She died at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, where she had been receiving treatment for some time.
News of her passing emerged on Thursday morning. A fellow senator who worked with her told IGIHE that he had recently visited her at the hospital.
Mukabalisa was born in Nyamata, Bugesera District, in July 1960 and later worked as a law lecturer at the Independent University of Kigali (ULK).
She also worked for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she served for 16 years.
In October 2003, Mukabalisa was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, where she served until 2008. She later became a senator, serving from 2011 to 2013.
In 2013, she returned to the Chamber of Deputies and was elected Speaker, a position she held until 2024. She did not seek re-election after completing the two-term limit.
Mukabalisa also served as President of the Liberal Party (PL), a political party founded on July 14, 1991.
Senator Donatille Mukabalisa, who previously served as Speaker of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies, has died.
His remarks come amid heightened public attention over misconduct involving students from the larger Sudanese community. While the majority of the recent cases have involved South Sudanese students, including criminal prosecutions and deportations, Sudanese students have also been implicated in some incidents, prompting the Sudanese Embassy to step up engagement with its community.
Speaking to IGIHE on the sidelines of Umuganda in Jabana Sector, Gasabo District, where more than 150 members of the Sudanese community joined local residents for Rwanda’s monthly community service, the ambassador said the embassy was taking the reported incidents seriously and had intensified outreach to students across the country.
“We are aware, and we are following the matter,” the ambassador said when asked about recent reports of violence involving Sudanese students.
“When you have 4,000 students, and there are five or six cases, the proportion is not alarming. But we are concerned about any kind of violence. We encourage and teach our community to abide by the law, respect local law enforcement, and respect the rules.”
The ambassador said the Sudanese community in Rwanda comprises about 5,000 people, around 4,000 of whom are students enrolled in six universities across the country.
He emphasised that the “isolated” incidents should not be viewed as representative of the wider Sudanese community, noting that most Sudanese nationals in Rwanda are contributing to the country’s development through business and investment. The envoy said the community has invested more than $25 million in sectors including real estate, education, agriculture, and oil and gas, underscoring its positive contribution to the country’s economy.
“We are visiting our students on campuses, meeting with vice chancellors of the universities, and working with our student association to provide guidance, instruction, education, and training on respecting the law and cooperating with local law enforcement,” he remarked.
“These are absolutely isolated cases. They do not reflect the true values and ethics of the Sudanese community. We are taking care of it and are confident it will not be repeated.”
The ambassador also appealed directly to Sudanese nationals living in Rwanda to show their appreciation for the opportunities they have been given by respecting the country’s laws, particularly at a time when the war in Sudan has displaced many people and forced them to seek refuge abroad.
“Rwanda, under the leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, opened its doors for all Africans, including Sudanese. We are here to learn through education and from the community,” he said.
“My message to my fellow citizens and students is that we should pay back to the community by respecting the law, abiding by the law, cooperating with law enforcement agencies, and reflecting the best values of Sudanese culture while here.”
He encouraged students to take the positive lessons they acquire in Rwanda back to Sudan after completing their studies.
Among the recent cases attracting public attention is that of a South Sudanese student accused of assaulting a university lecturer following a dispute over examination marks. Prosecutors are seeking a three-year prison sentence, while the court is expected to deliver its verdict on July 31. Rwanda also deported eight South Sudanese students from INES Ruhengeri after they were accused of offences including theft, assaulting motorcycle taxi operators, intimidating residents and carrying bladed weapons.
Ahmed Soufiane Abdalla, a second-year data science student at Kigali Independent University, apologised to Rwandans over the recent incidents involving members of the Sudanese community.
“We sincerely apologise to the Rwandan people and the Rwandan government for what has been happening recently,” he said.
He attributed some of the challenges facing Sudanese students to the psychological effects of the ongoing war in Sudan and inadequate awareness of Rwandan laws among newly arrived students. He suggested that universities, student associations and the embassy provide legal orientation to students during their first days in Rwanda to help prevent future incidents.
