The rocket blasted off at 6:51 a.m. (Beijing Time) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province and sent the pair of satellites, Siwei Gaojing-2 05 and Siwei Gaojing-2 06, into their preset orbit.
It was the 634th flight mission of the Long March series rockets.
Arnault has nearly 40 years of experience in international diplomacy, focused on peace settlements and mediation, and an extensive background leading UN missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, according to a note to correspondents issued by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN secretary-general.
Arnault’s most recent assignments include his service, between 2015 and 2018, as delegate of the secretary-general to the Colombia peace talks and then as special representative of the secretary-general for Colombia, when he led UN efforts to verify the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement in that country.
From 2019 to 2020, he was the secretary-general’s personal envoy for Bolivia, and in 2021, Arnault was named the secretary-general’s personal envoy on Afghanistan and regional issues.
The funding, approved during the WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, falls under the third phase of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), a global initiative designed to help poorer nations strengthen their participation in international trade.
The EIF was established by developed countries to support least developed nations in improving their trade capacity, particularly by helping them access international markets. The program focuses on building technical skills, enhancing production standards, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
It also provides training for workers and entrepreneurs seeking to expand into global markets. Since its launch in 2005, the program has been updated every ten years and is now entering its third phase.
Speaking to IGIHE on the sidelines of the conference, Sebahizi welcomed the development, noting that Rwanda will have another decade to leverage such support in strengthening its SME sector.
“This means we have another 10 years to support small and medium enterprises in Rwanda to meet quality standards and access international markets,” he said.
He highlighted that many of Rwanda’s existing export promotion initiatives, such as the “Zamukana Ubuziranenge” program, already benefit from donor funding, including resources from the EIF.
Institutions like the International Trade Centre (ITC) also play a key role in supporting SMEs through training and export facilitation, using funds from the same framework. Similarly, several United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiatives supporting entrepreneurs rely on EIF financing.
“In essence, many of the programs in Rwanda that help SMEs export their products are supported by these funds,” Sebahizi explained.
Although there are no precise figures showing how many businesses have benefited so far, Rwanda is preparing to actively compete for the newly approved funding.
To access the funds, the country must submit detailed proposals outlining how the money will be used.
“If we need, for example, $2 million, we must present a solid business plan and compete with other countries seeking the same support,” the minister said.
He pointed out that this rate is significantly lower than the 37% tariff Rwanda had already been paying on textile exports, despite arguing that such charges are inconsistent with international trade law.
The minister is among participants of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
On Wednesday morning, he addressed a joint session organized by the World Bank and the WTO, where he outlined Rwanda’s strategies to boost trade through services, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
In an interview with IGIHE, Sebahizi noted that the meeting comes at a time when the global trading system faces persistent challenges, particularly related to institutional reforms and the failure of some countries to adhere to established trade rules.
He emphasized that one of the core principles of international trade is non-discrimination. According to this principle, imported goods should be treated equally regardless of their country of origin. However, recent trends show that some countries are imposing tariffs based on origin, undermining these rules.
“There are fundamental principles guiding international trade law, especially non-discrimination,” he said. “But we have recently seen countries imposing tariffs depending on where goods come from.”
Sebahizi added that while preferential trade agreements may allow certain countries to export goods duty-free, countries without such agreements should still be treated according to WTO rules. He stressed the need for a return to proper implementation of these principles.
Addressing the U.S. tariffs specifically, the minister noted that although they have had some impact, Rwanda has not suffered significant losses. He explained that the tariffs apply to goods already being exported to the U.S., and that Rwanda had long faced even higher duties on key exports like garments.
“In reality, Rwanda has not lost much because we were already facing a 37% tariff on clothing exports to the U.S. market,” he said. “Now, under the new measures, Rwanda falls under a 10% tariff category.”
He added that while the reduction may appear beneficial, the broader issue lies in the inconsistency of applying or adjusting tariffs on goods from developing countries, which itself contradicts international trade norms.
Sebahizi further stated that, aside from the United States, Rwanda has not encountered other countries imposing trade barriers that violate global trade rules.
The Head of State made the commitment on March 25, 2026, during a meeting with members of the Muslim community, where he reiterated the government’s support for their development initiatives.
“We have a responsibility to support you. That support is there and will be provided,” Kagame said.
