The decision was announced after an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca alliance in the Saudi capital Riyadh to address security threats facing Saudi Arabia, according to a joint statement posted on the Saudi Ministry of Defense’s official account on social media platform X.
The statement said the three countries condemned in the strongest terms the attempted targeting of Mecca and Madinah, as well as continuing attacks targeting cities and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia.
The countries affirmed that the security of each party is an integral part of the collective security of the three, noting that translating the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement into practical measures would strengthen deterrence, military readiness and integration, the statement added.
The Houthi group announced a maritime ban on Saudi shipping in July and has since launched strikes on Saudi tankers and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on Aug. 7 in the Saudi city of Mecca, which stipulates that an attack on any signatory will be considered an attack on all.
Photo taken on Oct. 5, 2026 shows an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca alliance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Saudi Ministry of Defense/Handout via Xinhua)Houthi supporters shout slogans during a night rally, showing support for control of the Mocha port region, at Al-Saben Square in Sanaa, Yemen, on Sep. 11, 2026. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)
Appearing before a federal parliamentary inquiry into AI, OpenAI chief strategy officer Jason Kwon reiterated that the breach of a data portal linked to Australia’s Medicare system by an agent in June should not have happened.
“We are sorry and we know we have work to do to rebuild trust with the Australian people,” he said, acknowledging that OpenAI should have handled its response to the incident better after the federal government said it was not reported until September.
Kwon said that the incident prompted OpenAI to impose additional monitoring to allow immediate intervention by staff to stop training if a model accesses the internet in a way it is not supposed to and that the company would support Australia imposing a mandatory reporting framework for similar incidents.
Asked during the hearing if an OpenAI model could breach Australian critical infrastructure, such as water, gas or oil facilities, Kwon said it would depend on security.
“We don’t know because it’s going to depend on the safeguards and the infrastructure and security controls that particular company and provider has in place,” he said.
OpenAI has imposed new precautions to prevent models from interacting with the internet in unintended ways.
The week-long celebration, running from 5 to 9 October 2026, was officially launched today at ASA International (Rwanda) Plc’s Kimironko Branch by Chief Executive Officer Salifou Christian, together with members of the Management Team and staff.
The launch was marked by the Chief Executive Officer, together with members of the Management Team, engaging directly with customers at the frontline to receive, celebrate and serve them with quality service, highlighting ASA International (Rwanda) Plc’s strong commitment to customer trust and the importance it places on delivering responsive, customer-centred financial services.
“Our customers are the foundation of everything we do. Customer service is not simply about meeting expectations; it is about honouring the trust our customers place in us every day and continuously improving the way we serve them,” said Salifou Christian, CEO of ASA International (Rwanda) Plc.
He added that the institution’s focus on customer service is closely linked to its broader mission of financial inclusion and supporting people to improve their livelihoods.
“When we provide responsible and accessible financial services, we are not only serving individual customers; we are supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening families and contributing to the development of communities and the wider economy,” he said.
Customers at the heart of the celebration
For ASA International (Rwanda) Plc, Customer Service Week is also an opportunity to listen to customers, understand their experiences and recognise the role they play in shaping the institution’s services.
One of the customers participating in the launch at Kimironko Branch welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of being treated with respect and receiving services that respond to customers’ needs.
“We appreciate being recognized and listened to as customers. Good customer service gives us confidence and makes us feel that our relationship with ASA International (Rwanda) Plc goes beyond financial services, and that our voice and experience as customers truly matter,” said Marie Claire Muhawenimana, an ASA International (Rwanda) Plc customer.
The Customer Service Week activities are being implemented across ASA International (Rwanda) Plc’s branches and Head Office, with staff encouraged to strengthen customer engagement and demonstrate the values of professionalism, responsiveness, respect and service excellence.
While the week provides a dedicated opportunity to celebrate customers, ASA International (Rwanda) Plc emphasises that customer-centred service is a daily responsibility.
“Customer service is not just for one week. Putting our customers first is at the heart of how we serve, every single day,” the institution said.
This commitment is reflected in the range of financial products and services offered by ASA International (Rwanda) Plc to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
These include Current Accounts, Savings Accounts, Small Loans, Small Business Loans and Electric Motorcycle Loans, as well as digital access through the USSD platform (*576#) and customer support through the toll-free 5002 line.
