Minister Mugenzi made the remarks during a Pan African Movement Rwanda symposium held in Kigali on June 29, 2025.
Dr. Mugenzi noted that African-led solutions are more effective for solving the continent’s problems than allowing the population to disperse in search of prosperity elsewhere, often risking their lives and contributing to the development of other regions.
“It deeply saddens me to see Africans dying in the sea trying to find solutions in Europe. That is potential we are losing. And when we get there, they tell us, ‘That’s how Africa has always been,’ and label us as ignorant. Yet once we’re there, they use us to drive their development, extracting value from us,” he said.
He stressed that many of the answers to Africa’s challenges exist within the continent, but a mindset shift is needed, one that values what Africa has to offer.
“Instead of our people perishing in the Mediterranean, they should seek solutions in other African countries, because those solutions exist here too. We must value our own, and that starts with valuing ourselves and earning the respect of the international community,” he added.
Dr. Mugenzi also emphasised that self-worth includes embracing African languages. Beyond each country’s native tongues, he recommended Swahili as a unifying language for continental gatherings, noting that it is widely spoken and indigenous to Africa.
“A local solution is better than a foreign one. True self-reliance means building on our own capabilities, with each individual actively seeking answers to their immediate challenges. When you wait for someone else to solve your problem, you’ve already made yourself part of the problem. These issues are ours—and so are the solutions,” he added.
According to data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), over 20,000 Africans died or went missing in the Mediterranean Sea between 2014 and 2024 while attempting to reach Europe. In 2024 alone, an estimated 2,452 people lost their lives or disappeared.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 74 senior six students, including 39 boys and 35 girls, Rudakemwa emphasised the importance of translating learning into impact.
“One of our school’s key goals is to provide a strong foundation built on godly values while equipping students with practical, world-class knowledge,” he said. “Let these values guide you in all that you do, and ensure the education you’ve received becomes a tool for building a better future, not something that remains unused.”
He noted that Wellspring Academy has continued to grow in reputation, consistently attracting more applicants than it can accommodate, which he attributed to the public’s confidence in the school’s mission and standards.
Rudakemwa also reaffirmed the school’s openness to students from various backgrounds. Although founded on a Christian ethos and culture of prayer, Wellspring welcomes all students willing to respect the school’s values and code of conduct.
“Representing the Minister of Education, Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, a Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to embrace life beyond the classroom with resilience and confidence.”
“Completing secondary education is a remarkable achievement. I wish you all success as you strive to become professionals and pursue your dreams,” he said. “Face the future with courage, and trust in your own potential.”
Also addressing the graduates was Pastor Peter Nkunzingoma, Senior Pastor of Christian Life Assembly, who reminded students to safeguard their well-being and keep their faith central to their ambitions.
“Whenever you seek success or strength in life, turn to God and ask for His guidance and presence in all you do,” he said.
Established in 2007 by Christian Life Assembly, Wellspring Academy began with just 106 students. Today, it is recognised among Rwanda’s top international schools, offering the Cambridge curriculum. The school aims to deliver high-quality education while nurturing ethical, visionary leaders who will contribute to Rwanda’s progress and promote its values around the world.
Kenyan entrepreneur and former diplomat Hannah Ryder is at the forefront of this movement, leading efforts to spotlight designers who seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Her Africa Reimagined project aims to showcase African fashion that resonates with the diverse and evolving tastes of the Chinese market.
A striking example of this cultural fusion was seen at the expo, where Development Reimagined staff member and hanfu enthusiast Chen Huiyi paired a Rwandan-designed blouse with traditional Chinese hanfu. This combination reflects a shared vision of preserving cultural heritage by integrating it into everyday life.
“The best way to preserve traditional culture is to ‘wear it out’, letting more people see it and fusing it with daily life,” says Chen. “That’s also what our African designers hope to do.”
African designers who participated in the expo share this philosophy, aiming to introduce their cultures through fashion that bridges history and the present.
Designers from across Africa are actively entering the Chinese market, with ambitions to establish physical stores in addition to showcasing at major events. South African designer Thula Sindi, known for his AfricaRise stores in Johannesburg and Pretoria, sees a strong opportunity for mutual exchange.
