The appointment was announced in a press release issued by the RDF on Wednesday, June 17.
Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve concurrently as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, a position he already holds, while taking on the additional responsibility of Defence Spokesperson.
He replaces Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, who recently assumed office as Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).
As Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve as the principal public communications representative of the Rwanda Defence Force, providing official information on the institution’s activities, operations and policies.
Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa joined the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in 1992 during the liberation struggle at the age of 18.
He later studied law at the National University of Rwanda, graduating in 2000, before pursuing advanced studies at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States from 2009 to 2011. There, he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Law and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) specialising in International Security Studies.
Following his studies, Brig Gen Karuretwa served in the Office of the President for a decade in various capacities, including as a Defence and Security Advisor. From November 2013 to July 2021, he served as the Principal Private Secretary to the President.
In December 2024, Brig Gen Karuretwa was sworn in as the President of the Military High Court while also serving as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence.
Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve concurrently as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, a position he already holds, while taking on the additional responsibility of Defence Spokesperson.
France struggled to find rhythm early on, with Senegal creating the clearer opportunities. Nicolas Jackson struck the post, while Ismaila Sarr missed a golden chance from close range, leaving Senegal frustrated at not taking control of the game. Despite their dominance in chances, they failed to convert, allowing France to stay level at the break.
The second half, however, belonged to Mbappé. The French captain and Real Madrid forward broke the deadlock in the 66th minute after a sharp attacking move, finishing calmly past goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. His goal shifted momentum firmly in France’s favour as Senegal began to lose defensive shape under pressure.
Bradley Barcola added a second for France shortly after coming off the bench, finishing with a composed chipped effort that highlighted France’s attacking depth. Senegal responded late in stoppage time through teenager Ibrahim Mbaye, who struck a powerful finish to give his side hope.
However, Mbappé immediately restored France’s two-goal cushion with a stunning long-range strike just moments later, sealing the victory in dramatic fashion and ending any hopes of a Senegal comeback.
The win reinforces France’s status as one of the tournament favourites, with Mbappé once again proving decisive on the world stage. His leadership and clinical finishing turned a difficult match into a controlled victory.
Senegal will be left reflecting on wasted chances and defensive lapses, while France will take confidence from their ability to recover and dominate when it mattered most. With Mbappé in this form, France’s World Cup campaign has begun with a strong warning to their rivals.
Mbappe shoots to score his team’s third goal against Senegal.
According to the latest figures released by the DRC health ministry, the case fatality rate stood at 23.4 percent. A total of 49 patients had recovered, while 376 patients remained in isolation.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, remains concentrated in major hotspot zones, particularly Bunia, Mongbwalu and Rwampara in the Ituri province.
According to a report published Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO), the widening geographic distribution of affected health zones, persistent transmission in urban and mining-linked settings, suboptimal contact follow-up rates in some provinces and ongoing insecurity in affected areas continue to complicate response operations and increase the risk of further spread within the DRC and to neighboring countries.
WHO said that the outbreak continued to deteriorate, with sustained community transmission, increasing numbers of cases and deaths, and ongoing geographic expansion across Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Spread into newly affected zones highlighted continued expansion beyond the initial epicenters, the report said.
In neighboring Uganda, according to WHO, no new confirmed cases were reported during the reporting period. However, the continued epidemiological link to transmission in the DRC underscores the ongoing risk of cross-border spread and secondary transmission. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases, including 2 deaths, said on Tuesday the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in a daily update.
In North Kivu, provincial health authorities said that a woman and her child who had tested positive for Ebola were taken away late Monday by “armed men”. The WHO said that response efforts remain constrained by multiple factors, including community resistance in affected areas.
The DRC declared the latest Ebola outbreak on May 15. The affected areas are located in the country’s conflict-hit east, where armed violence, displacement and weak health infrastructure have posed persistent challenges to the response.
A health worker disinfects a vehicle at an Ebola treatment center in Rwampara in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on June 16, 2026. The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has risen to 837, including 196 deaths, as health authorities and international partners warned that the outbreak continues to deteriorate with sustained community transmission and geographic expansion.
Upon signing this memorandum of understanding (MoU), Iran and the United States, together with their allies in the current war, declare an immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and undertake not to launch any hostile action against each other from that point forward, the draft said.
Iran and the United States undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs, it said.
According to the draft, Iran and the United States undertake to negotiate and reach a final agreement within a maximum period of 60 days, extendable by mutual consent.
