Electricity restrictions will be in place from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. in 12 regions, the company said in a statement on Telegram. The measures will affect households, businesses and industrial users.
Parts of the eastern Kharkiv region and the northern Chernihiv region were completely cut off from power as a result of the attacks.
Overnight Wednesday, Russia launched a large-scale strike on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, firing 405 drones and 28 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Air defense units intercepted 333 drones and 16 missiles.
Speaking during a debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), Ngoga reaffirmed Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to accountability, truth, and reconciliation, while highlighting persistent challenges in apprehending fugitives and combating genocide denial.
Addressing the Assembly, Ambassador Ngoga praised the IRMCT and its predecessor, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), as “indispensable pillars” in holding accountable those responsible for the genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. However, he emphasised that significant gaps remain, particularly in the pursuit of over 1,400 indicted individuals who are still at large.
“Rwanda has repeatedly drawn attention to a pattern of insufficient cooperation by some states, whether through failure to arrest, to extradite, or to prosecute those indicted,” Ngoga stated, noting that in some cases, justice has been delayed for years due to reluctance by certain nations to act on formal requests.
The ambassador underscored Rwanda’s readiness to take on greater responsibility as the IRMCT nears the completion of its mandate. Rwanda has offered to enforce the sentences of 25 convicted persons in compliance with international standards, building on a 2008 agreement with the UN that Ngoga described as a “milestone in cooperation.”
He affirmed that Rwanda views this role not as a burden but as a continuation of its national journey toward justice and reconciliation, which began in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Rwanda remains in strict compliance with the agreement,” Ngoga said, confirming that no obstacles exist to its full implementation.
Ngoga also addressed the situation of six acquitted or released individuals currently relocated to Niger, stressing that Rwanda is prepared to receive them as free citizens.
“There should be no prolonged ambiguity regarding their status or place of residence when the country of origin has expressed readiness to receive its nationals,” he argued, calling for a precedent to guide the management of both convicts and those who have completed their sentences.
The individuals include Major François-Xavier Nzuwonemeye, Prosper Mugiraneza (former Labour Minister), Col. Alphonse Nteziryayo, André Ntagerura and Capt. Innocent Sagahutu.
A major concern raised by Ngoga was the growing threat of genocide denial, distortion, and revisionism, which he warned not only reopens wounds for survivors but also seeks to erase the truth established by international justice. To counter this, Rwanda has proposed taking custodianship of the ICTR and IRMCT archives, which serve as vital repositories of testimony, memory, and evidence.
“Building on its experience in preserving Gacaca and other genocide archives, Rwanda possesses the institutional capacity to ensure their security, accessibility, and educational value for future generations,” Ngoga told the Assembly.
The ambassador called for sustained cooperation between the IRMCT, member states, and national authorities to ensure the progress of the past three decades does not fade. He urged the Office of the Prosecutor and UN bodies to continue supporting capacity building and technical assistance for national jurisdictions, enabling them to address genocide and crimes against humanity effectively.
“The nightmare of impunity must not outlast the institutions we built to confront it,” Ngoga declared.
In a direct appeal to the Security Council and member states, Ngoga reiterated Rwanda’s readiness to assume the IRMCT’s residual functions, including hosting convicted individuals and safeguarding the archives. He emphasised Rwanda’s unique position due to its geographic and institutional proximity to the ICTR’s work, making it well-suited to carry forward the achievements of international criminal justice.
“We call upon this Assembly and all member states to renew their cooperation to arrest fugitives, to extradite or prosecute those indicted, and to support the preservation of the archives,” he urged, reinforcing Rwanda’s resolve to ensure that the legacy of the ICTR and IRMCT endures for future generations.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, John Giusti, GSMA’s Deputy Director General, reflected on the summit’s evolution and the organisation’s strategy to make digital access more inclusive.
“This is my fifth time in Kigali, and it’s always fantastic,” Giusti said. “There’s so much energy. Rwanda has really been a leader, from President Paul Kagame to ICT Minister Paula Ingabire in driving digital transformation both nationally and across Africa.”
