“We classify everybody on board as what we call a high-risk contact,” Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, told a media briefing.
She noted that currently “nobody on board has any symptoms,” but recommended “active monitoring and follow-up of all the passengers and crew who disembark for a 42-day period.”
However, she stressed that the risk to the public and people in the Canary Islands, where the MV Hondius is expected to dock on Sunday, remains “low.”
According to a WHO Disease Outbreak News update on Saturday, severe respiratory illness was first reported on the cruise ship on 2 May. At the time, there were 147 passengers and crew members onboard, while 34 others had already disembarked. All WHO’s contact points in concerned countries have been informed and are supporting international contact tracing.
As of 8 May, eight symptomatic cases have been reported, including three deaths. Six cases are laboratory-confirmed as Andes virus (ANDV) hantavirus infections.
The WHO urged the countries involved to continue public health coordination, including contact tracing, case management, infection prevention and transparent communication.
Early symptoms of hantavirus infection include headache, dizziness, chills, fever, myalgia, and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, according to the WHO.
Given that pre-symptomatic transmission in past ADNV outbreaks cannot be entirely ruled out, WHO also recommends self-monitoring, medical evaluation and mask-wearing for low-risk contacts if symptoms occur.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday that all people aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak should be considered “high-risk” contacts and actively monitored for 42 days.
On May 6, 2026, Tshisekedi told journalists in Kinshasa that Congolese citizens were examining the Constitution to determine whether amendments were necessary. He also stated that if the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues until 2028, elections may not be held.
“If we fail to stop this war, unfortunately we may not be able to organize elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said. “But it would not be because I refused to organize them. The capacity exists, we could do it, but we cannot organize elections without North Kivu and South Kivu.”
The Congolese president also questioned whether the current Constitution should remain unchanged, while rejecting claims that constitutional reform was linked to ambitions for a third term in office.
“What is so special about this Constitution? Should we leave it as it is? What prevents us from reviewing it?” Tshisekedi said. “One thing we should not do is connect this to a third term. I do not want a third term, but if the people ask me to lead for a third term, I would accept.”
Speaking during a press conference in Goma on May 8, Nangaa criticized Tshisekedi, who recently apologized to Congolese citizens for failing to carry out the war against Rwanda that he had promised during the final stages of his 2023 presidential campaign.
Tshisekedi had said he was misled into believing that the Congolese army was strong, only to later discover that it had been infiltrated by enemies. He linked this to the growing number of arrests and prosecutions involving military officers accused of betraying the country.
Nangaa suggested that Tshisekedi’s departure from office could come sooner than expected.
“Do not be surprised if he leaves in the coming days. He will go,” Nangaa said. “And do not be surprised to hear him say, ‘I did not know I was president.’ He will say, ‘I did not know it was my responsibility to guarantee Congo’s security or to do this or that.’”
The AFC/M23 leader argued that efforts to amend the Constitution would fail and called on Congolese citizens from different sectors to unite behind the alliance in order to block Tshisekedi’s plans.
“He wants to change the Constitution. If he is capable, let him try,” Nangaa said. “But as far as we are concerned, and I speak on behalf of AFC/M23, the time is now. This press conference allows Congolese people to understand our objective. AFC/M23 calls on all politicians and all citizens to support the struggle to protect the DRC.”
Nangaa further stated that AFC/M23 seeks support from Congolese living in Kinshasa, those in exile, and even some members of the ruling Union Sacrée coalition, claiming that certain figures within the alliance are already holding secret talks with AFC/M23.
Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the AFC/M23 alliance, has declared that President Félix Tshisekedi has limited time left in office
Europe Day, celebrated annually on May 9, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, widely considered the foundation of the modern European Union. Proposed by then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in the aftermath of World War II, the declaration called for European countries to jointly manage coal and steel production, industries central to war-making at the time, in order to make future conflict between historic rivals “materially impossible.”
The declaration laid the foundation for what would later become the European Union, a bloc built around peace, economic cooperation, shared prosperity, and political integration. This year’s celebrations marked 76 years since the declaration and highlighted how those founding ideals continue to shape the EU’s partnerships around the world, including with Rwanda.
