This year’s event was attended by Marta Nawrocka, the wife of Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who took the opportunity to explore various exhibits from around the world, including Rwanda’s unique offerings.
The SHOM Charity Bazaar, which highlights the best products from participating countries, raises funds for charitable initiatives supported by non-governmental organizations in Poland and abroad.
This year, the event aimed to assist 17 organizations, including a Polish initiative that established a school for visually impaired children in Kibeho, Rwanda.
Rwanda’s booth featured a selection of its renowned products, including coffee, tea, baskets, and traditional crafts, which attracted a large crowd.
Marta Nawrocka visited the Rwandan booth, where she was warmly welcomed by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Prof. Shyaka Anastase, and his wife, Beata Shyaka. They took the opportunity to explain the significance of Rwanda’s products and the country’s rich culture.
The event, which took place just ahead of Christmas, was also attended by children from a local kindergarten in the Siemiatycze district.
Upon reaching the Rwandan booth, the children were greeted by Ambassador Shyaka and performed Christmas songs in Kinyarwanda, proudly waving Rwandan flags.
Amb. Shyaka expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to showcasing Rwanda’s cultural and artisanal treasures.
He particularly thanked the children for bringing the spirit of Christmas to the event through their songs in Kinyarwanda, offering a glimpse of Rwanda’s vibrant culture to attendees at the charity bazaar.
The advance comes after days of heavy fighting in the Rusizi valley, where AFC/M23 fighters have pushed back DRC government forces across several areas. Prior to taking Kiliba, the coalition captured the town centre of Runingo and other localities, including Katogota, Rurambo, Luberizi, Luvungi, Mutalule, Bwegera, Nyakabere, and Sange.
Media reports indicate that gunfire was heard in Uvira city even before Kiliba fell, allegedly from fighters associated with the Wazalendo coalition. The escalating insecurity has forced businesses and schools in Uvira to close temporarily.
Sources in South Kivu say that Burundian troops stationed in captured areas, including Runingo, withdrew after facing heavy resistance from AFC/M23 fighters. Similar reports emerged on December 8, when Burundian forces, alongside DRC and Wazalendo fighters, reportedly retreated following the loss of Sange town centre.
The situation remains fluid, with residents and authorities closely monitoring the unfolding security dynamics along the Uvira corridor.
From homeowners working on modest upgrades to contractors handling large-scale developments, La Gloire has built a reputation for offering products that suit every budget.
{{A humble start with tiles
}}
La Gloire began its journey in 2019, initially focusing on supplying tiles through a partnership with Goodwill Tiles. Salesperson Kevin Gashugi explains that, in the early years, the business served mainly retailers, though individual clients were also welcomed. Word-of-mouth quickly became their strongest form of marketing as satisfied customers recommended the store to others.
“We started mostly with tiles, offering different sizes to satisfy all kinds of customers,” Kevin reflected on those early days during a recent visit by IGIHE to the supplier’s showroom in Gisozi.
As demand grew, clients began asking for more than just tiles, prompting the company to expand its range. By 2022, customers were requesting toilets, cabinets, MDF boards, marine boards and other essential finishing materials, an opportunity that guided La Gloire’s evolution into a more comprehensive supplier.
According to Kevin, the company’s goal was to make it easier for customers to find everything they needed in one place. This led to key milestones: in 2023, La Gloire became the sole representative of BNBM gypsum products, and partnered with Golden Home and Acacia Factory from Uganda for marine boards.
In December 2024, the company also introduced large-format tiles from China and India and became a representative of the Somany brand from India. These expansions diversified the showroom and strengthened La Gloire’s presence in the finishing materials market.
{{Tiles for every space and budget
}}
Today, the company offers an impressive range of products. Its tile collection includes modern large-format tiles such as 75×150cm, 80×80cm and 60×120cm, as well as more standard and affordable sizes like 60×60cm, 50x50cm, 40×40cm and 30×30cm. Customers can also find outdoor tiles and solutions for stairs.
“We want to make sure everyone finds something that works for them,” Kevin says, emphasising that every client is guaranteed to find an option that suits their style and budget.
