Rubavu is a popular hub for entertainment and tourism in Rwanda. On weekends, people of all ages flock to enjoy the beaches of Tam Tam, the hot springs known as Amashyuza in Nyamyumba, and other scenic spots that offer stunning views of the city of Goma and the surrounding hills of Lake Kivu.
The district’s administration unveiled these major projects during a retreat that brought together various stakeholders in the district’s development.
The Rubavu district authorities say that in the next five years, five new hotels will be built along the shores of Lake Kivu, along with other initiatives that will transform the region’s tourism landscape.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Mayor of Rubavu District Prosper Mulindwa, stated that they are continuing to support local and international investors who wish to invest in hotels and tourism.
“These five hotels will be built by establishing large tourism investment zones, in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board [RDB] and local and international private investors. We will continue to encourage investment in hotel services, offering support in planning, permits, roads, and basic infrastructure,” he said.
Mulindwa added that these hotels will offer international standard services, provide training for tourism service providers, and be places for learning and work.
The hotels are also expected to increase the number of modern rooms for international conference attendees and tourists, help youth with entrepreneurship, and boost the economy through services.
For instance, just below Serena Hotel, near the Rubavu district offices, a tall hotel building is under construction, although the name has not yet been revealed.
According to information obtained by IGIHE, the hotel, being built by the family of former President Pasteur Bizimungu, will be a five-star establishment.
Reports suggest that this hotel will stand out in Rubavu as it will have over 80 rooms, making it the largest in the city. It will also feature a large conference room, a rare addition for hotels in Rubavu.
Additionally, the hotel will have an outdoor pool, offering a view of Lake Kivu from the top.
In Nyamyumba, another five-star hotel is under construction. This hotel will feature a unique system that uses hot springs in the rooms, replacing traditional water heating systems.
Currently, Rubavu has 24 hotels, offering a total of 2,059 rooms, with 1,471 of these located in Gisenyi sector. The largest hotel is Serena Hotel, with 69 rooms, followed by Stipp Hotel with 50 rooms.
These minerals are challenging to process because a single stone extracted from the earth can contain a mix of different types of minerals. Additionally, only a few countries are abundant in them.
China currently controls nearly 80% of the global market for processing rare earth minerals. Globally, there are approximately 130 million tons of these minerals. China holds over 44 million tons, Vietnam possesses 22 million tons, Brazil has 21 million tons, and Russia controls 12 million tons. The United States, in comparison, has about 1.2 million tons.
For the U.S., securing rare earth minerals is crucial for maintaining its position as a global superpower. These minerals are essential to its technological leadership, supporting everything from electric vehicles to 5G internet, and reducing reliance.
To illustrate the importance, Apple, one of America’s leading tech companies, has announced it will invest $500 million in mining and processing these minerals within the United States.
The U.S. also aims to capitalize on Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth, which is valued at an estimated $14 trillion. It’s reported that the U.S. plans to replace its dependence on Chinese rare earth minerals with those sourced from Ukraine, given that the country is rich in these resources.
The minerals in question include Bastnaesite, Monazite, Xenotime, Allanite, Eudialyte, Loparite, Gadolinite, Cerite, Samarskite, Fergusonite, Parisite, Fluorite, and others.
These minerals are processed into valuable metals like Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutetium, Scandium, and Yttrium. These are used in various industries, such as electronics, energy production, and medical technologies.
The cost of these minerals can vary significantly. For example, a ton of Cerium may cost between $2,000 and $4,000, while the price of Dysprosium can range from $300,000 to $500,000 per ton. The most expensive mineral is Terbium, which can cost up to $1.5 million per ton.
{{Rwanda’s rich potential in rare earth minerals}}
Rwanda is one of the countries actively developing research in rare earth minerals through advanced technologies. History shows that these minerals have been mined in the country, and their presence continues to be significant today.
Jean Claude Ngaruye, Mining Exploration Division Manager at the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), has told IGIHE that Rwanda has abundant reserves of these minerals.
“These minerals were mined before and after independence. Three types were particularly extracted: Monazite, Zircon, and Xenotime. These minerals are in high demand due to their use in modern technology, with Zircon also being utilized in the nuclear industry.”
The regions with the most significant mining activity are located in Rwanda’s Southern Province. These include areas like Rukarara in Nyamagabe, Nshili in Nyaruguru, and near Munanira rock.
