While many of these projects have traditionally been driven by experienced investors, a growing number of young entrepreneurs are stepping into the real estate sector, answering national calls to play a more active role in development.
Among them is Prime Gate Developers, a company represented by engineer Delphin Tuyishime. Working with a team of young professionals, the firm has launched an ambitious housing project known as Sahara Residence.
The 12-storey building is being constructed near Lemigo Hotel, just five minutes from Amahoro Stadium and about 10 minutes from the city centre.
Tuyishime, who chairs the company’s board, partnered with Augustin Kabandana and investor Gerard Mpyisi to bring the project to life. Construction officially began on April 25, 2026.
Explaining what inspired the idea, Tuyishime pointed to the role locals often play in projects initiated by foreign investors.
“I noticed that foreigners come here to invest, and we are the ones implementing their projects. In the end, they benefit from ideas that originate from us,” he said.
He added that his experience in Dubai, where the housing sector is highly developed, pushed him to think about applying similar concepts back home.
“Having seen how advanced real estate is in Dubai, I told myself we should be doing the same in our country. That’s when I reached out to partners and we began working on how to make this project a reality,” he explained.
For Gerard Mpyisi, the project was not immediately convincing. “To be honest, when they first presented the idea to me, I thought it was impossible,” he said. “I challenged them to go and secure all the required construction permits, and within a short time, they came back with everything ready.”
He revealed that the land where the building is being constructed had originally been reserved for his family, but they eventually agreed to repurpose it.
“My family didn’t understand it at first when I told them the property would be redeveloped. But when I showed them what was planned here, they accepted without hesitation. In two years, you will see an outstanding building on this site,” he said.
Prime Gate Developers currently employs more than 40 young professionals under the age of 30, working in areas such as architectural design, marketing, and technology. The company is led by CEO Dr. Egide Igabe, who previously played a role in introducing electric public transport during his time at Volcano Express.
The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) has welcomed the initiative, describing it as aligned with national housing priorities.
“We need more investors like Prime Gate Developers, especially those focusing on residential housing,” said RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe. “Under NST2, we are required to build over 500,000 housing units. As RHA, we are committed to working with investors to ensure Rwandans have access to quality, well-regulated housing.”
Residents of Sahara Residence will enjoy views of different parts of Kigali.
What Sahara Residence will offer
Sahara Residence is designed as a mixed-use development. The ground floor and first level will accommodate commercial spaces, including restaurants, offices, and retail outlets.
Located in Kimihurura, the building sits close to the Kigali Convention Centre, one of the city’s key business hubs.
From the second to the 12th floor, the building will feature modern apartments equipped with essential amenities, including spacious living areas, fitted kitchens, and en-suite bedrooms.
Residents will also have access to a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and ample parking. In total, the development includes 111 units, with 101 available for sale. About 70% have already been purchased, with the remaining units expected to be sold within a month.
Investment in the property starts at $126,000. Buyers can make an initial payment of between 20% and 30%, with the remaining balance payable in installments of 1%.
According to the developers, the project offers an annual return on investment ranging between 12% and 18%, positioning it as both a residential and investment opportunity.
The company says its team remains available to provide guidance and detailed information to interested investors through its official channels.
Sahara Residence will have 12 floors.Sahara Residence will be among the high-rise buildings in Kigali. Residents of Sahara Residence will enjoy views of different parts of Kigali.Prime Gate Developers is set to construct a building that will enhance Kigali’s skyline.Each apartment in Sahara Residence will have a spacious living room.The apartments include a designated dining area.The residential units will come fully equipped with essential amenities.Early buyers will have the opportunity to customize the interior design of their units.One-bedroom units will include modern beds.A ground-floor area in Sahara Residence is designated for a restaurant. Sahara Residence will feature a fully equipped gym.There is dedicated space for various business activities.The lower section is reserved for restaurants and other commercial activities.Gerard Mpyisi is among the key partners in the construction of Sahara Residence and other projects by Prime Gate Developers.Gerard Mpyisi said the determination shown by the youth convinced him to support them. Prime Gate Developers has several projects aimed at transforming housing in Kigali. Eng. Delphin Tuyishime emphasized the need for Rwandans to invest in real estate Prime Gate Developers aims to build residential housing in different parts of Kigali. Gerard Mpyisi said the project has been thoroughly planned and will be completed within a short time.
