The Rwanda Formed Police Unit One rotation 10 (RWAFPU1-10) under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Corneille Murigo, will replace their counterparts in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
“You are well-trained, fully equipped, and ready to undertake this important assignment.
“I urge you to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism in the execution of your duties. Take good care of your equipment and support one another as a team,” DCG Ujeneza said.
She emphasized the importance of representing and maintaining Rwanda’s positive image in peacekeeping, both through professional conduct and cultural respect.
“Be proud ambassadors of our country, work harmoniously with other forces, keep our culture, but respect the culture of those you serve alongside and those under your protection,” she advised.
DIGP also encouraged the contingent to actively engage in community policing and human security efforts to support the local communities in South Sudan.
“Participate in local activities such as medical outreach and communal work. These efforts build trust with the community and reflect our core values as a nation,” she noted.
Since 2015, Rwanda has consistently deployed Formed Police Units (FPUs) to UNMISS. The country currently maintains two contingents: RWAFPU1 in Malakal and RWAFPU3 — majority female officers— stationed in the capital, Juba.
Launched in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the Africa EdTech 2030: Vision, Plan and Policy framework is aligned with AU digital transformation agenda and envisages a future where a critical mass of learners has access to mobile devices connected to high speed internet, enabling them to study remotely.
The Africa EdTech vision and framework aims to bypass traditional education infrastructure hiccups, harness digital tools to reach marginalized children and youth with instructional materials.
Some of the high-impact goals advanced by the strategy includes expanding digital access through low cost devices, solar solutions, offline-first technologies, upskilling teachers, research and data privacy.
“Through coordinated policy, local innovation and equitable infrastructure, Africa can leapfrog legacy education barriers and build a globally competitive digital learning ecosystem. The time was ripe to transition to digital learning in Africa, boost content development, cognitive abilities and social skills of the continent’s youth”, said John Kimotho, EdTech consultant from Kenya.
He cited Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius as frontrunners worth emulating as the continent expand access to digital learning for a future workforce that is globally competitive.
However, The Vision & Plan responds to urgent continental challenges that over 60 percent of the population is below 25 years, 30 million primary school age children remain out of school and 17 million additional teachers are required by 2030 to achieve universal access to quality education. Also, only 30-65 percent of tutors own the device in South Africa while in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya.
To make the vision achievable, all stakeholders-governments, educators, private sector actors, communities, and partners are invited to review and comment on the vision and plan to ensure it enables the collective action envisaged.
This region is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, with the Volcanoes National Park at the forefront, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which are found in few places around the world. In addition, the area is home to a variety of high-end hotels and other tourist attractions.
In an interview with IGIHE, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, highlighted the immense potential for tourism in the region, driven by its outstanding natural beauty.
In Musanze District alone, there are more than 50 hotels, including five-star facilities that cater to elite tourists.
He mentioned notable hotels such as Amakoro Songa Lodge, located in Kinigi, Bisate Eco Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, which continue to provide employment opportunities for many people in the Northern Province.
“We have five-star hotels, as well as others with four and one-star ratings, so every visitor can find a place to stay here,” he said.
These hotels provide jobs across various sectors, including tourism transport, hotel staff, food services, and other related businesses, benefitting local residents living near these facilities.
Mugabowagahunde also pointed out that many of the construction materials used for these hotels come from within Musanze, particularly bamboo, which is abundant in the region. He noted that bamboo, once viewed as a nuisance, has now become a valuable building resource for the region’s high-end hotels.
“I was born in this area, and bamboo was once seen as a challenge […] but now it has become highly valuable, and these hotels are using it in their construction,” he added.
Moreover, these hotels are celebrated for their role in preserving Rwandan culture and promoting environmental sustainability, especially as Rwanda and the world face the challenges of climate change.
Mugabowagahunde cited Amakoro Songa Lodge, where guests are welcomed with traditional Kinyarwanda music, which helps introduce them to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
He also highlighted that many of the hotel employees, who once participated in illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation, are now educated on the importance of conserving the Volcanoes National Park and protecting wildlife.
