The figure, agreed upon by the two ministries, represents a decrease from the 117.5 billion shekels allocated in 2024 and the 135.7 billion shekels this year, during which Israel was engaged in fighting on several fronts.
The ministries said the reduction is due to a significant expected drop in the recruitment of reserve soldiers next year following the Gaza ceasefire that took effect on October 10.
Despite the decrease compared to the wartime budgets, the 2026 figure is still 47 billion shekels higher than the 2023 defense budget, which covered most of the period before the Gaza war erupted in October that year.
The new defense budget, subject to parliamentary approval as part of the 2026 state budget, was agreed upon after extensive discussions between the two ministries.
The ministries noted that the planned defense budget allows the government to avoid tax increases next year and even creates room for potential tax relief within the state budget.
They also agreed on a separate three-year budget package of around 725 million shekels to reinforce security infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, including travel protection measures, new road construction, military facilities, and projects along the eastern border with Jordan.
The signing followed a landmark ceremony earlier in the day in Washington, D.C., where Rwanda and the DRC formalised a US-brokered peace accord aimed at ending decades of conflict, enhancing regional security, and unlocking new opportunities for cooperation. The Washington Accord was witnessed by US President Donald Trump, President Paul Kagame, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, and several African and international leaders.
In addition to the peace compact, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, concluded two separate economic agreements: the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) with his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, and the Framework Between the United States and Rwanda for Shared Economic Prosperity with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreements are designed to accelerate economic integration and promote shared prosperity across the region.
{{Rwanda–DRC economic integration framework
}}
Minister Nduhungirehe said the newly signed REIF creates a structured platform for Rwanda and the DRC to make joint investments in five priority sectors: energy, infrastructure, mineral supply chains, national park management and tourism, and public health.
He noted that the framework provides both countries with pathways to strengthen cross-border trade and cooperation, complementing the security commitments embedded in the Washington Accord.
“This agreement opens economic opportunities for Rwanda and the DRC to work together in a coordinated and mutually beneficial way,” Nduhungirehe said.
The economic components of the REIF align with the broader objectives of the Washington Accord, which emphasises regional economic integration as a foundation for durable peace.
{{Rwanda–U.S. framework for shared economic prosperity
}}
A second agreement signed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio establishes a bilateral framework for economic cooperation between Rwanda and the United States. The partnership focuses on mining and mineral processing, energy, and broader trade and investment promotion, operating outside the scope of the REIF.
The framework is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s position as a reliable partner in critical mineral supply chains and expand American investment opportunities in the country.
The peace and economic agreements come at a pivotal moment as Rwanda and the DRC seek to turn the page on three decades of instability in eastern Congo. During the signing of the Washington Accord, President Trump hailed the development as “a great day for Africa,” underscoring the accord’s potential to bring lasting stability and unlock new economic prospects.
President Kagame emphasised that the success of the agreement and the new economic frameworks rests primarily with African leadership and commitment.
“Rwanda will not be found wanting,” he said, reaffirming Rwanda’s readiness to play its part decisively.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi described the accord and its accompanying frameworks as a turning point that offers a pathway out of the “cycle of violence, mistrust, and forced displacement” that has long affected both nations.
By committing to deeper cooperation in sectors ranging from energy to mineral supply chains, Rwanda, the DRC, and the United States aim to lay the groundwork for a more stable, interconnected, and prosperous Great Lakes region.
Since the morning of December 5, 2025, DRC, Burundian, and Wazalendo forces have launched attacks in parts of Uvira territory, including Katogota, Kamanyola, and the Luvungi groupement.
Shelling in Luvungi has forced residents to flee to other areas of Uvira that are not affected by the clashes, including Sange, Runingu, Ndolera, and Uvira town.
Bertrand Bisimwa, the AFC/M23 rebellion’s deputy coordinator, said Burundian forces stationed in Burundi were targeting Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi.
“This morning, Burundian troops in Burundi shelled densely populated areas in Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi, causing civilian casualties, including children, and destroying homes, schools, churches, and markets,” Bisimwa said.
Footage shared on social media shows homes destroyed by the shelling. In one clip, a resident near Ngomo hill in Kamanyola reported, “The first shell fell here. All the houses were destroyed. Six people died near Ngomo. Things are terrible.”
Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 spokesperson, added that the shelling of civilian areas began more than three days ago and that the group’s fighters remain prepared to defend affected populations.