The pledge follows earlier commitments dating back to 2011, which had yet to be fully implemented. Kagame acknowledged the delay, describing it as an obligation he intends to fulfill.
“There are things that were promised, and I recently learned they were not handled as they should have been. I take that as a debt that must be settled,” he said.
Reaffirming his position, the President stressed urgency in resolving the matter. “This year will not pass without it being done. It will be resolved. When we meet again, it will not be you asking me, but me asking you what you have done with it,” he added.
Call for shared responsibility in development
The head of state went on to say that after the difficult history that Muslims in Rwanda, and Rwandans in general have endured, now is the time to effect change, with all citizens playing a role in the country’s development.
“It is a path to transform lives, improve governance, and change mindsets so that Rwanda can progress, with every Rwandan contributing and no one being excluded. Many of the things you now value are praised because they did not exist before, but when someone does what is right and expected, it should not require excessive recognition,” Kagame said.
He urged Rwandan Muslims to actively participate in the country’s development initiatives, alongside all other citizens.
“To make change happen, you must also take part. For Rwanda to transform, all Rwandans need to contribute. Regarding religious institutions, it is understandable to set rules for their functioning and for places of worship to fulfill their responsibilities, and everyone should support that. But for things to run smoothly, these institutions themselves must first operate properly and do what is right,” he said.
President Kagame explained that the government has established mechanisms to monitor the functioning of religious institutions to ensure accountability and prevent people from hiding behind them to exploit citizens.
“In Rwanda, our work, our politics, and our governance aim to put things in the right order. No one is denied peace in any way,” he said.
“The measures put in place by government authorities to ensure proper alignment were meant to prevent abuses. This did not apply only to Muslims; it applied to all religions and faith-based institutions… [where some people could sometimes] use religion to pursue personal gain and take advantage of others.”
“It is like putting up barriers, stopping people, deceiving others about who you are, and beginning to take their property… this should never happen in any religion,” he added.
Kagame assured Rwandan Muslims that the history of marginalization and exclusion they have faced, like other Rwandans, will not be repeated.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Musa, expressed gratitude to the President for engaging with the Muslim community and assured that they will continue to play an active role in the country’s development.
“The center is the only facility in Iran responsible for the design and development of submarines and support systems for the Iranian Navy,” an Israeli military spokesperson said, adding that Iran also produces various models of unmanned vessels at the site.
The strike “significantly limits” the Iranian Navy’s ability to manufacture new and advanced submarines and upgrade its existing fleet, the spokesperson said.
Separately, the military said it has completed two waves of large-scale airstrikes targeting government sites in Tehran on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, multiple sirens were activated across Israel on Wednesday amid Iranian missile launches, including in Tel Aviv and Hadera, where one of Israel’s key power stations is located.
A large plume of black smoke was seen in the area, but the military said the missile hit an empty field, and the Israel Electric Corporation said in a statement that no damage was caused to its facilities.
No casualties have been reported so far.
Also, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that the country has dropped over 15,000 munitions on Iran since the start of the nearly month-long conflict, about four times the number used in the Israel-Iran war last summer.
The developments came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on Feb. 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iran and its regional allies on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East.
The three-day meeting, taking place from 24 to 26 March 2026, brings together the RDF 5th Infantry Division and the TPDF 202 Infantry Brigade, whose areas of responsibility lie along the shared border between Rwanda and Tanzania.
The RDF delegation is led by Major General Ruki Karusisi, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, while the TPDF delegation is headed by Brigadier General Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, Commander of the 202 Infantry Brigade.
On the first day, commanders conducted joint field visits to key border areas to assess prevailing security challenges and engage with local communities. The visits focused on raising awareness about the dangers of illegal border crossings and unlawful fishing activities in shared water bodies.
The delegations visited border communities including Nyarubare and Katwe villages in Kyerwa District, as well as Nyakakoni Village in Kayisho Sector on the Tanzanian side, opposite Rwanda’s Rwimiyaga Sector.
These areas are characterized by porous borders, with lakes, rivers, and swamps, particularly the Akagera River frequently used for unauthorized crossings.
Commanders identified these locations as hotspots for smuggling and other illicit cross-border activities, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen preventive measures and enhance joint efforts to curb illegal movements and improve overall border security.
The Head of the Tuberculosis Division at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Dr. Habimana Mucyo Yves, said that although the disease has decreased compared to previous years, it has not been eliminated.
