At the forum, Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Kigali has repeatedly denied. He called on Rwanda to halt the escalation of violence in eastern DRC and extended a public hand to President Paul Kagame, urging cooperation to resolve the crisis.
Tshisekedi insisted that the DRC had never been belligerent towards its neighbours, despite multiple reports of threats to invade Rwanda, bombard Kigali, and overthrow its leadership.
In a hard-hitting post on social media, Nyombayire highlighted contradictions in Tshisekedi’s narrative. She criticised him for presenting himself as a peace-loving leader while repeatedly threatening Rwanda and claiming victimhood in a conflict he has failed to resolve.
She outlined what she described as the true nature of Tshisekedi’s so-called “arm of peace.” Nyombayire alleged that he had armed and supported the FDLR, a genocidal militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and integrated them into the national army.
She further accused him of backing militias that persecute and kill civilians based on ethnicity. According to Nyombayire, he also denied the Congolese identity of the M23 to avoid responsibility for resolving the crisis.
Nyombayire added that Tshisekedi sought international assistance while simultaneously undermining signs of progress. She noted that he hired mercenaries to fight his wars, yet still failed to achieve results. Finally, she said he scapegoated Rwanda for the DRC’s failures while leaders enriched themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens.
President Kagame also appeared to dismiss Tshisekedi’s claims, calling them “noise of an empty drum” and urging the international community to ignore them.
“If one makes an issue of noise of an empty drum, they also have a problem! Better to let it pass or walk away from it!!!” President Kagame wrote on X the following remarks by the DRC president.
Citing President Kagame, Nyombayire wrote: “There is no use arguing with those who have repeated their lies long enough; they have come to believe them. There are no lessons Rwanda needs to be taught about the meaning of peace; those of us who have fought for peace know its price.”
The exchanges come amid ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC over the M23 rebel group, which says it represents marginalised Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities. Rwanda continues to deny supporting the group, pointing instead to the DRC’s security lapses and involvement with armed militias, including the FDLR.
Despite multiple mediation efforts, including a peace deal signed in Washington and dialogue facilitated by Qatar, Rwanda has criticised the DRC for obstructing agreements and lacking the political will to ensure lasting peace.
“If one makes an issue of noise of an empty drum, they also have a problem! Better to let it pass or walk away from it!!!” President Kagame wrote on X following remarks by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi at the Global Gateway Forum 2025 in Brussels on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
At the forum, which was also attended by President Kagame, Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
He called on Rwanda to give the order for the M23 troops, which he claimed were backed by Rwanda, to halt the escalation in eastern DRC.
Tshisekedi, while calling for peace in the eastern DRC, also claimed that his country has never been belligerent towards its neighbours, despite his repeated threats to invade Rwanda, bombard Kigali, and overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, threats that can be validated through multiple pieces of evidence.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, also swiftly responded to Tshisekedi’s claims, describing them as false and misleading.
“No, you are wrong on all counts. The only person who can stop this escalation is President Tshisekedi, and HE ALONE,” Nduhungirehe said, adding that Tshisekedi himself must cease his belligerent attitude, halt threats against Rwanda, and stop supporting armed militias, including the FDLR genocidaires and Wazalendo groups.
The Minister further condemned the DRC president for deploying foreign mercenaries and using international platforms for political manoeuvring, describing Tshisekedi’s statements at the Forum as a “ridiculous political farce.”
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the DRC have been tense since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021, which identifies as representing marginalised Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities.
Kigali has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the M23, instead pointing to the DRC’s own security lapses and its involvement with armed militias, including the FDLR, a group formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Despite multiple mediation efforts, including a peace deal in Washington and dialogue facilitated by Qatar, Rwanda has criticised the DRC for obstructing agreements and lacking the political will to ensure lasting peace in the region.
This includes the recent last-minute refusal to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework, an agreement expected to mark a major step forward in bilateral and regional cooperation following months of U.S.-mediated negotiations.
The Forum, running from October 9 through 10, builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, and focuses on advancing global connectivity amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.
It brings together high-level representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative strategies for scaling up Global Gateway investments in partner countries.
As he delivered his speech, Tshisekedi took the stage and reiterated the familiar narrative, accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda denied repeatedly.
He called on Rwanda to give the order for the M23 troops, which he claimed were backed by Rwanda, to halt the escalation.
Tshisekedi also stated that his country has never been belligerent towards its neighbors, despite his repeated threats to invade Rwanda, bombard Kigali, and overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, threats that can be validated through multiple reports.
