In a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Washington said its priorities will include “unleashing economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens,” ensuring “affordable and secure energy supply chains,” and “pioneering new technologies and innovations.”
The U.S. framed its leadership of the G20 as an opportunity to return the multilateral forum to its core mission of driving global economic prosperity.
The transition comes amid a diplomatic rift with South Africa, the previous G20 chair, after Washington boycotted the 2025 G20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa
Under the new U.S. presidency, the next G20 leaders’ summit is scheduled to take place in Miami at a resort owned by Donald Trump.
The decision to relocate the summit and the U.S. boycott of the previous meeting has already created friction among member states, with some leaders urging return to collaboration over controversy.
Analysts say the U.S. agenda under its presidency could reshape global economic cooperation especially if Washington achieves reforms in regulation, energy, and technology sectors.
However, given the existing divisions within the G20 over issues ranging from debt relief to energy policy, accomplishing broad consensus will likely be challenging.
The report, titled “The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries”, outlines the potential risks posed by AI technologies in deepening the already widening development gaps.
While AI offers vast opportunities for growth, particularly in sectors like health, finance, and education, its benefits are not likely to be evenly distributed.
Countries starting from different levels of technological and economic development will experience very different outcomes.
The Asia and Pacific region, which is home to more than half the world’s population, has been quick to adopt AI.
According to the report, over half of the world’s AI-related startups and innovations are now based in this region, with AI potentially boosting GDP by up to 2% per year in some countries.
The technology also has the potential to improve productivity across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and public services.
However, the UNDP cautions that unequal access to AI-related technologies and digital infrastructure could deepen divides, especially if low-income countries do not have access to the resources necessary to adopt AI. This could result in a “two-speed” world, where wealthy nations thrive on AI while developing nations are left behind.
The report highlights the vulnerabilities that accompany AI adoption, particularly job displacement. Many routine and manual jobs, especially those held by women and youth in developing countries are at risk of being replaced by automation.
Without proper policies to address this, millions of workers could lose their livelihoods. Women, who are often employed in routine service jobs such as caregiving, retail, and hospitality, could be disproportionately impacted.
The rise of AI also introduces new risks around ethical concerns. AI systems that rely on biased data could perpetuate existing inequalities or even create new forms of discrimination. The lack of transparency in AI algorithms could lead to situations where certain groups are unfairly excluded from services, opportunities, or decision-making processes.
To avoid these outcomes, the UNDP emphasizes that inclusive, people-centered policies are essential. Governments must invest in education and skills training to equip workers with the tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Additionally, fostering international cooperation and collaboration will be critical to ensuring that AI benefits are shared globally.
The UNDP calls for ethical AI governance frameworks that are aligned with human development goals. This includes ensuring that AI systems are designed and implemented with fairness, accountability, and transparency at their core. The report also stresses the importance of strengthening global cooperation to ensure that the deployment of AI is equitable, focusing on addressing the digital divide and empowering countries with the means to compete in the AI space.
The global impact of AI is still unfolding, but the UNDP’s report provides a crucial warning: without deliberate actions to ensure inclusivity, the world risks entering a new era of development divergence, where inequality is amplified by the very technology that should be used to solve it.
With smart policies, investments in technology, and global collaboration, AI could transform global development for the better. But without proper oversight and inclusive frameworks, the technology could reinforce and even worsen global inequalities.
Taking place from December, 2 to 10 , 2025, the campaign features a series of community-focused activities across Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts. These activities aim to raise awareness, engage citizens, and highlight Rwanda’s progress in promoting dignity, justice, and equality for all.
The campaign begins with a national awareness message on the responsibility of every individual to uphold and defend human rights. Activities throughout the week will include disability inclusion events, youth engagement forums, community football matches, and human rights education sessions in schools, prisons, and rehabilitation centers. The initiative will culminate on December 10 with the national celebration of International Human Rights Day.
