This directive comes as Israeli forces intensify their ground offensive in Gaza City, targeting Hamas infrastructure. The evacuation order exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands without access to critical medical care.
According to the Associated Press, over 297,000 people have fled southern Gaza, though Israeli officials claim that more than 500,000 have been displaced.
Despite these efforts, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The United Nations reports that over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced and widespread famine reported in Gaza City.
Internationally, the evacuation order has prompted a surge of countries recognizing a Palestinian state.
Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and soon France have joined nearly 150 nations in formal recognition.
France has stated that diplomatic relations will depend on Hamas releasing hostages. In solidarity, tens of thousands have protested across Italy, and several French towns have hoisted Palestinian flags despite government restrictions.
In response to the escalating violence, Pope Leo XIV criticized the forced displacement of Palestinians and advocated for peace.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reconciliation.
The decision came as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, where he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday.
The additional tariffs, introduced in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports during Trump’s first term, had covered a wide range of products, including passenger cars, fruit, rice, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, solid fuels and chemical products.
The Turkish Ministry of Trade said in a statement on Monday that the additional tariffs on certain U.S. products were terminated, following negotiations with the United States and consultations conducted under the World Trade Organization framework.
Türkiye will continue to pursue the target of achieving 100 billion U.S. dollars of trade volume with the United States as one of its fundamental objectives, the ministry said.
It added that the country will continue to develop policies aimed at strengthening trade relations and developing new areas of cooperation.
The study, which involved 292 participants from eight districts of Rwanda, focused on individuals from different categories, including youth, sex workers, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community.
In each group, the research uncovered various issues. For instance, sex workers were found to have limited knowledge about reproductive health and lacked awareness of how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It was revealed that at least 75% of sex workers do not have sufficient information. Among adolescent girls, 73% lacked adequate knowledge, while 70% of LGBTQ members were also uninformed. Additionally, 50% of people with disabilities lacked adequate information.
Tanga Community staff member, Josiane Uwizeyimana, stated that the idea for this research stemmed from the desire to understand the ongoing issues affecting access to information and services related to reproductive health.
“We looked at the high rate of teenage pregnancies and wondered, ‘Why is the situation still the same despite the government’s efforts to address this problem?’ This motivated us to carry out the research,” she explained.
Djamali Shema, from the Feminist Action Development Ambition (FADA), a non-governmental organization also involved in the research, noted that LGBTQ members face a lack of information, but even those who are informed feel ashamed to seek reproductive health services at health facilities, fearing they may be ostracized or marginalized.
“There are times when people mistreat LGBTQ members, trying to make them feel outcast due to their beliefs, which makes them isolate themselves and avoid seeking reproductive health services.”
Shema suggested that one solution to this problem would be to “conduct awareness campaigns so that people understand that LGBTQ members are just like everyone else, and those who abuse them should face stronger consequences.”
She also praised the Rwandan government for the efforts made to address their health needs, including setting up special services for them at health centers.
Chantal Uwizeyimana, representing people with disabilities, emphasized that one of the main challenges identified was how people with disabilities access various services.
“There are times when these services are available at health centers, but getting there is a challenge,” she explained. She also highlighted the issue of patient confidentiality, particularly when a person with a disability is accompanied to the clinic.
She stressed that awareness campaigns are necessary, alongside infrastructure development to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
Hakizimana Sylvestre Samuel noted that youth, especially in rural areas, struggle with affordability, particularly when it comes to purchasing items like condoms. “It’s difficult to find the resources, especially in rural areas,” he said.
Uwizeyimana expressed hope that this research would spark more discussions on the remaining challenges in accessing information and services related to reproductive health.
She stated, “Reproductive health services are the foundation for building a better future for the country. We need to talk more about these issues to solve the problems that still exist.”
Their coffees, carefully selected to represent the future brand of Rwanda, based on the best quality coffee Rwanda can produce, have attracted numerous buyers, are slowly but surely winning international auctions, thereby steadily expanding their market.
“They taught us how to handle coffee from the farm all the way to the cup,” Moses Mbonimpaye, a coffee farmer and member of the KOPAKAKI cooperative, told IGIHE.
