Rwanda was also recognized for excellence at the trade show, where the country received a certificate and medal of recognition for quality and innovation from PTAK Warsaw Expo.
Represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country was accorded an exclusive space during the official opening ceremony to showcase captivating visuals that highlighted Rwanda’s diverse tourism attractions.
The fair running from October 10 to 12, was inaugurated by Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka representing Rwanda to the country was among the keynote speakers during the opening session.
In his remarks, Amb. Shyaka commended the strong and growing relations between Rwanda and Poland, and expressed gratitude to the organizers of the fair for naming Rwanda the principal partner in its first-ever participation at TT Warsaw 2025.
He also spoke about the Visit Rwanda brand, noting that it represents Rwanda’s uniqueness and positions the country as an exceptional destination for visitors from around the world.
The Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports expressed appreciation to Rwanda for partnering in this year’s event and commended the country’s remarkable preparations to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.
Speaking to IGIHE, Ambassador Shyaka praised RDB and commended all stakeholders in the tourism sector, including the eight Rwandan companies participating in the fair.
“It is a privilege for us to be here together. These companies will help us showcase the beauty of Rwanda’s tourism over the three days of this event,” he said.
The ceremony also featured a performance by Icyeza traditional dance troupe, whose young men and women entertained the audience with energetic dances and celebrations that captivated the crowd.
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AU-EOM), deployed at the invitation of the Government of Cameroon, arrived in the country on October 7 and will remain until October 16, 2025.
According to a statement from the African Union Commission (AUC), the mission’s objective is to observe the final days of the campaign period, polling day operations, and the counting process to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the electoral exercise.
The mission, led by Makuza, comprises 40 short-term observers drawn from 29 African countries, representing a broad cross-section of the continent’s political, diplomatic, and civil society institutions.
Members include parliamentarians from the Pan-African Parliament, African ambassadors accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa, officials from Election Management Bodies (EMBs), representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and scholars.
The observers hail from countries including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The mission is expected to issue its Preliminary Statement on October 14, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, summarizing its initial findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic governance, transparency, and the rule of law in electoral processes across the continent.
Cameroon’s presidential elections are scheduled for October 12, 2025, with Paul Biya, who has been in power for over 43 years, among the top contenders expected to win.
The 92-year-old leader confirmed that he will run again, representing his party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC).
Although some citizens are calling for change, many still believe Biya stands a strong chance of securing another term.
On the opposition side, Cabral Libii, the leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), is emerging as one of the most promising candidates with significant support. Libii, a young reformist politician focused on tackling youth unemployment and poverty, finished third in the 2018 elections.
Another notable contender is Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), a well-known opposition party active since the early 1990s.
Other candidates in the race include Serge Espoir Matomba (PURS), Hermine Patricia Ndam Njoya (UDC), and Akere Muna, a lawyer and governance expert, all of whom are campaigning on promises of renewal and political change in Cameroon.
The Elysee Palace said in the statement that Lecornu has been tasked with forming a new government.
Following his reappointment, Lecornu said on social media that the political crisis, which has stirred public anger and damaged France’s image and interests, “must come to an end.” He pledged to “do everything possible to ensure France has a budget by the end of the year.”
Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by Macron and just one day after unveiling part of his cabinet lineup, saying that the conditions “were no longer in place” for him to remain in office.
The movement of civilians came shortly after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas entered into effect at noon local time, ending two years of conflict that left tens of thousands of people killed and caused widespread destruction across the enclave.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said its forces had redeployed along new lines in accordance with the terms of the agreement and the framework for the return of captives.
It added troops under the Southern Command would continue to monitor the situation and respond to any immediate threats to Israel’s security.
In a message to Gaza’s residents, army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israeli troops would remain deployed in specific areas inside the Gaza Strip and warned civilians against approaching military sites “until further notice.”
He cautioned civilians to avoid Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and al-Shuja’iyya in the north, as well as Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor in the south, describing them as high-risk areas.
Adraee also urged residents to stay away from the sea and border areas, advising against fishing or swimming during the coming days.
