Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa, Kamba said about 233 patients are currently hospitalized in health facilities, either for isolation while awaiting test results or for treatment after developing the disease.
The minister said the country’s testing capacity has improved significantly following the arrival of more than 4,000 testing kits from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and additional international support, allowing health authorities to test almost all samples received and provide results within 24 hours.
He also said contact tracing has improved from about 9 percent at the beginning of the response to 55 percent now. The target is to reach 90 percent, which would allow health authorities to identify almost all contacts and better anticipate where new cases may appear.
Kamba said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has so far affected three provinces, namely Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
The DRC declared the Ebola outbreak on May 15. Health authorities and international partners have since stepped up testing, isolation, treatment and contact tracing in the affected eastern provinces. The World Health Organization later designated it a public health emergency of international concern.
Uganda has reported 16 confirmed cases, with one case newly confirmed on Thursday, according to the Ugandan health ministry.
Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have risen to 381, including 63 deaths, Health Minister Roger Kamba said Thursday evening.
Rwanda played a central role in the celebrations on May 28, hosting a special event at the residence of its ambassador to Germany.
The gathering brought together spouses of African ambassadors accredited to Berlin and showcased a shared pan-African vision that places innovation, creativity, and the economic empowerment of women at the forefront of Africa’s development agenda.
Through the promotion of BIWEISS, a brand created by Franco-Ivorian entrepreneur Bienvenue Angui, participants sought to demonstrate the potential of African cooperation and the growing role of women in transforming the continent’s economies.
The event brought together visionary leaders, designers, trend specialists, and fashion industry professionals who, beyond anticipating emerging trends, are helping redefine the relationship between design, technology, culture, and sustainability.
More than a product showcase, the gathering highlighted the journeys of African women entrepreneurs who are turning ideas into businesses and transforming local craftsmanship and expertise into products capable of reaching both continental and global markets.
In her remarks, Mrs. Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, President of the Group of Spouses of African Ambassadors in Berlin, recalled the official theme of Africa Day 2026: “Ensuring sustainable water and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.”
However, the organizers chose to celebrate Africa Day through their support for BIWEISS, an initiative that embodies several key ambitions of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly economic transformation through innovation, industrialization, and value creation.
From calf leather sourced in Morocco to Ivorian craftsmanship and a design process spanning Abidjan, Berlin, and Paris, BIWEISS represents a tangible example of Pan-African cooperation and the promotion of African expertise.
Rwanda as a symbol of women’s leadership in Africa
The choice of the Residence of the Rwandan Ambassador as the venue for the event was no coincidence. Widely recognized for its achievements in promoting women’s leadership and participation in economic and political life, Rwanda has become one of the continent’s most remarkable examples of inclusion and women’s empowerment.
Ndatirwa noted that women account for 58 percent of Africa’s self-employed population and contribute approximately 13 percent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product.
She also emphasized that Rwanda’s experience demonstrates how investment in women serves as a powerful catalyst for development, innovation, and social transformation.
“BIWEISS is much more than a product. It is a story of creativity, innovation, and transnational collaboration. It demonstrates how African talent can create value together and compete on a global scale,” she said.
At a time when the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is opening new opportunities for intra-African trade and cooperation, participants stressed the importance of supporting initiatives that encourage the emergence of products conceived, manufactured, and promoted across the continent.
The event was conceived and coordinated by Mrs. Waridi Schrobsdorff-Pabst and her platform FA 2-54. A former Kenyan-born model, she is now recognized as a creative strategist, contributor to Vogue Germany and Vogue Italy, and an active figure in Berlin Fashion Week since 2009.
The discussions were moderated by Ms. ShaNon Bobinger, a Berlin-based moderator and systemic coach of Rwandan and Ugandan heritage who works with numerous international organizations and leading brands.
Mrs. Mayouri Sengchahn of the Berlin-based trend forecasting agency Exalis GmbH also contributed her expertise and support to the initiative.
An Africa writing its own future
In closing the event, Ndatirwa emphasized that Africa Day is above all a celebration of unity, pride, and the continent’s shared ambitions. She noted that Africa’s story continues to be written every day, increasingly by a new generation of women entrepreneurs in Abidjan, Conakry, Djibouti, Dodoma, Kigali, Niamey, and Windhoek.
By hosting this Africa Day 2026 celebration, the Residence of the Rwandan Ambassador in Berlin reaffirmed its role as a space for dialogue, inspiration, and Pan-African cooperation.
