The incident occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Kiruhura Village, Kagarama Cell, Musha Sector. The area where the victims were mining is typically used for farming by a cooperative of 700 local farmers.
Among the deceased were a man and a woman who had a four-month-old baby, according to their neighbors. The neighbors reported that they had warned the couple not to enter the area due to the soft and unstable soil.
Jean Claude Rwagasana, the Executive Secretary of Musha Sector, confirmed that the victims were illegally mining when the collapse occurred.
He stated, “There is an area where Trinity Metals does not operate, but the land belongs to the company. The community uses it for farming, including growing maize. Some individuals hide in the maize fields and engage in illegal mining. They went there in the morning without proper knowledge or experience, and the loose soil caused the collapse, killing two of them. One survived.”
Rwagasana further explained that, in collaboration with security authorities, they have been advising the public to avoid illegal mining due to the risks it poses to life.
He emphasized that Trinity Metals, the licensed mining company, offers daily employment opportunities for those interested in legal work. He urged people to seek professional mining jobs instead of resorting to illegal activities.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Rwamagana Hospital for autopsy before being laid to rest.
Rwanda is home to more than 100 islands spread across 40 lakes, holding a combined water volume of 225.1 billion cubic meters, which accounts for 99.96% of the country’s total water reserves, with the remaining 0.04% stored in artificial lakes. By 2028, Rwanda plans to establish a National Island Park to fully harness this natural wealth.
Investors have recognized Rwanda’s lakes as prime opportunities, with figures from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicating that, over the past five years, investments amounting to $106 million have been made to develop tourism around these lakes.
One such early investor is Donatien Murenzi, who saw the potential of Lake Muhazi and established the Muhazi Beach Resort, located approximately 50 kilometers east of Kigali, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.
IGIHE visited this entrepreneur to highlight the ongoing investments made by Rwandans living in the country and in the Diaspora.
Muhazi is a lake covering an area of 33 square kilometers, with a length of 60 kilometers from its eastern to its western side, and a width of up to three kilometers.
The resort, which began operations in 2003, sits on a seven-hectare plot in Kabale, Rwamagana District, in Muhazi Sector, just four kilometers from the main Rwamagana-Kayonza-Kigali road. The resort features 63 rooms and is beautifully positioned along the shores of Lake Muhazi.
From a distance, Muhazi Beach Resort appears as though it’s perched on an island due to its hillside location. It borders areas such as Murambi w’Inyambo, Gakoni, and Kavumu, with hills extending to the lake’s edge.
In addition to its accommodation, the resort boasts conference facilities that can host up to 600 people. The lush garden, nestled near the lake, remains cool even in the summer.
The gardens are adorned with a variety of trees, which not only beautify the surroundings but also attract many bird species, adding to the serene atmosphere, especially at sunset.
The resort also features recreational facilities for children and boat tours on the lake.
With its fresh air, stunning landscape, and a peaceful environment far from the pollution of urban centers, Muhazi Beach Resort offers an ideal location for sports and relaxation. The resort also attracts photographers who appreciate the breathtaking views at sunset.
While today it is known as Muhazi Beach Resort, the area has historical significance as a place that once hosted prominent leaders. After its acquisition by Murenzi in 2003, it became part of his mission to contribute to Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery.
The resort is an excellent destination for family vacations, weekend getaways, weddings, and other social events.
The resort offers three types of rooms: one for families of more than two people with two bedrooms, a living room, and essential amenities for $100 per night; another for couples at $50 per night; and a single-room option at $50. Special discounts of up to 30% are offered for Rwandans living abroad and senior citizens.
Another standout feature of Muhazi Beach Resort is its excellent cuisine. The resort grows its own vegetables and fruits, and guests can also request freshly caught fish prepared upon order. The resort is equipped with large spaces for weddings and events, either along the lakeside or in spacious, purpose-built halls.
Muhazi Beach Resort is a popular stop for tourists heading to Akagera National Park, as well as travelers going to Tanzania and Uganda. The resort provides employment opportunities for graduates in hospitality and tourism, offering hands-on training and career development.
Murenzi has plans to further elevate the resort’s status by working with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to increase its star rating, while also focusing on creating more opportunities for the youth in the hospitality sector.
