The 53-year-old, who had been living in Norway under the false identity of Franky Dusabe, was received and subsequently arrested at Kigali International Airport on Friday morning.
According to the NPPA, he was born in 1972 in Bitabage Cell, Ndaro Sector, Ngororero District, in Rwanda’s Western Province. At the time of the genocide, he was a student living in the same district.
In 2007, the Gacaca Court of Nyange convicted him in absentia, sentencing him to 19 years in prison for his role in the Genocide against the Tutsi. The NPPA says he will now face trial before Rwandan courts.
His return follows a lengthy legal battle in Norway. Gasana was arrested in Oslo in October 2022 after an investigation by the Norwegian Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos). The Oslo Court approved his extradition in September 2023, a decision upheld by the appellate court in April 2024 and later by the Supreme Court in June 2024. The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Cabinet gave final approval in February 2025, paving the way for his handover.
Norwegian police attorney Thea Elize Kjaeraas stated in June that Gasana’s extradition was in line with Norway’s commitment to international agreements, including United Nations conventions on preventing genocide.
In its statement, the NPPA expressed appreciation for Norway’s cooperation.
“The National Public Prosecution Authority of Rwanda thanks the cooperation of the judicial authorities of Norway in the fight against crimes in general, as well as their role in the fight against the culture of impunity,” NPPA spokesperson Nkusi Faustin said in a statement.
Gasana’s extradition adds to a growing list of genocide fugitives returned to Rwanda in recent years, as the country continues its pursuit of justice for the 1994 atrocities.
Among the most recent cases is that of Ahmed Napoleon Mbonyunkiza, who was extradited from the United States in March this year. Other genocide suspects previously deported by the U.S. to Rwanda include Dr. Léopold Munyakazi (2016), Marie Claire Mukeshimana (2011), Jean Mary Vianney Mudahinyuka (2011), and Enos Iragaba Kagaba (2005).
On August 7, 2025, the NIDA officially launched a pre-enrollment platform that allows citizens to verify or correct their existing civil registration records.
This step marks the beginning of preparations for the issuance of the new digital IDs. The verification process is expected to be extended to local communities across the country, down to the cell level, to ensure that every citizen can conveniently confirm their personal information. Individuals with internet access can also complete the process online through the IremboGov platform.
Once their details are verified, citizens will receive a unique code granting them permission to submit their biometric data, which is required for the new digital ID.
The Director General of the National Identification Agency (NIDA), Josephine Mukesha, stated that the digital ID system is a step toward resolving all existing issues found in civil registration data.
“As of today, there are people whose national IDs show their date of birth as January 1st, even though they have documents that clearly indicate different actual birthdates. What we’re asking is that they bring those documents so we can correct the information, ensuring that their digital ID reflects accurate data,” she said.
“We are currently in the process of verifying and confirming citizens’ personal information. The full digital ID system is expected to become operational in June next year,” Mukesha added.
The digital ID project is part of a larger national program being implemented in partnership with the World Bank. The total investment stands at approximately Frw 200 billion, with Frw 40 billion specifically allocated to the development of the digital ID infrastructure.
The initiative spans a three-year timeline and received Frw 5.4 billion for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. In 2025/2026, it has been allocated Frw 12.2 billion.
The digital ID will be offered in multiple formats: as a physical card similar to the current national ID, as a QR code that can be stored on digital devices such as smartphones and computers, and as a secure digital token that serves a unique function different from the traditional ID number. This approach aims to give users more flexibility and accessibility while strengthening identity security.
Unlike the existing system, which captures only a facial photo, a signature, and two fingerprints, the new ID will gather a more comprehensive set of biometric and demographic data.
This includes a high-resolution facial scan, fingerprints from all ten fingers, an iris scan, the individual’s full name, date and place of birth, the names of their parents, and contact details such as phone numbers and email addresses where available.
The process for children is age-specific: those from birth to age five will have only a facial photo taken, while children aged five and above will undergo full biometric data capture.
All minors under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the process. Once children reach the age of sixteen, their biometric data will be updated to reflect physical changes. For individuals with disabilities or missing biometric features, the system has been designed to detect and adjust accordingly, capturing only the available data.
Given the sensitive nature of the information involved, the government has prioritized data privacy and security. State-of-the-art technology will be employed to ensure that personal data is stored safely and accessed only by authorized personnel.
A dedicated security team will monitor the system daily to prevent unauthorized access or misuse. One of the most significant innovations of this system is that it gives citizens full control over how their data is shared.
Depending on the service required, different institutions may request different types of information, but access will only be granted with the user’s explicit consent.
John Ndanyuzwe, a data management specialist at NIDA and one of the key figures overseeing the implementation of the digital ID project, highlighted the confidentiality framework built into the system.
He explained that, for example, if a person visits a bar where age verification is required, the system will simply confirm whether the individual is of legal age without revealing the exact date of birth.
This minimizes unnecessary data exposure while still enabling access to services. To support this feature, a mobile application will be introduced, allowing citizens to manage their privacy preferences and grant access to specific data on a case-by-case basis.
Rwandans living abroad have also been considered in the rollout. Identity verification services will be made available at Rwandan embassies around the world, followed by issuance of the digital ID.
