The agreements were signed in Monrovia on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, during a bilateral meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti.
The latest deals build on an existing framework of cooperation between the two countries that has steadily expanded in recent years. In September 2024, Rwanda and Liberia signed a historic General Cooperation Agreement aimed at fostering collaboration in key sectors such as air transport, ICT and digitisation, e-governance, education, health, agriculture, mining, trade, investment, and environmental sustainability.
Other agreements include a 2017 MoU between the Rwanda Revenue Authority and the Liberia Revenue Authority on tax administration, a 2024 MoU between the two countries’ police services on public order and security, and an October 2024 Bilateral Air Services Agreement to boost tourism and facilitate direct flights. The two countries also share a military partnership dating back to 2008.
The Visa Waiver Agreement is expected to ease mobility for citizens, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and complement wider efforts to promote trade and investment.
Additionally, the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation will provide a structured platform to monitor and advance progress across the various areas of collaboration.
Their arrest came as a shock, as they maintain that they are ordinary citizens engaged in private activities with no links to Rwanda’s security services. However, the Burundian prosecution insisted that the women had travelled to Bujumbura with intentions to undermine the country’s security.
In an interview with IGIHE, Nizeyimana explained that she and Nyirahabineza had entered Burundi through the Kobero border with Tanzania. They presented their documents, were asked about their purpose of travel, and explained that they were going to attend a wedding in Bujumbura, even showing an official invitation.
“We boarded a public vehicle, a Probox, and travelled. When we reached Gitega, the driver made a mistake. He was stopped by police but refused to halt when signalled,” she said.
According to her, when the vehicle was later stopped by other police officers, the driver was asked for his documents, and all passengers were ordered to step out. They were accused of being on a mission to destabilise Burundi.
“Nearby, there was a police station. They took us there, searched us, confiscated our phones, but found nothing suspicious. We thought the matter was over and waited to be released. Around 5 p.m., an officer came to interrogate us. We explained everything and hoped to be freed since there was no wrongdoing on our part.”
Instead, Nizeyimana, Nyirahabineza, and the driver were detained overnight. The police told them they were only waiting for fuel to transfer them back to the Rwandan border. The following day, however, an officer returned their luggage except for one item: a wristwatch belonging to Nyirahabineza.
“When we asked about the watch, the officer became angry and accused us of insulting him. He then reported us to his superiors, leading to a decision to keep us detained again.”
Although the watch was later returned, the situation escalated. On the following Sunday, the Prosecutor General came to take their statements. They expected release afterwards but were instead transferred to Gitega Central Prison, where they were held for months without trial.
With the intervention of a human rights organisation, the women were eventually brought before the court in June, facing charges of espionage. The prosecution demanded life imprisonment, but they maintained their innocence.
On August 22, the court acquitted them, but they were not released immediately as the prosecution was given time to appeal. By August 29, with no appeal filed, the Ministry of Justice ordered their release. However, their travel documents, including passports, remained withheld.
Thanks to support from the Embassy of Rwanda in Bujumbura, their documents were returned on September 3, and the following day, they flew back to Rwanda.
Nizeyimana recalled: “On September 4, we went to Bujumbura, where the Embassy bought us flight tickets, and we returned home.”
She also described prison conditions in Gitega, where inmates are provided with raw food such as beans and flour but must buy charcoal to cook.
“It’s not sustainable. If they give you beans and flour but no charcoal, you must buy it yourself. Otherwise, the food they give you cannot last until the next distribution.”
Because mobile phone access inside Gitega Prison is relatively easy, relatives were able to send them money to supplement their diet.
“Overall, we were not treated badly. The country has faced challenges, but friends and family supported us as much as they could.”
She credited their acquittal to divine intervention: “It was God who helped us win the case. On our own, we could never have managed.”
Nizeyimana added that in Gitega Central Prison, there is another young Rwandan man who has been imprisoned since 2021, although she was unable to speak to him in detail about his case.
The fiery exchange, sparked by accusations from DRC’s Minister of Human Rights, Samuel Mbemba Kabuya Tanda, highlighted continued tensions between the two nations and raised questions about the credibility of UN reporting on the ongoing conflict.