Immediately upon the signing of this MoU, the United States will lift the naval blockade and restore traffic within a maximum of 30 days to its full capacity. The United States also undertakes to withdraw its forces from the surrounding areas within 30 days after the final agreement, it said.
The draft also said that Iran will immediately take steps to ensure that the movement of merchant ships from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa is resumed within 30 days to the pre-war volume.
The United States undertakes, together with its regional partners, to create a comprehensive plan agreed upon by both parties for the rehabilitation and economic development of Iran, while ensuring financing of at least 300 billion U.S. dollars.
The United States commits to ending, on a schedule to be agreed upon as part of the final agreement, all types of sanctions currently facing Iran, including all unilateral U.S. sanctions, both primary and secondary, it said.
In the draft, Iran reiterates that it will never produce nuclear weapons. Iran and the United States have agreed that the fate of enriched material and the fate of all other mutually agreed nuclear-related issues, including Iran’s nuclear needs, will be adequately addressed in a final agreement.
Iran will maintain the status quo on its nuclear program, and the United States will not impose new sanctions on Iran or strengthen its forces in the region, according to the draft.
The draft said that the United States undertakes that immediately after the signing of this MoU, and until the date of the lifting of sanctions, the U.S. Treasury Department will issue waivers for exports of Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products and their derivatives.
The United States undertakes that, in light of the progress of negotiations towards a final agreement, frozen or restricted funds and assets of Iran will be released and made fully available, it added.
Iran and the United States undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs, it said.
The reigning champions began their title defence in style, with Messi marking his record sixth World Cup appearance by delivering a masterclass that also saw him become the joint-highest goalscorer in men’s World Cup history with 16 goals.
Argentina thought they had struck early when Messi found the net in the eighth minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The setback was brief.
Moments later, the 38-year-old broke the deadlock with a trademark solo effort, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box that left Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane helpless.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring against Algeria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match at Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US, June 16, 2026.
Algeria, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners, briefly threatened when Fares Chaibi had a ninth-minute effort disallowed for offside, but they rarely troubled Argentina thereafter.
After the break, Messi doubled his tally in the 60th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s effort was parried by Zidane, tapping home from close range to extend Argentina’s control.
The crowning moment came in the 76th minute when Messi curled a precise low finish from just outside the area into the bottom corner, completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and sending the crowd into celebration.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US, June 16, 2026.
He was substituted shortly after to a standing ovation, with Argentina comfortably managing the closing stages. The result ensured a smooth start to their campaign, especially after their shock opening defeat in the previous World Cup in Qatar.
The match also underlined Messi’s longevity, as he reached 200 international appearances dating back to his debut in 2005. It was a night that reinforced his enduring influence on the global stage, even as he continues his career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1, while Erling Haaland also struck twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq, but it was Messi’s record-breaking display that stole the spotlight as Argentina began their quest to retain the World Cup crown.
Messi’s appearance against Algeria was the 200th of his international career.Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1.Erling Haaland also struck twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq.
According to the Ministry of Health, heart disease was previously the second-leading reason Rwandan patients were sent overseas for treatment. However, investments in specialist training and healthcare infrastructure have enabled the country to provide advanced cardiac care domestically.
State Minister for Health Dr. Yvan Butera said Rwanda has made substantial progress in cardiac treatment compared with its position four years ago.
“Four years ago, heart disease was the second-largest reason for referring patients abroad,” Butera told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA). “Since launching this program, we have treated 1,100 patients here in Rwanda.”
The achievement is part of broader efforts to strengthen Rwanda’s healthcare system and position the country as a regional medical hub. Authorities have invested in medical infrastructure and specialist training to improve access to high-quality healthcare services.
As part of these efforts, Rwanda has sent doctors to Israel for specialised training in cardiac surgery. The Ministry of Health said some physicians are still undergoing training and are expected to contribute to cardiac care services in Rwanda and the wider region upon their return.
Butera said the program has enabled the treatment of both children and adults with complex heart conditions that previously required referral abroad.
“We are not only treating patients but also training Rwandan professionals to ensure these services are sustainable in the long term,” he said.
Cardiac care requires multidisciplinary teams that include diagnostic specialists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensive care physicians, and other healthcare professionals. While such services demand significant resources, Butera said Rwanda has steadily built the capacity needed to deliver them.
