The list, released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, highlights clubs penalised primarily for unlawfully terminating contracts or failing to fulfil financial obligations to former staff or players.
Rayon Sports appeared on the list after facing two disciplinary cases in October 2025. One of the cases was filed by Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo, known as Robertinho, who accused the club of wrongful dismissal and unpaid dues. FIFA ordered Rayon Sports to pay $22,500 (over Frw 30 million), but after failing to settle the amount, the club was handed a three-transfer-window registration ban, preventing it from registering new players during that period.
The club was also sanctioned in a separate case filed by Adulai Jalo, a striker from Guinea-Bissau.
Other African clubs facing similar sanctions include Nyasa Bullets, KenGold SC, Township Rollers, AS Arta Solar7, Coton Sport de Garoua, TS Galaxy, Pretoria Callies, Welkite Kenema FC, SCCM, Ismaily SC, Zamalek, Enyimba FC, and Club Sportif Sfaxien.
The Simandou deposit is the world’s largest known untapped iron ore reserve, estimated to contain approximately 3 to 4 billion tonnes of high-grade recoverable iron ore.
The project is expected to reach full production capacity by 2030, with an annual output of around 120 million tonnes.
On Wednesday, President Kagame and his host, President Mamadi Doumbouya, will address the opening of this year’s Transform Africa Summit (TAS), organized by the Smart Africa Alliance under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally.”
The Summit, which convenes every other year in Rwanda-home to the Smart Africa Secretariat, brings together leaders and innovators to explore how artificial intelligence can advance Africa’s economic integration, strengthen governance, and foster innovation across the continent.
Rwanda and Guinea enjoy existing cordial relations reinforced through exchanges of visits and cooperation in different areas.
President Kagame last visited Guinea Conakry on Monday, May 13, 2024. He had made a similar trip to Guinea from April 17-18, 2023, which resulted in the signing of an agreement on the creation of a joint cooperation committee between Rwanda and Guinea.
The committee covers areas such as agriculture, ICT, education, mining, and security.
At the time, President Kagame and Doumbouya also witnessed the inauguration of a highway interchange connecting Kagbélen to Conakry that was named after President Kagame.
The project was initiated to ease movement between major industrial cities and Conakry, as well as with neighbouring countries.
In October 2024, both countries also signed a partnership agreement, committing to collaboration across several strategic sectors, including technology, agriculture, investment, services, tourism, energy, and trade.
Meanwhile, General Doumbouya was in Rwanda in May 2025 for a friendly visit aimed at strengthening the strong ties between the two countries.
Upon his arrival, President Doumbouya was warmly welcomed by the Guinean community in Rwanda during a celebratory event held in Kigali.
This visit marked President Doumbouya’s return to Rwanda after his previous trip in August 2024, when he attended the inauguration of President Paul Kagame following his re-election.
Earlier, in January 2024, he had visited to reaffirm the commitment to bilateral cooperation.
Guinea is located on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Guinea-Bissau to the northwest, Senegal to the north, Mali to the northeast, Côte d’Ivoire to the east, Liberia to the southeast, and Sierra Leone to the south.
Its capital and largest city is Conakry, which is situated on the Atlantic coast. Guinea covers an area of approximately 245,857 square kilometers, making it a medium-sized country in the region.
As of recent estimates, Guinea has a population of around 14 million people, with a youthful demographic and a substantial portion of the population living in rural areas.
The country is home to a rich cultural diversity, with several ethnic groups such as the Fulani, Mandinka, and Susu, and the
French is the official language of the country. However, many indigenous languages, such as Fula, Maninka, and Susu, are widely spoken across the country.
The economy of Guinea is heavily reliant on natural resources, particularly mining.
The country is a major global supplier of bauxite, holding some of the largest known reserves in the world, and also produces significant amounts of gold, diamonds, and iron ore.
Agriculture also plays a crucial role in the economy, with rice, maize, and cassava being staple crops, while fishing and livestock farming contribute to the rural economy.
Succeeding Antoine Anfré, who served in Kigali for four years, Ambassador Aurélie Royet-Gounin arrives with extensive experience on the African continent, having previously worked in Kenya (2000–2003) and Senegal (2006–2009).
Speaking to IGIHE in an exclusive interview, Royet-Gounin admitted that before her appointment, her knowledge of Rwanda was limited to general impressions.
“I had heard a lot about Rwanda, but had never set foot here,” she said. “Before coming, I met with many people in Paris, from ministries, institutions, and organisations connected to Rwanda, to understand the country better and prepare for the mission.”
