Data shared with IGIHE shows that between January 1 and March 11, 2026, disasters including lightning strikes, landslides and floods claimed lives in different parts of the country.
Among the victims, 14 people were killed by lightning, while five died in fires. Floods and landslides each killed three people, while two people died after houses collapsed. One person lost their life in a disaster linked to mining activities.
MINEMA also reported that besides the fatalities, 75 people have been injured since the start of the year, while 297 houses were damaged.
The disasters also destroyed crops on 220 hectares of land, killed 25 cows and nine other livestock, and damaged public infrastructure.
According to the ministry, the incidents also destroyed eight school classrooms, 14 roads, 22 electricity lines, and 22 bridges. In addition, one church and one market were damaged.
Recently, Rwanda’s Meteorological Agency warned that March 2026 is expected to receive above-average rainfall, which could increase the risk of disasters.
The meteorological agency said rainfall during the month could be slightly higher than the usual average, increasing soil moisture levels.
While this may benefit agricultural activities at the beginning of the Season B planting period, it could also bring strong winds and thunderstorms capable of triggering disasters, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated.
Forecasts indicate that rainfall between 100 and 350 millimeters is expected in the first and second ten-day periods of March, slightly above the usual average for those periods. Between March 21 and 31, rainfall is expected to return to normal levels ranging between 89 and 292 millimeters.
The Minister in charge of Emergency Management, Albert Murasira, recently urged residents to take precautions against disasters linked to heavy rains, particularly those living in high-risk zones.
He also called on people living in wetlands and high-risk zones to relocate to safer areas to avoid putting their lives in danger, stressing that long-term measures are being implemented to ensure communities do not settle in hazardous locations.
MINEMA has reported that disasters claimed 28 lives in Rwanda since start of 2026.
From March 9 to 11, 2026, Kigali hosted a meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference bringing together bishops from both countries to discuss cooperation and ways to address challenges affecting communities, particularly Christian faithful.
Speaking to the media, Bishop Joachim Ntahondereye of Muyinga Diocese and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Burundi, encouraged believers from both nations not to lose hope despite the prolonged border closure.
“Our message to Christians in Rwanda and Burundi at a time when the border between the two countries is closed is that they should not lose hope because no rain falls without eventually stopping,” he said.
“As the saying goes, every rain passes. The issues that led to the closure of the border will also pass, and people will once again travel, cooperate and support one another as they used to.”
Bishop Ntahondereye also urged those who have the means to continue using air travel, which remains open between the two countries, so they can keep sharing ideas, develop joint initiatives and help strengthen peace between Rwanda and Burundi.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Rwanda, said the arrival of Burundian bishops in Kigali by plane was itself a sign that the people of the two nations remain closely connected despite the border closure.
“It is strong testimony that we must work together to find solutions,” Cardinal Kambanda said. “We must do so as people who understand one another, because we have more to gain from living in harmony than from living in conflict.”
Burundi closed its land borders with Rwanda in January 2024, citing security concerns. Although air travel between the two countries has continued, the closure has significantly disrupted cross-border trade and movement of people who have long relied on ties between the neighboring nations.
Bishop Joachim Ntahondereye of Muyinga Diocese and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Burundi, encouraged believers from both nations not to lose hope despite the prolonged border closure.Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Rwanda, stressed the need for people from both countries to remain connected. Eight Catholic bishops from Burundi spent three days in Rwanda.
Signed on the sidelines of the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 in Kigali on Wednesday, the new framework aims to reduce duplicative regulatory processes while maintaining strong oversight, allowing licensed PSPs to operate seamlessly in both Kenya and Rwanda.
By promoting mutual recognition of licensing regimes, the initiative is expected to foster competition, encourage innovation, and accelerate the delivery of digital financial services across borders.
The MoU, the partners said, aligns with the East Africa Community Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan (EAC Masterplan), which envisions a more integrated, efficient, and inclusive regional payments ecosystem.
