According to the Ministry of Defence, the services provided included treatment for malaria, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, respiratory, pediatric, and gynecological conditions, as well as chronic disease screenings and health education.
Major Emmanuel Kayinamura, deputy commanding officer of RWABG VII encouraged community members to maintain proper hygiene, protect water sources, and consistently use mosquito nets.
Mr. Omar Ramadhan, the local community representative, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan peacekeepers and appealed for continued support.
This initiative underscores the commitment of MINUSCA and Rwandan peacekeepers in particular to improving public health and strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation in their area of responsibility.
The outreach followed a March 2025 exercise in which the RWAMED X team provided free medical treatment to more than 400 people in Mingala Commune, Central African Republic, for various illnesses, including malaria.
During the same outreach, residents were also screened for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The initiative aimed to help communities better understand their health status and adopt practices that promote well-being and disease prevention.
The event was organised by Never Again Rwanda on the occasion of international day of Democracy 2025. The symposium discussed the theme titled ‘Democracy in Rwanda amid regional and global trends’.
The objective of the symposium was to provide stakeholders with a platform for dialogue and reflection on the challenges and prospects for democracy in Rwanda, the region and the continent.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga emphasized that Africa is facing a wide range of security challenges, including widespread violent criminality, intercommunal conflicts driven by ethnic divisions, internal and cross-border insurgencies and terrorism.
He noted that in some parts of the continent, governments have effectively surrendered control of certain areas to criminal elements and have become complacent about it.
“These issues seriously hinder Africa’s socio-economic transformation,” he said, stressing that it is the primary responsibility of governments to address the root causes of these problems. “You cannot outsource solutions to external actors or make national security a foreign responsibility. The moment you do that, you have already failed from the outset.”
Brig Gen Rwivanga concluded by highlighting the importance of both internal commitment and regional collaboration, stating that governments must work within their means and in partnership with regional entities to ensure lasting peace and stability.
The wetlands under rehabilitation include Gikondo, which stretches across Remera, Kimihurura and Gatenga and connects with Rugenge–Rwintare wetland.
This in turn extends through Kacyiru and Muhima and links with the Muhima marshland near Kinamba. Kibumba, located at the former UTEXRWA site, connects Kinyinya and Gisozi, while Nyabugogo links Muhima and Gatsata.
Together, these wetlands make up a total of 500 hectares: Gikondo with 162, Nyabugogo with 131, Kibumba with 68, Rwampara with 65, and Rugenge–Rwintare with 65.
The entire project is expected to cost $80 million, with the first $32 million allocated to restoration work. The second phase will focus on building recreational facilities. The project is designed to reduce flooding in Kigali, conserve biodiversity and improve water purification systems.
These wetlands will feature a combined 61.5 kilometers of pedestrian and cycling paths. The Gikondo wetland will include 16.9 kilometers of paths, Rugenge–Rwintare will have 15.5 kilometers, and Rwampara will feature 10 kilometers. Kibumba will include 9.8 kilometers of pedestrian paths, while Nyabugogo will have 9.3 kilometers.
In addition, 13 water catchment ponds will be constructed, including the 10-hectare Nyabugogo Lake. Gikondo will have four ponds, Kibumba five, Rugenge–Rwintare one, and Rwampara two.
These wetlands have also been fitted with 142 waste traps. Gikondo will have 24 traps, Kibumba 16, Rugenge–Rwintare 48, Nyabugogo 30, and Rwampara 24.
There will also be 14 islands within the ponds, including four in Gikondo, six in Kibumba, one in Rugenge–Rwintare, two in Nyabugogo, and one in Rwampara.
As for progress, rehabilitation works have reached 38 percent in Rwampara, 70 percent in Gikondo, 62 percent in Rugenge–Rwintare, 76 percent in Kibumba, and 59 percent in Nyabugogo.
Eng. Martine Uwera, the Programme Manager for Environment Mainstreaming and Biodiversity Management at Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) explained that the Nyabugogo marshland is lagging behind because a lake is being constructed there, with the work requiring special equipment and significant effort to make it possible.
“As for the Rwampara marshland, the reason behind it is that rehabilitation only began in November 2024, while the others started in March 2024,” she said.
