“We can confirm that the commission has adopted a new package of sanctions against Russia, the 19th package,” European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho said at a press conference in Brussels.
The new package will target “Russian banks, crypto assets, and energy imports,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on social media platform X on Tuesday, after she held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
With about 19 percent of Europe’s gas supply still coming from Russia via the TurkStream pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, the EU is also discussing accelerating a ban on Russian LNG as part of the new sanctions, according to media reports.
Over the past weekend, Trump has called on European allies to halt remaining purchases of Russian oil, and even suggested that members of the Group of Seven and NATO impose duties on countries facilitating Russia’s energy exports, claiming such steps are needed to weaken Russia’s economy.
The commission “will also propose speeding up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports,” said Ursula von der Leyen in her X post. The phase-out of Russian fossil fuels is currently planned for completion by Jan. 1, 2028.
The new EU sanctions package had originally been expected to be presented to member states last Friday. However, a high-level EU team trip to Washington and efforts for coordination delayed it a week. EU officials said sanctions will be phased carefully to avoid energy price shocks or supply shortages within the bloc.
Former Munich Security Conference Chairman Christoph Heusgen has urged the EU to increase pressure on Hungary and Slovakia to reduce their reliance on Russian energy, noting that Hungary still imports about 60 percent of its oil from Russia, while Slovakia depends on Russia for roughly 75 percent of its energy needs.
Ukraine has urged a swift adoption of the 19th sanctions package. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in posts on X earlier this week that “coordinated steps across the Atlantic” are essential to deprive Russia of resources for the conflict. “Now the focus must be on making the 19th package even tougher,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russia has downplayed the impact of the pending sanctions. Threats from Washington and Brussels, voiced regularly, “have no effect and will not change anything,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a news briefing Friday. She also criticized the EU’s push to abandon Russian energy, calling it “suicidal sabotage” and warning that Brussels is exhausting itself.
The EU has adopted 18 sanctions packages against Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, targeting finance, technology and energy. The 19th package will test the bloc’s ability to maintain internal unity while responding to mounting U.S. pressure for faster and broader action, analysts say.
The Foreign Ministry condemned a “heinous terrorist aggression” against the Al-Daraja neighbourhood mosque, saying the strike wounded several worshippers and partially destroyed the building. It said the attack was a “flagrant violation of religious norms and international conventions” protecting civilians and places of worship.
The ministry blamed the RSF for systematic abuses against civilians and infrastructure, and urged the international communities to act against “terrorism targeting unarmed civilians.”
Volunteer groups in El Fasher said earlier on Friday that more than 75 people were killed, including 20 displaced residents of Abu Shouk camp. They said a drone operated by the RSF hit the mosque during dawn prayers.
The RSF has not commented.
Clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their allies have raged in El Fasher since May. Nationwide, the war between the SAF and RSF has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since it erupted in April 2023, deepening Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
The House narrowly approved the Republican-drafted plan to keep the government funded until late November, but the Senate blocked it hours later with 44 in favor to 48 opposed, failing to reach the required 60 votes. A Democratic alternative, which included provisions on healthcare programs, also failed.
With both chambers now at an impasse and the deadline to renew federal funding expiring at midnight on Sept. 30, the risk of a government shutdown is rising.
A shutdown would halt many federal services, delay paychecks for hundreds of thousands of workers, and disrupt operations from national parks to visa processing, though mandatory programs such as Social Security and Medicare would continue.
The standoff underscores deep partisan divisions in Washington, with Democrats criticizing the House plan for omitting healthcare priorities and Republicans arguing that a stopgap is necessary to buy more time for negotiations.
At the center of their discussions was Rwanda’s confirmed role as host of the FIFA Series 2026, scheduled for the end of March 2026.
The tournament will feature both men’s and women’s national teams, reinforcing Rwanda’s growing reputation as a global hub for major sporting events.
Another highlight was the inauguration of FERWAFA’s new accommodation facility, expected to be transformed into a FIFA Academy Concept center.
This facility is set to become a cornerstone for nurturing young football talent in Rwanda and across Africa.
Shema also briefed Infantino on the progress of four key pitch construction projects in Kigali, Gicumbi, Rutsiro, and Rusizi, all of which are expected to be completed by December 2025.
In addition, the ambitious FIFA Arena project—comprising 10 mini pitches—is underway, with the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Sports already contributing funds for the subbase works.
Professionalization of football clubs and management programs in Rwanda also featured prominently in the discussions, with FIFA pledging support to strengthen the organizational and operational standards of local clubs.
On the medical front, Shema updated the FIFA President on the CPR/AED education program taking place from September 18 to 19, 2025.
Organized in collaboration with the FIFA Medical Team and the Africa Heart Rhythm Association (AFHRA), the initiative aims to enhance player, staff, and fan safety by equipping participants with lifesaving emergency response skills.
