This appeal was made following a meeting held in Rwanda at Saint Joseph in Ngoma District. They conference addressed social welfare, strategies for restoring peace in the Great Lakes Region, and efforts to strengthen the Catholic faith.
The gathering was attended by bishops and other senior leaders of the Catholic Church from both nations. They underscored that prolonged border closures have had adverse effects on citizens and trade between the two countries.
Burundi closed its borders, citing demands for the extradition of individuals allegedly involved in the 2015 coup attempt. Rwanda, however, maintains that international law prohibits the repatriation of refugees who have sought asylum.
The bishops expressed their support for ongoing diplomatic discussions between Rwanda and Burundi, emphasizing that ‘border closures have significant economic and social repercussions.’ They urged leaders to act prudently to restore normalcy and strengthen unity between the two nations.
The discussions also addressed security concerns in eastern DR Congo, with the bishops advocating for sustained dialogue among conflicting parties to resolve tensions. They also condemned the use of hate speech by the DRC government, which they believe has exacerbated violence and unrest.
Regarding education, the bishops highlighted the need to improve educational standards in both countries. They also raised concerns about the increasing violence against young people and stressed the urgency of addressing this issue.
The TKMD facility, located in the Mwulire industrial zone in Rwamagana District, aims to meet local demand while also supplying other African nations facing syringe shortages.
Established in partnership with Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization pre-qualified facility employs over 100 people—80% of whom are women—enhancing healthcare quality and access.
Dr Nsanzimana described the factory as a game-changer for Africa, addressing a long-standing challenge of syringe shortages across the continent.
“The issue of syringe shortages was not unique to Rwanda; it was a widespread challenge due to reliance on imports and limited global production capacity. With this factory, that problem is now solved—not just for Rwanda, but for Africa as a whole,” he stated.
The first batch of syringes produced was immediately purchased by UNICEF for distribution to Ethiopia, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, and other nations.
Currently, TKMD has a production capacity ranging from 600,000 to one million syringes per day, with plans to scale up based on market demand.
The factory had been operational for five months before its official launch, undergoing stringent quality assessments to ensure compliance with international standards.
The Rwamagana industrial zone is designed to accommodate 51 factories. At present, 19 are fully operational, four have been completed and are awaiting permits, while 11 are still under construction.
Since 2017, Rwanda has moved away from importing second-hand clothing, commonly known as ‘caguwa,’ and has instead focused on promoting the production of new, locally made garments.
Many local garment factories now purchase fabric from various countries and transform it into finished products for both the domestic and international markets.
However, some Rwandans perceive these locally produced garments as expensive, with a pair of pants and a shirt labeled ‘Made in Rwanda’ often costing up to 50,000 Rwandan Francs or more.
Despite this challenge, statistics show a significant growth in the output of Rwanda’s garment and leather industries, with production increasing fivefold from 34 billion Rwandan Francs (Rwf) in 2017 to Rwf154 billion in 2024.
As he addressed the issue on March 28, during a session with Parliament, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente highlighted the critical role these industries play in the country’s economic development and their contribution to increasing exports.
“We do not have enough locally produced clothing, and so we must work harder to ensure that the garment industries can meet the needs of all Rwandans at an affordable price,” Dr. Ngirente emphasized.
He added, “Our goal is to dress all Rwandans. We eliminated second-hand clothes so that Rwandans stop wearing outdated garments. The aim is to offer affordable clothing that people can buy without resorting to second-hand options.”
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Dr. Ngirente further explained that during a Cabinet meeting on March 26, 2025, the government discussed strategies to enhance the local textile industry, with the objective of making fabric more accessible to tailors within the country.
He noted that UTEXRWA, which used to be the only textile factory, has been producing fabric and selling it to local and international garment manufacturers. However, many of those working in the garment industry still rely on importing fabric.
“Most garment manufacturers rely on imported fabric. During our recent government meeting, we explored ways to support local textile industries. This includes providing additional resources to businesses already in operation and supporting new entrants into the sector so that we can start producing fabric here in Rwanda,” Dr. Ngirente stated.
