In a statement, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the authorities “had been monitoring throughout February and early March the entry of drones from inside Ethiopian territory, engaging targets within Sudan.”
The ministry described these actions as “condemned and unacceptable hostile behavior, representing a flagrant violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and a clear act of aggression against the Sudanese state.”
Khartoum warned the Ethiopian authorities of what it termed “the consequences of these hostile acts,” affirming that it reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the means it deems appropriate, according to the statement.
This marks the first time the Sudanese government has announced direct official accusations against Ethiopia of interfering in the ongoing war in Sudan.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023 and has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions inside Sudan and across its borders.
Smoke billows after drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the northern port in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, Sudan, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (AP Photo)
Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil trade, poses challenges for oil-importing countries worldwide, including Rwanda. However, he noted that Kigali has activated contingency plans to prevent immediate disruptions for consumers.
Heavy strikes by the United States and Israel began on February 28, 2026, with Iran retaliating against neighboring countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The escalation has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20 percent of globally traded oil.
Speaking to the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, Sebahizi highlighted the immediate impact on petroleum products.
“Nearly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through that corridor. Countries that rely on imported petroleum products will inevitably be affected,” he said, noting that much of the fuel supplied to East Africa transits through this route.
Rwanda, a landlocked country dependent on imports, is working with suppliers to ensure that shipments already in transit reach the country without delay, and to strengthen national reserves.
“We are coordinating with importers to ensure that fuel shipments already in transit, particularly those that have cleared the conflict-affected routes, arrive promptly. The objective is to build sufficient stock so that if tensions ease within the coming months, we will have maintained stability in the domestic market,” Sebahizi explained.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and facilitates the daily passage of between 16 and 21 million barrels of oil. Major exporters under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, rely heavily on this corridor to supply Asian markets.
Fuel prices in Rwanda have already risen in recent months, with petrol at Rwf 1,989 per litre and diesel at Rwf 1,900 per litre since November 2025. Sebahizi said the government is taking steps to ensure that adequate reserves are maintained to reduce exposure to supply disruptions.
He added that private investors have committed to building additional storage facilities, which will allow Rwanda to hold larger fuel reserves in the future.
“We must accelerate the development of storage infrastructure so that, in the future, the country can hold fuel for longer periods and reduce vulnerability to external shocks,” Sebahizi said.
The minister also noted that authorities are reviewing trade strategies, including diversifying sourcing options for goods imported from Asia, to manage potential disruptions or price increases in global markets.
Minister Sebahizi says closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses challenges, but Rwanda has plans to avoid immediate fuel disruptions.
On March 2, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against the RDF as an institution and four senior military officials; Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga; Army Chief of Staff Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi; Commander of the RDF Special Operations Force, Brig Gen Stanislas Gashugi; and Commander of the RDF’s Fifth Division, Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi.
In early December 2025, Rwanda and the DRC signed the Washington Accords in Washington, D.C., aimed at restoring peace in eastern DRC.
Despite the agreements, however, a DRC-allied coalition—including the genocidal FDLR militia, mercenaries, Burundian soldiers, and Wazalendo militia, has continued launching attacks on AFC/M23 positions and densely populated areas using ground and drone offensives.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, which resumed fighting in 2021 to defend the rights of marginalized Tutsi communities targeted by the DRC government after previous talks failed.
The United States statement imposed sanctions, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23, allegations Kigali has consistently denied, while urging the Democratic Republic of the Congo to end its collaboration with the FDLR, which has launched attacks on Rwandan territory on multiple occasions.
During the fighting in DRC, Rwanda was targeted multiple times, prompting the country to establish defensive measures along its border.
In its statement released on March 2, 2026, the Rwandan government insisted that the sanctions unfairly target only one party to the peace process while ignoring violations by the DRC side.
“The sanctions issued today by the United States unjustly targeting only one party to the peace process misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” reads the statement.
“Consistent and indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives constitute clear violations of ceasefire agreements by the DRC, and continue to cost many lives. Protecting Rwanda is a badge of honour which the Rwanda Defence Force carries very proudly,” the statement adds.
Since the Washington Accords were signed on December 4, 2025, Rwanda has repeatedly affirmed its readiness to comply, stating that its defensive measures will only be lifted once the DRC has fully dismantled the FDLR.
In the statement released today, Rwanda has again reaffirmed its full commitment to the Washington Accords.