According to Ngaruye, “These sites were part of the former Butare, with one area located in the Gishamvu sector of Huye District.”
Minerals are also found in Musebeya, a region that stretches across Karongi, Nyamagabe, and Nyamasheke.
Monazite, for example, yields metals like Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Praseodymium, and Samarium, which are essential for producing batteries, audio systems, aircraft engines, and other high-tech devices.
These minerals are highly valuable. For instance, Neodymium is priced at about $70,500 per ton, while Praseodymium costs around $71,350 per ton.
Ngaruye pointed out that the reason these minerals are in such high demand is not due to their low cost but because of their crucial role in technological development and environmental protection.
“Mining is like any other business. When something is in high demand, prices rise. If supply exceeds demand, prices drop. […] The prices of rare earths have decreased, which has led to our reduced interest. You wouldn’t go looking for an unnecessary stone in the market. The reason America is pursuing them so aggressively is to build its own large stockpile and compete with China,” he said.
Despite Rwanda’s wealth of these minerals, Ngaruye observed that the country does not yet have a large-scale market for them. However, he believes there is potential for specific buyers to access these minerals.
“They were present. Although most of the mining has been done in the Southern Province, there are also signs of these minerals in other regions like Rulindo, Gatumba in Ngororero, and other areas. Research could be easy if anyone is interested.”
{{Rwanda’s mining growth}}
Although Rwanda is rich in rare earth minerals, processing these minerals, particularly Monazite, presents challenges. Monazite often contains Uranium and Thorium, which require advanced processing methods and significant investment.
Rwanda’s revenue from mineral exports has seen steady growth, rising from $373 million in 2017 to $1.7 billion in 2024.
The country has set a target of reaching $2.2 billion in mineral production by 2029. This goal includes increasing the processing rate of extracted minerals from 40% to 80%. To achieve this, research will be conducted to identify new mineral-rich areas.
As of May 2025, the RMB has identified over 27,000 new hectares of land with significant mineral deposits.
Moscow views recent developments in Venezuela with deep concern, and tensions remain high and continue to grow. “This is primarily linked to Washington’s desire to assert unquestioned dominance in the region, a trademark of the Trump administration,” Ryabkov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying.
Ryabkov stressed that Russia maintains strong solidarity with Venezuela, referring to the recently concluded agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries. “We support Venezuela, just as it supports us … In this trying time, we stand with Caracas and its leadership shoulder to shoulder,” Ryabkov said.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon has carried out at least 22 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean since Sept. 2, killing more than 87 people aboard.
The “yellow line” marks the zone from which Israeli troops have not withdrawn in the Palestinian enclave, as part of the ceasefire arrangements that took effect on Oct. 10.
“The ‘yellow line’ is a new borderline, serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity,” Zamir said during a visit to Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya in Gaza, where he met division commanders.
He said the military has assumed “operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip,” adding that Israeli forces “will remain” in those areas.
Zamir added the army “will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself” and is preparing for “surprise attack scenarios,” which he described as a cornerstone of the military’s upcoming multi-year plan.
He said that the mission will not be complete until the last deceased hostage in Gaza, Ran Gvili, a police officer, is brought home. Hamas has released all 20 remaining living hostages and the bodies of 27 deceased hostages, except Gvili.
Israeli troops have shot and killed dozens of Palestinians, saying they were suspects who crossed the “yellow line.” More than 370 people have been killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 11, bringing the Palestinian death toll since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023 to 70,360, according to figures from Gaza’s health authorities.
“Any form of military interference in political processes constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union,” the chairperson stresses in a press statement.
Youssouf called on all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all unlawful actions, to fully respect the country’s constitution, and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations.
He further encouraged all national stakeholders in Benin to prioritize unity, dialogue, and the preservation of national peace.
Meanwhile, the AUC chief expressed “deep concern over the troubling proliferation of military coups and coup attempts across parts of the region.” He underscored that such actions continue to undermine continental stability, threaten democratic gains, and embolden military actors to act outside constitutional mandates.
He emphasized that the pan-African bloc remains firm and consistent in defending democratic governance, the rule of law, and the sovereign will of the African people.
Benin’s armed forces have foiled an attempted mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions, Minister of Interior and Public Security Alassane Seidou said in a statement on Sunday.