During the Umuganda event, the ambassador said participation by the Sudanese community was intended to strengthen ties with Rwandans, learn from the country’s homegrown development initiatives and reaffirm that Sudanese nationals are committed to making a positive contribution to their host country.
“We are not aliens. We are African brothers and sisters. We are here to participate, to contribute positively, and to learn from Rwanda’s good practices,” he stated.
The Ambassador of Sudan to Rwanda, Khalid Musa Dafalla Musa, has spoken out on recent incidents involving Sudanese students in Rwanda, stressing the importance of lawful conduct and calling on all Sudanese nationals to respect Rwandan laws and maintain positive relations with their host communities.
The country is the world’s largest producer of cocoa, the essential raw material used in making chocolate and other related products.
Covering an area of 322,463 square kilometres, Côte d’Ivoire is home to more than 33 million people. It shares borders with five countries: Ghana to the east, Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali to the north, and Burkina Faso to the north-east.
French is the official language and the most widely spoken language in Côte d’Ivoire.
The country is also home to numerous local languages, including Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, and Yacouba, among others. These indigenous languages are mostly spoken within specific communities and regions, while French serves as the main language of communication across the country.
For foreigners who do not speak French, adapting to life in Côte d’Ivoire can be challenging, as English is not commonly spoken by a large part of the population.
Economically, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the strongest economies in West Africa, with a gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding $95.4 billion. The average income per person is estimated at more than $2,900 annually.
The services sector remains the largest contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for about 51 per cent of GDP. It is followed by industry, which contributes nearly 24 per cent, while agriculture accounts for approximately 17 per cent.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, with the country producing a wide range of agricultural products, including palm oil, cashew nuts, cotton, coffee, and other crops. However, cocoa remains its most important agricultural export.
Côte d’Ivoire produces approximately 40 per cent of the world’s cocoa supply, making it the largest cocoa-producing country globally. The cocoa beans grown across the country are mainly used in the production of chocolate, making Côte d’Ivoire a crucial player in the international chocolate industry.
The official currency used in Côte d’Ivoire is the West African CFA franc (XOF). One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 576 CFA francs.
Beyond its economic importance, Côte d’Ivoire is also known for its unique cuisine. One of the country’s most popular traditional dishes is Attiéké, a meal prepared from cassava. The cassava is first soaked in salty water and mixed with previously prepared Attiéké, which helps with fermentation. It is then pressed, dried, packed, and cooked through steaming in hot water.
Attiéké is commonly served with fish and vegetables. Other popular Ivorian dishes include Alloco, made from fried plantains cooked in palm oil; Foutou (Fufu), a cassava-based staple; Kedjenou, Garba, and many other traditional meals.
Fish is the most widely consumed animal-based food in Côte d’Ivoire. However, around 70 per cent of the fish consumed in the country is imported because local fishing activities have not yet developed enough to meet domestic demand.
Religiously, Côte d’Ivoire is a diverse nation, with Islam being the largest faith practiced by about 42.5 per cent of the population. Christians represent around 39.8 per cent, including Catholics who account for approximately 17 per cent, while the remaining population follows other religions.
The spread of Islam in Côte d’Ivoire is largely linked to Arab traders who travelled from North Africa to West Africa between the 14th and 15th centuries through trans-Saharan trade routes. Their movement contributed significantly to the expansion of Islamic influence across the region.
Today, Côte d’Ivoire stands as one of Africa’s most influential economies, combining agricultural strength, cultural diversity, and natural resources that continue to shape its role on the global stage.
The Notre-Dame de la Paix Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks and tourist attractions in Yamoussoukro.
Following the decline of the Mali and Songhai Empires, Arab traders known as Dyula or Jula migrated to northern Côte d’Ivoire, where they introduced trade practices and promoted the teachings of Islam. Their influence contributed to the development of important Islamic cultural centres, including Bondoukou and Bouna, which remain significant areas of Islamic heritage in the country.
Côte d’Ivoire gained independence in 1960 after decades of French colonial rule that began in 1893. However, French traders had already arrived in the region as early as the 15th century, initially engaging in commercial activities before colonial administration was established.
