Held under the theme “Rwanda’s Transformation: Unity, Renewal and Strategic Engagement,” the retreat brought together hundreds of participants to reflect on the incredible progress Rwanda has achieved over the past 31 years, progress rooted in national unity, resilience, and visionary leadership.
The event was officiated by the RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera, who emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding Rwanda’s gains and ensuring that its future remains bright.
Speaking on behalf of Bank of Kigali, Desire Rumanyika, Chief Digital and Retail Banking Officer, shared the bank’s commitment to enabling Rwandans living abroad to remain connected to their country, financially and strategically.
He said, “At this retreat, we have shown Rwandans living across Europe the tools and opportunities that Bank of Kigali provides to invest back home. Together, we explored how we can strengthen this bond even further. Over the years, diaspora investments have grown, and that growth reflects the connection and contribution of the diaspora to Rwanda’s development journey.”
Throughout the retreat, Bank of Kigali showcased a range of solutions tailored to the needs of the diaspora:
-* The BK Capital USD Fixed Income Fund, offering annual returns of 5–6%, with flexible withdrawals, the ability to borrow against the investment, and full certification by the Rwanda Capital Market Authority.
-* Digital banking services, including the BK Mobile App and Internet Banking, which allow diaspora clients to open accounts remotely, save, transfer money, and manage their finances without visiting a branch.
-* Diaspora mortgage solutions, designed to make homeownership in Rwanda faster, simpler, and more accessible, whether buying a home in Kigali, building in the countryside, or investing in property in Rubavu.
-* Foreign currency accounts in RWF, USD, GBP, EUR, CHF, and CAD, all with zero maintenance fees and free incoming international transfers.
The retreat served not only as a celebration of Rwandan identity but as a reminder that the nation’s progress is a shared journey. Bank of Kigali remains committed to creating solutions that empower Rwandans, wherever they live, to contribute to Rwanda’s future.
The momentum is strong. The connection is real. The time to invest in Rwanda is now. Shora I Rwanda with Bank of Kigali and be part of a legacy that endures across generations.
Trump made the declaration in a post on his Truth Social media platform, saying recipients of any pardon, commutation or other legal document signed by autopen should consider them “fully and completely terminated” and “of no legal effect.”
The autopen is a device historically used by U.S. presidents to replicate their signatures for high‑volume or ceremonial paperwork, a practice adopted by presidents of both major parties.
According to law professors such as Bernadette Meyler (Stanford Law School) and Mark Osler (University of St. Thomas School of Law), there is “absolutely no constitutional or legal basis” for a sitting president to retroactively revoke a predecessor’s pardons simply because they were autopen‑signed.
Another expert, Brian Kalt of Michigan State University College of Law, said that any attempt to invalidate pardons would require a court and only a court to declare them invalid, which would demand proof that Biden did not authorize the signatures.
It is not publicly known whether Biden actually used an autopen for all pardons or commutations and so far, no evidence has surfaced to confirm that.
Meanwhile, Trump is no stranger to clemency powers: since taking office a second time in January 2025, he has issued dozens of pardons and commutations including for high‑profile figures such as former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.
Led by the Joint Operations Command, the mission includes humanitarian teams from the UAE Aid Agency, the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, and Abu Dhabi Civil Defense. The teams are working to reach the most affected communities and deliver immediate assistance, including food supplies, relief items, and essential shelter materials.
Reflecting its longstanding humanitarian principles, the UAE has swiftly provided a comprehensive package of emergency aid in support of the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to address the widespread impact of the floods and landslides.
The disaster has resulted in at least 355 fatalities, affected more than one million people, disrupted essential services, and caused partial or total damage to hundreds of homes across several districts.
This rapid intervention underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting disaster-affected populations, alleviating their suffering, and facilitating early recovery and stability. It is part of the nation’s broader mission to extend timely assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters and crises worldwide.
