In an interview with NBC News, Vance rejected the notion that Moscow was stringing President Donald Trump along, saying the Russians have been “flexible” on some of their demands.
“I think the Russians have made significant concessions to President Trump for the first time in three and a half years of this conflict,” Vance said. “They’ve actually been willing to be flexible on some of their core demands. They’ve talked about what would be necessary to end the war.”
“Of course, they haven’t been completely there yet, or the war would be over. But we’re engaging in this diplomatic process in good faith,” he added.
“We’re going to keep on doing what we have to do to bring this thing to a close,” Vance said. “I don’t think it’s going to happen overnight.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not being planned.
Intense diplomatic efforts have been underway in recent weeks to end the conflict in Ukraine. Following the Trump-Putin meeting in the U.S. state of Alaska, Trump held talks with Zelensky and European leaders on Monday.
Sixty juniors, ranging from 4 to 16 years old, competed across four divisions, bringing a mix of excitement, composure, and raw talent that left parents, coaches, and spectators convinced Rwanda is nurturing players who could soon compete on the continental stage.
The 18-hole advanced category proved the highlight of the day, delivering a commanding performance from Mukabwa Murenjekha, whose precision and calmness under pressure earned him a net 65 to secure first place.
His younger sister, Wambui Murenjekha, followed closely with a sharp short game and impressive course management, finishing with a net 70. Hannah Murenzi joined them on the podium with an equally composed net 70. Their consistency and strategic play sent a clear message: Rwanda’s junior golf program is producing athletes with the skill and temperament to excel regionally and beyond.
In the 9-hole intermediate division, six-year-old Joey Zane Wimfura Mutaboba stole the spotlight, claiming victory with a composed 49. Yao Yao and Cyibil Wambui weren’t far behind, with scores of 51 and 52, respectively, proving the depth of talent emerging in Rwanda’s youth golf scene.
The energy carried into the younger categories, where the 6-hole beginners put on a spirited performance led by Rodney Rwivanga at 35 strokes. In the 3-hole contest, Sine Saro and Travis Yuhi Emile tied for top honors with 17 strokes each. Even at these early levels, discipline and skill were evident, demonstrating that this tournament is more than just an event—it’s a vital pipeline for Rwanda’s future golf stars.
“This series isn’t simply about competition; it’s about building a pathway,” said Ambassador Bill Kayonga, Chairman of the Rwanda Golf Union. “We now have a structure for young golfers to develop their skills and feed directly into Rwanda’s national team. We thank NCBA for making this possible.”
“We’re proud to offer a glimpse into the next generation of African golf,” said Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda. “Our investment in junior golf reflects our commitment to ‘Change the Story’ and build opportunities where they matter most.”
The event’s success was also a testament to the meticulous planning by Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, which has invested heavily in its junior academy. “Seeing these kids take the course with professionalism and joy proves that consistent coaching and opportunities pay off,” said Gaston Gasore, Acting CEO of Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.
As competition wrapped up, the tournament transformed into a lively family celebration. A poolside prize-giving ceremony featured grand trophies, giveaways, and a cake-cutting ceremony, with music, swimming, food, and ice cream courtesy of the sponsors. Families, golfers, and guests celebrated not only a successful tournament but also the bright future of Rwandan golf.
With strong partnerships, rising talent, and a clear development pathway, Rwanda’s next generation of golfers is swinging confidently toward a future filled with possibility.
Ndikuriyo made these remarks during a recent media briefing in Butanyerere District, Buye, which addressed several national issues, including widespread poverty, fuel shortages, refugee returns, border closures, and prospects for restoring ties with Rwanda.
When journalists asked about the potential reopening of borders and the restoration of bilateral relations, Ndikuriyo was unequivocal. He stated that Burundi is not prepared to live in harmony with Rwanda until those involved in the 2015 coup attempt are surrendered.
“Rwanda must hand over those who attempted the coup d’état. If they continue to refuse, we will not back down because Burundians respect themselves and their dignity,” he stated.
Burundi closed its borders in January 2024, after repeatedly accusing Rwanda of supporting the RED Tabara rebel group following an attack in the Gatumba area of Bujumbura. At the time, the Rwandan government dismissed the claims, saying they were false and that Rwanda had no connection to any armed group in Burundi.
