The world-famous rap artist performed in Türkiye for the first time, drawing an estimated 118,000 fans to one of Istanbul’s largest live music venues. The concert, organised in collaboration with NTRteam, attracted a highly international audience, with attendees travelling from across Türkiye as well as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland, the Middle East and other regions.
Long before West took the stage, the stadium was already packed, with fans filling both stands and pitch areas hours ahead of the performance. The anticipation reflected the scale of the event, which was widely presented as one of Istanbul’s biggest music moments of the year.
West opened the night with “Father,” immediately setting a reflective tone before moving through a catalogue of some of his most recognisable hits. His setlist included fan favourites such as “Power,” “Flashing Lights,” “Heartless,” “Runaway,” “Black Skinhead,” “Homecoming,” “King” and “All The Love.” He closed the concert with “Stronger,” bringing the two-hour performance to a high-energy finish.
The show was staged on a spherical platform, echoing designs previously seen in his Los Angeles SoFi Stadium productions. The setup was enhanced by intense lighting effects, fog bursts and synchronised visuals that transformed the venue into a globe-lit spectacle visible across the stadium.
As the performance unfolded, thousands of fans illuminated the arena with their phone lights, adding another layer to the atmosphere and turning the crowd into part of the visual design.
The concert also drew a number of well-known Turkish public figures, including actors Şükrü Özyıldız, Alina Boz, Nilperi Şahinkaya, Hazar Ergüçlü, Yasemin Allen, Afra Saraçoğlu and Aslı Tandoğan, alongside Ayşe Tolga, Umut Evirgen, singer Elif Buse Doğan and Burak Kut.
Beyond the stadium experience, the show reached a global digital audience after being streamed live on Kanye West’s official YouTube channel, attracting millions of viewers within minutes and extending the reach of the Istanbul performance far beyond the venue itself.
The show was staged on a spherical platform, echoing designs previously seen in his Los Angeles SoFi Stadium productions. The setup was enhanced by intense lighting effects, fog bursts and synchronised visuals that transformed the venue into a globe-lit spectacle visible across the stadium.Thousands of fans illuminated the arena with their phone lights, adding another layer to the atmosphere and turning the crowd into part of the visual design.The concert also drew over 100,000 fans.The concert, organised in collaboration with NTRteam, attracted a highly international audience, with attendees travelling from across Türkiye as well as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland, the Middle East and other regions.
In 1996, as the camps began to be dismantled and refugees were encouraged to return home, Musabyemungu decided to repatriate and join fellow Rwandans in rebuilding a nation devastated by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
While many civilians returned, former government soldiers (Ex-FAR) and Interahamwe militia members refused to do so. Instead, they organised armed groups with the aim of launching attacks on Rwanda and reclaiming power. Their continued presence eventually prompted military operations to facilitate their repatriation.
In 2000, these groups formally established the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel movement that sought to continue armed operations against Rwanda. Musabyemungu’s husband, Jérôme Ngendahimana, then a colonel, became commander of the group’s Second Division before later being appointed head of intelligence.
Speaking to KP Media24, Musabyemungu recalled how her efforts to bring combatants home began in 2001 after RPA forces captured approximately 2,000 FDLR fighters and transferred them to Mudende, in present-day Rubavu District.
“I decided to go and see them because I knew many of them,” she said. “Some had studied with me, worked with me, or lived with me in the refugee camps. I wanted to talk to them, explain the situation, and encourage them to return to their country.”
During one of those visits, Musabyemungu met James Kabarebe, who was serving as Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Forces at the time. Impressed by her determination, he agreed to support her proposal to travel into the forests of eastern Congo and persuade other FDLR members, including her husband, to return to Rwanda.
Two years later, in 2003, Musabyemungu embarked on the mission. She travelled across Lake Kivu to Bukavu and continued on foot through dense forests to reach FDLR-controlled territory.
