The flight departed from Ramon Airport in Israel via Karam Abu Salem crossing. To date, the UAE has evacuated 2,785 patients and their families to provide access to medical treatment since the onset of the crisis.
The latest medical evacuation flight is under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to provide medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients throughout the nation’s hospitals. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s leading and continuous commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza and mitigating the devastating impacts of this catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
In this regard, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations and Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, emphasised the UAE’s dedication to providing a rapid humanitarian response, including the urgent transport of patients and injured civilians from the Gaza Strip. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s unwavering and deep-rooted support for the Palestinians without exemption, reflecting the nation’s humanitarian commitment to delivering immediate aid, supporting stability, and alleviating suffering caused by war and conflicts.
Al Shamsi underscored that the Emirati medical teams have transported critically wounded and injured patients to hospitals across Abu Dhabi, while other patients and their family members are accommodated at the Emirates Humanitarian City, where they will receive the necessary medical care, under the supervision of specialised medical teams.
Furthermore, Al Shamsi highlighted that the UAE provides various medical, educational, and cultural support to patients, injured, and their family members, which contribute in alleviating the dire consequences of the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting patients, children, women, and the elderly in Gaza.
Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has continued its leading humanitarian initiatives and extensive efforts in cooperation with UN organisations and international partners to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of the ongoing crisis and alleviate the humanitarian suffering faced by the residents of the Strip. These include medical services, provision of medication, and essential medical equipment on the UAE hospital ship anchored in Egypt’s Al-Arish Port, as well as the operations of the Emirati field hospital in southern Gaza.
The continuous medical evacuation flights are part of a comprehensive and urgent humanitarian response plan to mitigate the crisis and provide relief to those most in need.
The meeting took place in Tokyo on August 21, 2025, where Minister Nduhungirehe was attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
During the talks, Minister Iwaya welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling the commitments made, and expressed his hope for Rwanda’s role in advancing peace and stability.
Minister Nduhungirehe expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding cooperation through TICAD and voiced his commitment to strengthening Japan–Africa partnership while contributing to regional peace and security.
Minister Iwaya further noted Japan’s humanitarian support, including food assistance to refugees and host communities through the World Food Programme (WFP), in response to the deteriorating situation in the Great Lakes region. He emphasised that regional stability is vital for business operations in Rwanda and reiterated Japan’s support for regionally-led stabilisation efforts.
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe conveyed appreciation for Japan’s humanitarian assistance and expressed his wish to deepen cooperation, particularly in the economic field.
Rwanda’s relations with Japan began officially after its independence in 1962 and were strengthened in the early 2000s when both countries opened embassies in Tokyo and Kigali.
This partnership is built on cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, technical assistance, transport, energy, water, sanitation, agriculture, education, information technology, and meteorological services.
A story that captured the attention of many involved a Rwandan man living in Europe who, in 2016, travelled to Kigali to buy a house in Nyarutarama. He had been assured by a friend that a local construction company could provide a fully built home, and he brought with him 80 million Rwandan francs to make the purchase.
However, the excitement of finally owning a home in his homeland quickly turned into disappointment. Soon after moving in with his family during the holidays, he discovered multiple construction flaws: poorly installed tiles, faulty plumbing, electrical issues, and other structural problems. Attempts to resolve the issues with the company were unsuccessful, leaving him facing a significant financial loss.
His story is not unique; several other diaspora Rwandans have reported being misled, defrauded, or left powerless due to the difficulty of monitoring construction from abroad.
In response to these challenges, a new digital platform dubbed StoneForge has been launched. It aims to provide Rwandans in the diaspora with a way to supervise their construction projects remotely, ensuring full transparency and control over their investments.
According to Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, StoneForge was developed in direct response to frequent complaints from diaspora members struggling with unreliable site managers, limited oversight, and a lack of accountability for their investments. The platform is designed to bridge this gap, giving users real-time updates and greater confidence as their projects progress.
“StoneForge was born from a clear need — helping busy Rwandans, especially in the diaspora, supervise their construction projects remotely with full transparency and control,” said Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder.
