Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara made the announcement on Wednesday, noting that the dissolution is a constitutional requirement in a year when general elections are pending.
According to the speaker, all operations of the National Assembly involving members of parliament, including legislation, oversight, and representation, have ceased following the dissolution.
However, Hara has indicated the possibility of reconvening the National Assembly under particular circumstances, as stipulated in the country’s Constitution.
The speaker said in a statement that if the president deems a constitutional crisis or emergency has arisen between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the general elections, he may reconvene the parliament solely for that purpose.
At least 20 presidential candidates are expected to present their nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission from July 24 to 30.
They include incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the governing Malawi Congress Party, former President Peter Mutharika on the Democratic Progressive Party ticket, former President Joyce Banda with the People’s Party, and former Reserve Bank Governor Dalitso Kabambe with the United Transformation Movement.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov led the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, respectively. The closed-door talks were chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Following the talks, which lasted for less than one hour, Umerov said at a press conference that Ukraine continues to insist on a full and unconditional ceasefire as the essential foundation for effective diplomacy.
“We are ready for a ceasefire now and to start substantive peace negotiations, and it is up to the other side to accept this basic step towards peace,” Umerov said.
“We emphasize that the ceasefire must be genuine. It must include a complete cessation of strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Prior to the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow and Kiev are “diametrically opposed” in their positions on how to end the conflict, noting that “much work” still needs to be done.
The Ukrainian side has proposed to Russia to hold a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “by the end of August,” where the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be “especially valuable,” he said.
During a separate press conference after the talks, Medinsky said Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war each, including a proposal from Moscow to swap about 30 civilians held by Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Russia has returned the bodies of 7,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to return 3,000 more, he said, requesting the return of any number of deceased Russian soldiers from Ukraine.
He also said that the Russian side proposed establishing three online working groups with Ukraine to address political, humanitarian, and military issues, and asked Ukraine to consider declaring short ceasefires of 24-48 hours along the contact line to evacuate the wounded soldiers and recover the bodies of fallen troops.
As to the Putin-Zelensky meeting Ukraine proposed, Medinsky said such a meeting is not being considered until certain processes are completed.
Meanwhile, Zelensky wrote on social media platform X after the talks that the ninth stage of prisoner exchange took place “today,” which involved more than 1,000 people from the Ukrainian side, including those “seriously ill and severely wounded.”
“It is important that the exchanges are ongoing,” he wrote.
In his opening remarks to the talks, Fidan urged the two delegations to engage in result-oriented negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the war.
“Our goal is to end this bloody war, which has come at a heavy cost, as soon as possible,” Fidan said.
While the previous two rounds of talks in Istanbul – held on May 16 and June 2 – led to the exchange of thousands of war prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers, they produced little progress toward a ceasefire.
Dr. Ngirente will be succeeded by Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who was appointed by President Kagame on Wednesday.
Shortly after the announcement of the new Prime Minister’s appointment, Dr. Ngirente posted a message on X describing his journey as “deeply enriching.”
“I am so grateful to H.E. Paul Kagame for the honour of serving as the Prime Minister of our beloved Rwanda for the last eight years. This journey has been deeply enriching, filled with growth, guidance, and purpose,” he wrote.
“Mr. President, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve my country, and for being such an inspiring mentor throughout this journey. It’s a chapter I’ll always carry with pride,” he added.
Dr. Ngirente was appointed Prime Minister in August 2017, succeeding Anastase Murekezi, who had served in the role since July 2014.
During his tenure, Dr. Ngirente oversaw key government reforms, including socio-economic recovery efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of strategic development initiatives aligned with Vision 2050.
His successor, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda and brings extensive expertise in economic policy, regulation, and development.
Beyond his central banking role, Dr. Nsengiyumva has held various positions in both Rwandan and UK government institutions. His experience includes serving as Senior Economic Advisor at the UK Office of Rail and Road, Economist at the UK Department for Work and Pensions, and Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministries of Education and Trade and Industry.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows. Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
His reappointment follows a recent promotion from the rank of Senior Superintendent to Chief Superintendent.
CSP Sengabo previously served in the same role until 2020, when he was succeeded by SSP Pelly Gakwaya Uwera.
He originally assumed the spokesperson role in August 2014 and worked closely with the media for six years.
During his tenure, he played a key role in safeguarding the institution’s image and ensuring timely access to information related to RCS operations.
In 2020, CSP Sengabo stepped down to pursue further studies at the Rwanda National Police College in Musanze, where he earned a Master’s degree in Good Governance and Conflict Transformation.
Following his studies, he went on to lead several correctional facilities, including the Muhanga and Huye prisons in the Southern Province.
More recently, he returned from an international assignment and was immediately appointed to resume his former duties, succeeding CSP Therese Kubwimana, who has retired.
