The numbers reflect a sustained growth trend from 67,222 visitors in 2023 and 48,813 in 2022, according to park manager Ildephonse Kambogo.
Opened to the public in July 2022 after six years of restoration work, Nyandungu Eco-Park is now one of the capital’s most treasured urban nature escapes.
Spanning 121 hectares, including 70 hectares of wetlands and 50 hectares of forest, the park boasts over 62 indigenous plant species and is home to nearly 200 bird species that have returned following wetland rehabilitation.
“The majority of our visitors, about 70 per cent, are Rwandans,” Kambogo told The New Times. “Foreign residents in Rwanda make up 20 per cent, while international tourists account for the remaining 10 per cent.”
The park is set for a 43-hectare expansion, further strengthening its role in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Already, it offers visitors a unique blend of recreation and education through features such as a medicinal garden, Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreational ponds, 10km of walkways and cycling lanes, an information centre, and a restaurant.
Nyandungu’s transformation from a degraded wetland into a thriving eco-tourism park was made possible through a Frw 4.5 billion investment under the leadership of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
The initiative, funded by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) with support from the UK Government, Italy’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme, aimed to showcase the potential of wetlands in urban flood mitigation, pollution control, and biodiversity recovery.
The restoration effort not only revitalised the wetland ecosystem, including the reintroduction of 17,000 trees from 55 indigenous species, but also created around 4,000 jobs.
Sources in Kinshasa indicate that the court has already issued a formal notice to Mutamba, informing him that he must appear on that date.
Mutamba is facing charges of embezzling $19 million that had been allocated for the construction of the Kisangani prison in Tshopo Province.
The court’s decision to proceed with the trial follows a complaint filed by the Prosecutor General, Firmin Mvonde, after Parliament granted permission to continue legal proceedings against Mutamba.
When Mutamba appeared before the parliamentary commission handling his case, he admitted that the $19 million had gone missing, explaining that the funds had been diverted to the account of a fictitious company.
At the time, he apologised but claimed that individuals like Prosecutor Mvonde and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka were targeting him in retaliation for the judicial reforms he had initiated.
Within DALFA Umurinzi, Ingabire is known by several nicknames—some members refer to her as “IVU,” an abbreviation of her name, while others call her “Mukecuru” (Old Lady). These aliases appear throughout this report.
This article highlights some of the evidence presented by the Prosecution that led to her arrest. The case centres on messages exchanged between Ingabire and her party members, which are believed to be part of a plot that prompted her detention.
{{Origins of the charges
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DALFA Umurinzi is a political party founded by Ingabire following the dissolution of her previous party, FDU-Inkingi, which had been accused of collaborating with former FDLR members.
Within DALFA, Ingabire worked closely with individuals such as Sibomana Sylvain, who, according to information obtained by IGIHE, initially worked as her housekeeper.
In the party structure, Sibomana served as the national coordinator, acting as a link between party members inside and outside Rwanda.
Those familiar with Ingabire’s political activities may recall training sessions organised for party members. These sessions, coordinated by Sibomana and another individual named Assumpta, based in Switzerland, were designed to train party leaders on “how to remove a government without armed conflict—through mass civil resistance.”
Sibomana was responsible for organising these activities, as confirmed by WhatsApp messages presented in court.
{{Who is Sibomana Sylvain?
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Born in 1970 to Kinonko François and Mukamisha Immaculée, Sibomana hails from Kabageri Village, Mwendo Sector, Ruhango District, in the Southern Province. He currently lives in Mataba Village, Kigarama Cell, Kigarama Sector, Kicukiro District.
In 2014, he was sentenced to six years in prison by the Rusizi High Council Court for inciting public unrest.
{{Current charges against him
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Sibomana now faces a series of serious charges. He is accused of creating or joining a criminal organisation and of conspiring to endanger state security or harm the President. In addition, he stands charged with inciting public unrest, defying the law, and organising or participating in illegal meetings or protests.
Authorities also allege that he spread false information and propaganda aimed at damaging Rwanda’s international image, as well as disseminating unfounded rumours.
As part of DALFA Umurinzi’s activities, Sibomana coordinated English-language training sessions for members.
{{Key dates and events
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In August 2021, Sibomana informed members via WhatsApp about upcoming training sessions and shared both a book and a video to help them improve their English and grasp the course content.
August 14–20, 2021: Sibomana instructed trainees to download the Jitsi Meet app and use pseudonyms for anonymity.
August 20: He asked a participant, Nzabandora, to use a fake name, suggesting options like “Turkey,” “Morocco,” or “Egypt.”
August 14: Participants, including Nzabandora, received the English book Blueprint for Revolution and its French translation Comment faire tomber un dictateur… by Serbian activist Srđa Popović.
Popović’s video content was also shared to help participants familiarise themselves with English and prepare for the sessions.
