The agreement was reached during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on 24 July 2025. Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, represented Rwanda at the meeting.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum following the Washington Peace Agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group signed earlier this month.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the parties said the new Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map (2025–2026) outlines key operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines to guide the repatriation and reintegration process.
The new plan aims to provide lasting solutions for thousands of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Rwandan refugees in DRC, and is seen as a critical component of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
President Paul Kagame has in the past maintained that Rwanda currently hosts more than 100,000 Congolese refugees affected by the conflict in eastern DRC, which is attributed to the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
Following the Thursday meeting, the parties reaffirmed the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without constraints. The plan also calls for improved coordination between the two governments and UNHCR, the provision of accurate information to refugees, and the establishment of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently hosted at a transit centre in Goma, DRC. This will be carried out with support from UNHCR and in coordination with relevant local authorities.
The road map also places emphasis on inclusive reintegration planning, ensuring returnees have access to housing, education, livelihoods, health services, and civil documentation. Additionally, it calls for engagement with donors and development partners to support the long-term recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the three parties also agreed to hold regular technical working group meetings to monitor implementation of the road map and plan to reconvene at the ministerial level in six months to assess progress and offer strategic guidance.
Dr. Ngirente will be succeeded by Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who was appointed by President Kagame on Wednesday.
Shortly after the announcement of the new Prime Minister’s appointment, Dr. Ngirente posted a message on X describing his journey as “deeply enriching.”
“I am so grateful to H.E. Paul Kagame for the honour of serving as the Prime Minister of our beloved Rwanda for the last eight years. This journey has been deeply enriching, filled with growth, guidance, and purpose,” he wrote.
“Mr. President, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve my country, and for being such an inspiring mentor throughout this journey. It’s a chapter I’ll always carry with pride,” he added.
Dr. Ngirente was appointed Prime Minister in August 2017, succeeding Anastase Murekezi, who had served in the role since July 2014.
During his tenure, Dr. Ngirente oversaw key government reforms, including socio-economic recovery efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of strategic development initiatives aligned with Vision 2050.
His successor, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda and brings extensive expertise in economic policy, regulation, and development.
Beyond his central banking role, Dr. Nsengiyumva has held various positions in both Rwandan and UK government institutions. His experience includes serving as Senior Economic Advisor at the UK Office of Rail and Road, Economist at the UK Department for Work and Pensions, and Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministries of Education and Trade and Industry.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows. Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
The $2.7 million ‘Kigali Sky Wheel’ project, which is underway at the site of the upcoming Inzovu Mall near the Kigali Convention Centre, will be the first of its kind in Rwanda. Once operational, it will offer passengers a 15- to 20-minute ride in enclosed cabins, providing elevated views of the city’s hills and expanding skyline.
Globally, Ferris wheels have become defining features of urban landscapes. Cities such as Dubai, London, Singapore, and Las Vegas have built towering observation wheels, transforming them into tourist magnets and architectural icons.
Dubai’s Ain Dubai is currently the tallest in the world at 250 metres, followed by Las Vegas’s High Roller (167.6m), and the Singapore Flyer (165m), which offers views stretching across three countries. The London Eye, a 135-metre wheel on the River Thames, has become one of the most recognisable structures in the UK capital.
The development in Kigali comes as the city continues to raise its profile as a tourist destination. In 2024, it was [ ranked the third most preferred African city ->https://en.igihe.com/lifestyle/article/kigali-ranked-among-top-five-favorite-tourist-destinations#:~:text=0%2012%2D07%2D2024%20%2D,if%20you%20are%20in%20Morocco.%E2%80%9D] for travellers by Travel + Leisure. The Ferris wheel is expected to add to the city’s recreational offerings and appeal to both residents and visitors.
The project is being developed by Kigali Ferris Wheel Ltd., in partnership with Mo Gashi and Partners, a Canadian engineering firm.
