Ukraine will review the document, add its proposals and return it to the United States in several days, Zelensky told reporters.
He stressed that the security assurance document they were working on would ultimately go to the Ukrainian Congress, and they would need congressional support, emphasizing that effective security guarantees are necessary.
According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Zelensky also announced that a draft peace plan being developed between Ukraine and the United States now envisages limiting Ukraine’s military personnel to 800,000 service members.
Commenting on the issue regarding the territory of the Donetsk region, Zelensky said current U.S. proposals are “not in the interests of Ukraine,” but emphasized the need to continue discussions to find a compromise.
If one side pulls back its forces by 5 or 10 km from the front line, the other should do the same, he said.
Briefing the media in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said: “Why should we plead with the United States? We are not in the business of pleading with the United States. We are a sovereign state. They are a sovereign state.”
The minister said that Pretoria will make decisions in the interest of South Africa, while still acknowledging the United States as a strategic trading partner. “That’s why we continue to engage with them on the trade-related matters on South Africa and matters of mutual interest,” she noted.
Speaking on the upcoming G20 Sherpa meeting this month, Ntshavheni said South Africa had indicated its availability to participate.
Ntshavheni stressed that as a founding member of the G20, South Africa’s commitment to “multilateralism and cooperation” remains unwavering, adding that countries could achieve prosperity through multilateralism and collaboration.
The order gives the federal government authority to evaluate state AI laws and potentially withhold federal broadband funding part of a $42 billion program from states whose regulations the administration views as overly restrictive or confusing for innovation.
Trump and his advisers argue that a patchwork of 50 different regulatory systems could slow growth and make compliance difficult for companies developing AI tools, particularly startups.
“We want to have one central source of approval,” the president said, emphasizing the need for a national standard rather than varied local rules.
The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to review state laws and use the funding threat selectively against the most “onerous” regulations while saying it will not challenge rules designed to protect children or address safety concerns.
Major technology firms, including OpenAI, Google and Meta, which have called for federal leadership on AI policy, welcomed the move.
However, critics, including Democratic lawmakers and some state leaders, argue the measure could undermine consumer protections and states’ rights, potentially violating the U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment.
Several states, such as California and New York, have already passed or are considering their own AI laws related to algorithmic transparency, deepfakes and personalized pricing regulations that could be affected by the new federal order.
Trump’s action comes amid wider political debate over how to govern AI, with lawmakers divided over how much power should sit with Washington versus individual states as technology continues to advance and impact sectors from business to civil liberties.
The promotions were announced on the morning of Friday, December 12, 2025, by the RDF leadership.
Innocent Munyengango, Commander of the Logistics Brigade and François Regis Gatarayiha, Head of Defence Intelligence Department at RDF Headquarters were elevated from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General.
Additionally, 43 officers holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel were promoted to Colonel, while 253 with the rank of Major were elevated to Lieutenant Colonel.
A total of 79 Captains were promoted to Major, and 299 Lieutenants were elevated to Captain.
Among others, eleven soldiers moved from the rank of Staff Sergeant to Sergeant Major. Another 2,296 personnel were promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant.
Furthermore, 10,260 soldiers rose from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant, while 7,822 personnel were promoted from Private to Corporal.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of newly appointed officials at Parliament buildings, Kagame said the accusations often come from individuals seeking to pressure Rwanda and wrongly link it to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Rwanda signed the agreement willingly, accepted it, and will fulfil its obligations so that, if others also meet their responsibilities, it will lead us to peace,” he said.
He acknowledged that implementing such agreements is challenging, noting that “the path is never easy. Some people do not speak the truth. There are things people wish for, sometimes not even included in the agreement, or they think should have been included. In an agreement, you don’t get everything you want, but you get what is necessary, and others also get what is necessary.”
Allegations that Rwanda breached the Washington agreement stem from the recent advance of the AFC/M23 rebels to the city of Uvira. Some parties have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, claiming it violated the agreement, a claim Kigali has consistently refuted.
Kagame emphasised that Rwanda did not breach any agreements, pointing out that hostilities between the AFC/M23 rebels and Kinshasa coalition forces were already occurring when he travelled to the United States.
“When we went to America, fighting had already been ongoing for days and weeks, and even on the day we travelled, clashes continued in some areas,” he said.
He added that claims suggesting Rwanda’s actions triggered the fighting are false. “The situation already existed; it did not start after the agreements,” he reiterated.
He concluded by reiterating that many of the allegations against Rwanda are based on falsehoods and malice.
The inauguration ceremony also saw the swearing-in of Solange Uwituze as State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Usta Kaitesi as State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Charles Murigande as Senator, and two Court of Appeals judges, Dr. Ntete Jules Marius and Dr. Nshimiyimana Didace.
