The visit took place on May 8, 2026, during which the staff were given detailed accounts of how the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned and executed under the former regime, as well as the country’s journey toward recovery and rebuilding.
They also laid wreaths at the mass graves where more than 37,890 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried at the Ruhanga Memorial site.
The Managing Director of Spiro Rwanda, Amit Chawla, said that although he is not Rwandan, the atrocities committed during the genocide deeply touched him. He praised the Government of National Unity, particularly the Inkotanyi, as well as the resilience and humanity demonstrated by Rwandans.
“When I look at the hard work, love and humanity that characterize the Rwandans we work with every day, and the continued progress of Rwanda, it clearly shows that you chose not to remain prisoners of history. Other countries can truly learn from your example,” he said.
Chawla encouraged young people to continue preserving the country’s history and strengthening unity to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
Karambizi Oleg Olivier, an official from Rwanda’s Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement responsible for strategies against genocide denial and minimization, commended Spiro Rwanda employees for supporting genocide survivors. He urged especially the youth to develop a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history so they can help educate others.
“It is your responsibility to know Rwanda’s history because, although the Genocide was stopped by the Inkotanyi, its ideology continues to spread even today,” he said.
“Young people must stand against those who continue to spread genocide ideology, particularly through social media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube and others. This should become part of your values and patriotism.”
Karambizi noted that many young people killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi had dreams and ambitions they never had the opportunity to fulfill. He cautioned the youth against being influenced by individuals who use social media to downplay or deny the genocide.
As part of the visit, Spiro Rwanda’s management also provided support to the Ruhanga Genocide Memorial and assisted genocide survivors by renovating two homes.
Staff members of Spiro Rwanda laid flowers at Ruhanga Genocide Memorial in honor of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.Spiro Rwanda Managing Director Amit Chawla praised Rwanda’s resilience and unity during a visit to the Ruhanga Genocide Memorial.Karambizi Oleg Olivier, an official from Rwanda’s Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement commended Spiro Rwanda employees for supporting genocide survivors. Spiro Rwanda employees visited the Ruhanga Genocide Memorial, where they learned about Rwanda’s history and journey of recovery.Spiro Rwanda staff visited the memorial and reaffirmed commitment to uphold history.
The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius reached waters near the Port of Granadilla early on Sunday, escorted by a Spanish Civil Guard vessel, according to maritime tracking data. The ship had departed from Cape Verde on Wednesday after the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Union requested Spain take charge of managing the evacuation.
Health authorities confirmed the outbreak has so far been linked to at least eight illnesses on board, including three deaths, a Dutch couple and a German national. Six cases have been confirmed as hantavirus infections, with two additional suspected cases under investigation, according to the WHO.
The Dutch-flagged hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius arrives at the industrial port of Granadilla de Abona on the island of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, though rare person-to-person transmission has been reported in limited circumstances. European public health officials have classified all passengers as high-risk contacts as a precaution.
Spanish authorities said medical teams boarded the vessel on Sunday morning to test passengers and crew before disembarkation begins. Evacuations are expected to start between 7:30am and 8:30am local time, with Spanish nationals leaving first, followed by other nationalities in staged groups.
Passengers will be transferred from the ship in small boats to shore, where sealed buses will take them to Tenerife’s main airport, roughly 10 minutes away. From there, they will board flights arranged by their respective governments.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus travelled to Tenerife to coordinate the response alongside Spanish ministers.
Several countries, including the United States, Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands, are sending aircraft for repatriation. The ship’s 147 passengers will undergo further medical monitoring upon return, with some facing quarantine or extended observation periods depending on national protocols.
In Spain, fourteen nationals will be transported to a military hospital for isolation and testing, while 17 American passengers will be taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s National Quarantine Unit. Two Dutch passengers will be among the second group to disembark.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus travelled to Tenerife to coordinate the response alongside Spanish ministers. In an open letter, he reassured residents, stressing: “This is not another Covid,” while officials emphasised that the risk to the wider public remains low.
Despite the scale of the operation, daily life in Granadilla appeared largely unaffected on Sunday morning, with residents continuing routine activities as emergency teams prepared nearby.
After evacuation, the MV Hondius is expected to sail to Rotterdam, where it will undergo full disinfection. Meanwhile, health authorities across multiple countries continue tracing potential contacts linked to passengers who had already disembarked during the voyage, which began in Argentina in early April.