The fighting erupted despite ceasefire commitments made by both parties during the ongoing mediation efforts in Doha, Qatar, raising concerns about escalation of violence.
The sites, covering a combined 14,020 hectares across the country, are categorised into medium- and large-scale mining zones, with four designated for extraction of the 3Ts (tin, tungsten, tantalum), four set aside for exploration, and two dedicated to gemstone mining.
RMB, which is hosting the mining week, noted that the minerals remain in high global demand due to their use in construction, aviation, military equipment, electronics, batteries, and jewellery.
Among the identified extraction zones is Binyeri in Rukoma Sector, Kamonyi District (70 ha), which contains cassiterite, lithium, and beryllium and is earmarked for medium-scale mining. In Bugesera District, the Musenyi site spans 1,000 hectares and is designated for large-scale mining of cassiterite, coltan, lithium, and beryllium.
Gatsibo District’s Rubiha site (450 ha) contains high-grade cassiterite with purity levels between 90.5% and 99.08%, while the Minazi zone in Gakenke District (700 ha) features cassiterite, coltan, and gemstones.
RMB also listed several exploration zones, including Shyorongi in Rulindo District (3,175 ha), where cassiterite, wolfram, coltan, and gold deposits were identified. Other exploration sites include Kabagari–Kinihira in Ruhango District (1,500 ha) and Bihembe in Rwamagana District (1,600 ha).
In Rubavu District, the Kivumu–Nyamyumba zone (875 ha) contains cassiterite, coltan, wolfram, and beryllium. For gemstones, the Bushekeri–Rangiro area in Nyamasheke District (1,400 ha) hosts sapphire, amethyst, smoky quartz, and ruby, while Kanama in Rubavu District contains tourmaline, sapphire, beryl, and almandine.
RMB CEO Alice Uwase encouraged investors to apply for licences, emphasising financial capacity, technical expertise, and appropriate equipment as key requirements. Applications are open from December 3, 2025, to March 3, 2026, with RMB planning guided site visits in January 2026.
“We expect strong interest. In the last licensing cycle, we received 73 applications for 10 sites, and we anticipate that number will double this year,” Uwase said, urging investors to consider partnerships or joint ventures to meet regulatory thresholds.
This is the second major discovery announcement in 2025. In May, RMB unveiled 10 mineral-rich sites covering 13,454 hectares.
Rwanda’s mining sector, which employs over 92,000 people, generated $1.75 billion in 2024. The country aims to reach $2.2 billion in mineral export revenues by 2029 and increase mineral traceability and collection rates from 40% to 80%.
The colourful ceremony, held at Kigali Marriott Hotel, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and distinguished guests to commemorate the UAE’s formation under the theme “United.”
The celebration marks a significant milestone for the UAE, reflecting on the vision of its founding fathers, particularly Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who united the seven Emirates under one flag on December 2, 1971. The historic day not only heralded the birth of the United Arab Emirates but also laid the foundation for its commitment to international cooperation and responsible governance, with the first Council of Ministers formed just a week later and the UAE joining the United Nations.
In his keynote speech, Mohammed AlKaabi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, highlighted the nation’s remarkable progress over the past five decades.
“From infrastructure, aviation, and renewable energy to space exploration and artificial intelligence, the UAE has chosen to shape the future rather than wait for it,” he noted.
He also emphasised the UAE’s global initiatives, including Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, underscoring the country’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and climate action.
The 2025 Union Day celebrations also coincide with the UAE’s designation of the year as the “Year of the Community,” a reflection of the nation’s focus on social cohesion and inclusivity. With over 200 nationalities residing in the UAE, the initiative highlights the importance of diversity, mutual respect, and shared development.
Rwanda’s presence at the event was led by the Guest of Honour, Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Middle East & Pacific Affairs at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.
In his address, Rwanyagatare extended Rwanda’s heartfelt congratulations to the UAE on its 54th Union Day. He emphasised the strong bilateral ties that have grown steadily over the years, particularly in trade, investment, aviation, hospitality, education, and infrastructure.
“Over the past thirty years, Rwanda has undergone rapid transformation across multiple sectors with the support and investment of partners like the UAE,” Rwanyagatare said.
He highlighted that the UAE has emerged as Rwanda’s top export market, with bilateral trade surpassing USD 1.5 billion in the last year, reflecting the complementary strengths of both economies and the confidence businesses place in each other.