For interior finishing, La Gloire supplies MDF boards commonly used for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and furniture, along with water-resistant marine boards preferred for areas exposed to moisture. To complete these installations, the store also stocks accessories such as handles, sofa legs, taps and cabinet fittings, allowing customers to source everything they need without moving between multiple suppliers.
The company’s gypsum section has equally grown in demand. Clients can choose from BNBM, German and Sunshine gypsum boards, along with the necessary gypsum powder and plaster. These products are popular for ceilings, partitions and decorative work because they offer a clean finish and a modern look while being easy to install.
{{Expanding bathroom and sanitaryware solutions
}}
La Gloire’s bathroom and sanitaryware section is one of its fastest-growing departments. Customers can explore a wide selection of toilets, including water-saving and soft-close models, smart mirrors with lighting and anti-fog features, bathroom cabinets in modern designs and premium showers. Among the popular innovations are showers with temperature displays, which help users heat water more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy use.
Beyond finishes, the store also provides essential plumbing items such as flexible tubes, valves, fittings and water heaters. Kevin notes that the water heaters stocked at La Gloire are preferred for their efficiency because they heat water only when needed, making them ideal for reducing household electricity consumption. For waterproofing needs, the company supplies trusted Sika products used to protect bathrooms, balconies and other moisture-prone areas.
{{Customer satisfaction at the core
}}
A strong focus on customer satisfaction continues to set La Gloire apart. Bulk buyers receive negotiable discounts, and delivery services are arranged based on the size and fragility of the order.
The team also follows up with clients to understand how the products performed in their projects, a practice Kevin says helps the company decide which new items to introduce. He adds that all products meet international quality standards, reinforcing the company’s commitment to durability and customer trust.
From a single outlet, La Gloire has expanded to more than 10 branches across Kigali, Musanze, Rubavu and other districts, with plans to continue widening its reach. The company sources products from Rwanda, India, China, Egypt and Uganda, giving customers a wide variety of options without compromising on quality or affordability.
Whether someone is renovating a home, furnishing new spaces or working on commercial buildings, La Gloire offers solutions that are practical, modern and accessible.
“Any budget constraint you may have, come and talk to us. We have experts who can advise you, products that fit every need and solutions tailored to your project,” Kevin assures.
On August 7, 2023, IRMCT judges decided to suspend Kabuga’s trial, explaining that he was unable to stand trial due to his medical condition, including dementia.
After receiving a request from the prosecution to temporarily release Kabuga and send him to Rwanda—the only country willing to accept him— the Trial Chamber rejected the request on November 14, 2025, deciding that there was no need to consider whether Rwanda would be an appropriate State for Kabuga’s release.
On November 28, the prosecution filed an appeal, urging IRMCT judges to reverse their decision and send Kabuga to Rwanda to avoid continued detention, arguing that no other country had agreed to accept him.
The prosecution further explained that the judges’ decision on November 14 overlooked reports from doctors, including Dr. Liam Scott, which indicated that Kabuga could be transported by air ambulance to Rwanda without endangering his health.
The prosecution emphasized that there was no hope of finding another country willing to accept Kabuga, citing that in 2023 alone, one European country rejected his request for asylum three times, and another rejected it once.
Kabuga’s continued detention at the IRMCT detention facility in The Hague is also financially burdensome. The prosecution stated that Kabuga and three other detainees cost the tribunal $2 million annually.
In a recent ruling led by Iain Bonomy, the judges called for European countries that had rejected Kabuga’s transfer to reconsider their stance. Prosecutor Serge Brammertz has described this as pressure on the countries to accept Kabuga.
The prosecution noted, “The Trial Chamber’s November 2025 request for these European States to reconsider Kabuga’s requests for residency underscores its inability to resolve the matter. This renewed pressure on these States to welcome Kabuga into their territory is difficult to understand.”
The prosecution argued that Kabuga, who is facing charges related to genocide, does not qualify for protection under European refugee laws due to the serious international crimes he is accused of.
It further stated, “Kabuga, indicted for genocide, is excluded from protection under the Refugee Convention and European law, considered ‘undeserving of international protection’ because there are ‘serious reasons’ for considering that he committed international crimes.
“Not only is he subject to a confirmed genocide indictment—he also has a long history of evading justice, including in at least one of the States where he seeks release.”