The milestone event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, brought together senior government officials, regulators, global partners, and industry leaders to reflect on the Centre’s achievements in its mission to position Rwanda as a financial hub and to outline its next phase of growth.
Over the past five years, KIFC has undergone a rapid ascent on the global financial stage. Kigali now ranks as Africa’s third-best financial centre and second in Sub-Saharan Africa, a recognition attributed to the country’s strong governance, predictable regulatory environment and coordinated institutional support.
Since its inception in 2020, the Centre has mobilised more than $1 billion in targeted investment commitments and licensed over 250 entities, signalling growing confidence among global investors structuring capital through Rwanda.
In her address, KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge described the anniversary as both a celebration and a defining moment for the Centre’s long-term vision. She emphasised that Rwanda’s next phase will focus on consolidating gains and steering the financial hub toward three priority segments: asset management, climate finance, and fintech.
“Success depends on capital, credibility and confidence,” Mudenge said, outlining how KIFC aims to make Rwanda the easiest and most efficient jurisdiction for investors choosing an African base.
She noted that asset management will anchor the Centre’s strategy by positioning Rwanda as a gateway for both foreign and domestic capital mobilisation. Climate finance will shape the policy direction, supporting Rwanda’s ambition for a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, while fintech will serve as the accelerator, enabling faster, more transparent and more accessible financial services.
The CEO also recognised the strong collaboration across government ministries, regulators and development partners that has enabled KIFC’s progress, extending special appreciation to Luxembourg for its support in the development of the Centre’s next five-year strategy.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Yusuf Murangwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Centre’s next phase. He praised the rapid progress made so far, saying KIFC had “proven beyond doubt that Rwanda can build a credible, competitive, and internationally respected financial centre.”
Murangwa emphasised that KIFC is now entering a decisive scaling phase. “The Government of Rwanda remains fully and unequivocally committed to this initiative. KIFC will continue to be a catalyst for prosperity, not only for Rwanda, but for Africa at large.”
Luxembourg’s Chargé d’Affaires, Charlotte Helminger, commended Rwanda’s momentum, observing that “some achieve more in five years than others do in 50,” which, she said, reflects the impressive strides KIFC has made in such a short time.
She cited ongoing joint initiatives, including the Luxembourg Green Exchange’s support to the Rwanda Stock Exchange Green Window, the establishment of the FinTech Centre, development of industry-wide API standards, and work on training and fiduciary-agent curricula, as examples of the “ambitious and forward-looking collaboration” driving the Centre’s next phase.
KIFC executives highlighted the building blocks behind the Centre’s growth, including policy reform, global promotion and talent development. Over the last five years, Rwanda has enacted more than 23 international-standard financial laws, expanded its double-taxation treaty network to 17 countries and fully aligned its regulatory frameworks with OECD and FATF expectations. These measures have strengthened investor protections, enhanced transparency and positioned Rwanda as one of Africa’s most credible jurisdictions for fund structuring.
The Centre has also invested heavily in talent, establishing the Financial Sector Skills Council and training over 1,000 professionals in partnership with CISI, ICAEW, CFA Society and others. Rwanda’s adoption of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and the launch of the Rwanda Green Taxonomy, the second in Africa, further underscored the country’s commitment to responsible and climate-aligned finance.
During a panel discussion at the event, Capital Markets Authority (CMA) CEO Thapelo Tsheole highlighted Kigali’s unique edge as a nascent financial hub, free from the entrenched legacy systems that often slow innovation in established centres.
“The honest truth is that when you’re building a new financial centre, you don’t have the luxury of legacy baggage, and that’s actually an advantage. We can design rules that are modern from day one,” Tsheole said.
He emphasised benchmarking against global leaders like Singapore and Luxembourg while adapting to African contexts, alongside voluntary compliance with OECD peer reviews and FATF assessments to build trust.
Panellists from PwC Rwanda, the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), MoneyPhone, and Liedekerke echoed the sentiments, hailing Rwanda’s collaborative ecosystem and regulatory agility as drivers of surging interest from international private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure funds.
“We had this very fast-track recognition of the advantages of funds, which was a very pleasant surprise. During the general solicitation process, we were meeting with very capable and technical experts from the CMA, and that was a very pleasant experience,” remarked Louise Verstraete from Liedekerke.
As KIFC marks five years, its ambitious strategy in asset management, climate finance, and fintech is expected to translate into tangible growth for Rwanda’s financial ecosystem, further shaping the country’s engagement in regional and global markets.
He made the remarks on December 11, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of new officials, including Dr. Usta Kayitesi, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr. Solange Uwituze, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources; and Dr. Charles Muligande, appointed Senator.
Also sworn in were two newly appointed judges of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Didace Nshimiyimana and Dr. Jules Marius Ntete.
President Kagame noted that although similar reminders are often given during swearing-in ceremonies, repeating them is necessary because the responsibilities entrusted to senior leaders must be taken seriously.
