Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

The event, held on July 6, 2025, at Rubirizi Football Ground in Nasho Sector, was not only a musical tribute to his loyal fans but also a platform for promoting HIV prevention.

The concert marked the beginning of a nationwide tour celebrating Senderi’s two decades in the music industry.

Known for his patriotic anthems and infectious Afrobeat rhythms, Senderi returned to his roots in Nyarubuye, Kirehe, to thank the community that shaped him.

“Twenty years is a significant milestone,” he said. “I wanted to honour it meaningfully, starting in the place where my journey began.”

But the evening offered more than just music. The day’s activities began with Umuganda, Rwanda’s traditional community work, during which Senderi and local residents joined forces to clear roads.

As the sun set, thousands gathered for a night of energetic performances by Senderi and guest artists, including rapper Kaligombe, MC Nice, and MC Calypso.

What truly set this concert apart, however, was its dual purpose. Alongside the entertainment, Senderi partnered with HDI to provide free HIV testing and distributed 20,000 condoms, a move that temporarily turned the concert grounds into a health outreach centre. Residents also received information on crop and livestock insurance, blending celebration with practical life education.

While many fans embraced the artist’s commitment to community wellbeing, some were surprised by the unexpected focus on health at a music event.

“We grew up enjoying his songs, and today was special because we saw him live and he inspired us again,” said Beatrice Uwiringiyimana, a resident of Nyarubuye. “His songs always teach us something; this time, the lesson was clearer than ever.”

Olivier Nshimiyimana echoed the sentiment, praising the experience.

“It’s rare to see an artist come to entertain us here. I appreciated not just the music, but also working with him during Umuganda. It made the day feel complete,” he remarked.

The Mayor of Kirehe District, Bruno Rangira, commended Senderi for beginning his tour in his home district and for consistently promoting national unity through his music. Rangira also highlighted the artist’s longstanding contributions to public causes, including the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi and other civic initiatives.

Senderi’s tour will continue with stops in Burera (July 11), Muhanga (July 12), Huye (July 18), Bugesera (July 19), Kayonza (July 23), Ngoma (July 25), Musanze (July 26), Rubavu (July 27), and Rusizi (July 29), before concluding in Kigali City on August 2, 2025.

In a statement released over the weekend, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the DRC government had undertaken a “massive and provocative deployment of troops and military equipment” along the frontlines, with support from allied forces including the National Defence Force of Burundi.

The group claimed that heavy weapons were being deliberately aimed at densely populated areas, calling the move “criminally irresponsible” and suggesting it borders on a crime against humanity.

“The illegitimate regime in Kinshasa is showing blatant disregard for ongoing negotiations,” the statement read. “These belligerent actions are a direct insult to the diplomatic process and sabotage efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.”

AFC/M23, which has previously expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, said it had honoured its commitments under current peace frameworks, but accused the Congolese government of failing to uphold its part, particularly regarding confidence-building measures.

“This duplicity is unacceptable,” the group said, while reaffirming its “unwavering commitment” to political dialogue as a path to resolving the crisis.

However, it warned that the continued military build-up posed a direct threat to civilian populations and that the group reserves the “legitimate right” to defend its positions and protect communities under threat.

AFC/M23 controls large swathes of eastern DRC, and efforts have been made by Qatar to resolve the conflict and silence the guns in the region.

However, the group has accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of undermining the process. While attempts to revive peace talks are ongoing, the situation remains fragile.

Gabriella, 18, secured her spot after winning the national round of Miss RSW Rwanda 2025, where she impressed judges with a strong score of 212.03 out of 300 (70.68%). She edged out competitors Asangwe Marie Osea and Irankunda Jeanine, who took first and second runner-up positions, respectively.

A student at King David Academy, Gabriella is known for her confidence, poise, and passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. She describes herself as a purpose-driven young woman who leads with both heart and intellect, and places faith and family at the centre of her life.

“It’s an incredible honour to represent every Rwandan woman with a dream,” she shared. “I’m coming with a heart full of love and a vision that can’t be hidden.”

Gabriella will compete under the East Africa bloc, alongside Nycie Gracia Dushime of Burundi, a Miss Burundi 2025 semifinalist, and Diana Nakeza Mushagalusa from the DRC.

Judges from across the world, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand, applauded Gabriella for her cultural insight, eloquence, digital savvy, and Christ-centred values. Her respect for Rwandan heritage and polished public speaking skills also stood out.

The Miss Rise and Shine World pageant, launched in 2012 by Bishop Justin Alain and Marlene Justin, is now present in over 50 countries. It aims to empower young women through leadership grounded in faith and purpose.

The international finals will bring together contestants from across continents for a week-long celebration of beauty, culture, and inspiration.

President Kagame co-chairs the Commission alongside Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim.

Sunday’s session was led by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The event celebrated 15 years of progress in advocating for meaningful and inclusive broadband connectivity, especially in underserved regions.

Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, was among the leaders who attended the online session.

Established in 2010 by the ITU and UNESCO, the Broadband Commission serves as a high-level public-private partnership promoting digital cooperation. Its founding members include President Kagame and Carlos Slim, both of whom have played a pivotal role in elevating broadband to the forefront of global development discussions.

The Commission brings together more than 50 leaders from across sectors, including CEOs, policymakers, UN agencies, academia, and civil society, working to advance broadband adoption and digital inclusion globally. Its mission aligns closely with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing broadband as a foundational enabler of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Over the years, the Commission has produced influential policy recommendations and flagship reports, including the annual State of Broadband report. Its advocacy has focused on bridging digital gaps, promoting affordable and safe connectivity, and shaping national broadband strategies, particularly in the Global South.

Speaking to RBA in a recent interview, he emphasised that over the past 31 years, the RDF has built robust capabilities to safeguard Rwanda’s security, sovereignty, and borders, with capacities that even extend to assisting other nations.

Brig Gen. Rwivanga stated that no one should doubt the RDF’s ability to guarantee full security, as its capacity is evident in its operations.

“I want to assure Rwandans that security is fully ensured. We are protecting our borders, and this is clear because any attempted attacks are swiftly repelled. Our forces are ready and are doing their job as they should. We pledge to keep improving in order to provide complete security,” he said.

He went on to explain that the RDF’s capabilities have significantly improved across the board, enabling the military to not only defend Rwanda comprehensively but also support other countries.

“We have the capacity. We’ve been trained, and we can defend our borders while also helping others to achieve what we have. Our capabilities have increased in terms of training, equipment, knowledge, and professionalism, all of which are at a high level. RDF will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty to the fullest extent possible.”

The Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Lt Gen Humphrey Nyone, recently praised the professionalism and effectiveness of Rwandan troops, noting that their presence brings tangible peace.

“Due to the trust they have earned and the excellent work they are doing, they have earned trust and respect. People want to see tangible results rather than hear unfounded stories. Their actions speak for themselves,” Nyone said in March following discussions with the Rwandan Army Chief of Staff for Land Forces, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, who visited the MINUSCA headquarters in the Central African Republic.

Among the eight pillars of governance in Rwanda, the security pillar consistently ranks highest, thanks to strong public satisfaction.

According to the Rwanda Governance Scorecard (RGS), an annual survey conducted by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the 2024 edition, released in November, showed that security and citizen tranquillity were the most appreciated aspects of governance that year, scoring 93.82%.