According to Moses Umugisha Gashirabake, the Managing Director and majority shareholder at Kigali Ferris Wheel Limited, the iconic structure is expected to become a defining feature of Kigali’s skyline and a focal point for urban activity.
He emphasised the significance of such landmarks in shaping the identity of modern cities and attracting both domestic and international visitors.
“They offer unique perspectives of the city, can be standalone attractions, and can be designed to fit within existing urban spaces,” Gashirabake told The New Times.
“Furthermore, they are often popular with both residents and tourists, offering a sense of novelty and shared experience,” he added.
Beyond sightseeing, the Kigali Sky Wheel is designed to serve as a multi-purpose venue. Plans include nightly light displays, food and beverage stalls, branded merchandise, and event space. Commercial opportunities are also expected to emerge around advertising and co-branding linked to the attraction.
The wheel is part of a broader trend of private-sector investment in leisure and tourism infrastructure in Kigali, which authorities have identified as key to economic diversification. If construction stays on schedule, the Kigali Sky Wheel will be open to the public by December 2025.
This is the result of decades-long, consistent national efforts to combat the proliferation of small and light weapons.
Following the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Rwanda faced the persistent threat of leftover weapons hidden by ex-FAR members, Interahamwe militias, and various infiltrators. While some of these arms are still being discovered today, they are promptly catalogued and systematically destroyed.
Between 2009 and 2014, Rwanda destroyed a total of 12,327 firearms and 500 tons of explosives, in line with its national policy on combating the spread of small arms and light weapons.
Rwanda is a signatory to several international and regional frameworks targeting arms control. Among them is the Nairobi Protocol of 2000, which focuses on the prevention, control, and reduction of small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.
Another key agreement is the Kinshasa Convention, signed on August 1, 2011, which governs small arms and light weapons in Central Africa.
These international and regional commitments align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a peaceful and secure continent. One of the flagship projects under this agenda is the “Silencing the Guns” initiative, which was initially aimed at ending conflict by 2020 and has since been extended to 2030.
To strengthen control, traceability, and accountability, Rwanda has made significant investments in arms management systems. The country has acquired four electronic firearms marking machines, which allow for the unique identification of each weapon.
In an environmentally responsible shift, two firearm destruction machines have also been procured, replacing older open-area dismantling methods that posed safety and environmental risks.
To further secure firearm storage, Rwanda has invested in 335 bullet-resistant storage boxes and 88 gun racks designed for large firearms. Destruction of weapons now takes place within military facilities, a move that significantly reduces the risk of misuse or leakage during the disposal process.
{{Strict regulation of legal firearms
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Firearm ownership is legal in Rwanda but tightly regulated. Possessing a firearm requires a valid permit, and owners must carry their license, ammunition, and all related documentation when in possession of a weapon. Article 18 of the 2018 Firearms Law strictly prohibits civilians from owning firearms intended for state security forces.
The government ensures that all firearms owned by the Rwanda National Police, licensed private security companies, and authorized civilians are properly marked and traceable. This traceability enhances national oversight and accountability in firearm management.
{{New policy for 2024–2029
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Under the revised National Policy on the Prevention of Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation (2024–2029), Rwanda has instituted a requirement that all newly acquired firearms be marked at the time of procurement. This includes weapons owned by private security companies and individuals licensed to possess firearms.
In December 2024, Rwanda received a mobile armoury to enhance the safety of firearm storage in the field. During the handover ceremony, Commissioner of Police (Rtd) Vianney Nshimiyimana, Head of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Unit at the Ministry of Internal Security, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to arms control.
He emphasised that while state-owned firearms and those legally possessed by civilians are secure, constant vigilance remains necessary. “A single firearm in the wrong hands can jeopardise the safety of an entire city. That’s why we take this very seriously,” he said.
According to the ministry, unauthorised firearm possession is extremely rare in Rwanda today. Most illegal weapons still traced in the country originate from the post-genocide period, a lingering challenge that authorities continue to address with diligence and resolve.
The drug, developed by U.S. pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, is administered just twice a year and has shown 99.9% effectiveness in global trials.