Her first impressions were striking. Upon arriving in Rwanda, she said what struck her most was the country’s uniqueness, describing it as “a very distinctive blend” unlike any other she had experienced.
“Every country has its own identity, but here there’s something truly special: the hills, the orderliness, the civility. People are determined, respectful, and remarkably calm,” she added, noting that the atmosphere of safety and courtesy makes life welcoming for a newcomer.
{{Between history and healing
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Royet-Gounin takes office at a delicate but hopeful moment in the relationship between France and Rwanda, still shaped by the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She acknowledges that both sides have had to take difficult steps to rebuild trust.
“Our reconciliation, which culminated in 2021, required introspection from France and great generosity from Rwanda,” she said. “We have reset relations and now focus on mutual trust and cooperation.”
Central to France’s engagement, she said, are memory and justice. France has committed to preserving and teaching the history of Rwanda and the Genocide against the Tutsi through research, memorialisation, and education.
“That includes concrete projects: historical research, the creation of a memorial soon to be inaugurated in Paris, and educational programs in French schools to ensure that students understand and remember,” she said.
But the reconciliation narrative also carries a legal dimension. Over the past decade, France has faced mounting pressure to act against genocide fugitives living on its soil, and recent years have seen significant judicial progress.
Laurent Bucyibaruta, the former governor of Gikongoro, was sentenced in Paris in 2022 to 20 years for complicity in genocide, while Philippe Hategekimana, a former Rwandan gendarme who had obtained French nationality, was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Another case, that of Sosthène Munyemana, a former doctor accused of involvement in killings in Butare, has been on trial since late 2023.
Félicien Kabuga, long considered the “financier” of the genocide, was arrested in 2020 near Paris after 26 years on the run and extradited to The Hague. Though declared unfit to stand trial due to dementia, his arrest remains a significant moment.
“France is firmly committed to fighting impunity,” Royet-Gounin said, emphasising close cooperation between France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office and Rwanda’s Office of the Prosecutor General.
{{Development beyond diplomacy
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Beyond the courtroom and symbolic reconciliation, France’s relationship with Rwanda has become increasingly developmental. The French Development Agency (AFD) has invested heavily in Rwanda since the 2021 relaunch of cooperation.
France pledged €500 million in 2021 and an additional €400 million in 2024 to finance joint projects. These include the rehabilitation of Ruhengeri Hospital, vocational training programs, and youth employment initiatives.
“Health, education, and inclusion through sport are key areas,” Royet-Gounin explained. “We also work on climate resilience, a universal challenge where France and Rwanda share a strong sense of responsibility.”
While large-scale projects dominate the headlines, the ambassador insists that cultural and linguistic collaboration remains crucial. “We continue to promote the French language by training teachers, accrediting bilingual schools, and improving language quality across disciplines,” she said.
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Asked about her recent participation in the October 30 humanitarian conference in Paris, co-hosted by France and Togo under the auspices of the African Union, Royet-Gounin described it as a show of solidarity rather than a negotiation platform.
“It was a pledging conference meant to support the peace processes underway, the Rwanda–DRC talks in Washington and the inter-Congolese dialogue in Doha,” she said.
France’s position, she explained, was to “demonstrate that the international community has not forgotten the conflict, the displaced, or the victims.”
The meeting raised €1.5 billion in humanitarian pledges for recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Great Lakes region.
{{Women, the Francophonie, and feminist diplomacy
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The ambassador also previewed the upcoming Francophonie Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kigali, describing it as both symbolic and strategic.
“We are delighted it’s happening in Rwanda, a very active member of the Francophonie under Louise Mushikiwabo’s leadership,” she said.
The summit’s theme, “30 years after the Beijing Conference: the contribution of women in the Francophone space,” reflects France’s focus on feminist diplomacy. Royet-Gounin said the discussions align with ongoing efforts to promote women’s rights, inclusion, and equal participation in peace and security processes, noting the continued relevance of commitments made at the Beijing Conference.
“La Francophonie is not just about language or culture, it’s also an economic and values-based community,” she said, pointing out that by 2050, French speakers will number around 700 million, making it the world’s fifth most spoken language.
{{Listening, learning, and walking Rwanda’s hills
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Despite the dense diplomatic agenda, Ambassador Royet-Gounin said her approach begins with humility and observation. “The wise person is first an ear that listens,” she said, quoting an adage she has adopted as her motto.
She plans to spend her early months meeting people from different walks of life and understanding Rwanda beyond official meetings and reports.
“My job is not only to represent France, but also to understand and convey what we observe and feel,” she said.
“I brought my walking shoes. I fully intend to explore this beautiful country as much as possible,” she added.