“Farmers knew about coffee, but the returns didn’t match their investments. An expert from JICA advised us to first help the farmer improve productivity at the tree level because that’s where it all begins,” he added.
Mbonimpaye noted that the program offered diverse training opportunities, including study tours to countries like Colombia, Costa Rica and the USA, to observe how top producers manage processing, rejuvenate old coffee trees, and prepare beans for export.
Benoit Habinshuti, representing the ARABICA Cooperative, said the process transformed their approach.
“Before, we processed coffee the way we thought best, without much ambition for the international market,” he said. “But after working with JICA, we realised the value of global trade. They showed us how to prepare coffee that meets export standards. Now, we are confident our coffee can compete internationally.”
{{Building skills and confidence}}
JICA’s interventions have been especially impactful for coffee cooperatives, which received technical assistance, training, and exposure to global best practices. They have transformed the industry, helping them achieve higher yields and reach broader international markets.
The collaboration began in 2013 when JICA committed to assisting Rwandan coffee farmers and exporters in producing beans of exceptional quality—authentic, flavorful, and competitive on the global stage.
In 2017, this commitment expanded through partnerships with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB).
Together, they launched two major projects focused on strengthening the entire coffee value chain. These initiatives aimed to equip farmers and processors with the technical knowledge and marketing skills needed to elevate Rwanda’s coffee internationally.
{{Rwanda to the world }}
In 2024, JICA and NAEB introduced Best of Rwanda, an initiative designed to promote Rwandan coffee on the global stage. The initiative invites coffee processors to present their best beans, and the top 19 selected from nearly 300 nationwide entries, were auctioned to international buyers in 2024.
At these auctions, the highest price has spiked over Frw 100,000 per kilogram, and the other top 18 sells for no less than Frw 50,000 per kilogram, while the recent international purchase price for Rwanda’s coffee averages Frw 10,000 per kilogram.
Kosuke Nakajima, a JICA expert, emphasized that Rwandan coffee is steadily building a strong reputation worldwide and reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting both farmers and exporters.
He added that ongoing efforts are focused on developing a distinctive Rwanda Coffee Brand—a label that can stand out globally, just as other coffee-producing nations have successfully done.
Participants in Best of Rwanda highlight that even those who don’t win international bids benefit from the exposure.
By observing peers and learning from international buyers, they gain insights into how to further refine their products. Many say the showcase is invaluable, drawing attention from major international companies and opening new doors for the sector.
The farmers’ appreciation comes as JICA marks 20 years since reopening its Rwanda office, where it has supported several sectors, including coffee.
But tensions that erupted early 2022 between the two neighbors derailed much of that progress. Some projects were suspended, while others slowed to a near standstill.
Among the most affected were the joint construction of a major hydroelectric plant, conservation of the Virunga parks, gold refining agreements, petroleum exploration in Lake Kivu, and the planned model village in Goma.
{{The Ruzizi III power plant}}
One of the flagship projects delayed by the diplomatic fallout is the Ruzizi III hydropower station, a joint initiative of Rwanda, the DRC, and Burundi.
In 2016, the three countries agreed to harness the Ruzizi River to produce 147 megawatts of electricity. Backed by the World Bank, the European Union, and the African Development Bank, the project was valued at $450 million and was expected to be completed by 2024.
However, regional disputes disrupted cooperation, causing repeated delays. Costs have since ballooned to an estimated $800 million. Earlier this month, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, inspected the site and announced that construction will formally begin in January 2026 and conclude by 2030.
Each partner country will contribute around $266 million and receive roughly 68 megawatts of power.
{{Park conservation efforts}}
In 2014, Rwanda, the DRC, and Uganda signed a pact to protect the Virunga mountain range and surrounding parks, an area spanning over 7,900 square kilometers.
Through the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), the countries sought to coordinate anti-poaching operations and counter armed groups destabilizing the region, such as the FDLR.
Those efforts stalled after hostilities resumed. In October 2022, Kinshasa accused Rwanda of smuggling gorillas and monkeys, allegations Rwanda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Robert Kayinamura, dismissed as “a colonial mindset.”
“For the past 28 years, Rwanda has been blamed for everything; lack of water, lack of electricity, lack of roads,” he said. “We need to move beyond this mentality and focus on real solutions.”
