The lawsuit, filed on Monday in federal court in Miami, Florida, argues that the BBC manipulated footage of Trump’s remarks in its flagship current affairs programme Panorama, which broadcast the segment in the run‑up to the November 2024 vote. Trump’s legal team says the edits made it appear he urged supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol and “fight like hell,” while omitting key portions in which he called for peaceful protest.
Trump is seeking $5 billion in damages for defamation and an additional $5 billion for alleged violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act bringing the total to $10 billion. The complaint accuses the BBC of publishing a “false, defamatory… and malicious depiction of President Trump” that could have influenced public perception during the election cycle.
In recent weeks, the BBC acknowledged that the documentary clips were edited in a way that gave the wrong impression, with BBC Chairman Samir Shah calling the episode an “error of judgment.” However, the corporation has rejected the defamation claims and said it believes there is no legal basis for the lawsuit, even as its leadership faced intense scrutiny.
The controversy triggered significant leadership changes at the broadcaster. Both the BBC’s Director‑General Tim Davie and the head of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following the revelations of editorial mishandling and internal criticism.
This legal action is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s disputes with major media outlets. Over the past year, he has taken legal action against several U.S. news organisations, including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, over what he says are defamatory portrayals, though such cases often face significant legal hurdles.
Speaking to IGIHE, Dr Uwituze, who was recently appointed alongside Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, the new Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, said the new leadership at MINAGRI will focus on streamlining irrigation projects and ensuring that established schemes deliver tangible results in both food production and export-oriented crops.
She said particular emphasis will be placed on fast-tracking irrigation projects in areas already earmarked and funded for such interventions.
“We will put strong emphasis on ensuring that areas designated for irrigation and already financed move quickly through technical processes, procurement and implementation, so that national targets set for citizens are achieved without delay,” she said.
“Secondly, we will work to ensure that the irrigated schemes we have established produce sufficient food crops, as well as cash crops that earn foreign exchange for the country.”
Dr Uwituze noted that increased production must go hand in hand with improved market access, citing instances where farmers harvest produce only for it to spoil due to lack of buyers.
“If we do this well, we can achieve sufficient, high-quality production. That must be matched with market access, because there are times when produce is harvested but ends up spoiling at collection centres. These issues must be addressed in a coordinated manner,” she said.
She added that the ministry will also intensify efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture by promoting climate-smart farming practices and strengthening measures to address the impact of excessive rainfall or prolonged dry spells.
{{Addressing hunger in Kayonza
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The issue of hunger has recently drawn attention in Kayonza District, where prolonged drought has affected residents in the sectors of Ndego, Mwiri, Kabare and Rwinkwavu.
The situation was among the factors that led to the dismissal of district officials, following reports that residents in the affected areas were facing acute food shortages due to persistent dry conditions.
The drought, marked by limited rainfall and dry conditions, has forced some residents to migrate in search of food.
This challenge is not new, as the government has often had to provide food assistance to these communities on an annual basis. However, reports indicate that local authorities failed to submit timely reports on the situation, allegedly concealing the severity of hunger in the affected sectors.
Once the central government became aware of the situation, emergency food assistance was immediately deployed. Each household is receiving beans and maize sufficient to last approximately 15 days.
A household of five people, for instance, is being provided with 37 kilograms of maize and 15 kilograms of beans. Distribution has already started across all four affected sectors.
{{Irrigation project under scrutiny
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Kayonza District is also home to the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project (KIIWP), a government-funded initiative that was expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Despite substantial investment, the project has yet to deliver the anticipated results.
Dr Uwituze acknowledged the long-standing climatic challenges in the area, noting that Kayonza is known for receiving limited rainfall.
“This is an area that is naturally prone to low rainfall. What we have committed to do is to put in place daily monitoring to understand what is likely to happen and how best to prepare,” she said.
“In particular, we will allocate crop varieties that require less water and mature quickly.”
She explained that agricultural interventions in the area will be tailored to local climatic conditions rather than applying standard national programmes.
“If maize takes five months to mature, yet rainfall in the area lasts only about two months, then we must design programmes that reflect the local climate. The goal is to ensure communities do not continue to lose harvests or suffer hunger while we are present,” she said.
Dr Uwituze said that while immediate food assistance has stabilised the situation, longer-term solutions are already being implemented.
“At the moment, residents have food to eat, but we are also introducing fast-maturing crops such as sweet potatoes. We are also considering short-cycle bean varieties that mature in about 45 days, so that alongside the food aid, communities can grow and harvest their own food within a short period.”
