Marking its fifth year as a sponsor, Amstel is set to deliver a thrilling experience for fans and participants alike.
The 17th edition of the international cycling competition kicked off on Sunday, February 23, and will conclude on March 2, 2025.
As a key sponsor, Amstel proudly awards the daily stage winner. This year, Belgian cyclist Aldo Taillieu from the Lotto Dstny Devo Team was the first to wear the coveted jersey.
Bralirwa’s management has reaffirmed its commitment to making the 2025 Tour du Rwanda an unforgettable event, just as it has done in the past four editions.
At each stage finish, spectators can look forward to enjoying a selection of Bralirwa beverages, with Amstel taking center stage as the ultimate refreshment for cycling enthusiasts.
Adding to the excitement, Bralirwa is also hosting lively “After Party” events. These celebrations will be held in Musanze, Rubavu, Huye, and Kigali on the final day of the competition, ensuring fans have a chance to celebrate in style.
As they grew older, the two took different paths, Col Makanika pursued a military career, while Dr. Mugabe focused on academics. Both made significant strides in their respective fields.
When Dr. Mugabe learned of Col Makanika’s death recently, he was deeply saddened, as he had remained a close friend despite their differing career choices.
In an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Mugabe reflected on Col Makanika’s death and discussed in detail the ongoing violence and persecution of the Tutsi people in eastern DRC.
He also questioned why the international community has failed to learn from Rwanda’s history and warned of the consequences should the M23 rebel group withdraw.
Dr. Mugabe described Col Makanika as a man of determination and integrity. They had known each other since childhood, growing up as neighbors in the Fizi Territory after Makanika’s family moved there from Uvira.
Their friendship spanned from the age of 12 until their mid-20s. In 1995, Makanika joined the military while Mugabe pursued higher education, but they remained in touch over the years. According to Dr. Mugabe, Col Makanika was a fearless leader who stood against injustice.
Despite holding a prominent position in the Congolese military, he chose to leave and join his people in their fight for survival. He was targeted and eventually killed in his home after being pursued by government forces for some time.
Regarding the Twirwaneho movement, Dr. Mugabe emphasized that it had been active for many years, contrary to claims that it only emerged in 2017. It originated as a grassroots self-defense initiative when the Banyamulenge faced massacres in the Mulenge and Minembwe hills.
Over time, as the attacks intensified, Twirwaneho evolved into a structured armed group. Col Makanika joined in 2020 and significantly strengthened the movement by attracting disillusioned soldiers from the Congolese army who could no longer tolerate the government’s persecution of their families.
Dr. Mugabe strongly believes that fears of an impending genocide against the Tutsi in DRC are well-founded. He pointed out that mass killings are already occurring, with victims targeted solely based on their ethnicity.
He likened the situation to the early stages of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, citing systematic displacement, land seizures, and government complicity in the violence. He also noted the presence of hate speech, including inflammatory rhetoric from high-ranking officials, which fuels ethnic division and dehumanization.
The spread of genocide ideology has also reached Burundi, where Tutsi and those perceived as Tutsi have been detained solely due to their ethnic identity. Dr. Mugabe warned that such ideologies are not constrained with national borders, making it easy for them to spread from one country to another.
The international community, he argued, has failed to take meaningful action because it has not learned from history. Despite the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi occurring 30 years ago, major global powers and organizations have turned a blind eye to the warning signs in DRC. Instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict, Dr. Mugabe said, they issue vague statements and avoid taking concrete steps to dismantle genocidal ideologies.
If the M23 rebels were to withdraw, Dr. Mugabe warned, it would put Tutsi communities at even greater risk. He noted that M23 has been framed as an extension of a broader Tutsi agenda to dominate the region, a narrative widely propagated by political leaders and the media. In reality, he argued, if M23 steps back, Tutsi civilians would become easy targets, and ethnic massacres would escalate to catastrophic levels.
Dr. Mugabe criticized the international community’s reluctance to pressure the DRC government into peace negotiations. He attributed this to the vested interests of powerful nations that prioritize their economic and political ties with Congo over the lives of innocent civilians.
He also pointed to President Félix Tshisekedi’s strategic efforts to misrepresent the conflict to the international community, shaping perceptions that align with his government’s agenda.
He questioned why the Congolese government refuses to engage in peace talks. “If someone rejects dialogue, it clearly shows a lack of willingness to resolve the conflict peacefully. Why would anyone fear peace negotiations?” he wondered.
Dr. Mugabe concluded by stressing that unless the root causes of the violence are addressed, the crisis will persist.
