IGIHE English

Author: Théophile Niyitegeka

  • Meet the new faces joining Rwanda’s Cabinet

    Meet the new faces joining Rwanda’s Cabinet

    Among the most notable appointments is that of Damien Murwanashyaka, who was named Minister of Infrastructure, a ministry that has recently been under scrutiny over delayed projects, including roads, dams, and buildings that have led to significant financial losses.

    Murwanashyaka joins the government from the private sector, where he brings more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry. A Professional Civil Engineer and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Murwanashyaka most recently served as the Managing Director of Preferred Contractors.

    Before that, his senior leadership career included roles as the CEO of UDL, Chief Quantity Surveyor at Real Contractors Ltd, and Projects Manager at ROKO Construction Ltd. He also held consultant leadership roles at Century Engineering and Contractors Ltd and Gasabo 3D Design Ltd.

    He graduated with a First Class Honors Degree in Civil Engineering and later earned an MBA from Oklahoma Christian University.

    The Ministry of Infrastructure also welcomed Armand Zingiro as State Minister. Zingiro previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), a position he held since September 2023 after leading the Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL) from 2020.

    He was replaced at REG by Maximilien Byilingiro, who has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the energy utility.

    Another new entrant to the ministry is Col Claudien Bizimungu, who was appointed State Minister for Infrastructure. Since 2022, he has served as Deputy Commander of the Rwanda Defence Force’s Engineer Brigade. He was also part of a Rwandan military mission that assisted Jamaica in rebuilding infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.

    In the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Marie Antoine Kajangwe was appointed Minister, replacing Prudence Sebahizi. Kajangwe is no stranger to the ministry, having served as Permanent Secretary since August 2024.

    Prior to that, she was Director General in charge of Trade and Investment Promotion at the ministry.

    Her former position as Permanent Secretary has been filled by Chantal Tuyishimire.

    Meanwhile, Judith Uwizeye was appointed Minister of Public Service and Labour, replacing Ambassador Christine Nkulikiyinka. Uwizeye previously served as Minister in the Office of the President following the formation of a new Cabinet in July 2025.

    This is not her first time leading the Public Service and Labour Ministry. She held the same portfolio between 2014 and 2017. A lawyer by training, Uwizeye graduated from the former National University of Rwanda in 2006 before earning a master’s degree in International Economic and Business Law from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. She also taught in the university’s Faculty of Law.

    The appointments also included several diplomatic and institutional changes. Lt Gen (Rtd) Karenzi Karake was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, while Emmanuel Bayingana was named Ambassador to Israel.

    Jeannot Ruhunga was appointed Ambassador to Poland, and Christine Nkulikiyinka was named Ambassador to Spain.

    Among others, Louise Kanyonga was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Zigama CSS, while Michelle Umurungi was named Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Investments at RSSB at Rwanda Social Security Board.

    The changes bring a mix of experienced public servants, private-sector professionals and security experts into leadership positions as the government seeks to strengthen service delivery across key sectors.

    Murwanashyaka was appointed as Minister of Infrastructure, replacing Dr. Gasore
    Kajangwe was named Minister of Trade and Industry, replacing Sebahizi
    Judith Uwizeye was appointed Minister of Public Service and Labour, a position she previously held from 2014 to 2017
    Zingiro, former REG CEO, is now State Minister in MININFRA
  • UN chief calls for release of personnel detained by Houthis in Yemen

    UN chief calls for release of personnel detained by Houthis in Yemen

    Seventy-three UN personnel remain arbitrarily detained. One UN staff member has died in detention. Some colleagues are being held incommunicado, said Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman, in a statement to mark two years of Houthis’ detention of personnel from the United Nations, nongovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions.

    “These actions violate international law, cause deep suffering to families, and have severely constrained the ability of the United Nations and its partners to assist millions of people in need across Yemen,” said the statement.

    UN personnel, including those who are nationals of Yemen, are immune from legal process in respect of all acts performed by them in their official capacity, it said.

    Guterres underscores the importance of continued dialogue and engagement with the Houthis to secure the release of detained personnel and enable the resumption of humanitarian and development activities. The United Nations will continue to pursue all possible avenues to secure their immediate and safe release, said the statement.