Speaking to RBA, Dr. Ikuzo said if all goes as planned, the injection will offer a longer-lasting and less burdensome alternative to the current daily pills and two-monthly shots already available in the country.
Clinical trials for Lenacapavir Yeztugo have shown promising results. Phase III studies in South Africa and Uganda involved over 5,000 adolescent girls and young women aged 16 to 24, with no HIV infections reported among those who received the drug.
Further trials in countries including the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico targeted high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men and transgender individuals, where the drug also demonstrated high levels of protection.
Currently, Rwanda provides two main types of HIV prevention medication: a daily oral pill and a bimonthly injection now being rolled out in Kigali. The new biannual shot is expected to reduce the frequency of medication and improve adherence, especially for key populations at high risk of HIV.
“This new option will ease the stress of daily pills or six injections a year,” Dr. Ikuzo said. “If everything goes well, we plan to begin rollout next year.”
Currently, HIV prevention services are prioritised for groups with the highest risk of infection — including young people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and discordant couples. These groups will also be prioritised for the new drug, which will initially be offered free of charge.
Dr. Ikuzo noted that Rwanda may eventually explore subsidised models to allow broader access as the country strengthens domestic health financing. Global partners such as the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation have pledged support for the early rollout in nine countries, including Rwanda.
While HIV treatment coverage among adults in Rwanda stands at 97%, only 80% of HIV-positive children aged 0–14 are receiving treatment. However, prevention of mother-to-child transmission has made major gains, with 99% of babies born to HIV-positive mothers testing negative by age two.
Dr. Ikuzo also warned against religious claims of miraculous HIV cures, explaining that while some patients achieve undetectable viral loads through consistent treatment, this does not mean they are cured.
“There is no vaccine or cure for HIV,” he said. “Some may test negative due to viral suppression, but the virus remains in the body.”
He stressed the importance of continued protection during sex, even when a partner is virally suppressed, since such status is not always known or verifiable.
In Rwanda, about 3,200 people contract HIV each year, while 2,600 die from AIDS-related illnesses. Thanks to sustained prevention and treatment efforts, the country has seen an 82% drop in new infections and an 86% decline in HIV-related deaths over the past decade.
The declaration was signed on Saturday, Juny 19 in Doha, Qatar, under the facilitation of the Qatari government, with backing from the United States.
The Rwandan government lauded the agreement as a significant development in advancing regional peace and security, noting that it builds upon recent momentum, including the Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington last month.
“Today’s declaration in Doha is a significant step forward towards the peaceful resolution of conflict in eastern DRC, by addressing the root causes of the conflict and restoring security and stability in our region,” read a statement released by the Government of Rwanda.
Rwanda also acknowledged the pivotal role played by Qatar in mediating the discussions, alongside support from the U.S. government. The efforts were commended as a continuation of Africa-led peace initiatives, including those by the African Union (AU) and the joint efforts of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“The Government of Rwanda appreciates the crucial mediation role of the State of Qatar with the support of the United States Government, which builds on the efforts of the African Union, as well as the joint EAC/SADC initiatives,” the statement added.
Rwanda reiterated its commitment to supporting the peace process and contributing to long-term stability and prosperity in the Great Lakes region.
“We all have to support the continuation of progress to the conclusion,” the government urged, reaffirming its dedication to sustainable peace and regional economic development.
The DRC was represented by President Félix Tshisekedi’s envoy, Sumbu Sita Mambu, while AFC/M23 was represented by its Executive Secretary, Benjamin Mbonimpa. Both parties signed the principles in Qatar on July 19, 2025.
Key elements include a mutual agreement to a permanent ceasefire and refraining from seizing new territory, preparation for the release of detainees on both sides, facilitation of voluntary refugee repatriation, and the protection of civilians.
Both parties also agreed that restoring state authority across all regions of the country would help address the conflict through a peace agreement, and thus committed to discussing mechanisms to make this possible.