The Dutch-flagged hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius arrives at the industrial port of Granadilla de Abona on the island of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.
The document was written by Lt. Col. Charles Uwihoreye, a former officer in Habyarimana’s presidential security apparatus who also served as commander of the military gendarmerie in Ruhengeri Prefecture.
In the letter dated June 24, 1994, Uwihoreye wrote to Col. René Galinié, who served as military adviser at the French Embassy in Kigali between 1988 and 1991, detailing killings taking place across Rwanda.
The letter remained undisclosed for years before Galinié handed it in 2022 to historian Prof. Vincent Duclert, who chaired the French commission investigating France’s role and support for the Rwandan government between 1990 and 1994.
French newspaper Le Monde published the document on May 7, 2026, after Galinié authorised its release to journalists through Prof. Duclert.
In the letter, Uwihoreye describes how soldiers from Habyarimana’s presidential guard under the command of Major Mugemana killed Tutsi civilians in the communes of Kinigi and Kigombe in Ruhengeri on January 22, 1991. He also recounts how members of his own family were subsequently targeted.
The officer further notes that massacres of Tutsis in Bugesera and other regions, including Kibilira, were carried out by Interahamwe militias operating under the supervision of presidential guard units and with the backing of senior government officials.
According to Uwihoreye, the government at the time prioritised the elimination of political opponents over developing a military strategy against the RPA, relying instead on informal directives issued through the Presidency.
He states that orders to target Tutsi civilians originated from members of the Akazu, also referred to as the “Réseau Zéro”, a powerful network composed of Habyarimana, his wife Agathe Kanziga, and close family associates.
Uwihoreye wrote that officials across political, military, and economic institutions were expected to comply with directives issued by the Akazu. He noted, however, that then-Minister of Defence James Gasana opposed the system and ultimately resigned.
The letter identifies Habyarimana as the leading figure within the Akazu, followed by Agathe Kanziga. Protais Zigiranyirazo, Kanziga’s brother, widely known as “Monsieur Z” and a former prefect of Ruhengeri, is identified as the third-ranking member.
Prof. Duclert said Uwihoreye had served the Habyarimana government loyally before being imprisoned in 1991 on accusations of treason, allegations he said were based solely on the officer’s Tutsi identity.
Duclert also said Uwihoreye trusted Galinié because the French officer had intervened on his behalf, helping secure his release and reinstatement.
“Charles Uwihoreye served Habyarimana’s government faithfully before being imprisoned in 1991 because, as a Tutsi, he was considered a traitor,” Duclert said.
“He was later released thanks to René Galinié’s intervention and returned to his duties. Galinié considered him a reliable source and someone with deep knowledge of the Habyarimana government.”
A separate document from the French external intelligence agency (DGSE), dated September 22, 1994, also identified Habyarimana, Kanziga, and Zigiranyirazo as leading figures within the Akazu and described its members as “Hutu extremists” opposed to democratic reforms.
That intelligence report, published by Mediapart and Radio France in February 2019, further alleged that several military officers protected by Kanziga and Zigiranyirazo, while directing attacks against Tutsi civilians, became known as the “Colonels de Madame.”
Among those named were Col. Elie Sagatwa, Kanziga’s brother; Séraphin Rwabukumba, another relative of Kanziga; and Charles Nzabagerageza, a cousin of Habyarimana and former prefect of Ruhengeri.
Others identified as members of the Akazu included Col. Théoneste Bagosora, a senior official in the Ministry of Defense; Lt. Col. Anatole Nsengiyumva, head of military intelligence; Lt. Col. Nkundiye, former commander of the presidential guard; Capt. Pascal Simbikangwa; former Justice Minister Matayo Ngirumpatse; RTLM executive Ferdinand Nahimana; Lt. Col. Tharcisse Renzaho; Emmanuel Bagambiki; Col. Laurent Serubuga; and Col. Pierre Célestin Rwagafilita.
During investigations into Kanziga in France, Col. Galinié told investigating judges Stéphanie Tacheau and Carole Vujasinovic that Kanziga was indeed part of the Akazu, although she sought to avoid public association with the group.
Uwihoreye’s letter was never introduced as evidence in court proceedings. However, it may now become part of renewed efforts to examine Kanziga’s role in the planning and implementation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This week, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled that the investigation into Kanziga should be reopened.
