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The Cabinet approved the Presidential Order demonetizing old Frw 500, Frw 1000, Frw 2000 , and Frw 5000 banknotes.

This decision involves the withdrawal of these old currency notes from circulation. The notes that are being phased out include Frw 500 notes printed in 2004 and 2013, Frw 1000 notes printed in 2004 and 2015, Frw 2000 notes printed in 2007, and Frw 5000 notes printed in 2004 and 2009.

The deadline for the use of these old notes is set for 12 months. After this period, these notes will no longer be valid for transactions in Rwanda.

In addition to the demonetization, the Cabinet was briefed on the new public transport model designed to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability of transportation in Kigali. This system is intended to make urban mobility more convenient for residents, with plans for possible expansion to other urban areas in Rwanda.

Another significant topic discussed was Rwanda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which outlines the country’s climate action plan. This plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting climate resilience across the nation.

The Cabinet also approved a partnership agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Aegle Onco Care Center Ltd to establish nuclear medicine services at the National Cancer Center.

Several draft laws were discussed and approved by the Cabinet, including the draft law governing the National Bank of Rwanda.

Another significant approval was the draft law ratifying the loan agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Export-Import Bank of China for the Giseke Irrigation Project.

The Cabinet also ratified a draft law approving the Grant and Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), which will support the development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Rwanda.

The Cabinet also approved several appointments within key government ministries and institutions. Notably, Ms. Madeleine Nirere was reappointed as the Chief Ombudsman.

Ambassador Fidelis Mironko was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while Mr. Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

Amb. Mironko is an experienced career diplomat with expertise in bilateral relations and international representation.

He has served in key foreign missions across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, strengthening Rwanda’s diplomatic ties.

Notable roles include Ambassador to Türkiye (2020–2023), First Counsellor at Rwanda’s High Commission in London (2015–2020), and Second Counsellor at the Embassy in Washington DC (2010–2015).

He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science (International Relations) from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from St. Cloud State University.

Meanwhile, Ndayizigiye is a seasoned Internal Auditor and Fraud Examiner with over 10 years of expertise in audit engagement, risk management, governance, fraud investigation, and financial control across diverse sectors, including public institutions, universities, banking, and energy.

He has a proven track record of strengthening internal audit systems, enhancing compliance cultures, and helping institutions achieve unqualified audit opinions.

His notable roles include serving as the Head of Internal Audit at Rwanda Energy Group (Oct 2021 prior to new appointment), Unguka Bank Plc (Apr 2019–Oct 2021), and the University of Rwanda (Jul 2016–Feb 2019). He holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Rwanda (2015) and a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences from the National University of Rwanda (2008).

The Cabinet also approved several other policies, programs, and strategies. These included the consolidated financial statements for the Government of Rwanda for the year 2024/2025, the approval of applications for mineral licenses, and the endorsement of Rwanda’s Sustainable Land Management Investment Framework (SLM-IF).

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the Agrément for several new diplomats representing Rwanda and international organizations. These included ambassadors from Qatar, Spain, Switzerland, Malta, and several other countries.

In addition to these approvals, the Cabinet was informed about upcoming events such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2025.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2025, and International Anti-Corruption Day, on December 9, 2025, will also be marked by various initiatives across the country.

The Cabinet also ratified the Treaty between Rwanda and Brazil on the transfer of sentenced persons and also ratified an agreement with the Government of Hongkong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China regarding the elimination of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion.

The announcement was made by Trinity Metals CEO Peter Geleta during a discussion organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda (AmCham Rwanda).

Trinity Metals joined AmCham earlier this year, with Peter Geleta now serving on its board of directors. The company has also made history as the first in the Great Lakes region to export Tungsten minerals to the United States.

The discussions focused on highlighting opportunities in Rwanda’s mining sector and presenting investment prospects to American investors.

In an interview with IGIHE, Geleta said, “We are hoping to bring the DFC [Development Finance Corporation] as an equity partner in the future. So, we thought joining the American Chamber of Commerce is very important because of the U.S. links. We are optimistic about helping Rwanda by attracting more U.S. investors to the country.”

Currently, Trinity Metals has invested $40 million in various mines, including Nyakabingo (producing Wolfram), Musha (producing Cassiterite, Coltan, and Lithium, currently under research), and Rutongo (producing Cassiterite).

The company employs over 7,000 workers. In 2024, Trinity Metals exported 2,226 tons of Wolfram, Cassiterite, and Coltan, and by 2029, it plans to increase exports to 5,201 tons.

Geleta shared, “We’re very proud of the fact that we are Rwanda’s largest private employer, with 7,000 people. We’re also proud of our excellent safety record since we started three and a half years ago. For example, our lost time injury frequency rate is 0.12, which meets global standards. We are proud of the progress we have made, having quadrupled our output since we began.”

