IGIHE English

Author: Théophile Niyitegeka

  • K2 Group to host ‘Summer Camp 2026’ aimed at preparing children for a better future

    K2 Group to host ‘Summer Camp 2026’ aimed at preparing children for a better future

    The camp, which targets children aged between 10 and 16 years, will be held at NSL in Bugesera from July 20 to 31, 2026.

    Steven E. Karangwa, the Chief Executive Officer of K2 Group, which collaborates with Ntare Louisenlund School, told IGIHE that preparations for the 2026 edition of the summer camp are already at an advanced stage.

    “We wanted to contribute to the development of knowledge among Rwandans, which ultimately feeds into the country’s economic growth,” he said.

    He noted that during the holiday period, the program will focus on teaching children Rwanda’s history and governance, along with other skills-based learning activities.

    “People often say that a tree is best straightened while it is still young. If we are already offering training to adults, what more can we do for younger children, especially when they are on holiday after completing their studies? That is why we decided that Rwanda needs a summer camp to help shape responsible young citizens who will contribute positively to the country,” he added.

    Children will also have time to relax mentally, as activities will be delivered through games and interactive experiences rather than a formal classroom environment.

    Participants will come from various schools across Rwanda and the diaspora. In 2025, the camp attracted children from six countries.

    Karangwa said that in partnership with Ntare Louisenlund School, the initiative is designed to build well-rounded individuals through education, recreation, and sports, all aimed at nurturing responsible and capable young Africans.

    “If we say that our country’s development will be driven by the knowledge of its people, then the same applies to the entire African continent,” he noted.

    Among the subjects to be taught are governance, artificial intelligence and robotics, debates, and various sports activities.

    He further explained that children themselves will lead discussions, form groups, and engage in conversations that help them build confidence in public speaking.

    Understanding one’s roots

    Karangwa said the 2026 summer camp was also designed to help children understand their origins, which he described as essential in shaping responsible future Africans.

    “How can these children begin asking where they come from? What is our history as Rwandans and Africans, regardless of where a child comes from? This helps them prepare for the future and take ownership of it for their own development and that of their countries. As the saying goes, if you do not know where you come from, you cannot know where you are going,” he said.

    He also encouraged parents from different countries to give their children the opportunity to attend such programs in Rwanda, noting that they offer a valuable chance to connect with their roots in a well-structured learning environment.

    Registration is open via info@k2careercenter.com or k2hrservices@gmail.com, or by calling +250 788 335 286 / +250 788 673 730

    Steven E. Karangwa, the Chief Executive Officer of K2 Group, has told IGIHE that preparations for the 2026 edition of the summer camp are already at an advanced stage.
    Students also engage in sports activities, including basketball.
    Those who wish can swim in a well-equipped swimming pool.
    Children learn in groups, sharing and exchanging knowledge.
    Children study various subjects using modern equipment.
    Children also get ample time for play and recreational learning.
    Children are also trained in public speaking.
    The most recent summer camp was attended by children from six different countries.

    karirima@igihe.com

  • I&M Bank Rwanda launches “Karame Twaje” agency banking network

    I&M Bank Rwanda launches “Karame Twaje” agency banking network

    Karame Twaje reflects the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that customers can access banking services within the proximity of where they live, work, and do business, without necessarily having to visit a branch.

    Through a growing network of authorized agents located within communities across Rwanda, customers can now conveniently access a wide range of banking services, including: account origination, cash deposits, cash withdrawals, facilitation of utility bill payments (EUCL and WASAC) as well as SchoolGEAR fee collection services and payments to RURA, RRA, RSSB, Irembo, and other service providers.

    The launch marks another important milestone in the Bank digital and financial inclusion journey, aimed at expanding access to banking services while enhancing customer convenience and experience.

    Commenting on the launch, Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said the move reflects ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience.

    “We promised to always be on your side! Karame Twaje Agency Banking is a tangible expression of that promise. We understand that banking should fit into our customers’ daily lives, not the other way around. By bringing banking services closer to communities across Rwanda, we are removing barriers, saving customers time, and making financial services more accessible to everyone,” he said.

    Mutimura added that the initiative supports the Bank’s broader ambition of driving financial inclusion while delivering innovative solutions that respond to customers’ evolving needs.

    “Karame Twaje is more than an agency banking network; it is a platform for empowerment. Whether you are a small business owner, a student, a farmer, or a salaried professional, we want quality banking services to be within your reach whenever and wherever you need them.”

    The launch also reinforces the Bank’s continued investment in technology and alternative service channels designed to offer customers greater flexibility and convenience.

    “Today’s customers expect banking to be fast, reliable, secure, and available wherever they are. Karame Twaje combines technology, accessibility, and convenience to create a seamless banking experience beyond the traditional branch network. This initiative complements our digital banking ecosystem and ensures that customers can access essential services closer to home and within their communities,” said Henry Obike, Chief Innovation Officer at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc.

