Justices Carmen Lucia and Cristiano Zanin cast their votes to convict him on Thursday.
Bolsonaro was found guilty on five counts — plotting a coup d’etat, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, participation in an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage, and deterioration of listed heritage sites.
The Supreme Federal Court opened the case on Sept. 2, with a conviction requiring a majority of the five-justice panel reviewing the case.
Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino on Tuesday found Bolsonaro guilty of the related charges, while Justice Luiz Fux on Wednesday voted for acquittal.
The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest. He may still appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Federal Court of 11 justices.
The accident occurred on September 10, 2025, at a spot known locally as Dawe Uri mu Ijuru in Rufumberi Cell, Ngoma Village, Gishyita Sector, Karongi District.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver lost control while negotiating a sharp bend at Dawe Uri mu Ijuru. The truck hit roadside barriers before overturning onto its side.
One of the three people on board identified as Alexandre Dusengumukiza, 30, a resident of Kabare in Kayonza District, died on the spot. The driver, Alpha Uzabakiriho, and another passenger, Asinathe Nyirahabumugisha, sustained minor injuries. They received treatment at Mugonero Hospital and were later discharged.
Police Spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Department, SP Emmanuel Kayigi, said the crash was caused by reckless driving and overspeeding by the driver.
“The accident resulted from failure to regulate speed and improper driving. Fatigue was also a factor since the driver had been driving all night without rest,” Kayigi explained.
He urged drivers to prioritize their health and safety before embarking on journeys.
“We ask drivers to properly plan their trips. If a driver feels tired, they should take a rest. Passengers also have a responsibility of not pressuring drivers to continue driving when it’s clear they are exhausted,” he added.
This incident comes just days after another accident in Nyamasheke District, where a public bus veered off the road and crashed into a tree after the driver, who had warned passengers he was feeling drowsy, was pressured to continue the journey.
He made the remarks on September 10, 2025, during a reception in Kigali celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the victory against Japanese aggression 80 years ago.
The event brought together officials including Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front; and Dr. Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources.
Representatives of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, defence attachés, the Chinese community in Rwanda and friends of China were also in attendance.
Amb. Wenqi underscored the depth of Rwanda–China relations, noting they had reached “historic highs” since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. He pointed to both countries standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” on matters of core interest and praised Rwanda for its solidarity on sovereignty.
“We highly value Rwanda’s support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the One-China principle,” he said.
The One-China principle was formally established in 1949, after the Communist Party of China took power on the mainland and the defeated Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan.
Since then, Beijing has maintained that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and opposes any recognition of it as an independent state.
The envoy also reflected on the broader meaning of the 76th anniversary. He recalled the immense sacrifice China endured during 14 years of resistance against Japanese aggression, which claimed nearly 35 million lives.
From that tragedy, he said, China emerged more resilient, transforming itself into the world’s second-largest economy and lifting over 100 million Chinese out of poverty in ten years.
“This was fundamentally a triumph of justice crushing tyranny, light dispelling darkness, and progress defeating regression,” Amb. Wenqi said, stressing the importance of safeguarding peace and strengthening solidarity among nations.
On the economic front, Ambassador Wenqi highlighted that bilateral trade between China and Rwanda surged to a record high of US$670 million in 2024, with China remaining Rwanda’s leading source of foreign direct investment.
He pointed to projects such as Masaka Hospital, modern highways, and smart education systems as evidence of China’s contribution to Rwanda’s development. He also noted that the successful debut of EHang’s pilotless human-carrying flight in Rwanda has paved the way for deeper collaboration in emerging technologies.
Beyond infrastructure and innovation, Amb. Wenqi emphasized that economic cooperation also strengthens people-to-people links.
Scholarships, training opportunities, cultural exchanges, and even participation in events like Kwita Izina, he said, deepen mutual understanding and showcase the “genuine desire for Rwanda’s wellbeing” that underpins the partnership.
Amb. Wenqi also reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Rwanda to implement the vision shared by their Heads of State and the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, with the aim of further propelling their partnership forward.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and China date back to 1971, Both countries have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development.
Amb. Gao presented credentials to President Paul Kagame to oversee China’s interests on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. He succeeded Amb. Wang Xuekun, who had officially held the role since September 2022.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, highlighted China’s National Day (celebrated on October 1) as an opportunity to recognize the country’s remarkable achievements, noting that its experience offers an inspiring path for development.
Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe also praised China’s contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, and excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, grounded in trust, mutual respect, and practical collaboration.
At least seven people were killed in the attack, including two Qatari security officers, according to Doha authorities.
In an official statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Rwanda expressed its condolences to the State of Qatar and the families of the deceased.
