The U.S. Treasury Department has added Diaz-Canel, four other individuals and five entities, including Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, to the Specially Designated Nationals List, according to an update posted on the department’s website.
Diaz-Canel, 66, succeeded Raul Castro as Cuban president in 2018.
In May, the U.S. government sanctioned 11 Cuban officials and charged Raul Castro over a 1996 incident involving Cuban exiles.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa, Kamba said about 233 patients are currently hospitalized in health facilities, either for isolation while awaiting test results or for treatment after developing the disease.
The minister said the country’s testing capacity has improved significantly following the arrival of more than 4,000 testing kits from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and additional international support, allowing health authorities to test almost all samples received and provide results within 24 hours.
He also said contact tracing has improved from about 9 percent at the beginning of the response to 55 percent now. The target is to reach 90 percent, which would allow health authorities to identify almost all contacts and better anticipate where new cases may appear.
Kamba said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has so far affected three provinces, namely Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
The DRC declared the Ebola outbreak on May 15. Health authorities and international partners have since stepped up testing, isolation, treatment and contact tracing in the affected eastern provinces. The World Health Organization later designated it a public health emergency of international concern.
Uganda has reported 16 confirmed cases, with one case newly confirmed on Thursday, according to the Ugandan health ministry.
The Apple Music program is widely recognized for helping rising artists expand their reach by featuring their music on curated playlists, increasing visibility among global audiences and industry stakeholders.
According to information provided to IGIHE by representatives of Element, curators from Apple Music were particularly impressed by his recent single “Ayayaaah,” a collaboration featuring Joshua Baraka and Bien.
Following the track’s reception, Apple Music reportedly requested an EP submission for consideration in the program. However, as Element is currently working on his debut album, he opted instead to submit a selection of previously released songs.
Commenting on the selection via his social media platforms, Element expressed pride in becoming the first Rwandan artist to be featured in the Up Next Africa program.
Formerly known primarily as a music producer, Element transitioned into performing and has since emerged as one of Rwanda’s notable contemporary artists. His catalog includes popular tracks such as “Kashe,” “MiLELE,” “Maaso,” “Foux de toi,” and “Tombé.”
Participation in Apple Music’s Up Next Africa program is expected to further elevate his profile across the continent and strengthen his presence in the international music market.
The findings are contained in a report titled Climate Change Vulnerability Index Assessment, released on June 3, 2026, though the study was conducted in late 2025. The report provides an updated assessment of Rwanda’s vulnerability to climate change, building on previous data from 2018 when a similar assessment was last published.
According to the report, climate change resilience is measured on a scale from 0 to 1, where values closer to 0 indicate higher resilience, while higher values reflect increased vulnerability.
Rwanda’s national resilience score currently stands at 0.5, compared to 0.3 recorded in 2018, indicating a deterioration in the country’s ability to withstand climate-related risks.
Despite this decline, the report emphasizes that the change reflects increasing climate pressures and exposure to extreme weather events rather than a reduction in national efforts.
At the subnational level, Kigali City records the strongest resilience performance with a score of 0.48, followed by the Northern Province at 0.51 and the Western Province at 0.52.
The Southern Province ranks fourth at 0.53, while the Eastern Province records the weakest resilience at 0.54, making it the most vulnerable region overall.
The report further identifies several districts with relatively low resilience scores, including Nyagatare, Nyamagabe, Gatsibo, Ngoma, and Karongi. These districts generally record scores around 0.55, above the national average, indicating higher vulnerability compared to other parts of the country.
Kigali City districts continue to perform better overall, with Gasabo District among the strongest performers, recording a score of approximately 0.48.
The report attributes lower resilience in certain districts primarily to limited adaptive capacity in responding to climate-related disasters. For instance, districts in the Eastern Province frequently experience drought conditions that negatively affect agricultural production and livelihoods.
Despite the observed decline in resilience, the report underscores that Rwanda has continued to make significant progress in environmental protection and climate adaptation over the past seven years.
Officials note that worsening climate impacts and increasingly severe weather events can at times outweigh the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures, leading to higher vulnerability indicators.
Speaking on the findings, the Deputy Director General of REMA, Faustin Munyazikwiye, said climate shocks have at times intensified beyond the country’s capacity to fully mitigate their effects.
He noted that major disasters, including those experienced in the Western Province in 2023, resulted in significant loss of life and property damage, contributing to the overall decline in resilience indicators.
He emphasized that this does not reflect a reduction in government commitment, but rather the increasing scale and frequency of climate-related hazards.
REMA highlights ongoing initiatives such as Green Gicumbi and Green Amayaga, which focus on ecosystem restoration, afforestation, and community-based adaptation to strengthen resilience against climate shocks.
