Category: News

The RDB’s approval, granted on December 26, 2025, follows compliance assessments by the relevant authorities, confirming that the hotel has now met all the required standards to legally provide hospitality services under the applicable tourism regulations.

The leadership of Karongi District shared the news with the public, expressing excitement over the development.

“Your dream of relaxing in one of Rwanda’s most beautiful spots has come true! Château le Marara, the iconic hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi, is authorized to operate once again! The district is home to 14 hotels ready to welcome you,” they posted on social media.

Following the reopening, Royal Retreat, a company specializing in hotel management, will oversee the hotel’s operations moving forward.

The management transition is expected to take some time, with the hotel making necessary improvements to ensure it meets the high standards of service expected.

Before [closure->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rdb-orders-closure-of-hotel-chateau-le-marara], Château le Marara had faced criticism on social media after a wedding held at the hotel resulted in complaints from Shadadi Musemakweri and Uwera Bonnette, who accused the hotel of poor service, including power outages, bad food, and overall unprofessionalism.

The hotel management responded by filing a legal complaint, asserting that the couple had intentionally spread negative publicity to avoid paying for the services they had received.

{{Plans for Château le Marara}}

Emmanuel Ngayaboshya, who works with Royal Retreat that will manage the hotel, explained that the facility will begin receiving guests again before the end of the year.

Ngayaboshya, who will oversee the kitchen at Château le Marara, mentioned that significant improvements will be made, particularly in the kitchen, which has been a major area of concern.

He noted that changes will also be made to the hotel’s reservation system, which previously lacked a structured approach, leading to customer dissatisfaction.

“The way reservations were made, whether for a stay, a wedding, or a photo shoot, will change. There was no streamlined system in place, which led to conflicts between customers and the hotel,” he explained.

Originally, the hotel was expected to meet five-star standards, but an inspection revealed that its services, particularly in the kitchen, fell short of that level. Ngayaboshya emphasized that food and beverage services will now be prioritized to meet the standards of a five-star hotel.

“We are preparing to ensure that the services we offer, particularly in food, are at a five-star level,” he said.

Regarding prices at the hotel, Ngayaboshya shared that some aspects will remain unchanged while others may be adjusted. “The room rates will remain the same, but food and beverage prices may change,” he said.

Another significant change will be in the staff, who will undergo training to meet the standards expected at a five-star hotel.

“The new management is not here to dismantle the existing team but to address weaknesses, whether through training or behavior management, as service delivery relies heavily on staff conduct,” he added.

Despite the social media backlash from the wedding incident, Ngayaboshya believes that the hotel’s reputation remains strong, and it is set to welcome many guests in the coming year. Château le Marara has 21 rooms and is ready to continue offering high-quality services.

Najib, 72, was convicted on four counts of abusing his position and 21 counts of money laundering in what has been described as the largest and most significant trial connected to the 1MDB scandal. The allegations stem from the alleged misappropriation of billions of dollars from the state‑owned fund that Najib co‑founded in 2009.

The judge in the case, Collin Lawrence Sequerah, rejected Najib’s defence that the funds were legitimate Saudi Arabian donations, calling that claim “implausible” and pointing to evidence of an “unmistakable bond” with fugitive financier Jho Low, who Malaysian and U.S. authorities say acted as an intermediary in siphoning money from the fund.

Under Malaysian law, Najib could face maximum sentences of 15–20 years in prison on each count, as well as hefty fines. A separate ruling on the exact sentence was pending at the time of publication.

The 1MDB scandal, one of the largest global corruption cases in recent history involved the diversion of at least $4.5 billion from the development fund into offshore accounts and luxury purchases, drawing investigations in multiple countries. Najib has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that he was misled by officials and that some funds were donations, claims dismissed by the court.

Najib has already been serving a reduced 12‑year prison sentence from a previous 1MDB‑related conviction, after an earlier sentence was halved by the pardons board. His most recent attempt to serve the remainder of that sentence under house arrest was rejected by the Malaysian court earlier this week.

The verdict is likely to put additional strain on Malaysia’s political landscape. Najib’s party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), remains a key member of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Najib’s continued influence has complicated efforts to present a unified governing agenda.

Internationally, the 1MDB case has ensnared several global financial institutions and led to hefty fines and ongoing legal actions across jurisdictions including the United States, Singapore, and Switzerland. Investigators have recovered significant sums, but key figures such as Jho Low remain at large.