On December 2, a community football match will formally launch the campaign, leveraging sports to promote unity and respect. On December 3, the Commission will mark Disability Inclusion Day by raising awareness on equal access, dignity, and combating stigma. Meanwhile, youth-focused dialogues on 4th December will encourage young people to take leadership in the fight against violence, hate speech, and misinformation.
On 5 December, sensitization sessions on human rights will be conducted in rehabilitation centers and locations where youth gather. On 6 December, awareness activities will take place at GS Gihundwe and through sports-based engagemen
Throughout the campaign, rehabilitation centers will be visited to reinforce the right to dignity and support reintegration efforts. On December 7, a Car Free Day activation will highlight the right to a clean and healthy environment.
Among others, sensitization sessions for returnees on December 8, will reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to welcoming its citizens without discrimination while community assemblies on 9th December will stress that human rights begin in the family, where values of respect and non-violence are first nurtured.
The campaign will conclude on 10th December with a national gathering bringing together citizens, institutions, and partners to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and renew Rwanda’s commitment to building an inclusive, rights-respecting society.
NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi emphasized the importance of integrating human rights into everyday life: “As we mark the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded that human rights are not distant concepts — they are the foundation of our daily lives. Every Rwandan deserves dignity, justice, and equality. Through this 9-day campaign, we reaffirm our national commitment to ensuring that human rights are respected, protected, and promoted everywhere and every day.”
The campaign is supported by local leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, media partners, and community members, ensuring broad public engagement and outreach.
The Rwanda National Human Rights Commission is an independent constitutional institution mandated to promote, protect, monitor, and enforce human rights in Rwanda.
It conducts investigations, monitors human rights compliance, educates the public, advises institutions, and advocates for vulnerable groups.
Working with national and international partners, the Commission is committed to fostering a just, inclusive, and dignified society for all.
Rescue operations are continuing at full speed across affected areas, the agency said.
The agency reported that flooding displaced about 570,000 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. Damage to roads and disruptions to communication networks have left some affected areas inaccessible, with relief supplies being delivered mainly by air.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on Monday that the government’s rescue and relief efforts are being advanced with full force.
He stressed that Indonesia must respond effectively to climate change and that local governments should play a greater role in environmental protection and in preparing for future extreme weather events.
Additionally, Dr. Usta Kayitesi has been appointed as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The appointments were announced through a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, December 1, 2025.
The President has also made appointments to other critical roles. Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe has been appointed as Senior Defence and Security Advisor in the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, Dr. Charles Murigande has been appointed as a Senator.
Held at BRALIRWA’s soft drinks plant in Kicukiro District, the event marked the culmination of 4 months of dedication and outstanding performance across BRALIRWA’s distribution network across the country.
With The Coca-Cola Company proudly sponsoring the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BRALIRWA Plc launched the ‘AFCON Distributor Competition’, a customer-engagement initiative designed to leverage this sponsorship to drive business growth while strengthening partnerships with its distributors. The program celebrates and rewards top-performing distributors for their exceptional contribution and commitment.
In the spirit of this sponsorship, BRALIRWA created a challenge that connected business success with the passion of football. Distributors were encouraged to achieve ambitious targets, expand market reach, and demonstrate commitment to BRALIRWA’s vision of excellence.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of BRALIRWA Plc, Ms. Ethel Emma-Uche, emphasized the vital role distributors play towards building consumer trust and loyalty for the company’s beverage brands.
“You are an integral part of our ambition as we continue to craft legendary drinks, brands and create memorable experiences. Through your dedication and partnership, we continue to delight our consumers the right way, bringing them quality, joy, and pride in every sip,” she said.
The competition concluded with remarkable prizes that truly celebrate distributor excellence. The top six outstanding distributors were awarded an exclusive, all-expenses-paid trip to Morocco, where they will experience the excitement of AFCON 2025 matches live.
The second category of three winners were each awarded a tuk-tuk, providing valuable support for their transportation logistics and empowering them to serve consumers even more efficiently.
