Rwanda’s presence drew many visitors eager to discover this East African country, both for its cultural richness and its economic prospects.
Ambassador Lambert Dushimimana, accompanied by the embassy team, warmly welcomed the public and presented Rwanda’s history, culture, people and landscapes.
The pavilion offered a successful immersion into Rwandan identity, blending heritage, innovation and hospitality, while also highlighting business and investment opportunities.
Among the pavilion’s highlights, visitors were able to taste specialty Rwandan coffee served by Brewanda, explore travel offers from Visit Rwanda, and shop for artisanal and fashion products from the country: handbags and accessories by Sankoshi, as well as culinary specialties, snacks and spices offered by Nomadika.
These exhibitors showcased local expertise and the variety of Rwandan offerings, from tourism to handicrafts.
Beyond tastings and demonstrations, Rwanda’s participation in the Embassy Festival strengthened its cultural diplomacy, facilitating exchanges between economic actors, tourism professionals and international audiences.
The event provided an effective platform to promote Rwanda as a tourist destination and as a competitive business partner.
By acting as an ambassador for Rwandan culture and innovation, the embassy left a positive impression on visitors and consolidated its ties with the international community present in The Hague.
Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, targeting a building used by senior Hamas officials in what Israeli authorities described as an attempt to assassinate leaders of the group.
In a joint statement, the military and the Shin Bet security agency confirmed responsibility, saying the strike targeted Hamas leaders “directly responsible for the Oct. 7 massacre” and used “precise munitions and intelligence” to limit civilian harm.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a wholly independent Israeli operation.” “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” he said in a statement released by his office.
Eyewitnesses reported loud explosions and plumes of smoke rising over the Qatari capital. Qatar’s Interior Ministry confirmed an attack on a Hamas residential headquarters, saying specialized teams had secured the site and that “the situation is safe.” No casualties were initially reported.
Israeli officials believe key Hamas figures were in the building during the strike. An unnamed senior official told Israel’s Kan TV that there were “strong indications” that Khalil al-Hayya, a deputy leader in Hamas’s political bureau, and Zaher Jabarin, another senior official, were present. However, Israeli agencies were still assessing the outcome and did not officially confirm who, if anyone, was hit.
Contradicting Israel’s claims, a Hamas source told Al Jazeera that no members of the group were killed in the attack. The source stated the officials had been meeting to discuss a ceasefire proposal.
The strike drew swift condemnation from Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict that hosts Hamas’s political bureau. Its Foreign Ministry called the attack a “serious threat” to the security of citizens and residents and a violation of its sovereignty.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty. “We are just learning about the Israeli attacks in Qatar, a country that has been playing a very positive role in achieving a ceasefire and release of all hostages,” he told reporters in New York.
Saudi Arabia also criticized what it called continued Israeli violations in the region, citing recent strikes in Syria’s Homs and Latakia governorates as breaches of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Riyadh voiced support for Syria’s sovereignty and stability.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denounced the Doha strike as “extremely dangerous, criminal and in violation of the UN Charter,” saying it was part of Israel’s “continued crimes” against international law.
Other countries and organizations, including Jordan, Türkiye, and the Arab League, also rushed to condemn the Israeli attacks.
The strike is believed to be the first carried out by Israel in Qatar. It came a day after Hamas’s armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for a shooting in Jerusalem that killed at least six people, calling it retaliation for Israel’s ongoing actions.
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The fiery exchange, sparked by accusations from DRC’s Minister of Human Rights, Samuel Mbemba Kabuya Tanda, highlighted continued tensions between the two nations and raised questions about the credibility of UN reporting on the ongoing conflict.
The session, presided over by Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber, saw Amb. Bakuramutsa demand clarification on the DRC’s claims, calling them a “red line” for Rwanda.
“Did the Minister of Human Rights from the DRC government accuse my delegation and my country of being genocidal in their territory?” she asked, emphasizing that such grave allegations must adhere to international legal standards.
“There’s no mechanism that has called for that, and I will not allow for that to be mentioned here in the UN premises and accept that this happens under your watch.”
Bakuramutsa’s remarks followed a point of order, which she noted was ignored by the Council President, who suggested resolving the issue bilaterally with the DRC delegation. The ambassador insisted on addressing the accusation publicly, arguing that accountability must be based on “objective, verified results” rather than selective reporting that prejudges member states like Rwanda.
