The Head of State did not mention the leaders, but his remarks appear to point toward Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, given their history of hostile remarks against Rwanda.
In January 2024, while in Kinshasa, President Ndayishimiye stated that he would do everything possible to help Rwandan youth overthrow the current government.
“In the region, people live together peacefully. I know very well that there are no problems among the citizens; the problem lies with bad leadership. Our struggle must continue until even the people of Rwanda begin to feel pressure, because I believe Rwandan youth cannot accept remaining prisoners in the region,” he noted.
These words appeared to echo those of Tshisekedi, who publicly expressed his determination to topple Rwanda’s leadership.
While addressing over 6,000 soldiers, police, and prison officers at Rwanda Defence Force (RDF)’s Gabiro Combat Training Center on August 25, 2025, President Kagame revisited the plans these two leaders had for Rwanda.
“When you hear people on radio, shamelessly and fearlessly, claiming they will destroy Rwanda, remove its government, impose their own, kill and save people they wish. Imagine heads of state making such utterances!”
President Kagame emphasized that statements like these serve as a reminder that there are people harboring intentions to harm Rwanda.
“We must always be prepared because the enemy comes unpredictably; we never know from where or when, but we must always be ready,” he noted.
Kagame noted that these leaders eventually realized that harming Rwanda would not be easy.
“Those who shouted loudly, claiming they must harm Rwanda. I could not overlook this, but I will not disclose everything. This is where I began by thanking you [ Rwandan security forces] because they saw that harming Rwanda is not simple.
“Perhaps after resting, they may try again in five years, but it will be in vain
or even worse for those who wage war against Rwanda. This is precisely the responsibility of the RDF, the national army, and all national security forces collectively,” he stated.
President Kagame added that for Rwanda’s security forces to execute this responsibility effectively, they must clearly understand their duties.
“Whether you are working in challenging circumstances like I described, you must act as if you own the task. No one should hold back; you treat it as your responsibility, and collaborate with others who do the same. That is where the national army unites with the Rwandan society they belong to.”
He further emphasized the importance of discipline, reminding the security personnel that it allows them to focus on duties and fulfill them diligently.
Visiting the lodge, one can immediately feel its story. Volcanic rocks scattered across the property hint at the land’s history long before the hotel was built, while other details showcase the journey of the lodge from its humble beginnings to the present day.
Rugamba is widely recognized as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s tourism sector. After years of service in government tourism roles, she decided to venture into private enterprise, creating a business that provides high-quality tourism experiences.
In 2003, she was appointed the head of the Rwanda Development Board’s predecessor, ORTPN, tasked with implementing strategies to promote Rwanda’s tourism industry in the challenging post-genocide period.
Reflecting on the origins of Amakoro Songa Lodge, Rugamba shared that the idea came from a memorable visit: “In 2003, a well-known international entrepreneur toured Volcanoes National Park and loved it. On his way out, he said he was exhausted and wanted to stay overnight in Kinigi. I offered him accommodations in Kigali, but he insisted and decided to stay in a tent. That’s when I realized we needed a place to host guests like him.”
She recalled moving downwards and sitting on the volcanic rocks that would later become the lodge’s grounds, reflecting on the moment and realizing that this experience could inspire something lasting.
“That’s how the idea for Amakoro Songa Lodge was born, right there where I sat,” she explained.
Starting with a single room and just a few staff members, the lodge has grown steadily. Today, it employs more than 79 people, 49 of whom are permanent staff, and offers ten rooms, enough to provide top-tier luxury service. Rugamba’s vision has always been to deliver high-end tourism experiences—‘luxury tourism’—that are rooted in local culture and resources.
From the beginning, she committed to employing local staff, ensuring that at least half of her employees came from the surrounding district. Today, that number has grown to 80%.
“It’s deeply rewarding to demonstrate that Rwandans can excel, and that everything we do benefits our own community,” she said. Many of her employees started in basic roles like cleaning and farming, but over time they have developed the skills needed to run a luxury hotel.
Rugamba has long believed that tourism should serve a broader purpose to alleviate poverty and showcase Rwanda positively drawing inspiration from the guidance of President Paul Kagame. She carried this mission into her private enterprise as well.
Local farmers who supply the lodge have transitioned from subsistence farming to professional operations, paying taxes and contributing to the local economy.
She also founded a cooperative, ‘Abagore ku Isonga mu Kubungabunga Ibidukikije,’ aimed at empowering women to protect the environment and understand that neglecting it could ultimately harm them.