Climate change continues to pose a significant economic burden on Rwanda. According to reports from the Ministry responsible for emergency management, disaster-related losses remain among the country’s most costly challenges, with estimated annual expenditures of around $300 million.
The court ordered that Ingabire, founder of the unregistered political party DALFA-Umurinzi, be further investigated after judges found her earlier explanations in a related case involving her former associates insufficient.
The decision was issued on June 19, 2025, following the court’s dissatisfaction with her testimony regarding alleged training sessions attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members.
According to the prosecution, the training sessions were part of efforts aimed at mobilizing the public against the government through coordinated campaigns.
Ingabire, however, told the court that the individuals involved in the case were former members of DALFA-Umurinzi, which is not legally registered in Rwanda. She also noted that journalist Nsengimana Théoneste, founder of Umubavu TV, was among those mentioned in the proceedings.
She further argued that the training sessions in question were not organized by her party and that she had no knowledge of them, although some defendants alleged that she financed internet access used during the activities.
After reviewing her statements, the court ruled that they were insufficient and found that the case file contained evidence requiring further investigation. The prosecution subsequently opened a formal investigation, leading to her arrest.
The Kicukiro Primary Court ordered a 30-day preventive detention while her case file was being prepared for transfer to the High Court.
Ingabire later challenged the proceedings before the Supreme Court, arguing that Article 106 of the criminal procedure law, used to summon her, was unconstitutional.
This challenge temporarily stalled proceedings in the related case involving her co-accused, who had already completed their defense phase, as the court awaited a ruling due to the interconnected nature of the cases.
On March 27, 2026, the Supreme Court of Rwanda ruled that Article 106 of the criminal procedure law is constitutional, dismissing Ingabire’s petition.
The ruling cleared the way for the High Court to proceed with the trial.
The case has now been scheduled to resume on June 15, 2026.
When proceedings resume, Ingabire Victoire is expected to respond to the charges against her, while the prosecution will present its arguments and sentencing requests. It will also address the defenses presented by co-accused individuals.
She faces multiple charges, including forming or leading a criminal group, inciting public unrest, undermining the existing government, spreading false information or propaganda intended to discredit the government internationally, disseminating rumors, conspiracy to commit offenses against state authority, and incitement to protest.
The charges relate to training sessions allegedly conducted for DALFA members in 2021, during which participants were reportedly trained by foreign instructors using the book “Blueprint for Revolution” by Serbian author Srdja Popovic.
The book outlines non-violent methods of political mobilization and resistance strategies.
According to prosecution claims, discussions during the sessions included local grievances such as land taxation, motorcycle taxi issues, and housing-related disputes, including the Kangondo relocation case.
Authorities allege that the training included a set of mobilization strategies referred to as “Operation Shira Ubwoba” (Remove Fear), “Operation Serwakira” (Tornado), and “Operation Umuturage Imbere” (Citizen First).
According to the prosecution, “Operation Shira Ubwoba” focused on informal traders, with the aim of mobilizing them by framing enforcement measures against them as unfair. It is further alleged that the strategy involved producing and circulating songs highlighting their living conditions as part of broader awareness efforts.
The prosecution also alleges that “Operation Serwakira” targeted communities affected by land disputes. This initiative reportedly involved the distribution of leaflets across the country, initially in blank form and later followed by printed messages expressing grievances related to taxation, violence, and disappearances.
In addition, authorities allege that “Operation Umuturage Imbere” was framed as a response to the ruling party’s slogan “citizen at the center.” It is said to have focused on issues such as land confiscation, taxation, and the treatment of informal traders, and allegedly included symbolic actions linked to the Kangondo relocation case, including coordinated demonstrations involving printed materials and clothing.
The new fleet consists of fully electric buses, offering an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles at a time when fuel prices continue to rise. The buses are expected to help public transport operators lower operating costs while contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Designed for long-distance travel, each bus can cover at least 400 kilometers on a single charge, allowing it to complete a round trip between Kigali and the Eastern Province without requiring recharging. The buses can accommodate 42 passengers and include dedicated luggage storage space.
While electric buses have become increasingly common in Kigali, BasiGo plans to deploy the new vehicles in the Southern, Northern, and Eastern provinces, expanding access to electric public transportation beyond the capital.
According to BasiGo Rwanda Managing Director Jones Kizihira, the buses have already arrived in Mombasa and are currently en route to Rwanda. He said the vehicles are expected to be operational in the country before the end of June 2026.
Kizihira noted that electric buses are becoming an increasingly attractive option for public transport operators due to their lower operating costs compared with diesel-powered vehicles.