“The DRC committed, in the Washington Accords, to an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for the FDLR and associated militias, but have not taken any steps to do so. […]
“Rwanda welcomes the resumption of the implementation process, including the Joint Oversight Committee, which requires an even-handed approach from all partners. Rwanda remains committed to delivering on all aspects of the Washington Accords, including the Regional Economic Integration Framework,” the statement concluded.
The fighting in eastern DRC, prompted Rwanda to set up defensive measures along its border.
Founded five years ago in Belgium and headquartered in Luxembourg, CTC collaborates with the European Business University of Luxembourg to provide specialized training and internationally recognized certifications.
In an interview with IGIHE, founder and CEO Nzamutuma Janvier outlined the company’s journey, which began by training a single individual and grew to delivering over 90 certifications in 2024.
“As CTC expands, we see an increasing number of beneficiaries entering the workforce. The more enrollments we have, the more our learners find professional opportunities,” he explained.
Driven from the start by the ambition to expand into Rwanda, Nzamutuma registered the company with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
For him, February 28 marks a historic milestone: ten students graduated in Kigali, including seven Rwandans and two international students from South Africa and Nigeria.
“Everything starts modestly. We began with a single learner in Belgium and Luxembourg; today, we have nearly 200 beneficiaries. Starting with ten graduates in Rwanda is already a great achievement,” he said.
Nzamutuma believes Rwanda’s economic development offers a favorable environment for training highly skilled experts capable of meeting the growing demands of the financial sector.
He also thanked CTC’s partners, emphasizing that their collaboration ensures internationally recognized certifications and skills tailored to labor market needs.
Emmanuel Habarugira, an employee in the financial sector at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), is among the first graduates trained in Kigali. He discovered CTC through an article run by IGIHE, contacted the founder, and traveled to Europe for further information.
According to him, the training perfectly aligns with his professional field, particularly in combating illicit financial flows, ensuring fund traceability, and meeting regulatory compliance requirements.
“Although I studied economics at university, the training provided by CTC allowed me to deepen and broaden my knowledge, with a more practical approach adapted to professional realities,” he said.
He believes these courses are essential in a context where Rwanda’s financial sector is rapidly growing and requires experts with international qualifications.
An international reach
CTC’s fifth cohort included participants from countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Finland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Canada, Burundi, Senegal, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Germany, Spain, and Togo.
Finally, Nzamutuma highlighted that the growing interest in these programs is partly due to changes in European financial regulations since 2008, which have strengthened requirements for compliance and transparency.
Nzamutuma Janvier , the founder and CEO of CTC speaking at the official launch. Habarugira Emmanuel, one of graduates sharing his experience.
The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change over time in prices received by domestic producers for their goods and services, essentially the price at which products leave the factory gate.
The annual increase was largely driven by strong price growth in mining and utilities. Mining and quarrying prices rose 20.4 percent year-on-year, while electricity, gas and steam supply surged by 34.8 percent. Manufacturing prices recorded a more moderate annual increase of 2.5 percent.
On a monthly basis, the General PPI rose 1.1 percent compared to December 2025, mainly due to a 1.2 percent increase in manufacturing prices. Mining and utility prices remained unchanged over the month.
The data also reveals a divergence between domestic and export markets. Producer prices for locally sold goods increased by 2.8 percent year-on-year and 1.3 percent month-on-month. Electricity costs played a significant role in the annual rise, while manufacturing prices for local sales rose marginally by 0.2 percent.
Export prices, however, climbed sharply by 15.3 percent compared to January 2025. This growth was largely supported by higher mining prices, which account for more than half of the export index weight. Despite the strong annual growth, export prices declined by 1.3 percent month-on-month, reflecting a 3.1 percent drop in manufacturing export prices.
Overall, the January figures suggest that while producer prices remain elevated, particularly in export-oriented sectors, inflationary pressures at the production level are more moderate than the double-digit increases recorded in mid-2025. The continued rise in electricity prices remains a key structural factor influencing production costs across the economy.
Rwanda’s export prices rose sharply by 15.3 percent compared to January 2025, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI).
Scheduled from March 7 to March 8, 2026, the event will take place at Grotta Resort in Musanze District, offering participants a unique opportunity to relax, connect, and enjoy a variety of health and wellness activities.
This will be the first edition of the event, designed to help attendees unwind, socialize, and gain valuable insights through expert-led discussions on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The sessions will cover topics relevant to women, men, and couples, aiming to promote overall well-being.
