The suspension, confirmed by Congolese authorities, was authorised by the Chief of General Staff of the FARDC, Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe, and signed on December 28, 2025. It came a day after Gen Maj Ekenge appeared on state broadcaster RTNC and warned against marrying Tutsi women, claiming they do not bear children with people from other ethnic groups.
The comments sparked fierce backlash, reigniting concerns over the normalisation of ethnic slurs by senior state officials at a time of heightened tensions, particularly in the country’s conflict-affected eastern regions.
In announcing the suspension, Lt Gen Mwilambwe said the remarks were inconsistent with the army’s doctrine and national policy. However, critics argue that the decision amounts to damage control rather than a genuine break from a broader pattern of ethnic hostility tolerated at the highest levels of power.
Fanny Kaj Kayemb, the Deputy Director General for Finance of the AFC/M23 coalition, dismissed the suspension as cosmetic, saying the army spokesperson merely articulated a line sanctioned by senior authorities.
“An army spokesperson does not think independently; he executes,” Kayemb said. “He speaks according to a line approved by the top military leadership. In the DRC, the person at the very top has a name: Félix Tshisekedi, the Supreme Commander.”
Kayemb described the disciplinary action as a theatrical manoeuvre designed to mislead both Congolese citizens and the international community, arguing that the remarks reflect unspoken views embedded in the current political leadership’s ideological orientation.
The controversy has also revived scrutiny of the state’s long-standing failure to act against figures accused of inciting hatred against Tutsi communities. For years, MP Justin Bitakwira openly targeted Tutsi, particularly the Banyamulenge, referring to them as an “evil ethnic group”, without facing consequences at home. He was only sanctioned by the European Union in 2022.
Further inflaming tensions, President Félix Tshisekedi hosted two Congolese nationals from the United States on 22 December 2025 under the banner of “Congolese Unity”.
One of them, Jean-Claude Mubenga, has previously described Tutsi as “cockroaches” and a virus who should be eliminated, remarks that drew sharp condemnation.
Observers caution that when such rhetoric is voiced or tolerated by state institutions, it evokes a troubling historical legacy, leaving open the question of whether these statements are mere slips of the tongue or a deliberate psychological warfare strategy reminiscent of the Hutu Ten Commandments that preceded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
While the suspension of Gen Maj Ekenge may momentarily ease pressure, many observers contend that it does little to address the underlying climate of impunity surrounding hate speech and ethnic incitement within the DRC’s political and security establishment.
Currently, the nearest sources for these critical medical materials are often Egypt or, further afield, Europe. Domestic production is expected to reduce costs and create around 100 high-tech jobs in the nuclear and radiation sectors.
Remy Wilson Bana, acting division manager for nuclear and radiation safety at RURA, told the New Times that Rwanda has already acquired the necessary equipment.
“Economically, this is a great achievement because most Rwandans have been going abroad, especially in India or Europe, for diagnosis,” Bana explained, adding that nuclear medicine allows doctors to track diseases early, improving treatment outcomes.
The initiative, backed by the government in partnership with Aegle Onco Care, will see nuclear medicine departments licensed at major hospitals, including Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital and King Faisal Hospital. It also complements existing cancer care infrastructure, such as MRI, CT scans, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgeries.
The move marks Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional medical hub, reduce reliance on imported medical isotopes, and offer high-quality healthcare at home.
The UK’s Home Office announced visa restrictions on DRC citizens late on Saturday, citing the country’s insufficient cooperation with British authorities in repatriating migrants without legal status in the UK. The restrictions include the revocation of fast‑track visa processing and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision‑makers. The UK government warned that further measures, up to a complete halt of visas for DRC nationals, could follow if cooperation does not improve.
At the same time, Angola and Namibia have agreed to accept the return of illegal migrants and foreign criminals. The agreements were reached after the British government threatened visa penalties for any country that refused to cooperate with deportations of its nationals living in the UK without legal permission.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the UK expects countries to “play by the rules” and take back their citizens if they have no right to be in the UK. She added that the visa measures are part of broader reforms intended to tighten asylum rules and ensure faster deportations of irregular migrants.