    Obike noted that the agency banking platform has been designed with robust security measures and operational controls to ensure that customers enjoy a safe and trusted banking experience at every authorized agent location.

    With Karame Twaje, the Bank continues to strengthen its position as a customer-centric Bank committed to innovation, financial inclusion, and delivering banking solutions that meet customers where they are.

    Karame Twaje comes on a backdrop of Tsinda na Banki Muhorana, where the Bank incentivized customers and engaged them on using its various platforms day to day, including the App, internet banking, and *227#.

    I&M Bank Rwanda has invited all eligible businesses that meet the Bank’s Agent Banking due diligence requirements, including fully registered and compliant enterprises with sufficient liquidity, secure premises, and a strong reputation within their communities, to visit their nearest I&M Bank branch to submit an application and explore the opportunity to become authorized Karame Twaje agents.

    By partnering with I&M Bank, local businesses can benefit from increased customer traffic, enhanced business visibility, and the opportunity to earn competitive commissions while offering essential banking services to their communities.

    Customers can locate their nearest Karame Twaje Agent by visiting:www.imbankgroup.com/rw/agents.

    Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said “Karame Twaje” reflects ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience by bringing banking services closer to communities across Rwanda.
    Henry Obike, Chief Innovation Officer at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc.
    I&M Bank (Rwanda) headquarters
  • Rwanda to host African conference on detention safeguards

    Rwanda to host African conference on detention safeguards

    Held under the theme, “Women and Children in Detention: Gender-Responsive and Child-Sensitive NPM Approaches,” the Conference will bring together representatives of National Preventive Mechanisms, National Human Rights Institutions, government agencies, international organizations, development partners, and civil society organizations from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening the protection of women and children deprived of their liberty.

    It will focus on strengthening cooperation among African countries, promoting experience-sharing and advancing best practices in preventing torture and degrading treatment in detention facilities.

    A key focus of the conference will be the protection of women and children in detention, who are often considered more vulnerable and in need of special safeguards.

    Participants are expected to discuss the specific challenges faced by women and children in detention, share lessons from ongoing initiatives, and explore practical approaches to improving their protection and welfare.

    NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi said the conference will bring together institutions responsible for preventing torture and other forms of abuse in detention settings across the continent.

    She noted that the gathering offers an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and exchange practical experience among participating countries.

    The conference will also serve as a platform to improve oversight mechanisms in detention facilities and reinforce joint efforts to eliminate torture and other forms of ill-treatment, in line with international and regional human rights standards.

    The conference is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation among African countries and improving the protection of women and children in detention.

    Rwanda has made significant efforts to promote the well-being of prisoners.
  • Rwanda earns over Rwf 15 billion from agricultural exports in five days

    Rwanda earns over Rwf 15 billion from agricultural exports in five days

    During this five-day period, a total of 9,946 tonnes of produce were exported to international markets.

    Coffee exports accounted for 383 tonnes, generating about Rwf 3.4 billion, while tea exports reached 825 tonnes, earning Rwf 3.3 billion. Vegetables totaled 312 tonnes and generated Rwf 522 million.

    Other exported products included fruits, which amounted to 323 tonnes and earned Rwf 326 million, and flowers, which totaled 14 tonnes and generated Rwf 114 million.

    Staple crops such as tubers, legumes and cereals accounted for 7,846 tonnes and brought in Rwf 7.6 billion.

    Livestock and related products contributed 243 tonnes, earning the country Rwf 399 million.

    Rwandan agricultural products were exported to various international markets, including China, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Oman, the Netherlands, and several African countries.

    A total of 9,946 tonnes of produce were exported to international markets within five-days.
  • Rwanda, France hold talks to deepen military cooperation

    Rwanda, France hold talks to deepen military cooperation

    The discussions held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, focused on deepening military cooperation and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the armies of Rwanda and France.

    Eurosatory is an international exhibition dedicated to land, air defence and security. Held every two years in Paris since its launch in 1967, it is regarded as one of the world’s leading defence and security events.

    The exhibition brings together military leaders, government officials and defence industry representatives from across the globe to showcase the latest technologies and equipment, exchange expertise and discuss emerging security challenges.

    The 2026 edition, which opened on June 15, runs for five days and features 2,100 exhibitors from 65 countries. It has also attracted 330 official delegations from 93 countries, reflecting its role as a key platform for international defence cooperation.

    More than 500 new defence and security technologies are being showcased during this year’s event, covering a wide range of military and security applications.

    Rwanda and France maintain cooperation in several sectors, including security, development, education and justice.

    Last month, Rwanda and France signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at streamlining migration management and easing employment restrictions for families of diplomatic staff serving in both nations.

    The newly signed MoUs are expected to deepen bilateral ties, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster closer cooperation between Kigali and Paris.