The session, presided over by Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber, saw Amb. Bakuramutsa demand clarification on the DRC’s claims, calling them a “red line” for Rwanda.
“Did the Minister of Human Rights from the DRC government accuse my delegation and my country of being genocidal in their territory?” she asked, emphasizing that such grave allegations must adhere to international legal standards.
“There’s no mechanism that has called for that, and I will not allow for that to be mentioned here in the UN premises and accept that this happens under your watch.”
Bakuramutsa’s remarks followed a point of order, which she noted was ignored by the Council President, who suggested resolving the issue bilaterally with the DRC delegation. The ambassador insisted on addressing the accusation publicly, arguing that accountability must be based on “objective, verified results” rather than selective reporting that prejudges member states like Rwanda.
The controversy stems from a recent United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report, which Rwanda has dismissed as “sensational” and baseless.
Issued on August 11, 2025, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation criticized the OHCHR for alleging, without evidence, that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) aided in the killing of civilians on farms in eastern DRC between July 9 and 21, 2025.
The report also accused the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebel group of similar atrocities, claims the group has similarly rejected as politically motivated.
Amb. Bakuramutsa challenged the UN report’s methodology, highlighting its reliance on “remote open-source material” and lack of access to data. She pointed out a “pre-cooked narrative” in the report, noting that M23 was mentioned 110 times, Rwanda/RDF 65 times, FARDC (DRC armed forces) 42 times, Wazalendo 43 times, FDLR only 15 times, and generic armed groups 23 times.
“This imbalance shapes a narrative and skews the reality on the ground,” she said, noting the presence of approximately 260 armed groups in eastern DRC, including private military contractors and mercenaries, which the report largely overlooks.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting M23, asserting that its defensive measures along the DRC border aim to neutralise threats from the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Bakuramutsa accused the DRC of equipping and enabling the FDLR, allowing it to “recruit and spread genocidal ideology” despite commitments to neutralize the group through regional peace processes like the Washington Peace Agreement, African Union, Nairobi, and Luanda initiatives.
The European Union, represented by Pierre Minard, expressed alarm at the escalating violence in eastern DRC, citing the OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) report documenting widespread human rights violations, including potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The EU called for the prompt operationalization of a Commission of Inquiry for the DRC and urged adequate funding for the OHCHR to continue collecting evidence of abuses until the commission is active.
Bakuramutsa countered that the UN’s reporting minimizes verified hate speech and identity-based attacks against Congolese Tutsi communities, particularly around Minembwe in South Kivu.
She described these as an “early warning priority” for the Council, warning that ethnic labeling in reports risks inflaming tensions. She also criticized the UN’s MONUSCO mission, noting that despite 25 years and billions spent, it has failed to protect civilians while DRC-backed FDLR forces continue to recruit and arm.
In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Bakuramutsa presented three main demands. First, she urged the Council to pause the issuance of new mandates and initiate a UN-aligned review to streamline overlapping mechanisms, ensuring resources are redirected toward effective civilian protection.
Second, she called for a single, published evidentiary standard for all reports, with concerned states given prior notice to engage before any public condemnation. Third, she rejected all recommendations directed at Rwanda in the OHCHR report, citing a lack of evidence and expressing concern over the Council’s failure to address her point of order.
The ambassador emphasized Rwanda’s role as a UN member state contributing to peace and stability, stating, “We will not accept being continuously subjected to baseless accusations. Rigorous evidence is non-negotiable, and any breach of that standard will be challenged every single time.”
The Nigerian singer recently visited Rwanda for the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, where she named a baby gorilla “Kundwa,” meaning “loved,” and expressed her delight at trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Yemi first unveiled Yem Beauty in August 2025, marking her entry into the beauty industry. Known for her bold style and stage presence, the brand is an extension of her vibrant personality.
Since breaking out in 2005, Yemi Alade has become one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, with hits like Johnny, Oh My Gosh, Shekere, Ferrari, and Na Gode.