{{Gold refining agreement}}
The DRC, home to vast mineral wealth, has long struggled to add value to its resources due to limited refining capacity. In contrast, Rwanda operates the Gasabo Gold Refinery in Kigali.
In June 2021, the two countries signed an agreement allowing Congolese gold to be processed in Rwanda through a partnership between Sakima (Socièté Aurifère du Kivu et Maniema), a state-owned company in the DRC, and Rwanda’s Dither Ltd.
But just a year later, after M23 rebels seized Bunagana, Kinshasa suspended the deal, accusing Rwanda of backing the rebels; allegations Kigali has consistently denied.
{{Goma’s model village}}
The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in May 2021 destroyed more than 1,000 homes on the outskirts of Goma. In a gesture of solidarity, President Paul Kagame visited the area and pledged to help rebuild, promising a modern settlement similar to Rwanda’s Kinigi model village in Musanze.
Congolese officials later toured Kinigi to study its design, and it was agreed that Rwanda would supply construction materials. The model village, estimated to cost over 26 billion Rwandan francs, was to be inaugurated on July 4, 2022.
By then, however, relations had soured, leading to setbacks in the implementation of the project.
{{Lake Kivu oil exploration}}
In 2017, Rwanda and the DRC signed an agreement to jointly explore petroleum deposits in Lake Kivu. The deal followed discussions between the two presidents in 2016 and aimed to identify reserves, estimate quantities, and plan for joint exploitation.
Following the Bunagana crisis, Kinshasa suspended cooperation and accused Kigali of supporting M23 rebels. Rwanda proceeded with exploration on its side of the lake. In January 2025, Kigali announced it had identified 13 potential petroleum blocks.
The discovery angered Kinshasa, prompting Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to instruct her Minister of Hydrocarbons, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, to demand explanations from Rwanda Mining Board (RMB).
{{A path to reconciliation?}}
Since 2022, Angola and other mediators have attempted to restore relations. In September of that year, Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi last met in New York, with President Emmanuel Macron of France facilitating talks.
In March 2025, the United States helped broker a peace framework, culminating in a June 27 agreement aimed at ending hostilities.
If relations improve, key joint projects including Ruzizi III, cross-border conservation and mineral processing could be revived, renewing hopes of regional integration.
Although the country’s leaders have avoided openly addressing the issue, signs of discontent have been visible since 2023, when President Évariste Ndayishimiye deployed troops to fight against the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From the lowest ranks to the top command, fear and unease have spread across the army.
After suffering heavy defeats in battles fought in Masisi territory, North Kivu province, many Burundian soldiers refused to continue fighting. Some deserted, while hundreds of others were arrested in Bujumbura and other locations, accused of disobeying orders from their superiors.
Official decrees issued by President Ndayishimiye between 2 January 2023 and 29 August 2025 confirm that more than 30 officers have been struck off the army roster. On this basis, the Head of State declared that these individuals are no longer members of the national armed forces.
Among those who deserted were nine Colonels or Lieutenant Colonels. They include Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, Lt Col Barikore Alexis, Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, Lt Col Nkurunziza Willy, Lt Col Habarugira Diomède, Lt Col Ndikumagenge Apollinaire, Lt Col Nahimana Daphrose, Lt Col Ndayishimiye Jean Baptiste and Lt Col Hatungimana Philbert.
Presidential records indicate that the most recent Colonel to be removed from the army rolls was Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, service number SSO813, whose name was struck off on 11 June 2025. The most senior among them, Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, service number SS0274, was officially dismissed on 8 April 2025.
Other senior officers holding the rank of Major who were dismissed for desertion include Maj Nkengurutse Melance, who was removed on 21 February 2025, Maj Nkeshimana Eddy Germain, who was removed on 19 November 2024, Maj Ndizeye Ildephonse, Maj Ntakabanyura Eric and Maj Ntungwanayo Alphonse, who was removed on 13 December 2023.
In addition, 13 Captains and four Lieutenants are reported to have deserted the Burundian army during the same period.
