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In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the claims as “sensational, baseless, and lacking evidence,” pointing out that even HRW acknowledged it had not independently verified the alleged killings of Hutu civilians said to have occurred over nearly two weeks in July.

“These salacious claims, which raise more questions than answers, are not the result of any credible investigation,” the Rwandan government said. “Rather, they have been hastily released through media leaks in an attempt to entrench a pre-determined narrative. Only an independent investigation will shed light on these allegations.”

Rwanda accused HRW of a “long history of implausible claims” against the country, often timed to coincide with critical political moments. The government noted that the latest report comes as parties to the conflict in eastern DRC prepare to resume negotiations and as the June 27 Washington DC Peace Agreement — which includes the neutralisation of the DRC-backed FDLR militia — is being implemented. Kigali reiterated its commitment to regional peace efforts, including the Doha process.

The Allied Forces Coalition/M23 (AFC/M23) rebel group also dismissed the HRW report recently, calling it “fake, politically motivated, and an instrument of propaganda.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, criticised HRW’s methodology, saying it relied on “unverified telephone testimonies and satellite imagery without on-the-ground verification.”

“The Human Rights Watch report of August 20th, 2025, is fake and a falsification of reality. Its methodology is fraudulent, its sources are corrupt, and its context is truncated,” the statement read.

AFC/M23 further accused HRW of ignoring atrocities allegedly committed by other armed groups allied with the Kinshasa government, including the FDLR, Nyatura, PARECO, and Wazalendo. The rebels maintain that the report is intended to cover up “military failures and crimes against humanity” by government forces.

The flight departed from Ramon Airport in Israel via Karam Abu Salem crossing. To date, the UAE has evacuated 2,785 patients and their families to provide access to medical treatment since the onset of the crisis.

The latest medical evacuation flight is under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to provide medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients throughout the nation’s hospitals. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s leading and continuous commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza and mitigating the devastating impacts of this catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

In this regard, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations and Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, emphasised the UAE’s dedication to providing a rapid humanitarian response, including the urgent transport of patients and injured civilians from the Gaza Strip. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s unwavering and deep-rooted support for the Palestinians without exemption, reflecting the nation’s humanitarian commitment to delivering immediate aid, supporting stability, and alleviating suffering caused by war and conflicts.

Al Shamsi underscored that the Emirati medical teams have transported critically wounded and injured patients to hospitals across Abu Dhabi, while other patients and their family members are accommodated at the Emirates Humanitarian City, where they will receive the necessary medical care, under the supervision of specialised medical teams.

Furthermore, Al Shamsi highlighted that the UAE provides various medical, educational, and cultural support to patients, injured, and their family members, which contribute in alleviating the dire consequences of the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting patients, children, women, and the elderly in Gaza.

Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has continued its leading humanitarian initiatives and extensive efforts in cooperation with UN organisations and international partners to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of the ongoing crisis and alleviate the humanitarian suffering faced by the residents of the Strip. These include medical services, provision of medication, and essential medical equipment on the UAE hospital ship anchored in Egypt’s Al-Arish Port, as well as the operations of the Emirati field hospital in southern Gaza.

The continuous medical evacuation flights are part of a comprehensive and urgent humanitarian response plan to mitigate the crisis and provide relief to those most in need.

On August 20, 2025, investigative judges in France decided to halt the probe into Kanziga, the widow of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana, who was accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The judges explained that Kanziga did not play a role in the genocide or its preparation, but was rather affected by the April 6, 1994 attack on the plane carrying her husband.

In 2008, genocide survivors’ organizations filed a complaint demanding an investigation into Kanziga’s alleged role in crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity.

In February 2022, judges ruled to close the case, stating that there was no substantial evidence linking her to participation in the genocide.

Since Kanziga was evacuated from Rwanda on April 9, 1994, under orders from then French president François Mitterrand, the investigation into her actions only covered the first three days of the genocide.

In September 2024, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said the investigation was too limited in scope and time, and relied on very few witnesses. PNAT requested further inquiry into Kanziga’s activities between March 1 and April 9, 1994, and accused her of an additional crime of participating in the genocidal plan.

On May 18, 2025, the judges rejected PNAT’s request, saying no evidence supported claims that Habyarimana’s widow was involved in planning genocide. PNAT appealed, but on August 20 the judges upheld their earlier decision from three months prior, without even examining the appeal.

{{The ruling will be appealed}}

The decision pleased members of the Habyarimana family, including her son, Jean-Luc Habyarimana, and others who supported them, claiming that the investigation into Kanziga had been permanently closed.

However, on August 22, 2025, lawyer Gisagara stressed that despite some celebrating the decision—including perpetrators of genocide, deniers, hatemongers, and their allies—the case is not over.

