In a statement, Carney said that the United States has been “transforming all of its trade relationships, including those covered under CUSMA, over the past 18 months,” and Canada has made a series of detailed and comprehensive proposals to resolve the dispute and modernize the CUSMA.
“We stand ready to intensify those discussions in the coming weeks,” said Carney.
The prime minister said that Canada believes in the benefits of free and fair trade and that the trade dispute has raised costs for families, particularly in the United States.
He voiced Canada’s readiness to engage intensively to address “outstanding issues with the United States to the mutual benefit of our citizens.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday that the U.S. administration’s announced intention to impose a new 50 percent tariff on a broad range of Canadian goods is “the latest in a series of unilateral U.S. trade actions in direct violation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).”
Gates was received at the facility by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, alongside other senior government officials.
The visit formed part of Gates’ trip to Rwanda, during which he has been engaging with government leaders, health workers, innovators, and researchers to better understand the country’s development model and explore how technology can further improve people’s lives.
During the visit, officials showcased the NHIC as the nerve centre of Rwanda’s healthcare system, where health data from across the country is centralized, processed, and analyzed in real time to provide a comprehensive picture of the nation’s health.
According to officials, the center has already delivered tangible improvements within its first year of operation by enabling health authorities to “shift from reactive to proactive decision-making”.
The Ministry of Health said insights generated by the platform have helped reduce patient waiting times across health facilities, improve emergency dispatch and ambulance response, strengthen disease surveillance and containment, and support more targeted allocation of healthcare resources.
Looking ahead, Rwanda plans to expand the center’s capabilities toward predictive health intelligence with support from partners, including the Gates Foundation. The next phase will focus on anticipating disease outbreaks, issuing intelligent early-warning alerts, and preventing health threats before they escalate.
By consolidating health data from across the country and applying advanced technologies, the ministry said the NHIC is strengthening Rwanda’s ability to provide high-quality, efficient, and responsive healthcare.
The National Health Intelligence Center was officially launched on April 3, 2025, on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit on Africa by Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana and Minister of State Dr. Yvan Butera, together with fellow African health ministers and development partners.
Located at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) headquarters in Kiyovu, the facility brings together medical doctors, data scientists, software developers, and programmers to analyze information collected from communities and health facilities nationwide.
Gates’ visit to the NHIC came a day after he met President Paul Kagame to discuss strengthening the Gates Foundation’s long-standing partnership with Rwanda. According to the Office of the President, their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in health, agricultural transformation, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure in line with Rwanda’s national development priorities.
Since arriving in Rwanda, Gates has also toured the TKMD syringe manufacturing plant in Rwamagana District, visited Mwulire Health Centre, and met community health workers to gain deeper insight into Rwanda’s primary healthcare system.
The Gates Foundation has worked with Rwanda for more than two decades, supporting programmes in healthcare, agriculture, nutrition, and innovation. Earlier this year, Rwanda became the first beneficiary of the Horizon1000 initiative, a $50 million artificial intelligence programme launched by the Gates Foundation in partnership with OpenAI to help African countries use AI to strengthen healthcare delivery.
During the visit, officials showcased the NHIC as the nerve centre of Rwanda’s healthcare system, where health data from across the country is centralized, processed, and analyzed in real time to provide a comprehensive picture of the nation’s health.The Ministry of Health said insights generated by the platform have helped reduce patient waiting times across health facilities, improve emergency dispatch and ambulance response, strengthen disease surveillance and containment, and support more targeted allocation of healthcare resources.The visit formed part of Gates’ trip to Rwanda, during which he has been engaging with government leaders, health workers, innovators, and researchers to better understand the country’s development model and explore how technology can further improve people’s lives.
The celebration, which is traditionally held on July 4, was postponed because several international conferences took place in Ankara during that period, leading to the temporary suspension of activities at many embassies.
Hosted in the Turkish capital, the event featured a cycling race, a road walk, a table tennis tournament, discussions on Rwanda’s liberation journey, and an evening cultural performance celebrating the country’s liberation.
