Zigiranyirazo, who died on August 3 in Niamey at the age of 87, was a prominent figure in Rwanda’s political history. The elder brother of Agathe Kanziga, he was widely known for his role in planning the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He served as prefect of Ruhengeri from 1974 to 1989 and was long part of Rwanda’s inner circle of power at the time.
Convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and sentenced to 20 years in prison at first instance for his involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi, he was later acquitted on appeal in 2009 due to procedural errors. Nonetheless, he remains widely regarded as a central figure in the Habyarimana regime and the 1994 atrocities.
Mayor Serge Grouard of Orléans explained the city’s decision, citing “the gravity of the crimes committed” and “the serious risk of public disorder.”
Authorities feared that the grave could become a site of macabre pilgrimage, as nearly 400 people were expected to attend the funeral. Bishop Jacques Blaquart also cancelled the planned mass at Saint-Paterne, noting that the deceased had never expressed any remorse.
Zigiranyirazo’s notoriety extended beyond the genocide. He faced multiple accusations, including trafficking, gorilla poaching, trading in precious stones, and alleged involvement in the 1985 assassination of Dian Fossey after she uncovered these practices. His name has become emblematic of both political and economic predation.
The family had challenged the municipal ban in administrative court, but the ruling was clear that there would be no burial in Orléans. By upholding the decision, the Council of State emphasised that the gravity of such crimes extends beyond death, and that perpetrators of such acts cannot be quietly laid to rest.
“This will place the State before its responsibilities,” Mayor Grouard commented, welcoming the ruling.
Ingabire had appealed a ruling by the Kicukiro Primary Court, which had found her detention lawful despite her claims to the contrary.
She had argued that the Prosecution was holding her illegally, saying her 30-day provisional detention had expired before the case was filed in court. However, the Primary Court ruled that her claim had no legal basis, explaining that the final day of the remand period fell on a Sunday, when courts do not operate.
It held that the Prosecution’s decision to file the case the following Monday was therefore lawful, since days when courts are closed are not counted.
Dissatisfied with this decision, Ingabire maintained that all calendar days should be counted, regardless of whether they are working days or not. She appealed to the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, seeking release on provisional bail.
On September 8, 2025, the Intermediate Court rejected her appeal, reaffirming that the Prosecution acted within the law and ordering her continued detention.
Her case has now been referred to the High Council of Justice for trial on the charges she faces. During the trial, she will be expected to present her defence while the Prosecution pursues penalties.
Ingabire, who identifies herself as an opposition politician, faces multiple charges. These include forming an armed group, inciting unrest, plotting against the government, spreading false information and propaganda intended to discredit Rwanda abroad, publishing rumours, conspiring to commit crimes against the state, and organising unlawful demonstrations.
During her initial hearing, she requested a postponement of the trial and sought the dismissal of the judges presiding over her case, arguing that they had already demonstrated bias by approving her prosecution. She claimed that the panel had taken sides against her and asked for a different bench to hear her case.
That request remains under consideration, with the court expected to announce its decision along with the date for the continuation of the trial.
The recent power cuts, he explained, have been caused by multiple factors. In some cases, REG issues advance notices when electricity is scheduled to go off due to planned works. In other cases, however, power cuts occur unexpectedly and last for extended periods.
Speaking in an interview with IGIHE, Eng. Zingiro highlighted the main causes: “The reasons behind power outages are varied. Most often, they are caused by faults on power lines or by reductions in power supply resulting from technical issues at power plants. Whenever this happens, we move quickly to resolve the issue so that the outage duration is minimized.”
Zingiro added that outages may also result from maintenance or network expansion activities. “When the works are planned, we inform our customers in advance so they can prepare,” he said.
According to Zingiro, REG has put in place immediate measures to better communicate with customers whenever outages occur, while also carrying out regular maintenance on the grid and power plants to prevent such problems.
As part of its broader plan to improve supply during peak evening hours, REG announced that on September 6, 2025, it began a two-month project to rehabilitate a 1.5-kilometer line connecting Kimisagara and Kigali sectors in Nyarugenge District. The upgrade will benefit an estimated 3,000 residents who previously struggled with blackouts in the evenings.
