Category: News

Gen Kabarebe, who is also President Paul Kagame’s Special Envoy, held wide-ranging discussions with President Ruto, reaffirming the warm and enduring ties between Kenya and Rwanda.

“We held a productive meeting reaffirming the strong and growing ties between our two nations,” President Ruto said in a statement.

“Our discussions covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in peace and security, trade, and regional integration.”

The meeting comes amid continued efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration across political, economic, and security sectors. Kenya and Rwanda, longstanding partners within the East African Community (EAC), enjoy cordial relations rooted in history and shared aspirations for regional stability and prosperity.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1965, with Kenya establishing its mission in Kigali in 1986.

Over the years, the two nations have signed numerous Memoranda of Understanding under the Joint Permanent Commission framework, spanning key areas such as air transport, education, agriculture, security, governance, civil service, immigration, justice, and correctional services.

Economic ties between Kenya and Rwanda have also grown significantly. Kenya remains a critical trade partner and a vital transit route for Rwanda’s imports and exports through the port of Mombasa.

In return, Rwanda offers a stable and attractive destination for Kenyan businesses, with Kenyan companies active in sectors including banking, insurance, construction, agribusiness, education, aviation, and tourism.

Currently, more than 6,000 Kenyans live and work in Rwanda.

Following Sauti Sol’s indefinite hiatus announced in May 2023, Fancy Fingers discussed navigating life after global tours, the rise of Rwandan artists, and the cultural threads binding East Africa, all while showcasing his innovative Jawaya guitar in a Nairobi studio.

Sauti Sol, formed in 2005 by Fancy Fingers, Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi, redefined African music with their storytelling and harmonious blend of Afro-pop, jazz, and traditional rhythms.

After nearly two decades of hits like “Suzanna” and “Kuliko Jana,” the band paused music production to focus on individual pursuits. “We haven’t broken up per se. It’s a hiatus, mostly for music,” Fancy Fingers clarified, emphasizing that the group remains united through ventures like Sol Generation Records, Sol Fest, and other businesses under the Sauti Sol Group.

These enterprises, he noted, keep the band’s legacy active and fuel their continued collaboration. For Fancy Fingers, the hiatus marks a challenging yet exciting transition.

“We’ve not known any other life than the band,” he admitted, describing the need to “put in four times the work” to build his solo identity.

Previously defined by his intricate guitar work, he is now exploring songwriting, production, and themes like African fatherhood. “I’m discovering who I am in music, what my brand is,” he said, aiming to make a “legendary impact” by mentoring young artists and advancing the industry.

His recent solo work, produced in the same Nairobi studio where the interview was recorded, reflects this evolution.

Fancy Fingers’ journey into music defied traditional expectations. Enrolled in actuarial science, a math-heavy course, he juggled university with Sauti Sol’s tours, often missing classes for months.

“Music is very stubborn. If you’re given the gift, it has to come out,” he said, recalling how he paid his school fees through gigs and graduated with honours, though his passion remained with music.

This persistence, he believes, is shifting African parental views on creative careers, with more families now supporting artistic pursuits, “intrepreneurial spirit.

“I paid my school fees through music, as little as it was at that time,” he noted, highlighting how his early success eased parental concerns.

A highlight of the interview was Fancy Fingers’ introduction of the Jawaya guitar, the first premium African guitar brand, crafted from African mahogany and spruce in partnership with Canadian company Graphtech.

“There aren’t African music brands like Yamaha or Fender,” he said, explaining how his childhood dream of building instruments inspired Jawaya’s creation to empower young musicians.

The conversation also explored East Africa’s cultural and musical landscape. Fancy Fingers praised Rwanda’s growing music scene, naming artists like Kivumbi, Bruce Melodie, and Angel Mutoni as global contenders.

“Rwanda is doing something right,” he said, crediting their investment in artist development.

He stressed the power of collaboration, noting that Sauti Sol’s success stemmed from projects like their album featuring “Melanin.”

However, he warned against diluting African identity for global appeal.

“Elevate it, don’t put it aside,” he advised, advocating for authentic storytelling fused with modern production.

Fancy Fingers described East African culture as unified by language, food, and music’s storytelling tradition.

“We’re very melodious, storytellers,” he said, pointing to the region’s choir-influenced, harmony-rich sound. Kenyan music’s edge, he added, comes from Nairobi’s cosmopolitan diversity, where tribal influences blend seamlessly.

“You just jam,” he said, recalling Sauti Sol’s formation without regard for members’ origins.

As a father to a four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Fancy Fingers emphasised exposing children to diverse activities to uncover their talents.

“Exposure is everything,” he said, noting that his daughter, surrounded by music, is still exploring her interests.

Fatherhood, he shared, has transformed him, fostering greater empathy and love. “It brings out a you that you didn’t know was there,” he told Sanny.

