Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 74 senior six students, including 39 boys and 35 girls, Rudakemwa emphasised the importance of translating learning into impact.
“One of our school’s key goals is to provide a strong foundation built on godly values while equipping students with practical, world-class knowledge,” he said. “Let these values guide you in all that you do, and ensure the education you’ve received becomes a tool for building a better future, not something that remains unused.”
He noted that Wellspring Academy has continued to grow in reputation, consistently attracting more applicants than it can accommodate, which he attributed to the public’s confidence in the school’s mission and standards.
Rudakemwa also reaffirmed the school’s openness to students from various backgrounds. Although founded on a Christian ethos and culture of prayer, Wellspring welcomes all students willing to respect the school’s values and code of conduct.
“Representing the Minister of Education, Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, a Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to embrace life beyond the classroom with resilience and confidence.”
“Completing secondary education is a remarkable achievement. I wish you all success as you strive to become professionals and pursue your dreams,” he said. “Face the future with courage, and trust in your own potential.”
Also addressing the graduates was Pastor Peter Nkunzingoma, Senior Pastor of Christian Life Assembly, who reminded students to safeguard their well-being and keep their faith central to their ambitions.
“Whenever you seek success or strength in life, turn to God and ask for His guidance and presence in all you do,” he said.
Established in 2007 by Christian Life Assembly, Wellspring Academy began with just 106 students. Today, it is recognised among Rwanda’s top international schools, offering the Cambridge curriculum. The school aims to deliver high-quality education while nurturing ethical, visionary leaders who will contribute to Rwanda’s progress and promote its values around the world.
Kenyan entrepreneur and former diplomat Hannah Ryder is at the forefront of this movement, leading efforts to spotlight designers who seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Her Africa Reimagined project aims to showcase African fashion that resonates with the diverse and evolving tastes of the Chinese market.
A striking example of this cultural fusion was seen at the expo, where Development Reimagined staff member and hanfu enthusiast Chen Huiyi paired a Rwandan-designed blouse with traditional Chinese hanfu. This combination reflects a shared vision of preserving cultural heritage by integrating it into everyday life.
“The best way to preserve traditional culture is to ‘wear it out’, letting more people see it and fusing it with daily life,” says Chen. “That’s also what our African designers hope to do.”
African designers who participated in the expo share this philosophy, aiming to introduce their cultures through fashion that bridges history and the present.
Designers from across Africa are actively entering the Chinese market, with ambitions to establish physical stores in addition to showcasing at major events. South African designer Thula Sindi, known for his AfricaRise stores in Johannesburg and Pretoria, sees a strong opportunity for mutual exchange.
“African businesses need to be in China the way Chinese businesses are in Africa,” Sindi said. He plans to open a store in Shanghai, viewing the city as a cosmopolitan gateway with efficient logistics for online shopping and delivery. For Sindi, the strategy is clear: African fashion competes not on trends or price, but on uniqueness, quality, and timeless appeal.
He believes African designs offer something special and enduring, perfectly aligned with the Chinese market’s evolving tastes.
Fellow South African designer David Tlale shares this vision and is actively exploring ways to expand his brand in China. He acknowledges the challenges of entering a new market, including protecting intellectual property and managing cost structures.
Nonetheless, he is enthusiastic about learning from China’s advanced textile technologies to enhance competitiveness. Tlale sees the growing Africa-China partnership as an opportunity for creative cross-pollination that benefits both fashion industries.
Ryder believes the diversity of the Chinese market is an ideal match for African luxury fashion. She highlights the appeal of African brands that emphasise sustainability, unique production methods, and distinctive fabrics.
As China’s consumer base grows wealthier and more sophisticated, demand for authentic and varied offerings is rising, and African designers are well-positioned to meet that demand.
Beyond individual consumers, growing interest from buyers and retailers suggests a promising future in which African fashion establishes a lasting presence in China.