Local security sources and eyewitnesses reported that shelling and gunfire stopped completely across the Gaza Strip as the ceasefire took effect. A cautious calm prevailed over Gaza City, the central region, Khan Younis, and Rafah for the first time in months.
Thousands of displaced Palestinians were seen walking or driving north along the coastal Rashid Road, which reopened to traffic following the withdrawal of Israeli military vehicles from the area. Heavy movement was also reported along Salah al-Din Road as more families began to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
“We are going back despite the destruction; what matters most is that the war has stopped and our children are safe,” Mohammed al-Louh, a displaced resident from Gaza City, told Xinhua.
He described the moment as “the beginning of life’s return after two years of hardship.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israeli forces will remain in the Gaza Strip to maintain pressure on Hamas until the group disarms and the enclave is demilitarized.
In a televised address, Netanyahu said the Israeli military “remains deep inside the strip and holds all the positions that control it.”
“In this way, we are encircling Hamas from every direction ahead of the next stages of the plan, in which Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized,” he said. “If this is achieved the easy way — that will be good. If not, it will be achieved the hard way.”
He said that 20 living hostages and 28 bodies would be released in the coming days.
The implementation of the ceasefire follows days of intensive negotiations in Egypt, as part of broader understandings that include a prisoner exchange and arrangement to reopen border crossings and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
Under the agreement, the Israeli army would halt fighting and partially withdraw from the Gaza Strip, while Hamas would release all remaining detainees in exchange for Israel freeing more than 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
Two years of Israeli strikes have left Gaza in ruins, caused famine, and killed more than 67,000 people, according to the Gaza health authorities.
The Frw 2 billion bond marks the second tranche of Energicotel’s Long-Term Fixed Rate Bond Program, first introduced in 2021.
The listing highlights the growing role of Rwanda’s capital markets in financing private sector growth and supporting the country’s energy transition.
Energicotel, a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) and energy solutions provider, plans to use proceeds from the bond to expand power generation capacity and implement energy efficiency projects.
At the listing ceremony, RSE CEO Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba commended Energicotel for its consistent performance and transparency.
“Energicotel is not just a power-producing company. With their work, they are powering progress and empowering people. Four years ago, they joined our fixed-income market after graduating from the Capital Market Investment Clinic, and today they are back to list the second tranche, a testament to sustained growth and investor confidence,” he said.
The RSE boss noted that the company’s journey, which began with its participation in the Capital Market Investment Clinic in 2021, exemplifies how Rwandan firms can leverage capital markets to fund expansion and gain credibility.
“Capital markets don’t just offer capital; they provide visibility and trust for companies to operate and compete in today’s business landscape”.
Capital Markets Authority CEO Thapelo Tsheole said the listing reflects strong collaboration between market participants and growing citizen engagement in Rwanda’s capital markets.
“This achievement shows the strength of our partnerships and the growing participation of citizens in our market. We are committed to building on this momentum to deepen market confidence and drive economic growth,” Tsheole stated.
Ivy Hesse, Acting Managing Director at BK Capital, the transaction advisor and lead arranger, highlighted Energicotel’s disciplined preparation.
“The universe doesn’t give to those who just want, but to those who prepare. From the beginning, Energicotel prepared itself by joining the investment clinic, setting clear intentions, and proving its commitment. Investors responded by giving them the capital to bring their vision to life,” she said
Access to Finance Rwanda CEO Jean Bosco Iyacu described the oversubscription as a sign of Rwanda’s maturing capital market.
“When we first engaged Energicotel in 2021, they were among the first SMEs to take the leap into the bond market. Today’s listing shows how far we’ve come,” he said
Energicotel Executive Director Ferdy Turasenga thanked investors and partners for their faith in the company’s vision.
“When the government focuses on providing essential needs like electricity and water, businesses like ours find an opportunity to contribute. Our investments create jobs for engineers, bankers, and communities, and their impact will last for generations,” he said.
He noted that Energicotel’s mission extends beyond profits to long-term socioeconomic transformation.
“Wherever we invest, we plant seeds for young engineers and innovators who will carry this work forward. Investing in engineering is not just a financial return, it’s a social return,” he said.
