The number represents a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with around six million more international travelers recorded worldwide.
The year started on a positive note, with strong travel demand in January and February. However, growth slowed in March as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East began affecting global travel patterns.
UN Tourism warns that the conflict could reduce overall growth in international tourist arrivals this year. The agency had initially projected growth of between 3% and 4% in 2026, but the crisis could lower that figure by one to two percentage points.
The conflict has disrupted flights to and from the Middle East, pushed up oil prices and contributed to shortages of jet fuel in some markets. As a result, airfares have increased and some airlines have reduced flight capacity.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais said the effects of the conflict are being felt far beyond the Middle East.
“Even amid this uncertainty, international tourism continued to show resilience in the first quarter of 2026,” she said, noting that tourism remains an important source of jobs, income and economic growth.
Europe and Africa recorded the strongest performance during the quarter, each posting a 4% increase in international arrivals. Europe welcomed more than 130 million tourists, while Africa benefited from strong growth in both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Asia and the Pacific saw arrivals rise by 3%, while the Americas recorded a 2% increase. In contrast, the Middle East experienced a 14% decline in arrivals due to the conflict.
Among the fastest-growing destinations were Paraguay, New Zealand, El Salvador, Mongolia and Uzbekistan.
Despite ongoing challenges, tourism experts remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season. However, rising travel costs, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over air connectivity are expected to influence where and how people travel.
The Middle East experienced a 14% decline in arrivals due to the conflict in Iran.
The sanctions were announced on March 2, 2026, with the United States accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group fighting the Congolese government, an allegation Kigali has consistently rejected.
Those sanctioned include the Chief of Defence Staff of the RDF, Gen Mubarakh Muganga; the Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi; the Commander of Special Forces, Brig Gen Stanislas Gashugi; and the Commander of the RDF 5th Division, Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi, as well as the RDF as an institution.
The measures are economic in nature. They restrict access to any assets held in the United States or under U.S. jurisdiction, as such property is frozen and placed under the control of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
In an interview with journalist Ally Soudy, Ambassador Mukantabana said the crisis in eastern DRC is rooted in the presence of groups originating from Rwanda who played a role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and later fled into Congo, where she said they continue to spread genocidal ideology.
“Thirty-two years after the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which was stopped by Rwandans themselves, the country is at peace. However, as I have explained before, the ideology of genocide did not disappear; it spread among some of our neighbouring communities.
“Those who left after killing victims, they continued to target other communities across the border in Congo. That is what we are still dealing with today. We have not abandoned this issue, and as you know, we are currently engaged in peace agreements with the DRC, including agreements supported by the United States.”
She added that addressing injustices faced by Congolese citizens who speak Kinyarwanda, particularly Tutsi communities allegedly targeted or neglected by the Congolese government, contributed to the emergence of the M23 movement, which says it is fighting for their rights.
The group is among those that some foreign governments accuse Rwanda of supporting—an accusation Rwanda has repeatedly denied, insisting that M23 is composed of Congolese citizens and that Kigali has no involvement in its activities.
Asked what Rwanda is doing to ensure the sanctions are lifted, Ambassador Mukantabana said the measures have not closed diplomatic channels between Rwanda and the United States, and that discussions are ongoing.
She said: “They have not closed doors. We are still following up, we are still engaging. They made their decision, but this is not something where you give up. Instead, it is something you stand firm on and continue addressing.”
She further noted that some Americans understand Rwanda’s position and believe the sanctions were not justified.
“The positive thing is that there are Americans who also do not agree with how those measures were taken. It is about continuing collaboration with such friends so that they can eventually be lifted. Above all, peace in that region must be achieved, because even if they are lifted now, other accusations will continue as long as the conflict persists,” she said.
Mukantabana added that the key solution lies in the full resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC, arguing that as long as instability continues, Rwanda will continue to be blamed.
She said: “That country has many problems, but whenever difficulties arise, Rwanda is often pointed at as a way of shifting responsibility. These are challenges we did not create, but we will continue to engage and we will not back down. We will prevail.”
Since the signing of peace agreement between Rwanda and DRC in June and December 2025, in the United States, DRC has continued to violate agreed commitments.