In a statement dated December 15, 2025, and signed by its coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the AFC/M23 said the decision follows recent progress within the Doha Peace Process, including the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement on November 15, 2025. The group stated that the withdrawal was carried out at the request of United States mediation, which it described as part of broader international efforts to facilitate a lasting political solution to the conflict.
According to the communiqué, the alliance said it opted for the withdrawal despite what it described as continued provocations and abuses by the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied forces. AFC/M23 maintained that the move was intended to give the peace process “the maximum chance” to succeed and to demonstrate goodwill toward dialogue.
However, the group also expressed concern over past experiences in which it claims its previous trust-building measures were exploited by FARDC, Wazalendo militias and allied forces to retake territory and target civilians perceived as sympathetic to AFC/M23. In this context, the alliance called on the guarantors of the peace process to put in place concrete measures to manage the situation in Uvira following its withdrawal.
These measures, according to the statement, should include the demilitarisation of the city, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and the monitoring of the ceasefire through the deployment of a neutral force. AFC/M23 said such mechanisms are necessary to prevent a security vacuum and to ensure that the withdrawal does not result in renewed violence against the local population.
The communiqué also addressed the presence of armed groups hostile to the Government of Burundi operating in eastern DRC. AFC/M23 stated that it would not allow areas it previously controlled to be used as rear bases for attacks that could undermine relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, stressing the importance of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries.
The AFC/M23 group captured Uvira last week, describing the move as an effort to liberate the city from what it called ethnic atrocities being committed against the local population by coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government.
“For more than three months, we have denounced the spread of hate speech, targeted attacks, and massacres in areas previously liberated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime and their ally, Burundi. Today, the threat has been removed, and Uvira is now liberated,” AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced.
The withdrawal from Uvira marks a significant development in the evolving conflict dynamics in South Kivu, where control of strategic cities has frequently shifted amid fighting between government forces, local militias and armed movements. While the AFC/M23 framed its move as a step toward de-escalation, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with the durability of the withdrawal likely to depend on the implementation of agreed security arrangements and the credibility of ongoing peace talks.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the withdrawal contributes to renewed momentum for dialogue or opens a new phase of contestation over control of Uvira and its surroundings.
The central bank announced on Monday that the offering will run from December 15 to December 17, 2025, giving investors an opportunity to participate in a competitive bidding process.
The bonds, which will mature in 2040, offer investors regular interest payments throughout their term. The minimum investment is Frw 100,000, while individual investors can place bids of up to Frw 50 million. Successful bidders will be notified via email by 5:00 PM on December 17, 2025.
Investors who wish to access funds before maturity can do so through the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE). Through licensed brokers, bondholders can sell their holdings at market prices, providing flexibility and liquidity.
Government bonds in Rwanda are issued both as new issues and through reopenings, with maturities ranging from 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, to 20 years. They provide a safe, long-term investment, allowing individuals to plan for goals such as children’s education, retirement, or major projects.
By purchasing government bonds, investors lend funds to the state while earning predictable returns. At maturity, the principal is fully repaid, and interest payments are made on schedule. The use of Rwandan francs ensures local participation, and the bonds are issued monthly to meet both investor demand and government financing needs.
This latest reopening offers a secure and flexible investment opportunity for individuals and institutions, while supporting Rwanda’s broader economic development.
The program, launched in March 2025, brought together 24 professional women from financial institutions, who joined 78 other women from various sectors under the broader LiftHerUp program this year, bringing the total to 102 participants. Through a structured mentorship journey combining group mentorship, optional one-on-one sessions and monthly masterclasses delivered both virtually and in person, participants strengthened their leadership capacity and career direction.
The program concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025, with a colourful and engaging closing ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, themed “Owning Your Growth,” where participants themselves led the event, shared impact stories and reflected on their nine-month journey.
According to organisers, the program recorded an average satisfaction rating of 4.74 out of 5, with most participants indicating they would recommend it to others.
Beyond satisfaction, the mentorship delivered tangible outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved leadership skills, expanded professional networks and clearer career goals. Several women also shared experiences of promotions and successful career transitions linked to insights and accountability gained through mentorship.
A panel discussion during the closing event brought together senior leaders Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda; and Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law.
Dr. Karusisi said mentorship plays a critical role in helping women see leadership as attainable.
“My objective was to demystify leadership, to show that leaders are just normal human beings and that anyone in this room can aspire to lead,” she said.
Mutimura, who attended the event as a supporter of the program, said intentional growth and continuous learning are essential for long-term success.
