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On August 28, 2025, RIC organized a training session for leaders from different faiths and denominations, focusing on the value of AI, how it can be used productively, and the potential risks it poses. The aim was to equip them with the knowledge to guide their congregations—particularly the youth—towards the responsible use of the technology.

RIC Chairperson and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Dr. Laurent Mbanda, noted that AI can play a supportive role in evangelism by assisting with research, helping to prepare and refine sermons, and enhancing learning.

“Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used today. It has an influence on churches, and people cannot simply ignore it because it is very useful. It is also beginning to change the way we live and work.” he said.

“It is a tool for learning, for research, and for providing accurate information. But we must also acknowledge that it can be misused—spreading harmful content, misleading youth, or providing false information. That is why we must understand both its benefits and its dangers, because we cannot run away from it,” he added

Dr. Mbanda urged religious leaders to familiarize themselves with AI so they can help their followers use it wisely: “You can use AI to research the Bible and to prepare ways of teaching the Word of God, but we also need to apply our own discernment.”

He stressed that as technology continues to advance, churches should embrace it and use it responsibly. He pointed out that many churches now share sermons and messages on platforms such as YouTube, X, and Instagram, allowing them to reach wider audiences in a short time.

Julie Kandema, Deputy President of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), said faith leaders are ready to strengthen the use of AI in their work, confident that it will make evangelism easier.

“The whole world is moving toward AI, and religious institutions must also understand it. Many church leaders often dismiss such innovations as unnecessary, but AI also carries benefits. Learning about it helps us know how to use it properly in evangelism,” she noted.

She added that AI could also be applied in writing and composing songs for choirs, as well as in preparing different teaching materials.

Technology expert Dr. Mwangi Chege also reminded participants that AI can be highly beneficial if used well, but warned that it can also be misused—for instance, to discredit preachers through fabricated stories and false narratives. He encouraged churches to understand both the opportunities and risks of AI.

The commitment was announced on August 27, 2025, during a preparatory workshop for the 11th International Conference of the Rwanda Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RSOG), which is set to convene more than 200 doctors from 15 countries.

Addressing RSOG members, Denis Gahizi, Head of Institutional Banking at BK, said the bank is ready to provide financial support to help doctors establish hospitals and other health-focused enterprises.

“Today we are here to join hands with you because while you are focused on safeguarding people’s health, we have a responsibility to support you with financing so that together we can continue driving the country’s development forward.” he said.

“The bank has come in as a partner to promote healthcare and to empower women working in this field. Whether one wants to build a hospital, purchase medical equipment, or invest in health-related businesses, BK is here to support those ambitions,” Gahizi added.

Kenneth Ruzindana, Secretary General of RSOG, emphasized that BK is a strong partner that not only helped organize the conference but also continues to support members in various ways.

“BK is a key partner because it has not only sponsored the organization of this conference but also supports many of our members by providing loans and services that help them advance professionally,” he stated.

Ruzindana further noted that RSOG members are eager to learn new knowledge and exchange experiences with other participants.

“This conference is a platform to share insights related to our profession, especially scientific exchanges aligned with our mission to improve the health of women and children. It will enhance the knowledge of our members and expose them to the latest developments in our field.”

Dr. Mireille Aimée Uwineza from King Faisal Hospital said the leadership training offered ahead of the conference would strengthen doctors’ confidence and ability to take on leadership roles.

“We came here for leadership training, which will help us become better physician leaders. In the past, most of us focused only on treatment and didn’t see leadership or decision-making positions as our role. But we have realized that they matter because they allow us to influence decisions and ensure that our goals as doctors are achieved,” she noted.

“I urge the council to act without delay and authorize an international force, supported by the United Nations through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing,” he told a Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Security measures must go hand-in-hand with increased pressure on those fueling the violence in Haiti. This includes an effective arms embargo, as well as a targeted expansion of sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and others connected to them, said Guterres.

Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. representative to the United Nations, said Thursday that her country and Panama are tabling a draft Security Council resolution on the establishment of a “Gang Suppression Force” and a UN Support Office.

She explained that the UN Support Office would ensure the mission has the tools at its disposal to fight the gangs and ensure that the Haitian state can meet the foundational needs of its people.

The next international force must be resourced to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and complement the Haitian National Police. In parallel, a comprehensive approach is required to disrupt gang financing, arms trafficking, and other illicit flows fueling instability, she said.

Currently, a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission is deployed in Haiti. Although the MSS is endorsed by the Security Council, it is not a UN operation.

It remains unclear whether the proposed Gang Suppression Force will replace the MSS or will be built on it.

In 2024, Rwanda’s total imports were valued at $6.5 billion, more than double the $3.1 billion recorded in 2017. This sharp rise widened the trade deficit to $2.3 billion, underscoring the challenge of narrowing the gap between imports and exports.

Fuel remains by far the largest item on Rwanda’s import bill. In 2024, petroleum products worth $680 million entered the country, compared to $621 million the previous year — a 9.5 percent increase largely driven by rising global prices and growing domestic demand.

Rice was the second most imported commodity. Despite being widely grown in the country, imports surged to $317 million in 2024, up from $239 million the year before — a jump of nearly 33 percent.

According to official data, national rice demand stood at almost 597,000 tonnes, while domestic production was limited to just under 142,000 tonnes.

Farmers, however, remain optimistic about closing the gap. Jean Baptiste Bucyanayandi, president of a cooperative in Gisagara District’s Cyiri Marshland, said his members cultivate more than 250 hectares, producing around 1,000 tonnes annually.

The rice is processed at Gikonko Rice Factory for the local market. With improved seed varieties that mature within four to five months, he believes Rwanda has the potential to significantly scale up its production and eventually satisfy domestic demand.

Other essential goods also continue to weigh heavily on the import ledger. Sugar imports reached $238 million in 2024, up from $192 million the previous year. Cooking oils, particularly palm oil, accounted for $207 million, though this was a decline compared to $237 million in 2023. Motor vehicle imports were valued at $108 million, slightly down from $113 million, while cement purchases rose sharply to $94 million, up from $67 million.

Fish imports also increased, reaching $92 million in 2024, compared to $70 million of the previous year. The demand for electrical cables and equipment climbed to $85 million, up from $62 million.

Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, meanwhile, registered a slight drop to $82 million from $91 million, and imports of electronic goods such as televisions and audio systems fell considerably, from $142 million in 2023 to $75 million in 2024.

Despite the reliance on these imports, Rwanda has set ambitious targets to expand exports. Government projections indicate that export revenues will more than double, rising from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $7.3 billion by 2029. At the same time, the ratio of exports to imports is expected to improve significantly, from 61 percent in 2023 to 77 percent in 2029.

Central to this plan is the Made in Rwanda policy, which aims to increase domestic manufacturing and promote local value addition. Authorities expect the value of exports to grow at an average annual rate of 13 percent, driven by investment in agro-processing, light manufacturing, and service industries.

Ujiri, a prominent voice in sport and youth empowerment, joins Muniba Mazari, a Pakistani advocate for inclusion and disability rights, in the latest cohort of influential leaders tasked with accelerating global progress on the 17 SDGs.

“The SDG Advocates play a vital role in inspiring global action and ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres said. “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Masai Ujiri and Ms. Muniba Mazari to this distinguished group of leaders.”

Through his non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, Ujiri has long used basketball as a platform to inspire young people, break down barriers, and provide opportunities across the continent.

Most recently, the Giants of Africa festival was staged in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2 2025, bringing together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations. The festival was also a major public spectacle, drawing an estimated 20,000 spectators.

At the 2025 edition of Giants of Africa in Kigali, Masai Ujiri also unveiled Zaria Court, a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to promote youth development, gender equality, and community engagement.

Beyond providing a space for basketball and recreation, the facility is envisioned as a hub for education, leadership training, and social impact initiatives, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities.