Rwanda has consistently stated that it remains committed to implementing the agreements and is ready to lift its defensive measures once the DRC fully neutralizes the FDLR terrorist group.
Ambassador Mukantabana said the crisis in eastern DRC is rooted in the presence of groups originating from Rwanda who played a role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and later fled into Congo.
In a letter issued on June 1, 2026, the city administration, which has been a key sponsor of both clubs, officially notified them that the current funding arrangements will come to an end at the close of the existing contract period.
According to a letter signed by the City of Kigali Mayor, Samuel Dusengiyumva, the sponsorship agreements took effect on July 1, 2025, and were set to run until June 30, 2026.
Earlier, on March 12, 2026, the City of Kigali had written to Kiyovu Sports proposing a consolidation of its supported clubs under a single structure, involving AS Kigali and Gasogi United.
However, the proposed arrangement was not accepted by Gasogi United.
Dusengiyumva thanked the clubs for their cooperation throughout the partnership period, noting that the collaboration had contributed to the development of sports and talent promotion in the city.
“I am writing to inform you that the financial support provided by the City of Kigali will cease upon the expiration of the partnership agreement on June 30, 2026,” he stated.
“I also take this opportunity to appreciate the partnership and results achieved during our collaboration in promoting sports and nurturing talent within the City of Kigali.”
Gasogi United FC president Kakoza Nkuriza Charles also expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying it had contributed positively to the club’s development and youth empowerment.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the fruitful journey we have shared, which ensured smooth cooperation between Gasogi United Football Club and the City of Kigali,” he said.
He added that the partnership had helped identify and develop young talent, giving opportunities to Rwandan youth and improving their access to education and football-related prospects.
“Throughout this journey, we have worked together to change many lives,” he noted.
Under the arrangement, the City of Kigali had been providing an annual sponsorship of about Rwf 150 million to each club. In return, the teams promoted city campaigns related to hygiene, security, and other public awareness initiatives.
With the end of these agreements, AS Kigali remains the only club still directly supported by the City of Kigali.
AS Kigali remains the only team sponsored by the City of Kigali. The City of Kigali has announced the end of sponsorship partnership with Kiyovu Sports and Gasogi United FC effective June 30, 2026.
According to an internal State Department memo obtained by the Associated Press, the number of US diplomatic missions in Africa handling visa applications is set to be cut from nearly 50 to just 20 in the coming weeks.
Although no official implementation date has been announced, the changes are expected to take effect before the end of June.
The move forms part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls, including stricter scrutiny of both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications and measures aimed at reducing visa overstays.
Under the proposed restructuring, only a limited number of US embassies in Africa will continue processing visa applications. In East Africa, the embassies in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to retain visa services.
The US embassies in Burundi, Somalia and South Sudan are among those likely to lose the authority to process routine visa applications.
Other countries expected to continue offering visa services include Senegal, Djibouti, South Africa, Nigeria, Togo, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mauritius, Cape Verde and Cameroon.
If the plan is implemented, applicants from countries where visa services are discontinued will have to travel to designated regional hubs to submit their applications.
The change is expected to increase costs for many travelers, who may need to cover additional expenses for transport, accommodation and other logistics.
Embassies that no longer process regular visa applications will continue to provide consular services such as passport renewals for US citizens, emergency assistance and the handling of diplomatic visa requests.
According to US officials cited by the Associated Press, American diplomats and consular officers were informed during a conference call last week that visa operations across Africa would be consolidated as part of the restructuring.
U.S. is set to scale back visa services at dozens of embassies in Africa with Kigali among visa processing hubs to be retained.
Speaking at the opening session, Monica Juma, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said that the foundations of multilateralism are being tested while criminal networks continue to adapt and evolve.
She stressed that the CCPCJ remains an essential platform for governments, practitioners and civil society to work together in tackling shared challenges in crime prevention and criminal justice.
In a video message, President of the UN Economic and Social Council Lok Bahadur Thapa underscored the importance of combating organized crime, corruption, cybercrime and terrorism, saying such efforts are critical to advancing sustainable development and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
During the five-day session, delegates are expected to consider three draft resolutions addressing emerging criminal justice challenges: preventing and combating the transnational sextortion of children, countering trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced criminality, and strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice responses to combat fraud.