Public Deposit services, launched at the Kimironko and Kicukiro Branches, will soon be expanded to additional branches across the country, further increasing customers’ access to secure savings opportunities.
ASA International (Rwanda) Plc is a for-profit, deposit-taking microfinance institution licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda, incorporated in 2014 and operational since 2016.
The institution delivers inclusive, customer-centric financial services to individuals and small businesses, with a particular focus on women, who account for 70% of its clients, and underserved, low-income communities. It currently serves approximately 22,000 clients through 37 branches nationwide.
ASA International (Rwanda) Plc is a subsidiary of ASA International, one of the world’s leading international microfinance institutions, listed on the London Stock Exchange and operating across 13 countries in Africa and Asia.
As of 30 June 2026, the ASA International Group had more than 2,100 branches and approximately 2.7 million clients globally. Its purpose is captured in the motto “Creating Hope. Changing Fortunes.”
Photos marking the launch of Customer Service Week 2026 at ASA International (Rwanda) Plc
ASA International (Rwanda) Plc has marked the start of Customer Service Week 2026, bringing management and staff together to engage with customers and reaffirm the institution’s commitment to accessible and customer-centred financial services.
The summit follows previous meetings held in Sochi in 2019 and Saint Petersburg in 2023. It will bring together African leaders, representatives of the African Union, regional organisations and major financial and economic institutions for political and economic discussions with Russian counterparts.
The programme will include plenary sessions, an official Kremlin reception and a major Economic and Humanitarian Forum featuring panel discussions, thematic sessions and exhibitions. Numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings are also expected, with several agreements and memoranda between Russia and African countries being prepared for signing.
Economic cooperation is expected to be at the centre of discussions, particularly trade, industrial cooperation, investment and innovation. Other priority areas will include the peaceful use of nuclear energy, independent payment systems, food security, digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence.
The summit is also expected to adopt a political declaration and a new three-year Action Plan for the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum covering 2027-2029. A draft declaration on cooperation in the civilian use of artificial intelligence has also been shared with participating countries for coordination.
Russia says the partnership with Africa is based on respect for national sovereignty and each country’s right to determine its own development path and partnerships, while rejecting interference in internal affairs and what it describes as neocolonial practices.
Rwanda is expected to be represented at the Moscow summit, with the meeting presenting an opportunity for the country to showcase its experience and solutions in areas including technological development and socio-economic transformation, while strengthening its role in African integration.
The Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was established as a platform for strengthening political, economic and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and African countries.
The previous Russia-Africa Summit in Saint Petersburg brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 27 represented by heads of state or senior officials, for discussions on trade, investment, technology, security and development.
The event brought members of the Rwandan community together for fellowship and reflection on patriotism and the values that underpin Rwandan society.
It also featured sports and recreational activities, including a football tournament, basketball competitions and the traditional Rwandan game of Agati.
Teams that performed well in the various competitions received awards at the end of the activities.
Patriotism Day is officially commemorated every year on October 1.
Addressing the participants, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, called on young Rwandans to uphold national values and play an active role in shaping the country’s future.
He explained that the October 1 commemoration provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by those who placed the interests of the country above their personal interests.
The Ambassador highlighted October 1, 1990, when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), through its armed wing, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), launched its struggle for the liberation of Rwanda.
He recalled that many young people at the time chose to leave behind their personal activities and comfort to join a struggle in which they knew they faced serious risks, including the possibility of losing their lives.
He urged young people today to draw lessons from the commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by members of the RPA and, more broadly, the RPF, from the beginning of the struggle in 1990 through the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
Youth urged to safeguard Rwanda’s achievements
Ambassador Kayonga also highlighted some of the challenges that young people may face.
He particularly warned against the continued spread of genocide ideology and attempts to mislead young people through technology and social media.
He also identified drug use and excessive alcohol consumption as behaviours that can undermine young people’s future and weaken their ability to fulfill their responsibilities to their country.
Against these challenges, he called on young Rwandans living in Türkiye to remain committed to national values and to play their part in protecting the achievements Rwanda has made.
He encouraged them to build on these achievements and contribute to taking Rwanda towards an even better future.
