Category: News

The contingent, led by Joint Task Force Commander Major General Emmy K. Ruvusha, arrived at Kigali International Airport to a warm reception following their contribution to ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in northern Mozambique.

Addressing the troops, Major General Kagame commended their dedication, professionalism, and resilience in the face of operational challenges. He lauded their outstanding achievements over the past year and urged them to continue upholding the highest standards of conduct and discipline as members of the RDF.

Rwandan troops were first deployed to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, following years of attacks by Islamic State-linked insurgents.

Since the deployment, joint operations between the Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican Defence Armed Forces have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several districts, and facilitated the safe return of thousands of displaced residents.

The return of the contingent comes two months after Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo’s visit to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement was signed to extend Rwanda’s military support in Cabo Delgado.

“Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,” President Chapo said during his visit, acknowledging Rwanda’s crucial role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite sporadic attacks that still occur.

Bolsonaro’s legal team argued that the trial was marked by due process violations, including a lack of proper defense and reliance on what they called a flawed and contradictory plea bargain testimony. They also cited legal errors in how the charges were applied.

In September, the Supreme Federal Court ruled by a 4-1 vote that Bolsonaro had led a criminal organization seeking to keep him in power following his 2022 election defeat.

The former president was convicted of five charges: attempting a coup d’etat, violently seeking to abolish the democratic rule of law, leading an armed criminal organization, aggravated property damage, and destruction of protected historical heritage.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 27, the group rejected the allegations as inaccurate, clarifying that Twangiza Mining had temporarily suspended operations in May 2025 due to security and technical challenges, not as a result of looting.

The group explained that the mine, formerly a subsidiary of Banro Corporation (Canada) and now operated by Chinese-owned Baiyin International Investments Ltd, faced operational disruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions, targeted attacks on Chinese workers, and extensive aerial bombardments by FARDC drones since October 2025. These factors made normal mining activity impossible, AFC/M23 said.

The group also dismissed claims regarding underground mineral transport, noting that Twangiza is an open-pit mine, with all facilities, including processing and storage, located on the surface and compliant with international standards.

“There is no underground tunnel system, and no underground deposits have been exploited,” said AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.

Other allegations addressed included the expulsion of residents and the demolition of churches. AFC/M23 clarified that population movements were caused by ongoing military operations by FARDC, Wazalendo, and FDLR, not by the mining company. Damage to civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings, was attributed to indiscriminate aerial bombings, not Twangiza Mining.

AFC/M23 also rejected claims that Twangiza Mining relies on Rwandan technicians, calling such narratives part of a broader campaign of ethnic stigmatisation against Eastern Congolese communities.

The group clarified that the mine employs Congolese, Chinese, and South African staff, all recruited through official and traceable channels, and that there is no evidence of Rwandan workforce involvement. AFC/M23 added that Reuters’ reporting failed to verify these claims, which they said fuels divisive rhetoric.

Concluding its response, AFC/M23 said: “Reuters’ claims appear largely inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of the real situation. The letter from CEO Chao Xianfeng dated 8 May 2025 confirms that Twangiza Mining suspended its operations, meaning that activity was indeed halted, but without any intention of definitive closure.”

“This nuance, a temporary shutdown for technical and security reasons, is essential to distinguish an industrial adjustment decision from a cessation of activity.”

According to the Office of the President, Kagame began his visit with a bilateral meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The three-day event runs from October 27-30, 2025, under the theme, “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth”.

The conference provides a platform for thoughtful debate and dialogue aimed at establishing a solutions-based narrative on the future of investment and policy.

On the first day of FII9, President Kagame is expected to participate in a Heads of State Conclave, probing the question, “What’s the true cost of economic security?”.

President Kagame, alongside Presidents of Guyana, Kosovo, Colombia, Bulgaria, Albania and the Premier of Bermuda, will discuss the current state of shifting trade pursuits, and the ways to safeguard national interests while preserving shared prosperity.

This discussion will be moderated by Matteo Renzi, Senator of the Italian Republic and Former Prime Minister of Italy.

President Kagame will also join a panel discussion questioning, “Is Humanity Heading in the Right Direction?”, alongside President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan, as well as Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates, and Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA.

The discussion will be moderated by Richard Attias, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Acting CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute.

FII Institute started in 2017 as an annual event bringing together stakeholders interested in investing in long-standing solutions to global challenges.

FII Institute has chosen four focus areas where inequalities are glaring, to work together on collective solutions; AI & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

Saudi Arabia is a country in West Asia, located in the center of the Middle East.

Covering most of the Arabian Peninsula, it spans an area of approximately 2,150,000 km², making it the fifth-largest country in Asia, the largest in the Middle East, and the twelfth-largest in the world.

It is bordered by the Red Sea to the west, Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north, the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south.