Alphonse Rukaburandekwe shared details about the standards for modern building design. Construction of Sahara Residence is expected to take two years. Sahara Residence is expected to contribute to the NST2 development programme.Gerard Mpyisi and Alphonse Rukaburandekwe launched the construction of Sahara Residence.Eng. Delphin Tuyishime presented the construction idea to Gerard Mpyisi.Flavia Bwiza is the head of sales and marketing at Prime Gate Developers.Chairman Eng. Delphin Tuyishime and CEO Dr. Egide Igabe of Prime Gate Developers.Investors in Sahara Residence are promised attractive and timely returns.Alphonse Rukaburandekwe pledged support to Prime Gate Developers.Dr. Egide Igabe assured partners of transparent operations. RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, Prime Gate Developers CEO Egide Igabe, and investor Gerard Mpyisi, a key partner in the project. The site for Sahara Residence has already been prepared for construction.Augustin Kabandana is a member of the Board of Prime Gate Developers.
The Israeli military said in a statement on Saturday afternoon that it had killed more than 15 Hezbollah militants over the weekend.
In another statement, the IDF said it struck Hezbollah infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon earlier Saturday, and will continue to operate decisively against threats in accordance with directives from the political echelon.
According to the local news website Lebanon Debate, one person was killed and another wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Hadatha in southern Lebanon on Saturday night.
Earlier in the day, Israeli aircraft struck Hadatha twice within less than 10 minutes.
Israeli warplanes also carried out airstrikes on the village of Zebqine, the town of Bazourieh, the town of Al Sultaniyah, and the Dabsha area near a waste treatment facility in Khirbet Selm, Lebanese media reported.
Also in the day, the Israeli army carried out a controlled explosion in the town of Khiam, while reportedly dismantling solar panels and damaging municipal vehicles in the border town of Debel.
On Saturday evening, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News quoted Israeli security officials as saying that they fear the ceasefire with Lebanon could collapse.
The sources added that Israel demands that the United States put pressure on the Lebanese army to act against Hezbollah in areas north of the Israeli-controlled “security strip” in southern Lebanon, which stretches, according to Israeli statements, from the western coast to the Mount Hermon area and the Syrian border in the east.
The violence came despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect at midnight between April 16 and 17, following weeks of intensified cross-border fighting linked to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the current 10-day ceasefire would be extended by three weeks.
Israeli soldiers patrol along the border with southern Lebanon, in the Upper Galilee of northern Israel, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to forcefully strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Around 300 million years ago, Earth looked very different. The continents were joined into a supercontinent called Pangaea, and vast swampy forests covered much of the land.
During this time, many animals and plants thrived in the high‑oxygen environment and among them were insects with astonishingly large bodies.
Some of these creatures, often called griffinflies, were dragonfly-like insects with wingspans reaching about 70 centimeters (27 inches) far larger than any flying insect alive today.
Insects don’t breathe like humans do. Instead of lungs, they rely on a complex network of tubes called the tracheal system, which carries oxygen directly to their muscles and tissues.
At the tiny ends of these tubes are structures called tracheoles, where oxygen enters the cells. Scientists once thought that bigger bodies needed much more oxygen and that only an oxygen‑rich atmosphere could support such huge insects.
However, in the new study published in the journal Nature, researchers used advanced electron microscopy to examine how insect body size relates to the space occupied by tracheoles in flight muscles.
They found that even in very large insects, tracheoles make up a surprisingly small portion, often only about 1% or less of the flight muscle volume. That tiny proportion suggests that oxygen delivery through the tracheal system wasn’t a limiting factor in how large insects could grow.
Because tracheoles take up so little space, insects could theoretically increase the number of these tubes without facing serious physical constraints.
In comparison, animals like birds and mammals depend on networks of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that take up much more space in muscle tissue. This difference further supports the idea that oxygen levels weren’t the main barrier to giant insect size.
These findings don’t completely rule out oxygen’s influence on insect evolution, but they do show that the old explanation was too simple.
Scientists now need to explore other possibilities that might explain why insects grew so large in the past and why such giants no longer exist today.
Possible ideas include changes in predators, environmental conditions, or the inherent limitations of insect body structures.
Giant prehistoric insects may not have needed extra oxygen to grow so large after all.
Located about 17 kilometers from downtown Kigali, Gasogi sits in Ndera Sector of Gasabo District and has increasingly attracted interest from both residents and prospective settlers.