Winners of the various competitions were recognized during the event. In the cycling tournament, Turkish participant Umut Akçaoğlu claimed first place, followed by Camille Niyonkuru in second and Pascal Nshuti in third. In the road walk competition, Lea Mujawimana finished first, ahead of Rulisa Briella and Laurence Uwonkunda Kayitare. In the table tennis tournament, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, emerged as the winner, while Nicole Cyuzuzo finished second.
A panel discussion was led by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, with contributions from Defence Attaché Col. Jean Paul Rulisa, Capt. Claudette Nishimwe, Commercial Attaché Lucas Murenzi, and Dr. Faustin Hategekimana.
The discussion focused on Rwanda’s liberation struggle, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of the young men and women of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) during the liberation war, as well as their contribution to rebuilding the country after ending the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Speakers also reflected on the opportunities available to today’s youth as a result of the inclusive leadership established after the genocide.
Addressing participants, Ambassador Charles Kayonga explained that Rwanda’s liberation struggle unfolded in different phases. He noted that the first phase ended on July 4, 1994, when the RPA defeated the regime responsible for planning and carrying out the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He emphasized that, although the military struggle ended 32 years ago, Rwanda continues another important battle, one focused on development, transformation, and sustainable national progress.
The ambassador urged participants to reflect on how discriminatory politics can lead a nation to tragedy, recalling the lessons of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He stressed that Rwanda’s 2003 Constitution firmly rejects all forms of discrimination and divisionism.
He further noted that good governance has enabled today’s young generation to grow up in a peaceful and united Rwanda. He encouraged them to appreciate the country’s remarkable development while remaining vigilant against divisive ideologies that continue to fuel instability and undermine citizens’ rights in parts of the region. He called on young people to actively reject all forms of divisionism and to safeguard Rwanda’s unity and achievements.
Speakers also reminded participants that the goal of any liberation struggle is not only to achieve victory but also to preserve its gains. Young people were therefore encouraged to remain committed to protecting the country’s achievements and contributing to its continued development.
The celebration also honored Rwandan students who recently completed their studies at different universities across Türkiye. They were commended for their hard work and academic success and encouraged to become exemplary professionals who will contribute to Rwanda’s future development.
The event concluded with cultural performances featuring songs and dances inspired by Rwanda’s liberation struggle, bringing the celebration to a festive close.
A panel discussion was led by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, with contributions from Defence Attaché Col. Jean Paul Rulisa, Capt. Claudette Nishimwe, Commercial Attaché Lucas Murenzi, and Dr. Faustin Hategekimana.Sports competitions were also part of the event. Winners of the various competitions were recognized during the event.Young people were encouraged to remain committed to protecting Rwanda’s achievements and contributing to its continued development.
Organized by Beth Model Africa, the Future Face Global East Africa Casting Tour is a regional scouting initiative aimed at discovering the next generation of modeling talent from East Africa. Throughout July 2026, the organization is conducting castings in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, searching for unsigned male and female models with the potential to represent Africa on the global fashion stage.
Jahn Affah, Project Lead and Creative Director at Future Face Global, said Rwanda was selected to host the casting because of its growing creative sector, youthful population and the untapped potential within its modeling industry.
“Rwanda has established itself as one of Africa’s fastest-growing creative and fashion markets, with a vibrant youth population and incredible untapped modeling talent. As Future Face continues its mission of discovering the next generation of African models, Rwanda was a natural choice to ensure we create opportunities for talented young people in East Africa to access the global fashion industry,” Affah said.
The Kigali casting, which was held on Saturday, July 18, attracted dozens of aspiring models who turned up hoping to impress the judging panel. Contestants were assessed on their natural appearance, confidence, runway presence and overall potential, with organizers emphasizing raw talent over glamour. Female contestants attended the auditions without makeup and wore high heels as required, while male contestants were evaluated based on the competition’s standards.
The event was filled with excitement as hopeful contestants patiently waited for their turn before the judges, each dreaming of becoming one of the successful candidates who will advance to the next stage of the competition.