REG added that similar cases across the country are being factored into its planning to ensure lasting solutions.
On the issue of communication, Zingiro explained that REG uses different channels to inform customers when outages are planned. “Whenever power is about to go off, we notify people. We use various methods, including social media.
“We also have hotlines and REG branches across the country that operate 24 hours a day to respond to customer queries and inform them of any issues. If it is planned work that will cause outages, we always send prior notices through official announcements,” he said.
{{Incurred losses due to outages?}}
Because electricity sometimes goes off without prior notice, many people whose daily activities depend on it suffer damage to equipment or disruption of services, leading to financial losses.
Asked whether those who incur losses receive compensation, REG CEO Eng. Armand Zingiro responded that such cases are regrettable, but that REG itself is also affected.
“Power cuts hurt us as well because they are never intentional. The losses are not borne by customers alone — we also experience them. We will continue to do everything possible to prevent the causes of these outages,” he said.
For individuals and businesses with equipment or goods that cannot tolerate even brief outages, REG recommended installing backup generators to ensure continuity whenever there is a power cut.
The company urged all its customers to promptly report any issues so that assistance can be provided without delay. It also appealed to the public to cooperate in protecting electricity infrastructure, warning against vandalism of power poles and cables.
As of July 25, 2025, Rwanda’s electricity access rate stood at 84.6% of the population.
The ceremony took place on September 8, 2025, with Denmark and Brazil establishing a resident presence in Kigali for the first time.
Denmark’s first resident ambassador to Rwanda, Casper Stenger Jensen, formally assumed his role after Denmark opened its embassy in Kigali in August 2025. Prior to this, Denmark maintained only 11 embassies across the African continent.
Amb. Jensen said Rwanda and Denmark already enjoy strong relations and stressed his commitment to advancing investment and trade ties.
“The partnership between Denmark and Rwanda has steadily evolved over the past few years and is now entering an exciting new phase. We will explore new areas of cooperation, with particular focus on harnessing investment opportunities and expanding mutual trade,” he said.
The two countries have signed several agreements over the years, including a landmark agreement on climate change and environmental protection in January 2024.
Denmark has also cooperated with Rwanda on refugee issues and, in recent years, extradited genocide fugitives, including Emmanuel Dushimiyimana in 2014 and Wenceslas Twagirayezu in 2018.
{{Promoting partnerships and “Visit Rwanda” in Brazil }}
Brazil’s new ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala, also presented her credentials. Until now, Brazil’s representation in Rwanda was handled from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.
She said she has already been impressed by her time in Rwanda, calling the country “a valuable partner.”
Ambassador Gala highlighted agriculture, livestock development, poverty reduction, and education as key areas of future cooperation. She added that Brazil is keen to learn from Rwanda’s experience in peacebuilding and reconciliation.
Notably, she expressed a personal ambition to promote Rwanda’s brand in Brazilian football.
“My dream is to see ‘Visit Rwanda’ featured on the jersey of one of Brazil’s major football teams. We have some of the biggest clubs, and why not bring ‘Visit Rwanda’ to one of them, especially now as Brazilian football looks to recover its strength,” she noted.
Relations between Rwanda and Brazil date back to 1981. In recent years, ties have expanded, with Rwanda opening its first embassy in Brasília in December 2023.
In May 2025, during an official visit to Brazil, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, highlighted cooperation with local livestock institutions where Rwanda is expected to introduce Girolando cattle breed developed in Brazil.
In July 2025, the two countries signed agreements on climate-resilient agriculture and food security.
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and oranges. Rwanda already imports wheat and sugar from Brazil, a trend that grew after the war in Ukraine disrupted traditional supply chains.
{{Justice and reconciliation at the center of ties with France }}
France’s new ambassador, Aurélie Royet-Gounin, succeeds Antoine Anfré, who concluded his term in July 2025. She said her priority is to build on the renewed partnership forged after President Emmanuel Macron’s landmark visit to Rwanda in 2021.