One of the Masterplan’s key priorities is to create a mutual recognition system for PSP licensing across partner states, addressing the regulatory fragmentation that has historically limited cross-border payment expansion.
Rwanda’s central bank termed the new agreement a “major step toward stronger competition, greater innovation, and faster cross-border digital financial services under robust regulatory oversight.
The Central Bank of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring that national payment infrastructures meet the evolving needs of the economy.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for a more connected East African payments landscape, benefiting businesses and consumers alike by facilitating faster, safer, and more accessible digital financial services.
Signed on the sidelines of the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 in Kigali on Wednesday, the new framework aims to reduce duplicative regulatory processes while maintaining strong oversight, allowing licensed PSPs to operate seamlessly in both Kenya and Rwanda.
This statement followed a drone attack carried out by the DRC’s armed forces on the city of Goma on March 11, 2026. Nangaa revealed that the attack had been planned for some time, as a campaign led by Kinshasa had been urging the people of Goma to evacuate the city.
“This campaign directly preceded the recent assault by a coalition of government forces, including FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo, FDNB, and mercenaries on Goma. The message instructing the residents to leave the city was spread across networks linked to President Tshisekedi’s administration, aiming to create the illusion for the international community that the people of Goma were fleeing,” he said.
Nangaa further stated that the DRC government has a plan to eliminate AFC/M23 leaders and opposition politicians in order to undermine any dissent, but he also warned that the government is working to “extend the war into a broader regional conflict.”
The AFC/M23 has emphasized that, as the DRC government continues to escalate the conflict, their fighters have a duty to protect the civilians under controlled areas. They also stated that President Félix Tshisekedi will be held accountable for the consequences of the looming war.
Corneille Nangaa asserted that President Tshisekedi will be held accountable for the consequences of the military offensives being conducted by the DRC’s government forces.
Residents in Tel Aviv reported loud blasts as Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news said debris hit several locations in the area. The country’s rescue service, Magen David Adom, said its teams were on their way to search for possible injuries at sites where missile hits or fragments had been reported.
The attacks followed large-scale Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday night, while Hezbollah targeted northern Israel for hours with rocket barrages.
According to Israeli military officials, Hezbollah militants fired about 100 rockets and several drones at northern Israel, while Iran simultaneously launched several missiles at the north as well as other areas.
Impacts were reported and at least two civilians were lightly injured, Magen David Adom said.
The fights came as the regional conflict, triggered by the U.S.-Israeli joint military strikes on Iran, stretched into its 13th day.
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beiruts southern suburbs on March 11, 2026. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of the Iranian supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel, which kept up strikes targeting Hezbollah despite a 2024 ceasefire, has since launched attacks across Lebanon and sent ground troops into border areas. (Photo by AFP) /
“You just said it is a little excursion and you said it is a war. So, which one is it?” Trump was asked by one of the reporters traveling with him in the U.S. state of Ohio.
“Well, it’s both,” Trump answered. “It’s an excursion that will keep us out of a war, and the war is going to be, I mean for them it’s a war.”
Addressing House Republicans on Monday, Trump described the military operation against Iran as a “short-term excursion” while later vowing to “go forward more determined than ever to achieve ultimate victory.” He has also demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Though Trump said earlier on Wednesday that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran will end “soon” because there is “practically nothing left to target,” Axios reported.
U.S. and Israeli officials said that they are preparing for at least two more weeks of strikes in Iran, and that there has been no internal directive on when such strikes might stop, according to the report.
More than 1,300 civilians have been killed and 9,669 civilian sites destroyed in Iran in U.S.-Israeli strikes since Feb. 28, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, said Tuesday.
People attend a protest against U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in San Francisco, the United States, Feb. 28, 2026.
The match was played at PSG’s home stadium, Parc des Princes.
“This evening in Paris, President Kagame attended the UEFA Champions League match at Parc des Princes, where Visit Rwanda partner Paris Saint-Germain secured a 5–2 victory over Chelsea FC,” the Office of the President said in a post on X.
The partnership between Visit Rwanda and Paris Saint-Germain was first signed in 2019 and renewed in 2025, extending the agreement until 2028.
