Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Ingabire had appealed a ruling by the Kicukiro Primary Court, which had found her detention lawful despite her claims to the contrary.

She had argued that the Prosecution was holding her illegally, saying her 30-day provisional detention had expired before the case was filed in court. However, the Primary Court ruled that her claim had no legal basis, explaining that the final day of the remand period fell on a Sunday, when courts do not operate.

It held that the Prosecution’s decision to file the case the following Monday was therefore lawful, since days when courts are closed are not counted.

Dissatisfied with this decision, Ingabire maintained that all calendar days should be counted, regardless of whether they are working days or not. She appealed to the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, seeking release on provisional bail.

On September 8, 2025, the Intermediate Court rejected her appeal, reaffirming that the Prosecution acted within the law and ordering her continued detention.

Her case has now been referred to the High Council of Justice for trial on the charges she faces. During the trial, she will be expected to present her defence while the Prosecution pursues penalties.

Ingabire, who identifies herself as an opposition politician, faces multiple charges. These include forming an armed group, inciting unrest, plotting against the government, spreading false information and propaganda intended to discredit Rwanda abroad, publishing rumours, conspiring to commit crimes against the state, and organising unlawful demonstrations.

During her initial hearing, she requested a postponement of the trial and sought the dismissal of the judges presiding over her case, arguing that they had already demonstrated bias by approving her prosecution. She claimed that the panel had taken sides against her and asked for a different bench to hear her case.

That request remains under consideration, with the court expected to announce its decision along with the date for the continuation of the trial.

Since its launch in 2016, Zipline Rwanda has grown to make over 600 deliveries daily. Initially focused on transporting urgent blood supplies, it now delivers more than 200 types of medicines across ten product categories. Its operations are based in Muhanga (Shyogwe Sector) and Kayonza, with nearly 35% of deliveries comprising livestock semen.

At a recent Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, Zipline introduced its new Platform 2 (P2) drones, which will begin operating in cities from 2026. The drones are expected to support health services, restaurants, businesses, and other tech-driven enterprises.

President Paul Kagame, highlighting Zipline’s impact, said: “This technology does not only save time; it also saves lives. Our collaboration has been very successful, and together we are exploring how to extend it to urban deliveries.”

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The P2 drones are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to operate efficiently in densely populated areas. Unlike traditional drones, they can take off vertically without a launcher, navigate tight spaces, and safely lower cargo using a precision tether system.

Kayitana Pierre, CEO of Zipline Rwanda, explained: “It took us ten years to develop this drone. It is reliable, easy to operate, and capable of navigating cities with high-rise buildings.”

Each drone features two main wings and four auxiliary wings for lift, flies at speeds up to 100 km/h, and operates at altitudes between 100 and 400 metres. They can continue Zipline’s legacy of medical deliveries while handling heavier cargo for commercial purposes.

The new drones are capable of multi-stop deliveries, allowing them to drop off goods in one location, such as Remera, and then continue directly to another destination, like Kanombe, without returning to the hub.

The technology has been tested in Dallas, Texas, in partnership with Walmart, delivering goods to residents. A single drone can carry enough food to feed 12 people, with plans to expand its load capacity and range.

Zipline plans to introduce these drones in Kigali for the first time in Africa, ensuring full technical familiarisation before launch. The company is currently seeking regulatory approvals for operations in Rwanda.

The drones will be integrated with a mobile application, allowing users to select and pay for products, which are then automatically packed and delivered by the drone.

Currently, 50 local tech specialists are working on the P2 project, in addition to 150 staff operating existing drones. While older drones cost over 20 million Rwandan francs, the new P2 models will be priced lower to make services more accessible.

“We aim to make drones widely available to meet growing demand. This is just the beginning of a new era in urban delivery in Rwanda,” Kayitana stated.

Since starting in Rwanda, Zipline has grown internationally, operating 30 sites across countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Japan, European nations, and the U.S. states of Arkansas and Utah.

The awards, organised by Bridgevision in partnership with Rwandan and global institutions, aim to celebrate exceptional authors whose works contribute to education, inspiration, and cultural preservation across Rwanda and Africa.

The five-member jury comprised Francois Nyangezi, a Literary Arts and Design Industry Specialist representing the Ministry of Youth and Arts; Dr. Calixte Kabera, Professor and Vice-Chancellor at East African University; Dr. Karlene N. Jennings, Librarian and America’s Regional Public Engagement Director for Central Africa at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali; Jerome Kajuga, Director of Cultural, Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO Rwanda; and Mr. Thomas C. Ngwabije, Book Industry Promotion Officer at the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy.

The jury selected winners in five categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Young Rwandan Writer, Outstanding Female Rwandan Writer, Outstanding Male Rwandan Writer, and Outstanding African Writer.

Bridgevision CEO Joe E. Sully commended the jury’s work, saying the panel had done “an honourable job in selecting and elevating books meant to educate, inform, inspire, challenge, and comfort readers across the continent.”

This year’s award partners include the Ministry of Youth and Arts, UNESCO Rwanda, the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, East African University, IGIHE and Mille Collines Hotel.

The identities of the five winners will be formally revealed during the Radiate Rwanda Awards ceremony on November 7, 2025, in Kigali.

The winners of the inaugural Radiate Rwanda Literary Excellence Awards included Yolande Mukagasana, who received the Outstanding Woman Writer Award. Other recipients were Bishop Alexis Kagame and Bishop Aloys Bigirumwami.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack involved 810 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, most of which were launched overnight. Debris from the interceptions caused fires across the capital and damaged residential areas.