The proposed measures reflect growing concern over the increasingly digital, transnational and interconnected nature of crime, as well as the need for innovative, coordinated and victim-centred approaches to law enforcement and justice.
As the United Nations’ principal policymaking body on crime prevention and criminal justice, the CCPCJ brings together member states and experts to shape international responses to evolving criminal threats.
The session runs through June 5 and will feature plenary discussions, more than 100 side events and 16 exhibitions.
UNODC Perú/Coral Estudio Adriana Scordamaglia, a labour prosecutor from Brazil, during a simulated rescue exercise of the STARSOM project in Peru, an initiative to fight organized crime groups involved in migrant smuggling (file).
In a statement released on June 1, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused the Congolese army and allied armed groups of carrying out repeated attacks throughout May in several areas, including Masisi, Minembwe, Numbi and Walikale.
Kanyuka claimed that the DRC government is continuing to deploy troops, weapons and military equipment, particularly in South Kivu Province, in what he described as preparations for large-scale operations targeting both civilian-populated areas and AFC/M23-controlled territory.
He said any new offensive against the group’s positions would be met with a strong response.
According to Kanyuka, AFC/M23 would not only defend areas under its control but would also seek to push back government forces from locations used to launch attacks. He argued that such a move would help create a buffer zone aimed at protecting civilians and their property from future hostilities.
The warning comes days after AFC/M23 reported clashes with Congolese army troops and Wazalendo militia fighters in Masisi Territory.
The group said it had repelled advancing forces and pushed them away from the strategic mining hub of Rubaya after attempts to move closer to the area.
AFC/M23 also sought to reassure residents of Rubaya and neighbouring localities, including Kinigi, saying it remained prepared to protect communities under its control. The group urged residents to continue their daily activities despite the security concerns.
Kanyuka said AFC/M23 would not only defend areas under its control but would also seek to push back government forces from locations used to launch attacks. AFC/M23 has reassured residents , saying it remained prepared to protect communities under its control.
Biak Numfor Police Chief Ari Trestiawan said the grenade was found at the blast site and safely detonated by a bomb disposal unit at around 6:00 p.m. local time.
Residents have been warned to stay away from the area until it is declared free of explosive materials.
Police have not yet begun a formal crime scene investigation pending the completion of site sterilization efforts.
The explosion occurred at a fishery complex in Biak Kota district on Sunday afternoon, killing five people, including two children. Three others remain missing, and 19 people were injured.
The blast also damaged nine houses occupied by 10 families, displacing 55 residents who are currently being sheltered by local authorities.
The Mills bomb was first developed during World War One
The crisis severely impacted international transport routes, particularly flights to and from the Middle East. As security concerns escalated following U.S. military strikes on Iran late February 2026, airlines suspended numerous routes to destinations such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Early March, more than 21,000 flights to and from the Middle East were reportedly canceled. Major hubs, including Dubai International Airport, reduced operations significantly, while Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, also suspended flights to the region.
The disruptions hit Rwanda’s horticulture sector hard. According to the Horticultural Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR), around 80 percent of exporters temporarily halted their activities as access to major markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi became difficult.
Association president Robert Rukundo said the suspension of flights created major challenges for exporters who depend on air transport, particularly RwandAir, to move fresh produce.
“The situation became very difficult. Air travel was suspended, maritime trade was also affected because the Strait of Hormuz was closed. Trade became complicated, and transportation costs increased as businesses searched for alternatives,” he explained.
Rukundo noted that some exporters attempted to redirect produce to neighboring countries or local processing industries, but many were unable to find viable alternatives.
The impact extended throughout the value chain, from exporters to farmers. Products such as avocados, one of Rwanda’s most important agricultural exports, were particularly affected.
Data from the sector shows that before the conflict, Rwanda regularly exported between 20 and 25 tonnes of fresh produce per flight, with exports taking place several times a week. However, volumes declined sharply once transport links were disrupted.