“Growth doesn’t happen by accident; you must be intentional and consistent,” he told participants, adding that mentorship remains close to his heart.
Kabasinga said she accepted the invitation to support the program because of her passion for empowering women, encouraging participants to take ownership of their journeys and not shy away from ambition.
The 2025 cohort drew women professionals from a wide range of organisations, including Bralirwa, Irembo, Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), MTN, Ecobank, Canal+, Old Mutual, NCBA, I&M Bank, Sanlam, One Acre Fund, Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Umwalimu SACCO, among other leading institutions.
Speaking on the program’s impact, Belinda Bwiza, Co-Founder of Women in Finance Rwanda, noted that initiatives like LiftHerUp play a critical role in strengthening women’s representation in leadership by addressing both skills and confidence gaps that often hold women back.
“We are building a movement that is much bigger than any of us,” she said, encouraging participants and mentors to continue engaging and paying the impact forward.
Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, said the partnership with Women in Finance Rwanda helped deepen the program’s reach within the financial sector, including the full sponsorship of 24 participants.
“This is just the beginning, next year we expect the partnership to grow even stronger,” she said, adding that the collaboration with WIFR has strengthened trust and engagement within the sector and is expected to grow in future cohorts.
She emphasised that mentorship remains one of the most effective tools for growth, noting that while education provides knowledge, mentorship creates space for reflection, practical learning, and intentional decision-making that supports long-term leadership development. For many participants, the program marked a turning point in how they approach their careers and leadership roles.
Umutoneshwa Luminaire Sacrée, an ESMS Lead at Bank of Kigali, said the mentorship helped her move from doubt to decisive action.
“Before LiftHerUp, I doubted whether my decisions were truly taking me forward, even when others believed in me. A turning point was when my mentor encouraged me to follow up on a role I’d been considered for. I pushed through the discomfort, and I got the position,” she said.
Linda Rubanza, a Sales Officer at I&M Bank Rwanda (Cohort 2025), said the program strengthened her confidence and clarified her career direction.
“The program gave me the clarity I needed, strengthened my confidence and shifted my mindset toward continuous growth. Today, I approach challenges with a growth mindset and feel more prepared to seize opportunities,” she said.
Launched in 2023, Women in Finance Rwanda (WIFR) is a foundation dedicated to empowering women to excel in their careers and navigate the evolving finance industry.
The LiftHerUp x WIFR Mentorship Program builds on the wider LiftHerUp initiative, which has supported over 400 women since its inception four years ago. Organisers say they remain committed to expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening women’s leadership pipelines in Rwanda and beyond.
The star-studded gathering drew government officials, celebrities, former pageant contestants, and sports stars, celebrating the journey of a young woman whose life story goes far beyond the crown.
Among the notable attendees were the Minister of Public Service and Labour, Ambassador Christine Nkurikiyinka, and former Miss Rwanda winners, including Jolly Mutesi, Liliane Iradukunda, and Meghan Nimwiza. Previous contestants such as Darina Kayumba, Claudine Muyango, Pamella Uwicyeza, and Shanitah Umunyana also graced the occasion.
“We are here to support you, we are behind you, and I hope everyone in this room will go out as your ambassadors,” the Minister remarked.
The event also featured celebrities such as Bull Dogg, Juno Kizigenza, Christopher, and Ruti Joel, who entertained the guests, alongside performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. APR BBC basketball stars Ntore Habimana, Adonis Filer, and Axel Mpoyo also attended as special guests, interacting with attendees and joining in the celebrations.
One of the most notable announcements of the evening was Nishimwe’s initiative to distribute more than 10,000 copies of her memoir to schools and community libraries across Rwanda. Targeting young people who may not have access to books, the initiative aims to empower youth to read, dream, and work toward brighter futures. Each book is priced at 40,000 Rwandan francs, and several attendees immediately pledged support, placing orders to contribute to the program.
{{A memoir of growth, faith, and resilience
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More Than a Crown chronicles Nishimwe’s life before, during, and after her reign as Miss Rwanda. The memoir explores her childhood, struggles with self-esteem, mental health challenges, and the pressures of social media, as well as insights into her marriage to Michael Tesfay in December 2024.
Nishimwe uses the book to reflect on moments of joy and hardship, offering readers lessons in resilience, faith, and personal growth.
“Before the crown, there was Naomie. There was Naomie with the crown, and now there’s Naomie after the crown. Wearing the crown felt like a season, but not my whole identity. This book is for everyone, to inspire each person who feels unseen or misunderstood by society,” Nishimwe shared.
