According to media reports, the meeting on Monday brought together Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet in an effort to halt fighting that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000 from both sides.
Anwar described the outcome as a positive step toward peace, with the ceasefire set to take effect at midnight on July 28 (1200 GMT). He added that military commanders from both countries will meet Tuesday to discuss further de-escalation.
US and Chinese diplomats were present, with Anwar noting that leaders from both nations, including US President Donald Trump, played a role in supporting the peace process.
Hun Manet praised the talks, expressing hope that the ceasefire would help rebuild trust between the neighbors. Meanwhile, Phumtham affirmed Thailand’s commitment to the agreement, despite earlier doubts about Cambodia’s intentions.
Recent clashes included rocket fire by Cambodia into Thailand’s Sisaket province, and accusations from both sides of troop buildups and attacks near contested temple sites.
Cambodia’s defense spokesperson accused Thai forces of using heavy weapons and smoke bombs in the disputed areas but said Cambodian troops successfully repelled the assaults.
According to the July 2025 edition of the index, Rwandan passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 63 destinations. This places Rwanda in the 23rd position in Africa and 73rd globally, ahead of several countries in the region, including Mozambique (62) and Togo (60).
At the top of the African continent, Seychelles leads the ranking with access to 156 destinations, followed by Mauritius (149) and South Africa (103). These nations remain Africa’s strongest performers on the global mobility scale.
Other East African nations in Rwanda’s neighborhood rank closely: Kenya has access to 71 destinations, Tanzania to 70, Uganda and Zambia to 67, while Burundi lags behind with 48.
Globally, Singapore tops the 2025 index with a visa-free score of 193, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with access to only 25 countries without a visa.
The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as the most authoritative passport ranking system. The index tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a unique snapshot of each country’s passport power.
Rwanda’s upward mobility in the rankings reflects its growing diplomatic reach and continued efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, especially across Africa and Asia.
The most recent country to grant [visa-free access to Rwanda is Antigua and Barbuda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-antigua-and-barbuda-ink-deals-on-visa-waiver-health-tourism], through a bilateral agreement signed on July 18, 2025.
Here is the full list of how African countries are ranked:
The announcement was made at a joint press briefing Sunday afternoon following trade talks at the Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland.
Although both leaders described the deal as a step toward restoring “trade balance” and promoting more equitable two-way commerce, the agreement allows the United States to impose a broad 15 percent tariff on EU goods while securing zero-tariff access for a range of strategic American exports.
In contrast, the EU has pledged to purchase 750 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of American energy and commit an additional 600 billion U.S. dollars in investments in the United States.
At the press briefing, Trump claimed the agreement would enable American cars to re-enter the European market and make U.S. agricultural exports more accessible in the EU. He also said that pharmaceuticals were excluded from the agreement, while existing 50 percent tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports to the United States will remain in place.
However, at a separate press briefing, von der Leyen clarified that the EU and the U.S. had agreed to include pharmaceuticals under the 15 percent tariff framework. She did not rule out the possibility of further U.S. trade actions in the future.
When asked whether a 15 percent tariff for EU carmakers-up from 2.5 percent under the Biden administration-was a favorable outcome, von der Leyen responded that, prior to this agreement, European vehicles faced a total tariff of 27.5 percent when entering the U.S. market. This included a 25 percent levy imposed during Trump’s previous term in addition to the original 2.5 percent. The new 15 percent rate, she argued, represents a reduction from that level.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, criticized the newly reached deal as “unsatisfactory” and “significantly imbalanced,” warning that it could undermine the EU’s economic stability and job security.
“This is a deal with a slant. Clearly, concessions have been made that are difficult to bear,” Lange said in a statement on Sunday.
Prior to the agreement, over 70 percent of EU exports to the United States were subject to tariffs, including 50 percent on steel and aluminium, 25 percent on automobiles and parts, and a 10 percent duty on most other goods. Trump had warned that if no deal was reached by Aug. 1, the 10 percent tariff would be raised to 30 percent.
“The Ministry strongly condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the step taken by the terrorist RSF militia in announcing a fake government, claiming to assign government positions to run Sudan,” the statement said.
The ministry urged neighboring countries, the international community, regional and international organizations, as well as all governmental and non-governmental entities, to denounce the declaration of the parallel government and refrain from recognizing or engaging with it.
It emphasized that any form of engagement with the parallel government would constitute an infringement on Sudan’s legitimate authority and sovereignty over its entire territory, and a clear violation of the rights and resources of the Sudanese people.
On Saturday, the Sudan Founding Alliance, led by the RSF, announced the formation of a parallel government.
The parallel government was announced in a televised statement broadcast via Telegram, naming Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as the “prime minister.”
According to the statement, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was selected as “President of the Presidential Council,” the highest sovereign authority, while leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu was appointed as “Vice President of the Presidential Council.”
The RSF signed a founding charter with various political and armed groups in February, setting the groundwork for the parallel government.
Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders.