The event, hosted by Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra at her residence in Kigali, reflected on the expanding political, economic, and development cooperation between Rwanda and the European Union.
The event highlighted the expanding political, economic, and development cooperation between Rwanda and the European Union.
Addressing guests, the envoy described the Schuman Declaration as “a project for peace and shared prosperity,” noting that its founding principles remain relevant amid rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty.
“In a world of international disorder and coercive power politics, the EU stands strong for peace and prosperity, freedom and democracy, unity and diversity, partnerships and multilateralism,” she said.
The ambassador used the occasion, her final Europe Day celebration in Rwanda before the end of her diplomatic mission, to reflect on four years of EU-Rwanda cooperation, describing the partnership as one built on “continuous open dialogue, respect, consistency and trust.”
She pointed to major achievements under the partnership, including support for Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing, youth employment initiatives, climate-smart agriculture, innovation, and infrastructure investment through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra used the occasion, her final Europe Day celebration in Rwanda before the end of her diplomatic mission, to reflect on four years of EU-Rwanda cooperation.
According to the ambassador, Team Europe has invested more than €1 billion in Rwanda in recent years across sectors including health technology, smart cities, transport infrastructure, critical minerals, and environmental conservation.
“Global Gateway puts the private sector and investment at the heart of the partnership, aligning with Rwanda’s vision to shift from aid to trade,” she said.
She added that more than 300 European businesses are currently operating in Rwanda, with over €1.4 billion in new European investment recorded over the past four years. Rwanda’s exports to the European Union have also grown by 47 percent since 2019.
Among the flagship projects highlighted was the establishment of an ecosystem for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Rwanda, supported by European investment, including German biotechnology company BioNTech.
“What started during COVID as Rwanda’s ambitious vision to manufacture vaccines has become an attractive ecosystem for quality pharmaceutical investment,” the ambassador noted.
The celebrations also focused on regional peace and security, with the ambassador emphasising the EU’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and dismantling the FDLR militia group, which was formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
She welcomed ongoing peace initiatives, including the Doha Framework and African Union mediation efforts, while stressing the need for concrete progress on ceasefire implementation and regional trust-building.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised the EU for its continued support to Rwanda’s development agenda and described the partnership as increasingly dynamic and diversified.
“Europe Day offers us a valuable opportunity to celebrate the longstanding and dynamic partnership between Rwanda and the European Union,” he said.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised the EU for its continued support to Rwanda’s development agenda and described the partnership as increasingly dynamic and diversified.
Nduhungirehe commended the strengthened cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy and welcomed renewed investment worth €105 million to support Rwanda’s ambitions in vaccine manufacturing and medical innovation.
The vaccine-manufacturing project has been hailed as a major step towards ensuring equitable access to vaccines and strengthening Africa’s capacity to respond to future health emergencies.
Nduhungirehe also reflected on the security dimension of the EU–Rwanda partnership, describing it as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation alongside development and economic engagement.
“The EU has remained a trusted partner of Rwanda throughout our peacekeeping engagements and bilateral interventions around the continent. We hope to continue counting on your support as we get closer to achieving key priorities under the AU’s Silencing the Guns agenda and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” he added.
The minister also praised Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra for her contribution to strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation during her tenure in Kigali.
The event celebrated growing people-to-people relations between Rwanda and Europe.
Beyond diplomacy and investment, the event celebrated growing people-to-people relations between Rwanda and Europe through education exchanges, arts, sports, entrepreneurship, and youth innovation initiatives.
The ambassador highlighted programmes such as Hanga Hubs and Aguka, developed in partnership with the Ministries of Youth and ICT as well as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which she said contributed to the creation of more than 100,000 jobs over the past two years.
She also announced the creation of a youth sounding board aimed at involving young people more directly in shaping EU policies and partnerships in Rwanda.