Rwanda has also made clear that it cannot hand over the individuals involved in the coup attempt, as doing so would violate international refugee law.
Bilateral relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated sharply in 2015 during an attempted coup against Nkurunziza. The coup, led by soldiers including Gen. Maj. Godefroid Niyombare, unfolded while Nkurunziza was attending an East African Community summit in Tanzania.
On May 15, 2015, forces loyal to Nkurunziza regained control, prompting Niyombare and other coup participants—soldiers, police, and politicians—to flee. Burundi claims many sought refuge in Kigali, and has repeatedly requested their extradition, which Rwanda has refused on legal grounds.
On March 10, 2025, intelligence officials from both countries met in Kirundo Province to discuss security issues that have exacerbated tensions. While talks also addressed potential pathways for restoring relations, progress has been stalled by Burundi’s continued accusatory stance towards Rwanda.
The border closure has significantly disrupted travel and trade between the two countries.
{{FDLR presence complicates reconciliation
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While Burundi focuses on accusations against Rwanda and demands the extradition of coup plotters as a precondition for better ties, experts warn that its tolerance of the FDLR militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda could hinder the restoration of relations.
The collaboration between Burundian troops and the FDLR has been evident in eastern DRC, where they have worked alongside the Kinshasa administration in efforts to neutralise the AFC/M23 rebel coalition.
Analysts also warn that if military operations targeting the FDLR are carried out as part of the DRC–Rwanda agreement signed in June, its members may seek refuge in Burundi.
The FDLR remains a major security threat to Rwanda, having contributed to instability in eastern DRC for the past three decades. Rwanda has consistently affirmed that as long as the group exists, it will maintain defensive measures to protect its security.
As part of this initiative, RURA has engaged lecturers, researchers, university administrators, and students—especially those involved in technology, telecommunications, and broadcasting—to contribute ideas for the law’s revision.
The discussions took place on August 22, 2025, at the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology, and were attended by senior officials from telecom companies and internet service providers.
RURA’s Director General, Evariste Rugigana, stated that universities should play a visible role in decisions across different sectors through research or input on desired directions, which is why they were brought together.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Dr. Didas Muganga, emphasised the importance of giving universities the opportunity to participate in development-focused decision-making, noting that they house experts in various fields. He also highlighted that universities conduct research aimed at societal transformation, and giving them a platform in certain changes provides a valuable contribution.
Charles Gahungu, General Manager of ICT Regulation at RURA, told IGIHE that the law governing service quality standards is currently under revision.
“We are bringing all relevant stakeholders together to determine how these regulations should be designed so they are fair for everyone—both service providers and users,” he said.
“That’s why we convened here at the University of Rwanda. We brought RURA, universities, and service providers together to share ideas—researchers give their input and hear the challenges faced by service providers, and providers also hear these ideas. We then combine them to benefit citizens.”
He noted that the revisions will consider new technologies such as 5G and 4G, which were not adequately addressed in the existing law.
“New technologies have emerged that the old laws did not cover. For example, 5G is now being deployed in Kigali, but its services did not previously have clear regulations regarding standards. There is also VoLTE technology, which allows calls over 4G internet and was launched last year by Airtel. Our old laws did not cover these new services, and as technology evolves, so do the standards.”
On challenges faced by investors that the revised law could address, Gahungu noted that older standards like 2G and 3G remain expensive to maintain because they require additional equipment, while technology continues to advance and older services gradually exit the market.
“At RURA, we look at both sides: ensuring citizens can continue to access services without disruption or poor quality, while also implementing measures that encourage users to transition to modern technologies,” he said.
MTN Rwanda’s CEO, Ali Monzer, said the company is committed to providing quality services but investment should prioritise advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G rather than 2G and 3G, which could limit progress.
“Providing quality services is essential, but it must align with our long-term vision. If we continue to focus heavily on maintaining 2G and 3G networks, it will reduce our capacity to accelerate investment in 4G and 5G,” he said, adding: “Allow us to align quality service delivery with investment.”
Airtel Rwanda’s Managing Director, Emmanuel Hamez, echoed this view, noting that investing heavily in 2G and 3G is increasingly costly and inefficient, as these networks may soon become obsolete.