The official launch is scheduled for late November 2025, during the annual conference of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), which will be hosted in Kigali.
Currently, companies developing green projects are listed on the exchange alongside other businesses, without a dedicated framework. The new section will provide them with a distinct space to attract investors who prioritise sustainability and environmental protection.
Typically, companies listed on the RSE raise funds by issuing bonds, which investors purchase. The proceeds serve as business capital, to be repaid later with agreed-upon interest, an approach considered a more affordable alternative to traditional bank loans.
RSE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba explained that while the exchange already has segments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and general bonds, the decision was made to introduce a specialised green segment to attract investors interested in climate-conscious initiatives.
“When green bonds are issued specifically for environmental protection, investors focused on sustainability and biodiversity are able to participate more directly,” Rwabukumba told IGIHE.
“Such investors are often willing to commit more capital because they see the value beyond profit, they recognise the broader impact on communities and the planet.”
Rwabukumba noted that the creation of this new section aligns with Rwanda’s national strategy to promote a green and inclusive economy, adding that it represents a pioneering step on the African continent.
“This will be the first dedicated green investment segment of its kind in the region, and likely across Africa,” he said. “Sometimes when we talk about building a green economy, people assume there are no tangible implementation measures. This initiative will demonstrate that we are not only committed in words but also in action, through dedicated financial infrastructure.”
The development of the Green Exchange Window is being undertaken in partnership with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, a global leader in sustainable finance. The collaboration aims to ensure the new segment operates to international standards and attracts both local and foreign investors.
Rwabukumba added that RSE has already facilitated green bond issuances, including those by the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), which has raised more than Frw 70 billion for environmentally sustainable projects. These existing instruments will be integrated into the new segment, with other project developers encouraged to participate.
He expressed confidence that the initiative will draw additional investors and partners, given Rwanda’s growing portfolio of green projects and its strong commitment to environmental protection.
Rwabukumba further encouraged companies seeking capital for environmentally friendly ventures to explore this new financing avenue, emphasising that the capital market offers one of the most cost-effective means of raising investment funds in the country.
At the opening ceremony, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev called to meet the goals of the climate summit held last year in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for appointing him and reiterated that COP30 must present solutions.
Despite recent setbacks, the living conditions of populations around the world can and must continue to improve, Correa do Lago emphasized. “Science, education, culture are the path that we have to follow,” he said.
Multilateralism is definitely the way forward in the fight against climate change, he said.
A series of topics, including climate adaptation, just transition, and implementation of the Paris Agreement’s global balance, are expected to be discussed at the event.
Delegations of over 190 countries and regions have registered to participate in the conference, which runs through Nov. 21, according to the COP30 presidency.
The conference, organized by G20 Presidency South Africa in collaboration with the African Union (AU) at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals Francisca Tatchouop Belobe addressed the event that the resilience of African nations is being tested by an unsustainable debt burden and a financial system that penalizes Africa.
“The rising debt burden is a cause for Africa’s financial constraints,” Belobe said, highlighting that in 2024 alone, debt service payments exceeded 70 billion U.S. dollars as a significant number of African governments are spending more on servicing debt than on investing in human development.
Noting that Africa’s public debt has grown from approximately 100 billion dollars in the 1990s to roughly 1.8 trillion dollars now, or about two-thirds of the continent’s GDP, she said the continent’s rising costs of public debt servicing are diverting scarce resources.
The AU commissioner said about 57 percent of Africa’s population lives in countries where debt servicing surpasses social spending, underscoring that the situation is “unsustainable, not only economically but morally.”
“Such iniquities in the global financial system restrained African nations of the means to invest in what truly matters, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, energy transition, and the green and digital economies that will define the future,” Belobe warned.
The AU commissioner called for a partnership that treats Africa “not as a risk to be managed, but as a partner to be empowered.” She also outlined AU initiatives, including efforts to establish an African debt monitoring mechanism for fiscal transparency and Africa’s financial autonomy.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes stressed the urgency of the dialogue to address “one of our foremost priorities — ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries.”
He said the policy space available to developing countries is significantly constrained by their debt servicing obligations, with many countries paying more for debt costs than critical development enablers like social welfare, health care, and education.
“We are working to ensure that the sovereign credit ratings are fair and transparent and to address high risk premiums for developing economies,” Botes said, adding that South Africa is reviewing the cost of capital during its G20 presidency.
The high-level dialogue served as a critical platform for experts and policymakers to amplify Africa’s collective voice within the G20. Participants pushed for fairer global financing, lower cost of capital, and reforms that drive sustainable growth.
