Among those repatriated were mostly women and children. They returned on Thursday, October 30, 2025, through the La Corniche border, which connects Rwanda to the DRC.
Upon arrival, the returnees were transferred to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi District.
These Rwandans had been living in a temporary camp in Goma after fleeing from various regions in Eastern DRC, where they were held captives by the FDLR.
The Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of social affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe, welcomed the returnees and assured them that the government has various plans in place to help them reintegrate into normal life.
She said, “In a short time, you will be reintegrated into the community you have returned to. You will receive support to reconnect with your families, and before leaving the center to return to your places of residence, you will be provided with the necessary identification documents, especially for those who have reached adulthood. You will also be given money to help you start life and meet basic needs.”
Ishimwe reassured the returnees, reminding them that they were now in the safe hands of a country that cares for them.
“We are glad you have returned, and the country is ready to help you reintegrate. As local authorities, we will continue to guide you through government programs to ensure you are reunited with your families,” she noted.
The returnees were then taken to the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi District, where they will stay temporarily.
Once the returnees have received their identification documents, the government will provide them with support to fully reintegrate into society.
This assistance includes basic financial aid to help them restart their lives. Those aged above 18 will receive $188, while individuals under 18 will get $113. In addition, each returnee will be given food rations worth 45,000 Rwandan Francs.
This repatriation follows the return of another group of 277 Rwandans on October 21, 2025.
During an interview with IGIHE. Dr. Frank Habineza recalled a conversation with Evode Uwizeyimana on Rwanda Television, where Uwizeyimana told him not to engage in debates about laws until he had studied them. This advice motivated Dr. Habineza to go back to school.
He said, “I would say that Senator Evode Uwizeyimana sparked a healthy jealousy in me, and I immediately went back to study law. I am now in my final year at the University of Kigali, with expectations to graduate next year. I plan to continue my studies at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, and if necessary, I will pursue a PhD degree in Law.”
Dr. Habineza explained that his decision to study law was not to compete with anyone, but to enhance his knowledge. He added that being a parliamentarian requires legal knowledge, which is crucial to effectively represent Rwandans.
He clarified that he has no issues with Senator Evode Uwizeyimana and that, aside from encouraging him to study law, they both share ideas for the benefit of all Rwandans.
Dr. Habineza stated, “It’s really great to be in the same Senate. I would call him my ‘buddy’ because we have discussions, and even when we disagree, we continue the conversation. Even when we don’t have the same views, it doesn’t mean things have fallen apart.”
Dr. Habineza was elected as a Senator, succeeding Mugisha Alexis from the Green Party, who had completed his five-year term. Many wondered why Dr. Habineza did not allow him to extend his tenure, especially since there was a possibility that Mugisha could have been granted another five-year term.
Dr. Habineza explained that there is no issue with him replacing Mugisha in the Senate since Mugisha had completed his term, but assured that the party would assign him other responsibilities.
He said, “He is still our member, the party’s chief commissioner, and he is still active. We will assign him other duties, and we will continue to explore new opportunities for him. A term lasts for five years, and once it’s over, it doesn’t mean that you can’t take on other roles. People transition into new roles all the time, and that’s what will happen.”
Regarding his new role as a Senator, Frank Habineza emphasized that he will continue to prioritize the interests of the people.
He said, “I am still myself, still original. What I can tell you is that the responsibilities in the legislative process of the Senate are different from those of the Chamber of Deputies. The people expect us to be there for them, and we will continue to serve them well, with God’s help.”
{{Running again after defeat}}
Dr. Habineza has contested for the position of President of Rwanda twice, but on both occasions, he failed to secure even 5% of the vote.
In the most recent election held on July 15, 2024, Paul Kagame won with 99.18% of the vote, securing 8,822,794 votes from Rwandans. Dr. Frank Habineza came in second with just 0.50% of the vote.
Dr. Habineza said that his participation in the presidential election was in the country’s interest rather than his own.
