Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu and Evode Uwizeyimana have been reappointed for another term, while Dr. Valentine Uwamariya and Alfred Gasana join the Senate as new members.
The appointments were made in accordance with Article 80 of the Constitution.
Dr. Valentine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the former National University of Rwanda (NUR), a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa (2005), and a PhD in Water Science and Environmental Technology from UNESCO-IHE and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (2013).
Dr. Uwamariya previously served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of training, Institutional Development and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) before being appointed Minister of Education in December 2020.
In 2023, Dr. Uwamariya was appointed Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, and the following year, she became Minister of Environment.
On July 24, 2025, Dr. Uwamariya was replaced by Dr. Bernadette Arakwiriye as Minister of Environment. Since then, she has not held any government position.
Alfred Gasana was appointed Minister of Interior in December 2021, a portfolio that had last existed in the Rwandan Government in April 2020 under Gen Patrick Nyamvumba.
Before joining the Cabinet, Gasana served as a Member of Parliament in the Chamber of Deputies, where he was part of the Political Affairs and Legal Committee in 2010.
In June 2024, he was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, succeeding Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, who had been named Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Evode Uwizeyimana is a Senator in the Parliament of Rwanda, appointed by President Kagame in October 2020. He holds a Master’s degree in Law.
From 2016 to 2020, Uwizeyimana served as State Minister in the Ministry of Justice in charge of Constitutional and Legal Affairs.
Between 2014 and 2016, he was Vice Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission and also served on the committee that reviewed Rwanda’s Constitution in 2015.
Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and has been a Senator since October 2020.
For many years, he served as President of IBUKA, the umbrella organization representing survivors of the 1994 tragedy against the Tutsi.
From 1994 to December 2010, he was a lecturer in Psychology at the former National University of Rwanda.
The latest batch of returnees, mostly women and children, crossed into Rwanda through La Corniche border post linking Goma and Rubavu.
The repatriation follows agreements reached during a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.
Before returning home, the group had been staying in a transit camp in Goma after leaving various areas in eastern Congo where they had been under FDLR control.
The Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Mulindwa, assured the returnees that the Rwandan government has several programs in place to help them reintegrate into normal life.
“They will immediately be included in national support programs designed for low-income Rwandans to help them overcome challenges and catch up in development,” Mulindwa said. “Local communities are encouraged to assist them based on their needs and the opportunities available where they settle.”
He added that once the returnees complete their short stay at Kijote Transit Center in Nyabihu District, the government will provide each of them with a reintegration package to help them start afresh.
Adults over 18 years old will receive $188, minors $113, and every individual will be given basic food supplies worth Frw 45,000.
Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre from October 21-23, the event, themed Converge, Connect and Create, has drawn over 4,000 delegates from 109 countries.
In his keynote address, President Kagame highlighted Africa’s rapid shift from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy, citing mobile money as a global model of financial inclusion that has empowered small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
“Innovation does not belong to one part of the world alone,” he said. “It can emerge anywhere from anyone given the chance.”
Yet, he warned that only a fraction of Africans are connected compared to the global average, risking wider inequality if the gap persists.
President Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s vision to build a knowledge-based economy, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into planning, research, and public service delivery to boost productivity and inclusivity.
He called for harmonized policies across governments, private sectors, and partners like the African Union and Smart Africa to create a single digital market, enabling secure data and payment systems to connect economies continent-wide.
Echoing President Kagame’s vision, ICT Minister Paula Ingabire showcased Rwanda’s digital strides, 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 highlighted Rwanda’s launch of 5G services through MTN Rwanda, 60GB of secured internet capacity, and connectivity for nearly 1,000 health facilities and 4,000 schools.
Minister Ingabire underscored the training of 4.5 million citizens in digital literacy, emphasising that “the future of digital innovation in Africa will be defined by collaboration.”
She urged the creation of African-designed solutions, scalable globally, to position the continent as a home 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.
“Rwanda reminds us that progress is not an aspiration; it is a deliberate choice,” he said, aligning the event with Africa’s Agenda 2063 for a prosperous, connected continent.
Badrinath highlighted mobile technology’s role in advancing education, healthcare, and financial services, while acknowledging the work needed to ensure universal access to mobile internet.
During the event, GSMA, which organises the conference in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT, highlighted three urgent priorities for policymakers: handset affordability, inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) language models, and energy resilience, calling for bold policy reforms and investments to advance Africa’s digital transformation.
