The Bank’s presence at the event reflects its continued efforts to build meaningful connections with the diaspora and offer convenient, tailored financial solutions that support long-term investment ambitions in Rwanda.
As part of its engagement, I&M Bank will provide on-the-ground support for account opening, showcase investment opportunities in Rwanda’s growing real estate sector including mortgages, construction loans, and plot acquisition financing—and introduce attendees to its high-interest savings accounts and one-on-one advisory services.
These offerings are designed to help diaspora clients secure and grow their assets back home, with greater ease and confidence.
This initiative aligns with I&M Bank’s broader mission to increase financial accessibility and promote prosperity among Rwandans living abroad. Over the past few years, the Bank has conducted similar outreach programs in Europe and several African countries, strengthening its role as a trusted financial partner for diaspora communities.
Speaking ahead of the convention, Yves Kayihura, Head of Retail Banking at I&M Bank, emphasized the importance of removing barriers for diaspora clients.
“For many Rwandans living abroad, the desire to invest or build back home is strong, but navigating the process can be challenging. Our role is to make that experience easier, more transparent, and ultimately rewarding,” he said.
By participating in the Rwanda Convention in Dallas, I&M Bank reaffirms its commitment to customer-centric banking and its promise to bring services closer to where Rwandans live, work, and dream, no matter how far from home.
“Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
“The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal,” said Trump.
He also urged Hamas to accept the deal. “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better – IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” Trump added.
The agreement, brokered by the United States, was expected to usher in a new phase of stability. However, observers say the success of this process depends on follow-up dialogue between the Congolese government, the AFC/M23 movement, and the eastern Congolese communities, especially the Tutsi and other groups that the movement says it is protecting. Final talks are expected to take place in Qatar.
But just three days after signing the accord, Kinshasa launched drone strikes on Minembwe, a highland town in South Kivu inhabited by Congolese Tutsi civilians, namely the Banyamulenge, many of whom are the very people the government is expected to engage in negotiations.
On June 30, as the country marked 65 years of independence, a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drone bombed a civilian aircraft delivering humanitarian aid to Minembwe. The attack injured several people, including a traditional leader and an 8-year-old child.
The town has long faced isolation, an economic blockade, and a lack of state protection. Residents continue to survive under harsh conditions with little outside assistance. The drone strike did not target AFC/M23 fighters or their allies such as the Twirwaneho self-defense groups, but struck civilians instead, an incident many analysts describe as an attack on hope rather than a military target.
More troubling is the timeline: a full week before the Washington peace agreement was signed, Africa Intelligence reported that the DRC government had already taken delivery of the drones. This suggests that while Kinshasa was preparing to sign for peace, it was simultaneously preparing for war.
These developments raise fundamental questions about the government’s sincerity. How can a state pursue peace while investing in tools of destruction? How can it sit at the negotiating table with the same communities it targets from the air?
Observers say these actions undermine trust and cast doubt on Kinshasa’s commitment to a political solution. What was presented as diplomacy increasingly appears to be a performance aimed at the international community, rather than a genuine effort to achieve peace.
This approach, experts argue, does not reflect statesmanship but rather deliberate sabotage of the peace process.
For lasting peace in the Great Lakes region, political will must replace symbolic gestures. The cycle of violence will not end through drone attacks or coercion. The DRC leadership must abandon militarized responses and embrace inclusive dialogue, seeing its own citizens not as enemies, but as essential partners in building peace.
Because, as recent events have made clear, you cannot bomb your way into peace.
At the center of this secluded escape was a hotel known as Canard Sauvage, officially owned by a Belgian man named Paul Henrio. Yet, according to locals and those who observed events at the time, the hotel was effectively under the control of Habyarimana himself, along with Colonel Elie Sagatwa (his brother-in-law), Félicien Kabuga, and the then-mayor of the former Muhazi Commune, Nkurunziza.
The hotel was located in what used to be Kabare Sector, in the former Muhazi Commune. Eugène Mutamba, a 54-year-old man who was born and raised in this area, recalls growing up right next to this hotel and occasionally seeing President Habyarimana visit.