Citizens will be informed in advance by their respective diplomatic missions about when and where the process will take place. In addition to Rwandan nationals, the new digital ID will also be issued to foreign residents, refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, abandoned children, and temporary visitors who need access to services while in the country.
The digital ID is expected to significantly streamline access to essential services by centralizing personal information and eliminating the need for citizens to carry multiple documents.
It will also reduce associated costs such as travel expenses and document printing, as many services will become accessible remotely and securely.
Beyond convenience, the system represents a major step forward in modernizing governance and fostering trust, transparency, and efficiency across Rwanda’s service delivery landscape.
The session provided updates on Rwanda’s internal and external security situation, as well as the RDF’s ongoing contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and bilateral military operations.
In his welcoming remarks, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, emphasised that the security brief held, helps in strengthening mutual understanding and contributes to collaborative approach to promote peace across the region and beyond.
Following a series of presentations, and an extensive interactive session, the representative of the DA Association, Brig Gen Emmanuel Shillingi said that they were grateful for regular security briefings and reiterated that they provide invaluable insights into the host nation’s perspectives, as well as internal and regional security dynamics.
He also affirmed their commitment to strengthening, promoting and preserving cooperation and mutual understanding as partners in development.
The event was attended by 22 Defence Attachés and Associates representing various countries and international organisations.
These include Angola, China, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Japan, Jordan, Mauritania, Namibia, Qatar, South Korea, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the European Union (EU), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Israel intended to take control of all of Gaza to “assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza,” Netanyahu said on Thursday in an interview with Fox News ahead of the Security Cabinet meeting.
“We don’t want to keep it. We want to have a security perimeter. We want to hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us and giving Gazans a good life,” he said.
In response, Hamas said in a statement that it considers Netanyahu’s statements to represent “a clear reversal of the course of negotiations and reveal the true motives behind his withdrawal from the final round.”
At least 9,752 Palestinians have been killed and 40,004 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 61,258, and injuries to 152,045, Gaza-based health authorities said Thursday.
The wildfire, dubbed the Canyon fire, broke out around 1:25 p.m. local time (2025 GMT) near Piru, a small historic town located in eastern Ventura County and around 77 km northwest of Los Angeles. The blaze grew rapidly to over 1,000 acres (around 4.05 square km) in hours with no containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Local officials issued multiple evacuation orders and warnings for some communities near the fire in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
“Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access,” said Cal Fire in its evacuation orders.
“The Canyon Fire is spreading fast under extreme heat and dry conditions near Ventura-LA County line,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger in a post on X, urging residents in the area to “take evacuation orders seriously — when first responders say GO, leave immediately.”
The temperature in the area reached 37.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with 15-17 percent humidity, according to the U.S. National Weather Service.
The arrest took place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Kigali. RIB confirmed that the suspects are currently being held at Kimihurura and Kicukiro RIB stations as investigations continue.
The suspects are accused of abusing their positions for personal gain and engaging in practices that violate both the law and ethical standards in public service.
Prof. Munyaneza had served as WASAC’s CEO until July 2025, when he was replaced following concerns over the corporation’s management and service delivery.
RIB said the arrests followed credible reports and evidence provided by citizens and stakeholders, commending members of the public who came forward to report the alleged misconduct.
If found guilty, the suspects could face penalties under Rwanda’s anti-corruption laws, which impose heavy prison sentences and fines for public officials found guilty of abusing their office.
RIB reiterated its commitment to fighting corruption and unethical practices in all public institutions, calling on the public to continue reporting any suspicious activities that undermine transparency and good governance.
Prof. Munyaneza, born in 1973, holds a PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering Management from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands.
He has extensive experience in water management, having taught the subject for many years at the University of Rwanda. He also previously served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors at WASAC.
President Tshisekedi described the new cabinet as a “government of national unity,” highlighting that it includes members of the opposition who agreed to work with him in addressing the pressing challenges facing the country.
Several ministers from the previous administration have been reappointed. These include Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita as Minister of Defense, and Jacquemain Shabani who returns as Minister of Interior.
Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo was reappointed as Minister of Transport and Communications, while Patrick Muyaya continues in his role as Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson.
New faces in the cabinet include opposition figure Adolphe Muzito, now appointed as Minister of Finance; Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali as Minister of Justice; Eliezer Ntambwe, who will oversee veteran affairs; and Floribert Azuluni as Minister of Regional Cooperation.
Notably, no members of the ECIDé party, led by opposition politician Martin Fayulu, were included in the new government, despite earlier expectations following their June 2025 agreement to cooperate in addressing national issues.
Other major opposition parties, such as the PPRD of former President Joseph Kabila and Ensemble led by Moïse Katumbi, were also excluded from the new cabinet. The government has accused these groups of collaborating with what it calls “the enemy” of the Congolese state.
The Congolese government has been fighting the M23 rebel group which re-emerged in late 2021, claiming to fight for rights of marginalized Tutsi communities in DR Congo.