The move to curb DRC visas comes amid a wider push by the UK government to enforce stricter immigration controls, reflecting ongoing challenges related to irregular migration and asylum backlogs. While Angola and Namibia responded positively to the UK’s pressure by agreeing to take back migrants, the DRC has yet to meet the cooperation standards required, prompting the visa curbs.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Rwanda “fully aligns with the statements issued by the African Union and the East African Community in support of Somalia” and encouraged efforts towards a path based on shared peace and prosperity, in accordance with international law.
The position follows strong remarks from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who rejected any recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and reiterated the AU’s “unwavering commitment” to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia.
He reaffirmed the AU’s long-standing stance, grounded in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, particularly the principle of respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as established by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity.
The AU Commission firmly rejected any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland, stressing that the region remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It warned that actions undermining Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity risk setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across Africa.
The Commission also reiterated its full support for Somalia’s federal authorities as they seek to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions and advance inclusive governance.
The renewed diplomatic focus comes after Israel announced on Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, becoming the first country to make such a declaration. The announcement prompted a sharp response from Mogadishu, with Somalia’s federal government describing the move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that could undermine regional peace.
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in May 1991, following years of conflict that left the country in turmoil. Despite maintaining its own government, security structures and currency, it has long lacked formal international recognition.
Several international actors have since distanced themselves from Israel’s declaration. The United States said it would continue to recognise Somalia’s territorial integrity, explicitly stating that this includes Somaliland. The European Union also criticised the move, warning that it threatens peace and security in the region, while urging Somalia and Somaliland to resolve their long-standing differences through dialogue.
Rwanda’s statement adds to mounting regional and international support for the AU’s position that Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld.
As the year draws to a close, this sense of reflection has become part of the national mood. Beyond statistics, projects and public milestones, 2025 has reminded Rwandans that progress is shaped by people, leaders, artists, and public servants whose lives and work helped move the country forward. Their absence is felt not only in their respective fields but in the collective memory of a nation that continues to draw strength from their example and sacrifice.
This article revisits some of the distinguished individuals who did not live to see the end of 2025, honouring the lives they lived and the lasting impact they made.
{{1. Lt. Gen. Innocent Kabandana
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He was one of the generals in the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF). Lt. Gen. Innocent Kabandana, who led peacekeeping operations in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique, passed away on September 7, 2025, due to illness. A career military officer, he was known for his dedication and discipline, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership and contributing to building a resilient army.
{{2. Ingabire Marie Immaculée
}}
She was well known for her advocacy for justice, fighting against corruption and injustice, particularly during her time as the Executive Director of Transparency International Rwanda. She was an outspoken voice on accountability for leaders at all levels of government. Her work extended beyond national borders, contributing to international discussions on human rights and governance. She passed away on October 9, 2025, after battling illness.
{{3. Alain Mukuralinda (“Alain Muku”)
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Alain Mukuralinda, also known as Alain Muku, was the Deputy Government Spokesperson and a lawyer who previously served as a national prosecutor. He also worked in music and supported artists. Beyond his professional duties, he was a mentor to young people and an advocate for talent development. He passed away on April 4, 2025, after suffering from a heart condition.
{{4. Jean Lambert Gatare
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Jean Lambert Gatare became a household name among football enthusiasts for his talent in broadcasting sports. He was a respected figure in the media, especially in sports commentary, and was a key figure in advertising. He passed away on March 22, 2025, while receiving treatment in India.
{{5. Aissa Kirabo Kacyira
}}
A distinguished diplomat and urban development expert, Aissa Kirabo Kacyira served as the Mayor of Kigali and later as Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She played a pivotal role in Rwanda’s urban planning, advocating for sustainable city development and international partnerships that enhanced Kigali’s global reputation. She passed away on August 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and transformative urban initiatives that continue to benefit Rwanda and Africa at large.
{{6. Alphonse Kilimobenecyo
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Known for his significant contributions to the design of national symbols, including the national flag, currency notes, and coins, Kilimobenecyo Alphonse was one of Rwanda’s most talented artists. He passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 66.
{{7. Claudine DeLucco Uwanyiligira
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Claudine DeLucco Uwanyiligira played a significant role in the development of the media sector in Rwanda. She was the Deputy Director-General of the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), where she was known for professionalism and capacity-building. She later worked in the United States at Global Solutions Agency LLC, overseeing projects in Africa and the Caribbean. She passed away on January 14, 2025.
