According to media reports, the incident happened on Sunday afternoon when a woman allegedly fired several gunshots toward the singer’s home while Rihanna was inside the property.
Authorities said the suspect fired multiple rounds from a vehicle parked across the street from the house. Reports indicate that between seven and ten shots were fired, with at least one bullet striking a wall of the mansion.
Police officers quickly responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and later arrested a 30-year-old woman in connection with the shooting. However, authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or revealed the motive behind the attack.
Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty, was reportedly inside the house at the time of the incident but was not harmed. It is still unclear whether other members of her family were present.
“No injuries were reported in the incident… Officers responded to an ‘assault with a deadly weapon’ call and were able to locate a suspect and take them into custody without further incident,” Police Sgt. Jonathan de Vera, a spokesperson for the LAPD, told reporters.
The mansion is located in the upscale Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles, where the singer owns property. Police say investigations are ongoing as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Gunshots were fired at Rihanna’s residence in Los Angeles, but the singer was not injured.Police quickly arrived at Rihanna’s residence and secured the area.
The forum, themed “Your Health. Your Choice. Your Future,” was held on Saturday, March 7, at BK Arena and brought together students aged 15 to 20.
The event focused on discussions about health, consent, and responsible decision-making.
It was organized by Global Citizen in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth and Arts, Imbuto Foundation, Health Development Initiative (HDI), and other stakeholders.
Designed as an interactive session, the forum aimed to equip young people with accurate information on sexual and reproductive health while encouraging open conversations in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Batamuriza spoke about the importance of recognizing the value of their current stage in life and using it wisely.
“You must first be a child before becoming an adult. Life has stages, and young people should recognize the opportunities they have today while they are still young. A time will come when they are no longer young, so they must make the most of the opportunities available to them now,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of making wise choices early in life.
“Young people must understand that the choices they make today will follow them into adulthood and shape the kind of parents and elders they become. They should reflect on the temptations that may mislead them, set clear values, and make decisions that guide them toward a better future,” Batamuriza added.
She noted that the lack of safe spaces for young people to access accurate information often drives them to rely on social media and other unreliable sources, exposing them to misinformation and increased vulnerability.
Batamuriza stressed that platforms like the youth forum provide reliable information, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and relationships.
“Dialogue about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships empowers young people to make informed and responsible decisions. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence helps young people protect their health, respect one another, and pursue their ambitions,” she concluded.
The forum is part of the activities surrounding Move Afrika, an initiative by Global Citizen aimed at promoting the creative economy and creating jobs through large-scale music events across Africa.
Ifeoma Chuks-Aduzeo, Managing Director for Africa at Global Citizen, thanked Rwanda for its key role in bringing the initiative to life.
“We want to thank the Rwanda Development Board for their continued support in bringing the Move Afrika vision to life,” she said.
This year’s edition will be headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Doja Cat and will begin in Kigali on March 17 before heading to Pretoria on March 20.
According to Chuks-Aduzeo, Move Afrika is part of a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s creative economy and create employment opportunities for young people.
Since its start in 2023, the initiative has created about 2,500 jobs, with that number expected to grow as the concept expands to more countries.
She added that Move Afrika aims to position African cities as part of the global touring circuit, potentially stimulating tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
During the forum, participants engaged in panel discussions on consent, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being.
Health professionals and youth representatives answered questions about recognizing pressure in relationships, setting boundaries, and accessing youth-friendly health services.
Bernice Ineza, a 19-year-old student and one of the panelists, emphasized the importance of consent in everyday life.
“One of the key lessons we learned is that consent is something we should apply in everyday situations. For example, if someone asks for a picture or asks to do something you are not comfortable with, you should feel confident to say no, and that no really means no,” she said.
The event also featured a musical performance by Kivumbi King.
Organizers stated that such youth-focused engagements aim to reduce stigma around health conversations, improve awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights, and encourage responsible behavior among young people.
