However, statements attributed to former French President François Mitterrand indicate that he did not believe the RPF had a motive to assassinate Habyarimana at a time when the Arusha Peace Accords were paving the way for the movement’s participation in government.
The aircraft carrying Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down as it approached Kigali after the two leaders had attended a regional summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
At the time, Rwanda was implementing the Arusha Peace Accords, which were intended to end hostilities between the government and the RPF.
As part of the agreement, 600 RPA soldiers had already been deployed to the CND building in Kigali to protect RPF officials who were expected to join a broad-based transitional government.
The accords envisioned power-sharing arrangements that would integrate the RPF into state institutions, including the executive and legislative branches, while also providing for the integration of government forces and the RPA into a unified national army.
The assassination of Habyarimana, however, was followed by the Genocide against the Tutsi, during which more than one million people were killed in a period of 100 days.
Records from a French Cabinet meeting held on June 22, 1994, show that Mitterrand regarded Habyarimana as a central figure in Rwanda’s political transition.
According to the meeting notes, France had supported the Rwandan government while encouraging negotiations with the RPF through the Arusha process.
Mitterrand reportedly noted that the agreements reached in Arusha appeared favourable to the RPF, which was on the verge of entering government institutions.
For that reason, he suggested that the assassination may have been the work of Hutu hardliners opposed to the peace process.
Similar conclusions have appeared in other accounts. A previously classified report by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reportedly indicated that the attack on Habyarimana’s aircraft may have been carried out by extremist elements within the former government forces, including members of the presidential guard.
The report also alleged that those groups had access to anti-aircraft weapons capable of carrying out such an operation.
This was also explored in Stepp’d in Blood: Akazu and the Architects of the Rwandan Genocide Against the Tutsi, a book by investigative journalist Andrew Wallis.
According to Wallis, individuals within the president’s inner circle feared losing political influence as Habyarimana moved toward implementing the Arusha agreements.
Wallis writes that, two days before the plane crash, Habyarimana informed his chief of staff, Enoch Ruhigira, that preparations should begin for the swearing-in of a new government that would include a broader range of political actors rather than members of the Akazu network alone.
The author argues that the proposal alarmed influential figures close to the president, prompting urgent consultations among senior military officers and political allies who opposed the power-sharing arrangement.
Mitterrand also maintained that French troops deployed in Rwanda should focus on protecting civilians rather than becoming involved in combat operations.
Nevertheless, France’s role during the conflict has remained the subject of intense debate. Critics have long argued that French forces worked closely with the former Rwandan army during the conflict and later facilitated the escape of some perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Operation Turquoise, launched by France in June 1994, involved approximately 2,500 troops deployed in southwestern Rwanda.
While France has described the mission as a humanitarian intervention, critics argue that it created a corridor through which members of the former army and Interahamwe militia fled into what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mitterrand was considered as a father figure to Habyarimana.
The event, organised by the GSMA, had been scheduled to take place in Kigali from June 16 to 18, bringing together leaders from across the global mobile and digital technology ecosystem, including handset manufacturers, software companies, equipment providers and internet firms.
In a statement, the GSMA said it had decided to postpone the event but did not provide a reason for the move.
“We recognise the inconvenience this may cause to our participants and appreciate their understanding,” the organisation said.
“A new date will be announced in due course, and we look forward to convening the African continent’s most influential connectivity event again soon.”
The Mobile World Congress is widely regarded as the world’s largest and most influential event for the connectivity and mobile industry. In addition to Kigali, the congress is held annually in Barcelona, Shanghai and Las Vegas.
The postponement comes just weeks before thousands of delegates were expected to arrive in Rwanda for the three-day gathering, which has become a key platform for discussions on digital transformation, innovation and connectivity across Africa.
Last year’s edition, held at the Kigali Convention Centre from October 21 to 23 under the theme “Converge, Connect and Create,” attracted more than 4,000 delegates from 109 countries. The event featured discussions on emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, investment opportunities and the future of Africa’s digital economy.
The event, organised by the GSMA, had been scheduled to take place in Kigali from June 16 to 18, bringing together leaders from across the global mobile and digital technology ecosystem, including handset manufacturers, software companies, equipment providers and internet firms.