Seidou made the remarks after a group of soldiers announced earlier in the day on state broadcaster Benin TV that President Patrice Talon had been “removed from office.”
Seidou made the remarks after a group of soldiers announced earlier in the day on state broadcaster Benin TV that President Patrice Talon had been “removed from office.”
According to the minister, the armed forces and their command, “faithful to their oath,” responded in a republican manner and were able to keep the situation under control, thwarting the attempt. The government called on the public to continue their activities as normal.
Speaking separately to the French weekly magazine Jeune Afrique on Sunday morning, Romuald Wadagni, minister of state in charge of economy and finance, said the situation was “under control.”
“The mutineers are trapped. We are clearing the area, but it is not over yet. We are safe.” He said, adding that helicopters were patrolling the city and that the central Cotonou was heavily secured by the armed forces.
Local residents told Xinhua that in Cotonou, the country’s economic capital and largest city, and its surrounding areas, armed soldiers were mainly deployed at key intersections, while residents continued their daily activities and major markets remained open.
Earlier Sunday, the group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for the Refoundation (CMR),” convened and decided that “Mr. Patrice Talon is dismissed from his functions as president of the republic.”
Gunshots were reported at Camp Guezo, near the president’s residence in Cotonou, and local media said the soldiers had taken control of the state broadcaster. However, the Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation.
Benin, located in West Africa, covers an area of about 112,000 square km and has a population of roughly 14 million.
Historically considered one of the more peaceful and stable countries in the region, Benin has nevertheless experienced several coups and attempted coups following gaining independence from France in 1960.
Political stability has largely been maintained since 1991, after the two-decade rule of Mathieu Kerekou, who had renamed the country the People’s Republic of Benin.
Talon first came to power in March 2016 and was re-elected in April 2021. He was scheduled to step down after the presidential election in April 2026. Wadagni had been widely regarded as the frontrunner, while opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was barred by the electoral commission due to insufficient sponsorship.
In November, the national legislature approved an extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, while retaining the two-term limit.
The current events in Benin come amid a wave of military takeovers in West Africa. Just in late November, a coup in Guinea-Bissau ousted President Umaro Embalo following a disputed election in which both the incumbent and opposition declared victory.
The decision was taken during an extraordinary district council meeting held on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
According to reliable sources, the officials were removed after failing to address pressing issues affecting residents, particularly in the Ndego and Mwiri sectors. Communities in the areas have faced severe food shortages due to prolonged lack of rainfall. Reports indicate that while government food supplies were available, delays and mismanagement in distribution left residents struggling to meet basic needs.
The council also cited frequent disagreements among the leadership, with officials reportedly clashing over key decisions multiple times, contributing to governance challenges within the district.
John Bosco Nyemazi was elected Mayor in December 2021. Hope Munganyinka joined the district’s executive committee in 2018 and was later re-elected. Jean Damascene Harerimana was elected Vice Mayor in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.
Kayonza District has faced ongoing challenges related to drought, despite the implementation of major irrigation projects, including KIIWP1, KIIWP2, and others, with investments totalling over 100 billion Rwandan francs. However, residents in Ndego and Mwiri continue to experience hardships each year, prompting repeated complaints.
Identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for the Refoundation (CMR),” the soldiers said they convened on Sunday and decided that “Mr. Patrice Talon is dismissed from his functions as president of the republic.”
Gunshots were reported at Camp Guezo, near the president’s residence in the largest city of Cotonou, and local media said soldiers had taken control of the state broadcaster.
However, the Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation.
The current events in Benin come amid a wave of military takeovers in West Africa. Just in late November, a coup in Guinea-Bissau ousted President Umaro Embalo following a disputed election in which both the incumbent and opposition declared victory.
In a statement released on December 6, 2025, AFC/M23 clarified that the movement does not claim any territory outside the DRC and has no ambitions in Burundi, despite the country’s ongoing involvement in destabilizing eastern DRC.
“The world has witnessed the extensive destruction caused by bombs launched from Burundian territory by Burundian forces: roads and bridges destroyed, schools damaged, health centres affected, and homes and places of worship destroyed,” the statement read.
“These attacks, carried out from beyond our borders, continue to harm our communities, spread fear, and force thousands of families to flee their homes.”