Following a post on X by Patrick Muyaya, which included excerpts from Tshisekedi’s speech, Minister Nduhungirehe reminded them of the truth, refuting the narrative and exposing the lies and distortions of fact.
In response, Nduhungirehe stated, “No, you are wrong on all counts. The only person who can stop this escalation is President Tshisekedi, and HE ALONE.”
Amb. Nduhungirehe went on to address Tshisekedi’s claims, alluding to specifically his public threats of war.
“He can do so by ceasing to display his belligerent attitude, particularly his public threats of invading Rwanda or bombing Kigali, not to mention his disgraceful insults against President Kagame,” Amb. Nduhungirehe asserted, highlighting Tshisekedi’s repeated threats.
The Minister continued, accusing the DRC president of supporting the FDLR genocidaires, a militia responsible for Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“He can do so by stopping his support for the FDLR genocidaires, expelling them from his army, and neutralizing them, as required by the Washington Peace Agreement,” Amb. Nduhungirehe declared.
He also criticized the DRC government for its involvement with armed militias, specifically the Wazalendo militia, and the daily bombings by Tshisekedi’s fighter jets and attack drones in eastern DRC, including on Banyamulenge villages and densely populated areas.
The Minister further accused Tshisekedi of deploying foreign mercenaries and violating international agreements.
“He can do so by stopping the use of Burundian soldiers and mercenaries, formerly Romanians and now Colombians,” Amb. Nduhungirehe added, pointing out violations of a 1977 OAU resolution and a 1989 UN Convention.
Amb. Nduhungirehe also condemned Tshisekedi’s use of international platforms for political maneuvering.
“Finally, he can do so by stopping this ridiculous political farce of exploiting a platform at an important economic partnership summit to launch accusations and lies,” the Minister concluded.
Rwanda-DRC diplomatic relations have faced setbacks since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021, which highlighted the rights of marginalized Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities.
Since then, the DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, an accusation Kigali vehemently denies, urging the DRC to address its own issues rather than blame its neighbor.
Various mediation efforts have been underway, including a peace deal signed in Washington and an M23-DRC dialogue facilitated by Qatar.
However, the DRC has been criticized for shifting its stance and lacking the willingness to implement resolutions, hindering lasting peace in eastern DRC.
This includes the recent last-minute blockage of the Regional Economic Integration Framework, which was not signed at Tshisekedi’s request in Washington.
Addressing a high-level audience in Brussels, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Angolan President João Lourenço, Chairperson of the African Union, Kagame warned that partnerships based on directives and compliance are a dead end for Africa’s transformation.
The Global Gateway Forum, now in its second edition since its 2023 launch, gathers leaders from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to tackle geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges while scaling up investments in global connectivity.
The 2025 Forum provides a critical platform to strengthen collaboration, identify investment opportunities, and promote sustainable development through infrastructure, technology, and green initiatives.
“This forum has, in a short time, proven its worth by connecting ideas and resources and turning them into real investment,” Kagame said, praising the Global Gateway’s focus on innovative strategies. Yet, he underscored a fundamental flaw in how partnerships are often conceived.
“For some, partnership is about giving instructions and setting conditions. For others, it means complying. Africa’s experience shows that this approach does not deliver the transformation we need,” he stated.
Kagame emphasised that genuine partnerships must be built on equality, with shared risks and rewards. “A good partnership does not create dependency. It creates value,” he asserted, outlining Africa’s priorities: robust infrastructure, advanced technology, and competitive industries.
He highlighted Africa’s value to Europe, noting its growing market, talent pool, and critical resources for the green and digital transitions. Pointing to tangible progress, Kagame cited BioNTech’s mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Kigali, supported by the EU’s Team Europe initiative, as a landmark achievement.
“This project is a milestone for regional vaccine production. It will reduce Africa’s import dependency and strengthen our ability to respond to future pandemics,” he said, framing it as a model for partnerships with broader regional impact.
To sustain such initiatives, Kagame stressed the need for private sector engagement and stronger local ecosystems, aligning with the Forum’s goal of fostering sustainable development.
“The work has begun, and we are making good progress. Rwanda will continue to do its part to ensure measurable impact,” he pledged.
Echoing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Kagame expressed optimism, noting a “positive energy about business, investment, peace, and prosperity” at the Forum.
“It is already very rare to see an independent film, and even rarer to see an independent African one. So, we wanted to expose them to that,” explains Scott Hillier, founder of the festival and partner of the French Institute.