“Our platform brings everything into one centralised dashboard: daily updates, material tracking, costs, reports — all automated. It’s peace of mind, built into technology.”
Through its web-based system, which went live in May this year, StoneForge provides real-time project updates, daily site reports, financial tracking, and even live camera feeds from construction sites. Site supervisors upload progress photos, track inventory, and flag issues, allowing project owners to follow every step without having to make constant phone calls or travel back home.
According to the founders, what sets StoneForge apart is its all-in-one approach. While other apps scatter budgeting, planning, and updates across multiple tools, StoneForge brings them together with live visuals and automated reporting, giving owners a clear picture of their project from start to finish.
For clients like Egide Nsabimana, who is building an apartment project in Kagarama, Kicukiro, the platform has already made a difference.
“With StoneForge, I don’t need to call my site manager every day or worry about what’s happening on site. From wherever I am, I can see what’s being done, how much it costs, and even view progress with live feed of the site and reports in real time. It’s like being on site, without actually being there,” he said.
StoneForge is initially targeting Rwandans in the diaspora, but the founders say it could also benefit busy professionals and organisations managing multiple construction projects locally.
By digitising supervision and providing transparency, the platform aims to restore trust in a process that for years has left many feeling anxious and vulnerable.
The closure, which followed customer complaints about poor service and negligence during a wedding ceremony in early July, surprised many, who questioned how a hotel that had been in operation for years could continue without proper authorisation.
At the time of the announcement, RDB warned that if the hotel continued operating beyond July 22, 2025, it would be in violation of national laws, a breach that could attract heavy penalties. The agency further explained that reopening would only be considered once the hotel had fulfilled all requirements to obtain an operating license in the tourism sector and complied fully with the relevant laws.
The revelation that such a prominent establishment lacked a valid operating license shocked the public, given that the hotel was well-known and had been welcoming guests for some time.
Speaking to IGIHE, Irène Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, explained that the situation was not unusual, pointing out that Rwanda’s 2014 Tourism Law allows investors to begin their projects while still working toward fulfilling conditions for an operating license, depending on the type of investment.
She clarified that beginning operations does not automatically mean an establishment is licensed in the tourism sector.
“In this case, the issue is not complicated. Registering an investment is simple and can be done online within six hours. But the key question is: what type of investment is it? A hotel, a restaurant, a nightclub, or apartments? The license granted depends on the category, and in their case, they were operating without ever applying for the proper license,” Murerwa said.
She added that although RDB was aware of the hotel’s investment activities, the owners had not completed all requirements needed to secure a tourism license.
“Anyone could see their doors open and assume they were licensed. Of course, RDB knew about them, just as we know many investors. We don’t close businesses the moment they open. We first conduct visits, hold discussions, and agree on timelines. Some investors fulfil requirements quickly, while others encounter delays. That was the case here,” she explained.
According to Murerwa, after an establishment begins operations, RDB reviews whether it meets the standards required for its specific category of tourism business.
“When challenges are communicated, we listen and allow time to address them, because our role is both regulatory and developmental. But once the grace period expires and compliance is still lacking, then closure becomes necessary,” she said.
Murerwa confirmed that Château le Marara had been inspected several times and was repeatedly reminded of what it needed to comply with. However, despite discussions, the hotel continued to report difficulties in meeting the legal requirements.
“We visited them and held discussions. But at some point, it became clear they were not treating the requirements with the seriousness of legal obligations. People wondered how such a well-known hotel, recognised by the community and local authorities, could lack RDB approval. The truth is that while they had the right to invest, they did not have the license to operate in the tourism sector,” she said.
Currently, investors registering in the tourism industry are required to fulfil up to 22 conditions, in addition to specific requirements depending on the category of business. These include registering the investment, employing qualified staff, and adhering to hygiene, safety, and environmental standards, among others.
While she did not disclose which specific requirements Château le Marara had failed to meet, Murerwa emphasised that any failure to comply constitutes a violation of the law.
