The trial in substance had initially been suspended when the High Court summoned Victoire Ingabire —who was not originally part of the case—to provide clarification in court.
Her summons was based on Article 106 of the Rwandan law on offenses and penalties in general, which allows additional investigation when initial explanations are deemed insufficient. After her court appearance, the judges found her statement lacking and instructed the Prosecution to launch a more thorough investigation.
Ingabire, a self-proclaimed opposition politician, is facing six charges. These include harm to the current government, spreading false information or propaganda intended to turn foreign nations against Rwanda, creating or joining a criminal group, and plotting illegal activities such as demonstrations and subversion.
When she appeared before the Kicukiro Primary Court seeking bail, she denied all charges. However, the court remanded her for 30 days, citing serious grounds for suspecting her involvement in the alleged crimes.
While that case was underway, the High Court trial involving the other nine defendants—former Dalfa Umurinzi party members and journalist Nsengimana—was put on hold, pending a decision on whether Ingabire would be formally added to the case.
Ingabire was expected to appear for the first time as a co-defendant on July 23, 2025. However, the court has postponed the proceedings to September 1, 2025, due to the judicial recess now beginning.
The nine co-accused had already entered their pleas. The prosecution was due to present its final submissions, after which the defendants would respond before the court concluded the trial for deliberation.
Once the trial resumes, Ingabire will be allowed to present her defense and submit any exculpatory evidence. After her statement, the prosecution will submit its final recommendation, which will be addressed by all defendants before the judges begin deliberations.
Some of the bars were temporarily closed, while others were fined based on the nature of the infractions.
The inspections were conducted over the weekend of Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, 2025, in a total of 601 bars across all three districts of Kigali. The objective was to assess compliance with the rules and regulations in place for such businesses.
According to Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, the operation is part of a broader national effort to promote responsible business conduct and curb excessive alcohol consumption.
“In an effort to prevent and reduce rampant alcohol abuse, particularly among the youth, enforcement measures have been introduced,” said ACP Rutikanga. “These include regular inspections by the police in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure hospitality operators respect the law.”
He noted that the crackdown follows persistent non-compliance by some bars and hotels, despite repeated warnings. “This is why administrative penalties were imposed, and these inspections will continue,” he added.
Among the non-compliant venues were 53 nightclubs, 64 liquor stores, 5 supermarkets, 17 retail outlets selling alcohol, 64 bars, 2 lodging facilities, and 1 restaurant. Penalties ranged from temporary closures to fines.
One individual was arrested in Remera Sector, Gasabo District, for illegally reopening a bar and lodge that had previously been shut down for violations.
In Nyarugenge District, 24 individuals found publicly intoxicated were counseled and later released.
ACP Rutikanga urged bar, restaurant, and nightclub operators to prioritize compliance in order to avoid penalties and business losses, especially as nationwide inspections will intensify.
A recent statement from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), issued on June 28, 2025, after a joint meeting with RNP, the City of Kigali, and other partners, emphasized the need to strengthen regulation and protect public well-being.
The directive requires all bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and alcohol-selling outlets to stop serving alcohol by 1:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and by 2:00 a.m. on weekends.
Additionally, operators must ensure all patrons exit the premises by closing time, shut entry points, monitor sound levels to avoid noise pollution, verify the age of clients to prevent underage drinking, and refuse service to visibly intoxicated individuals.
ACP Rutikanga concluded by reminding all operators to follow these rules strictly to avoid penalties, protect the public, and promote responsible entertainment in Kigali.
On the night of July 21 to 22, 2025, Wazalendo fighters—believed to have emerged from Virunga National Park—launched coordinated assaults in the Mugunga area and the Rusayo locality.
Gunfire echoed for nearly three hours as AFC/M23 forces engaged the attackers in an effort to neutralize the threat to Goma’s security. Residents in neighborhoods such as Ndosho and Kyeshero reported hearing heavy gunfire and expressed fear that the violence might reach their communities.