{{8. Joseph Murekeraho
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Although not widely known, Joseph Murekeraho made contributions to social and community development in Rwanda. He served as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education from 2007 to 2008, overseeing primary and secondary education. He passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 73.
9. Protais Mitali
Mitali Protais was another unsung hero whose work in Rwanda’s development space touched many lives. Whether through social initiatives, professional achievements, or community engagement, Protais’ contributions were marked by diligence and a commitment to positive change. His work continues to inspire those who carry forward similar missions.
{{10. Madeleine Mukanemeye (“Mama Mukura”)
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Mama Mukura was a well-known name in Rwanda, especially among sports fans, particularly those who supported the national football team and Mukura VS. Beyond her love for sports, Madeleine was known for her charitable work, caring for others without expecting anything in return.
{{11. Speciose Mukabayojo
}}
Speciose Mukabayojo was the youngest child of King Yuhi V Musinga. She passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 93. She was one of the children who fled with King Musinga when he was exiled to Moba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire).
{{12. Josephine Murebwayire
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Josephine Murebwayire played a key role in helping survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Her contributions to the welfare of survivors and the healing of the community are remembered with deep appreciation.
{{13. Natty Dread
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Natty Dread was a well-known reggae artist in Rwanda. His music touched the hearts of many, and he was an important figure in the Rwandan music scene. He passed away this year, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
{{14. Gloriose “Gogo” Musabyimana
}}
“Known as ‘Gogo,’ Musabyimana Gloriose was a beloved artist in Rwanda. She passed away unexpectedly in September 2025 due to illness while on a missionary trip in Uganda, leaving a void in the music community.”
While we mourn the loss of the individuals who contributed significantly to our country, we honour their legacies in leadership, culture, media, civil society, and beyond. Their memory will live on as we continue to build the Rwanda that we aspire to be.
Here are the top destinations to celebrate the festive season in style:
{{Kigali: The urban holiday heartbeat}}
As the festive season begins, the capital Kigali is already aglow with lights and culinary delights. Known as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest cities, it is perfect for those seeking holiday cheer with a cosmopolitan twist.
The Kigali Convention Centre and surrounding streets are glowing with seasonal lights that frame romantic evening strolls and festive selfies. Dotted across the city are cosy cafés and restaurants serving menus that highlight local flavours with international flair, with many offering special dishes and treats for the festive season.
While street food is rare due to strict public health regulations, Kigali boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Restaurants and eateries offer diverse cuisines, with neighbourhoods like Nyamirambo standing out for their culinary charm. Biryogo in Nyamirambo is a favourite for sampling local dishes such as pilau, brochettes, and traditional Rwandan staples like sweet potatoes, cassava, and hearty stews.
For festive fine dining and lively entertainment, Kigali’s top restaurants, such as Atelier du Vin, Boho, Poivre Noir, and Inka Steakhouse, offer elegant menus that showcase seasonal ingredients, innovative twists on classic dishes, and carefully curated drinks, creating the perfect setting for celebrations with friends and family. Heaven Restaurant is a great family spot, serving modern African cuisine alongside local art.
Top hotels are spread across the city for anyone seeking a calm retreat, offering comfortable rooms, festive dining options, and panoramic views of Kigali’s twinkling hills, perfect for relaxing between celebrations.
For a bit of adventure, head to Fazenda Sengha on Mount Kigali. Enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, and archery while soaking in breathtaking views of the city.
{{Lake Kivu: Peaceful waters & sunset dreams
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If your ideal holiday blends slow mornings, lake breezes and spectacular sunsets, Lake Kivu is hard to beat. One of Africa’s great lakes, it’s framed by hills and dotted with emerald islands that seem designed for lingering afternoons.
Rubavu (Gisenyi) is the liveliest lakeside town during the festive season, with Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offering beachfront parties, live music and beach picnics under twinkling stars. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, boat cruises and even coffee plantation tours that take in both scenic views and Rwanda’s celebrated coffee culture.
For a quieter, more intimate escape, the town of Karongi is ideal. Walk hand‑in‑hand along the shoreline at sunset, enjoy romantic meals at lakeside cafés, and savour fresh fish from the water, perhaps served in unique lakeside venues such as Tam Tam Bikini, where boat hulls double as tables against the backdrop of setting suns.