Panelists share valuable insights on youth health, relationships, and empowerment at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventLeaders and youth unite at the Global Citizen Move Afrika event, empowering the next generation.Kivumbi King brings the energy, entertaining the youth at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventIphie Chuks-Adizue, Global Citizen’s Managing Director for Africa, praised efforts to empower young people in Rwanda during the Global Citizen Move Afrika event
Holding a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, Faraj first moved to Tanzania for dissertation research, where he ended up living for about 12 years before eventually relocating to Rwanda, where he established the African Olympiad Academy.
The latter is a unique school dedicated to training the continent’s next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE reflecting on the decision to set up his school in Rwanda, Dr. Faraj explained that the country offers a unique environment for building impactful institutions.
“Both my wife and I have a very strong commitment to Pan-African institution building. We chose Rwanda as our base, but it’s not just to do work in Rwanda or just to impact Rwanda. Rwanda is almost like a sandbox where you can operate within a very safe and disciplined environment to build institutions and structures that have broader impact beyond the borders of Rwanda,” he said.
Dr. Faraj’s journey into education deepened after working in Tanzania’s private sector during a period when the country’s economy was opening up and undergoing rapid change.
“Education is my real passion. I believe in the transformative power of education,” he said.
His academic path led him to the African Leadership University (ALU), where he first worked in Mauritius before being asked to move to Rwanda to help launch the institution’s campus in 2018.
During his time in Rwanda, Faraj came to see the country as an example of how strategic planning and discipline can rebuild a nation and create an environment that supports innovation and institution building.
“One of the things that I really appreciate about Rwanda is that it is a proof of concept. Rwanda has been able to rebuild itself through focus, discipline, strategic planning and a real commitment to institution building,” he explained.
Inspired by this environment, Dr. Faraj later co-founded the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) in Kigali, a Pan-African residential high school dedicated to nurturing Africa’s most talented students in mathematics, science, and technology.
The academy, launched in November 2025, offers full scholarships and uses an Olympiad-based learning approach to prepare students for international competitions and careers in advanced technology.
Dr. Faraj and his wife are both committed to Pan-African institution building, using Rwanda as a foundation to impact the continent and beyond.
According to Dr. Faraj, the school also aims to challenge common misconceptions about Africa’s intellectual history.
“We want our students to understand that they come from a rich tradition of doing mathematics and STEM on the continent. Too often Africans get pigeonholed as only doing culture, but the reality is we built the pyramids, and the pyramids required a great amount of math,” he said.
The academy is located in Kanombe, Kigali, on the renovated campus of a former primary school. At the entrance stands a large mural illustrating the history of science and technology in Africa, linking ancient achievements with modern landmarks like the Kigali Convention Centre and an imagined Afro-futurist future.
“This is our Afro-futurism mural. We want to inspire our students to think about themselves as the architects of Africa’s future,” Dr. Faraj said. “If we ever achieve the Africa we want, it will be because our students have been able to imagine and build what that future looks like.”
Currently, the academy hosts 30 students from eight African countries, with plans to expand gradually to about 120 students. Admission is highly competitive, and unlike traditional schools, students do not apply.
Students are selected through competitions, mathematics camps, and the Rwanda Olympiad program, which attracts tens of thousands of participants across the continent. In one recent competition, more than 60,000 students participated before the selection process narrowed down to a small group of finalists.
At AOA, the curriculum is built around three core subjects: foundational mathematics, applied mathematics, and global perspectives. The emphasis on mathematics is particularly important in the age of artificial intelligence.
“You can’t really have AI if you don’t have strong foundational math,” Dr. Faraj said. “If Africa does not develop its own AI developers, we will simply remain consumers of technologies created elsewhere.”
The applied mathematics courses include physics and computer science, while the global perspectives program ensures students understand history, geopolitics, economics, and African identity.
“We want our students to understand the world around them and have a strong sense of African identity so that when they apply their skills, they are solving real problems facing the continent,” he said.