The growing expertise has also begun attracting patients from neighbouring countries and beyond.
“We are increasingly seeing people from across the region and even farther afield coming to Rwanda for treatment, which is a positive development,” he said.
The progress comes amid broader government efforts to expand access to healthcare nationwide. Rwanda currently has more than 520 health centers, 57 hospitals, and 1,280 health posts distributed across the country.
The government has also launched the 4×4 program, an initiative aimed at quadrupling the number of doctors in Rwanda by 2028. The program seeks to achieve a ratio of four doctors for every 1,000 residents and is expected to attract investments exceeding $395 million.
Rwanda has treated 1,100 heart disease patients over the past four years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand specialised healthcare services and reduce the need for medical referrals abroad.
“With no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, classic public health measures are decisive – early detection, rapid isolation, contact tracing, safe care, infection prevention and control, community trust, and strong coordination,” Kaseya told Xinhua in a recent interview.
The two affected countries have recorded a cumulative 827 confirmed cases and 194 deaths, including 19 cases and two deaths in Uganda, according to the latest Africa CDC data. A total of 53 patients have also recovered from the virus.
Kaseya warned of critical operational constraints, including gaps in contact tracing capacity, financing, logistics, informal cross-border travel, limited laboratory capacity, ambulances, trained response personnel, and infection prevention and control supplies.
“Strengthening contact tracing, active case finding, and community engagement is a priority,” he said, highlighting the growing number of affected districts with the outbreak currently active across 31 health zones in the DRC and one district in Uganda.
He further warned that the outbreak is unfolding in zones plagued by insecurity, which is further compounded by intense population movement and fragile health systems.
“This complicates access, surveillance, contact follow-up, safe transport of samples, and the delivery of essential supplies,” he said.
Kaseya said the Africa CDC is currently working closely with the governments of the DRC and Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners to stop transmission, support health workers, strengthen surveillance, reinforce infection prevention and control, and support risk communication and community engagement.
He reiterated that the African Union’s continental public health agency and the WHO continue to advise against unnecessary trade and travel restrictions.
“Health and humanitarian corridors must remain functional while screening, surveillance, and preparedness are strengthened at points of entry,” he said.
Kaseya further called on African governments and global partners to rapidly mobilize flexible financing, diagnostics, and support for frontline workers and to invest in preparedness systems that will outlast the current emergency.
Red Cross workers bury an Ebola victim at the Rwampara Cemetery, in Rwampara, Congo, Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Speaking to reporters in Evian, a town on the shores of Lake Geneva in eastern France, Trump said the restrictions on Russia’s oil shipment can return after the openness of the Strait of Hormuz allows more oil transit. “We’re in a position to do that soon,” he was quoted as saying, citing a peace deal reached with Iran over the weekend.
In March, the U.S. Treasury issued a 30-day waiver allowing countries to purchase Russian crude oil and petroleum products that were already loaded on vessels and stranded at sea. The waiver was later extended as the conflict involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continued to pressure oil markets.
During the G7 summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talked with Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about ending the conflict and defense cooperation.
Following his talks with Trump, Zelensky told reporters that it is “very important” that the next U.S. mediated talks with Russia should take place before this winter, and the location and format of the negotiations would be decided by Trump.
According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Zelensky also discussed with Trump the possibility for Ukraine to produce anti-ballistic missile systems.
On the same day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his government would impose new sanctions against Russia, according to Canadian reports.
On social media platform X, Zelensky thanked Carney for Canada’s sanctions on more than 160 entities linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
Britain also signaled tougher measures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a post on X that he had announced sanctions on Russian vessels, money and actors, adding that Britain will increase the pressure on Russia.
Russia criticized the Western approach to sanctions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the West’s approach to the use of sanctions against Israel and Russia demonstrates double standards.
Lavrov stressed that Russia did not want sanctions to be imposed on other countries. All countries must respect the UN Charter and the prerogatives of the Security Council, he added.
The three-day G7 summit will focus on a range of issues, including the Ukraine crisis, Middle East tensions, and the development of artificial intelligence.
The United States could soon reimpose sanctions on Russia’s oil shipment, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France, where efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine are high on the agenda.
The figures were released on Tuesday during a briefing attended by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, who highlighted ongoing structural shifts in the economy and the continued importance of agriculture despite its declining share of GDP.