This cultural blending through fashion represents a broader narrative of exchange and collaboration, where tradition is honoured, innovation is embraced, and new expressions emerge that speak to both heritage and the modern world.
Located in Ruhimbi Village, Ruganda Cell, Kamembe Sector, approximately 20 kilometres from Rusizi town, the facility will be the first of its kind in Rwanda’s Western Province and is expected to serve neighbouring districts as well.
Once completed, the plant will treat up to 42 cubic meters of faecal waste and 13 tonnes of solid waste daily. Organic waste will be converted into compost, while non-biodegradable materials like plastic and paper will be recycled into reusable products.
Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba told IGIHE that the facility will play a key role in improving public hygiene and protecting the local ecosystem.
“All waste from Rusizi town will be collected and sorted at the site. Biodegradable waste will be turned into compost, while plastics—such as bottles often seen in Lake Kivu and the Rusizi River—will be recycled into reusable materials,” he explained.
The project is being implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group).
According to Robert Bimenyimana, Public Relations and Communications Manager at WASAC, construction of the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) and the accompanying modern landfill began in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by March 2026.
“The facility will include separate zones for faecal sludge treatment, composting of organic waste, and sorting and recycling of non-biodegradable waste such as plastics and paper,” he said.
Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly boost waste management capacity in the region, reduce pollution, and support Rwanda’s broader sustainability and sanitation goals.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he revealed how he ended up joining the militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi, saying he was coerced through persistent harassment by its members, which is one of the tactics used to recruit young people.
“The first time I got involved was because of mistreatment. If you were a capable young man, they would constantly make you carry their loads every day. Whatever you did wouldn’t be appreciated, and they’d say they would stop only if you joined the militia. I got angry and ended up joining the group,” he stated.
He joined the FDLR in 2017, initially believing it was a noble organisation with sound intentions and legitimate goals. But once inside, he realised they were deeply entrenched in genocidal ideology and engaged in destabilising activities. That’s when he started plotting how to escape.
He confirmed that their core activity was combat training and fighting, with the stated goal of overthrowing the Rwandan government because it is led by Tutsis.
The ex-combatant revealed that the group’s collaboration with the Congolese army, FARDC, gave the FDLR a significant role in the DRC during the conflict involving the M23 rebel group, which advocates for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese and is opposed by the government of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi.
“We were on the front lines while FARDC was positioned behind us. Sometimes they would mix us together, especially when we wore FARDC uniforms, making it hard to distinguish us. But when we returned to base, we were housed separately,” he said.
Ntawiheba revealed that battle planning was often led by FDLR senior commanders, who coordinated with FARDC officers in French to strategise combat operations.
A clear sign that the FDLR was leading the front lines was that, during attacks or battles, they were always the first to engage, while FARDC and Wazalendo forces followed behind.
Food supplies during combat missions were provided by FARDC, along with ammunition, weapons, and uniforms distributed to all fighters.
{{Six months of FDLR and FARDC cohabitation in military camps
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Officials at various levels of the Congolese government have repeatedly denied cooperating with the FDLR, but their actions and patterns of collaboration often speak louder than their statements.
Ntawiheba said the FDLR–FARDC alliance was kept highly secret, with many fighters on the ground unaware of its existence.
However, after M23 gained ground and advanced toward Sake, a decision was made to station all troops together in the same base.
“It was initially kept secret, but once we reached Sake, it became clear – we were together openly. At Bambiro, we stayed together for six months in the same military facility,” he added.
In addition to providing money, weapons, and other resources to FDLR fighters during combat, the DRC also reportedly promised them that once the M23 was defeated, it would support them in overthrowing the Rwandan government.
In March 2024, M23 initially captured several areas surrounding the town of Sake, located in Masisi territory, as well as parts of Goma in Nyiragongo territory.
The fighting intensified as M23 advanced toward Sake, especially since the opposing forces had been reinforced by troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and those from the United Nations special force known as the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
Ntawiheba disclosed that entering Sake required M23 to fight a brutal battle that claimed many lives among his comrades, with others seriously injured.
