Willy Manzi, vice governor of the rebel-controlled province, shared a video on X showing Tokyo being presented to local residents, describing the arrest as a major blow to the militia formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“Another notorious combatant has been captured,” he wrote on Saturday, adding that the FDLR fighter was taken alive after being wounded in the leg.
“Although Tokyo was wounded in the leg, he was treated and safely evacuated by AFC/M23 forces, a striking display of humanity toward someone responsible for thousands of orphans and victims of sexual violence,” he added.
Another notorious combatant has been captured, marking a significant loss for Kinshasa. One of the FDLR’s senior figures, known as Tokyo (real name Yoweri, from Kivuye in western Rwanda), was captured by AFC/M23 forces in a location called Muzimu (“Ghost”) in Masisi, North Kivu.… pic.twitter.com/1lwub7OJ5I
Tokyo, who hails from Rwanda’s Western Province, is accused of involvement in killings, rapes, and the burning of homes alongside other FDLR figures such as Jean-Marie of Nyatura, Tiger, and Ignace Dunia.
The FDLR has operated in eastern DR Congo for more than 25 years. The group is sanctioned by both the United Nations and the United States and is known for attacks on civilians and inciting ethnic violence.
Earlier this month, Rwanda imposed sanctions on 25 individuals linked to terrorism, including FDLR President Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye (alias Victor Byiringiro) and Maj Gen Pacifique “Omega” Ntawunguka, commander of FDLR-FOCA.
The militia continues to fight alongside the Congolese army against M23, which now controls large parts of North and South Kivu, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-brokered agreement in June to dismantle the FDLR, but officials have acknowledged that implementation continues to face setbacks. During talks in Washington, DC, earlier this month, both governments renewed their commitment to the deal, which aims to neutralise the FDLR and reduce tensions along the border.
The accolade, part of the publication’s annual Best of the World feature, highlights 25 must-visit locations globally, curated by the magazine’s editors, photographers, and adventurers.
Among the world’s top destinations for 2026, National Geographic also included Banff in Canada, the Dolomites in Italy, Akagera’s Caribbean counterparts like Dominica, the Basque Country in Spain, and Morocco’s Rabat. The selections span continents and offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure, reflecting the magazine’s commitment to showcasing both iconic and lesser-known destinations.
Nestled along Rwanda’s eastern border, Akagera offers a Big Five safari experience in a setting of rolling savannas, lush woodlands, and winding waterways. The park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.
According to National Geographic, Akagera attracts around 50,000 visitors annually, offering a quieter and more intimate safari experience compared to Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Once severely affected by poaching and deforestation in the 1990s, Akagera has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 15 years. The Rwanda Development Board, in partnership with African Parks, has successfully rehabilitated the park’s ecosystems and wildlife populations.
A notable milestone in this recovery was the reintroduction of rhinos from South Africa in 2021, followed by the relocation of 70 additional white rhinos in May 2025, positioning Akagera as a leading conservation hub in the region.
Tourism infrastructure is also expanding, with new and upgraded hospitality options enhancing the safari experience. The southern part of the park, closest to Kigali, saw extensive renovations at Karenge Bush Camp, while the northern Magashi Peninsula welcomed Wilderness Magashi, a high-end safari camp offering tented suites and remote wildlife encounters.
The park also offers diverse activities, including game drives, boat safaris, and hot air balloon rides, providing multiple ways to explore its natural beauty.
The national park’s accolade comes as Rwanda continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination, with the tourism sector generating $647 million in revenue in 2024. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has set an ambitious target of surpassing $700 million in earnings for 2025, as part of the nation’s strategy to reach $1.1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2029.
The ranking is based on the Gallup Global Safety Report 2025, which evaluates citizens’ perceptions of safety and personal security worldwide. Rwanda scored 78% for safety at night, ahead of the UK (76%) and France (73%), and placed 38th globally. The United States ranked 61st with a score of 71%.
The survey revealed that 78% of Rwandan adults feel safe walking alone in their country after dark. On the continent, Rwanda and Algeria shared second place behind Egypt, which scored 82%. In the region, Tanzania scored 68%, Uganda 48%, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo 47%, while Burundi was not included in the survey.
The study covered 144 countries, evaluating public confidence in safety, personal security, and freedom of movement. Globally, Singapore ranked first with a 98% score, followed by Tajikistan (95%), China (94%), Oman (94%), and Saudi Arabia (93%).