Since its debut three years ago, MWC Kigali has evolved from a regional gathering into a major platform showcasing Africa’s digital transformation. Each year, the summit has expanded its focus from mobile connectivity and broadband coverage to fintech innovations, network security, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the continent’s growing role in the global tech ecosystem.
Today, MWC Kigali not only convenes industry leaders but also drives concrete initiatives, such as affordable 4G smartphones and AI solutions in African languages, positioning itself at the forefront of digital inclusion.
According to Giusti, one of the most significant milestones has been the expansion of mobile broadband coverage.
“We’ve moved from a point in 2017 where 34% of Africa’s population lacked coverage to today, where only 9% are not connected. This reflects the commitment of operators and supportive government policies,” he noted.
{{Tackling smartphone affordability
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A central theme of MWC Kigali 2025 is handset affordability. The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, launched in collaboration with six major operators Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom, aims to reduce the cost of entry-level 4G devices.
“The biggest barrier to connectivity is the cost of the device,” Giusti explained. “We brought together operators, device manufacturers, and institutions like the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to develop concrete solutions to make smartphones more accessible.”
The coalition has now defined baseline specifications for affordable yet functional 4G smartphones, ensuring devices are both practical and desirable for consumers, whether for business, social life, or daily use. Giusti added that partnerships with governments will be crucial, particularly in reducing taxes and offering innovative financing solutions to lower costs further.
South Africa’s removal of luxury taxes on smartphones priced under USD 150 serves as a model for other countries.
“Smartphones are no longer a luxury; they are a basic necessity, like bread or vegetables,” Giusti said. “Fair taxation policies are essential to ensure everyone can access digital tools.”
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While lowering device costs is key, the GSMA acknowledges other challenges, including digital skills and relevant local content. Only 0.02% of online content is currently available in Africa’s many languages, highlighting the need for content development in native tongues. MWC Kigali 2025 addresses this by exploring AI in African languages, energy resilience, and other initiatives that complement connectivity efforts.
Looking ahead, Giusti emphasised the potential for Africa’s young population to drive innovation: “Seventy percent of Africa’s population is under 30. More people are entering the job market, but too many are still not connected digitally. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy.”
MWC Kigali 2025 will conclude on Thursday. The summit continues to serve as a vital platform for public-private collaboration, driving initiatives that aim to make the continent more connected and digitally inclusive.
Watch the full exclusive interview with the GSMA executive below.
The meeting brought together officials from both countries alongside representatives from the United States, the State of Qatar, and the African Union Commission. The session aimed to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, signed on June 27, 2025, which seeks to end hostilities and restore stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
According to a joint statement released by the U.S. Department of State, participants reaffirmed their adherence to the Operations Order (OPORD), the key plan guiding the execution of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) finalised earlier this month during the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) meeting.
The JSCM reviewed progress since the previous sessions held in September and early October, particularly under Phase 1 of the OPORD, which emphasised preparation through threat analysis and information sharing.
Delegates also discussed coordinated steps toward neutralising the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a key objective of the peace roadmap, and lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures once security conditions permit. Rwanda maintains that the FDLR, a militia group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continues to collaborate with the Congolese army and operate in eastern DRC, posing a serious security threat to Rwanda.
While the parties acknowledged progress, the fragile nature of the peace process remains evident. Since the Washington Peace Agreement was signed in June, implementation has faced multiple setbacks amid lingering mistrust and continued instability in parts of eastern Congo. The meeting in Washington was therefore seen as a critical step in sustaining dialogue and maintaining momentum toward de-escalation.
Both the Congolese and Rwandan delegations expressed gratitude to the United States, Qatar, and the African Union for their ongoing facilitation and diplomatic support. The JSCM members agreed to continue monitoring developments closely and to reconvene for a fourth meeting on November 19–20, 2025, to assess progress and address emerging challenges.
All participants reiterated their shared commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.
Held under the theme “Building Trust in Higher Education,” the three-day conference opened on Tuesday, October 21, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and runs through Thursday, October 23.
