This campaign, which began on November 19, 2025, will continue beyond the holiday period.
Airtel’s Managing Director, Sujay Chakrabarti, explained that the company is always looking for ways to connect with its customers during all occasions, including the festive season.
“Festive times are moments to reconnect with loved ones, reflect, and celebrate. Our new offering will help bring families together and strengthen bonds among friends,” he said.
The revamped services include updated calling packages. For instance, the Frw 100 package, which previously offered 50 minutes of calls, now provides 100 minutes. The Frw 200 package, which originally provided 200 minutes, now gives 350 minutes.
For Frw 500, customers will receive 1,000 minutes, an increase from the previous 800 minutes. The Frw 2,000package, which offered 4,000 minutes, has been increased to 5,000 minutes.
Internet packages have also been improved. The Frw 200 package, which previously offered 300MB, now provides 1GB. The Frw 500 package, which originally offered 1GB, now provides 3.5GB.
John Magara Gahakwa, Airtel’s Head of Brand and Communications, emphasized that the company strives to ensure its customers are well-served.
In addition, Airtel Rwanda has partnered with Rwandan artist Israel Mbonyi to support his upcoming concerts during the holiday season.
Mbonyi, who has two concerts planned—‘Icyambu 4’ on December 25, 2025, and another on January 1, 2025, at Rubavu Stadium—is receiving support from Airtel.
Magara explained that the partnership with Mbonyi was a strategic decision to help address the challenges of securing sponsorship for gospel music events.
“Israel Mbonyi is a renowned artist, but it has often been difficult for gospel musicians to secure sponsors. This partnership helps fill that gap and supports the growth of gospel music,” he said.
The meeting brought together officials from the DRC and Rwanda alongside representatives from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), and the African Union Commission.
JSCM observers described the session as a key step in reinforcing progress on the peace roadmap, particularly the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures.
During the two-day meeting, participants reviewed Phase One of the Operations Order (OPORD), focusing on intelligence sharing, community outreach, and efforts to encourage FDLR members to lay down their arms. Discussions also began on Phase Two of the OPORD, which outlines concrete steps to neutralise the militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and advance security cooperation between the two countries.
According to a joint statement released by the parties, the meeting further addressed the broader peace process, with participants commending the recent Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the DRC government and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement, facilitated by Qatar.
“JSCM members recognised the benefit of maintaining close linkages between the Doha and Washington processes,” the statement reads.
President Donald Trump was acknowledged for his “indispensable role” throughout the process.
The fourth JSCM meeting built on discussions from the third session held in October, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement and maintaining momentum toward durable peace in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.
Units of the Zapad (West) group have seized the city of Kupyansk and are continuing to destroy Ukrainian forces encircled on the left bank of the Oskol River, Gerasimov reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Gerasimov said that advances are underway in Krasnoarmeysk, another strategic city in eastern Ukraine, adding that over 75 percent of the city’s territory is now under Russian control.
Russian troops have taken 13 villages since the beginning of November — six in the Dnipropetrovsk region and seven in the Zaporizhzhia region, he said.
Kupyansk is a key logistics hub and defense stronghold for Ukrainian forces in the Kharkov region. Russia previously controlled the city from February to September 2022, during which time it served as the region’s administrative center.
The incident occurred in the Blue Zone, an area that houses the international stands and the rooms set up for official negotiations, said the organizers.
Brazilian Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino said that the fire, which broke out shortly after 2 p.m. local time, was under control at around 2:30 p.m., with no injuries reported so far.
Helder Barbalho, governor of the Para state, where Belem is located, told local media that the emergency teams are currently probing into two possible causes of the incident: a generator failure or a short circuit in one of the stands that were set up for the conference.
He made the appeal at a press conference during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) being held in Brazil’s Amazon city of Belem. The conference runs on Nov. 10-21, with climate negotiations currently in the final stage.
Guterres noted that vulnerable communities can no longer wait for climate change mitigation, urging delegations to reach a consensus.
The progress made in the decade since the 2015 Paris Agreement is not enough, according to Guterres. “We must move much faster — with a drastic cut on emissions.”
It is essential that most countries reach peak emissions now, halve them this decade, achieve net-zero by 2050, and go net-negative thereafter, he said, while calling for “a just, orderly, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels — as agreed at COP28 in Dubai.”
The UN chief emphasized the urgency of protecting ecosystems and the importance of financing to achieve the goals.
It is imperative to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, so that nature remains a shield and not a casualty, he said.
Developed countries must lead in securing at least 300 billion U.S. dollars annually through 2035 to climate action, with a clear route to reaching 1.3 trillion dollars per year by that time, said Guterres.
“We know that budgets are limited — but the financial system can unlock and multiply the available resources to achieve a much greater impact. Multilateral Development Banks must play a decisive role,” he said.
The UN chief also urged political will to take the necessary decisions. “What has been failing is the political will,” he said.
To be held at Green Hills Academy, the event is organised by Intercultural Bridge Group CBC, a Community Benefit Company specialising in cultural advocacy, research, and education. It aims to raise over US$100,000 (approximately Rwf 145 million).
