IGIHE English

Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

  • President Kagame appoints new ministers and ambassadors

    President Kagame appoints new ministers and ambassadors

    The appointments were announced in a communiqué issued by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva on June 10, pursuant to Articles 111, 112 and 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda.

    In the Ministry of Infrastructure, Damien Murwanashyaka was appointed Minister, replacing Dr. Jimmy Gasore, who had served in the position since September 2023.

    Damien Murwanashyaka is set to take over as the Minister of Infrastructure.

    Murwanashyaka joins the government from the private sector, where he brings more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry. A Professional Civil Engineer and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Murwanashyaka most recently served as the Managing Director of Preferred Contractors.

    Before that, his senior leadership career included roles as the CEO of UDL, Chief Quantity Surveyor at Real Contractors Ltd, and Projects Manager at ROKO Construction Ltd. He also held consultant leadership roles at Century Engineering and Contractors Ltd and Gasabo 3D Design Ltd.

    He graduated with a First Class Honors Degree in Civil Engineering and later earned an MBA from Oklahoma Christian University.

    He will be assisted by two Ministers of State, Armand Zingiro and Col. Claudien Bizimungu. Zingiro moves from the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), where he served as Chief Executive Officer, while Bizimungu previously held senior command responsibilities within the Rwanda Defence Force’s engineering structures.

    The new structure also reflects a shift in the ministry’s leadership arrangement, as Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, who previously served as State Minister in charge of Infrastructure, is no longer in the lineup.

    Judith Uwizeye has been appointed as the Minister of Public Service and Labour.

    In the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Judith Uwizeye returns to Cabinet as Minister, replacing Christine Nkulikiyinka, who has been nominated as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Spain. Uwizeye previously served as Minister in the Office of the President.

    In the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Antoine-Marie Kajangwe has been promoted from Permanent Secretary to Minister, replacing Prudence Sebahizi, who had held the portfolio since August 2024. Kajangwe previously served in senior roles within the same ministry, including overseeing trade and investment functions.

    Antoine-Marie Kajangwe has been appointed as the Minister of Trade and Industry, replacing Prudence Sebahizi.

    The President also made a series of diplomatic appointments, nominating retired Lt Gen Karenzi Karake as Rwanda’s ambassador to China, Maj Gen Emmanuel Bayingana as ambassador to Israel, and retired Col Jeannot Ruhunga as ambassador to Poland, while Chantal Tuyishimire was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    In state-owned institutions, Louise Kanyonga, who has been serving as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Zigama CSS. Kanyonga previously held several senior positions at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), including Chief Strategy and Compliance Officer and Registrar General.

    Maximilien Byilingiro was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Energy Group (REG), while Michelle Umurungi, who currently serves as Chief Investment Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, was named Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Investments at RSSB.

    The latest appointments come as the government continues efforts to strengthen leadership across strategic sectors including infrastructure, trade, energy, public service, and diplomacy.

    The appointments were announced in a communiqué issued by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva on June 10, pursuant to Articles 111, 112 and 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda.
  • It is Burundi’s fault – Minister Nduhungirehe on strained Rwanda–Burundi relations

    It is Burundi’s fault – Minister Nduhungirehe on strained Rwanda–Burundi relations

    Speaking in an interview with B&B Kigali on June 10, 2026, Nduhungirehe said Rwanda remains willing to restore normal relations, but accused Burundi of repeatedly undermining efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.

    Relations between the two neighbouring countries deteriorated significantly in 2015 following an attempted coup against then-President Pierre Nkurunziza. Several individuals involved in the attempt fled to Rwanda, after which Burundi closed its borders with Rwanda.

    In 2022, both countries moved to normalise relations and reopened their borders. However, tensions resurfaced in late 2023 following an attack in the Gatumba area of Bujumbura Province by the armed group RED Tabara. Burundi subsequently closed its borders again in January 2024.

    At the time, Burundi accused Rwanda of supporting RED Tabara, an allegation Kigali denied, insisting it does not cooperate with groups intent on destabilising neighbouring states.

    Renewed tensions and diplomatic engagement

    According to Nduhungirehe, further strain followed statements and developments in the region, including remarks made by regional leaders and renewed accusations exchanged between Kigali and Bujumbura.

