“We expect to have complete and total dominance over Iranian airspace in the coming hours,” Leavitt said at the White House daily press briefing.
She added that deploying U.S. ground troops to Iran is not currently planned, though U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier he is open to the option in the future.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing that the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran is still in its early stages.
Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces will begin striking progressively deeper into the Iranian territory as operations expand.
Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have conducted their first coordinated attacks on Israel amid the ongoing escalation, the Israel Defence Forces told CNN on Wednesday.
On Saturday morning, U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with some of the leader’s family members, senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded through waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the United States will have “complete and total dominance” over Iranian airspace in the next few hours.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday, the regulator said the new pump prices will take effect from 6:00 am on March 5, 2026. The maximum retail price of gasoline (petrol), inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), will remain at Rwf 1,989 per litre, while diesel will be capped at Rwf 1,948 per litre.
The adjustment raises diesel from the Rwf 1,900 per litre rate that had been in place since November 2025. Petrol prices remain steady at the same level set during the review.
RURA Director General, Evariste Rugigana, said the revised pump prices “reflect prevailing trends in the international market for refined petroleum products, and measures taken by the Government of Rwanda to mitigate the impact of evolving global developments.”
Global fuel prices have recently surged by more than 10 percent following the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, which disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane that handles about 20 percent of the world’s traded oil.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, recently highlighted the risk of rising fuel and commodity prices due to the global supply chain disruptions.
Speaking during an interview with the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), he reassured the public that Rwanda’s fuel reserves remain stable and that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
He added that, if necessary, alternative markets will be explored to ensure continued economic stability.
The maximum retail price of gasoline (petrol), inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), will remain at Rwf 1,989 per litre, while diesel will be capped at Rwf 1,948 per litre.
Among the major resolutions adopted was a Ministerial Order granting release on parole to 1,874 convicts. The decision forms part of ongoing justice and rehabilitation efforts aimed at facilitating reintegration into society under established legal procedures.
Senior appointments approved
Cabinet also approved several high-level appointments across public institutions, according to a communiqué issued by the Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva Justin.
At the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR)Board of Directors, the following members were appointed:
Mr. Mukete Diko Jacob
Ms. Dushimire Alice
Mr. Nsengumuremyi Cyridion
Ms. Nabaasa Judith
Mr. Mwizerwa Jean Claude
Dr. Batamuliza Jennifer
Ms. Muhongerwa K Judith
For the Appeal Tribunal for Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status, Cabinet appointed:
Ms. Mukabagwiza Edda, Co-President
Mr. Rusanganwa Jean Damascene, Co-President
Ms. Mukanyundo Patricie, Member
Ms. Nyirinkwaya Immaculée, Member
Mr. Rudasigwa Joseph, Member
Mr. Mukama Augustin, Member
Mr. Ndabirora Kalinda Jean Damascene, Registrar
Within the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), appointments included:
Mr. Ingabire Jean Claude, Director General of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Ms. Mukobwa Justine, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
Ms. Uwimanimpaye Jeanne d’Arc, Coordinator of Gitagata Rehabilitation Centre
Mr. Bizimana Servilien, Coordinator of Ngarama Rehabilitation Centre
At the Ministry of Environment, Cabinet appointed:
Dr. Biraro Mireille, Registrar of Land Titles
Mr. Twizeyeyezu Jean Pierre, Registrar of Land Titles
Mr. Uwaysenga Vedaste, Registrar of Land Titles
Ms. Kanyamugenge Akimana Adeline, Division Manager for Inspection at the National Land Authority
For the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), the following officials were named:
Mr. Uwiduheye Jean d’Amour, Head of Department of Mines, Petroleum and Gas Exploration
Ms. Umuhorakeye Alice, Division Manager of Mining Extraction and Inspection
Mr. Maniragaba Ephrem, Division Manager of Mining Exploration
Ms. Kantengwa Catherine, Division Manager of Mining Cadaster and Digital Information
Key draft laws and policies
Beyond appointments and parole decisions, Cabinet approved several draft laws, including a draft organic law governing elections, a draft law on the National Commission for Human Rights, and a draft law regulating virtual assets businesses.
Cabinet also endorsed amendments to financing agreements between the Government of Rwanda and the International Fund for Agricultural Development relating to additional loans supporting small livestock markets and irrigation and watershed management projects.
In addition, members approved the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Policy, applications for mineral and quarry licenses, a housing development agreement with Bauhaus International Rwanda Ltd, and the lease of state land to Kivu Waterfront Limited for investment purposes.
International engagements and upcoming events
Cabinet granted agrément to new diplomats representing Sweden, South Africa, and Cuba.
Ministers also briefed Cabinet on upcoming national and international engagements, including celebrations of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, Rwanda’s participation in the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, a three-month citizen outreach programme led by security organs, and preparations to host the International Astronautical Federation Global Space Conference on Climate Change (GLOC 2026) in June.
