Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

This came just four days after the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) and its military wing, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), had launched their armed struggle to liberate the country.

It was a particularly tense moment for President Juvénal Habyarimana. When the RPF attacked the Kagitumba border, Habyarimana was in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly. He rushed back to Kigali in alarm.

At that time, the government army, the ex-FAR, was small and inexperienced, numbering fewer than 5,000 soldiers who had never faced real combat. Their military equipment was limited and outdated.

Alarmed by the Kagitumba attack, Habyarimana began seeking help from allies, notably Zaire’s president Mobutu Sese Seko and France’s president François Mitterrand. France responded quickly, agreeing to send elite troops known for handling high-risk combat.

A special French unit of 300 commandos was selected. According to John Burton Kegel’s book The Liberation Struggle: War and Militarism in African History, the decision to deploy these troops was made on October 3. Two military aircraft were prepared to transport them from France to Kigali.

This intervention was named Operation Noroît, France’s mission to protect Habyarimana’s regime.

The unit was already famous within the French army, having previously carried out the “Kolwezi Mission” in Congo in 1978.

The first plane departed on the night of October 4, 1990, at 3 a.m., followed by a second at 5:45 a.m. Both first headed to Bangui in the Central African Republic, where France had a military base.

According to Kegel, the C-160 Transall aircraft took off from Bangui in the afternoon of October 4, heading to Kigali.

Even these elite soldiers were nervous. They feared Kigali International Airport might be unsafe and came prepared with parachutes in case they had to jump under fire. But French trainers already in Rwanda reassured them that Kanombe Airport was secure despite the gunfire heard overnight.

When the first plane approached Rwandan airspace, French officers on the ground confirmed the situation was calm, so parachutes were not needed. The commandos landed in Kigali around 6:45 p.m. and were told that RPA forces were about 170 kilometres away, much farther than rumours suggested.

The Habyarimana government had deliberately fired heavy gunfire in the capital to create panic, spread false claims of an RPA attack on Kigali, and justify mass arrests of Tutsi civilians, accusing them of collaborating with the rebels. Historians like Bernard Lugan note that FAR soldiers themselves panicked that night, shooting aimlessly and causing chaos.

There was also an attempt to overthrow Habyarimana.

Former Belgian ambassador to Rwanda, Johan Swinnen, later revealed that some FAR soldiers tried to stage a coup that night. According to Swinnen, the U.S. Embassy had been warned beforehand that something unusual might happen.

{{French forces stayed on in Rwanda}}

The French troops did more than protect Habyarimana. They began training the FAR, providing weapons and logistics, even transporting soldiers by helicopter. They helped establish military intelligence and security systems that strengthened Habyarimana’s hold on power, while political tensions and anti-Tutsi persecution deepened.

Thanks to French support, FAR troops grew dramatically, from about 5,000 soldiers in October 1990 to roughly 20,000 by the end of that year.

After the 1993 Arusha Peace Accords, France withdrew many of its forces but left behind military advisers and Habyarimana’s personal guard.

When the genocide began in April 1994 following Habyarimana’s death, France launched Operation Turquoise in June. This mission is often criticised for protecting members of the interim government and military leaders who organised the killings, allowing them to flee to Zaire (now DR Congo) and prepare to fight back.

The presence of French troops in Rwanda from 1990 to 1994, including their role in training and equipping militias such as the Interahamwe, remains a highly debated and painful part of Rwanda’s modern history.

For some spectators like Gentille Abimpaye, who found the official name of the event a bit long, simply calling it “UCI” was enough while they enjoyed the thrilling competition that turned Kigali’s clean streets into a celebration.

On September 27, fans witnessed the women’s under-19 and elite women’s races. That day, late-term pregnant Abimpaye, had gone to watch the finish line at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kimihurura.

By early afternoon, labor pains started. An ambulance quickly rushed her to Kacyiru Hospital, where she received immediate medical care.

“I didn’t have health insurance, I didn’t have anything with me, but they welcomed me and didn’t turn me away. They helped me so much. I am truly grateful! They assisted me through labor, and I gave birth to a baby girl at around 11 p.m. I had no clothes for the baby, but they provided them instantly. I had no food or porridge, but they took care of me and did everything possible,” Abimpaye said.

The championship — the first of its kind ever held in Rwanda and Africa — thrilled many Rwandans who followed it closely. For Abimpaye, the experience was extraordinary because she witnessed the athletes sprinting to the finish line at KCC just hours before giving birth.

Since labor began while she was cheering for the cyclists and delivered on the same day, she decided to name her daughter Ange UCI Noella, a name she says will forever remind her of the historic competition in Kigali.

“I named her ‘UCI’ because I was cheering for the last cyclist coming in; I raised my hands like everyone else, but when I tried to lower and lift them again, I felt labor starting. I was rushed to the hospital and gave birth before midnight, still on the same day. This will always remind me that my daughter was born during the World Road Cycling Championships,” she explained.

Her husband, Ildephonse Ntarwimo, praised Kacyiru Hospital’s management for helping his wife despite her lacking the usual documentation required for maternity admission.

“We owe everything to the good leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic. Without it, such quality healthcare services would not be possible,” he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Abimpaye admitted she made a mistake by not carrying essential items in case labor started unexpectedly, even though she knew her due date was near. She advised expectant mothers to always be prepared.

According to a statement released by RDF, the promotion takes immediate effect.

The RDF serves the people of Rwanda by safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and also supports international peacekeeping missions. It is widely recognized for the dedication and discipline of its soldiers.

Currently, RDF personnel are deployed on peacekeeping missions under the United Nations in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, while others safeguard peace under bilateral agreements in the Central African Republic and Mozambique.