The government called the attack a “wanton trampling of foundational norms of interstate relations” and warned that such actions risk creating a “no-rules-based order” with no contemporary precedent.
Through the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Kigali sharply criticised the international community for what it termed as inaction in the face of escalating violence.
“The continued escalation is senseless, and yet the international community seems content to let it continue unchecked. The hypocrisy and complacency evident in such circumstances, especially from the most powerful, leaves the world vulnerable to growing chaos and uncertainty,” the statement reads in part.
Recognising Qatar’s mediation role in the Great Lakes region and beyond, Rwanda emphasised that such efforts merit “universal appreciation and gratitude” rather than violence. The government also urged “a principled, pragmatic, and swift resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.”
“The Government of Rwanda stands with the State of Qatar in this difficult time and calls for a principled, pragmatic, and swift resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region,” the statement reads.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, had earlier described the Tuesday attack as “state terrorism” and called for a “collective response” from the region, warning that the entire Gulf region is at risk.
He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining peace efforts in Gaza and said Israel’s actions have “killed any hope” for hostages still believed to be alive.
Sheikh Mohammed added that regional partners are consulting on legal avenues to hold Netanyahu accountable for violating international law.
The Qatari government also condemned Israel’s threats of future attacks and highlighted its ongoing mediation efforts, which include hosting Hamas officials at the request of the United States and Israel.
The attack in Doha is part of a broader escalation by Israel, which has struck six countries in the past 72 hours and continued its bombardment of Gaza, where more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.
The Israeli government’s rationale for this broad campaign is to dismantle Hamas’s military and political infrastructure wherever it exists.
Since the October 7, 2023, attack, which Israel states was orchestrated by Hamas leadership, Israeli officials have repeatedly declared that there is “no difference between a terrorist with a Kalashnikov and a terrorist in a three-piece suit” and have vowed to pursue Hamas leaders in “every corner of the world.”
This aggressive strategy is not limited to Hamas alone. Israel has also conducted strikes in other countries, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, against groups it considers to be proxies of Iran, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.
With over 1,000 riders, eight days of racing, and thousands of visitors expected, the Rwanda National Police has issued a detailed plan of road closures and alternative routes to help residents and motorists navigate the city.
{{Day 1 – Sunday, 21 September (9:00 AM – 5:15 PM)
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The main race route will run from BK Arena through Kimironko (Simba Supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza, Gahanga (Master Steel), back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Main Roundabout, back to Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries (Kwa Mignone), Ombudsman and KCC.
Truck traffic will be diverted through the Special Economic Zone, Birembo, Kinyinya, Gasanze, Nyacyonga, Gatsata, Nyabugogo and Giticyoni.
{{Day 2 – Monday, 22 September (9:30 AM – 4:45 PM)
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The route will start at BK Arena and pass through Kimironko (Simba supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince house, Sonatube, Nyanza, Gahanga Market, back to Sonatube, then to Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.
Alternative routes remain the same as Day 1. Truck diversions will be through the Free Zone, Birembo, Kinyinya, Gasanze, Nyacyonga, Gatsata, and Nyabugogo.
{{Day 3 – Tuesday, 23 September (9:45 AM – 4:45 PM)
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The route will cover BK Arena, Kimironko (Simba supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince house, Sonatube, Nyanza and back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries (Kwa Mignone), Ombudsman and KCC.
Motorists can use Nyamata – Nyanza – Rebero – Gikondo – Rugunga – Biryogo – Downtown; or Kuri 12 – Kigali Parents – Kimironko Junction- Kimironko P/station – Nyabisindu – Gasabo District HQs – Former RDB – Gishushu – Golf – Kinamba – Yamaha – Downtown.
A third option runs from Kuri 12 through Giporoso, Kabeza, Niboye, Kicukiro Centre, Gatenga, Gikondo and Rugunga to CHUK – Downtown.
Trucks will follow the Special Economic Zone – Birembo – Kinyinya – Gasanze – Nyacyonga – Gatsata – Nyabugogo – Giticyoni route.
{{Day 4 – Wednesday, 24 September (8:00 AM – 5:15 PM)
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The race will start from KCC and pass through Gishushu, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza, back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and KCC. An additional circuit will include KCC – Gishushu – MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, the Golf area, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.
The route will extend from KCC through Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and back to KCC.
Motorists can divert via Giporoso – Prince House – Sonatube – Kanogo – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre or via Giporoso – Chez Lando – Kimironko – Kibagabaga – Kagugu – Utexrwa – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre.
{{Day 6 – Friday, 26 September (7:00 AM – 4:45 PM)
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The race will follow the same course as Day 5, from KCC through Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.