“Africa’s mobile sector is one of the most dynamic in the world, but we must tackle persistent barriers such as high device costs, energy availability issues and the lack of inclusive AI. By working together, governments, industry and development partners can make digital inclusion affordable, sustainable and meaningful for every African,” Vivek stated.
MWC Kigali 2025’s thought leadership programme centres on four themes: building a Connected Continent through affordable connectivity and 5G expansion; exploring The AI Future to boost Africa’s economic growth; advancing Fintech to deepen financial inclusion; and highlighting Africa’s Digital Frontier, where innovations in health, education, and entertainment are redefining the continent’s progress.
Delivering opening remarks at the Land Forces Commanders Symposium taking place at Intare Arena in Kigali from October 21 to 22, Kagame told participants that the unpredictable global security environment demands decisive yet measured military responses.
The two-day meeting brings together military leaders, defence experts, and key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond under the theme, “Leveraging Land Forces Capabilities for Enhanced Implementation of Peace and Security Strategies.”
Kagame said the nature of modern conflict has become increasingly complex and asymmetric, often requiring military involvement in crises that are political, humanitarian, or environmental. He emphasized that land forces play a crucial role on the front lines of such challenges.
“In these complex situations, land forces are vital. You are the first to deploy and the last to leave,” Kagame said. “Your swiftness and precision make all the difference between success and failure.”
The President warned, however, that bureaucratic hurdles and distant restrictions often undermine commanders’ ability to act effectively. He underscored the need for operational flexibility and urgency, remarking that “speed without accuracy is dangerous, and accuracy without speed is pointless.”
Kagame also highlighted the importance of civil–military cooperation, noting that land forces operate closest to the people and must always prioritize citizens’ safety and trust. “The discipline and professionalism that you show are what either build or break the public’s trust,” he said.
Turning to emerging threats, Kagame noted that the digital era has introduced new frontiers of conflict, including cyberattacks and disinformation, that can destabilize nations as effectively as traditional warfare.
He urged African nations to strengthen teamwork and assert greater sovereignty in choosing their security partnerships.
“Sovereignty today is not just about borders,” he said. “It is also about our ability to choose our partners from a position of strength and align our interests.”
Kagame reminded participants that Africa continues to face the world’s highest number of active conflicts, calling for stronger regional cooperation and continental security mechanisms.
“We cannot expect others to carry the responsibility for Africa’s security,” he said. “None of the challenges that we face are beyond our capacity to manage or resolve.”
The Head of State concluded by encouraging participants to engage in open, practical dialogue over the next two days. “I urge you to be frank with one another, share experiences and challenge assumptions,” he said. “This is how progress is going to be made.”
Rwanda’s Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, expressed gratitude to the countries participating in the conference, emphasizing that hosting the event in Rwanda demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to promoting cooperation and partnership in military affairs.
The meeting, which brings together commanders of land forces, was first held in France in 2024.
The Chief of Staff of the French Army, General Pierre Schill, highlighted the importance of military cooperation, saying that such collaboration is essential to achieving positive change.
“This is the very meaning of our gathering here,” he said. “It reflects our determination to strengthen our partnership, enhance coordination, and build collective security based on mutual understanding and respect. These are the foundations of tomorrow’s success.”
Gen Schill also praised the Government of Rwanda for agreeing to host the event and for the excellent organization.
“By organizing and hosting this conference for the second time, Rwanda demonstrates its firm commitment to these shared values,” he noted. “The goal is to make this forum a space for dialogue, experience-sharing, and reflection on the role of land forces in global security management.”
The conference will conclude on October 22, 2025, with participants expected to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi to learn about Rwanda’s history, the events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and how it was halted.
Sarkozy, 70, became the first modern French head of state to be imprisoned. He was seen leaving his home hand in hand with his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, before entering a police vehicle that took him to La Santé prison in the French capital.
Sarkozy issued a statement on social media before his transfer, saying that an innocent person was being imprisoned.
According to AP, his legal team immediately filed a request for release following his detention.
The former president was convicted last month for participating in a scheme that allegedly funneled money from Libya’s regime, then led by Muammar Gaddafi, into his 2007 election campaign. He continues to deny the charges and has appealed the ruling, while also contesting the judge’s decision to imprison him pending that appeal.