The two leaders further explored the feasibility of introducing a new VAR platform, the Football Video Support (FVS) system, to bolster refereeing standards in the Rwandan league.
Among others, FERWAFA expressed its readiness to host FIFA regional courses for referee instructors, positioning Rwanda as a hub for capacity-building in African refereeing.
Speaking after the meeting, President Fabrice Shema reaffirmed FERWAFA’s commitment to working closely with FIFA and the Government of Rwanda to elevate football development.
“These projects and programs not only build infrastructure but also strengthen professionalism, safety, and knowledge within our game. Rwanda is proud to be at the heart of football’s growth story in Africa,” he said.
The meeting underscored the strong partnership between Rwanda and FIFA, setting the stage for transformative initiatives that will impact the sport at both national and continental levels.
In April 2025, Bralirwa, Rwanda’s leading beverage company, partnered with Empower Rwanda, a women-led non-governmental organisation committed to equipping women and youth with skills and knowledge for sustainable development, to provide business startup kits to women who successfully completed the NGO’s vocational training programs.
The social impact initiative will support 100 young women, specifically those who became mothers during their teenage years, who were selected from the Muhazi Sector in Rwamagana District and the Kabarore Sector in Gatsibo District in collaboration with their respective local authorities.
The business start-up kits are categorised in the trades of tailoring, culinary arts, and
hairdressing sectors, comprising items such as sewing machines, gas cookers, and professional hairdressing equipment, along with other relevant accessories.
Beneficiaries of the project will be grouped into business groups relative to the vocational training they each have received from Empower Rwanda.
Dr. Olivia Kabatesi, Founder and Country Director of Empower Rwanda, commended
Bralirwa and the support from local authorities as key partners in advancing national
priorities of entrepreneurship, gender inclusion and youth employment.
“Many beneficiaries complete vocational training but lack resources to launch their own
income-generating activities. With the provision of business start-up kits, these women
now have both the expertise and practical tools required to establish sustainable and
profitable enterprises,” said Dr. Olivia Kabatesi.
“This partnership represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between skills development and economic opportunity, and we are grateful for the collaboration that enables women’s economic empowerment and lasting impact in local communities”, she added.
Bralirwa donated 34,000,000 Rwf to fund the social impact project, which will enable
beneficiaries to start small businesses using the provided tool kits. This support aims to
support young women to earn a dignified and sustainable living, uplift their families, and
strengthen their communities.
“Sustainability is an integral part of our business operations under our ‘Brew a Better
World’ agenda. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to caring for people and the
planet, and to building a more sustainable and inclusive future. By empowering women
with the skills and tools to succeed, we are investing not only in their businesses but
also in stronger families and resilient communities” said Ethel Emma-Uche, Bralirwa Managing Director.
The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab, who officiated the launch of the event, commended the great partnership between the private sector, NGOs, and local government in empowering local communities.
“This initiative aligns with the objectives of our National Employment Program, which
focuses on empowering women and youth through skills training and entrepreneurship.
By providing opportunities such as these, BRALIRWA and Empower Rwanda are
contributing to the transformation of lives, helping individuals build brighter futures for themselves and their families,” said Mayor Radjab.
Last year, Bralirwa Plc supported 250 households in Munyiginya sector, Rwamagana district to gain access to safe drinking water through donation of ceramic water filters in partnership with Spouts of Water Rwanda as part of its social impact initiatives.
Matteo Sametti and his four children set off from Kasama, Zambia, on August 21. Riding through Tanzania, Burundi, and finally into Rwanda, the family endured steep climbs and long days on the road before arriving in Kigali mid this week, just in time for the cycling spectacle.
From Kasama, Zambia, to Kigali, Rwanda, Matteo Sametti and his family cycled 1,500 km across steep climbs to enjoy the UCI Road World Championships.
Their incredible determination and spirit of adventure brought them all the way to Kigali. Now it’s your turn to show the same… pic.twitter.com/ueDPR1An9p
“We are very passionate about cycling, and I thought it was a unique opportunity to pass through different countries and cultures with my children,” Sametti said, after arriving in Kigali with his children Winnie, Abraham, Osea, and Giuditta.
“Even if it was a big effort, especially in Burundi and Rwanda, where the mountains are a lot, we enjoyed it very much. We were surprised at how strong and tough the kids were.”
For Sametti, who hails from a cycling-rich region of Italy, the journey was about more than sport. He said cycling offers “the right speed” to connect with people and landscapes.
His children, he added, have inherited the same passion: “Our love for cycling comes from my Italian origin, and I am even surprised that my children share this passion and talent.”
The family praised Rwanda’s roads as well-engineered and well-maintained, noting that mountain routes resembled those in Europe but were less punishing than Burundi’s steep ascents.
“The roads here are very good, very nice, and well studied,” Sametti said.
