Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump emphasised that his administration is making strong progress and insisted that “it does have to end,” reiterating a sense of urgency amid a devastating humanitarian crisis.
He, however, provided few specifics to support his prediction.
Trump later appeared to defer to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for further details on diplomatic efforts, who echoed praise for the president’s leadership in advancing peace talks farther than contemplated.
Trump also acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of the conflict, saying it is “a hard thing to say” that it will end soon, given that tensions in the region have spanned generations. Still, he maintained an optimistic outlook, asserting that the current efforts were producing positive momentum.
Analysts and observers note that Trump has frequently employed similar short-term timelines—most commonly a “two-week” window—to forecast resolution of various international issues, from the Russia-Ukraine war to nuclear negotiations with Iran and trade discussions. These forecasts, however, have often fallen short of fruition.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains daunting. Israel has made clear that it is not inclined toward a phased ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas. Instead, the Israeli government is proceeding with plans to advance into Gaza City, a campaign expected to span several more months.
The Head of State did not mention the leaders, but his remarks appear to point toward Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, given their history of hostile remarks against Rwanda.
In January 2024, while in Kinshasa, President Ndayishimiye stated that he would do everything possible to help Rwandan youth overthrow the current government.
“In the region, people live together peacefully. I know very well that there are no problems among the citizens; the problem lies with bad leadership. Our struggle must continue until even the people of Rwanda begin to feel pressure, because I believe Rwandan youth cannot accept remaining prisoners in the region,” he noted.
These words appeared to echo those of Tshisekedi, who publicly expressed his determination to topple Rwanda’s leadership.
While addressing over 6,000 soldiers, police, and prison officers at Rwanda Defence Force (RDF)’s Gabiro Combat Training Center on August 25, 2025, President Kagame revisited the plans these two leaders had for Rwanda.
“When you hear people on radio, shamelessly and fearlessly, claiming they will destroy Rwanda, remove its government, impose their own, kill and save people they wish. Imagine heads of state making such utterances!”
President Kagame emphasized that statements like these serve as a reminder that there are people harboring intentions to harm Rwanda.
“We must always be prepared because the enemy comes unpredictably; we never know from where or when, but we must always be ready,” he noted.
Kagame noted that these leaders eventually realized that harming Rwanda would not be easy.
“Those who shouted loudly, claiming they must harm Rwanda. I could not overlook this, but I will not disclose everything. This is where I began by thanking you [ Rwandan security forces] because they saw that harming Rwanda is not simple.
“Perhaps after resting, they may try again in five years, but it will be in vain
or even worse for those who wage war against Rwanda. This is precisely the responsibility of the RDF, the national army, and all national security forces collectively,” he stated.
President Kagame added that for Rwanda’s security forces to execute this responsibility effectively, they must clearly understand their duties.
“Whether you are working in challenging circumstances like I described, you must act as if you own the task. No one should hold back; you treat it as your responsibility, and collaborate with others who do the same. That is where the national army unites with the Rwandan society they belong to.”
He further emphasized the importance of discipline, reminding the security personnel that it allows them to focus on duties and fulfill them diligently.
At the same time, 25 other defendants, including journalists and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) employees, have been released on bail.
The case involves 28 individuals in total, including three RDF officers, two RCS staff, and several civilians, including sports journalists and APR FC supporters.
The disputed tickets are linked to APR FC’s trip to Egypt in September 2024 to play against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League, as well as other trips involving RCS officers.
During a hearing on August 18, the prosecution requested 30 days’ provisional detention for the defendants, while the accused asked to be tried without detention.
Today, the military tribunal ruled that the three RDF officers—Major Vincent Murigande, Captain Peninah Umurungi, and Captain Peninah Mutoni—should remain in remand, citing sufficient grounds to justify continued detention.
Meanwhile, the court granted provisional release to the other 25 defendants, including RCS officers CSP Hillary Sengabo and CSP Olive Mukantabana, journalists Reagan ‘Rugaju’ Ndayishimiye and Ricard Ishimwe, and former journalist Mucyo ‘Antha’ Biganiro, citing insufficient grounds to continue holding them in custody.
Visiting the lodge, one can immediately feel its story. Volcanic rocks scattered across the property hint at the land’s history long before the hotel was built, while other details showcase the journey of the lodge from its humble beginnings to the present day.
Rugamba is widely recognized as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s tourism sector. After years of service in government tourism roles, she decided to venture into private enterprise, creating a business that provides high-quality tourism experiences.
In 2003, she was appointed the head of the Rwanda Development Board’s predecessor, ORTPN, tasked with implementing strategies to promote Rwanda’s tourism industry in the challenging post-genocide period.