The DRC Government and AFC/M23 pledged to begin implementing these principles immediately upon their announcement on July 19, or within 10 days of signing.
They also agreed to launch comprehensive negotiations within 10 days of beginning implementation of the principles. These talks will be aligned with the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington on June 27, 2025.
Finally, both sides agreed that talks leading to a concrete peace agreement should be treated as a priority and carried out in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding, with the final agreement to be signed within a minimum of seven days and no later than ten days after talks begin.
Through early antenatal care and improved hospital access, Rwanda has made remarkable progress. Hospital deliveries now account for 95% of births, maternal mortality has dropped from 1,070 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 203, and newborn mortality is down to 19 per 1,000.
Infant and under-five mortality rates are 33 and 45 per 1,000, respectively.
By 2030, Rwanda aims to reduce maternal deaths to 126 per 100,000 births, or even 70. This progress is driven by more than 140 medical specialists nationwide, with over 200 expected in the next four years, thanks to training in teaching hospitals.
One of the key figures in this transformation is Dr. Emmanuel Nshimiyumuremyi, an obstetrician-gynecologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist trained in Rwanda, the UK, Vietnam, and the U.S. His field focuses on managing high-risk pregnancies and fetal conditions.
“Some risks, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, can now be identified as early as the third month,” Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi explained. “When caught early, we can prevent up to 90% of such cases. Out of ten at-risk women, nine can avoid complications through timely medication.”
This condition, one of the top three causes of maternal death, can damage the mother’s kidneys or lead to brain hemorrhage, sometimes resulting in the death of both mother and child.
{{First fetal blood transfusion in Rwanda}}
In a groundbreaking procedure, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi and his team at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) recently performed Rwanda’s first fetal blood transfusion. A pregnant woman from a district hospital presented with an unusually growing belly.
At CHUK, doctors discovered not only excess amniotic fluid but also severe fetal anemia caused by Rh incompatibility, a condition where the mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells.
“We began transfusions at six months and delivered at nine,” Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi said. “The baby was treated in neonatal care and survived, something people thought was only possible abroad.”
The success was made possible by skills acquired through training, and availability of specialized tools that can support over 100 such patients.
This milestone was also backed by AI-powered ultrasound machines that can detect fetal abnormalities in real time, devices recently introduced to CHUK.
“We once dreamed of this technology when training abroad. Now it’s here in Rwanda, and it’s changing everything,” he said.
Blood quality also posed a challenge. Fetal transfusions require small, high-quality blood units rich in red cells. Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi worked with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s blood division to increase red cell concentration from 40% to 70%, making the transfusion possible.
{{Genetic testing and fetal surgery}}
Looking ahead, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi envisions the launch of a genetic testing laboratory capable of diagnosing inherited disorders like Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) before birth. Current machines can detect indicators, but the goal is to collect fetal samples and analyze them for early, accurate diagnoses.
The project includes acquiring microarray technology, which detects cellular mutations and helps guide future pregnancies with data-driven decisions.
Another major innovation under consideration is fetal surgery, particularly for twins sharing a placenta. Known as monochorionic twins, they risk unequal blood flow, a potentially fatal condition for one or both babies.
“We can detect this at four months and plan to use laser technology to separate shared blood vessels,” he said. “If we succeed, Rwanda could be among the first African nations to offer this procedure.”
The process involves using a camera and laser through a small incision to separate the connecting vessels without harming the babies or the mother, a method successfully practiced in countries like Vietnam.
{{Remaining challenges and hope ahead}}
Despite remarkable progress, Dr. Nshimiyumuremyi observes that challenges remain. Rwanda needs more specialists in maternal-fetal medicine (CHUK currently has just one, but needs at least five), and the public still lacks awareness of high-risk pregnancy conditions.
Other risks include pregnancy-induced hypertension, postpartum bleeding, and surgical infections.
But the momentum is clear. Rwanda is no longer simply managing pregnancies, it is diagnosing, treating, and protecting life before it even begins.