The decision, issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, overturned a previous ruling by investigative judges on August 21, 2025, which had ordered the closure of the case due to what they described as insufficient evidence linking Kanziga to the crimes.
The document was written by Lt. Col. Charles Uwihoreye, a former officer in Habyarimana’s presidential security apparatus who also served as commander of the military gendarmerie in Ruhengeri Prefecture.Lt. Col. Charles Uwihoreye (right) stated that orders to kill Tutsi civilians originated from the Akazu.
Uwihoreye’s letter was never introduced as evidence in court proceedings. However, it may now become part of renewed efforts to examine Kanziga’s role in the planning and implementation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“We classify everybody on board as what we call a high-risk contact,” Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, told a media briefing.
She noted that currently “nobody on board has any symptoms,” but recommended “active monitoring and follow-up of all the passengers and crew who disembark for a 42-day period.”
However, she stressed that the risk to the public and people in the Canary Islands, where the MV Hondius is expected to dock on Sunday, remains “low.”
According to a WHO Disease Outbreak News update on Saturday, severe respiratory illness was first reported on the cruise ship on 2 May. At the time, there were 147 passengers and crew members onboard, while 34 others had already disembarked. All WHO’s contact points in concerned countries have been informed and are supporting international contact tracing.
As of 8 May, eight symptomatic cases have been reported, including three deaths. Six cases are laboratory-confirmed as Andes virus (ANDV) hantavirus infections.
The WHO urged the countries involved to continue public health coordination, including contact tracing, case management, infection prevention and transparent communication.
Early symptoms of hantavirus infection include headache, dizziness, chills, fever, myalgia, and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, according to the WHO.
Given that pre-symptomatic transmission in past ADNV outbreaks cannot be entirely ruled out, WHO also recommends self-monitoring, medical evaluation and mask-wearing for low-risk contacts if symptoms occur.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday that all people aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak should be considered “high-risk” contacts and actively monitored for 42 days.
On May 6, 2026, Tshisekedi told journalists in Kinshasa that Congolese citizens were examining the Constitution to determine whether amendments were necessary. He also stated that if the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues until 2028, elections may not be held.
“If we fail to stop this war, unfortunately we may not be able to organize elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said. “But it would not be because I refused to organize them. The capacity exists, we could do it, but we cannot organize elections without North Kivu and South Kivu.”
The Congolese president also questioned whether the current Constitution should remain unchanged, while rejecting claims that constitutional reform was linked to ambitions for a third term in office.
“What is so special about this Constitution? Should we leave it as it is? What prevents us from reviewing it?” Tshisekedi said. “One thing we should not do is connect this to a third term. I do not want a third term, but if the people ask me to lead for a third term, I would accept.”
Speaking during a press conference in Goma on May 8, Nangaa criticized Tshisekedi, who recently apologized to Congolese citizens for failing to carry out the war against Rwanda that he had promised during the final stages of his 2023 presidential campaign.
Tshisekedi had said he was misled into believing that the Congolese army was strong, only to later discover that it had been infiltrated by enemies. He linked this to the growing number of arrests and prosecutions involving military officers accused of betraying the country.
Nangaa suggested that Tshisekedi’s departure from office could come sooner than expected.
“Do not be surprised if he leaves in the coming days. He will go,” Nangaa said. “And do not be surprised to hear him say, ‘I did not know I was president.’ He will say, ‘I did not know it was my responsibility to guarantee Congo’s security or to do this or that.’”
The AFC/M23 leader argued that efforts to amend the Constitution would fail and called on Congolese citizens from different sectors to unite behind the alliance in order to block Tshisekedi’s plans.
“He wants to change the Constitution. If he is capable, let him try,” Nangaa said. “But as far as we are concerned, and I speak on behalf of AFC/M23, the time is now. This press conference allows Congolese people to understand our objective. AFC/M23 calls on all politicians and all citizens to support the struggle to protect the DRC.”
Nangaa further stated that AFC/M23 seeks support from Congolese living in Kinshasa, those in exile, and even some members of the ruling Union Sacrée coalition, claiming that certain figures within the alliance are already holding secret talks with AFC/M23.
Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the AFC/M23 alliance, has declared that President Félix Tshisekedi has limited time left in office
Europe Day, celebrated annually on May 9, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, widely considered the foundation of the modern European Union. Proposed by then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in the aftermath of World War II, the declaration called for European countries to jointly manage coal and steel production, industries central to war-making at the time, in order to make future conflict between historic rivals “materially impossible.”
The declaration laid the foundation for what would later become the European Union, a bloc built around peace, economic cooperation, shared prosperity, and political integration. This year’s celebrations marked 76 years since the declaration and highlighted how those founding ideals continue to shape the EU’s partnerships around the world, including with Rwanda.
The event, hosted by Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra at her residence in Kigali, reflected on the expanding political, economic, and development cooperation between Rwanda and the European Union.
The event highlighted the expanding political, economic, and development cooperation between Rwanda and the European Union.
Addressing guests, the envoy described the Schuman Declaration as “a project for peace and shared prosperity,” noting that its founding principles remain relevant amid rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty.
“In a world of international disorder and coercive power politics, the EU stands strong for peace and prosperity, freedom and democracy, unity and diversity, partnerships and multilateralism,” she said.
The ambassador used the occasion, her final Europe Day celebration in Rwanda before the end of her diplomatic mission, to reflect on four years of EU-Rwanda cooperation, describing the partnership as one built on “continuous open dialogue, respect, consistency and trust.”
She pointed to major achievements under the partnership, including support for Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing, youth employment initiatives, climate-smart agriculture, innovation, and infrastructure investment through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra used the occasion, her final Europe Day celebration in Rwanda before the end of her diplomatic mission, to reflect on four years of EU-Rwanda cooperation.
According to the ambassador, Team Europe has invested more than €1 billion in Rwanda in recent years across sectors including health technology, smart cities, transport infrastructure, critical minerals, and environmental conservation.
“Global Gateway puts the private sector and investment at the heart of the partnership, aligning with Rwanda’s vision to shift from aid to trade,” she said.
She added that more than 300 European businesses are currently operating in Rwanda, with over €1.4 billion in new European investment recorded over the past four years. Rwanda’s exports to the European Union have also grown by 47 percent since 2019.
Among the flagship projects highlighted was the establishment of an ecosystem for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Rwanda, supported by European investment, including German biotechnology company BioNTech.
“What started during COVID as Rwanda’s ambitious vision to manufacture vaccines has become an attractive ecosystem for quality pharmaceutical investment,” the ambassador noted.
The celebrations also focused on regional peace and security, with the ambassador emphasising the EU’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and dismantling the FDLR militia group, which was formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
She welcomed ongoing peace initiatives, including the Doha Framework and African Union mediation efforts, while stressing the need for concrete progress on ceasefire implementation and regional trust-building.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised the EU for its continued support to Rwanda’s development agenda and described the partnership as increasingly dynamic and diversified.
“Europe Day offers us a valuable opportunity to celebrate the longstanding and dynamic partnership between Rwanda and the European Union,” he said.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised the EU for its continued support to Rwanda’s development agenda and described the partnership as increasingly dynamic and diversified.
Nduhungirehe commended the strengthened cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy and welcomed renewed investment worth €105 million to support Rwanda’s ambitions in vaccine manufacturing and medical innovation.
The vaccine-manufacturing project has been hailed as a major step towards ensuring equitable access to vaccines and strengthening Africa’s capacity to respond to future health emergencies.
Nduhungirehe also reflected on the security dimension of the EU–Rwanda partnership, describing it as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation alongside development and economic engagement.
“The EU has remained a trusted partner of Rwanda throughout our peacekeeping engagements and bilateral interventions around the continent. We hope to continue counting on your support as we get closer to achieving key priorities under the AU’s Silencing the Guns agenda and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” he added.
The minister also praised Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra for her contribution to strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation during her tenure in Kigali.
The event celebrated growing people-to-people relations between Rwanda and Europe.
Beyond diplomacy and investment, the event celebrated growing people-to-people relations between Rwanda and Europe through education exchanges, arts, sports, entrepreneurship, and youth innovation initiatives.
The ambassador highlighted programmes such as Hanga Hubs and Aguka, developed in partnership with the Ministries of Youth and ICT as well as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which she said contributed to the creation of more than 100,000 jobs over the past two years.
She also announced the creation of a youth sounding board aimed at involving young people more directly in shaping EU policies and partnerships in Rwanda.