CanalBox CEO, Aimé Abizera, praised the ongoing progress, emphasising the importance of contributing to initiatives that improve internet use and transform the lives of Rwandans.
Dr Migiro succeeds Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, who has been nominated to run alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan as her vice-presidential candidate in the upcoming October general election.
The announcement of Migiro’s appointment was made by CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Amos Makalla, after a round of nomination meetings chaired by President Samia in her capacity as party chair.
At 69, Dr Migiro brings to the role decades of political, diplomatic and academic experience. She is best known globally for serving as the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General from 2007 to 2012 under Ban Ki-moon, the first Tanzanian and only the third person ever to hold the post.
Her political career at home has been equally trailblazing. She became Tanzania’s first female Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2006, after five years leading the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children. In those roles, she was at the forefront of regional diplomacy, chairing the Great Lakes Region peace process and guiding Southern African Development Community (SADC) efforts to support elections in countries emerging from conflict.
{{From academia to politics
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Dr Migiro began her career in academia, teaching law at the University of Dar es Salaam and later heading key departments in the Faculty of Law. She also served on Tanzania’s Law Reform Commission and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women before fully venturing into politics.
Her path within CCM has been steady, starting at grassroots ward leadership level in the 1990s before rising through the regional structures. Although she unsuccessfully sought the party’s presidential nomination in 2015, she later represented Tanzania abroad as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
{{A historic first for CCM
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Founded in 1977, CCM has been the dominant political force in Tanzania since independence, but leadership at its highest ranks has long been male-dominated. Dr Migiro’s elevation to Secretary-General marks a milestone for the party and is seen as further cementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s push to open more leadership spaces for women.
Born in Songea in 1956, Dr Migiro studied law at the University of Dar es Salaam before earning a doctorate in Germany. She is married to Professor Cleophas Migiro and is a mother of two. In addition to Kiswahili and English, she speaks basic French and German.
The convicts were part of a gang accused of operating between April and August 2025, targeting shops, cooperatives, and money transfer outlets across the volatile Beni region.
Prosecutors said their most audacious strike occurred on the night of August 8–9, when they raided the Païdek cooperative, making off with over $100,000 and 76 million Congolese francs. Security forces intercepted the Ugandan group the following day as they tried to return home, recovering $54,350 and 36 million Congolese francs.
Alongside the death sentences for criminal association, the tribunal imposed 10-year prison terms for the theft charges. Two minors implicated in the case were acquitted. In a related proceeding, a man arrested in Dindi with an AK-47 rifle received a death sentence for armed robbery, while his alleged accomplice was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo retains capital punishment, though no executions have been carried out since 2003, creating a de facto moratorium. Nevertheless, death sentences remain frequent in military tribunals handling armed violence or organised crime. In March 2024, Kinshasa indicated plans to resume executions to curb insurgencies in the east.
The Beni region has long suffered from armed group violence, including attacks by the Ugandan-origin Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has displaced at least 500,000 people since early 2025.
The minister is accompanied by Army Commander Maj Gen André Rafael Mahunguane and CP Fabião Pedro Nhancololo, Commander of the Law and Order Service of Mozambique’s National Police.
During the visit, Minister Chume and his delegation on Saturday, August 24, 2025, visited the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters, where they held talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence collaboration and regional security coordination.
The Mozambican delegation was briefed on Rwanda’s contributions to peace and security across Africa. Speaking to the media, Minister Chume said the visit aimed to reinforce defence and security ties, noting that Rwanda is a key partner to Mozambique not only in defence but also in socio-economic development.
He highlighted the joint operations conducted by Mozambican forces alongside the RDF in Cabo Delgado, which have contributed to stabilising the region and enabling displaced communities to return home.
He emphasised that the operations will further degrade the insurgency. He commended the courage and sacrifice of the Rwanda Security Forces in support of the Mozambican people.
Minister Chume also emphasised other areas of cooperation, including training programs and intelligence sharing, underlining that terrorism remains a common regional threat.
In addition to defence discussions, the Mozambican delegation paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and toured the Campaign against Genocide Museum.
Rwanda first deployed a joint RDF and Rwanda National Police force to Cabo Delgado in July 2021, at the request of the Mozambican government. Since then, Rwandan forces have played a crucial role in counterterrorism operations, helping to liberate and stabilise areas previously held by insurgents.
