Category: News

The wetlands under rehabilitation include Gikondo, which stretches across Remera, Kimihurura and Gatenga and connects with Rugenge–Rwintare wetland.

This in turn extends through Kacyiru and Muhima and links with the Muhima marshland near Kinamba. Kibumba, located at the former UTEXRWA site, connects Kinyinya and Gisozi, while Nyabugogo links Muhima and Gatsata.

Together, these wetlands make up a total of 500 hectares: Gikondo with 162, Nyabugogo with 131, Kibumba with 68, Rwampara with 65, and Rugenge–Rwintare with 65.

The entire project is expected to cost $80 million, with the first $32 million allocated to restoration work. The second phase will focus on building recreational facilities. The project is designed to reduce flooding in Kigali, conserve biodiversity and improve water purification systems.

These wetlands will feature a combined 61.5 kilometers of pedestrian and cycling paths. The Gikondo wetland will include 16.9 kilometers of paths, Rugenge–Rwintare will have 15.5 kilometers, and Rwampara will feature 10 kilometers. Kibumba will include 9.8 kilometers of pedestrian paths, while Nyabugogo will have 9.3 kilometers.

In addition, 13 water catchment ponds will be constructed, including the 10-hectare Nyabugogo Lake. Gikondo will have four ponds, Kibumba five, Rugenge–Rwintare one, and Rwampara two.

These wetlands have also been fitted with 142 waste traps. Gikondo will have 24 traps, Kibumba 16, Rugenge–Rwintare 48, Nyabugogo 30, and Rwampara 24.

There will also be 14 islands within the ponds, including four in Gikondo, six in Kibumba, one in Rugenge–Rwintare, two in Nyabugogo, and one in Rwampara.

As for progress, rehabilitation works have reached 38 percent in Rwampara, 70 percent in Gikondo, 62 percent in Rugenge–Rwintare, 76 percent in Kibumba, and 59 percent in Nyabugogo.

Eng. Martine Uwera, the Programme Manager for Environment Mainstreaming and Biodiversity Management at Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) explained that the Nyabugogo marshland is lagging behind because a lake is being constructed there, with the work requiring special equipment and significant effort to make it possible.

“As for the Rwampara marshland, the reason behind it is that rehabilitation only began in November 2024, while the others started in March 2024,” she said.

Each marshland has been given a unique focus. Gikondo will serve as an eco-tourism site, featuring libraries, kiosks and other amenities for visitors.

Rugenge–Rwintare will host a five-hectare retention pond that collects water from Rwampara, Gikondo. It is designed to showcase Rwanda’s environment conservation efforts.

Kibumba will focus on aquaculture with interconnected fish ponds, flower gardens and an exhibition center showcasing Rwanda’s fishing industry.

Nyabugogo is being designed as a hub for research and biodiversity education, while Rwampara will highlight Rwanda’s cultural heritage through exhibitions of traditional crops, foods and artifacts.

According to Uwera, all pedestrian paths and parking areas will be powered by solar energy. However, swimming will not be permitted in the ponds for now, since the marshlands were once sites for factories that used chemicals. Water quality is tested every six months, and authorities say swimming may only be allowed once the water is deemed completely safe.

In the area designated for sports infrastructure, two football fields will be constructed in the Kibumba Wetland, while Gikondo will have one, and Rwampara will have two.

Meanwhile, Kibumba Wetland will host two basketball courts, one in Gikondo, and one in Rugenge-Rwintare.

Two volleyball courts will be established in the Kibumba Wetland, one in Gikondo, and one in Rugenge-Rwintare, while in the Gikondo Wetland, one handball court will be built, and another in Rwampara.

Tree planting in these wetlands has also been emphasized. A total of 1,560 trees will be planted In Gikondo Wetland; 1,511 in Rwampara, 1,419 trees in Kibumba, and 204 trees in Rugenge-Rwintare.

So far, the rehabilitation of these wetlands has created jobs for 5,917 people, including 2,893 women. By the time the project is complete, more than 12,000 people will have been employed.