“In tourism, there are many conditions to meet. If out of more than 20, you have fulfilled only five, you are still violating the law. While much attention is on Château le Marara, many other establishments have not met all conditions, and these cases must equally be reported to the authorities,” she concluded.
According to RDB officials, an establishment may be suspended for several reasons, such as employing workers without contracts—which is prohibited by law—or when clients suffer health complications due to non-compliance with required standards.
By law, RDB may grant an establishment a grace period during which it continues to operate while working to meet the required conditions. However, if follow-up inspections reveal ongoing non-compliance and no valid justification is provided, the institution risks suspension.
Murerwa explained: “There are instances where, for example, an employee mistreats a guest. That alone does not immediately warrant closure. In such cases, we conduct visits, issue warnings, and give time for correction. But if a client suffers health complications because the establishment failed to meet hygiene or safety requirements, then it becomes a serious matter, and closure is enforced immediately.”
She emphasised that closure is not necessarily permanent. Once the owner fixes the violations and meets all required conditions, they may request reopening. The application is reviewed through an inspection by a joint team from RDB, the Police, and other relevant agencies. If the team confirms compliance, the establishment is granted a license to resume operations.
Currently, a tourism operating license issued by RDB costs 80,000 Rwandan francs, although the fee may change in the future as part of an ongoing legal review process.
Château le Marara is located in Karongi District, on the shores of Lake Kivu.
RDB clarifies the reasons behind the closure of Château le Marara.
A month has now passed since Château le Marara was ordered to close its doors
Speaking during an interview with conservative radio host Todd Starnes on Thursday, Trump said he would be “going out tonight with the police and with the military” and pledged that “we’re going to do a job.”
The statement comes less than two weeks after Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., and invoked provisions of the Home Rule Act to assume federal control of the city’s law enforcement.
On August 11, his administration transferred authority over the Metropolitan Police Department to federal command and deployed National Guard troops across the city. Since then, Washington has seen a significant increase in the presence of federal agents and military personnel, with checkpoints and joint patrols established in several neighbourhoods.
The move has generated mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the deployment demonstrates a firm commitment to restoring order, while critics, including local officials, have expressed concern that the takeover undermines the city’s autonomy and risks politicising public safety.
In Congress, lawmakers are already debating legislation that could extend federal control of Washington’s police force beyond the initial emergency period, signalling that the measure could have lasting political implications.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, August 21, 2025, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said Washington was “encouraged by continued negotiations between the DRC and M23, facilitated by the State of Qatar.”
He described this week’s talks as a “critical step” following the signing of a Declaration of Principles last month, which laid out a roadmap for ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
Boulos reaffirmed the U.S. call for “an immediate end to violence against civilians” and stressed the importance of “concrete actions to uphold commitments to peace and stability.”
The comments come as both Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 announced this week that they would send delegations to Qatar.
The meetings are, among others, intended to evaluate progress on commitments made in the July 19 Declaration of Principles, including a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners.
AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed that his group’s technical team would focus on “the practical arrangements for the application of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners.”
The Congolese government also confirmed its participation, while emphasising that its negotiators would prioritise protecting national interests.
Despite the July agreement, mistrust between the two parties remains high. The sides had initially pledged to meet key commitments by July 29, paving the way for formal peace talks by August 8. Instead, accusations of ceasefire violations and disputes over detainees stalled progress.
The question of prisoners remains particularly contentious. AFC/M23 claims Kinshasa is holding around 700 members and supporters, while the government insists any releases can only follow the signing of a final peace deal. The impasse derailed efforts to conclude a broader agreement by August 18.
Qatar, which has been mediating since July, has acknowledged the setbacks but says it continues to work closely with both sides to encourage compromise.
This comes as a staunch Trump ally alleged that the top U.S. Fed official committed mortgage fraud, which is “appropriate for referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration of criminal prosecution,” according to media reports.
Taking to social media, Trump on Wednesday wrote: “Cook must resign, now!!!”