“Tonight we’re not just launching a book, we’re celebrating a journey. More Than a Crown is a reminder that every person is more than the titles people give them, more than their past, more than their struggles, and more than the crown society places on them.”
During the launch, Nishimwe recounted that Chapter 9, which deals with loss and personal pain, was particularly challenging to write.
“It was a big conversation with myself, full of so much pain. Sharing it helps me heal and create a safe space for others to feel seen and understood,” she explained.
During post-launch interviews, Nishimwe expressed her excitement at the overwhelming support from attendees, with over 100 copies signed during the event alone. She emphasised the importance of her book donation initiative, noting that most of her followers are high school-aged and that the program is designed to give back and encourage young readers.
“The moment this book inspires people to dream big, believe in themselves, and step out of their comfort zones, that is when I know it has succeeded,” Nishimwe said.
She also revealed plans to take the memoir on a global tour next year, including Uganda, Kenya, the U.S., and Europe, aiming to create a community where people can share their stories without judgment.
Her husband, Michael Tesfay, delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising the memoir as a reflection of Nishimwe’s courage, authenticity, and journey of growth.
“This book is more than a story; it is a reflection of her heart, her strength, and her courage to be vulnerable in front of the world,” Tesfay said.
Representatives from Imagine We Publishers highlighted the importance of amplifying African voices and stories that reflect contemporary challenges and triumphs. The memoir, they said, represents the post-genocide generation navigating modern life with resilience and hope.
More Than a Crown is available through Imagine We Publishers in Rwanda and is also available to a global readership on Amazon.
The one-day experience brought together more than 60 participants, including popular personalities such as Social Mulla, Ndimbati, Fally Merci, Rusine, Umushumba and Papy Ndahiro, for a mix of adventure and exploration in one of Rwanda’s most iconic natural reserves.
Setting off early in the morning, the group immersed themselves in three of Nyungwe’s signature attractions: ziplining, the canopy walk and guided hiking through the rainforest.
The highlight of the day was the ziplining experience, which unfolded across three sections named after Nyungwe’s famous primates. Participants first crossed the 335-metre Chimpanzee Section, followed by the 580-metre Colobus Section, before concluding with the Monkey Section, the longest stretch spanning 1,020 metres. The experience offered sweeping aerial views of the dense forest canopy below.
After ziplining, the group proceeded to the Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge that provided a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest, allowing participants to experience Nyungwe from a rare and elevated perspective. The adventure concluded with a guided hike, during which participants learned more about the park’s rich biodiversity, flora and fauna.
Speaking to IGIHE, event organiser Amen Babu Rugemana expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors and celebrities whose online engagement helped amplify the experience.
“I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible, our sponsors, partners and the celebrities who shared photos and videos from the tour. Their support helps showcase Rwanda’s beauty and tourism potential,” he said.
Buoyed by the positive response, Rugemana revealed plans to organise more similar trips aimed at encouraging Rwandans to explore local destinations.
“This was just the beginning. Many people are eager to discover Nyungwe and other attractions. I want to continue making these experiences accessible and bring people together to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty,” he added.
Beyond adventure and entertainment, the tour aimed to inspire greater appreciation of Rwanda’s natural heritage, encouraging locals to explore and take pride in the country’s ecological treasures.
The growing attraction and adventure facilities at Nyungwe are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to leverage its natural heritage for sustainable tourism growth. Over the past year, Nyungwe National Park welcomed more than 26,000 visitors, a 20 per cent increase from 2023, generating over $2 million in revenue.
Nationwide, Rwanda’s tourism sector earned over $647 million in 2024, a 4.3% rise compared to the previous year. That figure stood at just $7 million in 2005. The country now targets $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.
Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. It is home to 98 mammal species, including 13 species of primates, representing 12% of all primates in Africa. The park also shelters over 1,000 species of flowering plants, 240 species of trees, and 320 species of birds, some of which are endemic.
This richness led to Nyungwe’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, further strengthening its role as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s conservation and eco-tourism strategy.
Addressing Council members on Friday, December 12, during a briefing on the DRC and the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, Amb. Ngoga urged the Council to base its decisions on verified facts from the field, particularly amid worsening violence targeting the Banyamulenge and other Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsi communities in South Kivu.
He stressed that as MONUSCO’s mandate comes up for renewal, Rwanda expects a mission firmly anchored in the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Framework, which he described as the only viable pathways to sustainable peace.