In Europe, Norway led with 91%, followed by Denmark (89%), Finland (88%), Iceland (88%), and Switzerland (88%). The lowest-ranking countries included South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.
Rwandans’ confidence in their safety aligns with findings from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) survey conducted in November 2024. The study found high levels of trust in national security institutions: the Fire Brigade (76.6%), DASSO (86.1%), the National Police (97.1%), and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) (99.0%).
The findings are further supported by the Rule of Law Index 2024, which ranks Rwanda among the safest countries in Africa due to its strong adherence to legal frameworks. Since 2021, Rwanda has consistently ranked at the top in Africa and improved its global standing, reaching 27th worldwide in 2023, up from 33rd in 2021.
The investment comes as Spiro expands its battery-swapping network and electric motorcycle operations across the continent. The company aims to deploy more than 100,000 vehicles by the end of 2025, representing a fourfold increase from the previous year.
Spiro operates Africa’s largest battery-swapping infrastructure, with more than 60,000 electric motorcycles, over 1,200 swapping stations, and more than 26 million battery swaps recorded. Its operations currently span six countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, with pilot programs in Tanzania and Cameroon.
Prior to this round, Spiro had raised over $180 million from investors, including Equitane and Société Générale.
Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, said the company is responding to growing demand for affordable, sustainable transport.
“Africa is at an inflection point in personal mobility. Riders are rapidly shifting from internal combustion motorcycles to Spiro’s more affordable and accessible battery-swapping ecosystem and motorcycles. For the first time, riders are embracing sustainable transportation because it performs better, costs less to operate, and offers greater profitability than traditional gas-powered vehicles,” the CEO stated.
“This landmark $100 million investment underscores our shared vision to build a pan-African battery-swapping infrastructure that empowers riders with reliable, sustainable energy and mobility across the continent.”
Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, highlighted the investment’s broader economic impact, noting that it supports local manufacturing, strengthens regional trade, and creates employment opportunities, while reducing reliance on imported vehicles.
Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro, added that FEDA’s backing will accelerate the company’s growth in energy distribution and mobility solutions, while Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, said the investment reflects the strong demand for sustainable mobility solutions across Africa.
Founded in 2022, Spiro’s vision is to build a pan-African mobility ecosystem integrating battery swapping and affordable electric motorcycles. The company’s operations have already enabled over 800 million kilometers of low-carbon travel, replacing fossil fuel-based transport with cleaner alternatives.
The handover took place at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Headquarters. Representing RIB was Antoine Ngarambe, Head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Kigali and International Cooperation Department. The South African Police Service was represented by Lt. Col. Brian Butana Mashingo, Group Commander for International Vehicle Crime Investigations.
The recovered vehicles include a blue Toyota RAV4, a white Toyota Hilux pickup, a white Toyota Rush, a red Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a white Range Rover Sport.
The exchange is part of collaborations aimed at addressing cross-border vehicle theft and other criminal activities.
Hilton announced the signing of the property on October 24, marking another step in its expansion across Africa, where the company plans to open more than 100 hotels in the coming years.
Developed by NBA Champion and philanthropist Masai Ujiri’s Zaria Group, Zaria Court Kigali represents a $25 million investment and a major addition to Rwanda’s sports and entertainment landscape.
The complex was inaugurated by President Paul Kagame on July 28, 2025, during the Giants of Africa Festival, a pan-African celebration of youth, creativity, and sport. The event drew notable figures, including Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, business leaders, creatives, and young talents from across the continent.
Construction of Zaria Court Kigali began in August 2023, with President Kagame and Ujiri breaking ground on what was envisioned to be the first of several such hubs across Africa. The completed facility now features an 80-room hotel, a rooftop lounge, fitness centre, pool, sports bar, co-working spaces, podcast and broadcast studios, and a multipurpose arena designed for sports, concerts, and cultural events.
Located adjacent to BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, Kigali’s top venues for international concerts and sporting events, the property sits within a new mixed-use development surrounded by restaurants, bars, retail stores, and sports courts, just 15 minutes from Kigali International Airport.
The hotel will be managed by Aleph Hospitality, an independent management company operating across the Middle East and Africa.
Hilton’s Tapestry Collection brand comprises more than 170 independent hotels worldwide, each offering a distinctive design and guest experience that celebrates local culture. Guests staying at Zaria Court Kigali will also enjoy benefits from the Hilton Honours programme, the company’s award-winning loyalty scheme.
With 64 hotels currently operating in Africa and 106 more in the pipeline, Hilton aims to nearly triple its presence on the continent to over 160 properties in the coming years.