He confirmed that this initiative would soon be rolled out, enabling local tailors to source fabric domestically. The government also plans to help industry investors secure markets, further integrating Rwanda’s garment sector into the country’s broader economic development plans.
In addition, plans are underway to establish a factory in Musanze that will produce essential materials for the metal industry. Meanwhile, a leather processing factory is being set up in Bugesera. This facility will not only produce leather goods, including shoes, bags, and belts, but is also expected to generate $430 million annually for the country.
Makolo was responding to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who, on March 31, 2025, accused “neighboring countries, including Rwanda,” and armed groups of contributing to the deaths of “over a million” Congolese people, claiming that these killings were targeted at a specific ethnic group.
“For all those who have died and continue to die in the DRC, the responsibility lies with the leaders of the DRC first and foremost. These leaders are the cause, and they must not look for pretexts or problems elsewhere. They are the problem,” Makolo said in a post shared on X on Monday, March 31, 2025.
The Rwandan government spokesperson emphasized that any change or solution in the DRC must come from within, stressing that the real issue is the leaders’ lack of will to address it.
“Any change or solution will also only come from within. The dead, the displaced, and the refugees in their millions can only be blamed on these Congolese leaders who to this day show no effort to address the issues, but persist in delusions of grandeur,” she added.
While Tshisekedi claims that Rwanda and other countries played a role in the deaths of over 10 million Congolese people, the spokesperson for the DRC forces, Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, has previously refuted these claims.
In an interview broadcast on state television on April 15, 2024, Major General Ekenge stated that the FDLR terrorist group was responsible for many of the Congolese deaths over the past 30 years.
“The FDLR attacks and kills Congolese people. Among the more than 10 million people who have died in the last 30 years, the FDLR has played a significant role in causing these deaths,” he said.
Various reports, including those from United Nations experts, indicate that the FDLR continued its killings in eastern DRC after its fighters participated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
This terrorist group collaborates with the DRC government forces in fighting against the AFC/M23 coalition, which controls large areas in the east of the country. Tshisekedi even promised to support the FDLR in its mission to overthrow the Rwandan government.
When questioned about this collaboration, Tshisekedi claims that the FDLR is a weak group made up of elderly individuals with few fighters who do not pose a real threat to Rwanda. However, it has been repeatedly observed that some of those captured by AFC/M23 include young recruits.
For all those who have died and continue to die in the DRC, the responsibility lies with the leaders of the DRC first and foremost. These leaders are THE cause and they must not look for pretexts or problems elsewhere. They are the problem.
The findings are based on the Travel Expenditure Survey (TES), which provides a comprehensive analysis of outbound travel spending by Rwandans.
The TES, conducted from November 1, 2024, to January 30, 2025, analyzed travel expenses across major expenditure categories such as accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, shopping, entertainment, sightseeing, education-related expenses, and health-related expenses, excluding international transportation costs.
In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Rwandan travelers spent approximately $91.0 million on travel services. Business travel was a major contributor to this figure, with expenses amounting to $36.3 million in Q4.
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The TES report provides deeper insights into the travel behaviors of Rwandan residents abroad, including the length of stay and average daily expenditure.
Rwandans traveling by air for education stayed the longest, with an average of 323 nights in North America, 317 nights in Europe, and 281 nights in Asia. Business travelers typically stayed between 8 and 14 nights, depending on the destination.
Health-related travel had varying durations, with the longest stays recorded in Europe (79 nights) and the EAC (18 nights). For land travelers, those studying in the EAC stayed an average of 129 nights, while business travelers stayed around 7 nights.
Rwandans traveling by air for health-related reasons had the highest daily spending, particularly in the rest of Africa ($249) and Asia ($164). Holiday travelers spent $193 per day in Asia and $134 in Europe, while business travelers had an average daily expense ranging from $100 in the EAC to $154 in North America. By land, Rwandan business travelers spent significantly less, averaging $10 per day in the EAC and $6 in the rest of Africa.
In Q4 2024, a total of 56,324 Rwandans returned from international trips by air, while 339,110 returned by land. The majority of air travelers were from the EAC (25,279), followed by Europe (699) and the rest of Africa (1,234). Among land travelers, the EAC dominated, with 169,786 business travelers and 160,461 visiting friends and relatives.
