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Tag: Editor’s Choice

  • NBA draft prodigy Nate Ament open to representing Rwanda on international stage

    NBA draft prodigy Nate Ament open to representing Rwanda on international stage

    The 6-foot-10 former Tennessee Volunteers forward, who is a projected lottery pick, expressed deep pride in his Rwandan heritage and praised the explosive growth of the sport in his mother’s homeland.

    Ament, who is just days away from hearing his name called in the draft, described a mix of excitement and reflection as the big moment approaches.

    “Super excited, definitely a little reflective of just all I’ve gone through in my basketball process. You know, it was funny when I’m in, like inviting the people to come out and celebrate with me and watch,” he said.

    “I just, you know, think about how much they’ve impacted my career and how much they helped me. I just want to give, you know, a bunch of thanks to those people.”

    When asked which NBA teams have shown the most interest in him during the pre-draft process, Ament revealed the franchises he has worked out for.

    “Well, I’ve only done four workouts. I’ve done Chicago, Brooklyn, OKC, and the Clippers. So they’ve shown a lot of love.”

    With draft projections placing him around the top 10, including a mock selection to the Milwaukee Bucks, Ament said draft position matters less than impact.

    “Honestly, I mean, for me, it’s just, you know, the fit, wherever I get drafted, I could, it doesn’t really matter, you know, if I get drafted high or low, I just want to be able to come in and impact the game immediately. So that sounds good to me as long as I’m playing.”

    The young star, who grew up admiring Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, said the Oklahoma City Thunder trio of Durant, Westbrook, and James Harden was especially influential in his development.

    “I was a big KD guy. I loved KD and I also love Russell Westbrook. I loved that OKC team when they had the KD. I had him, Harden, and Russ. That was my favourite team.”

    Asked what it would feel like to face Kevin Durant in the NBA, Ament admitted it would be a surreal moment.

    “It would be surreal. I mean, I’ve studied so much from his game. We’re from the same area and you hear about, you know, stories about him and, you know, how competitive he was in high school and then all the way into where he is now. So that would just be a surreal moment.”

    He also shared a light-hearted remark about his college coach, Rick Barnes, who previously coached Durant at Texas.

    “He’ll make comparisons to say that I’m not like KD. He’ll try to make fun of me and try to say like I’m not there yet and light a fire under my butt. But no, he’s great.”

    One of the most notable aspects of Ament’s story is his strong connection to Rwanda through his mother’s side of the family.

    “Yeah, my mother was born and raised there. I’m half Rwandan. My mom’s brother lives out there.”

    Reflecting on his visits to Rwanda, he said each trip has helped him better understand his heritage.

    “It’s great. I mean, it’s a different story each time. Just getting older and me being able to understand more about the country. But not only do I learn more about the country, I learn more about my family and our lineage and just what it means to be Rwandan.”

    When asked directly whether he would consider playing for Rwanda’s national team, Ament did not hesitate.

    “I would entertain it for sure, for sure. I mean, basketball is huge in that country and it means so much to their fans and their community. So I would definitely entertain it.”

    Beyond basketball, Ament also spoke about his sporting versatility, including golf, soccer, and a memorable experience working with professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.

    “Yeah, he signed a Reebok, so am I. So it was, they kind of set it up for me. It was great. I don’t know if you saw that video, but I broke his driver. So that was, it was kind of awkward, but no, it was great.”

    Explaining the incident, he added humorously:

    “Well, it wasn’t his driver. He would never let me use his driver because he’s going to play with it in the tournament. It was the clubhouse’s driver, but he was just teaching me swings. And he was like, this was like my last swing before we had to get going. He was like, I just want you to give everything you have on this swing, let it rip. And I think I let it rip a little too hard and the driver had to go off.”

    Despite the mishap, Ament said the experience was motivating.

    “IT definitely motivated me a lot. I haven’t played in a minute, so we’ll see next time I get out there, but it definitely motivates me to keep going.”

    As the NBA Draft approaches, Ament says he is ready for the next chapter of his career, wherever it begins.

