In a report released earlier this week, the Federal Ministry of Health said field tests, medical reports, and surveillance data showed no signs of toxic substances. “There is no evidence of chemical or radiological contamination in Khartoum State,” it said in a detailed report.
The ministry said no abnormal deaths, mass illnesses, or symptoms of poisoning had been recorded, and that forensic reports had not identified any unusual causes of death. It added that radiation levels were normal, no radioactive material had moved, and no suspicious munitions or residues had been found.
The report said the findings were based on field tests conducted since April, when the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) retook control of Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
It said measurements were carried out with equipment accredited by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The United States in June imposed sanctions on Sudan, accusing it of using chemical weapons in 2024. Khartoum dismissed the allegations at the time as “political blackmail” and a distortion of facts.
Sudan has been in conflict since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the SAF and the RSF. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, worsening a humanitarian crisis in one of the world’s poorest countries.
The project is the result of a creative partnership between Belgian painter Paul De Gobert and Rwandan writer Joseph Ndwaniye, who set out to capture the nation’s landscapes, people and stories through two distinct yet complementary lenses: watercolour and prose.
The idea was born after the two met at a literary event. Inspired by their shared fascination with Rwanda, they embarked on a journey to document the country in real time.
De Gobert worked with portable formats, using watercolours to capture the fleeting play of light, speed and effort, while Ndwaniye translated those impressions into words, crafting a sensitive, nuanced narrative.
The result is a book that reads like a travel journal where image and text stand side by side, each offering its own way of understanding the country.
Rather than one medium overshadowing the other, painting and prose work in harmony, giving the reader a layered experience.
At the heart of the book lies the bicycle, a deliberate choice by the authors. For Ndwaniye, it represents more than just a means of transport; it is a social connector and a symbol of resilience.
The bicycle in Rwanda carries goods, brings families together, transports the sick and, in recent years, has placed the country firmly on the international sporting map.
From daily survival to elite competition, the bicycle becomes a metaphor for Rwanda’s capacity to move forward.
{{Memory and resilience}}
The narrative also touches on Rwanda’s past, particularly through visits to memorials. These moments are acknowledged with sensitivity, but the book resists reducing the nation to a single chapter of history.
Instead, it highlights a broader picture: traditions, biodiversity, everyday life and the determination of a society rebuilding itself while hosting international cycling events.
The publication of Les Mille Collines à Coups de Pédale coincided with Rwanda’s growing role in international cycling. Original works by De Gobert will be exhibited at the Institut français in Kigali from September 18 to October 6, while a dedicated stand will be set up during the week of the world cycling championships.
Visitors will have the chance to meet the authors, attend signings and engage in discussions.
But the project goes beyond the book launch. It aims to inspire young Rwandans to embrace cycling, celebrate those shaping the sport, and showcase local artistic talent.
Both authors have signalled their commitment to continuing the collaboration: De Gobert has already created hundreds of works on Rwanda, and Ndwaniye continues to expand his literary exploration.
Ultimately, Les Mille Collines à Coups de Pédale is more than a book, it is an invitation to rediscover Rwanda—through the rhythm of pedalling, the stroke of a brush, and the cadence of carefully chosen words. It shows how sport and art can come together to tell the story of a nation in motion.
Joseph Ndwaniye, hailing from Murambi in Rwanda, has lived in Belgium since 1986. Alongside his career as a specialist oncology nurse, he has built a strong literary reputation with works such as La Promesse faite à ma sœur (2007; reissued 2018), Le Muzungu mangeur d’hommes (2018), and En quête de nos ancêtres (2021), as well as numerous short stories.
Paul De Gobert, a Belgian painter, printmaker and watercolourist, is widely recognised for his public commissions and exhibitions, including murals like the Vandervelde metro station in Brussels.
Author of illustrated works such as Visages de Mongolie, Ma traversée de Bruxelles and Le Jardin sauvage, he has also produced hundreds of artworks dedicated to Rwanda.
{{Preface: David Lappartient, President of the UCI. }}
The pair were reportedly arrested early February 2025 at the crossroads connecting Ngozi, Gitega and Muyinga. Police pulled them out of a taxi and took them to the station, where they spent the night before being transferred to Gitega Central Prison.
In June, they appeared before the Gitega Intermediate Court, telling judges that they had travelled to Burundi simply to attend a wedding. Prosecutors insisted they were intelligence operatives.
On August 22, the court ruled the women innocent. IGIHE has learnt that their release was delayed while prosecutors were given time to appeal. When no appeal was filed, the Ministry of Justice on August 29 ordered their release, which was immediately carried out.