“Let us continue working together, uniting in our pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow for Rwanda, Europe, Africa, and the world,” the ambassador said as she invoked the philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises humanity, interconnectedness, and collective responsibility, focusing on compassion, respect, and community over individual isolation.
The colourful evening celebration featured performances by bands with a surprise appearance by Bruce Melodie, who has been working with the EU delegation on youth programmes.
Celebrated Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie interacting with VIP guests at the event.Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, graced the celebration.Nduhungirehe commended the strengthened cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy.Europe Day, celebrated annually on May 9, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, widely considered the foundation of the modern European Union.
According to the fund, the savings were collected between May 1 and May 8, 2026. The increase pushed the total assets under management to Rwf97.4 billion.
RNIT-Iterambere also indicated that investors withdrew Rwf380 million from the fund during the same period. The value of one unit share stood at Rwf271.72 during the week.
Individuals who save through RNIT-Iterambere Fund begin earning returns the following day after making their investment. The returns continue to accumulate throughout the year, with investors currently receiving an annual return of 11.78%.
The RNIT-Iterambere Fund was established by the Government of Rwanda in 2014 and became fully operational in 2016.
The initiative was introduced to promote a savings culture among Rwandans while helping them understand investment management and earn returns on their savings over time. Savings in the fund can start from as little as Rwf2,000.
RNIT-Iterambere also indicated that investors withdrew Rwf380 million from the fund during the same period.
The move comes as Rwanda continues encouraging residents to use public transport following the sharp rise in global and local fuel prices.
Since the campaign began, the number of daily bus commuters in the City of Kigali has increased from 180,000 to 230,000 passengers.
Uwihanganye explained that the recently introduced bus lanes were designed to improve efficiency by allowing buses to move faster and depart at intervals of five minutes.
“Since last week, when these bus lanes were introduced, buses operating within those lanes are expected to depart every five minutes and move quickly,” he said.
Passengers using the buses say transport services have improved compared to before, noting that buses no longer spend excessive time stuck in traffic or waiting to fill up with passengers before departing.
“The fact that people appreciate the service is reflected in the numbers. In just one week, 10,000 more passengers started using buses, and this is only the beginning,” Uwihanganye added.
He also noted that traffic congestion has eased, especially during peak hours when vehicles previously remained stuck for long periods during morning and evening commutes.
The City of Kigali recently designated several large public parking areas to support the park-and-ride initiative, where motorists can leave their private cars and continue their journeys using buses.
The designated parking areas include Kabuga Bus Park, Stade Amahoro parking area in Rwahama, Kigali Pele Stadium, the former Magerwa site in Ruyenzi, Kamonyi District, and Gahanga.
Fuel prices in Rwanda have continued to rise sharply, with a litre of petrol currently costing Rwf2,938 while diesel is priced at Rwf2,205 per litre.
Passengers using the buses say transport services have improved compared to before, noting that buses no longer spend excessive time stuck in traffic or waiting to fill up with passengers before departing.
The park was recently listed by Tripadvisor among notable tourist attractions, further boosting its international visibility.
The transformation of Nyandungu began in 2016 with a project aimed at restoring the degraded Nyandungu wetland and converting it into an eco-tourism park. What was once a polluted and heavily exploited marshland has since become one of Kigali’s leading green spaces.
Before rehabilitation efforts started, the wetland had been used for farming, livestock grazing and, in some areas, as an illegal dumping site. The degradation contributed to frequent flooding caused by runoff water from surrounding hills and nearby communities.
Restoration works were completed in 2022, paving the way for the official opening of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park.
Today, the park covers more than 121 hectares across Ndera Sector in Gasabo District and Nyarugunga Sector in Kicukiro District. It stretches along the road linking La Palisse Hotel to Ndera.
At the time of its inauguration, the park consisted of five sections. Two were dedicated to wetland restoration, featuring grasses and trees designed to naturally filter polluted water flowing into the marsh. The remaining three sections were developed for tourism and recreation, including more than 10 kilometers of walking and cycling trails.
