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President Kagame also emphasized that Rwanda and Azerbaijan share many similarities, underlining his wish to further strengthen cooperation in development.

While diplomacy and bilateral cooperation were at the center of the visit, Azerbaijan itself is a country with a rich history, unique culture, diverse geography, and remarkable features.

Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region (in Western Asia), at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. It borders Russia to the north, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, Turkey through the small Nakhchivan exclave, and the Caspian Sea to the east.

The country covers an area of about 86,600 square kilometers (roughly three-quarters the size of Rwanda multiplied by four) and has a population of about 10.5 million.

Azerbaijan holds a special place on the global stage due to its oil, energy resources, cultural heritage, and strategic location.

Here are 10 remarkable things you should know about this country.

1. The land of eternal flames AND natural fire phenomena

On the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, there are places where natural gas escapes through cracks and burns continuously. For example, Yanar Dagh is a hillside that has flames burning naturally, fed by gas seeps underground.

In addition, the Ateshgah Fire Temple near Baku used to be a site where fire worship (Zoroastrian, Indian Hindu, Sikh) took place, because of natural eternal flames. It is now a museum.

2. First Muslim-majority country to give women the right to vote

Azerbaijan granted women suffrage in 1918, when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formed. It was among the earliest Muslim-majority countries to do so.

3. More mud volcanoes than almost anywhere

Azerbaijan has hundreds (over 350, some sources say more than 400) of mud volcanoes, more than most countries. Some are active; they bubble up methane and mud, sometimes dramatically.

4. The world’s smallest books and miniature book museum

In Baku, there is a collection of extremely tiny books, some as small as 2 mm, displayed in a miniature book museum. It’s one of the largest collections of its kind.

5. Baku’s parts below sea level

Some parts of Baku lie significantly below sea level, and as the city area extends into the Caspian Sea shore, there are zones that are underwater or reclaimed. Some sources say that parts of the capital district are 28 meters under the sea.

6. The Nakhchivan exclave, Azerbaijan apart from Azerbaijan

Nakhchivan is an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan that is separated from the main part of the country by Armenia. It borders Iran and Turkey. It has its own government, and its geographic separation gives it a different feel, both historically and culturally.

7. Extreme tea consumption despite not growing much of it locally

Even though Azerbaijan has regions suited for tea cultivation, much of its black tea is imported, about 12,000 tons annually for a population of about 10 million. Tea is deeply embedded in social culture.

8. A “world’s first” in oil history and strategic importance

In the early 1900s, Azerbaijan was one of the world leaders in oil production. For example, in 1901, it produced a massive part of global crude oil output. During WWII, it was a crucial supplier of oil for the Soviet Union.

9. Religion, secularism, and state structure

Even though the vast majority of people in Azerbaijan are Muslim (> 90 %), the country is officially secular. The constitution does not declare an official religion. Religious practice exists, but the state maintains secular governance.

10. Monumental flag and civic display

Baku has a large State Flag Square, huge in size, with a massive flagpole and a giant national flag. In recent years, the flagpole has been upgraded, and the square has become a major symbol of national identity.

At its inauguration in 2010, the flagpole was certified as the world’s tallest by Guinness World Records before being surpassed by a flagpole in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in 2011.

Azerbaijan is therefore a country with a unique character, from its eternal flames and mud volcanoes to its history of gender equality, its tea culture, and its major oil industry.

President Kagame’s visit highlights how Rwanda and this country can work together in development, culture, and trade.

The luncheon was attended by Rwanda’s Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Juliana Kangeli Muganza; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe; and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga.

During the meeting, the two leaders commended the bilateral ties between Rwanda and Azerbaijan and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade, culture, agriculture, and tourism.

President Kagame’s visit, which began on September 19, 2025, followed the signing of five bilateral agreements covering agriculture, education, satellite communication services, trade, and public service delivery. Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that the agreements achieve the expected outcomes.

President Aliyev described Rwanda and Azerbaijan as strong partners and welcomed the progress in bilateral relations since they were formally established in 2017.

President Kagame last visited Baku in November 2024 to attend the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

Although the country’s leaders have avoided openly addressing the issue, signs of discontent have been visible since 2023, when President Évariste Ndayishimiye deployed troops to fight against the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From the lowest ranks to the top command, fear and unease have spread across the army.