Dr. Hamdan bin Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, highlighted the UAE’s global leadership in humanitarian and relief operations, emphasising the importance of rapid emergency response, deployment of search-and-rescue capabilities, and implementation of programs to mitigate the impact of natural disasters—most recently the severe flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, affirmed the UAE’s continued commitment to its international humanitarian responsibilities. He noted that the UAE will maintain its support by sending additional relief supplies and shelter materials to assist affected families and accelerate the early recovery phase for the people of Sri Lanka.
Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa projects that the continent’s commercial aeroplane fleet will more than double to 1,680 aircraft over the next 20 years to meet rising travel demand. Single-aisle aircraft are expected to make up about 70 percent of the more than 1,200 new airplanes slated for delivery, supporting the growth of domestic and short-haul international routes.
“Aviation is a catalyst for Africa’s economic expansion and intra-continental connectivity, building on industry growth we’ve seen across the region over the last 20 years,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa.
Rwanda is positioning itself to benefit directly from this growth. The development of the new Bugesera International Airport, in partnership with Qatar Airways, is central to the country’s strategy to become a regional aviation hub.
The new airport is designed to far exceed the capacity of Kigali International Airport, which was originally built for 400,000 passengers annually but was handling over 1 million passengers before the pandemic.
Phase I of Bugesera International Airport is expected to handle 7 to 8.2 million passengers annually when it opens by 2028, while Phase II, targeted for completion around 2032, could expand capacity to 14 million passengers annually.
Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, is aligning with this expansion, aiming to more than double its annual passenger numbers from just over 1 million in 2023/2024 to 2.1 million by 2028/2029. This growth will be supported by expanding its fleet from 15 to at least 21 aircraft and increasing its network from 23 to 29 destinations.
In August this year, the airline strengthened its operational capacity with the addition of two modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft. In addition to the two aircraft, the airline operates a fleet of 13 other planes, including two A330-200s, one A330-300, six Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Dash 8-400s. Plans are also underway to add a fourth Airbus to the fleet.
“With sustained investment, an expanding network, and an empowered workforce, we’re building an airline that connects Rwanda to the world, and the world to Rwanda,” Rwandair Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye told IGIHE in July.
As African carriers, including RwandAir, expand their fleets and route networks, Boeing forecasts a need for 74,000 new pilots, technicians, and cabin crew across the continent over the next 20 years. The Africa CMO also projects aviation services demand valued at $130 billion to support fleet growth and operational resilience through 2044.
With strategic investments like Bugesera International Airport and a growing national airline, Rwanda is set to play a prominent role in the continent’s expanding aviation sector.
The four-day event has brought together global investors, policymakers, mining companies, financial institutions, tech innovators and development partners to explore Rwanda’s growing position in the global critical minerals landscape.
In his address at the Kigali Convention Centre, Dr. Nsengiyumva praised the sector for its continued contribution to national development and highlighted progress in improving professionalism, environmental management and adherence to international mining standards.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent regulatory environment that encourages responsible investment and supports both workers and operators.
“Your efforts demonstrate that mining can indeed be a driver of sustainable development,” the Prime Minister said, urging the sector to continue prioritising good governance, technological upgrading and community welfare.
While the Prime Minister referenced only the latest employment figure, data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows the broader trajectory of the sector’s recovery. During the Covid-19 pandemic, mining jobs fell by 19 per cent, dropping to 57,379, down from 71,205 workers in 2019. In 2017, the industry employed 47,727 people. The rebound to over 92,000 jobs marks the strongest recovery in nearly a decade.
The sector’s rapid expansion is also reflected in export performance. Rwanda’s mineral export revenues have grown from $373 million in 2017 to $1.75 billion in 2024, with the government targeting $2.17 billion by 2029, driven by rising global demand for critical minerals essential to modern technologies.