“This was Habyarimana’s hotel, shared with others close to him, what we could call a clique. I’ve known it since 1984–1985; we lived just across from it,” Mutamba told IGIHE.
When Habyarimana was present, the hotel was strictly off-limits to the public. “Whenever he came, we would go stand by the roadside, and our parents would say, ‘There goes the President,’ as he passed. Once he arrived at the hotel, no one else could enter. He had a house down the slope here, I don’t know if he ever stayed in it.”
Just nearby, Habyarimana’s son-in-law, Alphonse Ntirivamunda, had a large piece of land. Ntirivamunda, married to Jeanne Habyarimana, fled Rwanda and died in Belgium in 2020 after being accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Mutamba, like other locals, said Ntirivamunda acquired the land by force.
“They came and took it. They just measured land and displaced people without compensation. That’s what dictatorship was like. Today, under the Unity Government, that could never happen, a citizen cannot be removed from their land without due process.”
Another resident, Isaie Rusanganwa, shared similar experiences. “We were peacefully living there when Habyarimana and the white man came, surveyed the land, made us sign papers, and started construction. They even gave us jobs.”
But he said they were never compensated. “After construction began, they made us sign documents, but we never received a single franc. Later, my cousin and I went to ask the mayor, Nkurunziza, why we hadn’t been paid. We told him we were growing desperate.”
According to Rusanganwa, the mayor reacted angrily: “He told us, ‘How dare you question the President? The land belongs to him now. Who do you think you are?’”
Undeterred, Rusanganwa confronted the injustice: “I asked him, ‘Did Habyarimana come all the way from Gisenyi just to take our land? Where did he expect us to go—into the sky?’ The mayor told me, ‘Let me show you how I deal with people like you.’ We ran away. Later, I returned and became a worker there, just to survive.”
Rusanganwa said he worked at the hotel and frequently saw Habyarimana, Kabuga, and Sagatwa together.
“I saw Kabuga with my own eyes, with the President and Sagatwa. When they were there, I worked as a helper under military supervision. Our job was just to wash dishes in the lake. You’d only move if a soldier told you to.”
{{The tide turns}}
In 1993, as the liberation war intensified, the Canard Sauvage hotel became a training ground for French soldiers sent to protect Habyarimana. When defeat became inevitable, Paul Henrio, who was still listed as the legal owner, fled back to Belgium. From 1993 to 2004, the hotel was abandoned and overtaken by wild vegetation.
Donatien Murenzi, who had grown up nearby but later moved to Belgium, learned that the property had been deserted. In 2004, knowing the history of the area, Murenzi returned to Belgium and purchased the property from Henrio. He later acquired additional surrounding plots from local residents.
“I went to the Rwandan Embassy and made the purchase. When I returned, I expanded the land and took time to design a project,” Murenzi said.
He renamed the site from Canard Sauvage to Muhazi Beach Resort, which has since become a renowned hospitality destination in the Eastern Province.
“The idea to invest here came from the leadership’s encouragement to contribute to rebuilding the country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially by focusing on rural development. Kigali was already growing, so I wanted to create something outside the city.”
He added, “I chose tourism because I knew the history of this hill in Kabare, surrounded by the iconic areas of Umurambi w’Inyambo, Gakoni, and Kavumu, all connected to Lake Muhazi.”
{{A new chapter}}
Today, Muhazi Beach Resort spans seven hectares, with 63 guest rooms overlooking the lake.
It is peaceful, serene, and a world away from the past it once bore witness to. The resort features family suites designed for groups of more than two, each equipped with two bedrooms, a living area, bathroom, and essential amenities.
Spending a night in these suites costs $100. There are also double rooms for two guests, priced at $50 per night, and single rooms available for $30. Each space offers a unique experience, combining comfort with a tranquil view of the lake.
Once marked by forced evictions and military surveillance, this site now welcomes families, travelers, and tourists with open doors.