He made the remarks on March 23, 2026, during the national commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day held in Gasabo District.
“From July 2024 to June 2025, we recorded 8,196 TB patients. While the numbers have not significantly dropped, we are confident that through collaboration with community health workers, the disease can eventually be eradicated,” he said.
Dr. Habimana noted that one of the key strategies involves strengthening the role of community health workers in raising awareness about TB prevention and encouraging early testing.
He emphasized that 27% of all TB patients were referred to health facilities by community health workers, highlighting the progress made in combating the disease.
Tuberculosis remains among the top 10 causes of death globally and disproportionately affects people living with HIV.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, said that global data from 2024 shows that more than 10.7 million people contracted TB, with 1.23 million deaths, including 150,000 among people living with HIV.
In Rwanda, TB prevalence has significantly declined over the years, dropping from 238 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 62 cases per 100,000 in 2024.
Recent data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) also shows a general decline in TB-related deaths.
The mortality rate was 6.1% in 2019, 6.4% in 2020, rising to 7.9% in 2021, before dropping to 5.7% in 2022, 4.8% in 2023, and 4.5% in 2024.
Dr. Habimana said Rwanda aims to eliminate tuberculosis entirely by 2035, noting that advanced diagnostic tools such as chest X-ray machines are increasingly being used to detect the disease early.
The discussions between CG Felix Namuhoranye and Douglas Kanja took place on March 24, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Their talks focused on areas of mutual interest in policing and explored ways to further strengthen the existing cooperation between the Rwanda National Police and the Kenya National Police Service.
Both Police chiefs also discussed the preparation of a cooperation agreement and agreed to work together on combating cross-border and emerging crimes.
CG Namuhoranye and his delegation also toured Police Training Institutions in Kenya, including the National Police Service Senior Staff College–Emali and the National Police College–Kiganjo. At both institutions, the IGP interacted with directing staff and trainees to align training programmes with the contemporary, evolving policing environment.
CG Felix Namuhoranye also invited his counterpart to attend events in May when the Rwanda National Police will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Rwanda and Kenya already collaborate in various sectors, including security. In November 2026, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri, visited Rwanda and held talks with his Rwandan counterpart, Gen Mubaraka Muganga.
Rwanda is set to take part in the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) for the second time, with this year’s edition scheduled from March 30 to April 1 at ExCeL London. The country’s renewed participation highlights its growing ambition to establish itself as a credible and competitive player in the global agri-food market.
A delegation of representatives from Rwandan companies is expected to travel to London for the event, showcasing a range of locally produced goods and engaging directly with international partners.
Rwanda’s participation will be coordinated by the Embassy of Rwanda in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Considered one of the leading B2B events in the sector, IFE brings together thousands of professionals from the food, beverage, and hospitality industries each year. For Rwanda, this platform represents far more than just visibility, it serves as a strategic lever to boost exports, build new partnerships, and showcase the quality of its products on the international stage.
Building on a first successful participation, the country returns with a clearer vision. The objective is to capitalize on previous experience, increase its visibility, and sustainably position its products, particularly coffee and tea, among international buyers and distributors.
In the lead-up to the exhibition, Rwandan women entrepreneurs will also take part in the SheTrades Rwanda – UK Study Visit, scheduled from March 25 to 28, 2026. Organized under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), this initiative will bring together 16 women-led businesses from the agrifood and coffee sectors.
During the study visit, participants will engage in market visits across London and Birmingham, meet UK-based buyers, and gain first-hand insights into market entry requirements, consumer trends, and business practices. The programme aims to strengthen their export readiness and expand their international networks ahead of IFE 2026.
At the heart of Rwanda’s broader strategy is a strong commitment to promoting a national know-how that is continuously evolving, supported by initiatives aimed at improving product quality, traceability, and local value addition. This approach aligns with broader efforts to move up the value chain and diversify export markets.
By participating in IFE 2026, and through complementary initiatives such as the SheTrades study visit, Rwanda is embracing a proactive approach, leveraging major international platforms to accelerate its integration into global value chains. Beyond mere presence, this participation highlights the country’s increasingly assertive positioning within the global agri-food landscape.
Rwanda pavilion at the previous edition of IFE in London (Illustration photos)
karirima@igihe.com