Minister of Defense Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Murtala Muhammed were killed in the crash, Julius Debrah, chief of staff at the Presidency, announced at a press briefing.
“I have the unpleasant duty to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter this morning around the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Debrah said.
Other victims include Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress Samuel Sarpong, and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
Three crew members onboard, namely Peter Bafemi Anala, Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Ernest Addo Mensah, were also confirmed deceased.
“The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and servicemen who died in service to the country,” Debrah added.
As the country mourns, the government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast until further notice.
The Rwandan government has set ambitious plans for the area, aiming to develop it into a stable and vibrant tourism center, with infrastructure supporting both tourism and economic development, particularly in business.
This vision complements the construction of world-class hotels, such as Wilderness Bisate, Wilderness Sabyinyo, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Amakoro Songa Lodge, nestled beneath the Virunga mountains. Additionally, hotels in the town, such as Fatima Hotel, Classic Hotel, Virunga Hotel, and Hotel Muhabura, contribute to the region’s appeal.
With ongoing transformations, projections for the next 25 years indicate that Musanze will have been transformed into a thriving urban center, one that many would envy—comparable to the sought-after cities of Europe or America.
To achieve this vision, Musanze’s development requires a comprehensive master plan for land use and organization, aligned with the 2050 vision.
This plan was approved under Ministerial Order No. 006/25/10/TC on July 28, 2025. The projects planned for the region focus on promoting tourism while benefiting the local population and ensuring that infrastructure development meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.
{{A new city vision}}
Musanze is home to some of Rwanda’s most stunning natural wonders, including Volcanoes National Park, which houses the mountain gorillas, Lake Ruhondo, the Buhanga Ecopark (a royal forest), and the Musanze caves. The Musanze aerodrome serves as an essential infrastructure for tourism, with plans to expand the facility to accommodate more visitors with ease.
As part of the newly approved land-use and development master plan, the Mukungwa Urban Eco-Tourism Park will be created.
This sports and eco-tourism zone will span 148 hectares, which represents 2% of Musanze’s urban land. It will feature developments such as Kinigi Eco-Tourism, Musanze Cave Park, Ruhengeri Theme Park, Mpenge River Camping Sites, Agri-Food Park, and integrated lake tourism initiatives.
Furthermore, an additional 163 hectares within the district will be designated for eco-tourism projects.
The region will also have the “Ruhengeri Convention Centre,” a new facility designed to host national and international conferences, complementing the Kigali Convention Centre.
Musanze already has district-level hospitals, 17 health centers, 32 health posts, and six private clinics, with plans to expand health services further. By 2050, the region will have two hospitals, and every sector will have two health centers.
{{Canopy walkway in Volcanoes National Park}}
Similar to the canopy walkway in Nyungwe National Park, which allows visitors to walk through the trees while observing wildlife, a new canopy walkway will be built in Volcanoes National Park.
This will enable visitors to explore the park and observe various wildlife, including gorillas, buffaloes, monkeys, and chimps, without the physical strain of hiking up steep slopes.
{{Byangabo business center}}
The Byangabo center, located 12 kilometers from Musanze town, is a bustling market with strong trade connections to Nyabihu and Rubavu districts in the Western Province.
This market significantly contributes to Musanze’s economy. The area, covering 448.9 hectares in the western part of the city, will see the construction of a wood furniture workshop to increase employment opportunities.
As the population continues to grow, plans are underway to expand the market and build a bus station to accommodate travelers along the Musanze-Rubavu highway.
{{Kinkware and Kampara in Nyakinama}}
Kinkware and Kampara, covering 620 hectares, are located 7 kilometers from Musanze’s city center. These areas host key institutions like the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) Musanze College.
These areas will continue to develop with upgraded infrastructure, including road improvements and modern markets, supporting small-scale businesses and the mining sector.
{{Musanze’s planned residential units}}
In line with the district’s 2050 vision, Musanze plans to build modern residential units across its 15 sectors. A total of 200,750 houses will be constructed, including 112,500 in the city, 13,250 in the surrounding centers, and 75,000 in rural areas.
A new model village, Cyahafi, will be built near the Virunga mountains and Sabyinyo. It is expected to accommodate current residents and newcomers, featuring modern homes and amenities such as a designated commercial area and public facilities like schools.