Gasogi covers three cells: Cyaruzinge, Rudashya, and Bwiza. Before entering the neighborhood, visitors are welcomed by the market area commonly known as ku Mulindi.
As you continue uphill toward Gasogi Hill, you will find shops selling a variety of goods, along with several small businesses that reflect the determination of residents to improve their livelihoods.
Further ahead is an area known as ku Ikona, a commercial center once considered the heart of Gasogi. Many important community activities used to take place there before the expansion of the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Many people first came to know Gasogi because of a school formerly called Collège de l’Espoir de Gasogi. It was a secondary school located in Cyaruzinge Cell, but it was later converted into a primary school.
Although that once-famous institution no longer exists in its original form, another school, the School of Tourism and Hotel Management of Gasogi (ES/TH Gasogi), has since gained prominence and become one of the leading educational institutions in Ndera Sector.
Others became familiar with Gasogi through Radio 1 and TV1, owned by KNC, who also resides in the area. It would be fair to say that he has played a significant role in promoting Gasogi. For more than a decade, hardly a day passes on his radio station without mention of the neighborhood.
When discussing education in Gasogi, it is impossible not to mention Hope Haven Christian School, founded by Hollern Susan, who also serves as its director.
Located in Rudashya Cell, Hope Haven Christian School is among the respected private schools in Rwanda. It has supported many nearby families by offering free education opportunities to their children.
This year, the school outperformed many others in innovation projects involving robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). It also earned the honor of representing Rwanda in international competitions scheduled to take place in the United States and Switzerland.
From a higher viewpoint, Gasogi can be seen as an area with modern residential development.
Tarmac roads transform Gasogi
One of the main challenges that previously affected residents of Gasogi was the lack of improved roads, which often turned muddy during the rainy season and dusty during the dry season.
To address this, the City of Kigali constructed a tarmac road linking Mulindi to Kabuga. The project is now in its final phase, with ongoing works focusing on pedestrian walkways and drainage systems.
After the completion of this main road, further development efforts shifted to the residents themselves, who began mobilizing resources to build additional roads within their neighborhoods.
Through a community initiative known as “Reliable Family,” residents first came together to support one another in daily social matters such as mutual assistance and solidarity during events. Over time, the group evolved into a platform for local development.
Kayumba Fred, the coordinator of the initiative, told IGIHE: “We said that since the government had given us a main road, how could we make good use of it without ending up with dirty and poorly maintained streets in our neighborhoods? That is when we decided to construct an 800-meter road ourselves.”
The road starts from Cyaruzinge center and connects to the main highway. Its construction was funded through a partnership between residents and the City of Kigali. Seventy-five residents contributed 64 million Rwandan francs, covering about 30% of the total cost, while the City of Kigali covered the remaining amount. The total project cost exceeded 202 million Rwandan francs.
For street lighting, residents raised Rwf 13 million to install electricity infrastructure, pay technicians, and purchase a transformer worth Rwf 7 million. Streetlights and poles were provided as support from the City of Kigali.
After this road was completed, residents continued to develop additional feeder roads connecting to it, with households near each road taking responsibility for improving access routes to their homes.
In total, four roads have been paved and equipped with streetlights, each measuring about 360 meters. The lighting infrastructure alone cost over Rwf 12 million per road, bringing the total cost of street lighting to nearly Rwf 50 million.
Residents also take responsibility for maintaining the roads whenever they are damaged, including organizing repairs and monitoring their use.
These improvements have enabled public transport to reach Gasogi, especially for residents traveling to areas such as Remera and Kimironko, where many go for work and business activities.
In Cyaruzinge Cell, a dedicated water intake point was also established to supply water to Inyange Industries, which processes drinking water and produces various juice products.
Gasogi is also widely known for Gasogi United FC. Some people even associate the area with the club itself. Founded in 2016, the team initially competed in the second division under the name Unity FC. In its first season, it played as Unity of Gasogi, before becoming a full member of FERWAFA.
The club has played a key role in popularizing Gasogi, as many football fans came to know the area through it, largely thanks to its president and co-founder, Kakoza Nkuriza Charles (KNC).
KNC has also contributed to the area’s social life and development, including the rise in popularity of a well-known bar called “Ijuru rya Gasogi,” which once attracted visitors from different parts of Kigali.
In recent years, Gasogi has also seen the growth of hospitality services, including two hotels Novaland Hotel and Mountain Blue which have significantly improved the image of the area.
Novaland Hotel is one of the developments that has enhanced the appeal of Gasogi.