He stated, “I put the country’s interests first by running for the presidency, because we saw that this was more valuable than running for a parliamentary seat. We believed that the country’s interests lay in having someone run for president, especially since we are a party opposed to the government. We believe these ideas shouldn’t be suppressed. I did not put my own interests first, I put the country’s interests first.”
He added that even though he did not win the election, he is confident that the ideas in his manifesto will be implemented.
When asked if he was considering leading the Rwandan Senate, especially as the committee currently leading the Senate will finish its term in 2029 while others will conclude theirs in 2030, he said he was unsure but was ready to serve Rwandans.
He said, “What I can tell you is that I, Frank Habineza, am ready to serve Rwandans. We have paid a great price to serve them, and if they continue to trust us, there is nothing that can stop us from serving them in any capacity.”
Dr. Habineza disclosed that his dreams of becoming president are not over. He stated that if his party members trust him again in the future, he will run for president once more.
He outlined that if he was elected in 2029, his key focus would be eradicating poverty completely in Rwanda, ensuring that everyone is self-sufficient in food production, and reducing the need for imports.
He also emphasized strengthening industries, promoting environmentally friendly transportation, improving the quality of education, caring for teachers and healthcare workers, and introducing a minimum wage among others.
Dr. Habineza said that he will continue to advocate for a minimum wage in Parliament, as this issue has been pending for over six years under the Prime Minister’s office without a solution.
After the election defeat, Dr. Habineza said he chose to focus on party activities because they needed him most at the time.
He refrained from addressing the negative atmosphere that had been reported within the Green Party, stating that the issue was resolved and was based on the misconduct of a few individuals but had since been corrected.
Following the presidential and parliamentary elections, the Green Party sold its headquarters. The party has now received the funds allocated to political parties that contested and won seats in the National Assembly. Green Party has already received the funds and has purchased a new headquarters located in Muyombo.
He said, “Elections are expensive, and those we compete against have many supporters, which helps them raise money. We don’t have as many supporters as they do. Our supporters did contribute, but their contributions weren’t enough. We sold our assets to avoid loans.”
He commended the good management of various sectors during the presidential election, including local governments, security, and others, noting that it contributed to the smooth running of the elections.
To promote development and self-reliance, the Green Party has started helping its supporters by assisting them with livestock farming, producing organic fertilizers, and improving their projects so that they benefit both the supporters and the party.
{{Constructive criticism}}
Dr. Habineza explained that when the party was founded, they considered themselves confrontational and radical opposition but later decided to be a constructive opposition party aimed at raising issues and providing alternative solutions to problems.
He said, “In the past, we criticized everything, seeing no good in anything. But now, we say, ‘No, that’s not right.’ We can acknowledge the good where we see it, but also address the bad and offer solutions on how it should be corrected. This is the direction we have taken, but we are still an opposition party in a constructive way, not one that aims to destroy but to build.”
He emphasized that there is no reason for him to engage in negative actions that could lead to harm when he has the opportunity to do good and achieve positive outcomes.
He also noted that the Green Party’s supporters continue to grow as they understand the party’s goals, vision, and the reasons for being part of it.
Ebabi, an officer attached to the military intelligence service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), had visited Raw Studio on October 19 with her fiancé to take pre-wedding photographs ahead of their planned ceremony on October 31, 2025.
The incident drew attention after Raw Studio published their pictures and videos on TikTok, prompting Ebabi’s arrest on October 24.
During a court hearing on October 28, military prosecutors accused her of bringing the army into disrepute and violating military discipline by displaying affection in uniform.
In her defence, Ebabi said Raw Studio had admitted to sharing the images on TikTok without seeking her authorisation, arguing that the studio should be held accountable and, if necessary, prosecuted.
She stated that she never intended to tarnish the image of the army, which she has loyally served for ten years.
The prosecution had requested a 10-year jail term, but Ebabi remained composed, telling the court:
“If the court finds me innocent, I will thank God. If it finds me guilty, I will still thank God, the Lord of all times and events.”