Gasana was arrested in Oslo in October 2022 after an extensive investigation by the Norwegian Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos).
In September 2023, the Oslo Court ruled that he should be sent to Rwanda, though Gasana appealed the decision. In April 2024, the appellate court upheld the ruling for extradition.
Gasana appealed once again to the Supreme Court in June 2024, but the court maintained the ruling to send him to Rwanda. This decision was subsequently approved by the Ministry of Justice in February 2025 and by the Cabinet.
On June 27, 2025, police attorney Thea Elize Kjaeraas, confirmed that Gasana’s extradition to Rwanda is now set to proceed.
“The accused is now to be extradited to Rwanda, where he will stand trial for participating in the genocide,” Kjaeraas said in a statement.
The Norwegian government explained that the extradition is part of its commitment to honoring international agreements, including those under the United Nations, aimed at preventing genocide.
This operation began on April 29, 2025, following a decision by the Heads of State of SADC on March 13 to conclude their mission in the region.
Late on Thursday, June 26, 2025, a long convoy of trucks was observed on the Rubavu-Musanze-Kigali road, transporting SAMIDRC equipment that had previously been used in the fight against the AFC/M23 alliance.
A total of 64 trucks, divided into two groups, were used for the transfer. The first convoy departed from Rugerero Sector at 8 p.m., while the second convoy left at 9:30 p.m. It is reported that 25 soldiers accompanied the convoys.
The additional batch follows the recent repatriation of 461 soldiers deployed under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), who returned home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, passing through Rwanda.
The troops included 317 soldiers from South Africa and 144 from Malawi. They traveled in 11 RITCO buses, escorted by Rwandan security personnel.
[Related article: Over 400 SAMIDRC troops withdraw from Goma, transit through Rwanda (Photos)->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/over-400-samidrc-troops-withdraw-from-goma-transit-through-rwanda-photos]
In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Araghchi said the possibility of restarting talks was under consideration but would depend on whether Tehran’s national interests were protected.
“Our decisions will be based solely on Iran’s interests,” he said. “If our interests require a return to negotiations, we will consider it. But at this stage, no agreement or promise has been made and no talks have taken place.”
Araghchi accused Washington of betraying Iran during previous rounds of negotiations on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting U.S. sanctions.
The Iranian diplomat also confirmed that a law suspending cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog had become binding after being passed by parliament and approved by the Guardian Council, a top constitutional oversight body.
“The law is now obligatory and will be implemented. Our cooperation with the IAEA will take a new shape,” he said.
Araghchi also said the damage caused by the 12-day war with Israel was “serious” and that experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran were conducting a detailed assessment. He said the question of demanding reparations was high on the government’s agenda.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The attacks came just days before Iran and the United States were expected to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman, on June 15.
In response, Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing casualties and damage.
On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force struck three key Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday.
The 12-day conflict ended with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on Tuesday.
The initiative aimed to improve the residents’ health by bringing much-needed healthcare services to the community.
The outreach included screening and treatment for a variety of illnesses. Community members were tested and treated for malaria. In addition to general healthcare, the team conducted hepatitis screening and treated eye conditions, offering support to individuals suffering from vision-related issues.
Speaking at the event, Col Leodomir Uwizeyimana, Rwanbatt3 Contingent Commander who represented the Rwandan contingents in UNMISS, commended the collaborative spirit between the peacekeepers and the local community, stating: “This outreach reflects our commitment not only to peace and security, but also to the well-being of the people we serve. Health is the foundation of lasting peace.”
Laat Gatluak, Chief of Amadi Village, applauded the positive relationship between the Rwandan peacekeepers and the local community, particularly highlighting their support for various community service initiatives.
Located in a prime area near key services such as Chillax Lounge in Nyarutarama, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali Heights, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, various embassies, government offices, and the Kigali Golf Club, the hotel will be an integral part of the city’s urban fabric. The development will also include commercial spaces, 60 hotel rooms, restaurants, and modern fitness facilities, with a completion date set for June 2026.
The apartments will come in five types, including one-bedroom units spanning 96 square meters, which will have a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and balcony. These units, located from the ground floor to the fourth floor, will be priced at $144,000 for the lower floors and $148,800 for the upper floors.
