Local officials reported that the confrontation happened shortly after the soldiers had received their paychecks. According to Fiston Misona Tabashile, president of the civil society in Walikale, tensions escalated into violence during an argument among the soldiers stationed in the area.
The region’s army spokesperson Major Nestor Mavudisa, confirmed the casualties and said that the eight wounded soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment.
“The perpetrators have been apprehended and are in custody,” said Mavudisa, urging the local population to continue their daily activities without fear.
Jean Kokwe, a local miner, noted that initial confusion led many residents to suspect armed groups were involved, but eyewitness accounts later clarified that the incident involved members of the Congolese military.
Mungazi is situated near the frontlines of ongoing military operations in eastern Congo, a region marked by complex security challenges and the presence of numerous armed groups competing for control.
The announcement was made during the Kigali City Council meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The meeting, attended by leaders from the village level upwards, aimed to assess the progress made in the city’s development, identify ongoing challenges, and discuss strategies for improvement.
One of the key projects highlighted was the second phase of the Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP II), which focuses on upgrading informal settlements. The initial phase will include the Ramba Hills development in Kacyiru, featuring two adjacent high-rise buildings—one with 26 floors designated for office space and another with 24 floors for residential apartments.
The project also includes the construction of 160 housing units in Vision City, which will contribute to giving the entire hill a modern look and enhancing the image of Gasabo District.
In Nyabisindu, 680 housing units will be built to resettle residents currently living in informal settlements, reinforcing the city’s efforts to combat unplanned housing.
Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva emphasised the importance of building a resilient economy to achieve the city’s long-term goals. He called on all stakeholders to play an active role in this transformation.
“For us to make real progress as the City of Kigali, we must first develop a strong and resilient economy. As leaders, we must continue working together to build a safe and sustainable African city,” he said.
Dusengiyumva added that while much progress has been made, there is still a long way to go, especially in addressing informal settlements.
“We’ve already achieved a lot. Several infrastructure projects are underway, particularly in the upgrading of informal settlements. We started in Mpazi, where we built homes to improve residents’ living conditions. We are now working in Nyabisindu and will soon expand to Gatenga, Kimihurura, and other areas,” he explained.
Minister of Local Government Dr. Patrice Mugenzi commended the progress made by the City of Kigali during the 2024/2025 fiscal year and urged local leaders to help shift public attitudes.
“We urge local leaders to guide their communities in changing mindsets and to promote awareness, especially about avoiding informal settlements and encouraging people to live in designated areas with proper documentation,” he said.
Dr. Mugenzi further stressed that urban development should go hand-in-hand with quality service delivery, public health, and security.
In a briefing to the Security Council on the implementation of its Resolution 2231, which endorses the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers of Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, DiCarlo regretted that with less than four months left until the termination of its provisions, the objectives of the resolution and those of the Iran nuclear deal have yet to be fully realized.
Resolution 2231 expires on Oct. 18, 2025.
The nuclear deal, adopted in the summer of 2015 to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful, has faced many challenges since its inception, including the withdrawal of the United States from the agreement in 2018 during Donald Trump’s first term of office as U.S. president, said DiCarlo.
Over the last few months, participants of the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), increased their efforts to identify a way forward for full implementation of the plan.
In addition, Iran and the United States engaged in five rounds of bilateral talks, facilitated by Oman, said DiCarlo. “Regrettably, neither of these initiatives produced a way forward to ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.”
The military escalation between Israel and Iran since June 13 and U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday (New York time) complicated prospects for achieving full implementation of Resolution 2231. Iran’s strikes on Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar further exacerbated insecurity in an already tense region, she said.
Monday’s announcement by the United States, in coordination with Qatar, of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran is a significant achievement that potentially pulls Iran, Israel and the region back from the brink, she said.
At the heart of this conflict is the nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Following the deadly clashes of the past 12 days, the ceasefire agreement is an opportunity to avoid a catastrophic escalation and achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue, she said.
“Diplomacy, dialogue and verification remain the best option to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and to bring about concrete economic benefits to the people of Iran.”
The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts that advance peace, dialogue and stability in the region, she said.
The floods, which swept through the province earlier this month, have caused widespread loss of life, disruption to livelihoods and significant damage to infrastructure.
“As per the latest report, 94 bodies have been positively identified and handed over to their families, while processes are ongoing to identify the six remaining bodies,” the Eastern Cape provincial government said in a statement.
“Out of the 100 deceased persons, 63 are adults and 37 children, of which 22 are learners,” it said, adding that OR Tambo District, which bore the brunt of the floods, recorded 76 deaths.
