Dr. Ngirente will be succeeded by Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who was appointed by President Kagame on Wednesday.
Shortly after the announcement of the new Prime Minister’s appointment, Dr. Ngirente posted a message on X describing his journey as “deeply enriching.”
“I am so grateful to H.E. Paul Kagame for the honour of serving as the Prime Minister of our beloved Rwanda for the last eight years. This journey has been deeply enriching, filled with growth, guidance, and purpose,” he wrote.
“Mr. President, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve my country, and for being such an inspiring mentor throughout this journey. It’s a chapter I’ll always carry with pride,” he added.
Dr. Ngirente was appointed Prime Minister in August 2017, succeeding Anastase Murekezi, who had served in the role since July 2014.
During his tenure, Dr. Ngirente oversaw key government reforms, including socio-economic recovery efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of strategic development initiatives aligned with Vision 2050.
His successor, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda and brings extensive expertise in economic policy, regulation, and development.
Beyond his central banking role, Dr. Nsengiyumva has held various positions in both Rwandan and UK government institutions. His experience includes serving as Senior Economic Advisor at the UK Office of Rail and Road, Economist at the UK Department for Work and Pensions, and Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministries of Education and Trade and Industry.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows. Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi told RBA that the number of cases received since 2019 reflects a serious and persistent issue.
“We’ve received numerous files. While 68 cases over six years may seem few to some, even a single case is significant due to the gravity of this crime,” Nkusi said.
He noted that both individuals and institutions implicated in trafficking are held accountable whenever sufficient evidence is available.
However, Nkusi acknowledged that identifying and prosecuting traffickers remains difficult due to the sophisticated methods they use to conceal their operations.
“We often collaborate with various agencies, including Interpol. But there are limitations—it’s challenging to gather reliable information, especially when crimes are committed across borders,” he explained.
He also pointed out that victims of trafficking are often reluctant or unable to provide comprehensive information, which further complicates investigations.
Data from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) indicates that from 2019 to May 2025, a total of 105 Rwandans were repatriated after being trafficked abroad.
Additionally, between July 2024 and March 2025, authorities successfully intercepted trafficking attempts involving 57 individuals before they were moved across borders.
The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.
Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.
Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.
“At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,” said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.
“This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.”
The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.
In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.
The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a new health journalism fellowship designed to equip journalists across Africa with the skills to produce insightful, evidence-based stories on public health issues.
The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.
Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.
Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.
“At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,” said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.
“This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.”
The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.
In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.
The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The call for applications is currently open and will close on August 14, 2025. Journalists interested in applying can find more information at https://aumf.au.int/application.
The information was presented by federal junior home minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday in the lower house of the Indian parliament, locally called Lok Sabha.
Kumar said, according to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), the total amount of losses incurred by citizens due to cyber frauds in the entire country in 2024 was over 2.64 billion U.S. dollars as compared to 863.8 million dollars in the previous year.
The minister stated 3,637,288 incidents of online financial fraud were reported on NCRP and CFCFRMS in 2024 as compared to 2,442,978 in 2023.
According to the data shared by the minister, 2,268,346 cyber crimes were reported in 2024, reflecting a 42.08 percent yearly increase.
The $2.7 million ‘Kigali Sky Wheel’ project, which is underway at the site of the upcoming Inzovu Mall near the Kigali Convention Centre, will be the first of its kind in Rwanda. Once operational, it will offer passengers a 15- to 20-minute ride in enclosed cabins, providing elevated views of the city’s hills and expanding skyline.
Globally, Ferris wheels have become defining features of urban landscapes. Cities such as Dubai, London, Singapore, and Las Vegas have built towering observation wheels, transforming them into tourist magnets and architectural icons.
Dubai’s Ain Dubai is currently the tallest in the world at 250 metres, followed by Las Vegas’s High Roller (167.6m), and the Singapore Flyer (165m), which offers views stretching across three countries. The London Eye, a 135-metre wheel on the River Thames, has become one of the most recognisable structures in the UK capital.
