In April 2025, Bralirwa, Rwanda’s leading beverage company, partnered with Empower Rwanda, a women-led non-governmental organisation committed to equipping women and youth with skills and knowledge for sustainable development, to provide business startup kits to women who successfully completed the NGO’s vocational training programs.
The social impact initiative will support 100 young women, specifically those who became mothers during their teenage years, who were selected from the Muhazi Sector in Rwamagana District and the Kabarore Sector in Gatsibo District in collaboration with their respective local authorities.
The business start-up kits are categorised in the trades of tailoring, culinary arts, and
hairdressing sectors, comprising items such as sewing machines, gas cookers, and professional hairdressing equipment, along with other relevant accessories.
Beneficiaries of the project will be grouped into business groups relative to the vocational training they each have received from Empower Rwanda.
Dr. Olivia Kabatesi, Founder and Country Director of Empower Rwanda, commended
Bralirwa and the support from local authorities as key partners in advancing national
priorities of entrepreneurship, gender inclusion and youth employment.
“Many beneficiaries complete vocational training but lack resources to launch their own
income-generating activities. With the provision of business start-up kits, these women
now have both the expertise and practical tools required to establish sustainable and
profitable enterprises,” said Dr. Olivia Kabatesi.
“This partnership represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between skills development and economic opportunity, and we are grateful for the collaboration that enables women’s economic empowerment and lasting impact in local communities”, she added.
Bralirwa donated 34,000,000 Rwf to fund the social impact project, which will enable
beneficiaries to start small businesses using the provided tool kits. This support aims to
support young women to earn a dignified and sustainable living, uplift their families, and
strengthen their communities.
“Sustainability is an integral part of our business operations under our ‘Brew a Better
World’ agenda. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to caring for people and the
planet, and to building a more sustainable and inclusive future. By empowering women
with the skills and tools to succeed, we are investing not only in their businesses but
also in stronger families and resilient communities” said Ethel Emma-Uche, Bralirwa Managing Director.
The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab, who officiated the launch of the event, commended the great partnership between the private sector, NGOs, and local government in empowering local communities.
“This initiative aligns with the objectives of our National Employment Program, which
focuses on empowering women and youth through skills training and entrepreneurship.
By providing opportunities such as these, BRALIRWA and Empower Rwanda are
contributing to the transformation of lives, helping individuals build brighter futures for themselves and their families,” said Mayor Radjab.
Last year, Bralirwa Plc supported 250 households in Munyiginya sector, Rwamagana district to gain access to safe drinking water through donation of ceramic water filters in partnership with Spouts of Water Rwanda as part of its social impact initiatives.
Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted Burundi’s role in the ongoing war in Eastern DRC during an interview with journalist Scovia Mutesi.
Burundians were part of the East African Community Regional Force deployed to DRC late 2022.
DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi later decided to expel these troops, accusing them of failing to attack the M23 rebel group but some of Burundi’s troops remained, agreeing to fight alongside the DRC army.
Since then, the number of Burundian troops in DRC has increased, and have been seen fighting alongside the Congolese army forces allied with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and Wazalendo groups.
Minister Nduhungirehe stated that to date, Burundian forces have been involved in ongoing violence targeting Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities.
“As we know, Burundian troops in Eastern DRC are collaborating with the Congolese government in the ongoing war, which includes ongoing targeting of Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi communities,” he noted.
He further expressed concern over Burundi’s actions, likening them to adding fuel to a fire.
“These actions are concerning, and the Burundian government should understand that it must not add fuel to the fire. If it seeks peace in the region, it must stop this war against the Congolese people. The Burundian government needs to understand this and contribute to regional peace efforts,” said Minister Nduhungirehe.
He also condemned Burundi’s decision to use Bujumbura airport for the conflict, as a hub for transporting weapons and launching drone strikes aimed at Congolese civilians.
At different times, Burundi has accused Rwanda of harboring ill intentions towards it, even suggesting that Rwanda plans to attack. Nduhungirehe dismissed these claims as baseless.
“They’ve made these claims, and as you know, they are untrue. They have been repeating this. Rwanda has no plans to attack Burundi,” he stated.
In January 2024, the Burundian government closed all land borders with Rwanda.
This followed remarks made by President Ndayishimiye in his end-of-year speech for 2023, in which he hinted at closing the borders with Rwanda after accusing it of supporting the RED Tabara rebel group fighting his government.
The relationship between Rwanda and Burundi further deteriorated when Burundi’s troops began working with the FDLR terrorist group in Eastern DRC.
At that time, it was also reported that senior FDLR leaders would hold meetings in Burundi.
