Speaking in a televised address less than two hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)’s scheduled announcement of final results for the election, Chakwera thanked all Malawians for their support over the past five years.
In the last update on the official presidential results Monday, Mutharika had over two million votes against Chakwera’s over 700,000 votes.
“It’s well clear that my main rival, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party, had already secured an insurmountable lead and is the presumptive winner of the presidential election,” said Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party.
“For this reason, a moment ago I called Professor Mutharika directly to congratulate him on his historic victory and to wish him well in his upcoming tenure as the seventh President of the Republic of Malawi,” he said.
He thanked his supporters, saying he would “forever be grateful for your trust in me and for your support of my candidacy,” and urged all Malawians to support Mutharika’s drive for national prosperity.
Chakwera also hailed the MEC for what he described as a commendable job in presiding over the general elections.
The smartphones were distributed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following a training session on the “Byikorere” campaign (do it yourself), which aims to improve access to e-government services. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Rwanda Education Assistance Project (REAP) and Rwamagana District.
Of the smartphones, 150 were distributed to five individuals from each village, including village leaders, community health workers, and selected committee members, while six smartphones were allocated to cell advisory council leaders.
This distribution is expected to enable these leaders to assist residents in accessing Irembo services directly, eliminating the need for lengthy travel to find Irembo agents.
Theoneste Sindambiwe, leader of Nyantoki Village in the Budahanda Cell of Musha Sector, expressed his gratitude for the donation, noting the previous challenges faced by his community. Residents had to either walk for two hours or pay for a motorcycle ride to reach the Irembo agent at the sector office.
“I will now go to my people and help them access services like paying for Mutuelle de Sante, Ejo Heza, and more,” Sindambiwe said. “It was a struggle to reach Irembo services, as we had to pay Frw 3,000 for a round trip, which was very inconvenient.”
Jean Paul Gahamanyi, a community health worker from Rutoma Village, also shared his experience: “I used to need certain services from Irembo, which was exhausting because getting to the agent involved a Frw 1,000 transport cost. Now, I can access many of these services on my own. The money I used to spend on transport will now go towards other needs, and I will be able to assist my fellow citizens as well.”
Emmanuel Muhawenimana, a resident of Rwabiyange Village in the Budahanda Cell, echoed similar sentiments. “There were many services we struggled to pay for due to our remote location. Now, I am excited about using the smartphone to access these services. It will help us save the money we used to spend traveling to find Irembo agents. Additionally, we will be able to get services more quickly.”
Darius Habamenshi, the Country Director of REAP, explained that during a visit by Members of Parliament to Musha Sector last year, community members raised concerns about the challenges they faced in accessing digital government services. This feedback led to the initiative to provide smartphones, aiming to simplify the process for residents in accessing these essential services.
Jeanne Umutoni, the Vice Mayor of Rwamagana District in charge of social welfare, highlighted that providing smartphones would significantly contribute to the development of the community. She encouraged recipients to assist others in accessing government services.
“This will increase productivity, as people will be able to request services without traveling to the Cell or Sector offices,” Umutoni explained. “They can request these services from their homes or fields, improving their livelihoods and preventing people from missing out on important services due to the burden of travel.”
Umutoni also emphasized the district is working with various partners to expand the program, and ensure that more citizens in other sectors benefit from smartphones and the “Byikorere” campaign.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on R2P held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, stressed that unchecked hate speech in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is laying dangerous ground for mass violence.
“These exchanges are not merely academic, they are part of our collective responsibility to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity,” he said.
Nduhungirehe’s intervention comes amid escalating threats against Tutsi communities in eastern DRC, where armed groups, including the FDLR—formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—continue to operate with backing from Kinshasa. He said the current patterns of ethnic incitement bear troubling similarities to the build-up to the genocide in Rwanda.
“Rwanda knows more than most the cost of inaction,” he warned. “Yet in the Great Lakes region today, we see once again the rise of hate speech, identity-based violence and a fast-spreading genocide ideology—warning signs we cannot afford to ignore.”
The Rwandan minister underscored that while the R2P framework, adopted in 2005, tasked states with protecting their citizens and empowered the international community to intervene when they failed, implementation has fallen short.