The development in Kigali comes as the city continues to raise its profile as a tourist destination. In 2024, it was [ ranked the third most preferred African city ->https://en.igihe.com/lifestyle/article/kigali-ranked-among-top-five-favorite-tourist-destinations#:~:text=0%2012%2D07%2D2024%20%2D,if%20you%20are%20in%20Morocco.%E2%80%9D] for travellers by Travel + Leisure. The Ferris wheel is expected to add to the city’s recreational offerings and appeal to both residents and visitors.
The project is being developed by Kigali Ferris Wheel Ltd., in partnership with Mo Gashi and Partners, a Canadian engineering firm.
According to Moses Umugisha Gashirabake, the Managing Director and majority shareholder at Kigali Ferris Wheel Limited, the iconic structure is expected to become a defining feature of Kigali’s skyline and a focal point for urban activity.
He emphasised the significance of such landmarks in shaping the identity of modern cities and attracting both domestic and international visitors.
“They offer unique perspectives of the city, can be standalone attractions, and can be designed to fit within existing urban spaces,” Gashirabake told The New Times.
“Furthermore, they are often popular with both residents and tourists, offering a sense of novelty and shared experience,” he added.
Beyond sightseeing, the Kigali Sky Wheel is designed to serve as a multi-purpose venue. Plans include nightly light displays, food and beverage stalls, branded merchandise, and event space. Commercial opportunities are also expected to emerge around advertising and co-branding linked to the attraction.
The wheel is part of a broader trend of private-sector investment in leisure and tourism infrastructure in Kigali, which authorities have identified as key to economic diversification. If construction stays on schedule, the Kigali Sky Wheel will be open to the public by December 2025.
The forum is a collaborative initiative by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in China and the Rwandan community living in China, aimed at deepening bilateral ties through trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
The flagship event will spotlight Rwanda’s progress and the vast opportunities it offers in key sectors such as investment, tourism, manufacturing, and culture. With China currently leading all countries in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Rwanda, the gathering will serve as a strategic platform to attract even more Chinese investors and promote high-quality Made in Rwanda products.
A key highlight of the event will be a high-level business forum organised in partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The forum will bring together Chinese enterprises, Rwandan officials, private companies, academia, traders, and tour operators to explore partnerships and conduct business matchmaking sessions.
“This is more than a promotional event; it is a strategic engagement to strengthen people-to-people ties and stimulate tangible collaboration between our two countries,” the Rwandan embassy in China said in a statement.
Beyond business, “Meet Rwanda in China” will also serve as a celebration of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Coinciding with Umuganura, Rwanda’s national thanksgiving and harvest festival, the event will feature traditional dance and music performances, cultural storytelling, riddles (ibisakuzo), games like kubuguza, and symbolic acts such as guha abana amata (serving milk to children), offering Chinese audiences a taste of Rwandan tradition.
Sports competitions will also feature prominently, especially considering that over 95% of the Rwandan community in China are students. These youth-led activities will foster unity and highlight Rwanda’s values of togetherness, innovation, and shared responsibility.
As a recurring initiative, “Meet Rwanda in China” is expected to become a vital platform for diaspora mobilisation and sustained dialogue on Rwanda’s Vision 2050 development agenda. It also aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy of building strong international partnerships to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.
In a press briefing held in Kinshasa on Monday, Minister Shabani claimed that both Congolese and Rwandan interior ministers had been summoned to Doha to serve as “moral authorities” or “guarantors” in the deal signed between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel group on Saturday, July 19, to end fighting in the eastern DRC.
Responding to the minister’s remarks in a post on X, Nduhungirehe labelled the claims as “an outright lie,” accusing Kinshasa of routinely misinforming the Congolese public about the ongoing peace processes. He described such narratives as part of a broader pattern of communication failures from the Congolese government.
Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda’s role in the Doha talks was limited to that of an observer, following the June 27 peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda mediated by the United States.
“The truth is that on the afternoon of the signing of the Washington Peace Agreement, June 27, 2025, the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs invited all parties (DRC and Rwanda) and all guarantors (United States, Togo, African Union Commission) to a meeting at the Qatari Embassy in Washington to discuss the next steps in the process,” he revealed.
