According to the Hindustan Times early on Monday, the second black box found was the CVR, and the previous one was the FDR.
India’s federal civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has said that the first black box was found on June 13, and the crash investigation report will be released within three months.
According to The Hindu, downloading and analyzing the black boxes may take four to five days, and several international investigating agencies have reached Ahmedabad to assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with the inquiry into the crash that killed 274.
These seeds, developed after extensive research conducted at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)’s Rubona branch in Huye District for cassava and Musanze branch for potatoes, have been created through a process of crossbreeding various plant tissues in controlled laboratory conditions. The result is a new variety of seeds that will soon be available for farmers to grow.
In Musanze District, trials were conducted using newly developed potato seeds. These seeds were cultivated under controlled conditions and enhanced for resilience without the use of the standard pesticides typically applied to potato crops.
The trial results were promising, with the enhanced seeds thriving, while the traditional seeds failed to grow due to their vulnerability to common potato diseases.
Dr. Nuwumuremyi Athanase, Senior Scientist at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and one of the lead researchers, has shared insights with RBA about the successful outcomes of the trials.
“We aimed to compare the performance of traditional seeds with enhanced seeds, particularly their ability to resist diseases. We planted both types of seeds, applied the same fertilizer, and refrained from using pesticides to observe their resilience. While the traditional seeds succumbed to disease, the enhanced seeds performed excellently,” he explained.
Similarly, research on cassava has been ongoing for four years at RAB’s Rubona farm in Huye District.
The newly developed cassava variety is resistant to diseases such as cassava brown streak disease and cassava mosaic disease. The next step is to distribute these seeds to farmers for cultivation.
Dr. Nuwumuremyi continued, “The new cassava variety can withstand both cassava brown streak disease and cassava mosaic disease. This is a major breakthrough, and the next phase is making these seeds available to farmers.”
The development of enhanced potato seeds was made possible through a collaboration with an international agricultural organization specializing in sweet potatoes. Some of the seeds grown in Rwanda were sent to Kenya, where they were further improved. This partnership has resulted in more resilient potato varieties suitable for Rwanda’s conditions.
Dr. Magembe Eric, a Kenyan researcher involved in the project, highlighted that this accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Africa. He explained that potato seeds from South America were genetically modified to improve their resistance.
The modified seeds are expected to yield between 40 and 60 tons per hectare.
These improved seeds are expected to provide significant benefits to farmers growing cassava and potatoes. By reducing the reliance on expensive pesticides and fertilizers, which can negatively impact the environment, these seeds will help farmers minimize crop losses caused by diseases and pests.
The decision followed a vote held on June 15, 2025. Of the 363 Members of Parliament who participated, 322 voted in favour of allowing the case to proceed, 29 opposed it, and 12 abstained.
Parliament had earlier established a special commission to investigate the matter. During a hearing with the commission, Mutamba admitted that the $19 million designated for the prison project was misappropriated and transferred to the account of a fictitious company. He also issued a public apology.
Despite acknowledging the mismanagement, Mutamba told the commission he is caught in a personal conflict with senior officials, including Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde, who is spearheading the case against him.
He claimed he is being targeted for his anti-corruption efforts within the justice sector since joining the government in May 2024, alleging that Mvonde is acting out of revenge.
Mutamba further stated that a €900,000 house purchased by Mvonde in Belgium is under investigation, and questioned the prosecutor’s moral and legal authority to bring charges against him.
The officers, who have spent the past year undertaking a rigorous academic and leadership training programme, will officially graduate later this month.
The PSCSC offers a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, equipping participants with the strategic and operational skills needed for high-level roles in policing and peacekeeping.
The graduating cohort includes officers from Rwanda, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Namibia, and Botswana.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye, who officiated the dinner, praised the officers for their resilience and commitment throughout the demanding course.
“I congratulate you on successfully completing your studies,” he said. “Continue to uphold the courage and dedication you have demonstrated here. Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to contribute meaningfully to peace, security, and sustainable development wherever you serve.”