He criticised the selective application of the doctrine, saying that ignoring structural injustices and “buying into fabricated narratives that invert the roles of victims and perpetrators” undermines the UN’s moral authority.
“Sovereignty must be understood as a responsibility, not a shield for inaction,” he said. “When states fail to protect their own populations, the legitimacy of international action should not be in question. Lives lost because of our hesitation in the name of sovereignty are lives betrayed by the very UN Charter we swore to uphold.”
Nduhungirehe urged the UN to shift from statements to concrete preventive measures, calling for early warning systems to translate into early action and for clear accountability mechanisms against incitement.
“Hate speech is not free speech when it lays the foundation for genocide,” he said, stressing that actors who fuel violence should face institutional consequences and lose international support.
While acknowledging progress such as the creation of the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and early warning tools, he insisted that gaps remain, particularly in the consistency and timeliness of responses.
“R2P will be judged not by the eloquence of our debate, but by whether it prevents the next mass atrocity. Rwanda, therefore, proposes concrete actions,” he said, adding that the doctrine must be rooted in the historical realities of the Great Lakes region, where land disputes, exclusion and historical injustice continue to drive conflict.
During the visit, both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. A key highlight was a landmark land allocation deal, expected to provide businesses from both countries greater access to regional markets.
Rwanda and Egypt share a strong bilateral relationship, with embassies established in each other’s capitals. This development builds upon numerous cooperation agreements in various sectors, including technology, industrial development, trade, agriculture, education, youth, healthcare, and military collaboration.
The partnership between the two nations has been long-standing. In 2017, President El-Sisi visited Rwanda to further strengthen their bilateral relations. Both countries are also active members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Egypt opened its embassy in Kigali in 1976, and Rwanda re-established its embassy in Cairo in March 2015, signaling the importance of their diplomatic ties.
This longstanding relationship was further strengthened by President Kagame’s recent visit to Cairo, a city rich in culture, history, and landmarks.
Here are the top 15 attractions to know about this extraordinary city visited by President Kagame.
{{1. The Pyramids of Giza}}
One of Cairo’s most iconic and unmissable attractions is the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient wonders, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, continue to awe visitors with their scale and grandeur.
The Pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and culture of ancient Egypt, making them one of the most visited tourist sites in the world.
Visitors can explore the inside of the pyramids, learn about the pharaohs’ burial practices, and take camel rides for a more immersive experience.
{{2. The Egyptian Museum: A gateway to ancient Egypt}}
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is an essential stop for anyone looking to delve into Egypt’s remarkable history.
With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities. The highlight of the museum is the treasure of Tutankhamun, including his famous golden death mask.
The museum provides invaluable insights into Egypt’s ancient civilization, offering visitors a chance to learn about mummification, religious rituals, and the everyday life of the pharaohs.
{{3. Coptic Cairo: Egypt’s Christian Heritage}}
Coptic Cairo is an area in Cairo that reflects the deep Christian history of Egypt. It is home to several significant churches, including the famous Hanging Church, which dates back to the 3rd century.
The Coptic Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that trace the history of Christianity in Egypt, from the early Christian period to modern times.
The area also includes the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the ancient Babylon Fortress, marking the historical and cultural crossroads where different religious traditions intersect.
{{4. Islamic Cairo}}
Islamic Cairo is a district filled with some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture. The area is home to historic mosques, madrassas, and palaces.
Key highlights include the stunning Sultan Hassan Mosque, one of the largest in the city, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque, which is one of the oldest in Cairo.
The Citadel of Saladin, which includes the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offers panoramic views of the city and a peek into Cairo’s Islamic history. Islamic Cairo is a living museum, where visitors can walk through streets lined with ancient buildings and immerse themselves in the city’s Islamic heritage.
{{5. Khan El Khalili Bazaar: A shopper’s paradise}}
For those looking to experience the authentic flavors and sounds of Cairo, Khan El Khalili Bazaar is the place to go.
This vibrant market, which has been a trading hub since the 14th century, is filled with colorful stalls offering everything from handcrafted jewelry, spices, and textiles to copperware, perfumes, and souvenirs.