Between March 24 and 28, 2026, Rwanda exported 173 tonnes of fruits worth Rwf 235 million and 290 tonnes of vegetables worth Rwf 853 million. Some of these exports were destined for the UAE.
By comparison, during the week of February 16–20, before the conflict began, Rwanda exported 376 tonnes of fruits worth Rwf 471.7 million and 437 tonnes of vegetables valued at Rwf 569 million.
Rukundo said the crisis highlighted the country’s limited capacity to process and preserve agricultural products when export markets become inaccessible.
“When produce cannot reach the market, it becomes a major problem. We still lack sufficient facilities to add value, process products, and store them until market conditions improve,” he said.
Although Rwanda has some processing facilities capable of producing avocado oil, guacamole, soap, and other products, Rukundo said their capacity remains limited.
He added that, just as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains, the Iran conflict has shown the need for greater investment in value-addition industries.
RwandAir flights resume
In a positive development for exporters, RwandAir announced on May 29, 2026, that it would resume flights to Qatar and the UAE from June 1.
Rukundo welcomed the decision, saying it would help restore trade links, even though the peak avocado harvest season is nearing its end.
“We are very happy that the flights have resumed. This will help reconnect us with our markets and bring back customers. We hope it will also contribute to better prices,” he said.
However, he cautioned that higher fuel prices and increased transport costs could continue to affect profitability.
Avocados: Rwanda’s “green gold”
Avocados have emerged as one of Rwanda’s most promising export crops, driven by growing demand in the Middle East, Europe, and other international markets.
Rukundo described avocados as “green gold,” saying the crop creates opportunities across the entire value chain—from farmers and transporters to cold-storage operators, processors, and exporters.
“It is a crop that can transform livelihoods and create jobs at every stage of production and distribution,” he said.
The crop’s export potential continues to grow. Rwanda exported fewer than 1,000 tonnes of avocados in the 2018/19 season, earning just over $400,000. By 2024, exports had risen to 4,200 tonnes, generating more than $8 million in revenue.
Rwanda currently sells around 80 percent of its avocado exports to Arab countries, while also supplying European and regional markets.
The country recently signed agreements that will allow avocado exports to enter the Chinese market as well.
Figures released in November 2025 showed that Rwanda had more than 550,000 avocado trees.
Since most of these trees are still relatively young, production is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, strengthening the crop’s role in the country’s export sector.
Rwanda currently sells around 80 percent of its avocado exports to Arab countries, while also supplying European and regional markets. Middle East conflict has disrupted Rwanda’s horticulture export trade.
The explosion occurred at about 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday (0100 GMT on Friday) at Launch Complex 36, located at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The facility is currently the only operational launchpad capable of supporting Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket.
In an interview with CNBC, Isaacman said a 2028 timeframe was “within the realm” of a possible recovery for the damaged launchpad.
“We’re all getting organized generally around the idea that we certainly want to see Blue Origin be very successful,” Isaacman said. “So recovering, getting the pad recovered, providing subject matter expertise, root cause analysis for sure. Let’s figure out what’s broken, and then we got to keep moving forward.”
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said on social media platform X that the company has regained limited access to Launch Complex 36 and is actively investigating the anomaly that occurred during the hot-fire test.
“We will start clearing the pad soon and have a good rebuild plan in place,” Limp said.
The explosion could delay future New Glenn missions and may affect the schedule of some NASA lunar exploration missions, as Blue Origin is a key commercial partner in the agency’s Artemis moon program.
Fire during an explosion of the uncrewed Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket during a test on a launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., May 28, 2026, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video.
The visit brought together members of the broader King Faisal family of institutions, reflecting a shared commitment to remembrance, unity, and the preservation of Rwanda’s history for future generations.
The visit, organized as part of the ongoing Kwibuka 32 commemoration activities, marked a significant milestone, as employees from the three institutions had jointly participated in a memorial activity of this nature.
The initiative brought together staff members from different generations and professional backgrounds, reinforcing a shared commitment to remembrance, unity, and the prevention of genocide.
While King Faisal Hospital Rwanda has consistently participated in genocide commemoration activities over the years, this year’s visit marked a significant milestone as it brought together staff from KFH, the KFH Foundation, and AHSU, reflecting the shared values that unite the King Faisal family of institutions.