Economic cooperation has been bolstered by projects such as DP World’s Kigali Logistics Platform and the new Rubavu Logistics Hub, which strengthen Rwanda’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub connecting the country to regional seaports and global supply chains. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has also supported Rwanda through initiatives like the expansion of the Karenge Water Treatment Plant, enhancing water security and service delivery for communities and businesses.
Beyond economics, the UAE and Rwanda have deepened collaboration in capacity building and governance through the Government Experience Exchange Program, as well as in security and defence, contributing to regional stability. Both countries continue to share values centred on human capital development, innovation, sustainable development, and climate action.
The evening’s program featured a blend of cultural and diplomatic engagements, including UAE and Rwandan national anthems, a traditional UAE folk dance ‘Al Harbiah’, Rwandan traditional dance performances by students from the Islamic Secondary School for Sciences, a self-service buffet featuring UAE dishes, and the ceremonial cutting of the Union Day cake. Guests were also presented with symbolic gifts, marking the significance of the occasion.
Since the opening of the UAE Embassy in Kigali in March 2018, this marks the eighth time Union Day has been celebrated in Rwanda. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the UAE’s achievements over more than five decades while reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen their partnership for peace, prosperity, and mutual growth.
As the celebrations concluded, both AlKaabi and Rwanyagatare toasted to the continued friendship between Rwanda and the UAE, reaffirming that the ties between the two nations are poised to grow even stronger in the years to come.
According to the Office of the President, President Kagame hosted a dinner with Members of Congress, including Senator Mike Rounds, Chairman Rep. Brian Mast, Senator Kevin Cramer, Senator Pete Ricketts, Rep. Ronny Jackson, and Rep. Trent Kelly. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through key initiatives that contribute to lasting stability and prosperity.
Earlier in the evening, President Kagame met separately with Senator Lindsey Graham. Their conversation centred on expanding Rwanda–U.S. collaboration in strategic areas such as conservation, security and economic partnerships.
President Kagame arrived in Washington earlier on Wednesday and is expected to meet with President Donald Trump before joining the signing of the Washington Accord alongside his Congolese counterpart, President Félix Tshisekedi.
The accord, brokered by the United States and scheduled for signing later on Thursday, seeks to end years of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It follows months of intensive diplomatic negotiations led by President Trump, building on an initial framework agreed upon in June.
In addition to the peace agreement, Kagame and Tshisekedi are also expected to ratify a Regional Economic Integration Framework, finalised last month, which outlines mechanisms to boost cross-border trade and cooperation.
The Washington Agreement includes provisions for the neutralisation of the FDLR and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive border measures.
The upcoming signing is being closely watched as a significant step toward stabilising eastern Congo and advancing regional cooperation across the Great Lakes region.
The UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2025 shows that shifts in financial markets affect global trade almost as strongly as real economic activity, influencing development prospects worldwide, said the UN trade body.
The report said that despite potential gains from new technologies like artificial intelligence, global growth is projected to remain subdued in 2026, at 2.6 percent.
UNCTAD said that its projection was based on a global growth aggregate using market exchange rate (MER) weights rather than purchasing power parity (PPP) weights used by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with the latter leading to a higher global growth forecast. The OECD on the same day predicted that global GDP growth will slow from 3.2 percent in 2025 to 2.9 percent in 2026.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan said the findings show how financial conditions increasingly determine the direction of global trade. “Trade is not just a chain of suppliers. It is also a chain of credit lines, payment systems, currency markets, and capital flows,” she said.
The report said developing economies are forecast to grow by 4.3 percent in 2025, significantly faster than advanced economies.
However, factors such as higher financing costs, greater exposure to sudden shifts in capital flows, and rising climate-related financial risks limit the fiscal and investment space that developing economies need to sustain growth.
The report noted that many developing economies with small domestic financial markets rely on external borrowing at significantly higher rates of 7 to 11 percent, compared with 1 to 4 percent in major advanced economies.
In addition, climate vulnerability adds to financial pressures, with countries repeatedly exposed to extreme weather paying an estimated 20 billion U.S. dollars more each year in interest.
UNCTAD called for a set of reforms to reduce financial vulnerability, improve predictability, and strengthen alignment among trade, finance, and development.
These measures include trade rule updates, policies to narrow data caps, international monetary system reforms, and the development of capital markets.