Ambassador Royet-Gounin emphasized justice and accountability as key pillars of France–Rwanda relations.
“Military cooperation is important, but so is justice. We will intensify efforts to fight impunity and denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In France, we have already set up a special unit to pursue accountability for genocide suspects,” she said.
Relations between Rwanda and France have gone through difficult periods, particularly after France’s role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Ties began to normalize following President Macron’s 2021 visit, during which he acknowledged France’s responsibility and paid hommage to victims laid to rest at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Ambassador Anfré, her predecessor, was the first French envoy to Rwanda in six years when he took office in June 2021.
Another ambassador who presented credentials to President Kagame was Hanan AbdelAziz Elsaid Shahin of Egypt, with residence in Kigali.
Rwanda and Egypt signed a series of agreements covering sectors such as health, transport, and trade.
The agreements also include a land exchange for commercial use, under which Rwanda was allocated land in Egypt, while Egypt received 10 hectares in Rwanda’s Kirehe District, near the border with Tanzania.
The two countries already enjoy a broad framework of cooperation in areas including technical exchange, industrial development, agriculture, education, youth, health, and defense.
In 2017, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi visited Rwanda to strengthen bilateral ties. Both nations are also members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which facilitates duty-free trade among member states.
Rwanda and Egypt share a long history of diplomatic relations. Egypt has maintained an embassy in Kigali since 1976, while Rwanda reopened its embassy in Cairo in March 2015.
The contest will now accept applications until 15th September 2025. This extension comes in response to growing interest and requests from startups who needed additional time to finalize their submissions.
The Tangira Startup TV Contest is Rwanda’s maiden startup TV Contest designed to empower young entrepreneurs with mentorship and most importantly a platform to showcase their ideas to a wider audience, while they also win cash prizes that will help them grow and scale their businesses.
Speaking on the extension, the organizing team described it as an oportunity for more startups to prepare strong applications and join the ‘exciting journey’.
“We are inviting entrepreneurs that have been left out in so many projects like this due to language barriers. This time round we have our own Kinyarwanda StartUp Contest where all sectors are invited to participate and also women are encouraged to showcase in our local language,” said Remmygious Lubega the executive producer of the show and CEO of RG-Consult Inc, the curators of this project.
Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through the official website www.tangira.rw and take advantage of this extended opportunity or simply click on this [link->https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YFLWheLsyWlgLatDQplCMl9LlI-pATVYGzhFWJehzNg/viewform?edit_requested=true.] for the application form.
With the extended deadline, organizers hope to see even more innovative ideas and ambitious projects from across the country where outstanding startups will win over Frw 10m cash prize and so much visibility and great opportunities to scale their businesses.
Since its launch in 2016, Zipline Rwanda has grown to make over 600 deliveries daily. Initially focused on transporting urgent blood supplies, it now delivers more than 200 types of medicines across ten product categories. Its operations are based in Muhanga (Shyogwe Sector) and Kayonza, with nearly 35% of deliveries comprising livestock semen.
At a recent Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, Zipline introduced its new Platform 2 (P2) drones, which will begin operating in cities from 2026. The drones are expected to support health services, restaurants, businesses, and other tech-driven enterprises.
President Paul Kagame, highlighting Zipline’s impact, said: “This technology does not only save time; it also saves lives. Our collaboration has been very successful, and together we are exploring how to extend it to urban deliveries.”
{{Next-generation technology
}}
The P2 drones are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to operate efficiently in densely populated areas. Unlike traditional drones, they can take off vertically without a launcher, navigate tight spaces, and safely lower cargo using a precision tether system.
Kayitana Pierre, CEO of Zipline Rwanda, explained: “It took us ten years to develop this drone. It is reliable, easy to operate, and capable of navigating cities with high-rise buildings.”
Each drone features two main wings and four auxiliary wings for lift, flies at speeds up to 100 km/h, and operates at altitudes between 100 and 400 metres. They can continue Zipline’s legacy of medical deliveries while handling heavier cargo for commercial purposes.
