The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was alarmed by the atrocity reports in the capital of North Darfur state after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city over the weekend.
“Local sources report widespread killings, abductions, maiming and sexual violence, alongside the detention and killing of aid workers,” OCHA said. “Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside El Fasher, while many others are stranded at Garni, about 20 kilometers away, unable to flee due to insecurity and lack of transport.”
The office said those still inside the city face life-threatening shortages of food, water and medical care. Aid workers are blocked from entering the city.
The UN Security Council on Thursday voiced grave concern over escalating violence in and around El Fasher and condemned the assault by the RSF on El Fasher and its devastating impact on the civilian population.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the council that the situation in El Fasher has descended into “an even darker hell,” with credible reports of widespread executions after RSF fighters entered the city.
OCHA said that civilians who managed to escape El Fasher are sheltering in the open in the localities of Kebkabiya, Melit and Tawila, where families lack necessities.
“Conditions in Tawila are particularly dire,” the office said. “Safe water meets less than half of daily needs, markets have collapsed, and supplies of food, fuel and medicines are nearly exhausted. Diseases are spreading.”
A UN-led assessment screened 715 displaced children and found nearly 60 percent of them to be acutely malnourished.
OCHA said the world body and its partners are scaling up response efforts despite enormous security and access challenges.
In Tawila, mobile health clinics are providing urgent medical and nutrition services for the newly arrived. Humanitarian partners have established health and nutrition sites, distributed reproductive health and cholera kits, and pre-positioned more than 8,000 cartons of therapeutic food, with another 6,000 cartons en route.
OCHA said that more than 30 nutrition sites remain operational, while community kitchens, cash distributions and temporary shelters continue to support newly displaced families. Psychosocial activities for children affected by trauma are to begin this week.
“The United Nations and partners are also sustaining water, sanitation and hygiene operations across Tawila, Melit and surrounding areas, trucking safe water, installing latrines, distributing hygiene kits, and conducting cholera prevention campaigns,” the office said.
OCHA warned that explosive ordnance contamination continues to endanger civilians and humanitarian workers in and around El Fasher, limiting safe movement and delaying assistance. Sustained access for mine action teams and equipment is urgently needed to survey and clear hazardous areas.
The office reiterated its call for all parties to immediately halt hostilities, protect civilians and aid workers, and ensure sustained, unhindered humanitarian access.
Her journey from the streets of Europe to the heart of Rwanda’s cultural stage is a story of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of dance.
Hilde was born in New York but grew up in Belgium, where she moved frequently with her family due to her parents’ work. Early exposure to different environments shaped her adaptability and curiosity about cultures beyond her own.
From a young age, she found herself drawn to cultural dances rather than classical Western forms like ballet or jazz. Hip-hop, flamenco, and Egyptian dance were her first loves, each reflecting a unique cultural rhythm that fascinated her.
In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Hilde revealed that after earning a degree in mathematics and physics, she briefly taught at a school in Belgium. However, the classroom could not contain her creative spirit.
In 2004, she moved to England to pursue dance and visual arts at the University of Brighton. Her formal dance journey had begun, but it was not until her first visit to Rwanda in 2006, when she came for a friend’s wedding, that she discovered her true calling.
“I had never been to sub-Saharan Africa, so for me it was mind-blowing,” Hilde recalls. “Everything felt different. Seeing women walking with baskets on their heads was so inspiring. The beauty, the colours, the culture, it all captivated me.”
At the Ubumuntu Festival, she watched Inganzo Ngari, a troupe formed in 2006 to promote Rwandan dance, music, and culture, perform for the opening night. The female dancers in their flowing umushanana left her breathless.
“They were flowing like water, and I felt goosebumps all over,” she says. “I thought, this is magical. I want to learn this dance.”
Hilde returned to Europe, hoping to find a teacher who could guide her in Rwandan dance, whether in England or elsewhere in Europe. She soon realised that there was no substitute for learning the art in its homeland.
Over several years, she made repeated trips to Rwanda, studying intensively for short periods. After a few visits, she decided that the only way to truly master the dance was to move to Rwanda. In 2018, she took the life-changing step of relocating to study traditional Rwandan dance full-time.
The journey was not without challenges. “Some styles, like Ikinimba, are like fire,” Hilde explains. “My essence is flowing like water, so these dances demand a different kind of energy. But that’s the joy, you are always learning.”
Beyond the physical demands, cultural adjustments tested her patience. Homesickness and unfamiliar customs initially made her question her path. Yet, over seven years, Hilde found a rhythm not just in dance, but in life in Rwanda.