Born Yemi Eberechi Alade on March 13, 1989, she has built a global fanbase while staying true to her Nigerian roots, with a family background tied to Ondo and Abia States.
The discussions focused on strengthening media cooperation between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates, recognising the role of media in advancing bilateral relations and deepening partnerships across multiple sectors.
Rwanda and the UAE enjoy a strong and growing relationship. The UAE is currently Rwanda’s largest export market, with exports surpassing USD 1.55 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Rwanda’s total goods exports.
The UAE is also a major investor, ranking as Rwanda’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2023, with commitments of over USD 138 million in sectors ranging from logistics and hospitality to mineral processing and agriculture.
A prominent example of this cooperation is DP World’s Kigali Logistics Platform, a facility that has streamlined Rwanda’s trade flows and positioned Kigali as a gateway for East African commerce.
The two countries have also signed agreements on economic and technical cooperation, and in 2024, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) signed a partnership to link Rwanda’s financial hub with global capital markets.
Beyond trade and investment, Rwanda and the UAE are expanding cooperation in space technology, artificial intelligence, and governance innovation.
In December 2023, the Rwanda Space Agency signed an MoU with the UAE Space Agency to collaborate on civil space activities, while in April 2025, both countries joined Malaysia in a tripartite partnership on AI governance and innovation through their Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Education and tourism are also central pillars of cooperation. Rwandan students continue to benefit from UAE government scholarships at institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi and UAE University, while Rwanda regularly participates in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, showcasing its unique attractions such as gorilla trekking and positioning itself as a top destination for Middle Eastern travellers.
Against this backdrop of broad and dynamic collaboration, media cooperation is expected to serve as both a bridge and a catalyst, promoting accurate information, facilitating cultural exchange, and amplifying the visibility of joint initiatives between Rwanda and the UAE.
They stressed that some online content creators are falsely claiming that Gogo was sacrificed, while others allege that she was killed. The family said if such baseless reports persist, they will take legal action, as the claims amount to a mockery of the deceased.
The warning was made on Monday, September 8, 2025, during Gogo’s burial in Munini Cell, Fumbwe Sector, Rwamagana District, where she was originally from.
News of Gogo’s death broke on September 3, 2025. She had travelled to Uganda for evangelical missions, having left Rwanda on August 29 together with some of her handlers. The artist had long battled epilepsy, the illness that ultimately claimed her life.
Bikorimana Emmanuel, commonly known as Bikem, explained that the hospital confirmed she died of complications related to her lungs.
Following her death, some YouTubers produced numerous videos alleging that Gogo had been sacrificed, while others claimed she had been killed by colleagues in disputes over money.
Musoni Bernard, who heads Gogo’s family and is also her stepfather, told IGIHE that it is deeply regrettable that certain media personalities seek to profit from a person’s death by fabricating stories for commercial gain.
“It is extremely painful that people want to profit from the death of a person. I have known that child since birth, and she never enjoyed good health because of epilepsy, which afflicted her continuously. Those who were with her called us from the moment she started feeling unwell, they took her to hospital and informed us, and even after her passing, they immediately notified us. The hospital clearly stated the cause of death,” he said
Musoni added that as the family was preparing to repatriate her body to Rwanda, they were shocked to see some content creators producing content on YouTube claiming that she had been sacrificed, while others used insulting language to mock them. He called on those responsible to delete the content or face legal consequences.
Bishop Nyirimpeta Anastase, who had invited Gogo to Uganda, also condemned the conduct of some Rwandan YouTubers who falsely claimed she was sacrificed and accused others of being behind it.
Gogo who rose to prominence on social media, gained wider attention after her worship track was remixed by South African musician David Scott, popularly known as The Kiffness.
Gogo was best known online for her heartfelt worship songs, often sung in English with her distinct accent. In the viral clip, she sings: “Everyday, I need the blood of Jesus.”
The Kiffness reworked the video by layering her vocals with trumpet and piano, creating a lively new version that he shared on TikTok and YouTube in January.
