The decision, issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, overturns a previous ruling by investigative judges on August 21, 2025, which had ordered the closure of the case due to what they described as insufficient evidence linking Kanziga to the crimes.
Richard Gisagara, a lawyer representing civil parties in genocide-related cases in France, welcomed the ruling, describing it as “good news” and asserting that Kanziga would ultimately face justice. Writing on X, he stated: “She will not escape justice.”
France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT), which has jurisdiction over genocide and crimes against humanity, had challenged the earlier decision, arguing that key evidence and witness testimonies had been overlooked. It called for further investigative steps to be undertaken.
The case dates back to 2008, when civil party organisations filed a complaint in France seeking an investigation into Kanziga, now aged 83, for alleged involvement in genocide and crimes against humanity.
In February 2022, judges had initially ordered the case closed, citing a lack of substantive evidence. That conclusion was reaffirmed in the August 2025 decision, before being overturned on appeal.
Kanziga was evacuated from Rwanda on April 9, 1994, under orders from then French President François Mitterrand. As a result, earlier investigations focused primarily on the first three days of the genocide.
In September 2024, PNAT criticised the scope of the inquiry, noting that it had been limited in duration, narrow in focus, and based on a relatively small number of witness accounts.
Prosecutors have since called for the investigation to be expanded to cover the period from March 1 to April 9, 1994, and have also raised allegations regarding Kanziga’s potential involvement in the planning of the genocide.
Following the 2025 decision to halt the investigation, civil party organisations expressed concern over the judges’ reasoning. They argued that it was inconsistent to conclude that Kanziga was not part of the so-called “Akazu”, an inner circle of family members and close associates of Habyarimana widely alleged to have played a key role in orchestrating the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite evidence suggesting her inclusion.
The organisations also criticised the reliance on testimony from controversial figures, including Gaspard Musabyimana, who was treated as an expert witness despite his known association with RTLM, a media outlet that broadcast hate propaganda during the genocide.
Musabyimana has also been described as having supported genocide denial and the Habyarimana government, including through a publishing house he established in Belgium.
The Paris Court of Appeal has ruled that investigations must continue into the alleged role of Agathe Kanziga, the widow of Juvénal Habyarimana, in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and its preparation.
The event will take place at Zaria Court and is anticipated to attract a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, particularly fans of Afrobeat and Nigerian hip-hop who will be in the city for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) games.
Olamide is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential artists. He rose to prominence in 2011 following the release of his debut album Rapsodi, which quickly positioned him among the leading figures in Nigeria’s music industry.
Known for hit tracks such as Wo! and Rock, Olamide has built a reputation for blending multiple genres, including rap, street pop and Afrobeat. His versatility has earned him a strong following across the continent and beyond.
Beyond his music career, Olamide is the founder of the record label YBNL Nation, through which he has played a key role in developing emerging talent. Among the artists he has supported is Fireboy DML, further solidifying his influence in shaping Nigeria’s contemporary music scene.
The Kigali performance forms part of a broader lineup of entertainment activities planned alongside the BAL games, which are set to begin in the Rwandan capital on May 22, 2026.
Organisers say the concert will provide an opportunity for both music and basketball fans to experience a vibrant mix of sport and entertainment during the BAL season in Kigali.
“The operation is over, Epic Fury, as the president notified Congress. We’re done with that stage of it,” Rubio said at a White House briefing.
“We’re now on to this Project Freedom,” a military operation the Pentagon launched Monday to guide stranded commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio went ahead, noting Washington’s priority now was reopening the crucial global energy waterway.
The announcement is seen as the Trump administration’s attempt to sidestep the War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to seek congressional authorization to continue military hostilities after 60 days.
Rubio repeated U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the 1973 law that limits the president’s war power “is 100 percent unconstitutional.”
The Trump administration notified Congress last week that hostilities against Iran had been “terminated” as it reached a 60-day legal threshold.
However, Trump has not ruled out resuming military strikes amid stalled talks. Rubio said that Iran now has the opportunity to “make it clear” that they do not want a nuclear weapon, which he said is key to a peace deal with Washington.
Iran would “hold the world hostage” with a nuclear weapon, Rubio warned, accusing Tehran of trying to develop “long-range delivery missiles” and build underground facilities for uranium enrichment activity.
“Someone has to do something about it,” he stressed.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump refused to spell out what would constitute a violation of the fragile ceasefire with Iran, reiterating that Tehran wants a peace deal with Washington.