While Rwandans spent significantly on travel abroad, the report also highlighted the economic benefits of foreign visitors to Rwanda. In 2024, foreign visitors injected over $579.5 million (approximately Rwf 816 billion) into the country’s economy through expenditures on various goods and services.
According to the study, visitors to Rwanda spent approximately $126.1 million in Q4 2024, with holiday travelers contributing $56.2 million to this total. The analysis of visitor spending patterns showed that tourists arriving by air accounted for 81.1% of total visitor expenditures, while those entering via land borders contributed the remaining amount.
Foreign visitors’ spending varied based on origin and mode of travel. Air travelers from Asia had the highest average daily expenditure at $197 per person, followed by those from North America and other African countries at $151 per day.
European visitors spent an average of $129 daily, while East African visitors had the lowest daily expenditure at $82. For land travelers, North Americans on holiday spent an average of $146 per day, while visitors from Asia and Europe spent $109 and $100 per day, respectively.
The report’s findings provide crucial data to guide strategic decisions in the tourism and travel sectors, ensuring that Rwanda maximizes both inbound and outbound economic activities in a sustainable manner.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente announced on Friday, March 27, 2025, the construction of a steel and metal-processing plant in Musanze, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes. The factory is expected to supply essential raw materials to other industries, aligning with the government’s vision of boosting industrial productivity.
Speaking before both chambers of Parliament, Dr. Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing industrial output and exports to achieve sustainable economic growth. He noted that many industries in Rwanda currently operate below their full capacity, and the government is determined to change this through strategic investments and support mechanisms.
To further support local industries, the government is establishing a RWF 500 billion fund to assist private sector players in expanding manufacturing exports and mineral extraction. A key focus is on the cement industry, which heavily relies on imported clinker.
Research has confirmed that clinker can be produced locally in northern Rwanda, particularly in Musanze. This move is expected to help Rwanda save over $4.5 million per month in import costs.
In the steel sector, the new Musanze-based factory will not only increase local production but also supply essential raw materials to existing manufacturers.
“This new factory will have a processing capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year. It will play a crucial role in meeting domestic market demand and eliminating the need for costly imports,” Dr. Ngirente stated.
The project is expected to create about 1,000 jobs and enhance Rwanda’s export potential in the steel sector.
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Rwanda is also taking significant steps to develop its textile industry following the ban on second-hand clothing imports. The government is committed to supporting the establishment of new textile industries and strengthening existing ones to ensure all Rwandans have access to locally made, affordable clothing.
“We currently do not have enough locally produced clothing, so we must intensify efforts to ensure that textile industries can manufacture clothing for all Rwandans at competitive prices,” Dr. Ngirente said.
To further promote the sector, the government will facilitate access to diverse markets, helping the country save approximately RWF 20 billion that was previously spent on imported garments. This initiative is also expected to create thousands of jobs, aligning with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) goal of generating 250,000 jobs annually.
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In addition to textiles and steel, the government is prioritizing the edible oil industry, recognizing its potential to generate substantial revenue within a short period.
“Enhancing our cooking oil production will enable us to save approximately $100 million annually,” Dr. Ngirente stated.
The expansion strategy also includes advancing Rwanda’s wood-processing sector and establishing a leather processing park in Bugesera. The leather facility is expected to generate $430 million annually, significantly contributing to the country’s export earnings.
Rwanda’s agro-processing sector remains the largest industrial segment, comprising 85 large-scale and 908 small-scale enterprises. The country also hosts 91 major manufacturers of various products, alongside 398 small-scale producers. Additionally, 38 large and 82 small construction material manufacturers operate within Rwanda.
With these industrial developments, Rwanda is positioning itself as a key player in regional and international markets while significantly reducing its reliance on imports.
The government’s investment in industrial growth is expected to drive economic transformation, create jobs, and improve the country’s trade balance in the years to come.
Dr. Ngirente shared the update on Friday, March 27, 2025, as he addressed members of parliament.