    He cited comments made in January 2024 in Kinshasa by Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who, during a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressed support for efforts to mobilise Rwandan youth against the government.

    The minister also referred to earlier remarks by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, who in late 2023 said his country’s forces would act against Rwanda, describing this as part of a broader regional climate of hostility.

    He argued that such statements contributed to worsening relations, particularly given the regional context and ongoing insecurity in eastern DR Congo.

    Nduhungirehe further noted that Burundian troops deployed to eastern DR Congo were cooperating with the FDLR militia group, alongside Congolese forces.

    He stated that while the Burundian deployment was officially framed as part of operations against armed groups, including RED Tabara, their activities instead indicated coordination with the FDLR.

    “They were not deployed against RED Tabara. They were deployed to assist the Congolese army and the FDLR in the plan that President Tshisekedi mentioned during his campaign, and the same plan President Ndayishimiye spoke about in Kinshasa in January 2024,” he said.

    He added that Burundian forces had operated in areas closer to the Rwandan border in North Kivu, despite RED Tabara being mainly active in South Kivu, suggesting, in his view, a different operational focus.

    Attempts at dialogue

    The minister noted that following the capture of Goma and Bukavu by the AFC/M23 coalition in early 2025, Burundi requested dialogue with Rwanda in an effort to ease tensions.

    He said intelligence and security officials from both countries met at the border on three separate occasions and reached a number of understandings aimed at de-escalation.

    However, he revealed that progress was later undermined by renewed public accusations from the Burundian leadership.

    “What happened after that? After that, President Ndayishimiye went on BBC and France 24… accusing Rwanda of planning to attack Burundi. We then asked our Burundian counterparts what had changed, given that we had reached agreements,” he said.

    He added that further meetings were facilitated by the United States after AFC/M23 captured Uvira in early December 2025, during which security officials from both countries again met twice at the border and reached additional understandings.

    Nduhungirehe said that despite these engagements, Burundian forces remain present in eastern DR Congo and continue, in Rwanda’s view, to cooperate with elements of the FDLR.

    He reiterated Rwanda’s position that it seeks peaceful relations with Burundi through dialogue, but argued that Bujumbura has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to sustaining diplomatic progress.

    “Rwanda wants good relations with Burundi, dialogue, and resolution of outstanding issues, but Burundi does not show the willingness,” he said, calling on Burundi to end any cooperation with the FDLR militia group, which was formed by the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

    Rwandan and Burundian diplomats agreed to ease tensions, but President Ndayishimiye later worsened the situation.

    Speaking in an interview with B&B Kigali on June 10, 2026, Nduhungirehe said Rwanda remains willing to restore normal relations, but accused Burundi of repeatedly undermining efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.

  • Trump warns Iran over delayed talks, says new strikes possible

    Trump warns Iran over delayed talks, says new strikes possible

    “Iran is all talk and no action,” Trump said on Truth Social. “They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price.”

    Trump also suggested he may order new strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges, Fox News reported on Wednesday, citing a phone interview.

    “I may keep going,” Trump said during the interview. “They had a chance to sign a deal and survive.”

    The president claimed Tehran has been “tapping the U.S. along” in peace talks that have ultimately made little progress.

    The U.S. military reportedly hit about 20 targets in its strikes on Iran on Tuesday in response to the downing of a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

    The targets included Iranian air defenses, radar sites and ground control stations, U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Tuesday.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran has “taken too long to negotiate a deal” over the Mideast conflict and will now “have to pay the price.”

  • Shelter Afrique rebrands as it steps up efforts to close Africa’s 53 million housing gap

    Shelter Afrique rebrands as it steps up efforts to close Africa’s 53 million housing gap

    The new brand was officially launched in Rabat, Morocco, during the bank’s 45th Annual Meetings, marking a major milestone in the institution’s evolution and long-term strategic repositioning within Africa’s development finance landscape.

    Speaking at the unveiling, Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, said the rebranding represents far more than a cosmetic change.

    “Rebranding means more than a name change. It is not only changing the institution’s framework of operations. The transition is expanding the role of the institution into a development bank, making it more nimble and impactful across the housing value chain while creating jobs,” he said.