The bustling market is a sensory overload, with its maze of alleyways and lively merchants. Don’t forget to bargain; it’s part of the fun in this traditional Egyptian souk.
{{6. Al-Azhar Park}}
Al-Azhar Park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Cairo, providing visitors with beautiful green spaces and panoramic views of the Cairo skyline.
Located near Islamic Cairo, the park is a perfect place to relax while taking in the breathtaking view of the Cairo Citadel and the surrounding historic mosques. The park is an oasis of calm in the heart of Cairo, offering a unique combination of nature, history, and tranquility.
{{7. Tahrir Square }}
Tahrir Square is not just a central location in Cairo—it has been the site of many pivotal moments in Egypt’s modern political history.
Most notably, it was the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution that led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak.
Today, the square is a key symbol of the country’s political struggles and successes. Surrounding the square are important landmarks, including the Egyptian Museum, and it remains a central hub for both political movements and everyday life in Cairo.
{{8. The Cairo Opera House}}
Cairo is home to one of the most prestigious cultural venues in the Middle East—The Cairo Opera House.
A key part of the city’s thriving arts scene, the opera house hosts performances ranging from classical music and ballet to contemporary dance and opera. It’s a cultural institution in the city, drawing in artists from around the world.
{{9. The Citadel of Saladin: A historic fortress}}
The Citadel of Saladin is one of Cairo’s most important historical sites. Built by the famous Islamic ruler Saladin in the 12th century, the Citadel was the seat of the Egyptian government for almost 700 years.
Visitors can explore its many mosques, including the iconic Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which offers stunning views of the city. The Citadel also houses the National Military Museum and the Police Museum, both of which offer fascinating insights into Egypt’s military history.
{{10. The Nile River}}
The Nile River has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years, and it continues to play a central role in the life of Cairo.
Tourists can take a relaxing boat ride or even a traditional felucca ride on the river to see the city from a different perspective.
Many luxury hotels and restaurants along the Nile offer dining experiences with beautiful views of the river and the city skyline.
{{11. The Nile Corniche}}
The Nile Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade that runs along the Nile River in Cairo. The Corniche is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering stunning views of the river and the city’s historic buildings.
Visitors can take in the sights of Cairo’s skyline, cross over bridges, or simply sit at one of the many cafes that line the river. It’s an ideal spot to experience the dynamic energy of Cairo’s urban life while enjoying the tranquility of the river.
{{12. The City of the Dead}}
One of Cairo’s more unusual attractions is the City of the Dead, a vast necropolis located in the eastern part of the city. This sprawling cemetery houses tombs that date back to the Mamluk period and even earlier.
The City of the Dead is home to some of Cairo’s poorest residents, who live among the tombs, making it a fascinating and thought-provoking site for visitors. While it may be an unconventional tourist attraction, it offers a unique window into Cairo’s past and present.
{{13. Zamalek: Cairo’s Greenest District}}
Zamalek is an upscale district in Cairo known for its lush greenery, colonial-era architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. Located on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is a quiet residential area that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the rest of Cairo.
The district is home to embassies, art galleries, and cultural venues, including the Cairo Opera House. It’s a great area for walking, dining, and enjoying Cairo’s more laid-back side.
{{14. The Museum of Islamic Art}}
The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo offers a fascinating collection of Islamic artifacts spanning over 1,400 years.
The museum’s exhibits include rare manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork from various periods in Islamic history.
Visitors can explore the rich artistic and cultural legacy of the Islamic world, with artifacts from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
{{15. Cairo Tower}}
Standing tall at 187 meters, the Cairo Tower offers the best panoramic view of the city. Located on Gezira Island, it provides a breathtaking view of Cairo’s skyline, the Nile River, and iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza in the distance.
Visitors can enjoy a meal or drink at the revolving restaurant on the tower’s top floor, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset or gaze at the sprawling cityscape.
The remarks signaled a sharp shift in the White House’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict since Trump has for months pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make concessions to reach a ceasefire deal with Russia, claiming Kiev “doesn’t have the cards” in the negotiations.