Today, Côte d’Ivoire has two major cities that play different roles: Abidjan, which serves as the country’s economic and commercial hub, and Yamoussoukro, the political capital.
Abidjan is a coastal city located along the Atlantic Ocean and is also home to the Ébrié Lagoon, a large water body that runs through the city. Its unique location has contributed to the development of beautiful beaches and coastal attractions, including Assinie Beach, Grand-Bassam, Jacqueville Beach, and other popular destinations.
The city’s growth was largely influenced by its historical role as a major port through which goods from Africa were transported to France. The French developed Abidjan extensively and also established Grand-Bassam, which was later designated as the capital of French colonial territories in the region.
Today, Grand-Bassam has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and remains one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most visited tourist destinations. The city still preserves colonial-era buildings that reflect French architecture, lifestyle, and the history of the colonial period.
Abidjan is also home to the St Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1985, which is considered one of the most modern architectural cathedrals in Africa. Its unique design attracts many visitors, including religious pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts.
For history and culture lovers, Abidjan offers the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, a national museum established in 1942 that houses more than 15,000 artefacts. The museum showcases the country’s diverse cultures, traditional lifestyles, colonial history, and heritage.
Another important cultural site is the Musée Charles Combes de Bingerville. Originally an art studio belonging to Charles Alphonse Combes, which operated between 1891 and 1968, it was later transformed into a museum displaying paintings and sculptures created by Combes and his students.
Visitors interested in wildlife can explore the Zoo National d’Abidjan, which hosts various animal species, including elephants, lions, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, birds, and many others.
Abidjan is also home to Banco National Park, one of the largest natural forests located within an urban area. The forest is inhabited by various wildlife species, particularly different types of monkeys, and serves as an important green space within the city.
On the other hand, Yamoussoukro serves as Côte d’Ivoire’s political capital. The city has fewer tourist attractions and economic activities compared to Abidjan because it is still developing after being declared the capital in 1983 by then-President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who chose the city because it was his birthplace.
The city currently hosts the presidential palace, the country’s Parliament, various government ministries, and other political institutions.
However, Yamoussoukro is famous for housing the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Notre-Dame de la Paix), the second-largest basilica in the world after St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The basilica is also recognised as the world’s largest church by surface area, covering approximately 30,000 square metres and having the capacity to accommodate more than 18,000 worshippers.
Another attraction in Yamoussoukro is Lac aux Caïmans, a crocodile lake created by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who introduced crocodile breeding at the site. The lake is currently home to more than 200 crocodiles.
Overall, many developments in Côte d’Ivoire reflect those of other emerging economies, with numerous construction projects underway alongside older infrastructure that still remains in use.
For Rwandans wishing to visit Côte d’Ivoire, a visa is not required. However, there are currently no direct flights from Kigali to Côte d’Ivoire. Most travellers connect through Addis Ababa before continuing their journey to Abidjan.
Despite its economic progress and tourism potential, Côte d’Ivoire still faces challenges related to cleanliness and urban management. In some areas, visitors may encounter overgrown roadside vegetation, litter, stagnant water, and cases of people urinating in public spaces.
Some hotels also have practices that may differ from international standards, with guests sometimes being informed that bed sheets will only be changed after checkout unless they specifically request a replacement.
Visitors travelling to Côte d’Ivoire are also advised to remain cautious and avoid walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas, due to security concerns such as theft and robbery.