Uwera stated that the rehabilitation work will be completed by December 2025. However, the official unveiling will take place in April 2026 after testing to ensure that everything functions properly.

Rwanda is also conducting a study on additional projects to be implemented in these wetlands. This study is expected to be completed by November 2025, alongside the recreational areas that will be developed afterward.

A total of 220,500 residents will benefit from reduced flood risks and will have access to relaxation areas.

Uwera noted that the benefits of these wetlands are already becoming evident.
In addition to the return of wildlife, the recent heavy rains have demonstrated their importance.

He said, “You know that rain in Nyabugogo used to cause flooding, even covering the roads. Recently, despite heavy rainfall, the roads did not flood.”

Currently, Rwanda has 915 wetlands, covering 10.6% of the country’s total land area, of which 38 constitute 20% of protected wetlands.

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On Monday September 15ᵗʰ 2025, His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, chaired a Cabinet meeting at Urugwiro Village.

1. The Cabinet was briefed on the 2024/25 national examination results and reopening of schools for the 2025/26 academic year. Notable performance improvements were recorded across all levels of basic education, supported by remedial programs and strengthened student and school engagement. The 2025/26 school year commenced smoothly on September 8, 2025, and continued collaboration between schools and parents is encouraged to sustain progress in learning outcomes.

2. The Cabinet discussed preparations for the 2026A agricultural season and noted good progress. Farmers are encouraged to complete land preparation, ensure timely planting and appropriate use of inputs (seeds & fertilizers) to maximize crop productivity.

3. The Cabinet discussed progress achieved in expanding electricity access, connectivity and reliability nationwide. Access to electricity has increased to 85% in 2025 from less than 2% in 2000. To achieve universal access and financial sustainability in the power sector, the Cabinet noted that the electricity tariff, which has remained unchanged since 2020, is currently under review as part of broader strategic measures.

4. The Cabinet was updated on preparations for the 2025 UCI Road World Championship, the first of its kind on the African continent to be held in Rwanda from 21–28 September 2025. All preparations are on track. The public is invited to be part of this exciting and vibrant cycling week.

5. The Cabinet was briefed on new actions to expand forest and landscape restoration across the country, including in urban areas. These efforts engage communities and partners, and will help Rwanda adapt to climate change, protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and create sustainable economic opportunities.

6. The Cabinet approved a Partnership Agreement between the African Parks Network and the Government of Rwanda.

7. The Cabinet approved applications of Rwandan nationality.

8. The Cabinet approved the following Orders:

Ministerial Order establishing the code of conduct and governing disciplinary committees in the Rwanda Defence Force.

Ministerial Order on land expropriation in public interests for Ngoma River Water Supply Project in Gicumbi and Nyagatare.

9. The Cabinet approved the Agrément for proposed Ambassador and Honorary Consuls:

Mr. Victorino-Nká Obiang Maye, Ambassador of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the Republic of Rwanda, with residence in Brazzaville.

Mr. Husain Saif Aziz Al – Harthi, Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of Rwanda.

According to the Times of Israel, the IDF has been gradually expanding airstrikes in and around the city in recent days, but has not dispatched ground troops into the densely populated northern city.

Local sources and eyewitnesses in Gaza denied any Israeli tank incursion into Gaza City. There was no sighting yet of penetration or movement of Israeli tanks into the depths of the city, said residents in Gaza City. But they confirmed intense air strikes and drone bombings in most parts of Gaza City.

Following air strikes and bombardment in Gaza City, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday morning in a statement that “Gaza is burning.”

Katz said that the IDF is striking the “terror infrastructure” with an iron fist and fighting to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.

“We will not relent and we will not back down, until the mission is completed,” Katz added.

The Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported early Tuesday that the Israeli army has intensified its raids on Gaza City since Monday night. Citing local sources, WAFA said that Israeli warplanes were launching continuous raids on the city, almost without stopping.