“The numbers are likely to increase, as there are individuals that are still reported missing by their families and next of kin, and search operations persist in the affected areas,” the government noted.
Meanwhile, OR Tambo District reported that 95 percent of its affected areas have had water services restored, though some parts remain without water and are being served by water tankers.
The provincial government also assured residents that its teams have been working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure, restore stability, and ensure access to clean water across the affected areas.
“The government remains committed to accelerating recovery programs and ensuring that displaced and affected communities receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” it said.
The new facility will be unveiled during Imboni Xperience, a flagship event scheduled for July 12, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Imboni Creative venue in Kigali (KG 550 St, No. 12). The event promises an immersive celebration of fashion, artistry, and community.
According to the organisers, Imboni Xperience will bring together some of the country’s most talented fashion designers, accessory makers, and visual artists in a vibrant showcase that reflects the richness and diversity of Rwandan creativity.
The Imboni Creative Hub is a dedicated space designed to support, connect, and nurture the next generation of designers and innovators.
Described as a “home for emerging talent,” the new Creative Hub will offer young Rwandan creatives access to workshops, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities.
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to cultivating a community-driven approach to creativity, where artisans can co-create, share expertise, and collectively shape the future of Rwandan style.
“We believe the true magic of creativity shines brightest when it’s nurtured collectively. Our goal is to uplift these passionate talents so they can craft their own futures and inspire others to do the same,” said Ibambe Johnson, who co-founded Imboni Creative alongside two others.
Through the Imboni Creative Workshop, young designers and accessory artists will gain exclusive access to hands-on mentoring and the tools they need to hone their skills, spark their creativity, and bring their visions to reality.
With this celebration of art, fashion, and community, Imboni Creative invites all to come together and embrace the spirit of collaboration at the Imboni Xperience event, where “ideas blossom, tradition meets innovation, and artistry becomes a shared journey.”
Hosted at the International School of Kigali (ISK), the festival became a rallying point for Rotarians, youth, and dignitaries who gathered to champion a cause to raise funds to procure an electric minivan to support cancer patients cared for at Bethania home care in Kinyinya.
The Festival of Sports – Rotary Edition was proudly organised by Wura Holdings Ltd, led by a committed Rotarian, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, in collaboration with Rotary Sport and the Rotary Club of Kigali Golf.
For many of these patients, treatment means a gruelling 30-kilometre journey to and from Kanombe Military hospital each day, a journey that had grown increasingly difficult without reliable transport.
Jacqueline Duniah, President of the Rotary Club of Kigali-Virunga, reflected on how a simple visit to Bethania inspired meaningful action.
“We believed that through sport, the awareness of our cancer patients’ needs could reach a wider audience. This is a continuation of our efforts, and we hope it inspires others to join us in providing solutions for our community,” she said.
Her words carried the spirit of the festival, a vibrant day filled with football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and pickleball, fencing and a variety of other games not just for fun but for a greater purpose.
The Rotary Club’s resolve turned sports into a symbol of solidarity, channelling community energy into practical support. A total of 57 million Rwandan francs was raised to support cancer patients during the event.
Among the many supporters at the event was Dr. Tunde Adelakun, President of Rotary Sport in the UK, whose presence underscored the global nature of Rotary’s reach. He brought an impassioned message about the power of sport to influence lives far beyond the field.
“Through our sporting projects, we’re raising awareness of mental health, lifestyle choices, eating well, and reducing the risks of debilitating diseases like cancer. It goes back to healthy living and doing good in the community,” Tunde said.
He went further, painting sport as a tool not only for awareness but also for youth development and leadership.
“We want to build leaders through sports. Sports are unique because they teach us rules. If from a very young age, our children understand that rules guide sports that there are offside lines, fouls, boundaries, then they will grow up respecting structure and responsibility. That’s how leaders are built,” he noted.
Tunde pledged that all future fundraising efforts through his Rotary Sport network would be focused on sporting initiatives with a purpose, pointing to the Kigali event as a model of what sport can achieve when tied to compassion.
This commitment was deeply felt by the staff at Bethania Home Care, where every day is a delicate balance of care, logistics, and hope. Sister Helena Katebera, the program coordinator, spoke of the relief this donation would bring.
“We often face different challenges, but the most pressing was transporting patients over 30km daily from our centre in Kinyinya to the treatment facility in Kanombe,” she said.
“Our old ambulance could only carry one patient. Through the support raised from this sports festival, our charity journey will continue smoothly, and this van will be a tremendous relief,” she added.