Participants will also have the chance to engage in recreational activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, beach soccer, and pickleball. In addition, the resort will provide access to its wellness facilities, including a Jacuzzi, massages, a fire pit, gym, infrared sauna, and specially prepared nutritious meals that highlight Grotta Resort’s signature approach to health.
Families are encouraged to attend, as arrangements have been made for children to enjoy their own activities in a safe and supervised environment, allowing parents to fully participate in the event. Ticket options vary, with a single or double room for one night priced at Rwf 585,000, a premium room at Rwf 825,000, and a family room accommodating up to three people at RwfF 900,000 per night.
Grotta Resort is among the most modern resorts in Musanze District, with 26 fully equipped rooms and facilities that promote relaxation, wellness, and family bonding. Fitnesspoint, a leading fitness center in Kigali, operates three major branches in Kimihurura, Remera, and Gacuriro, offering comprehensive facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.
Scheduled from March 7 to March 8, 2026, the event will take place at Grotta Resort in Musanze District. The event will allow participants to relax, connect, and enjoy a variety of health and wellness activities.Grotta Resort is located in Musanze District.
The facilities, with a combined capacity of 17,500 cubic meters, are being built on six hectares in Rusororo, Gasabo District at an estimated cost of Rwf65 billion. They are expected to start supplying gas by July 2026.
The project supports Rwanda’s national goal of reducing reliance on wood-based fuels, improving public health, and strengthening resilience to climate change.
Abdul Rahman, the project’s construction manager, told RBA that the new storage facilities will allow large quantities of gas to be preserved efficiently and provide benefits to consumers.
“The gas will be transported in trucks carrying 20 to 25 tons, stored in these large tanks, and then distributed to daily-use facilities and cylinders for customers,” Rahman explained.
He added that the tanks will also allow other gas distributors in Rwanda to source supplies locally, helping to lower prices.
“With a storage capacity of 17,500 cubic meters, the country will have two main advantages; a secure national supply during emergencies or global market disruptions, and the ability to reduce prices through bulk storage and distribution,” he said.
Rahman further noted, “Currently, we import 200–300 tons at a time. With the new tanks, we can bring in 1,000 to 4,000 tons, creating room for better negotiations with suppliers. This will reduce costs for industries and eventually for consumers.”
Local gas distributors have welcomed the project, highlighting its benefits for both businesses and customers.
Jean Damour Ntibutura said, “Previously, we faced high transport costs and limited supply, which raised prices. Once these tanks are operational, new investors may also build smaller local tanks, improving supply and stabilizing costs.”
Dr. Joseph Akumuntu, Chairperson of the Rwanda Petroleum Importers and Distributors Association (ASSIMPER), described the storage facilities as a solution to fluctuating gas prices.
“The tanks will provide transparency and stability, ensuring everyone knows supply levels and reducing price discrepancies,” he said.
Plans are also underway to make gas more affordable by allowing citizens to purchase smaller quantities according to their budgets.
The facilities, with a combined capacity of 17,500 cubic meters, are being built on six hectares in Rusororo, Gasabo District.
Bestowed on only a handful of industry leaders in the GSMA’s history, the honour recognises contributions that have left an enduring and defining mark on the global communications ecosystem.
The award was presented at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in the distinguished presence of His Majesty Felipe VI, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, and global industry leaders.
A visionary in the telecom sector, Sunil Bharti Mittal has built Bharti Airtel into one of the world’s leading mobile operators, with operations across India and Africa, ranking among the top three globally and serving over half a billion customers.
He pioneered the expansion of mobile services across emerging markets and served as Chairman of the GSMA from 2017 to 2018, where he championed policies that encouraged investment and innovation while strengthening the industry’s commitment to connecting the unconnected and advancing digital inclusion.
He was previously honoured with the GSMA Chairman’s Award in 2008 and again in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the global mobile industry and was felicitated at Mobile World Congress in February 2019 in recognition of his Chairmanship.
Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed delight at receiving the award and thanked the GSMA for the recognition.
“I accept it not only as a personal milestone, but as a tribute to India’s telecom journey, the collective spirit of Bharti, and the rise of Indian telecom companies on the global stage. Equally the award reflects the progress of an industry that has connected billions and belongs to the customers we serve, the teams who built our institutions, and the partners who believe in the transformative power of connectivity.
