It was officially closed by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
This high-level gathering reaffirmed Rwanda’s steadfast commitment to promoting continental defence collaboration, dialogue, peacekeeping, security, and the exchange of military leadership expertise across Africa.
The symposium brought together Land Forces commanders, defence experts, and key stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Minister Marizamunda expressed gratitude to the participants for their insightful contributions throughout the event.
He underscored the importance of partnerships, particularly in joint training and professional exchange, as essential to building a stable and prosperous future for Africa and the wider world.
“You have collectively examined the evolving nature of global and regional security, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the capabilities, professionalism, and readiness of our respective Land Forces,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the discussions had served as a powerful reminder that “we operate in an increasingly complex and unpredictable environment, marked by asymmetric conflicts, transnational threats, and crises that require decisive action.
“In such times, the vital role of Land Forces can not be overstated. They are the first responders in times of crisis, the stabilizing force during turmoil, and the foundation upon which peace is rebuilt.”
Following the official closing, Land Forces commanders visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay the respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Presiding over the ceremony, the UNMISS Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, commended the Rwandan peacekeepers for their outstanding professionalism and dedication.
He noted that Rwanda is among the top five troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions globally.
Lt Gen Subramanian praised both Rwanbatt-3, and RAU-13 for their discipline, unwavering commitment, and significant contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in South Sudan.
Colonel Leodomir Uwizeyimana, Rwanbatt-3 Contingent Commander and Senior National Representative, expressed his gratitude to the UNMISS leadership for their ongoing support and recognition.
He reaffirmed the battalion’s commitment to upholding Rwanda’s esteemed reputation in international peacekeeping and to fulfilling the mission’s mandate to protect civilians and promote peace.
Col Uwizeyimana also highlighted the importance of cooperation with other contingents, local communities, and all stakeholders, acknowledging their role in the successful operations.
He reiterated the contingents’s dedication to fostering peace and preserving Rwanda’s proud legacy in peacekeeping efforts.
The ceremony was attended by senior UNMISS officials from various sectors and members of the Rwandan community residing in South Sudan.
The event featured a vibrant parade and a martial arts demonstration by Rwandan peacekeepers, showcasing their discipline and cultural heritage.
Held under the theme “Building Trust in Higher Education,” the three-day conference opened on Tuesday, October 21, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and runs through Thursday, October 23.
The event marks a milestone for Rwanda and the region, as it is the first time the IAU International Conference has been held in East Africa. Over 200 delegates from 56 countries are attending, engaging in discussions on how universities can rebuild and sustain public trust amid an era of social, technological, and ideological disruption.
The conference’s focus on trust comes at a time when universities globally are facing heightened scrutiny. Questions are being raised about their relevance, impact, and the trustworthiness of their operations, especially in light of rapid technological advancements and societal changes. The discussions aim to address these issues and forge new paths for universities to re-establish their credibility in an age marked by political and social unrest.
Andrew Deeks, the President of IAU, set the tone for the conference, reflecting on the organisation’s 75-year legacy and its continued commitment to advancing higher education globally. He emphasised that this year’s theme was particularly relevant as trust in universities is being questioned across the world.
“Whether universities are operating for the benefit of the countries they’re in or for the students they educate is increasingly under scrutiny,” said Professor Deeks. “Our goal is to explore how to build and sustain trust in the face of these challenges.”
Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, expressed the institution’s excitement in being part of this global conversation. He noted the unique opportunity for African universities to share their experiences and challenges with their international counterparts.
{{Addressing global and local challenges
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Hilligje van’t Land, the Secretary-General of IAU, highlighted the importance of the conference in fostering collaboration between universities worldwide.
“This is a unique opportunity for members of the higher education community to come together, discuss the key challenges facing universities, and work towards solutions that will benefit the global higher education sector,” she said.
Dr Van’t Land pointed out that the conference’s theme is timely, especially considering the turmoil faced by many institutions in the current political climate. From issues surrounding academic freedom to increasing demands for inclusivity and equity, universities must find ways to remain relevant and trustworthy in an increasingly complex world.
The challenges facing higher education in Africa, in particular, were a focal point of discussion. Professor Muganga emphasised how hosting the conference in Kigali allows African universities to not only learn from their global peers but also showcase their progress and unique challenges.
“By coming together, we can exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and benefit from diverse perspectives,” Prof. Muganga added.
Andreas Corcoran, IAU Deputy Secretary General, reiterated the association’s founding mission to act as the “global voice of higher education” within UNESCO frameworks. He praised Africa’s dynamic academic landscape, describing it as “vibrant, agile, and creative in solving contemporary challenges.”
“Africa is the future,” Corcoran said. “The world has a lot to learn from African universities, their innovative pedagogies, governance models, and adaptability to their specific environments.”