French daily Le Parisien, citing police sources, reported that the three victims sustained light injuries and were treated by emergency services.

The suspect, described as a Malian-born man, escaped via another metro line before being arrested later at his home. Police sources quoted by Le Parisien said a terrorist motive had been ruled out.

Metro Line 3 has already resumed normal operations.

In a statement, Youssouf praised the calm and orderly conduct of the process, saying that “the holding of these elections constitutes an important initial step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to advance democratic governance across the country.”

Youssouf underscored that the municipal-level polls contribute to the strengthening of participatory governance and offer valuable experience as Somalia advances its nationally-led political and electoral trajectory.

He encouraged all Somali political stakeholders to continue engaging constructively through dialogue and inclusive consultation to support national unity and long-term stability.

The chairperson reaffirmed the 55-member continental bloc’s continued engagement in accompanying the Somali people in their efforts to strengthen inclusive governance and advance lasting peace and stability.

According to official reports, more than 500,000 voters in Mogadishu cast ballots on Thursday in municipal elections widely seen as a key step toward the East African country’s first direct national elections in more than five decades.

Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission said some 1,604 candidates from 20 political parties are running for 390 posts in district councils in Mogadishu, in a vote viewed as crucial to dismantling the country’s long-standing clan-based political system.

The joyful event brought together children from 11 football academies across the country for a special holiday clinic. It included 100 girls aged 13 and under from five academies and 120 boys in the 11-, 13-, and 15-year-old age groups from six academies, accompanied by their coaches.

Each child received a football through FIFA’s Football for Schools programme, which was launched in Kigali in 2023 to support youth development via sport.

President Kagame highlighted football’s power to foster unity and peace, praising Infantino’s efforts.

“He uses football to bring people together for peace. Amahoro, like we are here, this stadium is called Amahoro Stadium, so this is the right place to use football to actually deliver peace. You know, we don’t have enough peace in our region, but he has been using football to contribute to bringing peace to our region and beyond in other places,” he said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended the world-class infrastructure of Amahoro Stadium, suggesting it as an ideal venue for the FIFA Series matches scheduled in Kigali in March 2026.

“I am so happy to be here with you today in Kigali in this beautiful stadium. Congratulations President. Congratulations to Rwanda. This is a state of the art stadium. We will actually play the FIFA Series in March here in this very stadium…And it will be absolutely beautiful,” he remarked.

Addressing the children, Infantino added, “Let me say, dear children, how happy and proud I am to be here today because we celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas to everyone. And of course, we celebrate you, the children of this beautiful country.”

Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire thanked FIFA for its continued support, pointing to the ongoing construction of four modern pitches in Gicumbi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and at FERWAFA headquarters under the FIFA Forward programme.

She noted that these facilities will aid training, unite communities through sport, and nurture young talent.

Infantino announced further expansion, revealing plans to build 20 additional mini-pitches in schools nationwide.

Séraphine Umunyana, a coach at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, emphasised that the gifted footballs will significantly boost the children’s skills, as consistent practice with a proper ball is key to developing talent.

As part of the wider FIFA Football Festival initiative, around 5,000 footballs are expected to be distributed across Rwanda.

IGIHE spoke with locals, expats, and tourists about what these holidays mean to them today, how traditions have evolved over the years, the highs and lows of 2025, and their hopes for the year ahead.

Vinny Cila, an IT expert who has lived in Kigali for almost seven years, remembers childhood Christmases as big neighborhood affairs. Families and kids would go from house to house, visiting and celebrating together.

“Back in the days, we used to hang out with friends, meet everyone,” he recalls. These days, though, phones, TikTok, and social media have changed things, people connect more online than in person. Working in the IT field, he sees the irony every day.

Di-Carmel Dushime, a banker and Sylvia Gitari visiting from Kenya, notice similar changes. Big village gatherings with extended family have shifted to smaller, nuclear-family celebrations: church for Catholics, a nice meal, laughter, and maybe a quick outing.

The childhood wonder, staying up until midnight to “hear the baby Jesus cry” and opening gifts, has faded into adult realities like rising prices and high rent. Now it’s more about giving than receiving. “There’s no fantasy about it anymore,” Dushime says with a smile, “but it’s still a good time.”