The event marks a milestone for Rwanda and the region, as it is the first time the IAU International Conference has been held in East Africa. Over 200 delegates from 56 countries are attending, engaging in discussions on how universities can rebuild and sustain public trust amid an era of social, technological, and ideological disruption.
The conference’s focus on trust comes at a time when universities globally are facing heightened scrutiny. Questions are being raised about their relevance, impact, and the trustworthiness of their operations, especially in light of rapid technological advancements and societal changes. The discussions aim to address these issues and forge new paths for universities to re-establish their credibility in an age marked by political and social unrest.
Andrew Deeks, the President of IAU, set the tone for the conference, reflecting on the organisation’s 75-year legacy and its continued commitment to advancing higher education globally. He emphasised that this year’s theme was particularly relevant as trust in universities is being questioned across the world.
“Whether universities are operating for the benefit of the countries they’re in or for the students they educate is increasingly under scrutiny,” said Professor Deeks. “Our goal is to explore how to build and sustain trust in the face of these challenges.”
Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, expressed the institution’s excitement in being part of this global conversation. He noted the unique opportunity for African universities to share their experiences and challenges with their international counterparts.
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Hilligje van’t Land, the Secretary-General of IAU, highlighted the importance of the conference in fostering collaboration between universities worldwide.
“This is a unique opportunity for members of the higher education community to come together, discuss the key challenges facing universities, and work towards solutions that will benefit the global higher education sector,” she said.
Dr Van’t Land pointed out that the conference’s theme is timely, especially considering the turmoil faced by many institutions in the current political climate. From issues surrounding academic freedom to increasing demands for inclusivity and equity, universities must find ways to remain relevant and trustworthy in an increasingly complex world.
The challenges facing higher education in Africa, in particular, were a focal point of discussion. Professor Muganga emphasised how hosting the conference in Kigali allows African universities to not only learn from their global peers but also showcase their progress and unique challenges.
“By coming together, we can exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and benefit from diverse perspectives,” Prof. Muganga added.
Andreas Corcoran, IAU Deputy Secretary General, reiterated the association’s founding mission to act as the “global voice of higher education” within UNESCO frameworks. He praised Africa’s dynamic academic landscape, describing it as “vibrant, agile, and creative in solving contemporary challenges.”
“Africa is the future,” Corcoran said. “The world has a lot to learn from African universities, their innovative pedagogies, governance models, and adaptability to their specific environments.”
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Prof. Muganga revealed that the University of Rwanda has already signed several Memoranda of Understanding with participating institutions, including a new agreement with Brazil’s Federal University of Viçosa focusing on technology, mining, and geology.
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One of the most pressing issues discussed at the conference is how universities can rebuild trust in a world where misinformation and mistrust are rampant. The importance of integrity in leadership, transparency in governance, and a commitment to inclusivity were all emphasized as key pillars of rebuilding trust.
Global tertiary education expert Dr Jamil Salmi delivered the keynote address, “Trust and Distrust in an Age of Turmoil,” warning that higher education institutions worldwide face a crisis of confidence.
He cited factors such as widening inequalities in access, rising tuition costs, corruption, ideological interference, and the growing rejection of scientific evidence.
“We live in a paradox where universities are attacked as elitist or irrelevant, even as societies depend on them more than ever for innovation and progress,” he said.
Dr Salmi identified five key principles for rebuilding trust: equity and inclusiveness, student-centred learning, a focus on competencies over credentials, commitment to truth and academic freedom, and social responsibility.
Dr Salmi emphasised that universities can no longer be “ivory towers” and must engage actively with communities, industry, and government. He noted that trust is built when universities deliver real value to society through education, research, and innovation.
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Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, also addressed the conference, stressing the country’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and positioning higher education as a driver of social cohesion and sustainable development.
“Trust is earned when universities deliver value, by educating citizens to be problem-solvers and generating research that addresses real societal challenges,” said Nsengimana.
He underscored the importance of partnerships between universities, governments, and communities, noting that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 aims to make the country a knowledge-driven, high-income society.