Since then, the rebel group has taken control of large parts of eastern Congo, including key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
Residents in the occupied areas report a sense of restored peace, with M23 pledging to continue providing protection amid ongoing attacks from the Congolese armed coalition that was previously expelled from the region.
U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa made the remarks after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Presidential Palace.
He said the United States will “work directly with the Israelis to ensure a full withdrawal in exchange for the Lebanese army’s deployment,” which, he said, is “essential to prevent southern Lebanon from being a launchpad for rockets and to protect its residents.”
The United States will continue to provide equipment, training, and diplomatic backing — under the leadership of the Lebanese government alone, the congressman added.
Responding to questions about Hezbollah’s rejection of disarmament, Issa stressed that there is only one government, one president, and one legal armed force — the Lebanese army.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Andrea Tenenti, announced in a statement Thursday that its forces, in coordination with the Lebanese army, discovered “an extensive network of fortified tunnels” in the vicinity of the villages of Tayr Harfa, Zebqine, and the town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon.
“The discovery included a number of bunkers, artillery pieces, multiple rocket launchers, as well as hundreds of shells and rockets, anti-tank mines, and other explosive devices.”
The UNIFIL had previously reported the discovery of more than 225 weapons and ammunition caches at various locations.
In an updated statement on Thursday, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, affiliated with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, said one Syrian was killed, and two Lebanese injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting the town of Deir Seryan in southern Lebanon a day earlier.
The official Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes launched intense airstrikes Wednesday night on multiple areas in southern Lebanon, targeting Lebanese Hezbollah sites. Firefighting and ambulance teams faced difficulties in reaching the area due to the intensity of the strikes.
Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the United States and France, has been in effect. It ended the confrontations that erupted between the two sides due to the war in the Gaza Strip.
Despite the agreement, the Israeli army occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are to eliminate Hezbollah “threats.” It has also maintained its forces in five key positions in the Lebanese border area after a deadline for full withdrawal expired on Feb. 18.
Ingabire faces six criminal charges, including forming a criminal group, inciting unrest, undermining the government, disseminating false information intended to discredit the state abroad, spreading rumours, and planning acts intended to destabilise public order.
On August 4, Ingabire appeared before the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court to appeal the lower court’s July ruling, seeking provisional release. She submitted eight arguments in support of her request, challenging the legality of her continued detention.
Her appeal cited, among others, alleged procedural violations, the expiration of statutory limits on certain charges, inconsistencies between the law used to detain her and constitutional provisions, and the assertion that she had not been granted adequate legal representation. Ingabire argued that her preferred lawyer from Kenya had been denied temporary practice rights in Rwanda.
In its ruling, the court found that Ingabire had been adequately represented by Me Gatera Gashabana throughout all proceedings, and dismissed claims of legal misrepresentation. It further ruled that the Prosecution had acted within its rights in submitting its response through the court’s electronic filing system, even if submitted late.
The court also rejected Ingabire’s challenge to the constitutionality of Article 106, which was used as the legal basis for her detention. It held that the issue was not directly relevant to the decision taken by the lower court.
Addressing the defence’s claim that certain charges, such as inciting public disorder and spreading rumours, were time-barred, the court concluded that investigations were ongoing and that the alleged offences continued to have legal effect, particularly in the case of online content that remains publicly accessible.
The court cited several elements to justify continued detention, including audio recordings allegedly involving Ingabire and others discussing protest planning, testimony from associates, and digital evidence linked to platforms such as YouTube and Umubavu TV. It also referenced communication between Ingabire and alleged co-conspirators, including messages instructing the distribution of anti-government leaflets.
Claims that the evidence was unlawfully obtained were also dismissed, with the court noting that such matters would be considered at the substantive trial stage rather than during the remand process.
The court ultimately found that the prosecution had presented sufficient grounds to justify Ingabire’s continued detention as investigations proceed, and ruled that she remain held at Nyarugenge Prison in Mageragere.
He made the remarks during a training session held in July 2025, which brought together district-level representatives of nurses and midwives affiliated with RNMU.
Gitembagara pointed out that the nursing and midwifery professions remain economically underdeveloped, making it vital for professionals in these fields to explore alternative sources of income to boost their financial security.
“When you look at many nurses, they earn around 200,000 Rwandan Francs, whether in rural or urban areas, and this amount is often insufficient to invest in even a small side business,” he said. “We are currently in discussions with Muganga SACCO to explore support programmes that can facilitate these projects.”
He further emphasised that supporting professionals in this field also contributes to women’s empowerment, as approximately 65% of nurses and midwives are women.
The training also covered key topics related to labour rights and the legal frameworks governing the nursing and midwifery professions. Participants were equipped with knowledge on how to protect and advocate for their rights in the workplace.
Legal expert Hobess Nkundimana highlighted that nurses and midwives often dedicate the majority of their time to work, which can make them vulnerable to unfair treatment due to limited legal awareness.
“Understanding labour laws will help them contribute meaningfully to human resource management processes, ensuring that decisions are made fairly — whether in favour of the employer or the employee,” Nkundimana said.
Rwanda currently has over 14,000 nurses and midwives in active practice, with more than 12,000 registered under RNMU.
The two-day training was attended by representatives from all 30 districts across the country.
