In a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.” He said his administration has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders since 2023 and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said, noting the government’s consistent efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief. “Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
The statement follows Trump’s social media posts accusing Nigeria of allowing the “mass slaughter” of Christians by Islamic terrorists. Trump said he had instructed the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” and warned that military intervention could follow if Nigeria does not act. He also announced that U.S. aid to the country would be immediately halted unless protections were strengthened.
Nigeria’s officials, however, rejected the allegations as exaggerated. Tinubu’s press secretary described the claims as “a gross exaggeration,” noting that attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims and are often linked to communal tensions, resource disputes, and extremist activity.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the government is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and celebrated the country’s diversity as a national strength.
She made the call on October 31 during an engagement with judges and judicial staff from courts under the Musanze High Court Circuit.
Mukantaganzwa underscored the importance of efficiency in case management, reminding judges that cases should be heard in the order they are filed. She, however, acknowledged that some delays arise from factors beyond the courts’ control, such as adjournments or party-related interruptions.
Data presented during the session indicated that the Musanze Intermediate Court currently handles 1,499 cases, of which 1,096 are backlog cases.
Mukantaganzwa noted that measures previously introduced to address case backlogs are beginning to yield positive outcomes, though further effort is still required.
“It has long been established that backlog cases should not be allowed to stagnate in our courts. That is why, in their reports, you can see consistent progress in clearing old cases each year,” she stated.
She added that most of the remaining old cases date back to 2022, and are being prioritised for conclusion in line with judicial procedures.
“Our principle is straightforward: cases filed earlier should be heard first. However, delays sometimes result from adjournments requested by the parties involved, rather than from the court itself,” she explained.
The Chief Justice further reminded judges that any case pending for more than six months is classified as a backlog. She said this benchmark aims to ensure timely service delivery and public trust in the judiciary.
“Six months may not seem long, but we set that target to promote efficiency and fast-track justice, so that citizens do not have to wait unnecessarily for verdicts,” Mukantaganzwa said.
During the discussions, it was revealed that the Musanze High Court Circuit currently has 1,214 cases, with 95% being criminal and 5% civil. Of the backlog cases, 585 date from 2022, 97% of which are criminal.
The most frequent offences among the pending cases include drug-related crimes, child defilement, theft, murder, and assault.
In a statement, the Africa CDC said it is dispatching critical medical supplies after last week’s assault on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher.
“The assault, which killed hundreds of patients and caregivers and led to the abduction of several health workers, has crippled one of the few remaining medical facilities in the region and raised grave concerns about the continuity of essential health services,” the Africa CDC said.
It warned that ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and restricted access to healthcare are worsening Sudan’s health crisis, as the country battles concurrent outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, measles, and diphtheria.
The African Union’s specialized health agency said it has deployed emergency medical and laboratory experts to assess conditions on the ground and support outbreak control, sustain essential health services, and strengthen biosafety in affected areas.
Working in partnership with Sudan’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, the Africa CDC said it is verifying casualty figures, monitoring for potential disease outbreaks, and assessing the broader public health impact.
“This is not only a human tragedy but a public-health emergency,” the statement quoted Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, as saying. “Our immediate priority is to preserve life, prevent secondary outbreaks, and protect the health infrastructure that communities depend on. Health facilities and workers must never be targets of war.”
The agency urged all parties to the conflict to safeguard laboratories and biomedical facilities that store or handle dangerous pathogens, warning that any compromise could pose grave biosecurity and public health risks.
On Wednesday, Sudan’s government said more than 2,000 civilians had been killed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since their entry into El Fasher.
Sudan remains gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, plunging the country deeper into a humanitarian crisis.
Crowds, largely made up of young people, gathered in major cities including Dar es Salaam, calling for electoral reforms and accusing authorities of sidelining opposition candidates in the polls.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, representing the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, is widely expected to secure victory once official results are announced.
{{Calls for calm amid heavy security presence
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The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Jacob John Mkunda, on Thursday urged citizens to stay off the streets, saying the army was working with police and other agencies to restore order. He described those engaged in violent acts as “criminals” and said security forces had the situation under control.