Additionally, the development includes 30 two-bedroom apartments ranging from 130 to 140 square meters. Prices for these units will start at $195,000 for lower-floor apartments, and $201,500 for those on the third and fourth floors.
There will also be two-bedroom apartments with 140 square meters, each offering private bathrooms, a living room, and a modern balcony. These will be priced at $246,400 for lower-floor apartments, and $254,100 for the upper floors.
For those seeking more space, five three-bedroom apartments will be available, measuring 175 square meters. These will feature multiple bathrooms, a living room, and a balcony. These units will be priced at $308,000 for lower-floor apartments and $317,625 for those on the third and fourth floors.
At the top of the building, four penthouse apartments measuring 400 square meters each will offer five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. These luxurious units will be priced at $748,000 (over 1 billion Rwandan Francs) and will come with modern amenities.
In addition to residential units, the Royal Golf View Apartment Hotel will offer a commercial area and over 100 parking spaces. Buyers will be able to pay in installments, with 30% due at the start of construction, 30% by September 2015, and the remaining balance by January 2026, ahead of the grand opening in June 2026.
Developed by DND Triangle Real Estate Developers Ltd, founded in 2025, this project aims to provide high-end, accessible housing in Kigali. It is supported by BWH Hotels, a prominent global hotel brand with over 4,700 properties across 100+ countries.
{{Photos showing the artistic impression of Royal Golf View Apartment Hotel}}
Speaking with evident scepticism, Tshisekedi said that Trump, as the leader of one of the world’s most powerful nations, could potentially bring an end to the conflict that has lasted for over 30 years in eastern DRC.
“If this senseless war ends — a war that has killed hundreds of thousands, possibly more than those lost in World War II — and if Trump can bring it to an end through mediation, then he would truly deserve the Nobel Prize. I would be the first to vote for him,” he stated.
Tshisekedi’s administration is at war with the M23 rebel group, and its collaboration with the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, has heightened tensions with Rwanda. The upcoming agreement in Washington is seen as a step toward lasting peace.
Pakistan recently made a public nomination of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in halting the conflict between Pakistan and India in April and May 2025.
U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter has also submitted Trump’s nomination, based on his involvement in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran in the war, which lasted from June 13 to 24.
The swap involved soldiers under the age of 25, as well as ill and wounded servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, the agency said in a statement.
Most of those released had been in captivity for more than three years, with some having taken part in the battles for Mariupol, the statement said.
All returning soldiers will undergo medical examination, receive psychological support and physical rehabilitation, it said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in his post on Telegram the importance of bringing all Ukrainians home from Russian captivity.
Emelyine Mutoni, a farmer from Kayonza District in eastern Rwanda, said that ever since she learnt mushroom farming with Juncao technology in 2020, it has been an exciting moment in her family’s fight against poverty.
She was taught the technique by Leonidas Mushimiyimana, one of the early adopters of Juncao technology and the owner of DEYI Ltd. in Kigali’s Gasabo District.
After a three-month training, Mutoni can now produce mushroom tubes, which she sells to other farmers for cultivation. Her company has increased production capacity from about 500 tubes per month to 5,000.
“I observed high levels of malnutrition among children in my area and felt I should play a role in helping address the problem,” Mutoni told Xinhua.
“Mushroom farming is the best thing to do. I look forward to expanding my business to produce mushrooms and other mushroom products for export,” she added.
Originally developed and used for mushroom farming in China, Juncao is a hybrid grass and a valuable multifunctional agricultural resource. The innovation, invented by Lin Zhanxi from China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in the 1980s, has benefited over 100 countries, including Rwanda.
Christine Uwimanihaye, another exhibitor, said their company, Omer Shop Ltd., makes mushroom tubes and grows mushrooms as well.
“We are in horticulture, but our main focus is mushroom production because of their unique nutritional content. From mushrooms, we produce several byproducts, including flour and biscuits,” she said.
Like Mutoni, Uwimanihaye was also introduced to mushroom farming by some early adopters of the Juncao technology.
According to the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, over 4,000 Rwandan farmers have benefited from Juncao technology, which has created more than 30,000 jobs across the agricultural value chain.
Since 2006, experts from China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University have been collaborating with the Rwandan government on Juncao technology, teaching and promoting it alongside other agricultural innovations through the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center.