    The bank has in recent years pursued a deliberate strategy to expand its financing capacity in response to rising demand for affordable housing and urban infrastructure across the continent. With a membership of 44 African states and institutional shareholders including the African Development Bank and the African Reinsurance Corporation, Shelter Afrique says it is increasingly aligning its operations with Africa’s broader development priorities.

    Board Chairman Lionel Zinsou said the institution’s success will be measured by its tangible impact rather than policy declarations or strategic plans.

    “Our success will not ultimately be measured by strategies adopted, policies approved or meetings held. It will be measured by homes financed, cities improved, jobs created and lives transformed. The reform phase of the institution must now become the delivery phase,” he said.

    The transition to a Multilateral Development Bank is expected to place Shelter Afrique in the same category as other pan-African lenders, strengthening its ability to mobilise capital for large-scale housing and urban development projects.

    The institution is now targeting Africa’s estimated 53 million housing deficit, which requires approximately $1.3 trillion in investment to address, according to the bank.

    Hann said the next phase of the bank’s strategy will focus on scaling impact across the housing ecosystem.

    “Our vision for the next five years and beyond is to lead the transformation of the African housing sector to address urban infrastructure challenges and create jobs,” he said.

    The rebranding also comes amid increased collaboration among African multilateral development banks aimed at unlocking greater pools of capital for infrastructure and housing.

    This year’s Annual General Meeting was held under the theme: “The Future of Cities: Financing Inclusive, Green, and Resilient Urban Development,” reflecting the growing urgency around sustainable urbanisation across Africa.

    Established in 1981 in Lusaka, Zambia and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Shelter Afrique Development Bank is a Pan-African MDB dedicated to financing sustainable housing, urban development, and related infrastructure. It is owned by 44 African governments alongside institutional shareholders including the African Development Bank and Africa-Re.

    The institution, of which Rwanda is a member, operates through four business lines: the Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).

    Speaking at the unveiling, Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, said the rebranding represents far more than a cosmetic change.
    The new brand was officially launched in Rabat, Morocco, during the bank’s 45th Annual Meetings, marking a major milestone in the institution’s evolution and long-term strategic repositioning within Africa’s development finance landscape.
    The rebranding also comes amid increased collaboration among African multilateral development banks aimed at unlocking greater pools of capital for infrastructure and housing.
  • Rwanda’s inflation rises to 12.9% in May

    Rwanda’s inflation rises to 12.9% in May

    The Urban Consumer Price Index (CPI), which serves as the headline measure for monetary policy purposes, increased by 12.9 percent compared to May 2025 and by 0.5 percent compared to April 2026. The annual average inflation rate between May 2025 and May 2026 stood at 8.7 percent.

    The report also showed that overall inflation across Rwanda reached 12.3 percent on an annual basis, while rural inflation stood at 11.8 percent.

    The latest figures indicate that inflationary pressures remain elevated after a sharp acceleration in recent months. Urban inflation rose from 8.9 percent in January to 9.2 percent in February and March before surging to 13.0 percent in April and remaining high at 12.9 percent in May.

    Transport, housing and health costs were among the biggest drivers of the increase in consumer prices.

    Urban transport prices rose by 24.5 percent compared to May last year and increased by 1.1 percent on a monthly basis. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 19.4 percent annually, although the category declined by 0.9 percent compared to April.

    Health services recorded the steepest increase among major expenditure categories, rising by 71.6 percent over the past 12 months. Restaurants and hotels also registered a significant increase of 16.6 percent, while prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics rose by 16.1 percent.

    Food and non-alcoholic beverages, which account for 27 percent of the urban consumer basket, increased by 6.2 percent annually and 0.9 percent monthly. Within the category, vegetable prices rose by 9.0 percent, meat prices increased by 12.9 percent and non-alcoholic beverages climbed by 11.0 percent compared to May 2025.

    The report shows that transport and housing costs made the largest contributions to annual urban inflation, adding 3.2 and 3.1 percentage points respectively to the overall 12.9 percent inflation rate. Food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed a further 2.3 percentage points.

    NISR also reported strong inflationary pressures in energy-related products. The urban energy index increased by 44.4 percent compared to May 2025, making it one of the fastest-rising components of household expenditure. However, the energy index declined by 0.5 percent compared to April 2026.