“Telecommunication is a force that expands opportunity, places essential services in the palm of every individual and unlocks human potential. Helping shape its evolution into a powerful accelerator of modern progress has been a privileged responsibility. As innovation accelerates, we will continue to work with our partners & stakeholders to ensure that growth advances equity and creates lasting opportunities for generations to come,” he noted.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a rare honour, bestowed only on select individuals whose leadership and innovation have left an enduring mark on the industry.
Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 600 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa. The company also has its presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through its associate entities.
The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa.
Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile, Wi-Fi (FTTH+ FWA) that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, video streaming services, digital payments and financial services.
For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, and cloud-based communication.
Airtel’s digital arm – Xtelify, empowers telcos globally to leverage the power of AI, data and technology to accelerate their digital transformation and drive growth.
Xtelify also offers Airtel Cloud in India enabling enterprises with a sovereign, telco-grade cloud platform that guarantees secure migration, effortless scaling, lower costs and no vendor lock-ins. Within its diversified portfolio, Airtel also offers passive infrastructure services through its subsidiary Indus Tower Ltd.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, receives the GSMA Lifetime Achievement Award from Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Local sources say the offensive was launched from Kilongo, in Osso Banyungu groupement of Masisi Territory. After hours of clashes, Congolese troops and Wazalendo fighters withdrew from Buhimba, retreating west toward Ngenge.
The fighting forced many residents to flee. Civilians in Ngenge and Kangati, fearing further advances, began moving toward forested areas and nearby localities including Kimua.
AFC/M23 escalated operations after government forces reportedly killed its military spokesperson, Lt Col Willy Ngoma, near Rubaya on February 24, 2026. Since then, the group says it has retaken several positions around Rubaya, accusing Kinshasa of breaching a ceasefire agreement signed in Qatar.
On March 1, four drones targeted Bangoka International Airport in Kisangani. Authorities said the drones were intercepted by the military.
Reports attribute the attack to AFC/M23, mirroring a similar incident reported last month.
Although Bangoka airport mainly serves civilian flights, part of the facility is used by the Congolese military, with its runway supporting combat aircraft and drones conducting operations in North Kivu and South Kivu.
The AFC/M23 rebel coalition recaptured the Buhimba trading center in Walikale Territory, following heavy fighting with forces.
He succeeds Eric Karekezi Ngabonziza, who had served as acting CEO since January 7 following the departure of Botswana’s Thapelo Tseole.
Ngarambe assumes this role at an important stage in the continued development of Rwanda’s capital markets, as CMA advances its mandate to build sound, efficient and inclusive markets that support long-term investment and contribute to national economic growth.
Marc Holtzman, Chairman of CMA, welcomed Ngarambe on his appointment, expressing full confidence in his abilities.
“Romeo brings over 13 years of international experience as a strategic finance and investment leader, with a proven track record in commercial growth, capital markets operations and corporate advisory across multinational organisations.
“He has demonstrated strong expertise in shaping financial strategies, strengthening governance frameworks and developing performance measures aligned with institutional objectives while upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance.”
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, added: “Mr. Ngarambe has shown exceptional capability in leading cross-functional teams, producing data-driven insights to support executive decision-making, building strategic partnerships and improving operational efficiency in dynamic, client-focused environments.”
Prior to his appointment, Ngarambe held senior finance leadership roles at Corning Inc., where he oversaw budgeting, forecasting, reporting, investment analysis and governance initiatives across multiple operations.
He also served at Deloitte & Touche LLP as a Senior Business Risk Consultant, leading capital markets and advisory assignments, including due diligence, structured finance reviews and investor protection engagements.
Ngarambe holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Toccoa Falls College. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Hortense Mudenge, Rwanda Finance CEO and CMA Vice Chairperson welcomed the appointment as a significant milestone.
He expressed confidence that strengthened collaboration between the Kigali International Financial Centre, the Rwanda Stock Exchange and the Capital Markets Authority will accelerate efforts to attract international investment and deepen the competitiveness of Rwanda’s capital markets.
Ngarambe’s appointment reflects CMA’s continued commitment to strong institutional leadership as the Authority works to strengthen market confidence, reinforce regulatory effectiveness and advance Rwanda’s long-term capital market ambitions.
Romeo Ngarambe is the new CEO of Rwanda’s Capital Market Authority (CMA).