Reflecting on the origins of Amakoro Songa Lodge, Rugamba shared that the idea came from a memorable visit: “In 2003, a well-known international entrepreneur toured Volcanoes National Park and loved it. On his way out, he said he was exhausted and wanted to stay overnight in Kinigi. I offered him accommodations in Kigali, but he insisted and decided to stay in a tent. That’s when I realized we needed a place to host guests like him.”
She recalled moving downwards and sitting on the volcanic rocks that would later become the lodge’s grounds, reflecting on the moment and realizing that this experience could inspire something lasting.
“That’s how the idea for Amakoro Songa Lodge was born, right there where I sat,” she explained.
Starting with a single room and just a few staff members, the lodge has grown steadily. Today, it employs more than 79 people, 49 of whom are permanent staff, and offers ten rooms, enough to provide top-tier luxury service. Rugamba’s vision has always been to deliver high-end tourism experiences—‘luxury tourism’—that are rooted in local culture and resources.
From the beginning, she committed to employing local staff, ensuring that at least half of her employees came from the surrounding district. Today, that number has grown to 80%.
“It’s deeply rewarding to demonstrate that Rwandans can excel, and that everything we do benefits our own community,” she said. Many of her employees started in basic roles like cleaning and farming, but over time they have developed the skills needed to run a luxury hotel.
Rugamba has long believed that tourism should serve a broader purpose to alleviate poverty and showcase Rwanda positively drawing inspiration from the guidance of President Paul Kagame. She carried this mission into her private enterprise as well.
Local farmers who supply the lodge have transitioned from subsistence farming to professional operations, paying taxes and contributing to the local economy.
She also founded a cooperative, ‘Abagore ku Isonga mu Kubungabunga Ibidukikije,’ aimed at empowering women to protect the environment and understand that neglecting it could ultimately harm them.
Projects like poultry and sheep farming were introduced to strengthen livelihoods in communities around the lodge.
“Supporting women strengthens households, communities, and the nation as a whole,” she emphasized.
The lodge also invests in local education. Recently, it built toilets for Ninda Primary School, plans to expand to early childhood classrooms and support children who cannot afford regular meals.
Today, Amakoro Songa Lodge directly supports over 140 families while offering visitors an enriching experience that also benefits the local population.
Environmental conservation is another pillar of the lodge. Initially, there were almost no trees around the property, but today over 3,000 trees have been planted with the participation of both staff and guests, each tree marked with the name of the person who planted it.
Tree planting has become a meaningful ritual for visitors, who often follow up on the growth of their trees, prompting Rugamba to assign staff to keep them informed.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand tourism operations to Nyungwe National Park through a new project called Icyayi Songa Lodge, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Songa Lodge gave birth to Amakoro Lodge, and now it is giving birth to Icyayi Lodge. At Icyayi Songa Lodge, I want to highlight tea cultivation and support visitors exploring this World Heritage site,” she said.
Amakoro Lodge has traditionally welcomed guests from the United States, but in recent years, it has seen a growing number of visitors from Mexico, Europe, and across Africa.
{{Photos showing members of women-led organisation focused on leadership and environmental conservation}}
The competition will draw participants from around the world, with races across elite and under-23 divisions for both men and women.
Australia arrives well-prepared for the week-long event, fielding a mix of experienced stars and promising young riders across all categories.
{{Men’s elite team spotlight
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Australia’s men’s elite squad features some of the biggest names in world cycling, including Jai Hindley, Michael Matthews, and Luke Plapp.
Jai Hindley made history by winning the 2022 Giro d’Italia, becoming the first Australian to win the race and only the second Australian to win a Grand Tour. He also wore the yellow jersey as leader of the 2023 Tour de France for one stage.
Michael Matthews has claimed stage wins in all three Grand Tours—the Tour de France (4), Giro d’Italia (3), and Vuelta a España (3)—and won the green jersey at the 2017 Tour de France.
Luke Plapp, a multiple-time Australian National Champion, has won the road race three times (2022–2024) and the time trial four times (2021, 2024, 2025). He also earned a bronze medal in the men’s team pursuit at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The rest of the men’s elite squad includes Chris Hamilton, Chris Harper, Callum Scotson, Michael Storer, and Jay Vine, all accomplished riders with international racing experience.
{{Women’s elite team spotlight
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Among the women, Amanda Spratt stands out as Australia’s leading rider. She is a three-time Australian National Road Race Champion and has won two medals at the UCI Road World Championships—a silver and a bronze—highlighting her long-standing success at the highest level of the sport.
Joining Spratt are Neve Bradbury, Brodie Chapman, Lauretta Hanson, Alexandra Manly, and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, all of whom bring strong performances in domestic and international competitions.
{{Under-23 teams
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Australia will also field competitive under-23 squads. The women’s U23 team includes Alli Anderson, Mackenzie Coupland, and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden, while the men’s side features Matthew Greenwood, Zac Marriage, Hamish McKenzie, and Jack Ward, all promising talents in the Australian cycling development pathway.