    The secretary-general remains steadfast in the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the people of Yemen and their aspirations for a just and lasting peace, it said.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his condemnation of the detention of UN and other personnel and calls for their immediate and unconditional release
  • DR Congo Ebola cases rise to 635, recoveries reach 30: health minister

    DR Congo Ebola cases rise to 635, recoveries reach 30: health minister

    In a post on social media platform X, Kamba said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, continues to pose challenges, but the response is gaining momentum, with more patients recovering and contact tracing improving.

    According to Kamba, the proportion of contacts under follow-up has increased to 61.1 percent, up from 56.4 percent a day earlier. He said health authorities are monitoring “every zone, every alert and every signal,” as vigilance remains high.

    Kamba also announced eight new recoveries, including seven in Nyankunde and one in Mongbwalu, both in the eastern province of Ituri. The new recoveries brought the total number of recovered patients to 30.

    “Each recovery sends a strong message: come for treatment, as early care saves lives,” he said.

    The minister added that 490 tonnes of medicines have been deployed, laboratories strengthened and response teams mobilized around the clock in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

    The DRC declared its latest Ebola outbreak on May 15. On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

  • Brain test shows AI still struggles with focus, study finds

    Brain test shows AI still struggles with focus, study finds

    Researchers tested several AI models using a classic psychology exercise called the Stroop task. The test is designed to measure attention and self-control in humans.

    In the task, people see color words like “red” or “blue” written in different ink colors and must name the ink color instead of reading the word. This becomes harder when the word and color do not match.

    The AI systems performed well on short lists of words, but their accuracy dropped sharply as the lists became longer. Some models went from over 90 percent accuracy to below 20 percent in longer tests.

    When matching and conflicting words were mixed together, performance dropped even more. Researchers say the systems often returned to simply reading the words instead of following the instruction.

    The study suggests that unlike humans, who can usually control attention and ignore distractions, AI systems still struggle with this kind of mental control, especially in longer and more complex tasks.

    The findings highlight that despite impressive abilities, AI still has limits when it comes to focus and resisting distraction.

    A simple color-word test showed that today’s smartest AI models can unexpectedly lose focus and fall apart on longer tasks.Credit: Shutterstock
  • MIT develops new spacecraft engine that could help small satellites travel farther

    MIT develops new spacecraft engine that could help small satellites travel farther

    The new technology combines two types of propulsion that spacecraft normally use separately: chemical rockets, which provide strong bursts of power, and electric thrusters, which use less fuel and allow precise movements over long periods.

    Traditionally, spacecraft need different fuel systems for each type of propulsion, making them heavier and more complex. MIT researchers have found a way to use a single fuel for both systems.

    The fuel, known as ASCENT, was originally developed by the U.S. Air Force as a safer alternative to toxic rocket fuels. Researchers discovered that it can also power tiny electric engines called electrospray thrusters.

    Electrospray thrusters work by using electricity to charge particles in a liquid fuel and then releasing them into space to create thrust. While they do not provide the powerful push of chemical rockets, they are highly efficient and ideal for long journeys and precise maneuvers.

    MIT scientists tested ASCENT in these miniature thrusters and found that it performed just as well as fuels commonly used in electric propulsion systems.

    The technology is now set for its first real-world test through a NASA-backed mission called Green Propulsion Dual Mode. A small CubeSat satellite equipped with both chemical and electric thrusters will use fuel from a single shared tank.

    Researchers say the system could one day help small satellites travel much farther than they do today, including missions to Mars and the asteroid belt.

    The technology could also improve Earth observation missions, allowing satellite operators to quickly or gradually reposition satellites depending on the task, such as monitoring storms or tracking climate-related events.

    These four flight-unit electrospray thrusters were delivered by the MIT Space Propulsion Laboratory to NASA for the upcoming Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) mission. Credit: Amelia Bruno
  • New study offers hope for tackling cancer drug resistance

    New study offers hope for tackling cancer drug resistance

    Many cancer treatments work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. However, some tumors survive because they have powerful DNA repair systems that allow them to fix the damage and continue growing. This ability often makes cancers resistant to drugs over time.

    A team of researchers has now found a way to disrupt those repair systems. Their study focused on a small molecule called UNI418, which reduces the levels of key proteins that cancer cells need to repair damaged DNA.