Speaking at the pre-event press conference, Chief Organiser Edison Niyontegereje said the bazaar was born from years of working closely with cooperatives facing financial challenges and limited market access.
“We have spoken to artisans who create beautiful cultural products but often struggle to sell them or earn a sustainable income,” Niyontegereje said. “That is why we decided to organise this event, to bring the international community on board and help these youth- and women-led cooperatives continue their work and sustain their livelihoods.”
He added that while artisan work has traditionally been viewed as cultural heritage, there is a need to reposition it as a viable economic activity.
“In earlier years, many people did artisan work purely out of tradition, not as a business,” he said. “We want to show them that they can build a sustainable living through the artisan industry.”
Organising Committee Member Dr Saurabh Singhal described the bazaar as one of the biggest diplomatic charity initiatives Rwanda will see this year.
“Community and charity are in my blood, and that is why I am contributing my experience to this event,” the Indian businessman said, drawing on his philanthropy experience from Rotary Club events.
“This charity event is probably one of the biggest in Rwanda in 2025. Out of the ten BRICS countries, four are participating, and many of them are also members of the Global South. We expect a large gathering of Rwandans, foreign residents, and embassy representatives,” he stated.
He noted that the event has generated excitement, particularly among children preparing cultural performances representing different countries.
“We are expecting more than 2,000 visitors,” he said. “There will also be raffles and auctions worth around 10 million Rwandan francs, including a business-class airline ticket from a European airline.”
Operations Manager Karangwa Semwaga highlighted the event’s cultural depth, noting that each embassy will present its own traditions without local imitation.
“You won’t see a Rwandan imitating Indian culture,” he said. “It will be the Indian Embassy presenting India, the Ghana Embassy presenting Ghana, the Russian Embassy presenting Russia, and so on.”
He encouraged families to attend, saying, “If you love culture and good food, please come and have an amazing time.”
Other embassies expected to grace the event include Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Nigeria, Angola, Pakistan, as well as representatives from Rwanda, among others.
The day will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and continue with cultural showcases, live auctions, food stations and a dedicated children’s area.
“It’s for the public. It’s for all of us to enjoy multiple cultures and festivities all in the name of charity,” Semwaga remarked.
On the accountability of the funds to be raised, the organisers affirmed that they have established a clear fundraising target for the campaign. Niyontegereje clarified that no cash will be handed directly to the cooperatives.
“The money will be used to buy tools, materials, and training according to each cooperative’s needs,” he said. “Everything will be fully communicated. Payments will be cashless through SINC and via QR codes so we know exactly how much comes in.”
He added that the organisation is also developing an app to help artisans sell their products globally. “Giving cash is easy,” he said. “Building systems that help them grow is what truly matters.”
The organisers intend to make the bazaar an annual event. Dr Singhal emphasised that it will take place every year and noted that, beyond the main bazaar, additional cultural events will be held throughout the year to maintain and strengthen cultural connections.
Entrance to the event will cost Rwf 10,000 as a charity fee for adults. Children under 12 and seniors above 75 will enter free of charge, and families attending in groups will receive discounts. Tickets can be [purchased via SINC->https://interculturalbrigdegroup.sinc.events/rwanda-dip-2052] or at the gate.
With over 60 volunteers, numerous embassies, artisan groups and cultural performers involved, organisers say this first edition is only the beginning of a bigger vision.
The Rwanda Diplomatic Charity Bazaar will run from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Green Hills Academy in Kigali.
Prévot and the Belgian delegation are in Rwanda for the 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie.
The delegation received a detailed briefing on the history of the genocide, its origins, the scale of atrocities committed, and its enduring impact on survivors and the nation. They also learned about Rwanda’s 31-year journey of recovery, highlighting the country’s efforts in reconciliation, unity and reconstruction.
Following the visit, Prévot wrote in the memorial’s guestbook, delivering a solemn tribute on behalf of Belgium.
“On behalf of the Belgian government and the Belgian people, I bow once again before the memory of the victims of the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994 in Rwanda,” he wrote.
“Visiting this memorial is a chilling reminder of those events that profoundly wounded our humanity. It is our collective duty to ensure that such atrocities never happen again, neither in this region nor anywhere else in the world.”
Prévot stressed Belgium’s determination to combat genocide denialism and ensure justice for crimes committed during the 1994 atrocities.
“Belgium will continue this commitment with determination. The fight against denialism is part of this, as is the prosecution in Belgium of those responsible for these abhorrent crimes, for whom no impunity is acceptable,” he added.
Prévot’s visit comes amid a serious diplomatic rupture. Earlier in 2025, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing Brussels of clearly taking sides in a regional conflict over the situation in eastern DRC. Kigali also suspended its development aid cooperation with Belgium, accusing Belgium of politicising development and undermining regional mediation efforts.
Against this fraught backdrop, Prévot’s strong statements against genocide denial and impunity are widely seen as an attempt by Belgium to use his visit as a platform to mend ties with Rwanda.