A responsibility shared by all Rwandans
The Ambassador stressed that patriotism should not be viewed as the responsibility of a particular group or category of citizens.
Rather, it is a shared responsibility that concerns every Rwandan, wherever they may be.
He therefore encouraged young people to understand, preserve and put Rwanda’s core values into practice in their daily lives, while also passing them on to future generations.
Rwandans living in Türkiye have gathered in Ankara to celebrate Patriotism Day through sports, fellowship and reflection on national values. Young Rwandans in Türkiye have been encouraged to protect Rwanda’s achievements and remain committed to the values that underpin the country’s progress. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, has urged young Rwandans to uphold national values and contribute to the country’s future. Participants in Ankara have received awards after competing in football, basketball and other games as part of Patriotism Day celebrations. Rwandan students and other community members in Ankara have marked Patriotism Day with sports and recreational activities. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, has urged young Rwandans to uphold national values and contribute to the country’s future.
The initiative is intended to reduce the amount of electricity the stations draw from the national grid while promoting the use of renewable energy.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, KABISA Managing Director Poshia Muhoza said the pilot is being conducted at the company’s charging stations as well as its offices.
“We are implementing this programme at our stations. Even here at our offices, we try our best to embrace solar energy,” she said.
KABISA currently operates eight electric vehicle charging stations in Kigali. The company plans to establish more stations in secondary cities, including Musanze, Rubavu, Huye and Rusizi.
The pilot comes as electric mobility continues to gain ground in Rwanda, alongside efforts to expand charging infrastructure for electric vehicle users.
Muhoza said government policies continue to facilitate investment in the sector, particularly by making it easier for investors to obtain permits and the equipment required to establish charging stations.
“National policy continues to support the use of electric vehicles. The government is currently making it easier for investors building charging stations to obtain permits quickly and access the transformers they need,” she said.
She added that tax exemptions on imported electric vehicles and a government plan to have electric vehicles account for 30% of vehicles used by public institutions are also encouraging investment in the sector.
Muhoza said discussions with government officials and electricity distributors have given KABISA assurances that projects are underway to increase domestic power generation and meet growing demand, including from electric vehicle users.
KABISA says some of the electric vehicles it sells can travel up to 500 kilometres on a full battery, while charging costs can be up to 70% lower than the cost of petrol or diesel.
The government has also announced plans to build electric vehicle charging stations in areas where limited commercial returns may not attract private investors, ensuring wider access to charging services.
KABISA Managing Director Poshia Muhoza has said the company has started testing solar power at its electric vehicle charging stations.KABISA has begun piloting solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations in Rwanda
The list, titled the ‘100 Most Influential Global Leaders’, brings together entrepreneurs, business executives, innovators and other leaders whose work has contributed to positive change in society.
It was compiled by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation, an African organisation focused on youth leadership development. The initiative recognises Africans living on the continent and abroad for their contributions across the public and private sectors.
This is the third edition of the list. Nkundimana’s inclusion is based on his work in technology and innovation. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 28, 2026.
Speaking to IGIHE, Nkundimana said the recognition would encourage him to continue developing innovative technology solutions, particularly EazyLink’s digital business card.
“It is an honour for us to be on this list. It will motivate us to continue adding innovations because the card is still in its early stage, and there are more features we plan to introduce in the next phases,” he said.
Nkundimana founded EazyLink in 2022. The company develops NFC-enabled digital business cards that allow users to share their contact details and social media profiles by simply tapping the card against a smartphone.
About 80% of EazyLink’s users are based outside Rwanda. They include business leaders, investors and professionals seeking an easier way to exchange contact information.
EazyLink has also been showcased at international technology events including GITEX Africa and GITEX Global.
Nkundimana also chairs Elysee Brand Inc., a digital marketing agency that has worked with brands in Rwanda, including Exo Energy Drink and Moreup Cosmetics.
He was also recently recognised for his contribution to technology and innovation at an international conference focused on advancing human development.
Nkundimana Elysée has been recognised among 100 influential African leaders for his work in technology and innovation.
On September 21, the prosecution said witness Gaston Munyabugingo, who previously worked with Ingabire, testified about alleged cooperation between FDU-Inkingi and other groups in a plan to overthrow the Rwandan government.