Students at the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) are mastering applied mathematics, equipping themselves with the skills needed to innovate in AI and technology.Some of the dedicated staff at the African Olympiad Academy (AOA).
Life at the academy extends beyond the classroom. The campus features murals celebrating African scientists and innovators, residential facilities for students, and spaces where learners interact through activities such as games, movie nights, and discussions.
The academy also runs an online initiative called Rising Stars, which provides mathematics training for talented students across Africa in both English and French.
Rwanda’s supportive environment played a crucial role in the academy’s rapid development. According to Dr. Faraj, the country’s stability, openness to African diaspora professionals, and ease of establishing institutions allowed the school to launch in just one year.
Looking ahead, the academy aims to prepare students to compete in prestigious competitions such as the International Mathematical Olympiad and other global science contests. Dr. Faraj believes that such programs can help African students gain entry to the world’s top universities and become innovators shaping the continent’s future.
“Our mission here is really about scaling impact,” he said. “Research shows that students who participate in math Olympiads often go on to achieve extraordinary things. We want our students to be AI creators and developers so that Africa is not dependent on technologies built elsewhere.”
Through the African Olympiad Academy, Dr. Faraj hopes to build a Pan-African educational ecosystem capable of transforming Africa’s youngest generation into global leaders in science, technology, and innovation during the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Outside the classrooms of the African Olympiad Academy.The academy is located in KanombeDr. Gaidi Faraj, an educator hailing from California.
The dangerous extensions were designed to look like helpful productivity tools that integrate artificial intelligence into the browser, offering features such as AI chat, writing assistance, or summarization.
Instead of performing useful tasks, the add‑ons collected sensitive data from interactions with popular AI platforms like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, including full conversation histories, prompts, responses, and even visited web page URLs.
These malicious extensions reached users through the Chrome Web Store, where they mimicked the branding and descriptions of legitimate AI tools to avoid suspicion.
Because browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are built on similar Chromium architecture, the extensions were easily downloadable across both browsers, exposing individuals and organizations alike.
Once installed, the extensions operated quietly in the background, monitoring user activity. They logged browsing data and segments of AI chat content and then periodically uploaded that information to remote servers controlled by attackers. Researchers found that data was transmitted to suspicious domains making it appear like normal internet traffic and harder to detect.
Microsoft’s telemetry also showed that this malicious campaign extended beyond individuals to the corporate world, impacting more than 20,000 enterprise tenants whose employees regularly interact with AI tools using sensitive inputs.
The risk is significant: companies often paste proprietary code, internal workflows, strategic discussions, and other confidential material into AI chatbots, and these extensions can expose that material to attackers without users realizing it.
Unlike typical malware that tries to hide aggressively, these extensions behaved like ordinary add‑ons. Once installed, they automatically reloaded with every browser session and continued collecting data over extended periods without clear signs of malicious behavior.
To mitigate the threat, Microsoft urged organizations to take several defensive steps; audit and remove unverified browser extensions, enforce restrictions on extension installations through enterprise policies, monitor network traffic for connections to known malicious domains, and educate employees about the risks of installing untrusted AI tools.
Microsoft warns that 900,000 Chrome AI extensions are monitoring ChatGPT conversations.
This annual event, now in its 47th edition, will bring together top-tier volleyball teams from across Africa, with additional strong teams from various nations expected to participate.
The agreement was signed in a ceremony held at the Kigali Convention Centre on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
FRVB was represented by its president, Raphaël Ngarambe, while CAVB was represented by its president, Bouchra Hajij.
Ngarambe expressed excitement about Rwanda hosting this major event, highlighting that the championship would provide valuable opportunities, including qualification for the World Cup for the participating teams.
Bouchra Hajij, president of CAVB, thanked Rwanda for agreeing to host the competition, expressing confidence that the event would be well-organized and stand out.