Founded in 2018, Bethania Home Care, operated by the Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa, provides food, shelter, and psychological support for over 250 patients undergoing cancer treatment. For many, it is the only place they can find care and dignity amid the hardship of illness.
The Festival of Sport was a declaration that community-driven action can lift the burdens of those most in need. As Rotarians, diplomats, and athletes came together in Kigali, they demonstrated that with the right intention, even a game can save lives.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the two leaders met at Urugwiro Village, where they exchanged insights on pathways to stability, cooperation, and progress in the region and beyond.
“This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for a wide-ranging discussion. They discussed the situation in the region, along with various key issues of continental and global significance. The two leaders shared insights on pathways toward stability, cooperation, and progress,” the statement reads.
Obasanjo, who currently serves as co-chair of the Panel of Facilitators for the peace process in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), plays a central role in efforts to address the ongoing crisis. He shares the leadership of the panel with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The panel was formed in March following the merger of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes. This unified framework seeks to improve coordination among stakeholders and harmonise efforts to resolve the complex conflict affecting the eastern DRC.
In addition to Obasanjo and Kenyatta, the expanded facilitation team includes other former African heads of state: Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia. The panel is tasked with steering peace talks between the Congolese government and the AFC-M23 rebel group, among other armed factions.
The merged process aims to promote direct dialogue, implement previously agreed measures such as the neutralisation of the FDLR militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and engage a broader range of regional actors to support mediation efforts.
Parallel peace initiatives are also being supported by Qatar and the United States, as part of a wider international push to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
Two Kigali-based yoga instructors, Rebecca Gakwaya and Steffi Mushayija, have announced plans to launch a yoga training school aimed at equipping local instructors with the skills needed to expand access to the practice across the country.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE on Saturday, June 21, as the world marked International Yoga Day, the duo revealed that they aim to have the school up and running by mid-2026.
Rebecca, who began practising yoga in 2012, and Steffi, a physiotherapist who discovered yoga’s benefits later, have been teaching community classes at Ivy Wellness Studio in Nyarutarama since returning from a yoga training course in Indonesia in 2024.
The duo’s mission is to make yoga accessible to all Rwandans, breaking down barriers of cost and misconception through their “pay what you can” classes held every Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
“Yoga is for everyone,” Steffi emphasised. “It’s not just for flexible people or Westerners, as some believe. It’s a practice that connects you to your breath and body, offering benefits from stress relief to physical health.”
Rebecca added, “Yoga is everything. In the day-to-day, we sometimes forget to breathe. You run into an issue, and the first thing that you do is kind of hold on to your breath. And the more you hold on to your breath, the more stress you encounter. It’s a tool for wellness that belongs in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.”
The duo teaches Vinyasa yoga, a dynamic style where movements flow with breath, tailored to suit beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
Steffi noted the importance of proper guidance to prevent injuries, a concern she echoes from her physiotherapy background.
“Many try yoga once and feel pain because they push too hard,” Steffi said. “We adjust poses to meet people where they are.”
The inspiration behind the move to open a school stems from a desire to nurture more qualified local instructors who can spread the practice across the country.
“We want to create a program that trains Rwandans—by Rwandans,” said Rebecca.
“We see the demand, but we can’t reach every corner of the country. So we want to equip others who can.”
Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, emphasises the union of mind, body, and breath. Since its adoption as a UN-recognised international observance in 2014, International Yoga Day has become an annual moment to reflect on the practice’s global relevance.
Until the yoga teacher training school formally opens its doors, the pair continues to invite newcomers to their Saturday morning classes.
“The first step is to just show up,” said Rebecca. “Sit down, breathe, and feel. That’s how it starts.”
Among the most notable changes announced during a recent education conference, is a shift in the structure of senior secondary school subjects.
Moving forward, students will have only three subject choices, a significant reduction from the previous 11 subject combinations.
This article delves into these key changes and examines how they are expected to contribute to the overall advancement of education in Rwanda.
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Previously, students completing the general secondary education cycle and passing the national exams after their third year could choose from 11 subject combinations, spanning general education, technical education, vocational training, and other related fields.
Under the new reforms, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has announced that students will only be able to select from three broad learning pathways: Mathematics and Science, Humanities, and Languages.
Dr. Flora Mutezigaju, the Deputy Director-General of the Rwanda Basic Education Board, explained to IGIHE that this new structure is designed to broaden students’ future career options and further develop their areas of expertise.
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Although the three learning pathways will remain, the number of subjects students study will increase based on their chosen pathway.
