The agreement was reached during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on 24 July 2025. Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, represented Rwanda at the meeting.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum following the Washington Peace Agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group signed earlier this month.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the parties said the new Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map (2025–2026) outlines key operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines to guide the repatriation and reintegration process.
The new plan aims to provide lasting solutions for thousands of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Rwandan refugees in DRC, and is seen as a critical component of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
President Paul Kagame has in the past maintained that Rwanda currently hosts more than 100,000 Congolese refugees affected by the conflict in eastern DRC, which is attributed to the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
Following the Thursday meeting, the parties reaffirmed the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without constraints. The plan also calls for improved coordination between the two governments and UNHCR, the provision of accurate information to refugees, and the establishment of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently hosted at a transit centre in Goma, DRC. This will be carried out with support from UNHCR and in coordination with relevant local authorities.
The road map also places emphasis on inclusive reintegration planning, ensuring returnees have access to housing, education, livelihoods, health services, and civil documentation. Additionally, it calls for engagement with donors and development partners to support the long-term recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the three parties also agreed to hold regular technical working group meetings to monitor implementation of the road map and plan to reconvene at the ministerial level in six months to assess progress and offer strategic guidance.
School feeding has become an important part of Rwanda’s education policy, aimed at reducing child hunger during school hours and expanding access to learning, especially for children from low-income families.
At Busasamana Technical School, physics teacher and school feeding coordinator Alice Allouette Marie Munyurabanga sees mushroom farming as a promising way to enhance meal quality for students. Mushroom cultivation presents new opportunities to improve the meals we provide, particularly for those whose families struggle financially, she said.
“The school feeding program faces a real challenge when some parents cannot afford to contribute on time,” she said. “Mushroom cultivation is potentially a good option to fill the gap. But we do not have enough knowledge and skills on the techniques needed to cultivate mushrooms.”
She made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua during a recent Juncao technology training session at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center (C-RATDC) in Huye District in the country’s Southern Province.
Munyurabanga was among 57 participants from five African countries attending the Second African Training Workshop on Applications of Juncao Technology, held from July 16 to July 23.
The workshop, co-hosted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, focused on the use of Juncao technology for mushroom farming, livestock feed and environmental protection. It brought together agricultural officers, educators and development experts from across Africa.
Earlier in May, Munyurabanga joined a study tour to China, where she was introduced to Juncao technology for the first time. The experience, she said, sparked a new interest in applying the innovation at her school.
“By chance, I was selected to take part in this latest capacity-building training,” she said. “I see it as a great opportunity for my school, and for the country, to deepen our understanding and improve our skills in mushroom cultivation. With the knowledge I have gained, I will be able to help produce enough mushrooms for our students when I return to school.”
Juncao, a hybrid grass developed in the 1980s by Lin Zhanxi, a professor of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, is a multifunctional agricultural technology. It is mainly used as a substrate for growing edible and medicinal mushrooms but also serves as livestock feed and aids in ecological restoration. The innovation has been introduced in over 100 countries, including Rwanda.
The Juncao technology project was launched at the UN headquarters in 2017 and supported by the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.
Munyurabanga said that mushrooms were chosen among various vegetables because they are both nutritious and cost-effective. Currently, her school includes mushrooms in students’ meals at least twice a week.
Her school also has access to a large piece of land for agricultural activities. After returning from China, she introduced Juncao technology to her colleagues, who welcomed the idea. The school has since decided to plant Juncao grass to begin producing its own mushroom substrate.
“My hope is for our school to become a model in mushroom cultivation and substrate production,” she said. “Other schools could learn from us, not only how to grow mushrooms, but also how to prepare the substrate, how to cook the mushrooms, and how to incorporate them into school meals.”
Having gained insights into Rwanda’s school feeding program, Chen Xiaobin, an expert at the C-RATDC, said he hopes to organize future training workshops specifically for schools, aiming to better support the national feeding strategy through the application of Juncao technology.
He made the remarks at the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) Strategic Planning Meeting, held in Kigali from July 22 to 24, 2025.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, governors, local government associations, and development partners from across the East African Community (EAC), under the theme: “Strengthening the Role of County and Local Governments in Regional Integration and Cross-Border Cooperation.”
Highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration, Mugenzi noted initiatives like cross-border markets and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
“Regional integration and cooperation are essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability,” he stated, underscoring the need for empowered local governments to drive these efforts.
He stressed that “Local governments play a crucial role in governance, poverty reduction, and regional collaboration,” urging coordinated partnerships to tackle challenges like youth unemployment, civic engagement, and climate change.
The Minister pointed to the Mpazi Rehousing Model in Kigali as a successful example of local governments addressing housing and socioeconomic issues through community collaboration.
He called for the EALGF to serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation, saying, “This forum should be the right platform to challenge us on how we could foster collaboration and innovation among regional Local Government leaders and associations, address shared challenges, and enhance sustainable development for our citizens.”
Mugenzi encouraged participants to focus on key priorities, including strategies to address regional challenges, empower local government associations, and set standards for effective service delivery.
Ben Kumumanya, Chairperson of the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) and Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Local Government, called for robust strategies to position local governments as key drivers of regional development.
“Our ultimate goal is to position counties and local governments as key drivers of regional development, increased visibility, and active contributors to the East African Community’s integration objectives,” he emphasized.
Kumumanya also urged delegates to focus on creating actionable strategies aligned with EAC priorities, including economic development, infrastructure, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Established in 2011, the EALGF facilitates engagement between local governments, promoting decentralization, local democracy, and cross-border trade to drive economic integration at the grassroots level.
The plant, owned by HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, will produce more than 1,800 tonnes of construction and sanitary hardware annually. Its product range includes plumbing and electrical fittings, water system pipes, LED lighting, Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) wall panels, and glass shower enclosures essential for interior finishing works.
Located in the rapidly developing Bugesera Industrial Park, the factory occupies a one-hectare plot, with 6,000 square metres of built-up space, half of which is currently in use. It has a daily production capacity of up to five tonnes and is expected to significantly reduce Rwanda’s reliance on imported construction materials.
Speaking during a pre-inauguration event on Wednesday, July 23, Jean Bosco Mungwarareba, the founder and managing director of HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, said his 25 years of experience importing construction materials inspired him to invest in local production.
The move aligns with the government’s “Made in Rwanda” initiative aimed at promoting local manufacturing and reducing the trade deficit.
Mungwarareba said he aims to expand the factory’s capacity so that, in the near future, it can locally produce at least 30 percent of the construction materials he used to import.
“Eventually, we want to start exporting these high-quality products and help bring foreign currency into the country rather than lose it through imports.”
Currently, the factory employs 22 permanent staff, with more casual workers expected as production scales up.
The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has praised the initiative, noting the strategic importance of local manufacturing. Callixte Kanamugire, Chief Advocacy Officer at PSF, said the factory will not only help cut Rwanda’s import bill but also support job creation and export growth.
“These are globally competitive products. With the government’s emphasis on quality assurance, local factories like this one are well-positioned to serve both domestic and regional markets,” Kanamugire said, adding that such ventures are key to addressing Rwanda’s trade deficit.
The Bugesera Industrial Park, which spans 335.67 hectares, is being developed in three phases as part of a joint venture between the Government of Rwanda and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP).
Phase I covers 91.63 hectares and already hosts 18 factories—12 operational and six under construction. Phase II, extending over 99.45 hectares, is set for completion by the end of this year, while Phase III (144.58 hectares) is scheduled to be finalised by 2027.
Once fully developed, the industrial zone is expected to contribute $1.2 billion to Rwanda’s manufacturing sector, create 45,000 jobs, and attract over $400 million in foreign direct investment.
Damascene Munyaneza, Director of Administration and Finance at HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, applauded government efforts in creating enabling environments for industrial growth.
“The establishment of special economic zones is accelerating the implementation of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2),” he said.
The establishment of the new factory marks a significant step towards greater self-reliance in the construction sector and positions Rwanda as a rising industrial hub in the region.
Dr. Nsengiyumva, who was previously the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, 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.
According to Article 119 of the Constitution, the new Prime Minister’s responsibilities include leading government operations based on the overarching guidance provided by the President of the Republic, overseeing the implementation of laws, and preparing the government’s action program in consultation with other Cabinet members.