Critics say MONUSCO has failed to stabilize eastern DRC, despite more than 20 years of UN peacekeeping and tens of billions of dollars in funding.
Amb. Ngoga said the next MONUSCO mandate must prioritise strict impartiality and political neutrality, effective support to ceasefire implementation, political dialogue, and robust compliance with human rights due diligence policies.
He cautioned against offensive operations targeting parties previously engaged in political processes and called for a realistic, resource-conscious focus on stability, accountability, and political solutions.
“MONUSCO’s effectiveness will depend on how well it aligns its operations with the political tracks that offer the only viable path forward,” he said, reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to fully implement its obligations under the Washington Peace Agreement.
{{Early warning signs of atrocity crimes in South Kivu
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Turning to the situation in South Kivu, Amb. Ngoga delivered a detailed account of what he described as systematic persecution of the Banyamulenge community dating back to 2017.
He told the Council that more than 85 percent of Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu have been destroyed, while an estimated 700,000 cattle, the community’s main economic lifeline, have been raided or killed.
He cited multiple incidents from 2025, including ultimatums issued by Wazalendo militias and elements of the Congolese army (FARDC) demanding that Banyamulenge civilians leave Uvira or face death, denial of access to water points, abductions, killings, and attacks accompanied by chants calling for the community’s extermination.
“These are early warning indicators of atrocity crimes, discrimination, dehumanisation, forced displacement, and the denial of basic services,” he said.
Amb. Ngoga also raised alarm over the deployment of tens of thousands of Burundian soldiers into South Kivu at the invitation of the Congolese government, operating alongside FARDC, the FDLR, and allied militias.
He said coordinated military blockades imposed on Banyamulenge areas, particularly in the Minembwe Highlands, have deprived civilians of food, medicine, and humanitarian access for nearly a year.
He further highlighted repeated air attacks carried out by Congolese government forces and their allies, including drone strikes near internally displaced persons’ camps in Mikenge and Nzibira, and said at least 50 air attacks were recorded between March and December this year.
“No one is speaking about this,” he told the Council, adding that Rwanda has repeatedly raised these concerns with mediators, Council members, and regional mechanisms without response.
Drawing on historical parallels, Amb. Ngoga recalled how diplomats in the same chamber spoke out during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, despite never having been on the ground, and said their courage saved lives.
“As a former investigator, I know the importance of recreating the scene,” he said, urging the Security Council to use its authority to establish the factual reality in South Kivu rather than rely on silence or denial.
He also reiterated Rwanda’s long-standing concern over the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC, describing it as an existential threat to Rwanda and its people, and accusing successive Congolese governments of supporting the group despite existing UN resolutions. The militia group comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to eastern DRC.
Amb. Ngoga’s remarks come against the backdrop of rapidly changing dynamics in South Kivu. On 10 December 2025, the rebel coalition AFC/M23 confirmed the capture of the strategic city of Uvira, marking its deepest advance in the province this year.
The group described the takeover as a liberation and accused Kinshasa of repeated ceasefire violations, hate speech, and attacks against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities. It also cited direct military involvement by Burundi and cited the prolonged blockade of Minembwe, which has forced thousands of civilians to flee, many seeking refuge in Rwanda.
Addressing the escalating situation, Amb. Ngoga stressed that Rwanda is not seeking war and has no intention of engaging in conflict with Burundi. He called for renewed international support to ongoing mediation efforts, particularly those led by the United States and Qatar, and urged all parties to implement agreed commitments in good faith.
“This conflict has gone on for too long,” he said. “If we all commit to the Washington Agreement and fully support the Doha process, there is still a possibility for a peaceful solution.”
The fourth edition of the Africa Youth Games is taking place in Luanda, Angola, from 10 to 20 December 2025, with 54 countries participating. Rwanda is competing in six sports: Athletics, 3×3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis, Swimming, and Cycling.
In the cycling events held on 12 and 13 December, Akimana teamed up with Iransetsa Amina. While Akimana stood on the podium twice, finishing second in the time trial and third in the road race, Iransetsa placed 17th.
Strong performances at the games, held in Angola for the first time, will help Rwandan athletes qualify for the Youth Olympic Games scheduled in Dakar in 2026.
The attacks resulted in six fatalities and eight injuries, all members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent serving in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, the UN chief said in a statement.
Guterres expressed his “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the government and people of Bangladesh and to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
“Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians,” he said. “There will need to be accountability.”
In the statement, the UN chief reiterated the call on the warring parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process.
The Sudanese Armed Forces have accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out the strike, a claim the RSF has denied.