The park initially recorded 102 bird species, including crowned cranes and herons. That number has now surpassed 200 species, among them crested cranes and several other rare birds. Wildlife such as turtles, monitor lizards and mongooses have also started reappearing in the ecosystem.
Nyandungu is now home to more than 25,000 trees, up from about 17,000 during the early stages of development. Most of these are indigenous species.
Research conducted by the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID) showed that biodiversity in the park has nearly doubled over the past two years. More than 250 plant species and around 75 bird species have been added during that period.
The number of visitors has also continued to rise steadily. In 2025, the park received more than 111,000 visitors and generated over Rwf360 million in revenue. In comparison, it welcomed more than 76,000 visitors in 2024, generating Rwf158 million.
One of the park’s distinguishing features is that more than 70 percent of visitors are Rwandans, highlighting its growing popularity among local residents. Visitors are not allowed to bring outside food into the park, but there is an on-site restaurant serving meals and drinks.
To make the experience more attractive, the park has continued introducing new recreational activities. In addition to bicycles, visitors can now use scooters and small tour vehicles.
Adventure activities have also been added, including a high ropes course suspended between trees, hanging bridges, chess areas and several other leisure facilities. Children have not been left out either. The park includes playgrounds and entertainment areas designed specifically for young visitors.
Nyandungu also hosts shops selling Made-in-Rwanda products such as clothing, bags, toys and handcrafted items, including puzzle games featuring African-themed designs.
The park has further expanded into hosting environmentally friendly events through specially designed gardens and open-air venues.
Among them is the Pope John Paul II Garden, named after Pope John Paul II, who celebrated Mass in the area during his 1990 visit to Rwanda. The site was chosen because of its capacity to accommodate large crowds. Other sections are dedicated to wellness activities such as yoga and fitness sessions.
Beyond tourism and entertainment, Nyandungu has also become a quiet retreat for many Kigali residents. Benches placed throughout the park allow visitors to sit under trees near small artificial lakes, creating a peaceful environment for reading, reflection or simply enjoying nature.
More animals and attractions planned
The Manager of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, Ildephonse Kambogo, said the park’s development is still ongoing and that plans are underway to introduce additional wildlife species.
He explained that feasibility studies have already been conducted to determine which animals can adapt to the park’s environment.
“We started by conducting research to identify which animals are suitable for this park and capable of living here. We studied species such as impalas, sitatungas and other small mammals. The research was completed in April, and we are now looking at how to begin introducing them,” he said.
Kambogo added that the park management is optimistic the animals will thrive, noting that species already present in the park have adapted well and reproduced successfully.
He also revealed that new tourism activities, including a zipline and climbing wall for adventure enthusiasts, are expected to be introduced in the future.
In 2024, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) announced plans to expand the park by an additional 43 hectares. Recent biodiversity studies show that plant species have increased significantly, rising from 258 species in 2023 to 523 species in 2025.
Wildlife species have also grown steadily. Bird species increased from 83 to over 150, reptiles rose by nine species to reach 11, fish species increased from five to seven, while mammal species rose to 13.
As Kigali continues to grow into a modern urban center, Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park is emerging as a symbol of how environmental restoration, tourism and urban living can coexist in one of Africa’s fastest-changing cities.
The Pope John Paul II Garden at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park honors the late pontiff’s 1990 visit to Rwanda.Other sections are dedicated to wellness activities such as yoga and fitness sessions.Indigenous trees and restored wetlands have transformed Nyandungu into a thriving urban ecosystem in Kigali.Birdlife continues to flourish at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, where more than 200 species have now been recorded.Cyclists and pedestrians explore more than 10 kilometers of recreational trails inside Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park.Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park continues to expand its eco-tourism offerings with plans for new wildlife species and adventure activities.Scooters and small tour vehicles have been added to improve visitor experiences at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park.A restored wetland at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park now serves as a peaceful escape for Kigali residents and tourists alike.Benches placed beneath trees offer visitors quiet spaces to read, reflect and enjoy nature within Kigali’s urban setting.A restored wetland at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park now serves as a peaceful escape for Kigali residents and tourists alike.Children enjoy play areas at Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, which has expanded its family-friendly attractions in recent years.