After their release, Nyirahabineza and Nzeyimana stayed with friends in Gitega, though their travel documents remained confiscated. Their lawyer continued to press for their return. On September 3, Burundian authorities returned the documents, clearing the way for their journey back to Rwanda.
The case comes amid strained relations between Kigali and Bujumbura. Rwandans travelling to Burundi face heavy scrutiny, as Burundian authorities accuse Rwanda of trying to destabilise its security, allegations Rwanda has consistently denied, stressing its commitment to peaceful coexistence with neighbours.
Every day, many people working in Kigali commute back to Bishenyi, Ruyenzi, and Gihara, enjoying the convenience of public transport linking them directly to Nyabugogo bus station.
Some who once dreamed of living in Kigali but built modern homes in Kamonyi have since decided to stay, convinced by the district’s rapid pace of development and its promising future that increasingly mirrors Kigali’s urban growth.
Looking ahead, Kamonyi’s development vision focuses on projects that will strengthen its connection with Kigali, while also integrating surrounding districts such as Muhanga, Bugesera, Ruhango, and Gakenke.
According to the 2023–2050 Master Plan for Settlement and Land Use, Kamonyi is expected to evolve over the next 25 years into a hub for agro-business, sports, entertainment, and modern housing, reinforcing its role as a true secondary city complementing the capital.
{{Nyabarongo wetlands}}
The Government of Rwanda plans to transform the Nyabarongo wetlands, particularly the Kamuhanda area, into a major tourism attraction. It will serve as a modern gateway into Kamonyi for visitors arriving from Kigali.
The site will be developed into a beautiful recreational zone with designated spaces for relaxation, social activities, and an information center to guide tourists.
The Nyabarongo Bridge will also be upgraded, redesigned with towering skyward pillars that will make it a striking architectural landmark. According to the master plan, its new design will symbolize the strong link between Kigali and Kamonyi.
In addition, the area will feature a cable car line connecting to Kamonyi’s town center, offering tourists an aerial view of the district’s natural beauty, especially the Nyabarongo wetlands.
{{Ruyenzi modernized}}
Ruyenzi, considered the urban core of Kamonyi, is undergoing a steady transformation as new infrastructure, commercial buildings, and residential developments continue to reshape its image.
The center is set to feature modern road interchanges to improve transport services, alongside the redevelopment of its existing small industrial zone.
With the establishment of a new industrial park in Muhanga, traffic along the main highway passing through Kamonyi is expected to increase significantly. To ease congestion, plans include the construction of a 44-meter-wide underground road to serve as a bypass.
Ruyenzi will also host a modern football stadium on the current Runda pitch, along with entertainment facilities designed to accommodate major district and national events that bring large crowds together.
{{Bishenyi elevated to urban status}}
Bishenyi, home to Kamonyi’s main bus terminal that connects passengers traveling between Kigali and the Southern Province, is set for a major transformation. Although the current terminal is poorly developed, plans are underway to modernize it, turning it into a showcase of the district’s progress.
The future Bishenyi will serve as a hub for modern shopping centers, upgraded residential areas, and an agro-processing and livestock industrial zone. It will also host Kamonyi’s largest market.
A signature monument will be built in the center, artistically crafted to symbolize unity, culture, and development, while serving as a welcoming landmark for visitors and prospective residents.
The Bishenyi wetland, currently loaned to local farmers for cultivation, will also be rehabilitated to enhance its natural beauty and conserve the rich biodiversity that exists within it.
{{Remera-Rukoma}}
Remera-Rukoma, Musambira, and Mugina are identified as emerging urban service centers, expected to continue expanding and attracting a growing population.
The Remera-Rukoma Hospital is set to be upgraded to provincial level, with a multi-storey facility bringing together a wide range of specialized medical services to improve healthcare delivery in the Southern Province.
In line with the country’s broader vision, a new district hospital will be built in Mugina to complement Remera-Rukoma, while each sector across Kamonyi will be equipped with at least two health centers.
Mugina will also host a modern bus terminal, featuring a passenger waiting area, ticketing offices, and information services. The project will be implemented with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
According to the 2022 census, Kamonyi had a population of 450,849. Projections suggest that by 2035 the population will exceed 600,000, and by 2050 it will surpass 850,000, underscoring the need for these ambitious urban developments.
The delegations arrived in mid-August 2025 amid continued accusations from both sides of failing to respect the agreement, particularly on enforcing a permanent ceasefire and releasing prisoners.