After suffering heavy defeats in battles fought in Masisi territory, North Kivu province, many Burundian soldiers refused to continue fighting. Some deserted, while hundreds of others were arrested in Bujumbura and other locations, accused of disobeying orders from their superiors.

Official decrees issued by President Ndayishimiye between 2 January 2023 and 29 August 2025 confirm that more than 30 officers have been struck off the army roster. On this basis, the Head of State declared that these individuals are no longer members of the national armed forces.

Among those who deserted were nine Colonels or Lieutenant Colonels. They include Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, Lt Col Barikore Alexis, Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, Lt Col Nkurunziza Willy, Lt Col Habarugira Diomède, Lt Col Ndikumagenge Apollinaire, Lt Col Nahimana Daphrose, Lt Col Ndayishimiye Jean Baptiste and Lt Col Hatungimana Philbert.

Presidential records indicate that the most recent Colonel to be removed from the army rolls was Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, service number SSO813, whose name was struck off on 11 June 2025. The most senior among them, Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, service number SS0274, was officially dismissed on 8 April 2025.

Other senior officers holding the rank of Major who were dismissed for desertion include Maj Nkengurutse Melance, who was removed on 21 February 2025, Maj Nkeshimana Eddy Germain, who was removed on 19 November 2024, Maj Ndizeye Ildephonse, Maj Ntakabanyura Eric and Maj Ntungwanayo Alphonse, who was removed on 13 December 2023.

In addition, 13 Captains and four Lieutenants are reported to have deserted the Burundian army during the same period.

{{Will the pressure intensify?}}

Burundian troops have been heavily deployed in South Kivu province, particularly in areas near Bujumbura such as the city of Uvira. Alongside Congolese forces, the Wazalendo militias, and FDLR elements, they are preparing for clashes with the M23 rebels.

The M23 movement has not been idle. It continues to expand by recruiting and training new fighters. For example, on 14 September 2025 the group enrolled more than 7,400 combatants who had undergone six months of training at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru territory. The movement also possesses significant weaponry seized from the Congolese army coalition.

The Commander of M23, Major General Sultani Makenga, announced on 2 September that he intends to capture more key cities in the DRC, including Kalemie in Tanganyika province. To achieve that objective, however, he stressed that taking control of Uvira is essential.

With M23 fighters continuing to expand their arsenal and territory, the likelihood of a large-scale conflict is high, and the pressure on Burundian troops stationed near Bujumbura would become immense.

Should Burundi’s forces be overpowered once again by M23, they could be forced to retreat toward Bujumbura. Yet, if they remain under strict orders to continue fighting in the DRC, new waves of desertions among senior officers may emerge, echoing the pattern of the past two years.

The discussions took place during President Kagame’s three-day official visit to Azerbaijan, which began on Friday.

Following their meeting, the two leaders addressed the press after witnessing the exchange of five cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Azerbaijan. The agreements cover the sectors of agriculture, education, air services, trade, and public service delivery.

Speaking at the event, President Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that these new partnerships deliver tangible results.

“Mr. President, just know that you have friends in Africa, in Rwanda. We want to use this opportunity of our cooperation and friendship between you and myself, and the two countries, to move fast forward in achievements of prosperity,” President Kagame said.

Earlier in the morning, President Kagame visited the Alley of Honor, where he laid a wreath on the tomb of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev and Zarifa Aliyeva.

He also laid a wreath at the Alley of Martyrs, a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in Azerbaijan’s struggle for freedom, independence and territorial integrity.

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Azerbaijan were formally established in 2017, with both countries expressing interest in expanding cooperation across different sectors.

A statement released on September 19, highlights that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts of the UCI and SafeR to enhance the safety of professional road cyclists.

The GPS safety tracking technology to be used in Rwanda was tested during the three stages (August 15 to 17) of the Tour de Romandie Féminin, in Switzerland, which enabled it to be refined.

All riders in all categories (Men and Women Elite, Under 23 and Junior) will be equipped with a GPS safety tracking device attached under their saddle during all events at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships (road races, individual and team time trials).

This system, operated from the UCI Road World Championships control centre, will enable real-time monitoring of data regarding the position and speed of the entire peloton, thus allowing for immediate identification of any unusual situations, such as a rider suddenly stopping on the course.