On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets across the Mideast region, and tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations in Islamabad that ended without a deal.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 5, 2026. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which was jointly launched with Israel on Feb. 28, is “over.”
The joint sitting of Romania’s bicameral parliament started at 11 a.m., with 431 of its 464 members present for the vote. Romania’s 464-seat parliament requires at least 233 votes to pass a no-confidence motion. A total of 288 lawmakers cast their votes, with three invalid ballots, leaving 285 valid votes.
Under the constitution, the Bolojan government will become an interim administration from the moment the vote passes, limited to handling routine administrative affairs. It will not be allowed to issue emergency ordinances or propose new legislation. The interim government’s term may not exceed 45 days.
The parties now enter negotiations to form a new government. Failure to do so could trigger a snap election.
The Social Democratic Party (PSD), the primary initiator of the motion, is willing to quickly find a solution “to have a government quickly,” and “all options are open,” said PSD President Sorin Grindeanu after the government was dismissed.
Catalin Predoiu, first vice president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), told local media Digi24 that this situation should not have happened, and negotiations between parties should continue.
Dominic Fritz, president of the ruling coalition member Save Romania Union (USR), said on social media that USR will “neither let the PSD and the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) drag Romania back to the past, nor enter into negotiations with the PSD to form a new government.”
Bolojan of the PNL took office in June 2025. However, its austerity policies and proposed sale of strategic state assets drew strong opposition from the PSD, the largest party in the original governing coalition.
In April, the PSD withdrew its political support and pulled all its ministers from the government, seeking Bolojan’s resignation but was rebuffed. The party then, together with major opposition parties and independents, submitted a no-confidence motion in late April.
Romania’s Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan speaks during a no-confidence vote against his government at Parliament Palace in Bucharest, Romania, May 5, 2026. Romania’s bicameral parliament passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s government on Tuesday, with 281 votes in favor and 4 against, bringing down the government, according to the parliament’s live broadcast of the vote.
The awards were announced on May 4, 2026, in California, United States.
The IndieFest Film Awards is an international competition dedicated to promoting emerging talent in the global film industry, with awards presented across seven categories.
The winning films were produced by Rwandan documentary filmmaker Zion Sulaiman Mukasa Matovu.
Umuganda explores how community work has evolved into a symbol of self-reliance, cultural identity, and national unity in Rwanda.
Beyond the Genocide reflects on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and its aftermath, highlighting Rwanda’s journey of recovery, resilience, and national rebuilding.
Speaking about the recognition, Matovu said the international award underscores the importance of documenting and sharing Rwanda’s history.
“These films were made in remembrance and to encourage reflection on our history. Receiving international recognition shows the importance of telling our story as it is, and that remains our goal,” he said.
Two Rwandan documentary films, Umuganda and Beyond the Genocide, have been awarded the Merit Award at the IndieFest Film Awards, a recognition given to productions with strong storytelling. Film-maker Matovu said the international award underscores the importance of documenting and sharing Rwanda’s history.
The new law, passed on Tuesday, is expected to help prevent and reduce risks associated with digital assets, including money laundering and financing of terrorism. It also aims to strengthen consumer protection by curbing fraud and misleading promises of excessive returns.
Background and need for regulation
During the review of the bill by the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Economy, it was revealed that the National Public Prosecution Authority (RIB) had recorded 35 cases linked to cryptocurrency-related fraud, many of which affected large numbers of victims.
In recent years, several individuals were reportedly lured into investing in online currency schemes with promises of high profits, only to lose both their capital and expected returns.
A notable case occurred in December 2025, when the Gasabo High Court convicted Manzi Sezisoni Davis of illegal foreign exchange trading, unauthorised cryptocurrency operations, fraud, and money laundering. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $7.81 million (approximately Rwf 11.3 billion).
During the trial, Manzi argued that he had begun operating in the sector before any regulations existed. He also stated that he had contributed to discussions that helped shape the current legal framework.
Government position
The Government of Rwanda stated that the law is principle-based, providing flexibility for implementation. Detailed operational requirements will be defined through subsidiary regulations.
The law seeks to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing through digital assets, protect consumers and investors from fraud and misinformation, and address risks arising from high price volatility and the lack of intrinsic value in many crypto assets.
It also aims to promote transparency, integrity, and orderly market conduct, safeguard financial stability by reducing systemic risks linked to the financial sector, enhance cybersecurity, data protection, and operational resilience of crypto platforms, and support innovation in the digital asset ecosystem.