“Additionally, visitors to these hotels are encouraged to plant trees as part of environmental conservation. Every guest plants a tree, names it, and can come back to check its growth, helping us preserve the environment,” he explained.
The hospitality sector also plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy as the goods used in these hotels are often sourced from nearby communities. Farmers are trained on modern agricultural techniques to meet the demands of the hotels.
Aside from the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze offers other tourist attractions such as Burera and Ruhondo lakes, the Nkotsi and Bikara areas (where historical meetings between leaders took place), and Kabuye Hill in Gakenke District.
The region is also home to the Rugezi Marsh, which supports a diverse range of wildlife. Recently, over 400 species, including some rare ones, have been discovered in this area.
The Northern Province has also developed agricultural tourism, with districts like Rulindo and Gakenke offering visitors the opportunity to learn about coffee production.
“We have now launched agricultural tourism in Musanze, where people can learn about the cultivation of potatoes. We also have a potato processing plant where alcohol is produced from potatoes, which gives people a deeper understanding of the entire agricultural process,” he said.
Recently, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced an investment of over 30.7 billion Rwandan francs to support community-based projects around the Volcanoes National Park until 2028.
Each year, communities surrounding the park receive 10% of the park’s revenue, which is invested in public welfare projects and development initiatives.
Reports indicate that 105 community projects have received funding, with 43.1% allocated to agriculture, 41% to infrastructure, 10.5% for tools and materials, 2.9% for repairing damage caused by wildlife, and 1.9% for local businesses near the park.
“This 10% helps us implement various projects, including water distribution across the community. For example, in the eight sectors surrounding the park, the water issue has been resolved,” the Governor explained.
These funds have also been used to build more infrastructure, including schools, bridges, and roads, which facilitate the transportation of agricultural products to markets and help alleviate poverty in the region.
Mugabowagahunde also stressed the importance of the annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, which not only attracts tourists to the Northern Province but also creates numerous job opportunities for locals.
He expressed gratitude to the government for investing in infrastructure that makes visiting the region’s natural attractions easier and encouraged Rwandans to explore these areas as they have become much more accessible.
The Northern Province has a population of 2,038,511 people and covers an area of 3,293.3 square kilometers. It is made up of five districts, 89 sectors, 414 cells, and 2,744 villages.
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.
According to a statement by the U.S. State Department, the withdrawal was due to what Washington saw as the UN cultural agency’s policy to “advance divisive social and cultural causes” over the Israel-Palestine conflicts.
“UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,” the statement said.
The U.S. exit will take effect at the end of December 2026.
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.
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.
The drug, developed by U.S. pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, is administered just twice a year and has shown 99.9% effectiveness in global trials.
Speaking to RBA, Dr. Ikuzo said if all goes as planned, the injection will offer a longer-lasting and less burdensome alternative to the current daily pills and two-monthly shots already available in the country.
Clinical trials for Lenacapavir Yeztugo have shown promising results. Phase III studies in South Africa and Uganda involved over 5,000 adolescent girls and young women aged 16 to 24, with no HIV infections reported among those who received the drug.
Further trials in countries including the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico targeted high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men and transgender individuals, where the drug also demonstrated high levels of protection.
Currently, Rwanda provides two main types of HIV prevention medication: a daily oral pill and a bimonthly injection now being rolled out in Kigali. The new biannual shot is expected to reduce the frequency of medication and improve adherence, especially for key populations at high risk of HIV.
“This new option will ease the stress of daily pills or six injections a year,” Dr. Ikuzo said. “If everything goes well, we plan to begin rollout next year.”
Currently, HIV prevention services are prioritised for groups with the highest risk of infection — including young people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and discordant couples. These groups will also be prioritised for the new drug, which will initially be offered free of charge.
Dr. Ikuzo noted that Rwanda may eventually explore subsidised models to allow broader access as the country strengthens domestic health financing. Global partners such as the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation have pledged support for the early rollout in nine countries, including Rwanda.