In such a case, the rider’s exact position will be transmitted to the relevant parties in the convoy – organisers, UCI Commissaires, medical and security services – so that appropriate measures can be taken without delay.

The UCI will continue to work closely with event organisers and all stakeholders with a view to wider deployment of GPS rider safety tracking in races and the development of safety alert and intervention protocols.

Commenting on the development, UCI President David Lappartient said that the introduction of a GPS safety tracking system for riders is important and necessary progress in this regard.

“Thanks to this system, any incident or accident that might have gone unnoticed can be quickly identified, and it will be possible to assist the person concerned as quickly as possible by mobilising those already on the ground and the emergency services,” he noted.

Lappartient also commended everyone who contributed to the development of this new safety device, as well as the National Federations that will inaugurate it during the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

The weeklong event will bring together a total of 917 competitors in Kigali as the first African city to host the prestigious cycling competition.

He delivered the message on Friday during the third graduation ceremony of the institute, where 83 students from the Class of 2025 were awarded their degrees.

The Premier congratulated the graduates for their achievement and commended the visionaries behind RICA’s establishment.

Dr. Nsengiyumva underscored that the graduation was not an endpoint, but the beginning of a larger mission.

“Today you are not just receiving degrees, you are receiving a call to service,” he said.

Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted how the graduates’ expertise is closely tied to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which seeks to boost productivity in priority food crops by 50 percent to ensure food sufficiency and competitive exports.

“As experts in conservation agriculture, you are well-positioned to drive this transformation by applying modern conservation practices and agri-innovations,” he emphasized.

He described conservation agriculture as a vital pathway to meet both national and global challenges: “Conservation agriculture represents a viable pathway for Rwanda to achieve environmental sustainability and long-term resilience. By improving soil health, it enhances agricultural productivity, increases farm efficiency and profitability, and contributes significantly to food security and the improvement of rural livelihoods.”

{{A call for integrity and service}}

The Prime Minister urged graduates to serve with humility and integrity, stressing that their skills were not meant for personal gain alone.

“As you embark on your careers, remember that the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at RICA are not for personal advancement alone. You are called to serve as agents of change and problem-solvers who create opportunities that transform communities” he said.

“True success is not measured by how far you go alone, but by how many you lift along the way. Let you be a generation not content to wait for the future, but a generation that is bold enough to shape it. Rise with purpose, rise with compassion, and above all, rise together as proud Rwandans,” Dr. Nsengiyumva added.

The Premier further assured that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment where their talents will thrive.

“Together, we will forge a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient,” he said.

{{Preparing leaders for global challenges}}

Dr. Olusegun Yerokun, Interim Vice Chancellor of RICA, also addressed the graduates, reminding them of the immense challenges facing agriculture globally—climate change, soil degradation, dwindling resources, post-harvest losses, and population pressures.

“Your training at RICA has been specifically designed to prepare you to lead this agricultural revolution,” he said.

He explained that the program combined theory with practice in fields, laboratories, greenhouses, and surrounding communities.

“The skills and knowledge you possess are the seeds that will enable you to cultivate change and sow a truly sustainable future for many generations of Rwandans,” Dr. Yerokun affirmed.

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture was inaugurated in 2019 in Bugesera District as a strategic partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

Established with the bold vision to revolutionize agricultural education, RICA equips young leaders with the tools to address Rwanda’s pressing agricultural challenges while contributing to global sustainability.

It currently offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture, taught entirely in English.

The program is designed to address real-world problems, supported by international faculty, modern facilities, and partnerships with government, the private sector, and development organizations.

The attack hit airports in Germany, France, Spain, and several other countries, officials confirmed.

While no flight safety systems were compromised, the disruption caused long lines and confusion at departure halls.

Investigators across Europe are working together to trace its origin. Officials said it was too early to determine whether the attack was state-sponsored or carried out by criminal groups.

Meanwhile, airlines scrambled to revert to manual procedures, with staff checking passports and boarding passes by hand.

Cybersecurity experts noted that airports are increasingly attractive targets for hackers because of their reliance on interconnected IT systems. The attack, they said, highlights vulnerabilities in Europe’s critical infrastructure.

Authorities have urged passengers to allow extra time for check-in and said contingency measures remain in place until systems are fully restored.