    Meanwhile, the local goods index increased by 13.7 percent on an annual basis,

    outpacing the imported goods index, which rose by 10.5 percent.

    Underlying inflation, which excludes fresh food and energy prices and is considered a key indicator of broader price trends in the economy, rose by 12.0 percent year-on-year and 0.7 percent on a monthly basis. The annual average underlying inflation rate reached 9.2 percent.

    The CPI is compiled using a basket of approximately 1,622 goods and services monitored across urban and rural areas of Rwanda. Each month, NISR collects more than 40,000 prices from markets, shops, schools, hospitals and other outlets to track changes in the cost of living.

    Rwanda’s inflation rose to 12.9 percent in May 2026, driven by sharp increases in transport, housing, energy and health-related costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

  • Somali referee denied U.S. entry receives hero’s welcome in Mogadishu

    Somali referee denied U.S. entry receives hero’s welcome in Mogadishu

    Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered from early morning at Aden Adde International Airport, waving Somali flags and chanting as they waited for Artan’s arrival.

    When he finally landed at about 8:30 a.m. local time, the crowd surged forward, draping him in the national flag and escorting him through the airport amid cheers.

    Artan had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after earning a place on FIFA’s final list for the tournament. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, he was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025, marking a rapid rise in his international career.

    His journey to the United States was cut short on Saturday when he was denied entry at Miami International Airport over what U.S. Customs and Border Protection described as “vetting concerns,” without providing further details.

    FIFA subsequently removed him from its list of referees for the tournament.
    The decision came despite Artan having been issued a visa last week, according to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, which processed the travel documents. He had been expected to join other selected referees at a training base in Miami ahead of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

    Back home, his arrival transformed into a public show of support and national pride. After being escorted by police to the VIP terminal, Artan was welcomed by Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, officials from the Somalia Football Federation and other dignitaries before addressing the media.

    “It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” he said. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”

    He also struck an optimistic tone despite the setback, telling supporters: “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one. I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”

    The incident has drawn international attention, with questions raised about the circumstances surrounding his denial of entry. Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by recent travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s immigration policy overhaul.

    The controversy also sparked wider reactions in the football world. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Artan’s achievement, saying his World Cup selection “stands no matter what” and that being kept off the pitch did not erase the milestone he had already reached.

    Omar Artan is draped in a Somali flag upon his arrival in the capital, Mogadishu.
    Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered from early morning at Aden Adde International Airport, waving Somali flags and chanting as they waited for Artan’s arrival.
  • Nyandungu Eco-Park to host major global environmental arts initiative

    Nyandungu Eco-Park to host major global environmental arts initiative

    The initiative, titled “Soil & Water: Kigali Crossings,” is being launched by the NIROX Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental and contemporary art, in partnership with QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, the company that manages the park alongside BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium.

    Scheduled to run from August 2026 to March 2027, the long-term programme will merge art, ecology, and public engagement within the park’s boundaries.

    The event will feature public exhibitions, artist residency programmes, performances, concerts, and research-driven creative installations. Participating creators will develop works responding directly to environmental challenges, utilizing both technology and sustainable materials.

    According to Benji Liebmann, founder and director of the NIROX Foundation, the project builds on more than two decades of using art to connect people with nature and conservation. He believes that art speaks to people differently, emotionally and intuitively, creating a deeper connection with the earth that inspires humanity to fall in love with nature again so they can protect it.

    This marks the first time the programme will be hosted in Rwanda. Having previously been held in Europe and South Africa, Rwanda becomes only the second African country to host the initiative.

    Liebmann noted that discussions to bring the project to Kigali emerged through a connection with Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Ildephonse Kambogo, who visited the NIROX Sculpture Park in South Africa, a landscape famous for integrating open-air sculptures made of natural and recycled materials into the environment.

    Liebmann recalled visiting about four years ago to assess its feasibility and realizing that the concept was more than feasible, describing it as both necessary and desirable.

    “It has taken this long to reach the first stage, which is a pilot exhibition project,” he said, adding, “Art speaks to people differently, emotionally and intuitively, and we believe that creates a deeper connection with the earth. Humanity needs to fall in love with nature again.”