Developed by the U.S.-based company Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir underwent Phase III trials, with key interim results reported in June and September 2024. The results demonstrated that the drug was 99.9% effective in preventing HIV infection. It received FDA approval for HIV prevention in June 2025.
Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programs at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, highlighted the significance of this new prevention method at the ongoing conference in Kigali.
“Lenacapavir PrEP is a really important innovation that can be taken every six months to prevent new HIV infections,” said Dr. Doherty. “We are pleased to bring new WHO guidelines on this long-acting injectable prevention option to the IAS meeting here in Kigali.”
The new WHO guidelines also recommend the use of rapid diagnostic tests to simplify and improve access to PrEP before, during, and after treatment. This helps in efficiently monitoring infections.
The Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) have committed to supplying lenacapavir to at least nine early adopter countries starting in early 2026, with Rwanda currently engaged in discussions on how to access and roll out the drug.
“The medicine will be provided free of charge initially, but countries will need to invest in healthcare workers and delivery systems to support its distribution,” Dr. Doherty explained. “Over time, prices are expected to be comparable to or slightly above current oral PrEP costs.”
The initial global target is to reach two million users per year, with plans to expand coverage based on demand and forecasting.
The injectable is expected to be especially impactful among populations with high HIV transmission rates, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, prisoners, as well as adolescent girls, young women, and pregnant women.
“This intervention could be a game-changer in reducing HIV infections in key populations and vulnerable groups,” Dr. Doherty said.
Rwanda has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE), the latest data shows only 7 out of every 100 daily deaths in Rwanda are HIV-related, down from 20 a decade ago.
Rwanda has surpassed the United Nations 95-95-95 targets by reaching 96% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those on treatment, and 98% achieving viral suppression, which effectively prevents onward transmission.
Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana told IGIHE that Rwanda is already transitioning from daily multi-pill regimens to simpler treatments, including monthly pills and now long-acting injectables like lenacapavir.
“We are moving from multiple daily pills to once-a-day dosing and soon to monthly or bi-annual injections. This shift aligns with our national HIV strategy and promises to improve adherence and health outcomes,” Dr. Nsanzimana said.
The IAS Conference on HIV Science is the world’s premier forum for sharing cutting-edge HIV research and innovations.
The 2025 edition, themed “Breakthroughs amid Crisis: the Future of HIV Innovation,” gathers about 4,000 global experts focused on accelerating equitable access to new prevention and treatment options despite funding challenges.
Though rally racing remains a niche sport in Rwanda, globally it’s known as one of the most demanding and dangerous disciplines in motorsport. Competed on rugged dirt tracks, rally stages often feature sharp turns, deep potholes, slippery surfaces, and narrow paths—conditions that test both the machine and the driver.
Racers are often required to maintain speeds exceeding 100 km/h in these unpredictable environments. As a result, the fatality rate in rally racing is considerably higher than in standard circuit racing, with statistics showing 5.7 deaths per 1,000 drivers in rally, compared to just 0.4 per 1,000 on paved tracks.
This is not a sport for the timid—or the underfunded. Rally cars are costly, and preparing one for competition involves steep expenses in maintenance, spare parts, and safety equipment.
Yet Queen Kalimpinya has carved her space in this high-risk, high-adrenaline world. She is among the very few women rally drivers on the African continent and continues to turn heads both for her performance and her fearless attitude.
{{From pageants to podiums
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Kalimpinya first gained public recognition as a finalist in Miss Rwanda 2017, where she placed as Second Runner-up. But it’s her transition from beauty queen to rally queen that’s inspired a new generation of Rwandan girls.
In a recent interview with IGIHE, she recalled her early fascination with speed and vehicles.
“I grew up loving activities like cycling, things that were seen as ‘for boys’,” she said. “As I got older, I bought a motorbike and used it for everyday transport. That’s how people in the motorsport community first noticed me.”
Initially unfamiliar with rally racing, Kalimpinya accepted an invitation to try it out and was instantly hooked.