Previously, RDB regulations required bars and clubs to close at 1 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and at 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The temporary changes are aimed at supporting the championship and managing the anticipated irregular traffic flow during the event.
Kigali will host the UCI Road World Championships from 21 to 28 September 2025, marking the first time in the event’s 103-year history that cycling’s crown jewel is held on African soil.
“Rwanda is proud to welcome athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, RDB has said that existing measures, such as noise pollution restrictions and the prohibition on serving or consuming alcohol to persons under the age of 18, remain in effect.
RDB has also reminded all consumers to drink responsibly and not to drive under the influence of alcohol, warning businesses against serving alcohol to anyone who appears intoxicated.
“RDB, in collaboration with other relevant Government institutions, will ensure the proper implementation of these guidelines. Entities that violate these directives will be held accountable,” the statement concluded.
Saudi Arabian financial news outlet Argaam reports that the MoU signed on September 17 is non-binding and will remain valid for five years. The agreement may be renewed, amended, or terminated by mutual written consent of the parties.
Under the agreement, the firm is expected to prepare a comprehensive implementation proposal covering technical, financial, and execution aspects of the project, which will be submitted to the relevant Rwandan authorities for approval.
At this stage, the company stressed that the financial impact of the MoU remains unknown.
The MoU is part of Al Kathiri’s broader strategy to expand into international markets and export modern construction technologies abroad.
The company, founded in 2016, specialises in advanced building systems and the manufacture of ready-mixed concrete products for the modern construction technology sector. Based in Riyadh, it works to provide solutions for energy-efficient and sustainable construction in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
M23 and FARDC accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, while at the same time vowing to respond with force if provoked.
These statements are accompanied by military preparations through drills, increasing the number of soldiers or fighters, and mobilizing more weapons.
All this is happening amid ongoing mediation by the State of Qatar and the United States of America to bring both parties to the negotiating table.
However, the agreed timeline has already lapsed, as the peace accord was expected to be signed no later than August 18, 2025 something that still appears far off.
On the battlefield, it is officially said that no clashes are taking place, yet M23 and militias under the Wazalendo coalition supported by the Congolese government continue engaging in daily skirmishes.
The coalition of government forces has also continued to launch attacks against civilians, including members of the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu Province.
The tense situation in eastern DRC signals that four possible scenarios may unfold in the near future.
{{Tshisekedi’s withdrawal from the talks}}
As a Rwandan proverb says, “Ibitinze birabora”—literally, “what delays will eventually rot.” This adage warns of the setbacks and risks that often accompany unnecessary delays.
The stalled outcome of the Doha process is not a good sign; rather, it shows that efforts to reconcile the two sides have consistently failed, especially after the Declaration of Principles signed on July 19 were not respected.
These principles were supposed to be observed by July 29, followed by peace talks not later than August 8, and finally the signing of a peace accord. However, that entire timeline collapsed.
M23 accuses the Congolese government of continuing to attack civilians and its positions, while also refusing to release 700 of its prisoners despite earlier commitments to do so before peace talks could begin. The group argues that there is no reason to enter negotiations if those principles are not upheld.
The conduct of the Congolese government should serve as a reminder: whenever it has delayed in implementing resolutions from peace talks, it has eventually withdrawn altogether. This was the case at the end of 2022, when it pulled out of the Nairobi talks.
In a meeting held on August 30 with members of the Union Sacrée ruling coalition, President Tshisekedi stated that Congolese people do not need a mediator to hold dialogue, and that those who take up arms should not be included in negotiations. This signaled a different agenda in the Doha process.
“Congolese people do not need a mediator in order to talk. They should not have to take up arms before entering discussions. Congolese people have already demonstrated that they follow democracy, and they engage through democracy and respect for the rule of law in their own country,” he said.
On September 4, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, speaking in South Africa, said that Tshisekedi was seeking war.
“He declared that he has closed the door on all negotiations — he wants war. This is what he has been saying from the very beginning,” he stated.
{{M23 could seize more major cities}}
By June 2025, M23 controlled 34,000 square kilometers of territory in eastern DRC, including key cities such as Goma in North Kivu Province and Bukavu in South Kivu Province.
It appears that if the Congolese army, along with Burundian forces, FDLR, Wazalendo militias, and mercenaries, launched offensives against M23 positions, the conflict could escalate further.
This could push the group’s fighters to capture additional areas, including the city of Uvira, which serves as one of the government’s major strongholds.
On September 2, the commander of M23 Maj Gen Sultani Makenga, told new recruits who had just completed two months of training that he hoped future training sessions would be held in other major cities such as Kisangani in Tshopo Province, Kalemie in Tanganyika, and Kindu in Maniema.