“African businesses need to be in China the way Chinese businesses are in Africa,” Sindi said. He plans to open a store in Shanghai, viewing the city as a cosmopolitan gateway with efficient logistics for online shopping and delivery. For Sindi, the strategy is clear: African fashion competes not on trends or price, but on uniqueness, quality, and timeless appeal.
He believes African designs offer something special and enduring, perfectly aligned with the Chinese market’s evolving tastes.
Fellow South African designer David Tlale shares this vision and is actively exploring ways to expand his brand in China. He acknowledges the challenges of entering a new market, including protecting intellectual property and managing cost structures.
Nonetheless, he is enthusiastic about learning from China’s advanced textile technologies to enhance competitiveness. Tlale sees the growing Africa-China partnership as an opportunity for creative cross-pollination that benefits both fashion industries.
Ryder believes the diversity of the Chinese market is an ideal match for African luxury fashion. She highlights the appeal of African brands that emphasise sustainability, unique production methods, and distinctive fabrics.
As China’s consumer base grows wealthier and more sophisticated, demand for authentic and varied offerings is rising, and African designers are well-positioned to meet that demand.
Beyond individual consumers, growing interest from buyers and retailers suggests a promising future in which African fashion establishes a lasting presence in China.
This cultural blending through fashion represents a broader narrative of exchange and collaboration, where tradition is honoured, innovation is embraced, and new expressions emerge that speak to both heritage and the modern world.
Located in Ruhimbi Village, Ruganda Cell, Kamembe Sector, approximately 20 kilometres from Rusizi town, the facility will be the first of its kind in Rwanda’s Western Province and is expected to serve neighbouring districts as well.
Once completed, the plant will treat up to 42 cubic meters of faecal waste and 13 tonnes of solid waste daily. Organic waste will be converted into compost, while non-biodegradable materials like plastic and paper will be recycled into reusable products.
Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba told IGIHE that the facility will play a key role in improving public hygiene and protecting the local ecosystem.
“All waste from Rusizi town will be collected and sorted at the site. Biodegradable waste will be turned into compost, while plastics—such as bottles often seen in Lake Kivu and the Rusizi River—will be recycled into reusable materials,” he explained.
The project is being implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group).
According to Robert Bimenyimana, Public Relations and Communications Manager at WASAC, construction of the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) and the accompanying modern landfill began in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by March 2026.
“The facility will include separate zones for faecal sludge treatment, composting of organic waste, and sorting and recycling of non-biodegradable waste such as plastics and paper,” he said.
Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly boost waste management capacity in the region, reduce pollution, and support Rwanda’s broader sustainability and sanitation goals.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he revealed how he ended up joining the militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi, saying he was coerced through persistent harassment by its members, which is one of the tactics used to recruit young people.
“The first time I got involved was because of mistreatment. If you were a capable young man, they would constantly make you carry their loads every day. Whatever you did wouldn’t be appreciated, and they’d say they would stop only if you joined the militia. I got angry and ended up joining the group,” he stated.
He joined the FDLR in 2017, initially believing it was a noble organisation with sound intentions and legitimate goals. But once inside, he realised they were deeply entrenched in genocidal ideology and engaged in destabilising activities. That’s when he started plotting how to escape.
He confirmed that their core activity was combat training and fighting, with the stated goal of overthrowing the Rwandan government because it is led by Tutsis.
The ex-combatant revealed that the group’s collaboration with the Congolese army, FARDC, gave the FDLR a significant role in the DRC during the conflict involving the M23 rebel group, which advocates for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese and is opposed by the government of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi.
“We were on the front lines while FARDC was positioned behind us. Sometimes they would mix us together, especially when we wore FARDC uniforms, making it hard to distinguish us. But when we returned to base, we were housed separately,” he said.
Ntawiheba revealed that battle planning was often led by FDLR senior commanders, who coordinated with FARDC officers in French to strategise combat operations.