IGP Namuhoranye also acknowledged the role of the officers’ families in supporting their academic journey, noting that their encouragement and sacrifices were instrumental to the trainees’ success.
The Police Senior Command and Staff Course is one of the region’s premier security leadership programmes, drawing participants from across Africa and fostering regional cooperation in policing and peace operations.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the university’s Board of Directors, led by Prof Simon Gicharu, who also chairs the governing council and is the founder of Mount Kenya University (MKU). Prof Kabaji’s appointment takes effect on August 1.
“Prof Kabaji brings to this role immense academic experience, visionary leadership, and a deep understanding of the region’s education dynamics,” said Prof Gicharu. “His appointment marks a new dawn, not only for Mount Kigali University, but also for regional integration and academic excellence.”
Prof Kabaji, a professor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya, is widely respected for his work in literature, cultural studies, and university leadership. He currently serves in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and has held various administrative roles in Kenyan academia.
He holds a PhD in Folk Media and Communication from the University of South Africa (Unisa), an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master’s in Literary Studies from Kenyatta University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and English from the same institution.
In his new role, Prof Kabaji is expected to serve as a key advocate for the university, championing external engagement, promoting partnerships, and supporting fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. He will also serve as a patron of creative writing, helping the institution build networks with other academic and cultural organisations.
Mount Kigali University, formerly the Kigali campus of Mount Kenya University, gained autonomy in 2023 after approval by Rwanda’s Higher Education Council. The transition allowed the institution to establish its own governance and academic structures, with a mission to expand programmes and research tailored to local and regional development needs.
“The university’s elevation to full independence is a defining milestone in Rwanda’s higher education landscape,” Prof Gicharu said, adding that the institution is now positioned to offer world-class education and attract learners from across Africa.
Prof Kabaji pledged to uphold the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and regional collaboration, saying, “I am honoured to take on this role and contribute to shaping a future-ready university that empowers young minds and transforms communities.”
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, emphasized that a notable feature of this budget is that 91.7% of the funds will come from domestic resources, including locally generated revenues and loans that the country will repay. Only 8.3% will come from external grants.
He added that although this is officially the budget for the next fiscal year, it is closely linked to the current year and to future years as well, given that the government is in the process of implementing the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). This five-year plan is being rolled out incrementally each year, and at this stage, the focus is on accelerating implementation.
Murangwa explained that the 2025/26 budget was allocated according to the goals of NST2 across its three pillars: economic transformation, which will receive 62.8% of the budget; social transformation, which will receive 21.7%; and promoting good governance, which will receive 15.5%.
He noted that in both the upcoming and medium-term periods, the government plans to increase productivity across all economic sectors, strengthen programs that enhance citizens’ well-being, and continue prioritizing climate action, including reducing harmful emissions.
He highlighted several key activities receiving special focus in this budget. These include repayment of national debt, the ongoing construction of the new Kigali International Airport, and the expansion of RwandAir operations.
The government will also continue school feeding programs and ensure timely procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs, such as chemical fertilizers and quality seeds. A portion of the budget is also dedicated to preparing for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
Specifically, the budget allocates $600 million (equivalent to over 853.6 billion Rwandan Francs) to the construction of the new Kigali International Airport.
Other priority projects for the 2025/26 fiscal year include stimulating private sector growth and youth employment by increasing investment and developing basic infrastructure in industrial zones such as those in Musanze and Muhanga.
This includes constructing a petroleum storage facility in Ruhanga, building a wastewater treatment plant for the leather factory in Bugesera, and enhancing the capacity of the Kigali dry port.
There are also plans to develop essential infrastructure in the Musanze industrial park to support pharmaceutical production using cannabis, provide basic facilities for Kigali Innovation City, and continue supporting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) initiative as a means to boost tourism revenue.
To better manage and protect the country’s natural water resources, the government will construct the Muvumba multipurpose dam, equip laboratories to monitor Lake Kivu’s behavior, and support both public and private sector projects aimed at improving access to climate finance through programs like INTEGO and the IREME fund.