“This is not COVID” and its risk to the general population remains “absolutely low,” Lindmeier said at a briefing in Geneva, as the agency continues to coordinate the response to the outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.
“I need to stress again and again, even those who have been sharing cabins don’t seem to be both infected in some case … it’s not spreading anything close to how COVID was spreading,” he said.
Three people have died and several others have fallen ill aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, prompting a major international public health response involving countries across Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Media briefing on Hantavirus hosted by Dr Tedros at WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, May 7. [Photo / WHO]
The move came after Ghana requested that the African Union (AU) debate at the upcoming AU Mid-Year Coordination Summit in June what it described as “xenophobic attacks” against African nationals in South Africa.
In a statement, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the government had “swiftly condemned acts of confrontation and intimidation” following sporadic incidents since late April involving some immigrants, including citizens of fellow African countries.
Since late April, protests against illegal migration, some of which turned violent, have taken place in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, with protesters accusing foreign nationals of taking jobs and business opportunities.
DIRCO said law enforcement agencies had been instructed to ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors, and to hold perpetrators accountable in accordance with the law.
DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola has engaged counterparts from several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, to brief them on developments and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to protecting the rights of all people living in the country, said the department.
The department also dismissed social media claims that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals had been killed during recent protests, saying there was “no credible evidence” to support such allegations.
According to DIRCO, about 3 million migrants currently reside in South Africa, around 90 percent of whom are from other African countries.
The government acknowledged that migration pressures, unemployment and irregular migration had at times contributed to tensions between local communities and foreign nationals.
Pretoria reiterated its support for regional and continental migration frameworks, noting that many African countries continue to face economic and border management challenges linked to migration.
DIRCO said South Africa was reviewing its immigration policy framework to better address these challenges and remained open to “continued diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue” with African countries on issues of mutual concern.
“South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart,” Lamola said. “Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility.”
A march protesting against undocumented migrants in Durban on 6 May, 2026. AFP
According to a statement issued by Liston Abramson LLP, the law firm that represented the complainant, the jury found that Gasana raped their client and awarded her $5 million in damages.
Gasana previously served as Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also held the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council.
The case was filed by a Rwandan woman who was 21 years old at the time of the alleged incidents. She was working as a summer intern when Gasana was serving as Rwanda’s representative to the UN.
According to the lawsuit cited by the New York Post in 2019, the woman alleged that Gasana assaulted her twice between June and July 2014. The report said Gasana first invited her to the Millennium Hilton Hotel, or One UN Plaza, for dinner before allegedly persuading her to go upstairs to what appeared to be a meeting room but turned out to have a bedroom behind it.
The woman alleged that Gasana raped her in that room. The New York Post reported that she did not immediately report the incident because she was afraid Gasana could harm her or take action against her family in Rwanda. The report further said Gasana allegedly assaulted her again weeks later, on 11 July 2014.
In its statement, Liston Abramson LLP said the case required years of litigation and “extraordinary courage” from the complainant. The firm said she faced not only the trauma of the abuse, but also what evidence at trial showed were efforts by the defense to publicly attack her credibility and reputation and intimidate potential witnesses.
“No verdict can erase the harm she has suffered,” the law firm said. “But this verdict sends a clear message: even powerful individuals can be held accountable.”
Gasana left his position as Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in August 2016.
Former Rwandan UN Ambassador Eugène Gasana has been found liable in sexual assault case
Under a May 2026 agreement, Rwandans can now enter Botswana visa-free for up to six months. The arrangement reflects a broader push by both governments to strengthen intra-African mobility and reduce barriers to movement.
The deal is part of a wider package of six bilateral agreements signed in Gaborone during President Paul Kagame’s state visit, witnessed by President Duma Boko.
These agreements cover double taxation avoidance, visa exemptions for diplomatic, official, and national passport holders, air services cooperation, health sector collaboration, economic, trade, and investment partnerships, and institutional cooperation between the Rwanda Development Board and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.