He said: “Do not be discouraged by the celebrations of génocidaires, deniers, hatemongers, and their supporters. This is only one step in the case. The next steps are appeal and annulment. The case cannot be declared closed until it has gone through all these stages.”

He noted that in May, PNAT had already expressed disagreement with the judges’ decision to halt the investigation into Kanziga, and therefore the organizations representing survivors are confident that an appeal will proceed.

He added: “There is no reason why the prosecution, having already disagreed with the earlier judges, would stop this case before it reaches the appeals chamber, as the law allows.”

{{Why judges resist prosecuting Kanziga}}

François Mitterrand, who ordered Kanziga’s evacuation from Rwanda, was a close ally of Juvénal Habyarimana and a strong supporter of his government during the war with the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).

Since her arrival in France, the now 82-year-old Kanziga has not held any known job but has lived on state support.

Through a 2008 report on France’s role in the genocide, Gen Maj (Rtd) Paul Rwarakabije said that Kanziga received financial support by France’s intelligence agency, DGSE for a long time.

Part of this money was allegedly sent to Colonel Aloys Ntiwiragabo, one of the founders of the FDLR, an armed militia opposed to the Rwandan government.

Political analyst Tite Gatabazi told IGIHE that the reluctance of French judges to prosecute Kanziga is rooted in remnants of the Mitterrand era, which continue to shield her.

He said: “She holds secrets about France’s role in the genocide. She was evacuated by a French plane. To this day, she lives on support from the French state, apart from a little she earns elsewhere. But since she arrived there, the order from the presidency has been to offer full support.”

Gatabazi added that even though French governments have changed over the past 31 years, Kanziga still has powerful protectors.

He concluded: “These individuals, who sometimes act beyond the official line of the sitting government, are the ones who continue to support Agathe Habyarimana.”

Speaking at a press conference in Goma on August 22, 2025, the group explained that its delegates in Doha were tasked only with reviewing the implementation of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners.

Freddy Kaniki Rukema, AFC/M23’s Deputy Coordinator in charge of finance and mobilisation, stated: “None of our representatives traveled to Doha to pursue peace talks. Only two delegates went, tasked specifically with reviewing the issues of prisoner release and the ceasefire.”

He noted that this review is part of the Declaration of Principles signed on July 19 by both the DRC government and AFC/M23, under the mediation of Qatar. According to Kaniki, genuine peace talks can only follow once these initial steps are implemented.

“These are conditions included in the principles we signed. If they are respected, then we may send delegates to address the root causes of the conflict. We do not simply go there without reason,” he added.

The agreement signed in Doha had called for peace talks to begin by August 8, following the enforcement of a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners. A peace accord was expected by August 18, but neither milestone has been met.

AFC/M23 claims that around 700 of its members and suspected supporters remain detained by the DRC government, which it also accuses of continuing military offensives against its positions.

For its part, the Congolese government insists that releases will only occur after a peace accord is signed and accuses AFC/M23 of violating the truce.

Qatar has acknowledged setbacks in the process but said it remains in dialogue with both parties to keep the peace initiative on track despite delays.

The meeting took place in Tokyo on August 21, 2025, where Minister Nduhungirehe was attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

During the talks, Minister Iwaya welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling the commitments made, and expressed his hope for Rwanda’s role in advancing peace and stability.

Minister Nduhungirehe expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding cooperation through TICAD and voiced his commitment to strengthening Japan–Africa partnership while contributing to regional peace and security.

Minister Iwaya further noted Japan’s humanitarian support, including food assistance to refugees and host communities through the World Food Programme (WFP), in response to the deteriorating situation in the Great Lakes region. He emphasised that regional stability is vital for business operations in Rwanda and reiterated Japan’s support for regionally-led stabilisation efforts.

In response, Minister Nduhungirehe conveyed appreciation for Japan’s humanitarian assistance and expressed his wish to deepen cooperation, particularly in the economic field.

Rwanda’s relations with Japan began officially after its independence in 1962 and were strengthened in the early 2000s when both countries opened embassies in Tokyo and Kigali.

This partnership is built on cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, technical assistance, transport, energy, water, sanitation, agriculture, education, information technology, and meteorological services.

The Nyagatare hub, established under Heifer’s Rwanda Dairy Market Systems (RDMS) Project, aims to improve smallholder farmers’ access to affordable mechanisation services.

It offers modern tractors, operator training, and a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model that enables farmers—especially youth—to acquire tractors with a 5 percent down payment, with the balance repayable over five years from service income.

The launch brought together government officials, partners, and farmers, and featured live tractor demonstrations, equipment handovers, and farmer testimonials highlighting the benefits of mechanisation.

Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer Rwanda, noted that since the project’s launch during agricultural seasons A and B, it has already recorded significant success.