A clear sign that the FDLR was leading the front lines was that, during attacks or battles, they were always the first to engage, while FARDC and Wazalendo forces followed behind.
Food supplies during combat missions were provided by FARDC, along with ammunition, weapons, and uniforms distributed to all fighters.
{{Six months of FDLR and FARDC cohabitation in military camps
}}
Officials at various levels of the Congolese government have repeatedly denied cooperating with the FDLR, but their actions and patterns of collaboration often speak louder than their statements.
Ntawiheba said the FDLR–FARDC alliance was kept highly secret, with many fighters on the ground unaware of its existence.
However, after M23 gained ground and advanced toward Sake, a decision was made to station all troops together in the same base.
“It was initially kept secret, but once we reached Sake, it became clear – we were together openly. At Bambiro, we stayed together for six months in the same military facility,” he added.
In addition to providing money, weapons, and other resources to FDLR fighters during combat, the DRC also reportedly promised them that once the M23 was defeated, it would support them in overthrowing the Rwandan government.
In March 2024, M23 initially captured several areas surrounding the town of Sake, located in Masisi territory, as well as parts of Goma in Nyiragongo territory.
The fighting intensified as M23 advanced toward Sake, especially since the opposing forces had been reinforced by troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and those from the United Nations special force known as the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
Ntawiheba disclosed that entering Sake required M23 to fight a brutal battle that claimed many lives among his comrades, with others seriously injured.
“A day I’ll never forget is when we fought in Madimba. It was an intense and violent battle. Where bullets fly, people are bound to die, and injuries are inevitable. To come out of that place without getting wounded or killed is reason enough to thank God,” he revealed
“What gave M23 an advantage over us was their unity. They prepared and executed their operations together, unlike the disorganised approach on our side, where there was no clear structure.”
He added that witnessing people die around him made him reflect and realise they were not fighting for a meaningful cause, but were simply being used as pawns by senior FDLR leaders.
Ntawiheba called on his former comrades still in the forest to make the decision to return home instead of wasting away in the bush, misled by lies spread by fugitives from justice who participated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The FDLR could now be disbanded if the DRC government fully commits to the deal signed on Friday between the DRC and Rwanda to neutralise the group.
The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., with Rwanda and the DRC represented by their respective foreign ministers, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, at a ceremony witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Donald Trump later hosted a follow-up presentation of the signed agreement in the Oval Office, accompanied by Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance, hailing the occasion as a “glorious triumph” after 30 years of conflict.
The historic accord was signed on Friday in Washington, D.C., with the two nations represented by their respective Foreign Ministers, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe of Rwanda and Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner of the DRC.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attended by key international mediators.
President Donald Trump hosted a follow-up presentation of the signed document in the Oval Office, accompanied by Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance, hailing the occasion as a “glorious triumph” after 30 years of conflict.
In a statement released the same evening, Guterres commended the leadership of the United States, particularly the role of President Trump and the U.S. Department of State, in facilitating the breakthrough, alongside mediation efforts by Qatar and African Union facilitator President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.
He also acknowledged contributions by regional blocs, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The UN chief urged both nations to fully honour their commitments under the agreement, consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025), which demands a cessation of hostilities and the resumption of diplomatic dialogue.
“The UN, including through its peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners,” Guterres said.
Coinciding with the signing, the UN Security Council convened on Friday to discuss the situation in the DRC. Bintou Keita, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of MONUSCO, welcomed the accord, describing it as a vital milestone in the quest for peace.
The agreement establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and outlines steps toward the neutralisation of the FDLR, a rebel group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda has long accused the DRC of supporting the FDLR, while Kinshasa alleges that Kigali backs the M23 rebel movement operating in its eastern provinces. Kigali has repeatedly denied the claims, urging the Kinshasa administration to resolve its internal issues without dragging Rwanda into its affairs.
“The first order of business is to begin implementation of the Concept of Operations for the Neutralisation of FDLR, to be accompanied by a lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures,” Minister Nduhungirehe said.
“This is grounded in the commitment made here for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias. That is the bedrock of peace and security in our region,” he noted.