Most races will be held on a 15.1-kilometre circuit around Kimihurura, with riders completing between five and 15 laps depending on their category.
Australia will aim for strong performances across all events as the world’s top cyclists converge in Rwanda.
With this milestone, BK remains the only bank in Rwanda listed as a Valued Service Provider on the Visa Global Registry, a recognition awarded only to institutions that meet the highest standards of compliance and security.
Earning this status, along with the Visa PCI DSS compliance badge, reinforces BK’s role as a trusted leader in delivering secure, innovative, and customer-focused financial solutions.
But beyond the certification, what does this mean for customers? It means peace of mind. Every time a BK customer pays, shops online, or withdraws from an ATM, they can trust that their money and their personal data are protected by some of the toughest security standards in the world.
“Our customers deserve the highest level of safety when using their cards, and this achievement is proof of that commitment,” said Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali. “Whether you are transacting locally or globally, we want you to feel confident and secure with every transaction you make through BK.”
{{Why this matters for customers?}}
-* From local markets to global online stores, BK cards are backed by world-class security.
-* Sensitive card information stays safe within BK systems, reducing risks of fraud or misuse.
-* BK’s leadership in security reinforces its role as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s digital economy.
This achievement is part of BK’s larger mission to make modern banking not only accessible and innovative, but also safe at every step.
It also reflects the spirit of Nanjye ni BK, a pledge that every customer can feel personally connected to the bank, confident that BK is by their side, and assured that every transaction is protected.
{{About Bank of Kigali Plc}}
Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels.
The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations, and continues to evolve as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s journey toward a more prosperous future.
Its excellence has been consistently recognized, with multiple wins as Best Bank in Rwanda from Euromoney Awards for Excellence (2021, 2024, 2025) and Global Finance Magazine, most recently in 2025 for the 5th time.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebels, who have seized large swaths of territory, stems from decades of ethnic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and longstanding governance failures.
The latest initiative, championed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and other denominations under an interfaith forum, is rooted in the belief that peace requires inclusive dialogue that brings together all Congolese, regardless of political or military alignment. It follows weeks of consultations with government supporters, opposition leaders, armed groups, and regional heads of state.
{{A “month of peace”
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The first phase, described as a “month of peace,” seeks to build trust across the nation. Religious institutions will organise collective prayers, reconciliation campaigns, and civic awareness activities in every province, including zones under the control of the armed coalition AFC/M23. According to the forum, this will serve as a visible gesture of forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation.
Churches will also urge rival factions to embrace dialogue, uphold the Doha ceasefire signed between the Kinshasa administration and the rebel coalition last month, and allow humanitarian operations to reach vulnerable communities.
{{Experts’ dialogue on root causes
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The second phase will bring together experts from diverse fields — education, governance, research, technology, and the diaspora — to identify the structural causes of DRC’s crises since independence in 1960.
This stage will scrutinize political agreements and peace accords signed over the decades, the country’s security and governance track record, economic policies, management of natural resources, environmental issues, and ethnic relations.
It will also revisit DRC’s relations with neighbouring countries and the enforcement of human rights and justice. Findings from this process will provide the foundation for broader national dialogue.
{{Political dialogue and consensus-building
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The third phase will convene political actors, civil society leaders, armed groups, traditional authorities, and nonpartisan experts to deliberate on the recommendations from the experts’ dialogue.
The goal is to reach consensus on durable solutions to the root causes of conflict, from governance reforms to security guarantees. To ensure fairness, the forum said participation will be balanced across groups, preventing any one side from dominating.
Resolutions from this stage will be formally submitted to President Félix Tshisekedi.
{{Technical secretariat and international support
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The final phase focuses on implementation. A “technical secretariat” will be created to coordinate the process, ensure follow-up, and mobilise international support. Religious leaders emphasised that external backing will be vital, both for fostering improved relations with Great Lakes neighbours and for financing reconstruction in a post-conflict DRC.
The interfaith coalition called on President Tshisekedi to take swift steps as Head of State to launch the roadmap. It also appealed to regional and international partners to provide diplomatic and financial support.
“The Forum of Religious Denominations in the DRC solemnly calls on the President of the Republic to exercise his role as Head of State to initiate this process without delay, and urges regional and international partners to support these efforts so that peace may finally return to Congo,” the church leaders said in a communique.
Their repatriation follows resolutions from a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025.
The 533 returnees had been confined in an FDLR-controlled areas in eastern DRC. They were later moved to a temporary camp in Goma before their safe passage to Rwanda was facilitated.
{{Harrowing experiences in captivity}}
Nyirahabimana Paradia is among the returnees who fled Rwanda in 1994 and had been living in Nyangezi, near Bukavu in South Kivu. She described the atmosphere of fear that surrounded Rwandans under FDLR control.