{{Will the pressure intensify?}}
Burundian troops have been heavily deployed in South Kivu province, particularly in areas near Bujumbura such as the city of Uvira. Alongside Congolese forces, the Wazalendo militias, and FDLR elements, they are preparing for clashes with the M23 rebels.
The M23 movement has not been idle. It continues to expand by recruiting and training new fighters. For example, on 14 September 2025 the group enrolled more than 7,400 combatants who had undergone six months of training at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru territory. The movement also possesses significant weaponry seized from the Congolese army coalition.
The Commander of M23, Major General Sultani Makenga, announced on 2 September that he intends to capture more key cities in the DRC, including Kalemie in Tanganyika province. To achieve that objective, however, he stressed that taking control of Uvira is essential.
With M23 fighters continuing to expand their arsenal and territory, the likelihood of a large-scale conflict is high, and the pressure on Burundian troops stationed near Bujumbura would become immense.
Should Burundi’s forces be overpowered once again by M23, they could be forced to retreat toward Bujumbura. Yet, if they remain under strict orders to continue fighting in the DRC, new waves of desertions among senior officers may emerge, echoing the pattern of the past two years.
It is the first time that the World Championships are being hosted on the African continent, specifically in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
Most national teams are already in Rwanda, having traveled with RwandAir. On September 18, 2025, a group of Belgian men and women departed from Zaventem Airport in Brussels told IGIHE that they were eager to reach Kigali to begin mountain biking tours and also follow the global cycling competition.
Faeza Bladj, who traveled from northern Belgium where Flemish is spoken, said:
“This is my first time going to Africa. I’m very excited to arrive in Kigali, to witness the Road World Championships together with my friends. I believe RwandAir, which has welcomed us well, will take us there with the same great service.”
Martine Hofstede, visiting Rwanda for the second time, explained that she returned with a new group of companions who wanted to experience the country’s beauty.
“This is my second visit to Rwanda. I came with a different group than the first time. They were eager to see the beauty of this country that I have grown to love. We are happy to attend the World Championships and to also visit places we planned to tour,” she said.
Olivier Karangwa, RwandAir’s Station Manager at Brussels Airport, said flying with RwandAir to Africa was like fulfilling a dream.
“We are proud that as Rwanda’s national airline we are among those transporting teams and their equipment to the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali 2025. Today alone we have welcomed more than 40 passengers, including men, women, and even families with children. It shows how much these Championships attract entire households,” he noted.
Karangwa added that beyond the competition, some visitors also came for cycling tourism and will watch the races live.
“This is a big gain for Rwanda in terms of tourism and the Visit Rwanda campaign. All of these guests will become ambassadors for the country after enjoying our hospitality, which started right here on our flight.”
Karangwa said the airline had deployed an Airbus A330-300, a modern and spacious aircraft with three-class configuration that can carry 274 passengers.
The UCI Road World Championships is an annual event, with this year marking its 98th edition since 1921.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the individual time trials for both men and women will be contested. Afghan rider Yulduz Hashimi will be the first to set off in the women’s race at 10:10 a.m.
Race routes have already been prepared with clear road signage and safety equipment to protect fans and riders.
Cyclists from 110 countries have arrived in Kigali early, touring the city’s roads and holding training sessions in preparation for what promises to be a historic week of racing in Africa.
The discussions took place during President Kagame’s three-day official visit to Azerbaijan, which began on Friday.
Following their meeting, the two leaders addressed the press after witnessing the exchange of five cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Azerbaijan. The agreements cover the sectors of agriculture, education, air services, trade, and public service delivery.
Speaking at the event, President Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that these new partnerships deliver tangible results.
“Mr. President, just know that you have friends in Africa, in Rwanda. We want to use this opportunity of our cooperation and friendship between you and myself, and the two countries, to move fast forward in achievements of prosperity,” President Kagame said.
Earlier in the morning, President Kagame visited the Alley of Honor, where he laid a wreath on the tomb of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev and Zarifa Aliyeva.
He also laid a wreath at the Alley of Martyrs, a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in Azerbaijan’s struggle for freedom, independence and territorial integrity.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Azerbaijan were formally established in 2017, with both countries expressing interest in expanding cooperation across different sectors.
A statement released on September 19, highlights that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts of the UCI and SafeR to enhance the safety of professional road cyclists.