“Let us continue working together, uniting in our pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow for Rwanda, Europe, Africa, and the world,” the ambassador said as she invoked the philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises humanity, interconnectedness, and collective responsibility, focusing on compassion, respect, and community over individual isolation.
The colourful evening celebration featured performances by bands with a surprise appearance by Bruce Melodie, who has been working with the EU delegation on youth programmes.
Celebrated Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie interacting with VIP guests at the event.Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, graced the celebration.Nduhungirehe commended the strengthened cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy.Europe Day, celebrated annually on May 9, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, widely considered the foundation of the modern European Union.
According to the fund, the savings were collected between May 1 and May 8, 2026. The increase pushed the total assets under management to Rwf97.4 billion.
RNIT-Iterambere also indicated that investors withdrew Rwf380 million from the fund during the same period. The value of one unit share stood at Rwf271.72 during the week.
Individuals who save through RNIT-Iterambere Fund begin earning returns the following day after making their investment. The returns continue to accumulate throughout the year, with investors currently receiving an annual return of 11.78%.
The RNIT-Iterambere Fund was established by the Government of Rwanda in 2014 and became fully operational in 2016.
The initiative was introduced to promote a savings culture among Rwandans while helping them understand investment management and earn returns on their savings over time. Savings in the fund can start from as little as Rwf2,000.
RNIT-Iterambere also indicated that investors withdrew Rwf380 million from the fund during the same period.
The move comes as Rwanda continues encouraging residents to use public transport following the sharp rise in global and local fuel prices.
Since the campaign began, the number of daily bus commuters in the City of Kigali has increased from 180,000 to 230,000 passengers.
Uwihanganye explained that the recently introduced bus lanes were designed to improve efficiency by allowing buses to move faster and depart at intervals of five minutes.
“Since last week, when these bus lanes were introduced, buses operating within those lanes are expected to depart every five minutes and move quickly,” he said.
Passengers using the buses say transport services have improved compared to before, noting that buses no longer spend excessive time stuck in traffic or waiting to fill up with passengers before departing.
“The fact that people appreciate the service is reflected in the numbers. In just one week, 10,000 more passengers started using buses, and this is only the beginning,” Uwihanganye added.
He also noted that traffic congestion has eased, especially during peak hours when vehicles previously remained stuck for long periods during morning and evening commutes.
The City of Kigali recently designated several large public parking areas to support the park-and-ride initiative, where motorists can leave their private cars and continue their journeys using buses.
The designated parking areas include Kabuga Bus Park, Stade Amahoro parking area in Rwahama, Kigali Pele Stadium, the former Magerwa site in Ruyenzi, Kamonyi District, and Gahanga.
Fuel prices in Rwanda have continued to rise sharply, with a litre of petrol currently costing Rwf2,938 while diesel is priced at Rwf2,205 per litre.
Passengers using the buses say transport services have improved compared to before, noting that buses no longer spend excessive time stuck in traffic or waiting to fill up with passengers before departing.
The park was recently listed by Tripadvisor among notable tourist attractions, further boosting its international visibility.
The transformation of Nyandungu began in 2016 with a project aimed at restoring the degraded Nyandungu wetland and converting it into an eco-tourism park. What was once a polluted and heavily exploited marshland has since become one of Kigali’s leading green spaces.
Before rehabilitation efforts started, the wetland had been used for farming, livestock grazing and, in some areas, as an illegal dumping site. The degradation contributed to frequent flooding caused by runoff water from surrounding hills and nearby communities.
Restoration works were completed in 2022, paving the way for the official opening of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park.
Today, the park covers more than 121 hectares across Ndera Sector in Gasabo District and Nyarugunga Sector in Kicukiro District. It stretches along the road linking La Palisse Hotel to Ndera.
At the time of its inauguration, the park consisted of five sections. Two were dedicated to wetland restoration, featuring grasses and trees designed to naturally filter polluted water flowing into the marsh. The remaining three sections were developed for tourism and recreation, including more than 10 kilometers of walking and cycling trails.
The park initially recorded 102 bird species, including crowned cranes and herons. That number has now surpassed 200 species, among them crested cranes and several other rare birds. Wildlife such as turtles, monitor lizards and mongooses have also started reappearing in the ecosystem.
Nyandungu is now home to more than 25,000 trees, up from about 17,000 during the early stages of development. Most of these are indigenous species.