The prosecution reminded the judges that the decision made two years ago to delay Kabuga’s trial clearly indicated the urgency of his temporary release, and that efforts should be made to release him to Rwanda.
It stated, “The record is clear that Rwanda is the only realistic option and that an air ambulance can safely fly him there.”
The IRMCT Appeals Chamber has been asked to intervene in this case and make a decision on whether to temporarily release Kabuga to Rwanda, or to submit the case to the President of the Tribunal, Graciela Gatti Santana, to make a ruling based on the authority granted by law.
On December 8, 2025, President of the IRMCT, Santana, decided to appoint a panel of three judges—Carmel Agius, Burton Hall, and Liu Daqun—to review the prosecution’s appeal.
In a statement, the Israeli military said the strikes hit a compound used by Hezbollah’s Radwan Force for training activities. Additional military structures and a launch site belonging to Hezbollah were also targeted.
Video circulating on social networks showed large flames rising above buildings, while Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen TV reported that violent air raids targeted the Iqlim al-Tuffah area and Mount Safi.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The attack was the latest of recent intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that came into effect in November 2024.
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has already resulted in significant civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and displacement on both sides of the border, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
The UN chief stresses that both parties must protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian relief, and urges both parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, the spokesperson said.
Dujarric said the secretary-general reiterates his call on the parties to return to the framework of the Joint Declaration signed on Oct. 26, recommit to the ceasefire, and implement de-escalation and confidence-building measures.
Guterres calls on both parties to make full use of all mechanisms for dialogue to find a lasting solution to the dispute through peaceful means, the spokesperson said.
“The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region,” Dujarric said.
Border clashes broke out again between Thailand and Cambodia from Sunday to Monday, with artillery fire reported in several areas and residents rushing to evacuate in multiple provinces, less than two months after the two countries signed a joint peace declaration.
This figure was revealed by the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service, CG Evariste Murenzi, who stated that since the beginning of 2025, the service has received over 23,000 people sentenced by the courts.
On average, this means that at least 2,090 people are imprisoned each month. Currently, the total number of incarcerated individuals is over 70,000, with 23,000 new inmates received this year alone.
The Rwanda Human Rights Commission recently noted a decrease in the number of detainees, contributing to a reduction in overcrowding in prisons by 24.3%, from 134.3% to 110%.
The Commission also revealed that the total number of prisoners is 74,253, including 68,944 men, 4,773 women, and 536 children.
CG Murenzi emphasized that RCS is focused on rehabilitating offenders rather than punishing them as was done in the past.
He added that work-release programs are being implemented to reduce overcrowding, which allow inmates to work outside of prison three days a week, benefiting both the individual and their community.
President of the Supreme Court, Mukantaganzwa Domitilla, stated that efforts to promote reconciliation and restorative justice would further reduce incarceration rates.
The cost of detaining prisoners accounts for a significant portion of the budget. For example, last year, the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) was allocated over Frw 40 billion, with 60% of this amount used for the care of inmates across various correctional facilities.
This means that more than Frw 24 billion was spent on this, while the remaining funds were used for other activities.
The FiRe Award, presented by the Capital Markets Authority Kenya, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Public Sector Accounting Standards Board – Kenya, and the Retirement Benefits Authority, celebrates organisations that demonstrate outstanding integrity, clarity, and responsibility in reporting.
Now in its 18th edition, the platform is widely regarded as the region’s benchmark for best practice in financial reporting.
Speaking after the announcement, Bank of Kigali’s Chief Finance Officer Anita Umuhire said the recognition affirms the bank’s commitment to openness and professionalism.
“Winning the FiRe Award reflects the professionalism that define everything we do at Bank of Kigali,” said Umuhire. “It’s a recognition that our commitment to transparency not only strengthens trust with our customers but also sets a benchmark for the Rwandan financial sector and beyond.”
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Diane Karusisi described the win as a reflection of the dedication of staff, partners, and regulators.
“We dedicate this award to our dedicated teams, regulators, partners, and every customer whose confidence inspires us to raise the bar every year. This recognition motivates us to continue leading with excellence in all we do,” stated Dr. Karusisi.