Projects like poultry and sheep farming were introduced to strengthen livelihoods in communities around the lodge.
“Supporting women strengthens households, communities, and the nation as a whole,” she emphasized.
The lodge also invests in local education. Recently, it built toilets for Ninda Primary School, plans to expand to early childhood classrooms and support children who cannot afford regular meals.
Today, Amakoro Songa Lodge directly supports over 140 families while offering visitors an enriching experience that also benefits the local population.
Environmental conservation is another pillar of the lodge. Initially, there were almost no trees around the property, but today over 3,000 trees have been planted with the participation of both staff and guests, each tree marked with the name of the person who planted it.
Tree planting has become a meaningful ritual for visitors, who often follow up on the growth of their trees, prompting Rugamba to assign staff to keep them informed.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand tourism operations to Nyungwe National Park through a new project called Icyayi Songa Lodge, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Songa Lodge gave birth to Amakoro Lodge, and now it is giving birth to Icyayi Lodge. At Icyayi Songa Lodge, I want to highlight tea cultivation and support visitors exploring this World Heritage site,” she said.
Amakoro Lodge has traditionally welcomed guests from the United States, but in recent years, it has seen a growing number of visitors from Mexico, Europe, and across Africa.
{{Photos showing members of women-led organisation focused on leadership and environmental conservation}}
With this milestone, BK remains the only bank in Rwanda listed as a Valued Service Provider on the Visa Global Registry, a recognition awarded only to institutions that meet the highest standards of compliance and security.
Earning this status, along with the Visa PCI DSS compliance badge, reinforces BK’s role as a trusted leader in delivering secure, innovative, and customer-focused financial solutions.
But beyond the certification, what does this mean for customers? It means peace of mind. Every time a BK customer pays, shops online, or withdraws from an ATM, they can trust that their money and their personal data are protected by some of the toughest security standards in the world.
“Our customers deserve the highest level of safety when using their cards, and this achievement is proof of that commitment,” said Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali. “Whether you are transacting locally or globally, we want you to feel confident and secure with every transaction you make through BK.”
{{Why this matters for customers?}}
-* From local markets to global online stores, BK cards are backed by world-class security.
-* Sensitive card information stays safe within BK systems, reducing risks of fraud or misuse.
-* BK’s leadership in security reinforces its role as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s digital economy.
This achievement is part of BK’s larger mission to make modern banking not only accessible and innovative, but also safe at every step.
It also reflects the spirit of Nanjye ni BK, a pledge that every customer can feel personally connected to the bank, confident that BK is by their side, and assured that every transaction is protected.
{{About Bank of Kigali Plc}}
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.
Their repatriation follows resolutions from a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025.
The 533 returnees had been confined in an FDLR-controlled areas in eastern DRC. They were later moved to a temporary camp in Goma before their safe passage to Rwanda was facilitated.
{{Harrowing experiences in captivity}}
Nyirahabimana Paradia is among the returnees who fled Rwanda in 1994 and had been living in Nyangezi, near Bukavu in South Kivu. She described the atmosphere of fear that surrounded Rwandans under FDLR control.
“If you tried to return to Rwanda, they told you you would either be killed or imprisoned upon arrival. In Congo today, being known as a Rwandan is even worse than being killed, because groups like the ‘Wazalendo’ abduct and kill,” she said.
She explained that she eventually fled to the UN-run camp after being targeted for abduction, leaving behind her eldest child. She urged Rwandans still in Congo to repatriate, assuring them of peace and safety back home.
Another returnee, Musoni Bavugayabo François from Rwerere, recounted constant insecurity in Rusayu where armed men roamed at night, abducting and harming residents.
“We were told those who returned to Rwanda were killed, but later we would hear they were actually alive,” he recalled.
Similarly, Egide Twagirumukiza, 65, said he had lived in DRC since 1994 under the perpetual threat of FDLR.
“They never allowed us to return. They threatened that anyone attempting to leave would either be killed or jailed,” he said.
{{A new beginning in Rwanda}}
Welcoming the returnees, Rubavu District Mayor Mulindwa Prosper reassured them of progress. He also encouraged returnees to quickly reintegrate into their communities and take advantage of available opportunities in the country.
“You will find a different Rwanda, one built on peace, development, and opportunity. You will join cooperatives, access modern banking services, and benefit from programs tailored for women and youth. Tell your relatives still in Congo that what they were told about Rwanda is not true, you will see for yourselves the reality of progress,” he emphasized.