Constantine made the remarks on Thursday morning, June 4, 2026, as the team departed Marrakech for Casablanca before travelling on to Cairo, Egypt.
The national team had spent two days in Marrakech and was scheduled to face Comoros and Tanzania in international friendly matches on June 6 and June 9. However, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) announced that both matches had been cancelled due to security concerns.
Speaking about the decision to relocate the camp to Egypt, Constantine said the team still needed valuable training time ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
He explained that the team would spend four to five days in Egypt working with the players while also exploring the possibility of arranging a friendly match.
According to the coach, securing an international friendly would be ideal, although a match against a club side would also serve the team’s preparations. He stressed that the primary objective was to continue training and help the players prepare adequately for the AFCON qualifiers.
Asked why Rwanda opted to continue its preparations in Egypt while some other teams returned home, the coach revealed that efforts had been made to organize friendly matches in Kigali against Uganda and Tanzania, but the plans did not materialize.
Constantine noted that Cairo was a convenient stop on the team’s route back to Rwanda and offered suitable training facilities as well as local support.
He said the coaching staff had explored the possibility of hosting Tanzania and Uganda for friendly matches in Kigali, but Uganda was unavailable while Tanzania planned to release its players back to their clubs.
As a result, the team chose between returning to Kigali for training or continuing preparations in Egypt.
He emphasized that maintaining the training camp in Egypt was more beneficial than ending preparations altogether, arguing that returning home immediately would have wasted the resources, time and effort already invested in the camp. He insisted that the team needed to continue training in order to remain focused on its objectives.
The Amavubi coach believes the additional training period will help his squad build chemistry, particularly new players such as Noam Emeran Fritz, who received his first call-up to the national team.
The squad also includes newly appointed Brazilian goalkeeping coach Ramos Dal Solio Rogerio.
Amavubi’s training camp in Egypt is expected to conclude on June 11, 2026.
Constantine explained that Amavubi would spend four to five days in Egypt working with the players while also exploring the possibility of arranging a friendly match.
The launch event brought together corporate executives, diplomats, transport operators, first-time car buyers, and automotive enthusiasts to witness the arrival of a vehicle that Akagera Motors believes will redefine perceptions of the Mahindra brand in Rwanda.
For more than two decades, Mahindra has built its reputation in Rwanda through rugged pickup trucks and heavy-duty SUVs known for their durability and reliability. The introduction of the XUV 3XO signals the company’s move into a new category aimed at urban motorists, young professionals, growing families, and technology-conscious drivers.
Speaking during the launch, Roopak Gorajia, Sales and Marketing Director of Akagera Motors, described the vehicle as a milestone for both Mahindra and the Rwandan automotive market.
“Most people know Mahindra as a pickup brand. We have been very strong with pickups and the big SUVs. Now Mahindra has introduced this compact SUV that is tech-savvy, rich in equipment, and updated to meet modern lifestyle needs. This is a game-changer for Mahindra as it enters a new segment they haven’t played in before in Rwanda,” he said.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO arrives with a long list of premium features rarely found in its price segment.
A technology-driven compact SUV
The Mahindra XUV 3XO arrives with a long list of premium features rarely found in its price segment.
Among its standout technologies is a 360-degree camera system, providing drivers with a complete view around the vehicle through cameras positioned at the front, rear, and side mirrors.
The vehicle is also equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane change assist, adaptive acceleration and deceleration, and stop-and-go functionality. According to Gorajia, the system can automatically intervene to help prevent collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles ahead.
Additional safety features include six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors, disc brakes on all four wheels, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality.
One of the vehicle’s most innovative features is its blind-view monitor. When the driver activates a turn signal, a live camera feed of the intended side appears directly on the digital instrument cluster, helping eliminate blind spots during lane changes and turns.
The introduction of the XUV 3XO signals the company’s move into a new category aimed at urban motorists, young professionals, growing families, and technology-conscious drivers.
Premium comfort and connectivity
Designed to appeal to modern consumers, the XUV 3XO combines advanced technology with premium comfort.
The compact SUV features dual 10-inch digital displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, online navigation, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and 65W USB-C fast charging ports capable of powering laptops.