“A day I’ll never forget is when we fought in Madimba. It was an intense and violent battle. Where bullets fly, people are bound to die, and injuries are inevitable. To come out of that place without getting wounded or killed is reason enough to thank God,” he revealed
“What gave M23 an advantage over us was their unity. They prepared and executed their operations together, unlike the disorganised approach on our side, where there was no clear structure.”
He added that witnessing people die around him made him reflect and realise they were not fighting for a meaningful cause, but were simply being used as pawns by senior FDLR leaders.
Ntawiheba called on his former comrades still in the forest to make the decision to return home instead of wasting away in the bush, misled by lies spread by fugitives from justice who participated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The FDLR could now be disbanded if the DRC government fully commits to the deal signed on Friday between the DRC and Rwanda to neutralise the group.
The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., with Rwanda and the DRC represented by their respective foreign ministers, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, at a ceremony witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Donald Trump later hosted a follow-up presentation of the signed agreement in the Oval Office, accompanied by Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance, hailing the occasion as a “glorious triumph” after 30 years of conflict.
The historic accord was signed on Friday in Washington, D.C., with the two nations represented by their respective Foreign Ministers, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe of Rwanda and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner of the DRC.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attended by key international mediators.
President Donald Trump hosted a follow-up presentation of the signed document in the Oval Office, accompanied by Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance, hailing the occasion as a “glorious triumph” after 30 years of conflict.
In a statement released the same evening, Guterres commended the leadership of the United States, particularly the role of President Trump and the U.S. Department of State, in facilitating the breakthrough, alongside mediation efforts by Qatar and African Union facilitator President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.
He also acknowledged contributions by regional blocs, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The UN chief urged both nations to fully honour their commitments under the agreement, consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025), which demands a cessation of hostilities and the resumption of diplomatic dialogue.
“The UN, including through its peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners,” Guterres said.
Coinciding with the signing, the UN Security Council convened on Friday to discuss the situation in the DRC. Bintou Keita, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of MONUSCO, welcomed the accord, describing it as a vital milestone in the quest for peace.
The agreement establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and outlines steps toward the neutralisation of the FDLR, a rebel group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda has long accused the DRC of supporting the FDLR, while Kinshasa alleges that Kigali backs the M23 rebel movement operating in its eastern provinces. Kigali has repeatedly denied the claims, urging the Kinshasa administration to resolve its internal issues without dragging Rwanda into its affairs.
“The first order of business is to begin implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Neutralisation of FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Minister Nduhungirehe said.
“This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias. That is the bedrock of peace and security in our region,” he noted.
The peace accord has also been welcomed by the African Union and several countries, including Israel, France, Ukraine and Qatar, among others.
The hospital shared the news on Friday via its official X platform, describing the procedure as a safe, minimally invasive solution designed to support adults struggling with weight loss through conventional means.
“Our hospital is proud to introduce Gastric Balloon Placement—a safe and effective procedure designed to help you achieve your health goals!” the hospital wrote.
The gastric balloon, which typically remains in the stomach for about six months, works by reducing stomach capacity, promoting a feeling of fullness, and helping patients adopt healthier portion control and eating habits.
The service is targeted at adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27 and 40 who have not seen results from diet and exercise alone.
In addition to the procedure, KFHR offers comprehensive patient support, including nutrition counselling and ongoing follow-up care to help ensure lasting outcomes.
This latest service is part of KFHR’s broader efforts to provide innovative, patient-centred care, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of specialised healthcare in the region.
📢 Exciting Announcement!
Now Offering Gastric Balloon Placement for Weight Management at KFHR!
Are you looking for a non-surgical, reversible solution to support your weight loss journey? Our hospital is proud to introduce Gastric Balloon Placement—a safe and effective… pic.twitter.com/AniGFFKmpG
— King Faisal Hospital Rwanda (@kfaisalhospital) June 27, 2025
The ceremony was attended by the families of those killed in the attacks as well as high-ranking Iranian officials and military commanders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Shamkhani, who was severely injured in the Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.
Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on Tuesday.
The mourners waved Iran’s flags while chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. They carried pictures of the “martyred” commanders and nuclear scientists, including Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, Chief Commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Division Amir Ali Hajizadeh and chief commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and his successor, Gholam Ali Rashid and Ali Shadmani respectively.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said at the ceremony that the United States and Israel proved that they failed to honor any of their commitments.
He emphasized that the Iranian armed forces were highly vigilant to give a decisive response to any “malicious action” or breach of promises by the “enemy.”
The burial ceremonies are scheduled to be held on Sunday.
Describing the accord as a “glorious triumph” for peace, President Trump said the agreement marked the end of one of the world’s most protracted conflicts, which lasted three decades.
“The violence and destruction come to an end today, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope, opportunity, prosperity, and peace,” he said during the ceremony.
The peace deal was signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe and his DRC counterpart Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. The event was presided over by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led the diplomatic push alongside Senior Advisor for African Affairs Massad Boulos.
In his remarks, Trump stressed the importance of holding both nations accountable for implementing the terms of the agreement.
“You’re going to do what’s in the agreement… because if somebody fails to do that, bad things happen,” he warned. “But I have a feeling that after 30 years, you’re all set.”
The agreement is the result of months of quiet diplomacy led by the U.S. State Department, with support from Qatar, the African Union, and the government of Togo.
Boulos, who led the U.S. mediation efforts, confirmed that the accord signed Friday was the final and binding version. He also hinted at further economic agreements and an upcoming Heads of State ceremonial summit at the White House, expected soon.
Under the new agreement, both countries have committed to the formation of a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism to oversee the implementation of peace and stability measures. At the heart of this framework is a plan to neutralise the FDLR, a militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The DRC has committed to dismantling the FDLR and facilitating the safe return of refugees; in return, Rwanda will lift defensive measures at its border.
Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe thanked the Trump administration for its decisive involvement in mediating the agreement.
“This deal is the product of coordinated efforts from multiple actors,” he said, pointing to Qatar’s mediation and the African Union’s role, particularly under the leadership of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.
“The first order of business is to implement the concept of operations for the neutralization of the FDLR, accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Nduhungirehe explained.
“This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias.”
At the same time, Minister Nduhungirehe noted that in the coming weeks, the focus will shift to ensuring the success of ongoing mediation between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel group in Qatar.
“We will lend our full support in the weeks ahead to Qatar’s mediation efforts, led by Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, to secure a peace agreement between the DRC government and the AFC/M23,” he said.
He also highlighted economic cooperation as a pillar of the new relationship, noting growing interest from American investors in sectors ranging from mining to energy.
“Shared growth and cross-border cooperation will unlock tangible dividends for both our countries,” he said.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, representing the DRC, echoed the sentiments. “This agreement affirms a shared responsibility to uphold sovereignty, human rights, and international law,” she said. “We, the DRC, will resolutely fight for this agreement to be respected, not with our words but with our deeds.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the agreement a critical step toward lasting stability, adding that it represents a strategic alignment of peace and prosperity in the region. He emphasised that U.S. engagement was motivated not just by diplomacy but by the shared interests in economic development, human rights, and long-term investment.
Boulos added that the U.S. is also negotiating a critical minerals agreement with the DRC and supporting infrastructure projects such as a $1.5 billion electric transmission line from Angola to the DRC. He noted a regional economic integration framework had also been finalised and would be signed at the White House later this year.
The signing comes amid Trump’s wider efforts to broker peace deals in other regions, including between Israel and Iran, and Pakistan and India.
The new agreement is not much different from several past ones that the DRC had previously refused to endorse during various negotiations. However, it introduces new elements such as economic cooperation on projects like the Ruzizi III hydropower plant, methane gas extraction in Lake Kivu, and others that had been agreed upon in previous years but faced delays.
When Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisor on African affairs, read the clauses of the agreement, he emphasised the principles of the joint action plan to eliminate the FDLR militia and lift defence measures along the border.
Those principles were first agreed upon on October 31, 2024, by the intelligence agencies of both Rwanda and the DRC. An analysis shows that these principles form the core of the agreement signed in the United States.
At the time of the initial agreement, the DRC had refused to sign, but this time it did. The question now is whether it will be implemented.
At the heart of the agreement was the understanding that both Rwanda and the DRC had responsibilities to fulfil to achieve peace on both sides.
The DRC was tasked with dismantling the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, facilitating the repatriation of its members to Rwanda, and ensuring peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
It was also asked to promote the voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons.
On its part, Rwanda was required to lift defensive measures along the border and reintegrate former FDLR combatants, a process the country has pursued for more than 25 years.
Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, prior to signing, stressed the importance of implementing those principles first.
“The first order of business is to begin implementing the concept of operations for the neutralisation of the FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Minister Nduhungirehe stated.
{{DRC signs what it doesn’t like
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Among the other provisions signed was a commitment by the DRC to support the ongoing negotiations between the DRC and the M23/AFC group, mediated by the State of Qatar. Both Rwanda and the DRC are expected to back these talks until they yield tangible outcomes.
For a long time, President Tshisekedi’s administration maintained that it would never engage in talks with the M23. However, eventually, negotiations have gained momentum in Qatar.
The DRC was also asked to support the peaceful, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin. This clause has long been rejected by the DRC government, which has often claimed that those Congolese who fled to Rwanda are not genuine Congolese nationals.
Rwanda currently hosts over 80,000 Congolese refugees. Over the years, agreements for their repatriation have been signed between Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR, but the Kinshasa government has failed to uphold them.
The first such agreement was signed in 2010 in both Goma and Kigali. It stipulated that refugees were to be repatriated voluntarily, with both countries working to create conditions conducive to their return and reintegration.
The agreement also stated that no one shall be forcibly repatriated to a place where their safety and life may be at risk.
The fact that the DRC has now signed a clause it has long rejected is significant, especially because it also affects the M23 group, which has been fighting for years to defend the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, many of whom have been displaced and accused of being Rwandans.
When Donald Trump received the foreign ministers of both countries, he urged that the Washington Accord be fully implemented. He warned that failure to do so could have serious consequences.
“In the months and years ahead, my administration will continue to work closely with all of the parties in this deal and ensure the agreements are fully carried out. And you’re going to do what’s in the agreement. We’ll say, ‘You better do what’s in that agreement,’ right? Because if somebody fails to do that, bad things happen,” he stated.
“But I have a feeling that after 30 years, you’re all set. I think both of you have said, ‘That’s enough,’ right? That’s enough. You’ve seen it all. So, this is a wonderful day,” he added.
In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Araghchi said the possibility of restarting talks was under consideration but would depend on whether Tehran’s national interests were protected.
“Our decisions will be based solely on Iran’s interests,” he said. “If our interests require a return to negotiations, we will consider it. But at this stage, no agreement or promise has been made and no talks have taken place.”
Araghchi accused Washington of betraying Iran during previous rounds of negotiations on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting U.S. sanctions.
The Iranian diplomat also confirmed that a law suspending cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog had become binding after being passed by parliament and approved by the Guardian Council, a top constitutional oversight body.
“The law is now obligatory and will be implemented. Our cooperation with the IAEA will take a new shape,” he said.
Araghchi also said the damage caused by the 12-day war with Israel was “serious” and that experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran were conducting a detailed assessment. He said the question of demanding reparations was high on the government’s agenda.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The attacks came just days before Iran and the United States were expected to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.
In response, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing casualties and damage.
On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force struck three key Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday.
The 12-day conflict ended with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Tuesday.