According to local media reports, ADF fighters stormed a Catholic church early Saturday in the town of Komanda, Ituri Province. A local civil society leader in Komanda said most of the victims, primarily Catholic worshippers, were preparing for Sunday celebrations when the attack took place. Several houses were burned, and an unknown number of people remain missing.
Witnesses said the assailants also looted a local bank and other community properties before retreating into the nearby forest.
The ADF rebels have stepped up assaults in Ituri since early July. In a statement issued earlier this week, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC condemned the recent ADF attacks, which have killed at least 82 civilians in both Ituri and neighboring North Kivu Province.
The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group operating in eastern DRC, prompting joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces to pursue the group since November 2021.
He made the appeal on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, a vibrant week-long celebration of basketball, education, and culture taking place in Kigali.
Addressing over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries gathered at BK Arena, President Kagame praised Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri and his team for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
“Masai has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised even more resources to put this festival together,” said Kagame. “Through him, I also thank his family and all the friends of this continent who support this vision.”
In his speech, Kagame emphasised the deeper purpose behind the festival.
“I want to urge you to believe in the giants that are in you,” he told the youth. “Put in time on and off the court. That will bring out the giant in you—and that’s what Africa needs to do. Giants grow. They stand tall. They believe in themselves.”
He added: “Africa should not remain lagging behind the rest of the world. In a small way, through this festival, we are reminded that we can grow and bring out the many millions that Africans are, and continue to make Africa proud.”
The President reaffirmed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the festival for the second time, highlighting the country’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire and uplift Africa’s youth.
“We welcome you. We want you to feel at home and we hope you’ll be back, even for other things beyond this festival.”
The 2025 edition of the Giants of Africa Festival runs from July 26 to August 2, bringing together youth from across the continent under the theme “A Borderless Africa.”
The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.
The opening ceremony at BK Arena reflected the energy and vibrance of the festival. South African DJ Uncle Waffles, born Ungelihle Zwane, set the arena alight with a high-energy set that blended her signature Amapiano hits like “Asylum” and “Yahyuppiyah” with other popular tracks, thrilling the crowd.
A breakout star in Africa’s music scene and a social media sensation, she brought not just music but an unforgettable experience to Kigali.
Also returning to the stage was the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whose young performers blended dance with basketball choreography in an inspiring showcase of creativity and movement. Sherrie Silver, the internationally renowned choreographer and philanthropist, thanked both Masai Ujiri and President Kagame for creating platforms that empower African youth.
Christiane Bukuru, Ruti Joel, and Kevin Kade also delivered captivating performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.
Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.
“You are the future of Africa. Take it. Take it and run. Believe. Grow. Be better. Make this continent something—and when you make it, stay humble and take people with you,” he said.
Ujiri also reflected on the humble beginnings shared by many African leaders and athletes, reminding the youth that they too can achieve greatness.
“We all grew up in Africa. We wore our pants the same. We walked barefoot to school. If we can do it, you can do it even bigger and better.”
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment.
“Giants of Africa is more than basketball, it’s a celebration of African excellence,” she said. “Thanks to President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured and Africa’s future is shaped with purpose.”
Mukazayire urged the youth to remain proud of their roots.
“Believe in your potential, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams. You have all it takes, we believe in you.”
Beyond the courts, the festival integrates community service, leadership workshops, and cultural immersion. Among the highlights is the unveiling of new basketball courts through the Built Within initiative and a showcase of African fashion under the “Threads of Africa” event.
Since its founding over two decades ago, Giants of Africa has built basketball courts and launched outreach programs in numerous African countries.
Among just sixteen global winners, Nyandungu Eco-Park received a Full Star accreditation alongside category Stars for “People” and “Biodiversity,” highlighting its excellence in community engagement and ecological conservation.
The award, presented by Wetland Link International (WLI), is the only global quality mark dedicated to wetland educators and visitor attractions, recognising sites that promote conservation and public awareness of wetlands such as rivers, marshes, and coasts.
Located in Kigali, a Ramsar-accredited Wetland City, Nyandungu Eco-Park has rapidly become a flagship urban nature sanctuary. Since opening to the public in July 2022, following six years of extensive restoration, the park has seen a steady rise in visitors, welcoming 76,754 people in 2024, up from 67,222 in 2023 and 48,813 in 2022.
Spanning 121 hectares, including 70 hectares of rehabilitated wetlands and 50 hectares of forest, the park is home to nearly 200 bird species and more than 62 indigenous plant species.
The transformation from a degraded wetland to a thriving ecosystem was made possible by a Frw 4.5 billion investment led by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), with funding from the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), the UK Government, Italy’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme.
Nyandungu offers visitors a unique combination of recreation and education with features such as a medicinal garden, the Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreational ponds, 10 kilometres of walkways and cycling lanes, an information centre, and a restaurant.
Whether performing live, crafting verses in the studio, or connecting with fans online, he embodies a new generation of Rwandan artists determined to push creative boundaries.