The controversy stems from a recent United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report, which Rwanda has dismissed as “sensational” and baseless.
Issued on August 11, 2025, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation criticized the OHCHR for alleging, without evidence, that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) aided in the killing of civilians on farms in eastern DRC between July 9 and 21, 2025.
The report also accused the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebel group of similar atrocities, claims the group has similarly rejected as politically motivated.
Amb. Bakuramutsa challenged the UN report’s methodology, highlighting its reliance on “remote open-source material” and lack of access to data. She pointed out a “pre-cooked narrative” in the report, noting that M23 was mentioned 110 times, Rwanda/RDF 65 times, FARDC (DRC armed forces) 42 times, Wazalendo 43 times, FDLR only 15 times, and generic armed groups 23 times.
“This imbalance shapes a narrative and skews the reality on the ground,” she said, noting the presence of approximately 260 armed groups in eastern DRC, including private military contractors and mercenaries, which the report largely overlooks.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting M23, asserting that its defensive measures along the DRC border aim to neutralise threats from the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Bakuramutsa accused the DRC of equipping and enabling the FDLR, allowing it to “recruit and spread genocidal ideology” despite commitments to neutralize the group through regional peace processes like the Washington Peace Agreement, African Union, Nairobi, and Luanda initiatives.
The European Union, represented by Pierre Minard, expressed alarm at the escalating violence in eastern DRC, citing the OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) report documenting widespread human rights violations, including potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The EU called for the prompt operationalization of a Commission of Inquiry for the DRC and urged adequate funding for the OHCHR to continue collecting evidence of abuses until the commission is active.
Bakuramutsa countered that the UN’s reporting minimizes verified hate speech and identity-based attacks against Congolese Tutsi communities, particularly around Minembwe in South Kivu.
She described these as an “early warning priority” for the Council, warning that ethnic labeling in reports risks inflaming tensions. She also criticized the UN’s MONUSCO mission, noting that despite 25 years and billions spent, it has failed to protect civilians while DRC-backed FDLR forces continue to recruit and arm.
In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Bakuramutsa presented three main demands. First, she urged the Council to pause the issuance of new mandates and initiate a UN-aligned review to streamline overlapping mechanisms, ensuring resources are redirected toward effective civilian protection.
Second, she called for a single, published evidentiary standard for all reports, with concerned states given prior notice to engage before any public condemnation. Third, she rejected all recommendations directed at Rwanda in the OHCHR report, citing a lack of evidence and expressing concern over the Council’s failure to address her point of order.
The ambassador emphasized Rwanda’s role as a UN member state contributing to peace and stability, stating, “We will not accept being continuously subjected to baseless accusations. Rigorous evidence is non-negotiable, and any breach of that standard will be challenged every single time.”
The Nigerian singer recently visited Rwanda for the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, where she named a baby gorilla “Kundwa,” meaning “loved,” and expressed her delight at trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Yemi first unveiled Yem Beauty in August 2025, marking her entry into the beauty industry. Known for her bold style and stage presence, the brand is an extension of her vibrant personality.
Since breaking out in 2005, Yemi Alade has become one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, with hits like Johnny, Oh My Gosh, Shekere, Ferrari, and Na Gode.
Born Yemi Eberechi Alade on March 13, 1989, she has built a global fanbase while staying true to her Nigerian roots, with a family background tied to Ondo and Abia States.
The discussions focused on strengthening media cooperation between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates, recognising the role of media in advancing bilateral relations and deepening partnerships across multiple sectors.
Rwanda and the UAE enjoy a strong and growing relationship. The UAE is currently Rwanda’s largest export market, with exports surpassing USD 1.55 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Rwanda’s total goods exports.
The UAE is also a major investor, ranking as Rwanda’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2023, with commitments of over USD 138 million in sectors ranging from logistics and hospitality to mineral processing and agriculture.
A prominent example of this cooperation is DP World’s Kigali Logistics Platform, a facility that has streamlined Rwanda’s trade flows and positioned Kigali as a gateway for East African commerce.
The two countries have also signed agreements on economic and technical cooperation, and in 2024, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) signed a partnership to link Rwanda’s financial hub with global capital markets.
Beyond trade and investment, Rwanda and the UAE are expanding cooperation in space technology, artificial intelligence, and governance innovation.