    The diplomatic milestone closely follows the historic inauguration on June 2, 2026, of “L’Archive”, a permanent memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

    Rwanda and France military leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of Eurosatory 2026, focusing on strengthening defence cooperation.
    Senior military officials from Rwanda and France attended Eurosatory 2026, an international defence and security exhibition held in Paris.
    The Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, met with French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill during Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.
    Eurosatory 2026 brought together global defence leaders, including delegations from Rwanda and France, to exchange on security and military cooperation.

  • Rwanda receives 173 asylum seekers evacuated from Libya

    Rwanda receives 173 asylum seekers evacuated from Libya

    The group includes 85 Sudanese nationals, many of whom have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

    It also consists of 66 Eritreans, two Ethiopians and 12 South Sudanese nationals. The arrivals were received in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

    Many of those evacuated from Libya are migrants and asylum seekers who had hoped to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. A significant number attempt the journey without valid travel documents, while others perish before reaching their destination.

    The evacuees are hosted under the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM), a UNHCR programme that provides temporary protection for refugees and asylum seekers stranded in Libya while durable solutions, including resettlement opportunities, are sought.

    In a statement posted on X, MINEMA reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to offering refuge to people in need.

    Since 2019, Rwanda has received more than 3,000 refugees and asylum seekers evacuated from Libya. Of these, 2,623 have been successfully resettled in third countries.

    Among the countries that have received the largest number of refugees and asylum seekers transferred from Rwanda are Canada, Finland and the United States.

    A group of 173 asylum seekers have been evacuated from Libya arrived in Rwanda under the Emergency Transit Mechanism, a programme implemented in partnership with UNHCR.
    The latest group of asylum seekers received in Rwanda includes nationals from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and South Sudan who were evacuated from Libya.
    Officials from MINEMA and UNHCR welcomed 173 asylum seekers evacuated from Libya as Rwanda received the 23rd group under the Emergency Transit Mechanism.

  • UN reports record number of child victims in armed conflict in 2025

    UN reports record number of child victims in armed conflict in 2025

    The United Nations verified 38,558 grave violations against children in armed conflict in 2025, affecting 24,174 children, with thousands subjected to multiple violations, according to an annual report of the UN secretary-general on children and armed conflict, released on Wednesday.

    For the first time in 30 years, government forces were the main perpetrators of grave violations against children in armed conflict, finds the report.

    Killing (6,266) and maiming (7,958) remained the most verified violations, with a shocking 34 percent increase in killing compared with 2024, says the report.

    The denial of humanitarian access and the recruitment and use of children followed, with 8,322 incidents and 6,607 children affected, respectively.

    Children continued to be abducted in high numbers (5,129), often for the purpose of recruitment and use or sexual violence. Rape and other forms of sexual violence continued unabated, with gang rape used as a tactic of war verified in increasing numbers.

    Landmines and explosive remnants of war remained a grave challenge to children, as well as impaired social and economic development.

    The report notes that the information, which involved only UN-verified cases, does not represent the full scale of violations against children in armed conflict.

    The year “2025 was without a doubt one of the darkest chapters for child protection since monitoring began,” said Vanessa Frazier, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for children and armed conflict, in a press release.

    “When states, on whom the obligation to protect children falls, instead contribute to their suffering, it signals the deeper erosion of respect for international law. The principles of humanity, distinction, proportionality, and necessity must be restored — without exception,” she added.

    A total of 1,667 children were detained in 2025 for their actual or alleged association with parties to conflict. Frazier stressed that these children must be treated as victims, and that detention should be a measure of last resort, and that reintegration should be favored.

    This year marks the 30th anniversary of the children and armed conflict mandate from the UN General Assembly.

    Former child soldiers are released in Yambio in South Sudan in 2018. UNMISS/Isaac Billy
  • Armed groups in eastern DRC hinder Ebola response: UN

    Armed groups in eastern DRC hinder Ebola response: UN

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that five response workers were briefly detained on Tuesday by armed groups in Ituri province, the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, accounting for more than 90 percent of all confirmed cases.

    The office said that in South Kivu province, access remains heavily restricted in several areas as fighting continues to force civilians to flee. Nearly 20,000 people were forced from their homes on Monday, following clashes in Mwenga and Shabunda territories. Displaced families need food, shelter, health care, safe drinking water and protection.

    OCHA said that in Fizi territory, humanitarian access also remains under pressure, as repeated interference by armed groups continues to threaten aid delivery and the safety of humanitarian workers.

    In South Kivu alone, between January and May, at least 57 incidents directly affecting humanitarians were recorded, including threats against staff, interference in aid delivery, and movement restrictions.

    “Despite these immense challenges, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to support national authorities in containing the outbreak and deliver assistance,” OCHA said. “However, humanitarian personnel cannot operate safely without security guarantees.”

