The legislation, comprising 111 articles, was passed on August 4, 2025, following a thorough article-by-article review that lasted several hours. According to the Chamber’s Committee on Social Affairs, which scrutinised the draft, 20 articles were added for clarity while 29 were removed.
Committee chairperson Uwamariya Veneranda noted that one of the most debated provisions concerns assisted reproduction, which will be available to married couples where a qualified medical professional confirms that natural conception is not possible.
Lawmakers also agreed to lower the minimum age for independent consent to some healthcare services from 18 to 15. MP Izere Ingrid Marie Parfaite supported the move but stressed the need for education and preventive measures, including condom distribution.
“Why don’t we put more effort into giving them condoms, which can also prevent diseases such as HIV?” she said.
Several MPs proposed that parents be informed when minors seek certain services, including family planning.
The law also permits the preservation of gametes and embryos for future reproductive use, as well as surrogacy for individuals with medically confirmed infertility, in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
State Minister for Health Dr. Yvan Butera clarified that the provisions do not grant unrestricted access to all family planning services for 15-year-olds.
“The services for adolescents will be clearly defined in the regulations. For instance, permanent sterilisation will not be allowed,” he said.
The bill was first tabled before Parliament on November 5, 2024, before undergoing review by the Committee on Social Affairs.
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Indian goods imported into the United States will be subject to a 25 percent tariff starting August 7, according to an executive order signed by Trump on July 31.
Besides the 25 percent tariff, Trump had earlier said he would impose a penalty for India’s purchase of Russian oil, without elaborating on details.
In early April, Trump announced 26 percent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods in addition to the 10 percent baseline tariffs, but he then paused the imposition of such tariffs.
In response to Trump’s new threat, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that “the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” and that India’s oil imports are meant to “ensure predictable and affordable energy costs” for Indian consumers.
“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” according to the statement on the ministry’s website.
The U.S. goods trade deficit with India was 45.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, up 5.9 percent from 2023, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Many countries have voiced strong opposition to the recent U.S. tariff measures.
During the hearing, Ingabire presented grounds on which she is seeking the annulment of the decision by the Kicukiro Primary Court, requesting to be prosecuted while not in detention.
The Prosecution, however, argued that there are substantial reasons justifying her continued detention, as previously determined by the lower court.
Ingabire is charged with creating a criminal group, inciting public disorder, endangering the existing government, disseminating false information or propaganda intended to discredit the Rwandan government abroad, spreading rumours, conspiring to commit offences against the state, and organising illegal demonstrations.
The appeal hearing began with Ingabire expressing concerns about her legal representation. Although she is represented by Me Gatera Gashabana, she told the court that she had initially requested legal assistance from a lawyer based in Kenya. However, the lawyer was unable to obtain authorisation to practice in Rwanda, and thus, her current representation was not entirely of her choosing.
Ingabire, dressed in prison uniform and wearing her natural hair, appeared alongside her lawyer to challenge a procedural matter. They objected to the late submission of the Prosecution’s response to their appeal, which was filed in the electronic case management system at 21:06 on the eve of the hearing. They argued that this denied them sufficient time to review and respond to the submission.
Me Gashabana cited Articles 75 and 87 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which pertain to the timely notification of provisional detention decisions and the deadlines for appeals. He argued that the Prosecution should have filed its response at least five days in advance and asked the court to disregard the late filing.
The Prosecution countered by citing Article 184 of the same law, which governs the submission of responses in appellate matters. It argued that the provision does not specify a mandatory deadline and that its actions were consistent with legal procedure. The court indicated it would examine the objection and render a decision in due course.
{{Grounds presented by Ingabire Victoire
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{{1. Jurisdictional irregularity
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Ingabire’s primary argument was that her arrest was ordered contrary to the Constitution. She contended that the basis for her detention, Article 106, was applied in violation of constitutional provisions, as the court, not the Prosecution, ordered her investigation.
Ingabire and her counsel claimed they had petitioned the Supreme Court to nullify Article 106 for being unconstitutional and had requested that the Kicukiro court suspend proceedings pending the Supreme Court’s ruling. Nevertheless, the lower court proceeded and ordered her 30-day detention.
