The court confirmed a municipal decree by Orléans mayor Serge Grouard, which had refused the burial on grounds that it risked turning the cemetery into a site of denial or glorification of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Zigiranyirazo, once a prominent member of Rwanda’s former ruling elite, was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2008 before being acquitted a year later on procedural grounds.
Ibuka France noted that this acquittal did not erase his historically established role within the regime that planned and executed the genocide.
His initial planned burial on August 28 was also blocked by Orléans Mayor Serge Grouard. The Diocese of Orléans Loiret in France, citing Protais Zigiranyirazo’s role in the genocide against the Tutsi, also announced that his funeral after his death on August 4, 2025, would be held without a Eucharist and without testimonies.
According to IBUKA, attempts by his family to organize a funeral in France attended by around 400 people, many linked to the former regime, constituted a profound insult to the victims, most of whom never received proper burials.
Ibuka France accused Zigiranyirazo’s relatives and supporters of using long-standing “conspiratorial rhetoric” to shift responsibility away from perpetrators and discredit victims’ associations.
The organization praised Mayor Grouard for personally defending the city’s decree before the court and also commended local mayors in Saran, Fleury-les-Aubrais, and Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle for firmly rejecting any burial in their municipalities.
Their stance, Ibuka France said, reflects a republican duty to resist denial, rehabilitation, or trivialization of the genocide.
Ibuka France further called on the French state to establish stronger safeguards to ensure that no municipal cemetery becomes a platform for denial or glorification of the genocide.
The organization also questioned how Zigiranyirazo’s body was transported to Orléans with only authorization from Niger and without the mandatory French consular permit, especially given that he had been barred from entering France during his lifetime.
“Ibuka France will continue, with strength and consistency, to fight denial and any attempt to glorify the genocide against the Tutsi,” the group said.
He emphasized that sustainable peace and security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are essential for their safe and dignified return.
Grandi was welcomed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, Aristarque Ngoga and the Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Murindwa. He was accompanied by UNHCR Regional Director Mamadou Balde and UNHCR Rwanda Representative, Ndeye Aissatou Masseck Ndiaye.
In his remarks, the High Commissioner highlighted that his visit aligns with the ongoing peace processes between Rwanda, the DRC and regional actors.
He commended Rwanda’s inclusive refugee programs, expressed solidarity with asylum seekers and acknowledged the tireless efforts of humanitarian partners despite global funding challenges.
“Rwanda has shown remarkable commitment to protecting those forced to flee, and we must work together to create the conditions that will allow them to return home safely,” Grandi said.
While meeting with representatives of Congolese asylum seekers, Grandi heard first-hand accounts of violence and displacement.
“We want to return home, where we were born,” said Gashati Nyanjwenge, 41, who was disabled by the FDLR while protecting his cows in Masisi territory.
“We recommend increased efforts in addressing the ongoing wars in Congo so that we can return home,” added Anatalie Mukankusi, 75, who has been at the camp for three years fleeing violence in Masisi.
Speaking to journalists after touring the camp, Grandi explained that his visit to Rwanda, which followed a stop in DR Congo, was in response to the Rwanda-DR peace agreement signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington, and the Doha Declaration of Principles.
He pledged to advocate for peace and security in eastern DRC as the foundation for safe returns, reaffirming UNHCR’s commitment to durable solutions.
Partners present at the camp raised concerns about the impact of global funding shortages on humanitarian operations, highlighting prioritisation, coordination and community engagement as key strategies to sustain support.
The High Commissioner later toured the camp, praising the conducive environment created through collaboration between the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR, and partners.
The announcement on August 29, 2025, was delivered with uncompromising language in Ankara’s parliament, where Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscored the depth of Türkiye’s break with Israel.
“We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace,” Fidan declared in his address to the Grand National Assembly.
He accused Israel of “committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world’s eyes.”
The measures extend a decision taken in May 2024, when Türkiye suspended direct trade with Israel, halting a commercial partnership worth nearly $7 billion the year before.