When the company started mining Cassiterite, it was extracting 10 tons per month. Today, it has increased to 80 tons per month in the Rutongo mines. In Musha, they started with 12 tons per month and have now reached 30 tons. In Nyakabingo, they began with 29 tons per month and now extract 100 tons per month.

“We are now the largest Tungsten producer in Africa. In the next five years, we plan to invest $100 million, which will help us set up processing plants at each mine, expand our equipment, and increase our production,” Geleta said.

Trinity Metals aims to produce 250 tons of Tungsten per month from Nyakabingo in the next five years. In Musha, it will reach 100 tons, and in Rutongo, Cassiterite production is expected to grow from 80 tons to 200 tons per month.

“In Musha, we will also mine Lithium. We have already completed a drill program. In Ntunga, we are seeking investment to develop the mine sufficiently for substantial research. We are also exploring ways to bring investors in to develop the lithium mine,” Geleta added.

According to the company’s five-year plan, the workforce is expected to grow to 10,000 employees.

Recently, the first containers carrying Tungsten, processed into Tungsten powder, arrived at the Towanda market in Pennsylvania, United States. Trinity Metals had partnered with Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP), a company that processes minerals into hard metals used in various industries.

Geleta noted, “We have a contract to send 16 containers of Tungsten per year for the next two years. They require more. We are also sending products to Austria. As we increase production, we will also increase our shipments.”

Additionally, Geleta mentioned that the company is exploring contracts for shipping Cassiterite to the United States. Currently, they export Cassiterite to Thailand.

Rwanda’s mineral exports have grown significantly since 2017. The country’s mineral exports increased from $373 million to $1.7 billion in 2024.

According to the 2024 report from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the United States invested $441.3 million in 31 projects in Rwanda. In 2024, trade between Rwanda and the U.S. reached $368.9 million, with $74.9 million in goods exchanged and $294 million in services.

These numbers reflect the contributions of 56 members of AmCham. The Chamber is now led by Ivan Mbaraga, the Executive Director of Oklahoma Christian University Rwanda Campus (OC Rwanda) and President of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda.

Mbaraga commented, “Apart from showcasing opportunities in mining and energy, such kinds of conversations open up opportunities for young people to think broadly, such that they are able to harness opportunities not only in the Rwanda mining sector but also in the region.”

“We wanted to highlight opportunities in the mining sector for both AmCham members and those at OC. It aligns with encouraging people to participate in the mining week next month. We also wanted our students to consider broadening their horizons and thinking beyond just mining in Rwanda but across the region.”

The partnership between OC and the Rwandan Government has lasted for 19 years. By next year, over 800 students will have graduated from the university across various departments. Mbaraga views this as a significant opportunity to create diverse employment opportunities.

Mbaraga also mentioned plans to increase the number of American businesses and their affiliates in Rwanda, which will double AmCham’s investment in the next two years.

This decision follows a shooting incident near the White House in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the death of one National Guard member and left another critically wounded.

According to a statement from the head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency has initiated a “full‑scale, rigorous re‑examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”

The move follows directives from the administration of President Donald J. Trump, as part of efforts to ensure stronger vetting processes.

The 19 countries under scrutiny were identified in a June 2025 travel‑ban proclamation. Among those countries are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Laos, Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan, among others. These nations have been flagged due to concerns about national security risks, including terrorism, instability, and human rights violations.

In addition to the review, the U.S. government has also indefinitely suspended immigration processing for nationals from at least one of these affected countries: Afghanistan. The suspension will remain in place pending further review of security and vetting protocols.

Officials have stated that the re‑examination of Green Cards for nationals from these countries will involve evaluating “country‑specific negative factors,” which are part of broader efforts to reinforce immigration security and national safety. This re‑evaluation process will include scrutiny of immigration records, criminal backgrounds, and other factors that could indicate potential threats to the U.S.

The announcement has raised concerns among immigrant‑rights advocates, who warn that such broad reviews may unfairly target individuals based solely on their nationality, rather than their individual backgrounds. Critics argue that this could lead to unjust revocations of Green Cards and disrupt the lives of immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years, and who pose no security threat.

However, some supporters of the measure argue that these reviews are necessary to protect national security, particularly in light of recent security incidents such as the shooting near the White House. The debate surrounding this policy highlights the ongoing tension between national security concerns and the rights of immigrants, a debate that continues to shape U.S. immigration policy.

As the review process moves forward, the fate of many Green Card holders from the affected countries remains uncertain, with some potentially facing visa revocation or deportation. The move is likely to fuel further discussions on the balance between national security and human rights in U.S. immigration practices.