He urged global leaders to take proactive measures to foster peaceful coexistence rather than allowing conflicts to continue, leading to generational hatred and suffering. If the world does not act, he warned, history will repeat itself, with devastating consequences for the entire region.
The center was officially opened by David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union (UCI), alongside Yao Yao Allah-Kouamé, President of the African Cycling Confederation (CAC), Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and the President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), Ndayishimiye Samson.
The inauguration took place at Amahoro Stadium, just before the start of the 2025 Tour du Rwanda, which was attended by President Paul Kagame.
Kagame flagged off the first stage of the race, where cyclists competed in an individual time trial.
The establishment of this UCI-affiliated cycling training center in Rwanda has been in development for nearly six years. Initially, it was planned to be set up at the Africa Rising Cycling Center in Musanze.
The center aims to promote cycling in Rwanda and neighboring countries by providing training for cyclists, coaches, race commissioners, and other stakeholders. It will operate in the districts of Musanze, Rwamagana, and Bugesera, each serving a specific purpose.
Musanze will host high-altitude training, accommodations, and educational facilities.
Bugesera, located near the soon-to-be-completed international airport, will provide a space for road circuit races, pump track training, and learning facilities.
Rwamagana has been selected as a hub for developing women’s cycling, as its terrain is well-suited for circuit racing.
This Rwandan Satellite Center joins the Paarl facility in South Africa as one of Africa’s only UCI-recognized training centers.
The UCI has established similar centers in China, New Zealand, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan, South Korea, India, and Portugal.
In September 2025, Rwanda will make history as the first African country to host the UCI Road World Championships, further solidifying its position as an emerging powerhouse in international cycling.
According to SAF spokesman Nabil Abdalla, mobile forces successfully reopened access to El Obeid, linking up with Al-Hajana units already stationed in the city.
Meanwhile, army forces advancing from White Nile State reportedly eliminated militia resistance and secured al-Gitaina.
The statement also noted that SAF units had moved from Al-Rahad, a city recaptured six days prior, to El Obeid, which had been besieged by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the conflict erupted.
El Obeid is a vital trade and agricultural hub, with a major oil pipeline running through it from South Sudan to Port Sudan.
The Sudanese army has recently claimed significant territorial gains against the RSF, including the full takeover of Kafouri in Bahri on February 17, which was the RSF’s last stronghold in the city.
The ongoing war between the SAF and RSF, which began in April 2023, has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with international reports estimating over 29,600 deaths.
The potential threat emerged while Flight 292 was flying over the Caspian Sea. In response, the aircraft changed course and headed toward Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. It was escorted by two Eurofighter jets from the Italian Air Force to ensure a secure landing.
American Airlines later confirmed that the bomb threat, which was received via email, was determined to be unfounded.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 199 passengers and 15 crew members, is scheduled to continue its journey on Monday.
This year’s exhibition was officially inaugurated by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
Representing Rwanda at SIA 2025 are the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwandan Embassy in France, and more than 28 companies involved in agricultural product trade and exports.
Rwanda’s agricultural sector has seen substantial growth in exports, with total revenue reaching $3.2 billion (over 4.3 trillion Rwandan Francs) between 2020 and 2024, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
As one of the world’s leading agricultural trade fairs, SIA offers Rwandan businesses a prime opportunity to showcase their high-quality products, forge new market connections, and promote the country’s agricultural sector on an international stage.
Among the participating companies are Kinazi Cassava, represented by Ann Christin Ishimwe, Tropi Wanda Ltd, Effective M&N, ABCD Great Life Ltd, Best in Rwanda, 3N Farms, Hobe Coffee Company Ltd, Ino Coffee Series, Coopac Ltd, Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company Ltd, Mahembe Coffee, Rixu Coffee, and Agrismat.
The 2024 edition of the fair, which marked its 60th anniversary, attracted over 600,000 visitors from various countries, highlighting the event’s significance for global agricultural trade.
As SIA 2025 unfolds, expectations remain high for professionals, producers, and the public to explore innovations and trends shaping the future of agriculture.
Below are some photos of Rwanda’s presence at the SIA 2025, running from February 22 to March 2.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosions in the Tel Aviv area, which caused no injuries. However, Hamas’ Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, issued a statement praising the attack. “The revenge of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier is present on our lands,” the statement read.
Katz vowed to exact a “heavy price” from those responsible. “We will hunt down the terrorists relentlessly and destroy the terror infrastructure,” he said in a statement released by his ministry.
