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Among them are two appointed by President Paul Kagame: Dr. Uwamariya Valentine and Gasana Alfred, as well as two elected by political parties; Dr. Frank Habineza, president of the Green Party, and Nkubana Alphonse, president of the PSP party focused on social welfare and development. They join Evode Uwizeyimana and Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre who are beginning their second term after reappointment.

After the swearing-in of the six senators, the Senate of Rwanda now comprises 26 senators, including 13 women and 13 men, which represents 50% women, reinforcing the principle of gender equality.

President Kagame reminded them of their heavy responsibilities where Rwandans expect much greater than the country’s resources, emphasizing the need to strive for excellence in their work.

“The Senate allows government institutions to direct their efforts appropriately and conducts necessary evaluations to ensure that all institutions remain aligned. It is your duty to align the country’s long-term goals with the daily lives of Rwandans,” he said.

He continued, “It is crucial that decisions made reflect the needs of Rwandans and provide solutions to the problems they face.”

{{Pledge to serve citizens’ interests}}

Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, who has been appointed as a senator, has held various positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Environment, among other roles.

In an interview with IGIHE, she expressed her gratitude for President Kagame’s continued trust in her, which reinforces the expectation of positive results.

She said, “I am very grateful because the Head of State has placed his trust in me more times than I can count. I would say he still expects a lot from me. I was very happy when he appointed me, but once everything settles down, you sit and think, ‘What is expected of me?’ You feel grateful and immediately think about what you are going to do for Rwandans and Rwanda. To repay that trust is to work well.”

She mentioned that she is ready to implement the duties of the legislative body, including overseeing government activities, passing laws to address citizens’ problems, engaging in debates, and attending consultations.

Dr. Uwamariya said, “It’s about working together. From where I come from, I believe it won’t be hard to oversee because you are aware of the challenges. We have a unique country, with a unique history, and our approach must be distinct. There is oversight and consultations, and the President has asked us to work in an extraordinary way, focusing on the country’s development and the progress of its people.”

She emphasized the readiness to collaborate with her colleagues, working towards a common goal and following the country’s vision.

Amb. Alfred Gasana, who has previously served as Minister of Internal Security and as Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by President Kagame.

He said, “I deeply thank the President for trusting me once again by appointing me as a senator. It’s a great honor. To repay him is to work with all my intelligence, heart, and strength. The President reminded us to implement the duties entrusted to us. I promise not to disappoint him, and I assure Rwandans the same.”

Amb. Gasana stated that, regarding the responsibilities they are about to undertake, they will focus on the welfare of the citizens.

Alphonse Nkubana, who was appointed a senator, said, “We are happy to have been given these new responsibilities, and the President has made it clear that we must work according to the wishes of the people. We are here, with strength and wisdom.”

Dr. Frank Habineza, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament, expressed that he would continue his duties of overseeing government activities, assuring that he would continue to advocate for the people.

He said, “I am happy to continue serving in the legislative body. We deeply appreciate the President for the trust he has placed in us, and the legislature’s role is to represent the people of Rwanda.”

He added, “I believe you will see me as I was in Parliament. It depends on the duties of the Senate, but it still has the responsibility to speak on behalf of the people, visit them, and when they raise concerns to us, we must find solutions. We will continue to advocate for them even more effectively.”

The new senators’ term will end in October 2030, while 20 others will finish theirs in 2029.
A senator’s term usually lasts for five years, renewable once.

Ambassador Thorpe shared that while traveling to Gisenyi for the Commonwealth Games’ King’s Baton Relay, she stopped for a brief moment in Bigogwe, where she successfully milked a cow for the first time.

Bigogwe is located in the western part of Rwanda, in the Nyabihu District. It is a well-known area for cattle farming and the high-quality pasture found on its hills.

This journey gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture.

Traditionally, farmers explain that cows are not just a source of milk, but also a symbol of wealth, unity, and value among the people. In Rwandan culture, giving a cow to someone is a strong sign of love and partnership.

Visitors to Bigogwe often participate in milking cows. For someone doing it for the first time, it is not as easy as it looks, but they gain essential skills and knowledge.

Ambassador Thorpe shared her experience on social media, posting photos from her time in Bigogwe. She expressed her happiness about milking the cow for the first time, despite the difficulty she faced.