In December 2023, the Rwanda Space Agency signed an MoU with the UAE Space Agency to collaborate on civil space activities, while in April 2025, both countries joined Malaysia in a tripartite partnership on AI governance and innovation through their Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Education and tourism are also central pillars of cooperation. Rwandan students continue to benefit from UAE government scholarships at institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi and UAE University, while Rwanda regularly participates in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, showcasing its unique attractions such as gorilla trekking and positioning itself as a top destination for Middle Eastern travellers.
Against this backdrop of broad and dynamic collaboration, media cooperation is expected to serve as both a bridge and a catalyst, promoting accurate information, facilitating cultural exchange, and amplifying the visibility of joint initiatives between Rwanda and the UAE.
They stressed that some online content creators are falsely claiming that Gogo was sacrificed, while others allege that she was killed. The family said if such baseless reports persist, they will take legal action, as the claims amount to a mockery of the deceased.
The warning was made on Monday, September 8, 2025, during Gogo’s burial in Munini Cell, Fumbwe Sector, Rwamagana District, where she was originally from.
News of Gogo’s death broke on September 3, 2025. She had travelled to Uganda for evangelical missions, having left Rwanda on August 29 together with some of her handlers. The artist had long battled epilepsy, the illness that ultimately claimed her life.
Bikorimana Emmanuel, commonly known as Bikem, explained that the hospital confirmed she died of complications related to her lungs.
Following her death, some YouTubers produced numerous videos alleging that Gogo had been sacrificed, while others claimed she had been killed by colleagues in disputes over money.
Musoni Bernard, who heads Gogo’s family and is also her stepfather, told IGIHE that it is deeply regrettable that certain media personalities seek to profit from a person’s death by fabricating stories for commercial gain.
“It is extremely painful that people want to profit from the death of a person. I have known that child since birth, and she never enjoyed good health because of epilepsy, which afflicted her continuously. Those who were with her called us from the moment she started feeling unwell, they took her to hospital and informed us, and even after her passing, they immediately notified us. The hospital clearly stated the cause of death,” he said
Musoni added that as the family was preparing to repatriate her body to Rwanda, they were shocked to see some content creators producing content on YouTube claiming that she had been sacrificed, while others used insulting language to mock them. He called on those responsible to delete the content or face legal consequences.
Bishop Nyirimpeta Anastase, who had invited Gogo to Uganda, also condemned the conduct of some Rwandan YouTubers who falsely claimed she was sacrificed and accused others of being behind it.
Gogo who rose to prominence on social media, gained wider attention after her worship track was remixed by South African musician David Scott, popularly known as The Kiffness.
Gogo was best known online for her heartfelt worship songs, often sung in English with her distinct accent. In the viral clip, she sings: “Everyday, I need the blood of Jesus.”
The Kiffness reworked the video by layering her vocals with trumpet and piano, creating a lively new version that he shared on TikTok and YouTube in January.
For years, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has earned recognition both within Rwanda and internationally, particularly in Mozambique and the Central African Republic, for its discipline and professionalism.
Building on this reputation, new reforms announced at the end of August 2025 introduced updated measures to ensure that certain categories of military assets are kept strictly confidential.
A Presidential Order issued on August 25, 2025, outlined the types of military assets that must be classified. The directive makes clear that weapons, systems, ammunition, and military vehicles — main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and light and heavy duty vehicles— are to remain secret.
The 2025 Order expands on earlier provisions. A 2012 regulation had already stipulated that fighter jets, helicopters, and their related systems were classified.
The new framework not only reaffirms these categories but also includes unmanned aerial vehicles and their accessories. In addition, information and telecommunication devices — ranging from radars, telephones, and radios to cameras, computer software and other related equipment, — are all deemed classified.
Military installations also fall under this classification. These include the RDF General Headquarters, barracks, arms and ammunition depots, as well as military industries and related raw materials.
Military uniforms and accessories are equally considered classified, along with imported and exported military assets and related information.
The modalities of audit related to the use and management of military classified assets is determined by instructions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force.
The Rwanda Defence Force itself was formally established under Law No. 19/2002 of May 17, 2002. Since then, it has undergone substantial transformation in governance, weaponry, training, uniforms, and professionalism.
Today, Rwanda operates its own defense industry through the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), which produces a wide range of military equipment for the RDF and with goals to support partner nations with defense supplies.