{{Forging partnerships and building trust
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Prof. Muganga revealed that the University of Rwanda has already signed several Memoranda of Understanding with participating institutions, including a new agreement with Brazil’s Federal University of Viçosa focusing on technology, mining, and geology.
{{Rebuilding trust and embracing new challenges
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One of the most pressing issues discussed at the conference is how universities can rebuild trust in a world where misinformation and mistrust are rampant. The importance of integrity in leadership, transparency in governance, and a commitment to inclusivity were all emphasized as key pillars of rebuilding trust.
Global tertiary education expert Dr Jamil Salmi delivered the keynote address, “Trust and Distrust in an Age of Turmoil,” warning that higher education institutions worldwide face a crisis of confidence.
He cited factors such as widening inequalities in access, rising tuition costs, corruption, ideological interference, and the growing rejection of scientific evidence.
“We live in a paradox where universities are attacked as elitist or irrelevant, even as societies depend on them more than ever for innovation and progress,” he said.
Dr Salmi identified five key principles for rebuilding trust: equity and inclusiveness, student-centred learning, a focus on competencies over credentials, commitment to truth and academic freedom, and social responsibility.
Dr Salmi emphasised that universities can no longer be “ivory towers” and must engage actively with communities, industry, and government. He noted that trust is built when universities deliver real value to society through education, research, and innovation.
{{Rwanda’s commitment to education and innovation
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Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, also addressed the conference, stressing the country’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and positioning higher education as a driver of social cohesion and sustainable development.
“Trust is earned when universities deliver value, by educating citizens to be problem-solvers and generating research that addresses real societal challenges,” said Nsengimana.
He underscored the importance of partnerships between universities, governments, and communities, noting that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 aims to make the country a knowledge-driven, high-income society.
“We see higher education not as an isolated pursuit of degrees, but as a driver of transformation, a tool for social cohesion and a pillar of sustainable development. Our universities are not doing business as usual. They are becoming engines of innovation, resilience and inclusive growth,” he stated.
Nsengimana urged delegates to envision a future where universities lead change, serving as beacons of truth, innovation, and hope. “Together, we can ensure higher education does not merely survive change but shapes it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the conference also marked the launch of the IAU’s Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), a peer-to-peer capacity-building initiative for university leaders. The programme begins in Kigali and continues online, with additional modules planned for the 2026 IAU Conference in Perth, Australia, in November 2026.
The competition was attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including the State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Claudette Irere, and the Director General of the Rwanda Education Board, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana.
Representatives from the Rwanda Defence Force, the Rwanda National Police, and delegations from 30 participating countries were also present.
This year’s Olympiad gathered nearly 400 students who showcased their remarkable mental arithmetic skills using the ABACUS method, a technique that blends speed, memory, and concentration in an extraordinary display of numerical mastery.
Among these bright minds, APACOPE stood out impressively, earning the coveted first place overall and securing the highest number of student awards among all participating schools.
The school’s star performers included Alsene Irakooze, who claimed victory in Level 3 for Watching and Listening, and Eddy Nkuranga, who triumphed in Level 3 Written Exams.
Gakumba Ishya Gaelle also took top honors in Level 4 Watching and Listening, while Shima Salom Junior and Kirenga Enzo Yanis brought home second-place finishes in the same category and in Level 4 Written Exams respectively.
This remarkable success builds upon APACOPE’s already stellar reputation. In a previous international competition held in Nigeria, one of its students won a gold medal in the ABACUS Mental Calculation category, an achievement that underscored the school’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and innovative teaching methods.
Adding to its remarkable achievements, APACOPE traditional dance troupe entertained the audience with captivating Rwandan cultural performances, making the event even more vibrant and memorable.
General Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, who once served as President Tshisekedi’s advisor on special military operations, General Franck Ntumba, former head of military operations at the President’s office, and Brig Gen Benjamin Katende Batubadila, the Commander of the Republican Guard in charge of Operations and Intelligence, were all arrested in July 2025.
The three senior officers are accused of organizing a coup attempt against the president. Although their arrests took place several months ago, their trial has not yet begun.
According to sources, security officials have since grown uneasy about other soldiers from the Republican Guard who worked closely with the detained generals.
Fearing possible internal threats, military leadership has ordered the transfer of many of these officers to army headquarters for reassignment.
It is expected that a number of these soldiers will be posted outside the capital, Kinshasa, to prevent any potential threats they may pose.
As of July 2025, more than 70 soldiers, including nearly 30 generals, had been arrested for alleged involvement in the plot against President Tshisekedi. None of them have yet appeared before a military court.
On Monday, the court directed Hisbah, the Islamic morality police, to ensure the couple, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, get married within 60 days.