“On my journey to Gisenyi for the King’s Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, I stopped in Bigogwe to try milking a cow for the first time. There was more milk on my pants than in the bucket! It was fun, and I learned a lot about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture,” she said.

Ngabo Karegeya, the founder of “Ibere rya Bigogwe,” who started cow based tourism activities in the area, is known on social media for helping people visit cattle farms and promoting livestock farming.

Karegeya explains that his passion for cattle comes from his mother, who raised him around cows, feeding him milk, and forming a close bond with them.

Kamerhe resigned from this position on September 22, 2025, following pressure from members of the National Assembly who accused him of mismanaging funds and undermining the credibility of the legislative body.

It was expected that the person replacing Kamerhe would come from his party, the UNC, in accordance with the agreement within the Union Sacrée. However, it appears that many politicians, including some long-time members of DRC politics, are vying for this position.

Among the candidates is one from the UNC party, two from Tshisekedi’s UDPS party, and one from each of the other parties within the Union Sacrée.

On October 22, Willy Buhini Mishiki, from the PEP AAP party, opposed the idea of replacing Kamerhe with a member of his own party, arguing that such a move is not in line with democratic principles.

“The Union Sacrée does not have representatives in the National Assembly. Therefore, there is no reason to appoint a single candidate,” he said.

Among the candidates is Christophe Mboso N’Kodia, who served as the President of the National Assembly from 2021 to 2024 and is currently the Second Vice President of the Assembly.

Mboso has expressed his belief that he is the best candidate to lead the Assembly, based on his experience in the institution and in the country’s politics.

President Tshisekedi’s decision as leader of the Union Sacrée could determine who will represent the alliance in this competition, with the potential for the candidate to win.

The disclosure was made on October 23, 2025, during a presentation of their five-year strategic plan, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2030, in partnership with other stakeholders.

The strategy will focus on the organization’s activities, centered around two main pillars: creating job opportunities, building skills, and improving the well-being of youth and families.

Another pillar of the strategy is ensuring a better future through child development and sexual and reproductive health.

A significant addition to this plan is Plan International’s focus on promoting technology in its work and increasing collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organizations across Rwanda.

Additionally, over the next five years, the number of districts where Plan International operates will increase from three to ten.

The Country Director of Plan International Rwanda, Emilie Fernandes, explained that the expansion was aligned with the country’s vision for development, and the organization wanted to contribute more actively.

“The Rwandan government has excellent programs for improving the well-being of children and youth, and we are here to support these efforts along with our partners. We have seen a decline in poverty, teenage pregnancies, and malnutrition among children, but there are still gaps to address,” she said.

She continued, “We are focusing on addressing these gaps, especially for young mothers, children with disabilities, refugees, and those seeking employment.”

Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, praised Plan International’s contribution, stating that its programs in Rwanda align well with the country’s development goals, especially in accelerating development and meeting the first phase of the Vision 2050 goals.

She stated, “You have helped us protect children, promote gender equality, and advance family development in our country. Your focus on driving positive change in society, working with youth, and fostering innovation in technology is well aligned with Rwanda’s vision. This contributes significantly to changing mindsets, empowering youth, and building strong families.”

Kamabonwa Prudencienne, who works with the Guides Association in Rwanda, shared how the collaboration with Plan International has taught youth in Nyaruguru and Gatsibo to avoid unintended pregnancies.

Meanwhile, Mukantwali Alphoncine, a representative of daycare providers in the Kamabuye sector of Bugesera district, noted that Plan International helped reach 800 children attending daycare centers, with 30 of them overcoming malnutrition, leaving no one in that category.

In its 2020-2025 strategy, Plan International Rwanda reached 770,474 beneficiaries, including 400,000 girls and 302,948 boys.

Over the next five years, Plan International Rwanda will work with eight partners: AEE Rwanda, Dream Village Organization, Imbaraga, Caritas Rwanda, Bamporeze, Association des Guides du Rwanda, Health Development Initiative, and Learn Work Develop.

The beneficiaries will include 1.2 million children, girls, and youth, including 750,000 girls and 450,000 boys.

Plan International will continue its work in Bugesera, Nyaruguru, and Gatsibo districts and expand to seven additional districts under the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) project.