The statement also highlighted that Burundian forces, armed and supported by the Kinshasa regime, are being used to target Tutsi Banyamulenge populations in Minembwe. AFC/M23 pledged to stand by civilians and urged residents to remain calm while continuing daily activities.
The call for Burundian withdrawal comes amid heavy fighting in South Kivu. Over the past five days, clashes between DRC forces and AFC/M23 have intensified in areas including Kamanyola, Kaziba, and Rurambo in Uvira territory. AFC/M23 fighters have captured Rurambo and are attempting to seize Lubarika, while DRC forces try to regain control of Katogota and Kamanyola.
Reports indicate heavy shelling in Kamanyola originating from Luvungi, while other shells have fallen in Luvungi from Kamanyola. Civilian homes and infrastructure, including schools, have been destroyed, leaving many dead or injured and forcing thousands to flee.
A displaced resident from Kamanyola recounted the harrowing experience: “They were firing shells that landed in houses. People were dying, others were injured, houses were burning. I have a family of seven: my husband, five children, and I. We fled the war.”
Burundi’s forces have been implicated in the cross-border shelling. AFC/M23 condemned the attacks and vowed to continue protecting civilians, while elite fighters reportedly launched a major counterattack on December 4 against Burundian army positions in South Kivu, killing multiple soldiers, including Lt. Col. Athanase Minani, and taking others captive.
Burundian forces have been openly operating in South Kivu Province since 2022, after Burundi and the DRC signed a military cooperation agreement in an attempt to neutralise M23 rebels.
The handover event took place on December 3, 2025, in a ceremony organised in partnership with the Eastern Province, Nyagatare District, and the Rwanda Housing Authority.
The beneficiaries are 125 families resettled in the model village located in Karangazi Sector, Ndama Cell, Rwabiharamba Village.
Founded in 2020 and operational since 2023, BioMassters aims to address climate change by promoting clean and affordable cooking solutions.
The company operates a production facility in Rubavu and several outlets in Kigali. Over the past two years, it has supplied two stove models: the clay-based Iryacu and the metal Inzuchief. Both are known for their durability, cleanliness, and ability to reduce fuel costs by up to 50% compared to charcoal. Importantly, the stoves cook without producing smoke, improving household health.
Bosco Nsanzabandi, one of the recipients, welcomed the initiative, noting that the new stove will help resolve the persistent problem of indoor smoke.
“We thank our government for caring about citizens like us. In this area, we faced severe smoke-related challenges. These stoves will help us protect the environment and also reduce what we spend on charcoal and firewood,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Grace Umwari, said the stove would not only eliminate smoke but also ease the burden of sourcing firewood, which had become increasingly difficult.
Nyagatare Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development and Finance, Gonzague Matsiko, urged residents to maintain the stoves properly, emphasising their impact on reducing smoke emissions, fuel expenses, and cooking time.
“Our citizens are no longer mere beneficiaries but partners, because we work together to protect the environment. One of the ways to do this is by reducing the pressure we put on trees,” he said.
He added that the stoves do not rely on wood or charcoal, and encouraged residents to purchase the affordable fuel that will be brought closer to them to ease their cooking activities.
BioMassters’ Director of Business Development and Sales, Sylvain Rucyaha, said the company’s mission is to make cooking safer and more affordable while safeguarding the environment.
“At BioMassters, we strive to ensure people cook in safe, smoke-free conditions and at a reasonable cost. That is why we implement projects like this: to respond to the challenges faced by families struggling to access clean cooking fuel,” he said.
To date, BioMassters has distributed nearly 8,000 stoves and reached more than 70,000 users nationwide. The Iryacu model distributed in Nyagatare retails at Rwf 40,000, while the Inzuchief costs Rwf 50,000.
BioMassters’ Chief Operations Officer, Yasmine Karam, said the company is steadily achieving its long-term goal of expanding access to clean cooking solutions in Rwanda.
“The aim was to find a clean and efficient cooking solution and introduce it to Rwanda. This technology creates jobs while helping us meet the needs of Rwandans, and we are seeing continuous progress,” she said.
BioMassters stoves use pellets made from wood and agricultural residues, which are environmentally friendly and affordable. A kilogram costs Rwf 350 in Kigali shops and Rwf 380 at partner outlets across the country.
The company is also working closely with the Ministry of Education. Six schools have already adopted the clean cooking system, and the number is expected to rise to 10 by the end of the year.
