The graduation ceremony took place on July 20, 2026, and was attended by the coalition’s top military officials, including the military commander and chief of staff of the AFC/M23, Major General Sultani Makenga.
Addressing the graduates, Maj. Gen. Makenga said the newly trained commandos would join AFC/M23 forces operating on the front lines.
He stated that their mission would be to protect civilians and contribute to restoring peace and security in areas affected by the conflict, enabling displaced residents to return to their homes and rebuild their livelihoods.
Maj. Gen. Makenga accused the Congolese government of working alongside Burundian troops, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the Wazalendo militia, alleging that the groups had been involved in attacks against civilians.
He said AFC/M23 was continuing its military campaign with the aim of ending what it described as violence against the civilian population.
He also urged the recruits to uphold discipline and maintain high standards of conduct, saying they should distinguish themselves from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), which he accused of looting, committing sexual violence, and killing civilians.
“We must dedicate ourselves to our people, our country and our communities. If you do so, you will earn honor because you will be liberating your country, your brothers and sisters, and the Congolese people as a whole,” Maj. Gen. Makenga told the graduates.
He further said the coalition’s objective is to replace what it considers poor governance with better leadership, adding that achieving this goal would require discipline, integrity and respect for civilians.
AFC/M23 has continued to expand its ranks in recent years. In September 2025, the coalition announced the graduation of 7,437 commandos, followed by another 9,350 recruits in October of the same year.
According to the group, those recruits included former civilians, former members of the Congolese armed forces and fighters from the Wazalendo militia who joined the movement.
Maj. Gen. Makenga said the newly trained commandos would join AFC/M23 forces operating on the front lines.The new recruits were urged to uphold discipline and maintain high standards of conduct.
Burnham said his government will devolve more power to cities and regions, revive industry, strengthen public control over essential services and work with businesses to promote regional growth. The agenda draws heavily on the model he developed as mayor of Greater Manchester.
However, analysts said his decision to appoint experienced and relatively cautious figures to key economic and security posts indicates an effort to reassure financial markets, contain divisions within the ruling Labour Party and avoid an abrupt break with the previous government.
British scholar Martin Jacques told Xinhua that Burnham was probably “the best choice available,” citing his record as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Jacques said Burnham appeared determined to move away from the economic approach associated with former prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair and break with neoliberalism. However, Burnham has said little about foreign policy, making his positions on major international issues difficult to assess, Jacques said.
Andy Burnham delivers his first speech as British prime minister outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 20, 2026.
From Manchester to Downing Street
In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham noted that he was Britain’s seventh prime minister since 2016 and acknowledged that politicians had “not been good enough.”
He pledged to make his premiership a “circuit breaker for Britain” and deliver “the biggest changes in the last 40 years” through “a new political model and a new economic model.”
Burnham said policies pursued since the 1980s had concentrated political power in London, weakened industrial regions and left many communities unable to reverse long-term decline.
He said his government would transfer more authority to local areas, strengthen public control over essential services and use public procurement to support British industry. A 10-year national plan is expected later this year.
The program draws heavily on Burnham’s experience in Greater Manchester, where local authorities have gained greater influence over transport, housing and economic development.
Before taking office, Burnham proposed establishing a “No. 10 North” office in Manchester to help coordinate the transfer of power from Whitehall to cities and regions.
His first instruction as prime minister was to launch a national drive to end long-term rough sleeping. He also said the government would introduce measures to ease living costs, with bus fares, energy bills, housing and youth employment among the priorities.
Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry, said Burnham had demonstrated in Greater Manchester that he could work with businesses to strengthen communities and support growth.
“It’s a way of working he will now need to replicate nationwide, while maintaining fiscal credibility, investor confidence and delivery discipline,” she said.
Newton-Smith added that measures to ease household living costs should be accompanied by policies to reduce business costs and encourage investment.
Andy Burnham waves to the crowd outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 20, 2026.