He revealed that in 2024, Rwanda exported 2,384 tonnes of coltan, generating $99 million, while 4,861 tonnes of cassiterite earned $96 million. Wolfram exports stood at 2,741 tonnes, contributing $36 million, while gold remained the dominant mineral, generating $1.5 billion from 19,397 kilograms.
The Prime Minister highlighted Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to boost mineral exports, particularly by shifting focus to processed minerals since 2020. He dismissed claims that Rwanda has limited mineral deposits, stating that resources are spread across different parts of the country.
Dr. Ngirente attributed the increase in mineral exports to four key factors, including the modernisation of mining operations, which has moved away from traditional extraction methods. He further noted that the government has invested in advanced machinery and expertise to improve production efficiency while ensuring environmentally sustainable practices.
Additionally, the Prime Minister said Rwanda has recently discovered new minerals such as lithium and beryllium, which are in high demand globally, particularly for electric vehicle batteries.
“The volume of production has increased, and new minerals such as lithium and beryllium have been discovered. These are highly sought after globally,” he said.
Investment in the mining sector has also increased significantly, rising from $25 million in 2010 to $121 million in 2023. Dr Ngirente said this growth reflects a structured and strategic approach to developing the industry.
He emphasised that Rwanda is prioritising value addition before exporting minerals, with three processing plants now operational.
Gasabo Gold Refinery has the capacity to process 96 tonnes of gold annually, while LuNa Smelter refines 360 tonnes of cassiterite per month. Additionally, Power Resources International Ltd processes 120 tonnes of coltan every month.
Sebahizi made these remarks while addressing the National Forum of Political Parties, where he outlined the country’s policies and strategies for enhancing international trade and economic cooperation.
In light of ongoing security issues in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), several countries have imposed sanctions on Rwanda, including trade restrictions, while overlooking the underlying causes of the regional problems.
For instance, the European Union has placed sanctions on Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold Refinery, prohibiting it from trading gold within EU member states.
However, Sebahizi pointed out that these sanctions stem from Rwanda’s decision to fill the economic gaps left by these countries. Through Rwanda’s measures, the country now processes and exports its minerals directly, whereas these nations previously handled the processing.
Rwanda continues to strengthen its mining sector with several processing plants designed to add value to its minerals before export. These include the Gasabo Gold Refinery, which processes 96 tons of gold annually, LuNa Smelter, which melts 360 tons of cassiterite monthly, and Power Resources International Ltd., which processes 120 tons of coltan each month.
Sebahizi emphasized that raw minerals exported without processing are often seen as waste by the importing countries, even though these nations profit significantly from them.
“When we process these minerals ourselves, the countries that previously imported them lose out, which is why they are unhappy with the decision,” Sebahizi said.
The Minister also highlighted that many investors who had mining licenses in Rwanda once planned to export unprocessed minerals. However, they are now required to process the minerals domestically.
“Our gold is not sold to Europe. If you look at the numbers, you’ll see that our refined gold is sent to Arab countries.
“The strategy is to find alternative markets so that if Europeans block our access to their market, we can take our products elsewhere. However, it’s also possible for us to use these resources ourselves and start selling the finished products derived from our minerals,” Sebahizi explained.
The Minister reaffirmed that Rwanda’s strategy is centered on processing all mined resources locally to create added value within the country.
“For example, we have many minerals used to make metals and glass. Today, we produce metals and glass ourselves. So, their sanctions don’t mean much to us. In fact, we need them to help our industries grow. What they did is open our eyes and teach us a new kind of wisdom,” Sebahizi added.
Rwanda is rich in valuable minerals such as Wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan, which are used in tungsten, tin, and tantalum production. The country extracts between 8,000 and 10,000 tons of these minerals annually, with prices fluctuating based on market conditions.
In addition to these minerals, Rwanda also produces gold in regions like Gicumbi, Musanze, Burera, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, and Nyarugenge. The country also has sapphires in the western provinces and is conducting ongoing research into lithium and other minerals.
According to the Rwanda Mining Board (RMB), mineral exports in 2023 generated over $1.1 billion, marking a 43% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda’s target is to reach $2.2 billion in mining revenue by 2029, with plans to increase the share of processed minerals from 40% to 80%.