He said the intensified raids would focus on “the Tulkarm refugee camp and all refugee camps in the West Bank.” Israel’s state-owned Kan TV reported that the Shin Bet domestic security agency was investigating whether those who planted the explosive devices came from Tulkarm after a sticker found on one of the devices suggested the attack was “revenge” for recent Israeli raids that caused widespread destruction in the area.
In the attack, three empty buses exploded within minutes, and explosive devices were found on two other buses, police said.
Public transportation, including buses, trains, and Tel Aviv’s light rail, was temporarily suspended nationwide for security scans.
Speaking to French television channel LCI, Haddad revealed that Macron had already spoken with Trump twice this week regarding Ukraine.
“Our approach is to maintain dialogue with the president of the United States to ensure that the voice of the Europeans is heard in this negotiation,” he said.
Macron is expected to emphasize to Trump that “the future of Ukraine cannot be decided without the Ukrainians, and the future and security of Europe cannot be negotiated and decided without the Europeans.”
Haddad stressed that Europe has contributed more to Ukraine than the United States, and therefore, must have a say in the process.
Moreover, Macron will also address tariffs that Trump plans to impose on European products. “A trade war, protectionism is not in anyone’s interest,” the minister warned.
This week, Macron has hosted European and non-European partners twice to coordinate a common stance on Ukraine. Both meetings concluded with a unified position that any peace talks should include both Ukraine and Europe.
The party leadership addressed this issue on February 16, 2025, during a Political Bureau meeting, where they also discussed the security crisis in eastern DRC and its impact on Rwanda.
PDI emphasized that these countries have repeatedly shown intentions to destabilize Rwanda’s leadership, stressing the importance of denouncing such threats.
“The PDI condemns the collaboration between the DRC, Burundi, and some SADC countries, which enables the FDLR to work alongside their military forces in a scheme that threatens Rwanda’s security and sovereignty,” the statement read.
The party also criticized European nations for warning of possible sanctions against Rwanda while remaining silent on countries allegedly supporting the FDLR, which is responsible for atrocities amounting to genocide against Congolese Tutsis in North and South Kivu.
PDI commended President Paul Kagame for his firm leadership in strengthening Rwanda’s security institutions, particularly the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), which has been built into a highly professional and well-equipped army.
The party further praised the RDF for successfully fortifying Rwanda’s defense system, which has mitigated the impact of cross-border attacks from the DRC.
“PDI applauds the RDF for its expertise and capability in neutralizing threats aimed at destabilizing Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the statement added.
Led by Sheikh Mussa Fazil Harerimana, the PDI reaffirmed its full support for Rwanda’s defense measures and urged all Rwandans to stand firm against those who wish harm upon their country while upholding values of dignity and self-reliance.
The energy sector policy released by the Ministry of Infrastructure in February 2025 states that Rwanda’s power plants have achieved a total capacity of 406.4 megawatts.
Statistics show that 27% of this electricity is generated from hydroelectric power, while methane gas contributes 21.1%, and diesel accounts for 7%.
Beyond hydropower, Rwanda began producing electricity from methane gas in 2015, initially generating 26.4 megawatts. By the end of 2024, this capacity had risen to 82.4 megawatts.
Currently, coal-fired power plants contribute 85 megawatts, while solar power plants generate 12 megawatts.
The Rusumo Hydropower Plant, a joint project between Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, began supplying electricity to the regional grid last year. This plant has a total capacity of 80 megawatts, evenly distributed among the three countries.
According to the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), hydropower accounts for 43.9% of the country’s electricity production, while solar energy contributes 4.2%.
Electricity access in Rwanda has reached 81.4% of households, with 56.5% connected to the national grid and 24.9% relying on alternative sources, primarily solar energy.
Gakenke District currently has the highest electricity access rate at 99.3%, followed by Muhanga at 98.8%. Nyabihu District has the lowest access rate, with 69.9% of households connected to electricity.
By 2024, a total of 2,227.6 kilometers of roads had been electrified, with a goal of reaching 3,237 kilometers by 2029.
Electricity losses due to technical issues or other factors stand at 18.9%.
The Ministry of Infrastructure states that in the next five years, newly completed hydroelectric plants will add 81 megawatts to the grid, including the Nyabarongo II plant, which will generate 45 megawatts.
The national energy policy aims to expand electricity production from various sources by 2034, including hydroelectricity, methane gas, coal, and wind power, while reducing the impact of climate change.
By 2034, planned hydropower projects include Rusizi III, expected to generate 68 megawatts, Rusizi IV with 95 megawatts, and Nsongezi, which will contribute 12 megawatts.