Despite the appeal, some demonstrators returned to the streets on Friday, particularly in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. Authorities have since extended a night-time curfew and maintained an internet shutdown, making it difficult to verify reports circulating on social media.
Witnesses say police have used tear gas to disperse crowds, while several public offices and buildings were vandalised earlier in the week. Government officials have emphasised that the measures being taken are temporary and necessary to protect citizens and property.
In a message to the diplomatic community broadcast on state television, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that the government was monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to maintain stability.
“Owing to isolated incidents of breaches of law and order, the government has heightened security and taken precautionary measures. These are temporary but necessary steps, and normalcy will return shortly.”
The United Nations has expressed concern over reports of casualties, urging Tanzanian security agencies to exercise restraint. UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango said credible reports indicated that at least ten people had been killed in the unrest in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro.
Amnesty International said it was unable to independently verify those figures due to the ongoing internet restrictions. Hospitals and local authorities have also declined to comment publicly on the number of casualties.
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, which boycotted the election after its leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on treason charges earlier this year, has alleged that hundreds of people have died. The government has not confirmed those figures.
According to the National Electoral Commission, results from 80 out of 100 regions have already been tallied, with President Hassan holding a commanding lead. Her main challengers, Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA and Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, were unable to participate, the former due to his detention and the latter following disqualification over legal technicalities.
On the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, the CCM’s Hussein Mwinyi has been declared the winner with nearly 80 percent of the vote. Opposition groups there have alleged electoral irregularities, though authorities insist the process was free and fair.
The report was officially launched on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Kigali Serena Hotel, in a ceremony attended by senior government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives, and the media.
The Rwanda Governance Scorecard, produced annually by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), remains the nation’s flagship tool for measuring progress in governance, accountability, and service delivery.
{{Strong performance in safety, inclusion, and rule of law
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The Safety and Security pillar remains Rwanda’s highest-performing area with a score of 90.02%, reaffirming the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest nations. The report attributes this to consistently high citizen confidence in the Rwanda Defence Force, National Police, and local security structures.
Participation and Inclusiveness ranked second with 86.31%, reflecting broad citizen involvement in public affairs, effective decentralisation, and gender-balanced leadership. The report notes that power sharing and inclusiveness scored a full 100%, while gender equality in leadership reached 82.42%.
Political Rights and Civil Liberties followed with 82.71%, supported by strong results in democratic rights and freedoms (86.36%), respect for human rights (84.11%), and access to public information (81.77%).
The Rule of Law pillar achieved 81.63%, indicating continued public trust in justice institutions. The report highlights high scores in performance of the legislature (90.44%), though it identifies challenges such as case backlogs (50.85%) and limited digitalisation, with only 11% of government services fully automated.
{{Governance integrity and accountability
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Under the Anti-Corruption, Transparency, and Accountability pillar, Rwanda scored 79.25%, driven by transparency (92.35%) and accountability (80.39%). The report acknowledges sustained institutional integrity but notes that anti-corruption mechanisms (67.9%) and training of committees in public and private institutions remain areas for improvement.
The Economic and Corporate Governance pillar scored 74.84%, showing sound macroeconomic management (72.75%) and steady progress in corporate governance (77.67%). However, the report points to weaker results in exports of goods and services (47.95%), credit to the private sector (57.75%), and savings rate (60.23%).
The Quality of Service Delivery pillar registered 71.73%, showing advances in ICT-enabled services (66.9%) but emphasising the need to accelerate full digitalisation, with only a small fraction of services end-to-end automated.
The lowest-performing pillar, Investing in Human and Social Development, stood at 64.69%. The report notes continuing progress in health (74.14%) and education (65.65%), but identifies gaps in nutrition, social protection, and climate resilience, highlighting these as priority areas under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
{{A renewal of Rwanda’s commitment to good governance
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Opening the event, Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Governance Board, described the Scorecard as more than an annual report, “a renewal of Rwanda’s commitment to good governance.”
“Each edition of the Scorecard is a covenant with our collective pledge to measure ourselves transparently, correct course where needed, and continuously strive for excellence in public service,” Dr. Uwicyeza said.
She noted that the 12th edition reaffirms Rwanda’s strong foundation built on trust in institutions, security, and citizen participation, while also highlighting the need to strengthen decentralised service delivery and human development outcomes.
