The funds were collected through an auction organized as part of the event. The first item auctioned was a PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) jersey signed by the team’s players, which was bought by Mutesi Jolly for $1,000 (approximately Frw 1,449,500).
Other bids included $800 for a two-night stay at a hotel in Kibuye, $2,900 for a gorilla trekking experience, $1,200 for another charity activity, $1,800 for a one-night stay at a hotel in Kiyovu, and $2,000 for a night at a luxury hotel. The total amount raised reached Frw 14,132,625.
The funds will support over 1,000 children under the Sherrie Silver Foundation.
In addition to this contribution, BK Foundation pledged to cover the school fees for 100 children supported by the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whether enrolled in public or private schools.
Ingrid Karangwayire, the Executive Director of BK Foundation, said the initiative reflects their commitment to promoting education.
Sherrie Silver expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the event, saying the funds will be used to support education, health, and the well-being of vulnerable children assisted by her foundation.
The gala also featured other highlights, including awarding the fashion brand “Icyacumi” with $5,000, and Bwiza, who was named Best Dressed, received $1,000.
Artists such as Ross Kana, Chriss Eazy, Massamba Intore, Chella from Nigeria, Sherrie Silver, Vex Prince, Juno Kizigenza, and Butera Knowless entertained the audience throughout the night.
Genomics is the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes and their interactions with each other and the environment.
The development was highlighted during a week-long visit to China, which ended on October 25, where Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) held discussions with executives and researchers from BGI Genomics, BGI Research, and BGI College, all subsidiaries of the world-leading BGI Group.
The meetings focused on collaboration in genomics, joint research, capacity building, and technology transfer.
Speaking to The New Times, Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), said the move aligns with Rwanda’s vision to build a sustainable healthcare system powered by artificial intelligence and bioinformatics.
“We are exploring how partnerships in genomics and precision medicine can strengthen our disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment capacity,” he said. “Our goal is to localize advanced genomic research and training to make Rwanda a regional hub for precision health.”
While touring BGI’s laboratories in Shenzhen, Muvunyi observed how genomic data is used to guide clinical decisions and improve public health planning.
He also delivered a keynote address at the 20th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-20), where he presented Rwanda’s genomic sequencing achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Although there are gaps in pathogen genomics for surveillance across Africa, Rwanda built sequencing capacity during COVID-19,” he said. “That foundation helped us identify and trace the Marburg virus in bats. Genomics play a role in strengthening public health resilience.”
In Hangzhou, Muvunyi met with officials from the Zhejiang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to explore cooperation in disease surveillance and epidemic preparedness.
“The Zhejiang CDC model provided valuable lessons for Rwanda as we enhance our surveillance and emergency response capacities,” he noted.
The visit also included talks with Pékin Teaching University of Shenzhen on cervical cancer screening and research training for Rwandan scientists.
“We strongly condemn the false accusations made by U.S. Central Command regarding the alleged looting of an aid truck,” Hamas said in a statement. It described the U.S. allegations as “baseless and unjustified,” accusing Washington of trying to justify “further reductions of already limited humanitarian aid.”
Hamas said no international or local aid agencies, nor any drivers working with convoys, had reported such an incident.
“The continued U.S. adoption of the Israeli narrative only deepens its immoral bias and makes it a partner in the blockade and the suffering of the Palestinian people,” the group said.
U.S. Central Command said Saturday that a U.S. drone had observed suspected Hamas operatives seizing an aid truck from a convoy in southern Gaza. CENTCOM said the truck was part of a humanitarian convoy carrying supplies provided by Israel and that the driver’s fate remained unknown.
In a post on X on Sunday, U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, said he held an in-depth discussion with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, focused on consolidating peace and prosperity across the region.
Boulos said the talks focused on reviewing progress made under the Washington Peace Agreement, particularly the implementation of its Concept of Operations, and on advancing the Doha track, which complements U.S. efforts to secure a peaceful resolution between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition.