According to Munyabugingo’s testimony, P5, a coalition led by Kayumba Nyamwasa, had planned to stage a coup during a government leadership retreat held in Gabiro on February 15-16, 2020. Ingabire allegedly planned to organise demonstrations in support of the coup.
The prosecution said Ingabire was allegedly expected to mobilise about 5,000 people to take to the streets and support those who would have overthrown the government.
“In support of that operation, Ingabire Umuhoza Victoire allegedly had the responsibility of mobilising about 5,000 people who would take to the streets to demonstrate and support those who had already overthrown the government,” the prosecution said.
The prosecution further said that Ingabire asked Munyabugingo to accommodate her because she feared for her safety during the planned coup, while Munyabugingo also expressed concerns.
It said Ingabire had planned to move to Gicumbi but abandoned the plan following the arrest of singer Kizito Mihigo in February 2020 as he attempted to flee to Burundi.
After the plan to go to Gicumbi was abandoned, Munyabugingo allegedly hid Ingabire, who was disguised in Muslim clothing and was not wearing her glasses. She was reportedly accompanied by Leonille Gasengayire, a woman she lived with who served as a treasurer.
The prosecution said Munyabugingo also testified that Ingabire was in communication with Charlotte Mukankusi, who was responsible for diplomatic affairs within the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), a group founded by Nyamwasa.
Prosecutors further told the court that a document prepared by the RNC outlining how Rwanda would be governed after the alleged coup was found on Ingabire’s phone.
They said the document was accompanied by a chart containing the names of 79 people, including government and military officials, and allegedly proposed a system of appointments based on ethnic considerations, with Ingabire serving as president. Ingabire calls allegations ‘rumours’
During a hearing on October 1, 2026, Ingabire challenged the allegations, saying the prosecution had failed to demonstrate that the alleged coup ever took place.
She questioned the basis for accusing her of planning a coup based on Munyabugingo’s testimony.
“Did that coup happen? The prosecution has not demonstrated that it happened. If it did not happen, has it shown why it did not happen? People cannot discuss things in WhatsApp groups where people say that the RNC planned a coup, and then the prosecution says it planned a coup,” Ingabire said.
Regarding the allegation that she planned to mobilise 5,000 people to demonstrate in support of the coup, Ingabire questioned whether prosecutors had produced evidence of an agreement between her and the RNC to carry out the alleged operation.
“Have they demonstrated any agreement between me and the RNC to carry out a coup? The prosecution must move away from rumours and things circulating on social media and bring evidence,” she said.
Munyabugingo also testified that Ingabire later changed the purpose of the planned demonstrations to disrupting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which was scheduled to take place in Kigali.
Ingabire, however, said her involvement during preparations for CHOGM was limited to hosting a group of foreign participants at her home.
The judge asked whether the visit was simply a social one.
Ingabire said they discussed politics, the Commonwealth and Rwanda’s membership of the organisation. She added that the visitors had helped her politically by contributing to her increased visibility.
Ingabire Victoire has challenged coup allegations, calling them ‘WhatsApp rumours’
The international Sunshine Tour event, which was combined with the annual Rwanda Open, was held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas.
About 150 players from different countries took part in the tournament, which was won by South African golfer Kyle De Beer.
The tournament also provided an opportunity for Rwandan golfers to compete at an international level, with 13 players representing the country.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, Ngabo Brave Olivier, said Rwanda aims to increase the number of players competing in the tournament, both from Rwanda and abroad.
“The doors are open to everyone who wants to come to Rwanda. We want the number of players competing in the tournament to increase beyond 150, while also increasing the number of Rwandans to a level where we can eventually win the tournament,” he said.
The goal of increasing participation in golf is among the reasons NCBA Bank Rwanda has continued to support the tournament. The bank also supports Kenyan golfer Njoroge Kibugu, who has competed in several tournaments backed by the bank.
Since 2023, NCBA Bank Rwanda has joined its operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in supporting Rwandan golfers to access international competitions, including tournaments bringing together top players from across the region.
In 2024, the bank expanded its support to junior golfers through competitions such as the NCBA Junior Golf Series, which has reached about 4,000 children.
In 2026, NCBA invested more than Rwf683 million in over 160 golf tournaments across East Africa, including competitions organised in Kigali.