“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option,” Trump said.
“We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them,” said the president.
When meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City earlier on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that NATO countries should shoot down Russian jets that violate their airspace.
In a letter dated Saturday and addressed to the president of the UN Security Council, Estonia claimed that three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered up to 10 km inside Estonia’s airspace and stayed for 12 minutes on Friday.
Russia’s first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, denied that Russian jets had violated Estonian airspace and accused European states of Russophobia.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, their discussions focused on potential investment opportunities in Rwanda, with particular emphasis on energy, infrastructure, and industrial growth.
Elsewedy Electric is a global leader that has transformed from a local manufacturer of electrical products to an integrated infrastructure solutions provider. With over 19,000 employees, the company recorded revenues exceeding USD 5.13 billion in 2024.
Elsewedy Electric operates across five key business sectors: wire, cable and accessories, electrical products, engineering and construction, digital solutions, and infrastructure investments.
The company has a strong presence in 19 countries, with 34 production facilities located across Africa and Asia, including Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Tanzania.
Additionally, Elsewedy Electric exports a wide range of high-end products to over 110 countries globally.
In 2022, the company entered the Rwandan market through an agreement with Rwanda’s Energy Group (REG) and EPC Africa, which involved selling 185.5 kilometers of cables to Rwanda.
Should Elsewedy Electric invest further in Rwanda, it could support the country’s efforts to expand electricity access, build industries, enhance infrastructure, foster technological advancements, and advance renewable energy projects.
The agreements were formalised on Tuesday, September 23, during President Paul Kagame’s official visit to Egypt, hosted by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
The accords cover priority sectors including investment promotion, water resource management, urban development, and housing. Under the land allocation agreement, Rwanda had previously committed to grant Egypt 10 hectares in Kirehe District, near the Tanzania border, while Egypt committed equivalent land for Rwandan ventures.
In his address, President Kagame said the reciprocal land allocation was a “significant step” that would strengthen economic cooperation and expand market access in Africa.
He underlined that Rwanda and Egypt share a vision of transforming the continent’s natural resources into value-added products to generate sustainable prosperity.
“Rwanda regards Egypt as a strong partner and our cooperation is tangible and steadily growing,” Kagame noted, highlighting ongoing joint projects such as the construction of a state-of-the-art heart treatment center in Kigali.
“We believe there are numerous opportunities our two countries can explore, from food processing to advanced technology.”
The President also praised Egypt for providing advanced training to Rwandan medical professionals and for its support in pharmaceuticals and vaccine production, describing Egyptian firms in the health sector as “excellent partners.”
Earlier on Monday, September 22, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) had urged Egyptian investors to tap into Rwanda’s diverse opportunities.
Speaking at the inaugural Egypt–Rwanda Business Forum in Cairo, RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika invited Egyptian businesses to use Rwanda as a gateway to the wider East African and continental markets.
The forum brought together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from both sides to explore opportunities, foster partnerships, and promote trade and investment. Key areas of interest included energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
In an interview with Russia’s Izvestia newspaper, Galuzin said that what he described as a “war party” in the EU was seeking to undermine positive steps in U.S.-Russia contacts, including the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, which focused on a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
“These forces … are trying to disrupt this process and pull the United States to their side,” Galuzin said. “They are resorting to unscrupulous methods such as baseless accusations against Russia of violating NATO countries’ airspace or sending drones into their territory.”
Galuzin stated that allegations of Russian airspace violations lack credible evidence.
His remarks followed recent statements by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, who said Tallinn had requested consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after claiming that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace last Friday.
Russia’s Defense Ministry denied the allegations, saying that the aircraft had conducted a planned flight from Karelia to the Kaliningrad region in full compliance with international airspace regulations.
The ministry underlined that the jets did not deviate from their approved route and did not cross Estonia’s borders, a fact confirmed by objective monitoring data.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the first day of the general debate that “in Gaza, the horrors are approaching a third monstrous year,” highlighting “a scale of death and destruction beyond any other conflict” in his years as secretary-general.