Affah said the response from aspiring models across the region has been encouraging, with the level of interest highlighting the wealth of talent available in Africa.
“We’ve seen a high level of interest from aspiring models across East Africa, with many young people eager to showcase their potential. The quality of talent has been impressive, and it reinforces our belief that Africa is home to world-class models who simply need the right platform and exposure,” he said.
Among the participants was Hélène Kakoma, who described the experience as a major milestone in her modeling journey.
“This is more than just a casting for me. It is an opportunity to prove that I have what it takes to compete internationally. Being here has motivated me to work even harder, and I am grateful for the chance to showcase my potential,” she said.
Radji Djimadjibaye said participating in the casting was an unforgettable experience that exposed him to a professional modeling environment.
“I came here with confidence and a positive mindset. Meeting experienced scouts and competing alongside talented models has inspired me. Regardless of the outcome, I have learned a lot today,” he said.
For Erica Mutoni, the casting represented the possibility of turning a lifelong dream into reality.
“Fashion has always been my passion, and standing before international scouts is something I have always hoped for. I believe opportunities like this can transform lives, and I am proud to be part of it,” she said.
Model Nshogoza Jean Teckno also expressed optimism after completing his audition, saying the experience had strengthened his determination to pursue modeling professionally.
“Every successful model starts with an opportunity like this. I gave my best during the casting, and I am hopeful that the judges saw my potential. Whatever happens next, this experience has encouraged me to keep growing in the industry,” he said.
Alex Oke, Head of Scouts at Future Face Global, encouraged young people aspiring to join the modeling industry to remain confident, disciplined and committed to improving themselves.
“Believe in yourself, stay disciplined, and don’t let your background limit your dreams. Modeling is about much more than appearance. It is about professionalism, confidence, resilience and consistency. Keep developing yourself, remain authentic, and never stop learning,” Oke said.
He added that platforms such as Future Face Global are designed to help young talent bridge the gap between local opportunities and the international fashion industry.
The Future Face Global East Africa Casting Tour is considered one of the region’s leading talent discovery platforms, offering successful contestants opportunities to secure international representation, work with renowned agencies and compete on the global stage.
The judges are expected to complete the selection process before announcing the candidates who will advance to the next phase of the competition, bringing them one step closer to fulfilling their dreams of becoming internationally recognized models.
Hosting the Future Face Global East Africa Casting Tour reflects Zaria Court Hotel’s continued commitment to supporting Rwanda’s growing creative industry by providing a platform where talent, innovation, and opportunity come together. Beyond offering a venue, the hotel aims to create spaces where young creatives can connect with industry leaders, showcase their potential, and access opportunities that contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s creative and fashion ecosystem.
Organized by Beth Model Africa, the Future Face Global East Africa Casting Tour is a regional scouting initiative aimed at discovering the next generation of modeling talent from East Africa. The Kigali casting attracted dozens of aspiring models who turned up hoping to impress the judging panel. The Future Face Global East Africa Casting Tour is considered one of the region’s leading talent discovery platforms.Contestants were assessed on their natural appearance, confidence, runway presence and overall potential, with organizers emphasizing raw talent over glamour. The event was filled with excitement as hopeful contestants patiently waited for their turn before the judges.Model Nshogoza Jean Teckno also expressed optimism after completing his audition, saying the experience had strengthened his determination to pursue modeling professionally.Radji Djimadjibaye (second from right)said participating in the casting was an unforgettable experience that exposed him to a professional modeling environment.Hélène Kakoma, who described the experience as a major milestone in her modeling journey.
Over the past 10 years, the iconic facility has hosted some of the continent’s largest summits, welcomed more than 100 heads of state and government, created thousands of jobs, and built a supply chain that now sources nearly all of its goods locally.
For Nice Uwase, the Acting General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali, the journey began months before the official opening.
She joined the team nearly four months before KCC welcomed its first guests and was responsible for developing the commercial strategy for both the hotel and convention centre, including pricing, sales, and market positioning.