One of the winning distributors, Celestin Sebahire of FAPROCO, shared their excitement, saying, “Being recognized by BRALIRWA and given the chance to attend AFCON 2025 in Morocco is incredible. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it shows how much BRALIRWA values our hard work. This recognition motivates us to keep striving for excellence and strengthens our partnership even further.”
This initiative follows BRALIRWA’s long-standing tradition of engaging and rewarding its partners through innovative programs. From last year’s ‘Dubai Twagiye’ challenge, which sent winners to experience Formula One in Dubai, to this year’s AFCON-themed competition, BRALIRWA continues to demonstrate its passion for creating memorable experiences that celebrate success.
The Committee attributes the persistent fatalities largely to reckless driver behaviour, particularly speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving.
Data from the Rwanda National Police for the 2024–2025 period shows a continued rise in traffic violations. More than 409,148 motorists were caught speeding, while 94,843 drivers were apprehended for distracted driving. The report further indicates that 9,169 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, 6,525 for driving uninsured vehicles, and an equal number for driving without a licence.
Traffic offences were also widespread among motorcyclists and cyclists, with 19,746 motorcyclists and 55,291 cyclists penalised for various infractions.
Accident statistics continue to trend upward. Rwanda registered 8,660 accidents in 2022, resulting in 676 deaths. The following year recorded 9,995 accidents and 761 fatalities. In 2024, the number of accidents rose to 12,189, claiming 751 lives. By October 2025, 10,320 accidents had already been reported, killing 719 people.
{Presenting} the findings, Committee Chairperson Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja said the continued rise in accidents highlights gaps in driver behaviour. She expressed hope that the proposed new traffic law, built around a points-based driver conduct system, could deliver long-term improvements.
“The Committee finds that the draft traffic law will play a significant role in curbing behaviours that lead to accidents, as drivers will either gain or lose points based on how they conduct themselves on the road,” she said.
Under the draft Ministerial Order currently being finalised by the Ministry of Infrastructure, drivers will start with 15 points. Points will be deducted when offences occur. For example, a driver who causes an accident and flees would lose six points, while interfering with a speed governor would result in a five-point deduction.
Driving under the influence would cost four points, and offences such as driving without a licence, speeding, or running a red light would each attract a three-point deduction. Driving an uninsured vehicle or using a mobile phone while driving would result in losing two points.
The Senate Committee also identified road sections needing engineering interventions to reduce accident risks. Thirty-one locations are expected to be fixed by September 2028, while the remaining 47 will be addressed progressively as funds allow.
Senator Murangwa noted that some improvements require minimal investment, such as installing warning signs, deploying speed cameras, and adding rumble strips ahead of dangerous bends, measures shown to help reduce speeding.
The country is actively collaborating with specialized institutions to advance this vital sector.
On November 28, 2025, the Cabinet approved partnership agreements to introduce nuclear medicine services in Rwanda.
Nuclear medicine specializes in diagnostic imaging of the body, utilizing advanced equipment that is often scarce due to the high cost of the technology.
Two key machines in this field are the Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.
Rwanda has already acquired a PET scan as part of its efforts to enhance medical services.
For patients with diseases that are not detectable by traditional imaging, radioactive tracers derived from nuclear energy are injected into their bodies.
These tracers help guide specialized cameras that detect the disease, providing detailed insights into internal body activity.
This method is particularly useful for identifying conditions such as heart disease, cancer, brain disorders, and neurological issues.
Before surgery or other treatments, nuclear medicine allows doctors to visualize exactly what they are dealing with, eliminating the need for invasive exploratory procedures typically required to diagnose unknown conditions.
Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in treating complex conditions, such as brain cancer, where even the slightest error in diagnosis or treatment can have significant consequences.
New agreements to launch “nuclear medicine” in Rwanda were signed between the Government of Rwanda and Aegle Onco Care Center Ltd., a medical service provider based in Mauritius. The service will be available at the Military Hospital in Kanombe, Kigali, which also houses the Rwanda Cancer Centre (RCC).