Their participation underscored a collective commitment to remembrance, education, healing, and nation-building while honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
Why the visit matters
The Bisesero Genocide Memorial Site stands as one of Rwanda’s most important historical landmarks, preserving the memory of thousands of victims who were killed during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
It serves not only as a place of mourning and remembrance but also as a center for education and reflection on the devastating consequences of hatred, division, and poor leadership.
During the visit, participants toured various sections of the memorial and historical accounts and engaged in discussions about the importance of preserving collective memory and promoting peace.
Honoring victims and learning from history
Speaking during the visit, King Faisal Hospital Rwanda’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frederic Ngirabacu, paid tribute to all Rwandans affected by the Genocide Against the Tutsi and expressed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda for preserving memorial sites that safeguard the country’s history for current and future generations.
He emphasized that memorials are more than historical landmarks; they are living testimonies and tangible evidence of what occurred during one of the darkest periods in Rwanda’s history.
“It is important that history is never forgotten,” he said. “Our purpose for coming here is not only to honor the victims but also to ensure that such atrocities never happen again. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to future generations to continue learning, healing, and transmitting these lessons.”
Mr. Ngirabacu also recognized the courage and sacrifice of those who stopped the genocide, noting that the tragedy ended because Rwandans took responsibility and stood against the perpetrators.
“We must not only remember the victims, but also appreciate those who stopped the genocide. We honor both those who are still living and those who have passed away. Peace and freedom do not come by chance or by miracle; they are achieved through courage, sacrifice, and responsible leadership,” he stated.
Lessons on leadership and responsibility
A key message highlighted during the visit was the role leadership plays in shaping society. Participants reflected on how destructive leadership and extremist ideologies contributed to the genocide, while responsible and courageous leadership helped restore peace and rebuild the nation.
The visit served as a reminder that understanding history is essential to preventing future atrocities and fostering values of unity, inclusion, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
The role of youth in preserving memory
Mr. Ngirabacu further stressed the critical role of young people in ensuring that the history and lessons of the Genocide Against the Tutsi remain alive.
He noted that many of the perpetrators and organizers of the genocide were young people who had been influenced by divisive ideologies, while many young people also played a vital role in stopping the killings and rebuilding the country.
“Young people are at the center of both the present and the future of every nation,” he said. “Many of today’s youth were born after the genocide and did not experience it firsthand. It is therefore our responsibility to educate them, share these lessons, and ensure they understand the consequences of hatred and the importance of protecting humanity.”
A shared commitment to ‘Never Again’
The joint visit by KFH, the KFH Foundation, and AHSU demonstrated the institutions’ collective commitment to remembrance, healing, and education.
By coming together at Bisesero, participants reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the memory of the victims, honoring the heroes who stopped the genocide, and promoting a future founded on unity, peace, and responsible citizenship.
As Rwanda continues its journey of remembrance and resilience, such initiatives remain vital in ensuring that the lessons of the past are passed on to future generations and that the pledge of “Never Again” remains a living commitment for all.
Participants toured the Bisesero Genocide Memorial and reflected on lessons from Rwanda’s history. Employees from the King Faisal family of institutions paid tribute to victims of Genocide against the Tutsi during a commemorative visit to Bisesero.The delegation reflected on the importance of preserving collective memory for future generations.The visit served as a reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred and division. The Bisesero memorial visit brought together professionals from different generations and backgrounds.The visit to Bisesero brought together staff from three institutions in a shared act of remembrance and reflection.Staff from King Faisal Hospital Rwanda (KFHR), the King Faisal Hospital Rwanda Foundation (KFHRF), and the African Health Sciences University (AHSU) also laid wreaths at mass graves of the memorial. The joint visit highlighted the King Faisal institutions’ collective pledge of ‘Never Again’.Staff from King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, the KFH Foundation and AHSU have visited Bisesero Genocide Memorial to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Bisesero Genocide Memorial is located in Karongi District. Staff members gathered at Bisesero to reaffirm their commitment to unity, remembrance and peace.The memorial visit formed part of Kwibuka 32 activities aimed at preserving the memory of genocide victims.