The Cabinet meeting was chaired by President Paul Kagame at at Urugwiro Village.
In a post published on X, Destexhe criticised recent U.S. sanctions imposed on Rwanda’s military and defended Kigali’s position in the ongoing eastern Congo conflict.
“It is the DRC (Congo) that should be sanctioned, not Rwanda,” he wrote. “The DRC ignited this conflict by persecuting Congolese Tutsis.”
Destexhe accused Kinshasa of failing to uphold its commitments under international agreements, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, and of maintaining ties with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to the DRC. He further pointed out that the Congolese government finances extremist Wazalendo militias and collaborates with foreign mercenaries.
According to Destexhe, ongoing bombings in Minembwe and drone strikes in eastern Congo demonstrate what he described as indiscriminate attacks affecting civilians. He argued that the ultimate objective of Kinshasa’s military posture appears to be confrontation with Rwanda.
His comments come days after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as an institution and four senior military officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga and other top commanders. Washington accused Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 rebel coalition operating in eastern Congo, allegations Kigali has consistently denied.
The Rwandan government expressed regret over the March 2, 2026, sanctions, calling them “unjust” and “one-sided.” In a statement, Kigali said the measures misrepresent the conflict and unfairly target only one party to the peace process.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed the Washington Accords in Washington, D.C., on December 4, 2025, aimed at restoring stability in eastern Congo. Under the agreement, Kinshasa committed to an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for the FDLR. However, the militia group remains active in the region despite the commitments outlined in the agreement.
Rwanda maintains that its actions along the border are defensive measures prompted by repeated attacks, including cross-border incidents.
In his post, Destexhe sharply criticised Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, alleging corruption and mismanagement, and arguing that the Congolese military is incapable of securing a decisive victory against M23. He urged U.S. policymakers to reconsider their approach.
“Wake up, America!” he stated.
Alain Destexhe, a former Belgian senator and researcher, has criticised recent U.S. sanctions imposed on Rwanda’s military and defended Kigali’s position in the ongoing eastern Congo conflict.
In a statement, the Embassy reassured that all Rwandans in both countries remain safe.
“The Embassy and Consulate team is in close contact with Rwandans within our jurisdiction and is coordinating with relevant entities to ensure our citizens receive the necessary services and support,” the statement read.
The advisory comes in the context of a critical escalation in the region following heavy strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. Iran has retaliated against neighbouring countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, causing disruptions to air traffic and widespread panic.
The Embassy urged all Rwandan citizens to follow the safety instructions issued by local authorities and particularly called on tourists stranded in the UAE to register their presence with the Embassy to facilitate necessary assistance.
The advisory comes in the context of a critical escalation in the region following heavy strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.
The decision, confirmed in a series of statements culminating on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, follows coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28. Subsequent retaliatory strikes across the Gulf have led to the widespread closure of regional airspace and the suspension of international travel hubs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The suspension impacts all three tiers of the AFC’s revamped club ecosystem. While the confederation initially deferred only the first-leg matches earlier this week, the continued volatility has forced a blanket postponement of the return legs originally scheduled for March 9 through March 11.
This wide-reaching freeze affects the AFC Champions League Elite knockout stages, as well as the quarter-final fixtures for both the AFC Champions League Two and the AFC Challenge League. In its official statement, the AFC emphasised that the safety and security of all stakeholders, including players, teams, officials, and fans, remains the highest priority.
This regional instability sidelines some of the continent’s most high-profile clubs and players during a critical juncture of the season. Among the key Elite Round of 16 matches now on hold are the highly anticipated matchups between Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE and Iran’s Tractor FC, as well as the high-stakes clash between Qatar’s Al Duhail and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli.
Other major fixtures facing indefinite delays include Al Wahda versus Al-Ittihad and the marquee meeting between Al Sadd and Al-Hilal. The disruption extends beyond the continental stage, as both the Qatar Football Association and the Iran Football Federation have moved to suspend all domestic sporting activities indefinitely.
The domestic halt in Qatar has also placed the 2026 Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium, in significant doubt. Despite the chaos in the West, the AFC confirmed that matches in the East Region involving clubs from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and China are currently proceeding as scheduled.
While the governing body is exploring the possibility of moving the West Region’s knockout stages to a centralised format later in April, no official dates have been set. Meanwhile, the conflict has cast a long shadow over the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iranian football officials publicly questioning their participation in the upcoming tournament hosted in North America this June.
According to the federation, the suspension impacts all three tiers of the AFC’s revamped club ecosystem.
The Rwandan contingent, known as Rwanbatt-1, received the honours during a medal-pinning ceremony held at the UN Tomping Compound in Juba. The colourful event brought together military personnel and UN officials to celebrate the battalion’s dedication and service over the past ten months.
