In a strongly worded statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that while regional and international actors are preoccupied with interpreting the recently signed declaration of principles, the Congolese government has continued large-scale troop deployments and military operations in civilian-populated areas.
“While everyone is bogged down in interpreting the declaration of principles, the illegitimate Kinshasa regime relentlessly continues the deployment of its troops on all fronts, directs its heavy weapons toward densely populated areas, and intensifies offensives in the Uvira Highlands, targeting the Banyamulenge villages of Rurambo,” Kanyuka said.
Kanyuka added that the offensives, carried out by a coalition of Congolese government forces (FARDC), the FDLR, Maï-Maï Wazalendo, and the Burundi Defence Force, have killed numerous civilians and worsened an already dire humanitarian situation.
The statement marks the latest in a series of accusations levelled by the AFC/M23 movement against the Congolese government in the aftermath of peace initiatives launched in Washington and Doha.
On July 17, the group publicly warned of continued military aggression from Kinshasa, claiming it undermines the peace efforts being pursued in Doha, Qatar.
Two days earlier, the group had accused government forces of killing four of its members in what it described as a demonstration of “warlike intentions” that contradicted the spirit of dialogue.
At the time, Kanyuka reaffirmed the group’s intention to protect civilians and eliminate threats “at their source”, in a video shared on social media.
“We will not yield to intimidation or the manoeuvres of an illegitimate and bloodthirsty regime, which sacrifices peace for the sake of its selfish interests.”
The Doha negotiations, led by Qatar, were brokered to end the fighting in eastern DRC, which earlier this year saw the rebels capture large swathes of territory, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. The rebels accuse President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and practising poor governance.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov led the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, respectively. The closed-door talks were chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Following the talks, which lasted for less than one hour, Umerov said at a press conference that Ukraine continues to insist on a full and unconditional ceasefire as the essential foundation for effective diplomacy.
“We are ready for a ceasefire now and to start substantive peace negotiations, and it is up to the other side to accept this basic step towards peace,” Umerov said.
“We emphasize that the ceasefire must be genuine. It must include a complete cessation of strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Prior to the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow and Kiev are “diametrically opposed” in their positions on how to end the conflict, noting that “much work” still needs to be done.
The Ukrainian side has proposed to Russia to hold a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “by the end of August,” where the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be “especially valuable,” he said.
During a separate press conference after the talks, Medinsky said Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war each, including a proposal from Moscow to swap about 30 civilians held by Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Russia has returned the bodies of 7,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to return 3,000 more, he said, requesting the return of any number of deceased Russian soldiers from Ukraine.
He also said that the Russian side proposed establishing three online working groups with Ukraine to address political, humanitarian, and military issues, and asked Ukraine to consider declaring short ceasefires of 24-48 hours along the contact line to evacuate the wounded soldiers and recover the bodies of fallen troops.
As to the Putin-Zelensky meeting Ukraine proposed, Medinsky said such a meeting is not being considered until certain processes are completed.
Meanwhile, Zelensky wrote on social media platform X after the talks that the ninth stage of prisoner exchange took place “today,” which involved more than 1,000 people from the Ukrainian side, including those “seriously ill and severely wounded.”
“It is important that the exchanges are ongoing,” he wrote.
In his opening remarks to the talks, Fidan urged the two delegations to engage in result-oriented negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the war.
“Our goal is to end this bloody war, which has come at a heavy cost, as soon as possible,” Fidan said.
While the previous two rounds of talks in Istanbul – held on May 16 and June 2 – led to the exchange of thousands of war prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers, they produced little progress toward a ceasefire.
Dr. Ngirente will be succeeded by Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who was appointed by President Kagame on Wednesday.
Shortly after the announcement of the new Prime Minister’s appointment, Dr. Ngirente posted a message on X describing his journey as “deeply enriching.”
“I am so grateful to H.E. Paul Kagame for the honour of serving as the Prime Minister of our beloved Rwanda for the last eight years. This journey has been deeply enriching, filled with growth, guidance, and purpose,” he wrote.
“Mr. President, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve my country, and for being such an inspiring mentor throughout this journey. It’s a chapter I’ll always carry with pride,” he added.
Dr. Ngirente was appointed Prime Minister in August 2017, succeeding Anastase Murekezi, who had served in the role since July 2014.
During his tenure, Dr. Ngirente oversaw key government reforms, including socio-economic recovery efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of strategic development initiatives aligned with Vision 2050.
His successor, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda and brings extensive expertise in economic policy, regulation, and development.
Beyond his central banking role, Dr. Nsengiyumva has held various positions in both Rwandan and UK government institutions. His experience includes serving as Senior Economic Advisor at the UK Office of Rail and Road, Economist at the UK Department for Work and Pensions, and Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministries of Education and Trade and Industry.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows. Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi told RBA that the number of cases received since 2019 reflects a serious and persistent issue.