    Nate Ament has expressed openness to representing Rwanda ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
    Rwandan-American NBA prospect Nate Ament exchanged jerseys with Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire during a weeklong visit to Rwanda, his mother’s homeland, from August 9 to 13, 2025.
  • Keir Starmer announces resignation as UK Prime Minister

    Keir Starmer announces resignation as UK Prime Minister

    Starmer said he would step down as both prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, but would remain in office until the party elects a successor to ensure an orderly transition of power.

    Speaking outside 10 Downing Street in London, an emotional Starmer described becoming prime minister as “the proudest moment of my life,” saying his government had helped restore Britain’s international standing, attract investment and strengthen workers’ rights.

    However, he acknowledged that many Labour lawmakers no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election.

    “I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party. I accept that answer with good grace. I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.

    Starmer’s resignation follows months of growing dissatisfaction within Labour after the party suffered heavy losses in local elections held in May. His government also faced criticism over fiscal policy, welfare reforms and a series of political controversies that weakened his standing among MPs and the wider public.

    An Ipsos poll published last week found that 52% of Britons believed Starmer should step down, while only 35% wanted him to remain in office.

    His departure comes less than two years after he led Labour to one of its biggest parliamentary majorities in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

    The resignation is expected to trigger a leadership contest that could make Britain home to its seventh prime minister in just 10 years. Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament after winning a by-election, is widely viewed as the frontrunner, although other senior Labour figures could also enter the race.

    The next prime minister will inherit significant economic challenges, pressure over public spending and an increasingly complex international environment.

    For Rwanda, Starmer’s legacy is associated with his decision to cancel the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership on his first day in office in July 2024. The agreement, signed under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative government in 2022, had sought to relocate some asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda as part of efforts to deter illegal Channel crossings.

    Although Starmer scrapped the policy, his government continued to face criticism over rising irregular migration, an issue that remained politically sensitive throughout his premiership.

    Political analysts say the outcome of Labour’s leadership contest could influence the party’s future direction on immigration, public spending and foreign policy as it seeks to rebuild public confidence ahead of the next general election.

    Starmer’s departure comes less than two years after he led Labour to one of its biggest parliamentary majorities in the 2024 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

  • President Kagame’s guidance will remain a beacon for future generations, says Mussa Fazil

    President Kagame’s guidance will remain a beacon for future generations, says Mussa Fazil

    He made the remarks while opening the General Assembly of the Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), held on June 21, 2026.

    Addressing party members, Harerimana reflected on Rwanda’s difficult history, marked by poor governance and ethnic discrimination under both the First and Second Republics.

    He noted that instead of focusing on national development, past leaders were preoccupied with marginalizing and persecuting Tutsis, whom they regarded as enemies.

    “Rather than developing the country, the focus became discrimination and division. Schools were limited and accessible to only a few, while healthcare services were largely unavailable. The government’s main concern was how to continue oppressing Tutsis. Instead of discussing roads, hotels, or how to make use of Rwanda’s tourism potential, leaders were consumed by the question of how to target Tutsis,” he said.

    Harerimana emphasized that when Juvénal Habyarimana came to power, many expected the poor governance practices established under Grégoire Kayibanda to change. However, he argued that only the leadership changed, while the governing ideology remained the same.

    “He changed the leaders but not the system or its direction. Kayibanda was replaced, PARMEHUTU became MRND, but hatred against Tutsis, division, and discrimination continued to grow. The faces changed, but the policy remained unchanged,” he stated.

    According to Harerimana, this poor leadership eventually led to the planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with some of the political parties operating at the time playing a role in the atrocities.

    He also highlighted the efforts of Rwandan refugees who chose to return to their homeland, formed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), liberated the country, and brought an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi.

    Harerimana further noted that the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, not only stopped the genocide but also played a central role in rebuilding a country that had been devastated by the tragedy.

    He stressed that, 32 years later, the achievements made since then are evident to everyone and that safeguarding them is the responsibility of every Rwandan.

    “Our responsibility is to protect Rwanda’s achievements, development, and national unity. The progress we are praised for today did not happen by chance.