“We see higher education not as an isolated pursuit of degrees, but as a driver of transformation, a tool for social cohesion and a pillar of sustainable development. Our universities are not doing business as usual. They are becoming engines of innovation, resilience and inclusive growth,” he stated.
Nsengimana urged delegates to envision a future where universities lead change, serving as beacons of truth, innovation, and hope. “Together, we can ensure higher education does not merely survive change but shapes it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the conference also marked the launch of the IAU’s Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), a peer-to-peer capacity-building initiative for university leaders. The programme begins in Kigali and continues online, with additional modules planned for the 2026 IAU Conference in Perth, Australia, in November 2026.
The programme is led by Elizabeth Ndinda, an education mission curator at the African Leadership University (ALU), who once faced similar challenges after becoming a mother at 19.
Having experienced the weight of stigma and the struggle to continue her education, Ndinda said she felt compelled to create opportunities for other young mothers to rebuild their lives.
“I gave birth to my firstborn at 19, but I was supported to go back to school. That changed everything for me,” she said. “Now, I want to create the same opportunity for others, to help them dream and live their dreams, because they can.”
The initiative, launched to mark the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2025, brought together ALU students and community members in Kabuga. Participants provided mentorship sessions, essential household items, and a long-term plan to support the young women’s education and personal development.
“We want to make real change in these girls’ lives and show them that they too are leaders,” Ndinda said. “We have a three-month mentorship plan, and a three-year roadmap for those who wish to return to school or pursue higher education.”
Among the beneficiaries is 27-year-old Claudine Niyigena, who became a mother while still at home as a teenager.
“Giving birth while still at home as a teen is very challenging. You face rejection, drop out of school, and life becomes hard,” she said. “This support makes me believe that people care. I still dream. I want to own a wholesale shop and live a sustainable life.”
Cynthia Umuhoza, another beneficiary, echoed this sentiment. “When you’re young and pregnant, people judge you and discriminate against you. Meeting people who understand that pain gives us new strength,” she said. “I dream of owning a boutique one day and helping other girls who have been through what I faced.”
The initiative reflects the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead.” It emphasises that young women are not just recipients of support but also potential leaders and agents of change in their communities.
For ALU student Natasha Uwase Muneza, participating in the campaign was transformative. “Meeting these mothers showed me how much potential lies in compassion and community. Their resilience gives me more hope for Rwanda’s future,” she said.
Nigerian ALU student Isoma Holyseed Victor, who joined the outreach, highlighted the importance of African-led solutions.
“Too often, Africans are told to look outside for help. But we can be our own saviours by understanding our people’s struggles and creating solutions that come from within,” Isoma said.
Local leaders have also welcomed the initiative. “We are grateful for this support, but it’s also a reminder that these girls are leaders too,” said Janvier Sabato, Executive Secretary of Kabuga 1 Cell. “They must use this opportunity to change their lives and inspire others.”
What began as a small act of compassion is now shaping into a model for empowerment. Ndinda and her team plan to expand the initiative to other parts of Rwanda, building a network of mentorship and sisterhood that uplifts women who once felt left behind.
“I was lifted by women who believed in me, one even paid my school fees through university,” Ndinda said. “Now, it’s my turn to lift others. It doesn’t take much to change a life. We can all start with what we have.”
On the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali 2025, the Head of State met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and executives from Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, and Orange, members of the G6 group, an alliance of Africa’s leading mobile network operators working with the GSMA to accelerate digital transformation.
According to the Office of the President, the meetings focused on policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and environmental sustainability, aiming to bridge Africa’s digital divide and promote inclusive growth in the continent’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Speaking earlier at the MWC Kigali 2025 opening ceremony, President Kagame called for a “bold, connected, and competitive” Africa. He urged global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to harness technology to narrow the continent’s connectivity gap and unlock its potential.
“Innovation does not belong to one part of the world alone,” Kagame said. “It can emerge anywhere from anyone given the chance.” He highlighted Africa’s rapid shift from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy, citing mobile money as a global model of financial inclusion empowering small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
President Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into planning, research, and public service delivery to boost productivity and inclusivity. He called for harmonised policies across governments, private sectors, and partners like the African Union and Smart Africa, aiming to create a single digital market enabling secure data and payment systems across the continent.