“This country has collapsed; it needs to be liberated, and liberating it requires strength. As a movement, we are happy today, but we will be even happier when next time we begin such training in Kisangani, Kindu, and Kalemie,” he said.
Although M23 declares that it has no intention of provoking hostilities, the group maintains that it will continue fighting—even advancing to Kinshasa with the aim of toppling President Tshisekedi’s government, if attacked or if the security of Congolese citizens remains under threat.
{{A dilemma for Burundian troops}}
Burundian forces have been involved in the fight against M23 since 2023, when the country and Kinshasa signed a military cooperation agreement. However, this partnership has achieved little, as soldiers from both countries have been defeated together and forced to retreat toward Uvira and nearby areas.
If the fighting was to intensify in areas such as Uvira, the situation would become extremely difficult. Each side would deploy maximum force to defend its strongholds and capture new territory, leading to an unprecedented increase in the number of fighters and the use of heavy weaponry.
On September 17, lawmaker Justin Bitakwira, a supporter of President Tshisekedi’s government, told reporters in Kinshasa that if Uvira were to fall, M23 rebels could seize Kolwezi city in Lualaba Province within 24 hours.
Bitakwira, who hails from South Kivu, stated: “If Uvira were to fall today, what would become of the DRC’s situation? Within less than 24 hours, the rebels would be in Kolwezi. Kolwezi is the economic powerhouse of this country.”
Should M23 manage to enter and seize Uvira, the Burundian troops stationed there would have no option but to retreat to Bujumbura, as they could not sustain themselves in the heart of Congo’s conflict, far from their own territory.
This would not be the first time Burundian forces were forced into retreat. In January, they withdrew from all the positions they controlled in Masisi territory, retreated to Minova only to be ousted again as M23 advanced, then moved to Bukavu, and eventually fell back further to Uvira.
{{Tshisekedi under pressure}}
The international community maintains that the conflict in eastern DRC can only be resolved through political dialogue, while President Tshisekedi insists that military force is the only path to reclaim territories seized by M23.
If Tshisekedi once again rejects peace talks and resumes full-scale fighting, he risks suffering defeat as before with his forces losing even more territory. Should that happen, the international community would likely pile heavy pressure on him to return to the political track.
Faced with the loss of strategic areas, Tshisekedi would have no choice but to accept renewed peace negotiations, even if deep down he still harbors resentment.
This is reminiscent of the period when the cities of Goma and Bukavu fell to M23 fighters. At the time, the international community made it clear to President Tshisekedi that he had no choice but to concede, compelling him to send envoys to negotiations in Washington and Doha.
Back then, Tshisekedi had vowed never to engage in talks with M23, branding it a terrorist movement and declaring that entering into dialogue with the group was a “red line” he would not cross.
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,” Trump told a joint press conference before ending his second state visit to Britain, when asked about Britain’s recognition plan. “One of our few disagreements, actually.”
Starmer announced in July that Britain would recognize Palestinian statehood in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the conflict in Gaza. According to media reports, the recognition is expected to be formalized over the weekend after Trump’s state visit.
Starmer said at the press conference that the timing of this move “has got nothing to do” with the U.S. president’s visit.
Earlier on Thursday, the two sides signed a multi-billion-dollar tech deal to boost cooperation in fast-growing sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy.
Under the agreement, Microsoft will invest 30 billion U.S. dollars in AI infrastructure in Britain, while Google will open a data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.
Trump concluded his visit to Britain and departed after the press conference. His itinerary included a visit on Wednesday to Windsor Castle, where he was met by King Charles, as well as protesters outside the royal residence.
“The so-called (U.S.-UK) special relationship does not exist. The Americans only care about their national interest. To them, every country is the same, just a business deal,” satirical artist Kaya Mar said outside the Castle.
Thousands of demonstrators also marched through central London on Wednesday to protest against the U.S. president’s visit, with criticism of the U.S. policies toward Israel and the Gaza conflict among the main rallying calls.
From Los Angeles, Amanda had flown in that very morning to join the protests. “We don’t have good leadership, and I’m very worried about the direction that the United States is taking and the world,” she said.
The decision by Nigerian educational authorities to teach Mandarin was a direct outcome of a recent curriculum review, Mandate Secretary for Education in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Danlami Hayyo said on Wednesday at the commissioning of a new “Chinese Corner” at the Government Secondary School in Nyanya, one of the two “Chinese Corners” introduced this week in the local secondary schools.
“In the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language was selected as one of the international languages to be taught in our senior secondary schools,” Hayyo said, adding that this demonstrates the FCT’s foresight in introducing the subject.
Mandarin will join Arabic and French as an optional foreign language course in Nigerian public senior secondary schools.