“Our challenge now is to translate governance strength into tangible results felt in citizens’ daily lives,” she added. “The Government of Rwanda has always chosen self-accountability as a pillar of leadership; this Scorecard embodies that principle.”
Dr. Uwicyeza paid tribute to President Paul Kagame, emphasising his leadership vision rooted in unity, ambition, and accountability.
“When President Kagame was asked about Rwanda’s secret, he said it lies in three choices: we chose to stay together, to think big, and to be accountable. The Rwanda Governance Scorecard is the embodiment of that accountability.”
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Ms. Fatmata Sesay, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, commended the Government and RGB for maintaining 15 years of consistent commitment to data-driven governance.
“Governance data is more than numbers; it is the lifeline of informed decision-making, policy dialogue, and accountability,” she said. “The Rwanda Governance Scorecard is not just a national tool; it is a global model for how governance data can be systematically collected, analysed, and used to drive transformation.”
She applauded Rwanda’s focus on evidence-based policy and citizen-centred governance, emphasising the Scorecard’s value as a practical instrument for reform.
“Let us not keep this document until next year’s launch,” she urged. “Let it inform our programs, shape our policies, and strengthen accountability. Governance is not abstract—it’s about how services are delivered and how every Rwandan participates in shaping the future.”
Sesay also highlighted the growing role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in public data systems, calling for innovation to enhance citizen feedback mechanisms and real-time data analysis.
{{Turning insight into action
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Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, described the RGS as “a remarkable homegrown innovation that embodies Rwanda’s deep commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.”
“This Scorecard confirms that Rwanda continues to perform strongly in most governance areas, with five out of eight pillars scoring above 80 percent,” Prof. Ojielo said.
He observed that while Rwanda’s governance remains robust, modest declines in human and social development, education quality, and economic competitiveness underscore the need for renewed focus under NST2.
The key goals of NST2 include achieving an average annual GDP growth rate of 9.3 percent, creating 1.25 million decent jobs, doubling private investment to USD 4.6 billion, doubling export revenues to USD 7.3 billion, and reducing child stunting from 33 percent to 15 percent by 2029.
“Governance is about values, how a society chooses to hold itself accountable. What we see in Rwanda is not just a technical exercise but a foundational process of reimagining the socio-economic fabric of society,” he remarked.
Prof. Ojielo emphasised that measuring performance drives progress.
“What gets measured gets managed, and what gets measured gets done. Measurement is not just observation; it is a catalyst for transformation.”
He called for stronger investments in digital public services, education, export readiness, and citizen engagement, reinforcing that “the Scorecard is not just about data, it is about direction.”
{{A tool for continuous renewal
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Now in its 12th edition since its inception in 2010, the Rwanda Governance Scorecard continues to serve as both a mirror and a compass, reflecting the country’s governance achievements while guiding future reforms. It benchmarks Rwanda’s progress against global indices such as the Mo Ibrahim Index, the Chandler Good Government Index, and the World Justice Project, while remaining firmly grounded in homegrown accountability principles.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was alarmed by the atrocity reports in the capital of North Darfur state after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city over the weekend.
“Local sources report widespread killings, abductions, maiming and sexual violence, alongside the detention and killing of aid workers,” OCHA said. “Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside El Fasher, while many others are stranded at Garni, about 20 kilometers away, unable to flee due to insecurity and lack of transport.”
The office said those still inside the city face life-threatening shortages of food, water and medical care. Aid workers are blocked from entering the city.
The UN Security Council on Thursday voiced grave concern over escalating violence in and around El Fasher and condemned the assault by the RSF on El Fasher and its devastating impact on the civilian population.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the council that the situation in El Fasher has descended into “an even darker hell,” with credible reports of widespread executions after RSF fighters entered the city.
OCHA said that civilians who managed to escape El Fasher are sheltering in the open in the localities of Kebkabiya, Melit and Tawila, where families lack necessities.
“Conditions in Tawila are particularly dire,” the office said. “Safe water meets less than half of daily needs, markets have collapsed, and supplies of food, fuel and medicines are nearly exhausted. Diseases are spreading.”