According to NISR, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Rwf 6.3 trillion in Q1 2026, up from Rwf 5.3 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025.
The services sector remained the largest contributor to the economy at 52%, followed by industry at 24%, agriculture at 19%, while net direct taxes accounted for 5%.
Industry overtakes agriculture in GDP share
Officials noted that industry has now surpassed agriculture in its contribution to GDP, reflecting a continued structural transformation of the economy.
Speaking at the briefing, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning said the shift in sector shares is clearly visible in the data.
“You can see it clearly in the numbers. Agriculture is now at 19% of GDP, not even 20% anymore. Services stand at 52% and industry at 24%. So industry has now surpassed agriculture, and services is almost more than double agriculture,” the minister said.
He added that this does not diminish the importance of agriculture in the economy.
“Evidently, the output we see in GDP is increasingly moving away from agriculture. But that should not be misunderstood, it does not mean agriculture is not important. Agriculture remains extremely important for two main reasons: food security, because without food no other sector can function, and as a key input into food processing, manufacturing, and restaurants,” he said.
He further noted that although agriculture’s share has declined, its absolute value continues to rise.
Sectoral performance detailed
All major sectors recorded positive growth in Q1 2026. Industry grew by 13%, services expanded by 7%, and agriculture increased by 8%.
Within agriculture, food crop production rose by 3%, while export crops increased by 39%, supported by an 86% surge in coffee production. Tea production, however, declined by 3%.
The industrial sector was boosted by mining, manufacturing, and construction. Mining and quarrying increased by 20%, supported by a 50% rise in mining production. Export minerals showed strong performance, with cassiterite exports increasing by 31%, coltan exports surging by 125%, while wolfram exports remained unchanged compared to Q1 2025.
Manufacturing activities grew by 15%, driven by strong increases in metal products, machinery and equipment (52%), non-metallic mineral products such as cement and bricks (57%), chemicals, rubber and plastic products (21%), and wood, paper, and printing products (22%). Construction activities also expanded by 11%.
Services sector shows mixed performance
The services sector grew by 7%, supported by wholesale and retail trade, which increased by 11%, and transport services, which also rose by 11%. Within transport, air transport grew by 7% and land transport by 10%.
Information and communication services increased by 22%, financial services grew by 11%, and administration and support services expanded by 20%. Education services recorded a modest growth of 3%.
However, some sub-sectors declined, including hotel and restaurant services, which fell by 16%, public administration, which decreased by 1%, and health services, which dropped by 18%.
Drivers of agricultural growth
Agriculture’s 8% growth was attributed to a combination of favourable weather, improved farming practices, expanded irrigation, and sustained government support for fertilizer access.
The minister emphasized that multiple factors contributed to the sector’s performance.
“The strong growth in agriculture is the result of many factors, not just fertilizer. The government has been very consistent in supporting fertilizer availability. However, this growth also comes from good weather and climate conditions during the season, improved agricultural practices, and increased irrigation. It is a combination of government efforts, farmers’ efforts, and favourable weather,” he said.
Global outlook and fuel prices
On global economic conditions, including developments around the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected in recent months by tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, the minister cautioned that stability remains uncertain.
“We have seen initial agreements regarding the situation in the Middle East, which is positive. However, our principle is to wait and see. We want the agreements to hold and to be sustained over a long period,” he stated.
He added that global supply chain disruptions continue to affect energy markets.
“Even if everything is resolved today, there is a backlog of issues in global supply chains. We will continue to feel the effects of the previous disruptions until the global business and supply chain community clears the backlog stuck in the Gulf,” he added.
The figures were released on Tuesday during a briefing attended by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, who highlighted ongoing structural shifts in the economy and the continued importance of agriculture despite its declining share of GDP.Jean Claude Mwizerwa, Deputy Director General of NISR, said that Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Rwf 6.3 trillion in Q1 2026, up from Rwf 5.3 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025. Members of the press follow the briefing.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Spiro Rwanda Managing Director Amit Chawla discussed the company’s growth, Rwanda’s role in its expansion strategy, and the rising demand for electric motorcycles following the government’s push toward cleaner transport.
Spiro recently received the Local Impact Champion Award at the Africa CEO Forum, an accolade Chawla said reflects Spiro’s growing influence on livelihoods and the wider adoption of electric mobility in Africa.
“We are very honoured and humbled to have received this award,” he said. “It means Spiro as an organisation has been able to touch the livelihoods of people, and electric mobility is getting its roots on the ground.”