{{Volcanoes National Park: Christmas in the clouds
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For a holiday that feels truly transformative, head north to Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This misty terrain of bamboo forests and volcano ridges is perfect for a Christmas morning trek that few destinations can rival.
Once you’ve met a gentle silverback and his family, there’s no better way to feel thankful and awed during the season. Beyond gorillas, Golden Monkey trekking, birdwatching and volcano hikes add rich layers to your mountain adventure.
Luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest set the tone for your evenings with warm fires, gourmet meals and landscapes that glow pink and gold at dusk. Not far from the park, the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offers festive cultural immersion through traditional dance, music and crafts, a heartfelt way to connect with Rwandan heritage.
{{Akagera National Park: A New Year’s safari celebration
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When the calendar flips to New Year’s Day, trade misty visions for the golden savannah of Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. This restored wilderness harbours East Africa’s Big Five, lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos, and boasts scenic lakes and wetlands that support abundant birdlife.
Guided game drives at dawn and dusk cast you into iconic African landscapes, while a boat safari on Lake Ihema offers a gentle New Year’s start with hippos and crocodiles lounging by the water’s edge. Camp options like Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Magashi Camp bring safari luxury to life with firelit dinners and star‑filled skies.
{{Nyungwe Forest: A green holiday adventure
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For a lush rainforest Christmas or New Year’s getaway, Nyungwe Forest National Park is unmatched. One of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nyungwe brims with biodiversity, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and over 300 bird species.
The Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the forest floor, offers breathtaking perspectives over verdant treetops, and guided chimpanzee treks bring you up close to our closest animal relatives. Stay at One&Only Nyungwe House, set amidst tranquil tea plantations with spa moments and refined cuisine, a restorative way to close out the year.
{{Hidden gems to enrich your festive break
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Rwanda’s festive charm goes beyond its headline attractions, offering experiences that are equally rich and memorable.
In Nyanza, visitors walk through the King’s Palace Museum, admire the regal Inyambo cows, and immerse themselves in Rwanda’s royal history. The town’s calm streets and cultural sites make it a peaceful stop for those seeking a more reflective holiday experience.
Musanze invites exploration of the ancient Musanze Caves, where dramatic limestone formations reveal landscapes shaped by volcanic forces over millennia. The surrounding hills offer scenic trails, making it a perfect spot for hiking and photography.
The Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo provide a tranquil lakeside escape. Visitors enjoy boat rides, hiking, and birdwatching, all set against the stunning backdrop of volcanic peaks, creating a serene and restorative festive experience.
In the south, Huye pulses with cultural richness. The Ethnographic Museum showcases Rwanda’s art, history, and traditions, while nearby coffee plantations provide aromatic journeys into one of the country’s most celebrated exports.
For nature enthusiasts, Gishwati‑Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s newest forest reserve, offers immersive forest hikes, primate spotting, and vibrant wildlife experiences, making it an ideal destination for conservation-minded travellers during the festive season.
Nteziryayo succeeds Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, whose six-year tenure saw BRD undergo significant institutional growth, strengthened financial performance, and expanded its role in mobilising both domestic and external capital to support Rwanda’s national development priorities.
During the past six years, data show that BRD’s total assets grew from Frw 157 billion to over Frw 1.02 trillion, while the loan portfolio increased from Frw 167 billion to Frw 710 billion. Annual profitability turned around from a loss to a profit of Frw 22.8 billion, reflecting improved financial sustainability. The bank also achieved a fourfold leverage effect, mobilising three additional francs from external sources for every franc invested by the government.
Over the same period, BRD’s investments contributed to a wide range of national priorities. Notable achievements included connecting over 500,000 households to electricity, raising export volumes from 80 metric tonnes to 8,566 metric tonnes, and issuing Rwanda’s first sustainability-linked bond, which raised Frw 63.5 billion for impact-driven projects. In education, the digitalisation of the Government student bursary scheme enabled faster disbursements and expanded support for post-graduation bursary reimbursements.