Delivering its verdict on the evening of Wednesday, October 29, the court found her guilty of breaching military regulations and imposed a 12-month suspended sentence.
The ruling allows Ebabi to proceed with her wedding as scheduled, though she will be required to maintain good conduct throughout the suspension period to avoid serving the custodial sentence.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after the talks with Trump on Wednesday night, Trump described the meeting as a major success, saying the United States was now on track to finalise a trade deal with China “pretty soon.”
“I guess on the scale from 0 to 10, with ten being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” Trump said. “I think it was a 12.”
Under the new measures, tariffs imposed earlier this year as punishment for China’s alleged role in the export of chemicals used to make fentanyl will be cut from 20% to 10%. This reduces the overall tariff rate on Chinese goods from 57% to 47%.
Trump said Beijing had agreed to lift restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals, vital components for manufacturing high-tech products such as electric vehicles, fighter jets, and smartphones, and to resume purchases of American soybeans.
{{Trade deal ‘within reach’
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The two leaders met for 100 minutes in the port city of Busan, around 76 kilometres south of the main venue for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Their discussion, which Trump later described as “a turning point,” also touched on technology exports, with the U.S. president confirming that chipmaker Nvidia would begin talks with Chinese officials about selling advanced semiconductors.
Trump said he would visit China in April, while Xi is expected to make a reciprocal trip to the U.S. later in the year.
“We have not too many major stumbling blocks,” Trump told journalists, expressing confidence that a broader trade agreement could be signed soon.
{{Signs of a thaw
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The announcement comes after months of renewed tension between Washington and Beijing, as both countries sought to assert dominance in global manufacturing, artificial intelligence development, and geopolitical influence. Trump’s use of tariffs to pressure China had prompted retaliatory export limits from Beijing, particularly on rare earths, minerals critical to the U.S. defence and technology sectors.
Analysts said Thursday’s breakthrough reflects a shared desire to cool tensions and stabilise economic relations after a volatile year.
Beijing has not issued an official statement on the outcomes of the meeting. However, at the start of the talks, Xi struck a conciliatory tone, saying through a translator that “it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then.”
The easing of tariffs and resumption of rare earth exports have already buoyed investor confidence, with U.S. markets climbing on Thursday amid optimism for a trade framework.
Officials from both countries had met earlier in Kuala Lumpur to prepare for the summit, reaching what they described as a “preliminary consensus.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later called the talks “a very successful framework.”
Despite the positive signals, several sticking points remain unresolved, including the expected agreement on the sale of Chinese-owned TikTok’s U.S. operations. Analysts say that without clarity on that front, complete normalisation of trade relations remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Trump’s shifting tariff policy has also raised questions about long-term strategy. Earlier this year, he threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% before abandoning the plan amid market backlash. Just weeks ago, he warned of a 100% import tax in response to China’s rare earth restrictions, an escalation now seemingly averted.
For China, lifting the rare earths blockade is a significant gesture, given its global dominance in processing the minerals. The move may signal Beijing’s intent to ease global concern about its leverage over critical supply chains.
This plot contradicts the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and DRC in June 2025, with the assistance of the United States, where both countries agreed to dismantle FDLR to be followed by the lifting of Rwanda’s security measures.
Reliable sources confirm that Tshisekedi and the Habyarimana family intend to provide FDLR with ample resources, assist in recruiting new fighters, and appoint new leadership for the group. Jean-Luc Habyarimana, the son of the late Juvénal Habyarimana, is set to become the new leader of FDLR.
A source close to the DRC presidential office revealed that the DRC government is working with Jean-Luc, members of the RNC coalition led by Kayumba Nyamwasa, and Thomas Nahimana, who heads the self-proclaimed ‘Government of Rwanda in Exile.’ These individuals are involved in coordinating actions aimed at destabilizing Rwanda.
Tshisekedi plans to hold a high-level meeting in Kinshasa in early 2026, bringing together individuals from terrorist groups claiming to oppose Rwanda’s government. The aim is to form a military alliance allegedly capable of threatening Rwanda’s security and possibly overthrowing its government.