Rwanda is the fourth largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions with the deployment of more than 4,585 troops, including 249 women.

Promotions within the RDF reflect the institution’s growth and the professional advancement of individual soldiers.

During the commissioning of 1,029 new officers into the RDF on October 3, President Kagame reminded the officers that their role is vital regardless of Rwanda’s size or population, stressing that the RDF must remain strong, professional, and ready to defend the country’s sovereignty.

From 2:00 PM, guests will step into a vibrant day-to-night journey filled with fun games, interactive activities, and a wave of good vibes that build toward an electrifying evening of live performances.

The Friends of Amstel stage will showcase a stellar lineup: Rwanda’s very own Bruce Melodie, Kivumbi King, and Mike Kayihura, alongside Kenya’s regional superstar Bien-Aimé. They will be joined by the dynamic beats of DJ Marnaud and Toxxyk, with a surprise international act set to raise the energy until the final beat.

More than just music, the event is designed as an immersive friendship experience—where moments of laughter, connection, and togetherness take center stage. Whether you come with a squad or join solo, Friends of Amstel is where bonds are made, and memories are shared.

Tickets are available in solo and group bundles (2, 4, or 6 friends), ensuring no one misses out because the spirit of Friends of Amstel is best enjoyed together.

Tickets for the event are now available and can be purchased online at Ticqet.rw. Guests are reminded that alcohol is not sold to anyone under the age of 18 and is not recommended for pregnant women. Attendees are also encouraged to enjoy drinks responsibly and to avoid drinking and driving.

The initiative is part of the Digital Ambassador Program (2022–2025), a USD 4.5 million partnership between KOICA, MINICT, RISA, and MINECOFIN, aimed at empowering citizens with digital skills and expanding equitable access to e-services nationwide.

Each SAP is now equipped with modern laptops, internet connectivity, and smart boards to enable citizens to access e-Government platforms like Irembo, receive digital literacy training, and benefit from services such as printing and scanning. SAPs are designed as community hubs that bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas.

Since 2022, the Digital Ambassador Program has recruited and trained 2833 Digital Ambassadors and 78 supervisors, delivered digital literacy training to 4,526,486 citizens, and re-equipped five SAPs (one in each province) to serve as flagship centres of access.

The re-equipping also supports Rwanda’s SAP Strategy 2025–2029, which prioritises sustainability and community ownership. Under this strategy, Rwanda plans to re-equip and modernise 100 SAPs nationwide while introducing new ones, ensuring that all citizens benefit from inclusive and reliable digital services.

“The Service Access Points will make it easier for citizens, especially in rural communities, to connect to services and opportunities that are increasingly digital,” said Mr Antoine Sebera, CEO of RISA. “With KOICA’s support and the collaboration of district authorities, these spaces are designed to serve communities in a more sustainable and impactful way.”

“This Service Access Point is more than a building; it is a gateway of opportunity,” said Ms KIM Jinhwa, Country Director of KOICA Rwanda Office. “By investing in digital infrastructure and skills, we are investing in people’s dignity, productivity, and future. KOICA is proud to stand with Rwanda in this journey toward an inclusive digital society.”

The SAP initiative is directly aligned with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) target of achieving 100% digital literacy by 2029, and supports the country’s long-term Vision 2050 of becoming a knowledge-based economy and ICT hub for the region.

{{About KOICA}}

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is a government agency established in 1991 to implement Korea’s grant aid and technical cooperation programs for developing countries, focusing on sustainable socio-economic development.

{{About RISA}}

The Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) is responsible for implementing national ICT policies, programs, and projects that drive Rwanda’s digital transformation.

The commissioning ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Rwanda Military Academy, which has been training junior officers since its establishment.

Of the new officers, 557 completed a one-year program, 248 attended short-term courses, 182 completed a four-year long-term program, and 42 received their military education abroad. The group makes up the 12th intake of the Rwanda Military Academy.

Among those commissioned is Brian Kagame, the youngest son of President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, joining the RDF where his older brother, Capt Ian Kagame, is already serving in the Republican Guard.

Brigadier General Franco Rutagengwa, the Commandant of the Rwanda Military Academy, commended the graduates for their resilience, noting that the training was demanding as some candidates dropped out along the way.

“The journey was not easy; 36 trainees who started the program were unable to complete it due to health reasons, academic failure, or disciplinary issues,” he said.

He explained that the academy now offers degree-level programs in military science and other fields including medicine, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, law, nursing, computer science, and civil engineering.

Brig Gen Rutagengwa congratulated the graduates for choosing to serve in the RDF and urged them to uphold the core values of the force, including discipline, integrity, and dedication to duty.

President Kagame presented awards to the most outstanding graduates across several categories. Jean de Dieu Iyakaremye was recognized as the best student in the short-term courses, while Yves Ndamukunda earned the distinction of best student in the long-term courses.

Representing the partner countries, Dan Bakangambira from Uganda was honored as the top performer among international students while Emmanuel Kayitare was awarded as the overall best graduate.

In his speech, President Kagame praised the new officers for their commitment and sacrifice.

“I commend each of you for the determination and courage you showed during your training. I also thank your instructors for preparing you to serve the nation well,” he said.

He extended appreciation to the parents and families of the new officers for supporting their decision to join the military, describing the profession as one of honor and national service.

“Your responsibility is to protect Rwanda and its people,” Kagame emphasized.

He reminded the officers that their role is vital regardless of Rwanda’s size or population, stressing that the RDF must remain strong, professional, and ready to defend the country’s sovereignty.

President Kagame also thanked friendly nations that partnered with Rwanda in military education and training, highlighting the importance of such cooperation in building a capable and modern defence force.