The strike on the Cabinet building, which houses several ministries, was described as a symbolic escalation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack in a televised address, calling it a deliberate strike against civilians. “Russia continues its policy of terror,” he said, urging Western allies to tighten sanctions and increase military support.

Ukraine’s prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, warned that Moscow was escalating its campaign by targeting state institutions.

“This attack shows that Russia is not only striking our energy and residential infrastructure, but also our government institutions,” she said, adding that international partners must respond with stronger measures against Russian oil and gas revenues.

The Guardian reported that emergency services battled flames at the Cabinet building for several hours before bringing the fire under control. Witnesses described smoke rising from central Kyiv as sirens echoed throughout the city.

According to local officials, among the dead was a young mother and her child, killed when debris struck their residential block. Another civilian died in a separate blast on the city’s left bank. Across the country, 18 people were injured, including several in critical condition.

The assault also drew swift international condemnation. European leaders denounced Moscow’s actions as a violation of international law. French officials reiterated support for Kyiv, while British leaders said the attack underscored the need to accelerate air defence deliveries.

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested his administration was considering additional sanctions on Russia. He described the strike as “a brutal escalation” and said his team was in contact with allies to coordinate a response.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Gala Dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s renowned gorilla naming ceremony.

During the discussions, Director-General Kim praised President Kagame for his visionary leadership and highlighted the longstanding partnership between GGGI and the Government of Rwanda.

He reaffirmed GGGI’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s goal of achieving a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and high-income economy by 2050.

“President Kagame’s bold vision and leadership show what’s possible when ambition meets action,” said Kim.

“We are committed to deepening cooperation in key areas, including carbon markets, sustainable AI, greening the Kigali International Airport, hydrogen initiatives, and mobilising green investments for flagship projects in line with Rwanda’s vision to become a green investment hub.”

GGGI has worked with Rwanda since 2012 and signed a Host Country Agreement in 2016. According to the organisation, since 2018, it has mobilised USD 61 million (about Frw 88 billion) in green investments and supported the development of 11 national policies promoting sustainable buildings, waste management, and the circular economy.

Currently, GGGI is collaborating with the Rwandan government on flagship initiatives, including enhancing institutional readiness for carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, integrating gender equality and social inclusion into Rwanda’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions, piloting innovative financing instruments for clean cooking and sustainable forestry, and developing climate-resilient district master plans.

Kim attended the Kwita Izina celebrations as one of the distinguished baby gorilla namers. He named a gorilla “Impuguke,” meaning “Expert” in Kinyarwanda.

The event, which named 40 baby gorillas this year, underscores Rwanda’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and community empowerment, principles aligned with GGGI’s global mission.

As of 8:30 a.m. local time (0530 GMT) Sunday, the air defense had intercepted 747 combat and decoy drones, along with four Iskander-K cruise missiles, said the Ukrainian Air Force in a Facebook post.

Five additional Iskander-K missiles, four Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and 56 drones struck 37 locations across the country, it added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said the Russian drone attacks triggered a fire in the country’s government building and “emergency crews are working to extinguish the fire.”

This has been the first time since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict that “the government building, including its roof and upper floors, was damaged in the attack,” Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed on Telegram.

Svyrydenko added that apart from Kiev, Russian strikes hit the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Kremenchuk and Odesa.

According to the State Service for Emergencies, a mother and her 2-month-old baby were killed in the capital, while more than 20 people were injured.

In a statement released on Sunday, September 7, 2025, RDF revealed that Lt Gen Kabandana passed away at the Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital after a natural illness.

The RDF described the passing of Lt Gen Kabandana as deeply saddening and extended its condolences to his family.

“The Rwanda Defence Force extends its condolences and joins the family in mourning during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement read.

Lt Gen Kabandana was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in September 2022 by President Paul Kagame, following his tour of duty in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province.

He had commanded security operations as part of the Rwandan contingent supporting Mozambican forces in repelling insurgent attacks.

Born into the generation that joined the liberation struggle in 1990, Lt Gen Kabandana was among the officers credited with helping to end the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over more than three decades of service, he rose through the ranks and held a series of senior positions in both operational and diplomatic roles.

His career included assignments as Defence Attaché at Rwanda’s Embassy in Washington, DC, Chief Instructor at the Gako Military Academy, Deputy Force Commander with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Head of Logistics in RDF, Commandant of the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Commander of the Special Forces.

He will be remembered as an experienced and dedicated officer who contributed significantly to Rwanda’s defence, regional security, and international peacekeeping.

According to sources, Lt Gen Kabandana has been receiving treatment at Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital before his passing was confirmed on Sunday.

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General by President Paul Kagame in September 2022, following his tour of duty in Mozambique, where Rwandan forces continue to play a key role in repelling insurgents in Cabo Delgado.

Lt Gen Kabandana joined the liberation struggle in 1990 and was among the officers credited with helping end the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Over the course of his career, he held several senior military and diplomatic positions, including Defence Attaché at Rwanda’s Embassy in Washington, DC, Chief Instructor at the Gako Military Academy, Deputy Force Commander with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Head of Logistics in RDF, Commandant of the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Commander of the Special Forces.

He is remembered as an experienced officer who contributed significantly to Rwanda’s defence and international peacekeeping operations.