Research conducted by the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID) showed that biodiversity in the park has nearly doubled over the past two years. More than 250 plant species and around 75 bird species have been added during that period.
The number of visitors has also continued to rise steadily. In 2025, the park received more than 111,000 visitors and generated over Rwf360 million in revenue. In comparison, it welcomed more than 76,000 visitors in 2024, generating Rwf158 million.
One of the park’s distinguishing features is that more than 70 percent of visitors are Rwandans, highlighting its growing popularity among local residents. Visitors are not allowed to bring outside food into the park, but there is an on-site restaurant serving meals and drinks.
To make the experience more attractive, the park has continued introducing new recreational activities. In addition to bicycles, visitors can now use scooters and small tour vehicles.
Adventure activities have also been added, including a high ropes course suspended between trees, hanging bridges, chess areas and several other leisure facilities. Children have not been left out either. The park includes playgrounds and entertainment areas designed specifically for young visitors.
Nyandungu also hosts shops selling Made-in-Rwanda products such as clothing, bags, toys and handcrafted items, including puzzle games featuring African-themed designs.
The park has further expanded into hosting environmentally friendly events through specially designed gardens and open-air venues.
Among them is the Pope John Paul II Garden, named after Pope John Paul II, who celebrated Mass in the area during his 1990 visit to Rwanda. The site was chosen because of its capacity to accommodate large crowds. Other sections are dedicated to wellness activities such as yoga and fitness sessions.
Beyond tourism and entertainment, Nyandungu has also become a quiet retreat for many Kigali residents. Benches placed throughout the park allow visitors to sit under trees near small artificial lakes, creating a peaceful environment for reading, reflection or simply enjoying nature.
More animals and attractions planned
The Manager of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, Ildephonse Kambogo, said the park’s development is still ongoing and that plans are underway to introduce additional wildlife species.
He explained that feasibility studies have already been conducted to determine which animals can adapt to the park’s environment.
“We started by conducting research to identify which animals are suitable for this park and capable of living here. We studied species such as impalas, sitatungas and other small mammals. The research was completed in April, and we are now looking at how to begin introducing them,” he said.
Kambogo added that the park management is optimistic the animals will thrive, noting that species already present in the park have adapted well and reproduced successfully.
He also revealed that new tourism activities, including a zipline and climbing wall for adventure enthusiasts, are expected to be introduced in the future.
In 2024, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) announced plans to expand the park by an additional 43 hectares. Recent biodiversity studies show that plant species have increased significantly, rising from 258 species in 2023 to 523 species in 2025.
Wildlife species have also grown steadily. Bird species increased from 83 to over 150, reptiles rose by nine species to reach 11, fish species increased from five to seven, while mammal species rose to 13.
As Kigali continues to grow into a modern urban center, Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park is emerging as a symbol of how environmental restoration, tourism and urban living can coexist in one of Africa’s fastest-changing cities.
The Pope John Paul II Garden at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park honors the late pontiff’s 1990 visit to Rwanda.Other sections are dedicated to wellness activities such as yoga and fitness sessions.Indigenous trees and restored wetlands have transformed Nyandungu into a thriving urban ecosystem in Kigali.Birdlife continues to flourish at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, where more than 200 species have now been recorded.Cyclists and pedestrians explore more than 10 kilometers of recreational trails inside Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park.Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park continues to expand its eco-tourism offerings with plans for new wildlife species and adventure activities.Scooters and small tour vehicles have been added to improve visitor experiences at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park.A restored wetland at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park now serves as a peaceful escape for Kigali residents and tourists alike.Benches placed beneath trees offer visitors quiet spaces to read, reflect and enjoy nature within Kigali’s urban setting.A restored wetland at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park now serves as a peaceful escape for Kigali residents and tourists alike.Children enjoy play areas at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, which has expanded its family-friendly attractions in recent years.
“This is not COVID” and its risk to the general population remains “absolutely low,” Lindmeier said at a briefing in Geneva, as the agency continues to coordinate the response to the outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.
“I need to stress again and again, even those who have been sharing cabins don’t seem to be both infected in some case … it’s not spreading anything close to how COVID was spreading,” he said.
Three people have died and several others have fallen ill aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, prompting a major international public health response involving countries across Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Media briefing on Hantavirus hosted by Dr Tedros at WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, May 7. [Photo / WHO]