    Without these proteins, cancer cells struggle to recover from DNA damage, making them more vulnerable to treatment.

    The researchers found that UNI418 activates a natural process inside cells that removes specific proteins. As a result, important DNA repair proteins are broken down, effectively shutting down one of the cancer cell’s main defense mechanisms.

    The discovery could be particularly important for improving the effectiveness of PARP inhibitors, a group of cancer drugs used to treat certain tumors. While these drugs can be highly effective, many cancers eventually become resistant to them.

    In laboratory tests, UNI418 made cancer cells far more sensitive to PARP inhibitors. The effect was especially noticeable in cancer cells that had already stopped responding to treatment. In those cases, the molecule helped restore the drugs’ effectiveness.

    The approach also showed encouraging results in animal studies, where tumor growth slowed significantly when UNI418 was combined with the PARP inhibitor Olaparib.

    Researchers say the findings reveal a new way of fighting cancer—not by altering genes, but by dismantling the repair systems that help tumors survive treatment. While more research is needed before the approach can be tested in patients, the study offers fresh hope for developing treatments against drug-resistant cancers.

    DNA repair proteins inside cells are constantly being produced and removed to maintain a healthy balance.
  • OIF’s transformation under Mushikiwabo boosts re-election bid

    OIF’s transformation under Mushikiwabo boosts re-election bid

    As Mushikiwabo explained to the media in February 2026, her decision to seek re-election followed consultations with the Rwandan government.

    In November 2025, she had received requests from several member states encouraging her to run again, citing the achievements recorded during her two terms in office.

    Although observers believe the election, scheduled for November 2026 in Phnom Penh, may favor Mushikiwabo due to the support she has received from many member states, she has emphasized that the race will be competitive. She noted that all candidates possess the qualifications required for the role, but none has given her reason to doubt her own prospects.

    Winning the position of OIF Secretary-General requires broad support from member states, a factor often influenced by a candidate’s accomplishments both at home and on the international stage, as well as within the organization itself.

    When Mushikiwabo assumed office in January 2019, she pledged to strengthen the OIF’s role in global affairs, positioning it as a platform for dialogue among nations and a promoter of human values.

    She stressed that solidarity and cooperation remain the organization’s most important principles.

    At the time, the OIF comprised 88 states and governments, including 54 full members and 34 associate or observer members.

    French speakers worldwide numbered around 300 million, more than half of whom lived in Africa.

    Mushikiwabo inherited an organization facing significant financial challenges and internal tensions linked to concerns over financial management during the tenure of former Secretary-General Michaëlle Jean.

    The former Canadian leader had faced criticism over spending that reportedly included $500,000 on renovations to her official residence in Paris and $20,000 on a piano.

    One of Mushikiwabo’s first priorities was to reform the institution internally and restore cohesion within the organization.

    However, the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the global economy and international cooperation, affected many of the OIF’s planned initiatives.

    Countries became increasingly focused on addressing domestic challenges as travel restrictions and the suspension of international meetings hampered collaboration.

    Like many international organizations, the OIF also struggled with delayed or insufficient contributions from member states.

    While operational needs continued to grow, particularly in areas such as youth empowerment, women’s development, and education, available resources often failed to keep pace.

    During her second term, member states agreed to increase their contributions to strengthen the organization’s capacity to fulfill its mandate.

    Outstanding arrears were reduced, while countries including Rwanda, Egypt, Vietnam, and Djibouti decided to double their annual contributions.

    The increase in member contributions paved the way for a larger organizational budget.

    During a ministerial meeting held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in November 2023, ministers approved a gradual increase in the OIF budget, allocating €45.7 million for 2024, €46.1 million for 2025, €46.5 million for 2026, and €46.9 million thereafter.

    At the OIF Ministerial Conference held in Kigali in November 2025, member states approved a substantial increase in the 2026 budget to €71.7 million to support expanded programming across the organization.

    Despite the increase, Mushikiwabo noted that available resources still fall short of meeting all the organization’s ambitions.

    As a result, member states granted her exceptional authority during the Kigali meeting to seek external funding from major international partners and corporations, including companies such as TotalEnergies.

    Leveraging this mandate, the OIF has planned partnerships with institutions such as the African Development Bank to support digital skills training initiatives, including the D-Clic programme. The objective is to increase the number of young people benefiting from digital training from 20,000 to 100,000 by 2026.