Nteziryayo, currently a member of BRD’s Board of Directors, brings over a decade of experience in macroeconomic policy, debt management, fiscal strategy, and sustainable finance. She previously served as Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, where she played a central role in shaping Rwanda’s medium-term economic framework, coordinating sovereign financing, and enhancing fiscal sustainability.
Her appointment is expected to ensure continuity and provide deep institutional insight as BRD embarks on its next phase of growth, further supporting Rwanda’s development across sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, affordable housing, green finance, and exports.
BRD, established in 1967, continues to play a key role in providing long-term, tailored financing to sectors critical for Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, aligned with Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation.
The increase follows recent upgrades to Kigali’s international golf course, which now includes additional facilities such as tennis courts, a gym and expanded clubhouse amenities designed to serve golfers and sports enthusiasts alike.
Speaking at the annual members’ appreciation event, Donel Rama, Golf Operations Manager at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas, said the expansion has significantly increased both usage and membership.
“At present, the facility can host up to 1,000 people, depending on the nature of the activities taking place. We currently have 726 registered members, including 566 active golf players,” Rama said.
Membership is offered under several annual subscription categories, tailored to different user needs. These range from packages for regular golfers to options targeting wellness users and families, as well as special rates for junior players.
The packages include Platinum Membership at Frw 5 million per year, Golf Membership at Frw 4 million, International Premium Membership at Frw 3.25 million, Elite Wellness Membership at Frw 2.6 million, and Social Membership at Frw 1.6 million. Corporate Membership, which allows up to five individuals to share access, is priced at Frw 29.5 million annually.
Junior golf training programmes are also available, with fees set at Frw 400,000 for children under 12 years, Frw 600,000 for those under 15, Frw 800,000 for those under 18, and Frw 2 million for youths aged between 19 and 25.
In a move aimed at widening access, Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas has begun introducing selected services for non-members, marking a shift towards greater public engagement with the facility.
As part of this initiative, the golf course will host New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, 2025, with members of the public allowed entry at a fee of Frw 100,000. The event, sponsored by Sensitive Group and featuring DJ Marnoud, will grant attendees access to a range of on-site services as they usher in the New Year.
Management of the Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course (RUGC), which oversees the development, said the move is part of a broader strategy to increase utilisation ahead of the planned resumption of Phase II of the project, estimated to cost about $140 million.
The second phase is expected to include residential units surrounding the golf course and a high-end hotel. Once implemented, the investment is projected to generate average annual returns of about 13 per cent over a 15-year period.
“The TARIFFS are responsible for the GREAT USA Economic Numbers JUST ANNOUNCED…AND THEY WILL ONLY GET BETTER! Also, NO INFLATION & GREAT NATIONAL SECURITY. Pray for the US Supreme Court!!! President DJT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Recent government data show that the U.S. economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter of 2025, the fastest pace in two years, propelled by strong consumer spending, increased government investment, and rising exports. Trump and his allies argue that revenue from tariffs helped strengthen the economy by narrowing the trade deficit and boosting domestic production.
Despite this headline growth, economic sentiment among Americans is weakening. Consumer confidence has fallen for the fifth straight month, marking its longest decline since 2008. The University of Michigan and other surveys show that households are increasingly worried about prices, job prospects, and rising living costs a trend economists link in part to the higher prices that tariffs can cause by making imported goods more expensive.
The mixed signals present a complicated picture for policymakers. While GDP growth suggests resilience, the slump in consumer confidence raises concerns about future spending and economic momentum heading into 2026. Some analysts caution that the growth could be temporary and partly influenced by shifting consumer behaviour, such as front‑loading purchases ahead of expected price increases.
Trump’s stance on tariffs remains a central part of his economic narrative. He and members of his economic team continue to defend the policy, claiming it protects domestic industries and contributes to stronger overall economic performance. However, critics argue that the long‑term impact of tariffs may include higher costs for consumers and uncertainty in global trade relations.
The ministry said Russian forces also launched a large-scale strike against Ukrainian military-industrial sites and energy infrastructure in retaliation for Ukraine’s attacks on civilian facilities inside Russia.
“The objectives of the strike have been fully achieved. All designated targets have been neutralized,” the ministry said.
The war in Ukraine continues, with both sides engaged in an ongoing struggle for territorial control. As the conflict approaches its fourth year, uncertainty remains over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its military efforts amid heavy personnel and equipment losses.