However, AFC/M23 forces successfully pushed back the Wazalendo fighters before dawn.
The coalition has maintained control of Goma since January 2025. On July 22, Manzi Willy, the North Kivu governor appointed by AFC/M23, reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the city.
“Our security forces remain steadfast and dedicated to the mission of eliminating criminal elements seeking to disrupt the safety of our people,” Manzi stated.
He further revealed that, following the coalition’s takeover of Goma, opposing forces had hidden weapons, ammunition, grenades, and other explosives among the civilian population.
According to Manzi, AFC/M23 continues to uncover and dismantle these threats on a daily basis.
In a letter addressed to Zoe Lofgren, ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, on Monday, the scientists accuse the Trump administration of abruptly terminating staff, withholding critical research funds, and drastically cutting the agency’s budget.
Due to concerns about retaliation, all but one of the employees’ signatures have been withheld.
The signatories expressed concerns over a series of “politically motivated” and “legally questionable” actions by the Trump administration that threaten the integrity of the NSF and undermine the civil service protection guaranteed under federal law.
The letter called on the U.S. Congress to defend the NSF’s mission and workforce, reaffirm its scientific independence, and maintain support for research vital to national prosperity and security.
This statement follows similar protest letters released last month by scientists and staff at the National Institutes of Health and employees at the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the recent Voyager Declaration signed by current and former scientists of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Experts say these collective actions represent an unprecedented wave of dissent among U.S. federal scientific employees.
The Rwanda Formed Police Unit One rotation 10 (RWAFPU1-10) under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Corneille Murigo, will replace their counterparts in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
“You are well-trained, fully equipped, and ready to undertake this important assignment.
“I urge you to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism in the execution of your duties. Take good care of your equipment and support one another as a team,” DCG Ujeneza said.
She emphasized the importance of representing and maintaining Rwanda’s positive image in peacekeeping, both through professional conduct and cultural respect.
“Be proud ambassadors of our country, work harmoniously with other forces, keep our culture, but respect the culture of those you serve alongside and those under your protection,” she advised.
DIGP also encouraged the contingent to actively engage in community policing and human security efforts to support the local communities in South Sudan.
“Participate in local activities such as medical outreach and communal work. These efforts build trust with the community and reflect our core values as a nation,” she noted.
Since 2015, Rwanda has consistently deployed Formed Police Units (FPUs) to UNMISS. The country currently maintains two contingents: RWAFPU1 in Malakal and RWAFPU3 — majority female officers— stationed in the capital, Juba.
Launched in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the Africa EdTech 2030: Vision, Plan and Policy framework is aligned with AU digital transformation agenda and envisages a future where a critical mass of learners has access to mobile devices connected to high speed internet, enabling them to study remotely.
The Africa EdTech vision and framework aims to bypass traditional education infrastructure hiccups, harness digital tools to reach marginalized children and youth with instructional materials.
Some of the high-impact goals advanced by the strategy includes expanding digital access through low cost devices, solar solutions, offline-first technologies, upskilling teachers, research and data privacy.
“Through coordinated policy, local innovation and equitable infrastructure, Africa can leapfrog legacy education barriers and build a globally competitive digital learning ecosystem. The time was ripe to transition to digital learning in Africa, boost content development, cognitive abilities and social skills of the continent’s youth”, said John Kimotho, EdTech consultant from Kenya.
He cited Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius as frontrunners worth emulating as the continent expand access to digital learning for a future workforce that is globally competitive.
However, The Vision & Plan responds to urgent continental challenges that over 60 percent of the population is below 25 years, 30 million primary school age children remain out of school and 17 million additional teachers are required by 2030 to achieve universal access to quality education. Also, only 30-65 percent of tutors own the device in South Africa while in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya.
To make the vision achievable, all stakeholders-governments, educators, private sector actors, communities, and partners are invited to review and comment on the vision and plan to ensure it enables the collective action envisaged.