Land prices and housing in Gasogi continue to rise sharply
Anyone who visited Gasogi in 2013 would have easily mistaken it for a rural area. At the time, even many residents of Kigali did not consider it a place for residential living; it was mainly associated with farming and livestock activities.
During that period, a plot of land measuring between 300 and 700 square meters could be purchased for between Rwf 1 million and Rwf 3 million. Today, the same plots cost between Rwf 30 million and Rwf 50 million, and in some cases, prices can rise to around Rwf 80 million depending on location and characteristics of the land.
A standard residential house in Gasogi now costs between Rwf 70 million and Rwf 150 million. Renting such a house ranges from Rwf 300,000 to Rwf 350,000 per month.
These houses typically feature four bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, an indoor kitchen, three bathrooms with toilets, an outdoor kitchen, a parking space, and a garden.
A two-storey house is even more expensive, costing between Rwf 150 million and Rwf 200 million. It usually includes four bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, an indoor kitchen, three bathrooms with toilets, a parking area, a garden, and an external annex.
Despite the rapid development in Gasogi, residents still face challenges related to water access. In some areas, households can go up to four days without access to running water for daily use.
Gasogi still has plots of land available for purchase.Gasogi has experienced significant population growth over the past decade.Gasogi Hill is shared by three cells: Cyaruzinge, Bwiza, and Karubibi.In most areas of Kigali, almost every place you visit shows noticeable changes when you return the following day.Gasogi features new buildings, including those dedicated to commercial activities.Commercial buildings are mainly concentrated along the roadside.The area known as “Ku Ikona” is a busy commercial hub where various types of businesses operate.The building at “Ku Ikona” is among the most recent developments in Gasogi.Before drainage channels are covered, measures are put in place to allow residents to safely cross them.The tarmac road was greatly needed by the residents of Gasogi.Infrastructure developments, including fuel stations, are currently being constructed in Gasogi.ITS Kigali is a school located in Gasogi that specializes in Information Technology, hospitality, and tourism studies.ITS Kigali is a school that was established in Gasogi before the area experienced significant development.A bar known as “Ijuru rya Gasogi” played a significant role in making Gasogi widely known to many people.You no longer need to leave Gasogi to learn driving skills.
Many residents of Gasogi prefer building multi-storey houses in order to align with the city’s master plan.Those who can afford it also add gardens in front of their homes.Gasogi is gradually becoming as expensive as other parts of Kigali City.Areas that were once farmland before 2013 are now occupied by modern buildings.The number of people engaged in various businesses in Gasogi has significantly increased.
Modern construction continues to grow steadily in this area.A small market is awaiting renovation.Modern houses in Gasogi can be rented for more than 600,000 Rwandan francs per month.Residents built a road in Gasogi themselves.Neighborhood roads in Gasogi are constructed by the residents themselves.This is one of the roads in Gasogi that residents built and also equipped with street lighting themselves. Those who recognized its potential early chose to settle in Gasogi, especially as Kigali City continues to expand.Residents repair and maintain the roads themselves whenever they are damaged.Many houses located along the roadside are used for commercial activities. Gasogi is located close to Kigali International Airport.From a broader perspective, Gasogi stands out as a well-developed area within Kigali. Many newly built houses are designed to accommodate more than one family.Rental apartments targeting middle- and high-income residents can also be found in Gasogi.The construction style in Gasogi reflects modern urban standards in Kigali.Some roads in Gasogi still require further improvement and maintenance.Residential housing is rapidly increasing in this area.In areas that are not yet fully developed, some farmland is still cultivated by residents. Gasogi has become one of the most densely populated areas.
Some people choose to move into rental houses and gradually purchase them over time.Anyone who gets the opportunity to build in Gasogi tends to adopt modern construction standards.These are some of the shops where small-scale businesses operate in Gasogi.
Construction sites in the area are closely located near shops selling building materials.Some unpaved roads continue to hinder smooth movement and connectivity.That is one of the modern houses in Gasogi.Anyone intending to build in Gasogi is required to follow modern construction standards.Hope Haven Christian School is one of the modern educational institutions in Rwanda.
The film Ben’Imana has been selected for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, specifically in the prestigious “Un Certain Regard” section, dedicated to distinctive storytelling and emerging voices in world cinema.
Written by Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, the film stands among the most accomplished productions made in Rwanda to reach this level.