He noted that the discussions also covered the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), a U.S.-backed initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability through cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, and transparent mineral supply chains.
The U.S. envoy stressed that lasting peace in the Great Lakes region hinges on the full and timely implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, adding that Washington remains confident in President Kagame’s commitment to achieving that goal.
“We are relying on President Kagame’s continued commitment to lasting peace and prosperity,” Boulos said.
Boulos’ statement came shortly after another post on his meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, on the progress made under the Washington Peace Agreement and the parallel Doha track aimed at restoring sovereignty and reinforcing regional stability.
He noted that a foundation of peace and stability would pave the way for greater U.S. investment in transparent mineral supply chains and infrastructure benefiting the Congolese people.
The renewed diplomatic engagement follows Boulos’s visit to Rwanda in October, when he met President Paul Kagame for talks focused on the U.S.-mediated peace process and regional security.
According to the Rwandan Presidency, the discussions at the time underscored “ongoing efforts to advance peace in the Great Lakes region, and Rwanda’s continuous commitment to lasting peace and security.”
The Washington Accord, signed on June 27, 2025, was brokered by the United States to normalise relations between Rwanda and the DRC. The agreement aims to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and lead to the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive posture along its western border.
However, progress has not been without challenges. Tensions resurfaced last month after the DRC declined, at the last minute, to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), a key pillar of the peace process designed to strengthen economic cooperation between Kigali and Kinshasa.
“The Rwandan delegation in Washington, D.C. was ready to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), which benefits both our countries and the region,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo wrote on X on October 4.
“We are puzzled by the DRC’s last-minute decision not to sign the agreement, given the positive atmosphere of the negotiations … and the diligent mediation work of Senior Advisor Massad Boulos and the State Department,” she added.
Despite the setback, Rwanda has maintained its commitment to the peace accord and the broader U.S.-led process.
“Rwanda believes in the peace agreement and in the approach of the U.S. mediation, and hopes that the REIF will eventually be signed,” Makolo noted. “The peace process must succeed. It is the best chance for stability and economic development for our region.”
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi officially inaugurated the colossal museum complex on the Giza Plateau in a ceremony attended by 79 delegations from around the world, including heads of state, members of royal families, and government officials.
In his speech, al-Sisi hailed the opening of the museum as “a living testament to the genius of the Egyptian people.”
“The Egyptian people were and still are builders of civilizations, creators of glory, and messengers of peace,” he said, describing the opening of the GEM as “writing a new chapter in the history of the present and the future.”
According to the Egyptian president, the GEM is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, the civilization of Egypt.
Spanning nearly 500,000 square meters, the museum will house an unprecedented collection of over 100,000 artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history. Its undisputed centerpiece is the complete collection of the boy-king Tutankhamun, some 5,992 pieces, including his iconic golden mask and two coffins. This priceless collection will be displayed together for the first time since the discovery of his tomb in 1922.
The museum occupies a symbolically significant site on the Giza Plateau, where the ancient pyramids are located, offering panoramic views of the pyramids and forging a direct connection between these ancient wonders and the new monumental cultural institution.
The inauguration ceremony, staged in the museum courtyard with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx as a backdrop, featured cultural events and artistic performances celebrating Egypt’s rich heritage. Festivities included musical performances, a light show, and a fireworks display.
The GEM is expected to act as a major catalyst for Egypt’s vital tourism sector, with officials anticipating a substantial annual influx of visitors that will significantly enhance the country’s tourism revenue.
“The museum will completely change the map of cultural tourism in Egypt and significantly aid the tourism industry,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.
CEO of the GEM Ahmed Ghoneim hailed the museum as “Egypt’s gift to the world,” noting that the museum “changes the context of tourism in Egypt and enhances cultural tourism.”
“It is not only the heritage that we have, but rather how we show it,” he told Xinhua.