The recognition comes on the back of a solid half-year performance. The bank reported a Profit After Tax of Rwf 52.2 billion for the first half of 2025, a 12.9 percent increase from the previous year. Growth was supported by a loan book expansion of more than Rwf 231 billion, improved asset quality, and an increase in customers.
Total assets rose to Rwf 2.6 trillion, while loans reached Rwf 1,75 trillion, underscoring the bank’s central role in financing Rwanda’s economic activity. SMEs accessed Rwf 238 billion in credit, retail lending climbed to Rwf 313 billion, and agribusiness financing increased sharply to Rwf 95 billion, one of the fastest-growing segments.
Corporate and institutional lending rose to Rwf 1.1 trillion, supporting investment across infrastructure, transport, tourism, health, and education. A newly introduced Institutional Banking segment has also begun enhancing service delivery to NGOs and faith-based organisations.
Established in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank and serves more than one million customers nationwide. Its performance has earned repeated international accolades, including multiple honours from Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Global Finance Magazine.
Rubavu is a popular hub for entertainment and tourism in Rwanda. On weekends, people of all ages flock to enjoy the beaches of Tam Tam, the hot springs known as Amashyuza in Nyamyumba, and other scenic spots that offer stunning views of the city of Goma and the surrounding hills of Lake Kivu.
The district’s administration unveiled these major projects during a retreat that brought together various stakeholders in the district’s development.
The Rubavu district authorities say that in the next five years, five new hotels will be built along the shores of Lake Kivu, along with other initiatives that will transform the region’s tourism landscape.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Mayor of Rubavu District Prosper Mulindwa, stated that they are continuing to support local and international investors who wish to invest in hotels and tourism.
“These five hotels will be built by establishing large tourism investment zones, in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board [RDB] and local and international private investors. We will continue to encourage investment in hotel services, offering support in planning, permits, roads, and basic infrastructure,” he said.
Mulindwa added that these hotels will offer international standard services, provide training for tourism service providers, and be places for learning and work.
The hotels are also expected to increase the number of modern rooms for international conference attendees and tourists, help youth with entrepreneurship, and boost the economy through services.
For instance, just below Serena Hotel, near the Rubavu district offices, a tall hotel building is under construction, although the name has not yet been revealed.
According to information obtained by IGIHE, the hotel, being built by the family of former President Pasteur Bizimungu, will be a five-star establishment.
Reports suggest that this hotel will stand out in Rubavu as it will have over 80 rooms, making it the largest in the city. It will also feature a large conference room, a rare addition for hotels in Rubavu.
Additionally, the hotel will have an outdoor pool, offering a view of Lake Kivu from the top.
In Nyamyumba, another five-star hotel is under construction. This hotel will feature a unique system that uses hot springs in the rooms, replacing traditional water heating systems.
Currently, Rubavu has 24 hotels, offering a total of 2,059 rooms, with 1,471 of these located in Gisenyi sector. The largest hotel is Serena Hotel, with 69 rooms, followed by Stipp Hotel with 50 rooms.
Speaking across several high-level panels, the Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), Thapelo Tsheole, positioned institutional investors, pension funds, insurers, collective investment schemes, and banks as the bedrock of Rwanda’s next growth phase. With long-term horizons and sizeable asset bases, these investors offer the stability and scale required to support market depth and sustained capital formation.
Tsheole acknowledged the challenges of deploying long-term capital in frontier markets, noting the need for strong governance, technical capacity, and robust risk frameworks to safeguard investors’ interests while driving productive investment.
He also emphasised Rwanda’s regulatory model, rooted in clarity, predictability, and investor protection. The CMA follows a consultative approach and in 2025 engaged more than 700 enterprises nationwide to ensure that regulation remains proportionate, practical, and responsive to a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Regionally, Rwanda continues to collaborate through the East African Securities Regulatory Authorities (EASRA), advancing cross-border listings, shared innovation frameworks, and harmonised oversight standards. This enhances market connectivity and widens access to capital across East Africa.
On foreign participation, Tsheole pointed to the Multicurrency Securities Directive as a breakthrough for diaspora and international investors. Rwanda’s diaspora remits between USD 600–800 million annually, roughly 6% of GDP. New instruments such as diaspora bonds and digital savings products aim to channel a portion of these flows into long-term national investment priorities.