Upon her arrival, she was housed with the wives of FDLR fighters, as many members of the group distrusted her motives. She later learned that some individuals within the movement had proposed killing her, but the group’s commander, Paul Rwarakabije, repeatedly intervened to protect her.
“Commander Rwarakabije saved my life,” she said. “Whenever reports recommending my execution were brought to him, he would reject them. Sometimes he would say, ‘Leave her alone; I will deal with her myself.’ At other times he would insist that they could not kill me before my husband arrived.”
Musabyemungu explained that her husband was stationed roughly a week’s journey away from the location where she first arrived. When she eventually reached him, she seized an opportunity to speak with him privately.
She told him she had come to take him home and relayed assurances from Gen. Kabarebe that he would be welcomed back and allowed to live peacefully in Rwanda.
Initially sceptical, Ngendahimana struggled to believe the guarantees. He asked for three days of fasting and prayer before making a decision. At the end of that period, he agreed to return, though he remained uncertain about what awaited him during the journey and upon arrival in Rwanda.
In October 2003, after a difficult trek through the forests of eastern Congo, Musabyemungu and Ngendahimana reached Bukavu before crossing into Rwanda through Rusizi. They later travelled to Kigali, where they were personally received by Gen. Kabarebe.
“It was already night when we arrived in Kigali,” she recalled. “I felt immense relief because I had managed to bring him back alive.”
According to Musabyemungu, Kabarebe welcomed them into his home and shared a meal with them.
Soon after Ngendahimana’s return, Kabarebe contacted Rwarakabije by telephone to inform him that the former FDLR commander’s colleague had safely arrived in Rwanda. He then entrusted Musabyemungu with another mission of bringing Rwarakabije home as well.
Musabyemungu said she later spoke directly with Rwarakabije, who told her he would only return if she personally came back to the forests and accompanied him to Rwanda, just as she had done with her husband.
“He had refused to come,” she said. “He told me that he would only return if I came back for him. I agreed and returned to Congo. By then, I was no longer thinking about the possibility of being killed. I was only focused on the outcome.”
Ngendahimana supported the new mission and assured Kabarebe that his wife was capable of accomplishing it.
Musabyemungu described the second mission as even more challenging than the first.
“The first time, I had my husband with me. If something happened, we would face it together. This time, I was alone. Reaching Rwarakabije’s base and convincing him to leave was much more difficult,” she said.
In November 2003, she successfully escorted Rwarakabije back to Rwanda. He returned alongside more than 120 soldiers, including 12 officers.
“When we reached Rusizi, an aircraft was sent to transport us because we were such a large group,” she said. “When we landed at Kanombe, senior military officers and generals were waiting for us.”
The return of Rwarakabije and the officers dealt a major blow to the FDLR. Musabyemungu said the group also brought back weapons and equipment from the movement’s headquarters, making it significantly harder for the organisation to regroup and rebuild its capabilities.
Following his repatriation, Rwarakabije joined the Rwanda Defence Forces and rose to the rank of Major General. After retiring from military service, he was appointed Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service.
Ngendahimana also joined the Rwanda Defence Forces and retired with the rank of Major General.
For her part, Musabyemungu continued her education, earning postgraduate qualifications from the former National University of Rwanda and later from Kigali Independent University (ULK). Between 2008 and 2013, she served as a member of Rwanda’s Parliament.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jérôme Ngendahimana returned to Rwanda in October 2003.Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Paul Rwarakabije returned to Rwanda in November 2003, along with 120 other fighters.Anne Marie Musabyemungu said the mission to repatriate the generals was highly challenging, but that she remained confident.
Paris Saint-Germain secured the title after a dramatic final against Arsenal in Budapest, where the French side triumphed in a penalty shootout following a tightly contested match that ended level after normal time. The victory sealed PSG’s second Champions League crown and sparked celebrations across France.