Looking back, Uwase describes the opening day as one of the defining moments of her career.
“It was an incredible experience. There was immense excitement, but also uncertainty because we didn’t know exactly what would come next. Watching the building finally completed and ready to welcome guests felt like a dream,” she told IGIHE in a recent exclusive interview.
Nice Uwase, the Acting General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali, describes the opening day as one of the defining moments of her career.
A debut on Africa’s biggest stage
Unlike most newly opened convention centres, KCC had no opportunity to test its operations through smaller events before taking on a major assignment.
Its first event was the African Union Summit, bringing together more than 30 heads of state alongside delegations from almost every African country.
“We never had the luxury of testing our systems to see what worked and what didn’t,” Uwase recalls.
“We opened and immediately hosted one of Africa’s biggest summits for heads of state. It was certainly not easy, but we successfully delivered.”
Home to Africa’s largest conferences
Since then, KCC has become the venue of choice for many of Africa’s flagship conferences.
The largest event hosted at the venue remains the 2019 International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA), which attracted about 9,000 participants, including around 7,000 who attended sessions held at KCC.
Other major conferences include the Women Deliver Conference, which brought together approximately 6,000 participants, while the annual Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) has consistently attracted between 4,000 and 5,000 delegates.
Several GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC) events have also been held at the venue, drawing between 2,500 and 4,000 participants, while the inaugural African Union Summit that marked KCC’s opening welcomed roughly 2,500 delegates.
Despite these milestones, Uwase says every event comes with its own unique expectations, meaning KCC never considers itself to have reached its full potential.
Uwase told IGIHE that unlike most newly opened convention centres, KCC had no opportunity to test its operations through smaller events before taking on a major assignment.
Delivering CHOGM
Among the landmark events hosted at KCC was the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), one of the most significant international gatherings ever held in Rwanda.
Uwase says the summit carried added importance because it marked only the second time in many years that CHOGM had returned to Africa.
“We wanted Rwanda to leave a lasting impression. Achieving that required close collaboration with many government institutions because although KCC hosted the event, its success depended on collective effort. I am grateful for the support from the country’s leadership because we could not have accomplished it alone.”
Welcoming more than 100 world leaders
Over the past decade, KCC has hosted more than 100 heads of state, government leaders, prime ministers and members of royal families, underscoring Rwanda’s growing role as a destination for high-level international diplomacy.
Creating jobs and strengthening local supply chains
Beyond conferences, KCC has also made a significant contribution to Rwanda’s economy.
Over the past 10 years, the facility has directly employed more than 2,000 people, while its operations have supported over 10,000 jobs across different sectors.
Its procurement strategy has also shifted dramatically. When KCC first opened, more than 95% of the products it used, including food, cleaning supplies and operational equipment, were imported.
Today, 98% of those supplies are sourced locally through a network of more than 300 Rwandan suppliers, most of whom provide locally manufactured products.
“We started by importing almost everything we used. Today, only about two percent of our supplies still come from abroad, and we are working towards sourcing everything locally.”
The remaining imports mainly consist of specialty products that are difficult to source in Rwanda.
Uwase cites Filini Restaurant, KCC’s Italian restaurant, as an example, explaining that certain ingredients must still be imported to preserve the authenticity of the cuisine. Some specialised technologies used in guest rooms also remain unavailable on the local market.
President Paul Kagame inaugurated the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) on July 8, 2016.
Growing business while investing in sustainability
According to Uwase, KCC’s business has expanded steadily over the past decade, recording average annual growth of more than 40%.
Between 60% and 65% of conference organisers return to host future events at the venue, while the Radisson Blu Hotel records a repeat customer rate of around 80%.
The convention centre has also generated nearly $1 million in savings through environmental sustainability initiatives, including water recycling systems, solar energy, and other resource-efficiency measures.
Looking ahead, KCC aims to source at least 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2036.
The facility also wants to contribute to Rwanda’s ambition of attracting one million conference delegates annually, helping the country’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry generate $1 billion in annual revenue.