Freddy Kaniki Rukema, deputy coordinator of AFC/M23 in charge of Economy and Finance, confirmed on 22 August that “two representatives travelled to Doha with a mandate to address prisoner release and the cessation of hostilities.”
On 2 September, DRC’s Minister of Internal Security, Jacquemain Shabani, who heads the government delegation, said discussions remain active: “The process is ongoing. The government’s team is still in Doha and works daily with Qatar as mediator. Talks covered declaration of principles, starting with confidence-building measures, including the release of prisoners.”
He noted that dialogue on prisoner releases had concluded and attention had shifted to the ceasefire, though he did not confirm whether consensus had been reached on the first issue.
“Negotiations are now focused on the principle of halting hostilities, and discussions continue,” he added.
On September 1, AFC/M23 accused the DRC government of failing to release around 700 detainees, including its members and suspected supporters, while also alleging continued military provocations.
The group claimed President Félix Tshisekedi is unwilling to pursue peace, warning it would respond firmly if government forces persist in targeting civilians or its positions.
According to official data, in 2022, wildfires destroyed 41 hectares of Nyungwe. The number rose significantly in 2023 to 138.5 hectares, before falling sharply again in 2024 to 25 hectares.
On August 31, 2025, as Rwanda concluded the month dedicated to conservation activities under the theme “Nyungwe National Park: A Source of Wellbeing and Sustainable Development for Surrounding Communities”, residents living near the park were reminded that fire outbreaks remain a serious threat. Burned areas take a long time to regenerate, disrupting the ecological balance of the park.
The awareness campaign featured football tournaments for both men and women, bringing together teams from the 23 sectors bordering the park, along with one additional sector whose residents are also involved in activities that pose risks to the park.
During the games, conservation messages were shared with the public, calling on communities to avoid harmful practices such as burning grass, harvesting honey with fire, illegal mining, tree cutting, and grazing livestock inside the park.
One of the participants, Tuyisenge Jeannette from Nyamuzi cell in Bweyeye sector, Rusizi District, emphasized the importance of the park, especially its role in maintaining regular rainfall for agriculture. She criticized those still involved in destructive practices.
“Some people who don’t understand its importance enter the park to hunt animals and end up setting fires just for meat. I would advise them to stop and find alternative ways to earn a living,” she said.
The Community Development Manager Pierre Ntihemuka, explained that the sports tournaments, known as the Colobus Cup Tournament, were introduced as part of education and awareness efforts.
“These tournaments are bringing real benefits because community attitudes are changing. In the past, when fires broke out, residents would run back into their homes, leaving us without support. But now, they are the first to respond, bringing tools and helping us extinguish fires. Cases of illegal hunting have also reduced, which has led to a decline in fire outbreaks,” he noted.
Statistics from the Nyungwe Management Company reveal a significant decline in harmful activities impacting Nyungwe National Park.
Such activities declined from 1,147 cases in 2022 to just 130 cases in 2024. At the same time, the area affected by wildfires fell from 41 hectares in 2022 to 25 hectares in 2024, after a peak of 138.5 hectares in 2023.
Between January and August 2025, only 50 square meters have been affected by fires, a promising sign that this year may record far fewer wildfire incidents compared to previous years.
The triad included JingLei-1 air-based long-range missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and new type DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile.
The weapons are China’s strategic “ace” power to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and nation’s dignity.
The remains, taken as trophies by French colonial troops after the 1897 Ambiky massacre, were handed over in Paris on August 27, marking the first such restitution since France passed a 2023 law easing the return of human remains from its colonial era.
The skulls, believed to belong to King Toera and two of his warriors, arrived in Madagascar late Monday. They were received at the airport by Sakalava representatives in traditional robes, who escorted the remains, draped in Madagascar’s national flag, to a mausoleum in the capital, Antananarivo.
A solemn ceremony on Tuesday, attended by President Andry Rajoelina and Sakalava dignitaries, honoured the return of the ancestral remains.
“If we want to move forward, we must know our past, our history,” President Rajoelina said, lauding the courage of King Toera and his warriors who resisted French colonial forces.
“It is a source of pride and immense inner peace that my ancestor is back among us.”
The repatriated skull, believed to be King Toera’s, will soon be reunited with his skeleton in a tomb in Ambiky, the site of his execution 128 years ago.
The remains of the two warriors will also be laid to rest in the Menabe region after a four-day, 800-kilometre journey from the capital.