Rwanda and Saudi Arabia already enjoy strong diplomatic and economic relations, with agreements in healthcare, education, energy, and infrastructure.

These reforms reflect the Government of Rwanda’s sustained commitment to building a competitive, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that fosters innovation, productivity, and sustainable development.

{{Transforming land management and urban planning}}

A major highlight among these reforms is the completion of the High-Resolution Topographic Mapping Project, initiated in 2021 and concluded in early 2025.

Led by the National Land Authority (NLA) in collaboration with the City of Kigali, MININFRA, and the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the project established Rwanda’s first set of highly accurate topographic maps.

These maps, developed using advanced technologies such as LiDAR, aerial photography, and satellite imagery, provide detailed representations of both natural and man-made features, including precise elevation data.

The initiative is expected to significantly improve long-term urban and infrastructure planning, particularly in the area of urban mobility, environmental management, and disaster preparedness.

Complementing this effort, the Building Permit Management and Information System (BPMIS) – KUBAKA Portal, launched in April 2025, modernizes the building permit application process, making it faster, transparent, and user-friendly for developers and local authorities.

{{Digital transformation in land and judicial systems}}

The National Land Authority (NLA) has launched several digital platforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in land management. One of these platforms is the upgraded Land Information Inquiry Portal, which offers faster access to land ownership details and classifications.

Additionally, the Land Application Tracking System enables applicants to follow their land transactions in real-time and collaborate seamlessly with authorities.

Another key initiative is the Rwanda Land Dashboard, which provides real-time, evidence-based data to support policymaking and ensure transparent decision-making.

Meanwhile, in the justice sector, the introduction of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS Version 2) in April 2025 marked a major step in digital judicial reform.

The system enables coordination of all judicial service providers electronically, significantly reducing costs, saving time, and allowing virtual court proceedings.

Similarly, the Kigali International Arbitration Center (KIAC) rolled out an Online Case Management Software, digitizing arbitration services and enabling Virtual Arbitration, which promotes faster, paperless, and more efficient dispute resolution.

{{Strengthening intellectual property and trade facilitation}}

Rwanda also strengthened the protection of innovations through the new Intellectual Property Law, enacted in June 2024, aligning the country with international IP standards and providing stronger safeguards for creators and investors.

In a major trade facilitation reform, the requirement for export licenses was eliminated in 2025. Exporters now only need licenses if required by the importing country, significantly reducing bureaucratic procedures and improving competitiveness.

Additionally, the validity of permits for quality and safety issued by regulatory bodies such as the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (FDA), Rwanda Inspection and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), and Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has been extended from one year to five years—a change that minimizes administrative costs and promotes business continuity. (This excludes pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices.)

{{Advancing service delivery and private sector efficiency}}

In May 2025, the Government introduced a Single Unified Portal for RSSB contributions and PAYE declarations for private sector entities. The system reduces the workload of filling multiple annexes and processes declarations for pension, medical, maternity, and tax contributions simultaneously, saving both time and resources.

To further reduce the cost of doing business, the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) also eliminated service fees for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) starting January 2025, boosting local enterprise competitiveness and supporting entrepreneurship.

{{Enhancing citizen services and utility access}}

Service delivery was further improved through the introduction of the Online Water Connection Service, launched in June 2025 by WASAC. The platform allows residents and property owners to apply for new water connections, upload documents, and track application status online, eliminating the need for in-person visits to branch offices and reducing processing time.

The 2025 reforms mark a new chapter in Rwanda’s reform journey—one focused on digital transformation, transparency, and efficiency. From land management to justice, trade, and service delivery, these initiatives collectively reinforce Rwanda’s vision of becoming a regional hub for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

By integrating technology, institutional reforms, and citizen-focused services, Rwanda continues to build a governance model that promotes trust, fosters entrepreneurship, and positions the country as one of Africa’s most forward-looking economies.

His closest challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesperson and employment minister, garnered 35.2%, according to the Council’s president, Clement Atangana.

The result means Biya, who first took office in 1982, will remain in power for another seven-year term.

This year’s election drew significant attention, with Bakary leading a spirited campaign that attracted large crowds and support from a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups. Despite his challenge, Biya’s long-established party structure and loyal base are said to have contributed to his latest victory.

While the announcement was met with celebration among Biya’s supporters, some parts of the country remained tense. Streets in Bamenda, a major city in the English-speaking west, were largely deserted amid fears of unrest. Reports indicated that at least four people were killed in Douala on Sunday during clashes between protesters and security forces.

Biya’s leadership has been marked by both achievements and enduring challenges. He is credited with expanding the country’s education system, establishing new public universities, and successfully resolving the Bakassi Peninsula dispute, which saw the oil-rich territory peacefully transferred from Nigeria to Cameroon.