The students, from Green Hills Academy and the École Française Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, participated in a contest aimed at developing their critical thinking.
“They had to judge a film based on its performance, the emotion it evoked, its aesthetics, and its story. This engaged them a lot, and they all voted for a film to award it a prize,” Hillier adds.
The festival also allowed the young audience to discover films from other international festivals curated by Hillier, offering a global panorama of independent cinema.
“We presented African films, then films from the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe. Their reaction surprised me: they really enjoyed it and actively participated in the voting,” he says.
Among the films screened, Deja Nu from Côte d’Ivoire and The Yellow Dress from Kenya particularly impressed Hillier, whom he describes as showcasing raw, emotional, and authentic storytelling talent.
In total, 21 films are competing this year, across 14 categories, ranging from feature films to documentaries, student films, and experimental works. The festival also offers the Rwandan Film Students Special Award, allowing Rwandan students to screen their films on a big screen in front of an audience outside their school.
Hillier emphasises the importance of promoting authentic stories. “Seeing the amazed faces of young viewers reinforces this choice. We want to tell impactful stories that spark conversations, even if opinions are divided,” he says.
The inaugural screening was initiated by the director of the French Institute in Rwanda, Ms. Lee Fou Messica, and organised in collaboration with Aimée Umutoni Kabuguza, who convinced Scott Hillier to hold the first edition of the AAIFF in Rwanda rather than in Cape Town.
In this school screening, the students’ votes awarded Beyond The Ring, a South African documentary directed by Mari Geldenhuys and Malcolm Rainers, as the winner of their competition. Meanwhile, the main festival will officially kick off on Friday and run through Sunday, with the grand prize to be awarded during Sunday’s closing ceremony.
Among the young Rwandan talents present, Méthode Muhire, a film student at East African University Rwanda (EAUR), shared his journey: “At first, I knew nothing about cinema. After a brief course in video production and some experience in photography and videography, I decided to develop my skills at university. Today, I have made two short films, won two international awards, and am working on a new project called Fallout.”
For Hillier, Kigali proves to be an ideal location for the festival: “This is where it all happens. Rwandans have warmly welcomed the festival, and we hope to host even more participants this year.”
Moreover, the AAIFF is part of the Ecu Festival Group and continues to promote African independent cinema, giving a voice to a new generation of filmmakers.
Vision 2020 set ambitious targets to reduce poverty, boost economic growth, and build infrastructure, leading to significant progress in healthcare, education, governance, and economic stability.
Now, Rwanda is looking to the future with Vision 2050, which aims to transform the nation into a high-income economy by mid-century, ensuring prosperity and opportunity for all. Let’s explore 10 key aspects of Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
{{1. A vision for prosperity and high living standards}}
At the heart of Vision 2050 is Rwanda’s goal to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income nation by 2050.
Between 1998 and 1999, the country set a target to increase GDP per capita from USD 250 per year to USD 900 by 2020.
The current roadmap targets an ambitious GDP per capita of USD 4,036 by 2035 and USD 12,476 by 2050.
To reach these targets, the needed GDP growth rates (annual average) are at least 12% during 2018-2035 and 10% from 2036 to 2050.
This economic growth is expected to provide Rwandans with better living standards, including universal access to quality education, healthcare, and modern infrastructure.
{{2. Human development as a key pillar }}
Human development is a central pillar of Vision 2050, aiming to harness the economic potential of Rwanda’s growing workforce. By 2050, the working-age population is expected to increase to 65.7%, up from 61% in 2017.
To realize the benefits of this demographic dividend, the Vision focuses on key priorities: ensuring universal access to high-quality healthcare and education, transforming the workforce for greater productivity, and promoting skills development.
These investments are crucial for fostering a healthy, educated, and skilled labor force, which will be essential for driving Rwanda’s economic transformation and achieving long-term prosperity.
{{3. Economic growth through competitiveness and innovation}}
Rwanda is committed to enhancing its global competitiveness by developing a diversified economy.
By 2035, Rwanda plans to be among the top 10 countries for ease of doing business, rank among the top 20 economies in competitiveness by 2035 and top 10 in 2050.
This vision includes specific priorities which focus on creating a diversified economy built upon future industries.
It emphasizes developing competitive manufacturing, supported by a regional logistics hub, and driving transformative growth through modern and innovative services sectors.
The vision also prioritizes export-oriented knowledge services and high-end sustainable tourism, while ensuring universal access to financial services for all, among others.