Each learning pathway will consist of four core subjects directly aligned with the student’s area of study, along with an additional three subjects from other fields. Additionally, students will be required to take four mandatory subjects, including ICT, Entrepreneurship, General Knowledge, Religion, and Sports.
For students in the Mathematics and Science pathway, two options will be available. One option focuses on Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, while the other includes Mathematics, Economics, Geography, and Physics.
Humanities students will study History, Geography, English Literature, and Psychology, alongside Mathematics, French, and Kinyarwanda.
Those pursuing Language studies will focus on Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili, as well as an in-depth study of Literature and Grammar in each language. They will also study Mathematics, History, and Geography.
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Dr. Mutezigaju emphasized that the new approach will offer students a well-rounded education, equipping them with knowledge in multiple fields.
“All students will study 11 subjects, including seven related to their chosen pathway. This opens up many more opportunities for students, both in terms of post-graduation career prospects and future university studies,” she said.
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As part of the reforms, every school must offer at least two learning pathways, giving students a choice between options. An analysis is currently underway to assess which schools are capable of offering all three pathways and those able to accommodate two.
The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) has emphasized that no school will be allowed to offer the Mathematics and Science pathway unless it has the necessary laboratory facilities. REB also assured that qualified teachers would be provided, and school schedules, textbooks, and computer resources will be updated accordingly.
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Students in secondary schools will be required to take national exams in seven subjects relevant to their chosen pathway. The four additional subjects studied by all students will be prepared by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) but administered at the school level.
Some subjects, such as ICT and Sports, will require practical exams, while the Entrepreneurship subject will involve students developing a business proposal aimed at driving change.
Scores from all subjects will be combined with national exam results for a comprehensive evaluation.
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While the proposed changes have sparked some questions, REB has confirmed that the reforms will be rolled out gradually.
Dr. Mutezigaju stated that after a thorough evaluation, the changes will begin to be implemented incrementally, starting from the fourth year of secondary school. The changes will be phased in over time, and students in the fifth year will continue with the existing structure until they graduate.
Until then, students will follow the previous curriculum system, ensuring a smooth transition to the new educational framework.
These reforms are expected to provide a more specialized, flexible, and career-focused education system, aligning with Rwanda’s broader goals of improving educational standards and nurturing talent for the future.
After six weeks of testimony and more than 30 witnesses presented by prosecutors, the defence confirmed on Monday that it will not call any witnesses, including Combs himself, and will instead introduce exhibits into evidence. Closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The charges stem from allegations that Combs ran his entertainment empire as a criminal enterprise designed to exploit and abuse women over the span of several years.
Legal experts say the decision not to present witnesses is strategic rather than unusual.
“It’s not uncommon for the defence to rest without putting anyone on the stand,” said former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner. “They may argue that the government’s own witnesses helped their case, and they have no obligation to prove innocence — that remains the prosecution’s burden.”
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of three women: singer Cassie Ventura, an ex-assistant referred to as “Mia,” and a former girlfriend using the pseudonym “Jane.” Ventura described being coerced into sexual encounters called “freak offs” and claimed Combs used intimidation and drugs to control her. “Jane” and “Mia” offered similar accounts.
Supporting evidence included over 50 videos and hundreds of messages, including texts between Combs and his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, discussing arrangements with women and emergency contraception. Financial and travel records also linked Combs’ corporate accounts to escort payments and luxury travel.
Among the prosecution’s most shocking claims was a 2012 arson incident involving rapper Kid Cudi’s Porsche, allegedly firebombed after Combs threatened him. A former employee testified Combs paid to suppress hotel security footage of him assaulting Ventura in 2016, potentially supporting obstruction of justice claims.
While Combs’ defence initially floated the possibility of calling three witnesses, including a former Bad Boy Entertainment executive, lead attorney Marc Agnifilo told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian they would rest after introducing documents and stipulations instead.
The defence is expected to file a routine motion to dismiss the case before closing arguments, a legal formality unlikely to succeed. In closing, Combs’ lawyers are anticipated to challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses, suggesting exaggeration or motives tied to ongoing civil lawsuits.
“He can’t testify without being subjected to a withering cross-examination about other bad acts, all of which could expose him to civil liability in lawsuits brought by others,” said legal analyst Mark Zauderer.
If convicted of any charge, Combs faces a lengthy prison sentence. The jury, made up of eight men and four women, will soon be tasked with weighing a sprawling case that has combined celebrity, sex, power, and alleged criminal enterprise.