Looking ahead, Fancy Fingers plans to bring Jawaya to Kigali for an acoustic show, potentially in October, to connect with fans and media.

Watch the full episode on The Long Form podcast.

The three-day event, scheduled for August 8–10, 2025, will take place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. It marks the first time Rwanda has been selected to host this global gathering, one of several international conventions organised this year in 13 selected countries worldwide.

According to the organisers, the convention will centre on the theme of serving God in a way that aligns with biblical principles.

“In a world full of challenges, worshipping God in a way that pleases Him can provide hope and resilience,” said François Regis Migambi, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Rwanda.

“Many people long to worship God acceptably and grow in their faith. This convention will explore how that can be achieved and how it can positively impact our daily lives and future outlook.”

The programme will feature Bible-based talks, multimedia presentations, and a three-part film titled “The Good News About Jesus,” depicting scenes from Jesus’ life on Earth. Each part of the film will be shown on a different day of the convention.

All sessions will be available in Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Rwandan Sign Language, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience. Organisers note that participation is free of charge, and no collections or donations will be solicited, in line with the Witnesses’ global convention policy.

Beyond the spiritual focus, international delegates are expected to take part in tourism activities in Kigali and various scenic locations across Rwanda. Organisers say the event will offer opportunities for cultural exchange, fellowship, and strengthening of global ties within the faith community.

Jean Marie Vianney Mutezintare, a Jehovah’s Witness in Rwanda, recalled attending a similar convention in Kenya in 2009.

“We’re excited to finally experience this here at home,” he said. “Welcoming people from different cultures and sharing our faith together will be a memorable experience.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses began operating in Rwanda in 1970 and were officially registered in 1992.

The multi-phase operation, which began in late May, will comprise four scheduled field visits over the course of one year by joint teams from both entities.

The assessment is the initial phase of a comprehensive programme in Socotra, aiming over the next two to five years to reduce mortality related to poor health and malnutrition by 20 percent through an integrated approach to strengthen the health system. The baseline assessment covered 38 enumeration areas (villages) across 29 sub-districts of Socotra.

As per preliminary results, 93 percent of targeted health facilities were surveyed. Data were collected from 4,214 households as part of the household listing process. Field teams conducted over 930 caregiver interviews, and took anthropometric measurement from eligible children and mothers, exceeding the initial target, and facilitated 12 focus group discussions with diverse community groups.

All 15 planned key informant interviews with relevant and multi-sectoral stakeholders including local and national authorities, donor and UN agencies were completed.

The teams also conducted 546 client exit interviews to gather beneficiary feedback on the services provided, exceeding the initial target.

The baseline assessment will now move into the data cleaning, verification and analysis phase, paving the way for a final report that will reveal the current status of the maternal and child health and nutrition status of the community and the readiness and performance of the health facilities, including for health emergencies preparedness and response to guide evidence-based planning for the next phases of intervention, helping ensure that response activities align with identified community needs and health facilities priorities.

Upcoming stages of the joint project implementation include the procurement and distribution of medical and non-medical supplies, recruitment and deployment of technical experts and service providers, technical training programmes and community awareness campaigns. Activities will be implemented in coordination with WHO, the Ministry of Public Health and Population and other partners, ensuring alignment with national health strategies.

The efforts reflect the UAE’s data-driven humanitarian approach, implemented in partnership with leading international health organisations to create sustainable impact and improve public health indicators among vulnerable populations.

Vlogger Sengabo Jean Bosco, popularly known as Fatakumavuta, has appealed his recent conviction by the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, which handed him a two-year and six-month prison sentence along with a fine of Frw 1,300,000.

In a formal appeal submitted to the High Council of the Judiciary on July 10, 2025, Fatakumavuta requested a review of the ruling, seeking a reduced or suspended sentence on humanitarian grounds.

Initially, during his trial, Fatakumavuta had denied all charges brought against him. However, in his appeal, he changed his stance, acknowledging the crimes and offering an apology to both the individuals he offended, particularly artists, and the broader Rwandan society.

“I initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, but the court found me guilty on some counts and sentenced me to two years and six months, along with a fine of Frw 1.3 million,” he wrote. “I was not satisfied with the ruling, which is why I have appealed.”

He added: “I fully accept the charges for which I was convicted and extend my sincere apologies to those affected and to the Rwandan public at large.”

Alongside his appeal, Fatakumavuta submitted a medical report confirming that he has diabetes. Citing health concerns, he requested that his prison sentence be reduced by half and that the fine be lowered to a quarter of the original amount.

On June 13, 2025, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court found him guilty of spreading false information, issuing threats, defamation, and drug use. The case has drawn significant public attention, and the outcome of his appeal is now being closely watched.

The hotel’s General Manager, Médiatrice Umulisa, said the recruitment exercise aims to identify young professionals who will deliver high-quality service and contribute to the hotel’s success.