However, his government continues to face difficulties, including an ongoing separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions, high youth unemployment, and concerns over infrastructure and public service delivery.

Bessent told CBS, the BBC’s US news partner, that the framework includes a final agreement on TikTok’s US operations and a deferral of China’s tightened controls on rare earth mineral exports. He added that he does not expect the 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods threatened by President Trump to come into force, while China will resume large-scale soybean purchases from the US.

Both nations are aiming to de-escalate tensions following months of uncertainty in global trade. The meeting between Trump and Xi is scheduled to take place on Thursday in South Korea, as part of the US president’s Asia tour.

Bessent met senior Chinese trade officials on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Malaysia, where both sides described their talks as “constructive.” He said the countries had “reached a substantial framework for the two leaders,” adding that “the tariffs will be averted.”

In a statement, China’s government said both negotiating teams “reached a basic consensus on arrangements to address their respective concerns” and that “both sides agreed to further finalise specific details.”

Since returning to the White House, President Trump has imposed or threatened sweeping tariffs on imported goods from several countries, arguing that they would strengthen US manufacturing and create jobs. While this approach has led to new trade agreements with countries such as the UK, it has also triggered sharp disputes with China, the largest target of US tariffs.

Earlier this month, Trump announced plans to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods starting in November, in response to Beijing’s decision to tighten controls on exports of rare earth elements minerals crucial to the production of smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable-energy components. At the time, Trump accused China of “becoming very hostile” and trying to “hold the world captive.”

China, which processes nearly 90 percent of the world’s rare earth minerals, has now agreed to delay those restrictions for one year while reassessing the policy, Bessent confirmed during a separate television interview.

Another key issue in the discussions is the soybean trade, a sector that has suffered since China halted imports during the height of the trade war. Bessent, himself a soybean farmer, suggested that an agreement would bring relief to US producers.

“I’m actually a soybean farmer, so I have felt this pain too,” he said. “I believe when the announcement of the deal with China is made public, our soybean farmers will feel really good about what’s going on for this season and the coming seasons for several years.”

The proposed trade framework signals a potential turning point in relations between the world’s two largest economies, which have been locked in tariff battles and technology disputes since Trump’s return to office.

Among its achievements over the past century are more than 1,300 schools, including 853 nursery schools, 258 primary schools, 137 secondary schools, and three universities.

The church also takes pride in having established three hospitals, 18 health centers, hotels, business buildings, and other infrastructure that benefit the Rwandan community.

Archbishop Mbanda, who is in his final year of service, told IGIHE that he is grateful for how he has used the power God gave him to advance the Gospel in Rwanda.

“When I began, we had 1.2 million followers, that number has grown. During my time as Archbishop, we also established two new dioceses: Karongi and Nyaruguru. We thank God for that,” he said.

Archbishop Mbanda, who turned 71 on October 25, 2025, recalled that when he succeeded Rwaje, who had laid the foundation for the Gasabo Diocese, much still needed to be done.

He said that progress has been remarkable, from 2,903 congregants to more than 9,000 today.

“In Gasabo Diocese alone, we have built 22 well-constructed nursery schools and 14 modern churches. When I first came to Kibagabaga, it was hard to find a proper path or structure, but today we have a beautiful cathedral and the impressive Trinity Corner and Trinity Plaza, which generate income to sustain our mission,” he added.

Another milestone is the completion of the Anglican Church of Rwanda’s new headquarters in Kibagabaga, moving from its former location in Remera. The site also includes the Archbishop’s official residence, which, though he does not occupy it, generates 5 million Rwandan francs per month.

“In Kibagabaga, we now have two-story buildings. It’s a sign of growth in infrastructure, in the number of followers, and in the spread of the Gospel,” said Archbishop Mbanda.

{{Advancing healthcare}}

The Anglican Church of Rwanda operates three major hospitals: Gahini Hospital in Kayonza District, Shyira Hospital in Nyabihu District, and Kigeme Hospital in Nyamagabe District, in addition to various health centers and clinics.

Archbishop Mbanda highlights his involvement in the establishment of two health centers during his leadership, which continue to contribute to the improvement of Rwandans’ health.

{{Two of the three Anglican Universities founded under his leadership}}

The Anglican Church of Rwanda has prioritized high-quality education. Today, it operates three universities, including Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic College in Musanze District, which opened in 2014 and currently has around 4,000 students.

Other institutions include Hanika Anglican Integrated Polytechnic (HAIP) in the Southern Province, offering various programs up to Bachelor’s degree, and East African Christian College (EACC).

While launching business facilities at EACC, Archbishop Mbanda expressed his pride in having helped establish two of these universities: “By God’s grace, we have built excellent infrastructure and now seek the capacity to ensure their sustainability,” he said.