Her dedication extends beyond personal mastery. Hilde’s seven-year-old son shares her passion for traditional dance, already beginning lessons with aspirations of performing alongside his mother.
“It would be my dream to share the stage with him,” she says. Hilde also hopes to inspire other foreigners to experience Rwandan culture, whether through intensive workshops, retreats, or collaborative performances with local artists.
Today, Hilde Cannoodt is more than a Westerner dancing with Inganzo Ngari. She has become a bridge between cultures, a living testament to the idea that art can transcend borders. Through her dedication, she shows that when passion meets culture, it can flow as effortlessly as water, resilient, adaptable, and profoundly moving.
Curious to see her in action? Watch the full interview and experience Hilde Cannoodt’s mesmerising Rwandan dance moves below.
The tournament brings together top amateurs from Rwanda and the region in a contest that blends competitive sport with NCBA’s broader vision of community impact and sustainable growth.
“Coming back for a second year is a statement of intent,” said Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda. “Our goal is to keep building on this platform that connects East Africans through sport, opportunity, and shared purpose. Golf has proven to be one of the most effective ways to do that.”
Building on the success of last year’s debut, this year’s edition carries added significance as Rwanda hosts the final regional leg of the NCBA Golf Series before the Grand Finale on November 28th at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
The finale will feature top golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda competing for the 2025 regional title. The first edition in Rwanda drew over 200 players, culminating in a thrilling finale where the top three Rwandan golfers, Paul Ntaganda, Alphonsine Murekatete, and Bethlehem Umuzabibu, represented the country at Muthaiga Golf Club. Their performance placed Rwanda firmly on the regional map and ignited fresh enthusiasm for the sport in the local golfing community.
The event also welcomes a new partner, the brand new Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, which will co-sponsor the tournament and host the official prize-giving ceremony, marking the hotel’s first official event.
“It’s a privilege to open our doors with an event that celebrates excellence, community, and regional unity,” said Media Rutayisire, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Kigali. “Hosting such a prestigious event perfectly reflects our values of hospitality and shared success.”
Since its inception, the NCBA Golf Series has grown into one of East Africa’s premier amateur tournaments, attracting over 5,000 golfers across more than 20 tournaments in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The Series has become a regional stage for golfers of all levels, from emerging juniors to seasoned club champions, and a platform for building friendships, business connections, and cross-border collaboration through sport.
“Our commitment is to consistency, to showing up for the sport, our partners, and the communities where we operate,” added Toroitich. “The NCBA Golf Series is now part of a regional story that celebrates progress, partnership, and purpose.”
As Kigali tees off this weekend, all eyes turn to Nairobi, where the best from across the region will meet at Muthaiga to close another thrilling chapter of golf, unity, and achievement in East Africa.
The unrest, which has affected major cities including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, and Arusha, saw demonstrators vandalising and setting fire to a number of commercial establishments.
Among the first affected was an electronics shop owned by rapper Billnas, followed by Shishi Food, a popular restaurant chain run by musician Shilole. Fashion entrepreneur and singer Juma Jux also reported significant losses after his boutique was destroyed.
Protesters have voiced frustration over the perceived closeness of some celebrities to political authorities, accusing them of supporting the ruling party. Many in Tanzania’s entertainment sector have expressed concern about being caught in the crossfire.
Beyond businesses, some entertainers are also actively participating in the political sphere. Musician and social media personality Baba Levo is running for an elective seat, with support from fellow artist Diamond Platnumz, demonstrating the growing intersection between celebrity influence and political engagement in the country.
The election period has been marked by demonstrations, curfews in certain areas, and heightened security presence. While the situation has caused disruptions, authorities continue to encourage citizens to observe peace and maintain public safety.
RDRC Chairperson Valerie Nyirahabineza shared these details on October 30, 2025, during a ceremony marking the discharge of the 75th cohort, which included 143 individuals from armed groups.
“I am pleased to inform you that, since 2001, 12,602 former combatants have been reintegrated. This program has provided thousands of former fighters and their families with tangible assistance, including civic education, vocational training, and support to enhance livelihoods and economic opportunities,” she stated.
Nyirahabineza called on Rwandans still in the forests of the DRC to lay down their arms, emphasizing that being used as foreign mercenaries to destabilize their own country would lead to nothing positive.
“We urge all Rwandans involved in the FDLR and its affiliated groups to lay down their arms and return home. As the RDRC, we are ready to welcome them and assist in their reintegration into society,” she stated.
A peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June 2025 calls for the elimination of the FDLR, with its combatants to be repatriated and reintegrated into society.
In line with these agreements, on October 10, the DRC military urged FDLR combatants to surrender their weapons to either the DRC authorities or United Nations peacekeepers, warning that those who resist will face military action.
Nyirahabineza emphasized that Rwanda is prepared to receive any FDLR combatants wishing to return, offering them the same support provided to those who have come before them.
“Rwanda is ready to welcome new combatants who are being repatriated from the DRC, including those from FDLR, as called for in the latest statement from the DRC government,” she said.
Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, urged Rwandans to refrain from engaging in actions that could destabilize their motherland and commended those who had chosen to lay down their arms.
“We ask that you demonstrate how the training you received here has transformed your mindset and behavior. Always focus on safeguarding our country’s security, and collaborate with fellow Rwandans to prevent any threats to that security,” he emphasized.
Minister Habimana also encouraged these individuals to leave behind the time spent in the forests of the DRC and embark on a new journey of self-improvement. He reminded them that unity and solidarity among Rwandans are the foundations of all that has been achieved.
He urged them to steer clear of actions that could lead them back to the negative paths they once followed.
“Let us remember that unity and solidarity as Rwandans are the pillars of all our gains. Betraying that unity is forbidden. Therefore, I ask you to avoid anything that could lead you back to the evils of the past and instead join other Rwandans in fighting against genocide ideology and contributing to building our national unity,” he said.
Among the reintegrated former combatants, some have returned with their families. The training program lasted between three to six months.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, aimed to extend its hold on power in the recent elections.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the incumbent, faced 16 other candidates from smaller parties.
Notably, opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains incarcerated after being charged with treason, and Luhaga Mpina, a presidential candidate from the second-largest opposition party, was barred from running.
The electoral body, as reported by AP quoting state TV, announced that President Hassan had taken an early lead, securing 96.99% of the votes in the initial tally from eight constituencies.
Lawmakers from the European Parliament issued a statement on Thursday, calling the elections “neither free nor fair” and urging international democratic partners to “stand firm in the defense of democracy and human rights.”
Violence erupted on Wednesday afternoon as protesters set fire to a bus and a gas station, attacked police stations, and vandalized polling stations.
Amnesty International reported two deaths, a civilian and a police officer, during the protests.
The government has not yet commented on the casualties, but it imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, where the majority of protests took place.
Despite these measures, protests continued into the night. The government also instructed public servants to work from home on Thursday to limit non-essential movement.
Among those repatriated were mostly women and children. They returned on Thursday, October 30, 2025, through the La Corniche border, which connects Rwanda to the DRC.
Upon arrival, the returnees were transferred to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi District.
These Rwandans had been living in a temporary camp in Goma after fleeing from various regions in Eastern DRC, where they were held captives by the FDLR.
The Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of social affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe, welcomed the returnees and assured them that the government has various plans in place to help them reintegrate into normal life.
She said, “In a short time, you will be reintegrated into the community you have returned to. You will receive support to reconnect with your families, and before leaving the center to return to your places of residence, you will be provided with the necessary identification documents, especially for those who have reached adulthood. You will also be given money to help you start life and meet basic needs.”
Ishimwe reassured the returnees, reminding them that they were now in the safe hands of a country that cares for them.
“We are glad you have returned, and the country is ready to help you reintegrate. As local authorities, we will continue to guide you through government programs to ensure you are reunited with your families,” she noted.
The returnees were then taken to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi District, where they will stay temporarily.
Once the returnees have received their identification documents, the government will provide them with support to fully reintegrate into society.
This assistance includes basic financial aid to help them restart their lives. Those aged above 18 will receive $188, while individuals under 18 will get $113. In addition, each returnee will be given food rations worth 45,000 Rwandan Francs.
This repatriation follows the return of another group of 277 Rwandans on October 21, 2025.
During an interview with IGIHE. Dr. Frank Habineza recalled a conversation with Evode Uwizeyimana on Rwanda Television, where Uwizeyimana told him not to engage in debates about laws until he had studied them. This advice motivated Dr. Habineza to go back to school.
He said, “I would say that Senator Evode Uwizeyimana sparked a healthy jealousy in me, and I immediately went back to study law. I am now in my final year at the University of Kigali, with expectations to graduate next year. I plan to continue my studies at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, and if necessary, I will pursue a PhD degree in Law.”