While they look forward to cheering for Italian riders – with Matteo personally backing Tadej Pogačar and Pellizzari as favourites – family loyalties remain divided.
“Winnie supports Zambia, I support Italy,” Sametti laughed.
The family plans to participate in the social ride on September 20 before settling in as spectators.
The UCI Road World Championships, set for September 21–28, will feature 13 races with 1,400 participants from 109 countries. More than 900 riders will compete for the coveted rainbow jerseys, including Rwanda’s 54-strong delegation, one of the largest at the event.
With 700 accredited journalists, coverage by 80 broadcasters, and a projected global audience of 330 million viewers, Kigali is set to shine as the world’s cycling capital for a week.
For Sametti and his children, the journey itself has already been a victory.
“We can’t believe we are here,” he said. “We are all happy.”
Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted Burundi’s role in the ongoing war in Eastern DRC during an interview with journalist Scovia Mutesi.
Burundians were part of the East African Community Regional Force deployed to DRC late 2022.
DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi later decided to expel these troops, accusing them of failing to attack the M23 rebel group but some of Burundi’s troops remained, agreeing to fight alongside the DRC army.
Since then, the number of Burundian troops in DRC has increased, and have been seen fighting alongside the Congolese army forces allied with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and Wazalendo groups.
Minister Nduhungirehe stated that to date, Burundian forces have been involved in ongoing violence targeting Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities.
“As we know, Burundian troops in Eastern DRC are collaborating with the Congolese government in the ongoing war, which includes ongoing targeting of Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsi communities,” he noted.
He further expressed concern over Burundi’s actions, likening them to adding fuel to a fire.
“These actions are concerning, and the Burundian government should understand that it must not add fuel to the fire. If it seeks peace in the region, it must stop this war against the Congolese people. The Burundian government needs to understand this and contribute to regional peace efforts,” said Minister Nduhungirehe.
He also condemned Burundi’s decision to use Bujumbura airport for the conflict, as a hub for transporting weapons and launching drone strikes aimed at Congolese civilians.
At different times, Burundi has accused Rwanda of harboring ill intentions towards it, even suggesting that Rwanda plans to attack. Nduhungirehe dismissed these claims as baseless.
“They’ve made these claims, and as you know, they are untrue. They have been repeating this. Rwanda has no plans to attack Burundi,” he stated.
In January 2024, the Burundian government closed all land borders with Rwanda.
This followed remarks made by President Ndayishimiye in his end-of-year speech for 2023, in which he hinted at closing the borders with Rwanda after accusing it of supporting the RED Tabara rebel group fighting his government.
The relationship between Rwanda and Burundi further deteriorated when Burundi’s troops began working with the FDLR terrorist group in Eastern DRC.
At that time, it was also reported that senior FDLR leaders would hold meetings in Burundi.
Hirwa’s path to the arts began during his undergraduate studies at Southern New Hampshire University. In 2019, while still a student, he joined the Writivism Mentoring Program, a project by The Center for African Cultural Excellence. Under the mentorship of Nigerian writer Adeola Opeyemi, he learned a lesson that continues to shape his creative process on the importance of showing rather than telling.
“I am greatly indebted to my time in the program and my mentor Adeola Opeyemi,” he reflects.
“That is the first time I learnt to show, not to tell. Even now in my poetry practice, what sets me apart from my earlier version is that I make sure to show, not to tell. And I believe this makes the poetry more visual. I think that rule also influenced my love for photography, at least subconsciously.”
By 2020, at the age of 22, Hirwa was admitted into the MFA program in Creative Writing at Texas State University, moving to the United States a year later. There, he studied under acclaimed poet Naomi Shihab Nye and refined his voice as a poet. His chapbook Hairpins, published by Akashic Books in 2023, was selected by Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani for the African Poetry Book Fund’s chapbook boxset series. The collection, he explains, captured his early 20s’ struggles with identity.
“The book captures my early 20s’ grapple with identity,” he says. “Most of the poems are attempts at understanding my own masculinity. I wrote the book when I was around 23 years old, fresh out of high school and college, and I had questions about where I stood on the spectrum of masculinity. Am I a soft man, am I a tough guy, why does it matter etc. Those are the ideas the book captured.”
Alongside the chapbook, his poems, essays, and fiction have appeared in Wasafiri, Poetry Society of America, Lolwe, and Transition Magazine. Each piece, whether a poem about solitude or an essay on small spaces, reflects his interest in how identity, belonging, and culture intersect.
But Hirwa’s work is not confined to the page. In 2024, shortly after returning to Rwanda, he staged his first solo photography exhibition, Stilettos, Nikes, and a Basketball, at L’Espace in Kigali with support from the Goethe-Institut. The exhibition marked the start of his photography career and a significant return home.