He is also required to present the government program to Parliament within 30 days of assuming office. Additionally, he assigns responsibilities to Ministers, State Ministers, and other government officials; convenes Cabinet meetings; and prepares the agenda for such meetings in consultation with fellow Cabinet members. The agenda must be submitted to the President and other Cabinet members at least three days before the meeting—except for urgent matters handled in extraordinary sessions.
The Prime Minister has the authority to chair Cabinet meetings, although the President presides when in attendance. He also issues orders determining the objectives, duties, and organizational structures of government institutions under his authority.
The Prime Minister may also issue implementing orders for laws within his remit, and sign orders concerning the appointment and dismissal of senior officials, including the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Executive Secretaries of national commissions, Advisors and Heads of Units within the Prime Minister’s Office, and other senior government officials whose appointments are not governed by other procedures.
This power extends to senior and managerial positions in the Parliament, Supreme Court, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Prosecutor General, ministries, and other government institutions.
It also includes national-level prosecutors, heads of higher-level prosecution offices, and public servants appointed at the same level as the aforementioned officials, as well as others specified by law.
The Prime Minister also co-signs laws passed by Parliament, presidential orders, and other legal instruments initiated by the Government.
{{Focus on NST 2 Targets}}
Beyond general constitutional responsibilities, Dr. Nsengiyumva’s administration faces the crucial task of delivering on the remaining goals of Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), which has four years left.
NST 2 is built on five main pillars: job creation, boosting exports, improving education quality, combating malnutrition and stunting, and enhancing service delivery.
Under this strategy, agriculture is expected to grow at 6% annually, driven by market-oriented production. Agricultural output is projected to increase by over 50% through the expansion of irrigated land to 85%, and increased use of fertilizers and improved seeds. Livestock farming is also to be modernized.
The plan also aims to create 1.25 million new income-generating jobs, with at least 250,000 created each year.
Private investment is expected to double from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion by 2029. Exports are projected to rise from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion. The “Made in Rwanda” initiative is set to be strengthened to boost local production and employment, particularly through agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors.
In education, enrollment in pre-primary schools is to increase from 35% to 65%, reinforcing the commitment to early childhood education. More students are expected to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), supported by access to resources and equipment. Additionally, 500,000 people are to be trained in digital skills, and vocational model schools will be prioritized to meet labor market demands.
In the health sector, service delivery will be improved, with the number of healthcare workers expected to quadruple. Special attention will be given to services for pregnant women and children. The goal is to reduce child stunting from 33% to 15%, and by 2029, every household, school, and hospital should have access to electricity and clean water.
In tourism, revenues are projected to double, driven by Rwanda’s ambition to become a top destination for international conferences and related activities.
A digital national ID will be introduced to simplify access to public services, and by 2029, all government services are expected to be delivered digitally.
On the international front, the government will focus on enhancing foreign trade and attracting investment to boost economic development. Rwandans living abroad will also be increasingly engaged in sustainable development initiatives, while peace and security will continue to be prioritized.
To achieve all of this in the remaining timeframe, the government under Prime Minister Nsengiyumva is anticipated to implement strong and urgent strategies to accelerate progress in lagging areas and ensure that all targets are met by 2029.
In a strongly worded statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that while regional and international actors are preoccupied with interpreting the recently signed declaration of principles, the Congolese government has continued large-scale troop deployments and military operations in civilian-populated areas.
“While everyone is bogged down in interpreting the declaration of principles, the illegitimate Kinshasa regime relentlessly continues the deployment of its troops on all fronts, directs its heavy weapons toward densely populated areas, and intensifies offensives in the Uvira Highlands, targeting the Banyamulenge villages of Rurambo,” Kanyuka said.
Kanyuka added that the offensives, carried out by a coalition of Congolese government forces (FARDC), the FDLR, Maï-Maï Wazalendo, and the Burundi Defence Force, have killed numerous civilians and worsened an already dire humanitarian situation.
The statement marks the latest in a series of accusations levelled by the AFC/M23 movement against the Congolese government in the aftermath of peace initiatives launched in Washington and Doha.
On July 17, the group publicly warned of continued military aggression from Kinshasa, claiming it undermines the peace efforts being pursued in Doha, Qatar.
Two days earlier, the group had accused government forces of killing four of its members in what it described as a demonstration of “warlike intentions” that contradicted the spirit of dialogue.
At the time, Kanyuka reaffirmed the group’s intention to protect civilians and eliminate threats “at their source”, in a video shared on social media.