A UN-led assessment screened 715 displaced children and found nearly 60 percent of them to be acutely malnourished.
OCHA said the world body and its partners are scaling up response efforts despite enormous security and access challenges.
In Tawila, mobile health clinics are providing urgent medical and nutrition services for the newly arrived. Humanitarian partners have established health and nutrition sites, distributed reproductive health and cholera kits, and pre-positioned more than 8,000 cartons of therapeutic food, with another 6,000 cartons en route.
OCHA said that more than 30 nutrition sites remain operational, while community kitchens, cash distributions and temporary shelters continue to support newly displaced families. Psychosocial activities for children affected by trauma are to begin this week.
“The United Nations and partners are also sustaining water, sanitation and hygiene operations across Tawila, Melit and surrounding areas, trucking safe water, installing latrines, distributing hygiene kits, and conducting cholera prevention campaigns,” the office said.
OCHA warned that explosive ordnance contamination continues to endanger civilians and humanitarian workers in and around El Fasher, limiting safe movement and delaying assistance. Sustained access for mine action teams and equipment is urgently needed to survey and clear hazardous areas.
The office reiterated its call for all parties to immediately halt hostilities, protect civilians and aid workers, and ensure sustained, unhindered humanitarian access.
Her journey from the streets of Europe to the heart of Rwanda’s cultural stage is a story of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of dance.
Hilde was born in New York but grew up in Belgium, where she moved frequently with her family due to her parents’ work. Early exposure to different environments shaped her adaptability and curiosity about cultures beyond her own.
From a young age, she found herself drawn to cultural dances rather than classical Western forms like ballet or jazz. Hip-hop, flamenco, and Egyptian dance were her first loves, each reflecting a unique cultural rhythm that fascinated her.
In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Hilde revealed that after earning a degree in mathematics and physics, she briefly taught at a school in Belgium. However, the classroom could not contain her creative spirit.
In 2004, she moved to England to pursue dance and visual arts at the University of Brighton. Her formal dance journey had begun, but it was not until her first visit to Rwanda in 2006, when she came for a friend’s wedding, that she discovered her true calling.
“I had never been to sub-Saharan Africa, so for me it was mind-blowing,” Hilde recalls. “Everything felt different. Seeing women walking with baskets on their heads was so inspiring. The beauty, the colours, the culture, it all captivated me.”
At the Ubumuntu Festival, she watched Inganzo Ngari, a troupe formed in 2006 to promote Rwandan dance, music, and culture, perform for the opening night. The female dancers in their flowing umushanana left her breathless.
“They were flowing like water, and I felt goosebumps all over,” she says. “I thought, this is magical. I want to learn this dance.”
Hilde returned to Europe, hoping to find a teacher who could guide her in Rwandan dance, whether in England or elsewhere in Europe. She soon realised that there was no substitute for learning the art in its homeland.
Over several years, she made repeated trips to Rwanda, studying intensively for short periods. After a few visits, she decided that the only way to truly master the dance was to move to Rwanda. In 2018, she took the life-changing step of relocating to study traditional Rwandan dance full-time.
The journey was not without challenges. “Some styles, like Ikinimba, are like fire,” Hilde explains. “My essence is flowing like water, so these dances demand a different kind of energy. But that’s the joy, you are always learning.”
Beyond the physical demands, cultural adjustments tested her patience. Homesickness and unfamiliar customs initially made her question her path. Yet, over seven years, Hilde found a rhythm not just in dance, but in life in Rwanda.
Her dedication extends beyond personal mastery. Hilde’s seven-year-old son shares her passion for traditional dance, already beginning lessons with aspirations of performing alongside his mother.
“It would be my dream to share the stage with him,” she says. Hilde also hopes to inspire other foreigners to experience Rwandan culture, whether through intensive workshops, retreats, or collaborative performances with local artists.
Today, Hilde Cannoodt is more than a Westerner dancing with Inganzo Ngari. She has become a bridge between cultures, a living testament to the idea that art can transcend borders. Through her dedication, she shows that when passion meets culture, it can flow as effortlessly as water, resilient, adaptable, and profoundly moving.
Curious to see her in action? Watch the full interview and experience Hilde Cannoodt’s mesmerising Rwandan dance moves below.