Abidjan is a coastal city shaped by its waterways, and its skyline becomes especially stunning when illuminated at night.Assinie Beach is among the most visited coastal attractions in the Abidjan area, known for its beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix holds the record as the world’s largest basilica in terms of surface area.Saint Paul’s Cathedral is a remarkable architectural masterpiece whose unique design attracts visitors and tourists from around the world.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix is among the largest religious buildings in the world.Grand-Bassam is home to numerous colonial-era buildings that preserve the architectural heritage and history of the period.The Saint Paul’s Cathedral, one of Abidjan’s most iconic landmarks, was constructed in 1985.Grand-Bassam is a historic town that once served as a French colonial city during the colonial era.Grand-Bassam’s location along the Atlantic Ocean gives it a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches that attract visitors.Côte d’Ivoire continues to strengthen its infrastructure development efforts, with significant investments being made in the construction of modern road networks.This is the view of Abidjan’s streets at night.Lac aux Caïmans was originally created as a site for breeding crocodiles.Today, Lac aux Caïmans serves as a habitat for more than 200 crocodiles.The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire houses a wide range of exhibits that showcase different aspects of the country’s history, culture, and important events that have shaped its identity.The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire contains more than 15,000 artefacts that highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history.The city of Abidjan is a major commercial hub with a wide range of business activities.Yamoussoukro is a developing city that continues to expand, with ongoing construction and infrastructure projects shaping its growth.Zoo National d’Abidjan houses elephants alongside a variety of other wildlife species.Zoo National d’Abidjan houses a wide range of animal species from different categories.Zoo National d’Abidjan is a dedicated wildlife sanctuary that houses and protects a variety of animal species.
The remark was made during the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Speaking at the event, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, said Africa is bearing the brunt of the crisis in the Middle East, with multiple countries on the continent facing a high cost of living driven by soaring energy prices.
“The resumption of the conflict between Iran and the United States is causing runaway inflation. The supply chain is disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is also threatened. Energy, grain and fertilizer prices are soaring,” Youssouf told the session.
He said the fallout is likely to last for months based on assessments made by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the United Nations Development Program.
Claver Gatete, executive secretary of UNECA, said the global environment has become increasingly uncertain amid spikes in energy, food, and fertilizer prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation, conflicts including the conflict in the Middle East, climate shocks, declining development finance and high debt-servicing costs continue to impact investment and development prospects in Africa,” Gatete said.
Given the present realities, Africa cannot rely indefinitely on external financing to transform its economy, he said, adding that the continent must finance more of its development from domestic resources.
Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Gedion Timothewos said the foundations of the global order are undergoing profound transformation, while Africa is bearing the brunt of geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, technological disruption, climate pressures and growing competition over strategic resources.
“We need to seize the moment to actively shape the contours of the new reality. We must become a strategic actor capable of providing African solutions to global challenges,” said Timothewos, adding that despite the challenges, Africa is destined to be the engine of global growth in the second half of the 21st century.
Held under the AU’s 2026 theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the two-day session, which brought African foreign ministers together, is expected to come up with new strategies to address Africa’s pressing challenges, including ensuring universal access to safe hygiene, water and sanitation across Africa.
This photo taken on July 28, 2026 shows the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. African leaders have raised alarm over the resumption of the Middle East conflict, which they said is driving a severe economic and security crisis in Africa through energy shocks, supply disruptions, and soaring prices.Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), addresses the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, July 28, 2026.
In a six-month study of 47 older adults, researchers found that women who practiced time-restricted eating achieved significantly greater improvements in executive skills—such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving—than those who ate across a traditional 12-hour window, even though both groups lost the exact same amount of weight.
The research was presented at NUTRITION 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Scientists investigated whether reducing the number of hours people spend eating each day could influence brain function among older adults.
The six-month clinical trial involved 47 women between the ages of 50 and 79 who were living with overweight or obesity. All participants were instructed to reduce their daily calorie intake by about 500 calories.
Researchers divided the women into two groups. One group followed a time-restricted eating schedule, consuming food within an eight to nine-hour window each day, while the other group continued eating within a longer period of more than 12 hours.
At the end of the study, both groups experienced similar weight loss, with participants losing an average of about 15 pounds. However, researchers found key differences in cognitive performance between the two groups.
Women who followed the shorter eating window showed greater improvements in executive function, including skills related to planning, organizing, and problem-solving.
Participants following the time-restricted eating schedule also made fewer errors on tests measuring memory and learning, though that specific improvement was not statistically significant. The study found no significant differences between the two groups in reaction time or multitasking abilities.
According to the researchers, the findings indicate that reducing the daily eating window may provide cognitive benefits beyond weight loss alone. The study also suggested that avoiding food for at least four hours before bedtime may be associated with improvements in thinking abilities.
