The 53-year-old, who had been living in Norway under the false identity of Franky Dusabe, was received and subsequently arrested at Kigali International Airport on Friday morning.
According to the NPPA, he was born in 1972 in Bitabage Cell, Ndaro Sector, Ngororero District, in Rwanda’s Western Province. At the time of the genocide, he was a student living in the same district.
In 2007, the Gacaca Court of Nyange convicted him in absentia, sentencing him to 19 years in prison for his role in the Genocide against the Tutsi. The NPPA says he will now face trial before Rwandan courts.
His return follows a lengthy legal battle in Norway. Gasana was arrested in Oslo in October 2022 after an investigation by the Norwegian Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos). The Oslo Court approved his extradition in September 2023, a decision upheld by the appellate court in April 2024 and later by the Supreme Court in June 2024. The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Cabinet gave final approval in February 2025, paving the way for his handover.
Norwegian police attorney Thea Elize Kjaeraas stated in June that Gasana’s extradition was in line with Norway’s commitment to international agreements, including United Nations conventions on preventing genocide.
In its statement, the NPPA expressed appreciation for Norway’s cooperation.
“The National Public Prosecution Authority of Rwanda thanks the cooperation of the judicial authorities of Norway in the fight against crimes in general, as well as their role in the fight against the culture of impunity,” NPPA spokesperson Nkusi Faustin said in a statement.
Gasana’s extradition adds to a growing list of genocide fugitives returned to Rwanda in recent years, as the country continues its pursuit of justice for the 1994 atrocities.
Among the most recent cases is that of Ahmed Napoleon Mbonyunkiza, who was extradited from the United States in March this year. Other genocide suspects previously deported by the U.S. to Rwanda include Dr. Léopold Munyakazi (2016), Marie Claire Mukeshimana (2011), Jean Mary Vianney Mudahinyuka (2011), and Enos Iragaba Kagaba (2005).
Ingabire faces six criminal charges, including forming a criminal group, inciting unrest, undermining the government, disseminating false information intended to discredit the state abroad, spreading rumours, and planning acts intended to destabilise public order.
On August 4, Ingabire appeared before the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court to appeal the lower court’s July ruling, seeking provisional release. She submitted eight arguments in support of her request, challenging the legality of her continued detention.
Her appeal cited, among others, alleged procedural violations, the expiration of statutory limits on certain charges, inconsistencies between the law used to detain her and constitutional provisions, and the assertion that she had not been granted adequate legal representation. Ingabire argued that her preferred lawyer from Kenya had been denied temporary practice rights in Rwanda.
In its ruling, the court found that Ingabire had been adequately represented by Me Gatera Gashabana throughout all proceedings, and dismissed claims of legal misrepresentation. It further ruled that the Prosecution had acted within its rights in submitting its response through the court’s electronic filing system, even if submitted late.
The court also rejected Ingabire’s challenge to the constitutionality of Article 106, which was used as the legal basis for her detention. It held that the issue was not directly relevant to the decision taken by the lower court.
Addressing the defence’s claim that certain charges, such as inciting public disorder and spreading rumours, were time-barred, the court concluded that investigations were ongoing and that the alleged offences continued to have legal effect, particularly in the case of online content that remains publicly accessible.
The court cited several elements to justify continued detention, including audio recordings allegedly involving Ingabire and others discussing protest planning, testimony from associates, and digital evidence linked to platforms such as YouTube and Umubavu TV. It also referenced communication between Ingabire and alleged co-conspirators, including messages instructing the distribution of anti-government leaflets.
Claims that the evidence was unlawfully obtained were also dismissed, with the court noting that such matters would be considered at the substantive trial stage rather than during the remand process.
The court ultimately found that the prosecution had presented sufficient grounds to justify Ingabire’s continued detention as investigations proceed, and ruled that she remain held at Nyarugenge Prison in Mageragere.
Scheduled for 28–30 October 2025, the course marks a significant milestone in the continent’s development of para-sport coaching capacity.