Speaking to IGIHE, CSP Sengabo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve again in this capacity.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility once more. As officers, we are trained to be disciplined and to serve wherever we are assigned. I will fulfill these duties diligently,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining strong collaboration with the media and to ensuring that the public continues to receive accurate and timely information regarding the programs and activities of the Rwanda Correctional Service.
Before this, Dr. Nsengiyumva was the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, a role he took on February 25, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Edouard Ngirente, who held the position since 2017.
Dr. Nsengiyumva previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education until 2008. He also worked as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
He holds a PhD degree in Economics from the University of Leicester.
Prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi told RBA that the number of cases received since 2019 reflects a serious and persistent issue.
“We’ve received numerous files. While 68 cases over six years may seem few to some, even a single case is significant due to the gravity of this crime,” Nkusi said.
He noted that both individuals and institutions implicated in trafficking are held accountable whenever sufficient evidence is available.
However, Nkusi acknowledged that identifying and prosecuting traffickers remains difficult due to the sophisticated methods they use to conceal their operations.
“We often collaborate with various agencies, including Interpol. But there are limitations—it’s challenging to gather reliable information, especially when crimes are committed across borders,” he explained.
He also pointed out that victims of trafficking are often reluctant or unable to provide comprehensive information, which further complicates investigations.
Data from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) indicates that from 2019 to May 2025, a total of 105 Rwandans were repatriated after being trafficked abroad.
Additionally, between July 2024 and March 2025, authorities successfully intercepted trafficking attempts involving 57 individuals before they were moved across borders.
The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.
Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.
Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.
“At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,” said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.
“This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.”
The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.
In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.
The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a new health journalism fellowship designed to equip journalists across Africa with the skills to produce insightful, evidence-based stories on public health issues.
The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.
Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.
Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.
“At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,” said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.
“This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.”
The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.
In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.
The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The call for applications is currently open and will close on August 14, 2025. Journalists interested in applying can find more information at https://aumf.au.int/application.
The report identifies embezzlement, fraud, tax crimes, and cybercrime as the primary predicate offenses generating high amounts of illicit proceeds.
Embezzlement alone accounted for 39% of the total criminal proceeds, followed by fraud (24%), tax crimes (20%), and cybercrime (13%).
These crimes were found to be the main drivers behind money laundering cases in the country.
During the five-year assessment period, 44 money laundering cases were investigated, with 42 cases prosecuted and 9 resulting in convictions.
The total value of assets confiscated during these proceedings reached Frw 780,934,906.
While Rwanda’s legal framework has significantly evolved—including the recent enactment of Law No. 001/2025 on the Prevention and Punishment of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing—the report highlights key enforcement gaps.
These include limited investigative resources, weaknesses in asset recovery processes, and inconsistent application of penalties.
Additionally, the report confirms that the overall national money laundering risk remains at a medium level, driven by both increasing threats and institutional vulnerabilities.
Efforts in detection, prosecution, supervision, and international cooperation, especially in real estate and banking sectors, have improved the country’s response capacity.
Under the current law, anyone found guilty of money laundering faces 10 to 15 years in prison and a fine of three to five times the value of the laundered funds.
Aiding others to benefit from such funds or financing terrorism carries the same penalties.
The information was presented by federal junior home minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday in the lower house of the Indian parliament, locally called Lok Sabha.
Kumar said, according to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), the total amount of losses incurred by citizens due to cyber frauds in the entire country in 2024 was over 2.64 billion U.S. dollars as compared to 863.8 million dollars in the previous year.
The minister stated 3,637,288 incidents of online financial fraud were reported on NCRP and CFCFRMS in 2024 as compared to 2,442,978 in 2023.
According to the data shared by the minister, 2,268,346 cyber crimes were reported in 2024, reflecting a 42.08 percent yearly increase.
This service is activated in the event of the death of a client, their spouse, or child, offering immediate funeral assistance to ease the financial burden during emotionally difficult times.
The bank emphasized that the launch of Komera reflects its commitment to supporting clients not only during moments of prosperity but also in times of grief, recognizing that loss can strike anyone, anytime.
Komera is available to clients of Bank of Africa Rwanda aged between 18 and 65 years, and offers financial support ranging from Frw 500,000 to Frw 5,000,000, depending on the chosen coverage plan.
Once a claim is submitted, the support funds are disbursed within 24 hours, ensuring that families receive timely help when they need it most.
“At the Bank of Africa, we understand that life comes with both joy and sorrow. Komera is more than just a financial product — it’s a promise. A promise that we will stand with our clients, even in their most difficult moments,” said Jean Havugimana, Chief Commercial Officer at Bank of Africa Rwanda.
He added that through Komera, the bank reinforces its mission of being a reliable, compassionate financial partner — one that walks with clients through every chapter of life, offering strength and unwavering support.