As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter this summer, many people notice their skin feeling drier, tighter, or less radiant. The good news is that keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during summer doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple changes to your routine can help you enjoy the season while maintaining your glow.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), maintaining proper skin hygiene, such as gentle cleansing and moisturising, is essential to protect your skin barrier and prevent dryness and irritation, especially during hot weather.
One of the most important things is staying hydrated from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water each day helps keep your skin supple and fresh. Including juicy fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and oranges in your diet can also boost hydration while providing vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy skin.
Switching your skincare products for the season can make a big difference. Heavy creams might feel too greasy in the heat, so many dermatologists recommend lighter, water-based moisturisers. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera help your skin retain moisture without clogging pores or feeling sticky.
Of course, sunscreen is essential, even if you’re not spending hours at the beach. The sun’s rays can cause dryness, dark spots, and premature ageing. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protects your skin from damage and keeps your complexion looking smooth and youthful. Remember to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
Hot weather and dust can also cause breakouts or make your skin feel grimy. Washing your face gently twice a day helps remove sweat, oil, and dirt. Choose a mild cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture, and avoid harsh scrubs that could cause irritation.
Don’t forget the small protective measures: wearing hats, sunglasses, or light scarves can shield your skin from excessive sun and dust exposure, helping prevent dryness and irritation.
Lastly, stress can often show up on your skin, causing breakouts or dullness. Take time to relax, sleep well, and enjoy activities you love. A calm mind can reflect in a healthier glow.
With just a few smart changes, your skin can stay soft, smooth, and radiant all summer long. Whether you’re working, travelling, or relaxing under the sun, taking a little time to care for your skin is an investment in your confidence and well-being.
Remember: your skin is with you for life—treat it with care, and it will thank you with a glow no filter can match.
Grossi is in Rwanda for the inaugural Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2025), a major event underway in Kigali that brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from over 30 countries to advance nuclear solutions for sustainable development.
During the meeting, President Kagame and Grossi discussed the transformative potential of nuclear energy in driving economic growth across the continent and reviewed the significant strides Rwanda has made toward the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Reactors. These technologies are part of Rwanda’s broader energy diversification plan, designed to boost electricity production while minimising environmental impact.
Also on Tuesday, President Kagame met with Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who is attending NEISA 2025. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and aligning on key continental priorities.
Rwanda is positioning itself to be among the few African nations with a nuclear-powered electricity plant by 2030, according to the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB). The country has been investing in nuclear energy for nearly seven years, including strategic partnerships with Russia, the United States, Germany, and Canada.
In 2024, Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding with Nano Nuclear Energy Inc., an American company, to deploy SMRs and microreactors. This followed a 2023 agreement with Dual Fluid Energy Inc., based in Germany and Canada, to test next-generation nuclear technologies on Rwandan soil.
The reactors Rwanda is pursuing require relatively small land footprints, 15 to 50 hectares, and are designed for high output without posing significant risks to nearby populations. These projects are expected to create up to 250 jobs across key operational categories.
RAEB CEO Dr. Fidel Ndahayo on Monday noted that Rwanda has already identified potential sites for the plant and is conducting detailed feasibility studies to evaluate environmental and safety factors.
“We now have a clear vision of our energy needs and how nuclear can address them,” he said.
Rwanda has also prioritised human capital development in this sector. Over 200 students and RAEB staff have been sent abroad for specialised training, with additional cohorts expected to follow in partnership with countries such as Hungary, China, and South Korea. Domestic academic institutions, including the University of Rwanda, are set to launch nuclear education programs to strengthen local expertise.
At the summit’s opening on Monday, Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente emphasised the urgency of scaling up nuclear solutions to meet Africa’s rising energy demand, particularly as the continent’s population is projected to surpass 3 billion within four decades.
With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity, Ngirente said nuclear energy is important as a sustainable, low-carbon solution capable of ensuring energy security and supporting climate resilience across the continent.
Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore highlighted that Rwanda expects its first SMR to be in place by 2026, with operational readiness by 2028. He stressed that smaller nuclear plants—producing up to 100 MW—are more practical for countries like Rwanda, both in terms of scale and safety.
NEISA 2025, organised in collaboration with international bodies such as the IAEA, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, World Nuclear Association, and Nuclear Energy Agency, aims to position nuclear power as a central pillar of Africa’s sustainable development and energy independence.
With current national capacity at 406.4 MW, Rwanda’s adoption of nuclear energy is expected to significantly boost the country’s electricity generation, supporting industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The Ministerial Instructions, which came into force on April 23, 2025, were issued by the Ministry of Interior and are rooted in a 2022 Prime Minister’s Order.
Signed by Interior Minister Dr Vincent Biruta, the new rules aim to enhance public safety and ensure accountability in the handling of non-lethal guns and related accessories.
{{What qualifies as a non-lethal gun?
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Under the new regulations, a non-lethal gun is defined as a weapon designed to incapacitate a target while minimising the risk of death, permanent injury, or collateral damage.
This includes any portable barreled weapon capable of firing non-explosive projectiles, or which can be modified to do so. The regulations also apply to accessories such as cartridges, bullet components, propellant powder, and related materials.
Permitted uses of non-lethal guns are strictly limited to the incapacitation of domestic or wild animals, exhibition, sports and games, and other authorised activities approved by the competent authority.
{{A new permit system
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At the core of the new regulatory framework is a comprehensive permit system, with authority divided between the Minister of Interior and the Inspector General of Police. The Minister of Interior is tasked with issuing permits for activities such as the importation, exportation, transit, and trading of non-lethal guns and accessories.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police is responsible for permits related to possession, use, transfer, or borrowing of such items.
Anyone seeking a permit must submit a written application to the appropriate authority, accompanied by a range of supporting documents. These include an application letter clearly stating the type of permit being sought, a copy of the applicant’s identity card or passport proving they are at least 21 years of age, and—if applicable—a local business registration certificate.
Individual applicants are also required to present a medical certificate from an authorised doctor confirming balanced mental health.
In addition, applicants must provide documentation outlining the type and quantity of non-lethal guns and accessories they intend to acquire, evidence of a secure storage facility verified by a competent authority, and a curriculum vitae of personnel trained in handling such weapons.
If the application involves bringing non-lethal guns and accessories into Rwanda, a police clearance from the country of export and a usage or trading permit from the country of residence are also necessary. A tax clearance certificate is mandatory for all applicants.
Authorities are required to process permit applications within 30 days from the date of receipt.
Once issued, permits will specify key information such as the date and place of issuance, validity period, country of origin or destination, end-user, type and quantity of the non-lethal guns and accessories involved, their storage location, and, where applicable, the weapon’s serial number and factory details.
{{Reporting, storage, and inspections
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Permit holders are subject to rigorous oversight. They are required to submit a monthly report to the competent authority detailing how the non-lethal guns and accessories were used.
Any incident involving a non-lethal weapon must be reported immediately to the nearest police station. Furthermore, any imported, traded, or transferred items must be reported to the Rwanda National Police for record-keeping.
The instructions also impose strict storage requirements. Non-lethal guns and accessories must be stored securely and separately, and only managed by personnel with adequate training.
To ensure these standards are upheld, a joint inspection team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Rwanda National Police will carry out inspections at least every six months, or as frequently as necessary.
{{Suspension, revocation, and penalties
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The regulations lay out clear grounds for suspending or revoking permits. A permit may be suspended for up to six months if an applicant is found to have provided false or incomplete information, submitted forged documents, failed to comply with the instructions, or if national security concerns arise.
In cases where a permit has been suspended twice, or when the competent authority deems it necessary for security reasons, a full revocation may be issued.
In both cases, the Rwanda National Police is authorised to confiscate the non-lethal weapons and accessories in question. The affected permit holder will be notified in writing, with a clear explanation of the reasons for the suspension or revocation and the duration, where applicable.