Construction of the museum began in 2005, but the project faced numerous delays over the years due to political instability and funding challenges. Now complete, the facility blends modern architectural design with elements inspired by ancient Egypt, featuring spacious halls and state-of-the-art display technologies.
The museum complex is set to officially open to the public on November 4.
In a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.” He said his administration has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders since 2023 and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said, noting the government’s consistent efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief. “Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
The statement follows Trump’s social media posts accusing Nigeria of allowing the “mass slaughter” of Christians by Islamic terrorists. Trump said he had instructed the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” and warned that military intervention could follow if Nigeria does not act. He also announced that U.S. aid to the country would be immediately halted unless protections were strengthened.
Nigeria’s officials, however, rejected the allegations as exaggerated. Tinubu’s press secretary described the claims as “a gross exaggeration,” noting that attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims and are often linked to communal tensions, resource disputes, and extremist activity.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the government is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and celebrated the country’s diversity as a national strength.
She made the call on October 31 during an engagement with judges and judicial staff from courts under the Musanze High Court Circuit.
Mukantaganzwa underscored the importance of efficiency in case management, reminding judges that cases should be heard in the order they are filed. She, however, acknowledged that some delays arise from factors beyond the courts’ control, such as adjournments or party-related interruptions.
Data presented during the session indicated that the Musanze Intermediate Court currently handles 1,499 cases, of which 1,096 are backlog cases.
Mukantaganzwa noted that measures previously introduced to address case backlogs are beginning to yield positive outcomes, though further effort is still required.
“It has long been established that backlog cases should not be allowed to stagnate in our courts. That is why, in their reports, you can see consistent progress in clearing old cases each year,” she stated.
She added that most of the remaining old cases date back to 2022, and are being prioritised for conclusion in line with judicial procedures.
“Our principle is straightforward: cases filed earlier should be heard first. However, delays sometimes result from adjournments requested by the parties involved, rather than from the court itself,” she explained.
The Chief Justice further reminded judges that any case pending for more than six months is classified as a backlog. She said this benchmark aims to ensure timely service delivery and public trust in the judiciary.
“Six months may not seem long, but we set that target to promote efficiency and fast-track justice, so that citizens do not have to wait unnecessarily for verdicts,” Mukantaganzwa said.
During the discussions, it was revealed that the Musanze High Court Circuit currently has 1,214 cases, with 95% being criminal and 5% civil. Of the backlog cases, 585 date from 2022, 97% of which are criminal.
The most frequent offences among the pending cases include drug-related crimes, child defilement, theft, murder, and assault.
In a statement, the Africa CDC said it is dispatching critical medical supplies after last week’s assault on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher.
“The assault, which killed hundreds of patients and caregivers and led to the abduction of several health workers, has crippled one of the few remaining medical facilities in the region and raised grave concerns about the continuity of essential health services,” the Africa CDC said.
It warned that ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and restricted access to healthcare are worsening Sudan’s health crisis, as the country battles concurrent outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, measles, and diphtheria.
The African Union’s specialized health agency said it has deployed emergency medical and laboratory experts to assess conditions on the ground and support outbreak control, sustain essential health services, and strengthen biosafety in affected areas.
Working in partnership with Sudan’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, the Africa CDC said it is verifying casualty figures, monitoring for potential disease outbreaks, and assessing the broader public health impact.
“This is not only a human tragedy but a public-health emergency,” the statement quoted Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, as saying. “Our immediate priority is to preserve life, prevent secondary outbreaks, and protect the health infrastructure that communities depend on. Health facilities and workers must never be targets of war.”
The agency urged all parties to the conflict to safeguard laboratories and biomedical facilities that store or handle dangerous pathogens, warning that any compromise could pose grave biosecurity and public health risks.
On Wednesday, Sudan’s government said more than 2,000 civilians had been killed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since their entry into El Fasher.
Sudan remains gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, plunging the country deeper into a humanitarian crisis.
In a statement shared via X by the U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, on Saturday, the ongoing efforts through the Doha peace process were highlighted as a step forward in promoting peace and stability in the eastern DRC.