To facilitate this meeting, the DRC government is arranging travel documents for these Rwandans via its embassy in South Africa.
In early October, members of these terrorist factions gathered in Cape Town, South Africa. Jean-Luc Habyarimana attended the meeting via video call due to security concerns. The discussions focused on recruiting new members and encouraging Rwandans in the diaspora to support the creation of a “strong military alliance.”
Tshisekedi sees Jean-Luc as the ideal candidate to lead this alliance, citing his lineage as the son of Rwanda’s former president. He believes Jean-Luc could unite the fractured opposition groups and connect Rwandans abroad with the FDLR.
This is not the first time Tshisekedi has attempted to bring these factions together to challenge Rwanda’s government. In June 2024, Jean-Luc secretly traveled to Kinshasa, meeting with Tshisekedi’s associates and security officials to discuss supporting the FDLR.
A month later, Tshisekedi’s office revealed plans to welcome Rwandan genocide suspects currently residing in Niger, including Captain Innocent Sagahutu, who had previously attempted to infiltrate FDLR in 2017 before the plan failed.
However, the DRC government suspended this plan after a letter, signed by Antony Nkinzo Kamole, the chief of staff of Tshisekedi’s office, outlining the reception of these individuals, was unexpectedly leaked to the media.
In March 2025, Thomas Nahimana, a key participant in the planned 2026 meeting, traveled to DRC and Burundi. During his stay in Kinshasa, he reportedly met with Tshisekedi’s inner circle and frequently communicated with FDLR leaders.
While in Kinshasa, Nahimana received financial support amounting to $10,000 from those close to Tshisekedi to support his activities and those of his allies.
At the end of 2023, Tshisekedi announced his intent to remove Rwanda’s government and expressed his readiness to support Rwandans he believes seek political change. He views FDLR, which collaborates with DRC forces, as a critical part of this plan.
Rwanda has shown it is aware of FDLR’s malicious intentions and Tshisekedi’s government’s complicity in these activities.
In response, Rwanda has tightened security measures along its border, stating that these measures will remain in place as long as there is a potential threat to its security.
The large-scale raid was launched Tuesday against members of the Comando Vermelho gang in the Alemao and Penha favelas in the northern part of the city, the Rio de Janeiro state government said.
At a press conference, Rio state’s civil police secretary Felipe Curi revised the death toll from an initially reported 128 to 119, including 115 suspected criminals and four police officers.
State Governor Claudio Castro called the operation a “success” and the four slain officers the true victims.
The governor said the figure was based solely on bodies registered at the forensic medical institute, suggesting the final toll could rise.
“I cannot give a final tally until all the bodies have been counted,” he added.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said an analysis of satellite imagery has corroborated new evidence of continuing mass killings in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, during the 48 hours following the Sunday takeover by the Rapid Support Forces.
The World Health Organization has verified 185 attacks on health care in Sudan, with 1,204 deaths and 416 injuries of health workers and patients since the start of the conflict in April 2023, excluding the latest attacks. This year alone, 966 people have died in 49 attacks.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 36,000 people fled El Fasher between Sunday and Tuesday. The IOM said local sources reported that due to insecurity and a lack of transport options, thousands of people remain stranded and are unable to flee from the capital.
OCHA said it is coordinating life-saving assistance about 40 km away with partners in Tawila, where displaced families are being hosted at overcrowded sites, lacking adequate shelter, sanitation and privacy, urgently in need of shelter, food, water, health care and protection.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher approved on Wednesday a 20 million U.S. dollar allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund for Sudan to support the scaling up of emergency aid in Tawila and other locations in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan regions. The amount comes on top of the 27 million dollars already allocated from the fund in 2025.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Tuesday that it was horrified after five Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers were killed, and three others were reported missing while distributing food in the locality of Bara in North Kordofan. Twenty-one Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been killed since the conflict began in April 2023.