The peace accord has also been welcomed by the African Union and several countries, including Israel, France, Ukraine and Qatar, among others.
The hospital shared the news on Friday via its official X platform, describing the procedure as a safe, minimally invasive solution designed to support adults struggling with weight loss through conventional means.
“Our hospital is proud to introduce Gastric Balloon Placement—a safe and effective procedure designed to help you achieve your health goals!” the hospital wrote.
The gastric balloon, which typically remains in the stomach for about six months, works by reducing stomach capacity, promoting a feeling of fullness, and helping patients adopt healthier portion control and eating habits.
The service is targeted at adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27 and 40 who have not seen results from diet and exercise alone.
In addition to the procedure, KFHR offers comprehensive patient support, including nutrition counselling and ongoing follow-up care to help ensure lasting outcomes.
This latest service is part of KFHR’s broader efforts to provide innovative, patient-centred care, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of specialised healthcare in the region.
📢 Exciting Announcement!
Now Offering Gastric Balloon Placement for Weight Management at KFHR!
Are you looking for a non-surgical, reversible solution to support your weight loss journey? Our hospital is proud to introduce Gastric Balloon Placement—a safe and effective… pic.twitter.com/AniGFFKmpG
— King Faisal Hospital Rwanda (@kfaisalhospital) June 27, 2025
The ceremony was attended by the families of those killed in the attacks as well as high-ranking Iranian officials and military commanders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Shamkhani, who was severely injured in the Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.
Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on Tuesday.
The mourners waved Iran’s flags while chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. They carried pictures of the “martyred” commanders and nuclear scientists, including Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, Chief Commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Division Amir Ali Hajizadeh and chief commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and his successor, Gholam Ali Rashid and Ali Shadmani respectively.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said at the ceremony that the United States and Israel proved that they failed to honor any of their commitments.
He emphasized that the Iranian armed forces were highly vigilant to give a decisive response to any “malicious action” or breach of promises by the “enemy.”
The burial ceremonies are scheduled to be held on Sunday.
The process to participate is simple. By dialing *240# and selecting option 3, anyone can purchase a ticket for the Impamo Jackpot and automatically enter the draw. The grand giveaway is scheduled to take place at the end of June, and every ticket bought before then will be eligible for the full prize.
What sets this jackpot apart is its guaranteed payout. Even if no participant manages to match all five winning numbers, the entire Frw 60 million will still be awarded. In that case, one lucky ticket holder will be randomly selected to take home the full amount. This approach ensures that someone’s life will change, no matter what.
Kalisa Chris Dylan, Head of Online Business at Inzozi Lotto, said the goal is not just to break records, but to offer a meaningful opportunity for people to dream big.
“We want to make sure this jackpot isn’t just about big numbers but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn your dreams into reality. Whether it’s through matching all five numbers or simply participating, this is your moment,” he noted.
Participants are encouraged to enter early and increase their odds by purchasing multiple tickets throughout the month. The more entries a player has, the higher their chances of being the lucky winner.
Since its launch in November 2021, Inzozi Lotto has become a household name in Rwanda.
Operated by Carousel Ltd. in partnership with the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Sports, it is regulated by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). All proceeds from the lottery go toward financing key national development initiatives.
Beyond the Impamo Jackpot, Inzozi Lotto continues to offer a range of games including Igitego Lotto, Shuwa Dilu, Quick Lotto, and Quick 10 — all of which give players multiple chances to win substantial prizes.
Tickets can be purchased via the Inzozi Lotto website (inzozilotto.rw), by dialing *240#, or through authorized agents across the country.
The first contingent had departed from eastern DRC on April 29, 2025, comprising 13 military vehicles and 57 accompanying soldiers.
The final group of SADC troops left Rubavu, located at the Rwanda-DRC border, on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, at around 9:00 a.m. This final phase involved vehicles transporting the remaining soldiers.
During this latest movement, IGIHE observed 15 vehicles carrying the troops as they departed.
[Related article: Additional SADC equipment withdrawn from Goma through Rwanda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/additional-sadc-equipment-withdrawn-from-goma-through-rwanda]