While HIV treatment coverage among adults in Rwanda stands at 97%, only 80% of HIV-positive children aged 0–14 are receiving treatment. However, prevention of mother-to-child transmission has made major gains, with 99% of babies born to HIV-positive mothers testing negative by age two.
Dr. Ikuzo also warned against religious claims of miraculous HIV cures, explaining that while some patients achieve undetectable viral loads through consistent treatment, this does not mean they are cured.
“There is no vaccine or cure for HIV,” he said. “Some may test negative due to viral suppression, but the virus remains in the body.”
He stressed the importance of continued protection during sex, even when a partner is virally suppressed, since such status is not always known or verifiable.
In Rwanda, about 3,200 people contract HIV each year, while 2,600 die from AIDS-related illnesses. Thanks to sustained prevention and treatment efforts, the country has seen an 82% drop in new infections and an 86% decline in HIV-related deaths over the past decade.
Healey said on social media platform X that at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting held on Monday, participating countries reached a new agreement to supply critical air defence ammunition to Ukraine, “as part of a 50-day drive to arm Ukraine and force Putin to the negotiating table.”
Last week, Trump said that he had secured an agreement with NATO allies to facilitate large-scale arms deliveries to Ukraine. He also warned Russia that it would face a second round of tariffs if it fails to reach a peace deal within 50 days.
At the UDCG meeting, Healey affirmed Britain’s support, saying that Britain “backs this policy” and will fully participate to ensure its success, according to French news outlet AFP.
Healey also revealed that Britain and Germany have agreed to jointly provide air defence missiles to Ukraine. The partnership is part of a wider European initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
According to a press release from the British Ministry of Defence on Monday, Britain has already delivered more than 150 million pounds (202.5 million U.S. dollars) worth of air defence missiles and artillery to Ukraine over the past two months. The country is also ramping up procurement efforts to provide hundreds more air defence missiles and thousands of artillery shells.
In total, Britain is expected to spend at least 700 million pounds on air defence and artillery support for Ukraine this year, including the 150 million pounds worth of equipment already delivered, according to the release. (1 pound = 1.35 U.S. dollars)
The decision, announced in a public notice issued on July 21, follows an investigation that found the hotel operating without a valid Tourism Operating License (TOL), a legal requirement under Rwanda’s tourism law.
According to RDB, the hotel is required to cease operations effective July 22, 2025.
“Reopening will only be considered upon successful completion of the Tourism Operating License application process and full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements,” the notice states.
Warning other facilities against violating existing laws, RDB stated: “All tourism and hospitality operators are reminded that holding a valid Tourism Operating License is a legal obligation. The license serves as a guarantee of minimum safety, service, and operational standards necessary to protect both visitors and the industry at large.”
Hotel Chateau Le Marara’s closure comes amid growing controversy following the high-profile wedding of Hajj Shadadi Musemakweri and Uwera Bonnette on July 14, which sparked guest complaints about poor service, unhygienic food, and power outages.
Among the guests was Miss Rwanda 2020, Nishimwe Naomie, who joined others in raising concerns on social media. The event has since drawn national attention and raised questions about service standards at the five-star, European-style hotel located on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Guests reported being served spoiled milk and fruit, facing constant power disruptions, and experiencing neglect by hotel staff. The guests alleged that they had to rent an emergency generator to continue wedding preparations. Others accused the hotel of overcharging, including for attendees at events that were allegedly not part of the original agreement.
Chateau Le Marara has denied the allegations, calling them “99% lies” intended to damage its reputation. The hotel has instead filed a complaint with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), accusing the couple behind the wedding of defamation and non-payment of over Frw 5 million in outstanding bills.
In response to the growing uproar, RDB confirmed it had launched a formal investigation into the service complaints. RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika said the board is reviewing the matter thoroughly as part of its mandate to ensure professionalism and consumer protection in the tourism sector.