Boulos emphasized that both parties had made notable strides in demonstrating their shared commitment to peace, noting that this progress should not be jeopardized by recent violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Despite the ceasefire agreement signed in April 2025, fighting has continued in the North and South Kivu provinces, with both sides engaged in heavy attacks.
In mid-October, the DRC government and AFC/M23 agreed to establish a joint monitoring mechanism to ensure the ceasefire’s implementation. However, fighting has persisted, raising concerns over the fragility of the peace process.
Major General Sylvain Ekenge, the spokesperson for Congolese military, recently justified the continued fighting stating that his forces were retaliating against attacks from AFC/M23.
AFC/M23 also accuses Kinshasa of violating ceasefire with recurrent strikes to their positions and populated areas. This back-and-forth has fueled further instability, undermining efforts to create a peaceful environment for negotiations.
Boulos expressed concern that violations of the ceasefire could derail the significant strides made thus far, urging all parties to adhere to their commitments made in Doha.
“All must honor their commitments made in Doha, including maintaining the ceasefire and fully engaging the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to rebuild trust and reduce tensions on the ground,” he said.
Boulos also highlighted the potential for lasting peace and prosperity in the region if both the DRC government and AFC/M23 continue to demonstrate sustained effort in the peace process.
Mbonyumutwa served as President of Rwanda from January 28, 1961, to October 26, 1961.
The slap became a significant event in Rwanda’s history due to its symbolic meaning. During that time, there was a tense political atmosphere, with Belgium using Hutu political parties to push for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.
Many Rwandans could not understand the idea of a republic and the possibility of forgetting the monarchy that had ruled for so long.
At that time, the political parties, especially MDR-Parmehutu, which advocated for the republic, and UNAR, which supported the monarchy, were at odds.
Mbonyumutwa was aligned with the MDR-Parmehutu party, serving as Sub-Chief in Ndiza (Gitarama). He was one of the leading politicians encouraging the population to reject the monarchy and fight for the establishment of a republic.
On November 1, 1959, Mbonyumutwa attended a mass in Byimana. After the mass, he went to visit Father Marara, who lived at the parish. On his way back, he met Karekezi Pascal and other young people.
Karekezi and the other two youths were reportedly upset by the notion of the monarchy being abolished and the words Mbonyumutwa’s alignment with ideologies to kill the Tutsis.
Karekezi once told IGIHE that he and his colleagues decided to slap Mbonyumutwa to stop his public promotion of the republic and his divisive rhetoric.
He said, “He supported the idea of killing people. Instead of promoting the culture of the country, he took the Belgian model to create a republic, and you have seen what the republic led to.”
Karekezi mentioned that he and Mbonyumutwa had known each other previously, as Mbonyumutwa was from a neighborhood called Mwendo.
Due to the political rivalry between Parmehutu and UNAR (the monarchy-supporting party), some believed Karekezi and his colleagues were sent by UNAR to slap Mbonyumutwa. However, Karekezi denied this claim.
He said, “How could UNAR send us? […] We were at home when he came from his place to promote the Parmehutu agenda, and we knew that it was all about killing people.”
Karekezi described how they ambushed Mbonyumutwa as he was on his way home and slapped him. But Mbonyumutwa fought back.
He explained, “We slapped him as he was heading to a place where he would become a Sous-Chef. He came from Mwendo… He fought back because he was not tied up.”
“He fought back and left. He didn’t go to court, and no one came for revenge. He later became a sous chef. They continued to stir division and war, until they began destroying everything.”
After the incident, rumors spread that Mbonyumutwa had been killed by Tutsi youth sent by UNAR. Some Tutsis were attacked, their homes burned, and many were killed while others fled.
Mbonyumutwa was elected president by leaders from the Hutu political parties in a meeting held in Gitarama, where it was confirmed that the monarchy was officially abolished. Mbonyumutwa was elected to lead the newly established republic.