Each marshland has been given a unique focus. Gikondo will serve as an eco-tourism site, featuring libraries, kiosks and other amenities for visitors.
Rugenge–Rwintare will host a five-hectare retention pond that collects water from Rwampara, Gikondo. It is designed to showcase Rwanda’s environment conservation efforts.
Kibumba will focus on aquaculture with interconnected fish ponds, flower gardens and an exhibition center showcasing Rwanda’s fishing industry.
Nyabugogo is being designed as a hub for research and biodiversity education, while Rwampara will highlight Rwanda’s cultural heritage through exhibitions of traditional crops, foods and artifacts.
According to Uwera, all pedestrian paths and parking areas will be powered by solar energy. However, swimming will not be permitted in the ponds for now, since the marshlands were once sites for factories that used chemicals. Water quality is tested every six months, and authorities say swimming may only be allowed once the water is deemed completely safe.
In the area designated for sports infrastructure, two football fields will be constructed in the Kibumba Wetland, while Gikondo will have one, and Rwampara will have two.
Meanwhile, Kibumba Wetland will host two basketball courts, one in Gikondo, and one in Rugenge-Rwintare.
Two volleyball courts will be established in the Kibumba Wetland, one in Gikondo, and one in Rugenge-Rwintare, while in the Gikondo Wetland, one handball court will be built, and another in Rwampara.
Tree planting in these wetlands has also been emphasized. A total of 1,560 trees will be planted In Gikondo Wetland; 1,511 in Rwampara, 1,419 trees in Kibumba, and 204 trees in Rugenge-Rwintare.
So far, the rehabilitation of these wetlands has created jobs for 5,917 people, including 2,893 women. By the time the project is complete, more than 12,000 people will have been employed.
Uwera stated that the rehabilitation work will be completed by December 2025. However, the official unveiling will take place in April 2026 after testing to ensure that everything functions properly.
Rwanda is also conducting a study on additional projects to be implemented in these wetlands. This study is expected to be completed by November 2025, alongside the recreational areas that will be developed afterward.
A total of 220,500 residents will benefit from reduced flood risks and will have access to relaxation areas.
Uwera noted that the benefits of these wetlands are already becoming evident.
In addition to the return of wildlife, the recent heavy rains have demonstrated their importance.
He said, “You know that rain in Nyabugogo used to cause flooding, even covering the roads. Recently, despite heavy rainfall, the roads did not flood.”
Currently, Rwanda has 915 wetlands, covering 10.6% of the country’s total land area, of which 38 constitute 20% of protected wetlands.
On Monday September 15ᵗʰ 2025, His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, chaired a Cabinet meeting at Urugwiro Village.
1. The Cabinet was briefed on the 2024/25 national examination results and reopening of schools for the 2025/26 academic year. Notable performance improvements were recorded across all levels of basic education, supported by remedial programs and strengthened student and school engagement. The 2025/26 school year commenced smoothly on September 8, 2025, and continued collaboration between schools and parents is encouraged to sustain progress in learning outcomes.
2. The Cabinet discussed preparations for the 2026A agricultural season and noted good progress. Farmers are encouraged to complete land preparation, ensure timely planting and appropriate use of inputs (seeds & fertilizers) to maximize crop productivity.
3. The Cabinet discussed progress achieved in expanding electricity access, connectivity and reliability nationwide. Access to electricity has increased to 85% in 2025 from less than 2% in 2000. To achieve universal access and financial sustainability in the power sector, the Cabinet noted that the electricity tariff, which has remained unchanged since 2020, is currently under review as part of broader strategic measures.
4. The Cabinet was updated on preparations for the 2025 UCI Road World Championship, the first of its kind on the African continent to be held in Rwanda from 21–28 September 2025. All preparations are on track. The public is invited to be part of this exciting and vibrant cycling week.
5. The Cabinet was briefed on new actions to expand forest and landscape restoration across the country, including in urban areas. These efforts engage communities and partners, and will help Rwanda adapt to climate change, protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
6. The Cabinet approved a Partnership Agreement between the African Parks Network and the Government of Rwanda.
7. The Cabinet approved applications of Rwandan nationality.
8. The Cabinet approved the following Orders:
Ministerial Order establishing the code of conduct and governing disciplinary committees in the Rwanda Defence Force.