Change under pressure
Burnham appointed former Defense Secretary John Healey as chancellor of the exchequer, an unexpected choice for a government promising higher public investment and stronger public services.
Ed Miliband became foreign secretary, Wes Streeting was appointed defense secretary, and Louise Haigh, a close Burnham ally, took a senior role in the Cabinet Office. Several figures closely associated with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer left the government, while other experienced ministers remained.
The Financial Times described Healey as a steady figure with ties to both business and trade unions. A former junior Treasury minister, Healey faces the challenge of funding Burnham’s domestic agenda while addressing a multibillion-pound shortfall in the defense budget.
The appointments point to a more social democratic direction, tempered by Burnham’s commitment to retain existing fiscal rules and avoid unsettling financial markets.
Jonathan Reynolds was appointed to oversee business, trade, science and innovation. Kanishka Narayan became minister for artificial intelligence and will attend Cabinet meetings, giving the issue a more prominent role in economic and industrial policy.
Whether the government can translate those changes into tangible results remains the key test.
Jonathan Tonge, a professor of politics at the University of Liverpool, said Burnham entered Downing Street with considerable goodwill, but “the economic facts have not changed.”
High spending on welfare and pensions, together with public debt and interest payments, would limit Burnham’s room for maneuver and could shorten the government’s political honeymoon, Tonge said.
Steven Lynch, director of international trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said Burnham’s emphasis on devolution and reindustrialization would raise expectations that government policies deliver more investment, exports and jobs across Britain.
Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, warned that business support would fade without concrete action. He said recent policies had increased costs and discouraged hiring, and urged the government to reduce barriers to employment and private investment.
“The government cannot solve all the problems we face, but it can create an environment that enables the private sector to play a much bigger role,” Carberry said.
The ministry said the completion of the plant marks a significant step in expanding access to safe and reliable water supply in different parts of Rwanda.
The facility has the capacity to treat 13,000 cubic metres of water, increasing the availability of clean water for communities and supporting efforts to improve public health and sanitation.
The completed works represent the first phase of the Kivu Belt Water Supply System project, which is expected to provide clean water to more than 130,000 people once fully implemented.
“Beyond improving household access to clean water, the project will also strengthen service delivery for health facilities, schools, hotels, businesses, and other public institutions, supporting improved public health and socio-economic development,” the ministry said.
The Rwandan government has continued to invest in expanding access to clean water and improving sanitation services, with the goal of ensuring that all citizens have sustainable access to safe water.
As part of efforts to address water supply challenges, the government has announced plans to increase clean water production capacity to 688,000 cubic metres per day by 2029.
WASAC, Rwanda’s water and sanitation utility, indicates that approximately 1,234 cubic metres of water that could be treated daily by existing facilities is currently unavailable due to ageing infrastructure.
To address these challenges, authorities are implementing measures including the expansion and rehabilitation of water treatment facilities and distribution networks. These efforts aim to reduce water losses before reaching consumers from the current 35 percent to 25 percent by 2029.
Kivu Belt Water Plant to supply 13,000 cubic metres of water dailyWater from Kivu Belt Plant to improve healthcare servicesFirst phase of Kivu Belt Water Project completed, begins supplying residents in Rubengera and BwishyuraRwanda intensifies efforts to expand access to clean water
Among the international works showcased was Al-Atlal, a dance production presented on July 18 that explored the impact of conflict while highlighting themes of peace, unity and cultural diversity.
Created by acclaimed choreographer Orly Portal, the production combined movement, music and storytelling to reflect on conflict, reconciliation and hope. Inspired by the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum’s iconic song Al-Atlal (“The Ruins”), the work transforms a story of lost love into a broader reflection on the human search for peace.
Turning a story of conflict into a call for peace
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Portal explained that the production gained additional significance as violence unfolded in Israel during its creation.
She said that rather than allowing conflict to define the narrative, she chose to use dance as a language of peace.
