In a message shared on the social media platform X, Kagame expressed his hope that the occasion would bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all those celebrating.
“Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in Rwanda and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. May this joyous occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and prosperity. Let us continue to uphold the values of compassion, unity, and generosity that define this celebration,” Kagame wrote on Sunday night.
#EidMubarak to all Muslims in Rwanda and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. May this joyous occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and prosperity. Let us continue to uphold the values of compassion, unity, and generosity that define this celebration.
On March 30, Muslims in Rwanda joined millions worldwide in marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan after 29 days of fasting. The national Eid prayer gathering took place at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo, where a large number of Muslims came together to observe the religious occasion.
As part of the celebrations, the Rwanda Muslim Community carried out a charitable initiative to support those in need.
During Ramadan, the community raised over 33 million Rwandan Francs, which was used to purchase food for underprivileged Muslims. Through this effort, 21,000 tons of food, including beans and rice, were distributed to vulnerable families, ensuring they could also partake in the festivities.
The celebrations will continue on Monday, March 31, which the government has declared a holiday to allow the Muslim community in Rwanda to mark the occasion.
Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marks the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and devotion.
Participants competed in two categories: Best Poster Presentation and Best Oral Presentation, with a special category reserved for those working at King Faisal Hospital. The first-place winners in each category received a prize of 600,000 Rwandan Francs (RWF).
Dr. Nkundimana Gerard, a kidney disease specialist, was recognized for his exceptional poster presentation. His study, which addresses ongoing healthcare challenges, focused on the dialysis filters used to purify the blood of kidney patients, which can sometimes become contaminated with microbes leading to infections.
“Research helps doctors improve their practice by keeping up with the ever-evolving medical field,” Dr. Nkundimana explained. “By identifying problems early on, we can prevent complications for our patients.”
Dr. Sendegeya August, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital, emphasized the importance of research in enhancing healthcare.
“Research enables us to contribute our knowledge and expertise to improve patient care. It is grounded in real issues faced by patients and the country,” he said.
“When we conduct research and clearly identify problems, we can work together to find solutions. This collaborative effort is more effective than working in isolation and allows us to share valuable insights.”
The research presented during the competition covered a range of medical topics, including kidney disease, childhood illnesses, heart conditions, and more, all aimed at finding solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.
According to Li, there was a widespread consensus in China that the U.S. trade war would persist under any administration—whether led by Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or Donald Trump.
Speaking at a recent public lecture titled The Prospect of a New Stage of China’s High-Quality Development, Li addressed the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, asserting that a full-scale trade war is now unfolding.
The event, attended by both local and international journalists, provided insights into China’s strategic response and its focus on advancing high-quality economic development.
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Since January 2025, the trade conflict between the United States and China has intensified. During his second term, the Trump administration incrementally increased tariffs on Chinese imports, starting with a 10% duty on February 4, followed by a rise to 20% on March 4.
These measures were part of a broader strategy to pressure China on issues such as intellectual property rights and what the U.S. perceives as unfair trade practices.
In response, Beijing has refrained from matching U.S. tariff increases one-for-one but has instead adopted a targeted and multifaceted retaliation strategy.
Chinese authorities have imposed tariffs of 10–15% on select U.S. agricultural products, affecting key exports like soybeans, chicken, and wheat. Additionally, China has implemented non-tariff measures, including suspending import licenses for certain U.S. firms and launching anti-circumvention investigations aimed at limiting U.S. access to its industrial supply chain.
“China has been preparing for this for the past six to seven years. Everybody in China knew that the U.S. trade war would continue under any administration—Biden’s, Harris’s, or Trump’s. We knew this war was coming, and now it has arrived in full scale. We are looking at more tariffs, more policies, and more restrictions on Chinese goods,” Li stated.
Li emphasized that China’s government remains patient and is willing to work toward mutual benefits for both the Chinese and American people.
“We are waiting for the Trump administration to present constructive proposals. Naturally, China must respond to tariff policies, but overall, I would argue that among the world’s major economies, China is perhaps the most patient.”
According to Li, China has long anticipated and prepared for this phase of the trade war. He pointed out that trade with the U.S. now accounts for just 3.4% of China’s GDP, a figure he suggests is not substantial enough to derail the country’s broader economic trajectory.
With this in mind, he downplayed the impact of escalating tariffs and restrictions, framing them as challenges that China is well-equipped to navigate.
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Li noted that President Trump is primarily focused on three key issues: tackling immigration, boosting job creation in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and addressing the U.S. federal fiscal challenges.
Conversely, China’s strategic priorities center on maintaining social and political stability, peacefully resolving the Taiwan issue, and sustaining economic growth.
“These three concerns are not diametrically opposed to Trump’s top priorities. In economics, when two parties have different objectives, there is room for collaboration, negotiation, and communication. I remain hopeful that the Chinese government and the Trump administration will eventually find common ground and resolve seemingly unresolvable issues,” Li stated.