He called for the full and immediate implementation of the International Court of Justice measures, a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and humanitarian access, adding that “we must not relent in the only viable answer to sustainable Middle East peace: a two-state solution.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the Hamas terror attacks in his remarks on Tuesday, noting that international humanitarian law and the myth of Western exceptionalism were buried under the rubble there, and the survival of the Palestinian people requires an independent state.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his country’s complete support for the two-state solution, calling for both Palestine and Israel to be free and independent, safe and secure from threats and terrorism. Indonesia is ready to deploy 20,000 or even more people to help secure peace in Gaza or elsewhere, and this year, over self-sufficiency, it exported rice to other nations in need, including to Palestine, he said.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II said that security will only come when Palestine and Israel begin to co-exist side by side. “This is the two-state solution, in line with international law and UN resolutions: an independent and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, … alongside a secure Israel, … living in peace with its neighbors,” he noted.
“We reaffirm our support of the two-state solution with the UN playing a central role. Kazakhstan acknowledges diplomatic initiatives aimed at regional reconciliation in the Middle East,” said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the deeply worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations,” said Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, adding that “in line with the UN resolutions, we remain steadfast supporters of the two-state solution principle.”
{{Uncertainties ahead
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Speaking Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump struck a different tone, urging immediate action in Gaza. “Release the hostages now — just release the hostages now,” he said, adding that “we have to negotiate peace, get the hostages back — all 20 back — and 38 dead bodies back.” Meanwhile, he warned against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, saying it would amount to “a reward to Hamas for its horrible atrocities.”
A summit organized by France and Saudi Arabia on Monday ahead of the general debate in New York was portrayed as an urgent effort to salvage the long-deferred vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City against Hamas and rapidly expands its settlements in the West Bank, the notion seems more distant than ever.
“We must pave the way for peace,” said French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, to applause from those at the meeting and a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation. “Today, France recognizes the State of Palestine,” he said, noting recent statements of recognition, some not yet formalized, by Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium and several others.
“France, Britain and the other countries recognizing a Palestinian state this week say they aim to salvage whatever hope remains for the internationally backed formula to end the half-century-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians: a Jewish state of Israel at peace with a neighboring Palestinian one,” reported The New York Times on Monday.
“But nearly two years into the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, Israelis and Palestinians alike say the possibility of a two-state solution seems more remote than ever,” it noted.
On Sept. 12, the General Assembly adopted by a wide margin the “New York Declaration,” which called for “just and lasting peace grounded in international law and based on the two-state solution.” To end the war, it urged Hamas to “end its role in Gaza, and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.” The United States and Israel voted against the text.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”
The idea of establishing one nation each for Jewish and Palestinian populations, living alongside each other in peace, predated the UN’s founding in 1945. Drafted and redrafted since then, the concept has appeared in dozens of UN Security Council resolutions, multiple peace talks and in the General Assembly’s recently resumed 10th emergency special session.
On Tuesday, Guterres warned that the viability of a two-state solution is steadily eroding, now reaching its most critical level in more than a generation, in a statement at a UN Security Council high-level meeting on the Palestinian question, highlighting relentless settlement expansion, de facto annexation, and forced displacement as evidence of the erosion.
“Cycles of deadly violence, including by extremist settlers, have entrenched an unlawful Israeli occupation and pushed us perilously close to a point of no return,” he added.
“I declare Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta, a duly nominated candidate in respect of the presidential elections 2026,” said EC Chairperson Simon Mugenyi Byabakama.
“The commission calls on all participants, their agents, aspirants, and the general public to uphold the values of peace, dignity, and mutual respect throughout the nomination process and mostly in the upcoming campaign period for the presidential candidates,” Byabakama added.
The ruling National Resistance Movement party in July endorsed Museveni, who has been in power for 39 years, as its sole presidential candidate and national chairman for the next five years.
Museveni, 81, accompanied by other senior party officials, thanked the commission for approving his candidacy. The president, seeking a seventh consecutive five-year term, said his priorities would include wealth creation programs, free education in government schools, road maintenance, improved health services, and tackling crime.
According to the commission, presidential campaigns will start on Sept. 29, with voting scheduled for Jan. 2, 2026.
