Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC), Vincent Assanful, chairman of the Governing Board of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), said that the council has engaged in high-level technical collaboration with officials from the Confucius Institute over the past months on the new Chinese language curriculum.
According to him, a draft Chinese language curriculum, tailored to suit the Ghanaian context without losing its originality, has been developed and is expected to be rolled out soon.
Assanful said that NaCCA identified the critical need to formalize the study of Chinese within Ghana’s basic education system, as China is a global economic force and a key development partner to Ghana.
The official said that the two bodies have developed a draft Chinese language curriculum that is competency-based, contextually adaptive and structurally sound, fitting seamlessly into Ghana’s common core program.
“We believe that the Chinese language, when our children are well-trained and versed in it, dealing with the Chinese in terms of trade, in terms of economics, and in terms of world politics, will inure to the benefit of the Ghanaian,” Assanful told Xinhua.
Assanful urged the CIUCC to focus on the professional development of local teachers so they can become proficient in the new Chinese language curriculum, as it prepares to finalize and hand over the policy document for implementation.
Produced with the support of Aegis Trust, the book aims to show that the genocide was neither spontaneous nor accidental, but the result of decades of careful political and ideological planning. Ambassador Ngarambe argues that the ruling elites orchestrated the crime to maintain power at all costs, driven by a persistent fear of losing it.
The book, unveiled on Friday, December 12, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, challenges narratives that attribute the origins of the genocide to the 1990 attack by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), arguing instead that genocidal intent existed long before. During the Habyarimana regime, led by the MRND state party, there was little genuine political opposition, while Tutsi refugees were systematically prevented from returning, having been perceived as a political threat.
According to the author, both PARMEHUTU and the MRND regimes were motivated by a fear of losing power, targeting Tutsi communities as the primary enemy. Policies from 1959 onward, he argues, were totalitarian, segregationist, and exclusionary, built on an ideology of institutionalised hate.
{{Education and propaganda as tools of hate
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The book details how, from 1982, secondary schools introduced teachings explicitly promoting hatred against Tutsi, including pseudo-scientific theories related to “facial features.” This propaganda normalised violence and massacres, which had occurred repeatedly long before 1994.
In July 1986, the MRND publicly declared that Tutsi refugees would never be allowed to return, prompting the formation of the RPF, a movement of refugees advocating for their right to return. Extremist Hutu leaders viewed the RPF’s attack and the Arusha Accords as existential threats, with the accords seen as a red line.
From 1993, the Interahamwe militias, officially trained and supported by the regime, openly chanted “Tubatsembatsembe” (“Let’s exterminate them”), signalling the impending genocide.
{{The genocide unfolds
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The assassination of President Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, triggered the execution of a long-planned extermination strategy. Within three months, more than one million people were killed. Ambassador Ngarambe emphasises that, without the decisive intervention of the RPF, Rwanda would have been emptied of Tutsi, leaving perpetrators free to operate with impunity.
The book also examines foreign support for the Habyarimana regime, notably from France, and the training of Interahamwe militias, highlighting the international dimensions of the crisis.
{{Lessons for leadership and youth
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During the launch, participants, including senators, commended the book and recommended its inclusion in Rwandan educational programs. Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Jean-Damascène Bizimana pledged closer collaboration with the ambassador and Aegis Trust to disseminate the book’s lessons widely.
Ambassador Ngarambe stressed Rwanda’s uniqueness in ending the genocide without international intervention, highlighting the importance of responsible leadership in preventing mass atrocities. Minister Bizimana urged Rwandan youth to engage with historical accounts, challenge denialist ideologies, and promote the preservation of truth, including within religious institutions.
Ambassador Ngarambe concluded that this publication is part of broader initiatives to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, emphasising memory, truth, and the prevention of future mass crimes.
The center, which will be located at Rubona Station in Huye District, is part of the Rwanda BioCap Project, a five-year program launched in partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP), other international research institutions, and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The project will build local capacity in crop biotechnology, enabling Rwandans to acquire knowledge on genetic modification of crops and related technologies, without adverse effects. The initiative will also allow Rwanda to produce, regulate, and distribute improved seeds suited to local needs, contributing to food self-sufficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Solange Uwituze, said the sector faces increasing challenges, including new pests and diseases affecting potatoes, sweet potatoes, and bananas, compounded by climate change. She emphasised that science-based approaches, such as this project, are essential for protecting crops and increasing yields.