Alternative roads remain Giporoso – Prince House – Sonatube – Kanogo – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre, or Giporoso – Chez Lando – Kimironko – Kibagabaga – Kagugu – Utexrwa – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre.
{{Day 7 – Saturday, 27 September (7:20 AM – 5:00 PM)
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Cyclists will follow the same route as the previous day, and motorists can continue using the same alternative roads.
{{Day 8 – Sunday, 28 September (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
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The final day will feature the most extensive course, starting from KCC to Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Sopetrade, Main Round about, Nyabugogo, Ruliba, Nervege, Kigali Pele Stadium, Tapi Rouge, Kimisagara, kwa Mutwe, ONATRACOM, Gitega, Main Round about, Sopetrade, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and back to KCC.
Alternative routes include:
* Ruliba – Mwendo – Rugendabari – Miduha Center – RP – Kanogo
* Giporoso – Prince House – Sonatube – Kanogo – Kinamba – Nyabugogo
* Giporoso – Chez Lando – Kimironko – Kibagabaga – Kagugu – Utexrwa – Kinamba – Nyabugogo
Light vehicles may also use Mukoto – Murambi – Masoro – Nyacyonga.
The Rwanda National Police has urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance and familiarise themselves with alternative routes to avoid delays. Officers will be on duty across the city to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety throughout the championships.
Launched in July 2025, Smart Ibiruhuko is a joint initiative of MINICT and several partners, designed to provide young people with digital skills during the school holidays through online learning platforms.
Students accessed lessons using computers available in schools and youth centers, while others followed classes from home using their own devices. The program targeted secondary school students, those enrolled in technical and vocational training (TVET), and out-of-school youth eager to acquire technology skills.
At the launch of the program, MINICT emphasized that it aligns with Rwanda’s national ICT vision.
“This initiative is part of the broader government project One Million Rwandan Coders [1MRC], whose goal is to train one million people, mainly youth, in digital skills such as coding within five years,” the ministry said.
Smart Ibiruhuko also supports Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by enabling young people to use their holidays productively, gaining essential knowledge for the country’s development in the 21st century.
According to MINICT, a total of 10,245 students participated nationwide. Of these, 2,644 completed multiple courses, justifying why the number of certificates awarded exceeded the number of participants.
Fourteen top-performing students were recognized with prizes, including laptops and tablets.
The courses covered a wide range of skills, including Digital Literacy, Data Analytics, Software Development, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Python Essentials, JavaScript Essentials, Internet of Things (IoT), UI/UX Design, among others.
Students expressed their satisfaction with the program, noting that the knowledge gained would help them pursue further ICT-related studies and apply digital skills in their everyday lives.
MINICT stressed that Smart Ibiruhuko represents an important milestone in Rwanda’s journey to becoming a continental hub for technology and innovation.
Rwanda’s energy story is one of ambition and urgency. The country has made remarkable progress, over 82% of households are now connected to electricity, a leap driven by both on-grid expansion and off-grid solar.
The government’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) aims to achieve universal access while promoting clean cooking solutions, diversifying the energy mix, and strengthening resilience. But meeting these targets requires more than infrastructure and technology; it requires capital, trust, and innovative financing.
That’s where the financial sector steps in, and where Bank of Kigali is taking a leading role. With over Frw 61 billion currently invested in the energy sector through facilities supporting projects such as Rukarara VI Hydropower Plant, Gazmeth Energy, Ngali Energy, and EUCL, the bank has positioned itself as a reliable partner for both large-scale generation and community-driven initiatives. Its portfolio spans hydropower, methane gas, solar, and clean energy distribution, mirroring Rwanda’s own diversified strategy.
Beyond this, the BK Foundation continues to be instrumental in community electrification, connecting households, schools, and health centers to off-grid solutions. Energy access is not only about megawatts, but about livelihoods, opportunity, and inclusion.
Still, challenges remain. Rwanda’s energy sector must navigate high capital costs, foreign exchange risks, and the need for longer-term local currency financing. Many projects are small-scale and fragmented, making them less attractive to traditional investors. Clean cooking, which still relies heavily on biomass, faces perhaps the biggest financing gap of all. Addressing these issues calls for blended finance, innovative risk-sharing models, and strong partnerships between government, private investors, and banks.
Speaking at the Energy Week conference, Levi GASANGWA, Bank of Kigali’s Chief Business and Corporate Solutions, emphasized: “To achieve a just and sustainable energy transition, we must unlock investment that balances national ambition with affordability. As a bank, our role is to create pathways that make energy projects bankable, scalable, and impactful.”
For the Bank of Kigali, this is more than an economic opportunity, it is a national duty. By aligning its financing strategy with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and NST2, the bank is helping to build the backbone of a greener, more inclusive economy.