“If you tried to return to Rwanda, they told you you would either be killed or imprisoned upon arrival. In Congo today, being known as a Rwandan is even worse than being killed, because groups like the ‘Wazalendo’ abduct and kill,” she said.
She explained that she eventually fled to the UN-run camp after being targeted for abduction, leaving behind her eldest child. She urged Rwandans still in Congo to repatriate, assuring them of peace and safety back home.
Another returnee, Musoni Bavugayabo François from Rwerere, recounted constant insecurity in Rusayu where armed men roamed at night, abducting and harming residents.
“We were told those who returned to Rwanda were killed, but later we would hear they were actually alive,” he recalled.
Similarly, Egide Twagirumukiza, 65, said he had lived in DRC since 1994 under the perpetual threat of FDLR.
“They never allowed us to return. They threatened that anyone attempting to leave would either be killed or jailed,” he said.
{{A new beginning in Rwanda}}
Welcoming the returnees, Rubavu District Mayor Mulindwa Prosper reassured them of progress. He also encouraged returnees to quickly reintegrate into their communities and take advantage of available opportunities in the country.
“You will find a different Rwanda, one built on peace, development, and opportunity. You will join cooperatives, access modern banking services, and benefit from programs tailored for women and youth. Tell your relatives still in Congo that what they were told about Rwanda is not true, you will see for yourselves the reality of progress,” he emphasized.
The returnees were transported to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre in Rusizi District, where they will temporarily reside before reintegration into normal life.
They join over 1,100 Rwandans who were repatriated in May 2025 under similar arrangements facilitated by UNHCR.
As of August 6, 2025, UNHCR reported that 630 Rwandans were still living in the temporary Goma camp, with another 31 scattered across Kitshanga, Karuba, and Mweso.
Upon arrival, each returnee receives reintegration support. Those above 18 years are allocated $188, minors receive $113, and every individual is provided with a food package worth Rwf 40,800 to help them start a new life in Rwanda.
Announcing his trip in a message posted on X on August 25, 2025, Grandi said ongoing peace initiatives could help restore stability in the volatile eastern DRC if all parties act in good faith.
“On my way to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Ongoing political initiatives may allow harsh realities on the ground (violence against civilians and forced displacement in Eastern DRC) to be finally addressed, if all actors cooperate. UNHCR stands ready to do its part,” the post reads.
His visit comes on the heels of a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025, during which Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a new 2025–2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, was attended by Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
The roadmap, detailed in a joint communiqué, outlines operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines for facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees between the two countries.
It is viewed as a key pillar of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region, following recent diplomatic breakthroughs—including the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
The new plan reaffirms the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without restrictions. It also calls for closer coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, better information-sharing with refugees, and the creation of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently at a transit centre in Goma, with logistical support from UNHCR. The roadmap further emphasises inclusive reintegration efforts, including access to housing, education, health services, livelihoods, and civil documentation, alongside engagement with donors and development partners to support long-term recovery.
On August 25, in line with these commitments, UNHCR successfully repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to the Government of Rwanda.
Grandi’s visit to Rwanda and the DRC is expected to reinforce diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, particularly in tackling the remaining challenges that hinder voluntary return.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on August 26, 2025, describing the incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
This is the first time since World War II that Australia has taken the step of expelling an ambassador. Operations at Australia’s embassy in Tehran were also suspended.
The attacks, which took place in late 2024, targeted two key Jewish institutions. In October, a kosher restaurant, Lewis Continental Kitchen, in Bondi, Sydney, was firebombed. Two months later, in December, a fire was deliberately set at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.
Although both incidents caused significant property damage, no lives were lost.
According to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), investigations revealed that Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated the attacks through multiple layers of intermediaries, including local criminal networks.
This method was designed to conceal Tehran’s role while destabilising Australia’s Jewish community and undermining social cohesion.
In response, the Australian government declared the IRGC a terrorist organisation, expelled four Iranian diplomats, including Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, and gave them one week to leave the country. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised that such measures were both necessary and proportionate, while a national travel warning was issued advising Australians not to travel to Iran.
The executive body of Australian Jewry condemned the attacks as a direct assault on the Jewish community and on the sovereignty of Australia. Israel’s embassy in Canberra welcomed the firm stance, stressing that Iran’s activities represented a threat that extended well beyond the Middle East.
The revelations come at a time of rising antisemitism in Australia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Jewish institutions have reported a surge in threats, vandalism, and violent incidents, making the arson attacks part of a broader climate of fear.
ASIO’s report detailed how Iranian proxies used encrypted communications, cryptocurrency transfers, and covert recruitment networks to organise and finance the attacks.
Investigators said the sophistication of the plot underscored Iran’s intent to destabilise Australia’s domestic security.
The Australian government stressed that its response sends a clear message that hostile acts directed by foreign powers against communities in Australia will not be tolerated.