In the letter posted on X, Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte claimed Cook “falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms, potentially committing mortgage fraud under the criminal statute.”
Pulte was referring to mortgages in the U.S. state of Michigan and Georgia that Cook took out in June and July 2021 respectively. The letter, dated Aug. 15 and addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, said Cook stipulated that the two residences would be her principal addresses for at least a year, a move that could enable her to get a more favorable mortgage rate.
While no investigation has been disclosed so far, Cook said on Wednesday she had “no intention of being bullied to step down.”
“I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts,” Cook said in a media statement.
Pulte, an outspoken ally of the U.S. president, has been a vocal critic of the Fed, as well as Fed Chair Jerome Powell, for failing to heed the White House’s calls to lower interest rates, CNN reported.
According to Quartz, an American business news website, Pulte “in the months after his Senate confirmation … added to his job description helping orchestrate a fiery campaign against Powell and demanding the central bank chief to step down.”
“The new focus on Cook is an expansion of the Trump administration’s intense pressure campaign against the Fed, specifically central bankers who aren’t perceived as allies of the president,” CNN opined.
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) reported that Trump “appears to be rallying for another open seat on the board, which would allow him to appoint someone more aligned with his views.”
Analysts have also expressed concerns as the Trump administration made the new move in its bid to take control of the Federal Reserve and crimp its independence. In the past months, Trump has bashed Powell over the Fed’s monetary policy decisions and pressured the central bank to cut interest rates.
“This is part of a process to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve,” Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua.
Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua that “Trump wants his people on the Federal Reserve so the bank lowers interest rates. It is all about wanting to control all the major levers of power. He needs people who are loyal to him and follow his instructions.”
Similarly, Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua that “Trump views the entire federal government as something that works for him and to advance his political agenda.”
“Anybody who’s not on board with that is, in his view, corrupt and needs to be replaced, regardless of facts and regardless of what the law says,” Galdieri said.
Dean Baker, co-founder of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told Xinhua that “I think it will make it less likely the Fed will lower rates … Since they won’t want to be seen buckling to (White House) pressure.”
“The effort to oust Cook will likely lead to higher long-term rates and less investment in the United States,” Baker added.
The decision was taken by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) during its quarterly meeting on Wednesday. The CBR, which serves as the benchmark rate guiding commercial banks in setting lending and deposit rates, is the main tool used by BNR to manage inflation.
May had marked the fourth consecutive time the MPC maintained the rate at 6.5 percent, following its initial reduction from 7.0 percent in August 2024.
Addressing the press on Thursday, Central Bank Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye revealed that inflation remained within the expected range of 2 to 8 percent in the second quarter of 2025. It is now projected to average 7.1 percent this year before easing to about 5.6 percent in 2026.
The outlook, however, has been revised upward from the initial forecast of 6.5 percent due to risks such as adverse weather conditions that could affect agricultural output and uncertainties in global trade and commodity markets.
“The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to increase the central bank rate by 25 basis points to 6.75 percent, a level considered adequate to keep inflation within the target range with forecasts averaging 7.1 percent in 2025 and 5.6 percent in 2026,” the Central Bank boss said.
Despite global trade headwinds, Rwanda’s economy has shown resilience. Real GDP expanded by 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025, driven by strong performance in services and industry. High-frequency indicators point to continued growth in the second quarter, with the Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA) up 12.5 percent year-on-year, supported by strong credit growth.
External trade also improved, with merchandise exports rising 15.5 percent in Q2, boosted by higher coffee and mineral exports, alongside a 31.1 percent surge in non-traditional exports such as cooking oil and wheat flour. Imports grew modestly by 3.3 percent, helping narrow the trade deficit by 2.9 percent compared to the same period last year.
The foreign exchange market showed signs of stability, with the Rwandan franc depreciating by 2.96 percent against the US dollar by end-June, a slower pace than the 3.73 percent seen in the same period in 2024. This moderation was attributed to an improved trade balance, domestic foreign exchange reforms, and a weaker dollar globally.