    The programme is expected to feature some of Africa’s leading contemporary artists, including Ibrahim Mahama and Serge Attukwei Clottey from Ghana, alongside Willem Boshoff from South Africa. They will be joined by additional participants from France, Spain, and Austria, while local Rwandan artists, including creators from the Inema Arts Center, will also take part in the initiative.

    Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Ildephonse Kambogo welcomed the partnership, stating that it will expand the park’s role by integrating cultural and artistic engagement into its core conservation mission.

    He explained that the wetland’s primary role is to filter polluted water and improve its quality, and through art, they hope to find creative ways of showcasing this water purification process.

    This will make the process easier for people to understand while supporting the wetland’s conservation mission.

    Kambogo added that the residency will allow local Rwandan artists to collaborate with international practitioners, helping to further scale local creative talent.

    “Visitors usually come to enjoy the natural beauty, but there has been something missing, art that connects them to the park, culture, and creativity. These artists will create works displayed across the park so that every visitor can enjoy them,” he said.

    Nyandungu Eco-Park officially opened in 2022 following a massive ecological restoration of the local wetland. Since its opening, visitor attendance has experienced sharp exponential growth, rising from 48,813 in its inaugural year to 67,222 in 2023. This steady upward trajectory solidified in 2024 when the park recorded 76,754 visitors.

    By late 2025, attendance experienced its strongest growth spike yet, surging past 100,000 visitors to register a growth rate of over 30% compared to the previous year. The incoming art installations will be distributed throughout the park’s 121 hectares, establishing a permanent creative layer for future visitors to experience.

    Nyandungu Eco-Park officially opened in 2022 following a massive ecological restoration of the local wetland.
    Organisers of the upcoming event at Nyandungu Eco-Park.
    Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Ildephonse Kambogo welcomed the partnership, stating that it will expand the park’s role by integrating cultural and artistic engagement into its core conservation mission.
    Benji Liebmann (left), founder and director of the NIROX Foundation visiting Nyandungu.

  • EU proposes 21st package of sanctions against Russia

    EU proposes 21st package of sanctions against Russia

    According to a statement released by the Commission, the proposed measures include suspending the automatic adjustment mechanism of the oil price cap until next January, which would allow oil markets to stabilise while maintaining pressure on Russian revenues.

    Thirty additional vessels would be added to the sanctions list, on top of the 632 already designated. For the first time, sanctions would also target vessels providing support services to the “shadow fleet,” including bunkering operations.

    In addition, the proposal includes restrictions on ports, airports and refineries involved in trading or processing Russian oil. The sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to Russia would also be restricted.

    On financial and crypto-related measures, the Commission would expand transaction bans to 31 additional Russian banks, as well as to 20 banks, crypto firms, platforms and oil traders in third countries.

    On trade, the proposed package introduces new export restrictions on goods and technologies used by Russia’s military-industrial sector, as well as drone-related equipment.

    The Commission also proposed import bans on goods worth around 60 million euros (69.4 million U.S. dollars), including certain metals and automotive parts, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on Russian imports.

    For the first time, the EU would also target Russia’s fisheries sector, proposing substantial restrictions on imports of certain fish products and a complete ban on others, including cod.

    Von der Leyen also announced a new measure under the package to ban entry into the EU of individuals who have served in the Russian armed forces since the start of the Ukraine conflict.

    The proposal still requires approval by all EU member states before it can enter into force.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen talks to the press on the 21st sanctions package against Russia in Brussels, Belgium, June 9, 2026.  The European Commission has proposed the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors including energy, financial services and crypto, trade and, for the first time, fisheries, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.

  • Kagame hosts Panama YPO delegation for economic partnership talks

    Kagame hosts Panama YPO delegation for economic partnership talks

    The delegation was led by Rogelio Romero, Chapter Representative of YPO Gold Panama and Chief Executive Officer of Concretex Panama.

    According to the Office of the President, the meeting explored Rwanda’s development journey, the country’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem, and prospects for strengthening business and economic partnerships between Rwanda and Panama.

    YPO is a global leadership community that connects more than 38,000 business leaders across over 130 countries. Its members include chief executives, entrepreneurs, and senior executives who lead companies and organizations across a wide range of sectors.