The launch event, held at the Marriott Hotel, brought together key stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and Apex Group executives, to celebrate the company’s commitment to Rwanda and its role in supporting economic growth and innovation across East Africa.
The event featured remarks from prominent figures, including Alan Keet, Regional Head of Africa for Apex Group, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Hortense Mudenge, CEO of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), and a video message from Peter Hughes, Apex Group’s Founder and CEO.
Apex Group, with a global presence spanning 52 countries and 112 offices, services over $3.4 trillion in assets and employs more than 13,000 people worldwide. The opening of its Kigali office, the seventh in Africa alongside locations in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, marks a key expansion of the company’s footprint on the continent.
“It makes me tremendously proud that we have expanded now into Rwanda… It shows Apex’s commitment to Africa, which, as Africans, is a real feather in our cap,” Alan Keet, the Apex Group’s Regional Head of Africa, stated.
The Kigali office will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including Fund Administration, Corporate Services, Compliance Solutions, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory services, pending regulatory approval.
The services cater to a broad range of fund structures, from private equity and real estate to open-end funds like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds, as well as innovative digital finance solutions such as tokenisation and digital ledger technology.
Keet emphasised the company’s ability to address complex challenges, noting, “We are yet to find a conundrum or a challenge that we can’t solve within the Apex Group globally.”
The launch of Apex Group’s office aligns with the ambitions of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), which aims to position Rwanda as a leading hub for cross-border investment and sustainable finance.
Hortense Mudenge, CEO of KIFC, described the event as “a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s journey of becoming a key financial hub on the continent.”
She highlighted the full-circle nature of Apex’s entry, which began with discussions in late 2024 and culminated in the office opening, signalling growing confidence in Rwanda’s progressive business environment.
Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of Rwanda’s central bank, delivered a keynote address in which she echoed this sentiment, stressing the country’s strategic efforts to build a robust financial ecosystem.
“You can’t have a financial centre if you don’t have international players,” she said, noting Apex’s role in complementing traditional banking and pension funds with innovative services.
She also praised Rwanda’s macroeconomic stability and digital ambitions, stating, “The use of technology and digitally-driven financial services… is something that we value, as Rwanda is ambitiously aiming to become a digital hub for the continent.”
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Apex Group officials emphasised that its entry into Rwanda is not only about expanding its global footprint but also about investing in local talent and contributing to economic development. With approximately 1,200 of its 13,000 employees based in Africa, the company affirmed its commitment to creating employment opportunities and upskilling local professionals.
Keet praised Emma Msowoya, the Country Head of Apex Group in Rwanda, for her “tenacious, well-organised, and great people skills,” which he believes will drive rapid growth in the region. KIFC’s Mudenge also highlighted the opportunities for local professionals, noting Apex’s focus on “upskilling, capacity building, and talent development.”
Peter Hughes, in his video message, underscored the strategic importance of the Kigali office, which he said will deliver “world-class asset servicing across both traditional assets and DeFi assets.”
He highlighted Emma’s 15 years of experience at Apex and her role leading the Rwanda operations, emphasising the company’s intent to leverage experienced talent to expand its presence and strengthen Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
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The launch event also highlighted the collaborative spirit between Apex Group, KIFC, and Rwandan regulators. Governor Hakuziyaremye expressed confidence that Apex’s presence would attract more global asset management players, stating, “You can count on our support and our engagement in the different forums that we organise.”
KIFC CEO Mudenge added, “As much as you have expectations of us, we also have expectations of you to leverage and use Rwanda as the base to support further investment and capital deployment, not just in Rwanda, but in the region as a whole.”
The annual gathering, hosted in Namur, the capital of Wallonia and a predominantly French-speaking city, combined physical activities with community discussions on projects supporting development in both Rwanda and host communities.
As in previous years, the event drew participants from across Belgium, offering a space for intergenerational exchange, recreation, and dialogue. The initiative was spearheaded by DRB-Rugali’s Namur section under the leadership of Lionel Karugarama, with support from the City of Namur, associations such as Humura-Iyubake ASBL and Convivialité-Rukundo ASBL, as well as retail company Delhaize.