This year’s Rwanda Mining Week adopts the theme “Minerals for a Smarter and Greener Future,” highlighting the importance of critical minerals in the global transition to clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Rwanda continues to position itself as a reliable supplier of strategic minerals, supported by strengthened partnerships with investors, researchers and development institutions.
Dr. Nsengiyumva said the country is committed to playing its part as a “principled, responsible and reliable partner” in the global low-carbon transition.
He called for deeper collaboration and meaningful discussions aimed at advancing the sector’s contribution to Rwanda’s economic transformation.
A spokesperson for AFC/M23, Lawrence Kanyuka, announced on the afternoon of December 2, 2025, that the five injured included one man, one woman, and three children.
Kamanyola is located in the Walungu territory in the South Kivu province and has been under the control of AFC/M23 fighters since February 2025.
Fierce fighting occurred in areas not far from Kamanyola, such as Katogota and Luvungi in the Uvira territory. These clashes, which started in the early morning, pitted AFC/M23 fighters against the DRC military, supported by Wazalendo, FDLR, and Burundian forces.
Residents of Kamanyola reported that before the fighting started, they saw hundreds of soldiers with tanks and heavy weapons moving to set up defense in the surrounding areas.
These residents, along with those from other areas like Katogota and Luvungi, said that the fighting has prevented them from carrying out their daily activities due to its intensity.
In Bukavu, a city controlled by AFC/M23 since February, residents also reported hearing gunfire, suggesting that fighting was taking place there as well.
The ongoing battles between AFC/M23 and the coalition of DRC government forces present a major challenge for the government of Qatar. Not long ago, Qatar brokered an agreement between the two sides for a ceasefire, hoping it would lead to productive peace talks.
Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, mentioned in mid-November that it was extremely difficult to bring together sides that continue to fight, but that their country would continue to work towards achieving peace.
Born in 1964 in Gasebeya Sector, Commune Gaseke, in the former Gisenyi province, General Omega fled to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after Habyarima’s soldiers’ defeat by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA). He held the rank of Lieutenant at the time.
Innocent Tuyubahe, who served as General Omega’s bodyguard from 2016 to 2022, returned to Rwanda nearly two years ago. He shared extensive insights with IGIHE about Omega’s life in the forested regions of DRC.
Despite the DRC government’s claims that FDLR fighters, especially its aging leaders, are no longer strong, Tuyubahe insists that Gen Omega is still a powerful figure.
{{A paranoid leader}}
Gen Omega is known for his reluctance to trust those around him, including his fellow rebels.
His distrust is so deep that he often takes measures such as secretly inspecting military facilities and monitoring his subordinates by seizing their phones to check their contacts, especially those with people in Rwanda.
“Omega, in his personal life, is a very distrustful person. Even those guarding him at his base aren’t trusted. Nobody can be seen fraternizing with him. He often looks as though he’s angry, restless, and always moving around. He’s constantly checking, even taking our phones to investigate who we’re communicating with,” explained Tuyubahe.
It is not uncommon for FDLR fighters to seek out phone numbers of their family members back in Rwanda to coordinate plans for potential return. Gen Omega has been known to impose severe punishments on anyone caught trying to make such contact, including transferring them to a distant base, subjecting them to severe beatings (between 200 and 300 lashes), or even execution.
“If you lived in the camp, he would immediately transfer you to another battalion, accusing you of being a traitor. He would send you away, ensuring you never cross paths with others. And you would be beaten, 200 to 300 lashes,” Tuyubahe added.
{{Punishing alleged traitors}}
There was an instance when Tuyubahe himself was caught after talking to his sisters. Omega held an emergency meeting and interrogated him, demanding to know if his conversation involved any plans to return to Rwanda. Tuyubahe denied it, but Omega insisted on punishing him severely, ordering 300 lashes and seizing the phone he had used to communicate with his family.
As he said, Omega’s leadership is characterized by brutal decision-making. If he suspects someone of betrayal, he might sentence them to death.