“The biggest message is to stop the war and spread love,” Portal said. “We gave a voice to both Arabs and Jews because we want people to listen to their hearts and remember that we are all one, no matter where we come from or what culture we belong to.”
She noted that the performance deliberately blends Arabic and Hebrew, reflecting both the shared history of the two peoples and her own Moroccan Jewish heritage.
Through music and movement, Al-Atlal encourages audiences to see differences not as barriers but as opportunities for understanding.
Artists praise Rwanda’s culture
Portal said bringing the production to Rwanda was a memorable experience. Invited by the Ubumuntu Arts Festival after festival founder Hope Azeda watched the performance in Israel, she described Kigali as a place where she immediately felt welcomed.
“It is my first time in Rwanda, and I feel at home,” she said. “The people are joyful, generous and beautiful. I also see beauty within the people, and the artists and dancers here are truly amazing.”
Besides performing, Portal led a dance workshop for local artists, which she described as one of the most rewarding workshops she has ever conducted.
She was particularly impressed by Rwanda’s rich dance traditions and encouraged young African performers to embrace and preserve their cultural heritage.
“What you have is a treasure,” she said. “Explore new styles, but never forget your roots. Keep your groove because it is something the rest of the world can learn from.”
Israeli choreographer Orly Portal says Al-Atlal uses dance as a powerful call for peace, unity and cultural understanding.
For Lalel Pillora, one of the dancers in the production, the visit to Rwanda left a lasting impression. She said the warmth of the people and the country’s vibrant dance culture made the experience unforgettable.
“Our smiles never disappeared during our first night here,” Pillora said. “The traditions, the groove and the cultural dances are something very special that you don’t often see in the modern world.”
She hopes audiences who watch Al-Atlal leave with a greater appreciation of humanity’s shared experiences.
“We all live in the same world,” she said. “Even though we come from different countries and cultures, we share many of the same emotions and challenges. I hope people leave believing in peace and love.”
One of the most emotional moments for Pillora comes during a scene where the performers sing together while opening their jackets.
“In that moment, I feel like I’m shouting for peace and love,” she said. “I feel completely connected with the audience.”
She also encouraged aspiring dancers to trust their natural abilities rather than constantly doubting themselves.
“You already have it inside you,” she said. “Keep learning, but also believe in your roots because they are enough.”
Lalel Pillora says performing in Rwanda was an unforgettable experience that celebrated culture, connection and peace.
Fellow performer Daniel Costa described participating in the Ubumuntu Arts Festival as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career.
Originally from Portugal and now based in Israel, Costa said every day in Rwanda brought new encounters that made the visit deeply fulfilling.
“It’s a lifetime experience,” he said. “Everything we experienced here was rich, profound and full of heart.”
Asked to describe Al-Atlal in a single sentence, Costa called it “the sweatiest, most profound prayer and protest for a better world.”
He explained that every performance demands intense physical and emotional commitment, but the dancers are sustained by the purpose behind the work rather than by endurance alone.
Costa believes artists have a responsibility to challenge society and encourage reflection, especially during times of conflict.
“Art is often seen only as entertainment,” he said. “But art also exists to raise questions. We may not have the power to change governments, but we do have the responsibility to make people think and ask whether we can do better.”
He also praised the Ubumuntu Arts Festival for making its performances freely accessible to the public, saying it demonstrates the importance of ensuring art remains available to everyone.
As the festival came to an end, all three artists shared a common message with young dancers across Africa: remain curious, stay humble, work hard and never lose touch with your cultural identity.
For Portal, preserving tradition is essential to artistic growth. For Pillora, confidence begins with believing in oneself. For Costa, perseverance is what keeps creativity alive despite the challenges artists face around the world.
“It’s difficult everywhere to be an artist,” Costa said. “But if this is your passion, keep creating, stay humble and find ways to continue. The world always needs art.”
