasing pack. The peloton grew thinner as the pressure mounted.
{{Spain’s Héctor Álvarez ignites the race
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With 62 km remaining, Spain’s Héctor Álvarez launched a bold solo attack that shook up the race. His move created immediate gaps, and although Belgium’s Jarno Widar tried to bridge the gap, Álvarez’s sustained effort shattered the group, and a select chase formed behind him. By 45 km to go, Álvarez had a small lead, joined by Finn and four others, but the pace continued to ramp up as the final laps loomed.
{{Finn makes his move
}}
As the lead group hit the Côte de Kimihurura climb, just 30 km from the finish, the race reached its tipping point. With perfect timing, Finn attacked, surging away from the others with precision and power. Only Switzerland’s Jan Huber could match him, and together they built a 47-second gap as they entered the final lap, while the chasers struggled to keep up.
Inside the last 10 km, however, the partnership between Finn and Huber began to unravel. With just 6.5 km to go, Finn attacked once again, leaving Huber behind and riding solo to victory.
The Italian crossed the line with a time of 3:57:27, arms raised in triumph, as the streets of Kigali erupted in celebration. Behind him, Huber held on for silver at +31 seconds, while Austria’s Marco Schrettl took bronze at +1:13.
{{A triumph for the ages
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Finn’s victory places him in rarefied company, joining the ranks of cycling legends like Greg LeMond, Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel, and Matej Mohorič, who have won world titles across multiple age categories.
“It’s exactly one year, ’26. It’s like last year, it’s just unreal,” Finn remarked.
{{Kigali’s unforgettable roar
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Reflecting on the electric atmosphere at the finish, Finn said: “The last 500 meters, my ears were hurting from how loud the crowd was. People from different nations were cheering me on! The people here in Kigali are fantastic. It’s been a wonderful week, and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
When it came to race tactics, Finn acknowledged the uncertainty of how things would play out: “We wanted to see what Belgium wanted to do at the start of the race. They kept it pretty controlled for the first half, so we tried to save some energy. Then it was just like all hell broke loose—just attacks everywhere. Luckily, I had some good legs. I thought I was suffering, but then I asked my teammates too. They were suffering, so it was a hard second part of the race.”
At just 18, the youngest in the decisive front group, Finn is already a two-time world champion. Looking ahead, he now has his sights set on joining the WorldTour in 2026 while continuing his development.
“When you’ve got this jersey, you’ve got to show it,” Finn said, already thinking of his next big challenge.
{{Rwanda’s riders put up a brave fight
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For the host nation, the race was a monumental challenge, but also a proud moment. Four Rwandan riders, Niyonkuru Samuel, Tuyizere Etienne, Ufitimana Shadrack, and Ruhumuriza Aime, took on the world’s best in front of a home crowd. However, the tough course proved too much for most. Only Niyonkuru Samuel finished the race, marking a hard-fought but ultimately proud showing for the Rwandan team.
{{Men’s Under 23 Road Race: Top 10 Results
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1. Lorenzo Mark Finn (ITA) — 3:57:27
2. Jan Huber (SUI) — 3:57:58 (+0:31)
3. Marco Schrettl (AUT) — 3:58:40 (+1:13)
4. Héctor Álvarez Martínez (ESP) — 3:59:05 (+1:38)
5. Mateusz Gajdulewicz (POL) — 3:59:09 (+1:42)
6. Pau Martí Soriano (ESP) — 3:59:49 (+2:22)
7. Victor Loulergue (FRA) — 3:59:49 (+2:22)
8. Robin Donzé (SUI) — 3:59:51 (+2:24)
9. Adria Pericas Capdevila (ESP) — 3:59:51 (+2:24)
10. Mateo Pablo Ramírez Torres (ECU) — 3:59:51 (+2:24)