That meeting, he said, was attended by the foreign ministers of Congo, Rwanda, and Togo, alongside U.S. Special Advisor Massad Boulos. It was during this gathering that Qatar requested all involved parties and guarantors to send representatives to Doha to follow up on the peace negotiations, emphasising that the Washington and Doha tracks were complementary.
“In that context, and only that context, Rwanda was invited to Doha as an observer, just like the United States and the African Union,” Nduhungirehe explained.
“The DRC is a party to the Doha process, and thus Minister Shabani could not possibly have been considered an ‘observer.’”
The Rwandan minister also mocked recent remarks made by DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, who claimed that Rwanda’s economy has been “suffocating” since February 2025 due to Western sanctions prompted by President Félix Tshisekedi’s “firmness.”
“I must admit—I’m ‘suffocating’ from laughter instead,” Nduhungirehe quipped.
The exchange follows a series of heated statements between officials of both countries in the aftermath of two landmark agreements: the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
While the Washington agreement focuses on dismantling the genocidal FDLR militia and easing border tensions, the Doha process aims to address the political roots of the M23 conflict through dialogue.
Minister Nduhungurehe on Sunday reiterated that the [AFC/M23 is not covered->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/joint-security-mechanism-is-for-fdlr-not-m23-nduhungirehe-dismisses-muyaya-s?var_mode=calcul] under the Washington agreement’s Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), which is strictly bilateral between Kigali and Kinshasa.
The ceremony took place on July 20, 2025, at the Amphorn Royal Palace in Bangkok.
The King extended his greetings to President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda, and underscored the importance of continued friendship based on shared values and mutual understanding.
He expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Rwanda and Thailand, emphasising the value of closer collaboration in various sectors to enhance bilateral engagement.
Amb. Mukasine will serve with residence in Tokyo, Japan, where she is also accredited as Rwanda’s envoy to other countries in the region, including Malaysia and the Philippines.
Ahead of the credentials presentation, Amb. Mukasine held a courtesy meeting with Mrs. Natthira Krasaesarn, Secretary of the Department of Protocol at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Continuing her diplomatic engagements, the Ambassador met on July 21 with Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce. The discussions focused on deepening Rwanda–Thailand cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, renewable energy, agri-processing, culture, and hospitality.
Later that day, Amb. Mukasine met with the Thai Minister of Justice to review existing bilateral agreements and convey Rwanda’s gratitude for Thailand’s recent support in the repatriation of ten Rwandan nationals.
During her stay, Rwanda was also invited to participate in an upcoming Thai government
event designed to introduce African countries to the Thai public.
The cultural and diplomatic initiative aims to enhance people-to-people connections and promote a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s heritage and contemporary achievements.
The formal trade deficit dropped to $226.75 million in May, reflecting a 2.32% decrease from April 2025 and an even more substantial 18.42% decline compared to the same period last year. The reduction was primarily driven by a strong rebound in domestic exports and moderated import growth.
Rwanda’s total exports rose to $177.31 million, up 19.39% from April. Domestic exports, mainly goods produced within Rwanda, reached $127.81 million, marking a monthly increase of 21.24%, although still 39.58% lower than in May 2024.
The export rebound was largely driven by traditional mainstays, particularly tea, coffee, and fresh produce such as avocados, which generated US$31.98 million, representing a 12.64% increase from April and a 40.38% rise year-on-year.
Exports of animal and vegetable oils soared to $8.79 million, up 20.70% from April and a remarkable 358.48% compared to the same month last year. Beverages and tobacco, though modest in absolute value at $0.93 million, recorded a dramatic surge in annual growth rate of over 12,700%.
Machinery and transport equipment also contributed to the rebound with a 192.34% increase compared to May 2024, despite showing a monthly decline.
Meanwhile, re-exports rose to $49.51 million, representing a 14.87% increase from April, although this remained 16.25% below the level registered in May 2024. Re-exports continued to be driven by regional demand, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the import side, Rwanda imported goods worth $404.06 million in May, a 6.15% increase from April. Despite the monthly uptick, this figure reflects a 26.35% decline compared to May 2024.