Regulation and oversight framework
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Economy, MP Munyangeyo Theogene, stated that the law is necessary given the rapid growth of cryptocurrency use.
He warned that without proper regulation, fraudulent investment schemes could continue to exploit investors through false promises of high returns.
Globally, cryptocurrency has grown into a widely used financial asset, with more than one billion people estimated to have engaged in digital asset transactions. Over 70 million users reportedly trade regularly. The global market is valued at over $2.35 trillion, with more than 9,000 cryptocurrencies traded across over 900 exchanges worldwide.
In East Africa, adoption is also increasing. Kenya has over 4 million users, Uganda approximately 2 million, Tanzania around 1.5 million, and Rwanda more than 350,000 users.
According to the Chainalysis Crypto Adoption Index, Rwanda ranked 69th globally in 2021. However, it dropped to 142nd in 2023 following cautionary guidance issued by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), which urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in cryptocurrency trading.
Regulatory authority and licensing
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has been designated as the primary regulator of the sector. Its responsibilities include overseeing crypto service providers, coordinating with other regulatory institutions, and ensuring compliance with the law.
CMA will also issue licenses to both local and foreign entities seeking to operate in the cryptocurrency sector.
Under the new law, entry into the crypto business will require a minimum capital threshold, to be determined by regulations. This marks a shift from the previous environment where individuals could freely enter the market without safeguards, often resulting in investor losses.
Classification of digital assets
The law classifies digital assets into three main categories, namely stable digital assets (stablecoins), tokenised real-world assets, and unbacked digital assets.
Stable digital assets, also known as stablecoins, are cryptocurrencies whose value is linked to underlying reserves such as fiat currency, commodities, or other digital assets, and are designed to maintain a stable value.
Tokenised real-world assets refer to the digitisation of physical or financial assets using blockchain technology, where ownership is represented through digital tokens. These assets are required to be fully backed at 100 percent and securely held, with strict separation from other holdings, while public assets, infrastructure, artworks, and other non-assignable assets are excluded from tokenisation.
Unbacked digital assets are cryptocurrencies that are not backed by any underlying asset and derive their value primarily from market demand and speculation.
The Chamber of Deputies of the Rwandan Parliament has adopted legislation regulating the trading of digital asset–based currencies, commonly known as cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.The Government of Rwanda stated that the law is principle-based, providing flexibility for implementation. Detailed operational requirements will be defined through subsidiary regulations.The law seeks to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing through digital assets, protect consumers and investors from fraud and misinformation, and address risks arising from high price volatility and the lack of intrinsic value in many crypto assets.
Founded by self-taught Rwandan artist Olivier Kwitonda, Inkingi goes beyond the idea of a traditional gallery. As its Kinyarwanda name suggests, it is a “pillar”, a space built to support, connect, and elevate artists across disciplines.
“I wasn’t thinking of a gallery or a center,” Kwitonda told IGIHE during a visit to the space. “I was thinking of an arts space, somewhere every art form could meet.”
Today, that vision is alive. Inkingi hosts more than 25 artists, primarily from Rwanda but also from across Africa, including Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Burundi, and Sudan. The diversity is intentional. Collaboration is at the heart of what makes the space unique.
The art space features artworks from dozens of creatives.
Kwitonda’s path to founding Inkingi was anything but conventional. Born in 1987, he discovered art early, sketching in school notebooks and on blackboards, even when it got him into trouble.
“I was expelled once for drawing the headmaster,” he recalls with a laugh.
Without access to formal art education after high school, he carved his own path, visiting local studios, learning materials, and slowly building his craft. He worked through established spaces like Yego Arts and later Niyo Arts Centre, gaining experience not only as an artist but also as a manager and collaborator.
But the idea of something more personal never left him.
“After COVID-19, I couldn’t sleep with my ideas anymore,” he says. “I needed a space where I could create freely and also bring different artists together.”
That idea became Inkingi Arts Space, officially launched in 2023.
Olivier Kwitonda says Inkingi Arts Space, as its Kinyarwanda name suggests, is a “pillar”, a space built to support, connect, and elevate artists across disciplines.
A space where art forms converge
What sets Inkingi apart is its openness, not just in layout, but in philosophy. Unlike traditional galleries focused solely on visual art, Inkingi welcomes multiple forms of expression under one roof.
While the space is primarily active with painters and visual artists on a daily basis, it expands into a multidisciplinary platform through its Inkingi Open Mic sessions, held once a month. During these gatherings, poetry, storytelling, live music, and traditional Rwandan cultural expressions, such as proverbs and riddles, come together in a shared creative experience.