The Prosecution responded that the lower court was not barred from ruling, noting that the defence did not formally raise the constitutional matter during the initial proceedings and that the case was already heard and closed by the time the constitutional challenge was submitted on July 17, 2025.
{{2. Expiry of certain charges
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Ingabire argued that some charges, such as spreading rumours and conspiracy to protest, are time-barred. She stated that the rumour-related offence, which carries a maximum sentence of six months, is classified as minor and should have expired after one year. She referenced an October 12, 2021, interview with a journalist as the basis for the charge.
Similarly, she said the alleged conspiracy to protest dates back to 2021, and the three-year limitation period had already passed. Her lawyer also contested the trial court’s comment suggesting that she might still harbour intentions to commit such acts, arguing that this was speculative and lacked evidentiary basis.
In response, the Prosecution argued that the statute of limitations begins from the date of the last action related to the offence. Since the content allegedly remains available online (e.g., on YouTube), the offences have not expired.
{{3. Lack of substantiation for certain charges
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Ingabire submitted that some charges, namely, inciting unrest and threatening state security, were brought without the Prosecution presenting any substantive evidence. She said that testimony from Gaston Munyabugingo, a fugitive with pending charges, lacked credibility and should not be relied upon.
She also contested the legality and relevance of certain audio recordings cited by the Prosecution, alleging they were either obtained unlawfully or did not involve her.
The Prosecution responded that it had presented serious grounds for each charge and that testimony from individuals involved in the alleged crimes is admissible under the law. It argued that recordings obtained for the purpose of exposing threats to national security are permissible, citing Article 20 of the Penal Code.
{{4. No direct involvement in alleged activities
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Ingabire denied any role in forming or joining a criminal group. She claimed she did not attend any of the so-called coup-planning workshops and that the presence of her friends or members of her unregistered political party, DALFA-Umurinzi, does not implicate her.
The Prosecution, however, maintained that there is a clear connection between her and the participants, including testimony from a former employee who claimed he was recruited by Ingabire to attend what he believed were English classes but turned out to be strategy meetings aimed at overthrowing the government.
{{5. Insufficient grounds for the conspiracy charge
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Regarding the charge of conspiring to commit crimes against the government, Ingabire stated that the only evidence cited was an exchange of messages with Sylvain Sibomana, in which she was referred to as “Mukecuru.”
The Prosecution noted that it would present more evidence during the trial and reiterated that the lower court had already found sufficient grounds to support the charge.
{{6. Illegally obtained evidence
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Ingabire challenged the admissibility of certain recordings, arguing that they were obtained in violation of the law. However, the Prosecution countered that Ingabire had not denied the authenticity of the recordings nor explained precisely how their acquisition violated legal procedures. It accused the defence of attempting to shift the focus to the substance of the trial prematurely, while the current hearing only concerns pre-trial detention.
{{7. Low risk of flight
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Ingabire argued that she poses no flight risk. She cited her compliance with court appearances following her presidential pardon and her respect for a travel ban, even after her request to visit family abroad was denied. She described herself as a principled political actor committed to peaceful engagement.
The Prosecution questioned whether any reliable standard exists by which a suspect can prove they will not flee. It asserted that due to the seriousness of the charges, which carry sentences exceeding five years, Ingabire should remain in custody.
{{8. Potential to obstruct the investigation
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Finally, the Prosecution argued that releasing Ingabire could compromise the ongoing investigation. She had acknowledged that 26 individuals attended the alleged workshops, of whom only a few had been arrested. The Prosecution argued that if she were truly cooperative, she would identify the remaining participants, including those still at large.
The Prosecution stated: “If she were at liberty, she could interfere with the investigation. We believe continued detention is essential to ensure the integrity of the inquiry.”
After hearing arguments from both parties, the presiding judge announced that the decision on Ingabire’s appeal against her provisional detention would be delivered on August 7 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau said that no agreement had yet been reached, despite South Africa submitting its trade framework proposal in May.
“South Africa seeks to conclude deals that promote value addition and industrialisation, rather than extractive relations that deprive the country of the ability to beneficiate our mineral wealth by mimicking extractive colonial era trade relations,” Lamola said, noting that geopolitical tensions have complicated negotiations with the United States.