Six-month transition period
Recognising that some individuals and entities already possess non-lethal firearms, the regulations include a six-month grace period for compliance. Anyone in possession of non-lethal guns or accessories prior to the signing of the new instructions must bring themselves into full compliance by October 23, 2025.
During the meeting, shareholders were commended for their decision to increase equity participation, a move aimed at supporting the construction of COPEDU PLC’s new headquarters.
According to the institution’s financial report, customer deposits rose by 11% to Frw 32.3 billion, up from Frw 24.8 billion. Total assets also increased by 9%, from Frw 46.3 billion to Frw 51.25 billion. Member savings grew by Frw 3.83 billion during the same period, climbing from Frw 34 billion to Frw 38 billion.
Vestine Nyiraneza, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, praised the institution’s strong performance, noting that 95% of COPEDU PLC’s 2024 goals had been successfully met.
“COPEDU PLC is in a strong position overall. Achieving 95% of our annual targets is a testament to the commitment and hard work of our entire team,” she said.
“This progress is the result of unified efforts by shareholders, leadership, staff, and our partners across various sectors.”
Beyond its financial achievements, COPEDU PLC continued to contribute to national development by supporting women’s empowerment, particularly in promoting income-generating activities and access to financial services.
With over 27 years of operation, COPEDU PLC now operates 11 branches nationwide, six of which are managed by women.
Women also hold 70% of the company’s shares, 66% of positions on the executive committee, and represent 63% of the total workforce, further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusive growth.
With these powerful words, Mugesera Antoine, a member of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, captures the painful reality that followed Rwanda’s independence on July 1, 1962.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he reflects not only on the symbolic and historic significance of that day, but also on the deep disappointment that unfolded in its aftermath, a betrayal of national hope that still echoes through Rwanda’s history.
Mugesera was among those present at the official Independence Day celebrations in Kigali in 1962. He remembers the moment vividly: the excitement, the expectation, the joy. After decades of colonial rule under Belgium, Rwandans believed independence would open the door to peace, dignity, and national unity. But for many, that dream was quickly and violently shattered.
“For about three years leading up to independence,” he said, “Rwanda had been going through unusual events. King Rudahigwa had died, political parties emerged in 1959, houses were set on fire, people were burned alive, things never seen before in Rwanda. People were being killed… We dreamed that when independence came, things would change for the better.”
But independence did not mark the beginning of reconciliation. Instead, the trauma that began in 1959, following the fall of the monarchy, intensified.
Tutsis were targeted, many were killed, others had their homes destroyed, and thousands fled to neighboring countries as refugees. Rwanda was being torn apart, not by its colonial masters, but by internal divisions that colonial rule had helped create and deepen.
Mugesera recounted that many Rwandans were bewildered by this violence. “We used to ask our parents, ‘What is happening? Why are people you once lived with setting homes on fire?’ They would say, ‘The Belgians turned us against each other.’ So we thought that once the Belgians left, Rwandans would live together again, just as they had done peacefully for centuries.”
Even amid the bloodshed, there remained hope. Songs were sung with lyrics like, “Let the Belgians go back home so that we can become Rwandans again.” This hope, however, began to fade soon after the official celebration. Mugesera explained that within days of independence, violence returned.
The Inyenzi, a group of young exiled Rwandans denied the right to return home, launched attacks. In response, some individuals including children, and the innocent were executed in cold blood.
He recalled, “The celebration happened, and we were joyful, thinking a new chapter was beginning. But that hope quickly faded. Every time something happened, people were killed… Just three or four days after independence, the Inyenzi attacked, and people were killed, accused of being collaborators. Children captured at the time were killed in Nyamagumba, Ruhengeri.”
Yet, for a brief moment on July 1, 1962, there was unity and national pride. Mugesera vividly described the Independence Day celebrations. The day began with a solemn Mass at Sainte Famille church, presided over by Monsignor Perraudin and attended by various priests and dignitaries. The main celebrations took place at a field that now houses the City of Kigali headquarters.