    It is the result of good governance and the strong relationship between citizens and their leaders. That relationship makes it possible for guidance to be given and for its outcomes to benefit the population,” he said.

    Harerimana went on to explain that PDI is guided by three key pillars: promoting good governance in Rwanda, ensuring that the fundamental principles outlined in Article 10 of the Constitution remain the foundation of national development, and advocating for President Kagame’s guidance to continue serving as a model for the country’s leadership.

    He added that President Kagame’s advice and vision should continue to guide Rwanda both now and in the centuries ahead.

    “The guidance of Baba wa Taifa should continue to serve as a light for Rwanda, not only today but for hundreds of years to come. As different administrations succeed one another, this vision should remain a guiding principle and a roadmap for the governance of our country,” he said.

    The Ideal Democratic Party (PDI) was founded in November 1991 with the aim of defending the rights of people who faced discrimination at the time, including members of the Muslim community in Rwanda, who were often denied fundamental rights under the government of that period.

    PDI refers to President Kagame as “Baba wa Taifa,” a Swahili term meaning “Father of the Nation” or “Parent of the Nation.” The title is typically given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their country. One notable example is Julius Nyerere, who was widely known by the same title in Tanzania.

    According to Sheikh Mussa Fazil Harerimana, the party chose to refer to President Kagame as Baba wa Taifa because of what it considers his outstanding contributions to Rwanda and the transformative impact he has had on the lives of Rwandans.

    Among the achievements he highlighted are national unity, security, and sustainable development in a country that emerged from one of the darkest chapters in its history the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

    The President of the Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), Mussa Fazil Harerimana, lauded President Paul Kagame’s leadership while opening the party’s General Assembly on June 21, 2026.
    Addressing party members, Harerimana reflected on Rwanda’s difficult history, marked by poor governance and ethnic discrimination under both the First and Second Republics.
  • RwandAir partners with Nigeria to boost Africa’s air cargo trade corridor

    RwandAir partners with Nigeria to boost Africa’s air cargo trade corridor

    Unveiled in Lagos by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment over the weekend, the initiative connects Nigeria to key regional markets including Kigali, Lusaka and Harare, while also offering improved access to Nairobi and Johannesburg through RwandAir’s network.

    Officials say the corridor is designed to reduce logistics barriers that have long limited the competitiveness of Nigerian exports. Cargo rates on RwandAir-operated routes are expected to fall to below $2 per kilogram for exporters holding AfCFTA Certificates of Origin issued by the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Before the rollout of the expanded corridor, exporters reportedly paid between $3 and $10 per kilogram to ship goods to East and Southern African markets, a cost structure that significantly reduced profit margins and restricted market reach.

    Officials say the new arrangement is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to translate AfCFTA commitments into practical trade opportunities for businesses.

    Speaking at the launch, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole said the initiative reflects government efforts to dismantle trade barriers and expand continental market access for Nigerian companies.

    “Our goal is clear: to make it easier and cheaper for Nigerian businesses to trade across Africa,” she said, noting that the corridor builds on a previous phase launched in 2025.

    She added that the expanded network will particularly benefit exporters in agribusiness, fashion and textiles, cosmetics, processed foods and light manufacturing, sectors seen as key drivers of Nigeria’s non-oil export growth.

    RwandAir’s Director of Cargo Services, Jean Bosco Gakwaya, said the partnership will enhance connectivity and strengthen economic ties across the continent by enabling more efficient movement of goods.

    “This partnership between RwandAir Cargo and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment enables us to connect Nigerian manufacturers to key markets across East and Southern Africa using our RwandAir network,” he said.

    He described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” for intra-African trade, highlighting the growing role of air cargo in supporting regional economic development.

    The corridor follows an earlier arrangement launched in 2025 in partnership with Uganda Airlines, which connected Nigerian exporters to Entebbe, Nairobi and Johannesburg. The inclusion of RwandAir now broadens destination options and increases flexibility for traders across the continent.

    Officials say the expansion is also a reflection of deepening economic cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda, following recent engagements between President Bola Tinubu and President Paul Kagame at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.