Sarkozy’s journey from the Élysée Palace to the infamous La Santé prison has drawn widespread attention in France. Before leaving home, he was joined by his children and grandchildren and waved to hundreds of supporters gathered outside his residence in an upscale Paris neighborhood. Many in the crowd chanted his name, sang the French national anthem, and displayed flags bearing messages such as “Courage Nicolas, return soon” and “True France with Nicolas.”
Several members of his family, including his sons Jean, Pierre, and Louis, his daughter Giulia, and his grandchildren, were present. One Paris resident told AP she came to show support, calling Sarkozy a man who had always served with dignity and expressing frustration over what she described as “injustice.”
President Emmanuel Macron hosted Sarkozy at the Élysée Palace last week. Macron said it was appropriate, on a human level, to receive one of his predecessors, while emphasizing the independence of the judiciary.
Sarkozy’s lawyers told French media that he will be held in solitary confinement for security reasons. Lawyer Christophe Ingrain said the experience had only strengthened his client’s determination to prove his innocence and revealed that Sarkozy plans to write a book about his time in prison. Another member of his legal team, Jean-Michel Darrois, told France Info that Sarkozy had mentally prepared himself for isolation, packing warm sweaters and earplugs to cope with the conditions.
Sarkozy had told La Tribune Dimanche newspaper he was unafraid of imprisonment and intended to face it “with his head held high.” He also told Le Figaro that he planned to bring three books, including Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, the story of a man who escapes wrongful imprisonment to seek revenge.
A Paris judge ruled that Sarkozy must begin serving his sentence immediately, citing the seriousness of the offense and its impact on public trust. Under the decision, Sarkozy can only request conditional release after entering prison, and the appeals court will have up to two months to review his petition.
The celebration took place on October 17, 2025, as the institution reflected on its long journey supporting hospitals and health centers across Rwanda.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, praised BUFMAR for its significant contribution to reducing preventable deaths and improving life expectancy in Rwanda.
“When BUFMAR was founded, life expectancy was below 45 years. Today, it has risen to over 70 years,” he said. “Maternal deaths have declined thanks to better access to equipment, trained personnel, and essential medicines, all areas where BUFMAR has played a major role. Child mortality has also dropped, and this improvement has directly boosted life expectancy.”
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that in the year 2000, 1,000 mothers out of every 100,000 live births died during childbirth. With around 500,000 births each year, that figure has reduced to 105 maternal deaths per 100,000.
“We aim to reduce that number to between 70 and 50 by 2028,” he said. “To achieve this, we need hospitals equipped with reliable instruments, modern ultrasound machines, available and affordable medicines, and trained personnel. That’s where BUFMAR’s contribution is critical.”
The minister encouraged BUFMAR to expand its operations beyond Rwanda, to support other African countries struggling with similar healthcare challenges, revealing that five countries have already expressed interest in benefiting from BUFMAR’s services and experience.
BUFMAR’s Director General, Mrs. Monique Gahongayire, said that reaching 50 years is a major milestone that reflects the institution’s resilience and consistent service to Rwanda’s health system.
“After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, many institutions closed, and BUFMAR was not spared. Some staff were killed, others fled, and infrastructure was destroyed,” she recalled. “Continuing operations afterward felt like starting from zero, but we are proud that our mission never completely stopped.”
She also highlighted BUFMAR’s uniqueness as an interfaith initiative that unites different religious congregations under a shared purpose: “BUFMAR is a symbol, an example, and a testimony that when people come together for a noble cause, even with their differences, they can achieve great things.”
Gahongayire added that the organization plans to work more closely with the government and private sector to explore local manufacturing of certain medical supplies.
“Because Rwanda is a landlocked country, importing supplies is costly, not due to national issues but because of transport, currency fluctuations, and distance from ports. We are now exploring ways to start producing some of these items here in Rwanda,” she explained.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, said BUFMAR’s 50 years symbolize the power of unity among religious institutions in serving the nation.
“This is an interfaith organization, for 50 years, different churches have worked together to ensure people access affordable, quality healthcare,” he said. “It’s a sign that the Church can make a lasting contribution to the country’s well-being.”
Founded in 1975, BUFMAR specializes in the supply of medicines and medical equipment such as syringes, gloves, masks, surgical tools, X-ray machines, and other essential hospital devices.
It also supports capacity building through training programs and technical assistance to hospitals and health centers.