In the technology sector, the budget will support the creation of a cybersecurity office, provide aid to coding schools, expand the digital ID system, and enhance the use of digital identification and authentication technologies.
In terms of urbanization and rural housing development, the government will deliver infrastructure to sites earmarked for affordable housing, complete payments for the renovation of Amahoro Stadium, refurbish the Parliament building, and expand the Muzo Model Village from 120 to 180 homes. Efforts will also continue to remove asbestos roofing from public buildings and develop updated urban planning maps for informal settlements across Rwanda.
Other planned activities include the expansion of key road networks. These include the 40-kilometer Nyacyonga–Mukoto road, a 30-kilometer road linked to the Kigali Logistics Platform, the construction of a new Nyabugogo bus terminal, and a general improvement of Kigali’s urban mobility systems.
National road upgrades will include rehabilitation of the 45-kilometer Kigali–Muhanga road, the Base–Butaro–Kidaho road, and the 10-kilometer stretch from Prince House to Giporoso to Masaka. The government also plans to build a port in Rusizi on Lake Kivu and establish a model aviation training school.
In the financial sector, new technologies will be introduced to restructure local SACCOs into district-level cooperatives, strengthening the broader banking system. The budget will also bolster the financial intelligence framework to enhance oversight of public spending.
In health, the budget includes the construction of district hospitals in Muhororo and Kabgayi, the expansion of Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, and the building of maternity wards at Kibagabaga Hospital.
Regarding peace and security, Murangwa stated that Rwanda will continue contributing to both regional and international peacekeeping missions. The country remains committed to deploying forces that support stability within neighboring countries, across the region, and on the global stage.
The expanded list includes key U.S. allies such as Egypt and Djibouti, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing a credible internal memo signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
If approved, the proposal would mark one of the largest travel-based restrictions in U.S. history, and follow an earlier executive order that targeted 19 countries, most of them in Africa and the Middle East.
The recent memo was distributed to American embassies over the weekend. It instructs governments of the listed countries to submit initial action plans by Wednesday morning and outlines a 60-day window to meet a series of enhanced vetting and cooperation benchmarks.
The targeted countries face scrutiny due to various issues, including weak identity documentation systems, high visa overstay rates in the U.S., lack of cooperation on deportations, and in some cases, the sale of citizenships with minimal requirements. It also mentions concerns about “anti-American or antisemitic activity” linked to individuals from certain nations.
The nations facing new restrictions are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Additional nations in the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific, including Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Dominica, Tonga, and Tuvalu, are also named in the memo.
The proposal builds on Trump’s recent Executive Order 14161, which imposed full travel bans on countries including Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, Libya, the Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea, while partially restricting Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Other countries affected include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, and Venezuela.
The policy has already sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups, who accuse the administration of disproportionately targeting African and Muslim-majority nations.
Many have drawn comparisons to Trump’s first-term travel ban, which was eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court but remains controversial to this day.
Bintou arrived in Goma, now under the control of AFC/M23, on June 12, 2025, to assess the security situation in areas held by the group. Her findings will be presented to the UN Security Council on June 27.
In addition to talks with AFC/M23 leaders, Bintou also met with the commander of the Southern African Development Community forces in the DRC (SAMIDRC), Maj. Gen. Monwabisi Dyakopu, as well as UN peacekeepers stationed in the region.
At the conclusion of her three-day visit, Bintou stated, “When the helicopter landed at the MONUSCO base, emotions were high. But in the conversations I had, I sensed hope. I believe the ongoing peace talks will yield tangible results.”
This was Bintou’s first visit to Goma since the city was seized by AFC/M23 in January 2025. The rebel group has previously accused MONUSCO of siding with the DRC government and disregarding the views and demands of the opposing side.
This message was emphasised as the youth visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi as part of the 31st commemoration activities.