Echoing Kagame’s vision, ICT Minister Paula Ingabire highlighted Rwanda’s digital achievements, noting that active mobile users surged from 500,000 in 2023 to 5 million 4G users by June 2025, driven by public-private partnerships and reforms to lower costs and expand infrastructure. She also showcased Rwanda’s 5G launch via MTN Rwanda, connectivity for nearly 1,000 health facilities and 4,000 schools, and training of 4.5 million citizens in digital literacy.
“The future of digital innovation in Africa will be defined by collaboration,” Minister Ingabire said, urging the development of African-designed solutions scalable globally to position the continent as a hub of digital excellence.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, praised Rwanda’s leadership, noting that mobile operators now cover 99% of the country, enabling nearly 13 million connections. He highlighted the role of mobile technology in advancing education, healthcare, and financial services, while calling for urgent action on handset affordability, inclusive AI models, and energy resilience to ensure universal digital access.
The three-day event, themed “Converge, Connect and Create”, has drawn over 4,000 delegates from 109 countries. Its thought leadership programme focuses on building a connected continent, exploring AI for economic growth, advancing fintech, and showcasing Africa’s digital frontier through innovations in health, education, and entertainment.
Spearheaded by the GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, the initiative unites six major operators, Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom, to lower smartphone costs and expand digital access. According to the organisers, South Africa’s recent exemption of smartphones priced below USD 150 from luxury taxes serves as a model, having boosted connectivity for millions.
President Paul Kagame, opening the event for the third year, underscored the urgency of addressing existing connectivity gaps.
“If this [connectivity] gap persists, the same technology meant to expand access will instead widen inequality,” he warned, tying Rwanda’s vision for a knowledge-based economy to universal access.
Vivek Badrinath, GSMA Director General, emphasised device costs as a key barrier. “Africa’s mobile sector is dynamic, but high device costs must be tackled to make digital inclusion affordable,” he said.
The GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2025 Report, launched at the event, reveals that 416 million Africans use mobile internet, yet a usage gap of 960 million people, including 790 million in Sub-Saharan Africa, persists, largely due to unaffordable handsets.
Rwanda’s ICT Minister Paula Ingabire showcased how policy and partnerships cut costs, growing mobile users from 500,000 in 2023 to 5 million 4G users by June 2025.
MTN Rwanda’s 5G rollout and connectivity for 1,000 health facilities and 4,000 schools demonstrate the impact.
The GSMA report projects the mobile sector’s economic contribution will rise from $220 billion in 2024 to $270 billion by 2030, with $77 billion in network investments. 4G adoption is expected to grow from 45% to 54%, and 5G from 2% to 21% by 2030, but affordable devices remain critical.
MWC Kigali also tackled inclusive AI language models and energy resilience. A continent-wide AI collaboration, “AI in Africa, by Africa, for Africa,” involves operators and developers like Masakhane African Languages Hub to embed African languages in global AI. With over 80% of the world’s unelectrified in Africa, the GSMA Ministerial Programme explores energy-digital alignment to power connectivity.
“Africa has the talent and ambition, but reforms on affordability are essential to ensure everyone benefits from the digital economy,” Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA, stated.
Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre, MWC Kigali 2025, under the theme Converge. Connect. Create., has drawn over 4,000 delegates from 109 countries.
Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre from October 21-23, the event, themed Converge, Connect and Create, has drawn over 4,000 delegates from 109 countries.
In his keynote address, President Kagame highlighted Africa’s rapid shift from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy, citing mobile money as a global model of financial inclusion that has empowered small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
“Innovation does not belong to one part of the world alone,” he said. “It can emerge anywhere from anyone given the chance.”
Yet, he warned that only a fraction of Africans are connected compared to the global average, risking wider inequality if the gap persists.
President Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s vision to build a knowledge-based economy, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into planning, research, and public service delivery to boost productivity and inclusivity.