This hands-on course, also known as “Part B,” is designed for club coaches and national team assistants who have completed or will complete “Part A,” the online theoretical module, by 1 October 2025.
Held at the NPC Rwanda Gymnasium in Remera, the training will be led by Dr. Mosaad Rashad Elaiuty (Egypt) and Nathan Pretorius (South Africa), both certified World ParaVolley coaching tutors.
Rwanda has emerged as a continental leader in Sitting Volleyball, with national teams earning recognition for their outstanding performances across Africa.
However, the number of certified Rwandan coaches and African coaches in general with advanced knowledge of the sport remains low. Many still rely on techniques from regular volleyball rather than Sitting Volleyball-specific training.
To address this gap, the National Paralympic Committee of Rwanda (NPC-Rwanda), in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, approached World ParaVolley to request permission to host a specialised training course aimed at building the capacity of African coaches and others interested from beyond the continent.
“We have been granted the opportunity to host this training, and it’s a chance to elevate our coaches from Level 1 to Level 2,” said Jean Baptiste Murema, President of NPC-Rwanda, the organising body.
“This means we’ll have Rwandan coaches with proper knowledge of the game, rather than relying on what they’ve seen on TV or elsewhere. We hope that at least 30 coaches will emerge from the training with solid expertise, which will help establish Rwanda as a hub for this sport, as we envision.”
Participants are expected to arrive in Kigali by the evening of 28 October. The two-day course will run from 29 to 30 October, with departures set for the evening of 30 October.
The USD 220 fee, payable to the Rwandan Paralympic Committee, covers tuition, accommodation (at the Five to Five Hotel in Remera), meals, and local transport. International travel and visa expenses are the responsibility of participants. Those who have not yet begun the online “Part A” must also pay a €100 course registration fee to World ParaVolley.
The course will be conducted entirely in English and is open to both African and international participants.
He made the remarks during a training session held in July 2025, which brought together district-level representatives of nurses and midwives affiliated with RNMU.
Gitembagara pointed out that the nursing and midwifery professions remain economically underdeveloped, making it vital for professionals in these fields to explore alternative sources of income to boost their financial security.
“When you look at many nurses, they earn around 200,000 Rwandan Francs, whether in rural or urban areas, and this amount is often insufficient to invest in even a small side business,” he said. “We are currently in discussions with Muganga SACCO to explore support programmes that can facilitate these projects.”
He further emphasised that supporting professionals in this field also contributes to women’s empowerment, as approximately 65% of nurses and midwives are women.
The training also covered key topics related to labour rights and the legal frameworks governing the nursing and midwifery professions. Participants were equipped with knowledge on how to protect and advocate for their rights in the workplace.
Legal expert Hobess Nkundimana highlighted that nurses and midwives often dedicate the majority of their time to work, which can make them vulnerable to unfair treatment due to limited legal awareness.
“Understanding labour laws will help them contribute meaningfully to human resource management processes, ensuring that decisions are made fairly — whether in favour of the employer or the employee,” Nkundimana said.
Rwanda currently has over 14,000 nurses and midwives in active practice, with more than 12,000 registered under RNMU.
The two-day training was attended by representatives from all 30 districts across the country.
The membership was formalised on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, during a charter signing ceremony at SONARWA Life’s headquarters in Kigali. The event brought together senior executives, financial sector leaders and partners, marking what participants described as a “critical step” towards more inclusive leadership in the industry.
In his remarks, Isaïe Muhoza, Acting CEO of Rwanda’s leading life insurance company, said the company’s decision to join WIFR was not symbolic, but a strategic and values-driven move to institutionalise gender equity across all levels of its operations.
“This membership is not a ceremonial act—it is a serious commitment to systemic change,” Muhoza said. “Today, as SONARWA Life, we make a public commitment to ensuring that women have equal opportunities to grow, lead, and shape the future at our organisation and in the financial sector.”