The visa waiver deal is part of a wider package of six bilateral agreements signed in Gaborone during President Paul Kagame’s state visit, witnessed by President Duma Boko.
Both leaders emphasised that the partnership must move beyond diplomacy into practical outcomes that improve citizens’ livelihoods, particularly through trade, connectivity, and private sector growth.
Why Botswana matters now
Botswana is often described as one of Africa’s most stable democracies and a model of prudent resource management, particularly in its diamond industry. Much like Kigali, its capital Gaborone City is known for being clean, safe, and steadily modernizing, with a growing tech and services sector.
Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana.
With the new visa waiver, Rwandan travelers can now more easily explore a country that combines high-end eco-tourism with vast, untouched wilderness.
Natural wonders worth exploring
Botswana’s landscapes are among the most striking in Africa, offering experiences that range from wetland safaris to desert plains.
One of the country’s crown jewels is Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest inland delta, where water flows into the Kalahari Desert rather than the sea. Visitors can glide through waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe, spot elephants, hippos, cheetahs, and endangered rhinos, and experience one of Africa’s most unique wetland ecosystems.
The Okavango Delta lies in the far north of Botswana, in the Ngamiland District, roughly 1,000 km north of the country’s capital, Gaborone.
Near Kasane, Chobe National Park is famous for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in the world, estimated at around 130,000. Visitors often experience river safaris along the Chobe River, watching elephants swim and gather along the banks, and the area sits close to the “Four Corners” region where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park offers a surreal, lunar-like environment made of vast salt flats. In the dry season it becomes a brilliant white desert, while in the wet season it transforms into wetlands that attract large zebra and flamingo migrations. It is also one of the best stargazing locations in Africa due to almost zero light pollution.
Known as the “Louvre of the Desert,” Tsodilo Hills contains more than 4,500 ancient rock paintings created by the San people, some of which date back thousands of years, offering a deep historical and spiritual insight into the region’s earliest inhabitants.
Key gateway cities
For travellers entering Botswana, two towns often serve as key entry points. Maun is the main launch point for safaris into the Okavango Delta and is widely regarded as the country’s tourism capital. Francistown is one of the oldest urban centres in Botswana and serves as an important commercial hub near the Zimbabwe border.
Maun is known as the “gateway to the Okavango Delta” and serves as the primary tourism hub and staging point for travellers visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Culture, people, and everyday life
Botswana’s people, known as Batswana (singular: Motswana), speak Setswana alongside English, which is widely used in government and business. The national currency is the Pula, meaning “rain,” a reflection of how precious water is in this semi-arid country.
The Botswana cultural dance performance.
Cuisine includes Seswaa, a traditional meat dish made from beef or goat that is slow-cooked and pounded until tender, often served with bogobe, a thick porridge similar in texture to Rwanda’s traditional staples. Geographically, Botswana is roughly the size of France but has a population of only about 2.4 million people, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
A partnership beyond borders
The visa waiver is part of a broader strategic shift between Rwanda and Botswana toward deeper integration. During recent talks in Gaborone, both Presidents emphasized that success will be measured not only in agreements signed but in real improvements in trade, investment flows, air connectivity, and citizens’ mobility.
As Botswana opens its doors wider to Rwandan travelers, it presents a rare combination of wilderness, stability, and cultural depth, offering a new frontier for tourism and exchange in Southern Africa.
This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2023 shows a night view of Gaborone, Botswana. As the capital of the Republic of Botswana, Gaborone is located on the southeastern border of the country, with a population of over 200,000.The City of Gaborone.Diamonds continue to account for roughly 80% of Botswana’s total export earnings.Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi looks at a large diamond discovered in Botswana at his office in Gaborone on August 22, 2024. The 2492 carat diamond was discovered in the Karowe mine in Botswana of Lucara Diamond Company.Botswana holds the largest elephant population in Africa. Home to an estimated 130,000 bush elephants, roughly one-third of the continent’s total, the country features a ratio of approximately one elephant for every 15 people.