“Losing weight alone will ward off some of the aging-related cognitive decline, and these data suggest that there may be additional benefits if you stop eating 4 hours prior to going to sleep and reduce food intake to 8–9 hours per day,” said lead researcher Sue Shapses, a professor at Rutgers University and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The researchers noted that more studies are needed to better understand how time-restricted eating influences cognitive function and whether the findings apply to broader populations. Future research will examine the effects of meal timing on brain health, including possible links with the body’s internal clock, metabolism, inflammation, and nutrient-sensing pathways.
Study finds limiting daily eating hours may improve cognitive performance in older women
Rwanda has consistently maintained that the FDLR, a terrorist group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, poses a direct threat to its security, prompting Kigali to maintain defensive measures along its border with the DRC.
Security analysts say the latest announcement by Kinshasa appears intended to create the impression that the FDLR issue has been resolved, despite concerns that the group continues to strengthen both militarily and politically.
On July 28, 2026, DRC’s Minister for Regional Integration, Floribert Anzuluni, and government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya announced that the FDLR had agreed to lay down its arms, arguing that Rwanda should now withdraw its defensive measures.
The announcement came after Anzuluni visited several African and European countries, where he reportedly shared a proposal prepared by the FDLR and signed by its president, Victor Byiringiro, on May 30, 2026.
“In line with the Washington Accords and the accompanying CONOPS [Concept of Operations ], the FDLR has signed a protocol for disarmament, demobilisation and cantonment through sensitisation,” Muyaya said.
The FDLR issue has been central to negotiations between Rwanda and the DRC, from the Luanda process to the Washington talks.
Rwanda has maintained that once the group is dismantled, it will remove the defensive measures it has put in place. However, no operation to dismantle the group has begun.
Responding on July 29, Amb. Nduhungirehe said the agreement announced by the DRC bears no relation to either the Washington Peace Agreement signed on June 25 or its implementation framework adopted on December 4, 2025.
“The signing of this so-called ‘protocol’ between the father [the Congolese government], the son [the FDLR], and the evil spirit [genocide ideology] is in no way consistent with the Washington Agreements, which make no provision for it. … the genocidal FDLR is not a party to those agreements; rather, it is the subject of them.”
He also reminded the DRC that the Washington Peace Agreement required it to dismantle the FDLR within 90 days, arguing that Kinshasa had failed to meet that commitment and that the latest initiative was intended to distract from, and delay, implementation of the agreement.
The minister further accused the DRC of increasing military cooperation with the FDLR since the implementation framework was signed on December 4, 2025, including integrating members of the group into the Congolese army and reinforcing its political structure.
DRC Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya presented the FDLR deal as a solution to the group’s presence, despite ongoing disputes over its implementation.Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has rejected the DRC’s claim that the latest FDLR agreement falls under the Washington Accords.
The Rwanda-based mining company said the initiative will focus on evaluating between 2.5 million and 3 million tonnes of historically mined stockpiled material, with the goal of unlocking additional tungsten resources while advancing more sustainable mineral recovery.
Sonic drilling is a modern exploration technique that uses high-frequency vibrations to advance a drill through the ground while producing continuous, high-quality core samples. Compared with conventional drilling methods, it causes less disturbance to the material being sampled, making it particularly effective for evaluating loose or unconsolidated stockpiles such as those at Nyakabingo.
The campaign will involve up to 106 drill holes reaching depths of between 12 and 20 metres. Around 210 samples will be collected for metallurgical testing and particle size distribution analysis, while approximately 1,600 additional samples will undergo laboratory-grade analysis to support an updated Mineral Resource Statement.
The sonic drilling campaign will involve up to 106 drill holes reaching depths of between 12 and 20 metres.
According to the company, the results are expected to substantially increase Nyakabingo’s mineral resource estimates, providing greater confidence for future investment decisions and supporting planned expansion of mining and mineral processing operations.
Peter Geleta, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Metals, said recovering additional value from the mine’s historical stockpiles would strengthen both the company’s growth prospects and Rwanda’s position in the global tungsten market.