“This project will establish a Centre of Excellence for Crop Biotechnology under RAB. It will help generate critical data on regulatory compliance, environmental impact, and food safety, while supporting trials, seed distribution, and farmer assistance programs,” Dr. Uwituze said.
Currently, Rwanda’s agriculture sector accounts for 70% of crops exported abroad and meets 90% of domestic food demand. Approximately 1.4 million hectares of land are dedicated to agriculture, including 600,000 hectares consolidated under the expanded Food Basket Sites (FoBaSi) program, where the new technologies will also be implemented.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Fifth Agricultural Transformation Program (PSTA5), a five-year strategy with a budget of $5.4 billion, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity by 50% and accelerating rural development.
The government has pledged to make improved seeds rapidly available to farmers, strengthening the country’s capacity to achieve food security and sustainable farming.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday in federal court in Miami, Florida, argues that the BBC manipulated footage of Trump’s remarks in its flagship current affairs programme Panorama, which broadcast the segment in the run‑up to the November 2024 vote. Trump’s legal team says the edits made it appear he urged supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol and “fight like hell,” while omitting key portions in which he called for peaceful protest.
Trump is seeking $5 billion in damages for defamation and an additional $5 billion for alleged violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act bringing the total to $10 billion. The complaint accuses the BBC of publishing a “false, defamatory… and malicious depiction of President Trump” that could have influenced public perception during the election cycle.
In recent weeks, the BBC acknowledged that the documentary clips were edited in a way that gave the wrong impression, with BBC Chairman Samir Shah calling the episode an “error of judgment.” However, the corporation has rejected the defamation claims and said it believes there is no legal basis for the lawsuit, even as its leadership faced intense scrutiny.
The controversy triggered significant leadership changes at the broadcaster. Both the BBC’s Director‑General Tim Davie and the head of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following the revelations of editorial mishandling and internal criticism.
This legal action is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s disputes with major media outlets. Over the past year, he has taken legal action against several U.S. news organisations, including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, over what he says are defamatory portrayals, though such cases often face significant legal hurdles.
Speaking to IGIHE, Dr Uwituze, who was recently appointed alongside Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, the new Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, said the new leadership at MINAGRI will focus on streamlining irrigation projects and ensuring that established schemes deliver tangible results in both food production and export-oriented crops.
She said particular emphasis will be placed on fast-tracking irrigation projects in areas already earmarked and funded for such interventions.
“We will put strong emphasis on ensuring that areas designated for irrigation and already financed move quickly through technical processes, procurement and implementation, so that national targets set for citizens are achieved without delay,” she said.
“Secondly, we will work to ensure that the irrigated schemes we have established produce sufficient food crops, as well as cash crops that earn foreign exchange for the country.”
Dr Uwituze noted that increased production must go hand in hand with improved market access, citing instances where farmers harvest produce only for it to spoil due to lack of buyers.
“If we do this well, we can achieve sufficient, high-quality production. That must be matched with market access, because there are times when produce is harvested but ends up spoiling at collection centres. These issues must be addressed in a coordinated manner,” she said.
She added that the ministry will also intensify efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture by promoting climate-smart farming practices and strengthening measures to address the impact of excessive rainfall or prolonged dry spells.
{{Addressing hunger in Kayonza
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The issue of hunger has recently drawn attention in Kayonza District, where prolonged drought has affected residents in the sectors of Ndego, Mwiri, Kabare and Rwinkwavu.
The situation was among the factors that led to the dismissal of district officials, following reports that residents in the affected areas were facing acute food shortages due to persistent dry conditions.
The drought, marked by limited rainfall and dry conditions, has forced some residents to migrate in search of food.
This challenge is not new, as the government has often had to provide food assistance to these communities on an annual basis. However, reports indicate that local authorities failed to submit timely reports on the situation, allegedly concealing the severity of hunger in the affected sectors.
Once the central government became aware of the situation, emergency food assistance was immediately deployed. Each household is receiving beans and maize sufficient to last approximately 15 days.
A household of five people, for instance, is being provided with 37 kilograms of maize and 15 kilograms of beans. Distribution has already started across all four affected sectors.
{{Irrigation project under scrutiny
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Kayonza District is also home to the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project (KIIWP), a government-funded initiative that was expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Despite substantial investment, the project has yet to deliver the anticipated results.
Dr Uwituze acknowledged the long-standing climatic challenges in the area, noting that Kayonza is known for receiving limited rainfall.