Inside, passengers are welcomed by full leatherette seats, soft-touch dashboard and door trim materials, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system with seven speakers, amplifier, and dedicated subwoofer.
A panoramic skyroof further enhances the cabin experience, creating an open and spacious feel uncommon in compact SUVs.
On the exterior, the vehicle features full LED lighting, including LED signature daytime running lights, bi-projection headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED tail lamps, complemented by 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Designed to appeal to modern consumers, the XUV 3XO combines advanced technology with premium comfort.
Efficiency meets performance
Powering the XUV 3XO is Mahindra’s 1.2-litre turbocharged mStallion petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine produces 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque while delivering fuel efficiency of approximately 18 kilometres per litre.
Gorajia noted that the timing of the vehicle’s introduction aligns with changing consumer priorities.
“Petrol prices have gone up, so fuel efficiency is critical. This 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine offers excellent mileage and allows customers to travel further using less fuel, making it ideal for the current economic environment,” he explained.
Competitive pricing and financing options
Akagera Motors announced a tax-free price of Rwf 27 million for the Mahindra XUV 3XO, while the fully tax-paid retail price stands at Rwf 39 million.
To improve accessibility, the company has partnered with several financial institutions, including Bank of Kigali, Ecobank, Equity Bank, Access Bank, GT Bank, and I&M Bank, to facilitate vehicle financing.
Customers can begin the financing process directly at Akagera Motors by selecting a vehicle and obtaining a proforma invoice before approaching their preferred bank for loan processing. The company also maintains a partnership with Mayfair Insurance to provide customers with preferential insurance rates.
Building on Mahindra’s Legacy
During the event, Senthil Ganesh Shanbagamoorthy, Managing Director of Akagera Business Group (ABG), emphasised that the XUV 3XO builds upon Mahindra’s long-established reputation for durability while embracing the expectations of today’s automotive buyers.
“For almost 30 years, Akagera Motors has been committed to bringing quality automobile solutions to the Rwandan market at accessible prices,” he said.
“What has made us stand out is our relationship with customers. In an industry where many competitors have come and gone, Akagera has remained a reliable and trustworthy partner. We stand behind every vehicle, every customer, and every promise we make.”
He described the XUV 3XO as a vehicle that combines modern design, advanced technology, safety, comfort, and value for money.
Senthil Ganesh Shanbagamoorthy, Managing Director of Akagera Business Group (ABG), emphasised that the XUV 3XO builds upon Mahindra’s long-established reputation for durability while embracing the expectations of today’s automotive buyers.
Mahindra’s next chapter in Rwanda
According to Gorajia, Mahindra’s reputation in Rwanda has been built on vehicles that remain operational for more than 15 years and frequently exceed 500,000 kilometres of service.
The XUV 3XO seeks to transfer that same reliability into a contemporary family SUV designed for urban lifestyles.
“It is for first-time buyers, young couples, new families, and anyone who wants more features with fewer problems,” he said. “The technology and mechanics are proven.”
The vehicle comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of five years or 150,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
As Mahindra expands beyond its traditional workhorse image, Akagera Motors believes the XUV 3XO is well-positioned to capture growing demand for feature-rich, fuel-efficient compact SUVs in Rwanda.
The all-new Mahindra XUV 3XO at Akagera showroom in Kicukiro. The unveiling of the vehicle marks a major shift for the Indian automotive brand as it enters Rwanda’s growing compact SUV segment.
Beyond automobiles, Akagera Motors is part of the larger Akagera Business Group (ABG), one of Rwanda’s most diversified privately-owned conglomerates. Established in Rwanda in 1997 and transformed into Akagera Business Group in 2008, the company has expanded far beyond vehicle sales into multiple sectors serving consumers, businesses, and institutions across the region.
Today, ABG operates across ten major sectors of the consumer market: Automotive, Electronics, FMCG Trading, Media, Health, Construction, Industrial / Energy, HVAC, Security, and Hospitality. The group represents 150+ international brands and maintains operations throughout East Africa.
The launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO comes as Akagera Business Group prepares to mark three decades in Rwanda.