This region is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, with the Volcanoes National Park at the forefront, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which are found in few places around the world. In addition, the area is home to a variety of high-end hotels and other tourist attractions.
In an interview with IGIHE, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, highlighted the immense potential for tourism in the region, driven by its outstanding natural beauty.
In Musanze District alone, there are more than 50 hotels, including five-star facilities that cater to elite tourists.
He mentioned notable hotels such as Amakoro Songa Lodge, located in Kinigi, Bisate Eco Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, which continue to provide employment opportunities for many people in the Northern Province.
“We have five-star hotels, as well as others with four and one-star ratings, so every visitor can find a place to stay here,” he said.
These hotels provide jobs across various sectors, including tourism transport, hotel staff, food services, and other related businesses, benefitting local residents living near these facilities.
Mugabowagahunde also pointed out that many of the construction materials used for these hotels come from within Musanze, particularly bamboo, which is abundant in the region. He noted that bamboo, once viewed as a nuisance, has now become a valuable building resource for the region’s high-end hotels.
“I was born in this area, and bamboo was once seen as a challenge […] but now it has become highly valuable, and these hotels are using it in their construction,” he added.
Moreover, these hotels are celebrated for their role in preserving Rwandan culture and promoting environmental sustainability, especially as Rwanda and the world face the challenges of climate change.
Mugabowagahunde cited Amakoro Songa Lodge, where guests are welcomed with traditional Kinyarwanda music, which helps introduce them to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
He also highlighted that many of the hotel employees, who once participated in illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation, are now educated on the importance of conserving the Volcanoes National Park and protecting wildlife.
“Additionally, visitors to these hotels are encouraged to plant trees as part of environmental conservation. Every guest plants a tree, names it, and can come back to check its growth, helping us preserve the environment,” he explained.
The hospitality sector also plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy as the goods used in these hotels are often sourced from nearby communities. Farmers are trained on modern agricultural techniques to meet the demands of the hotels.
Aside from the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze offers other tourist attractions such as Burera and Ruhondo lakes, the Nkotsi and Bikara areas (where historical meetings between leaders took place), and Kabuye Hill in Gakenke District.
The region is also home to the Rugezi Marsh, which supports a diverse range of wildlife. Recently, over 400 species, including some rare ones, have been discovered in this area.
The Northern Province has also developed agricultural tourism, with districts like Rulindo and Gakenke offering visitors the opportunity to learn about coffee production.
“We have now launched agricultural tourism in Musanze, where people can learn about the cultivation of potatoes. We also have a potato processing plant where alcohol is produced from potatoes, which gives people a deeper understanding of the entire agricultural process,” he said.
Recently, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced an investment of over 30.7 billion Rwandan francs to support community-based projects around the Volcanoes National Park until 2028.
Each year, communities surrounding the park receive 10% of the park’s revenue, which is invested in public welfare projects and development initiatives.
Reports indicate that 105 community projects have received funding, with 43.1% allocated to agriculture, 41% to infrastructure, 10.5% for tools and materials, 2.9% for repairing damage caused by wildlife, and 1.9% for local businesses near the park.
“This 10% helps us implement various projects, including water distribution across the community. For example, in the eight sectors surrounding the park, the water issue has been resolved,” the Governor explained.
These funds have also been used to build more infrastructure, including schools, bridges, and roads, which facilitate the transportation of agricultural products to markets and help alleviate poverty in the region.
Mugabowagahunde also stressed the importance of the annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, which not only attracts tourists to the Northern Province but also creates numerous job opportunities for locals.
He expressed gratitude to the government for investing in infrastructure that makes visiting the region’s natural attractions easier and encouraged Rwandans to explore these areas as they have become much more accessible.
The Northern Province has a population of 2,038,511 people and covers an area of 3,293.3 square kilometers. It is made up of five districts, 89 sectors, 414 cells, and 2,744 villages.