Addressing the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Nduhungirehe condemned the failure to hold Kinshasa accountable for its role in fueling the crisis and defended Rwanda’s border security measures as necessary for national protection.
Minister Nduhungirehe accused the UN and its peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, of perpetuating a misleading narrative that places disproportionate blame on Rwanda while ignoring key factors contributing to instability in eastern DRC.
He highlighted that, despite repeated evidence of the DRC integrating fighters from the FDLR genocidal militia—linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda—into its national army, international actors continue to turn a blind eye.
“The conflict was not started by Rwanda, yet the burden has been placed squarely on our shoulders,” Nduhungirehe stated. “The failure to hold the DRC accountable for its governance failures and alliances with violent groups only exacerbates the crisis.”
Nduhungirehe emphasised that one of the root causes of the instability is the continued presence of the FDLR militia in the eastern DRC. According to the minister, the group has engaged in ethnic massacres, child soldier recruitment, and cross-border attacks, yet international actors fail to acknowledge its impact.
“The recent capture and handover of FDLR commanders, including a senior figure, further confirms the DRC government’s support for this group,” he noted, accusing Kinshasa of equipping and funding these forces.
Another major issue raised was the long-standing persecution of Congolese Tutsi and other Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in eastern DRC. Nduhungirehe described this as a consequence of deep-seated ethnic discrimination stemming from colonial history.
“As a result of systemic persecution, hundreds of thousands of Congolese Tutsi remain displaced, forced to seek refuge in Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond,” he said, calling for an end to targeted violence against these communities.
In a scathing critique, Nduhungirehe pointed to MONUSCO’s long-standing failure to neutralise armed groups in eastern DRC, despite operating as the UN’s most expensive peacekeeping mission for over 25 years.
“In 2013, this very Council adopted Resolution 2098, mandating Monusco’s Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) to eliminate all armed groups, including the FDLR. However, instead of fulfilling this obligation, Monusco focused its military efforts almost exclusively on M23, leaving the FDLR to operate with impunity,” he asserted.
The minister also denounced MONUSCO’s alleged direct involvement in military operations alongside the DRC army and European mercenaries, some of whom were forced to return home after the capture of Goma by the M23 rebels.
“Not only has Monusco failed in its mission, but it has also placed itself in a position of belligerence,” he added.
Responding to criticism of Rwanda’s defensive actions along the border, Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda will not compromise its national security.
“Our defensive measures will remain in place until there is a credible framework for long-term security guarantees,” he affirmed, rejecting any suggestion that Rwanda should lower its guard while its borders remain threatened.
Despite his criticisms, Nduhungirehe welcomed recent efforts to advance a political resolution, particularly the recent joint summit between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which seeks to merge existing peace processes. He expressed Rwanda’s full support for these African-led initiatives and urged the international community to do the same.
“A sustainable political solution with long-term security guarantees for Rwanda will allow us to get back to the serious and urgent work of developing our country and integrating our region together with our neighbors,” he remarked.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 27, the Rwanda Governance Board said the directive takes effect immediately.
The new policy forbids all forms of collaboration, partnerships, and engagements with the Belgian government, its agencies, and related non-governmental cooperation actors.
Additionally, the directive bans any financial transactions involving the Belgian government or its institutions. This includes, but is not limited to, budget support, project funding, and technical assistance grants.
The prohibition extends to financial contributions made directly or indirectly through third-party intermediaries, with strict penalties for any attempts to circumvent these restrictions.
The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) directed that all active projects or agreements involving Belgian-linked entities be terminated immediately.
Entities found violating the directive could face severe consequences, including suspension of registration or even revocation of legal status, as well as other legal and administrative sanctions.
“Any attempts to circumvent these financial restrictions, including indirect transactions through subsidiaries or partner organisations, will be subject to strict penalties,” RGB stated.
Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, 2025, accusing Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.
The government noted that Belgium had “consistently undermined Rwanda, both before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” accusing the former colonial power of taking a biased stance in regional affairs.
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region,” the government said.
Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim it has consistently denied. Instead, the Rwandan government maintains that its primary concern is the ongoing collaboration between the Congolese government and the FDLR militia, an armed group composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who remain intent on destabilizing Rwanda.