Dr. Habineza explained that his decision to study law was not to compete with anyone, but to enhance his knowledge. He added that being a parliamentarian requires legal knowledge, which is crucial to effectively represent Rwandans.
He clarified that he has no issues with Senator Evode Uwizeyimana and that, aside from encouraging him to study law, they both share ideas for the benefit of all Rwandans.
Dr. Habineza stated, “It’s really great to be in the same Senate. I would call him my ‘buddy’ because we have discussions, and even when we disagree, we continue the conversation. Even when we don’t have the same views, it doesn’t mean things have fallen apart.”
Dr. Habineza was elected as a Senator, succeeding Mugisha Alexis from the Green Party, who had completed his five-year term. Many wondered why Dr. Habineza did not allow him to extend his tenure, especially since there was a possibility that Mugisha could have been granted another five-year term.
Dr. Habineza explained that there is no issue with him replacing Mugisha in the Senate since Mugisha had completed his term, but assured that the party would assign him other responsibilities.
He said, “He is still our member, the party’s chief commissioner, and he is still active. We will assign him other duties, and we will continue to explore new opportunities for him. A term lasts for five years, and once it’s over, it doesn’t mean that you can’t take on other roles. People transition into new roles all the time, and that’s what will happen.”
Regarding his new role as a Senator, Frank Habineza emphasized that he will continue to prioritize the interests of the people.
He said, “I am still myself, still original. What I can tell you is that the responsibilities in the legislative process of the Senate are different from those of the Chamber of Deputies. The people expect us to be there for them, and we will continue to serve them well, with God’s help.”
{{Running again after defeat}}
Dr. Habineza has contested for the position of President of Rwanda twice, but on both occasions, he failed to secure even 5% of the vote.
In the most recent election held on July 15, 2024, Paul Kagame won with 99.18% of the vote, securing 8,822,794 votes from Rwandans. Dr. Frank Habineza came in second with just 0.50% of the vote.
Dr. Habineza said that his participation in the presidential election was in the country’s interest rather than his own.
He stated, “I put the country’s interests first by running for the presidency, because we saw that this was more valuable than running for a parliamentary seat. We believed that the country’s interests lay in having someone run for president, especially since we are a party opposed to the government. We believe these ideas shouldn’t be suppressed. I did not put my own interests first, I put the country’s interests first.”
He added that even though he did not win the election, he is confident that the ideas in his manifesto will be implemented.
When asked if he was considering leading the Rwandan Senate, especially as the committee currently leading the Senate will finish its term in 2029 while others will conclude theirs in 2030, he said he was unsure but was ready to serve Rwandans.
He said, “What I can tell you is that I, Frank Habineza, am ready to serve Rwandans. We have paid a great price to serve them, and if they continue to trust us, there is nothing that can stop us from serving them in any capacity.”
Dr. Habineza disclosed that his dreams of becoming president are not over. He stated that if his party members trust him again in the future, he will run for president once more.
He outlined that if he was elected in 2029, his key focus would be eradicating poverty completely in Rwanda, ensuring that everyone is self-sufficient in food production, and reducing the need for imports.
He also emphasized strengthening industries, promoting environmentally friendly transportation, improving the quality of education, caring for teachers and healthcare workers, and introducing a minimum wage among others.
Dr. Habineza said that he will continue to advocate for a minimum wage in Parliament, as this issue has been pending for over six years under the Prime Minister’s office without a solution.
After the election defeat, Dr. Habineza said he chose to focus on party activities because they needed him most at the time.
He refrained from addressing the negative atmosphere that had been reported within the Green Party, stating that the issue was resolved and was based on the misconduct of a few individuals but had since been corrected.
Following the presidential and parliamentary elections, the Green Party sold its headquarters. The party has now received the funds allocated to political parties that contested and won seats in the National Assembly. Green Party has already received the funds and has purchased a new headquarters located in Muyombo.
He said, “Elections are expensive, and those we compete against have many supporters, which helps them raise money. We don’t have as many supporters as they do. Our supporters did contribute, but their contributions weren’t enough. We sold our assets to avoid loans.”
He commended the good management of various sectors during the presidential election, including local governments, security, and others, noting that it contributed to the smooth running of the elections.
To promote development and self-reliance, the Green Party has started helping its supporters by assisting them with livestock farming, producing organic fertilizers, and improving their projects so that they benefit both the supporters and the party.
{{Constructive criticism}}
Dr. Habineza explained that when the party was founded, they considered themselves confrontational and radical opposition but later decided to be a constructive opposition party aimed at raising issues and providing alternative solutions to problems.