The young people, who are receiving technology and entrepreneurship-focused training at ALX Rwanda, toured various sections of the memorial and were given a detailed account of how the Genocide was ideologically constructed, systematically planned, and brutally executed in 1994, leading to the loss of a million lives.
After learning about this painful chapter in history, the students laid wreaths at the mass graves where over 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried.
Participants also attended discussions and heard testimonies reflecting on the country’s dark past, the journey of national rebuilding, and lit candles as a symbol of hope for a future free from division and hatred.
Divin Ibambasi, Deputy Director of Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP), called on the youth to harness their technological knowledge to fight against genocide ideology and denialism.
“You should use your skills in technology to combat genocide ideology and those who deny or trivialise the Genocide against the Tutsi anywhere in the world,” he said.
He further encouraged them to apply their technological expertise to address challenges that threaten to undermine Rwanda’s progress.
Nimie Chaylone Uwurugwiro, Country Director of ALX Rwanda, emphasised that any knowledge or skill is meaningless unless it is used with humanity and directed toward nation-building.
“You may have skills in technology, business, or leadership, but if they’re not grounded in humanity and not used to contribute to your country, they have no value,” she stated.
She added that to effectively challenge genocide denial and distortion, ALX Rwanda decided to organise visits to memorial sites to help students gain a firsthand understanding of the country’s history.
“We bring our students here so they can hear the real stories and understand what happened because, nowadays, many come across distorted narratives on social media platforms run by genocide deniers. Some don’t know the truth.”
“We want them to see it for themselves, learn the truth, and be motivated to take part in building the nation with even greater commitment.”
ALX Rwanda, a branch of ALX Africa, equips young Africans with the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in the digital economy and become future leaders, all without the high cost of traditional degrees.
The school offers practical training in in-demand tech fields like Data Analytics, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering (back-end and front-end), Cybersecurity, and AI Career Essentials (AICE).
Beyond tech, ALX also provides programs in graphic design, content creation, and entrepreneurship through ALX Ventures. This includes the Freelancer Academy (FLA) for independent professionals and the Founders Academy (FA) for startup builders. Additionally, the Pathway Program supports recent high school graduates.
According to a communique issued by the RDF, the registration period will run from June 21 to July 20, 2025, followed by selection exams between July 21 and August 5, 2025. The announcement encourages eligible Rwandans to seize this opportunity to serve their country, with examinations to be held across all provinces.
The nationwide call is part of RDF’s continued investment in building a disciplined and capable force, while offering young Rwandans a path to national service and personal development.
{{Eligibility criteria
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To qualify for recruitment as a junior officer, applicants must be Rwandan citizens in good health, aged between 18 and 25 years, and must have completed at least Senior 3 (S3).
In addition, candidates must have no criminal record, must not have been dismissed from public service, and are expected to demonstrate good morals and conduct. Importantly, they must also be willing to serve in the Rwanda Defence Force and successfully pass the entrance examinations.
Those applying to join the Reserve Force must meet similar requirements. However, age limits vary based on educational background.
Applicants who completed secondary school must be between 18 and 25 years old. Those with a university degree (A0) or vocational training (IPRC) may apply up to the age of 26, while individuals with specialised qualifications in fields such as Medicine, Engineering, or Law may apply until the age of 27.
Required documents include a national ID, A-level certificate, a certificate of good conduct from local authorities, and a criminal record clearance.
{{Selection exam schedule
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Examinations will be held from July 21 to August 5, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM daily.
Each district has designated venues and dates to accommodate all applicants. In Kigali City, exams will take place at IPRC Kicukiro Stadium, ULK Stadium, and Kigali Pelé Stadium. Similar arrangements have been made in all four provinces, including venues like Gicumbi Stadium, Nyamagabe Stadium, Rusizi Stadium, and others.
A complete schedule of dates and venues by district has been published in the [RDF communique->https://www.mod.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=132376&token=44312a2269e33f75b59c417199fd218711a9df56] and is available on the Ministry of Defence website: [www.mod.gov.rw->https://www.mod.gov.rw/].