According to the French interior ministry, a total of 416 people were detained nationwide on Saturday night, including 283 in Paris, as tens of thousands of supporters flooded streets to mark PSG’s dramatic win.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the unrest as “absolutely unacceptable,” confirming that seven police officers were wounded during clashes that broke out in several parts of the capital. Six vehicles and two businesses were also damaged.
Police scrambled to contain the large crowd at the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue.
A heavy police presence of around 22,000 officers was deployed across France, including 8,000 in Paris, amid fears of a repeat of last year’s disorder. Authorities moved to shut down tram lines, close metro stations and restrict bus services in central Paris in an effort to contain crowds.
Despite the measures, around 20,000 fans gathered on the Champs-Élysées, where flares were lit and traffic was disrupted. Police said two dozen flares and around 100 fireworks were seized, while a bus shelter near the avenue was destroyed.
Smaller groups of supporters also caused disturbances near PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, where tens of thousands had gathered to watch the match on big screens. Between 4,000 and 5,000 people outside the stadium were involved in confrontations with police, with projectiles thrown at officers. Tear gas was used after fireworks were launched in their direction.
A car burns and fireworks explode as police watch PSG supporters celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after Champions League final soccer match between PSG and Arsenal.
Police said about 150 individuals attempted to force entry through one of the stadium gates, while others tried to build barricades using rental bicycles, which were later dismantled.
In central Paris, a group briefly blocked the ring road, the périphérique, while scattered incidents of vandalism were reported, including damage to a bakery and restaurant. Authorities also said some individuals attempted to storm a police station in the 8th arrondissement before being dispersed.
The unrest came as celebrations across the city coincided with other major events, including concerts and the French Open tennis tournament, adding pressure on security services.
Far-right political figures criticised the violence, with Marine Le Pen claiming on social media that “only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.”
Despite the clashes, city officials confirmed that PSG players are expected to hold a victory parade on Sunday at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, with an estimated 100,000 people expected to attend before a reception at the Élysée Palace hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
Paris Saint-Germain secured the title after a dramatic final against Arsenal in Budapest, where the French side triumphed in a penalty shootout following a tightly contested match that ended level after normal time.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 31, the EAC Secretariat announced that the Extra-Ordinary Virtual Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for Health will focus on reviewing and adopting proposed regional actions to curb the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
The emergency meeting comes amid growing concern over the spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, where authorities continue to intensify surveillance, preparedness and response efforts.
According to the EAC Secretariat, the ministerial meeting forms part of a broader series of urgent interventions initiated by the regional bloc following confirmation of Ebola cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain in the two neighbouring countries.
“The convening of this high-level meeting is part of a series of urgent actions the EAC Secretariat has initiated, having already intensified regional coordination and preparedness measures,” the Secretariat said.
The regional body noted that several emergency engagements have already been held, including an EAC Crisis Meeting and meetings of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases.
The Secretariat has also convened the TWG on Harmonisation of Regulations to explore pathways for the potential approval and deployment of Ebola vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tools.
The planned ministerial discussions are expected to strengthen cross-border coordination and ensure member states maintain a unified approach to disease surveillance, information sharing and outbreak response.
The EAC’s announcement comes a day after World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries that have imposed travel bans or closed borders because of the outbreak to reconsider such measures.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in eastern DRC and the epicentre of the outbreak, Tedros warned that travel restrictions could undermine efforts to contain the disease.
“I call on countries that have imposed travel bans or border closures to reconsider. These measures make the response harder, and they discourage transparency and trust that saves lives,” he said.
Tedros noted that despite the absence of approved vaccines and specific medicines for the Bundibugyo strain, patients can recover if they receive timely and quality medical care.
The WHO chief also revealed that his visit to Bunia was intended to engage directly with affected communities as health authorities respond to an outbreak that has generated more than 1,000 suspected cases.
Meanwhile, Uganda has reported nine confirmed Ebola cases after detecting two new infections in the capital, Kampala, according to the country’s Ministry of Health.