Lamola warned that the proposed tariff could reduce South Africa’s gross domestic product by 0.2 percentage points. The United States is South Africa’s third-largest trading partner, making up 7.5 percent of total trade, with agricultural exports most vulnerable to the looming tariff.
“South African exports do not compete with U.S. producers and do not pose a threat to the U.S. industry. On the contrary, our exports are crucial inputs that support America’s industrial base,” Lamola said, adding that agricultural goods from South Africa to the United States are seasonal and are not “replacing” U.S. agricultural products.
He also highlighted South Africa’s efforts to diversify its export markets, particularly in agriculture. Local producers have started exporting lemons, avocados, and apples to China following the signing of bilateral protocol agreements. Similar efforts are underway to expand access to markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The hotels are seeking compensation for policies they say restricted competition and cut into their revenues. The legal action is backed by HOTREC, the umbrella organization representing the European hospitality industry, along with more than 30 national hotel associations.
“European hoteliers have long suffered from unfair conditions and excessive costs. Now is the time to stand together and demand redress,” HOTREC Chairman Alexandros Vassilikos said in a statement on the organization’s official website. “This joint initiative sends a clear message: abusive practices in the digital market will not be tolerated by the hospitality industry in Europe.”
Central to the dispute are the “best price” or parity clauses, which Booking.com enforced for years. These clauses barred hotels from offering lower prices on their own websites or through other booking platforms.
According to HOTREC, the legal action remains open to all eligible hotels. “Following overwhelming demand from hoteliers across Europe, the deadline to register for the collective action against Booking.com has been extended until Aug. 29, 2025,” the statement said, adding that the lawsuit is expected to be filed in a Dutch court.
This collective claim follows a similar initiative by the Dutch consumer advocacy group Consumentenbond, which announced in June that it was preparing a mass lawsuit on behalf of Booking.com customers. The group accuses the platform of inflating prices through “illegal agreements and deceptive practices.”
Booking.com has rejected the allegations of price manipulation, saying it is reviewing the claims and will respond formally in due course.
The company is already facing legal scrutiny in Europe. In July last year, a Spanish court fined Booking.com 413 million euros (478 million U.S. dollars) for similar practices. The European Court of Justice later ruled that such parity clauses violate EU competition laws.
The decision, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, follows broader immigration restrictions signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, targeting immigrants and non-immigrants holding tourist, student, and business visas.
According to the Trump administration, the move followed repeated warnings about high visa overstay rates and individual noncompliance with the conditions of legal entry into the United States.
In a public advisory on Monday, August 4, the U.S. Embassy in Burundi emphasised that each Burundian traveller carries not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes of their families and communities.
The embassy urged Burundians to uphold U.S. immigration laws and protect future opportunities by ensuring full compliance with visa terms.
“Respecting visa rules isn’t just a personal matter, it’s national,” the statement shared on social media platform X reads. “Let us uphold the rules, because one person’s actions can close doors for an entire nation.”
Trump has, in recent months, maintained that the visa bans are part of wider efforts to tighten immigration controls. In Executive Order 14161, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” the United States imposed full travel bans on seven African countries and partial restrictions on three others, including Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
President Trump defended the policy in a televised address, stating that the bans were not blanket prohibitions but targeted measures designed to encourage foreign governments to improve screening systems and immigration cooperation.
Speaking in Kigali on Saturday, August 2, 2025, during a panel titled “Beyond the Stage: A Creative Café”, DJ Etania said women must shift away from dependency and build confidence in their own abilities.
“In Uganda, I started a program to show young girls that they should not depend on men to make a living,” she said. “You shouldn’t keep thinking about what men will do for you or expect them to rescue you. That needs to stop.”
The event, held at the VIP Lounge of Amahoro Stadium, was organised by SEEV Africa in collaboration with MTN Rwanda, Intore Entertainment, and KONTENT. It was part of the Giants of Africa Festival, which brought together creatives from across East Africa, including musicians, arts entrepreneurs, government officials, and development partners.
Etania, 24, said she often encourages young women to take initiative rather than waiting for external support.