“Fuel prices continue to increase, and these vehicles will help transport operators meet their operational targets while maintaining the profitability of their investments,” he said. “Most operators still rely heavily on diesel-powered fleets, but gradually introducing electric buses enables them to significantly reduce daily operating expenses.”
He also encouraged transport companies to embrace electric mobility, noting that confidence in the technology has grown as more operators experience its benefits.
“Electric vehicles are still relatively new, and some potential buyers initially have concerns,” Kizihira said. “However, those already using them have seen their advantages. As adoption increases, so too will local expertise in operating, maintaining, and servicing these vehicles.”
BasiGo Rwanda aims to have at least 100 electric buses operating in the country by the end of 2026. The expansion will be accompanied by workforce training programs for technicians and charging operators, as well as continued investment in charging infrastructure.
The company currently operates charging stations in Muhanga and Huye districts and plans to further expand its charging network to support the growing electric bus fleet.
The event, organised by the GSMA, had been scheduled to take place in Kigali from June 16 to 18, bringing together leaders from across the global mobile and digital technology ecosystem, including handset manufacturers, software companies, equipment providers and internet firms.
In a statement, the GSMA said it had decided to postpone the event but did not provide a reason for the move.
“We recognise the inconvenience this may cause to our participants and appreciate their understanding,” the organisation said.
“A new date will be announced in due course, and we look forward to convening the African continent’s most influential connectivity event again soon.”
The Mobile World Congress is widely regarded as the world’s largest and most influential event for the connectivity and mobile industry. In addition to Kigali, the congress is held annually in Barcelona, Shanghai and Las Vegas.
The postponement comes just weeks before thousands of delegates were expected to arrive in Rwanda for the three-day gathering, which has become a key platform for discussions on digital transformation, innovation and connectivity across Africa.
Last year’s edition, held at the Kigali Convention Centre from October 21 to 23 under the theme “Converge, Connect and Create,” attracted more than 4,000 delegates from 109 countries. The event featured discussions on emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, investment opportunities and the future of Africa’s digital economy.
The launch event brought together corporate executives, diplomats, transport operators, first-time car buyers, and automotive enthusiasts to witness the arrival of a vehicle that Akagera Motors believes will redefine perceptions of the Mahindra brand in Rwanda.
For more than two decades, Mahindra has built its reputation in Rwanda through rugged pickup trucks and heavy-duty SUVs known for their durability and reliability. The introduction of the XUV 3XO signals the company’s move into a new category aimed at urban motorists, young professionals, growing families, and technology-conscious drivers.
Speaking during the launch, Roopak Gorajia, Sales and Marketing Director of Akagera Motors, described the vehicle as a milestone for both Mahindra and the Rwandan automotive market.
“Most people know Mahindra as a pickup brand. We have been very strong with pickups and the big SUVs. Now Mahindra has introduced this compact SUV that is tech-savvy, rich in equipment, and updated to meet modern lifestyle needs. This is a game-changer for Mahindra as it enters a new segment they haven’t played in before in Rwanda,” he said.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO arrives with a long list of premium features rarely found in its price segment.
Among its standout technologies is a 360-degree camera system, providing drivers with a complete view around the vehicle through cameras positioned at the front, rear, and side mirrors.
The vehicle is also equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane change assist, adaptive acceleration and deceleration, and stop-and-go functionality. According to Gorajia, the system can automatically intervene to help prevent collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles ahead.
Additional safety features include six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors, disc brakes on all four wheels, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality.
One of the vehicle’s most innovative features is its blind-view monitor. When the driver activates a turn signal, a live camera feed of the intended side appears directly on the digital instrument cluster, helping eliminate blind spots during lane changes and turns.
Designed to appeal to modern consumers, the XUV 3XO combines advanced technology with premium comfort.
The compact SUV features dual 10-inch digital displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, online navigation, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and 65W USB-C fast charging ports capable of powering laptops.
Inside, passengers are welcomed by full leatherette seats, soft-touch dashboard and door trim materials, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system with seven speakers, amplifier, and dedicated subwoofer.
A panoramic skyroof further enhances the cabin experience, creating an open and spacious feel uncommon in compact SUVs.
On the exterior, the vehicle features full LED lighting, including LED signature daytime running lights, bi-projection headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED tail lamps, complemented by 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Powering the XUV 3XO is Mahindra’s 1.2-litre turbocharged mStallion petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine produces 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque while delivering fuel efficiency of approximately 18 kilometres per litre.
Gorajia noted that the timing of the vehicle’s introduction aligns with changing consumer priorities.