Unlike typical real estate projects designed for quick sales, Fortis Green is pursuing a build-to-rent model aimed at fostering long-term community living. Of the total units, 302 apartments, consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options in ground-plus-three buildings, will be retained, owned, and managed by the developer for rental. In addition, 51 single-family homes, including twins, duplexes, or semi-detached units with one shared wall, and 33 townhouses will be available for purchase.
Managing Director Jonathan Shafer said the strategy aligns with market realities and Rwanda’s surging demand for rental housing.
“Our research found that around 95% of homes sold in Kigali are immediately rented out,” he noted. “Homeownership remains difficult due to financing barriers. So we want to own and operate these units long-term to provide stable, well-managed housing communities.”
The remaining homes, including three- and four-bedroom single-family houses priced between $120,000 and $135,000, target middle-income buyers seeking more flexible financing options. Discussions are ongoing with banks and potential investors to introduce lease-to-own arrangements in future phases.
The entire three-phase project is valued at approximately $25 million (Rwf 36 billion).
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Masaka Views is designed as an EDGE-certified eco-estate, promoting lower carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and water-saving techniques. The project includes a living fence, fruit trees, public green spaces, and a community garden to support wellness and environmental engagement.
According to the Managing Director, the Fortis Green Wellness Initiative will provide residents with access to programmes that promote both physical and mental well-being. These will include fitness activities, gardening workshops, and community support services designed to foster a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
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Speaking at the ceremony, which was also attended by the United States Ambassador to Rwanda, Eric Kneedler, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Investment Officer Michelle Umurungi said the project reflects the country’s urbanisation priorities.
“Housing remains a critical need for our population. Kigali’s rapid urbanisation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. We’re delighted to see investors like Fortis Green Holdings stepping into this opportunity, meeting the growing demand by designing communities that are greener, smarter, and more resilient,” she said, praising Fortis Green for its confidence in Rwanda’s investment environment.
The project is financed through a mix of U.S. investment capital and local banking partnerships. Most building materials will be sourced from Rwandan manufacturers to support the local construction ecosystem.
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Phase 1 of the development includes the construction of 51 single-family homes, 33 townhouses, and 88 apartments, with the first units expected to be handed over in early 2026. The entire phase is planned for completion within approximately 13 months, after which Phase 2 will begin, keeping construction continuous until the full project is delivered in about two and a half years.
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Kigali is projected to need over 30,000 new housing units per year, driven by a rising urban population and increasing demand for home financing. Investors say this reality signals strong long-term returns for rental-focused developments.
Early buyer interest supports this view. One future resident, Beatrice Hariri, said flexible payment terms and environmental commitment influenced her decision.
“It’s a welcoming community that aligns with Rwanda’s priorities. The affordability and flexible payment options made it possible for me,” she said.
As ground breaks in Masaka, Fortis Green plans additional estates both within and outside Kigali, signalling continuation of its long-term strategy.
“We want to create communities that improve lives,” Shafer said. “Kigali’s growth story is only getting started, and we’re here for the long run.”
Among them are two appointed by President Paul Kagame: Dr. Uwamariya Valentine and Gasana Alfred, as well as two elected by political parties; Dr. Frank Habineza, president of the Green Party, and Nkubana Alphonse, president of the PSP party focused on social welfare and development. They join Evode Uwizeyimana and Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre who are beginning their second term after reappointment.
After the swearing-in of the six senators, the Senate of Rwanda now comprises 26 senators, including 13 women and 13 men, which represents 50% women, reinforcing the principle of gender equality.
President Kagame reminded them of their heavy responsibilities where Rwandans expect much greater than the country’s resources, emphasizing the need to strive for excellence in their work.
“The Senate allows government institutions to direct their efforts appropriately and conducts necessary evaluations to ensure that all institutions remain aligned. It is your duty to align the country’s long-term goals with the daily lives of Rwandans,” he said.
He continued, “It is crucial that decisions made reflect the needs of Rwandans and provide solutions to the problems they face.”
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Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, who has been appointed as a senator, has held various positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Environment, among other roles.
In an interview with IGIHE, she expressed her gratitude for President Kagame’s continued trust in her, which reinforces the expectation of positive results.
She said, “I am very grateful because the Head of State has placed his trust in me more times than I can count. I would say he still expects a lot from me. I was very happy when he appointed me, but once everything settles down, you sit and think, ‘What is expected of me?’ You feel grateful and immediately think about what you are going to do for Rwandans and Rwanda. To repay that trust is to work well.”