The organization will also operate in the refugee camps of Mugombwa, Kigeme, Kiziba, Nyabiheke, Mahama, Nkamira, Nyarushishi, and Kijote.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.

The course equipped officers with the vital knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform mid level command and staff roles in the military. It also enabled officers to step outside their professional specialisations and broaden their leadership and management skills at the tactical level.

Speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Nyakarundi, congratulated the graduates on their remarkable achievement.

“The course has equipped you to become proactive, agile, and solution-oriented leaders who bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the Force,” he said.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi emphasized that the graduated officers are now tasked with renewing the sense of urgency and enhancing the operational effectiveness required to succeed against any adversary.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi urged them to rise to the great challenge that lies ahead.

“Building a Defence Force and ultimately a nation that we all want and deserve, we must strive for a force built on trust, accountability, and sacrifice. You must look ahead and often far ahead, to anticipate potential opportunities, threats and challenges in today’s ever-changing and unpredictable security environment,” he noted.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi further reminded the graduates, as they depart from the college, to remember that their roles are pivotal in driving positive change and upholding the values of patriotism, integrity, and commitment in an increasingly complex global environment.

The Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, commended the graduates for their exceptional discipline, teamwork, and dedication throughout the 22-week course.

He urged them to carry forward the same spirit of hard work, discipline, commitment, and professionalism into their future assignments, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence with the enthusiasm they demonstrated during the course.

The pass-out ceremony was graced by Generals and senior officers from the RDF and RNP and was attended by the spouses, parents, friends, relatives of the graduates, as well as religious leaders and local authorities from the Northern Province.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders held a joint press conference after the meeting, saying the coalition aims to gradually phase out Russian oil and gas from the global market and channel frozen Russian assets into funding Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Starmer said Britain had taken the lead in fully sanctioning Russian oil and gas, followed by the United States and the European Union. He announced that Britain plans to supply Ukraine with more than 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles, with 140 delivered ahead of schedule.

On Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU member states had approved the bloc’s 19th round of sanctions against Russia, which include targetting the country’s natural gas sector for the first time. The sector is a pillar of Russia’s economy.

Guterres made the plea at an open debate of the Security Council on the future of the United Nations, held to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the world body.

Via a video link from Hanoi, the secretary-general started his speech by alluding to an anecdote of the Security Council.

Guterres said that in the spring of 1946, the first ballot box of the Security Council was opened for inspection before voting, and to everyone’s surprise, there was already a slip of paper inside. It was a message from the box’s maker, a local New York mechanic named Paul Antonio, who said he wished for lasting peace all over the world, the UN chief said.

“That humble note reminds us why the Security Council exists: for people — sincere, hopeful people who, for the last eight decades, have placed their trust in this institution to save them from the scourge of war,” he said.

“The privilege to sit at this table carries a duty, above all, to honor the faith of those people. And to channel the resources so often spent on war to the causes of development and peace,” said the UN chief.

On many pivotal occasions, the Security Council has delivered on that task, and it has prevented the chaos of a great-power war in the past eight decades, he said.

“The council is a vital necessity and a powerful force for good. But at the same time, its legitimacy is fragile. Too often, we have seen members of this body act outside the principles of the (UN) Charter — principles we have all freely agreed to as sovereign nations,” said Guterres.

“When that happens, it not only stalls action in the moment, it erodes trust in the entire United Nations project. It also puts us all in great danger. When one nation flouts the rules, others think they have license to do the same. And history tells us, with brutal clarity, where that road leads,” said the UN chief.

Guterres also said that reform of the Security Council is imperative and long overdue to maintain global order and safety, including the expansion of the membership.

He stressed Africa as an example, where nearly half of all UN peacekeeping missions, along with numerous special political missions, are carried out, yet Africa has no permanent voice at the council table.

The time has come to open the doors of the Security Council Chamber and let in the light, because without a Security Council fit for purpose, the world is in grave danger, he said.

“It is our duty to forge a body that can meet the challenges of the next 80 years — one that delivers justice and safety for all,” said Guterres. “Paul Antonio the mechanic never sat at this table. He never gave a speech or signed a treaty. But he believed in everyone here. He believed in you. I urge you: honor that trust, make this chamber worthy of the hopes of every man, woman and child.”