During the visit, President Kagame gifted the Emir with Inyambo cows, an iconic and deeply revered symbol in Rwandan culture. The symbolic gesture is rooted in Rwandan tradition, signifying friendship, mutual respect, and the strong bond between the two leaders and their nations.
The two leaders also held a private tête-à-tête at the farm, marking another milestone in the steadily growing relations between Rwanda and Qatar. The meeting follows their recent engagement earlier in November in Doha, during the World Summit for Social Development, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
Sheikh Tamim’s visit comes at a pivotal moment, according to Ali bin Hamad Al Aida, the Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy in Rwanda. He noted that the visit signals Qatar’s commitment to expanding its partnerships across Africa, focusing on peace, security, and sustainable development. He emphasized that Rwanda is regarded as a trusted partner, with the visit expected to deepen cooperation based on shared interests and longstanding mutual respect.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, highlighted the extensive areas of collaboration already underway. These include major projects such as the construction of Bugesera International Airport, in which Qatar holds a 60% stake. Qatar Airways is also expected to acquire a 49% shareholding in RwandAir, further reinforcing aviation cooperation.
He added that new ventures are likely to emerge from the visit, including opportunities linked to Kigali Innovation City, a flagship initiative aimed at positioning Rwanda as a continental technology hub.
Rwanda and Qatar continue to strengthen ties across investment, tourism, transport, and infrastructure. The Emir’s visit is expected to culminate in the signing of new partnership agreements, expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation.
Sheikh Tamim last visited Kigali in July 2022 as a special guest at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). His return marks an ongoing commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.
The group crossed into Rwanda on November 20, 2025, through the La Corniche border, which connects Rwanda to the DRC.
Among them were 127 women, 32 men, and 352 children. Upon arrival, they were taken to the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District.
These returnees had been living in a temporary camp in Goma after being freed from various regions in eastern DRC, where they had been held captive by the FDLR, a group formed by remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The Vice Mayor of Rubavu in charge of Economic Development, Deogratias Nzabonimpa, assured the returnees that they would receive essential support to help them reintegrate into society.
“They will be given basic necessities to help them sustain themselves and contribute to the country, as this is the approach taken to bring them back into the Rwandan community. They will also be supported with various projects in their areas to help them provide for their families,” he stated.
Nzabonimpa also highlighted that the increasing number of returnees is a clear sign that the ongoing awareness campaigns are effective, with everyone playing a role.
To help them start their new lives, the returnees will receive basic financial assistance. Those over the age of 18 will receive $188, while those under 18 will receive $113.
Additionally, they will be provided with essential food supplies worth 45,000 Rwandan Francs.
Launched in 2024, the initiative supports organisations working to improve women’s mental and physical health globally and is funded by Pivotal, a group of impact organisations founded by Melinda French Gates, and managed by Lever for Change.
The grants, ranging from $1 million to $5 million, recognise Lifebox’s work in addressing one of the most critical yet under-resourced areas of women’s health: safe surgery. The funding will enable Lifebox and its partners to expand programs that improve the safety and quality of surgery and anaesthesia for women across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Support from Action for Women’s Health will enable Lifebox and our partners to strengthen safer surgical systems for women by empowering maternity and gynaecological surgical teams with practical, evidence-based tools to prevent surgical infection and improve outcomes,” said Kris Torgeson, Lifebox Global CEO.
“The grant will allow us to dramatically scale our work to strengthen the safety and quality of surgical systems for women’s health worldwide.”
Over 4,000 organisations from 119 countries applied to the Action for Women’s Health Open Call. After a rigorous review process, 83 organizations were selected, many of which have historically lacked access to major funding streams. The awards aim to deliver measurable impact for women across different geographies, life stages, and identities.
“Every year, more than four million people die following surgery. Unsafe surgery is one of the most urgent and solvable challenges in global health, especially for women,” said Dr. Tihitena Negussie Mammo, Lifebox Global Clinical Director and pediatric surgeon.
“At Lifebox, we’ve reduced postoperative complications and deaths, including those following cesarean section, by up to 40%. Strengthening surgical safety for women saves lives today and builds the foundation for healthier families and societies.”
Cesarean delivery, the most common surgery globally, accounts for nearly a third of all operations in low- and middle-income countries. Lifebox’s Clean Cut for Cesarean Section program reduces complications for mothers and newborns by strengthening compliance with six critical infection prevention standards.
Professor Salome Maswime, Vice Chair of the Lifebox Global Governance Council, added: “No woman should die while giving life. By strengthening surgical systems, we are transforming maternal health from survival to high-quality care, improving safety and dignity for every woman, everywhere.”
Lifebox was founded in 2011 by Dr. Atul Gawande, a renowned American surgeon, writer, and public health researcher. It has operated in more than 100 countries worldwide, including Rwanda.
Their work in Rwanda has included the implementation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist, distribution of essential equipment like pulse oximeters, and running programs like Clean Cut, which aims to reduce surgical site infections.