Ministerial Order on land expropriation in public interests for Ngoma River Water Supply Project in Gicumbi and Nyagatare.
9. The Cabinet approved the Agrément for proposed Ambassador and Honorary Consuls:
Mr. Victorino-Nká Obiang Maye, Ambassador of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the Republic of Rwanda, with residence in Brazzaville.
Mr. Husain Saif Aziz Al – Harthi, Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of Rwanda.
According to the Times of Israel, the IDF has been gradually expanding airstrikes in and around the city in recent days, but has not dispatched ground troops into the densely populated northern city.
Local sources and eyewitnesses in Gaza denied any Israeli tank incursion into Gaza City. There was no sighting yet of penetration or movement of Israeli tanks into the depths of the city, said residents in Gaza City. But they confirmed intense air strikes and drone bombings in most parts of Gaza City.
Following air strikes and bombardment in Gaza City, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday morning in a statement that “Gaza is burning.”
Katz said that the IDF is striking the “terror infrastructure” with an iron fist and fighting to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.
“We will not relent and we will not back down, until the mission is completed,” Katz added.
The Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported early Tuesday that the Israeli army has intensified its raids on Gaza City since Monday night. Citing local sources, WAFA said that Israeli warplanes were launching continuous raids on the city, almost without stopping.
In recent weeks, some 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City, home to nearly 1 million people, reported Israel’s Army Radio.
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed Washington’s “unwavering support” to Israel in its offensive in Gaza and called for Hamas’ eradication during his visit to the country.
“The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated,” Rubio told reporters at a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
In early August, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City. Israel’s military spokesperson Effie Defrin said earlier this month that Israeli forces control about 40 percent of Gaza City and will “expand and intensify” the offensive in the coming days to seize the enclave’s largest urban center.
The farewell ceremony was held at Kigali International Airport on Monday, September 15, and was led by Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Army Chief of Staff, alongside Commissioner of Police Vincent B. Sano, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.
Earlier on Saturday, Maj Gen Nyakarundi briefed members of the contingent at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako. The session, also attended by Commissioner Sano, emphasised the importance of discipline, commitment, and teamwork as the troops prepare to continue Rwanda’s support to Mozambique’s security operations. The new deployment will be commanded by Maj Gen Vincent Gatama.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed a message from President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, commending the achievements of previous contingents and urging the incoming team to maintain the same high standards.
Commissioner of Police Sano also reminded the troops to foster teamwork and avoid any misconduct that could harm Rwanda’s reputation abroad.
Rwandan troops were first deployed to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government, following years of attacks by Islamic State-linked insurgents.
Since then, the joint operations between Rwanda Security Forces and the Mozambican army have significantly weakened the insurgency, restored security in several areas, and enabled thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes.
The latest deployment comes weeks after a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to Rwanda, during which a renewed Status of Forces Agreement on the support to fight terrorism in Mozambique was signed. The agreement extends Rwanda’s military support in Cabo Delgado province.
“Thanks to this cooperation, we can see peace returning to the region,” President Chapo said, acknowledging Rwanda’s role in stabilising Cabo Delgado despite ongoing sporadic attacks.
The new cabinet includes 34 ministers — 10 of them new, and three state secretaries. Ghrieb, the former industry minister, has been serving as acting prime minister since Tebboune ended Nadir Larbaoui’s tenure last month.
The energy portfolio was split into the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energy, led by Mourad Adjal, and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines, led by Mohamed Arkab.
Algeria, which supplies energy to several European countries, is working to diversify its economy.
On September 11, 2025, members of the European Parliament, including Mariani, passed a resolution urging Rwanda to release the so-called politician Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, who is being prosecuted for crimes, including plotting against the government.
Mariani urged the EU to intensify criticism of Rwanda and demand the release of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza by suspending all cooperation with Kigali.
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe posted on X a photo showing Mariani alongside Bashar al-Assad, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians under his regime in Syria, and another photo of Mariani with President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Accompanying the images, the Minister highlighted that after Assad was removed from power in December 2024, Mariani faced financial difficulties due to his ties with the former Syrian leader. He then quickly aligned himself with President Tshisekedi to secure financial support.