Through catalytic financing and the deployment of 15 tractors, the project has supported over 6,000 farmers and cultivated more than 3,000 hectares.

“It is designed to address persistent challenges such as limited access to modern equipment, high labour demands, and low productivity, while promoting sustainable and climate-smart farming practices,” she said.

Ruzibuka emphasized that Heifer’s financing has improved access and availability of mechanisation services over the past seven months, proving strong demand and impact.

“Through this expansion in Nyagatare, we are moving closer to our vision of ensuring every district in Rwanda has access to affordable and reliable mechanisation services. These hubs are not only about tractors, but also about creating a new generation of rural entrepreneurs—from operators and booking agents to technicians—who can transform agriculture into a thriving business sector,” she added.

The Nyagatare mechanisation hub will provide modern tractors and implements to help farmers cultivate larger areas more efficiently, reduce reliance on manual labour, and boost productivity and incomes. It will also serve as a training and service centre for operators, booking agents, and technicians, while integrating Hello Tractor’s digital platform for transparent and convenient service access.

Stephen Gasana, Mayor of Nyagatare, highlighted the importance of the initiative. He explained that 59.3 percent of district residents are crop farmers while 39.2 percent are cattle keepers, both groups requiring these services. In the 2024/25 agricultural season, 83,190 hectares of land were cultivated, producing 261,640 tonnes of selected crops. However, only 7,654 hectares were cultivated using tractors.

“This limited mechanisation negatively impacted yields due to challenges such as incomplete land cultivation and delays in farming activities,” he said.

“We believe that bringing these services closer to farmers will help us implement government policies, including cultivating 70 percent of grazing land. This target was not achieved in time because it required a large labour force within a short period, which was difficult to manage,” he added.

Folu Okunade, Chief Operating Officer of Hello Tractor, which connects tractor owners with farmers in need of mechanisation services, stressed the scale of the challenge across Africa.

“Africa needs five million tractors to close the mechanisation gap. This represents a $122 billion opportunity that must be addressed. In Rwanda specifically, there are only 250 active tractors currently on the market,” he said.

“The country actually needs 26,000 tractors to close that gap and reach the global average, fully servicing its arable land. That represents a $700 million opportunity for Rwanda. We know there are challenges, but we are excited to help tackle them,” he added.

“This service of tractors and related machinery is very beneficial, as it creates jobs in different ways and helps people improve their livelihoods.”

While officiating the launch, Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, said mechanisation is central to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation.

“This launch comes at a time when our country is implementing the National Strategy for Transformation of Agriculture [PSTA 5], which seeks to advance the sector over the next five years. This strategy emphasizes agricultural modernization and the use of environmentally friendly technologies.

In particular, mechanisation plays a critical role in reducing reliance on traditional, labour-intensive methods, enabling timely cultivation of larger plots, increasing productivity, and creating rural jobs—all of which directly raise farmers’ incomes.

By establishing hubs like this, we are putting into practice one of the pillars of PSTA 5, which leverages modern technology and innovation to make agriculture inclusive and transformative,” Ndabamenye said.

“We therefore encourage youth in this district and beyond to take part in this programme, because it is a great opportunity. Since we came here to launch such a centre, we hope that farmers in Nyagatare will start using it effectively, make the most of it, and eventually extend its benefits beyond Nyagatare to other districts as well.”

{{Success stories from the first hub}}

Olivier Niyitegeka, a farmer from Kamate Village, Karangazi Sector in Nyagatare District, explained that using a tractor for cultivation is very different from relying on manual labour.

In the last agricultural season, he cultivated one hectare with a tractor and harvested approximately 7.7 tonnes, compared to his neighbour who cultivated two hectares manually and harvested only 9 tonnes.

“We pay only Frw 85,000 per hectare, which is affordable. When we use a tractor, the soil absorbs water more easily, unlike with manual cultivation, which leaves crops vulnerable to drying when the weather is too hot. That’s what affected my neighbour’s crops. Tractors are efficient and save time,” he said.

Rutayisire Jackson, a dedicated livestock farmer, shared a similar experience. Before connecting with Hello Tractor, he relied on manual labour and traditional tools to cultivate three hectares of Napier grass and two hectares of maize. Meeting the nutritional needs of his eight cows was a constant struggle, especially during dry seasons when fodder shortages were severe.

With access to reliable and timely tractor services, Rutayisire expanded his herd from eight to ten cows.

“My daily milk yield rose from 120 to 170 litres, increasing my daily income from Frw 48,000 to Frw 68,000—a 41.7 percent increase in productivity and a 74.1 percent improvement in cost-benefit ratio.

Even during dry spells, efficient fodder production has helped me maintain milk output and income, making my farm more resilient, profitable, and scalable,” he said.