The returnees were transported to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre in Rusizi District, where they will temporarily reside before reintegration into normal life.
They join over 1,100 Rwandans who were repatriated in May 2025 under similar arrangements facilitated by UNHCR.
As of August 6, 2025, UNHCR reported that 630 Rwandans were still living in the temporary Goma camp, with another 31 scattered across Kitshanga, Karuba, and Mweso.
Upon arrival, each returnee receives reintegration support. Those above 18 years are allocated $188, minors receive $113, and every individual is provided with a food package worth Rwf 40,800 to help them start a new life in Rwanda.
Addressing more than 6,000 soldiers, police officers, and prison officers at the Gabiro combat training centre in Eastern Province on Monday, August 25, 2025, Kagame praised their hard work and sacrifice, calling it essential to Rwanda’s continued strength.
He reminded them that Rwanda’s history, marked by both tragedy and resilience, has proven one key lesson: Rwanda will never disappear.
Kagame dismissed those who act as though they “created” Rwanda, stressing that external assistance can only complement, but never replace, Rwandans’ own efforts.
“This means that we, as a people, chart our own path and sustain ourselves. Even when support comes from outside, it should only add to what we already have — it can never replace it. It cannot take away the right we hold over who we are. It simply complements our own efforts, and for that, we may indeed thank those who provide it,” he said.
The President underscored the duty of the RDF to shield citizens from “predators” who try to seize what belongs to them. He noted that every three to five years Rwanda faces new external threats—not because it provokes others, but because hostility is imposed upon it.
Kagame said that Rwanda never provokes others; however, whenever a threat arises against the country, its army must be present and ready to fight.
He said, “And fighting means there will be deaths and injuries, but the objective is not to kill or to wound — except when others refuse to understand Rwanda, do not care for it, and instead wage war against it. That is when the profession fulfills its true duty. At that point, war must be fought.”
The head of State reminded the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) that whenever it becomes necessary to enter a war, it must be a guiding principle that they prevail. War, he said, cannot be fought with hesitation or pity, but must be carried through to the end — until Rwanda’s enemies regret ever having started it.
Those who wish Rwanda harm have often threatened to attack, to overthrow the existing leadership, and to install whoever they please, deciding who should live and who should die.
President Kagame cautioned: “We must always remain prepared, because we do not know where an enemy may come from, nor when they may choose to strike.”
{{What it takes to confront Rwanda’s enemies}}
President Kagame emphasized that confronting those who seek to harm Rwanda requires much of its citizens. It begins with a clear understanding of one’s responsibilities, working with diligence and commitment even in difficult times, and joining efforts with fellow Rwandans.
He added that this must be reinforced by discipline, which ensures that individuals remain attentive to their duties and committed to fulfilling them.
The President further stressed that once Rwandan soldiers acquire knowledge, they must put it into practice by mastering the use of equipment in confronting the enemy.
“If it is about using a gun, you must learn to use it properly so that you can shoot the enemy — the one who has brought war against you. It is not simply about pulling the trigger and firing bullets at random. That is not fighting,” he said.
Kagame continued: “Every bullet must carry the name of its intended target. When you aim, it must hit. If you shoot once, twice, three times without striking the target, then there is a problem — either with your training or with you.”
He noted that if a soldier wastes ten bullets just to hit a single target, sustaining such a war would be impossible because ammunition is costly.
“Some ammunition is expensive nowadays. There are projectiles that can cost up to $3,000 or even $5,000 each. If you are meant to hit a target in the sky and you miss once at $5,000, then again at $5,000, and again — that’s already $15,000 wasted. How can you fight a war like that? Where will those resources come from? In that case, you are only helping the enemy,” Kagame said.
President Kagame urged the Rwanda Defence Force to master precision and make effective use of the equipment available to them, rather than relying on superstition.
He warned that hesitation or misplaced beliefs could cost lives: “If someone convinces you that unseen forces will guide your bullet, what they are really doing is preparing the coffin you’ll be buried in.”
He reminded the soldiers that failing to fulfill their duty not only endangers their own lives but also those they are tasked with protecting, handing them over to the enemy.