    The Nigerian government has urged exporters, logistics operators and small businesses to take advantage of the new corridor, which is expected to lower costs, improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export performance within Africa’s growing integrated market.

    Unveiled in Lagos by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment over the weekend, the initiative connects Nigeria to key regional markets including Kigali, Lusaka and Harare, while also offering improved access to Nairobi and Johannesburg through RwandAir’s network.
    Officials say the new arrangement is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to translate AfCFTA commitments into practical trade opportunities for businesses.
    The Nigerian government has urged exporters, logistics operators and small businesses to take advantage of the new corridor, which is expected to lower costs, improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export performance within Africa’s growing integrated market.
  • US and Iran make progress in Switzerland talks despite tensions over Hormuz Strait

    US and Iran make progress in Switzerland talks despite tensions over Hormuz Strait

    The breakthroughs came despite renewed friction surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and strong public warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The discussions, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, brought together U.S. Vice President JD Vance and a senior Iranian delegation led by parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

    At the conclusion of the initial sessions, mediators issued a joint statement revealing that both sides had agreed to a structured roadmap to finalize a comprehensive agreement within the next 60 days, raising hopes for a lasting diplomatic breakthrough to resolve the recent four-month conflict.

    Negotiations faced immediate challenges from the outset after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced new restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global energy supplies.

    Tehran defended the move by asserting that commitments related to regional ceasefire arrangements, specifically regarding Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, had not been fully implemented.

    The situation was further complicated by President Trump issuing severe threats of military action from Washington if the strategic waterway remained blocked.

    Speaking with Fox News and posting to social media, Trump conversionally warned Tehran’s leadership to “watch what he says,” threatening to hit Iran “very hard” and even floating a hypothetical U.S. takeover of the Strait of Hormuz to collect commercial transit tolls if a final deal is not reached within 60 days.

    The formal negotiations faced an immediate crisis on Sunday as the Iranian delegation walked out of the quadrilateral meetings in direct protest of Trump’s public warnings, forcing a temporary suspension of the formal summit.

    While Iranian state media declared the talks had entered a “difficult phase” following the publication of the messages, intense back-channel diplomacy by Qatari and Pakistani mediators quickly salvaged the summit.

    Through rapid-fire, bilateral shuttle diplomacy conducted in the background, the mediators successfully brought both sides back to the table for intensive, late-night sessions.

    The direct engagement covered an expansive range of critical subjects, including maritime security, regional conflict zones, the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and mechanisms for releasing frozen Iranian assets abroad.

    Vice President Vance expressed measured optimism about the dialogue, emphasizing a desire to “turn over a new leaf” and permanently shift geopolitical relations in the Middle East.

    Iranian officials also characterized the late-night sessions as constructive, though they maintained that long-term progress on broader nuclear-related matters and international inspections remains contingent upon the structured fulfillment of existing economic commitments and technical sanctions waivers.

    A primary tangible outcome of the Bürgenstock round was an explicit agreement to establish a direct “communication line” to prevent military miscalculations and ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Additionally, the two nations agreed to set up a dedicated “de-confliction cell” tasked with stabilizing the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, addressing the primary catalyst of recent regional hostilities.

    The announcement of continued diplomatic progress was welcomed by financial markets, with global oil prices easing from their recent peaks as investors responded positively to signs of de-escalation.

    Analysts noted that the willingness of Washington and Tehran to maintain sustained diplomatic contact has substantially reduced the immediate risk of a wider regional conflict that could disrupt global energy distribution.

    Technical negotiations between lower-level officials are scheduled to continue in Switzerland over the coming days to build out the framework of the comprehensive agreement.

    The breakthroughs came despite renewed friction surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and strong public warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump.

  • Salah inspires Egypt to historic first World Cup match win

    Salah inspires Egypt to historic first World Cup match win

    The result marked Egypt’s first win at the World Cup in their ninth appearance, moving them to the brink of qualification for the last 32 and easing the disappointment of previous campaigns.