Rwanda’s capital market currently lists over 100 instruments, including 86 government bonds, seven corporate bonds, sustainability-linked and green bonds, and 10 equities.
The successful Energicotel listing affirms the country’s commitment to a dynamic and inclusive capital market that channels private investment into national development.
The appointments were announced in a communiqué released by the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Mukakizima had previously served as the Deputy Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President (OTP). Prior to that, she had served as Director General of Communications in the same office since July 2021.
Meanwhile, Colonel Rwagasana has been serving as the Executive Office Security Liaison in the OTP since 2021.
Busu Bwa Ngwi Patrick, the South Kivu governor appointed by AFC/M23, disclosed this on Thursday, October 9, 2025, while handing over an electricity transformer to residents of Kamanyola Centre in Walungu territory.
Governor Busu told residents that the rebel coalition remains committed to removing the “bad government” of President Félix Tshisekedi and invited willing citizens to join the movement. He added that the coalition’s military commander, Gen. Maj. Sultani Makenga, tasked him with informing the local population that operations to take Uvira would begin soon.
“In a few days, we will move to capture Uvira,” Busu quoted Gen. Maj. Makenga as saying.
The announcement comes amid a strong presence of FARDC forces in Uvira and surrounding areas, supported by Burundian troops and local militias, including Wazalendo fighters led by William Yakutumba and John Makanaki, who have vowed to resist any incursion by AFC/M23.
Prof. Stanislas Baleke, a senior AFC/M23 leader, urged the commanders to leave Uvira promptly to avoid casualties. “Flee immediately when you hear the first gunshot. I don’t want you to die,” he said.
AFC/M23 has recently clashed with Wazalendo forces across South Kivu, capturing areas including Chulwe, Kintuluku, and Lubimbe near Shabunda and Mwenga centres.
The latest developments come amid efforts to silence the guns in eastern DRC through dialogue in Qatar, which have been hampered by setbacks and counter accusations of ceasefire violations.
In his speech on Thursday, October 9, 2025, President Tshisekedi claimed that since his election in 2019, he had visited all nine of DRC’s neighbouring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, to foster cooperation and development. He further stated that he had never shown any belligerent attitude toward Rwanda or Uganda, and called for joint efforts to stop escalations in the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda’s Government countered these claims, noting that more than ten peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRC have been signed since 1999 but were never implemented due to a lack of political will on the part of the DRC government.
Rwanda highlighted repeated instances where the DRC, under Tshisekedi, promoted hostile rhetoric and scapegoated Rwanda at international forums, including calls for sanctions at the UN General Assembly, while also engaging in persecution of Rwandan citizens and Congolese Tutsi communities.
The statement outlined a long history of belligerent actions by the DRC, including threats of war during President Tshisekedi’s re-election campaign, boasting about DRC drones and attacks on Kigali, pledges to support actors seeking to overthrow the Rwandan government, and repeated calls for hardline measures against Rwanda.
Locally, DRC officials have fomented hatred against Rwanda, including indoctrination in schools, targeted campaigns to international governments, arbitrary arrests, detention, torture of Rwandan citizens, and at least two confirmed deaths in Kinshasa prisons. The DRC also closed its airspace to civilian flights from Rwanda and filed numerous frivolous cases against Rwanda in international fora.
Security incidents were also highlighted. Since 2019, more than 20 cross-border attacks and violations of Rwandan airspace have occurred, including the shelling of Rubavu in January 2025, which killed 16 Rwandan civilians.
Rwanda emphasised that attempts to resolve the security threats bilaterally, particularly from the DRC-backed FDLR militia, linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, were repeatedly rejected by the DRC, which instead pursued a military solution, including recruiting foreign troops and mercenaries.
Rwanda criticised President Tshisekedi’s claims that he and Rwanda alone could stop escalations. According to Kigali, de-escalation is entirely within the DRC president’s hands and requires implementing existing peace mechanisms, dismantling and neutralising armed groups such as the FDLR, disarming militia groups like Wazalendo, and stopping the influx of hostile Burundian army troops into South Kivu. Peace will also require sincere participation in ongoing negotiations with the AFC/M23 Congolese rebel movement through the Doha process.