{{4. Agriculture for wealth creation}}
In 2024, agriculture contributed 24 percent to GDP and employed over 43 percent of the population as at March 2025. As agriculture remains a key sector, Vision 2050 focuses on transforming the sector to generate wealth and reduce poverty.
By increasing the use of modern farming technologies, ensuring market-oriented agriculture, and enhancing climate resilience, Rwanda will integrate its agricultural products into global value chains.
This shift will lead to higher productivity and greater economic opportunities for both men and women in agriculture.
{{5. Urbanization and smart cities for growth}}
Urbanization is a central aspect of Rwanda’s future development. By 2050, 70% of the population is projected to live in urban areas, with Kigali and six secondary cities serving as hubs of socioeconomic activity.
Rural settlements will grow in a clustered and densified way with the necessary basic infrastructure, services and facilities.
Rural households settled in integrated planned settlements will increase from 67.2% (EICV5 2016/17) to 80% by 2024 and 100% by 2035. This will be maintained throughout 2050.
Overall, the country will embrace smart and green cities that are energy-efficient and designed to thrive in a sustainable urban ecosystem.
{{6. A modern and accountable governance system}}
Vision 2050 emphasizes the importance of accountable institutions and effective governance.
The vision outlines the continued development of citizen-centered reforms, where local innovations and home-grown solutions will remain central to the country’s development.
Institutions will be modernized, ensuring efficiency and transparency in public service delivery, reinforcing Rwanda’s progress towards socioeconomic transformation.
{{7. A green growth and climate resilience path}}
Sustainability is key in Vision 2050. The plan includes a Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS) aimed at achieving a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy.
Rwanda will focus on efficient use of natural resources while ensuring the country’s climate adaptation strategies are strong enough to cope with challenges posed by global warming.
By protecting the environment, Rwanda will achieve long-term ecological sustainability alongside its economic growth.
{{8. Energy sustainability for the future}}
Energy access will play a crucial role in Rwanda’s economic expansion. Access to electricity stood at 72% in 2024 from 34% in 2017. By 2050, 100% of the population is expected to have access to electricity, with renewable energy making up at least 60% of the power generation mix.
Increased energy consumption is expected as Rwanda’s economy grows, but this will be managed sustainably to ensure energy supply meets demand without compromising environmental goals.
{{9. Life expectancy }}
Rwanda’s Vision 2050 sets ambitious targets for improving the health and well-being of its citizens, with life expectancy being a central indicator of success.
As of 2020, life expectancy in Rwanda stood at 67.8 years. However, Vision 2050 aims for significant improvement, projecting 71.7 years by 2035 and 73 years by 2050.
This is a reflection of the country’s focus on enhancing healthcare, access to medical services, and overall living standards.
Compared to regional averages, Rwanda’s current life expectancy is strong, particularly when compared to neighbors like Uganda (63 years).
{{10. Population growth and reduced unemployment }}
The country’s population, projected to grow at a slower rate, is expected to reach 1.4% by 2050, down from 2.5% in 2019, with a growing proportion of the workforce entering the productive age group.
Rwanda’s last national census in 2022 reported a population of 13.2 million, up from 10.5 million recorded in 2012. As of July 2025, Rwanda’s population had reached 14.1 million. In 2050, the population is expected to reach 22 million in 2022.
Besides, by 2050, Rwanda aims to significantly reduce unemployment, targeting an unemployment rate of 5%, down from 15.2% in 2019.
This will be driven by investments in education, skills development, and private sector growth.
Achieving Vision 2050 will not happen overnight, and a rigorous implementation framework is in place to ensure that progress is monitored and adjusted regularly.
The vision includes five-year reviews, starting with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), which serves to bridge the Vision 2020 and Vision 2050, to assess how the goals are being met and identify necessary adjustments.
The elaboration of Vision 2050 has taken into consideration the global and regional development agendas, to ensure harmonization of targets and indicators.
Those include: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050, and the Paris Agreement on climate change among other instruments.
The Forum, which builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, focuses on advancing global connectivity amid growing geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges. It brings together high-level representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative strategies for scaling up Global Gateway investments in partner countries.
Later today, President Kagame is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss Rwanda’s partnership with the European Union.
The 2025 Forum provides a platform for participating countries and institutions to strengthen collaboration, identify investment opportunities, and promote sustainable development through enhanced global connectivity.
According to a post on X by the Presidency on Thursday, the discussions highlighted “ongoing efforts to advance peace in the Great Lakes region, and Rwanda’s continuous commitment to lasting peace and security.”