“We’ve received numerous files. While 68 cases over six years may seem few to some, even a single case is significant due to the gravity of this crime,” Nkusi said.
He noted that both individuals and institutions implicated in trafficking are held accountable whenever sufficient evidence is available.
However, Nkusi acknowledged that identifying and prosecuting traffickers remains difficult due to the sophisticated methods they use to conceal their operations.
“We often collaborate with various agencies, including Interpol. But there are limitations—it’s challenging to gather reliable information, especially when crimes are committed across borders,” he explained.
He also pointed out that victims of trafficking are often reluctant or unable to provide comprehensive information, which further complicates investigations.
Data from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) indicates that from 2019 to May 2025, a total of 105 Rwandans were repatriated after being trafficked abroad.
Additionally, between July 2024 and March 2025, authorities successfully intercepted trafficking attempts involving 57 individuals before they were moved across borders.
The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.
Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.
Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.
“At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,” said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.
“This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.”
The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.
In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.
The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a new health journalism fellowship designed to equip journalists across Africa with the skills to produce insightful, evidence-based stories on public health issues.
The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.
Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.
Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.
“At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,” said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.
“This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.”
The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.
In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.
The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The call for applications is currently open and will close on August 14, 2025. Journalists interested in applying can find more information at https://aumf.au.int/application.
The information was presented by federal junior home minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday in the lower house of the Indian parliament, locally called Lok Sabha.
Kumar said, according to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), the total amount of losses incurred by citizens due to cyber frauds in the entire country in 2024 was over 2.64 billion U.S. dollars as compared to 863.8 million dollars in the previous year.
The minister stated 3,637,288 incidents of online financial fraud were reported on NCRP and CFCFRMS in 2024 as compared to 2,442,978 in 2023.
According to the data shared by the minister, 2,268,346 cyber crimes were reported in 2024, reflecting a 42.08 percent yearly increase.
The $2.7 million ‘Kigali Sky Wheel’ project, which is underway at the site of the upcoming Inzovu Mall near the Kigali Convention Centre, will be the first of its kind in Rwanda. Once operational, it will offer passengers a 15- to 20-minute ride in enclosed cabins, providing elevated views of the city’s hills and expanding skyline.
Globally, Ferris wheels have become defining features of urban landscapes. Cities such as Dubai, London, Singapore, and Las Vegas have built towering observation wheels, transforming them into tourist magnets and architectural icons.
Dubai’s Ain Dubai is currently the tallest in the world at 250 metres, followed by Las Vegas’s High Roller (167.6m), and the Singapore Flyer (165m), which offers views stretching across three countries. The London Eye, a 135-metre wheel on the River Thames, has become one of the most recognisable structures in the UK capital.
The development in Kigali comes as the city continues to raise its profile as a tourist destination. In 2024, it was [ ranked the third most preferred African city ->https://en.igihe.com/lifestyle/article/kigali-ranked-among-top-five-favorite-tourist-destinations#:~:text=0%2012%2D07%2D2024%20%2D,if%20you%20are%20in%20Morocco.%E2%80%9D] for travellers by Travel + Leisure. The Ferris wheel is expected to add to the city’s recreational offerings and appeal to both residents and visitors.
The project is being developed by Kigali Ferris Wheel Ltd., in partnership with Mo Gashi and Partners, a Canadian engineering firm.
According to Moses Umugisha Gashirabake, the Managing Director and majority shareholder at Kigali Ferris Wheel Limited, the iconic structure is expected to become a defining feature of Kigali’s skyline and a focal point for urban activity.
He emphasised the significance of such landmarks in shaping the identity of modern cities and attracting both domestic and international visitors.
“They offer unique perspectives of the city, can be standalone attractions, and can be designed to fit within existing urban spaces,” Gashirabake told The New Times.
“Furthermore, they are often popular with both residents and tourists, offering a sense of novelty and shared experience,” he added.
Beyond sightseeing, the Kigali Sky Wheel is designed to serve as a multi-purpose venue. Plans include nightly light displays, food and beverage stalls, branded merchandise, and event space. Commercial opportunities are also expected to emerge around advertising and co-branding linked to the attraction.
The wheel is part of a broader trend of private-sector investment in leisure and tourism infrastructure in Kigali, which authorities have identified as key to economic diversification. If construction stays on schedule, the Kigali Sky Wheel will be open to the public by December 2025.
The forum is a collaborative initiative by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in China and the Rwandan community living in China, aimed at deepening bilateral ties through trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
The flagship event will spotlight Rwanda’s progress and the vast opportunities it offers in key sectors such as investment, tourism, manufacturing, and culture. With China currently leading all countries in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Rwanda, the gathering will serve as a strategic platform to attract even more Chinese investors and promote high-quality Made in Rwanda products.