    New Zealand made a bright start and took the lead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman rose to head home from a set-piece, putting Egypt under early pressure. However, the African side responded strongly after the break and turned the match around with a dominant second-half display.

    Mostafa Mohamed restored parity in the 58th minute after being set up by Salah, before the Liverpool forward put Egypt ahead just nine minutes later with a composed finish in the 67th minute. Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ sealed the historic victory in the 82nd minute, converting from a well-delivered corner to complete the 3-1 comeback.

    Salah’s influence was decisive throughout, as he continued to carry Egypt’s attacking threat after a slow start to the tournament, which had included a subdued performance in their opening draw against Belgium. Just when it seemed his World Cup struggles might continue, the 34-year-old delivered a match-winning display to lift his nation.

    The win also highlighted Egypt’s resilience, as they recovered from conceding early to produce one of their most important results in World Cup history. It leaves them in a strong position in Group G and on course for a possible place in the knockout stage.

    Egypt will now turn their attention to their final group match against Iran, where another positive result could confirm progression to the round of 32.

    Salah, who now has 68 international goals, described the victory as “a great achievement for all the players” and praised the team’s spirit in overcoming adversity on the world stage.

    Mixed fortunes for other African nations

    While Egypt celebrated a historic triumph, the other African representatives in action on Sunday experienced contrasting fortunes as the second round of group-stage matches continued.

    In Group H, debutants Cabo Verde produced a stunning, resilient display to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay at Miami Stadium. The Blue Sharks made history in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina swept home a sensational 34-yard free-kick, recording the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

    Uruguay responded aggressively before the break, turning the game on its head with quick-fire goals from Maximiliano Araújo and Agustín Canobbio to take a 2–1 halftime lead.

    However, Cabo Verde refused to back down. In the 61st minute, forward Hélio Varela capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the Uruguayan box to slot home a deserved equalizer. The hard-fought point keeps Cabo Verde firmly alive in the race for the knockout rounds, leaving them tied with Uruguay on two points in Group H.

    It was a far more sobering evening for Tunisia, who were officially eliminated from the tournament after suffering a heavy 4–0 defeat against a ruthless Japan side at Estadio Monterrey. The Group F clash, which marked the historic 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, was entirely dominated by the Asian giants.

    Daichi Kamada opened the scoring for Japan after just four minutes, netting the fastest World Cup goal in his country’s history. Striker Ayase Ueda doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark before winger Junya Ito added a third in the 69th minute.

    Ueda capped off his stellar performance with a looping header late in the game to complete the rout. The comprehensive loss leaves the Eagles of Carthage bottom of the group without a point, spelling an early exit from the competition.

    The victory marked a huge milestone for Egyptian football, ending the nation’s long wait for a first World Cup match win after several appearances on football’s biggest stage.

  • DR Congo Ebola cases top 1,000

    DR Congo Ebola cases top 1,000

    According to figures released by the DRC health ministry, the country has reported 1,003 confirmed cases, including 254 deaths, with an overall case fatality rate of 25.3 percent.

    A total of 365 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalized, while 100 patients have recovered, the update said. The contact follow-up rate across the three affected provinces stood at 58 percent.

    Despite the rise in cases, Ebola response efforts remain active, with heightened surveillance, intensified community outreach, and ongoing efforts to strengthen case management and diagnostic capacity, authorities said.

    Red Cross workers bury an Ebola victim at the Rwampara Cemetery, in Rwampara, Congo, Saturday, May 23, 2026.
  • Rwandan youth in Germany affirm their role in building Rwanda’s future

    Rwandan youth in Germany affirm their role in building Rwanda’s future

    Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving.”, this year’s edition highlighted a committed generation determined to build bridges between their host country and their country of origin.

    One of the event’s distinctive features was that it was entirely coordinated by young people themselves, demonstrating their sense of responsibility and their ability to mobilize and unite their peers around shared goals.

    To attend the gathering, some participants travelled hundreds of kilometres, with several spending more than six hours on the road to reach Hamburg and reconnect with fellow Rwandans living across Germany. Beyond the conference itself, the event represented a rare opportunity to meet, expand professional and social networks, and strengthen ties within a community spread across a vast country.