“You have to take your hands out of your pockets and work,” she said. “Don’t sit at home thinking a man is going to take care of your life. Women should be more present in industries like entertainment, which are still heavily dominated by men.”
She also emphasised that coming from a disadvantaged background should not be a limitation. Sharing her personal story, she noted that she was raised in a financially challenged household and had to push through difficult circumstances, including her mother’s severe illness.
“Being born in poverty should not define your future,” she said. “We should aim to create better lives for the generations that come after us.”
Paul Atwine, Executive Director of SEEV Africa, described the forum as a valuable space for collaboration between the creative sector and development stakeholders.
“The goal is to help Rwandan artists connect with international creatives, learn from their experience, and adopt successful business practices,” he said.
This was the second edition of Beyond the Stage, following a December 2024 session at Norrsken Kigali that featured Nigerian artists Ruger and Victony.
The initiative, led by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), aims to address missed or delayed diagnoses of syphilis in pregnant women—a key driver of congenital syphilis, which can cause stillbirths, low birth weight, neurological damage, or even neonatal death.
Dr. Charles Berabose, Director of Sexually Transmitted Infections at RBC, says the new test will deliver results within 30 minutes, allowing immediate treatment during routine antenatal visits.
“The test can be done right in the antenatal room. That will help us catch infections earlier and start treatment right away. Rwanda has already trained lab technicians nationwide to carry out the RPR test and plans to train health workers on the new kits ahead of their launch,” Dr Berabose told the New Times.
The test is part of a “triple elimination” package that also screens for HIV and hepatitis B. Unlike the current lab-based RPR method, which takes hours and often delays treatment, the new approach will be conducted directly in antenatal rooms.
Rwanda’s high antenatal care attendance, with 98% of pregnant women attending at least one visit, offers a strategic entry point for early screening and intervention.
Health workers are being trained in preparation for the rollout, which is expected early next year.
The United States announced the development following a meeting held on Friday, August 1, 2025. Rwanda was represented by Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, while the DRC delegation included an expert in economic affairs. The U.S. was represented by Massad Boulos, Advisor for African Affairs.
The move builds on the Washington Declaration of Principles signed in April and aligns with the broader Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025, with the support of the United States.
Rooted in mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared prosperity, the REIF outlines a forward-looking economic partnership designed to unlock investment opportunities, curb illicit mineral trade, and support sustainable development across multiple sectors.
{{Shared commitment to stability and inclusive development
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Both governments reaffirm their commitment to combating the illicit trade of minerals, which has long fueled violence and undermined good governance in the region. By formalising their cooperation through the REIF, Rwanda and the DRC aim to dismantle the economic drivers of conflict and shift toward a future anchored in cross-border collaboration, industrial development, and community empowerment.
The framework recognises the potential for greater synergy with regional and continental bodies, particularly through the revitalisation of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and seeks alignment with initiatives such as the African Union’s Continental Power Systems Masterplan.
{{Mineral supply chains
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Rwanda and the DRC have committed to jointly reforming and formalising the mineral sector, particularly in critical minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten, niobium, and gold. They aim to eradicate the financing of armed groups through illicit trade and to develop a world-class, industrial mining sector that creates value from extraction to end-user.
Both countries will work toward formalising artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), expanding opportunities for alternative livelihoods, and strengthening transparency, traceability, and professional standards.
Improving cross-border interoperability, particularly in border management, is central to this effort. By doing so, they hope to attract global investment and promote equitable value sharing through industrial development initiatives.
While reaffirming sovereign control over natural resources, both governments agree that communities must benefit directly from the revenues and advantages generated through extraction, processing, and trade. This approach aims to promote a productive, rules-based economy anchored in transparency and local empowerment.
{{Energy cooperation
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Energy is viewed as a cornerstone of industrialisation and regional development. The two countries have expressed their intention to prioritise increased electricity generation and access for both industry and households. They will focus on completing the Ruzizi III hydropower project and sustainably exploiting methane gas from Lake Kivu for electricity generation and transmission.