The Ramba Hills project, led by Investment Africa Holdings Ltd. through its subsidiary Ramba Real Estate, is under construction in Gasabo District, near King Faisal Hospital, extending toward Vision City and the Kigali Golf Course.
According to the master plan, Ramba Hills will feature two high-rise towers—one 26 floors and the other 24—alongside four additional towers ranging from 10 to 16 floors. One of the tallest towers will serve as an office block, while the other will be dedicated to residential apartments.
Complementing the skyline will be ten single-storey residential buildings facing the golf course, landscaped gardens, a large swimming pool, and extensive internal road networks. The development will also include a hotel, modern retail outlets, and parking space for more than 1,400 vehicles.
The design allows professionals to live and work within the same development, with convenient access to on-site retail outlets and other essential as well as recreational amenities.
Ramba Real Estate has confirmed that the entire project will cost approximately Frw 115.7 billion ($80 million). Construction is expected to run for four years, with residential houses to be completed within the first 18 months, apartments in two and a half to three years, and the office tower by the fourth year.
Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva, speaking in June 2025, hailed Ramba Hills as one of the flagship projects set to transform the city’s urban landscape.
“Compared to Vision City and the existing apartments, Kacyiru is about to change significantly,” said Dusengiyumva. “Relocating residents sparked much debate, but this project reflects the President’s vision and the city’s clear development plan.”
With its blend of luxury apartments, business facilities, leisure spaces, and green design, Ramba Hills is being positioned as a defining symbol of Kigali’s next phase of urban development.
The statement, issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently, followed claims broadcast by Sudan’s state television in early August that the Sudanese air force had destroyed an Emirati aircraft carrying Colombian mercenaries as it attempted to land at an airstrip controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.
Sudanese military sources accused the UAE of backing the RSF as part of what they described as a “foreign plot” to destabilize Sudan and prolong the war.
The UAE firmly denied the allegations, stressing that it has never provided funding or support to the RSF. Instead, Abu Dhabi said it has consistently aligned itself with regional and international efforts aimed at securing peace in Sudan.
“The United Arab Emirates stands with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of peace, stability, and a dignified future,” the ministry said. “Since the onset of the civil war, the UAE has consistently supported regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for violations committed by all warring parties.”
The statement accused the “so-called Port Sudan Authority,” referring to Sudan’s military-aligned leadership, of spreading “escalating fabrications” in an attempt to deflect blame and obstruct genuine peace efforts. “These deliberate propaganda efforts form part of a calculated pattern of deflection—shifting blame to others to evade responsibility for its own actions—intended to prolong the war and obstruct a genuine peace process,” the UAE added.
Reaffirming its stance, Abu Dhabi said it remained committed to a “civilian-led process that places the needs of the Sudanese people above the interests of any faction.” The ministry also underlined its readiness to work with international partners to encourage dialogue, mobilize support for humanitarian relief, and lay the groundwork for long-term peace.
“The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working closely with partners to foster dialogue, mobilize international support, and contribute to initiatives that address the humanitarian crisis and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace,” the statement concluded.
The war in Sudan, now in its second year, has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces against the RSF, plunging the country into a humanitarian disaster and forcing millions to flee.
Col Nduwantare previously served in the Police Department of Criminal Investigation as well as at Bujumbura’s Melchior Ndadaye International Airport.
According to accounts, upon arriving in Zambia he first visited his younger brother, who has lived there for more than 15 years. He then went to see a cousin also residing in the country. On his way back, he reportedly fell into an ambush set by unidentified assailants, who killed him.
His death follows the recent killings of two other Burundians in Zambia: Ndayisaba Alexis, killed on August 18, and Ndayisenga, killed on August 20, 2025.
Burundi’s Ambassador to Zambia, Evelyne Butoyi, on August 21 offered condolences to the families of Ndayisaba and Ndayisenga, stressing that investigations were underway to ensure justice.
“The Embassy of Burundi in Lusaka appreciates that the relevant authorities are conducting investigations so that those responsible for this crime are held accountable. May God receive our departed,” the ambassador said.
Although it remains unclear whether the victims were targeted specifically because of their nationality, the Burundian community in Zambia has expressed concern over the violence, fearing they too could become targets.