For the Sakalava people, the return is a moment of profound significance. Georges Harea Kamamy, King Toera’s great-grandson and the newly crowned Sakalava king, performed a ritual with water from the sacred Tsiribihina River to welcome the remains.
“This is a day of joy for the Sakalava,” he said, though he expressed disappointment that the skulls were entrusted to the government rather than the royal family.
Joe Kamamy, a leader of another Sakalava clan and a royal descendant, echoed the sentiment of pride.
“Having my ancestor back brings immense peace,” he told reporters, though he noted a family disagreement over the burial site, preferring Mitsinjo, where other Sakalava kings’ relics are kept.
The skulls had been stored in Paris’ national history museum alongside numerous other remains from Madagascar, which gained independence from France in 1960 after over six decades of colonial rule.
France’s 2023 legislation has streamlined the repatriation process, replacing the need for case-by-case laws to return looted artefacts and human remains from its imperial past.
The remains will be buried later this week in Menabe, closing a painful chapter for the Sakalava and Madagascar as they reclaim their history.
In a video statement, Netanyahu addressed soldiers directly: “I want to strengthen you and express my deep appreciation,” he said, adding that the military campaign had advanced Israel “toward a sweeping victory.”
In the morning, Israel summoned about 40,000 reservists, the largest single call-up since the war began nearly two years ago, as part of its plan to capture Gaza City — a move approved by Netanyahu’s cabinet despite international warnings.
But turnout was reportedly lower than expected, according to state-owned Kan TV, which cited the strain and burden of repeated rounds of service.
The cabinet decision has also sparked dissent at home. More than 350 reservists announced in a letter on Tuesday that they would refuse to serve if ordered into Gaza.
At a news conference in Tel Aviv, they denounced the government’s decision as reckless and vowed not to take part. Ron Feiner, a reservist and member of the antiwar group Standing Together, called the planned operation “blatantly illegal” and warned it would endanger hostages, soldiers and civilians alike. “This is a political, cynical and dangerous step, intended to serve an extremist minority rather than the security of Israel’s citizens,” he said.
Feiner noted that senior members of Israel’s security establishment had also warned against the operation, citing the danger it posed to 50 hostages still held in Gaza, about 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive.
Meanwhile, the military continued the strikes throughout the Palestinian enclave and prepared for the new offensive on the territory’s largest urban center.
Health authorities in the territory reported Tuesday that at least 76 people were killed and 281 injured by Israeli strikes and gunfire in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to 63,633. Hospitals also recorded 13 deaths from famine and malnutrition, including three children, raising the total number of hunger-related deaths to 361, among them 130 children.
Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesman, urged civilians across the Gaza Strip to move to the Al-Mawasi area “ahead of the expansion of fighting into Gaza City.”
“For your safety, we warn that approaching or returning to combat zones or to areas where the Israel Defense Forces are operating exposes you to danger,” he wrote on the social media platform X.
Families of hostages, in a statement in English and Hebrew outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, urged U.S. President Donald Trump to press both Israel and Hamas to agree to a deal to stop the war and release the captives.
“It is hard to digest the news that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, chose to prolong the war instead of making a deal that could have brought the hostages home,” said Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay, was killed in Gaza and whose body is still held there.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been stalled since mid-August, as Israel has yet to respond to a proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators that Hamas accepted about two weeks ago.
The ancient estate, found in Kafr Qasim in central Israel, includes colorful mosaic floors, ritual baths, and an olive oil press.
It was located at an archaeological site where an important Samaritan settlement thrived for about 400 years, from the late Roman period to the end of the Byzantine era.
Historical sources describe the site as the birthplace of Menander, a Samaritan magician and successor to Simon Magus, who was regarded as the father of Gnostic sects and one of Christianity’s earliest converts.
The archaeologists noted that the size and design of the buildings, the rich mosaic floors, and the agricultural facilities all reflect the great wealth of the Samaritan community that inhabited the area.
One building contained a mosaic decorated with a geometric pattern and plant designs. Its central medallion was framed by acanthus leaves and surrounded by images of grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes, and asparagus.
In the northern part of the estate, the team found an olive press, a warehouse, and a purification bath. According to the team, the bath’s location near the press suggests olive oil was produced in ritual purity. The press was carefully designed with screw presses and a crushing basin.
Over time, the estate changed, with luxurious buildings giving way to agricultural production. Some mosaic floors were damaged, and architectural elements were reused in new walls.
Despite the turmoil of the Samaritan revolts against Byzantine rulers, the estate continued to function and even preserved its Samaritan identity, as shown by oil lamps uncovered in the excavation, the team said.