She noted, “Rwanda is a key partner for us. The country’s streamlined visa process for Africans is one of the factors that makes its events successful. Rwanda has demonstrated its capability to host international tournaments, and I am optimistic that the 2026 competition will be a resounding success.”
She further added, “I believe that the leadership of President Paul Kagame has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and providing clear direction, which has significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth and sporting success.”
The Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who was also present at the signing ceremony, expressed her gratitude to CAVB for placing their trust in Rwanda to host this important event. She reassured that the country’s facilities and commitment to sports excellence would leave a lasting impression on participants.
“It is an honor for us to host the African Championship for the first time, which will see 24 top teams compete. As the hosts, we are determined to demonstrate that Rwanda is well-equipped to showcase the talents of all athletes and provide them with world-class facilities,” she stated.
The signing ceremony was preceded by the unveiling of the official logo for the CAVB Men’s Club Championship to be held in Kigali.
The previous edition of the championship, held in 2025 in Misurata, Libya, saw Swehly Sports Club from Libya claiming the title, with APR VC from Rwanda finishing in fourth place.
As per the competition’s format, the host country is represented by the top four teams based on their performance in the previous year’s championship. This year, Rwanda will be represented by teams including; APR, Police, REG, and Kepler VC.
In a historic achievement, Gisagara VC made history in 2022 as the first Rwandan team to win a medal in this competition, securing third place by defeating Port de Douala 3-1 in the event held in Kelibia, Tunisia.
The officials attending the event observe the logo of the competition.The logo of the African Men’s Club Championship to be held in Kigali.The President of the Rwanda Olympic Committee, Alice Umulinga, also attended the signing of the agreement.FRVB President, Ngarambe Raphaël, and CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, sign the agreement to host the African Men’s Club Championship.The Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, assured that the competition to be held in Kigali will be a success.
AFC/M23 stated that it conducted drone strikes on the airport on February 1 and March 1, 2026, targeting a section of the facility used by the DRC military and its allies.
The aim was to destroy part of the airport’s infrastructure utilized by the DRC military forces and their partners.
The alliance explained that the DRC military and its partners use the airport to prepare and launch drone strikes against AFC/M23 bases and civilians in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Dr. Oscar Balinda, the Deputy Spokesperson for AFC/M23, revealed that the alliance has deployed commando units near Kisangani.
These units are tasked with carrying out operations aimed at disrupting the DRC’s plans to destabilize areas under AFC/M23 control.
“The commandos operate day and night, completing their missions and returning once the task is finished. Our goal is to halt this terror and restore peace so we can return to the negotiation table and work towards lasting peace,” he stated.
On March 2, 2026, AFC/M23 enrolled 1,518 special force recruits who were trained at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru Territory.
The alliance clarified that these new recruits are specially trained commandos with advanced combat skills, prepared to undertake mobile operations and establish permanent bases.
Yannick Tshisola, Chief of Staff to AFC leader, hinted that these new fighters would be involved in future missions, similar to the recent strike on Bangoka International Airport.
Dr. Balinda stated that AFC/M23 fighters conduct targeted attacks in Kisangani before returning to their original positions.
The tour will include performances in multiple countries, starting with Uganda on May 1, 2026, followed by Kenya on May 8, 2026, and concluding in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 9, 2026.
During these concerts, Vybz Kartel will perform alongside artists such as Element EleéeH, Bien, and Joshua Baraka. Additionally, each country on the tour will feature local artists who will join the performances to enhance the show.
A source close to the event shared, “These four artists will be the main performers, but in each country, local artists will also be added to the lineup to perform with them. In Kenya, they have their own local talent, Uganda has theirs, and in Kigali, we’ll showcase our local artists as well.”
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, is a renowned Jamaican artist famous for his contributions to the “Dancehall” genre. He began his rise to fame in 1993.
In 2014, Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Despite being incarcerated, he remained active in music, releasing over 50 songs in 2016 alone, showing his unwavering commitment to his craft.