“This is an area that is naturally prone to low rainfall. What we have committed to do is to put in place daily monitoring to understand what is likely to happen and how best to prepare,” she said.
“In particular, we will allocate crop varieties that require less water and mature quickly.”
She explained that agricultural interventions in the area will be tailored to local climatic conditions rather than applying standard national programmes.
“If maize takes five months to mature, yet rainfall in the area lasts only about two months, then we must design programmes that reflect the local climate. The goal is to ensure communities do not continue to lose harvests or suffer hunger while we are present,” she said.
Dr Uwituze said that while immediate food assistance has stabilised the situation, longer-term solutions are already being implemented.
“At the moment, residents have food to eat, but we are also introducing fast-maturing crops such as sweet potatoes. We are also considering short-cycle bean varieties that mature in about 45 days, so that alongside the food aid, communities can grow and harvest their own food within a short period.”
In a statement dated December 15, 2025, and signed by its coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the AFC/M23 said the decision follows recent progress within the Doha Peace Process, including the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement on November 15, 2025. The group stated that the withdrawal was carried out at the request of United States mediation, which it described as part of broader international efforts to facilitate a lasting political solution to the conflict.
According to the communiqué, the alliance said it opted for the withdrawal despite what it described as continued provocations and abuses by the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied forces. AFC/M23 maintained that the move was intended to give the peace process “the maximum chance” to succeed and to demonstrate goodwill toward dialogue.
However, the group also expressed concern over past experiences in which it claims its previous trust-building measures were exploited by FARDC, Wazalendo militias and allied forces to retake territory and target civilians perceived as sympathetic to AFC/M23. In this context, the alliance called on the guarantors of the peace process to put in place concrete measures to manage the situation in Uvira following its withdrawal.
These measures, according to the statement, should include the demilitarisation of the city, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and the monitoring of the ceasefire through the deployment of a neutral force. AFC/M23 said such mechanisms are necessary to prevent a security vacuum and to ensure that the withdrawal does not result in renewed violence against the local population.
The communiqué also addressed the presence of armed groups hostile to the Government of Burundi operating in eastern DRC. AFC/M23 stated that it would not allow areas it previously controlled to be used as rear bases for attacks that could undermine relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, stressing the importance of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries.
The AFC/M23 group captured Uvira last week, describing the move as an effort to liberate the city from what it called ethnic atrocities being committed against the local population by coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government.
“For more than three months, we have denounced the spread of hate speech, targeted attacks, and massacres in areas previously liberated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime and their ally, Burundi. Today, the threat has been removed, and Uvira is now liberated,” AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced.
The withdrawal from Uvira marks a significant development in the evolving conflict dynamics in South Kivu, where control of strategic cities has frequently shifted amid fighting between government forces, local militias and armed movements. While the AFC/M23 framed its move as a step toward de-escalation, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with the durability of the withdrawal likely to depend on the implementation of agreed security arrangements and the credibility of ongoing peace talks.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the withdrawal contributes to renewed momentum for dialogue or opens a new phase of contestation over control of Uvira and its surroundings.
This high-profile event, attended by ministers, former ambassadors, and experts, marked a significant moment for Rwanda’s growing influence in global diplomacy.
Amb. Shyaka’s recognition on December 11, speaks volumes about the strength of Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in Poland, and its expanding role in fostering strategic global partnerships.
Commenting on the development, Amb. Shayaka expressed his appreciation for the recognition and thanked the leadership of the Centre for International Relations (CIR) for the award.
“This award is both a surprise and an encouragement to continue spurring Rwanda- Poland relations, which are win- win in nature, and growing in the right direction,” he noted. ” Africa sees Europe as its strategic partner to shape its future. I hope that Europe can see Africa as its strategic partner, in years to come,” Amb. Shyaka added.
The conference focused on critical issues such as the challenges of a multipolar world, digital sovereignty, and global security.
It also explored topics such as transatlantic relations, European digital sovereignty, and the shifting role of the United States in global governance, issues that benefit from African perspectives.
Amb. Shyaka’s involvement reinforced the importance of integrating Africa’s voice in shaping discussions around security, the digital economy, and Europe-Africa relations.
Rwanda, known for its remarkable economic transformation, strong governance, and technological innovation, has consistently positioned itself as a leader in these areas.