The meeting comes at a critical moment in the U.S.-mediated peace process between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The two countries signed the Washington Accord on June 27, 2025. The agreement was designed to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and to lift Rwanda’s defensive posture along the border.
However, implementation of the peace deal has faced challenges. Tensions deepened last week when the DRC declined, at the last minute, to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF). The framework was expected to bolster economic cooperation between Kigali and Kinshasa and strengthen regional integration efforts.
“The Rwandan delegation in Washington, D.C. this week was ready to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), which benefits both our countries and the region,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo wrote on X on October 4.
“We are puzzled by the DRC’s last-minute decision not to sign the agreement, given the positive atmosphere of the negotiations … and the diligent mediation work of Senior Advisor Massad Boulos and the State Department.”
Despite the setback, Rwanda has reiterated its commitment to both the peace agreement and the broader U.S.-facilitated mediation efforts.
“Rwanda believes in the peace agreement and in the approach of the U.S. mediation, and hopes that the REIF will eventually be signed,” Makolo added. “The peace process must succeed. It is the best chance for stability and economic development for our region.”
President Kagame’s meeting with Boulos on Thursday signals continued U.S. engagement in the Great Lakes, even as the region navigates setbacks in both security and economic cooperation tracks.
Her passing was confirmed by family members and colleagues at Transparency International Rwanda.
{{Early life}}
In various interviews with IGIHE, Ingabire shared that she was deeply affected by the traumatic experiences of her childhood, particularly the hardship of living as a refugee.
These experiences fueled her passion for fighting injustice and corruption.
As a young girl, Ingabire realized that her family’s home in Burundi was not truly theirs. This revelation sparked her determination to return to her homeland, Rwanda, and contribute to its development with all her strength and knowledge.
Although she grew up in Burundi, where her family had sought refuge, she always dreamed of returning to Rwanda. She had grown weary of the life of persecution and lack of full rights, a situation she faced as a refugee.
Ingabire attended primary and secondary school in Burundi and pursued university studies in other countries before returning to Rwanda.
She held a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies and Human Rights (University of Pretoria – South Africa), a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Communication (Université de Lille – France), and a Diploma in Law and Human Rights from Institut de Droits de l’Homme de Strasbourg, France.
{{Career}}
Ingabire is one of the founding members of Transparency International Rwanda, established in 2004. In 2015, she was elected for the second term as the organization’s chairperson.
In an interview with IGIHE, she stated, “Before joining Transparency International Rwanda, I worked at many institutions, but my focus was always on women’s rights and advocating for sustainable development.”
“I worked at ORINFOR for many years, and also in various print media outlets, as well as with organizations such as Pro Femmes Twese Hamwe, IBUKA, and other women’s rights groups.”
Ingabire was known for her outspoken nature, often condemning wrongdoings publicly, which occasionally led to people labeling her as an antagonist. However, she once stated that those who saw her in that light were misunderstanding her.
She said, “It’s true that people often misunderstand me because of my work, which requires making tough decisions. But in reality, I am just a simple person who is humble and approachable. I have no quarrels or grudges against anyone. I’ve never fought anyone since I was born.”
Throughout her life, Ingabire lived by three core principles: prayer, respect, and perseverance.
The group, which included Mandla Mandela, grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, was greeted by hundreds of supporters waving Palestinian flags and holding placards reading “Children need love, not bombs.” They arrived in Jordan on Tuesday before returning home.
Addressing a press briefing at OR Tambo International Airport, Mandela appeared emotional as he recounted their long and difficult journey, saying that the focus should remain on the people of Palestine, who have endured atrocities under the Israeli government for years.
“Ours was a humanitarian mission to break the blockade and end the siege and get aid to Gaza,” he said, noting that there was no violence accompanying their actions.
Mandela said that the Israeli government intercepted dozens of their boats in international waters, calling it a violation of international law and human rights
During six days of detention, Mandela said they were subjected to dehumanizing conditions, including being denied food and the opportunity to shower.
Following their arrest, he said they were handcuffed with wires tied tightly behind their backs and “paraded.” “We were taken to detention and denied food, but it’s nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to,” Mandela noted.
Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The restrictions were further tightened following Hamas’s cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023.
In response to the blockade, activists from around the world established the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the people of Gaza.
The flotilla, made up of nearly 50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists from multiple countries, had spent time in the waters before being detained by the Israeli authorities.