Kagame further noted that while some people attack Rwanda without reason, there are others with whom Rwanda has genuine, unresolved grievances — such as the Interahamwe militia that devastated the nation during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“You often hear about the FDLR and their supporters — with them, we truly have unfinished business. But their backers are simply enemies creating problems for us. They are the ones who openly declare, without any shame, that they intend to harm us,” Kagame said.
{{Double standards}}
Kagame cautioned against those who distort Rwanda’s past, particularly attempts to deny or rewrite the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He recalled how, even at the UN, some denied a genocide was happening, portraying it instead as “Rwandans killing each other” to cover up the international community’s complicity.
On eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kagame noted that while the M23 movement has restored stability in areas it controls, Rwanda is unfairly blamed.
“It is not that the facts are different, but powerful countries and some media insist on portraying the problem as if it were M23, AFC, or RDF. If RDF were really there, what they claim is not what RDF would be doing,” he said.
He questioned why RDF is vilified while groups like the FDLR and Wazalendo, which kill Congolese civilians, are sanitized.
{{Rwanda’s contribution to global peace}}
Kagame emphasized that Rwanda has not only focused on defending itself but has also supported peace efforts in countries including Mozambique, the Central African Republic and South Sudan
“Even in eastern Congo, if they had sought our support, we would have provided it. […] If they want us to work together to maintain security on both sides, that has always been our goal.”
{{Countering false narratives}}
President Kagame urged members of the security forces to actively counter those who defame Rwanda, particularly on social media, stressing that no one should be exempt from being challenged.
“If they fail and instead resort to war, then you respond with force. But do not tire yourselves with unnecessary worry. Rwanda will never go out to provoke wars in other countries. We are not aggressors — but we are fighters. Whether we fight or not depends on where the war comes from, how it begins, and what it means for us,” he said.
He further reminded the security organs that fulfilling their duties effectively also requires taking care of their own well-being, supported by the country’s leadership structures.
Gaza health authorities said the strike on the hospital in Khan Younis, the last one operational in southern Gaza, killed five journalists and four medical staff.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called the attack “just one episode in a relentless series of massacres deliberately targeting civilians.” The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labelled it a “new episode in a long series of blatant Israeli violations of international humanitarian law.”
In a statement, Netanyahu said Israeli military authorities were conducting a thorough investigation. “Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians,” he said.
An Israeli military spokesman, Effie Defrin, told reporters the army “does not intentionally target civilians” and blamed Hamas for creating “impossible conditions” in the territory.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, an initial strike hit the fourth floor of the complex, and a second strike targeted medical teams as they responded to the casualties.
Citing Israeli military officials, Israel’s Kan TV reported the strike was carried out by a tank, not an aircraft. The report said the tank targeted a camera on the hospital that troops believed Hamas was using to monitor their movements.
The war, which began in October 2023, has devastated the coastal enclave. Israel does not permit foreign journalists into Gaza, but local reporters continue to provide coverage. According to Gaza health officials, at least 273 journalists and a total of 62,744 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the conflict began.
The development comes at a time when figures from the Ministry of Health show that, between 2020 and 2024, at least 5,925 people in Rwanda needed assisted reproductive services because they were unable to conceive naturally.
This article outlines key aspects of the new surrogacy law, including the responsibilities of both surrogate mothers and intended parents.
{{Surrogacy practices abroad and in Rwanda}}
Surrogacy is already common in many parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In India, for example, only legally married couples may apply, while surrogates must be between 25 and 35 years old and are only allowed to carry one pregnancy for someone else in their lifetime.
In Rwanda, the law takes a different approach. While in some countries surrogacy became commercialized, with surrogates earning between $55,000 and $100,000 depending on the country and their experience, Rwanda insists it will remain an act of compassion.
No payment is allowed beyond covering medical expenses linked to pregnancy and childbirth.
{{Legal framework and eligibility}}
The law passed on August 4, 2025, defines surrogacy as an assisted reproductive arrangement in which a surrogate mother agrees to carry a child for another person or couple and hand over the baby immediately after birth.
To qualify as a surrogate, a woman must be aged between 21 and 40, must have previously carried a pregnancy to term without complications, and must pass a medical assessment confirming she is healthy enough for another pregnancy.
The intended parents are responsible for finding their own surrogate. They must cover all medical costs throughout the pregnancy and for up to six weeks after delivery, including any complications the surrogate may face.
They are also required to respect the surrogacy contract and to accept any outcome of the pregnancy. This means that whether the child is born with a disability, is stillborn, or is of a particular sex, the intended parents must accept the circumstances.