Under the deal, PSG promotes the Visit Rwanda brand at its home ground, Parc des Princes, and on the club’s training kits.
Since the partnership began, millions of football fans around the world have gained greater awareness of Rwanda through media coverage and the visibility of the Visit Rwanda brand.
Through the collaboration, more than 400 children have also received football training through PSG Academy Rwanda, established by the French club in Rwanda.
Each year, the club sends players and legends to Rwanda to visit the country’s tourist attractions and share their experiences with global audiences.
The latest visitors were Océane Nathalie Toussaint Dit Marseille, Baby Jordy Benera, and Jade Le Guilly, members of the Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, who visited Rwanda in late February this year.
According to the Rwanda Development Board, the continued partnership helps position Rwanda as a global tourism destination, with further exposure expected as the Visit Rwanda brand appears on training kits worn by PSG youth teams in the United States.
President Kagame was welcomed by senior officials from Paris Saint-Germain.The match ended with PSG defeating Chelsea 5–2.
Bunyoni, who served as Prime Minister of Burundi from June 2020 to September 2022, was freed alongside ten other detainees on health grounds. The release was confirmed by security officials in Burundi as well as his lawyer Placide Gatoto.
One of the most influential figures in Burundi’s political and security establishment, Bunyoni held several senior positions during his career, particularly within the security sector. He was also the first person to receive the rank of General in the country’s national police.
He was arrested in April 2023 and accused of crimes linked to an alleged plot to harm President Évariste Ndayishimiye as well as charges related to undermining the country’s economy.
Following his trial, Bunyoni was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was subsequently transferred to Gitega Central Prison, where he had been serving his sentence.
At the time of his conviction, the court also ordered the seizure and sale of his assets, which reportedly included numerous buildings and vehicles. The proceeds were intended to compensate the Burundian state for funds he was accused of embezzling.
Bunyoni’s health had deteriorated significantly during his detention. On October 9, 2025, he was admitted to a hospital in Gitega after human rights activists who visited him in the special cell where he was being held warned that his condition could be life-threatening.
According to Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, chairperson of the human rights organization APRODH, Bunyoni was suffering from severe diabetes and serious mental health issues. Mbonimpa said the former prime minister sometimes became extremely frightened, even hiding under his bed when people visited him.
Medical treatment at the Gitega hospital reportedly failed to improve his condition. He was later transferred to the private Kira Hospital in Bujumbura, but he was discharged shortly afterward when no significant improvement was observed.
The Burundian government’s decision to release Bunyoni has fueled speculation that he may be allowed to seek specialized medical treatment abroad, where doctors may be better equipped to handle his condition than facilities in Bujumbura or Gitega.
Bunyoni served as Prime Minister of Burundi from June 2020 to September 2022.
Tom Close shared the story during a talk he gave at ‘Citylight Foursquare Church’ on March 10, 2026. The session was held under the theme “Balancing fame and Christianity,” and he appeared alongside gospel singer Israel Mbonyi.
Speaking during the event, Tom Close recalled that while he was still in primary school he admired President Kagame deeply and often played his role in school drama performances.
He noted that although many children today look up to fictional characters such as Spider-Man and Superman as their heroes, things were different when he was growing up.
“For children today, Spider-Man and Superman are their superheroes,” he said. “But when we were young, the Inkotanyi were our superheroes. I often say this jokingly: when I was still in primary school, I liked acting in plays where I played the role of the Vice President and Minister of Defence, Paul Kagame.”
He added that at one point, when he was still very young, he wrote a letter addressed to Kagame and asked his mother to pass it on to him.
“I remember going to where my mother worked and giving her the letter so she could deliver it,” he said.
Tom Close did not disclose what he had written in the letter, nor whether it ever reached the president.
The artist also shared that while many musicians chase fame and wealth, his childhood dream was much simpler: to make music until President Kagame knew who he was.
“Growing up, I always felt that if one day I learned that he knew me and considered me a good artist, that alone would be enough, even if I stopped there,” he said.