Rwanda extracts minerals including wolframite, cassiterite, and coltan, processed into tungsten, tin, and tantalum, with an annual production of 8,000 to 10,000 tons. The country also mines gold, sapphire, and lithium, alongside ongoing exploration to identify new deposits. Increasingly, Rwanda is focusing on value addition through local processing.
The Gasabo Gold Refinery, now in its sixth year of operation, has an annual capacity of 96 tons. Director Kayobotsi Bosco told IGIHE that the facility has reached 30% of capacity, 28.8 tons annually. Monthly production has grown from 600 kilograms to 2.5 tons.
“We started by processing about 600 kilograms per month, and now we are processing 2.5 tons per month,” he said, noting the steady growth over the years. Gold processed at the refinery comes from Rwanda and six non-conflict African countries.
“They want us to process their gold. It’s easier to bring it because Rwanda has adequate security,” he added.
Processing yields significant benefits. Gold refined to 99.99% purity sells for over $134,000 per kilogram, compared to about $120,000 for unprocessed gold. Silver, often discarded when gold is sold raw, can fetch more than $1,800 per kilogram when refined. The refinery employs 42 Rwandans and aims to reach 50% capacity, about four tons per month, next year.
Tin processing has also expanded. LuNa Smelter, which began operations in 2018/19, has increased output from 100 to over 250 tons of tin per month, with a purification rate of 99.95%. Interim operations manager Parfait Udakemwa said the plant plans to reach 320 tons next year and targets 600 tons per month within five years. It employs 161 staff and sources cassiterite from across Rwanda.
Rwanda is also adopting advanced technologies in mining. The country has shifted from basic tools to research-driven methods and is now introducing robots to improve safety and efficiency. Through discussions with Zora Robotics, Rwanda plans to deploy robots in underground tunnels to assess ground stability, measure gas levels, and monitor workers.
Zora Robotics CEO Benjamin Karenzi said the company has over 60 robots operating in various sectors and is ready to support mining. Robots, operating on 5G, will inspect tunnels before miners enter and track worker movements, helping to reduce accidents and raise productivity. The technology is already used in South Africa and may cost up to 120 million Rwandan Francs per mine.
The initiative has gained support from investors such as British businessman Ray Power, whose company processes 120 tons of coltan per month in Bugesera. He said improved worker safety strengthens client confidence and long-term cooperation.
Rwanda aims to increase mining export revenues to $2.2 billion by 2029 and raise mineral recovery rates from 40% to 80%. In May 2025, the country identified new mineral zones spanning 13,454 hectares, with more discoveries expected.
The leaders are set to finalise the Washington Accord, a US-brokered peace deal aimed at ending years of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The signing ceremony, scheduled for December 4, follows months of intensive diplomatic efforts led by President Trump and comes after the initial agreement was reached in June. In addition to the peace accord, the two leaders are expected to ratify a Regional Economic Integration Framework that was negotiated last month.
Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have been strained for years. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which controls key eastern cities, including Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, instead accusing the DRC of harbouring the FDLR, a militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and urging the DRC to resolve its internal security issues independently.
The Washington Agreement outlines the neutralisation of the FDLR and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive border measures.
President Kagame recently emphasised that lasting peace will require commitment from all parties involved.
“Some of these processes will not work not just because we are meeting in Washington or the powerful United States is involved, but until those people concerned directly are committed to achieving end results,” he said.
The upcoming signing in Washington is being closely watched as a crucial step toward stabilising eastern Congo and strengthening regional cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
Trump made the declaration in a post on his Truth Social media platform, saying recipients of any pardon, commutation or other legal document signed by autopen should consider them “fully and completely terminated” and “of no legal effect.”
The autopen is a device historically used by U.S. presidents to replicate their signatures for high‑volume or ceremonial paperwork, a practice adopted by presidents of both major parties.
According to law professors such as Bernadette Meyler (Stanford Law School) and Mark Osler (University of St. Thomas School of Law), there is “absolutely no constitutional or legal basis” for a sitting president to retroactively revoke a predecessor’s pardons simply because they were autopen‑signed.
Another expert, Brian Kalt of Michigan State University College of Law, said that any attempt to invalidate pardons would require a court and only a court to declare them invalid, which would demand proof that Biden did not authorize the signatures.
It is not publicly known whether Biden actually used an autopen for all pardons or commutations and so far, no evidence has surfaced to confirm that.
Meanwhile, Trump is no stranger to clemency powers: since taking office a second time in January 2025, he has issued dozens of pardons and commutations including for high‑profile figures such as former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.