Muhoza said gender inclusion is embedded in the company’s recruitment, assessment, and promotion practices, noting that building diverse teams was key to delivering sustainable business impact and serving customers better.
SONARWA Life’s entrance into WIFR also presented an opportunity to empower the company’s young female professionals. Three staff members, Esther Mugisha, Ingrid Isimbi, and Chantal Ikirenga, were awarded scholarships to pursue professional qualifications with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).
Muhoza celebrated the awarding of scholarships to three female employees, calling them “the future of ethical leadership in the sector.”
Speaking on behalf of the scholars, Esther Mugisha, a Corporate Business Officer at SONARWA Life, expressed gratitude to both WIFR and the company’s leadership.
“This gesture is not only a testament to your commitment to empowering young women professionals in the finance sector, but also a great encouragement for us to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Rwanda’s financial industry,” Mugisha said.
WIFR, a non-profit network launched in 2023, champions diversity and inclusion within Rwanda’s financial services industry. Its work spans banking, insurance, investment, and microfinance, with a focus on, among others, building capacity, promoting mentorship, and advocating for gender-responsive policies.
Annie Nibishaka, CEO of Old Mutual Rwanda and an institutional member of WIFR, welcomed SONARWA Life into the network with a pointed reminder that Rwanda’s financial sector is at a turning point, where good intentions on gender equality must now give way to concrete action.
“The path towards gender balance in the financial sector has reached a critical moment where intention must translate into accelerated action,” Nibishaka said. “Gender balance enhances decision making, improves governance and ultimately delivers better outcomes for all.”
She highlighted some of the Foundation’s key achievements to date, including a research study on the state of women in the financial sector, mentorship cohorts with a pipeline of over 60 mentees, and partnerships with public institutions such as the Gender Monitoring Office and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), all aimed at supporting the organisation’s mission.
Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Gatera, Director of the National Standards Division at RSB, announced that Rwanda will, in October, launch the world’s first standalone gender equality certification standard during the ISO General Assembly, which the country will host.
The certification, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Gender Monitoring Office, will be free of charge and available to both public and private institutions that meet the criteria for gender equity in operations and governance.
“We’ve seen transformational change when women are empowered in the workplace,” Gatera said…I would be happy to recognise some organisations that have demonstrated their compliance with gender equality requirements, including members of Women in Finance.”
Jessica Igoma, CEO of Mayfair Insurance, said SONARWA Life’s inclusion comes at a pivotal time, as WIFR prepares to launch a dedicated insurance sector chapter. She pointed to low insurance penetration in Rwanda, currently at 2.1% compared to the global average of 7%, as a challenge that could be tackled through targeted inclusion and awareness strategies.
“Looking at some of the statistics, we have about 92% of women with no insurance in this country, but also 38% of women do not know what insurance is or how insurance works. So, this will give us a good opportunity as women in insurance to be able to create a difference,” Igoma remarked.
SONARWA Life is the fifth insurer and the fifteenth institution to join the growing list of organisations aligned with WIFR’s mission, including Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Bank of Kigali, BRD, NCBA Rwanda, Access to Finance Rwanda, Ecobank, I&M Bank, Umwalimu Sacco, Old Mutual Insurance, Coopedu, Mayfair, Sanlam, and Zep-Re.
As part of its membership, SONARWA Life will be expected to uphold the WIFR Gender Charter, monitor internal progress, and participate in sector-wide efforts to achieve parity.
At the centre of this dramatic policy pivot is the very model Europe once condemned: the now-defunct UK-Rwanda migration deal. The plan, which sought to transfer asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda for processing and possible resettlement, was abandoned by the Labour government in 2024.
Yet today, several EU states, including Germany, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands, are actively exploring or reviving similar strategies, marking a stark reversal from their previous stance.
“There is broad support,” said Danish Migration Minister Kaare Dybvad, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency. “Sending asylum-seekers outside the bloc has so much traction now,” he told the Financial Times, citing discussions with key member states like France, Germany, Poland and Italy.