Health officials across the region are hoping that the upcoming EAC ministerial meeting will accelerate collective action against the outbreak and bolster preparedness measures to prevent further cross-border transmission.
Medical officers sanitise areas in Ebola-prone areas in the DRC.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Bunia, the capital of the northeastern Ituri Province and the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, Tedros said such restrictions could complicate response efforts and risk discouraging transparency and trust, which are essential to saving lives.
“I call on countries that have imposed travel bans or border closures to reconsider. These measures make the response harder, and they discourage transparency and trust that saves lives,” Tedros said.
Despite the lack of approved vaccines and specific medicines, the WHO chief said patients could still recover if they receive timely, quality medical care.
Tedros said his visit to Bunia was also aimed at engaging directly with affected communities in this outbreak, in which over 1000 suspected cases have been reported.
Uganda has also reported nine confirmed cases after detecting two new infections in the capital, Kampala, the Ugandan health ministry said on Friday.
DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba said the country aims, “in the best-case scenario,” to contain and end the outbreak within “four to six months,” based on its experience in responding to epidemics and the known course of the Ebola virus disease.
He said the immediate priority is to contain the virus within the three affected provinces, Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, and prevent further spread.
Kamba also highlighted the country’s strengthened laboratory testing capacity, with no backlog of samples remaining. Around 900 samples had been tested, of which about 260 were positive, he said, adding that the country now has the capacity to process all incoming samples, even if daily testing rises to 200 or 300 samples.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (C) arrives in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, May 30, 2026. Tedros on Saturday called on countries that have imposed travel bans or closed borders in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to reconsider such measures.
The tense final, held at the neutral Puskás Aréna in Budapest, saw the French giants defend their European title in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
Writing on the social media platform X shortly after the final whistle on Saturday night, President Kagame extended warm congratulations to both clubs, noting their shared connection to the country’s global tourism initiative, Visit Rwanda.
“Congratulations to our #VisitRwanda partner Paris Saint-Germain on their well-deserved UEFA Champions League title and on being crowned champions for the second consecutive year,” Kagame wrote. “Congratulations as well to Arsenal on reaching the final and fighting with determination until the very end. Both clubs have made their supporters proud, but tonight, PSG proved to be the better team!”
The tense final, held at the neutral Puskás Aréna in Budapest, saw the French giants defend their European title in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
A night of heartbreak and drama in Budapest
The highly anticipated final pitted Luis Enrique’s attacking Paris Saint-Germain lineup against Mikel Arteta’s resilient, tactically structured Arsenal. The English side started the match with lightning intensity, catching the Parisian defense off guard in just the 5th minute. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard picked out German forward Kai Havertz in the half-space, who clinicaly thrashed a sharp left-footed strike high into the top corner past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov to make it 1-0.
Following the early setback, PSG gradually took total control of the momentum, suffocating the Gunners with high pressing and dominating possession. Despite a barrage of first-half attempts from Fabián Ruiz and driving wide play by Ousmane Dembélé, Arsenal’s defense, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, held firm until the break.
The turning point arrived in the 61st minute of the second half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drew a foul inside the penalty box. Following a tense VAR confirmation, the referee upheld the penalty decision. Dembélé stepped up to the spot in the 64th minute, restoring parity with a precise, low finish into the bottom-left corner.
Both managers empty-handed their benches in the final stages of normal time and extra time, introducing fresh legs like Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaïre-Emery for PSG, and Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze for Arsenal, but neither side could break the 1-1 deadlock, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
The shootout provided standard-setting drama. After early conversions from both sides, Arsenal suffered a setback when Eze missed his spot-kick, though hope was briefly restored when PSG’s Nuno Mendes missed his shortly after. Tensions peaked in the final round: substitute defender Lucas Beraldo calmly dispatched PSG’s fifth penalty to make it 4-3. The immense pressure then fell to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, whose subsequent attempt failed to find the net, sealing back-to-back European glory for Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel was brilliant in keeping PSG’s forward line quiet.