“By unlocking additional value from the Nyakabingo mine stockpiles, we will significantly increase our mineral resource base, creating new opportunities to increase production, and entrenching Trinity Metals and Rwanda as a leading global supplier of tungsten,” Geleta said.
Trinity Metals Group CEO Peter Geleta (left) said recovering additional value from the mine’s historical stockpiles would strengthen both the company’s growth prospects.
He added that the company would publish an updated mineral reserve and resource statement after completing the drilling programme to guide long-term mine planning and optimise mineral recovery.
Trinity Metals estimates that re-evaluating the stockpiled material could add approximately 2.5 million tonnes to Nyakabingo’s resource base at an estimated grade of 0.3% tungsten trioxide (WO₃). The findings will also inform the design of a modern processing plant intended to improve recovery from both newly mined ore and legacy stockpiles.
The company said the project forms part of its broader sustainability strategy by recovering valuable minerals from historical stockpiles while reducing the environmental footprint associated with new resource extraction. It noted that only environmentally approved drilling fluids will be used and that all water generated during drilling will be safely managed through the mine’s existing water management infrastructure.
Following the Nyakabingo campaign, Trinity Metals plans to undertake similar resource assessments at its Musha and Rutongo mines as part of a group-wide strategy to maximise resource recovery and improve operational efficiency.
Formed in 2022 through the merger of the Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine, Rutongo Tin Mine and Musha Tin and Tantalum Mine, Trinity Metals is Rwanda’s largest producer of conflict-free critical minerals, employing more than 6,500 people. The company also owns the prospective Ntunga lithium project on its Musha concession.
The latest drilling initiative builds on Trinity Metals’ recent expansion efforts. In June, the company announced that Nyakabingo had grown its exports to supply up to 20 percent of monthly primary tungsten demand in the United States and outlined plans to triple production, pursue a New York Stock Exchange listing and invest $150 million in modern mineral processing facilities in Rwanda.
Trinity Metals has launched its first-ever sonic drilling campaign at Nyakabingo Mine in a move aimed at significantly expanding tungsten resources at Africa’s largest tungsten producer and supporting future increases in production.
As Rwanda continues implementing land use master plans across the country, Nyamagabe District recently approved a detailed land use plan for the Kitabi area bordering Nyungwe National Park. The plan reserves a 10-hectare site specifically for hotel development.
The Kitabi Tourism Zone was officially approved and announced during the Cabinet meeting of November 28, 2025, when the Nyamagabe District Master Plan was adopted.
The initiative is regarded as a major step toward promoting nature-based tourism and attracting private investment to Nyamagabe District, home to one of Rwanda’s most important tourism destinations.
Despite its proximity to Nyungwe National Park, Nyamagabe has long lacked quality accommodation facilities. Most visitors touring the area have traditionally opted to spend the night in Huye District or other neighboring towns due to the limited hotel infrastructure in Nyamagabe, reducing the district’s ability to fully benefit from tourism.
Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri said the newly approved master plan officially identifies Kitabi as a hotel development zone and is expected to transform the area by encouraging tourists to stay longer and spend more in the district.
“This will attract investors to build hotels in Kitabi so that visitors entering or leaving Nyungwe National Park can find quality accommodation and places to relax. It will also generate more revenue,” he said.
He added that although no concrete projects have yet been announced, several investors have already expressed interest in the area.
Yves Maniragaba, a tour guide at Nyungwe National Park, said the development is expected to significantly strengthen tourism in Nyamagabe.
“It will increase tourism infrastructure, especially hotels, which will attract more visitors. It will also create jobs, add value to local handicrafts and agricultural products, and encourage healthy competition among hotels that will ultimately improve the quality of services offered to tourists,” he said.
Biodiversity researcher and tourism expert Dr. Ange Imanishimwe, whose work focuses on Nyungwe National Park, told IGIHE that approving the master plan should be accompanied by investments in new tourism attractions within the park itself.