“You wouldn’t find many places that bring all these talents together,” Kwitonda says. “That’s our uniqueness.”
The space also serves as a bridge beyond Rwanda’s borders. Visiting artists regularly collaborate on exhibitions and workshops, strengthening ties across the continent. One such collaboration involves a Zambian artist, David Daut Makala, who runs Studio 225, highlighting Inkingi’s growing international reach.
Makala, considered a renowned artist in Zambia and beyond, is set to hold his second solo exhibition, opening on May 8, 2026. The IGIHE team met him hands-on as he prepared for the show, which focuses on what he describes as the “Geography of Knowledge.” He has gained recognition for his versatility across various mediums, including sculpture, painting, printmaking, digital art, and performance.
“By hosting different workshops, trainings, and exhibitions, it has helped Inkingi grow, not only as a space, but also in supporting artists to grow and receive mentorship,” Kwitonda says.
Inkingi hosts more than 25 artists, primarily from Rwanda but also from across Africa, including Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Burundi, and Sudan.
Art as memory, healing, and responsibility
For Kwitonda, art is deeply tied to Rwanda’s history, particularly the Genocide against the Tutsi. His earlier works, such as In the Deep Sorrow, reflect on loss, memory, and human responsibility.
“It’s a call for people to think before harming others,” he explains. “To imagine: what if it were you?”
This philosophy extends into Inkingi’s programming. During this year’s annual commemoration period, the space organised a visit for young artists to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, encouraging reflection and dialogue through art.
“It’s about learning from the past,” Kwitonda says, “so we can create work that builds peace and protects the future.”
Gorilla artworks at Inkingi Arts Space highlight one of Rwanda’s premium tourism offerings.
Nurturing the next generation
Beyond exhibitions, Inkingi plays a critical role in mentorship and education. The space regularly hosts workshops, trainings, and internships, particularly for students from Nyundo Art School, Rwanda’s primary institution for formal art education.
Some interns stay on as resident artists, gradually becoming part of the collective.
“My proudest moment,” Kwitonda says, “is seeing young artists grow here, seeing this space become a home for them.”
That sense of belonging is key. In a country where art is still often seen as inaccessible or expensive, Inkingi is helping shift perceptions. More locals are attending exhibitions, engaging with artists, and beginning to see art as part of everyday life.
“People say art is expensive,” Kwitonda reflects. “But they forget, it’s priceless. You’re buying someone’s soul, their time, their sleepless nights.”
Though still young, Inkingi Arts Space is already making its mark on Kigali’s cultural landscape. And Kwitonda’s ambitions stretch far beyond its current walls.
In the next five years, he envisions it as a training center. In the long term, he imagines something even bigger, a museum-scale institution contributing to Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
“It should be huge,” he says with quiet confidence. “A place that stands alongside the country’s museums and tells our stories through art.”
For now, Inkingi remains grounded in its original purpose: a space of freedom, collaboration, and growth. A place where Kigali’s creative talent doesn’t just pass through, but finds a home.
Watch the full video below for an inside look at Inkingi Arts Space in Kacyiru.
Inkingi Arts Space in Kigali’s Kacyiru neighbourhood.While the space is primarily active with painters and visual artists on a daily basis, it expands into a multidisciplinary platform through its Inkingi Open Mic sessions, held once a month.Inkingi Arts Space founder Olivier Kwitonda with the IGIHE team. He says his mission goes beyond himself, focusing on mentoring the next generation of creatives.Some of the creative pieces at Inkingi Arts Space.
The country imported 195,610 tonnes of sugar valued at $145 million (approximately Rwf 212 billion) in 2025, down from 308,000 tonnes worth $238 million (about Rwf 348 billion) in 2024.
The imports comprised raw sugar for industrial refining, inputs for beverage and food manufacturing, and refined sugar for household consumption.
Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi attributed the decline to a combination of reduced demand for refined sugar, increased domestic production, and a drop in re-exports to neighbouring countries.
“The decrease in imports can be attributed to a drop in refined sugar consumption locally, coupled with increased domestic production,” Sebahizi told The New Times.
He added that re-exports, particularly of raw sugar destined for further processing, also declined in 2025 compared to the previous year, contributing to the overall drop in import volumes.
According to the minister, the trend reflects broader market adjustments rather than the impact of new policy measures, pointing to evolving consumer preferences and supply dynamics.