    The Panama Chapter brings together senior executives from some of the country’s leading firms and investment groups, creating a platform for business networking and investment opportunities.

    The visit reflects growing international interest in Rwanda as a destination for investment and innovation, driven by the country’s business-friendly environment, economic reforms, and expanding private sector.

    The discussions also highlighted the potential for increased cooperation between Rwandan and Panamanian businesses, particularly in areas that support entrepreneurship, trade, and investment.

    Rwanda has continued to position itself as a hub for business and innovation in Africa, attracting investors and business leaders from around the world seeking new opportunities and partnerships.

    In 2025, Rwanda recorded a significant increase in investor commitments, underscoring the country’s growing appeal as a destination for business and investment. According to official figures, total registered capital reached $2.62 billion (approximately Rwf 3.8 trillion) across 799 pipeline projects, a substantial increase from the 612 projects registered the previous year.

    Once fully implemented, these projects are expected to create more than 38,000 jobs, further supporting Rwanda’s economic growth and employment objectives. The real estate, manufacturing, and mining sectors attracted the largest share of the registered capital, highlighting the diversity of opportunities available to investors.

    President Paul Kagame on Tuesday received a delegation of 19 members of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and their spouses at Urugwiro Village.
    According to the Office of the President, discussions focused on Rwanda’s economic transformation, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for business collaboration with Panama.
    The delegation was led by Rogelio Romero, Chapter Representative of YPO Gold Panama and Chief Executive Officer of Concretex Panama.
    The meeting explored Rwanda’s development journey, the country’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem, and prospects for strengthening business and economic partnerships between Rwanda and Panama.
  • Artists push back against AI with “anti-slop” aesthetic movement

    Artists push back against AI with “anti-slop” aesthetic movement

    The emerging “anti-slop” trend reflects a backlash against AI-generated visuals, which critics say often feel overly smooth, uncanny, and detached from human labour. Instead, creatives are turning to analogue techniques and unpolished, DIY-inspired design choices as a way of reasserting human authorship in visual culture.

    At industry events in the US promoting generative AI tools, technology advocates have highlighted how quickly campaigns can now be produced using artificial intelligence. Rob Wrubel, co-founder of ad firm Silverside, pointed to significantly shortened production timelines enabled by AI systems, though some outputs have faced criticism for lacking authenticity and emotional depth.

    Concerns also extend to how AI models are trained on vast datasets that include existing creative work. Photographer and designer Michael Schmelling, whose work features intentionally scribbled, hand-drawn-style covers and artwork, says the shift is already visible in the creative sector.

    “This AI stuff has just been rammed down our throats,” he said. “AI is everywhere. And all of a sudden there’s a backlash.”

    He also criticised the economic model behind generative AI, arguing that it often benefits from artists’ work without fair compensation.

    A similar emphasis on human-made craft can be seen in stop-motion advertising work by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios for the Green Bay Packers in the US, which used physical models and frame-by-frame animation instead of digital generation.

    Co-founder John Harvatine IV said: “We do everything here by hand.” He added that audiences responded strongly to the visible craftsmanship behind the project.

    While the studio does use some digital tools, it prioritises physical production over automated creation, a contrast that has resonated with audiences amid growing debate over AI-generated media.

    Observers say the shift echoes earlier technological disruptions in art history. The rise of photography in the 19th century, for instance, pushed painters toward movements such as impressionism and surrealism rather than strict realism. Some analysts suggest AI may be triggering a similar redefinition of creative value today.

    Still, some creatives remain cautious about the durability of the trend. As journalist John Semley notes, there may eventually be a “backlash to the backlash” as AI tools become further embedded in everyday creative workflows.

    For now, however, the divide is increasingly visible: while AI accelerates polished production in global advertising and media hubs, a growing counter-movement is reasserting imperfection, texture, and the unmistakable mark of human creation.

    Behind the scenes of Stoopid Buddy Stoodios’ stop-motion animation ad for the Green Bay Packers. As artificial intelligence reshapes creative industries across the world, including in major media and advertising markets such as the United States and Europe, a growing number of artists are responding with a contrasting aesthetic: visibly handmade, imperfect, and deliberately rough design.