Amb. Shyaka’s presence at such a high-level forum provided an invaluable platform to showcase Rwanda’s economic potential, while also opening doors for collaboration across a range of sectors, including investment, technology, academia, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
Receiving the “Diplomat of the Year” award also represents a form of soft power, enhancing Rwanda’s global profile. It highlights the country’s diplomatic achievements and promotes the image of a forward-thinking nation eager to forge meaningful international partnerships.
The event also recognized ambassadors from Italy and Uzbekistan, underscoring the importance of diplomacy in addressing shared global challenges.
The central bank announced on Monday that the offering will run from December 15 to December 17, 2025, giving investors an opportunity to participate in a competitive bidding process.
The bonds, which will mature in 2040, offer investors regular interest payments throughout their term. The minimum investment is Frw 100,000, while individual investors can place bids of up to Frw 50 million. Successful bidders will be notified via email by 5:00 PM on December 17, 2025.
Investors who wish to access funds before maturity can do so through the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE). Through licensed brokers, bondholders can sell their holdings at market prices, providing flexibility and liquidity.
Government bonds in Rwanda are issued both as new issues and through reopenings, with maturities ranging from 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, to 20 years. They provide a safe, long-term investment, allowing individuals to plan for goals such as children’s education, retirement, or major projects.
By purchasing government bonds, investors lend funds to the state while earning predictable returns. At maturity, the principal is fully repaid, and interest payments are made on schedule. The use of Rwandan francs ensures local participation, and the bonds are issued monthly to meet both investor demand and government financing needs.
This latest reopening offers a secure and flexible investment opportunity for individuals and institutions, while supporting Rwanda’s broader economic development.
The program, launched in March 2025, brought together 24 professional women from financial institutions, who joined 78 other women from various sectors under the broader LiftHerUp program this year, bringing the total to 102 participants. Through a structured mentorship journey combining group mentorship, optional one-on-one sessions and monthly masterclasses delivered both virtually and in person, participants strengthened their leadership capacity and career direction.
The program concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025, with a colourful and engaging closing ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, themed “Owning Your Growth,” where participants themselves led the event, shared impact stories and reflected on their nine-month journey.
According to organisers, the program recorded an average satisfaction rating of 4.74 out of 5, with most participants indicating they would recommend it to others.
Beyond satisfaction, the mentorship delivered tangible outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved leadership skills, expanded professional networks and clearer career goals. Several women also shared experiences of promotions and successful career transitions linked to insights and accountability gained through mentorship.
A panel discussion during the closing event brought together senior leaders Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda; and Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law.
Dr. Karusisi said mentorship plays a critical role in helping women see leadership as attainable.
“My objective was to demystify leadership, to show that leaders are just normal human beings and that anyone in this room can aspire to lead,” she said.
Mutimura, who attended the event as a supporter of the program, said intentional growth and continuous learning are essential for long-term success.
“Growth doesn’t happen by accident; you must be intentional and consistent,” he told participants, adding that mentorship remains close to his heart.
Kabasinga said she accepted the invitation to support the program because of her passion for empowering women, encouraging participants to take ownership of their journeys and not shy away from ambition.
The 2025 cohort drew women professionals from a wide range of organisations, including Bralirwa, Irembo, Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), MTN, Ecobank, Canal+, Old Mutual, NCBA, I&M Bank, Sanlam, One Acre Fund, Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Umwalimu SACCO, among other leading institutions.
Speaking on the program’s impact, Belinda Bwiza, Co-Founder of Women in Finance Rwanda, noted that initiatives like LiftHerUp play a critical role in strengthening women’s representation in leadership by addressing both skills and confidence gaps that often hold women back.
“We are building a movement that is much bigger than any of us,” she said, encouraging participants and mentors to continue engaging and paying the impact forward.
Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, said the partnership with Women in Finance Rwanda helped deepen the program’s reach within the financial sector, including the full sponsorship of 24 participants.
“This is just the beginning, next year we expect the partnership to grow even stronger,” she said, adding that the collaboration with WIFR has strengthened trust and engagement within the sector and is expected to grow in future cohorts.
She emphasised that mentorship remains one of the most effective tools for growth, noting that while education provides knowledge, mentorship creates space for reflection, practical learning, and intentional decision-making that supports long-term leadership development. For many participants, the program marked a turning point in how they approach their careers and leadership roles.
Umutoneshwa Luminaire Sacrée, an ESMS Lead at Bank of Kigali, said the mentorship helped her move from doubt to decisive action.