Bridging heritage and innovation, the event reflected a shared conviction: Africa’s future development will also depend on the ability of African women to create, innovate, and build the continent of tomorrow together.
Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, President of the Group of Spouses of African Ambassadors in Berlin, noted that Africa’s story continues to be written every day, increasingly by a new generation of women entrepreneurs in Abidjan, Conakry, Djibouti, Dodoma, Kigali, Niamey, and Windhoek.
Held under the theme: “The Future of Africa’s Health System: Youth Engagement, Innovation, and Homegrown Solutions”, the symposium is organized by the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation African Regional Office (IPSF AfRO), with the Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (RPSA) serving as the local host.
This will be the second time Rwanda hosts the continental event, having first organized the 4th edition in 2015.
Hosting rights were secured through a successful bid presented at the 12th AfPS in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and later endorsed by the IPSF African Regional Assembly.
RPSA brings a strong track record to this edition, having previously organized major international health events in Kigali, including the World Healthcare Students’ Symposium in 2017 and the IPSF World Congress in 2019.
Spanning eleven days, the agenda will cover Africa’s most pressing health priorities, from local pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, access to medicines, medicines regulation, and universal health coverage, to digital health, artificial intelligence, disease surveillance, non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health.
Others include oncology care, antimicrobial resistance, supply chain resilience, and pandemic preparedness, through scientific sessions, workshops, innovation showcases, public health campaigns, and professional development competitions.
Rwanda’s selection as host reflects the country’s growing reputation as a hub for healthcare innovation, pharmaceutical development, and international conferencing.
The event is also expected to contribute to Rwanda’s conference tourism by welcoming participants from across the continent for eleven days of professional, scientific, and cultural exchange.
Rwanda is set to host the symposium for the second time. The symposium will bring together over 400 pharmacy students, young professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from more than 30 African countries.
The Apple Music program is widely recognized for helping rising artists expand their reach by featuring their music on curated playlists, increasing visibility among global audiences and industry stakeholders.
According to information provided to IGIHE by representatives of Element, curators from Apple Music were particularly impressed by his recent single “Ayayaaah,” a collaboration featuring Joshua Baraka and Bien.
Following the track’s reception, Apple Music reportedly requested an EP submission for consideration in the program. However, as Element is currently working on his debut album, he opted instead to submit a selection of previously released songs.
Commenting on the selection via his social media platforms, Element expressed pride in becoming the first Rwandan artist to be featured in the Up Next Africa program.
Formerly known primarily as a music producer, Element transitioned into performing and has since emerged as one of Rwanda’s notable contemporary artists. His catalog includes popular tracks such as “Kashe,” “MiLELE,” “Maaso,” “Foux de toi,” and “Tombé.”
Participation in Apple Music’s Up Next Africa program is expected to further elevate his profile across the continent and strengthen his presence in the international music market.
Rwandan artist Element EleéeH has been selected for Apple Music’s Up Next Africa program, an initiative designed to spotlight and support emerging African talent with international potential.
The affected establishments are Century Park Hotel and Residences located in Nyarutarama in Kigali City, Dove Luxury Hotel in Gicumbi District in the Northern Province, Highland Resort Ltd in Rulindo District, and Nengo Eden Park Hotel in Rubavu District in the Western Province.
RDB said the decision follows an assessment carried out to ensure compliance with tourism and hospitality regulations.
Identified deficiencies are related to licensing, hygiene, food safety, security, service quality, operational priocedures and other applicable standards.
The temporary closure is intended to give the hotels time to address the identified shortcomings in their operations. RDB noted that the establishments are not allowed to continue hospitality-related activities until they fully meet the required standards.
According to RDB, the hotels will only be allowed to resume operations after demonstrating compliance and undergoing further inspection by the relevant authorities.
In 2024, Rwanda had 1,460 hotels with a total of 25,330 rooms. This number has steadily increased year after year since 2018.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that in 2018, the country had 669 hotels with 13,802 rooms.
In 2019, the number rose to 836 hotels with 16,113 rooms, followed by 870 hotels in 2020 with 17,078 rooms. In 2021, the figure increased again to 911 hotels with 18,201 rooms.
The growth trend continued in 2022 when hotels reached 1,189, with a significant rise in rooms to 21,232.
However, in 2023, there was a slight drop to 1,175 hotels with 21,217 rooms, before increasing again in 2024 to 1,460 hotels and 25,330 rooms.