Imports were largely composed of mineral fuels and lubricants, valued at $60.48 million, which rose by 16.12% month-on-month. Machinery and transport equipment followed, amounting to $83.22 million, an increase of 12.66% from the previous month. Food and live animals, which cost $75.76 million, saw a modest year-on-year increase of 4.14%.
A striking development in May was the sharp rise in imports from Saudi Arabia, which surged by over 1,026% year-on-year, indicating a spike in petroleum or fuel-related imports. This import surge placed Saudi Arabia among Rwanda’s top import sources for the month.
In terms of trade partnerships, the United Arab Emirates remained Rwanda’s largest export destination, purchasing goods worth $44.68 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo followed with $22.31 million in imports from Rwanda, while China was third at $14.07 million.
On the import side, China led the way with $96.88 million in goods sold to Rwanda. Tanzania followed with $47.09 million, while India contributed $35.97 million. Imports from Kenya also saw a recovery, rising to $32.87 million after a significant slump earlier in the year.
Most of Rwanda’s trade was conducted via land routes, with land transport accounting for $357.25 million in imports and $84.60 million in domestic exports. However, air transport also saw increased activity, with $46.81 million in imports and $43.21 million in exports handled through airports, highlighting a growing reliance on air freight for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
This is the result of decades-long, consistent national efforts to combat the proliferation of small and light weapons.
Following the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced the persistent threat of leftover weapons hidden by ex-FAR members, Interahamwe militias, and various infiltrators. While some of these arms are still being discovered today, they are promptly catalogued and systematically destroyed.
Between 2009 and 2014, Rwanda destroyed a total of 12,327 firearms and 500 tons of explosives, in line with its national policy on combating the spread of small arms and light weapons.
Rwanda is a signatory to several international and regional frameworks targeting arms control. Among them is the Nairobi Protocol of 2000, which focuses on the prevention, control, and reduction of small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.
Another key agreement is the Kinshasa Convention, signed on August 1, 2011, which governs small arms and light weapons in Central Africa.
These international and regional commitments align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a peaceful and secure continent. One of the flagship projects under this agenda is the “Silencing the Guns” initiative, which was initially aimed at ending conflict by 2020 and has since been extended to 2030.
To strengthen control, traceability, and accountability, Rwanda has made significant investments in arms management systems. The country has acquired four electronic firearms marking machines, which allow for the unique identification of each weapon.
In an environmentally responsible shift, two firearm destruction machines have also been procured, replacing older open-area dismantling methods that posed safety and environmental risks.
To further secure firearm storage, Rwanda has invested in 335 bullet-resistant storage boxes and 88 gun racks designed for large firearms. Destruction of weapons now takes place within military facilities, a move that significantly reduces the risk of misuse or leakage during the disposal process.
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Firearm ownership is legal in Rwanda but tightly regulated. Possessing a firearm requires a valid permit, and owners must carry their license, ammunition, and all related documentation when in possession of a weapon. Article 18 of the 2018 Firearms Law strictly prohibits civilians from owning firearms intended for state security forces.
The government ensures that all firearms owned by the Rwanda National Police, licensed private security companies, and authorized civilians are properly marked and traceable. This traceability enhances national oversight and accountability in firearm management.
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Under the revised National Policy on the Prevention of Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation (2024–2029), Rwanda has instituted a requirement that all newly acquired firearms be marked at the time of procurement. This includes weapons owned by private security companies and individuals licensed to possess firearms.
In December 2024, Rwanda received a mobile armoury to enhance the safety of firearm storage in the field. During the handover ceremony, Commissioner of Police (Rtd) Vianney Nshimiyimana, Head of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Unit at the Ministry of Internal Security, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to arms control.
He emphasised that while state-owned firearms and those legally possessed by civilians are secure, constant vigilance remains necessary. “A single firearm in the wrong hands can jeopardise the safety of an entire city. That’s why we take this very seriously,” he said.
According to the ministry, unauthorised firearm possession is extremely rare in Rwanda today. Most illegal weapons still traced in the country originate from the post-genocide period, a lingering challenge that authorities continue to address with diligence and resolve.