“They asked me to try, and I said, ‘I’m not afraid.’ The more I trained, the more I loved it. I started as a co-driver and eventually moved into the driver’s seat.”
After two years as a navigator, Kalimpinya took on the lead role. She credits her passion and determination as key to her progress.
{{Behind the wheel and beyond
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Kalimpinya approaches rally preparation with the mindset of a professional athlete. Once one event ends, she begins prepping for the next, usually held within one to three months.
“After every race, I immediately start preparing for the next one,” she explained. “This includes both the car and myself, without disrupting my daily work.”
Her fitness routine plays a crucial role. Kalimpinya trains under coach Liberté, who focuses on cardio and core strength.
“Rally drivers need excellent cardiovascular fitness,” he said. “They must run, use machines to build endurance, and train the arms, legs, core, and back. Hydration and rest, 7 to 9 hours of sleep, are just as important.”
{{A sport that demands and inspires
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In March 2023, Kalimpinya made history as the first Rwandan woman to lead the National Rally Championship since Belgian driver Nathalie Cox did so in 2000.
While her career is marked by milestones, she acknowledges the financial demands of the sport.
“It’s an exciting sport that teaches you so much about vehicles,” she said. “But it requires funding, sponsors and partners. Hopefully, that will improve in the coming years.”
“Right now, I often rely on YouTube videos to learn. If we had professional coaching and better cars, we could compete at the highest levels. The car I share with Ngabo [her co-driver] is outmatched by others on the track. A new car would make a huge difference.”
{{When Lewis Hamilton took notice
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One of the most memorable moments in Kalimpinya’s journey came when Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, shared a photo of her on his Instagram account.
“It was just after a tough race, at a time when I was thinking of quitting,” she revealed. “Balancing motorsport with work had become overwhelming, and I wasn’t seeing the results I hoped for. Then, he shared my photo. I hadn’t even told anyone I was struggling. It felt like a sign that I should keep going.”
The post renewed her motivation and served as a powerful reminder that perseverance pays off.
{{Trust and teamwork
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Kalimpinya races alongside Ngabo Olivier, her co-driver, who praised her rapid growth and dedication.
“From the beginning, she learned fast. She makes few mistakes now and drives like a seasoned pro,” he said. “She has the harder job—my life is in her hands. I just read the pace notes and time sections. She has to deliver.”
Though she hasn’t been involved in any major accidents, Kalimpinya has had her share of close calls.
“Once, I missed a corner and the car veered into bushes—I lost visibility and control,” she recalled. “Another time, I hit a tree. There was also a near-collision with a dog in Huye. I had to decide whether to hit it or stop and risk crashing. My co-driver urged me to hit it, but luckily it ran away just in time.”
{{Training the next generation
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Together with Garage ATECAR, Kalimpinya has launched Team Queen Academy, a program to train young aspiring drivers aged 16–18.
“We’re thinking about who we’ll leave the sport to,” she said. “We want to start with mechanical training, and once they’re eligible to drive, teach them competitive racing.”
In the most recent Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, Kalimpinya finished fifth overall, cementing her place as one of Rwanda’s most exciting motorsport talents and a role model on and off the track.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Ambassador Musa announced that the new route, operated by Sudan’s Badr Airline weekly, not only enhances connectivity but also coincides with a flourishing trade relationship now valued at $200 million annually.
Amb. Musa emphasised that the private aviation company chose Rwanda as a hub for its expanding African operations, with plans to increase flight frequency based on demand.
“It will start with one weekly flight. If the market picks up, they can consider adding more,” he stated.
Currently, flights operate from Port Sudan, as Khartoum International Airport remains under repair due to war-related damage. The route includes a stopover in Juba, further connecting East African nations and facilitating the movement of people and goods.
The connectivity is poised to bolster the $200 million annual trade between the two nations, a figure largely driven by Rwanda’s tea and coffee exports.