In a recent appearance on IGIHE Kulture’s vibrant entertainment series Hooks & Jabz, The Dice Kid opened up about his journey as an artist, his growth, and the values that guide his music. Candid and grounded, he reflected on how it all began at the age of 16.
For him, music has never been just a career; it’s a calling.
“I want to lay a foundation for future artists in Rwanda’s fresh music industry,” he shared.
His name, like the many sides of a dice, reflects his diverse interests in music, fashion, film, and storytelling, all of which come together to form his artistic identity.
The Dice Kid’s latest body of work, Infinity Pack, created in collaboration with Eers, dives deep into themes of peace, love, patience, and kindness, virtues he says are essential in navigating life’s never-ending journey.
One of the standout tracks, “Luckily Unlucky,” has resonated strongly with fans. It’s an honest reflection on navigating hardship and remaining grounded in the face of adversity.
“It’s about the journey, the highs and lows,” he explained, capturing the emotional core of the song.
Another hard-hitting track, “Salty Rappers,” addresses hypocrisy, jealousy, and industry toxicity. With sharp lyricism and spiritual insight, he confronts fake alliances, chasing fame, and the loneliness that can come with success.
{{Creative process
}}
When it comes to making music, The Dice Kid is all about energy. He prefers a minimal, mood-driven studio setup of LED lights, solitude, and just the beat to guide him.
“Crowded studios kill the vibe,” he noted, favouring a focused, organic creation space.
Working closely with elite local producers like Khabib, Juny Quickly, and Kuba, he builds most of his tracks from scratch, blending traditional hip-hop sounds with soulful, afro-fusion, and alternative influences.
He also shared the albums that shaped his sound: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Hair by Nasty C, 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole, and Graduation by Kanye West. With confidence, he added Infinity Pack to the list, believing it will leave its mark on Rwanda’s musical history.
{{Kigali roots and real-life wisdom
}}
Off-stage, The Dice Kid embraces life in Kigali, his city, his muse. A fan of genuine conversations and hangouts with close friends, he highlighted his favourite chill spots like Three Chaps, Buns, and Gate 10, where creative energy and good vibes flow freely.
In the interview, he spoke with humility and clarity about success, growth, and consistency. He encourages emerging artists to stay grounded, ignore noise, and value even the smallest wins.
“Appreciate every single win. Consistency makes you a master,” he shared. “Celebrate getting 400 monthly listeners the same way you’d celebrate 40,000.”
He believes his philosophy, rooted in self-awareness and spiritual growth, sets him apart in a music industry often driven by trends and instant fame.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic MC Tino, the night opened in style as DJ RY hit the decks around 8:00 PM, warming up the crowd with a rich blend of classic American hip-hop, old-school Rwandan tracks, and pan-African favourites. The nostalgia was palpable, and the dancefloor filled up quickly as the beats echoed through the retro-themed venue.
The lineup kept the energy high all night. Brek The Entertainer took over with a vibrant Rhumba set, spinning hits from icons like Madilu System, before handing over to DJ Nicolas Peks, who turned up the tempo with crowd-pleasing Reggaeton, Bongo Flava, and chart-toppers from across East Africa.
In a crowd full of sequins, bell-bottoms, and bold vintage looks, comedian Clapton Kibonge and Delphine Umuhoza (wife of media personality Benjamin Gicumbi) stole the spotlight. They were crowned Best Dressed of the night, each walking away with special experience gifts from Kigali Universe.
Clapton wowed the audience with a full-on 1970s African musician look—complete with flared bell-bottom trousers, platform shoes, a vintage cassette player, and a classic radio, channelling the spirit of a bygone era with striking authenticity.
Delphine, on the other hand, embodied old-school American hip-hop glam with oversized pants, bold jewellery, and attitude to match.
The crowd was a vibrant mix of familiar faces and fashionistas, including Fuadi Uwihanganye, DJ Pius, Coach Gael (architect of Kigali Universe), Kenny Mugarura of 1:55 AM, Michelle Iradukunda, and Aissa Cyiza, all contributing to the night’s electric atmosphere.
As the festival drew to a close, DJ RY and DJ Nicolas Peks joined forces in a unique tag-team set, each alternating tracks to keep the party going late into the night, an unforgettable moment that perfectly encapsulated the festival’s spirit of musical unity across generations.
This year’s edition followed the success of the 2024 event held at Juru Park in Rebero, and if last night is any indication, the Oldies Music Festival has solidified its place as a must-attend celebration on Kigali’s cultural calendar.
The historic achievement came after Rwanda defeated Sierra Leone by 51 runs in the final.
Rwanda batted first and posted a total of 135 runs in 20 overs, with Sierra Leone managing to take seven wickets. In response, Sierra Leone was bowled out for just 84 runs in 18.1 overs, falling short of the target and handing Rwanda a commanding victory.
With this win, both Rwanda and Sierra Leone have secured promotion to Division One, where they will join Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
The eight teams will face off in September 2025 in Namibia during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
Only one team will earn a coveted spot to represent the continent at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India later this year.