The bank’s continued involvement in golf is aimed at supporting the development of the sport while creating more opportunities for players, particularly young golfers, to gain competitive experience.
NCBA Bank Rwanda has expanded its support for golf by sponsoring the Rwanda Open 2026 at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas.NCBA Bank Rwanda has continued to support Rwandan golfers seeking opportunities to compete in international tournaments.NCBA Bank Rwanda has supported junior golf through competitions that have reached about 4,000 children since 2024.NCBA Bank Rwanda has continued supporting golf in Rwanda through its sponsorship of the Rwanda Open 2026.About 150 golfers have competed in the Rwanda Open 2026, supported by NCBA Bank Rwanda.
The bank highlighted its role during its annual engagement with customers in Musanze, where management and clients discussed progress made and challenges affecting access to financial services.
Private-sector representatives said BPR Bank has played a significant role in Musanze’s ongoing urban redevelopment, contributing to about 40% of more than 75 buildings completed so far.
Tugengwenayo Theonas, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation in Northern Province and the Musanze City Redevelopment Committee, said improved access to larger loans and faster processing had made a difference.
“We appreciate the increase in the size of loans and the reduction in the time it takes for a businessperson to access them. We estimate that the bank has contributed about 40% to the more than 75 buildings that have been completed,” he said.
He said the third phase of the redevelopment programme includes 60 projects expected to be completed by 2029, calling for continued support from financial institutions.
Musanze is also seeking investment in modern private schools, entertainment facilities, agricultural projects and parking infrastructure. Business owners also welcomed a decline in reliance on informal high-interest lending.
BPR Bank Rwanda Executive Director of Commercial Businesses Shema Mugisha said the bank’s services are shaped by feedback from its customers.
“Our goal is that the customer comes first. We are celebrating what has been achieved while also listening to you so that you can advise us, because we cannot perform well without you,” he said.
Shema said the bank had also changed how it values property used as collateral following concerns raised by customers in Musanze.
“Last year, you told us that when we took land or other property here in Musanze as collateral, we valued it at a low rate. We have now corrected that, and it is valued at 70%, instead of the 30% that was previously used,” he said.
BPR Bank Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Mutesi Patience said the bank regards businesses as partners and has increased its lending capacity in response to their needs.
She said the maximum lending capacity for an individual has risen to Rwf52 billion from Rwf25 billion in 2023.
“We see ourselves as partners of members of the private sector in the development journey. Along this journey, you have given us many ideas that have helped us,” Mutesi said.
She said the bank would continue improving its services to shorten the time customers spend seeking financing, including through digital platforms that allow some customers to access lending services using their phones.
Musanze District Mayor Nsengimana Claudien urged businesses involved in the city’s redevelopment to work with financial institutions to secure the financing needed to complete their projects.
“No one has enough money in their pocket to immediately complete a modern building project. Improve your investment projects aimed at transforming the appearance of Musanze and approach the bank for support,” he said.
He also encouraged businesses to pursue complementary projects capable of creating jobs for local residents.
Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice commended BPR Bank for responding to concerns raised by its customers.
He said Musanze aims to strengthen its position as a tourism centre and agricultural hub while making better use of its land.
“We want Musanze to continue being a city of opportunity and a hub for tourism. We also want it to remain an agricultural hub that makes efficient use of limited land while enabling its residents to earn a living,” he said.
Mugabowagahunde also credited improved access to bank financing with reducing reliance on an informal form of high-interest borrowing that has previously exposed some residents to financial difficulties.
He said delays in accessing formal loans had previously pushed people with urgent financial needs towards such lenders.
BPR Bank Rwanda says its regular engagement with customers enables it to identify challenges affecting them and improve its services in response.
BPR Bank Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Mutesi Patience has reminded Musanze business owners that the bank considers them partners and therefore engages with them to understand and respond to their needs.BPR Bank Rwanda Executive Director of Commercial Businesses Shema Mugisha has told customers in Musanze that the bank cannot succeed without their support and feedback.Governor Mugabowagahunde has credited BPR Bank with helping curb high-interest informal lending that had exposed residents to financial losses.BPR Bank Plc customers received a warm welcome at the event’s venue.
