On September 30, 2025, the High Military Court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo found Kabila guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, treason, and allegedly leading an unauthorized armed group. The court sentenced him to death.
The ruling also ordered Kabila to pay 33 billion US dollars in damages for destruction attributed to the AFC/M23 coalition.
According to Radio Okapi, CCDH coordinator Eloi Lubilansam denounced the verdict, emphasizing that ‘justice must never become a political weapon or an instrument of revenge’.
He also reminded that Joseph Kabila, like any defendant, is entitled to a fair defense, the presumption of innocence, and an impartial judge.
Ferdinand Kambere, deputy general secretary of Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) said the trial aimed to silence opposition voices.
“This trial has no other purpose than to silence a man who worked for the reunification, pacification, and democratization of the country. It is a political and unfair conviction aimed at erasing a dissenting voice,” he said.
Joseph Kabila ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019 before handing power to President Félix Tshisekedi. On September 2, Kabila rejected the accusations, calling them false and politically motivated.
TIME magazine honoured Dr. Nsanzimana in the Innovation category, recognising his pioneering role in advancing public health in Rwanda and beyond. His tribute was penned by Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, who highlighted the minister’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality and ensuring equity in healthcare delivery.
“Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana says that if you want to quickly learn how a country’s health system is doing, you only have to look at two indicators: maternal and child mortality. Over the past 25 years, Rwanda has made stunning improvements on these metrics. But Dr. Nsanzimana committed to driving them even lower—because everyone deserves to survive childbirth and childhood,” Suzman wrote.
An epidemiologist by training, Dr. Nsanzimana gained international attention in 2024 after successfully leading efforts to halt a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, achieving the lowest recorded fatality for such an outbreak.
Since assuming office as Minister of Health, he has prioritised equitable access to proven health solutions, including scaling up nutritional support for pregnant women during the perinatal period.
The TIME100 Next list, a companion to the renowned TIME100, spotlights the “world’s most influential rising stars”. This includes leaders, innovators, advocates, artists, and change-makers who are redefining the next generation of leadership. Honourees come from diverse fields, ranging from politics and science to the arts and technology.
This year’s TIME100 Next list placed Dr. Nsanzimana among a diverse group of global innovators. His fellow honorees in this category included Afrobeats musician Rema, celebrated playwright Sanaz Toossi, de-extinction entrepreneur Ben Lamm, rising hip-hop artist GloRilla, young football phenom Lamine Yamal, and venture capital tech executive Fatoumata Ba.
Dr. Nsanzimana’s recognition not only underscores his influence on Rwanda’s health sector but also positions him as a leading voice in shaping equitable healthcare solutions for the world.
The Senate voted on the same two bills that it failed to pass Tuesday night — one from Democrats and the other from Republicans.
Healthcare benefits remain a key sticking point in the latest negotiations, with Democrats advocating stronger healthcare funding, while Republicans accuse them of seeking to provide free healthcare to undocumented immigrants.
“Now, Senate Democrats are shutting down the government and holding the economy hostage because they want to reinstate those benefits for illegal aliens,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in a Fox News interview on Wednesday.
“Republicans shut down the government because they can’t be bothered to protect health care for Americans across this country,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday on X.
Schumer said Tuesday on social media that Republicans were lying about Democrats’ stance. “This is a lie. Not a single federal dollar goes to providing health insurance for undocumented immigrants. NOT. ONE. PENNY.”
The Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol are among the landmarks closed due to the government shutdown. The Smithsonian Institution said that it will use money from the last fiscal year’s budget to keep its museums, research centers and the National Zoo open at least through Oct. 6.
Most national parks will keep outdoor areas open, but staffed facilities, such as visitor centers, will be closed.
Federal employees who are considered essential must still report to work, although they will not be paid until the government reopens. Hundreds of thousands of others will be placed on unpaid leave. Some public services will be suspended or delayed, and the release of economic data will also be affected.
“Shutdowns don’t save money, they waste money,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement.
“Under shutdowns, we pay federal workers not to work and rent buildings that aren’t being used, all while requiring costly shutdown planning, inefficient allocation of government resources, and a reduction in the services available to the American people. We should avoid a shutdown and keep the government funded,” she said.
The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday during an annual church celebration in the town of Arerti, North Shewa Zone, when a makeshift wooden scaffolding used for finishing work on a church gave way, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation quoted district police chief Ahmed Gebeyehu as saying.
Police said the death toll could rise further as more than 200 people sustained serious and minor injuries. The injured are receiving medical treatment at nearby health facilities.
The collapse caused significant damage, trapping many worshippers beneath the debris and complicating rescue efforts, it was noted, adding that emergency operations are continuing to free those still trapped.