In a strategic shift, Sudan has redirected its tea imports, valued at $2 million in just 45 days, directly to Rwandan producers, bypassing Kenya’s Mombasa auction due to political tensions.
“Sudanese companies are coming to Rwanda directly to buy,” Amb. Musa noted.
{{A thriving Sudanese community in Rwanda
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Beyond trade, the ambassador highlighted the vibrant Sudanese community in Rwanda, now numbering over 5,000, up from 4,000 previously. This growth is fueled by academic and economic opportunities, with Sudanese residents contributing over $10 million in investments, including small factories and agricultural ventures.
“There are two or three factories right now being built and will be operating very soon,” Musa said, pointing to Sudanese companies engaging in infrastructure and export markets, particularly for Rwanda’s tropical fruits and agricultural products, which are in high demand in Sudan.
Education is a cornerstone of this partnership, with Sudanese students comprising 20% of Rwanda’s international student population.
“They feel at home,” Musa said, attributing this to Rwanda’s safety, cultural similarities, and streamlined visa processes.
According to the ambassador, 50% of the students are female, living independently, a reflection of Rwanda’s secure and supportive environment.
“There is no single Sudanese family that will allow their girl to travel to any destination unless they are confident that she is safe,” he added.
Rwanda’s open-door policies and Pan-African spirit, championed by President Paul Kagame, have made it a preferred destination for Sudanese students, especially as Sudan’s own educational infrastructure recovers from war-related damage.
{{Health and peacekeeping expanding cooperation
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The interview revealed significant cooperation in health, with over 50 Sudanese doctors teaching and practising in Rwandan hospitals, including King Faisal and military facilities.
Additionally, more than 100 Sudanese medical graduates are training in Rwanda, with a 100% pass rate in recent medical exams, positioning Rwanda as a hub for medical internships.
“This is a good model because we have more medical graduates coming to Rwanda for internship,” Amb. Musa said, noting Sudan’s annual output of 3,000 medical students before the war.
Looking ahead, Sudan aims to leverage Rwanda’s renowned peacekeeping expertise.
“Immediately after we stop the war, one of the main areas of cooperation will be training some army units for peacekeeping in Rwanda,” the ambassador remarked, praising Rwanda’s reputation as the second-largest contributor of troops and police to UN peacekeeping missions and its role in promoting regional stability.
This aligns with plans for a forthcoming memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will formalise cooperation in seven areas, including national reconciliation, social cohesion, and constitutional building, drawing on Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery model.
{{Sudan’s path to peace and reconstruction
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Addressing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Amb. Musa said that currently the Sudanese army controls over 75% of the country, with pockets of resistance remaining in Kordofan and Darfur.
He described the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a “militia project” lacking public support, responsible for damages estimated at over $300 billion.
Despite the war, Musa emphasised resilience, stating, “Life should not stop. Even during the war, life should not stop.”
The government, led by a new prime minister and a “government of hope,” is focused on a transitional program prioritising stability, peace, and democratic elections.
To end the conflict, Sudan has offered amnesty to RSF fighters who lay down their arms, with Musa noting, “Everybody at the RSF side will come peacefully to join the Sudanese effort for peace and reconciliation. He is welcome.”
However, justice for perpetrators will be pursued through a judicial system, inspired by Rwanda’s post-1994 approach to avoiding revenge and ensuring legal accountability.
The envoy called for neighbouring countries like Kenya and regional actors, including the Emirates, to cease supporting the RSF, urging international and African Union intervention to secure sustainable peace.
Amb. Musa sees Rwanda as a beacon for Sudan’s post-conflict recovery, citing four key lessons: accountable leadership, a clear vision, effective legal mechanisms, and citizen responsibility.
“We should not outsource our problem,” he said, quoting President Kagame’s emphasis on homegrown solutions.
Sudan aims to emulate Rwanda’s success in social cohesion and national reconciliation, with delegations, including the Sudanese Minister of Justice, already engaging with Rwandan counterparts to learn from their experience.
Watch the ambassador’s previous interview below to learn more about the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