    The main activities on June 20 focused on discussions and thematic panels addressing issues that matter to young people in the diaspora.

    The first panel, “Rooted in Values, Connected by Purpose: Rwandan Youth in the Digital Era,” moderated by Daisy Igihozo and featuring Gildas Mukunde, First Secretary at the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany, alongside Anaïs Usanase and Amani Shema, emphasized the importance of preserving Rwandan values in an increasingly digital world and using digital tools to strengthen community engagement.

    The second panel, “Success Beyond Career: Empowering Rwandan Youth with Skills, Resilience, and Responsibility,” moderated by Samantha Kayitete Murera, brought together Dr Kaneza Elisabeth, Moise Mwiseneza and Leilla Umutoni to discuss resilience, leadership, responsibility and skills development.

    The third panel, “Insights on Financial Literacy, Legal Awareness, and Pathways to Entrepreneurship,” moderated by Delice Perle Ikirezi and featuring Ange Bella Kabano, Musafiri Sebiziga, Protogene Hahirwabayo and Guillaume Habarurema, focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and the importance of collective investment.

    A conversation titled “Rooted Identity Beyond Borders: Belonging and the Global Rwandan Experience,” led by Nadège Akamanzi with Madame Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, further explored questions of identity, belonging and the role of Rwandans living abroad in shaping the country’s future.

    Beyond the panel discussions, participants also took part in open exchanges that allowed them to share personal experiences, daily challenges and powerful testimonies about navigating life between Rwanda and Germany. These discussions revealed a common reality: despite the distance, their attachment to Rwanda remains deeply rooted.

    The event also featured a session on youth engagement in Germany, facilitated by Naomi Ikamba and Moise Mwiseneza, highlighting the importance of further structuring youth-led initiatives across the country.

    The highlight of the gathering was the closing address delivered by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, who reminded participants that they are not mere observers of Rwanda’s development but active contributors to its future.

    Addressing the young audience gathered from different German cities, he stressed that the diaspora is considered Rwanda’s “sixth province” and encouraged them to remain organized, united and ambitious.

    Drawing on the example of the Rwandan community in Kaiserslautern, he demonstrated how a simple collective initiative can generate meaningful impact, citing a solidarity mechanism that helped finance health insurance for vulnerable people in Rwanda.

    He also encouraged young people not to separate their lives in Germany from their Rwandan identity, but rather to transform the skills and experiences acquired abroad into opportunities for Rwanda, including through collaborative entrepreneurial projects.

    After the official discussions and speeches, participants gathered for an evening of cultural performances, music and moments of fellowship.

    More than a celebration, the evening became a space for meaningful connections among young Rwandans from different parts of Germany. Participants strengthened friendships, built new relationships and expanded a network that now extends beyond regional boundaries.

    These moments perfectly embodied the spirit of Rwanda Youth Connect Germany: bringing together young members of the diaspora to share experiences, support one another and jointly contribute to Rwanda’s future.

    Rwanda Youth Connect Germany 2026 demonstrated that beyond geographical distances, a united, organized and deeply rooted generation can become a powerful force for national development.

    The message that resonated throughout the event was clear: the Rwandan youth in the diaspora are not simply preparing Rwanda’s future; they are already helping to build it.

    In 2025, the Rwandan diaspora injected US$639.84 million into Rwanda’s economy, reaffirming its essential role in the country’s development.

    Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving.”, this year’s edition highlighted a committed generation determined to build bridges between their host country and their country of origin.
    The first panel, “Rooted in Values, Connected by Purpose: Rwandan Youth in the Digital Era,” was moderated by Daisy Igihozo.
    The second panel, “Success Beyond Career: Empowering Rwandan Youth with Skills, Resilience, and Responsibility,” was moderated by Samantha Kayitete Murera.
    The third panel, “Insights on Financial Literacy, Legal Awareness, and Pathways to Entrepreneurship,” was moderated by Delice Perle Ikirezi.
    A conversation entitled “Rooted Identity Beyond Borders: Belonging and the Global Rwandan Experience,” led by Nadège Akamanzi.
    Mrs. Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, wife of Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, also contributed to a deeper reflection on issues of identity and the sense of belonging among Rwandans living abroad.
    Attendees performed and enjoyed traditional Rwandan dances.
    The highlight of the gathering was the closing address delivered by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, who reminded participants that they are not mere observers of Rwanda’s development but active contributors to its future.
    IGIHE spoke with Ambassador Igor César and his wife, Jeanne Ndatirwa.
    Rwanda Youth Connect Germany 2026 thus demonstrated that, beyond geographical distances, a united, organized youth deeply connected to its roots can become a true force for development.

    karirima@igihe.com

  • Halo nails: Elegant manicure trend redefining modern nail art

    Halo nails: Elegant manicure trend redefining modern nail art

    The trend gained massive popularity through social media platforms and celebrity influence, especially after being showcased by artists like Dua Lipa, who helped propel the design into mainstream beauty culture.

    Unlike traditional nail styles that rely on solid colors or simple patterns, halo nails focus on light, contrast, and depth. The design typically utilizes a contrasting base color, which is then framed at the top and bottom borders with a lighter, metallic, or shimmering tone.

    This effectively creates a “halo” ring around the nail’s center, which often features a soft, diffused aura effect. Nail artists frequently use chrome finishes, iridescent powders, or magnetic cat-eye polishes to achieve this reflective look, making each manicure appear slightly different depending on the lighting and angle.

    One reason halo nails are so popular is their versatility. They can be subtle and elegant for everyday wear or bold and dramatic for special occasions.

    Some designs use soft pinks and nude tones for a natural glow, while others experiment with vibrant colors like sunset orange, navy, or neon shades for a more striking effect. This flexibility allows people to personalize the trend according to their personal style.

    Another appeal of halo nails is their low-maintenance nature; because the color concentrates on the outer framing and the cuticle cuff, natural nail growth is far less noticeable over time. While achieving the perfect symmetrical arcs requires a steady hand or precision nail tape, beauty enthusiasts enjoy replicating the look both at home and in professional salons.

    Overall, halo nails represent a modern shift in nail fashion toward creativity, individuality, and expressive minimalism. They combine structural simplicity with artistic detail, proving that even subtle designs can make a powerful style statement. As nail art continues to evolve, halo nails remain a standout trend that blends elegance with innovation in a beautifully framed way.

    Glossy pink nails are highly flattering, featuring a soft hot pink gradient with an aura effect and   a shiny, polished finish.
  • Nigeria launches investigation into death of Rwandan inmate

    Nigeria launches investigation into death of Rwandan inmate

    Relasss died on the morning of Tuesday, June 16, while awaiting trial at the High Court in Abuja in connection with a financial-related case.

    He had been held in pre-trial detention since 2023 after a court denied him bail, citing concerns that, as a foreign national without Nigerian citizenship, he could abscond if released.

    According to local media reports, correctional authorities convened an emergency management meeting following his death to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The meeting reportedly also reviewed the state of healthcare services available to other ill inmates.

    Sources cited by Sahara TV alleged that inmates are required to pay for basic sanitary supplies for sick prisoners instead of having such essentials provided by the correctional service. The reports claim that inmates are asked to contribute 15,000 Nigerian naira (about $11) for hygiene materials.

    The same sources further alleged that prisoners must also cover the cost of being transferred to hospitals outside the correctional facility for specialized treatment, a practice they claim contributed to Relasss’ death after he was unable to access medical care in time.

    The allegations have not been independently verified.

    The Nigerian Correctional Service has not publicly commented on the claims or the circumstances surrounding Relasss’ death. Sahara TV reported that the agency’s spokesperson, CSC Jane Osuji, did not respond to requests for comment.

    The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances of the Rwandan national’s death and examine broader concerns over access to healthcare for inmates within Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

    Nigeria’s National Correctional Service (NCS) has launched an investigation into the death of a Rwandan national, Benjamin Relasss, who died while in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre, amid allegations that he was denied timely medical care.