Li predicted that the world would be economically and financially divided into three major blocs.
He likened the division to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, with the first bloc consisting of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico forming a relatively self-sufficient trade zone. The second bloc, according to him, would be Europe, which is now highly interconnected.
The third and largest economic bloc would consist of China, ASEAN countries, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations, and Africa.
“As a result, we will see a significant increase in Chinese investment and technology flowing to African and Belt and Road countries. This will foster mutual economic benefits between China and these economies. In my view, the world is shifting toward a relatively divided structure with three distinct economic blocs,” he concluded.
President Xi Jinping highlighted the country’s rapid development and social stability over the past seven decades, attributing these achievements to the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the efforts of the Chinese people, and support from foreign businesses.
Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness, stating that foreign investment has been integral to the nation’s economic expansion, job creation, and technological advancement.
He assured that China’s welcoming stance toward foreign capital remains unchanged, offering vast market potential, policy stability, and a secure business environment.
Outlining China’s focus on high-quality development, Xi emphasised green, digital, and smart transformation as key priorities, positioning the country as an ideal destination for investment. He also reiterated China’s commitment to fair competition, legal protections, and equal treatment for foreign enterprises.
Calling for multinational companies to support economic globalisation, Xi urged them to uphold the multilateral trading system and contribute to global supply chain stability.
The meeting, attended by over 40 global CEOs—including leaders from FedEx, Mercedes-Benz, Sanofi, and HSBC—underscored China’s role as a stabilising force in the global economy.
Meanwhile, business leaders praised China’s progress and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding investments in the country.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh, who commended the trainees for their dedication and perseverance throughout the rigorous programme.
In his address, General Mubarakh underscored the significance of the training in fortifying national defense. He highlighted that the knowledge and skills acquired would enable the troops to effectively safeguard Rwanda’s territorial integrity and respond to evolving security threats.
He further urged the graduates to apply their training diligently in their assigned duties, emphasising that discipline remains a crucial pillar in ensuring excellence across all fields of military service.
The comprehensive training covered a range of critical subjects, including marksmanship, tactical manoeuvres, command and control, martial arts, physical fitness, and heliborne operations. These competencies are expected to enhance the RDF’s operational capabilities and readiness.
The successful completion of the training reflects Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to building a well-prepared and professional military force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
The earthquake hit the southeast Asian country on Friday, with Mandalay, Bago, Magway, the northeastern Shan state, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw among the hardest-hit regions.
A Chinese rescue team arrived at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar on Saturday afternoon to assist in disaster relief efforts.
According to Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, the high-level discussions focused on leveraging technology to accelerate development.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean Guy Afrika and members of the Government of Rwanda Steering Committee attended the talks.
“Honoured to welcome H.E Sir Tony Blair, heading a delegation of @InstituteGC senior leadership in Africa, who were in Kigali to meet with the Government of Rwanda Steering Committee. The meeting discussed the partnership between the Tony Blair Institute and the Government of Rwanda, and explored collaborations on technology to accelerate development,” the minister said in a statement.
Blair, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, has been actively involved in Rwanda’s development since 2008, when he became an advisor to the government. Through the Africa Governance Initiative (AGI), later integrated into the Tony Blair Institute, his team has worked to improve service delivery, attract investment, and strengthen institutional capacity.
Key areas of partnership have included strategic capacity building, economic transformation, and investment promotion.
The Tony Blair Institute has played a role in advancing Rwanda’s development agenda, supporting initiatives like the Strategic Capacity Building Initiative (SCBI) and aiding in infrastructure and digital economy reforms.
Blair, who has praised Rwanda’s governance model in the past, has actively promoted the country as a leading destination for investment in Africa. His efforts have contributed to initiatives such as the expansion of electricity access and technology-driven economic growth.
Saturday’s meeting underscored the continued commitment to deepening collaboration, particularly in the tech sector, as Rwanda positions itself as a regional leader in digital transformation and innovation.
Further details on new initiatives from the meeting are expected to emerge as discussions progress between the Tony Blair Institute and the Government of Rwanda.
The decision was reached after two days of high-level talks in Bunia between General Muhanga Kayanja, Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces, and General Ychaligonza Jacques, Director of Operations and Intelligence for the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).
The expanded mission aims to neutralize ADF terrorists and local armed groups that have rejected peace efforts and continue to destabilize the region. “The aim is to restore peace throughout the Ituri region, which has been plagued by armed violence for years,” said a joint statement issued after the meeting on Friday.
The announcement came as fighting intensified near Fataki, where CODECO fighters clashed with UPDF troops in the village of Bethléem. Local residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions that echoed throughout Fataki, forcing civilians to flee.
The fresh violence followed a brutal attack last week by CODECO militias at the Lodda displaced persons’ camp, where six people, including four children, were killed.