{{Population growth and development projections}}
According to the 2022 national census, Musanze is home to 476,522 people. Projections indicate that by 2035, the population will reach 607,163, and by 2050, it is expected to grow to 803,000.
Whether you’re starting a journey to another part of Rwanda or simply navigating your way through the city, Nyabugogo is the gateway that connects it all. The energy here is infectious, and there’s always something happening, making it an exciting place to be.
For those arriving in Kigali for the first time, Nyabugogo offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant spirit. It’s fast-paced, yes, but it’s also full of opportunity and connection. Everything feels within reach, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air—this is Kigali’s gateway, where every journey begins.
{{A crossroads for over 200,000 passengers}}
The City of Kigali has revealed that over 200,000 people pass through Nyabugogo every single day, making it one of the busiest and most vital transit hubs in Rwanda.
Located in Kigali Sector, Nyabugogo borders Kimisagara in Nyarugenge District and Gatsata Sector in Gasabo District. It is a dynamic commercial area, bustling with vendors, service providers, and travelers alike. The city estimates that at least 400 individuals work daily in Nyabugogo, engaged in diverse economic activities.
Nyabugogo is especially known for its vibrant food market, particularly around the well-known Kwa Mutangana. Here, vendors, many of whom have been operating for years, begin their days before sunrise. Shoppers arrive as early as 3 a.m. to buy fresh vegetables and fruits transported overnight from different provinces, often at lower prices than found elsewhere in the city.
Dorothe Nyirabagwiza, a vendor with eight years of experience at Kwa Mutangana, shared her story: “This market sustains many of us. Thanks to my business, I’ve been able to live in Kigali and support my three children. I may not live luxuriously, but I’m moving forward because of this trade.”
One of Nyabugogo’s key draws is its central bus terminal, sometimes referred to as an international station, due to its role in connecting Kigali with Rwanda’s provinces and neighboring countries. Most public transportation companies have offices and fleets operating from Nyabugogo, making it a vital bridge between the capital and other regions.
For many, Nyabugogo is a one-stop center — a place where one can find nearly anything, from basic household goods to transportation and mechanical services. Prices are often more affordable compared to other markets in Kigali, attracting buyers and sellers from all walks of life.
“Nyabugogo is our top location. There are always passengers, many of them arriving from outside Kigali or coming here to shop. It’s easy to find customers, affordable goods, and even mechanical services — everything is fast and convenient,” said Elysee Vugugaba, a motorcycle taxi operator.
However, with its popularity comes challenges. The high volume of people and vehicles makes Nyabugogo prone to petty crime, particularly theft, especially during peak hours when the terminal is overcrowded.
Still, Nyabugogo remains a central pillar in Kigali’s daily rhythm — a place of opportunity, energy, and constant motion.
{{Revamp of Nyabugogo bus terminal}}
Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, often referred to as Rwanda’s “international hub,” is the largest in the country, serving as a critical connection point between Kigali and all provinces, as well as neighboring countries. The City of Kigali has announced plans to upgrade the terminal to meet modern standards, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2025.
The renovation project is projected to cost between $100 million and $150 million.
According to Fulgence Dusabimana, the Deputy Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure in Kigali, the upgraded terminal will feature modern and essential infrastructure.
He noted that the redesigned terminal will include separate sections for City public transport, Inter-provincial buses, and Cross-border/international buses.
Dusabimana also revealed that the project includes the construction of additional road infrastructure to address the persistent issue of traffic congestion in the Nyabugogo area.
“There will be roads designed to ease traffic flow in and around the terminal,” he said.
“You’re aware that traffic jams are common at certain hours, especially during peak travel times. The new infrastructure will help us eliminate these challenges—this includes the construction of overpasses to enhance mobility.”
He also emphasized that, given the large number of international passengers passing through Nyabugogo, accommodation facilities will be part of the terminal’s redevelopment.
“Some travelers coming from outside Rwanda may need accommodation nearby. The plan includes lodging facilities to ensure they don’t have to go far to find a place to stay,” he added.
The revamped terminal is set to become a multi-functional transport and commercial hub, reflecting Kigali’s ambition to modernize public infrastructure and meet the demands of a growing urban population.