Regarding regional diplomatic efforts, Rwanda explained its decision to abstain from an “empty photo opportunity” in Luanda, as the DRC refused to act on its pledge to negotiate with internal rebellions that threaten Rwandan security. The spokesperson also clarified that the Regional Economic Integration Framework and the Washington Peace Agreement have been frustrated by the DRC, undermining regional stability.
Rwanda further addressed claims about troop contributions and casualties, noting that SADC forces were drawn unnecessarily into the DRC’s internal conflict and suffered casualties. These forces, along with 300 European mercenaries hired by the DRC, were later granted safe passage through Rwanda after being defeated, highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to humanitarian treatment even amid belligerence.
President Tshisekedi also cited “millions” of victims and called for sanctions, which Rwanda refuted as exaggerated or historically inaccurate. Kigali emphasised that endless appeals for sanctions or mediation-shopping would not achieve peace. True stability requires political will, respect for agreements, and concrete action by the DRC.
In conclusion, Rwanda stated that while President Tshisekedi’s speech contained calls for dialogue, the path to peace is clear: the DRC must implement agreements it has signed, neutralise destabilising armed groups, and genuinely engage in bilateral and regional peace processes.
“Empty words, lies, and distortions will not result in the peace that all the countries of the Great Lakes region need,” the Office of the Government Spokesperson stated.
“President Tshisekedi must keep his word, respect and implement agreements the DRC has signed, and not take for granted regional and international partners that are investing in ongoing peace processes.”
A staff-level agreement was reached between IMF officials and the Government of Rwanda on Friday after a mission held in Kigali from September 29 to October 10, 2025.
The program, launched in 2022, was designed to help Rwanda safeguard macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy credibility, and advance structural reforms without involving direct financial assistance.
According to the IMF mission, Rwanda has met all quantitative targets under the PCI despite facing consecutive global and domestic shocks. According to the IMF, the revised economic growth averaged 7.2 percent in both 2024 and the first half of 2025, supported by strong performance in services, construction, and coffee exports.
Additionally, inflation remained within the National Bank of Rwanda’s (NBR) target range of 2 to 8 percent, while international reserves provided coverage for 4.8 months of imports.
Albert Touna Mama, IMF Mission Chief, commended Rwanda’s achievements, affirming continued partnership with Rwanda.
“Rwanda’s economy has proven to be remarkably strong, even in the face of global challenges. The government’s consistent and well-planned policies have been key to this success. This partnership has helped lay a solid foundation for continued stability and growth, and the IMF remains a committed partner to Rwanda.”
The final review highlighted continued progress in fiscal and monetary policy reforms. A newly adopted tax package is expected to place the tax-to-GDP ratio on an upward trajectory, enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation and reinforcing debt sustainability.
While borrowing for the construction of the New Kigali International Airport in Bugesera is projected to raise debt levels in the near term, the project is considered a strategic investment with long-term benefits.
Minister of State for National Treasury Godfrey Kabera emphasised the importance of the program, noting that the partnership has provided a valuable roadmap for Rwanda’s economic policy.
“By focusing on raising our own revenues, spending wisely, and strengthening our institutions, we have built a more resilient economy. As we complete this program, our focus remains on ensuring that our growth is strong and inclusive,” Kabera stated.
The IMF also emphasised the importance of continued fiscal consolidation, prudent expenditure management, and proactive, data-driven monetary policy to maintain stability. Draft amendments to strengthen the NBR’s mandate are expected to be submitted to Cabinet as part of ongoing institutional reforms.
The IMF Executive Board is scheduled to consider the review in December 2025, marking the official completion of Rwanda’s three-year PCI.
The visit was confirmed through a cabinet communiqué on Thursday.
According to local news outlets in Senegal, the President will continue his East African tour with a visit to Nairobi, scheduled from October 19 to 21, at the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto.
The leaders of both countries have continued to strengthen the relationship between Rwanda and Senegal.
President Kagame became the first Head of State to visit his Senegalese counterpart in May 2024, just a month after assuming office in April that year.
President Kagame has made several visits to Senegal, with the most recent one taking place from August 31 to September 1, 2025, when he attended the Africa Food Systems Forum.