Brisa Bejarano, an American accountant visiting her fiancé, celebrated Christmas in Rwanda for the first time. She is keeping it simple: a quiet dinner with loved ones and gift exchanges, enjoying the contrast to holidays back home.

Pacifique Evans, a 22-year-old filmmaker, likes to keep things private, quality time with his parents and siblings, away from the crowds.

Singleton John, Rwandan artist who stays in the US, currently in Kigali for holidays, kicked off the festivities hosting friends and family, playing games, sharing meals, and walking the decorated streets of Kigali at night.

Besides, favorite gift memories still bring smiles. For Vinny, the best was last year’s surprise visit from his mother after seven years apart, an emotional reunion no material gift could top.

Dushime holds dear a simple set of clothes his parents gave him as a child, loaded with meaning. Evans beams talking about the guitar his mom bought him five years ago, knowing his passion for music, he still plays it regularly.

Looking back at 2025, people describe it in glowing terms: amazing, successful, exciting, stretching. Brisa graduated college, Evans turned hard work into achievements he once thought impossible, Gitari earned her master’s while strengthening her faith and traveling through Uganda and Rwanda.

John felt pushed to his limits but came through stronger. Dushime landed a promotion that sparked new growth. For Brisa, the year’s highlight was meeting her fiancé, a man who puts God first.

The year’s lessons come through loud and clear: work hard and never quit, chase your dreams no matter what others say, be prepared when opportunity knocks, and know there’s always room to grow.

“I wanted to quit sometimes,” Brisa admits about her studies, “but I pushed through and finally held my diploma.”

As the New Year begins to unfold, Vinny wants career progress and maybe marriage. Gitari, turning 26 soon, plans to grab opportunities, serve her community, and deepen her faith. Others hope for economic gains, personal wins, travel, and finishing university.

Their final words carry encouragement. “Trust the process,” Vinny says softly.

“Everything meant for you will come at the right time.” Dushime pushes for optimism and chooses happiness every day.

Evans speaks with passion: stay focused, pray hard, work tirelessly, for yourself, your family, and Rwanda. “Let’s not be lazy,” he adds. “The country has all eyes on us. We are the ones to make it better.”

{{Watch the full video:}}

President Paul Kagame appointed Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister, replacing Dr. Édouard Ngirente, who had held the position for nearly eight years since 2017.

This change, in accordance with Rwanda’s constitutional requirements, necessitated the formation of a new cabinet.The reshuffle, announced around July 24-25, retained most existing ministers while introducing several key adjustments to refresh the administration.

For instance, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, who had served as Minister of Local Government since October 2024, was replaced by Dominique Habimana. Similarly, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, the Minister of Environment who had been in the role for about a year, was succeeded by Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye.

In the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, the former Minister of State, was replaced by Dr. Thelesphore Ndabamenye.

{{Short-lived appointments }}

The year 2025 saw the arrival of new leadership in the Ministry of Local Government, with Dr. Patrice Mugenzi assuming office on October 18, 2024, replacing Musabyimana Jean Claude. However, just nine months later, Mugenzi was replaced by Dominique Habimana on July 24, 2025, when the new government was formed.

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, the former Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, remained in the new government formed in July 2025.

However, after just four months, he was replaced by Dr. Thelesphore Ndabamenye, who had previously served as State Minister in the same ministry. On December 1, 2025, Dr. Ndabamenye was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who had stayed on in the new government, was replaced by Dr. Usta Kaitesi, who had served a year in the Rwandan Senate. On December 1, 2025, Kabarebe Senior Defense and Security Advisor in the Office of the President.

{{Permanent secretaries}}

Several permanent secretaries across different ministries were replaced during various reshuffles in 2025. Some of these officials had very short tenures, making it challenging to assess their impact during their brief time in office.

For instance, Dr. Muhammed Semakula, who was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health on July 16, 2025, was replaced by Ndayizigiye Jean Marie Vianney on November 28, 2025, after just four months in office. Dr. Semakula’s tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health lasted only a few months.

Another notable change involved Gisèle Umuhumuza, who had spent several years leading Wasac Utility Ltd. She was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure on July 16, 2025, but her time in office was short-lived.