{{Things to watch out for when visiting Nyabugogo for the first time}}
If you are visiting Nyabugogo for the first time, know that you’ve entered one of Kigali’s busiest urban areas. You may encounter many people trying to “teach you” the city or guide you around — some of whom may not have the best intentions. While Rwanda has modernized and most citizens are now well-informed and urban-minded, a word of caution can still be helpful.
It’s advisable to have clear communication with the person who is supposed to receive you. Agree in advance on your departure and arrival times, so they can be there to meet you.
This will help you avoid getting lost or falling into the hands of people who may try to take advantage of your confusion.
If your host isn’t present or you have to continue your journey alone, avoid being distracted by the many sights and sounds around you. Stay focused on your travel route and proceed without delay. If you are transferring to another location, make your move promptly and don’t linger unnecessarily.
Be cautious of strangers who approach you offering help or information, no matter how friendly or helpful they may seem. Politely decline such offers because it’s often difficult to distinguish between someone with good intentions and a potential scammer. Giving such people your attention could lead to being misled or even robbed.
Keep your valuables safe and secure. This includes items like mobile phones, laptops, cash, or any other important belongings. Make sure they are stored discreetly and out of easy reach, as this will reduce the chances of being targeted by opportunistic thieves.
Lastly, don’t stay too long in the area—especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. While your curiosity may tempt you to explore more, it’s better to move on with your journey. You can always return later with someone who knows the place well or once you’re more familiar with the surroundings.
{{Below are photos offering a glimpse of Nyabugogo}}
The order, effective 21 days after the announcement, will bring the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods to 50 percent.
Trump on Monday threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on goods imported from India, citing India’s purchases of Russian oil.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s threat with a statement saying that “the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable” and that India’s oil imports are meant to “ensure predictable and affordable energy costs” for Indian consumers.
India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and “the United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability,” said the statement.
On July 29, Trump set a 10-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. The latest punitive tariff on Indian goods is seen as part of the U.S. pressure campaign targeting Russia.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Homan drew a stark contrast between the UK’s handling of its agreement with Rwanda and the approach being taken by the current US administration under President Donald Trump.
When asked why the UK was unsuccessful in executing its plan to send migrants to Rwanda, Homan responded bluntly: “They’re not the United States of America. They don’t have President Trump running the show.”
The UK’s plan to relocate asylum seekers who entered the country illegally to Rwanda was scrapped in 2024 after the Labour Party came to power. The party argued that the agreement with Rwanda would not effectively address the growing number of migrants arriving in the UK, and that it raised legal and ethical concerns.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since faced domestic criticism for having no viable alternative to deter irregular migration, with critics saying his government abandoned the Rwanda scheme without a clear replacement.
Meanwhile, the US has moved ahead with its own deal with Rwanda, with at least 250 migrants expected to be transferred from the US to Rwanda. The move is part of President Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which includes tougher border enforcement and international partnerships.
Asked when the first deportees would be sent to Rwanda under the new agreement, Homan kept it brief: “Working on it,” he said.
Reports indicated that the number of migrants could exceed the initial 250, depending on future negotiations. Importantly, migrants will not be required to stay in Rwanda against their will as they will have the option to relocate to third countries.
“Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said.
“As for the topics covered, then, first of all, of course, it is the Ukrainian crisis. And the second topic is the prospects for the possible development of strategic cooperation between the United States and Russia,” Ushakov said, adding that the talk was “very useful and constructive.”
Ushakov said that further details will follow after Trump is briefed on the outcome.
Witkoff previously visited Moscow on April 25 and St. Petersburg on April 11, holding talks with Putin both times.
This gathering, which highlighted Rwanda’s deep cultural traditions, was an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Umuganura, both in Rwanda’s past and present.
During his address, Ambassador Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita emphasized that Umuganura is far more than just a harvest festival. He explained that it is a centuries-old tradition that serves as a day of thanksgiving, where Rwandans express gratitude for their blessings and recognize the country’s achievements.
As the Ambassador noted, the festival has been celebrated at various levels—nationally, within communities, and in family settings—making it a truly unifying event for the Rwandan people. This was a moment for Rwandans in Russia to connect with their roots and embrace the cultural values of their homeland, even as they live abroad.
Looking back at the history of Umuganura, Amb. Nzabamwita shared that it dates back to the 9th century, making it a significant part of Rwanda’s cultural heritage. In the past, the King would preside over national ceremonies, while heads of families led the celebrations at the community level.