The new building at EACC will cost $1 million (over 1.4 billion Rwandan francs). It will include 16 classrooms, two large lecture halls for 160 students, 16 spaces for businesses, and 18 rooms for offices and storage, all to be completed within nine months.

Archbishop Mbanda mentioned that EACC’s initial goal was to have between 4,000 and 6,000 students by 2026, and they are already on track to reach 4,000 students.

“The academic programs we envisioned at that time, including business, theology, education, and medicine, are now in place and functioning. We also started a program to train early childhood education teachers, which has been successful. Our infrastructure plans have also come to fruition.”

EACC is led by Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba, former Minister of Education in Rwanda. He shared that the university has plans to expand its capacity to 6,000 students, with plans to further develop the campus, including equipping the medical laboratory and increasing dormitory spaces.

“We plan to establish a model primary school. Today, we have a nursery school that will support our students studying education at the university. We are also seeking approval for eight new programs, five at the undergraduate level and three at master’s level,” he added.

{{28 years without support from Canterbury}}

For years, the Anglican Church of Rwanda, along with other GAFCON churches, followed Gospel principles distinct from the Church of England, particularly after Canterbury supported actions like blessing same-sex unions. This shift raised concerns about potential financial struggles, as it was believed Canterbury provided financial support.

When asked about how they would survive, Archbishop Mbanda responded: ” As far as I know, since 1997, we have not received any funding from Canterbury. The Anglican Church of Rwanda has reached a point where it must be self-sustaining, and that’s how it is.”

The Church headquarters is self-sustaining, and dioceses are reaching the same level of independence. That is why we encourage our congregants to work hard to support themselves. There’s no loss in what we have done.

This message extends even to non-Anglican Christians, as Archbishop Mbanda stated: “All Rwandans must work hard and support themselves rather than waiting for charity.”

When Archbishop Mbanda assumed his new responsibilities succeeding Onesphore Rwaje on January 17, 2018, the Anglican Church of Rwanda relied on small contributions from donors, typically around $4,000 or $3,000 at the national level.

“Today, we never rely on those small amounts. We now generate over 150 million Rwandan francs monthly through the infrastructure we have built. For example, the EACC university generates over 200 million Rwandan francs, which can help support its mission.”

FARDC spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, on October 10, 2025, urged FDLR combatants to surrender either to the Congolese government or to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO).

He stated that if FDLR fighters refuse to hand themselves over for repatriation to Rwanda, the Congolese army would use force to dismantle the group, in accordance with the Washington peace agreement signed in June.

However, during the third session of the Joint Security Cooperation Mechanism (JSCM) held in Washington, D.C., on October 21–22, the Rwandan and Congolese delegations, along with the United States and observers, confirmed that the FDLR had not yet begun disarmament. Despite this, Maj. Gen. Ekenge maintained that the process had already started.

In an interview with journalist Wendy Bashi from Deutsche Welle, Maj. Gen. Ekenge was asked about progress in removing the FDLR from Congolese territory. He responded: “FDLR has followed the instructions of the Congolese army.”

He further stated that the group remains in territories controlled by AFC/M23 fighters in Rutshuru, North Kivu Province, claiming the coalition is preventing FDLR members from surrendering to FARDC or MONUSCO.

“They are being stopped by others from laying down their arms. Today, we must ask ourselves where FDLR is. They are in areas controlled by AFC/M23 in Rutshuru. They want to disarm, but they are being stopped from doing so,” said Maj. Gen. Ekenge.

When asked why AFC/M23 would prevent the FDLR from disarming, he said he did not know but emphasised that the Congolese army would continue awareness campaigns urging the group to surrender.

“We are doing what is required of us. We have conducted awareness campaigns within FDLR and continue to do so. I have personally urged them to lay down their weapons. Others should help us in this effort,” he added.

Under the Washington peace agreement, both Rwanda and the DRC agreed to exchange intelligence on the FDLR and its affiliated groups through the Joint Security Cooperation Mechanism. The framework includes sharing information about FDLR movements, strength, and the location of its fighters and weapons.

In July 2025, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe revealed that some FDLR members had been integrated into the Congolese army and Wazalendo militias, a move Kigali described as a violation of peace commitments.

“All FDLR information is known to us, their locations and the units where they’ve been integrated. They cannot claim these people are missing. They’ve not only been absorbed into the army but also into the Wazalendo militias,” Amb. Nduhungirehe said.

Rwanda’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) also identified 25 Rwandans linked to terrorist activities, noting that senior FDLR leaders were still operating in Walikale territory as of October 14, 2025.

Among those listed were FDLR President Gaston Iyamuremye, known as Lt. Gen. Byiringiro Victor, and military commander Pacifique Ntawunguka, known as Gen. Omega. Both were reportedly residing in the Buhaya area of Walikale.