She was soon arrested and faced legal charges related to her actions during her time at Wasac Group Ltd. Umuhumuza was replaced by Canoth Manishimwe, who took over as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure on September 18, 2025. Shortly after her replacement, Umuhumuza faced legal proceedings and was incarcerated.

Additionally, Uwayezu Jean François Regis, the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, was replaced on July 16, 2025, by Candy Basomingera.

The year 2025 also witnessed high-profile arrests of leaders, including Prof. Omar Munyaneza, the former CEO of Wasac Group Ltd.

He was arrested in August 2025 and charged with corruption, abuse of power, and sexual harassment.

In September, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court ordered the release of Prof. Munyaneza, Gisèle Umuhumuza, and Dominique Murekezi from Wasac Development on bail, allowing them to face trial outside of prison.

On December 25, 2025, fighters from the Wazalendo militia, supported by the DRC government, confirmed they had removed AFC/M23 from the area.

Winston Makufuli, the spokesperson for the fighters who appeared in Makobola, reassured the public, stating, “The people should remain calm, we have taken back Makobola. We thank President Félix Tshisekedi for sending FARDC troops to ensure the security of our country.”

Although Makufuli declared that the DRC government’s military had successfully removed AFC/M23 from Makobola, reliable sources confirm that the withdrawal took place without any conflict. On December 25, the area remained calm, and the residents were celebrating Christmas peacefully.

Intense fighting had erupted in various parts of Makobola on December 24, triggered by drone strikes and heavy artillery attacks launched by the DRC army and Wazalendo.

The battles occurred in areas such as Makobola 1, Makobola 2, Kiringi, and Kirambi, causing many residents to flee to safer areas, including the northern city of Uvira.

On the morning of December 26, the DRC military and Wazalendo forces launched an attack on Kalundu Port, located on Lake Tanganyika, near Uvira, using military drones.

AFC/M23 confirmed that on December 18, all their fighters had left Uvira, as part of their efforts to build trust in the peace negotiations with the DRC government in Doha, Qatar, aimed at reaching a peace agreement.

The AFC/M23 delegation returned to negotiations in Doha on December 12, but the DRC government refused to send its representatives.

Trump said the military action was launched “at my direction as commander in chief” and described it as a “powerful and deadly strike” targeting Islamic State fighters who he claimed had been attacking and killing “primarily, innocent Christians” in the region. The president made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform following the operation.

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the strikes were conducted in Sokoto State and coordinated with Nigerian authorities. According to military officials, the airstrikes killed multiple militants at known ISIS camps. An initial AFRICOM statement that the operation was carried out at Nigeria’s request was later removed from social media.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed appreciation for Nigerian cooperation and hinted at further actions, posting, “More to come…” on social media.

The strikes come after weeks of heightened U.S. concern over violence in Nigeria. In late October, Trump warned that Christianity faced an “existential threat” in the country and threatened U.S. military action unless attacks against Christian communities stopped. Reuters reports that U.S. military intelligence flights have been conducted over large parts of Nigeria since late November.

The Nigerian government has stressed that armed groups target both Muslims and Christians, rejecting claims that violence is solely religiously motivated, and emphasised that the situation reflects a broader and complex security crisis.

Nevertheless, it confirmed its engagement in security cooperation with the United States, including intelligence sharing and joint efforts to counter militants.

The announcement of the strikes coincided with reports of another violent incident in Nigeria where a suspected suicide bombing at a mosque in the nation’s northeast killed at least five people and injured dozens more, highlighting the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.

In a Christmas message earlier in the day, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called for peace and religious freedom, reaffirming his commitment to protect all citizens from violence regardless of faith.

The U.S. action in Nigeria follows other recent American military operations targeting ISIS affiliates in the Middle East and reflects Trump’s continued focus on combating extremist threats abroad.

The move follows a decision by the United States to place Niger on a list of countries whose citizens are no longer eligible for entry visas. Niger has “completely and permanently halted the issuance of visas to all U.S. citizens and has indefinitely barred U.S. nationals from entering its territory,” the ANP reported, citing a Nigerien diplomatic source.

According to the source, the decision is based on the principle of reciprocity, reflects a diplomatic stance aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty, and signals an evolution in Niamey’s foreign policy.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Dec. 16 expanding the list of countries subject to full or partial entry restrictions to around 40 countries, with the measures set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Niger is among the countries facing full restrictions on the entry of its nationals.