A story that captured the attention of many involved a Rwandan man living in Europe who, in 2016, travelled to Kigali to buy a house in Nyarutarama. He had been assured by a friend that a local construction company could provide a fully built home, and he brought with him 80 million Rwandan francs to make the purchase.

However, the excitement of finally owning a home in his homeland quickly turned into disappointment. Soon after moving in with his family during the holidays, he discovered multiple construction flaws: poorly installed tiles, faulty plumbing, electrical issues, and other structural problems. Attempts to resolve the issues with the company were unsuccessful, leaving him facing a significant financial loss.

His story is not unique; several other diaspora Rwandans have reported being misled, defrauded, or left powerless due to the difficulty of monitoring construction from abroad.

In response to these challenges, a new digital platform dubbed StoneForge has been launched. It aims to provide Rwandans in the diaspora with a way to supervise their construction projects remotely, ensuring full transparency and control over their investments.

According to Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, StoneForge was developed in direct response to frequent complaints from diaspora members struggling with unreliable site managers, limited oversight, and a lack of accountability for their investments. The platform is designed to bridge this gap, giving users real-time updates and greater confidence as their projects progress.

“StoneForge was born from a clear need — helping busy Rwandans, especially in the diaspora, supervise their construction projects remotely with full transparency and control,” said Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder.

“Our platform brings everything into one centralised dashboard: daily updates, material tracking, costs, reports — all automated. It’s peace of mind, built into technology.”

Through its web-based system, which went live in May this year, StoneForge provides real-time project updates, daily site reports, financial tracking, and even live camera feeds from construction sites. Site supervisors upload progress photos, track inventory, and flag issues, allowing project owners to follow every step without having to make constant phone calls or travel back home.

According to the founders, what sets StoneForge apart is its all-in-one approach. While other apps scatter budgeting, planning, and updates across multiple tools, StoneForge brings them together with live visuals and automated reporting, giving owners a clear picture of their project from start to finish.

For clients like Egide Nsabimana, who is building an apartment project in Kagarama, Kicukiro, the platform has already made a difference.

“With StoneForge, I don’t need to call my site manager every day or worry about what’s happening on site. From wherever I am, I can see what’s being done, how much it costs, and even view progress with live feed of the site and reports in real time. It’s like being on site, without actually being there,” he said.

StoneForge is initially targeting Rwandans in the diaspora, but the founders say it could also benefit busy professionals and organisations managing multiple construction projects locally.

By digitising supervision and providing transparency, the platform aims to restore trust in a process that for years has left many feeling anxious and vulnerable.

According to a statement issued by the AEC on Thursday, the Shanghai office will be led by Bieni Da, chief representative of the AEC in China, who is tasked with ensuring that the chamber plays a pivotal role in connecting Chinese businesses and government entities with African stakeholders.

“The objective is clear: to drive impactful, long-term collaboration across strategic sectors of the economy, enabling investments that are mutually beneficial and aligned with both continents’ development goals,” it said.

The AEC, an energy advocacy group based in South Africa, was founded in 2018 with the mandate to promote sustainable investment and best practices within the energy sector in Africa.

In the statement, the AEC noted that despite the continent’s high energy demand, many African energy firms struggle to access the capital needed to scale operations and boost production.

The chamber added that its Shanghai office will play an instrumental part in connecting Chinese companies with African projects, facilitating partnerships, and bringing African opportunities to the Chinese market.

“The AEC wants to see greater Chinese investment across the entire African oil and gas value chain — from upstream projects to downstream infrastructure to manufacturing, power, and technology. China offers significant expertise in these areas, and the Shanghai office will unlock new collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and more,” NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the AEC, said in the statement.

The AEC will also organize high-level investment forums in Shanghai to foster continued dialogue and engagement.

“Africa and China have a common goal: to eradicate energy poverty. It is time to walk the walk and bring Chinese expertise and capital to African projects… This office is a testament to making sure we leave our footprint,” Ayuk added.

The Senegalese Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, in a statement, confirmed that Mame Mandiaye Niang was among those targeted by the sanctions, describing the move as a “serious infringement” on the independence of international justice.

In a statement released Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Nicolas Guillou (France), Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji), Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal), and Kimberly Prost (Canada) of having “directly participated in efforts undertaken by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. or Israeli nationals without the consent of either country.”

“Senegal calls on the U.S. authorities to lift these sanctions, which constitute a serious violation of the principle of judicial independence and of the right of ICC judges to freely and calmly carry out the mandate entrusted to them by the 125 States Parties to the Rome Statute,” the Senegalese ministry said.

The Rome Statute, which defines the jurisdiction of the ICC, was first ratified by Senegal.

The statement added that Senegal reaffirmed its “full solidarity with Judge Niang” and the other magistrates targeted by the U.S. sanctions, while the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs assured the ICC of its “steadfast support.”