Reflecting on his appointment, Ujiri said: “Sport doesn’t just unite people – it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities. Joining the SDG Advocates is a tremendous honour, and I’m excited to be part of a global movement that empowers youth and drives meaningful change around the world.”

Mazari, widely known as the “Iron Lady of Pakistan,” has inspired millions through her personal journey and her tireless advocacy for disability rights, inclusion, and gender equality.

“Inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right. I am proud to be an SDG Advocate and to elevate the voices of those who are often unheard,” she said.

The Secretary-General praised the pair’s dedication and highlighted the importance of their work in advancing the SDGs, particularly in areas of youth empowerment, inclusion, and social transformation.

The SDG Advocates, chaired by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, bring together a diverse group of global leaders, from royalty and heads of foundations to business executives, entertainers, and activists.

Current members include Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, Graça Machel, Jeffrey Sachs, Lilly Singh, and Microsoft President Brad Smith, among others.

The meeting, held at Urugwiro Village in Kigali, came a day after Grandi also met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.

In a message posted on X following his talks with President Kagame, Grandi described the exchange as “good,” noting Rwanda’s inclusive and forward-looking refugee policies and the opportunities presented by the Washington peace initiative signed in June between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“Solving issues related to refugees from DRC and Rwanda is one of them. UNHCR is ready to play its facilitating role,” he added.

According to the Office of the President, the talks focused on strengthening Rwanda–UNHCR collaboration, including Rwanda’s leading role in prioritising refugee protection, integration, and long-term solutions.

Grandi’s trip to Rwanda and the DRC was announced earlier in the week. On August 25, he wrote that ongoing political initiatives could provide an opportunity to end violence and forced displacement in eastern DRC “if all actors cooperate,” pledging UNHCR’s readiness to contribute.

His visit follows a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, where Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a 2025–2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.

The roadmap, agreed under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements, sets out concrete steps and timelines to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.

The plan is seen as a cornerstone of post-conflict recovery, building on recent diplomatic milestones, including the Washington Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC in June and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.

Key provisions of the roadmap include expedited repatriation of Rwandan refugees from eastern DRC, improved coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, and stronger reintegration measures covering housing, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and civil documentation. Donor and partner support is also highlighted as vital to ensuring long-term recovery.

UNHCR has already begun implementing parts of the plan. On August 25, the agency repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to Rwandan authorities.

Grandi’s ongoing consultations with regional leaders are expected to reinforce both humanitarian and diplomatic tracks, particularly in addressing challenges that continue to hinder voluntary returns and sustainable reintegration.

The migrants arrived in mid-August and are being housed with support from an international organisation, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local social services are monitoring their welfare.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the group had undergone vetting before relocation. Of the seven, four have opted to begin a new life in Rwanda, while the rest have shown interest in eventually returning to their countries of origin. Their nationalities were not disclosed.

“Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government,” Makolo said.

The migration agreement, concluded in June, provides for Rwanda to host up to 250 migrants transferred from the United States, with the possibility of expanding that number following further negotiations. The migrants are not required to remain in Rwanda permanently and may relocate to other countries if they choose.

Rwanda retains the authority to decide who is eligible for relocation. Those accepted will be supported with job training, healthcare services, and accommodation to ease their integration. Individuals currently serving prison terms in the U.S., or those with convictions for child-related offences, are excluded from the scheme.

In a past statement, Makolo noted that Rwanda’s willingness to take part stems from its history of displacement and commitment to reintegration.

“Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation.”

The ruling was delivered on August 28, 2025, after the bench considered Ingabire’s application for release. She and her defense lawyer Gatera Gashabana, had argued that her initial 30-day remand order had expired without lawful extension.

On July 18, 2025, the same court had issued a remand order committing Ingabire to 30 days of provisional detention while investigations continued. By statutory calculation, that period ended on August 17, 2025.