“I have an impression that it was your wallet that ran dry after the fall of a very democratic Bashar al-Assad, whom you served with zeal. So it became necessary to quickly patch the gap with the generosity of another similar regime—one that violates the fundamental rights of its citizens, as if you love them…” he posted on X.
Mariani, founder of the party La Droite Populaire, affiliated with Rassemblement National, is known as one of the far-right MPs who have long targeted the Rwandan government, collaborating with the DRC leadership to accuse Rwanda’s forces of supporting the M23 armed group.
The Rwandan government has repeatedly dismissed these allegations as baseless, explaining that they were fabricated to cover up the mismanagement and abuse of power by the DRC authorities.
The ICRC on Monday received a signed copy of the mechanism for the release of detainees during a handover ceremony in Doha, attended by officials from the State of Qatar in its role as mediator, alongside representatives of both the Congolese government and the AFC/M23.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in eastern Congo, where years of conflict have displaced thousands and strained regional stability.
As part of the process, the AFC/M23 has demanded the release of more than 700 prisoners currently held by the Congolese authorities in connection with the ongoing conflict. The request is expected to form a key part of the verification and exchange operations supervised by the Red Cross.
Qatar’s mediation role was highlighted during the talks, which built on the Doha Principles Agreement signed last July. The detainee exchange is seen as a concrete step toward restoring trust between the parties and advancing prospects for a lasting peace settlement.
“This is a pivotal step toward de-escalating hostilities and fostering peace in eastern DRC,” Massad Boulos said in a statement issued on September 12. “We deeply appreciate Qatar’s critical work with the ICRC on this process and encourage parties to use this momentum to make additional progress on reaching a final peace agreement.”
The ICRC has previously facilitated similar operations in the region. Between April 30 and May 15 this year, the humanitarian body assisted in transferring more than 1,300 disarmed personnel from the Congolese government forces, along with their family members, from the city of Goma to Kinshasa.
The 17-page draft outlines measures for regulatory reforms, third-party oversight of mining operations, the creation of cross-border special economic zones, and safeguards to ensure that each country retains full sovereign control over its natural resources.
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the draft builds on principles agreed in August, covering cooperation in energy development, infrastructure, mineral exploitation, national parks, tourism, and public health. It also outlines implementation measures, coordination mechanisms, and annual high-level summits to monitor progress, alongside technical working groups and steering committees.
Under the draft, Rwanda and the DRC would work with the United States and other international partners to develop regulations and reforms aimed at reducing risks for private investors, curbing illicit trade, and increasing transparency. The agreement calls for third-party inspections of mining sites and collaboration with the private sector to create cross-border special economic zones.
In a framework agreed upon last month, both countries reaffirmed their “full, sovereign control” over the exploitation, processing, and export of natural resources while committing to ensure that mineral revenues do not fund armed groups. The draft also seeks to establish a world-class industrial mining sector and improve interoperability of mineral supply chains across borders.
Although the draft is a cornerstone of the June peace deal brokered in Washington under U.S. President Donald Trump, its implementation faces major security hurdles. The peace accord stipulated the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, followed by the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures.
The plan to dismantle the FDLR and remove Rwandan security measures was initially given a 90-day timeframe. However, there is currently no certainty that it will begin soon, as the DRC government continues to delay.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, recently told the Security Council that the DRC government did not agree to launch the operational plan to dismantle the FDLR during a joint security-level meeting held in Ethiopia early August.
Frequent setbacks in the Doha process, which mediates between Kinshasa and the M23 rebels, further complicate the situation.
Meanwhile, the draft is currently under review by Rwanda, the DRC, and other stakeholders. Representatives of both countries are expected to meet in early October 2025 to finalise the agreement. Unless changes occur, the economic cooperation pact will be signed by the end of that month, marking the final component of the Washington-brokered peace deal.
U.S. officials have indicated that the agreement is critical for linking peace and economic development in the region and for attracting billions of dollars in Western investment in cobalt, tantalum, copper, lithium, and gold.