She mentioned that she is ready to implement the duties of the legislative body, including overseeing government activities, passing laws to address citizens’ problems, engaging in debates, and attending consultations.
Dr. Uwamariya said, “It’s about working together. From where I come from, I believe it won’t be hard to oversee because you are aware of the challenges. We have a unique country, with a unique history, and our approach must be distinct. There is oversight and consultations, and the President has asked us to work in an extraordinary way, focusing on the country’s development and the progress of its people.”
She emphasized the readiness to collaborate with her colleagues, working towards a common goal and following the country’s vision.
Amb. Alfred Gasana, who has previously served as Minister of Internal Security and as Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by President Kagame.
He said, “I deeply thank the President for trusting me once again by appointing me as a senator. It’s a great honor. To repay him is to work with all my intelligence, heart, and strength. The President reminded us to implement the duties entrusted to us. I promise not to disappoint him, and I assure Rwandans the same.”
Amb. Gasana stated that, regarding the responsibilities they are about to undertake, they will focus on the welfare of the citizens.
Alphonse Nkubana, who was appointed a senator, said, “We are happy to have been given these new responsibilities, and the President has made it clear that we must work according to the wishes of the people. We are here, with strength and wisdom.”
Dr. Frank Habineza, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament, expressed that he would continue his duties of overseeing government activities, assuring that he would continue to advocate for the people.
He said, “I am happy to continue serving in the legislative body. We deeply appreciate the President for the trust he has placed in us, and the legislature’s role is to represent the people of Rwanda.”
He added, “I believe you will see me as I was in Parliament. It depends on the duties of the Senate, but it still has the responsibility to speak on behalf of the people, visit them, and when they raise concerns to us, we must find solutions. We will continue to advocate for them even more effectively.”
The new senators’ term will end in October 2030, while 20 others will finish theirs in 2029.
A senator’s term usually lasts for five years, renewable once.
Ambassador Thorpe shared that while traveling to Gisenyi for the Commonwealth Games’ King’s Baton Relay, she stopped for a brief moment in Bigogwe, where she successfully milked a cow for the first time.
Bigogwe is located in the western part of Rwanda, in the Nyabihu District. It is a well-known area for cattle farming and the high-quality pasture found on its hills.
This journey gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture.
Traditionally, farmers explain that cows are not just a source of milk, but also a symbol of wealth, unity, and value among the people. In Rwandan culture, giving a cow to someone is a strong sign of love and partnership.
Visitors to Bigogwe often participate in milking cows. For someone doing it for the first time, it is not as easy as it looks, but they gain essential skills and knowledge.
Ambassador Thorpe shared her experience on social media, posting photos from her time in Bigogwe. She expressed her happiness about milking the cow for the first time, despite the difficulty she faced.
“On my journey to Gisenyi for the King’s Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, I stopped in Bigogwe to try milking a cow for the first time. There was more milk on my pants than in the bucket! It was fun, and I learned a lot about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture,” she said.
Ngabo Karegeya, the founder of “Ibere rya Bigogwe,” who started cow based tourism activities in the area, is known on social media for helping people visit cattle farms and promoting livestock farming.
Karegeya explains that his passion for cattle comes from his mother, who raised him around cows, feeding him milk, and forming a close bond with them.
Kamerhe resigned from this position on September 22, 2025, following pressure from members of the National Assembly who accused him of mismanaging funds and undermining the credibility of the legislative body.
It was expected that the person replacing Kamerhe would come from his party, the UNC, in accordance with the agreement within the Union Sacrée. However, it appears that many politicians, including some long-time members of DRC politics, are vying for this position.
Among the candidates is one from the UNC party, two from Tshisekedi’s UDPS party, and one from each of the other parties within the Union Sacrée.
On October 22, Willy Buhini Mishiki, from the PEP AAP party, opposed the idea of replacing Kamerhe with a member of his own party, arguing that such a move is not in line with democratic principles.
“The Union Sacrée does not have representatives in the National Assembly. Therefore, there is no reason to appoint a single candidate,” he said.
Among the candidates is Christophe Mboso N’Kodia, who served as the President of the National Assembly from 2021 to 2024 and is currently the Second Vice President of the Assembly.
Mboso has expressed his belief that he is the best candidate to lead the Assembly, based on his experience in the institution and in the country’s politics.
President Tshisekedi’s decision as leader of the Union Sacrée could determine who will represent the alliance in this competition, with the potential for the candidate to win.
