Speaking during an interview on Newsmax’s “American Agenda” ahead of Thursday’s signing ceremony, Rwanda government spokesperson Yolande Makolo described the deal as “the best chance for peace, stability, and prosperity that our two countries and the region have.”
She highlighted that the initiative began when the DRC requested U.S. mediation and praised the role of the Trump administration in addressing the root causes of the conflict.
“The Trump administration is focusing on the real obstacles to peace, particularly the security threat posed by militias in Eastern Congo,” Makolo said. “They are also looking at the economic opportunities for both Rwanda and the DRC, including investment from American companies, which is important for regional development.”
The conflict, Makolo told the American cable network, traces back to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, after which perpetrators fled into the DRC and now lead militias, including at least 12 commanders of the FDLR, who continue to pose a security threat to Rwanda.
The spokesperson noted that the security threats have forced Rwanda to defend its borders against incursions by the genocidal militia group for the past 31 years.
Makolo explained that the Washington Accord, which President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi are set to sign at the White House, builds on a preliminary agreement reached in June. The accord provides for the neutralisation of the FDLR, the cessation of border hostilities, and measures to facilitate regional security.
“Some progress has been made since June, but there is still work to be done,” Makolo said. “Ceasefire violations continue, and the DRC government must fulfil its commitments to deal with the genocidal groups before Rwanda can relax its defensive measures.”
In addition to the peace agreement, the two leaders are expected to ratify a Regional Economic Integration Framework that will strengthen cross-border trade and cooperation.
“This is an important step, and we hope to continue U.S. engagement to ensure the process reaches its conclusion,” Makolo said, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to a lasting resolution.
The colourful ceremony, held at Kigali Marriott Hotel, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and distinguished guests to commemorate the UAE’s formation under the theme “United.”
The celebration marks a significant milestone for the UAE, reflecting on the vision of its founding fathers, particularly Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who united the seven Emirates under one flag on December 2, 1971. The historic day not only heralded the birth of the United Arab Emirates but also laid the foundation for its commitment to international cooperation and responsible governance, with the first Council of Ministers formed just a week later and the UAE joining the United Nations.
In his keynote speech, Mohammed AlKaabi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, highlighted the nation’s remarkable progress over the past five decades.
“From infrastructure, aviation, and renewable energy to space exploration and artificial intelligence, the UAE has chosen to shape the future rather than wait for it,” he noted.
He also emphasised the UAE’s global initiatives, including Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, underscoring the country’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and climate action.
The 2025 Union Day celebrations also coincide with the UAE’s designation of the year as the “Year of the Community,” a reflection of the nation’s focus on social cohesion and inclusivity. With over 200 nationalities residing in the UAE, the initiative highlights the importance of diversity, mutual respect, and shared development.
Rwanda’s presence at the event was led by the Guest of Honour, Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Middle East & Pacific Affairs at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.
In his address, Rwanyagatare extended Rwanda’s heartfelt congratulations to the UAE on its 54th Union Day. He emphasised the strong bilateral ties that have grown steadily over the years, particularly in trade, investment, aviation, hospitality, education, and infrastructure.
“Over the past thirty years, Rwanda has undergone rapid transformation across multiple sectors with the support and investment of partners like the UAE,” Rwanyagatare said.
He highlighted that the UAE has emerged as Rwanda’s top export market, with bilateral trade surpassing USD 1.5 billion in the last year, reflecting the complementary strengths of both economies and the confidence businesses place in each other.
Economic cooperation has been bolstered by projects such as DP World’s Kigali Logistics Platform and the new Rubavu Logistics Hub, which strengthen Rwanda’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub connecting the country to regional seaports and global supply chains. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has also supported Rwanda through initiatives like the expansion of the Karenge Water Treatment Plant, enhancing water security and service delivery for communities and businesses.
Beyond economics, the UAE and Rwanda have deepened collaboration in capacity building and governance through the Government Experience Exchange Program, as well as in security and defence, contributing to regional stability. Both countries continue to share values centred on human capital development, innovation, sustainable development, and climate action.
The evening’s program featured a blend of cultural and diplomatic engagements, including UAE and Rwandan national anthems, a traditional UAE folk dance ‘Al Harbiah’, Rwandan traditional dance performances by students from the Islamic Secondary School for Sciences, a self-service buffet featuring UAE dishes, and the ceremonial cutting of the Union Day cake. Guests were also presented with symbolic gifts, marking the significance of the occasion.