{{Responsibilities of the surrogate mother}}
Like any pregnant woman, the surrogate is expected to safeguard her health and that of the baby. The law requires her to follow medical advice, attend regular health check-ups, and avoid any actions that might endanger the pregnancy. She must also keep the intended parents informed of her condition.
Once the baby is born, the surrogate is legally obliged to hand the child over to the intended parents and honor the terms of the agreement.
{{Restrictions on genetic selection}}
The law makes it clear that reproductive technology cannot be used to alter a person’s genetic makeup or to select the sex of the baby.
In addition, sperm or embryos donated by one individual cannot be shared with more than one couple seeking assisted reproduction.
State Minister for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, recently told Members of Parliament that infertility in Rwanda is caused by male factors in 30 percent of cases and female factors in another 30 percent. Another 30 percent of cases are due to problems affecting both partners, while 10 percent remain unexplained.
He made these remarks during the celebration of the Anglican Church of Rwanda’s 100th anniversary, which took place at Gahini Diocese in Kayonza District.
When asked about the progress of reopening closed churches, Dr. Mbanda explained that they are working to fulfill all the requirements and are hopeful that the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) will authorize their reopening.
“The requirements and guidelines from RGB are being implemented. We are using the Irembo platform to register all churches that meet the standards. Many have already completed this process while others are still working on it. This does not only concern the Anglican Church but applies to all churches in Rwanda that wish to reopen,” he said.
Dr. Mbanda also cautioned religious leaders and Christians against criticizing the policy of closing churches that fail to meet standards, emphasizing that the measures are meant to protect the faithful, not to serve the interests of the state.
“Sometimes we misinterpret these requirements. But they are actually for our own good. If someone tells you that a church must have toilets, proper ventilation, or sufficient lighting, those are not bad demands—they are meant to help us. It is true that some churches face financial challenges that prevent them from meeting all the requirements immediately, but difficulty does not mean they are unnecessary. In fact, they are very important,” he said.
He added: “We need to comply step by step, patiently putting in place the necessary facilities. Once this is done, RGB will begin inspections and allow churches that meet the standards to reopen.”
Dr. Mbanda admitted that it is not easy for all churches to meet the requirements at once, but noted that the situation is improving gradually.
“Some churches struggle to raise funds, while others have pastors who do not yet meet the required educational qualifications. However, many denominations have started addressing this. For example, ADEPR has sent more than 1,000 pastors to pursue diplomas so they can meet the standard,” he explained.
He urged church leaders to fulfill the requirements, stressing that doing so benefits both the leaders themselves and their congregations.
According to RGB, a nationwide inspection in 2024 found that out of more than 13,000 churches, about 59.3% were closed for failing to meet standards. In February 2025, a follow-up inspection led to more than 20 denominations losing their licenses to operate in Rwanda.
Speaking on August 24, the coalition’s deputy coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa, stated that Kinshasa must account for the charges brought against Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019.
Kabila is currently being tried before the country’s High Military Court on accusations of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The trial opened on July 25, 2025.
Prosecutors allege that Kabila committed these crimes in connection with his supposed leadership role within the AFC/M23 movement, despite his earlier public denial in March that he had no involvement with the group.
During court proceedings on August 22, 2025, prosecutors requested the death penalty for Kabila. They also demanded the confiscation of assets valued at approximately $32 billion and sought an additional $21 billion in damages.
Bisimwa has pointed out that the trial contradicts commitments recently signed between the government and AFC/M23 under a Qatar-brokered agreement.
The deal included a provision for the release of more than 700 detainees, comprising suspected members and affiliates of the coalition.
“The Kinshasa regime owes us explanations regarding this media-judicial lynching of President Joseph Kabila, who is being prosecuted and sentenced to death for his alleged support to the AFC/M23, at a time when we had agreed that detainees prosecuted for the same charges should be released,” Bisimwa said.
The funding of 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.45 billion U.S. dollars) was committed at the June G7 Summit held in Canada’s Kananaskis.
About 835 million Canadian dollars (603 million dollars) of the total are planned to procure a range of critical equipment for Ukraine, including armored vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as additional drone capabilities and other urgently needed equipment and supplies for Ukraine, the release said.
About 680 million Canadian dollars (491 million dollars) are for the purchase of military equipment sourced from the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance, the release said.
About 220 million Canadian dollars (159 million dollars) will be used to purchase drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, including investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industry, it said.