{{Who are Popović and Milošević?
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Slobodan Milošević was the President of Serbia from 1989 to 1997 and later the President of Yugoslavia until 2000. He is infamous for his role in the Yugoslav Wars and was overthrown during the 2000 “Bulldozer Revolution.”
Srđa Popović is a Serbian activist and co-founder of the Otpor! youth movement, which played a major role in the peaceful overthrow of Milošević through non-violent protest and creative civil resistance.
{{More evidence from WhatsApp
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August 23, 2021: Sibomana sent Nzabandora a link to download Jitsi Meet.
August 28: Using a phone number registered to Leonille Gasengayire, he shared the training schedule—sessions were set for September 13, 16, 20, and 23, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.
September 2: He sent a YouTube link to help participants study the trainer’s delivery style.
September 8: A reminder was sent for a trial session scheduled for September 9.
September 9: Sibomana shared the meeting link and sent participants Rwf 1,000 via MoMo to purchase internet data.
Participants included: Pepino (moderator), Grace (Sibomana), Flanlin (Rucubanganya Alexis—DALFA representative in Ngoma), Brown, Clever, VD, and Sacha.
The first session, titled Vision for Tomorrow, discouraged violent resistance and instead promoted alternative ways to confront the regime in a country where public protests are not permitted.
The second session, held on September 20, 2021, was led by Sandra and Anna and focused on strategies for removing the government.
During the training sessions, four key strategies were discussed as potential methods to challenge the government. The first involved mobilisation and persuasion, aimed at encouraging citizens to stand up to the regime without provoking a violent response. The second strategy centred on protest, using public demonstrations to show presence and determination in confronting state authority.
The third tactic was non-cooperation, which entailed refusing to pay taxes and boycotting government programmes as well as locally produced goods, including those under the “Made in Rwanda” label.
Lastly, the dilemma tactic was introduced—an approach designed to create scenarios that would compel the government to make difficult or unpopular decisions, particularly as the number of active participants increased.
{{Planned operations to destabilise the government
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The participants are said to have organised their activities under a series of planned operations, each aimed at undermining the government through targeted acts of civil resistance.
One such initiative was Operation Shira Ubwoba Udahungetwa Ugahungeta, which focused on street vendors frequently subjected to harassment by law enforcement. The plan involved the use of protest songs as a tool to highlight and amplify the vendors’ grievances.
Another was Operation Serwakira, which sought to mobilise landless citizens. The strategy began with the distribution of blank flyers, intended to spark curiosity. These would later be replaced with flyers bearing messages such as, “We’re tired of police brutality, heavy taxes, and disappearances.” To ensure wide circulation, motorcyclists were to be hired to distribute them across different areas.
The third, Operation Umuturage Imbere, addressed issues like forced evictions, oppressive taxation, and the mistreatment of street vendors. As part of this campaign, participants would wear T-shirts emblazoned with the word Kangondo—a reference to a community evicted in recent years—during court proceedings and large public gatherings, in an effort to draw attention to the plight of affected citizens and stir public sentiment.
This investigation, grounded in intercepted communications and witness testimony, forms the basis for Ingabire’s most recent arrest and prosecution. Prosecutors say more evidence will be unveiled as the case proceeds.
Minister Mugenzi made the remarks during a Pan African Movement Rwanda symposium held in Kigali on June 29, 2025.
Dr. Mugenzi noted that African-led solutions are more effective for solving the continent’s problems than allowing the population to disperse in search of prosperity elsewhere, often risking their lives and contributing to the development of other regions.
“It deeply saddens me to see Africans dying in the sea trying to find solutions in Europe. That is potential we are losing. And when we get there, they tell us, ‘That’s how Africa has always been,’ and label us as ignorant. Yet once we’re there, they use us to drive their development, extracting value from us,” he said.
He stressed that many of the answers to Africa’s challenges exist within the continent, but a mindset shift is needed, one that values what Africa has to offer.
“Instead of our people perishing in the Mediterranean, they should seek solutions in other African countries, because those solutions exist here too. We must value our own, and that starts with valuing ourselves and earning the respect of the international community,” he added.
Dr. Mugenzi also emphasised that self-worth includes embracing African languages. Beyond each country’s native tongues, he recommended Swahili as a unifying language for continental gatherings, noting that it is widely spoken and indigenous to Africa.
“A local solution is better than a foreign one. True self-reliance means building on our own capabilities, with each individual actively seeking answers to their immediate challenges. When you wait for someone else to solve your problem, you’ve already made yourself part of the problem. These issues are ours—and so are the solutions,” he added.
According to data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), over 20,000 Africans died or went missing in the Mediterranean Sea between 2014 and 2024 while attempting to reach Europe. In 2024 alone, an estimated 2,452 people lost their lives or disappeared.
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