Friday’s announcement closes off every remaining avenue of cooperation, from trade to transportation, and enforces strict new maritime rules requiring ships to prove they are not connected to Israel or carrying military cargo.
At the same time, Türkiye has positioned itself as a potential humanitarian actor. The presidency confirmed that air drops of aid to Gaza are prepared and awaiting coordination with Jordan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has matched his government’s policies with fierce criticism of Israel’s leadership.
The fallout is expected to affect regional transport and trade flows, forcing airlines and shipping companies to reroute at greater cost.
By tailoring education to each child’s passions, whether it’s art or science, SkillSeed promises to unlock a future where kids don’t just learn, but thrive.
The platform uses artificial intelligence to create unique learning profiles, drawing on data from interactive assessments, engagement with videos and books, and feedback from mentors.
“Based on the data that has been collected, when the child answers questions in the assessment, we get to know what they are interested in, and we now give them the content that aligns with what they like,” says Juliet Kelechi, Wekraft’s Chief Technology Officer.
“We have modals that they interact with as well, and they can create things on their own depending on what their interest is.”
The platform offers gamified challenges, like puzzles and creative tasks, that make learning fun and hands-on. Parents receive detailed progress reports, with stars and badges marking their child’s growth.
“It’s not as serious as I make it sound; it’s more game-like,” Kelechi adds. “A six-year-old watches cartoons, of course, so we use those kinds of avatars to portray, so it’s fun and colourful.”
For co-founder and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Agnes Wambui, SkillSeed’s mission, which started in 2023, is deeply personal. Growing up, she excelled at debating on a national level but felt demoralised by a system that valued grades above all else.
“I felt that I would never amount to anything because I was not really good academically, but I never got much support for these other passions that I had,” Wambui recalls.
“We started Wekraft to show parents there are more levels and more measures of intelligence.”
SkillSeed complements the traditional education system, recognising what Wambui calls “up to nine types of intelligence.” The platform is aimed at nurturing diverse talents like art or debate, even helping kids build digital portfolios to showcase their work globally.
“You have a kid who can draw really well. Why don’t you have a portfolio for them that they can showcase to the rest of the world?” Wambui asks, noting opportunities like international exchange programs that such exposure can unlock.
Wekraft’s journey began with in-person workshops, where kids engaged in hands-on activities to spark their curiosity.
“We started with the in-person program where we were going to schools and having physical activities with the kids,” says Staphord Nkumbuye, Wekraft’s CEO.
The team soon realised the need for a broader reach, leading to the creation of a learning toolkit kids could take home.
“Kids wanted to take some of these activities home… learning continues even after school,” Nkumbuye explains. This toolkit laid the groundwork for SkillSeed’s digital platform, scaling its impact to reach more children with personalised, AI-driven experiences.
The platform’s practical impact resonates with students like Stalon Mbanda, who recently finished high school. Using SkillSeed’s toolkit, he created a vivid illustration of a kidney’s structure.
“It helped me bring out the vivid description of what I had in my mind,” he says, noting how the toolkit bridged theory and practice in his pursuit to become a doctor.
Commenting on the current platform, he noted, “Such programs help me to envision how I would be so that more of my knowledge is no longer theoretical but also practical.”
Beyond academics, SkillSeed connects kids with professionals through virtual mentorships and career excursions, exposing them to fields from science to creative arts.
“The goal is to expose kids to as many careers as possible, including the ones which are not here in Rwanda, because the world is an oyster,” Wambui says.
Recognising the digital divide in developing countries like Rwanda, the platform offers offline content for rural areas through partnerships with schools and community centres.
“We are using a hybrid approach to help children in rural areas access the platform,” Kelechi explains.
Wekraft also runs a donation program, where a portion of each subscription, starting at 15,000 Rwandan francs per month, subsidises access for those who can’t afford it.
The company is calling on organisations to donate refurbished computers to equip underserved schools.
For Wekraft’s CEO, SkillSeed is about shaping a generation. “We’re trying to tell parents we are in an era where passion and love for what you do take you further than following someone else’s path,” Nkumbuye says.