‘Visit Rwanda’ wins big
Saturday’s clash between PSG and Arsenal also put a major spotlight on the “Visit Rwanda” brand, which continues to position Rwanda as a premium tourism destination.
The “Visit Rwanda” campaign launched its foundational partnership with Arsenal in 2018, becoming the club’s official tourism partner and its first-ever sleeve sponsor. The collaboration was designed to showcase Rwanda as a vibrant luxury tourism destination and a hub for eco-adventure, leveraging the Premier League’s massive global television footprint.
Building on the success of the Arsenal deal, Rwanda expanded its sports diplomacy footprint in December 2019 by signing a multi-year partnership with Paris Saint-Germain. The agreement grants Visit Rwanda premium visibility at the Parc des Princes stadium, opens avenues for cultural and artistic collaborations, and focuses on developing youth football academy programs within Rwanda.
By integrating tourism promotion with top-tier European football, the partnerships have driven significant increases in leisure travel and foreign investment to Rwanda, making Saturday’s final a historic “Visit Rwanda derby” on club football’s grandest stage.
President Paul Kagame has hailed Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph while praising the relentless determination displayed by runners-up Arsenal F.C.Ousmane Dembélé converted a second-half penalty to get Paris Saint-Germain on the scoresheet.Gabriel Magalhães’ missed penalty sealed PSG’s trophy triumph.
Held under the theme “Behind the Game” on the sidelines of the ongoing BAL Season 6 in Kigali, the event explored how sports can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, job creation, and youth empowerment across the continent.
Speaking during the event at Mövenpick Kigali, Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Candy Basomingera, said sport should be viewed as more than entertainment, describing it as a vehicle for opportunity, identity, innovation and national development.
“Behind every athlete we celebrate, there is a system. Behind every championship, there is infrastructure. Behind every successful sports economy, there are teachers, coaches, physiotherapists, analysts, investors and event organisers,” she remarked.
The event brought together sports leaders, investors, policymakers and young people from across Africa.
Basomingera highlighted Rwanda’s investments in sports infrastructure, including BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, as part of the country’s broader strategy to position sport as a pillar of national transformation. She noted that Rwanda’s ambition extends beyond hosting events to building an ecosystem that connects sport with tourism, technology, education, health and youth employment.
With nearly 70 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 30, she said the continent’s young people represent its greatest asset and that sport can help bridge the gap between talent and economic opportunity.
“Globally, the sports economy contributes roughly 5 percent of GDP, yet in Africa the sector still represents only a small fraction of that. That gap should inspire us because it shows how much room there is to grow,” the PS noted.
The event featured a fireside discussion with Victor Williams, Managing Partner at Lions Range and former CEO of NBA Africa, who shared lessons from helping build the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Victor Williams, Managing Partner at Lions Range and former CEO of NBA Africa, highlighted the importance of vision, partnerships and investment in building Africa’s sports ecosystem.
Williams identified four ingredients that have driven the league’s growth: vision, resources, partnerships and people. He credited collaboration between organisations such as the NBA, International Basketball Federation (FIBA), governments and private investors for helping transform a concept into one of the continent’s most visible sports properties.
“We have reached a major inflection point,” Williams stated, noting that investors who previously paid little attention to African sports infrastructure are increasingly viewing the sector as a viable opportunity.
Panel discussions also focused on the business potential of sport. Former NBA player and investor Ian Mahinmi revealed that Africa’s growing sports ecosystem presents opportunities not only for athletes but also for entrepreneurs, investors and innovators.
“The opportunity is to compete at a different level, not just on the court,” Mahinmi said. “We’re going to create champions off the court too.”
Former NBA player and investor Pops Mensah-Bonsu emphasised the importance of consistency in building sustainable sports ecosystems.
“Consistency builds community,” Mensah-Bonsu reiterated. “That is why I’m not surprised by where the BAL is today. Every year it has grown. By Year 6, the atmosphere, energy, fan engagement and social media response feel like an NBA playoff game.”