He called for harmonized policies across governments, private sectors, and partners like the African Union and Smart Africa to create a single digital market, enabling secure data and payment systems to connect economies continent-wide.
Echoing President Kagame’s vision, ICT Minister Paula Ingabire showcased Rwanda’s digital strides, noting that active mobile users surged from 500,000 in 2023 to 5 million 4G users by June 2025, driven by public-private partnerships and reforms to lower costs and expand infrastructure.
She highlighted Rwanda’s launch of 5G services through MTN Rwanda, 60GB of secured internet capacity, and connectivity for nearly 1,000 health facilities and 4,000 schools.
Minister Ingabire underscored the training of 4.5 million citizens in digital literacy, emphasising that “the future of digital innovation in Africa will be defined by collaboration.”
She urged the creation of African-designed solutions, scalable globally, to position the continent as a home of digital excellence.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, praised Rwanda’s leadership, noting that mobile operators now cover 99% of the country, enabling nearly 13 million connections.
“Rwanda reminds us that progress is not an aspiration; it is a deliberate choice,” he said, aligning the event with Africa’s Agenda 2063 for a prosperous, connected continent.
Badrinath highlighted mobile technology’s role in advancing education, healthcare, and financial services, while acknowledging the work needed to ensure universal access to mobile internet.
During the event, GSMA, which organises the conference in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT, highlighted three urgent priorities for policymakers: handset affordability, inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) language models, and energy resilience, calling for bold policy reforms and investments to advance Africa’s digital transformation.
“Africa’s mobile sector is one of the most dynamic in the world, but we must tackle persistent barriers such as high device costs, energy availability issues and the lack of inclusive AI. By working together, governments, industry and development partners can make digital inclusion affordable, sustainable and meaningful for every African,” Vivek stated.
MWC Kigali 2025’s thought leadership programme centres on four themes: building a Connected Continent through affordable connectivity and 5G expansion; exploring The AI Future to boost Africa’s economic growth; advancing Fintech to deepen financial inclusion; and highlighting Africa’s Digital Frontier, where innovations in health, education, and entertainment are redefining the continent’s progress.
According to French daily Le Parisien, the criminals gained access through the façade of the museum facing the Seine River, where construction work is underway. Using a construction ladder and a freight elevator, they reached the Galerie d’Apollon, home to the French Crown Jewels, before breaking through windows and seizing nine pieces from the historic collection.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the incident as a “major robbery” that lasted just seven minutes. “It was manifestly a team that had done scouting,” he said, noting that the thieves used small chainsaws and a disc cutter to cut through panes of glass before fleeing on scooters.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the theft in a post on X, saying a “robbery” had occurred at the museum as it opened to the public. “No injuries have been reported,” she added, assuring that investigations were underway. The Louvre subsequently announced its closure for “exceptional reasons,” and police evacuated visitors from the premises as nearby streets were cordoned off.
Authorities later recovered one of the stolen jewellery pieces near the museum, but the rest remain missing.
The targeted Galerie d’Apollon holds some of France’s most valuable treasures, including the Crown Jewels and ornate objects associated with the country’s imperial past. The stolen pieces, part of the Napoleonic collection, are considered “priceless” by officials due to their historical significance.
The audacious theft has reignited concerns about museum security across Europe, following a string of high-profile art crimes in recent years. In 2019, thieves broke into Dresden’s Green Vault in Germany, escaping with royal jewels worth hundreds of millions of euros. Two years earlier, burglars at Berlin’s Bode Museum made off with a 100-kilogram gold coin, while in 2010 a lone intruder at Paris’s Museum of Modern Art slipped away with five masterpieces, including a Picasso.
The Louvre itself is no stranger to daring robberies. The most famous case occurred in 1911 when Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was stolen by an Italian handyman who hid inside the museum overnight and walked out with the painting under his coat. It was recovered two years later in Florence, an episode that helped turn the portrait into the world’s most recognised artwork.
Louvre is home to more than 33,000 works ranging from ancient artefacts to European masterpieces and draws up to 30,000 visitors a day.