“Before LiftHerUp, I doubted whether my decisions were truly taking me forward, even when others believed in me. A turning point was when my mentor encouraged me to follow up on a role I’d been considered for. I pushed through the discomfort, and I got the position,” she said.
Linda Rubanza, a Sales Officer at I&M Bank Rwanda (Cohort 2025), said the program strengthened her confidence and clarified her career direction.
“The program gave me the clarity I needed, strengthened my confidence and shifted my mindset toward continuous growth. Today, I approach challenges with a growth mindset and feel more prepared to seize opportunities,” she said.
Launched in 2023, Women in Finance Rwanda (WIFR) is a foundation dedicated to empowering women to excel in their careers and navigate the evolving finance industry.
The LiftHerUp x WIFR Mentorship Program builds on the wider LiftHerUp initiative, which has supported over 400 women since its inception four years ago. Organisers say they remain committed to expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening women’s leadership pipelines in Rwanda and beyond.
The star-studded gathering drew government officials, celebrities, former pageant contestants, and sports stars, celebrating the journey of a young woman whose life story goes far beyond the crown.
Among the notable attendees were the Minister of Public Service and Labour, Ambassador Christine Nkurikiyinka, and former Miss Rwanda winners, including Jolly Mutesi, Liliane Iradukunda, and Meghan Nimwiza. Previous contestants such as Darina Kayumba, Claudine Muyango, Pamella Uwicyeza, and Shanitah Umunyana also graced the occasion.
“We are here to support you, we are behind you, and I hope everyone in this room will go out as your ambassadors,” the Minister remarked.
The event also featured celebrities such as Bull Dogg, Juno Kizigenza, Christopher, and Ruti Joel, who entertained the guests, alongside performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. APR BBC basketball stars Ntore Habimana, Adonis Filer, and Axel Mpoyo also attended as special guests, interacting with attendees and joining in the celebrations.
One of the most notable announcements of the evening was Nishimwe’s initiative to distribute more than 10,000 copies of her memoir to schools and community libraries across Rwanda. Targeting young people who may not have access to books, the initiative aims to empower youth to read, dream, and work toward brighter futures. Each book is priced at 40,000 Rwandan francs, and several attendees immediately pledged support, placing orders to contribute to the program.
{{A memoir of growth, faith, and resilience
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More Than a Crown chronicles Nishimwe’s life before, during, and after her reign as Miss Rwanda. The memoir explores her childhood, struggles with self-esteem, mental health challenges, and the pressures of social media, as well as insights into her marriage to Michael Tesfay in December 2024.
Nishimwe uses the book to reflect on moments of joy and hardship, offering readers lessons in resilience, faith, and personal growth.
“Before the crown, there was Naomie. There was Naomie with the crown, and now there’s Naomie after the crown. Wearing the crown felt like a season, but not my whole identity. This book is for everyone, to inspire each person who feels unseen or misunderstood by society,” Nishimwe shared.
“Tonight we’re not just launching a book, we’re celebrating a journey. More Than a Crown is a reminder that every person is more than the titles people give them, more than their past, more than their struggles, and more than the crown society places on them.”
During the launch, Nishimwe recounted that Chapter 9, which deals with loss and personal pain, was particularly challenging to write.
“It was a big conversation with myself, full of so much pain. Sharing it helps me heal and create a safe space for others to feel seen and understood,” she explained.
During post-launch interviews, Nishimwe expressed her excitement at the overwhelming support from attendees, with over 100 copies signed during the event alone. She emphasised the importance of her book donation initiative, noting that most of her followers are high school-aged and that the program is designed to give back and encourage young readers.
“The moment this book inspires people to dream big, believe in themselves, and step out of their comfort zones, that is when I know it has succeeded,” Nishimwe said.
She also revealed plans to take the memoir on a global tour next year, including Uganda, Kenya, the U.S., and Europe, aiming to create a community where people can share their stories without judgment.
Her husband, Michael Tesfay, delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising the memoir as a reflection of Nishimwe’s courage, authenticity, and journey of growth.
“This book is more than a story; it is a reflection of her heart, her strength, and her courage to be vulnerable in front of the world,” Tesfay said.
Representatives from Imagine We Publishers highlighted the importance of amplifying African voices and stories that reflect contemporary challenges and triumphs. The memoir, they said, represents the post-genocide generation navigating modern life with resilience and hope.
More Than a Crown is available through Imagine We Publishers in Rwanda and is also available to a global readership on Amazon.