Through Al-Atlal, the performers reminded audiences that while dance may not end conflict on its own, it has the power to inspire dialogue, build empathy and bring people together across cultures.
Daniel Costa believes dance is more than entertainment, describing Al-Atlal as a powerful prayer and protest for peace.The Al-Atlal performers during their visit to Kigali for the Ubumuntu Arts Festival, where they shared a powerful message of peace through contemporary dance.The performers of Al-Atlal believe dance can bring people together across cultures and inspire conversations about peace and humanity.The Al-Atlal performers say art has the power to transcend borders and unite people through shared human experiences.
According to a statement dated July 21, 2026, released by the White House, Checker was among several nominees whose names were submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The nominee brings experience in US foreign policy, national security and Africa affairs.
He recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern Africa and Foreign Assistance at the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs from June 1 to July 18, 2026.
Before that, he served as the Senior Bureau Official leading the Bureau of African Affairs from January to June 2026.
Prior to joining the State Department, Checker served as Deputy Executive Secretary for the National Security Council under President Donald Trump.
Between 2014 and 2025, he worked at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he covered conflicts in the greater Middle East and the Horn of Africa, as well as assignments in the Office of Congressional Affairs.
In 2023, he served as a national security fellow in the office of US Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee.
Checker holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University.
If confirmed by the US Senate, Checker will succeed Eric Kneedler, who concluded his tour of duty as US Ambassador to Rwanda early 2026.
Kneedler formally assumed the ambassadorial role on October 18, 2023, after presenting his letters of credence to President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village.
He had succeeded Peter H. Vrooman, who served as US Ambassador to Rwanda before him.
During his time in Kigali, Kneedler engaged with Rwandan authorities on strengthening bilateral relations between Rwanda and the United States, including cooperation in areas such as health, development, security and economic partnerships.
Checker’s nomination comes as Rwanda and the United States continue diplomatic engagement spanning more than six decades, with cooperation covering trade and investment, public health, development initiatives and regional security.
Nicholas Checker has been nominated by President Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to Rwanda, pending confirmation by the US Senate.
Uwilingiyimana, who was serving as Prime Minister at the time, was among several politicians targeted in the early hours of the genocide as extremist forces moved to eliminate opponents and moderate voices.
In September 2004, a protected witness told the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha that a list of politicians to be killed had been prepared by individuals close to the Habyarimana family and senior figures within the former regime. Those named included Uwilingiyimana, Landouald Ndasingwa, Frédéric Nzamurambaho and others.
According to the witness, the list was prepared by Habyarimana’s wife, Agathe Kanziga, their daughter Jeanne, Protais Zigiranyirazo, and Major Protais Mpiranya.
The witness said Mpiranya was later instructed to send members of the presidential guard to carry out the killings.
A classified report by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) indicates that Uwilingiyimana attempted to seek refuge at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Rwanda, but was forced to flee after hearing gunfire near her home.
On the morning of April 7, 1994, US Ambassador to Rwanda David Paul Rawson said Uwilingiyimana tried to reach the headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for safety. However, presidential guards intercepted her and killed her.
Weeks later, on April 27, 1994, Matthieu Ngirumpatse, then Secretary-General of the National Revolutionary Movement for Development (NRMD) ruling party, and Justin Mugenzi, who served as Minister of Trade, addressed journalists during a press conference where Ngirumpatse spoke about the circumstances surrounding Uwilingiyimana’s death.
Ngirumpatse claimed that former government forces had accused Uwilingiyimana of planning to overthrow President Habyarimana shortly before his death.
“Two days earlier, the Prime Minister had summoned some senior military officers and told them about her plan to overthrow the President,” he said.
However, Uwilingiyimana’s supporters and survivors of the genocide have rejected such accusations, describing them as part of the propaganda used by extremist officials to justify the killing of political opponents.