In 2024, after a lengthy legal battle, Vybz Kartel was acquitted and released from prison, having spent nearly ten years behind bars.
The artist is best known for hit songs like “Romping Shop” featuring Spice, “Clarks” featuring Popcaan, “Loodi” featuring Shensea, and “Wine to the Top” featuring WizKid. With his return to the stage, Vybz Kartel is set to continue making waves in the music industry.
Element is set to perform with Vybz Kartel on EAC tour in May.Joshua Baraka from Uganda will also join the tour.Bien from Kenya is among the artists on the lineup.Vybz Kartel is set to embark on an East Africa concert tour.
The initiative aimed at promoting domestic tourism while giving participants an immersive experience in the rich biodiversity of one of Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
Participants expressed excitement as they explored Akagera’s scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Celebrities, including Ish Kevin and DiezDola, joined fans for an unforgettable safari adventure at Akagera National Park.
The tour, held on Saturday, February 28, followed a successful inaugural trip to Nyungwe National Park. Organisers have since announced a third excursion scheduled for April in Bigogwe, Nyabihu District, as part of ongoing efforts to encourage Rwandans to discover the country’s natural attractions.
The highlight of the trip was the game drive, which took participants deep into the park’s wilderness. Akagera, renowned for its diverse wildlife species including lions, giraffes, zebras and elephants, offered guests an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat.
The group was fortunate to spot elephants, one of the iconic Big Five, during their adventure at Akagera National Park.
Although the group did not spot the complete Big Five, they encountered elephants, buffaloes and a rhinoceros during the drive.
Babu Rugemana, the event organiser, described wildlife viewing as a matter of chance.
“You may see them today, and you may not see them tomorrow,” he said, noting that safari experiences vary from one visit to another.
Families with their children had an amazing time at Akagera National Park, enjoying the beauty of nature and the thrill of wildlife sightings.
In addition to the game drive, participants enjoyed a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where they observed hippos, crocodiles and various bird species. The boat cruise provided a unique vantage point of the park’s ecosystem.
The tour also featured a guided nature walk led by conservation experts, who educated participants on Akagera’s ecological significance, conservation efforts and historical background.
Speaking to IGIHE, Amen Babu Rugemana expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners and celebrities who supported and amplified the initiative.
He specifically acknowledged IGIHE and Choice Live for their sponsorship, and commended Coach Gael for backing the event, particularly in its appeal to young people.
“I’m thankful to everyone who made this trip a success, from our sponsors to the celebrities who shared their experiences. Their engagement plays a key role in promoting Rwanda’s wildlife and tourism potential,” he said.
The group was treated to the sight of giraffes gracefully roaming through Akagera National Park, adding to the awe of the safari experience.
Looking ahead, Rugemana reaffirmed plans for the upcoming April trip to Bigogwe in Nyabihu District.
“This is just the beginning. We want to continue creating opportunities for more people to explore Akagera and other unique destinations across Rwanda,” he added.
Akagera National Park continues to play a vital role in Rwanda’s conservation and tourism sectors. Located in eastern Rwanda, the park is home to the Big Five, lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards, making it one of the region’s premier wildlife destinations.
In recent years, visitor numbers have steadily grown, reaching 59,538 in 2025, a 5.4% increase over the previous year.
This growth, alongside ongoing conservation and restoration initiatives and the park’s achievement of 100% operational self-sufficiency in 2025, underscores Akagera’s importance as both a cornerstone of Rwanda’s natural heritage and a key driver of the country’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable tourism.
Osmarito, the popular TikToker, was also part of the adventure at Akagera National Park, sharing his experience with fans and capturing the beauty of Rwanda’s wildlife.IGIHE journalists were also on the ground at Akagera National Park, capturing the essence of the adventure and sharing the unforgettable moments of the safari.The group was thrilled to spot zebras during the safari tour at Akagera National Park. The day at Akagera National Park offered a variety of entertainment activities.