Former WNBA star, FIBA Hall of Famer and Champs for Change co-founder Clarisse Machanguana used the event to emphasise that the future of sport in Africa extends far beyond athletes and competition.
Former WNBA star, FIBA Hall of Famer and Champs for Change co-founder Clarisse Machanguana called on young Africans to explore the wide range of careers behind sport.
Speaking during the executive panel, Machanguana observed that one of the biggest opportunities for young Africans lies in understanding the many professions that make sporting events possible.
“The beauty of sport is that it opens people’s eyes to every layer required to make the game happen,” she stated. “When young people say, ‘I don’t play,’ the answer is that sport is not only about what already exists, it’s also about what you can bring.”
She encouraged young people to pursue careers in areas such as technology, event management, data analytics, media, marketing, administration and entrepreneurship, arguing that innovation would play a critical role in shaping the next phase of Africa’s sports industry.
Machanguana signed copies of Champs for Change (C4C): The C4C and We Will Lead Africa (WWLA) Sports Volume, which features 40 inspirational stories from African athletes, executives, and advocates across the sports industry.
Machanguana emphasised that the continent’s youth must take ownership of emerging opportunities and use technology to create new solutions for the industry.
“We are in a time where innovation is welcome,” she pointed out. “The more young people take ownership, the more they will shape the future.”
Reflecting on the mission behind Champs for Change, Machanguana highlighted that the initiative was created to help young Africans transform their passion for sport into meaningful careers, businesses and leadership opportunities.
“Behind the game is all the preparation that leads to the entertainment on game day,” she noted. “There are data analysts, engineers, team managers, event organisers, and many other professionals who make sport possible. We want young people to understand that there is a whole world of opportunities behind the game.”
The former basketball star, who returned to Africa after a successful international career, said one of her proudest achievements has been creating a platform that equips young people with the training, mentorship, guidance and networks needed to succeed in the sports industry.
Looking ahead, she hopes to see young leaders emerging from C4C programmes and taking up decision-making roles within Africa’s growing sports ecosystem.
The event also featured youth-focused discussions, reflections from sports leaders and the presentation of Champs for Change’s one-year accountability report.
Bashir Ntwari, President of the Rwanda Boxing Federation, said Rwanda’s growing sports ecosystem is helping unlock local talent, but called for more investment in infrastructure and coaching.
Founded in 2025, Champs for Change is a pan-African social enterprise that equips young Africans aged 16 to 30 with mentoring, training, networks, and resources to turn their passion for sport into careers and enterprises. The organisation, co-founded by Machanguana, Dr. Memuna Williams, and Randy Soumahoro, aims to reach 20,000 young leaders by 2035 through programmes and hubs across the continent.
As discussions concluded, speakers agreed that Africa’s future in sport extends far beyond the field of play. The challenge now, they reiterated, is ensuring that young people are equipped to help build and lead the industries that power sport across the continent.
Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Candy Basomingera, said sport should be viewed as more than entertainment, describing it as a vehicle for opportunity, identity, innovation and national development.Dr. Memuna Williams, co-founder of C4C, is a lifelong sports enthusiast and executive focused on sustainable change and entrepreneurship.Bashir Ntwari, President of the Rwanda Boxing Federation, said Rwanda’s growing sports ecosystem is helping unlock local talent, but called for more investment in infrastructure and coaching.Paula Kami, Event Manager at the Ministry of Sports, Rwanda, encouraged young people to pursue their passions and dare to dream, sharing her journey from volunteering with Giants of Africa to interning at the Ministry of Sports and later being hired.
The agreements were concluded during the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS 2026) conference, currently taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria. The global forum brings together researchers, scientists, and forensic experts to exchange knowledge and address challenges facing the sector.
Rwanda is represented at the conference by the Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI), in collaboration with the African Forensic Sciences Association (AFSA), which has been headquartered in Kigali since 2022.