“We will not yield to intimidation or the manoeuvres of an illegitimate and bloodthirsty regime, which sacrifices peace for the sake of its selfish interests.”
The Doha negotiations, led by Qatar, were brokered to end the fighting in eastern DRC, which earlier this year saw the rebels capture large swathes of territory, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. The rebels accuse President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and practising poor governance.
Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara made the announcement on Wednesday, noting that the dissolution is a constitutional requirement in a year when general elections are pending.
According to the speaker, all operations of the National Assembly involving members of parliament, including legislation, oversight, and representation, have ceased following the dissolution.
However, Hara has indicated the possibility of reconvening the National Assembly under particular circumstances, as stipulated in the country’s Constitution.
The speaker said in a statement that if the president deems a constitutional crisis or emergency has arisen between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the general elections, he may reconvene the parliament solely for that purpose.
At least 20 presidential candidates are expected to present their nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission from July 24 to 30.
They include incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the governing Malawi Congress Party, former President Peter Mutharika on the Democratic Progressive Party ticket, former President Joyce Banda with the People’s Party, and former Reserve Bank Governor Dalitso Kabambe with the United Transformation Movement.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov led the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, respectively. The closed-door talks were chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Following the talks, which lasted for less than one hour, Umerov said at a press conference that Ukraine continues to insist on a full and unconditional ceasefire as the essential foundation for effective diplomacy.
“We are ready for a ceasefire now and to start substantive peace negotiations, and it is up to the other side to accept this basic step towards peace,” Umerov said.
“We emphasize that the ceasefire must be genuine. It must include a complete cessation of strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Prior to the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow and Kiev are “diametrically opposed” in their positions on how to end the conflict, noting that “much work” still needs to be done.
The Ukrainian side has proposed to Russia to hold a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “by the end of August,” where the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be “especially valuable,” he said.
During a separate press conference after the talks, Medinsky said Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war each, including a proposal from Moscow to swap about 30 civilians held by Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Russia has returned the bodies of 7,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to return 3,000 more, he said, requesting the return of any number of deceased Russian soldiers from Ukraine.
He also said that the Russian side proposed establishing three online working groups with Ukraine to address political, humanitarian, and military issues, and asked Ukraine to consider declaring short ceasefires of 24-48 hours along the contact line to evacuate the wounded soldiers and recover the bodies of fallen troops.
As to the Putin-Zelensky meeting Ukraine proposed, Medinsky said such a meeting is not being considered until certain processes are completed.
Meanwhile, Zelensky wrote on social media platform X after the talks that the ninth stage of prisoner exchange took place “today,” which involved more than 1,000 people from the Ukrainian side, including those “seriously ill and severely wounded.”
“It is important that the exchanges are ongoing,” he wrote.
In his opening remarks to the talks, Fidan urged the two delegations to engage in result-oriented negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the war.
“Our goal is to end this bloody war, which has come at a heavy cost, as soon as possible,” Fidan said.
While the previous two rounds of talks in Istanbul – held on May 16 and June 2 – led to the exchange of thousands of war prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers, they produced little progress toward a ceasefire.
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.
His reappointment follows a recent promotion from the rank of Senior Superintendent to Chief Superintendent.
CSP Sengabo previously served in the same role until 2020, when he was succeeded by SSP Pelly Gakwaya Uwera.
He originally assumed the spokesperson role in August 2014 and worked closely with the media for six years.
During his tenure, he played a key role in safeguarding the institution’s image and ensuring timely access to information related to RCS operations.
In 2020, CSP Sengabo stepped down to pursue further studies at the Rwanda National Police College in Musanze, where he earned a Master’s degree in Good Governance and Conflict Transformation.
Following his studies, he went on to lead several correctional facilities, including the Muhanga and Huye prisons in the Southern Province.
More recently, he returned from an international assignment and was immediately appointed to resume his former duties, succeeding CSP Therese Kubwimana, who has retired.
Speaking to IGIHE, CSP Sengabo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve again in this capacity.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility once more. As officers, we are trained to be disciplined and to serve wherever we are assigned. I will fulfill these duties diligently,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining strong collaboration with the media and to ensuring that the public continues to receive accurate and timely information regarding the programs and activities of the Rwanda Correctional Service.