The journey to build SkillSeed wasn’t easy. But with support from Jasiri, a program empowering high-impact startups in Rwanda and the region, Wekraft found the wings to lift their idea.
“I never believed someone could help me when I just have an idea. Jasiri provided the best coaches in Africa, office spaces, and funding that made it easier to create something really wonderful,” Nkumbuye remembers those early days.
“Entrepreneurship can be brutal, but I was having fun because I loved it,” he adds.
According to Wekraft’s CEO, SkillSeed has enrolled over 600 students and earned crucial backing from Rwanda’s Ministry of Education.
“We even have the backing from the Rwandan government through the Ministry of Education,” he says, adding that the startup’s journey has been shaped by guidance from experts in early childhood education.
In a recommendation seen by IGIHE, the Ministry of Education states that Wekraft, through the SkillSeed platform, significantly advances inclusive, skills-based education, preparing youth for the future of work.
“Their learner-centred approach equips young people with essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving.
“Their pilot programs have engaged hundreds of learners, demonstrating a commitment to community development through collaboration with schools, educators, and local artisans. The SkillSeed platform also aligns with global frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and decent work.”
Sarah Mukundwa, an educationist and parent, sees platforms like SkillSeed as a game-changer in shaping the next generation of experts across diverse fields.
“My son is 10. He likes football so much. He told me, ‘Mommy, I can be a footballer and a doctor.’ This platform tests his skills, so he can know what he can excel in. It will help kids do what they love, not just what they’re told by their parents,” she says.
Wekraft plans to expand the program to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya in the near future as it gains momentum.
For parents and guardians, the platform is accessible at: [https://parents.wekraft.co/->https://parents.wekraft.co/]
Watch the video to discover more about the platform.
He is expected to stand trial before the General Court Martial, with charges reported to include treason, corruption, terrorism, and murder, according to local media.
Birungi’s arrest follows an investigation led by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding.
The inquiry was launched earlier this year to scrutinize alleged misconduct within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), particularly in intelligence and counterterrorism operations.
Findings from the probe suggest that certain UPDF officers may have fabricated or exaggerated bomb threats in Kampala as a means to obtain funds or mask illegal dealings.
Investigators also looked into misleading intelligence reports, including a claim about the death of ADF commander Meddie Nkalubo, information that had been verified under Birungi’s leadership at CMI.
The senior officer was apprehended on Friday night and immediately transferred to Makindye Prison. His case marks the first time a former CMI chief has been jailed.
Birungi’s military career has been turbulent in recent months. After being removed from CMI earlier this year, he briefly served as commander of the UPDF Mountain Division before being reassigned as a military attaché to Burundi, a role he never formally assumed.
While addressing the “Meet China in Africa” event held at an urban agriculture demonstration center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, said agricultural cooperation constitutes an important cornerstone of win-win cooperation between China and Africa.
“China’s agricultural technical assistance and transfer of advanced agricultural technologies have enriched the grain bags and vegetable baskets of the African people, and contributed to the steady advancement of agricultural modernization in Africa,” Jiang said.
He highlighted that China has established over 20 agricultural technology demonstration centers and promoted more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies in Africa, benefiting over 1 million smallholder farmers.
Noting that China has also deployed over 500 agricultural experts in Africa and offered training for nearly 9,000 agricultural talents, Jiang said China will continue to support Africa’s modernization drive to improve the well-being of its people through ensuring food security.
Patience Mhuriro-Mashapa, an agriculture and food security expert at the AU Commission, commended China’s unwavering partnership with Africa, particularly through numerous capacity-building training programs.
“Modernized agriculture can redeem Africa from perpetual food security. The best practice China is promoting aligns well with the AU agenda 2063 aspirations and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program’s vision of building a sustainable agri-food system,” she said.
She added that China’s support for Africa’s modern agricultural development has significantly strengthened skills, enhanced institutional capacity, and fostered knowledge exchanges in the sector.