In a brief interview with IGIHE, she expressed her excitement:
“It is a great joy because, for the first time in the history of Rwandan cinema, a film made entirely in Rwanda has reached the level of Cannes. It is a project I have worked on for a long time, I have grown with it over the past 10 years before its release.”
This marks the first time a film directed by a Rwandan woman has been selected in the festival’s official lineup, offering strong hope for the continued growth of Rwanda’s film industry.
The film tells the story of Veneranda, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi, who struggles to rebuild her life while coping with deep trauma from her past.
Through this narrative, the filmmaker explores powerful themes such as memory, resilience, and intergenerational transmission.
The selection of Ben’Imana in the “Un Certain Regard” section reflects the festival’s continued interest in original stories from countries whose film industries are still emerging.
This section is well known for discovering new talent and showcasing films that bring fresh social and cultural perspectives.
Beyond being selected, Ben’Imana will also open the “Un Certain Regard” section.
A delegation of 12 people from Rwanda will represent the film on May 19 — a key moment at Cannes, during the iconic red carpet ceremony known in French as the “montée des marches,” followed by the film’s official premiere before an audience of international press and leading figures in global cinema.
Ben’Imana also carries a strong pan-African dimension. It is co-produced by Gabonese producer Samantha Biffot, alongside Rwandan and international partners.
This collaboration highlights the growing strength of African film cooperation.
Beyond its artistic value, the film’s selection confirms the rise of an ambitious Rwandan cinema, one capable of telling universal stories while remaining deeply rooted in its own history and truth.
Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, director of the film Ben’Imana.The cinematography of Ben’Imana was handled by Mostafa El Kashef
Reports said detonations were also heard in Mopti, Gao, Sevare, and Kidal. Earlier in Kati, a garrison town in Mali’s Koulikoro Region near the capital, two powerful explosions were heard between 5:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) and 5:30 a.m. (0530 GMT), waking up some residents in Bamako.
“A deafening noise woke up our whole neighborhood early this morning,” a resident of Kati told Xinhua. Local sources said detonations were still being heard in some areas, while residents were staying indoors amid fear and uncertainty.
According to a security source, the incidents were believed to be coordinated attacks targeting positions of the Malian Armed Forces. The situation remained unclear, and no official statement or casualty report was immediately available.
Strong explosions and gunfire were reported early Saturday in several cities in Mali, including Kati and areas of Bamako, local sources said.
According to the statement, in addition to Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, who was reappointed earlier by President Denis Sassou Nguesso, the new government comprises one deputy prime minister, three ministers of state and 37 ministers.
Among them, Jean-Jacques Bouya, former minister of state for territorial planning and major works, was appointed deputy prime minister in charge of infrastructure development and territorial planning.
Pierre Oba, former minister of state for mines and geology, was appointed minister of state at the presidency in charge of political affairs. Former Minister of State for Trade, Supply and Consumption Claude Alphonse Nsilou was appointed minister of state for construction, urban planning and housing, while former Minister of State for Land Affairs and State Property Management Pierre Mabiala was appointed minister of state for civil service, labor and social dialogue.
In the presidential election held on March 15, Sassou Nguesso won re-election with 94.9 percent of the vote. According to the Constitution, the president is required to appoint a new prime minister to form a government.
Former Prime Minister Makosso and his government submitted their resignation on April 17, which was accepted by the president. On April 23, the presidency announced Makosso’s reappointment as prime minister, tasking him with forming a new government.
In the presidential election held on March 15, Sassou Nguesso won re-election with 94.9 percent of the vote.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that on April 23, 2026, it facilitated the voluntary return of the first group of 462 Congolese refugees who had been living in Busuma refugee camp in Ruyigi Commune.
The repatriation follows discussions between representatives of Burundi, the DRC, and UNHCR. These talks came after Burundi reopened the Gatumba border in March, which had remained closed for nearly four months due to security concerns.
According to UNHCR, clashes that took place in the Ruzizi Plain late last year forced more than 100,000 Congolese civilians to seek refuge in Burundi, where they were hosted in camps located across different parts of the country.
Jean-Jacques Elakano, the Deputy Governor of South Kivu Province appointed by the DRC government, said the refugees had been living in extremely difficult and inhumane conditions.
He stated, “Our fellow citizens were living in conditions unfit for human beings, almost like hell. The return of this first group will certainly encourage others to come back as well. They need to feel safe and be welcomed by their families so they can reintegrate smoothly into their communities of origin.”