“We are committed to Rwanda and Rwandans. We don’t come to make a quick profit, we bring quality products and stand by our customers for the lifetime of the product and the company,” Gorajia said.
The XUV 3XO seeks to transfer Mahindra’s reputation of reliability into a contemporary family SUV designed for urban lifestyles.
“It’s very, very hard to get it … but nevertheless, I want to get at it,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Despite recent strikes in the region, he said that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire taking effect in early April remains in place, suggesting that it is possible an interim deal could be reached “over the weekend” as the ongoing talks are advancing.
“The negotiation itself has gone very well – actually, very well – even if it happens, and it might not happen, but if it happens, it could happen like over the weekend,” Trump said.
“A ceasefire there is much different than a ceasefire in other parts of the world,” he said. “You know, I’d say in that part of the world, a ceasefire is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner.”
Meanwhile, Trump claimed that Iranian officials have “changed their mind a couple of times, but as it stands now, we will go in sometime in the not-too-distant future.”
Iran’s naval forces have targeted the “command center” on a U.S. destroyer in the Gulf of Oman in response to U.S. “violations of the regulations” of the Strait of Hormuz and its “hostile” actions against Iranian vessels, state-run IRIB TV reported Wednesday.
Minutes later, the U.S. Central Command denied the claim on X.
Trump has said U.S., Iran to jointly dig out Iran’s buried nuclear material
Officially inaugurated by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and French President Emmanuel Macron on June 2, 2026, the monument is being described as “a light that has been lit in the city of Paris.”
On the evening of June 2, 2026, French and Rwandan authorities officially inaugurated the memorial, named Les Archives, erected along the banks of the Seine River in the heart of Paris in tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The ceremony was attended by President Emmanuel Macron, Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, senior officials from the French and Rwandan governments, Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo, IBUKA-France President Marcel Kabanda, and numerous representatives of survivors’ associations.
Speaking to IGIHE, several IBUKA leaders from Europe and Rwanda expressed their satisfaction, saying the memorial will help the international community better understand the true history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
IBUKA-France President Dr. Marcel Kabanda described the memorial as “a light lit in Paris” that will help dispel the darkness of ignorance and genocide denial.
“This memorial is like a light that has been lit in the city of Paris so that people may emerge from the darkness surrounding this history. That darkness is sustained by genocide deniers. They create a fog, but this memorial illuminates the way, enabling people to learn about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, understand it, preserve it, and resist those who seek to minimize or distort it.”
He also emphasized that the speeches delivered by Presidents Kagame and Macron reflected a sincere commitment to cooperation between Rwanda and France.
“Each spoke openly and honestly, without evasion. Both Heads of State demonstrated their willingness to work together. What I take from this is a relationship built on sincerity, without hypocrisy or deception. This partnership has already made significant progress, and we hope it will continue moving forward, as President Macron himself stated.”
Dr. Kabanda was also thanked by both Heads of State and the Mayor of Paris for his dedication and efforts in helping bring the memorial project to fruition.
For his part, IBUKA-Rwanda President Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire stressed that the memorial not only honors the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi but also carries a universal message aimed at preventing future atrocities.
“This memorial pays tribute to the victims, provides comfort to survivors, and sends a message to Rwandans, the French people, and humanity as a whole. It invites us to reflect on our history so that genocide never happens again. It reminds us of our past, the difficult relationship that once existed between France and Rwanda, but also the progress that has been made in restoring ties between our two countries.”
He also highlighted the educational role of memorial sites.
“A memorial should be a place of learning. It should help us understand what happened so that it never happens again. It tells the story of those who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi and shows that when leaders make poor decisions, entire populations suffer the consequences. That is exactly what happened during the genocide.”
Dr. Gakwenzire further argued that, given the influence France held in Rwanda at the time, it could have helped prevent the genocide.
“Considering the influence France had over the Republic of Rwanda at the time, had they simply raised a finger and said that these events must stop, they should never have happened. That is why this moment is so important. It shows that France now recognizes certain responsibilities and wishes to build, together with Rwanda, a future based on shared values and a message to the world.”
IBUKA-Italy President Dr. Honorine Mujyambere described the memorial as an important tool in the fight against genocide denial in Europe.