He noted that tourism development efforts around Nyungwe have so far been concentrated largely in Nyamasheke District, while other districts bordering the park, including Nyamagabe, have received comparatively less attention.
“There is still a need to strengthen tourism development on the eastern side of Nyungwe, particularly in Nyamagabe at the park’s entrance. Most visitors to Nyungwe travel from Kigali, but many head straight to Gisakura in Nyamasheke because tourism facilities there are more developed,” he said.
Kitabi is considered one of the areas with strong tourism potential because of its strategic location near Nyungwe National Park, one of Rwanda’s premier protected areas. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including numerous bird and wildlife species, as well as attractions such as the Canopy Walkway and an extensive network of hiking trails that draw visitors from around the world.
Nyungwe National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2023. Covering approximately 101,900 hectares, the park is home to 322 bird species, around 200 orchid species, more than 300 butterfly species and a wide variety of other flora and fauna, making it a vital driver of tourism and economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Nyungwe National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.The Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park is one of the park’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri said the approval of the Kitabi master plan has attracted investor interest in developing hotels in the area.Yves Maniragaba said increased investment in hotels at Kitabi would significantly improve local livelihoods. The shortage of quality accommodation in Kitabi has forced many visitors to seek lodging in neighboring districts after touring Nyungwe National Park.Environmental and biodiversity expert Dr. Ange Imanishimwe said hotel development in Kitabi should go hand in hand with expanding tourist attractions within Nyungwe National Park.
The landmark step follows years of mass screening, free treatment, and aggressive vaccination campaigns that have drastically reduced infections across the country.
Data from RBC shows that nearly 11 million Rwandans have been screened for Hepatitis C over the past eight years, with roughly 63,000 infected individuals receiving curative treatment. Over the same period, 6.5 million people were tested for Hepatitis B, with over 5,000 diagnosed and placed on life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 28, during World Hepatitis Day national commemorations held at Hôpital La Croix du Sud in Kigali.
Dr. Charles Berabose, Director of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Other Blood-Borne Infections at RBC, confirmed that Rwanda has fulfilled the requirements to submit its official validation dossier to the WHO.
“To earn WHO validation, a country must screen at least 80 percent of its target population, treat over 70 percent of confirmed cases, guarantee 100 percent blood safety through mandatory donor screening, and equip health facilities nationwide with reliable testing tools. Rwanda has met all these standards,” Dr. Berabose said.
Rwanda launched its National Hepatitis C Elimination Plan in December 2018, bringing diagnostic testing and direct-acting antiviral treatments down to local health centres nationwide.
As a result, Hepatitis C prevalence in the general population dropped from 4 percent in 2017 to 0.17 percent in 2026. Over the same period, Hepatitis B prevalence declined from 3 percent to 0.26 percent.
To stop mother-to-child transmission, Rwanda has also strengthened its routine childhood immunization drive. Building on earlier adult vaccination campaigns, the government introduced a universal birth-dose Hepatitis B vaccine in January 2026, ensuring newborns receive their first shot within 24 hours of birth.
Rotary partnership
As Rwanda shifts focus toward targeted screening for high-risk groups, civil society organizations are stepping in to support the final phase of the campaign.
Rotary Club Rwanda has partnered with RBC to back screening efforts among vulnerable cohorts, including healthcare workers, prison inmates, refugees, and people living with HIV. The organization will also donate testing kits and support public education campaigns.
Dr. Alexis Muderevu, Rotary Action Group National Commission Chair for Rwanda Hepatitis B and C Zero campaign, commended the country’s progress, noting that Rwanda is well ahead of international benchmarks.
“Rotary International is supporting African countries in the fight against viral hepatitis. Rwanda is already far ahead of many others because of its commitment. Rather than watching from the sidelines, we want to join Rwanda in this final stretch so that together we can eliminate hepatitis completely,” Dr. Muderevu said.
The partnership kicked off with screening for medical personnel at Hôpital La Croix du Sud to ensure health workers know their status before leading community outreach programs.
Marc Kwizera, a healthcare worker at the hospital, stressed the importance of medical staff setting an example.