The new drones are capable of multi-stop deliveries, allowing them to drop off goods in one location, such as Remera, and then continue directly to another destination, like Kanombe, without returning to the hub.
The technology has been tested in Dallas, Texas, in partnership with Walmart, delivering goods to residents. A single drone can carry enough food to feed 12 people, with plans to expand its load capacity and range.
Zipline plans to introduce these drones in Kigali for the first time in Africa, ensuring full technical familiarisation before launch. The company is currently seeking regulatory approvals for operations in Rwanda.
The drones will be integrated with a mobile application, allowing users to select and pay for products, which are then automatically packed and delivered by the drone.
Currently, 50 local tech specialists are working on the P2 project, in addition to 150 staff operating existing drones. While older drones cost over 20 million Rwandan francs, the new P2 models will be priced lower to make services more accessible.
“We aim to make drones widely available to meet growing demand. This is just the beginning of a new era in urban delivery in Rwanda,” Kayitana stated.
Since starting in Rwanda, Zipline has grown internationally, operating 30 sites across countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Japan, European nations, and the U.S. states of Arkansas and Utah.
Today, the spotlight is on TRL Group, a Czech Republic–based company that has expanded footprints in Africa through its subsidiary in Rwanda, TRL Space Rwanda.
The company has two divisions including TRL Space, which develops satellites, and TRL Drones, which manufactures drones for agriculture, security, and defense.
TRL Group recently showcased its technologies at the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, where President Paul Kagame visited its exhibition stand.
TRL’s satellites are launched into orbit to observe global activity. They monitor agricultural growth, detect crop diseases, analyze soil conditions, and assess construction activities—including identifying unauthorized buildings.
The satellites, powered by artificial intelligence, process large volumes of data and generate actionable insights.
The company’s drones complement satellite systems by providing more detailed, ground-level data. On a 5,000-hectare farm, for example, satellites can give an overview of crop health, while drones can pinpoint specific diseases or localized problems.
Founded by Petr Kapoun, TRL Group entered Rwanda three years ago to take advantage of the country’s innovation-friendly environment. Within a year, it had launched production of drones for agriculture and security, alongside satellite services for multiple sectors.
“The reason we have those two divisions is to combine all the data, since satellites provide a wide view of the land while drones deliver detailed information,” said Kapoun highlighting the company’s dual approach.
Artificial intelligence drives both systems, enabling them to detect risks and provide critical information.
“We came to Rwanda with the vision of making it a hub for satellites and drones in Africa,” Kapoun noted.
TRL manufactures a wide range of drones. Among them are VTOL drones, which are fully electric and support agriculture and environmental protection. These models can fly at speeds of up to 250 km/h and cover areas within a 200 km radius.
The company also produces military-grade drones designed for security and defense. These aircraft can carry payloads of up to 10 kilograms, including explosives, fly at speeds of 500 km/h, and operate at altitudes of up to six kilometers.
Equipped with advanced engines and radar systems, they can detect and respond to threats in real time.
Annual output will depend on demand, but Kapoun pointed to the company’s capacity in Europe as a benchmark: “In the Czech Republic, we produce 200 drones per month. Since Rwanda will serve as our African headquarters, we expect to surpass that figure as we expand across the continent. However, it will take some time and depend on the customers.”
Currently, TRL Group operates a small assembly facility for drones. In 2026, it will begin constructing a larger factory in Rwanda, with completion expected in about two years. While some components will be imported, others will be sourced locally.
The company has already trained 10 Rwandan specialists in drone and satellite production, with a target of 50 in the near future. These experts will work in both manufacturing and operations, creating high-value jobs.
TRL is also equipping drones with advanced imaging systems, enabling them to capture visual data even when signal connections are disrupted.
The company works closely with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and national security institutions.
Drone prices vary by design and capability. For example, a VTOL drone with a three-meter wingspan can cost up to $250,000.
Although TRL initially focused on civilian applications, Kapoun emphasized that the shift to security followed naturally.