“We want to give young people an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real impact in the hospitality industry,” she said. Umulisa added that the selected candidates from the 140 participants will receive training before officially starting work.

Melissa Uwimpuhwe, one of the participating students, described the opportunity as a major step for aspiring professionals in the sector.

“This five-star hotel brings real opportunities for students like us. If selected, it will be a chance to gain experience and contribute to Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industry,” she said.

The Minister of Public Service and Labour, Christine Nkulikiyinka, praised the hospitality sector for its role in job creation and economic development, encouraging the private sector to invest in young talent.

“The hospitality and tourism sector plays a vital role in national development and youth employment. We encourage young people to take advantage of these opportunities and demonstrate professionalism,” she said.

The revamped Mövenpick Kigali now features 124 rooms, including premium suites, up from the previous 100. The hotel, previously rated three stars, has now achieved five-star status and will open with an estimated 160 staff members.

“We are vigilant and will not tolerate any act to destabilize the elections,” Nji told reporters at the start of the first bi-annual conference of regional governors 2025, which brought together governors of the 10 regions of the country to deliberate on how to best organize presidential election scheduled for Oct. 12.

“As the primary authorities in charge of law and order at the local level, you are expected to use your expertise and experience to take necessary measures before, during and after this presidential election to ensure that it runs smoothly, and more importantly, to make the population feel the State’s presence, and support all parties involved in the electoral process,” Nji told the governors.

The minister expressed concerns that local media were fueling political disorder in the build up to the election. “Programs and debates are organized just to sabotage government actions, vilify members of government, preach tribal hatred, promote terrorism and other irresponsible slogans,” he said, adding that the government was working on “mechanisms” to check excesses in the media.

Officials said that additional security measures will be taken to maintain peace and order before, during and after the election.

“Today, I have already signed documents to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding Denys Shmyhal as the new defense minister,” Zelensky said in a post on Telegram.

Zelensky also announced that Herman Smetanin, minister of strategic industries, will head the country’s state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom.

Shmyhal said on Tuesday he had submitted a resignation letter, as part of the country’s governmental reshuffle. Earlier in the day, the parliament approved Shmyhal’s resignation, which triggered the resignation of the entire government in accordance with Ukrainian law.

The outgoing cabinet will continue to exercise its duties until a new government is formed.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said there were reports of dozens of people killed or injured Wednesday at one of those hubs.

“In the past week, severe injuries continued to be reported among people seeking aid,” OCHA said. “The World Health Organization (WHO) reported one instance where a 21-year-old man was paralyzed for life after being shot while trying to collect a bag of flour from one of the militarized hubs.”

The WHO was referring to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), founded by a private U.S. group and currently funded by the U.S. government. Contrary to established international humanitarian norms for distributing relief in local communities, the GHF set up four sites in the whole of Gaza in restricted Israeli military zones, where starving civilians enter through fenced lanes under the eyes of armed security contractors. Chaos results in gunfire.

OCHA said that months of escalating hostilities in Gaza have increased risks for the most vulnerable, including people with disabilities and older adults, who struggle to access what they need to survive.

The humanitarians said one of their partners found in a survey that more than 80 percent of people with disabilities in Gaza have lost wheelchairs, hearing aids, walkers and other assistive devices, having to endure many challenges, including the denial of access to humanitarian aid, discrimination, stigmatization and exposure to explosive ordnance.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that domestic violence, sexual exploitation and abuse are on the rise in the Gaza Strip. Several safe spaces offering shelter, psychological support and coping mechanisms for women and girls have shut down or are functioning at reduced capacity.

UNFPA reported that the situation in Gaza is harrowing for women and girls. Pregnant women are delivering babies in the dark, with no electricity and no skilled care to treat potential complications. Thousands of mothers are starving.

OCHA said that in Al Mawasi and Gaza City, Doctors Without Borders reported treating more than 1,200 pregnant, breastfeeding women and children with severe and moderate malnutrition in their clinics. Between May and July, the number of people enrolled for treatment at its Gaza City clinic quadrupled, including hundreds of children under the age of 2, said the organization.

OCHA said that while small quantities of fuel entered Gaza again on Tuesday through the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing, severe supply shortages continue to threaten life-saving operations at hospitals, medical services and equipment, as well as telecommunications and water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

“In northern Gaza, partners rehabilitated a well to try to address critical water shortages,” OCHA said. “Although this will hopefully support patients and medical staff with hundreds of cubic meters every day, it is far from sufficient to meet people’s needs.”

UN agencies and their partners reiterated that hundreds of thousands of liters of fuel are critically needed every day to alleviate the crisis and address a dire situation.

OCHA said that after four months of sweeping Israeli restrictions on the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, nearly all displacement sites reported people sleeping in the open, with no means of protection. No shelter supplies have entered during this period.

“This catastrophic situation must end. A ceasefire is long overdue,” said the humanitarian office.