Since the opening of the UAE Embassy in Kigali in March 2018, this marks the eighth time Union Day has been celebrated in Rwanda. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the UAE’s achievements over more than five decades while reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen their partnership for peace, prosperity, and mutual growth.
As the celebrations concluded, both AlKaabi and Rwanyagatare toasted to the continued friendship between Rwanda and the UAE, reaffirming that the ties between the two nations are poised to grow even stronger in the years to come.
According to the Office of the President, President Kagame hosted a dinner with Members of Congress, including Senator Mike Rounds, Chairman Rep. Brian Mast, Senator Kevin Cramer, Senator Pete Ricketts, Rep. Ronny Jackson, and Rep. Trent Kelly. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through key initiatives that contribute to lasting stability and prosperity.
Earlier in the evening, President Kagame met separately with Senator Lindsey Graham. Their conversation centred on expanding Rwanda–U.S. collaboration in strategic areas such as conservation, security and economic partnerships.
President Kagame arrived in Washington earlier on Wednesday and is expected to meet with President Donald Trump before joining the signing of the Washington Accord alongside his Congolese counterpart, President Félix Tshisekedi.
The accord, brokered by the United States and scheduled for signing later on Thursday, seeks to end years of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It follows months of intensive diplomatic negotiations led by President Trump, building on an initial framework agreed upon in June.
In addition to the peace agreement, Kagame and Tshisekedi are also expected to ratify a Regional Economic Integration Framework, finalised last month, which outlines mechanisms to boost cross-border trade and cooperation.
The Washington Agreement includes provisions for the neutralisation of the FDLR and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive border measures.
The upcoming signing is being closely watched as a significant step toward stabilising eastern Congo and advancing regional cooperation across the Great Lakes region.
The launch took place on 3rd December at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, marking an important step forward in our mission to make financial services more accessible and inclusive for all Rwandans.
K’avance is an overdraft facility that allows eligible MoMo users to carry out essential transactions—such as sending money, making merchant payments, or purchasing airtime—even when their account balance is too low to complete the transaction.
{{How to Access K’avance
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Customers can access the K’avance service by:
1. Dialling *182*5*2#
2. Following the prompts to review and accept the Terms & Conditions
3. Receiving notification of their credit limit once approved, after which they can begin using K’avance
Speaking at the launch event, MoMo Rwanda Ltd CEO Chantal Kagame said:
“K’avance is another milestone in our journey to provide practical financial solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We understand that access to small, timely credit can make a big difference in Rwandans’ daily lives, and K’avance is here to fill that gap.”
Puneet Chopra, Chief Growth Officer at Yabx Technologies, said:
“With K’avance, we’re addressing the real liquidity challenges faced by Rwandans in their daily lives. The service ensures that customers can access responsible, data-driven credit when they need it most—fostering inclusion, trust, and participation in Rwanda’s growing digital economy. Powered by Yabx’s advanced digital lending technology, K’avance is the first product of its kind in the market, combining cutting-edge innovation, local insight, and strong institutional partnerships to bring seamless access to financial support at the tap of a button.”
Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, added:
“K’avance is a strong example of how innovation and strategic partnerships can unlock meaningful impact. With this collaboration, we are delivering solutions that are not only timely but also relevant to the evolving needs of our customers. We remain committed to driving inclusive innovation that brings formal financial services closer to everyday life.”
MoMo Rwanda encourages all customers to explore this service and take advantage of the convenience and flexibility it offers. Eligibility for K’avance is based on customer behaviour and scoring by TransUnion Rwanda, ensuring responsible access to credit.
The UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2025 shows that shifts in financial markets affect global trade almost as strongly as real economic activity, influencing development prospects worldwide, said the UN trade body.
The report said that despite potential gains from new technologies like artificial intelligence, global growth is projected to remain subdued in 2026, at 2.6 percent.
UNCTAD said that its projection was based on a global growth aggregate using market exchange rate (MER) weights rather than purchasing power parity (PPP) weights used by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with the latter leading to a higher global growth forecast. The OECD on the same day predicted that global GDP growth will slow from 3.2 percent in 2025 to 2.9 percent in 2026.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan said the findings show how financial conditions increasingly determine the direction of global trade. “Trade is not just a chain of suppliers. It is also a chain of credit lines, payment systems, currency markets, and capital flows,” she said.