According to Tom Close, this dream influenced the way he approached his music career. He said it pushed him to produce songs that would protect his reputation, believing that one day President Kagame might hear and appreciate his work.
Tom Close appeared alongside gospel singer Israel Mbonyi during the talk delivered on March 10, 2026.Rwandan singer and medical doctor Muyombo Thomas, popularly known as Tom Close has recalled writing a letter to President Kagame during his childhood.
Globally, over 4.6 million robots are currently in use across industries, illustrating how automation is increasingly shaping productivity. In many cases, a robot can perform tasks up to ten times more efficiently than a human worker.
China, for instance, has long recognized the potential of these machines. By 2024, it had deployed around 300,000 robots, and today more than two million are in active use across industries. Nearly 90% of Chinese companies view artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics as key drivers of business transformation. The global robotics market was valued at $20.8 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow sevenfold by 2032.
From autonomous vehicles and service robots to surgical-assisting machines and agricultural automation for planting, pruning, and harvesting, robotics technology is increasingly integrated into daily life. Notable examples include the Spot robot, widely used in military operations for surveillance and explosive detection, Apis Cor’s Russian-built robot that can construct a house in under 24 hours, and Israel’s ReWalk, which assists people with spinal injuries to walk.
Rwanda embraces robotics
Rwanda has not been left behind. Following the Cabinet’s approval of the five-year National AI Policy in April 2023, a study identified a need for $76.5 million in investment to scale AI across sectors and boost its contribution to the national economy.
The country continues to promote AI and robotics projects expected to add $589 million (about 6%) to Rwanda’s GDP. Efforts are supported by investments in internet infrastructure, including high-speed networks like 5G, which are essential for operating these advanced machines.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, robots helped monitor temperatures and reduce human contact, demonstrating their potential in public health and service delivery. Rwanda is now extending these innovations to sectors such as hospitality, where robots are still relatively rare compared to developed countries.
Robots serve customers at One Love Café
One Love Café, located in Kimihurura, Gasabo District, has introduced robots into its operations. Two of these robots, named Amahoro and Umoja (meaning “peace” and “unity”), greet and serve customers, delivering orders directly to tables and notifying customers when their meals arrive.
The robots also feature interactive capabilities, such as promoting tourism in Rwanda, highlighting Kigali’s cleanliness, singing birthday songs, and performing other entertainment tasks.
Umutoni Cynthia, manager at One Love Café, explained the decision to integrate robots: “We decided to introduce robots from the start, just as you would plan for any new project. Our goal was to align the restaurant with technological advancement and offer customers a modern experience.”
While some worry that robotics may reduce employment opportunities, technology experts stress that AI and robotics create new types of work. For instance, jobs emerge in robot maintenance, regulation, and operation, rather than simply replacing human labor. One Love Café, for example, still employs 20 staff members alongside the robots.
Engineer Misgun Abraha Berne, owner of One Love Café, emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate jobs but to enhance service delivery, attract customers, and introduce innovation in Rwanda’s hospitality sector: “Kigali is one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourist cities. We wanted to add something unique to our service offering and create a modern, enjoyable experience for visitors.”
The robots used at One Love Café are high-end and come at a significant cost. Engineer Misgun explained that, depending on the model, the robots’ prices range from 10 million to 50 million Rwandan francs, including shipping, taxes, and other fees.
He added: “If these robots prove popular and improve customer service, we plan to bring in more in the future.”
Innovation and economic impact
Technological innovation, particularly in services, plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s economic growth. In the third quarter of 2025, Rwanda’s GDP reached 5.525 trillion Rwandan francs, an 11.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Services contributed 57% of this growth, agriculture 15%, and industry 22%.
Robots can deliver meals and entertain customers with songs, including birthday celebrations.Service robots at the restaurant assist staff in streamlining operations without replacing human workers.Amahoro delivers meals directly to customers’ tables, ensuring efficient service.Umoja greets guests and notifies them when their orders are ready.