Uwase says her ultimate ambition is for Rwanda and KCC to become synonymous with excellence in conference hosting.
“I want anyone planning a world-class conference with flawless execution to immediately think of Rwanda and the Kigali Convention Centre.”
When President Kagame inaugurated the Kigali Convention Centre, he described it as a major milestone in Rwanda’s journey to becoming a leading destination for international conferences. A photo from 10 years ago of President Kagame inspecting the Kigali Convention Centre shortly after its opening.Uwase told IGIHE that over the past 10 years, the iconic facility has hosted some of the continent’s largest summits and welcomed more than 100 heads of state and government.KCC has become the venue of choice for many of Africa’s flagship conferences.
In a statement issued on Monday, South Sudan’s Ministry of Interior said it had become aware of social media posts and media reports alleging that the country had adopted new immigration rules granting visa-free entry only to citizens of Egypt and Tanzania while introducing revised visa charges for other foreign nationals, including Rwandans.
The ministry rejected the claims, insisting that no changes had been made to the country’s immigration or visa policy.
“The Ministry of Interior unequivocally dismisses these claims as false, misleading, and without any official legal or administrative basis,” the statement said.
The clarification came after reports emerged that South Sudan had revised its visa policy, with Rwandans and citizens of several other East African countries expected to pay $50 (about Rwf 74,000) for a single-entry visa, $125 (Rwf 184,000) for a three-month multiple-entry visa, and $250 (Rwf 368,000 )for a six-month multiple-entry visa, while travellers from Tanzania and Egypt would be exempt from visa requirements.
The reports also indicated that travellers from most other African countries would pay $100 for a single-entry visa, with higher charges for multiple-entry visas.
The information sparked concern across the region, particularly among EAC member states, as it appeared to contradict the bloc’s commitment to facilitate the free movement of people, labour and services.
However, South Sudan said neither Interior Minister Gen. Aleu Ayieny Aleu nor the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration had issued any directive or policy introducing such changes.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan has not promulgated any increasing or restricting visa-free entry exclusively to the nationals of Egypt and Tanzania, nor has it approved the visa fee structure currently circulating in the media,” the ministry said.
It added that any amendments to immigration regulations would only be introduced through established legal procedures and communicated through official government channels before taking effect.
The ministry urged the public, diplomatic missions, airlines, development partners, media organisations and the international community to disregard the reports and rely only on official government communications regarding immigration policies.
South Sudan joined the East African Community in 2016. Under the EAC Common Market Protocol, partner states are working toward the free movement of people, labour, goods and services across the regional bloc, although implementation of the agreement varies among member states.
South Sudan said neither Interior Minister Gen. Aleu Ayieny Aleu nor the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration had issued any directive or policy introducing such changes.
The additional 50 percent ad valorem duties on certain dairy products, alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles and related goods will become effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (0401 GMT) on August 19, according to documents posted on the White House website. Energy products, potash, fish and critical minerals will be exempt from the tariff.
In a proclamation concerning motor vehicles and related products, Trump said Canada has maintained a 25 percent tariff on imports of U.S. motor vehicles that do not qualify for preferential, duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) since April 9, 2025. Canada also maintains a tariff-rate quota on U.S. motor vehicles that qualify for preferential, duty-free treatment under the USMCA.
Following the implementation of the tariff measures, Canadian imports of U.S. motor vehicles fell by about 22 percent, from approximately 25.9 billion U.S. dollars between April 2024 and March 2025 to around 20.3 billion dollars during the same period of 2025-2026, according to the proclamation.
“Canada only applies the tariff scheme to U.S.-origin motor vehicles,” Trump said, claiming that Canada’s tariff policy discriminates against the U.S. commerce and puts American businesses at a disadvantage compared with those of other countries.
In early July, the United States declined to renew the USMCA at the agreement’s mandatory six-year joint review. The trade pact will now be subject to annual reviews, potentially through 2036, unless all three parties agree to extend it.