However, Tuyubahe says, he tries to avoid being directly implicated in their deaths, often ordering other soldiers to carry out executions, ensuring it appears as though the victim died in an ambush laid by local militias like the Nyatura or Mai Mai.
{{Omega’s spiritual side}}
Tuyubahe described General Omega as a Catholic who regularly attends Mass. He also has a group of spiritual advisers, whom he consults for guidance about his future and the fate of the FDLR.
“Did you know that while we were in Paris (a camp in Rutshuru), he had a group of spiritual advisers, including Chantal and another woman named Francine? Their pastor, Mulume, had recently died before we left Paris,” he shared.
Tuyubahe also disclosed that FDLR fighters often hold religious services before going into battle, seeking divine approval. These prayers are typically held at night, between 3:00 a.m. and midnight. Once the prayers conclude, leaders assign tasks to the fighters based on their visions.
“These prophets are highly trusted, sometimes they have the power to either kill or save someone. If a prophet and a fighter have a dispute, the prophet can lie to Omega, accusing the fighter of being a traitor,” Tuyubahe explained.
{{Omega’s refusal to return to Rwanda}}
Gen Omega has been approached several times by Rwandan officials, including the former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who urged him to return to Rwanda and join the process of national rebuilding, reassuring him that he would not face justice because he played no role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Despite these appeals, Omega has remained resolute in his refusal.
Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe reminded Omega that his military skills were being wasted and that if he returned to Rwanda, he would not be prosecuted for his involvement in the Genocide.
However, Omega responded firmly, stating that he would never return to Rwanda as long as the Tutsi were still alive there. In response, Kabarebe said that Omega would never step foot in Rwanda alive.
Tuyubahe recalled a conversation with Omega, during which he asked what would happen if he were captured. Omega replied, “I would shoot myself,” showing his determination never to return to Rwanda alive.
{{Omega’s escape plans}}
Whenever the FDLR camps are about to be attacked, Omega prepares to escape, ensuring his personal safety while leaving many of his fighters behind.
Tuyubahe described how, during operations, Omega would flee with only a handful of bodyguards, leaving the rest of the FDLR fighters to fend for themselves.
“During operations, when the enemy came to attack, Omega would take only about 12 of his guards, leaving the others to escape in smaller groups and regroup later,” said Tuyubahe.
He went on to explain that during rare trips to visit the FDLR camps, Omega would address the fighters, motivating them and boosting morale. He would remind them not to be like those who ran away from battles, and ensure that they remained loyal to the cause.
When Tuyubahe last encountered Omega, he had no significant personal property, unlike Ruvugayimikore Protogene, also known as ‘Colonel Ruhinda,’ who owned farms.
Omega was often seen carrying a small bag with money, while other funds were stored by those responsible for managing finances within the FDLR. During Omega’s time at the Paris camp, Lt Gen Byiringiro was stationed at the political headquarters in Kazaroho.
Tuyubahe noted that, despite both being key figures in the FDLR, these two leaders rarely interacted, even when they were both present at senior leadership meetings.
Phocas worked with five groups of 11 participants each, rotating every two hours and 12 minutes. The event aimed to surpass the previous African record held by South Africa’s Team Durban Fit Squad, which completed eight hours of aerobics in 2022.
Phocas told IGIHE that he focused on the “aerobics workout step,” the style his team regularly practices.
“I wanted to attempt an African record under our Onzestar name. The world record is much longer, up to 39 hours, with varied activities. I chose to focus on what we know best,” he said.
At the conclusion of the 11-hour session, participants celebrated their achievement. Though visibly fatigued, Phocas praised his team, saying, “This was a major event for Africa and for Rwanda. I told my team I was representing our country. Sometimes, dedication to your nation is necessary, even when it is challenging.”
The event was livestreamed on YouTube to allow independent verification. Guinness World Records rules allow five minutes of rest after every hour. Phocas structured the event in two-hour blocks with 10-minute breaks, which also served to thank participants. The achievement is currently awaiting official confirmation from record authorities.