“At around 10:00 a.m.,” he said, “the Belgian representative stood up to speak. He was wearing a sharply cut diplomatic suit. After his brief speech, a trumpet sounded, and soldiers marched to the flagpole. The Belgian flag was lowered, and the Rwandan flag was raised.”
The new President, Grégoire Kayibanda, gave a speech filled with messages of peace, words Mugesera still remembers. “I don’t remember the entire speech, but I distinctly remember him speaking about peace. That word stayed with me, and I thought to myself, ‘we’re finally going to see peace,’ especially since we had just gone through some very troubling times.”
After the speech, students marched proudly with paper flags, and local leaders wore sashes in the colors of the new Rwandan flag. Each prefecture performed songs, dances, and traditional games that reflected their culture. “You felt like you were seeing all of Rwanda’s beauty in one place,” Mugesera recalled. “It was something we’d never witnessed before… It was beautiful.”
But that beauty, he emphasized, was tragically short-lived.
“The joy and hope of independence was short-lived,” Mugesera said. “I would compare it to a pregnant woman who expects a healthy baby, only to give birth to a child with a disability, or to miscarry entirely. What you had envisioned doesn’t come to pass.”
He continued, “Rwandans were wronged, many died. We were said to be independent, but far more people died after independence than before. Independence brought more harm than what existed prior. Instead of progressing, we began to regress. It was like a journey downhill, and it only got worse. Rather than development, everything deteriorated, until it culminated in the Genocide.”
According to Mugesera, the issue was not independence itself, nor the fall of the monarchy, after all, monarchies have ended in other countries without catastrophe. The problem lay in the kind of leadership that came to power. It institutionalized ethnic hatred and deepened divisions.
“Independence should have been a launchpad for progress, but instead, we fell backward because of bad governance,” he said.
For over three decades, Rwanda was governed by a regime that thrived on discrimination and hatred, leading eventually to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. But Mugesera believes that Rwanda has now found its footing. Today, he sees hope again, this time, rooted in responsible and inclusive leadership.
“If we are fortunate, we will continue to have good leaders. Right now, we do. And if we’re lucky enough to keep having capable, responsible leaders, whether they are Twa, Hutu, or Tutsi—as long as they are healthy-minded individuals who care about Rwanda, we will move forward.”
He concluded with a vision that embraces unity over division: “We need leadership that sees all Rwandans. Anyone with sound political thinking will lead us well; but those driven by extremist ideologies will only take us backward.”
Rwanda’s independence was not the end of struggle—it was, in many ways, the beginning of a painful and defining chapter. But today, with the lessons of history in hand, the country continues its journey forward, striving to fulfill the promise that so many believed in on that day in July 1962.
The remarks were made at the High-Level Technical Meeting on AfSEM and the African Continental Power System Master Plan on Monday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Speaking at the event, Kamugisha Kazaura, director of infrastructure and energy at the AU Commission, said the institutional and operational foundation has been laid for a unified African electricity market, which delivers clean, reliable and affordable power to every corner of the continent.
“Activities are progressing well to define a common path forward to address critical technical and regulatory gaps and explore continental strategies for renewable energy deployment, trading, and manufacturing,” Kazaura said.
Noting that more than 600 million Africans are still without access to electricity, Kazaura called for urgent and sustainable action to meet Africa’s rapidly growing energy demand through the full implementation of the AfSEM.
Simbini Tichakunda, principal program officer at the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development, said Africa is standing on the brink of an energy revolution that promises to transform the continent’s economic future.
“The dream of AfSEM is coming to life. The 400 KV seamless power integration between Kenya and Tanzania, linking the grids of Kenya and Tanzania and synchronizing them with those of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a major step forward,” Tichakunda noted.
He said the Eastern African Power Pool will be connected to the Southern African Power Pool by 2027.
The two-day meeting is expected to discuss how to de-risk investment in power infrastructure and strengthen institutional readiness at the national and regional levels.