The decline follows a surge in 2024, when sugar imports rose to 308,000 tonnes valued at $238 million, up 24 per cent from $192 million recorded in 2023.
Rwanda continues to apply the East African Community Common External Tariff alongside safeguard measures aimed at balancing consumer affordability with the protection of local producers. To stabilise prices, the government also permits strategic imports under managed quotas.
Additionally, authorities have temporarily eased the application of the regional external tariff on sugar and other essential food commodities to cushion consumers from rising costs, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
Looking ahead, the government plans to allocate 8,000 hectares of land for sugarcane cultivation and mobilise at least $50 million in private investment. The initiative is intended to expand processing capacity, strengthen the domestic sugar industry, and further reduce reliance on imports.
Rwanda imported 195,610 tonnes of sugar valued at $145 million (approximately Rwf 212 billion) in 2025, down from 308,000 tonnes worth $238 million (about Rwf 348 billion) in 2024.
As is tradition, the 21st edition of the ceremony will take place in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park.
“Join us in Kinigi, @MusanzeDistrict for the 21st @KwitaIzina, Rwanda’s annual baby gorilla naming ceremony, celebrating community-centred conservation and the collective responsibility to protect mountain gorillas and their habitat at @VolcanoesPark,” RDB said in a post on X on Monday, May 4, 2026.
The 20th edition of Kwita Izina took place on September 5, 2025, during which 40 baby gorillas from 15 families were named.
Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva served as the guest of honour at the ceremony, which was also attended by several high-level dignitaries, including First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
In his address, PM Nsengiyumva highlighted the global significance of the event:
“Thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of conservationists, and the commitment of our communities, mountain gorillas have come back from the brink. Today, there are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif,” he said.
The Prime Minister also affirmed a bold plan to expand Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25%, ensuring future generations of gorillas have secure habitats while simultaneously improving local livelihoods.
Since its launch in 2005, Kwita Izina has become a flagship conservation event, with 435 baby gorillas named to date.
Tourism revenues continued to grow in 2025, reaching $685 million, up from $647 million in 2024, representing a 6 percent increase.
Visitor arrivals also rose by 9 percent to 1.49 million, with a significant share visiting Volcanoes National Park, known for gorilla trekking, as well as other national parks.
Gorilla trekking permits are priced at $1,500 for foreign non-residents. Reduced rates of $500 apply to foreign residents living in Rwanda, other African nationals, and foreigners residing elsewhere in Africa. Citizens of Rwanda and the East African Community (EAC) qualify for the lowest rate of $200.
The court ordered his immediate release following the pronouncement of the judgment.
DJ Toxxyk was facing charges including involuntary manslaughter, drug-related offenses, fleeing the scene after causing or being involved in an accident, and refusing to undergo an alcohol test.
The charges stem from a road accident that occurred in the early hours of December 20, 2025, which claimed the life of a police officer. Investigations following the incident also uncovered narcotic substances at the DJ’s residence.
Under Article 111 of Rwanda’s penal code, involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person causes death through negligence, recklessness, or failure to observe regulations, without intent to kill. The offense carries a penalty of six months to two years in prison and a fine ranging from Rwf 500,000 to Rwf 2,000,000, or one of these penalties.
Regarding drug use, Article 263 provides that any person who consumes or is found in possession of narcotic drugs or similar substances commits an offense punishable by one to two years’ imprisonment or community service.
On the charge of fleeing the scene, Article 5 of the 1987 road traffic law stipulates that any person who leaves the scene of an accident to avoid identification commits an offense, punishable by three months to one year in prison and a fine of between Rwf 10,000 and Rwf 30,000. The court applied this law as it was in force at the time of the offense.
After reviewing submissions from both the prosecution and the defense, the court found DJ Toxxyk guilty on all counts. However, the court suspended the three-month community service sentence for six months, meaning it will only be enforced if he fails to comply with the conditions set during the suspension period.
The court ordered his immediate release, effectively accounting for the time DJ Toxxyk had already spent in pre-trial detention. He was arrested on December 21, 2025, and had been held at the Nyarugenge Correctional Facility since February 9, 2026.
The Nyarugenge Primary Court found Arnaud Shema De Bosscher, DJ Toxxyk, guilty on all four charges related to a fatal road accident and drug-related offences. The court sentenced him to a fine of Rwf 1,050,000 and three months of community service, which has been suspended for six months.The court also ordered his immediate release following the pronouncement of the judgment.