The announcement follows a rapid tightening of immigration measures after investigators identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the country in 2021 through a post-withdrawal resettlement programme.

The President made the declaration on his Truth Social platform on Thursday night, arguing that the move was necessary to “allow the US system to fully recover” and to reverse what he described as the “millions of Biden illegal admissions.”

While he did not specify which nations fall under the label, the term “Third World” is broadly associated with developing countries across the Global South.

Trump said his administration would move to remove “anyone who is not a net asset to the United States” and pledged to strip federal benefits and subsidies from all non-citizens. He further vowed to denaturalise migrants deemed to threaten “domestic tranquillity” or considered “non-compatible with Western civilisation.”

The remarks come as the nation reels from Wednesday’s attack near the White House, where two National Guard members were shot. One of them, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, later died, while her colleague, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.

Authorities have named the suspect as Rahmanaullah (also known as Rahmanullah) Lakanwal, an Afghan who arrived under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme created to protect Afghans who had worked with US forces following the 2021 withdrawal from Kabul.

Federal officials confirmed that Lakanwal’s immigration history, including his asylum approval earlier this year, is now under scrutiny by Homeland Security and the FBI. His case has quickly become a political flashpoint, bolstering Trump’s long-held position that immigration poses significant national security risks.

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Earlier on Thursday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow announced a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination” of every green card issued to immigrants from 19 “countries of concern.” The list, based on a presidential proclamation from June, includes Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, Yemen, Cuba, Somalia and others.

Edlow said the reassessment was being carried out “at the direction of President Trump,” emphasising that “the protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount.” USCIS has also indefinitely suspended all Afghan immigration requests pending updated vetting procedures.

The administration’s wider review extends to roughly 200,000 refugees admitted under former President Joe Biden, with green card applications for those individuals frozen until further notice.

Trump has been steadily intensifying immigration restrictions throughout his presidency, but the Washington shooting has triggered an even more aggressive posture. In recent weeks, he has reinstated travel bans affecting several countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East and set a historically low refugee cap of 7,500 for 2026.

On Thursday, he reiterated a call for “reverse migration,” arguing that reducing what he termed “illegal and disruptive populations” was essential to restoring public security. His administration has already expanded deportation operations, with ICE data showing that more than two-thirds of detainees arrested since mid-November had no criminal convictions.

While Lakanwal entered the country legally under a US-backed evacuation programme, Trump has pointed to the case as evidence that broader categories of legal migration require tighter vetting. He described the shooting as an “act of terror,” insisting it underscored a longstanding failure in immigration policy.

The President has not clarified how a blanket pause on migration from “Third World countries” would be defined or enforced, nor how it would interact with existing statutes on asylum, refugee protection, and family reunification. Legal experts warn that such sweeping restrictions may face court challenges, similar to battles seen during his first presidency over travel bans targeting majority-Muslim nations.

Stressing that any disregard of the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the Nov. 23 general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles, the UN chief calls for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, as well as the release of all detained officials, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, in a statement.

Dujarric said the UN chief urges all stakeholders to exercise utmost restraint, uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.

Guterres emphasizes that disputes must be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues, and reaffirms the UN’s full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the West African Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability, and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path, said the spokesperson.

On Wednesday, Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces declared on national television that they had assumed full control of state power in response to what they described as attempts by some political figures to destabilize the country. On Thursday, senior military officer Horta Inta-A was sworn in as Guinea-Bissau’s transitional president for a one-year term.

He said the very fact that both countries now have a platform to discuss, agree, or even sign commitments is already “a good effort” and a step not seen in earlier years of regional diplomacy.

Kagame was speaking during a roundtable with the press on Thursday, November 27, 2025, where he addressed the latest developments in the Rwanda–DRC peace efforts, including delays and inconsistencies from the DRC side.

His remarks came amid reported changes in positions by DRC leaders and ongoing efforts to address the conflict in eastern DRC through the Washington talks and parallel mediation processes.

Referring to the pattern of DRC officials agreeing to terms in Washington or Doha and then publicly contradicting them, Kagame said the inconsistency was not new.

“They agree on one thing in Washington or in Doha… then the next day or week, someone says, no, no, no, we are not going to do this,” he noted.

Kagame stressed that both the Washington process and the separate Doha mediation, where Qatar has facilitated dialogue between the DRC government and the M23/AFC coalition, represent real progress compared to previous years.

“We haven’t had anything tangible in place,” he said. “Whether we arrive at a decisive moment that gives us a clear possibility and optimism that we are near finding lasting peace and soon, it’s something we can still continue to hope for and work towards.”

While acknowledging the important role played by international actors, Kagame said the ultimate responsibility lies with regional leaders, particularly in the DRC.

“ I am always optimistic. Hopefully there is a chance another day and the following day,” he noted.