Refugees in the camps in Burundi also faced serious shortages of food and clean water. More than 40 Congolese refugees died in December 2025 from diseases linked to poor sanitation, while others attempted to flee by crossing the Ruzizi River because the border was still closed at the time.
Congolese refugees in Burundi begin repatriation after nearly four months of hardship.Congolese refugees crossing through the Gatumba border.They were welcomed by leaders from various institutions in South Kivu.
The move follows a week of heightened economic pressure, including new sanctions on shipping companies involved in transporting Iranian oil.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the mission, stating that the U.S. is prepared for “in-person conversations” to move toward a permanent deal, even suggesting that Iran had requested the direct encounter.
However, the nature of the engagement remains a point of intense diplomatic dispute. Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Tehran issued a firm denial of direct contact.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei clarified in a statement on X that “no meeting is planned” to take place between Iranian and U.S. officials.
Instead, Iran maintains that it will only convey its “observations” through Pakistani intermediaries, highlighting the deep-seated mistrust that has defined the relationship since the 1979 Revolution and the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
Pakistan continues to play a pivotal role as the “bridge” in this conflict, leveraging its unique diplomatic ties with both Washington and Tehran.
While U.S. negotiators express hope that this round of talks will lead to a breakthrough, the conflicting accounts from both capitals underscore the immense challenges of de-escalating a war of aggression that has disrupted regional peace and global trade for 57 days.
US negotiators to go to Islamabad, but Iran says no direct talks.
Speaking during a dinner debate at the 2026 World Policy Conference (WPC) in Chantilly, France on Friday evening, Kagame highlighted that the world has never truly offered a fair and stable order, particularly for Africa and the Global South.
He explained that even during periods when the global order appeared stable, deep imbalances persisted.
“There have always been inequalities. There have always been points of conflict,” Kagame said. He added that it has long been taken for granted “that what happens in the global south will always be dependent on and determined by the global north.”
Kagame described the prevailing structure as one in which major powers act freely when their interests are threatened, while smaller and middle powers face blame, punishment, or criticism.
“The smaller powers, the smaller countries, the middle powers, are just supposed to pull the line. Simple,” he stated.
He noted that Africa has been affected by this imbalance “anyway, all along” and not only during times of visible crisis.
“It has been affected even when things look stable globally, under this structure where it is do as I say and as I tell you, and that’s it. Otherwise, there will be consequences,” Kagame observed.
Turning to the question of legitimacy in the international system, he asked: “Who decides what is wrong, who decides what is right, and on what basis? Is it just that you have the power, therefore you will decide what is wrong and what is right?”
Kagame acknowledged that the old order was “a work in progress” but stressed that today’s fragmentation has exposed its weaknesses.
He warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East carries serious risks for the wider world, including Africa.
“The situation is very bad. And the big powers need to quickly find a solution. Otherwise, it generates into a bigger problem for the whole world,” he said, pointing to rising oil, food, and fertilizer prices “affecting millions, hundreds of millions of people.”
The Head of State also spoke about Africa’s own path forward. He encouraged the continent to look inward, saying: “The continent needs to look at what it has, almost everything. The people, the other resources, and the good cultures that can be drawn from a lot of knowledge and practices that make people proud of who they are.”
He added that Rwanda’s reconstruction showed the value of starting with internal efforts: “We looked within and found the efforts to rebuild our country, even if we had to be partners with different people and we got a lot of support, but we had to start with ourselves.”
Kagame emphasized that everyone, including small countries, should have space to contribute.
“Everyone should have some space to express themselves and contribute what is good for everyone and for the rest of the world,” he said.
On regional issues, including efforts to address tensions in Eastern DR Congo, Kagame called for patience and depth.
“The problems cannot be addressed overnight. Crisis cannot be overcome in such a short time,” he remarked. “But there is a need to look at the root causes of everything and then give time to dialogue for people to find a win-win kind of solution.”
Founded in 2008, the WPC aims to contribute to improving global governance; examining, discussing, and proposing constructive solutions to major regional and international challenges, in a climate of trust and a spirit of tolerance.
This year’s meeting (18th edition) is held from April 24–26, 2026, at Domaine Les Fontaines in Chantilly, France under the theme, “Between Fragmentation and Interdependence: Rethinking Global Governance.”
It addresses major issues like global trade, AI, and conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
President Kagame has questioned who defines right and wrong in an imbalanced international system.