He said, “In the past, we criticized everything, seeing no good in anything. But now, we say, ‘No, that’s not right.’ We can acknowledge the good where we see it, but also address the bad and offer solutions on how it should be corrected. This is the direction we have taken, but we are still an opposition party in a constructive way, not one that aims to destroy but to build.”
He emphasized that there is no reason for him to engage in negative actions that could lead to harm when he has the opportunity to do good and achieve positive outcomes.
He also noted that the Green Party’s supporters continue to grow as they understand the party’s goals, vision, and the reasons for being part of it.
Ebabi, an officer attached to the military intelligence service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), had visited Raw Studio on October 19 with her fiancé to take pre-wedding photographs ahead of their planned ceremony on October 31, 2025.
The incident drew attention after Raw Studio published their pictures and videos on TikTok, prompting Ebabi’s arrest on October 24.
During a court hearing on October 28, military prosecutors accused her of bringing the army into disrepute and violating military discipline by displaying affection in uniform.
In her defence, Ebabi said Raw Studio had admitted to sharing the images on TikTok without seeking her authorisation, arguing that the studio should be held accountable and, if necessary, prosecuted.
She stated that she never intended to tarnish the image of the army, which she has loyally served for ten years.
The prosecution had requested a 10-year jail term, but Ebabi remained composed, telling the court:
“If the court finds me innocent, I will thank God. If it finds me guilty, I will still thank God, the Lord of all times and events.”
Delivering its verdict on the evening of Wednesday, October 29, the court found her guilty of breaching military regulations and imposed a 12-month suspended sentence.
The ruling allows Ebabi to proceed with her wedding as scheduled, though she will be required to maintain good conduct throughout the suspension period to avoid serving the custodial sentence.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after the talks with Trump on Wednesday night, Trump described the meeting as a major success, saying the United States was now on track to finalise a trade deal with China “pretty soon.”
“I guess on the scale from 0 to 10, with ten being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” Trump said. “I think it was a 12.”
Under the new measures, tariffs imposed earlier this year as punishment for China’s alleged role in the export of chemicals used to make fentanyl will be cut from 20% to 10%. This reduces the overall tariff rate on Chinese goods from 57% to 47%.
Trump said Beijing had agreed to lift restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals, vital components for manufacturing high-tech products such as electric vehicles, fighter jets, and smartphones, and to resume purchases of American soybeans.
{{Trade deal ‘within reach’
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The two leaders met for 100 minutes in the port city of Busan, around 76 kilometres south of the main venue for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Their discussion, which Trump later described as “a turning point,” also touched on technology exports, with the U.S. president confirming that chipmaker Nvidia would begin talks with Chinese officials about selling advanced semiconductors.
Trump said he would visit China in April, while Xi is expected to make a reciprocal trip to the U.S. later in the year.
“We have not too many major stumbling blocks,” Trump told journalists, expressing confidence that a broader trade agreement could be signed soon.
{{Signs of a thaw
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The announcement comes after months of renewed tension between Washington and Beijing, as both countries sought to assert dominance in global manufacturing, artificial intelligence development, and geopolitical influence. Trump’s use of tariffs to pressure China had prompted retaliatory export limits from Beijing, particularly on rare earths, minerals critical to the U.S. defence and technology sectors.
Analysts said Thursday’s breakthrough reflects a shared desire to cool tensions and stabilise economic relations after a volatile year.
Beijing has not issued an official statement on the outcomes of the meeting. However, at the start of the talks, Xi struck a conciliatory tone, saying through a translator that “it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then.”
The easing of tariffs and resumption of rare earth exports have already buoyed investor confidence, with U.S. markets climbing on Thursday amid optimism for a trade framework.
Officials from both countries had met earlier in Kuala Lumpur to prepare for the summit, reaching what they described as a “preliminary consensus.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later called the talks “a very successful framework.”
Despite the positive signals, several sticking points remain unresolved, including the expected agreement on the sale of Chinese-owned TikTok’s U.S. operations. Analysts say that without clarity on that front, complete normalisation of trade relations remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Trump’s shifting tariff policy has also raised questions about long-term strategy. Earlier this year, he threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% before abandoning the plan amid market backlash. Just weeks ago, he warned of a 100% import tax in response to China’s rare earth restrictions, an escalation now seemingly averted.
For China, lifting the rare earths blockade is a significant gesture, given its global dominance in processing the minerals. The move may signal Beijing’s intent to ease global concern about its leverage over critical supply chains.