The couple had posted videos showing themselves hugging and kissing, which is considered inappropriate in Kano’s conservative Muslim society.
“The court decided that since the two are in love and shared their romance on TikTok, they should get married,” said Baba-Jibo Ibrahim, a spokesperson for Kano State’s judiciary. “The marriage must happen within 60 days .”
Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, who has dwarfism, were popular on TikTok before the video raised concerns. Wushirya was arrested for sharing the video, which violated local moral guidelines.
“We have received the court order and are preparing for the wedding,” said Abba Sufi, the head of Hisbah. “The couple has agreed to get married, and we plan to carry out the wedding as soon as possible. We are also contacting Basira’s family, who live more than 300 kilometers away in Zamfara State, to seek their approval.”
Kano is known for its Islamic traditions and is home to Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry. In 2022, local authorities began more closely monitoring social media content, including platforms like TikTok.
Baba-Jibo Ibrahim said that the rise of social media has raised concerns among religious leaders. He explained that videos like the one shared by Wushirya and Guda are seen as conflicting with the moral values of society.
According to him, the court’s decision is meant to protect these traditional values.
The court’s ruling has sparked a debate over the role of social media in societies with conservative moral beliefs. Some see this as a restriction of personal freedom, while others view it as in line with the cultural and religious values of the area.
At 81 years, Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is now Africa’s fourth longest-serving leader.
The upcoming election will see Museveni face off against his main rival, 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
Bobi Wine, a former musician who rose to political prominence in 2017, has garnered significant support from Uganda’s youth, largely due to his advocacy for political change and social justice.
The singer-turned-politician has repeatedly claimed that the 2021 election, which Museveni won, was marred by election irregularities such as ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation, bribery, and other forms of electoral manipulation.
On the other hand, officials from Museveni’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have dismissed these allegations, insisting that Museveni’s victory in 2021 was legitimate and reflected the genuine support of Ugandans across the country.
In addition to Museveni and Wine, six other candidates from smaller political parties are expected to contest the presidential race. Ugandans will also vote for members of parliament during the same election.
President Museveni, a former rebel leader, has been credited for stabilizing Uganda and fostering economic growth over the years.
His government has made strides in different areas including infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, the Museveni government is pinning hopes on Uganda’s emerging oil industry.
The country is set to begin crude oil exports next year, with fields operated by France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC.
The government anticipates that this development will boost economic growth, with the potential to push the country’s economic expansion into double digits.
With the JIP’s support, Takaichi secured the prime minister’s seat, becoming the first woman in the nation to hold the office. What is Takaichi’s background? How did she perform in the parliamentary vote? What are the challenges facing the newly formed coalition?
{{Takaichi’s profile}}
Born in 1961 in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1993 and has since held a series of senior posts, including minister of internal affairs and communications, minister for economic security, and vice minister of economy, trade and industry.
A close ally of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is widely regarded as a staunch successor to his political agenda. The 64-year-old identifies as a hardline conservative and advocates for the restoration of traditional Japanese values and nationalist pride, emphasizing constitutional amendments, strengthening security and maintaining the imperial family’s male-only succession.
Takaichi had previously contested the LDP leadership three times. After unsuccessful bids in 2021 and 2024, she claimed the presidency this October by defeating Shinjiro Koizumi in the final round of voting.
Shortly after, however, she faced her first challenge as leader when the LDP lost its long-time junior coalition partner Komeito. Komeito chief Tetsuo Saito announced the decision to terminate his party’s 26-year partnership with the LDP, citing the ruling party’s “insufficient” response to a high-profile political funds scandal.
Takaichi was elected LDP president on Oct. 4. The prime ministerial designation vote was originally scheduled for Oct. 15 but was postponed to Oct. 21 as uncertainty following Komeito’s departure cast doubt on whether Takaichi could secure enough parliamentary support in the race.
{{Victory in both houses}}
According to Japanese law, the election of a new prime minister is held in separate votes in both houses of the Diet, Japan’s parliament. In each chamber, if no nominee wins a majority in the first round, a runoff will be held between the top two vote-getters. The choice in the lower house will prevail in the event of a split decision.
To consolidate her votes amid political flux, Takaichi held negotiations with several opposition parties, including the Democratic Party for the People and the JIP. With the LDP’s new coalition partner JIP ultimately deciding to back her, she was able to effectively lock in her victory on Tuesday’s voting.
In the 465-member House of Representatives, Takaichi secured 237 ballots in the first round, defeating head of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party Yoshihiko Noda with 149 votes and other rival candidates.
However, no candidate secured a majority in the first round of the vote in the 248-member House of Councillors. Takaichi led with 123 votes, followed by Noda with 44. As a result, an unprecedented runoff for the upper chamber, the first in 13 years, was triggered between Takaichi and Noda, with Takaichi ultimately winning the race.