Germany, which once championed refugee reception under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, is now reportedly in talks with Rwanda to establish a UK-style arrangement. Meanwhile, Italy has signed a contentious deal with Albania to host asylum processing centres, and the Netherlands is considering a “transit hub” in Uganda.
The European Commission, which previously stood firmly against such proposals, has now drafted legislation to formalise the concept of third-country asylum processing. The draft includes an EU-wide list of “safe” countries and new rules allowing member states to send migrants there even without prior ties to the destination.
Rwanda’s name is again being cited in multiple European capitals, with increasing recognition of its stability, governance and capacity to support migrant integration.
The EU’s shift toward Rwanda-style migration policy comes amid international comparisons, particularly between how the UK and the United States have handled similar proposals.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on August 6, U.S. Border Chief Tom Homan openly criticised Britain’s failure to follow through on its agreement with Rwanda.
“They’re not the United States of America. They don’t have President Trump running the show,” Homan said, blaming what he described as weak leadership in London for the UK plan’s collapse.
The UK’s Labour government formally scrapped the plan last year following the exit of Rishi Sunak’s administration, citing legal and ethical issues, and has since faced mounting pressure for not offering a credible alternative to curb irregular migration.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration remains under fire domestically for the lack of a replacement policy.
In contrast, the U.S. under President Trump has pressed ahead with its own migration deal with Kigali. Rwanda recently confirmed it had agreed to take in an initial 250 migrants from the U.S. under a voluntary resettlement programme.
“Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade,” said Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo.
Though Rwanda continues to position itself as a willing partner, it remains cautious. Kigali has repeatedly emphasised that any agreements must ensure dignity, voluntary participation, and long-term support for migrants.
The government retains the right to review and approve each individual proposed for relocation and insists on offering real opportunities for integration.
The order, effective 21 days after the announcement, will bring the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods to 50 percent.
Trump on Monday threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on goods imported from India, citing India’s purchases of Russian oil.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s threat with a statement saying that “the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable” and that India’s oil imports are meant to “ensure predictable and affordable energy costs” for Indian consumers.
India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and “the United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability,” said the statement.
On July 29, Trump set a 10-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. The latest punitive tariff on Indian goods is seen as part of the U.S. pressure campaign targeting Russia.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Homan drew a stark contrast between the UK’s handling of its agreement with Rwanda and the approach being taken by the current US administration under President Donald Trump.
When asked why the UK was unsuccessful in executing its plan to send migrants to Rwanda, Homan responded bluntly: “They’re not the United States of America. They don’t have President Trump running the show.”
The UK’s plan to relocate asylum seekers who entered the country illegally to Rwanda was scrapped in 2024 after the Labour Party came to power. The party argued that the agreement with Rwanda would not effectively address the growing number of migrants arriving in the UK, and that it raised legal and ethical concerns.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since faced domestic criticism for having no viable alternative to deter irregular migration, with critics saying his government abandoned the Rwanda scheme without a clear replacement.
Meanwhile, the US has moved ahead with its own deal with Rwanda, with at least 250 migrants expected to be transferred from the US to Rwanda. The move is part of President Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which includes tougher border enforcement and international partnerships.
Asked when the first deportees would be sent to Rwanda under the new agreement, Homan kept it brief: “Working on it,” he said.
Reports indicated that the number of migrants could exceed the initial 250, depending on future negotiations. Importantly, migrants will not be required to stay in Rwanda against their will as they will have the option to relocate to third countries.
“Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said.
The agreements were signed on August 6, 2025, at the conclusion of the Ministerial Session of the Third Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The meeting aimed to review and strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.
On the Rwandan side, the agreements were signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, while Zimbabwe was represented by his counterpart, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira.
Minister Nduhungirehe noted that both countries had sufficient time to explore areas of cooperation following the second session of the commission held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2023.