The event, held under the theme of promoting investment and market access in agricultural and food products, aimed to deepen cooperation between Rwandan producers and Emirati investors across key export sectors, including coffee, tea, honey, and horticultural products such as avocados.
In his opening remarks, Mohammed Al Kaabi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, stated that the forum marked “a significant step in the shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.”
Al Kaabi noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Rwanda reached USD 1.698 billion in 2024, representing a 61% increase from the previous year. The UAE remains Rwanda’s leading export destination by value, with Rwandan exports to the UAE rising by 68%, from USD 895 million in 2023 to USD 1.504 billion in 2024.
He added that the UAE’s growing demand for premium, traceable, and sustainable food products presents “natural opportunities for Rwandan producers,” emphasizing that the UAE offers attractive avenues for investment in food processing, cold-chain logistics, packaging, and agri-tech innovation.
Joining virtually from Abu Dhabi, John Mirenge, Rwanda’s envoy to the UAE, commended the ongoing partnership and stated: “Rwanda and the UAE enjoy excellent relations built on mutual respect and trust.”
Amb. Mirenge highlighted that UAE investment commitments in Rwanda have surpassed USD 320 million, with more projects in the pipeline. He added that discussions on a possible Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations are progressing well. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to further strengthen trade and business collaboration between the two countries.
Representing Rwanda’s agricultural exporters, Eric Ruganintwali, Planning Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), underscored the sector’s steady performance and called for stronger coordination to boost Rwanda’s market share in the UAE.
“Over the past four years, Rwanda’s agricultural exports to the UAE have grown by 34% annually, driven mainly by avocados, tea, and coffee,” he remarked. He also encouraged producers to embrace direct sales and large-scale shipments via sea transport to increase competitiveness.
Didace Mparirwa, Head of Agriculture and Livestock at the Private Sector Federation (PSF), emphasized that such forums are not only a networking platform but a vital bridge between local producers and international markets.
“These engagements give our agripreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products, exchange ideas, and form valuable partnerships,” he said. “Many farmers and companies have been able to secure contracts and expand their market reach through similar events. This model should not be a one-off activity, it should become a consistent platform for growth and learning.”
Dr. Martin Luther Mawo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rwanda Mountain Tea, echoed similar sentiments, calling the forum a timely and practical step toward unlocking Rwanda’s export potential.
“This was a tremendous experience for us because it revealed the true scale of opportunity in the UAE market,” Dr. Mawo noted. “We’ve seen where we stand in terms of exports and identified the gaps we need to address. What matters now is taking concrete action to meet the demand and positioning our products more strategically.”
Presentations from the UAE delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), showcased the UAE’s position as a global trade hub, offering modern infrastructure, favourable tax policies, and strategic connectivity to global markets.
Dr. Khaleifa Mohamed Ali Al Rayssi, Senior Specialist in Investment Support and Inducements at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the UAE’s global connectivity, remarking on its strategic significance:
“The UAE’s geographic position makes it a global gateway in the Middle East. Within four hours, you can reach about 2.5 billion people, and within eight hours, nearly five billion people. This connectivity is why the UAE has become a center of international trade, logistics, and investment.”
The hybrid forum concluded with a mini-exhibition of Rwandan coffee, tea, honey, and fruit products, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to diversifying exports, and attracting sustainable investment from the UAE and beyond.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment partnerships with Rwanda, particularly in agriculture, food security, logistics, and sustainable economic development.
Hosted by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Command and Staff College, this year’s conference, which kicked off on Monday, November 11, is being held under the theme “The Future of African Military Training and Education: Bridging the Digital Divide.”
The three-day meeting brings together Commandants of African Command and Staff Colleges, senior defence representatives, and security experts from 24 nations to deliberate on how to harness technology and digital learning in building a more self-reliant and interoperable African defence architecture.
In his opening remarks, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, welcomed delegates to what he described as a gathering of Africa’s “intellectual and professional military leadership.”
“This forum is more than a meeting of institutions; it is a convergence of Africa’s intellectual and professional military leadership,” Brig Gen Nyamvumba said. “It is where ideas are exchanged, doctrines refined and partnerships strengthened in pursuit of interoperable regional and African standby forces for a more secure, resilient and self-reliant Africa.”
Highlighting the significance of this year’s theme, Brig Gen Nyamvumba underscored the need to integrate digital tools and innovative methodologies into Africa’s military education systems.
“Over the next three days, we shall deliberate on critical issues affecting our military education systems, from standardisation of curricula and exchange programmes to integrating technology and leveraging digital learning platforms,” he added.
He also announced the handover of the ACoC chairmanship from the RDF Command and Staff College to the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Command and Staff College, commending the forum’s continued role in harmonising doctrines and training across the continent.
Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, officially opened the conference, commending ACoC’s work in promoting unity of purpose among African military education institutions. He described the forum as a cornerstone in building Africa’s collective defence capacity through shared learning and collaboration.
“The threats facing Africa are multifaceted, from terrorism and cyber warfare to illegal migration, transnational crime and climate-related insecurity,” Minister Marizamunda said. “Addressing these requires a generation of officers who are not only tactically capable but also digitally literate, ethically grounded and strategically agile.”
He lauded the RDF Command and Staff College for its “exemplary stewardship” as the current chair of ACoC, noting that Rwanda’s leadership had strengthened cooperation among member institutions and prepared the ground for a smooth transition to Tanzania.
Maj Gen Stephen Mnkande, Commandant of Tanzania’s TPDF Command and Staff College, emphasised that education and training were the backbone of Africa’s readiness to respond to emerging security threats under the African Union Peace and Security Architecture.
“For the African Standby Force to remain ready, education and training are essential,” he said. “Forums like the ACoC allow Commandants to harmonise doctrines and ensure that all our forces speak the same language when it comes to African Union operations. As the world moves fast into digitisation, we too must embrace technology in our training and preparedness.”
Air Commodore N. Maghidir of Libya’s Command and Staff College, which hosted the previous edition of the conference in Tripoli, commended Rwanda for its hospitality and organisational excellence. He noted that such gatherings provide “a very important opportunity for Africa’s military academies to discuss complex security and strategic challenges” facing the continent.
The ACoC, established as a continental platform for Commandants of African Command and Staff Colleges, aims to enhance professional military education, promote harmonisation of training doctrines, and strengthen interoperability among member states.
As discussions continue in Kigali, participants are expected to develop actionable recommendations to modernise military education, foster digital transformation, and build a new generation of African military leaders equipped to respond to both traditional and emerging security challenges.
The ceremony took place on November 8, 2025, recognising achievements across several categories: best young writer, best female writer, best male writer, best African writer, and best writer of all time.
Divine Akimana, who received the award for best young writer, described it as her first major recognition. She credited her book, Scars That Shape Us, for the accolade.
“What I wanted to convey through this book, I have achieved. I published it in 2020 to offer comfort to people who have experienced conflicts and show them that there is hope for the future,” Akimana said.
Judence Kayitesi, awarded best female writer, reflected on the challenges women face in pursuing writing alongside other responsibilities.
“Women have many roles, including giving birth, raising children, managing the household, and other daily duties. It can be difficult to find time to write, but I want to say that women are strong, they can achieve everything they set out to do and should never be afraid to pursue their passions,” she said.
Antoine Mugesera, named best writer of all time, brings over 20 years of experience, focusing on Rwanda’s history and the lives of its people across different periods.
“I was well prepared. I started writing while at university and continued even during my 15-year career in government. Since then, I have kept writing,” he said.
He noted that some of his works, especially those on religious topics, were published under a pseudonym to avoid potential conflicts with the church. He also explained that writing involves extensive research, allowing an author to gain deep knowledge on a subject and then share it with readers.
Bridgevision CEO Joe E. Sully said the awards aim to encourage literary pursuits in Rwanda and across the continent.
“These awards were initially intended for Rwandans only, but we realised there is a wider need across the continent. That’s why we introduced the category for the best African writer. Our goal is to inspire participation from across Africa and beyond, making this an international recognition,” he said.
Other winners included Adut Loi Akok, who was recognised as the best African writer, and Dr. Christian Ntizimira, who received the award for best male writer.
The Radiate Rwanda Literacy Excellence Awards are in their second edition, following the inaugural event in 2024.
He was seen leaving the prison this afternoon, according to local media reports.
On Sept. 25, the Paris Criminal Court sentenced Sarkozy to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy related to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. Although he has appealed the verdict, the judges ordered the sentence to take immediate effect, citing the “exceptional seriousness” of the offenses.
Sarkozy was imprisoned on October 21, becoming the first former French president in modern history to serve a prison sentence. His lawyers immediately lodged an appeal and requested his release.
During Monday morning’s hearing, the former head of state appeared via videoconference from his cell. He described his detention as “hard, very hard, certainly for any prisoner.”
The court of appeal ruled that his continued detention was no longer the only means of preventing the risks outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, such as pressure on witnesses, collusion, flight risk, or reoffending.
It therefore ordered his release, subject to strict judicial supervision, including a ban on leaving French territory. In addition, the court imposed extended contact restrictions, noting his “capacity to influence various government departments” as a former president.