Today, BUFMAR works with 163 health facilities, including 18 hospitals and 145 health centers affiliated with the Catholic Church and other denominations.
The celebration concluded with gratitude to First Lady Jeannette Kagame, who sent her congratulations, and wished the institution a joyful Golden Jubilee.
Israeli drones flew intensively and at low altitudes over the villages of Al-Zahrani in southern Lebanon, and over Beirut and its southern suburbs, said the report.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it targeted Hezbollah’s “terrorist infrastructure” in southern Lebanon and accused the group of reorganizing in the south of the country.
“The presence of the terror infrastructure sites and the activity of the Hezbollah terrorist organization constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the IDF said.
A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, ending months of cross-border clashes that erupted after the start of the Gaza war.
However, despite the truce, the Israeli army has occasionally launched strikes inside Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah “threats,” while maintaining troops at five positions along the Lebanese border after the deadline for a full withdrawal expired on Feb. 18.
He made these remarks in response to growing tensions within the Anglican Church of Rwanda, following the arrest and imprisonment of Dr. Samuel Mugisha, the former Bishop of Shyira Diocese, who was accused of embezzling church funds.
In the aftermath of his arrest, the situation escalated as informal group meetings were held among church members, and one pastor went as far as taking the Archbishop to court.
{{The origin of the internal disputes}}
On January 21, 2025, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested Dr. Samuel Mugiraneza Mugisha, then Bishop of Shyira Diocese, on allegations of embezzling church property for personal benefit while still in office.
Following his arrest, the former Bishop of Gahini Diocese, Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo, wrote to other bishops on February 19, 2025, raising seven questions, including accusations that bishops were blaming Mugisha for acts they themselves commit.
He accused some bishops of using church vehicles as personal property, grazing cattle on church land, and allowing their wives to lead the Mothers’ Union. He questioned why they had reported Mugisha to prosecutors, who later released him.
On October 8, 2025, Bilindabagabo wrote another letter titled “The Truth Will Set You Free”, saying that the alleged offenses committed by Bishop Mugisha were actually usual practices within the Church.
“It is shocking to see a bishop handcuffed and imprisoned for nine months. When you attend his court hearings, you realize that what he’s accused of is common practice among bishops, things that happen daily in every diocese,” he wrote.
He went on to argue that grazing cattle on church land is a long-standing Anglican tradition, not a crime. He urged fellow bishops to defend Mugisha, saying what he did was customary within the Church.
{{The Church’s official response}}
On October 14, 2025, the Anglican Church of Rwanda released a statement expressing concern about the behavior of some retired clergy who continued to interfere in Church leadership without any mandate.
During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Butare Diocese on Sunday, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda addressed the media, emphasizing accountability within the Church.
On the issue of Bishop Mugiraneza’s imprisonment, he said: “It’s not surprising for someone to be held accountable. People make mistakes, we are all human. What matters most is recognizing those mistakes, humbling yourself before God, and asking for forgiveness from both God and those you have wronged.”
He added that any bishop who wishes to operate independently of Church authority is no longer fit to serve: “If there is a bishop who wants to act outside the Church’s guidance, his time is over. Some think that because they acted in a certain way, others should too, but that’s a misconception.”
Archbishop Mbanda noted that it’s not the first time a Rwandan Anglican bishop has been imprisoned over accountability issues, citing similar past incidents.
{{Reaction to Bishop Bilindabagabo’s letters}}
When asked about the letters written by retired Bishop Bilindabagabo, Dr. Mbanda said he would not comment in detail, explaining that everyone’s actions are known to God: “He knows what he did, and so do you. Don’t ask me about it, he will answer to God. I too will answer to God for my actions.”
He criticized those spreading false information about the Church, saying: “We condemn those who tell lies about the Church, those who invent stories they don’t know about. There’s no reason to publicly humiliate others.”
Mbanda dismissed claims that he is the source of division within the Church, saying history will speak for itself.
He explained that the former Bishop of Shyira Diocese, Dr. Samuel Mugisha, had already resigned on November 29, 2024, and that his resignation letter was read to the other bishops.
{{Archbishop Mbanda taken to court}}
Archbishop Dr. Laurent Mbanda has been taken to court by Pastor Fabien Byiringiro and former Shyira Diocese parish leader, Japhet Rukundo, who filed two separate lawsuits against him.
The first case, filed at the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court in Nyamirambo, accuses Dr. Mbanda of leading the Anglican Church of Rwanda unlawfully, arguing that he has already reached the official retirement age.