The Chinese agricultural experts at the demonstration center have introduced new agricultural technologies, provided inputs, and upgraded agricultural infrastructures for local communities, according to Melese Anshebo, deputy commissioner of Addis Ababa City Administration Farmers and Urban Agriculture Development.
The project, named Kinigi Horticulture Hub, covers 1,250 square metres on the outskirts of the park and uses modern agricultural technology to cultivate flowers, vegetables, and fruits. It is part of a larger $50 million (approximately Frw 72 billion) initiative aimed at increasing the park’s area and enhancing local livelihoods.
The expansion plan includes the creation of Smart Green Village, a model community set to accommodate 510 households. The Kinigi Horticulture Hub represents a small portion of this village, with an investment of $3.4 million. The village will be built on 50 hectares with environmentally sustainable homes powered by solar energy and equipped with water purification and reuse systems.
The village will feature three main sectors—agriculture, livestock, and tourism—each designed to generate income while protecting the environment. Initial crops planted include peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which are expected to generate Frw 45 million annually against a setup cost of Frw 11 million. The area will be managed by the local Volcano Community Association, which has already trained 211 residents in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and food quality standards.
The livestock sector will accommodate chickens, sheep, and pigs, while the tourism section will focus on biodiversity conservation, handicrafts, and cultural activities.
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and spans 16,000 hectares. The park’s expansion will add 3,740 hectares—23% of its current area—to improve habitat space for the endangered gorillas.
The overall expansion project is planned to be implemented in phases over 10 to 15 years, with a total estimated cost of $230 million, funded by the Rwandan government, development partners, loans, and donations.
{{Linking tourism and community development
}}
At the inauguration, RDB Director General Jean-Guy Afrika highlighted the connection between tourism growth and local development.
“The goal is to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and empower youth and women. When tourism grows, community development also increases,” he said.
The government has allocated Frw 600.4 million to Musanze and Nyabihu districts, Frw 450.3 million to Burera, and Frw 150.1 million to Rubavu to support community welfare near the park.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde described the project as the first phase of the park expansion.
“This initiative addresses key challenges faced by local communities, including land pressure due to population growth and human-wildlife conflicts,” he said.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore, emphasised the importance of technology in agriculture.
“These solutions are sustainable and will increase productivity. Market-oriented agriculture will allow farmers to expand beyond local demand to other districts and even abroad,” he said.
Since the launch of the tourism benefit-sharing programme 20 years ago, 10% of park revenues have been invested in community projects. RDB reports that these initiatives, valued at Frw 18 billion, have supported schools, housing, health centres, agriculture, livestock, and conflict mitigation efforts.
In 2025, 83 community projects worth over Frw 4 billion were implemented across 14 districts, with plans to increase support to more than Frw 5 billion in 2025–2026.
The high rating reflects CCXI’s assessment of Afreximbank’s strengths including high strategic positioning, sound risk management system, flexibility in business development, very strong profitability, prudent liquidity management and very high coverage ratio of current assets on short-term debts.
The rating agency further said that it believed that Afreximbank’s ratings would remain stable over the next 12 to18 months, even after consideration of downside credit risks to the macroeconomic and operating environments affecting the Bank.
Reacting to the rating announcement, Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, noted that the rating affirms the Bank’s systemic relevance to Africa and its prudent risk management.
He noted it will enhance funding diversification opportunities, particularly in China’s Panda bond market, supporting Afreximbank’s development mandate and trade facilitation between Africa and China.
Denya reiterated Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting trade finance in Africa and the Caribbean, even during challenging times. He noted the Bank’s commitment to its member states and all clients was unwavering and this resilient track record had significantly contributed to its formidable rating.
He said the Chinese rating affirmed the Bank’s preferred creditor status among its 53 member states in Africa and 13 in the Caribbean.
“CCXI’s rating is a remarkable achievement amid a challenging operating environment, and it is a demonstration of Afreximbank’s systemic relevance to Africa and the Caribbean, our key focus regions,” Denya noted.