The tournament brings together top amateurs from Rwanda and the region in a contest that blends competitive sport with NCBA’s broader vision of community impact and sustainable growth.
“Coming back for a second year is a statement of intent,” said Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda. “Our goal is to keep building on this platform that connects East Africans through sport, opportunity, and shared purpose. Golf has proven to be one of the most effective ways to do that.”
Building on the success of last year’s debut, this year’s edition carries added significance as Rwanda hosts the final regional leg of the NCBA Golf Series before the Grand Finale on November 28th at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
The finale will feature top golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda competing for the 2025 regional title. The first edition in Rwanda drew over 200 players, culminating in a thrilling finale where the top three Rwandan golfers, Paul Ntaganda, Alphonsine Murekatete, and Bethlehem Umuzabibu, represented the country at Muthaiga Golf Club. Their performance placed Rwanda firmly on the regional map and ignited fresh enthusiasm for the sport in the local golfing community.
The event also welcomes a new partner, the brand new Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, which will co-sponsor the tournament and host the official prize-giving ceremony, marking the hotel’s first official event.
“It’s a privilege to open our doors with an event that celebrates excellence, community, and regional unity,” said Media Rutayisire, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Kigali. “Hosting such a prestigious event perfectly reflects our values of hospitality and shared success.”
Since its inception, the NCBA Golf Series has grown into one of East Africa’s premier amateur tournaments, attracting over 5,000 golfers across more than 20 tournaments in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The Series has become a regional stage for golfers of all levels, from emerging juniors to seasoned club champions, and a platform for building friendships, business connections, and cross-border collaboration through sport.
“Our commitment is to consistency, to showing up for the sport, our partners, and the communities where we operate,” added Toroitich. “The NCBA Golf Series is now part of a regional story that celebrates progress, partnership, and purpose.”
As Kigali tees off this weekend, all eyes turn to Nairobi, where the best from across the region will meet at Muthaiga to close another thrilling chapter of golf, unity, and achievement in East Africa.
The unrest, which has affected major cities including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, and Arusha, saw demonstrators vandalising and setting fire to a number of commercial establishments.
Among the first affected was an electronics shop owned by rapper Billnas, followed by Shishi Food, a popular restaurant chain run by musician Shilole. Fashion entrepreneur and singer Juma Jux also reported significant losses after his boutique was destroyed.
Protesters have voiced frustration over the perceived closeness of some celebrities to political authorities, accusing them of supporting the ruling party. Many in Tanzania’s entertainment sector have expressed concern about being caught in the crossfire.
Beyond businesses, some entertainers are also actively participating in the political sphere. Musician and social media personality Baba Levo is running for an elective seat, with support from fellow artist Diamond Platnumz, demonstrating the growing intersection between celebrity influence and political engagement in the country.
The election period has been marked by demonstrations, curfews in certain areas, and heightened security presence. While the situation has caused disruptions, authorities continue to encourage citizens to observe peace and maintain public safety.
Ebabi, an officer attached to the military intelligence service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), had visited Raw Studio on October 19 with her fiancé to take pre-wedding photographs ahead of their planned ceremony on October 31, 2025.
The incident drew attention after Raw Studio published their pictures and videos on TikTok, prompting Ebabi’s arrest on October 24.
During a court hearing on October 28, military prosecutors accused her of bringing the army into disrepute and violating military discipline by displaying affection in uniform.
In her defence, Ebabi said Raw Studio had admitted to sharing the images on TikTok without seeking her authorisation, arguing that the studio should be held accountable and, if necessary, prosecuted.
She stated that she never intended to tarnish the image of the army, which she has loyally served for ten years.
The prosecution had requested a 10-year jail term, but Ebabi remained composed, telling the court:
“If the court finds me innocent, I will thank God. If it finds me guilty, I will still thank God, the Lord of all times and events.”
Delivering its verdict on the evening of Wednesday, October 29, the court found her guilty of breaching military regulations and imposed a 12-month suspended sentence.
The ruling allows Ebabi to proceed with her wedding as scheduled, though she will be required to maintain good conduct throughout the suspension period to avoid serving the custodial sentence.