“Petrol prices have gone up, so fuel efficiency is critical. This 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine offers excellent mileage and allows customers to travel further using less fuel, making it ideal for the current economic environment,” he explained.
Akagera Motors announced a tax-free price of Rwf 27 million for the Mahindra XUV 3XO, while the fully tax-paid retail price stands at Rwf 39 million.
To improve accessibility, the company has partnered with several financial institutions, including Bank of Kigali, Ecobank, Equity Bank, Access Bank, GT Bank, and I&M Bank, to facilitate vehicle financing.
Customers can begin the financing process directly at Akagera Motors by selecting a vehicle and obtaining a proforma invoice before approaching their preferred bank for loan processing. The company also maintains a partnership with Mayfair Insurance to provide customers with preferential insurance rates.
During the event, Senthil Ganesh Shanbagamoorthy, Managing Director of Akagera Business Group (ABG), emphasised that the XUV 3XO builds upon Mahindra’s long-established reputation for durability while embracing the expectations of today’s automotive buyers.
“For almost 30 years, Akagera Motors has been committed to bringing quality automobile solutions to the Rwandan market at accessible prices,” he said.
“What has made us stand out is our relationship with customers. In an industry where many competitors have come and gone, Akagera has remained a reliable and trustworthy partner. We stand behind every vehicle, every customer, and every promise we make.”
He described the XUV 3XO as a vehicle that combines modern design, advanced technology, safety, comfort, and value for money.
According to Gorajia, Mahindra’s reputation in Rwanda has been built on vehicles that remain operational for more than 15 years and frequently exceed 500,000 kilometres of service.
The XUV 3XO seeks to transfer that same reliability into a contemporary family SUV designed for urban lifestyles.
“It is for first-time buyers, young couples, new families, and anyone who wants more features with fewer problems,” he said. “The technology and mechanics are proven.”
The vehicle comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of five years or 150,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
As Mahindra expands beyond its traditional workhorse image, Akagera Motors believes the XUV 3XO is well-positioned to capture growing demand for feature-rich, fuel-efficient compact SUVs in Rwanda.
Beyond automobiles, Akagera Motors is part of the larger Akagera Business Group (ABG), one of Rwanda’s most diversified privately-owned conglomerates. Established in Rwanda in 1997 and transformed into Akagera Business Group in 2008, the company has expanded far beyond vehicle sales into multiple sectors serving consumers, businesses, and institutions across the region.
Today, ABG operates across ten major sectors of the consumer market: Automotive, Electronics, FMCG Trading, Media, Health, Construction, Industrial / Energy, HVAC, Security, and Hospitality. The group represents 150+ international brands and maintains operations throughout East Africa.
The launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO comes as Akagera Business Group prepares to mark three decades in Rwanda.
“We are committed to Rwanda and Rwandans. We don’t come to make a quick profit, we bring quality products and stand by our customers for the lifetime of the product and the company,” Gorajia said.
The certification makes Rwanda’s teleport located in Rwamagana the second fully certified teleport in Africa and the first space agency-operated teleport globally to receive WTA certification.
Announcing the achievement, the Rwanda Space Agency described it as “a milestone for Rwanda’s space sector and a recognition of the country’s growing capabilities in satellite communications infrastructure.”
A teleport is a ground-based facility that connects satellites in space with users and networks on Earth. It serves as a key part of satellite communications infrastructure, enabling satellites to transmit data and communications services back to Earth.
According to the Rwanda Space Agency, the certification is significant because the teleport supports a range of satellite-enabled services that contribute to national and regional development.
“Rwanda’s teleport contributes to strengthening satellite-enabled services, which are supporting broadband connectivity, climate monitoring, smart urbanisation, and disaster management across the region,” the agency said.
The agency added that the certification provides assurance that the facility meets internationally recognized standards.
“This certification provides confidence that the teleport’s services meet global benchmarks, and strengthens Rwanda’s role as a regional hub for space services.”
The agreements were formalised during a signing ceremony in Paris. Rwanda was represented by its Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, while the French delegation was led by Ambassador to Rwanda, Aurélie Royet-Gounin, alongside Laurent Touvet, the Director General for Foreigners at the French Ministry of the Interior.
The newly signed MoUs are expected to deepen bilateral ties, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster closer cooperation between Kigali and Paris.
The diplomatic milestone closely follows the historic inauguration on June 2, 2026, of “L’Archive”, a permanent memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The unveiling of the monument on the Habib-Bourguiba Esplanade was presided over by President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, who described the memorial as a significant milestone in the ongoing reconciliation between the two countries.