A key highlight of the event will be a high-level business forum organised in partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The forum will bring together Chinese enterprises, Rwandan officials, private companies, academia, traders, and tour operators to explore partnerships and conduct business matchmaking sessions.
“This is more than a promotional event; it is a strategic engagement to strengthen people-to-people ties and stimulate tangible collaboration between our two countries,” the Rwandan embassy in China said in a statement.
Beyond business, “Meet Rwanda in China” will also serve as a celebration of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Coinciding with Umuganura, Rwanda’s national thanksgiving and harvest festival, the event will feature traditional dance and music performances, cultural storytelling, riddles (ibisakuzo), games like kubuguza, and symbolic acts such as guha abana amata (serving milk to children), offering Chinese audiences a taste of Rwandan tradition.
Sports competitions will also feature prominently, especially considering that over 95% of the Rwandan community in China are students. These youth-led activities will foster unity and highlight Rwanda’s values of togetherness, innovation, and shared responsibility.
As a recurring initiative, “Meet Rwanda in China” is expected to become a vital platform for diaspora mobilisation and sustained dialogue on Rwanda’s Vision 2050 development agenda. It also aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy of building strong international partnerships to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.
In a press briefing held in Kinshasa on Monday, Minister Shabani claimed that both Congolese and Rwandan interior ministers had been summoned to Doha to serve as “moral authorities” or “guarantors” in the deal signed between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel group on Saturday, July 19, to end fighting in the eastern DRC.
Responding to the minister’s remarks in a post on X, Nduhungirehe labelled the claims as “an outright lie,” accusing Kinshasa of routinely misinforming the Congolese public about the ongoing peace processes. He described such narratives as part of a broader pattern of communication failures from the Congolese government.
Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda’s role in the Doha talks was limited to that of an observer, following the June 27 peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda mediated by the United States.
“The truth is that on the afternoon of the signing of the Washington Peace Agreement, June 27, 2025, the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs invited all parties (DRC and Rwanda) and all guarantors (United States, Togo, African Union Commission) to a meeting at the Qatari Embassy in Washington to discuss the next steps in the process,” he revealed.
That meeting, he said, was attended by the foreign ministers of Congo, Rwanda, and Togo, alongside U.S. Special Advisor Massad Boulos. It was during this gathering that Qatar requested all involved parties and guarantors to send representatives to Doha to follow up on the peace negotiations, emphasising that the Washington and Doha tracks were complementary.
“In that context, and only that context, Rwanda was invited to Doha as an observer, just like the United States and the African Union,” Nduhungirehe explained.
“The DRC is a party to the Doha process, and thus Minister Shabani could not possibly have been considered an ‘observer.’”
The Rwandan minister also mocked recent remarks made by DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, who claimed that Rwanda’s economy has been “suffocating” since February 2025 due to Western sanctions prompted by President Félix Tshisekedi’s “firmness.”
“I must admit—I’m ‘suffocating’ from laughter instead,” Nduhungirehe quipped.
The exchange follows a series of heated statements between officials of both countries in the aftermath of two landmark agreements: the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
While the Washington agreement focuses on dismantling the genocidal FDLR militia and easing border tensions, the Doha process aims to address the political roots of the M23 conflict through dialogue.
Minister Nduhungurehe on Sunday reiterated that the [AFC/M23 is not covered->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/joint-security-mechanism-is-for-fdlr-not-m23-nduhungirehe-dismisses-muyaya-s?var_mode=calcul] under the Washington agreement’s Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), which is strictly bilateral between Kigali and Kinshasa.
The ceremony took place on July 20, 2025, at the Amphorn Royal Palace in Bangkok.
The King extended his greetings to President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda, and underscored the importance of continued friendship based on shared values and mutual understanding.
He expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Rwanda and Thailand, emphasising the value of closer collaboration in various sectors to enhance bilateral engagement.
Amb. Mukasine will serve with residence in Tokyo, Japan, where she is also accredited as Rwanda’s envoy to other countries in the region, including Malaysia and the Philippines.
Ahead of the credentials presentation, Amb. Mukasine held a courtesy meeting with Mrs. Natthira Krasaesarn, Secretary of the Department of Protocol at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Continuing her diplomatic engagements, the Ambassador met on July 21 with Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce. The discussions focused on deepening Rwanda–Thailand cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, renewable energy, agri-processing, culture, and hospitality.
Later that day, Amb. Mukasine met with the Thai Minister of Justice to review existing bilateral agreements and convey Rwanda’s gratitude for Thailand’s recent support in the repatriation of ten Rwandan nationals.
During her stay, Rwanda was also invited to participate in an upcoming Thai government
event designed to introduce African countries to the Thai public.
The cultural and diplomatic initiative aims to enhance people-to-people connections and promote a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s heritage and contemporary achievements.