In recent weeks, some 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City, home to nearly 1 million people, reported Israel’s Army Radio.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed Washington’s “unwavering support” to Israel in its offensive in Gaza and called for Hamas’ eradication during his visit to the country.

“The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated,” Rubio told reporters at a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

In early August, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City. Israel’s military spokesperson Effie Defrin said earlier this month that Israeli forces control about 40 percent of Gaza City and will “expand and intensify” the offensive in the coming days to seize the enclave’s largest urban center.

The farewell ceremony was held at Kigali International Airport on Monday, September 15, and was led by Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Army Chief of Staff, alongside Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.

Earlier on Saturday, Maj Gen Nyakarundi briefed members of the contingent at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako. The session, also attended by Commissioner Sano, emphasised the importance of discipline, commitment, and teamwork as the troops prepare to continue Rwanda’s support to Mozambique’s security operations. The new deployment will be commanded by Maj Gen Vincent Gatama.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, commending the achievements of previous contingents and urging the incoming team to maintain the same high standards.

Commissioner of Police Sano also reminded the troops to foster teamwork and avoid any misconduct that could harm Rwanda’s reputation abroad.

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

Since then, the joint operations between Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican army have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several areas, and enabled thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes.

The latest deployment comes weeks after a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement on the support to fight terrorism in Mozambique was signed. The agreement extends Rwanda’s military support in Cabo Delgado province.

“Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,” President Chapo said, acknowledging Rwanda’s role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite ongoing sporadic attacks.

The new cabinet includes 34 ministers — 10 of them new, and three state secretaries. Ghrieb, the former industry minister, has been serving as acting prime minister since Tebboune ended Nadir Larbaoui’s tenure last month.

The energy portfolio was split into the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energy, led by Mourad Adjal, and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines, led by Mohamed Arkab.

Algeria, which supplies energy to several European countries, is working to diversify its economy.

On September 11, 2025, members of the European Parliament, including Mariani, passed a resolution urging Rwanda to release the so-called politician Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, who is being prosecuted for crimes, including plotting against the government.

Mariani urged the EU to intensify criticism of Rwanda and demand the release of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza by suspending all cooperation with Kigali.

In response, Minister Nduhungirehe posted on X a photo showing Mariani alongside Bashar al-Assad, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians under his regime in Syria, and another photo of Mariani with President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Accompanying the images, the Minister highlighted that after Assad was removed from power in December 2024, Mariani faced financial difficulties due to his ties with the former Syrian leader. He then quickly aligned himself with President Tshisekedi to secure financial support.

“I have an impression that it was your wallet that ran dry after the fall of a very democratic Bashar al-Assad, whom you served with zeal. So it became necessary to quickly patch the gap with the generosity of another similar regime—one that violates the fundamental rights of its citizens, as if you love them…” he posted on X.

Mariani, founder of the party La Droite Populaire, affiliated with Rassemblement National, is known as one of the far-right MPs who have long targeted the Rwandan government, collaborating with the DRC leadership to accuse Rwanda’s forces of supporting the M23 armed group.

The Rwandan government has repeatedly dismissed these allegations as baseless, explaining that they were fabricated to cover up the mismanagement and abuse of power by the DRC authorities.

The ICRC on Monday received a signed copy of the mechanism for the release of detainees during a handover ceremony in Doha, attended by officials from the State of Qatar in its role as mediator, alongside representatives of both the Congolese government and the AFC/M23.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo, where years of conflict have displaced thousands and strained regional stability.

As part of the process, the AFC/M23 has demanded the release of more than 700 prisoners currently held by the Congolese authorities in connection with the ongoing conflict. The request is expected to form a key part of the verification and exchange operations supervised by the Red Cross.

Qatar’s mediation role was highlighted during the talks, which built on the Doha Principles Agreement signed last July. The detainee exchange is seen as a concrete step toward restoring trust between the parties and advancing prospects for a lasting peace settlement.