The report said developing economies are forecast to grow by 4.3 percent in 2025, significantly faster than advanced economies.
However, factors such as higher financing costs, greater exposure to sudden shifts in capital flows, and rising climate-related financial risks limit the fiscal and investment space that developing economies need to sustain growth.
The report noted that many developing economies with small domestic financial markets rely on external borrowing at significantly higher rates of 7 to 11 percent, compared with 1 to 4 percent in major advanced economies.
In addition, climate vulnerability adds to financial pressures, with countries repeatedly exposed to extreme weather paying an estimated 20 billion U.S. dollars more each year in interest.
UNCTAD called for a set of reforms to reduce financial vulnerability, improve predictability, and strengthen alignment among trade, finance, and development.
These measures include trade rule updates, policies to narrow data caps, international monetary system reforms, and the development of capital markets.
Rwanda extracts minerals including wolframite, cassiterite, and coltan, processed into tungsten, tin, and tantalum, with an annual production of 8,000 to 10,000 tons. The country also mines gold, sapphire, and lithium, alongside ongoing exploration to identify new deposits. Increasingly, Rwanda is focusing on value addition through local processing.
The Gasabo Gold Refinery, now in its sixth year of operation, has an annual capacity of 96 tons. Director Kayobotsi Bosco told IGIHE that the facility has reached 30% of capacity, 28.8 tons annually. Monthly production has grown from 600 kilograms to 2.5 tons.
“We started by processing about 600 kilograms per month, and now we are processing 2.5 tons per month,” he said, noting the steady growth over the years. Gold processed at the refinery comes from Rwanda and six non-conflict African countries.
“They want us to process their gold. It’s easier to bring it because Rwanda has adequate security,” he added.
Processing yields significant benefits. Gold refined to 99.99% purity sells for over $134,000 per kilogram, compared to about $120,000 for unprocessed gold. Silver, often discarded when gold is sold raw, can fetch more than $1,800 per kilogram when refined. The refinery employs 42 Rwandans and aims to reach 50% capacity, about four tons per month, next year.
Tin processing has also expanded. LuNa Smelter, which began operations in 2018/19, has increased output from 100 to over 250 tons of tin per month, with a purification rate of 99.95%. Interim operations manager Parfait Udakemwa said the plant plans to reach 320 tons next year and targets 600 tons per month within five years. It employs 161 staff and sources cassiterite from across Rwanda.
Rwanda is also adopting advanced technologies in mining. The country has shifted from basic tools to research-driven methods and is now introducing robots to improve safety and efficiency. Through discussions with Zora Robotics, Rwanda plans to deploy robots in underground tunnels to assess ground stability, measure gas levels, and monitor workers.
Zora Robotics CEO Benjamin Karenzi said the company has over 60 robots operating in various sectors and is ready to support mining. Robots, operating on 5G, will inspect tunnels before miners enter and track worker movements, helping to reduce accidents and raise productivity. The technology is already used in South Africa and may cost up to 120 million Rwandan Francs per mine.
The initiative has gained support from investors such as British businessman Ray Power, whose company processes 120 tons of coltan per month in Bugesera. He said improved worker safety strengthens client confidence and long-term cooperation.
Rwanda aims to increase mining export revenues to $2.2 billion by 2029 and raise mineral recovery rates from 40% to 80%. In May 2025, the country identified new mineral zones spanning 13,454 hectares, with more discoveries expected.
The leaders are set to finalise the Washington Accord, a US-brokered peace deal aimed at ending years of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The signing ceremony, scheduled for December 4, follows months of intensive diplomatic efforts led by President Trump and comes after the initial agreement was reached in June. In addition to the peace accord, the two leaders are expected to ratify a Regional Economic Integration Framework that was negotiated last month.
Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have been strained for years. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which controls key eastern cities, including Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, instead accusing the DRC of harbouring the FDLR, a militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and urging the DRC to resolve its internal security issues independently.
The Washington Agreement outlines the neutralisation of the FDLR and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive border measures.
President Kagame recently emphasised that lasting peace will require commitment from all parties involved.
“Some of these processes will not work not just because we are meeting in Washington or the powerful United States is involved, but until those people concerned directly are committed to achieving end results,” he said.