    According to the OIF’s annual report, 1.7 million people benefited from the organization’s programmes in 2025. Around 90,000 women across member states received capacity-building support, while 300 women-led projects were funded. In 2024 alone, 50 projects received support worth €3.7 million.

    The number of states and governments within the OIF reached 90 in 2025. Meanwhile, the French-speaking population continues to expand, reinforcing the organization’s global influence. Today, more than 396 million people speak French worldwide, while over 170 million are learning the language.

    As Mushikiwabo prepares to seek another mandate, supporters point to the transformation of an organization once facing financial strain and internal divisions into one with stronger finances, broader membership, and expanding development programmes across the Francophone world.

    The OIF has undergone significant reforms under the leadership of Louise Mushikiwabo.

  • International students in Rwanda reach 13,000

    International students in Rwanda reach 13,000

    He made the remarks on June 9, 2026, while appearing before members of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Technology, Culture, Sports and Youth to discuss the implementation of Law No. 010/2021 governing the education structure.

    Dr. Kadozi explained that the law has enabled higher learning institutions to introduce new academic programmes, contributing to improved education quality and attracting more international students to Rwanda.

    “The introduction of programmes has created many opportunities for a wide range of new programmes to be launched. This law gave us that opportunity, and as we speak, we have about 13,000 international students, a number that continues to increase,” he said.

    As of the 2024/25 academic year, Rwanda had 39 higher learning institutions and universities, up from 37 in the previous year.

    Rwanda now hosts 13,000 international students as higehr education expands.
  • U.S. SoFi Stadium workers reach deal to avert strike ahead of World Cup

    U.S. SoFi Stadium workers reach deal to avert strike ahead of World Cup

    The deal, announced by UNITE HERE Local 11 and confirmed by food-service operator Legends Global, covers about 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks, dishwashers and concession workers. The workers, who had overwhelmingly authorized a strike last week, are scheduled to vote on the agreement Wednesday.

    SoFi Stadium is set to host eight FIFA World Cup matches, including Friday’s game between the United States and Paraguay.

    According to UNITE HERE Local 11, the agreement includes wage increases, protections against subcontracting and automation, and provisions allowing workers to stop work if federal immigration enforcement activities create what the union considers safety risks during tournament operations.

    “We won every major issue that we brought to the table,” union co-president Kurt Petersen said at a news conference Tuesday.

    Legends Global said it was pleased to have reached an agreement and looked forward to providing an outstanding hospitality experience for fans during the tournament.

    Public details of the contract remain limited pending ratification. Union officials said the agreement could significantly raise wages over its duration, with some cooks eventually earning close to or more than 40 U.S. dollars per hour.

    The contract is expected to remain in effect through April 2028, shortly before Los Angeles hosts the Olympic Games. The deal removes a key source of uncertainty at one of the World Cup’s major U.S. venues. It also highlights how large international sporting events can amplify local labor disputes over wages, job security and workplace protections.

    Workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, reached a tentative labor agreement Tuesday, averting a potential strike days before the venue hosts its first FIFA World Cup match.
  • EU climate monitor reports second-warmest May globally

    EU climate monitor reports second-warmest May globally

    The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said the global average surface air temperature in May 2026 was 15.81 degrees Celsius, 0.55 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. The reading was second only to May 2024 and 1.42 degrees Celsius above estimated pre-industrial levels.

    Sea surface temperatures between 60 degrees south latitude and 60 degrees north latitude averaged 20.90 degrees Celsius, the second-highest on record for May, as the tropical Pacific continued its transition toward El Nino conditions expected to develop in the coming months.

    Western Europe was hit by an early and intense heatwave in the second half of May, with France, Britain, Ireland, Spain and Portugal hitting multiple local temperature records. In some areas, “feels-like” temperatures reached 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.

    “In Europe, an unusually early and intense heatwave demonstrates how quickly climate extremes are becoming the new normal rather than the exception,” said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

    The C3S said the continued warming trend, combined with persistently high ocean temperatures and emerging El Nino conditions, highlights growing risks of more frequent and intense climate extremes worldwide.

    This May was the world’s second warmest ever recorded, exceeded only by May 2024, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), bringing unusually dry conditions to northwestern Europe.