The draft law was previously approved by Parliament and will now be forwarded to the budget committee for detailed scrutiny, where each provision will be reviewed ahead of the final approval of the new national budget in Rwanda.
Domestic revenue is projected at Rwf 4,662.7 billion, comprising Rwf 3,655.3 billion in tax income, Rwf 516.5 billion from domestic borrowing, and Rwf 490.8 billion from other sources, including assets, sales of goods and services, fines, and penalties.
Foreign revenue is expected to reach Rwf 2,289.3 billion, made up of Rwf 1,639.7 billion in loans and Rwf 649.6 billion in grants.
The funds will be allocated according to priority needs and planned government activities. The recurrent budget is set at Rwf 4,836.2 billion, covering staff salaries of Rwf 1,167.2 billion, expenditure on goods and services of Rwf 1,038.8 billion, and interest payments totaling Rwf 536.4 billion.
In addition, there will be funds allocated for durable equipment, grants, loans, and assistance for the disadvantaged, as well as other miscellaneous expenses.
The development budget has been set at Rwf 2.115.8 billion and will be used for various development projects across the country.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Murangwa Yusuf, recently told the parliament that the reduction in the budget was due to changes made in the process of securing funds for the construction of the new Kigali International Airport. The amount required for this project was reduced by Rwf 168.2 billionfor the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Additionally, the planned repayment of the RwandAir loan for the 2025/2026 fiscal year has been revised, meaning the repayments will begin gradually from the 2026/2027 fiscal year.
This reduction in the budget has been offset by an increase in foreign funds for development projects, particularly funds expected from international aid and loans.
Key changes in this budget revision include the increased revenue, an increase in tax revenues, additional funds, and the rise in foreign grants and loans used for development projects, along with a decrease in foreign loans routed through the State Treasury.
Despite the overall reduction in the budget, the government has shown that foreign funds are expected to rise by Rwf 250.5 billion, primarily from grants and loans for development projects.
This will coincide with an increase in the development budget, which will also rise by Rwf 253.3 billion.
The Minister of State for National Treasury in Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning , Godfrey Kabera, represented the Government.A total of 78 Members of Parliament attended the General Assembly that approved the new budget.
The Parliament approved the revised budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of Rwanda Kazarwa Gerturde, chaired the General Assembly.Deputy Uwamariya Odette, explained the reasons for the changes in the budget.
With the midterm elections approaching later this year, Trump is using this high‑profile speech as an opportunity to defend his record and rally support from Americans who remain sceptical about the direction of the country.
Domestically, Trump’s approval ratings have slipped as inflation and cost‑of‑living concerns continue to trouble many households. Recent data shows the U.S. economy has slowed more than expected, and the public is worried about job security and everyday expenses, forcing the president to try to reassure voters that his policies are working.
At the same time, a Supreme Court decision invalidating his global tariff program has undercut one of his signature economic strategies, and the impasse over immigration enforcement has led to parts of the Department of Homeland Security being temporarily shut down.
Internationally, the Trump administration is confronting rising tensions, particularly with Iran, where U.S. military assets have been repositioned amid ongoing nuclear disputes and regional instability. These foreign affairs challenges add to the pressure on Trump to present a confident and persuasive vision of U.S. leadership to both domestic and global audiences.
White House aides and Republican strategists see the State of the Union as a critical moment to shift the narrative, encouraging Trump to focus on economic gains such as stock market performance and tax cuts, even as polls show mixed public confidence in those outcomes. Trump is also expected to highlight his administration’s border policies, including deportation and enforcement efforts, despite controversy around these issues.
The address is expected to be lengthy and somewhat unscripted, a style Trump has used before giving him room to cover a wide range of topics and reinforce his message to voters ahead of the November elections. However, his administration’s troubles from economic discontent to geopolitical uncertainty will likely shape how the speech is received and influence the broader political climate in the months to come.
Trump prepares to address the nation at a critical moment, with economic challenges and political tensions shaping his upcoming State of the Union speech.