    The UN reiterates its call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered access to those in need.

    Red Cross workers bury an Ebola victim at the Rwampara Cemetery, in Rwampara, Congo, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa) CORRECTION: City corrected to Rwampara, instead of Bunia
  • President Kagame urges newly sworn-in officials to prioritize Rwanda’s interests

    President Kagame urges newly sworn-in officials to prioritize Rwanda’s interests

    Those sworn in include Murwanashyaka Damien, appointed Minister of Infrastructure; Kajangwe Antoine Marie, appointed Minister of Trade and Industry; Col Bizimungu Claudien, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure; and Zingiro Armand, also appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure.

    The Head of State also received oaths from other newly appointed leaders, including Mbabazi Judith, who was appointed Deputy Ombudsman in charge of preventing and fighting injustice within the Office of the Ombudsman.

    Others include Uwizeye James, appointed Deputy Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and CP Theos Badege, appointed Deputy Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).

    President Kagame called on the officials to clearly understand the responsibilities entrusted to them and to always view them from a national perspective rather than a personal one.

    “Being a leader in these public institutions is, first and foremost, about serving citizens and working for their well-being. Each of you has been appointed to these roles because of the capacity you have shown, or what others have observed in you in your previous responsibilities,” he said.

    He added: “But you should also constantly ask yourselves why you, among many other Rwandans who could do the same work, were chosen. That reminder helps you make a meaningful contribution.”

    The President warned that poor leadership practices create serious problems for citizens, who ultimately bear the consequences even when they are not responsible. He emphasized that the public should be the primary beneficiary of government work, not officials themselves.

    He said: “Often you find people prioritizing their own interests, including self-importance and what has almost become a habit. Many even act with arrogance, forgetting that we serve the country, not in competition with one another. National interest must always come first. When you serve the country well, you too benefit—you are part of that success.”

    President Kagame reminded the officials of Rwanda’s journey, referring to the liberation struggle led by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) in July 1994, noting that had it been driven by self-interest, the country would not have reached its current progress.

    “At that time, what people were thinking about was the possibility of losing their lives. […] Compared to that level of sacrifice, what we do today should not be difficult if we truly understand it. These are not jobs that require us to give our lives on the battlefield, not knowing whether we will return safely,” he stated.

    The President noted that the history of the liberation struggle should guide public servants in their daily duties—working through challenges collectively with others, whether subordinates or colleagues in other institutions, and where issues cannot be immediately resolved, allowing time and resources for proper follow-up.

    President Kagame also told the newly sworn-in officials that their responsibilities are part of normal life and should be treated as such.

    “These are achievable tasks; there is nothing extraordinary about what we do. It is normal life. When you choose to make it normal and good, it works. But when you mix it with unnecessary complications, it often becomes short-lived,” he said.

    President Paul Kagame has urged newly appointed officials to serve citizens’ interests first.
  • Tortoise Jonathan named Guinness World Records icon as oldest land animal at 194

    Tortoise Jonathan named Guinness World Records icon as oldest land animal at 194

    The Seychelles giant tortoise, believed to have been born around 1832, is now approximately 194 years old. His remarkable age has already earned him the titles of the world’s oldest-known land animal and oldest turtle ever recorded.

    The recognition was announced as part of a global Guinness World Records campaign celebrating individuals and animals whose achievements have captured international attention.

    In a statement released on Wednesday, the Government of St Helena welcomed the honour, describing Jonathan as a cherished resident and a symbol of the island’s heritage.

    He lives at Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of St Helena, where he has become one of the South Atlantic island’s most celebrated attractions.

    Jonathan’s lifespan stretches across almost two centuries of history. Born before the Victorian era, he is older than some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including Paris’s Eiffel Tower, London’s Tower Bridge and New York’s Statue of Liberty.

    Throughout his life, Jonathan has witnessed extraordinary changes in the modern world, from the arrival of automobiles and electricity to television, mobile phones and the internet.

    Despite his advanced age, local veterinarians say Jonathan remains in good health and maintains a healthy appetite. Although he has lost his sense of smell, he continues to enjoy a relaxed life alongside three other giant tortoises in the gardens of Plantation House, spending his days grazing on grass and basking in the sun.

    Beyond his status as a wildlife icon, Jonathan has also attracted scientific interest. Researchers are studying his DNA in hopes of understanding biological factors that may contribute to exceptional longevity, as his cells appear to age differently from those of humans.

    For the people of St Helena, however, Jonathan is more than a scientific curiosity or a record holder. Affectionately known as “Jono” by locals, he has become a living link between generations and a symbol of resilience, endurance and the wonders of the natural world.

    His latest recognition as a Guinness World Records ICON further cements his place among the most extraordinary animals ever known and brings renewed global attention to both his remarkable story and the remote island he calls home.

    Jonathan the tortoise with his GWR ICON certificate