Speaking to IGIHE, RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa said the event, which opened on May 25, 2026, provided Rwanda with valuable exposure, expertise, and new partnerships.
He noted that RFI continues to expand its footprint in forensic science, adding that its services are no longer limited to Rwandans but are increasingly attracting international clients.
“For example, last year we received people from 45 countries. Many of them come as tourists, but also take advantage of the services offered by RFI,” he said.
Dr. Karangwa highlighted that RFI’s uniqueness lies in its integrated structure, housing more than 10 laboratories under one institution, unlike in many countries where forensic labs are scattered across different security agencies and often inaccessible or expensive for civilians.
He added that Rwanda’s growing visibility in international conferences has increased global awareness of gaps in forensic services, attracting more people to seek services in the country.
“They say these services are usually within security institutions and are expensive elsewhere. I will go on holiday to see Rwanda’s beauty and at the same time access testing services at RFI,” he said, adding that government subsidies help make services more affordable for foreigners and Rwandans alike.
He noted that continued demand could eventually reduce costs for Rwandans as well.
Participation in IAFS 2026 is considered a major milestone for RFI, as it strengthens international collaboration and opens doors for future expansion. The institute also used the forum to secure partners that will support its ongoing projects.
RFI is currently implementing a five-year strategic plan that includes expanding its presence across Rwanda’s provinces and scaling its operations across Africa.
Dr. Karangwa said the conference also provided an opportunity to promote Rwanda’s model of integrated forensic services.
“Today we held a meeting bringing together Africans. It is an opportunity to showcase what we have so that others can understand and collaborate with us,” he said. He added that many participants were surprised by Rwanda’s advanced forensic capabilities, comparable to those in Europe and the United States.
He explained that Rwanda’s approach to forensic science was partly shaped by its history.
“As a country that suffered the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, there was a need to use scientific evidence to deliver unquestionable justice,” he said. “Every Rwandan should feel that the justice they receive is based on science and cannot be challenged.”
Beyond partnerships, Rwanda also used the conference to promote its ambition of establishing a model African training school for forensic science professionals.
RFI said the event helped raise visibility for the project and attract support from potential partners.
The IAFS, founded in 1957, is considered one of the world’s leading platforms for forensic science cooperation. Its conferences have been hosted across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania, but never in Africa or South America.
Rwanda had submitted a bid to host the 2029 edition of the conference. Competing with the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, Rwanda lost to Brazil.
Dr. Karangwa said Brazil won after multiple bids and due to the rotation principle, with Africa and South America still awaiting their first hosting opportunities.
He added that Rwanda was encouraged to reapply in the future once Africa’s turn becomes more favorable.
In addition to networking and promotion, Rwanda also secured cooperation agreements with a Turkish justice ministry-affiliated institution and a French forensic organization.
Dr. Karangwa said preparations are also underway for the 2027 AFSA conference, for which Rwanda is actively promoting participation, with several partners already confirming attendance.
RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa says the institution is ready to expand its operations across African countries.Participants at IAFS 2026 commend Rwanda for the progress made in advancing forensic science used in the justice system.RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa delivered a presentation at IAFS 2026, highlighting Rwanda’s significant progress in the sector.Participants at IAFS 2026 follow a presentation delivered by RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa.RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa during an interview with IGIHE.
Evening reception photos featuring invited participants of IAFS 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria
Speaking at a diplomatic briefing, Amb. Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda’s position on the upcoming Francophonie elections, regional security and cooperation with Mozambique.
He also briefed diplomats on measures Rwanda has put in place to prevent the spread of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Mushikiwabo, who has led the OIF since 2018 and was re-elected in 2022, is seeking a third term. Elections are scheduled for November in Cambodia.
Amb. Nduhungirehe praised her leadership, saying Louise Mushikiwabo elevated La Francophonie to another level.