In May 2025, Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana informed members of the Parliamentary Committee on State Budget and Patrimony that Rwanda would have this machine by the end of the year.
“I can assure you that the PET Scan machine is on track to arrive in Rwanda. We have completed all the necessary preparations, and we expect it to be here by the end of this year,” he said.
IGIHE has learned that Rwanda will launch nuclear medicine services in 2026, utilizing a machine called Cyclotron. This machine produces the radiotracers used by doctors to detect early-stage cancer. Additionally, IGIHE has learned that most of the necessary equipment is already in place.
These advanced machines will complement existing cancer treatment facilities in Rwanda, including MRI, CT scans, chemotherapy, surgeries, and other cancer therapies.
The nuclear medicine services will be available at the Military Hospital in Kanombe. Additionally, once the King Faisal Hospital completes its expansion from 167 beds to 600, it will also be equipped with PET Scan machines.
The Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital recently told IGIHE that as part of their facility expansion, they plan to acquire two PET scan machines.
“This is a key component of the hospital’s growth. PET scans are essential for tracking and diagnosing cancer. We have met all legal requirements,” he explained.
This development is expected to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, as Rwanda will have the capability to detect diseases at the cellular level, enabling early intervention and bolstering the country’s ability to treat cancer.
The national carrier’s Boeing B737-800NG departed Kigali International Airport for Zanzibar and Mombasa on Monday morning.
“This is a milestone for intra-Africa travel. More beaches, more beauty, more East Africa,” the airline said in a post on X.
The new service, which begins just ahead of the holiday season, operates four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight WB 444 departs Kigali at 9:50 AM, arriving in Zanzibar, Tanzania, at 12:50 PM before continuing to Mombasa, Kenya, where it lands at 2:35 PM. The return flight, WB 445, leaves Mombasa at 5:10 PM, with a brief stop in Zanzibar, arriving back in Kigali at 8:00 PM.
The route marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its growing East African network. With this expansion, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya, further strengthening Kigali’s role as a regional travel hub.
“Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said in October. “By expanding our East African network, we are giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”
The route is designed to cater to both weekend getaways and extended vacations, offering travellers convenient access to pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class leisure experiences.
As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir continues to underline its commitment to regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience. The airline operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, serving over 144 destinations globally through direct flights and codeshare partnerships.
In a statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said Burundi “serves as a rear base and command centre” for the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime in its conflict with the rebels.
“All the bombings carried out by Soukhoï-25 fighter aircraft and drones against densely populated areas and along the entire front line are being coordinated from Burundi,” Kanyuka stated on Sunday.
Kanyuka emphasised that Burundi is not only involved in planning and directing the attacks, but its troops and Imbonerakure militia also participate directly in attacks against Congolese civilians.
“Burundi is also deploying its troops and Imbonerakure militiamen in South Kivu, where they are integrated with the FARDC, the FDLR and the Maï-Maï Wazalendo,” he added.
AFC/M23’s deputy coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa, Bertrand Bisimwa described the actions of Burundian forces as constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Since October 2025, Burundian troops have reportedly blocked all roads connecting residents in the Minembwe area of Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga territories, restricting access to markets and healthcare services.
Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the Burundian army, confirmed to the BBC last month that the roads had been closed, accusing local Banyamulenge communities of collaborating with armed groups, claims rejected by human rights organisations.
Clashes between Burundian forces and AFC/M23 intensified from November 26 in Mwenga territory, as Burundian troops attempted to seize areas previously held by the DRC government coalition. On November 30, AFC/M23 reported heavy Burundian casualties, with bodies hastily buried in pits and the wounded transported to Kisangani in Tshopo province for treatment.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, raising concerns over the escalating involvement of foreign forces and the increasing toll on civilians, amid international efforts to resolve the conflict between the Kinshasa administration and the AFC/M23 rebels.