Presiding over the ceremony was Major General Robert Yaw Affram, Deputy Force Commander of UNMISS, who underscored the deep significance of the award. He described the United Nations Medal as a powerful symbol of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to peace.
The Rwandan contingent, known as Rwanbatt-1, received the honours during a medal-pinning ceremony held at the UN Tomping Compound in Juba.
“The United Nations Medal you have received today is a symbol of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication to peace. It represents long days under challenging conditions, sleepless nights on operations, and the courage to stand firm in the face of uncertainty. It is earned, never given,” he said.
Major General Affram also conveyed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Defence Force for their continued support to UNMISS through the deployment of disciplined and capable troops.
Rwanbatt-1 Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Ndushabandi, commended the men and women of the battalion for their resilience, courage, and selfless service throughout their deployment. He urged them to sustain their commitment during the remainder of their mission.
“I urge the Rwanbatt-1 to maintain this momentum for the remainder of the deployment. Today’s medal-pinning ceremony marks yet another significant milestone in our noble service to humanity,” he stated.
The colourful event brought together military personnel and UN officials to celebrate the battalion’s dedication and service over the past ten months.
The ceremony featured a colourful military parade, during which the Rwanbatt-1 cultural troupe showcased both their discipline and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
Rwanda is currently the second-largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations after Nepal, with more than 5,000 military and police officers deployed across missions.
Presiding over the ceremony was Major General Robert Yaw Affram, Deputy Force Commander of UNMISS, who described the United Nations Medal as a powerful symbol of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to peace.Rwanbatt-1 cultural troupe showcased both their discipline and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump told reporters at the beginning of his talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office.
“By the way I’m not happy with the UK either,” Trump said. “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament on Monday that Britain is not joining the U.S.-Israeli “offensive strikes” on Iran.
Merz is the first foreign leader to meet Trump in person since the U.S. administration launched large-scale airstrikes against Iran on Saturday morning. The two leaders said the Iran operation will be a major topic during their closed-door meeting.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to “cut off all trade with Spain” for Spain’s refusal to allow the U.S. military to use its base for attacks on Iran.
But beyond the ward rounds and clinical consultations, another mission has been steadily unfolding, one that could reshape the future of medical research in Rwanda.
A question that changed everything
Like many young doctors, Dr. Munyaneza entered medicine driven by curiosity and a desire to serve. Science fascinated him. So did the power of evidence, how data and research could shape decisions, strengthen health systems, and influence national policy.
Dr. Faustin Munyaneza is an Internal Medicine Specialist and Pulmonology Fellow at King Faisal Hospital Kigali.
During his residency training at the University of Rwanda, he began to observe opportunities to further strengthen practical research mentorship for medical trainees.
Like any tertiary institution, research was a graduation requirement. Every resident had to complete a dissertation. As Dr. Munyaneza began shaping his own research topic, he sought guidance from senior colleagues, hoping to learn from their experience.
What he found was that many residents were navigating similar challenges themselves, balancing clinical duties while trying to translate research theory into practical project design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Some projects progressed more slowly than expected, occasionally extending training timelines. It became clear to him that the issue was not a lack of ability or dedication, but the need for more structured, hands-on mentorship throughout the research journey.
“We were taught research methodology once, mostly in theory, and then left to navigate complex projects largely on our own,” he explains.
Curious and concerned, he examined the university repository of medical Master’s theses dating back to 2014. Fewer than 10 percent had been published in peer-reviewed journals. In conversations and needs assessments with fellow residents, more than 85 percent cited lack of mentorship and practical research skills as major barriers.
Valuable local data was being generated, but rarely reaching the global scientific community.
Dr. Munyaneza founded NextGen MedResearch, an initiative designed to strengthen practical research mentorship for medical trainees.
Rather than accepting the gap, Dr. Munyaneza decided to build something to fill it.
He founded NextGen MedResearch, an initiative designed to strengthen practical research mentorship for medical trainees. Its flagship program, the Resident Research Space (RRS), offers structured, step-by-step guidance from the earliest stages of idea development all the way to journal submission.
Residents receive support in designing strong protocols, navigating ethical approvals, planning statistical analyses, interpreting their own data, and writing manuscripts that meet publication standards.
Importantly, the program does not replace academic supervisors. It complements them, reducing supervisory burden while strengthening residents’ independence and confidence.
The transformation, he says, has been striking.
“Residents who consistently participate show remarkable growth. They don’t just complete dissertations. They understand their data. They defend their methodology. They think like researchers.”
A shift in identity
Perhaps the most powerful change has been less technical and more personal.
Residents who once viewed research as an academic hurdle now see it as part of their professional identity. They begin to imagine futures that include academic medicine, doctoral training, conference presentations, and independent projects.