“This is an extremely important initiative, especially in Europe, where genocide denial remains widespread. The fact that France has taken such a step is highly significant. We know the role France played in this history, what was said, what was left unsaid, and what was not done. Today, France has taken strong and meaningful action.”
She added that the memorial will help preserve the memory of the victims while raising awareness about Rwanda’s history.
“Anyone who passes by this memorial will inevitably ask what happened here. It will encourage people to seek the truth about this history and will greatly contribute to combating genocidal ideology, which we know remains particularly prevalent in parts of Europe.”
IBUKA-Switzerland President César Murangira also described the memorial as a major symbol in the process of healing the wounds that long characterized relations between Rwanda and France.
“This memorial carries immense symbolic value. It contributes to healing long-standing wounds in relations between France and Rwanda. It reflects France’s acknowledgment of its role and responsibilities in this history, thereby opening an important path toward truth-seeking, remembrance, and reconciliation.”
According to him, the establishment of the memorial in Paris sends a powerful and hopeful message. It reflects a commitment to honoring the victims, preserving historical truth, and continuing to build a relationship between Rwanda and France founded on truth, remembrance, and reconciliation.
He also emphasized the significance of the memorial’s location, situated near major French institutions such as the Quai d’Orsay, home to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, and Les Invalides—sites that hold a prominent place in France’s political and historical life.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Kagame thanked French individuals who contributed to bringing the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi to light, including former Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, her successor, journalists, historians, and human rights advocates.
The Rwandan Head of State also noted that the memorial stands as a powerful symbol of historical truth—a truth firmly rooted and impossible to shake. He described it as a testament both to the dignity of the Rwandan people and to the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Photos marking the unveiling of the memorial in Paris
The certification makes Rwanda’s teleport located in Rwamagana the second fully certified teleport in Africa and the first space agency-operated teleport globally to receive WTA certification.
Announcing the achievement, the Rwanda Space Agency described it as “a milestone for Rwanda’s space sector and a recognition of the country’s growing capabilities in satellite communications infrastructure.”
A teleport is a ground-based facility that connects satellites in space with users and networks on Earth. It serves as a key part of satellite communications infrastructure, enabling satellites to transmit data and communications services back to Earth.
According to the Rwanda Space Agency, the certification is significant because the teleport supports a range of satellite-enabled services that contribute to national and regional development.
“Rwanda’s teleport contributes to strengthening satellite-enabled services, which are supporting broadband connectivity, climate monitoring, smart urbanisation, and disaster management across the region,” the agency said.
The agency added that the certification provides assurance that the facility meets internationally recognized standards.
“This certification provides confidence that the teleport’s services meet global benchmarks, and strengthens Rwanda’s role as a regional hub for space services.”
Rwanda’s national teleport has achieved Tier 3 Certification from the World Teleport Association (WTA), marking an important development for the country’s space sector and satellite communications infrastructure.
The agreements were formalised during a signing ceremony in Paris. Rwanda was represented by its Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, while the French delegation was led by Ambassador to Rwanda, Aurélie Royet-Gounin, alongside Laurent Touvet, the Director General for Foreigners at the French Ministry of the Interior.
The newly signed MoUs are expected to deepen bilateral ties, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster closer cooperation between Kigali and Paris.
The diplomatic milestone closely follows the historic inauguration on June 2, 2026, of “L’Archive”, a permanent memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The unveiling of the monument on the Habib-Bourguiba Esplanade was presided over by President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, who described the memorial as a significant milestone in the ongoing reconciliation between the two countries.
Rwanda and France sign MoUs on migration and employment of diplomatic dependents.The newly signed MoUs are expected to deepen bilateral ties, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster closer cooperation between Kigali and Paris.Rwanda and France have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at streamlining migration management and easing employment restrictions for families of diplomatic staff serving in both nations.
According to a family statement, Bryson passed away on Tuesday evening “surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.” He had recently suffered a stroke and was hospitalised earlier in May 2026. The singer also previously survived a heart attack in 2019.
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in 1951 in Greenville, South Carolina, he began performing professionally as a teenager, first singing backup for local acts before launching a solo career in the mid-1970s. His smooth tenor voice and emotional delivery quickly made him a standout in R&B music.