He made the remarks on Friday, October 24, 2025, while presiding over the swearing-in of six senators, four of whom are new members, at the Parliamentary Building in Kigali.

President Kagame said Rwanda continues to face numerous challenges, both internal and external, urging citizens to adopt an extraordinary mindset and work ethic in addressing them.

“For Rwanda, even when a neighbour makes mistakes that cause problems, it is Rwanda that gets punished. We are the ones expected to fix them. You must understand this and reflect it in the way you work,” he said. “We cannot operate in the usual, everyday manner like others who don’t face such challenges. We carry a double burden, being accountable for our own issues and those of others.”

The Head of State cautioned against a culture of despair, calling on Rwandans to draw strength from within instead of lamenting or seeking sympathy.

“Instead of sitting in despair or crying out for help, people should find within themselves the strength to confront these challenges,” he noted. “Injustice against Rwanda is not new; it is part of our history. These are not problems we create, but we are the ones who must face them, and they should not derail us from our path.”

President Kagame emphasised that resilience and self-reliance remain central to Rwanda’s development philosophy.

“This requires wisdom and strength, not necessarily physical strength, which we may lack, but strength of spirit and determination,” he said. “We must use those strengths as best we can.”

He went on to remind citizens that Rwandans should never beg for the right to exist, describing such a mindset as a betrayal of the country’s hard-won dignity.

“No one gives us the right to live. We cannot and should not ask anyone for permission to live the way we deserve,” Kagame said. “A Rwandan who fails to understand that, given our history, has lost sight of our values; there’s something wrong. Confrontation is better than begging. Stand firm, face people directly, and tell them what must be said.”

He further underscored that all people are equal, and no one is inherently entitled to dominate or oppress others.

“Those who act otherwise are human beings just like you. No one is created to rule or hurt others. That is Rwanda’s political philosophy,” he said. “Those who fail to understand it, we shall also confront those challenges.”

Among the six senators who took the oath of office, four were appointed by the President of the Republic: Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu and Evode Uwizeyimana, who were reappointed, and newcomers Dr. Valentine Uwamariya and Alfred Gasana. The other two, Dr. Frank Habineza and Alphonse Nkubana, were elected by the Consultative Forum of Political Organisations.

On October 15, 2025, Kabila and his supporters met in Nairobi, Kenya, to launch a new coalition called Sauvons La RDC (“Let’s Save the DRC”), which aims to address long-standing political and social challenges facing the country.

The coalition said it will base its efforts on twelve proposals Kabila presented in May, including ending authoritarian rule, promoting inclusive dialogue, dismantling armed groups, and engaging with neighbouring countries.

Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, was sentenced to death in September by a military court after being convicted of crimes including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and participation in an illegal armed group. The government has maintained that Kabila should not be allowed to take part in national peace talks and, if apprehended, should face the sentence imposed by the court.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently told DRC President Félix Tshisekedi that Kabila is “effectively dead” politically, suggesting he could be removed from influence depending on the loyalty of his supporters.

Political marginalisation within the DRC appears to have driven Kabila to form the new coalition, which includes politicians who fled the country or are wanted by justice, such as former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo.

It remains unclear how Kabila’s allies still in the DRC, including PPRD party President Aubin Minaku, Secretary-General Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, and Ferdinand Kambere, will respond.

On October 23, FCC leaders, mostly PPRD members, held a meeting to discuss the coalition’s formation and Kabila’s plans. In a statement, they confirmed FCC’s membership in Sauvons La RDC and pledged support for all of its objectives.

“FCC, the coalition of His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, comprising multiple groups, political parties, and associations, is a member of Sauvons la RDC. This coalition aims to ensure inclusive national dialogue, oppose constitutional amendments, and end authoritarian rule,” the statement read.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya told Africa Radio on October 23 that Kabila no longer holds power in the country and is unlikely to achieve any tangible results.

“He is a man of the past, who gathered in Nairobi those convicted of crimes and fugitives from justice, united by their opposition to President Tshisekedi,” Muyaya said.

Kabila became a Senator for Life for the DRC upon leaving the presidency in 2019. He was living in exile in South Africa until his return to the eastern DRC in April 2025, which preceded his conviction in absentia by a military court in September 2025 for crimes including treason.