The GPS safety tracking technology to be used in Rwanda was tested during the three stages (August 15 to 17) of the Tour de Romandie Féminin, in Switzerland, which enabled it to be refined.
All riders in all categories (Men and Women Elite, Under 23 and Junior) will be equipped with a GPS safety tracking device attached under their saddle during all events at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships (road races, individual and team time trials).
This system, operated from the UCI Road World Championships control centre, will enable real-time monitoring of data regarding the position and speed of the entire peloton, thus allowing for immediate identification of any unusual situations, such as a rider suddenly stopping on the course.
In such a case, the rider’s exact position will be transmitted to the relevant parties in the convoy – organisers, UCI Commissaires, medical and security services – so that appropriate measures can be taken without delay.
The UCI will continue to work closely with event organisers and all stakeholders with a view to wider deployment of GPS rider safety tracking in races and the development of safety alert and intervention protocols.
Commenting on the development, UCI President David Lappartient said that the introduction of a GPS safety tracking system for riders is important and necessary progress in this regard.
“Thanks to this system, any incident or accident that might have gone unnoticed can be quickly identified, and it will be possible to assist the person concerned as quickly as possible by mobilising those already on the ground and the emergency services,” he noted.
Lappartient also commended everyone who contributed to the development of this new safety device, as well as the National Federations that will inaugurate it during the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.
The weeklong event will bring together a total of 917 competitors in Kigali as the first African city to host the prestigious cycling competition.
He delivered the message on Friday during the third graduation ceremony of the institute, where 83 students from the Class of 2025 were awarded their degrees.
The Premier congratulated the graduates for their achievement and commended the visionaries behind RICA’s establishment.
Dr. Nsengiyumva underscored that the graduation was not an endpoint, but the beginning of a larger mission.
“Today you are not just receiving degrees, you are receiving a call to service,” he said.
Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted how the graduates’ expertise is closely tied to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which seeks to boost productivity in priority food crops by 50 percent to ensure food sufficiency and competitive exports.
“As experts in conservation agriculture, you are well-positioned to drive this transformation by applying modern conservation practices and agri-innovations,” he emphasized.
He described conservation agriculture as a vital pathway to meet both national and global challenges: “Conservation agriculture represents a viable pathway for Rwanda to achieve environmental sustainability and long-term resilience. By improving soil health, it enhances agricultural productivity, increases farm efficiency and profitability, and contributes significantly to food security and the improvement of rural livelihoods.”
{{A call for integrity and service}}
The Prime Minister urged graduates to serve with humility and integrity, stressing that their skills were not meant for personal gain alone.
“As you embark on your careers, remember that the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at RICA are not for personal advancement alone. You are called to serve as agents of change and problem-solvers who create opportunities that transform communities” he said.
“True success is not measured by how far you go alone, but by how many you lift along the way. Let you be a generation not content to wait for the future, but a generation that is bold enough to shape it. Rise with purpose, rise with compassion, and above all, rise together as proud Rwandans,” Dr. Nsengiyumva added.
The Premier further assured that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment where their talents will thrive.
“Together, we will forge a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient,” he said.
{{Preparing leaders for global challenges}}
Dr. Olusegun Yerokun, Interim Vice Chancellor of RICA, also addressed the graduates, reminding them of the immense challenges facing agriculture globally—climate change, soil degradation, dwindling resources, post-harvest losses, and population pressures.
“Your training at RICA has been specifically designed to prepare you to lead this agricultural revolution,” he said.
He explained that the program combined theory with practice in fields, laboratories, greenhouses, and surrounding communities.
“The skills and knowledge you possess are the seeds that will enable you to cultivate change and sow a truly sustainable future for many generations of Rwandans,” Dr. Yerokun affirmed.
The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture was inaugurated in 2019 in Bugesera District as a strategic partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Established with the bold vision to revolutionize agricultural education, RICA equips young leaders with the tools to address Rwanda’s pressing agricultural challenges while contributing to global sustainability.
It currently offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture, taught entirely in English.
The program is designed to address real-world problems, supported by international faculty, modern facilities, and partnerships with government, the private sector, and development organizations.