The clashes are part of a broader and increasingly violent confrontation between the UPDF and CODECO. Recently, in a major confrontation in Fataki, UPDF forces repelled sustained attacks by CODECO militants over two days.
According to the UPDF, 242 militants were killed, making it one of the bloodiest engagements of the operation to date. However, the victory came at a cost.
Colonel David Byaruhanga, a senior UPDF officer, died from injuries sustained during the battle. According to UPDF acting spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi, the colonel was wounded by a malfunctioned RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) fired during combat.
The Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) has long been blamed for some of the most brutal atrocities in eastern DRC. The Lendu-dominated militia has been responsible for massacres, ethnic killings, village burnings, and the targeting of Hema civilians for over a decade.
The group has recently been linked to a strategic alliance with the ADF, further complicating the security environment.
CODECO’s attacks, especially in Djugu and Mahagi, have driven tens of thousands of people from their homes. Local and international humanitarian organizations are warning of a deepening crisis as violence spreads and access to aid becomes increasingly restricted.
With the inclusion of Bunia in Operation Shujaa’s scope, the DRC and Uganda are signaling a new and more aggressive phase in their fight against armed groups in the Ituri Province.
Originally launched in late 2021 to target ADF strongholds in North Kivu and Ituri, the operation now appears set to tackle a broader range of militias resisting disarmament and reintegration.
This is contained in an agreement that was signed between the M23 rebels and SADC leaders. The agreement announced on Friday was signed after a meeting between the parties that took place at the Serena Hotel in Goma city.
General Sultan Emmanuel Makenga, military commander, Brigadier General Bernard Byamungu, deputy chief of defense forces and Erasto Bahati Musanga, Governor of North Kivu province, represented M23 rebels in the meeting.
SADC was represented by General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of South African Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Zyeele Zambia army commander, Major General Saiford Kalisha representative of the chief of defense force of Malawi, Major General Ibarahim Michael Mhona representative of the Defense Force of United Republic of Tanzania and Professor Thelestane Kula, Director organ on politics, defense and Security Affairs of SADC.
According to the agreement, M23 rebels will facilitate the immediate withdrawal of SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) troops with their weapons and equipment. The agreement, however, puts a condition that all weapons and other military equipment belonging to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) will stay in the hands of the rebels.
The agreement also indicates that M23 rebels will coordinate the freedom of movement of SAMIDRC troops in preparation for withdrawal. The leaders also agreed that all parties will facilitate a joint technical team to assess the status of Goma International Airport in readiness for reopening, and SADC will assist in repairing to facilitate troops’ withdrawal.
The meeting happened the same day when M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa and Colonel Imani Nzenze, rebels’ intelligence chief, arrived in Qatar’s capital Doha to meet DRC government officials in peace talks mediated by Qatar’s President, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Early this month, President Hamad also hosted Felix Tshishekedi, DR Congo President and Paul Kagame of Rwanda to discuss a peace deal in eastern DR Congo.
M23 ordered SAMIDRC troops to surrender after the fall of Goma city and neighboring areas where they had been deployed since December 2023. Rebels now control major areas of North and South Kivu provinces since the resumption of insurgency in 2022.
This influx is largely attributed to the reopening of land and water routes, which had been restricted due to the conflict.
The main border points, Grande Barrière (La Corniche), Petite Barrière, and Kabuhanga, now operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, significantly improving trade and movement.
Before COVID-19, over 50,000 people crossed these borders daily, with Grande Barrière running 24/7. However, when the M23 conflict erupted, Kinshasa imposed strict border regulations, limiting access from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Following M23’s capture of Goma, border restrictions were lifted, allowing freer movement of people and goods. This change has revitalized economic activity, particularly benefiting small-scale traders who had previously faced monopolistic restrictions.
Françoise Muhorakeye, a trader from Gisenyi, shared her relief, “Before, Congolese traders controlled everything. We couldn’t sell directly to buyers and had to leave our goods with intermediaries, who paid us whatever they wanted, often causing losses.”
Ange Gabriella Uwimana echoed similar sentiments, “Now, I can buy vegetables for Frw2,000 across the border, sell them for Frw4,000, and return for more without worrying about time limits. I can now provide for my children and save money, unlike before when intermediaries took most of the profits.”
Rubavu District’s Vice Mayor for Economic Development, Nzabonimpa Deogratias, confirmed that the increased hours and improved trade conditions have driven the rise in border traffic.
“Currently, around 38,000 people use these borders daily. This proves that time is money, and lost time is costly. The numbers have grown from 20,000 after COVID-19, showing that trade between Rubavu and Goma is thriving again.”
He also highlighted how the improved movement has benefited hospitality businesses in Gisenyi, as more Goma residents visit for leisure and return without time constraints.
Encouraging investors to capitalize on the economic growth, he concluded, “There is demand, but the market is struggling to meet it. I urge businesspeople to invest because people need goods and services.”