OCHA said that civilians, humanitarian workers and medical personnel must always be protected, once again calling on all parties to immediately halt hostilities, guarantee safe passage for civilians and aid workers, and ensure sustained humanitarian access to all affected areas.
The factory, founded by Sudanese dentist Dr. Moustafa Hussein Abbas, is driven by a medical-first approach aimed at improving oral health standards. Operating under Next Day Company Ltd, it focuses on producing quality toothbrushes entirely within Rwanda.
During a visit by IGIHE, Factory Manager Eng. Mohamed Elmudathir Abdelrahman revealed that Velano has a daily production capacity of 120,000 toothbrushes. Officials did not provide details on the factory’s value.
“Every Velano toothbrush is manufactured from scratch here in Rwanda, using local labour and expertise,” said Eng. Abdelrahman. “We aim to set a new standard in medical-quality toothbrushes while keeping prices affordable for all.”
According to the management, Velano manufactures every component locally from polypropylene (PP) plastic handles moulded using injection machines to the final packaging. Each toothbrush is tufted with bristles and undergoes quality inspection before distribution.
The brand currently offers two packaging options for consumers: a strip line priced between Frw 300 and 400, and individual packaging costing between Frw 650 and 750.
Both packaging options maintain the same medical-grade quality, drawing on Dr. Abbas’s research and dental expertise, according to Eng. Abdelrahman.
{{Empowering local workforce
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The factory employs 35 staff, with plans to expand to 150 employees as production scales up. Women make up an impressive 89% of the current workforce.
Additionally, employees are receiving hands-on training in operating advanced manufacturing machinery, a contribution to Rwanda’s broader skills development agenda.
“Industry is the future for Rwanda,” Eng. Abdelrahman noted. “By building our factory from scratch with local talent, we are contributing to the economy, creating jobs, and supporting skills growth.”
{{Accessibility across the country
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Velano toothbrushes are already available for bulk and direct purchase. The company is working with distributors to ensure its products reach households in every corner of Rwanda.
The launch aligns with Rwanda’s broader push to boost domestic production and develop competitive manufacturing sectors. It follows recent investments in oral-care production, including the opening of the Pro Smile Toothpaste Factory in November 2024 within the Kigali Special Economic Zone.
The industry sector continued to play a central role in Rwanda’s economy in the second quarter of 2025, contributing 21% of GDP and recording a 7% growth rate, equivalent to 1.5 percentage points of overall economic growth.
The performance was driven by gains in mining, construction, and manufacturing, highlighting the country’s ongoing industrialisation push. Within the sector, manufacturing expanded by 8%, supported by growth in food processing (10%), metal products, machinery and equipment (19%), chemicals, rubber and plastic products (24%), and non-metallic minerals, mainly cement (23%).
The strong performance in chemicals, rubber, and plastic products is particularly noteworthy, as it directly reflects the emergence of local facilities like Velano.
At the national level, Rwanda’s economy grew by 7.8% in Q2 2025, supported by agriculture (8%) and services (9%), with key drivers including trade, transport, financial services, and ICT. GDP at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,798 billion, up from Frw 4,966 billion in the same quarter of 2024.
Though rare, they can be found in a few select places across the country, one of them being Fazenda, located on Mount Kigali in Nyarugenge District. The site offers a variety of outdoor activities and is among the few places in Rwanda where horses are used for leisure and fitness.
At Fazenda, eight horses are under the care of Niyonsenga Innocent, who describes them as calm and intelligent animals that respond to human emotions.
“If you approach a horse with fear, it senses it. But if you come with love, they respond with affection,” he explains.
According to Niyonsenga, horses possess a strong sense of perception, particularly through their eyes and mouths, allowing them to detect how a person feels.
Like other animals, a horse’s lifespan depends largely on how it is raised. When properly cared for, a horse can live up to 50 years. Proper care includes regular veterinary attention, balanced feeding, cleanliness, and ensuring they are not overworked.
Their diet mainly consists of grains such as maize, rice, and wheat, with proportions adjusted according to the horse’s size and age. At Fazenda, the horses are categorised into three groups—short, medium, and tall—and begin their training at a young age.