Among its output are weapons for ground forces, special forces, and counterterrorism operations, as well as equipment for riot control, training, and other military purposes.
The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.
{{It highlights that:}}
{{Foundational literacy is essential}} – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.
{{We know what works}} – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.
{{Partnerships accelerate impact }} – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.
{{EE4A (Education Evidence for Action)}} is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice.
{{The What Works Hub for Global Education }} is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale. This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.
At the conference, {{WWHGE}} convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.” The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.
Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.
{{The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE)}} initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.
Together, {{WWHGE (with GEEAP)}}, the {{British Council}}, and {{LL4GE }} represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.
The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.
This marks the next phase of {{WWHGE}}’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.
The launch event, held at the Marriott Hotel, brought together key stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and Apex Group executives, to celebrate the company’s commitment to Rwanda and its role in supporting economic growth and innovation across East Africa.
The event featured remarks from prominent figures, including Alan Keet, Regional Head of Africa for Apex Group, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Hortense Mudenge, CEO of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), and a video message from Peter Hughes, Apex Group’s Founder and CEO.
Apex Group, with a global presence spanning 52 countries and 112 offices, services over $3.4 trillion in assets and employs more than 13,000 people worldwide. The opening of its Kigali office, the seventh in Africa alongside locations in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, marks a key expansion of the company’s footprint on the continent.
“It makes me tremendously proud that we have expanded now into Rwanda… It shows Apex’s commitment to Africa, which, as Africans, is a real feather in our cap,” Alan Keet, the Apex Group’s Regional Head of Africa, stated.
The Kigali office will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including Fund Administration, Corporate Services, Compliance Solutions, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory services, pending regulatory approval.
The services cater to a broad range of fund structures, from private equity and real estate to open-end funds like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds, as well as innovative digital finance solutions such as tokenisation and digital ledger technology.
Keet emphasised the company’s ability to address complex challenges, noting, “We are yet to find a conundrum or a challenge that we can’t solve within the Apex Group globally.”
The launch of Apex Group’s office aligns with the ambitions of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), which aims to position Rwanda as a leading hub for cross-border investment and sustainable finance.
Hortense Mudenge, CEO of KIFC, described the event as “a pivotal moment in Rwanda’s journey of becoming a key financial hub on the continent.”
She highlighted the full-circle nature of Apex’s entry, which began with discussions in late 2024 and culminated in the office opening, signalling growing confidence in Rwanda’s progressive business environment.
Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of Rwanda’s central bank, delivered a keynote address in which she echoed this sentiment, stressing the country’s strategic efforts to build a robust financial ecosystem.
“You can’t have a financial centre if you don’t have international players,” she said, noting Apex’s role in complementing traditional banking and pension funds with innovative services.
She also praised Rwanda’s macroeconomic stability and digital ambitions, stating, “The use of technology and digitally-driven financial services… is something that we value, as Rwanda is ambitiously aiming to become a digital hub for the continent.”
{{Investing in local talent
}}
Apex Group officials emphasised that its entry into Rwanda is not only about expanding its global footprint but also about investing in local talent and contributing to economic development. With approximately 1,200 of its 13,000 employees based in Africa, the company affirmed its commitment to creating employment opportunities and upskilling local professionals.
Keet praised Emma Msowoya, the Country Head of Apex Group in Rwanda, for her “tenacious, well-organised, and great people skills,” which he believes will drive rapid growth in the region. KIFC’s Mudenge also highlighted the opportunities for local professionals, noting Apex’s focus on “upskilling, capacity building, and talent development.”
Peter Hughes, in his video message, underscored the strategic importance of the Kigali office, which he said will deliver “world-class asset servicing across both traditional assets and DeFi assets.”
He highlighted Emma’s 15 years of experience at Apex and her role leading the Rwanda operations, emphasising the company’s intent to leverage experienced talent to expand its presence and strengthen Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
{{A collaborative future
}}
The launch event also highlighted the collaborative spirit between Apex Group, KIFC, and Rwandan regulators. Governor Hakuziyaremye expressed confidence that Apex’s presence would attract more global asset management players, stating, “You can count on our support and our engagement in the different forums that we organise.”
KIFC CEO Mudenge added, “As much as you have expectations of us, we also have expectations of you to leverage and use Rwanda as the base to support further investment and capital deployment, not just in Rwanda, but in the region as a whole.”