“Ms Louise Mushikiwabo has elevated La Francophonie to greater heights. Under her leadership the organisation has secured its rightful place at decision-making tables on issues related to youth employment, democratic governance, the economy, culture, gender and the promotion of the French language,” he noted.
On regional security, Amb. Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s support for peaceful solutions to tensions with the DRC and urged international partners to encourage Kinshasa to honor commitments made under existing peace processes.
“ Rwanda calls on the international community and all partners to engage the DRC in a constructive manner that produces tangible results in implementing its end of the bargain,” he said.
He warned that failure to apply impartial pressure could encourage a military approach rather than dialogue.
“Failing to do so would amount to supporting the DRC’s never-ending military approach. Without even-handed pressure and follow up, we cannot create the conditions and incentives necessary for lasting peace in the Great Lakes region,” Minister,” the minister added.
Amb. Nduhungirehe also addressed Rwanda’s security cooperation with Mozambique, confirming that Kigali will continue working directly with the Mozambican government to support the deployment of Rwandan troops and police in Cabo Delgado.
“Rwanda decided this year to work exclusively with the Government of Mozambique, which has secured and will continue to secure the necessary funding for the Rwandan Security Forces in Cabo Delgado.
Collaboration between the two governments has been successful so far and will continue to remain so in the future,” he stated.
This follows a decision by the European Union, influenced by Germany and Belgium, to block €20 million in funding that had been allocated to support counter-terrorism operations in Mozambique.
Rwanda deployed soldiers and police officers to Mozambique at the invitation of the Mozambican government in July 2021. The mission aims to help the country combat terrorist and insurgent groups operating in Cabo Delgado Province.
Over the past five years, the deployment has recorded significant gains, with insurgents largely pushed back from areas secured by Rwandan forces. The improved security situation has enabled many residents who had fled the violence to return to their homes.
Envoys accredited to Rwanda during discussions with Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe. Amb. Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s support for peaceful solutions to tensions with the DRC and urged international partners to encourage Kinshasa to honor commitments made under existing peace processes.
Dubbed “Africast Fest: A Shallipopi Xperience,” the event was held at Camp Kigali and was organized in partnership with beverage manufacturer Skol Rwanda through its Skol Malt brand.
The concert was preceded by a series of promotional entertainment activities under the banner “Shallipopin’ Ahandi,” which helped build anticipation ahead of the main event.
Fans began arriving early, with many paying special attention to their outfits for the occasion. However, the concert started later than scheduled as attendees continued to stream into the venue between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
At around 10:20 p.m., MC Policy took to the stage to warm up the crowd, repeatedly assuring concertgoers that they were in for an unforgettable night.
A few minutes before midnight, Rwandan artist Kid From Kigali was invited onto the stage to kick off the performances. He opened with “Rich,” his collaboration with Arnaud Gray and Ish Kevin, before treating fans to other popular songs including “Inyota.”
The singer also brought rising artist Mwiza onto the stage, a move that was well received by the audience. His energetic performance kept the crowd engaged and set the tone for the rest of the night.
At around 12:30 a.m., the moment many had been waiting for finally arrived as Shallipopi stepped onto the stage. The Nigerian star opened his set with “Sharpiru,” one of his most popular songs, before performing several other hits including “High Tension.”
After about 25 minutes on stage, Shallipopi closed his performance with “Laho,” widely regarded as his signature song. Before ending the show, he invited fans to sing along with him, and the crowd responded enthusiastically, bringing the concert to a memorable conclusion.
Shallipopi engaged the audience during his performance, with fans joining him in singing his signature song, ‘Laho.’Music lovers from across Rwanda filled Camp Kigali for Africast Fest, where Shallipopi headlined his first performance in the country.Concertgoers sing and dance along as Shallipopi performs some of his biggest hits during his debut show in Rwanda.Nigerian singer Shallipopi performed before a packed crowd at Camp Kigali during his first-ever concert in Rwanda on May 29, 2026.