The Ambassador emphasized that Umuganura was a celebration of national unity, nationhood, and the vitality of Rwanda’s agricultural production, which has always been a cornerstone of the country’s identity. It was more than just a festival symbolizing a renewal of life and a strengthening of the nation’s agricultural foundation.
The envoy also reflected on the negative impact of colonialism on the celebration of Umuganura. He explained that during the colonial era, the Belgian colonialists abolished the festival in 1925 as part of a broader effort to dismantle Rwanda’s traditional social structures.
The colonial powers recognized that to maintain control, they needed to sever the cultural ties that bound Rwandans together, and Umuganura was one of the first traditions to be targeted. This disruption had a lasting effect on the celebration of Rwandan culture, even after Rwanda gained independence.
Following the liberation of Rwanda by the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Umuganura was revived as a key cultural event. Amb. Nzabamwita highlighted how the RPF’s leadership, upon bringing peace and stability to the country, recognized the importance of restoring the festival as a symbol of national renewal. In this way, Umuganura became a way for Rwandans to come together and celebrate their individual and collective contributions to the country’s progress.
The Ambassador explained that Umuganura today serves multiple important functions. Culturally, it preserves the ancient traditions and heritage of Rwanda in a rapidly changing world. Socially, it fosters national unity by bringing together people from all walks of life, creating a shared sense of identity.
Economically, it highlights the importance of agriculture, which remains a vital sector in Rwanda’s economy, employing 80% of the workforce and contributing significantly to the national GDP. Finally, politically, it reflects Rwanda’s sovereignty, self-reliance, and efforts toward food security, showing the country’s commitment to economic prosperity and independence.
Ambassador Nzabamwita concluded his address by stressing that Umuganura is not merely a harvest festival, but a testament to Rwanda’s resilience and its hopeful outlook for the future. He emphasized that it is a day of thanksgiving that unites Rwandans, celebrated alongside their friends and partners worldwide.
The event was especially enjoyable for the youth, who make up a large part of the Rwandan diaspora in the Russian Federation.
The celebration featured traditional Rwandan meals, cultural performance by the Diaspora Cultural Troupe “Imena Mu Nganzo”, and music performed by the Diaspora Music Band.
The company’s presence at the Expo is part of its broader mission to make service delivery faster, smarter, and more citizen-friendly—leveraging innovation to meet the evolving needs of users across Rwanda.
Patrick Gategabondo, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Irembo, highlighted that with the current season for community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) payments, Irembo is offering on-site assistance to help visitors complete their payments easily.
“We are here to make this process more accessible, especially during this period when many people are paying for their health insurance,” Gategabondo explained.
In collaboration with the National Identification Agency (NIDA), Irembo is also facilitating fast-track ID-related services for children and making corrections to personal information like names, birthdates, and photos—services that can now be completed in just three days.
Visitors to the booth are also guided on how to use the [IremboApp,->https://7847s.app.link/IremboApp_social_media] which provides access to a wide range of essential services—not limited to government services alone.
The [app->https://7847s.app.link/IremboApp_social_media] is available in Kinyarwanda, English, and French, and allows users to request documents like birth certificates, certificates of celibacy, and marriage records securely using a PIN code, fingerprint, or Face ID.
Additionally, users can pay for health insurance (Mutuelle), track their payment status, get real-time traffic fine notifications and pay instantly and save mobile wallet numbers (MTN MoMo or Airtel Money) for quicker transactions.
Irembo was recognized as the Best Exhibitor at EXPO 2024, a testament to its ongoing commitment to digital transformation and service excellence in Rwanda.
Rooted in the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming newborns, Kwita Izina was officially introduced in 2005 to celebrate Rwanda’s conservation achievements, engage communities, and inspire global awareness.
Over the past 20 years, Kwita Izina has become one of Africa’s leading events on conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting global icons, conservationists, and thousands of attendees annually. Since 2005, 397 baby gorillas have been named.
Last year, the event was postponed due to the Marburg outbreak in the country.
The theme for this year, “A legacy of community centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all,” highlights the vital role of communities, rangers, and researchers in protecting Rwanda’s biodiversity.
Commenting on the development, RDB Chief Tourism Officer, Irène Murerwa, said: “We are excited to celebrate 20 years of Kwita Izina—a ceremony that has become a symbol of conservation, community, and culture in Rwanda. Thanks to the unwavering dedication and support of the government of Rwanda, partners and communities, the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has increased from 880 in 2012 to over 1,063 today. This success highlights the impact of community-based conservation and strategic partnerships.”