“They no longer see themselves only as clinicians,” Dr. Munyaneza notes. “They see themselves as contributors to knowledge.”
That shift matters. In a country like Rwanda, with its unique epidemiological patterns, environmental factors, and health system realities, relying solely on external data can limit effectiveness. Local research ensures that clinical guidelines and policies reflect lived realities.
For Dr. Munyaneza, strengthening research output is not about prestige. It is about patient care.
“Without strong local evidence, we make decisions based on assumptions that may not fully apply to our context,” he says. “Research improves outcomes.”
Collaboration and vision
The initiative has grown through collaboration. Partnerships with the University of Rwanda, teaching hospitals, and international collaborators like Oli Health Magazine Organization are expected to expand mentorship networks and create new opportunities for publication and conference engagement.
Rwanda’s policy environment, including its emphasis on innovation and evidence-based healthcare, provides fertile ground. Still, Dr. Munyaneza sees room for growth: protected research time for residents, stronger infrastructure, access to statistical tools and journals, and sustainable funding.
Looking ahead, he envisions expanding the Resident Research Space nationally, developing AI-powered mentorship tools, and launching a digital mentor–mentee matching platform to connect Rwandan trainees with experts across Africa and beyond.
“Africa does not lack talent,” he often says. “It lacks systems that nurture that talent.”
Ask him where he hopes Rwanda will stand in a decade, and his answer comes without hesitation.
He sees hospitals generating high-quality, clinician-led research. Residents graduating not only as competent specialists but as confident researchers. Local data shaping national health policy. Rwanda emerging as a continental hub for scientific innovation.
But if his journey proves anything, it is that systems can be built. Gaps can be addressed. And change often begins with one person who refuses to accept that things must remain as they are.
Speaking exclusively to IGIHE, Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss, shed light on the crisis, Israel’s objectives, and the safety of foreign nationals in the country, including Rwandans.
The ambassador explained that the strikes were prompted by intelligence showing Iran’s continued development of ballistic missiles and nuclear programs, often hidden underground, despite ongoing negotiations mediated by Oman. She criticised Iran for simultaneously suppressing its own population while claiming to negotiate in good faith.
“The Iranian regime has been on a terror path for over five decades,” Weiss said. “Our goal is to stop Iran’s attacks on Israel, neutralise its proxy networks like Hezbollah, and enable the Iranian people to shape their own future.”
Amb. Einat Weiss explained that the strikes were prompted by intelligence showing Iran’s continued development of ballistic missiles and nuclear programs.
She noted that Hezbollah joined Iran in recent missile strikes, demonstrating the threat Iran poses through its regional proxies.
Regarding Israel’s security, Weiss acknowledged casualties, including nine fatalities in a recent missile strike, but stressed that technology such as the Iron Dome and disciplined public response have minimised harm.
“Even one missile that is not intercepted can cause huge damage,” she said. She reassured Rwandan nationals in Israel, stating that everyone has access to shelters and that warnings from authorities are reliable.
“Rwandans are resilient, and we maintain daily contact with Rwandan officials to address any concerns,” Weiss added.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the opening barrage of the US‑Israeli attacks, prompting a swift and aggressive retaliation across the Middle East.
On the international front, Weiss criticised what she termed as global double standards, noting that while Israel faces criticism for defending itself, Iran’s suppression of its people and funding of terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis is often ignored.
“Israel is defending itself; Iran is deliberately targeting civilians,” she said. Ambassador Weiss also explained why Israel opposes Iran’s nuclear program. While Israel possesses nuclear weapons for defence, Iran openly seeks nuclear capabilities to destroy Israel and exert global influence.
“This intent is alarming and should not be tolerated by the international community,” she warned.
The ambassador highlighted the regional impact of the conflict, pointing to disruptions in oil trade through the Hormuz Strait and the threat Iran poses to the Gulf and Africa through funding terror networks. She emphasised that a shift in Iran’s regime or a halt to its aggression would benefit the Middle East, Africa, and the world.
While the envoy could not predict the end of the war, she emphasised that Israel, in collaboration with the U.S., will continue operations until its objectives are achieved.
Finally, Weiss addressed prospects for de-escalation. While she could not predict the end of the war, she emphasised that Israel, in collaboration with the U.S., will continue operations until its objectives are achieved, aiming for a safer, more stable Middle East.
“This is not only about defending Israel,” she said. “It is about creating a world where terror is reduced, and peace can prevail.”
From Tehran’s viewpoint, the conflict is not seen as a defensive struggle against terror but as a response to what Iranian officials describe as “unlawful aggression” by the United States and Israel. Iran’s government has condemned the February 28 strikes as a “clear act of aggression” that violates international law and the United Nations Charter, asserting that it targeted sovereign territory without justification.