Energy is the spark that powers industries, classrooms, hospitals, and innovation hubs. Without it, growth stalls. With it, Rwanda can leapfrog into a future defined by sustainability and prosperity.
As the conversations unfold during Energy Week, one thing is clear: financing is as critical as technology in driving Rwanda’s energy transition.
Bank of Kigali’s role is not only to provide capital, but to be a catalyst, bridging ambition with execution, and ensuring Rwanda’s energy future is both bright and inclusive.
In a statement shared on X, the partners said the first U Express outlet is scheduled to open in early 2026. It will be located within Inzovu Mall, a 40,000-square-meter mixed-use development in Kigali’s Kimihurura business district. The mall sits strategically near the Kigali Convention Centre and is being constructed on the former site of Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court.
Construction spearheaded by Groupe Duval began in August 2023, with the development expected to be completed by September 2025 and open to the public in December 2025. The total project cost is estimated at $68–71 million, financed through a combination of Groupe Duval’s investment and external loans from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Proparco, each contributing $17.5 million.
The mall aims to attract both international and local brands. The U Express store will span 3,000 square meters, providing consumers with quality products at fair prices and closer links to local producers.
{{Economic impact and job creation
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The partnership is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. Groupe Duval estimates that the U Express stores will create over 500 jobs, while the Inzovu Mall development will support more than 700 positions during construction and operation. The project is also expected to boost Rwanda’s retail sector, contribute to tax revenues, and support local infrastructure.
Inzovu Mall is being developed as a high-end, mixed-use hub that combines retail, leisure, hospitality, and office spaces. The mall will offer between 21,000 and 26,000 square meters of retail and leisure space, hosting restaurants, entertainment facilities, and anchor tenants such as Intermarché and a BUT store.
A four-star Odalys hotel, covering 5,000 square meters and featuring 95 rooms, will be integrated into the development, allowing guests to access the mall directly from their rooms.
The project also includes 6,000 square meters of Grade A office space and extensive parking facilities, with between 400 and 667 spaces, including a basement accommodating 450 vehicles.
Sustainability is a core component of the development, with energy-efficient lighting, solar power, water recycling systems, and other green technologies. Inzovu Mall is targeting IFC EDGE certification, which recognises environmentally sustainable building practices.
He was speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, where RSSB officials presented the institution’s overall performance from 2021 to 2025.
Rugemanshuro highlighted that RSSB’s total assets have doubled in five years, climbing to Frw 3 trillion as of June 2025.
The return on investment also rose sharply, moving from 1.4 percent in 2021 to 14.2 percent in June 2025.
Investment portfolio increased to Frw 2.846 trillion in 2024/2025, translating into an increase by 16.7 percent compared to the previous year.
“Over the last five years, RSSB has reshaped its investment approach by focusing on long term income and making sure every new investment goes thorough strict viability test,” Rugemanshuro said. “The results are clear, and this is the strategy we intend to maintain.”
He added that in addition to reviving underperforming assets, the institution successfully exited certain investments at a profit.
Rugemanshuro also dismissed past criticism that RSSB was operating at a loss, saying current results demonstrate sound financial management.
“This confirms that members’ contributions are being well protected, invested for their benefit , and used to support job creation and national development,” he emphasized.
The report further showed an expansion in healthcare partnerships. The number of health facilities working with RSSB under the Community-Based Health Insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) increased from 953 in 2021 to 1,182 in 2025, while those under the Rwandaise d’Assurance Maladie (RAMA) scheme rose from 810 to 1,152.
RSSB indicates that although investments in real estate are still generally lagging behind, they account for 10% of its total investments.
“This is an area where we need to intensify efforts. Despite achieved progress, delays in project implementation remain an issue, from project initiation to completion, due both to follow-up capacity and needed improvements in the construction sector,” he said.
Among the ongoing projects is Heza Estate, where 70 percent of the houses have already been reserved by buyers even as works near completion.
RSSB is also planning to expand developments on land near the Kigali Golf Course, with plans including a five-star hotel and other projects in collaboration with private investors.
Rugemanshuro concluded that, while there is room for improvement, the last five years have shown remarkable progress,with significant contribution to Rwanda’s broader development goals.
The group, who had been residing in the temporary camp in Goma, returned on September 9, 2025, following assessments by UNHCR staff, the agency’s Director Filippo Grandi confirmed.
The repatriation follows an agreement reached on July 24 between Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR during a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The parties pledged to continue cooperating to address challenges affecting both Rwandan and Congolese refugees, including facilitating voluntary returns for those who wish to go back.
Earlier, on August 25, UNHCR repatriated 533 Rwandans from the same Goma camp, and the agency said it will continue working with both countries to assist others willing to return.