Spiro recently received the Local Impact Champion Award at the Africa CEO Forum.
$215 million investment to scale across Africa
Spiro recently secured $215 million in funding backed by international investors, one of the largest investments in Africa’s electric vehicle sector. Chawla said the capital will accelerate expansion across multiple markets, with Rwanda remaining a key hub.
“Rwanda is a very strategic place to be in,” he noted, adding that the country will receive a significant share of the investment to expand assembling facilities, energy infrastructure, and operations.
While the funding will support the wider group across Africa, he emphasised Rwanda’s importance in Spiro’s long-term growth plans.
Spiro Rwanda Managing Director Amit Chawla, during a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE.
Rwanda at the centre of EV expansion
Spiro has operated in Rwanda for about three years, during which it has become one of the leading electric motorcycle and battery-swapping providers in the country.
Chawla said the company currently has around 25,000 electric motorcycles on the road and approximately 350 active battery swapping stations, with rapid expansion underway.
“The demand has outpaced supply, especially after recent developments,” he said. “We are actively adding 50 to 60 new swap stations every month.”
The company plans to expand its network beyond Kigali into all 30 districts, supported by ongoing investment in energy infrastructure and logistics systems.
Spiro Rwanda has approximately 350 active battery swapping stations, with rapid expansion underway.
Rider savings driving adoption
A major driver of adoption, Chawla explained, is cost savings for riders.
He said electric motorcycles are significantly cheaper to operate compared to fuel-powered alternatives.
“A Spiro bike costs around 1 million Rwandan francs compared to 2.2 to 2.5 million for a fuel bike,” he said. “On running costs, riders save close to 50 percent daily.”
He added that one electric charge can cover about 80 kilometres, compared to roughly 40 kilometres for fuel usage under similar conditions.
Chawla said electric motorcycles are significantly cheaper to operate compared to fuel-powered alternatives.
Spiro’s model is centred on energy infrastructure rather than traditional vehicle sales.
“The real business revolves around the energy infrastructure,” Chawla explained. “Customers swap drained batteries for fully charged ones, and we generate revenue through swapping.”
He noted that each battery is used for nearly 20 hours a day, making the system highly efficient and scalable.
Spiro has around 25,000 electric motorcycles on the road.
Manufacturing, jobs, and local skills development
Spiro also operates a facility in Rwanda’s Special Economic Zone in Masoro, focused on assembly and workforce training.
Chawla said the company is currently assembling motorcycles locally while importing components from Asia, but is gradually moving toward deeper local manufacturing.
“We are training 225 young Rwandan engineers and technicians with the goal of moving toward local component manufacturing,” he said.
Across its operations, Spiro employs more than 1,650 people, with women making up 38 percent of the workforce, a figure the company aims to increase to 45 percent.
Chawla estimated that Spiro currently holds between 15 and 25 percent of the market, noting that the sector remains capital-intensive.
He also acknowledged that demand growth has created operational pressure.
“Demand has really outpaced our expectations,” he said. “We are blessed to be in this position.”
The MD revealed that Spiro is training 225 young Rwandan engineers and technicians with the goal of moving toward local component manufacturing.
Safety, reliability, and infrastructure
Responding to concerns about reliability and safety, Chawla said electric mobility is still an emerging sector requiring user education and training.
He maintained that Spiro’s bikes undergo rigorous testing and highlighted the importance of rider training and safety as electric mobility adoption grows.
On operational challenges, he acknowledged occasional delays at swapping stations during peak hours but said expansion is underway to ease congestion.
“We are opening new stations aggressively and working with partners to increase electricity capacity for charging,” he said.
Government policy and market growth
Chawla credited Rwanda’s policy environment for enabling rapid growth in the sector, particularly the government’s decision to halt new registrations of fuel motorcycles from January 2025.
He said such policies have accelerated adoption and strengthened investor confidence.
Beyond Rwanda, Spiro is expanding into markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia. Chawla said Rwanda will continue to play a key role as both a market and operational base.
“Spiro Rwanda is more than willing to support neighbouring countries with knowledge, operations, and best practices,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chawla said success for Spiro would mean tens of thousands more electric motorcycles on the road, expanded infrastructure, and wider access to clean, affordable transport across Africa.
“Electric mobility will become embedded in every part of transportation,” he said.