The report shows that most hotels are concentrated in Kigali City as well as in districts that frequently attract tourists drawn to Rwanda’s natural and cultural attractions.
Century Park Hotel and Residences is located in Nyarutarama, Kigali City.Century Park Hotel and Residences is among the four hotels temporarily closed by RDB.Nengo Eden Park Hotel in Rubavu District has been temporarily closed.Highland Resort operates in Rulindo District.
The findings are contained in a report titled Climate Change Vulnerability Index Assessment, released on June 3, 2026, though the study was conducted in late 2025. The report provides an updated assessment of Rwanda’s vulnerability to climate change, building on previous data from 2018 when a similar assessment was last published.
According to the report, climate change resilience is measured on a scale from 0 to 1, where values closer to 0 indicate higher resilience, while higher values reflect increased vulnerability.
Rwanda’s national resilience score currently stands at 0.5, compared to 0.3 recorded in 2018, indicating a deterioration in the country’s ability to withstand climate-related risks.
Despite this decline, the report emphasizes that the change reflects increasing climate pressures and exposure to extreme weather events rather than a reduction in national efforts.
At the subnational level, Kigali City records the strongest resilience performance with a score of 0.48, followed by the Northern Province at 0.51 and the Western Province at 0.52.
The Southern Province ranks fourth at 0.53, while the Eastern Province records the weakest resilience at 0.54, making it the most vulnerable region overall.
The report further identifies several districts with relatively low resilience scores, including Nyagatare, Nyamagabe, Gatsibo, Ngoma, and Karongi. These districts generally record scores around 0.55, above the national average, indicating higher vulnerability compared to other parts of the country.
Kigali City districts continue to perform better overall, with Gasabo District among the strongest performers, recording a score of approximately 0.48.
The report attributes lower resilience in certain districts primarily to limited adaptive capacity in responding to climate-related disasters. For instance, districts in the Eastern Province frequently experience drought conditions that negatively affect agricultural production and livelihoods.
Despite the observed decline in resilience, the report underscores that Rwanda has continued to make significant progress in environmental protection and climate adaptation over the past seven years.
Officials note that worsening climate impacts and increasingly severe weather events can at times outweigh the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures, leading to higher vulnerability indicators.
Speaking on the findings, the Deputy Director General of REMA, Faustin Munyazikwiye, said climate shocks have at times intensified beyond the country’s capacity to fully mitigate their effects.
He noted that major disasters, including those experienced in the Western Province in 2023, resulted in significant loss of life and property damage, contributing to the overall decline in resilience indicators.
He emphasized that this does not reflect a reduction in government commitment, but rather the increasing scale and frequency of climate-related hazards.
REMA highlights ongoing initiatives such as Green Gicumbi and Green Amayaga, which focus on ecosystem restoration, afforestation, and community-based adaptation to strengthen resilience against climate shocks.
Climate change continues to pose a significant economic burden on Rwanda. According to reports from the Ministry responsible for emergency management, disaster-related losses remain among the country’s most costly challenges, with estimated annual expenditures of around $300 million.
Deputy Director General of REMA, Faustin Munyazikwiye, said climate shocks have at times intensified beyond the country’s capacity to fully mitigate their effects.Participants at the presentation of the report on climate change resilience in Rwanda shared recommendations on how environmental protection can be strengthened.Stakeholders in environmental protection gathered to assess Rwanda’s progress in conserving and protecting the environment.
The court ordered that Ingabire, founder of the unregistered political party DALFA-Umurinzi, be further investigated after judges found her earlier explanations in a related case involving her former associates insufficient.
The decision was issued on June 19, 2025, following the court’s dissatisfaction with her testimony regarding alleged training sessions attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members.
According to the prosecution, the training sessions were part of efforts aimed at mobilizing the public against the government through coordinated campaigns.
Ingabire, however, told the court that the individuals involved in the case were former members of DALFA-Umurinzi, which is not legally registered in Rwanda. She also noted that journalist Nsengimana Théoneste, founder of Umubavu TV, was among those mentioned in the proceedings.
She further argued that the training sessions in question were not organized by her party and that she had no knowledge of them, although some defendants alleged that she financed internet access used during the activities.
After reviewing her statements, the court ruled that they were insufficient and found that the case file contained evidence requiring further investigation. The prosecution subsequently opened a formal investigation, leading to her arrest.
Detention and legal proceedings
The Kicukiro Primary Court ordered a 30-day preventive detention while her case file was being prepared for transfer to the High Court.