The upcoming signing in Washington is being closely watched as a crucial step toward stabilising eastern Congo and strengthening regional cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
Representing Rwanda for the ninth consecutive year, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is joined by top tourism operators, including Blue Monkey Tours, Primate Safaris, Luxe Horizons, Pure Africa Tours, Inzozi Tours & Travels, Wilderness/Thousand Hills, Uber Luxe Safaris, Palast Tours and Travels, Pinnacle Kigali, and Volcanoes Safaris.
Rwanda’s delegation aims to showcase the country’s diverse tourist attractions and strengthen its profile in the global luxury tourism market. On the opening day, the participating companies engaged with over 150 visitors, in addition to holding strategic meetings facilitated by RDB with media representatives and industry partners.
With more than 2,000 luxury tourism professionals expected at the annual event, Rwanda is well-positioned to expand its international network and attract high-end travelers.
ILTM Cannes serves as a key platform connecting buyers, sellers, and partners in the luxury tourism sector. The event draws participants from across Africa, Asia, South America, the Arab world, and China.
{{Photos from the second day, highlighting Rwanda’s stand and its engagement with partners.
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Held under the theme “Rwanda’s Transformation: Unity, Renewal and Strategic Engagement,” the retreat brought together hundreds of participants to reflect on the incredible progress Rwanda has achieved over the past 31 years, progress rooted in national unity, resilience, and visionary leadership.
The event was officiated by the RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera, who emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding Rwanda’s gains and ensuring that its future remains bright.
Speaking on behalf of Bank of Kigali, Desire Rumanyika, Chief Digital and Retail Banking Officer, shared the bank’s commitment to enabling Rwandans living abroad to remain connected to their country, financially and strategically.
He said, “At this retreat, we have shown Rwandans living across Europe the tools and opportunities that Bank of Kigali provides to invest back home. Together, we explored how we can strengthen this bond even further. Over the years, diaspora investments have grown, and that growth reflects the connection and contribution of the diaspora to Rwanda’s development journey.”
Throughout the retreat, Bank of Kigali showcased a range of solutions tailored to the needs of the diaspora:
-* The BK Capital USD Fixed Income Fund, offering annual returns of 5–6%, with flexible withdrawals, the ability to borrow against the investment, and full certification by the Rwanda Capital Market Authority.
-* Digital banking services, including the BK Mobile App and Internet Banking, which allow diaspora clients to open accounts remotely, save, transfer money, and manage their finances without visiting a branch.
-* Diaspora mortgage solutions, designed to make homeownership in Rwanda faster, simpler, and more accessible, whether buying a home in Kigali, building in the countryside, or investing in property in Rubavu.
-* Foreign currency accounts in RWF, USD, GBP, EUR, CHF, and CAD, all with zero maintenance fees and free incoming international transfers.
The retreat served not only as a celebration of Rwandan identity but as a reminder that the nation’s progress is a shared journey. Bank of Kigali remains committed to creating solutions that empower Rwandans, wherever they live, to contribute to Rwanda’s future.
The momentum is strong. The connection is real. The time to invest in Rwanda is now. Shora I Rwanda with Bank of Kigali and be part of a legacy that endures across generations.
Trump made the declaration in a post on his Truth Social media platform, saying recipients of any pardon, commutation or other legal document signed by autopen should consider them “fully and completely terminated” and “of no legal effect.”
The autopen is a device historically used by U.S. presidents to replicate their signatures for high‑volume or ceremonial paperwork, a practice adopted by presidents of both major parties.
According to law professors such as Bernadette Meyler (Stanford Law School) and Mark Osler (University of St. Thomas School of Law), there is “absolutely no constitutional or legal basis” for a sitting president to retroactively revoke a predecessor’s pardons simply because they were autopen‑signed.
Another expert, Brian Kalt of Michigan State University College of Law, said that any attempt to invalidate pardons would require a court and only a court to declare them invalid, which would demand proof that Biden did not authorize the signatures.
It is not publicly known whether Biden actually used an autopen for all pardons or commutations and so far, no evidence has surfaced to confirm that.
Meanwhile, Trump is no stranger to clemency powers: since taking office a second time in January 2025, he has issued dozens of pardons and commutations including for high‑profile figures such as former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.