“It is crucial that health workers are screened first. Knowing our status gives us peace of mind and allows us to safely care for our patients while encouraging the public to get tested,” he said.
Rwanda remains well on track to achieve the WHO target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat ahead of the global 2030 deadline.
Rotary Club Rwanda members were also screened.Dr Jean-Chrysostome Nyirinkwaya, Director of La Croix du Sud Hospital in Remera, being tested.Dr. Charles Berabose, Director of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Other Blood-Borne Infections at RBC, confirmed that Rwanda has fulfilled the requirements to submit its official validation dossier to the WHO.Dr. Alexis Muderevu, Rotary Action Group National Commission Chair for Rwanda Hepatitis B and C Zero campaign, commended the country’s progress, noting that Rwanda is well ahead of international benchmarks.Rotary Club Rwanda pledged support for Rwanda’s hepatitis elimination campaign.
The exhibition will immerse visitors in the world of Rwanda by highlighting its cultural heritage, traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and the many facets of its identity. Through his paintings, Ngaboyisonga offers an artistic perspective on the country’s history and the values that have shaped generations of Rwandans.
In an interview with IGIHE, the artist explained that this exhibition, his first solo exhibition, marks an important milestone in his artistic journey.
“It is a great honor and a great joy for me to present this collection of paintings at the Museum für Kunst in Rockenhausen. Every artwork on display is inspired by the history, traditions, landscapes, and cultural heritage of Rwanda, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills,’” he said.
According to the artist, the collection tells stories of identity, dignity, resilience, and community.
“The symbols, colors, and cultural elements featured in my works reflect the deep respect I have for the values that have shaped generations of Rwandans and continue to inspire my artistic journey,” he added.
Ngaboyisonga also expressed his hope that the exhibition will give visitors not only the opportunity to discover his artistic universe, but also to gain a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and the universal values that bring people together.
The artist further emphasized that art is a powerful means of preserving memory, transmitting history, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue among people from different cultural backgrounds.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Museum für Kunst. The event will feature traditional music and dance performances by Josée Uwamahirwe and Evelyne Uwase, accompanied by their group, offering visitors an immersive experience of Rwandan culture by combining visual arts with music.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until August 30, 2026, daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The event is organized by Luise Busch in collaboration with Kahnweiler Arbeitskreis – Kultur Extra, with the support of the Mayor of Rockenhausen, Michael Vettermann.
Ngaboyisonga and the organizers have warmly invited art enthusiasts, admirers of Rwandan culture, members of the Rwandan diaspora in Germany and across Europe, as well as the general public, to visit the exhibition.
“Through this exhibition, I wish to introduce the true Rwanda to the German people, a country with a remarkable history, a rich culture, magnificent landscapes, and values that define us as Rwandans.
“The exhibition is also intended to serve as a bridge between cultures, reminding us that art remains a universal language capable of bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and strengthening friendship between nations,” the artist concluded.
Paintings inspired by Rwanda’s history, traditions, landscapes, and cultural heritage will be displayed throughout the month-long exhibition in Germany.The exhibition “Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills, Home to a Thousand Stories” will present Rwanda’s cultural heritage through the works of Émile Ngaboyisonga.Rwandan artist Émile Ngaboyisonga will showcase paintings inspired by Rwanda’s history, culture, traditions, and landscapes during his solo exhibition in Germany.Evelyne Uwase and her group will perform traditional Rwandan music and dance during the opening of the exhibition at the Museum für Kunst.Traditional music and dance performances by Josée Uwamahirwe will be part of the official opening ceremony of the Rwanda-themed exhibition in Germany.Émile Ngaboyisonga says his first solo exhibition is intended to introduce audiences to Rwanda’s history, cultural heritage, and national values.The exhibition is intended to serve as a bridge between cultures, highlighting art as a universal language that brings people together and strengthens friendship between nations.The collection tells stories of identity, dignity, resilience, and community through art.The month-long exhibition will invite visitors to discover Rwanda’s rich cultural, historical, and human heritage through the paintings of Émile Ngaboyisonga.