Ingabire later challenged the proceedings before the Supreme Court, arguing that Article 106 of the criminal procedure law, used to summon her, was unconstitutional.
This challenge temporarily stalled proceedings in the related case involving her co-accused, who had already completed their defense phase, as the court awaited a ruling due to the interconnected nature of the cases.
Supreme court ruling and trial continuation
On March 27, 2026, the Supreme Court of Rwanda ruled that Article 106 of the criminal procedure law is constitutional, dismissing Ingabire’s petition.
The ruling cleared the way for the High Court to proceed with the trial.
The case has now been scheduled to resume on June 15, 2026.
When proceedings resume, Ingabire Victoire is expected to respond to the charges against her, while the prosecution will present its arguments and sentencing requests. It will also address the defenses presented by co-accused individuals.
She faces multiple charges, including forming or leading a criminal group, inciting public unrest, undermining the existing government, spreading false information or propaganda intended to discredit the government internationally, disseminating rumors, conspiracy to commit offenses against state authority, and incitement to protest.
The charges relate to training sessions allegedly conducted for DALFA members in 2021, during which participants were reportedly trained by foreign instructors using the book “Blueprint for Revolution” by Serbian author Srdja Popovic.
The book outlines non-violent methods of political mobilization and resistance strategies.
According to prosecution claims, discussions during the sessions included local grievances such as land taxation, motorcycle taxi issues, and housing-related disputes, including the Kangondo relocation case.
Authorities allege that the training included a set of mobilization strategies referred to as “Operation Shira Ubwoba” (Remove Fear), “Operation Serwakira” (Tornado), and “Operation Umuturage Imbere” (Citizen First).
According to the prosecution, “Operation Shira Ubwoba” focused on informal traders, with the aim of mobilizing them by framing enforcement measures against them as unfair. It is further alleged that the strategy involved producing and circulating songs highlighting their living conditions as part of broader awareness efforts.
The prosecution also alleges that “Operation Serwakira” targeted communities affected by land disputes. This initiative reportedly involved the distribution of leaflets across the country, initially in blank form and later followed by printed messages expressing grievances related to taxation, violence, and disappearances.
In addition, authorities allege that “Operation Umuturage Imbere” was framed as a response to the ruling party’s slogan “citizen at the center.” It is said to have focused on issues such as land confiscation, taxation, and the treatment of informal traders, and allegedly included symbolic actions linked to the Kangondo relocation case, including coordinated demonstrations involving printed materials and clothing.
The High Court in Kigali is set to begin the full hearing of the case involving Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, who is facing charges linked to an alleged plan to undermine or overthrow the government of Rwanda.
The warning comes as a fragile ceasefire reached in April remains in place despite weeks of escalating clashes. The United States and Iran have seen some of their most intense confrontations recently, including American strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island and Iranian attacks on regional U.S. military installations.
U.S. officials said the repeated flare-ups have intensified pressure on Trump and raised questions about the durability of the truce.
Over the weeks, Trump and his administration were reportedly working on a memorandum of understanding with Tehran that would lay out a framework for negotiations over roughly 60 days. But those efforts appeared to have lost momentum by Tuesday, when Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that talks between the two sides had stalled.
Israel and Lebanon agreed on Wednesday to move forward with a ceasefire, according to a joint statement issued by the two countries and the United States, despite lingering conditions, including a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Israel’s consecutive strikes on Beirut could trigger a return to full-scale war, tying the future of that conflict to the fate of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement on Monday, highlighting the U.S. and Israeli violations of an April ceasefire.
It said that following the ceasefire, the United States has repeatedly committed “flagrant violations,” including continuous attacks against Iran’s shipping, and Israel has “blatantly” violated the truce, as well as Lebanon’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
U.S. President Donald Trump has told his aides that he may reconsider the ceasefire with Iran if Iranian forces kill American troops.
The new fleet consists of fully electric buses, offering an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles at a time when fuel prices continue to rise. The buses are expected to help public transport operators lower operating costs while contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Designed for long-distance travel, each bus can cover at least 400 kilometers on a single charge, allowing it to complete a round trip between Kigali and the Eastern Province without requiring recharging. The buses can accommodate 42 passengers and include dedicated luggage storage space.
While electric buses have become increasingly common in Kigali, BasiGo plans to deploy the new vehicles in the Southern, Northern, and Eastern provinces, expanding access to electric public transportation beyond the capital.