In a press briefing held in Kinshasa on Monday, Minister Shabani claimed that both Congolese and Rwandan interior ministers had been summoned to Doha to serve as “moral authorities” or “guarantors” in the deal signed between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel group on Saturday, July 19, to end fighting in the eastern DRC.
Responding to the minister’s remarks in a post on X, Nduhungirehe labelled the claims as “an outright lie,” accusing Kinshasa of routinely misinforming the Congolese public about the ongoing peace processes. He described such narratives as part of a broader pattern of communication failures from the Congolese government.
Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda’s role in the Doha talks was limited to that of an observer, following the June 27 peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda mediated by the United States.
“The truth is that on the afternoon of the signing of the Washington Peace Agreement, June 27, 2025, the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs invited all parties (DRC and Rwanda) and all guarantors (United States, Togo, African Union Commission) to a meeting at the Qatari Embassy in Washington to discuss the next steps in the process,” he revealed.
That meeting, he said, was attended by the foreign ministers of Congo, Rwanda, and Togo, alongside U.S. Special Advisor Massad Boulos. It was during this gathering that Qatar requested all involved parties and guarantors to send representatives to Doha to follow up on the peace negotiations, emphasising that the Washington and Doha tracks were complementary.
“In that context, and only that context, Rwanda was invited to Doha as an observer, just like the United States and the African Union,” Nduhungirehe explained.
“The DRC is a party to the Doha process, and thus Minister Shabani could not possibly have been considered an ‘observer.’”
The Rwandan minister also mocked recent remarks made by DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, who claimed that Rwanda’s economy has been “suffocating” since February 2025 due to Western sanctions prompted by President Félix Tshisekedi’s “firmness.”
“I must admit—I’m ‘suffocating’ from laughter instead,” Nduhungirehe quipped.
The exchange follows a series of heated statements between officials of both countries in the aftermath of two landmark agreements: the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
While the Washington agreement focuses on dismantling the genocidal FDLR militia and easing border tensions, the Doha process aims to address the political roots of the M23 conflict through dialogue.
Minister Nduhungurehe on Sunday reiterated that the [AFC/M23 is not covered->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/joint-security-mechanism-is-for-fdlr-not-m23-nduhungirehe-dismisses-muyaya-s?var_mode=calcul] under the Washington agreement’s Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), which is strictly bilateral between Kigali and Kinshasa.
According to a statement by the U.S. State Department, the withdrawal was due to what Washington saw as the UN cultural agency’s policy to “advance divisive social and cultural causes” over the Israel-Palestine conflicts.
“UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,” the statement said.
The U.S. exit will take effect at the end of December 2026.
In its latest quarterly report released on July 21, 2025, NISR highlighted that Rwanda’s exports stood at $480.82 million, while imports into the country were valued at $1.379 billion.
Compared to the same period in 2024, Rwanda’s exports grew by 11.40% in Q1 2025. However, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, exports dropped by 29.02%.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as Rwanda’s top export destination, receiving goods worth $288.75 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) followed with $54.96 million, while China, Luxembourg, and the United States came next with $23.45 million, $11.98 million, and $10.73 million respectively.
Regionally, Uganda ranked second after the DRC, importing Rwandan goods worth $5.88 million, followed by Burundi at $3.74 million.
The DRC also received the highest value of re-exported goods through Rwanda, totaling $127.14 million representing a massive 93.91% of all re-exports, which stood at $135.39 million.
Meanwhile, the value of Rwanda’s imports slightly dropped by 2.23% in Q1 2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024, and by 15.36% compared to Q4 of last year.
China was Rwanda’s top import partner, sending goods worth $338.53 million. Tanzania followed with $151.30 million, Kenya with $135.35 million, India with $115.65 million, and the UAE with $81.09 million.
Despite the impressive numbers, Rwanda’s overall trade volume decreased by 0.99% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, which had reached $2.015 billion. It also saw a 29.02% drop compared to Q4 2024, which had recorded $2.484 billion.