According to Mohammed Sani Ladan, director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, the 15 “Chinese Corners” established since 2013 in Nigerian schools have been far more than just physical spaces. “They are symbols of friendship and cooperation,” he said, noting that they also provide opportunities for students and teachers to learn Mandarin, access scholarships, and prepare for global engagement.
In separate interviews with Xinhua, school officials and students expressed appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the immense opportunities the “Chinese Corners” would unlock, from teacher training to international scholarships.
Mojisola Akerele, principal of the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada, told Xinhua that the new learning centers would enable students to acquaint themselves with the Chinese language through donated books and resources.
Speaking at the commissioning events, Yang Jianxing, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described the “Chinese Corners” as a “bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries.” He said that learning the Chinese language offers possibilities for Nigerian youth, from participating in economic and trade exchanges to furthering studies in Chinese universities.
In a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, the group’s military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the missile targeted a military target in the city of Jaffa (Tel Aviv), while the three drones hit targets in the city of Beer Sheva and the port city of Eilat.
“Eilat will remain under the continuous targeting of our military operations,” Sarea said.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that a drone hit a hotel in Eilat and damaged its gate, while the missile and other drones from Yemen were intercepted. No casualties were reported.
According to Israeli media, following the launch, air defense sirens were activated in large areas of central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, sending millions rushing to shelters.
The Houthis, who control much of northwestern Yemen, have launched attacks at Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023. Israel, in response, conducts retaliatory strikes on Houthi-held areas.
The Houthis say their attacks aim to show solidarity with Palestinians, demanding an end to the war and blockade in Gaza.
According to the ministry, a restoration specialist took the artifact and sold it to a silver jeweler she knew. The silver jeweler then sold it to a gold jeweler for 180,000 Egyptian pounds (about 3,735 U.S. dollars), who subsequently sold it for 194,000 Egyptian pounds to a gold smelter. The smelter melted the bracelet along with other jewelry before reshaping it.
The ministry said all four suspects confessed, and the money involved was seized. Legal action has been taken against them.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reported the bracelet’s disappearance on Tuesday. The item belonged to King Amenemope, a pharaoh of ancient Egypt’s 21st Dynasty who ruled from 993 to 984 BC. The bracelet, decorated with a lapis lazuli bead, vanished from a safe in the conservation laboratory on the museum’s second floor.
In response, the antiquities ministry formed a special committee to review the lab’s artifacts and circulated a photo of the missing bracelet at Egypt’s airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
The EMC is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, housing over 170,000 artefacts. It has the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world, according to the museum’s official website.
Museums housing ancient artefacts are a vital pillar for attracting tourists and a significant source of foreign currency in Egypt.
Before joining the cabinet, Iradukunda has been serving as the Permanent Secretary in MINICT since 2020.
Iradukunda joined the public service from the Allan&Gill Gray Philanthropy (AGGP) where he served as the Rwanda Country Director. Before AGGP, he was a Senior Director at MASS Design Group overseeing operations in Rwanda and ensuring coordination across other global offices for the design collective.
Iradukunda holds a Diploma of Public Service Innovation from Cambridge University Judge School of Business. He is an MBA alumnus of the African Leadership University School of Business and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Oklahoma Christian University.
Among others, Iradukunda has an educational experience through his work with Bridge2Rwanda as a professional career advisor focusing on talent development, coaching, and counseling scholars and professionals regarding their personal and career development.
He is also a Certified Career Direct Consultant with Crown Financial Ministries, through which he conducts assessments and offers personalized guidance on academic and career choices.
Iradukunda co-founded both ELERwanda, which promoted entrepreneurship among youth; and Academic Bridge, Ltd., a software development firm.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for Bridge2Rwanda and as the chairman of Water Access Rwanda, a social enterprise that provides clean water to people in rural areas.
Other appointees include Dieudonne Gatete who was named Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President (OTP). Gatete, born in 1985, is long-serving officer of the National Intelligence Security Service, most recently served as liaison officer in the Eastern African region.
Viviane Mukakizima was appointed Deputy Director of Cabinet, while Ambassador Claude Nikobisanzwe was named Chief of Protocol in the OTP.
In the Office of the Prime Minister, Leonard Minega Rugwabiza was appointed Head of the Delivery Unit.
Among others, Ambassador Moses Rugema was named Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. Canoth Manishimwe was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, replacing Gisele Umuhumuza, while Clement Kabiligi was named Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Labour.
In MINICT, Eraste Rurangwa was appointed Permanent Secretary, succeeding Yves Iradukunda, who now joins the Cabinet as State Minister.
Thaddée Tuyizere was appointed Vice Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) while Jimmy Christian Byukusenge was named Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA). Colonel Claude Nkusi was appointed Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