“Through initiatives like the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme, which allocates 10% of tourism income back to local communities, we have improved schools, roads, and access to clean water. This demonstrates that when conservation benefits communities, nature thrives. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our shared duty to protect biodiversity and create a sustainable future for generations to come,” she added.
{{Highlights of Kwita Izina 2025}}
To support the restoration of Volcanoes National Park, RDB, through the Rwanda Nature Foundation, will launch a crowdfunding platform on 6 September to raise funds for the restoration of Volcanoes National Park, ensuring a healthier, expanded habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas.
The platform will offer individuals and organisations worldwide a direct way to contribute to mountain gorilla protection and habitat restoration.
{{Community Recognition}}
As with every edition, this year’s ceremony will honour the local communities and rangers who continue to play a vital role in the survival of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Ahead of Kwita Izina, a smart green agricultural project will be launched in Musanze District as part of this year’s Tourism Revenue Share Programme, alongside additional donations to benefit communities living around Rwanda’s other national parks.
In celebration of this milestone year, a series of events will be held across the country to highlight conservation efforts, engage stakeholders, and showcase Rwanda’s natural beauty. The Kwita Izina 20 event calendar includes several significant activities, starting on August 29 with the launch of a community project in Kinigi, Musanze District.
From September 3 to 14, there will be familiarization trips across the country for international media and tour operators. On September 3 and 4, community sports activities and a concert will take place in Musanze.
The much-anticipated Mountain Gorilla Naming Ceremony will be held in Kinigi on September 5. On September 6, two events are scheduled: a golf tournament at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas and the Conservation Gala Dinner in Kigali.
Since 2005, 397 gorillas have been named. Additionally, over Rwf 18 billion has been invested in more than 1,000 community projects through the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme.
Kwita Izina continues to define Rwanda’s leadership in responsible tourism, blending tradition, innovation, and community ownership to protect the only species of great apes.
The agreements were signed on August 6, 2025, at the conclusion of the Ministerial Session of the Third Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The meeting aimed to review and strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.
On the Rwandan side, the agreements were signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, while Zimbabwe was represented by his counterpart, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira.
Minister Nduhungirehe noted that both countries had sufficient time to explore areas of cooperation following the second session of the commission held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2023.
The meeting laid the groundwork for signing the new agreements covering youth development, collaboration between police institutions, health, customs information exchange, and expansion of energy sector cooperation.
He also pointed out that Rwanda and Zimbabwe already collaborate in several areas such as agriculture, correctional services, and tourism, stressing the importance of implementing the signed agreements.
“We must focus heavily on implementation. Let’s act on the decisions made today to produce tangible results. Establishing follow-up mechanisms, facilitating knowledge exchange, and working together to solve governance-related challenges are crucial,” he said.
He further stated that Zimbabwe is ready to work with Rwanda in the field of justice, with ongoing discussions aimed at finalising a prisoner transfer agreement. Talks are also nearing completion on avoiding double taxation and collaborating on social development programmes.
Minister Nduhungirehe described Zimbabwe as a key partner for Rwanda, with over 25 cooperation agreements signed to date aimed at boosting both countries’ economies.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, expressed his country’s interest in working closely with Rwanda in various sectors.
“We consider the Rwanda–Zimbabwe partnership vital, as it has grown significantly over the years. Since our meeting in 2021, we’ve witnessed remarkable progress in several sectors. This reflects the strong collaboration, friendship, and mutual respect between us,” he said.
He also praised the establishment of a joint Rwanda–Zimbabwe Business Forum, noting its potential to highlight partnership opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, mineral extraction, industrial development, and other sectors that can benefit both populations.
Prof. Murwira highlighted existing cooperation in education, which is already yielding results. He confirmed that the deployment of a second group of Zimbabwean teachers to Rwanda is nearing completion.
He also mentioned his visit to Norrsken Kigali, which supports youth-led tech innovation projects, and identified it as a potential area for joint efforts in advancing technology and industrial growth.
Prof. Murwira added that Zimbabwe is prepared to offer scholarships to Rwandan students interested in furthering their knowledge, particularly in innovation and industrial development.