The event, held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, forms part of the country’s ongoing work toward a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2025–2028).
Co-organised by Initiatives for Peace and Human Rights (iPeace) and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), with financial support from the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), the roundtable brought together government officials, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and development partners. The goal was to explore ways to integrate international human rights and environmental standards into Rwanda’s domestic legal framework.
If adopted, the MHREDD law would position Rwanda alongside countries like France, Germany, and the European Union, which have implemented similar regulations to align corporate conduct with human rights and environmental sustainability.
In her opening remarks, Providence Umurungi, Chairperson of the NCHR, emphasised the importance of the discussions.
“Rwanda is preparing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, which will provide a solid foundation for these discussions. Exploring a mandatory due diligence law is the next logical step to translate our commitments into tangible accountability, ensuring that economic growth goes hand-in-hand with respect for human rights and environmental protection,” she stated.
Prof. Elvis Mbembe, CEO of iPeace, highlighted the need for a uniquely Rwandan model of due diligence.
“Today is about initiating a truly Rwandan model of due diligence. By learning from global best practices and tailoring them to our context, we can create a framework that supports responsible business, protects our people and planet, and reinforces Rwanda’s leadership on the continent,” he noted.
The discussions featured expert presentations on international MHREDD frameworks and lessons learned from other jurisdictions. Participants explored how Rwanda could develop a context-specific approach while addressing current challenges in the local business environment.
Key institutions represented included the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), and the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST), alongside civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders.
Panel discussions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of embedding mandatory due diligence into Rwanda’s laws. While many stakeholders recognised the complexity of monitoring supply chains and enforcing compliance, there was strong consensus on the urgency of aligning Rwanda’s economic growth with international human rights and environmental standards.
The roundtable produced several key outcomes, including a shared understanding of the priorities and potential models for a Rwandan MHREDD law, a strengthened multi-stakeholder commitment to advancing the business and human rights agenda, and an agreement on follow-up actions to sustain momentum and lay the groundwork for future legislation.
Participants underscored that adopting such a law would not only safeguard people and the environment but also enhance Rwanda’s reputation as a responsible and forward-looking investment destination. By embedding sustainability and human rights into its business ecosystem, Rwanda could further differentiate itself as a leader in Africa’s drive for ethical development.
The Kigali roundtable is widely viewed as a milestone in Rwanda’s journey toward embedding corporate responsibility in its governance framework. With consensus beginning to form around the need for MHREDD legislation, the country is set to build on its reputation for progressive policymaking.
Observers note that Rwanda’s leadership in this area could inspire other African nations to pursue similar reforms, creating momentum across the continent. As multinational companies increasingly face scrutiny over their human rights and environmental practices, Rwanda’s move toward MHREDD could also strengthen its position in global markets.
As the process unfolds, stakeholders will continue to refine the framework, balancing the need for accountability with support for business growth and innovation.
The move expands the airline’s East African network, connecting Kigali with two of the region’s most popular coastal destinations.
The flights will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using a Boeing B737. The new service marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its route map. With this expansion, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya.
“Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” said Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir. “By expanding our East African network, we are strengthening Kigali’s position as a key hub, giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”
The route is designed to offer both weekend getaways and extended vacations, giving travellers convenient access to pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class leisure experiences.
Flight WB 444 will depart Kigali at 9:50 AM, arriving in Zanzibar at 12:50 PM before continuing to Mombasa, arriving at 2:35 PM. The return journey, Flight WB 445, will leave Mombasa at 5:10 PM, with a brief stop in Zanzibar before arriving back in Kigali at 8:00 PM.
As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir affirms that its latest route underscores its commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience for its customers.
RwandAir operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, serving over 144 destinations through direct flights and codeshare partnerships, connecting Africa to the world from its hub in Kigali.
Speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on September 30, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Martin Ngoga, said the UN reports on eastern DRC overlooked key drivers of the conflict, including tensions between the AFC/M23 rebel group and the Kinshasa administration, as well as the security threats posed to Rwanda.
“The latest report on eastern DRC reflects troubling omissions. Chief among them is the failure to sufficiently address one of the most dangerous drivers of violence, and that is hate speech and identity-based persecution. The report does not address the issue of mercenaries,” Ngoga said.
{{FDLR’s decades-long menace
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Ngoga accused the DRC government of continuing to back the FDLR, remnants of the militia responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, despite repeated concerns raised by Rwanda.
“FDLR, that is backed by the DRC government, has its origin in the force that killed 1 million Rwandans. It is the only genocidal group that remained in its military formation, in known locations, with the same intentions, undisturbed for a period of 31 years,” he said.