The additional 50 percent ad valorem duties on certain dairy products, alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles and related goods will become effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (0401 GMT) on August 19.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed Ebola cases had been reported in at least 16 sites hosting more than 270,000 displaced people across Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak.
OCHA said the world body and its partners were supporting displaced communities through prevention and awareness activities, such as installing handwashing stations and conducting community outreach on Ebola prevention measures.
As of Saturday, DRC health authorities had reported 2,344 confirmed Ebola cases across five provinces. Ituri accounts for nearly 90 percent of the confirmed cases, according to OCHA.
The office continued its call for increased international support to sustain the Ebola response and life-saving assistance to displaced communities already facing years of conflict, displacement, and deteriorating living conditions.
Red Cross workers bury an Ebola victim at the Rwampara Cemetery, in Rwampara, DR Congo, Saturday, May 23, 2026.
French Prosecutor Aude Duret emphasised that without the steadfast dedication of CPCR founders Alain Gauthier and his wife, Dafroza Gauthier, who personally travelled to Rwanda to gather evidence and eyewitness testimonies from where the crimes occurred, many perpetrators would have evaded prosecution entirely.
Since its creation in 2001, CPCR has filed complaints against numerous key figures, including Dr. Sosthène Munyemana, Laurent Bucyibaruta, Pascal Simbikangwa, Octavien Ngenzi, Tito Barahira, Claude Muhayimana, Philippe Hategekimana, Fabien Neretse, and Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo. Most have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking to IGIHE, Alain Gauthier expressed satisfaction with the Paris Assize Court’s decision to uphold the 27-year prison sentence initially handed down on October 30, 2024. He said his thoughts remain with the civil parties represented by CPCR, including more than 500 victims from Ndora, as well as others from Kigali, Butare, and Gishamvu.
Politicisation tactics rejected
Gauthier said that throughout the trial, Dr. Rwamucyo and his defence team attempted to portray him as an innocent victim of renewed diplomatic relations between Rwanda and France, claiming CPCR was merely a tool of the Rwandan government. According to Gauthier, the claims were deliberate attempts to distract the court from the specific charges against Rwamucyo.
“But it was Rwamucyo who was on trial. He had to answer for his role in burying bodies in dozens of mass graves in and around Butare,” Gauthier stated.
“And then there was his speech on May 14, 1994, during Jean Kambanda’s visit. His words were unambiguous. Yet Rwamucyo and his lawyers tried to plead innocent. An untenable stance given the clarity of the facts.”
On the night of July 17 to July 18, the court acquitted Rwamucyo of genocide and crimes against humanity as a perpetrator, but convicted him of complicity in both crimes.
Gauthier stressed that this distinction does not diminish Rwamucyo’s responsibility in the Genocide against the Tutsi, as French law treats perpetrators and accomplices with equal severity.
“A judicial truth has been delivered. The essential work is done, and we accept this decision,” he said.
He further rejected Rwamucyo’s claim that he supervised the burial of Tutsi victims solely for public health reasons, saying witness testimonies showed there was no epidemic in Butare that justified such measures.
Dr. Rwamucyo and his defence team also repeatedly criticised Rwanda’s Gacaca courts, arguing that they did not deliver proper justice and attempting to discredit Gacaca judgment records as potentially fabricated.
Gauthier said the seven lawyers representing Dr. Rwamucyo either lacked knowledge of Gacaca or deliberately chose to ignore its crucial role in delivering justice to survivors.
“Rwamucyo’s seven lawyers understood nothing or chose not to understand the irreplaceable role of Gacaca,” Gauthier said. “Above all, it also showed a total lack of familiarity with Rwanda and its culture. French justice, even while recognising the weaknesses of the Gacaca procedure, respects it.”
The case of Agathe Kanziga and broader challenges
French courts have prosecuted and convicted several high-profile Rwandans from different sectors, including politicians, intellectuals, and security officials.
Gauthier expressed concern over how highly educated individuals, including medical professionals sworn to save lives, became involved in killings during the Genocide against the Tutsi. He said influential figures played a role in mobilising ordinary people to participate in the violence.