“The responsibilities we hold demand different kinds of effort—and a great deal of it. Those who fall short may have their reasons, depending on the circumstances and resources of their countries; some even grow complacent.
“But for our country, considering where we come from, where we are headed, and the unique challenges we face, we must work in extraordinary ways. We must use every ability we possess—our knowledge, our intelligence—and above all, align with the determination to deliver,” he noted.
He added that challenges are numerous: “Some problems are solved, others emerge; some persist. Given our past, our present, and our ambitions for the future, these challenges demand even greater effort, wisdom, and discipline.”
The judges sworn in today were appointed during the Cabinet meeting held on November 28, 2028, while the Ministers of State and Senator Dr. Muligande were appointed on December 1.
{{Profiles of newly appointed leaders}}
{{Dr. Solange Uwituze}}
Recently appointed Minister of State in MINAGRI, Dr. Uwituze replaced Dr. Ndabamenye. She had been serving as Acting Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), a role she also assumed after replacing Dr.
Ndabamenye when he joined the government. Before that, she was Deputy Director General of RAB.
Dr. Uwituze serves as Board Chair of Gabiro AgriHub Business Ltd, and Deputy Board Chair of Gako Meat Company Ltd.
She is also a board member of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and a founding fellow of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences (RAS).
{{Dr. Usta Kayitesi}}
Appointed Minister of State in MINAFFET, Dr. Kayitesi previously served as a Senator and chaired the Committee on Political Affairs and Governance. She replaces Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who was named Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President.
Dr. Kayitesi previously served as CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) from July 2019 to August 2024, taking over after serving as its Deputy CEO. She holds a PhD in Law and formerly lectured at the former National University of Rwanda. She also served as Principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).
She was among the seven commissioners who worked on the 2015 Constitutional review, serving as the Commission’s Vice Chair.
{{Dr. Charles Muligande}}
The newly appointed Senator replaces Dr. Usta Kayitesi following her new appointment. Dr. Muligande is a seasoned public servant with a long career in Rwanda’s political and diplomatic spheres.
He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame de la Paix in Namur, Belgium. From 1994–1995, he served as Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs. Between 1995 and 1997, he was Minister of Transport and Communications before becoming Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.
He later served as Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi and as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2002 to 2008.
He briefly served as Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs (2008–2009) and then as Minister of Education (2009–2011) before being appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to several countries between 2011 and 2015, including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.
In June 2016, he became Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda in charge of Institutional Advancement, a role he held until his retirement.
The latest batch of returnees comprised 234 children, 22 men, and 81 women, who crossed into Rwanda through La Corniche border post linking Goma and Rubavu.
The repatriation follows agreements reached during a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.
Upon arrival on December 11, 2025, returnees were taken to the Kijote Transit Camp in Nyabihu District.
These Rwandans had been living in a transit camp in Goma after fleeing from various areas in eastern DRC, where they had been held captive by the FDLR.
The Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of social affairs, Ishimwe Pacifique, urged the returnees to join others in building the nation.
“We consider you as the strength we had lost, but we are happy to join hands with you in rebuilding the nation,” she noted.
Returnees will be provided with essential documents, and further assistance to facilitate their reintegration.
Those over 18 years old will receive $188, while those under 18 will receive $113. Additionally, each individual will be given essential food supplies worth Frw 45,000.
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions were chaired by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, and Wojciech Zajączkowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
During the meeting, both leaders also exchanged views on current developments in regional and multilateral issues.
The meeting comes at a time when the relationship between Rwanda and Poland continues to grow stronger.
During Polish President Andrzej Duda’s visit to Kigali in February 2024, the two countries signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for trade and economic cooperation, as well as collaboration in green technologies, environmental engineering, geology, and energy efficiency.
Education remains a cornerstone of this partnership, as the 2022 Rwanda-Poland Education Forum led to the signing of a series of MoUs between UR and four Polish universities.
On November 13, 2024, Poland and Rwanda signed an Air Service Agreement to enable regular flights between the two countries, creating opportunities to enhance economic and cultural exchanges.
Diplomatic ties have also grown in recent years, with Rwanda opening its embassy in Warsaw in 2021, followed by Poland opening its embassy in Kigali the following year.
Paluku, a veteran journalist and former head of Radio Kivu One, was reportedly shot in Goma. The attackers remain unidentified.
According to a statement from AFC/M23 Cabinet Director, Jean-Pierre Lukamba Alumba Omokoko, Paluku died at Goma General Hospital.
“Following this criminal act, investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Lukamba stated, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased and the revolutionary community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A native of Butembo in North Kivu Province, Paluku joined AFC/M23 in July 2024. Since then, he had frequently been seen alongside the coalion political coordinator Corneille Nangaa, with sources indicating that their relationship went beyond professional ties and that the two were close friends.