Denya added that the rating exemplified the Bank’s resilience and would enable it to leverage the breadth and depth of the Panda market as it diversifies its funding sources globally.
The CCXI rating is expected to galvanise greater support for Afreximbank’s funding plans in the Chinese market and enhance the Bank’s market presence and credit position.
In April this year, Afreximbank successfully issued its landmark inaugural Panda bond in the China Interbank Bond Market, raising RMB 2.2 billion (US $ 303 million).
The issuance was a significant success, being oversubscribed and attracting high-quality investors, which underscored strong market confidence in the Bank’s credit profile.
This pioneering transaction not only provides Afreximbank with a new source of diversified funding in Chinese Renminbi but also establishes a crucial benchmark for other African borrowers and marks a key step in deepening financial cooperation between Africa and China.
The celebration, dubbed the Tambali Ceremony, was held on Wednesday, August 27, at the Deco Center Hub in Kigali. The event brought together parents, facilitators, alumni, and well-wishers who gathered to honour the achievements of the 111 learners, including 67 males and 44 females, who completed the programme.
Opening the ceremony, Cedric Nsengiyumva, Pathway Learning Experience Community Analyst for Kigali, congratulated the graduates and expressed gratitude to the families and facilitators who supported them throughout their academic journey.
His words of praise and encouragement set an uplifting and celebratory tone for the rest of the evening.
The Pathway curriculum combines academic and entrepreneurial training, with courses ranging from Business Finance and Statistics to Computing and Venture Creation. Beyond technical skills, the programme emphasises personal growth, leadership, and soft skills development. Learners described the journey as transformative, with many highlighting improved confidence, communication, and critical thinking.
Parents also praised the programme’s impact. Jovite Sinzahere, father of graduate Lisette Mukiza, who secured a full scholarship to the African Leadership University in Mauritius, described the achievement as life-changing.
“This scholarship has saved me 220 million Rwandan francs in school fees for the next four years. Such an opportunity is not only life-changing for my daughter but also a testament to the quality education ALX offers. Beyond the academics, I have seen how the program has built her soft skills in communication, personal branding, and critical thinking. It has shaped her into a confident, well-rounded individual ready for the future,” he shared.
Learners, too, reflected deeply on their journeys.
“When we started the program, we could barely stand in front of an audience. But over the course, we have built such confidence in ourselves, and moving forward, the transformation in our confidence is clear,” Happy remarked.
The impact of the Pathway program was also evident in the remarkable outcomes achieved by the learners. Seventeen learners received full Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, while more than 10 others secured partial scholarships through the program.
Several learners also won external scholarships, and some remain on competitive waitlists. In total, more than 70 university admissions have already been secured, while others are still awaiting placement. A number of alumni from the Pathway program have also found alternative routes to pursue their dreams, including student loans and self-sponsorship.
Closing the event, Dare Daramola, ALX Head of Learning and Community, thanked parents for their unwavering support and recognised three learners for outstanding performance. He described the programme as a “launchpad for possibility,” urging graduates to continue inspiring others.
ALX Pathway provides High School graduates in Africa a unique opportunity to access degree programmes at leading global universities. With a focus on tech, Pathway supports and prepares young people across eight African cities for their application to one of ALX’s partner universities.
In addition to university application support, Pathway offers access to scholarship opportunities and finance partners that help make university accessible and affordable.
For more information, visit [https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/->https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/] or watch this recap of previously awarded scholarships.
Moloko, 27, previously featured for Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC and AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He arrives at AS Kigali after spells in Iraq with Al Sadaqa and Diyala, and most recently in Algeria with ES Mostaganem.
The Kigali-based side struggled for goals during recent friendly matches, particularly in the Inkera y’Abahizi pre-season tournament, where their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly. The club will now look to Moloko to provide attacking depth alongside Rudasingwa Prince and Iyabivuze Osée.
AS Kigali will kick off their 2025/26 league campaign on September 14, 2025, when they face Amagaju FC.