Phocas highlighted the extensive preparation required: “We trained for five months. You cannot attempt this in a single day without preparation. Normally, we train one and a half hours daily, gradually increasing weekly to ten hours. This ensured we were ready for the challenge.”
During the marathon, participants relied on water, juice, and fruit to sustain energy. Participants described the preparation as essential for completing the event.
William Uwiringiyimana said, “It was a well-organised event showcasing the importance of sports. It required effort, but our commitment paid off.”
Zache Niyonkuru added, “We prepared for days, even practising uphill exercises. During the first five hours, it is easy to get exhausted, but determination kept us going to finish the challenge.”
Phocas Kagorora has been a fitness trainer since 2017 and founded Onzestar to promote sports, tourism, and outdoor activities such as hiking.
The developments mark the latest phase in the company’s efforts to enhance service quality and meet rising demand for modern fitness facilities in the city.
The fitness centre has expanded training spaces, installed new equipment, and bolstered its coaching staff in recent months. Management says the improvements are part of a broader strategy to deliver a safer, more efficient, and motivating environment for its members.
“Our focus has always been on giving our members real value, better equipment, more classes, and professional guidance,” the FitnessPoint Management Team said in a statement. “The improvements we’ve made are all geared toward creating an elevated fitness experience for everyone who trains with us.”
Alongside the upgrades, FitnessPoint has introduced special promotional prices valid from 2 to 31 December. The discounts precede a revised pricing structure that will take effect in January 2026.
Under the festive-season offer, a six-month membership has been reduced to Rwf 300,000 from Rwf 350,000. Couples will pay Rwf 880,000, equivalent to Rwf 440,000 per person, down from Rwf 990,000.
Annual membership has also been revised to Rwf 490,000 from the previous Rwf 600,000.
“These festive-season prices are our way of saying thank you to our community,” management added, encouraging members and new clients to take advantage of the limited-time rates.
FitnessPoint says the upgrades and temporary discounts underline its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles in Rwanda by providing accessible and professional fitness services.
Classic Optic’s journey began in humble surroundings on the ground floor of the Umyenzi Plaza building in Remera, Kigali.
Despite a small team, the company quickly garnered a loyal following, thanks to its exceptional customer service and attention to the unique needs of each client.
The professionalism of the staff and their commitment to patient care played a key role in establishing the company as a trusted name in Kigali’s optical sector.
{{Key milestones}}
Over the years, Classic Optic has achieved significant milestones in its expansion strategy. In 2018, the company opened its first branch in Gisenyi, followed by another in downtown Kigali at the MIC Building in 2020.
Though some branches faced challenges and were short-lived due to internal reasons, the company’s growth has been steady and impactful.
Furthermore, Classic Optic has developed partnerships with insurance companies and international organizations, ensuring it stays at the forefront of innovation with the latest optical equipment and technology.
The company’s success can largely be attributed to the loyalty of its customers, whose experiences highlight the personalized care and attention they receive.
One client shared, “Thanks to Classic Optic, I regained visual comfort at work. Their team was attentive from start to finish.” Another added, “Beyond just glasses, I received real support and advice tailored to my vision and budget.”
{{A decade of dedication and forward-looking vision}}
As it looks toward the future, Classic Optic has ambitious plans for the next decade. The company intends to expand its presence by opening new branches in every city across Rwanda, while also fostering the training and development of young Rwandans in the fields of optics and optometry.
According to the management, continuing education for its staff will remain a priority to maintain a high level of expertise with a clear goal to provide accessible, high-quality visual health services for everyone, without compromise.
Ten years after its establishment, Classic Optic remains steadfast in its mission to deliver technical excellence, innovative solutions, and close relationships with both clients and partners.
For Samson Botoh and his team, this anniversary marks not an end, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their dedication to the vision and well-being of the people of Rwanda.