Ngoga warned that the FDLR’s presence in eastern DRC directly threatens Rwanda’s security. “It happened once to us in ’94. We took advice from preachers and hid in churches, and we were slaughtered like cows. It will never happen again. FDLR are Rwandans, and in Rwanda is where they should be, and this is what we are asking the DRC to do,” he said.
He added that, unlike neighbouring countries like Tanzania that disarmed and repatriated perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, the DRC has chosen to arm and support the group.
“The problem we have with the DRC is they chose the opposite direction: to arm them, reorganise them, continue to support them until now. And we have a report 31 years later that says they even have strongholds in the DRC. These are people who killed our people, want to continue killing…They should be neutralised.”
He questioned MONUSCO’s role, noting: “MONUSCO cooperates with the DRC government, DRC army, knowing FDLR is within the DRC army. And what MONUSCO does, and this is on record, is to avoid units and battalions in which FDLR is deployed. Formally, that is the position of MONUSCO. What does complicity mean?”
{{Mercenaries are a growing concern
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Ngoga also raised alarm over mercenaries operating in eastern DRC, saying they have been consistently overlooked in UN reporting. This comes amid reports that the DRC has enlisted mercenaries from the private security firm of former US Navy SEAL officer Erik Prince, months after Romanian mercenaries were forced to flee following the M23 offensive in Goma.
“There are mercenaries now. There were mercenaries before. When they were thrashed out of the forest, everyone was there to see. Why is it that the Security Council treats this as a non-issue, and why is it that MONUSCO does not consider this as an issue?” he asked, urging the UN to address their presence as a serious threat to regional stability.
{{UN reporting and hate speech
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Ngoga criticised the UN for underreporting key facts and portraying armed groups in a biased manner. He also highlighted the dangers of hate speech targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities.
“I have seen reports of the Security Council where you quote from social media postings. Who has not seen hate speech on social media, in classrooms, in churches, where hate is taught to 10-year-olds? Only last week, some people were being tormented because they had long noses. Those who know the history of the region know what it means. What a long nose means—it means death to some people,” he said.
{{Call for a credible peace process
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While criticising the UN, Rwanda reiterated its commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha process, which provide structured and inclusive frameworks for dialogue, addressing governance, exclusion, armed groups, and ethnic tensions.
“This is a one-time chance to bring lasting peace to the DRC, and the Security Council must lend its unequivocal support. Rwanda is fully committed to this process, and we shall implement it to the letter,” Ngoga said.
He also stressed the importance of humanitarian access and the safe return of refugees. “Some of the refugees are already returning to Rwanda, and mechanisms are in place to receive them,” he said.
{{Rwanda’s right to self-defence
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At the same time, Ngoga reminded the Council that Rwanda has faced repeated cross-border attacks from the DRC over three decades and stressed that Rwanda will continue to defend itself in the face of threats.
“If 21 attacks by a non-state group supported by a state member of the UN do not constitute the reason to activate Article 51 of the Charter, which threshold exists?” he asked, stressing Rwanda’s right to defend its citizens.
This reduction was observed over the eight-day event held in Rwanda. To monitor air quality during the championship, REMA set up 10 stations across different parts of Kigali to monitor air pollution levels, particularly focusing on both closed and open roads.
These stations were located in areas such as Gacuriro, Rusororo, Mont Kigali, Gikondo, Nyarutarama, Kibagabaga, Kimironko, Nyabugogo, and Kimihurura.
REMA’s analysis revealed that temporarily closing major roads improved air quality significantly.
The [report->https://www.rema.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=145048&token=e3cf8ea673c17d0db4d1fb735c157438d8fcc388] shows that Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels— fine particles in the air, measured in micrograms per cubic meter were measured.
Because they are so small, when inhaled, they quickly enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, causing various health problems such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, lung diseases, heart problems, stroke, and even cancer.
The primary sources of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, especially those using gasoline and diesel, burning coal, industrial smoke, and other pollutants. These fine particles have been linked to numerous short and long-term health problems, including the potential harm to unborn children.
Meanwhile, alternative routes used during the event had less traffic and were not regularly used, leading to a reduction in air pollution by 30% – 35%. On the roads that were not affected by the race, no significant change in pollution levels was observed.
Juliet Kabera, the Director General of REMA, emphasized that the findings show that reducing pollution has a direct impact on improving the air quality that people breathe.
The WHO recommends that the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, and for a 24-hour period, it should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter.
“These findings are a clear demonstration of how reduced traffic emissions directly improve the air we breathe,” said Juliet Kabera, Director General of REMA.