Bryson rose to prominence with hits such as “Reaching for the Sky,” “Feel the Fire,” and “Can You Stop the Rain,” becoming a regular presence on R&B radio and earning a reputation for romantic ballads and powerful duets.
He became especially well known for his collaborations with female vocalists. Among his most celebrated partnerships was with Roberta Flack, producing hits including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” which became one of his signature songs.
Bryson later achieved global fame through his contributions to Disney soundtracks. His duet with Céline Dion on “Beauty and the Beast,” from Beauty and the Beast, became a worldwide hit and won a Grammy Award. The song also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
He went on to record another iconic duet, “A Whole New World,” with Regina Belle for Aladdin. The song became a defining moment in Disney music history and also earned Grammy recognition, cementing Bryson’s status as one of the most recognisable voices in film soundtracks.
Over his career, Bryson released around 20 studio albums and received multiple Grammy nominations. His voice became synonymous with romantic storytelling in both R&B and cinematic music.
In a statement, his family said they were deeply moved by the global outpouring of love, adding that while they are grieving, they find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind. “His voice and his generous spirit touched countless lives,” the statement read.
Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface, and his children. His music, especially his Disney classics, is expected to continue resonating with audiences for generations.
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in 1951 in Greenville, South Carolina, he began performing professionally as a teenager, first singing backup for local acts before launching a solo career in the mid-1970s.
Event attendees toured the development projects, each of which was designed and implemented by residents of Gatovu IDP model village and Gataraga Sector.
The projects included a computer laboratory, a girls’ hygiene room and a nursing teachers’ room for Groupe Scolaire Gatovu, a volleyball and basketball court at Group Scolaire Ruhehe, latrines for 50 households, businesses in furniture-making, handicraft-making, soap-making, and tailoring, a savings and lending group, a sheep farming project, Irish potato farming, and new market infrastructure for vendors and customers.
Provincial Executive Secretary for the Northern Province, Pascal Ngendahimana, who presided over the ceremony together with representatives of Musanze District and Gataraga Sector noted that many of these development projects provide ongoing benefits to the whole community.
He said, “For example, when a community group makes furniture to sell, they not only earn themselves income, they also make those products available locally – so residents here do not have to travel far to obtain them.”
Following a memorandum of understanding signed with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), World Connect Rwanda invested Rwf 135,980,665 to launch the 12 projects. Residents of Gatovu IDP model and Gataraga Sector contributed Rwf 88,254,900 in their own cash, labour and other resources as a co-investment into these initiatives.
Executive Director of World Connect Rwanda, Rhoda Kanyesigye, told the attendees, “We do not see communities as beneficiaries of development aid, but as investment partners. This is because our partner communities co-invest with us. And we value their investment enormously; without it, success is not durable.”
In a unique partnership, University of Rwanda students studying rural development and agribusiness were paired with community members in Gataraga Sector and Gatovu IDP model village. The students are supporting the implementation of these development projects with technical guidance, monitoring, and evaluation.
“World Connect Rwanda helped us apply what we learned in class to real life situations, showing us that community work teaches lessons that cannot be fully learned from textbooks,” explained University of Rwanda student Winny Abera.
Since 2012, World Connect Rwanda has invested grant funding in nearly 200 projects that have been designed and led by Rwandan communities, improving health, education, and economic opportunity for over 256,000 Rwandans.
A major focus of World Connect Rwanda for the next 5 years (2026-2030) is to scale up and support 10 IDP model villages, reaching and impacting an additional 100,000 Rwandans. Key partnerships with local government, the private sector, and funding partners will play a great role in this aspiration.
Attendees pose for a group photo with the Northern Province Executive Secretary. Pascaline Nirere, a resident of Gatovu IDP model village, is earning income through the tailoring and fashion design workshop established with funding from World Connect Rwanda. This tailoring and fashion design project at Gatovu IDP model village, was funded by World Connect Rwanda. Provincial Executive Secretary for the Northern Province, Mr. Ngendahimana Pascal, gave keynote remarks at the inauguration, congratulating the work of the communities in Gatovu IDP model village and Gataraga Sector, World Connect Rwanda, and the University of Rwanda.