In the new cabinet line-up, Takaichi offered major posts to her four rivals in October’s LDP leadership race, signaling her intention to build party unity and ensure policy stability. Shinjiro Koizumi will take the post of defense minister, while Toshimitsu Motegi will return as foreign minister.
The two others are Yoshimasa Hayashi, who will be tapped as internal affairs and communications minister, and Takayuki Kobayashi, already appointed as the LDP’s policy chief.
Among other key government positions is Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, a former defense minister.
{{Rocky new alliance }}
The leaderships of the LDP and the JIP met Monday evening in Tokyo to formally sign the coalition agreement. Unlike the long-standing partnership model between the LDP and Komeito, the new coalition will take a relatively loose form, with the JIP expected not to take cabinet posts for the time being.
According to media reports, Takaichi had offered “several ministerial posts” to the JIP, a move that would deepen her commitment to the coalition, but the party declined the offer on the grounds of “lack of governance experience,” apparently reflecting JIP’s cautious stance.
This move is widely seen as a “disengagement strategy” by the JIP. It is believed that the JIP intends to maintain a certain distance from the LDP in order to be able to withdraw at any time when there are policy differences or changes in public opinion.
If it joined the cabinet, it would share responsibility for the budget bills and major policies, while remaining outside the cabinet would allow it to draw a clear line when necessary and avoid taking on political risks.
Meanwhile, the JIP’s performance in both last year’s lower house and this year’s upper house elections fell short of expectations, jeopardizing its position as the “third-largest party” after the LDP and the Constitutional Democratic Party. Moreover, a series of recent departures from the party by lawmakers have weakened its internal cohesion. The Asahi Shimbun reported that LDP top leaders are concerned that a lack of stability within the JIP could affect the sustainability of their cooperation.
Regarding policy implementation, the Nikkei pointed out that the LDP-JIP alliance still falls short of a majority in both houses in the Diet, posing great uncertainty for policy implementation. This is particularly true given JIP’s inclusion of reducing the number of Diet seats as a “nonnegotiable condition” for the alliance. Despite the LDP agreeing to parliamentary seat cuts, there is strong resistance within both the ruling and opposition parties. If this key proposition proves difficult to realize, “the prerequisite for the alliance may have already been undermined from the outset.”
According to a statement issued by the police, the fatal crash happened at around 12:15 a.m. local time along the Kampala-Gulu Highway in the western Uganda district of Kiryandongo, and involved four vehicles — two passenger buses, a Toyota Surf and a Tata lorry.
On the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali 2025, the Head of State met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and executives from Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, and Orange, members of the G6 group, an alliance of Africa’s leading mobile network operators working with the GSMA to accelerate digital transformation.
According to the Office of the President, the meetings focused on policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and environmental sustainability, aiming to bridge Africa’s digital divide and promote inclusive growth in the continent’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Speaking earlier at the MWC Kigali 2025 opening ceremony, President Kagame called for a “bold, connected, and competitive” Africa. He urged global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to harness technology to narrow the continent’s connectivity gap and unlock its potential.
“Innovation does not belong to one part of the world alone,” Kagame said. “It can emerge anywhere from anyone given the chance.” He highlighted Africa’s rapid shift from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy, citing mobile money as a global model of financial inclusion empowering small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
President Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into planning, research, and public service delivery to boost productivity and inclusivity. He called for harmonised policies across governments, private sectors, and partners like the African Union and Smart Africa, aiming to create a single digital market enabling secure data and payment systems across the continent.
Echoing Kagame’s vision, ICT Minister Paula Ingabire highlighted Rwanda’s digital achievements, noting that active mobile users surged from 500,000 in 2023 to 5 million 4G users by June 2025, driven by public-private partnerships and reforms to lower costs and expand infrastructure. She also showcased Rwanda’s 5G launch via MTN Rwanda, connectivity for nearly 1,000 health facilities and 4,000 schools, and training of 4.5 million citizens in digital literacy.
“The future of digital innovation in Africa will be defined by collaboration,” Minister Ingabire said, urging the development of African-designed solutions scalable globally to position the continent as a hub of digital excellence.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, praised Rwanda’s leadership, noting that mobile operators now cover 99% of the country, enabling nearly 13 million connections. He highlighted the role of mobile technology in advancing education, healthcare, and financial services, while calling for urgent action on handset affordability, inclusive AI models, and energy resilience to ensure universal digital access.
The three-day event, themed “Converge, Connect and Create”, has drawn over 4,000 delegates from 109 countries. Its thought leadership programme focuses on building a connected continent, exploring AI for economic growth, advancing fintech, and showcasing Africa’s digital frontier through innovations in health, education, and entertainment.