The daughters of Dr. Emmanuel Akingeneye, Habyarimana’s personal physician, later told Belgian investigators that when they took their father’s body to the mortuary at Kanombe Hospital, the hospital’s Director General, Dr. Laurent Baransaritse, ordered that Uwilingiyimana’s body be placed in a separate room.
They also told investigators that they heard Jean-Luc Habyarimana, the former president’s son, saying he wanted to shoot Uwilingiyimana’s body. However, based on the information available to them, they said he did not carry out the threat.
Uwilingiyimana became Rwanda’s Prime Minister on July 18, 1993, after previously serving as Minister of Education. She joined the government as a member of the opposition MDR party, which was critical of Habyarimana’s administration.
During her time as Education Minister, she challenged the ethnic-based quota system that had limited access to education for many qualified Tutsi students. The reform angered hardliners within MRND.
Ngirumpatse used false claims linking Agathe Uwilingiyimana to a coup plot to vilify her after her assassination.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Presidential Palace in Bangui.
The medal was presented in recognition of the contingent’s dedication, steadfast professionalism, and exemplary service during peace support operations in the Central African Republic (CAR), where they played a key role in protecting civilians and promoting peace, security, and stability.
The Commanding Officer of RWANBATT-15, Lt Col Paul Gasasira, expressed his appreciation to the President of the Central African Republic for the continued support extended to the contingent in carrying out its mandate.
He also praised the professionalism, discipline, and resilience shown by RWANBATT -15 personnel throughout their deployment.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Government of the Central African Republic, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Central African Republic, Olivier Kayumba, senior military officials, and members of the Rwandan community residing in the Central African Republic.
Rwanda has been contributing to United Nations peacekeeping efforts in the Central African Republic since 2014 through the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The mission is aimed at supporting the restoration of peace, security, and stability in the country.
Rwandan peacekeepers serving under MINUSCA have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Appreciation by CAR President Faustin Archange Touadéra in recognition of their dedication to protecting civilians and promoting peace.Senior government officials, military leaders, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Central African Republic Olivier Kayumba, and members of the Rwandan community attended the medal award ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bangui.The Commanding Officer of RWANBATT-15, Lt Col Paul Gasasira, has praised the professionalism, discipline and resilience demonstrated by Rwandan peacekeepers throughout their deployment in the Central African Republic.President Faustin Archange Touadéra has commended the dedication and exemplary service of RWANBATT-15 during its year-long deployment under the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic.
The airline’s inaugural flight landed at Kigali International Airport on Tuesday, July 21, following a launch ceremony at Muscat International Airport attended by senior officials from SalamAir, Oman Airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, the Embassy of Rwanda in Oman, and aviation and tourism stakeholders.
SalamAir will operate two weekly flights between Muscat and Kigali, every Monday and Thursday, offering passengers an affordable direct connection and onward access to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
In a statement, the airline described Kigali as one of East Africa’s fastest-growing destinations, noting its thriving tourism industry, expanding business environment and strategic location as a regional gateway.
“The new direct service strengthens connectivity between Oman and Rwanda while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” SalamAir said.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Oman, CG Dan Munyuza, said the new route marks an important milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries.
“This new route will support the growing movement of travellers, businesses, and goods between our two countries, while creating further opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment,” he said.
Munyuza also noted that should RwandAir decide to launch flights to Oman in the future, it would receive the necessary support to begin operations.
SalamAir Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said the Kigali route forms part of the airline’s strategy to expand into high-potential markets.
“Rwanda is a dynamic destination with significant opportunities, and we are proud to establish this direct link, which will further strengthen the relationship between our two countries while supporting Oman’s tourism ambitions and the objectives of Oman Vision 2040,” he said.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, said the new service is expected to increase visitor arrivals from the Middle East, facilitate business travel and reduce travel costs for Rwandans, particularly traders and other travellers who previously relied on multiple connecting flights.
The Muscat-Kigali route is expected to further strengthen the growing partnership between Rwanda and Oman while expanding Rwanda’s international air connectivity.