Training involves the use of specially designed saddles to help them grow accustomed to carrying people. Horses are gradually taught to walk with a rider and perform tasks such as running and jumping. Training sessions are held three times a day, but if a horse becomes tired or uninterested, trainers adjust the routine accordingly.
Niyonsenga notes that horses can express discomfort in different ways, including by biting, and that trainers learn to read these signals. The horses at Fazenda are imported from Naivasha, Kenya, and have adapted well to Kigali’s climate, though their overall wellbeing depends on environmental conditions.
Horses, as prey animals, have unique sleep patterns that allow for both vigilance and deep rest. They achieve their lighter sleep (Slow Wave Sleep) while standing up, a feat made possible by the stay apparatus, a system of tendons and ligaments that effectively locks their leg joints, minimising muscular effort.
However, to attain essential, deep REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a horse must lie down entirely, usually for short, intermittent periods. While lying down is a normal behaviour, any horse found in prolonged recumbency or struggling to rise is usually treated as a medical emergency, as this is a key sign of severe pain, such as colic (severe abdominal pain).
Fazenda’s horses are given space to roam freely when not being ridden. They receive regular grooming, including brushing and gentle hand massages to relax their muscles and relieve tension. Their hooves are cleaned every five to ten days to remove dirt and prevent infections.
From the age of two or three, young horses begin more intensive training to wear saddles and carry riders. Some even participate in races, which helps enhance their endurance and performance skills.
In Rwanda, owning a horse is a significant investment. Prices range up to RWF 10 million, depending on the horse’s age, breed, and level of training. Comparable horses in Kenya sell for around RWF 7 million, though costs vary based on their maturity and capabilities.
While horses are still uncommon in Rwandan households, they are increasingly being used for tourism and recreational businesses. Niyonsenga observes that the main reason horses remain rare in Rwanda is not a lack of investors but rather limited knowledge and information about horse keeping.
Globally, horses are valued for various purposes. In some European countries, such as France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and in parts of Asia, including Kazakhstan, horse meat is consumed as a delicacy. Similarly, in Mexico, Argentina, China, Japan, South Korea, and parts of Brazil, horse meat is considered a valuable commodity.
However, in most African societies, eating horse meat is considered taboo. Horses are viewed with respect, often used for transport, agriculture, and leisure. When they die, they are typically buried with honour rather than consumed.
The growing interest in horses for recreation and tourism signals their gradual integration into Rwanda’s evolving leisure and cultural landscape, a blend of luxury, sport, and connection with nature.
Through the Forward7 programme, a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia initiative, the pilot project will provide 50,000 affordable Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) kits to Rwandan families over the next 18 months.
Implemented by Bboxx, the project targets households in Kigali, Musanze, Muhanga, Rwamagana, and Huye.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Forward7 said each LPG kit includes a two-burner stove, a 12 kg gas cylinder, and a smart valve with a pay-as-you-go system, designed to make clean cooking accessible to low-income households that have not yet received subsidies.
“Rwanda’s national energy balance statistics show that biomass (mostly wood fuel) accounts for the majority of the country’s total energy consumption. This partnership aims to reduce dependence on biomass by providing access to modern, cleaner cooking solutions,” the statement reads.
Since its launch in Kigali in February 2025, the programme has already reached more than 6,000 households. With the expansion to Rwamagana and Musanze, officials expect broader uptake of cleaner cooking solutions across the country within a year.
The initiative also aims to generate carbon credits, with proceeds reinvested into further clean cooking projects, supporting Rwanda’s long-term commitment to a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future.
The partners said Bboxx will continue to run community awareness campaigns to inform eligible households about the benefits of switching to LPG and the availability of the kits.
Forward7, launched in 2021 under the Middle East Green Initiative, has a global mission to provide cleaner cooking alternatives to vulnerable populations, reducing the risks associated with traditional cooking practices such as coal and wood use.