Under Rwanda’s Code of Criminal Procedure, a person placed in provisional detention may remain in custody for 30 days, subject to judicial extension. The law permits extensions of up to three months for serious crimes and up to six months for grave offenses. If no extension is granted within the time limit, the accused may petition for release.

Ingabire’s defense submitted that the Prosecution failed to comply with the deadline, since it filed its case on August 18 — one day after the expiration of the 30-day order. On this basis, they requested her immediate release.

The Prosecution countered that its filing was within time, arguing that August 17 fell on a Sunday, a non-working day, and therefore the statutory period lawfully extended to the next working day, Monday, August 18.

In its ruling, the Kicukiro Primary Court considered two issues: whether the Prosecution had filed out of time, and whether Ingabire should be released from custody. The court found that the final day of the 30-day detention was indeed August 17, but that filing on August 18 complied with procedural requirements, as it was the next lawful working day.

On those grounds, the court rejected Ingabire’s application and upheld her remand, ordering that she remain in pre-trial detention. The case has since been referred for further proceedings before the competent judicial body.

Ingabire faces multiple charges, including forming an armed group, incitement to insurrection, undermining state authority, dissemination of false information intended to discredit the Government of Rwanda abroad, spreading rumors, conspiracy to endanger state security, and organizing unauthorized demonstrations.

He made the remarks on August 27, 2025, in Singapore, where he attended the 5th Singapore–Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV).

Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda also organized an investment forum aimed at attracting investors and showcasing the country’s advantages as an investment destination.

Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda serves as a gateway to the African market.

“By investing in Rwanda, you are not only investing in our market. You are also connecting your business to the 3.4 trillion-dollar large African market, and its 1.3 billion consumers,” Amb. Nduhungirehe said.

He further explained that Rwanda continues to position itself as a hub for investment in Africa, focusing on innovation and technology-driven growth.

Minister Nduhungirehe reaffirmed Rwanda’s long-term development goals: to achieve Upper Middle-Income Country status by 2035 and to become a High-Income Country by 2050.

By 2035, Rwanda aims to be ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for ease of doing business, and among the top 20 countries with the most resilient economies. By 2050, the country aspires to be in the world’s top 10 performing economies.

To meet these ambitions, Rwanda has set a target for its economy to grow at an average annual rate of at least 12% of GDP between 2018 and 2035, and 10% between 2036 and 2050.

An RDB report shows Rwanda registered new investments worth $3.2 billion (about 4.5 trillion Rwandan francs) in 2024, up from $2.4 billion in 2023. Of this, manufacturing, finance and insurance, and real estate constituted 77.9%.

The Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC), a project designed to transform the country into a globally competitive financial hub has been vital to these endeavors.

Since its launch in 2020, the KIFC has attracted 180 investors, of which 70% are African with 30% coming from other regions of the world.

The Bioko Provincial Tribunal delivered the ruling on Tuesday, 26 August, finding Engonga and five other senior government officials guilty of diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars from the public treasury in the oil-rich Central African state.

In addition to embezzlement, Engonga faced charges of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.

He was ordered to pay a fine of $220,000. According to reports, the court also convicted Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, Rubén Félix Osá Nzang, and Baltasar Ebang Engonga Alú—former directors general in the finance ministry—sentencing each to eight years in prison and imposing heavy fines.

Other government officials, including Rolando Asumu Ndong Oyé, Carmelo Julio Motogo Ndong, and Florentina Ngangá Iñandji, were found guilty as accomplices. They each received three-year prison terms and fines ranging between 16 million and 31 million CFA francs.

Engonga had already been suspended from his post in 2024 after a sex scandal in which hundreds of explicit videos leaked online, allegedly involving him with over 400 women—many of them connected to influential families in the country. The videos, some reportedly filmed in his office, went viral and caused widespread outrage.

Nicknamed “Bello” for his good looks, Engonga was arrested in October 2024 amid accusations of siphoning large sums from the state treasury and concealing the money in offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands. Despite the allegations, he has not publicly commented on the charges.