“First of all, the company was founded to serve civilian purposes. The defense aspect came naturally because once we developed technologies for agriculture and the environment, it became clear they could also be applied to other areas, such as border surveillance,” he said.
Smaller drones run on electric power, while long-range models use fuel engines, offering flexibility for different missions.
The awards, organised by Bridgevision in partnership with Rwandan and global institutions, aim to celebrate exceptional authors whose works contribute to education, inspiration, and cultural preservation across Rwanda and Africa.
The five-member jury comprised Francois Nyangezi, a Literary Arts and Design Industry Specialist representing the Ministry of Youth and Arts; Dr. Calixte Kabera, Professor and Vice-Chancellor at East African University; Dr. Karlene N. Jennings, Librarian and America’s Regional Public Engagement Director for Central Africa at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali; Jerome Kajuga, Director of Cultural, Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO Rwanda; and Mr. Thomas C. Ngwabije, Book Industry Promotion Officer at the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy.
The jury selected winners in five categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Young Rwandan Writer, Outstanding Female Rwandan Writer, Outstanding Male Rwandan Writer, and Outstanding African Writer.
Bridgevision CEO Joe E. Sully commended the jury’s work, saying the panel had done “an honourable job in selecting and elevating books meant to educate, inform, inspire, challenge, and comfort readers across the continent.”
This year’s award partners include the Ministry of Youth and Arts, UNESCO Rwanda, the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, East African University, IGIHE and Mille Collines Hotel.
The identities of the five winners will be formally revealed during the Radiate Rwanda Awards ceremony on November 7, 2025, in Kigali.
The winners of the inaugural Radiate Rwanda Literary Excellence Awards included Yolande Mukagasana, who received the Outstanding Woman Writer Award. Other recipients were Bishop Alexis Kagame and Bishop Aloys Bigirumwami.
According to reports, the clashes that erupted on Sunday, September 7, 2025, saw AFC/M23 seizing Mafuo, Biholo, Shoa, Bwambaliro, Busoro, Kinyeere, Burora, and Ngesha villages—all located in Osso Banyungu sector.
Following their defeat, FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo fighters retreated to the localities of Kazinga and Mahanga, on the border between Masisi and Walikale territories.
Local media outlet Actualite reported that both FARDC and Wazalendo militias are regrouping in preparation for counteroffensives aimed at retaking the lost positions.
Although AFC/M23 currently controls much of Masisi’s administrative center, parts of the territory remain under government authority.
Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has stood as a testament to Rwanda’s conservation journey. Over the past two decades, the ceremony has evolved from a cultural tradition into an international platform that showcases Rwanda’s leadership in protecting endangered mountain gorillas, promoting sustainable tourism, and empowering local communities.
This year, the celebration highlighted two decades of remarkable achievements that have placed Rwanda at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
Bank of Kigali, a proud sponsor of the event, aligns its commitment to conservation with its broader mission of being a bank for Rwandans and supporting Rwanda’s development, through Nanjye ni BK.
By also standing alongside the Rwanda Development Board and local communities, the Bank contributes to initiatives that safeguard biodiversity, preserve forests, and create opportunities for families living around Volcanoes National Park.
“At Bank of Kigali, we believe that protecting Rwanda’s treasures is protecting Rwanda’s future. Our support for Kwita Izina reflects our commitment to conservation, community development, and national pride,” said Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali.
Over the past 20 years, Kwita Izina has become a true conservation success story, with mountain gorilla numbers steadily rising.
It has also fueled tourism-driven growth, positioning Rwanda as a leading eco-tourism destination.
At the same time, the ceremony has contributed to community development, ensuring that conservation efforts translate into better livelihoods for the people living around the park.
{{About Bank of Kigali}}
Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels.
The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations, and continues to evolve as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s journey toward a more prosperous future.
Its excellence has been consistently recognized, with multiple wins as Best Bank in Rwanda from Euromoney Awards for Excellence (2021, 2024, 2025) and Global Finance Magazine, most recently in 2025 for the 5th time.