The City of Namur played a key role by providing venues for sports and recreational activities. Participants engaged in football, volleyball, tennis, ping pong, tug-of-war, and group hiking at varying distances of 5, 10, and 15 kilometres. Others enjoyed boat tours (Croisière) exploring Namur’s scenic sites.
The day-long activities were carried out in teams, and the atmosphere encouraged both competition and camaraderie. Special arrangements were also made for parents with young children, with dedicated play areas set aside for them.
Speaking at the event, Lionel Karugarama expressed gratitude to all partners and participants, noting that Journée Sportive continues to serve as a platform for Rwandans to review past projects, exchange ideas, and design new initiatives to benefit their communities. He also highlighted how the gathering helps local businesses gain visibility, given the wide turnout.
Umutoni Annick, head of Humura-Iyubake AISBL, also commended the participants for their involvement, describing the event as a valuable tradition that strengthens community ties.
The day concluded with the awarding of trophies and prizes to teams that excelled in the various games, followed by social interactions that reinforced the event’s spirit of unity and togetherness.
The decision, announced on September 8, 2025, comes after days of unrest triggered by public anger over lawmakers’ perks and growing concerns about rising living costs. The demonstrations, which spread across major cities, turned deadly with casualties, including a 21-year-old food delivery driver.
Sri Mulyani, a respected technocrat and former World Bank managing director, was replaced by Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, who previously led Indonesia’s Deposit Insurance Corporation and held senior government positions.
Announcing his appointment, Purbaya sought to calm markets, stating, “We are not going to overhaul the system. We are going to optimise what’s existing.”
Analysts described Sri Mulyani’s dismissal as a significant shift, given her reputation as a guardian of fiscal discipline. The reshuffle also removed ministers in charge of cooperatives, youth and sports, and migrant worker protection, alongside security chief Budi Gunawan.
The move rattled investors, with the Jakarta stock index falling by more than 1 percent and the rupiah weakening. Economists fear the changes may pave the way for more expansive government spending.
President Prabowo has pledged ambitious programs, including achieving 8 percent annual economic growth, rolling out a national school lunch scheme costing about 1.5 percent of GDP, and increasing defence expenditure.
The protests that prompted the reshuffle were sparked by lawmakers granting themselves a housing allowance nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage.
According to the Associated Press, demonstrators saw the decision as deeply insensitive in the midst of economic hardship. Violence during the protests left between eight and ten people dead, with rights groups warning of excessive use of force by security agencies.
Zigiranyirazo, who died on August 3 in Niamey at the age of 87, was a prominent figure in Rwanda’s political history. The elder brother of Agathe Kanziga, he was widely known for his role in planning the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He served as prefect of Ruhengeri from 1974 to 1989 and was long part of Rwanda’s inner circle of power at the time.
Convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and sentenced to 20 years in prison at first instance for his involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi, he was later acquitted on appeal in 2009 due to procedural errors. Nonetheless, he remains widely regarded as a central figure in the Habyarimana regime and the 1994 atrocities.
Mayor Serge Grouard of Orléans explained the city’s decision, citing “the gravity of the crimes committed” and “the serious risk of public disorder.”
Authorities feared that the grave could become a site of macabre pilgrimage, as nearly 400 people were expected to attend the funeral. Bishop Jacques Blaquart also cancelled the planned mass at Saint-Paterne, noting that the deceased had never expressed any remorse.
Zigiranyirazo’s notoriety extended beyond the genocide. He faced multiple accusations, including trafficking, gorilla poaching, trading in precious stones, and alleged involvement in the 1985 assassination of Dian Fossey after she uncovered these practices. His name has become emblematic of both political and economic predation.
The family had challenged the municipal ban in administrative court, but the ruling was clear that there would be no burial in Orléans. By upholding the decision, the Council of State emphasised that the gravity of such crimes extends beyond death, and that perpetrators of such acts cannot be quietly laid to rest.
“This will place the State before its responsibilities,” Mayor Grouard commented, welcoming the ruling.