He noted that other intellectuals are still awaiting trial in France, including Dr. Charles Twagira, originally from the former Kibuye Prefecture, and Dr. Alphonse Karemera from Butare.
However, Gauthier raised concerns that investigating magistrates in France could dismiss investigations into other Rwandan suspects, as previously happened in the case of Agathe Kanziga, the widow of former President Juvénal Habyarimana.
He warned that delays in pursuing suspects create serious challenges for future cases, as ageing witnesses make it increasingly difficult to collect reliable testimony.
“For future cases, it is clear that it will become increasingly difficult to gather testimonies for the reasons you mentioned,” Gauthier explained. “The CPCR, like judges, faces the same issue. We have to deal with it, but we must be aware that investigating will become harder and harder.”
He added that as evidence collection becomes more difficult, more perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi risk escaping justice.
“That is the sad reality,” he said.
In May 2026, a French appeals court ordered the reopening of the genocide investigation into Agathe Kanziga, which had been closed the previous year, following an appeal by the prosecution.
Gauthier, who filed the initial complaint against Kanziga in 2007 through CPCR, cautioned that the court’s decision does not guarantee that the case will ultimately proceed to trial, given the length of time it has taken.
“But it is not at all certain that this will ever lead to a trial,” Gauthier said. “We have waited too long. Our complaint dates back to 2007, so there is very little hope on that front. The same goes for [Laurent Serubuga].”
Despite these challenges, Alain Gauthier reaffirmed that CPCR will continue its pursuit of justice without seeking recognition, urging Rwandans to draw inspiration from the organisation’s work in building a reconciled society for the well-being of all.
For 25 years, Alain and Dafroza Gauthier have pursued individuals suspected of involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to France, through their organisation CPCR.
According to the Office of the President, the meeting focused on accelerating cooperation in health, agricultural transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital public infrastructure in line with Rwanda’s national development priorities.
“This evening in Kigali, President Kagame met with Bill Gates, Founder and Chair of the Gates Foundation. They discussed strengthening the Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Rwanda, including accelerating collaboration in health, agricultural transformation, AI, and digital public infrastructure to advance Rwanda’s development priorities,” the Office of the President said in a statement posted on X.
The meeting formed part of Gates’ multi-day visit to Rwanda, which is aimed at gaining deeper insight into the country’s progress in healthcare, agriculture, innovation, and digital transformation.
Earlier on Monday, Gates visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Microsoft founder laid a wreath at the final resting place of more than 250,000 victims buried at the memorial before touring its permanent exhibitions.
According to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Gates learned about the planning and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi, its devastating human impact, and Rwanda’s journey of recovery, reconciliation, and rebuilding over the past three decades.
Gates has also visited the TKMD syringe manufacturing plant in Rwamagana District, a facility contributing to Africa’s capacity to locally manufacture essential medical supplies. During his visit, he also toured Mwulire Health Centre and met with community health workers to learn more about Rwanda’s primary healthcare system and community-based health model.
Ahead of the visit, Gates commended Rwanda’s development progress, pointing to sustained investments in people, strong institutions, and effective service delivery. He highlighted major gains in health over the past two decades, including an 80 percent reduction in under-five mortality and an 85 percent decline in maternal deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth since 2000.
The Gates Foundation has partnered with Rwanda for more than 20 years, supporting initiatives in healthcare, agriculture, nutrition, and innovation. Earlier this year, Rwanda became the first beneficiary of the Horizon1000 initiative, a $50 million artificial intelligence programme launched by the Gates Foundation in partnership with OpenAI to help African countries leverage AI to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Gates has said his visit is intended to provide an opportunity to engage with government leaders, researchers, innovators, frontline health workers, and communities to better understand Rwanda’s development model and how technology can be harnessed to improve people’s lives.
The meeting between President Paul Kagame and Bill Gates focused on accelerating cooperation in health, agricultural transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital public infrastructure in line with Rwanda’s national development priorities.