The meeting laid the groundwork for signing the new agreements covering youth development, collaboration between police institutions, health, customs information exchange, and expansion of energy sector cooperation.
He also pointed out that Rwanda and Zimbabwe already collaborate in several areas such as agriculture, correctional services, and tourism, stressing the importance of implementing the signed agreements.
“We must focus heavily on implementation. Let’s act on the decisions made today to produce tangible results. Establishing follow-up mechanisms, facilitating knowledge exchange, and working together to solve governance-related challenges are crucial,” he said.
He further stated that Zimbabwe is ready to work with Rwanda in the field of justice, with ongoing discussions aimed at finalising a prisoner transfer agreement. Talks are also nearing completion on avoiding double taxation and collaborating on social development programmes.
Minister Nduhungirehe described Zimbabwe as a key partner for Rwanda, with over 25 cooperation agreements signed to date aimed at boosting both countries’ economies.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, expressed his country’s interest in working closely with Rwanda in various sectors.
“We consider the Rwanda–Zimbabwe partnership vital, as it has grown significantly over the years. Since our meeting in 2021, we’ve witnessed remarkable progress in several sectors. This reflects the strong collaboration, friendship, and mutual respect between us,” he said.
He also praised the establishment of a joint Rwanda–Zimbabwe Business Forum, noting its potential to highlight partnership opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, mineral extraction, industrial development, and other sectors that can benefit both populations.
Prof. Murwira highlighted existing cooperation in education, which is already yielding results. He confirmed that the deployment of a second group of Zimbabwean teachers to Rwanda is nearing completion.
He also mentioned his visit to Norrsken Kigali, which supports youth-led tech innovation projects, and identified it as a potential area for joint efforts in advancing technology and industrial growth.
Prof. Murwira added that Zimbabwe is prepared to offer scholarships to Rwandan students interested in furthering their knowledge, particularly in innovation and industrial development.
Twirwaneho spokesperson Kamasa Ndakize Welcome announced on Tuesday, 5 August, that joint attacks involving the FDLR, FARDC, and a faction of the Mai Mai Ngomanzito militia had begun in the villages of Irumba and Rugezi, located in southern Minembwe.
“Since the early hours of August 5, joint offensives by government forces, including FARDC, FDLR genocidaires, and Mai Mai Ngomanzito, have been carried out on Banyamulenge villages in Irumba and Rugezi,” he stated.
The reports come just days after the community raised concerns that FDLR fighters were undergoing training in Burundi, ahead of being deployed to join FARDC, Burundian forces, and Wazalendo militias in operations targeting the Banyamulenge.
“Military training, which constitutes a criminal act, is being provided to FDLR fighters in Burundi before they are deployed to the DRC. We continue to condemn this. Approximately 20,000 are currently in training, and more than 3,000 have already crossed into the DRC,” the group stated earlier.
Twirwaneho also indicated that credible intelligence showed each FDLR combatant receives $50 prior to leaving Burundi and is then dispatched to areas such as Luvungi, Lubarika, and Lemera, where they reportedly establish temporary bases.
However, in his latest statement, the Twirwaneho spokesperson clarified that Burundian forces were not involved in the August 5 attacks and called for their complete and public withdrawal from what the movement described as a wider campaign to annihilate the Banyamulenge.
“We affirm that Burundian troops did not take part in today’s attacks. We hope they will completely and publicly distance themselves from such operations. Withdrawing from this genocidal war would mark a major step toward peace,” he said.
Twirwaneho reiterated its commitment to peace but stressed its right to defend civilians under threat using all means permitted by law.
The attacks continue despite prior commitments to a ceasefire and an end to violence in eastern DRC, as ongoing talks between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group proceed.
In recent weeks, the rebel group has accused FARDC and its allied militias of carrying out coordinated attacks, urging the international community to condemn the violence and support a peaceful resolution to the conflict, one they say is rooted in the marginalisation and persecution of Banyamulenge communities in eastern DRC.