According to information obtained by IGIHE, the court set a distant hearing date for this case, prompting the plaintiffs to file a second, urgent case.
The second case, filed under urgent procedure, seeks a court order prohibiting Archbishop Mbanda from making decisions on behalf of the Anglican Church of Rwanda.
Their arguments include claims that he makes unilateral decisions without consulting others and that he has already reached retirement age.
The case has been postponed twice and is now expected to resume at the end of this month in the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court.
Dr. Mbanda declined to comment on the individuals who took him to court, stating that he could not speak about matters that are before the judiciary.
He said: “I can only tell you one thing. I did not appoint myself. That’s one. Secondly, I did not lack anything else to do, nor did I have nowhere to go. And thirdly, we must thank God because sometimes He uses unexpected people or circumstances to take you exactly where He wants you to be.”
Dr. Mbanda urged members of the Anglican Church to remain steadfast in their faith, draw closer to God, and avoid spreading rumors, reminding them that the Church belongs to them and needs their prayers.
He also called on them to pray for the former Bishop of Shyira Diocese so that God may reveal the truth in due time.
Dr. Mbanda added: “Someone once said that those who are not on the field never score a goal. You may cheer and even criticize those playing, but you can’t score if you’re not in the game.”
Archbishop Laurent Mbanda was elected to lead the Anglican Church of Rwanda in 2018. In June 2023, he was re-elected to continue serving as Archbishop until October next year.
“We are encouraged that the parties have reaffirmed their commitments to implementing the ceasefire in Gaza and commend the steadfast efforts of the mediators,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “We remain concerned by all acts of violence in Gaza and the reported attacks and strikes that took place yesterday.”
Dujarric urged the parties to honor all their commitments, ensure the protection of civilians and avoid any actions that could lead to a renewal of hostilities and undermine humanitarian operations.
“We reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for the release of the remains of all the deceased hostages,” he added.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said its partners successfully resumed the distribution of food parcels to thousands of families in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis for the first time in months.
The office said that for the first time, Israeli authorities on Sunday allowed the United Nations to deploy monitors at the Kissufim crossing and that the office welcomes the development for the much-needed visibility into that segment of the humanitarian pipeline.
OCHA said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher wrapped up his visit to the Gaza Strip over the weekend.
On Saturday, he visited a UN Children’s Fund nutrition center and witnessed some road clearance projects run by the UN Development Programme.
Fletcher left the strip later on Saturday through the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing.
On Sunday, he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, where they discussed the massive humanitarian needs in Gaza, the 60-day aid scale-up scheme, the importance of sustaining the ceasefire, the situation in the West Bank and the path to long-term peace, said OCHA.
In Jerusalem on Monday, Fletcher met with the UN humanitarian country team of the occupied Palestinian territory, bringing together about 15 UN entities and representatives of some 200 international and local nongovernmental organizations.
Fletcher and the Minderoo Foundation of Australia announced a contribution of 10 million Australian dollars (about 6.5 million U.S. dollars) from the Minderoo Foundation for humanitarian efforts in Gaza, delivered in close coordination with the 60-day plan.
In the West Bank, OCHA said that between Oct. 7 and 13, 71 settler attacks were documented, half of which were related to the current olive harvest season. The incidents, affecting Palestinians in 27 villages, included attacks on harvesters, theft of crops and harvesting equipment, and vandalism of olive trees, resulting in casualties and property damage.
According to the Council of the EU, the proposal would prohibit imports of Russian gas from Jan. 1, 2026, while allowing a limited transition period for existing contracts. Short-term contracts may continue until June 17, 2026, and long-term contracts may run until Jan. 1, 2028.
The proposal also requires energy companies to disclose the origin and duration of all gas import contracts to enhance transparency and monitoring.
However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized the plan, saying on social media platform X that “With RePowerEU, our safe energy supply is being killed.”
He argued that the policy “destroys the energy security of EU member states” and that “energy should not be about politics.”
The initiative still needs to be negotiated with the European Parliament before becoming law. Once approved, the regulation will form part of the wider REPowerEU plan, launched in 2022 to accelerate the transition away from Russian fossil fuels.
According to EU estimation, Russian gas still accounts for about 13 percent of EU imports in 2025, worth over 15 billion euros (17.49 billion U.S. dollars) annually.