Looking ahead, BNR expects inflation to remain within its target band, though risks remain from both domestic and external shocks. The MPC reaffirmed its readiness to adjust policy further if needed to ensure price stability.
During an event held at the Marriott Hotel on August 20, 2025, RDB emphasized that Law No. 12/2014 of May 19, 2014, governing the organization of tourism in Rwanda, stipulates in Articles 5, 20, and 29 that every institution operating in the tourism sector must have an approved operating license. The same law grants RDB the authority to suspend or permanently close any businesses that fail to comply.
This warning follows earlier calls for compliance made on June 27, 2025, when RDB’s Chief Executive Officer, Jean Guy Africa, addressed tourism stakeholders and reminded them that “compliance is not just a bureaucratic requirement, it is a strategic necessity.”
On that occasion, he stressed that the Tourism Operating License is both a legal instrument and a quality assurance mechanism, the very foundation of consumer protection and Rwanda’s reputation as a high-end destination.
Institutions considered part of the tourism sector include hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, motels, lodges and guest houses, tour operators, bars, and others.
Speaking at the Marriott Hotel, CEO Jean-Guy Africa reiterated this message, noting that inspections to assess compliance had already begun and urging operators to secure the required licenses without delay.
“Your dedication reflects our shared goal of building a strong, competitive, and welcoming tourism and hospitality sector. Partnership between government regulators and the private sector is what enables us to deliver quality services to every visitor or customer who chooses Rwanda,” he said.
He added: “When a guest walks into a hotel or a nightclub in Kigali, it is not only a private business transaction but also part of the country’s image. Their experience will shape their perception of Rwanda, determine whether they return, whether they act as our ambassadors abroad, or even decide to invest here or do the opposite.”
The CEO further underlined that ensuring quality standards and accountability is not only the responsibility of government, but also of private operators.
“Licensing ensures that every hospitality activity aligns with Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality regulations. It is essential for protecting clients’ safety, guaranteeing quality services, and safeguarding Rwanda’s reputation. When I speak of reputation here, I mean the reputation of Rwanda itself,” he said.
In his earlier remarks in June, he had also warned that operating without a license has three major consequences: it puts clients at risk, it creates unfair competition, and it erodes Rwanda’s image—a concern he repeated during the Marriott event.
The RDB CEO stressed that Rwanda has heavily invested in promoting the “Visit Rwanda” brand, and this must be matched with service quality. He urged all operators to comply with requirements and maintain high standards.
Ongoing inspections are being conducted to verify compliance across the tourism sector. RDB is working in partnership with the Rwanda National Police, the City of Kigali, and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB).
The inspections began on April 30, 2025, with five- and four-star hotels. In Kigali, 47 hotels were inspected; 27 in Musanze and Rubavu; and six in Karongi. The campaign was extended to the Eastern Province from August 11 to 22, 2025.
In a statement released on August 20, 2025, the armed group described the HRW report as “fake, politically motivated, and an instrument of propaganda” aimed at demonising the AFC/M23.
The report, according to HRW, accused the M23 of targeting primarily ethnic Hutu civilians during the alleged killings in the Virunga region.
The statement, issued by the AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, criticised HRW’s methodology, saying the organisation relied on unverified telephone testimonies and satellite imagery without on-the-ground verification.
Kanyuka also accused the report of ignoring atrocities committed by other armed groups in the area, including coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime, the FDLR, Nyatura militias, PARECO, and Wazalendo.
“The Human Rights Watch report of August 20th, 2025, is fake and falsification of reality. Its methodology is fraudulent, its sources are corrupt, and its context is truncated,” the statement reads.
“It is based on no tangible evidence, only on hearsay, deceptively interpreted imagery, and complicit silence regarding the crimes of the coalition forces.”
The group insisted that the HRW report serves to divert attention from what it described as “military failures and crimes against humanity” committed by the Kinshasa regime.
The AFC/M23 rebel group is currently engaged in ongoing peace processes in Doha, Qatar, aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DRC, where the rebels accuse government forces of targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities through marginalisation and violence.