“The solo exhibition was a marker of various shifts in my life,” he explains. “It also meant that this is a person returning home to show home who he has become. Since my photography captures how I see the world, an exhibition like the one at L’Espace was a way to say to my home ‘this is what I have seen’.”
The response from audiences in Kigali was immediate.
“Attendees had good responses to the exhibition. I remember there is this teenage boy I found sitting on the floor reading a piece of text I had printed on a transparent paper and attached on the white floor. He admired the experimental approach to the curation of the physical display of the artworks, and what more can one ask for?”
Hirwa has since participated in group exhibitions at the Kigali Center for Photography and at The Strand in London, expanding the reach of his street photography. His images often portray the quiet dignity of everyday life—motorcycle taxi drivers in colourful vests, children at play, the textures of Kigali’s neighbourhoods.
His forthcoming full-length poetry collection, Dear Zoe, was a finalist for the 2025 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry. The book, still awaiting publication, focuses on the Rwandan diaspora and the ways people sustain cultural identity abroad.
“The book ‘Dear Zoe’ documents the ways in which the Rwandan diaspora makes a living abroad, such as running or working in hair salons, restaurants, and many other jobs and lifestyles in such cities as Dallas and Brussels,” he says.
“I hope when it gets published, it will spark conversations on how the Rwandan diaspora make a living abroad, and their experiences in relation to identity, belonging, and nostalgia.”
Hirwa acknowledges that his influences are wide-ranging. He cites Teju Cole’s Blind Spot as a model for pairing photographs with prose, Joel Meyerowitz’s mastery of street photography, and Warsan Shire’s poetry about migration and belonging.
“The two men, both Cole and Meyerowitz, have taught me to focus on simple things in my artworks in general, both writing and photography,” he notes. “That is why, as a photographer, I am interested in capturing the beauty in the mundane, which reflects my poetry too in a way. As in, what is a day like for a moto driver working in Kigali during weekdays and going to the provinces on the weekend to his wife and kids? That’s where Warsan Shire comes in. Her poetry is about the humanity of people.”
Living and creating between Rwanda and the United States has also shaped his sense of belonging.
“Living transnationally has distracted this sense of belonging to me,” he admits. “When I was in the US, my poetry was my attempt at staying connected to my roots, my Rwandan culture. But it’s a real hustle since being away most times means whether one likes it or not he or she is acculturating, hence trying to keep the writing originally Rwandan becomes hard.”
For Hirwa, poetry, prose, and photography are not separate practices but interconnected modes of expression.
“Yes, they feed into one another because they are on a spectrum of realism versus abstractedness,” he explains. “My poetry is a transcription of my photography, and my essays and pieces of fiction are translations of my poetry.”
Looking ahead, he envisions expanding into film. Inspired by Rwandan filmmaker Kivu Ruhorahoza and Senegalese director Djibril Diop Mambety, he hopes to bring the same attentiveness to story and image into motion pictures.
For now, Hirwa remains rooted in Kigali, balancing writing with photography and documenting Rwanda with the same patience he first learned under mentorship. Whether in verse or image, his work is an evolving archive of how Rwandans see themselves, at home and abroad.
The championships will begin with the women’s and men’s time trials. Afghan rider Yulduz Hashimi will be the first woman off the start line at 10 a.m.
Race routes across the city have been finalised, with road signage and protective barriers in place to ensure both rider safety and a clear viewing experience for fans. The starting point at BK Arena and the finish at the junction near Kigali Convention Centre are fully set up.
Elite cyclists from more than 100 countries have arrived in Kigali ahead of the competition, familiarising themselves with the streets and completing training sessions to prepare for the week-long event.
Fan zones with food and seating areas have been arranged along the course, while VIP guests will have dedicated viewing areas to follow the action up close. A total of 917 competitors will take part in the championships, showcasing the world’s top cycling talent on Kigali’s roads.
Meanwhile, the Rwanda National Police has issued a [detailed plan of road closures and alternative routes ->https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/uci-2025-kigali-road-closures-and-alternative-routes?var_mode=calcul]to help residents and motorists navigate the city during the competition.
Previously, RDB regulations required bars and clubs to close at 1 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and at 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The temporary changes are aimed at supporting the championship and managing the anticipated irregular traffic flow during the event.
Kigali will host the UCI Road World Championships from 21 to 28 September 2025, marking the first time in the event’s 103-year history that cycling’s crown jewel is held on African soil.
“Rwanda is proud to welcome athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, RDB has said that existing measures, such as noise pollution restrictions and the prohibition on serving or consuming alcohol to persons under the age of 18, remain in effect.
RDB has also reminded all consumers to drink responsibly and not to drive under the influence of alcohol, warning businesses against serving alcohol to anyone who appears intoxicated.
“RDB, in collaboration with other relevant Government institutions, will ensure the proper implementation of these guidelines. Entities that violate these directives will be held accountable,” the statement concluded.