“This is a pivotal step toward de-escalating hostilities and fostering peace in eastern DRC,” Massad Boulos said in a statement issued on September 12. “We deeply appreciate Qatar’s critical work with the ICRC on this process and encourage parties to use this momentum to make additional progress on reaching a final peace agreement.”

The ICRC has previously facilitated similar operations in the region. Between April 30 and May 15 this year, the humanitarian body assisted in transferring more than 1,300 disarmed personnel from the Congolese government forces, along with their family members, from the city of Goma to Kinshasa.

Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman,” was one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters. He won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight, building a reputation for his relentless fighting style and close connection with fans.

His career highlight came in 2005 when he defeated Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF light-welterweight title, a victory often described as one of the greatest moments in modern British boxing.

He later faced legendary opponents including Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, fights that, despite ending in defeat, cemented his place among the sport’s biggest names.

Hatton remained a fan favorite throughout his career for his courage, determination, and down-to-earth personality.

Away from the ring, Hatton spoke openly about his struggles with mental health following retirement. He also battled issues related to weight, alcohol, and allegations of drug use.

Despite these challenges, he remained an influential figure in British boxing, training fighters and continuing to engage with fans.

Tributes poured in after news of his death. Former world champion Amir Khan described him as “not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior.” Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wrote, “There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton… can’t believe this so young.”

The British Boxing Board of Control expressed “deep sadness” and praised Hatton’s legacy as one of the modern greats of the sport.

Manchester City Football Club, of which Hatton was a lifelong supporter, honored him ahead of a derby match, with both sets of fans applauding in his memory.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly shot Kirk on September 10, while he was delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. Kirk, who co-founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure among American conservatives.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Governor Cox stated that Robinson “spent time in dark places online” and had adopted “a leftist ideology” despite his family background. “He was raised in a conservative family. His parents are registered Republicans, but somewhere along the way, he veered in a very different direction,” Cox said.

Authorities revealed that Robinson had been living with a transgender roommate, with whom he was romantically involved. According to Cox, the roommate is cooperating with investigators and “had no knowledge of Robinson’s alleged actions.”

Robinson had been registered as a nonpartisan voter, though investigators say his online activity reflected strong left-leaning beliefs.

The killing has sparked widespread reactions across the United States, heightening concerns over political polarization and rising threats of violence.

According to reports, some users on social media responded to Kirk’s death with celebration, a development that has been condemned by leaders across the political spectrum. In the aftermath, Governor Cox urged the public to avoid fueling further division.

“This tragedy should not be weaponized,” he said. “We cannot allow the language of hate and revenge to dictate our future.”

The induction ceremony, held on September 14, 2025, was attended by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, leader of the coalition, and M23 commander Maj Gen Sultani Makenga.

According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the new recruits include former soldiers of the Congolese army (FARDC) as well as fighters from groups aligned with the Wazalendo coalition. He said they joined M23 after the capture of Goma and Uvira earlier this year.

In his address, Maj Gen Makenga said the recruits had been trained to “liberate their country,” accusing President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of killing civilians on ethnic grounds, destroying villages, and weakening the national army.

“He has destroyed everything. Even the army, he ruined it, turning it into a dumping ground,” Makenga said, further alleging that the Congolese army has been mixed with Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, Imbonerakure, and foreign mercenaries.

He argued that Tshisekedi values foreign forces more than his own army, adding: “A leader who disrespects the army does not respect the country, nor the Congolese people, and should not remain in power.”

Makenga urged the new fighters to maintain discipline, respect civilians, and distinguish themselves from their adversaries, insisting this would help them achieve their stated objective of liberating the country.

Earlier this month, Makenga declared that M23 aims to expand its control to other key cities, including Kalemie in Tanganyika Province, Kisangani in Tshopo, and Kindu in Maniema, saying this required continued recruitment.

Nangaa echoed the ambition, telling fighters that the movement ultimately plans to “liberate” additional cities, among them Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga, Mbandaka in Equateur, and the capital, Kinshasa.