The airline’s inaugural flight landed at Kigali International Airport on Tuesday, July 21.The flight received a symbolic water salute.SalamAir will operate two weekly flights between Muscat and Kigali, every Monday and Thursday.
In a statement, Carney said that the United States has been “transforming all of its trade relationships, including those covered under CUSMA, over the past 18 months,” and Canada has made a series of detailed and comprehensive proposals to resolve the dispute and modernize the CUSMA.
“We stand ready to intensify those discussions in the coming weeks,” said Carney.
The prime minister said that Canada believes in the benefits of free and fair trade and that the trade dispute has raised costs for families, particularly in the United States.
He voiced Canada’s readiness to engage intensively to address “outstanding issues with the United States to the mutual benefit of our citizens.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday that the U.S. administration’s announced intention to impose a new 50 percent tariff on a broad range of Canadian goods is “the latest in a series of unilateral U.S. trade actions in direct violation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).”
Gates was received at the facility by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, alongside other senior government officials.
The visit formed part of Gates’ trip to Rwanda, during which he has been engaging with government leaders, health workers, innovators, and researchers to better understand the country’s development model and explore how technology can further improve people’s lives.
During the visit, officials showcased the NHIC as the nerve centre of Rwanda’s healthcare system, where health data from across the country is centralized, processed, and analyzed in real time to provide a comprehensive picture of the nation’s health.
According to officials, the center has already delivered tangible improvements within its first year of operation by enabling health authorities to “shift from reactive to proactive decision-making”.
The Ministry of Health said insights generated by the platform have helped reduce patient waiting times across health facilities, improve emergency dispatch and ambulance response, strengthen disease surveillance and containment, and support more targeted allocation of healthcare resources.
Looking ahead, Rwanda plans to expand the center’s capabilities toward predictive health intelligence with support from partners, including the Gates Foundation. The next phase will focus on anticipating disease outbreaks, issuing intelligent early-warning alerts, and preventing health threats before they escalate.
By consolidating health data from across the country and applying advanced technologies, the ministry said the NHIC is strengthening Rwanda’s ability to provide high-quality, efficient, and responsive healthcare.
The National Health Intelligence Center was officially launched on April 3, 2025, on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit on Africa by Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana and Minister of State Dr. Yvan Butera, together with fellow African health ministers and development partners.
Located at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) headquarters in Kiyovu, the facility brings together medical doctors, data scientists, software developers, and programmers to analyze information collected from communities and health facilities nationwide.
Gates’ visit to the NHIC came a day after he met President Paul Kagame to discuss strengthening the Gates Foundation’s long-standing partnership with Rwanda. According to the Office of the President, their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in health, agricultural transformation, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure in line with Rwanda’s national development priorities.
Since arriving in Rwanda, Gates has also toured the TKMD syringe manufacturing plant in Rwamagana District, visited Mwulire Health Centre, and met community health workers to gain deeper insight into Rwanda’s primary healthcare system.
The Gates Foundation has worked with Rwanda for more than two decades, supporting programmes in healthcare, agriculture, nutrition, and innovation. Earlier this year, Rwanda became the first beneficiary of the Horizon1000 initiative, a $50 million artificial intelligence programme launched by the Gates Foundation in partnership with OpenAI to help African countries use AI to strengthen healthcare delivery.
During the visit, officials showcased the NHIC as the nerve centre of Rwanda’s healthcare system, where health data from across the country is centralized, processed, and analyzed in real time to provide a comprehensive picture of the nation’s health.The Ministry of Health said insights generated by the platform have helped reduce patient waiting times across health facilities, improve emergency dispatch and ambulance response, strengthen disease surveillance and containment, and support more targeted allocation of healthcare resources.The visit formed part of Gates’ trip to Rwanda, during which he has been engaging with government leaders, health workers, innovators, and researchers to better understand the country’s development model and explore how technology can further improve people’s lives.