According to BasiGo Rwanda Managing Director Jones Kizihira, the buses have already arrived in Mombasa and are currently en route to Rwanda. He said the vehicles are expected to be operational in the country before the end of June 2026.
Kizihira noted that electric buses are becoming an increasingly attractive option for public transport operators due to their lower operating costs compared with diesel-powered vehicles.
“Fuel prices continue to increase, and these vehicles will help transport operators meet their operational targets while maintaining the profitability of their investments,” he said. “Most operators still rely heavily on diesel-powered fleets, but gradually introducing electric buses enables them to significantly reduce daily operating expenses.”
He also encouraged transport companies to embrace electric mobility, noting that confidence in the technology has grown as more operators experience its benefits.
“Electric vehicles are still relatively new, and some potential buyers initially have concerns,” Kizihira said. “However, those already using them have seen their advantages. As adoption increases, so too will local expertise in operating, maintaining, and servicing these vehicles.”
BasiGo Rwanda aims to have at least 100 electric buses operating in the country by the end of 2026. The expansion will be accompanied by workforce training programs for technicians and charging operators, as well as continued investment in charging infrastructure.
The company currently operates charging stations in Muhanga and Huye districts and plans to further expand its charging network to support the growing electric bus fleet.
The new fleet consists of fully electric buses, offering an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles at a time when fuel prices continue to rise.While electric buses have become increasingly common in Kigali, BasiGo plans to deploy the new vehicles in the Southern, Northern, and Eastern provinces, expanding access to electric public transportation beyond the capital.The buses are expected to help public transport operators lower operating costs while contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions.BasiGo Rwanda aims to have at least 100 electric buses operating in the country by the end of 2026.
However, statements attributed to former French President François Mitterrand indicate that he did not believe the RPF had a motive to assassinate Habyarimana at a time when the Arusha Peace Accords were paving the way for the movement’s participation in government.
The aircraft carrying Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down as it approached Kigali after the two leaders had attended a regional summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
At the time, Rwanda was implementing the Arusha Peace Accords, which were intended to end hostilities between the government and the RPF.
As part of the agreement, 600 RPA soldiers had already been deployed to the CND building in Kigali to protect RPF officials who were expected to join a broad-based transitional government.
The accords envisioned power-sharing arrangements that would integrate the RPF into state institutions, including the executive and legislative branches, while also providing for the integration of government forces and the RPA into a unified national army.
The assassination of Habyarimana, however, was followed by the Genocide against the Tutsi, during which more than one million people were killed in a period of 100 days.
Records from a French Cabinet meeting held on June 22, 1994, show that Mitterrand regarded Habyarimana as a central figure in Rwanda’s political transition.
According to the meeting notes, France had supported the Rwandan government while encouraging negotiations with the RPF through the Arusha process.
Mitterrand reportedly noted that the agreements reached in Arusha appeared favourable to the RPF, which was on the verge of entering government institutions.
For that reason, he suggested that the assassination may have been the work of Hutu hardliners opposed to the peace process.
Similar conclusions have appeared in other accounts. A previously classified report by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reportedly indicated that the attack on Habyarimana’s aircraft may have been carried out by extremist elements within the former government forces, including members of the presidential guard.
The report also alleged that those groups had access to anti-aircraft weapons capable of carrying out such an operation.
This was also explored in Stepp’d in Blood: Akazu and the Architects of the Rwandan Genocide Against the Tutsi, a book by investigative journalist Andrew Wallis.
According to Wallis, individuals within the president’s inner circle feared losing political influence as Habyarimana moved toward implementing the Arusha agreements.
Wallis writes that, two days before the plane crash, Habyarimana informed his chief of staff, Enoch Ruhigira, that preparations should begin for the swearing-in of a new government that would include a broader range of political actors rather than members of the Akazu network alone.
The author argues that the proposal alarmed influential figures close to the president, prompting urgent consultations among senior military officers and political allies who opposed the power-sharing arrangement.
Mitterrand also maintained that French troops deployed in Rwanda should focus on protecting civilians rather than becoming involved in combat operations.
Nevertheless, France’s role during the conflict has remained the subject of intense debate. Critics have long argued that French forces worked closely with the former Rwandan army during the conflict and later facilitated the escape of some perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Operation Turquoise, launched by France in June 1994, involved approximately 2,500 troops deployed in southwestern Rwanda.
While France has described the mission as a humanitarian intervention, critics argue that it created a corridor through which members of the former army and Interahamwe militia fled into what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mitterrand was considered as a father figure to Habyarimana.