These efforts will be coordinated with neighbouring countries and guided by the African Union’s Continental Power Systems Masterplan. Where appropriate, the multilateral governance structures of the CEPGL may be used to support implementation.
{{Infrastructure development
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Rwanda and the DRC will cooperate in developing mutually beneficial infrastructure in sectors such as transportation, logistics, and information and communication technology (ICT).
This includes plans for passenger and cargo transport infrastructure, warehousing, ports, and markets. Both governments are keen to attract private sector investment that can catalyse economic growth in the Great Lakes region.
These infrastructure initiatives will be aligned with the U.S.-supported Lobito Corridor to enhance regional and global connectivity and improve access to international markets.
{{National park management and cross-border tourism
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The two countries also plan to collaborate on cross-border conservation and science-based management of biodiversity and ecosystems. A key part of this will be the development of a coordinated cross-border security strategy to address shared threats in protected areas. This includes harmonising enforcement mechanisms and legal frameworks.
Additionally, Rwanda and the DRC intend to build a sustainable cross-border tourism sector by supporting each other’s tourism operators and promoting community-based initiatives. They plan to implement a harmonised tourism revenue-sharing model and standardised policies to strengthen community livelihoods through conservation.
{{Public health cooperation
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Recognising the importance of a united health response, Rwanda and the DRC have agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination to prevent and manage disease outbreaks. This includes collaborative planning and response to epidemics and pandemics, with an emphasis on information sharing to promote scientific research and health-related commercial ventures.
{{Other areas of cooperation
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The REIF is designed as a living platform, allowing for the continuous identification and integration of new opportunities. The Participants are committed to exploring expanded cooperation in areas such as water and sanitation infrastructure, agribusiness (including livestock), education, sports, and entertainment.
They have also pledged to accelerate trade liberalisation and regional integration, ensuring that REIF remains dynamic and responsive to emerging regional needs.
The REIF will be finalised through a dedicated agreement outlining coordination mechanisms for its implementation. Officials from both countries have reiterated that all efforts will be carried out in full respect of national laws and sovereignty.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, previously told Parliament that while economic cooperation is a pillar of the Washington peace agreement, separate economic agreements would follow. The REIF now serves as the foundation for those agreements, charting a clear and strategic path from principle to execution.
The internal vote, held on August 1 under the supervision of CCM Deputy Secretary General John Mongella, saw Jesca secure 391 votes, placing her second on the Mainland list, just behind outgoing legislator Ng’wasi Kamani, who garnered 409 votes.
The results mark a crucial step in Jesca’s bid to enter Parliament, a path once taken by her father nearly three decades ago.
Raised in Chato, Geita region, Jesca has embraced the values her father championed.
At the recent event, she told supporters: “I was raised on the principles of hard work, integrity, and self-reliance. My main mission is to defend, collaborate, but most importantly, to speak out loudly in the political, economic, and developmental journey.
“I have the intention and vision to ensure that the manifesto of our CCM party for the years 2020-2025, with the slogan ‘Work and Integrity, We Move Forward,’ is implemented for the broad interests of our nation, Tanzania.”
John Magufuli began his own political journey in 1995 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Chato district. His reputation as a firm and efficient leader grew during his long ministerial career, particularly in the Ministry of Works, where he earned the nickname “The Bulldozer” for his aggressive push on infrastructure projects.
From 1995 to 2015, he held key portfolios, including Minister of Lands, Livestock, and ultimately Works, roles that laid the foundation for his nomination as CCM’s presidential candidate in 2015.
After securing 58% of the national vote in the general election, he was sworn in as Tanzania’s fifth president in November 2015. His presidency was characterised by strong anti-corruption rhetoric, infrastructure expansion, and a focus on public sector discipline, a legacy that continues to shape Tanzanian politics.
Jesca’s rise in the CCM Youth Wing polls now positions her as one of the party’s promising young figures, seeking to contribute to national leadership from within Parliament.
While she has yet to secure the seat officially, the final list still awaits ratification by the party’s top organs. Her strong showing signals both personal ambition and a symbolic continuation of her family’s political legacy.
If successful, Jesca Magufuli will join a new generation of leaders stepping into the political spotlight, and she’ll do so by walking a path first paved by her father.