“During the UCI Championships, the air quality in Kigali was moderate, which is acceptable for the general public according to WHO [World Health Organization] air quality guidelines. This should inspire all of us to properly maintain our vehicles, and to embrace more sustainable transport choices such as using public transport, cycling, walking, and avoiding unnecessary car trips whenever possible. Cleaner air is within our reach if we make conscious decisions in our daily lives,” she added.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Environment, through REMA, introduced enhanced vehicle emissions testing, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to cleaner air, improved public health, and sustainable development.
REMA notes that the positive results during the championships underscore the importance of sustainable urban mobility.
In addition to the air quality monitoring stations located in Kigali, REMA operates stations across Rwanda, and citizens are encouraged to follow real-time updates on [aq.rema.gov.rw->https://aq.rema.gov.rw/] to stay informed about the air they breathe and make healthier choices.
The deal marks the first time an African tourism board has secured a major NBA jersey sponsorship. The “Visit Rwanda” logo will appear on all Clippers game and practice jerseys, and the brand is also the official coffee sponsor of the team’s new Intuit Dome.
Beyond global visibility, the partnership is a strategic move for Rwanda, helping to promote tourism, showcase its culture and natural beauty to a worldwide audience, and strengthen the country’s presence in international sports.
Here’s what you need to know about the Clippers:
{{A rocky start to an NBA journey
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Founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, the franchise faced early struggles despite Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo leading the way. In 1978, the team moved to San Diego, becoming the Clippers, a nod to the city’s historic clipper ships.
By 1984, the franchise relocated to Los Angeles but spent decades in the shadow of the Lakers, making only occasional playoff appearances and struggling to establish a consistent winning culture.
{{The rise of “Lob City”
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The Clippers’ fortunes changed in the 2010s. The acquisition of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and superstar Chris Paul in 2011 launched the “Lob City” era, famous for highlight-reel dunks and fast-paced offence.
During this period, the team won its first Pacific Division titles in 2013 and 2014, becoming consistent playoff contenders, though Conference Finals success remained elusive.
{{A new era under Steve Ballmer
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In 2014, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer purchased the team, bringing financial muscle and a bold vision. The 2019 acquisitions of two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard and superstar Paul George positioned the Clippers as legitimate title contenders. Their milestone came in 2021 when the team reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
The team has also posted 14 consecutive winning seasons, the longest active streak in the NBA, reflecting sustained success and resilience at the top of the league.
{{Recent achievements
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The Clippers have captured three Pacific Division titles in 2013, 2014, and 2024. Their most notable playoff achievement came in 2021, when the team reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time.
Despite these successes, the franchise is still chasing its first NBA championship—a milestone that continues to fuel the team’s ambition and identity as resilient competitors in the league.
{{The Visit Rwanda partnership
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The newly signed multi-year partnership with Visit Rwanda provides both global visibility and community impact.
The “Visit Rwanda” logo will feature on all Clippers jerseys, reaching an estimated 1.4 billion NBA viewers worldwide.
Beyond branding, the partnership includes refurbishing basketball courts in Rwanda, hosting Rwandan youth coaches in Los Angeles for training sessions, and sending Clippers coaches to Rwanda for clinics and virtual coaching sessions.
Visit Rwanda is also the official coffee sponsor of the Intuit Dome, introducing premium Rwandan coffee to a global sports audience. The collaboration supports the NBA’s Basketball Africa League, which has held games at Rwanda’s BK Arena, providing young African athletes with development pathways and exposure to professional basketball standards.
The delegation, led by Col Elias Zulu, is in Rwanda for a study tour from 28 September to 4 October 2025. The visit aims to get insight into Rwanda’s transformation journey and its critical role in promoting peace and security in the region and beyond.
The Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, briefed the delegation on the RDF’s transformation and its contribution to continental security.
In his remarks, Gen Mubarakh expressed appreciation to the Zambia Defence Forces and the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College for selecting Rwanda as a destination for this important phase of professional military education.
He stated that the visit reflects the strong and enduring bonds of friendship and military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of capacity building.
“Rwanda today stands as a nation transformed,” said Gen Mubarakh. “31 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, we have moved from being a recipient of international peacekeeping support to a contributor to peace and security across the continent and beyond. Rwanda is now a peaceful, stable, and forward-looking country committed to long-term socio-economic development, despite complex regional security challenges.”
Col Elias Zulu, Head of delegation, expressed gratitude to the RDF for facilitating the visit. He noted that the delegation gained a deeper understanding of RDF’s contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, which aligns with the objectives of their study tour.
He highlighted the profound impact of visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where the delegation gained valuable insights into Rwanda’s history, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the country’s remarkable journey of recovery and resilience.
As part of the tour, the delegation also visited the Campaign against Genocide Museum and will continue their programme with visits to various government institutions and defence agencies.
