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Among the highlights at the two-day summit were products from the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), a government-established arms manufacturer tasked with producing military equipment for the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and supporting friendly nations with their defence needs.

REMCO, based in Kigali’s Gasabo District within the city’s industrial zone, manufactures a wide array of equipment tailored for infantry units, special operations, counter-terrorism, anti-riot missions, and metal shooting targets used in training.

The factory operates in partnership with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a globally recognised arms manufacturer.

The weapons produced through this collaboration are battle-proven and currently in use by both the RDF and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Among the weaponry manufactured in Rwanda are pistols and assault rifles with effective ranges of up to 500 metres, including models such as the ARAD5/300BKL. Long-range sniper rifles like the ACE SNIPER and ARAD SNIPER, capable of hitting targets up to 800 metres away, are also part of REMCO’s arsenal.

Additionally, the factory produces machine guns, such as the NEGEV ULMG, and advanced night vision sights for improved visibility during night operations.

While most components of these weapons are manufactured domestically, a few — including bullets, magazines, and lenses — are currently imported.

REMCO has expressed readiness to supply its products to regional partners based on their operational needs and preferences, reinforcing Rwanda’s ambition to play a greater role in regional security and defence innovation.

Alongside the Rwandan-made weapons, ISCA also featured modern arms from other nations, including Egypt and Turkey, positioning the event as a major platform for Africa’s evolving security and defence landscape.

Held under the theme “Reshaping Africa’s Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment,” ISCA brings together continental and global defence, intelligence, and security leaders to tackle urgent challenges and craft joint solutions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Kigali Convention Centre, President Kagame called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s approach to security, urging the continent to take full ownership of its future and move away from reliance on external solutions.

The Head of State identified ownership of security agendas, governance, and cooperation as three crucial pillars for Africa’s enduring peace and stability.

“Africa’s future, particularly in matters of peace and security, cannot be outsourced,” Kagame told the delegates.

“For far too long, our security has been treated as a burden to be managed by others, often without our context or consent. This approach has failed to deliver — both for Africa and for the world.”

Also speaking at the opening session was Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Chair of the ISCA Advisory Council. He hailed the launch of ISCA as “a turning point” for Africa, describing it as a long-overdue strategic space for reflection and dialogue on peace and security matters.

“Africa’s security cannot rely on imported solutions,” Faki said. “We often say and repeat: African solutions to African problems.”

The ISCA conference continues on Tuesday with high-level panels and closed-door sessions expected to define strategic pathways for a more secure and self-reliant Africa.

Minister Juma Al Hamli visited the memorial with his accompanying delegation from UAE and Rwandan officials led by Gaspard Musonera, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA).

Al Hamli and his delegation were taken through the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and how bad leadership culminated into the preparation and execution of genocide. They also toured different facilities of the memorial and laid wreaths to mass graves where 259,000 victims are laid to rest.

Minister Juma Al Hamli said he was moved by tragic history Rwanda experienced and hailed the country’s resilience under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.

“I have been moved by what happened in Rwanda. I would like to commend Rwandans and the Government of Rwanda for creating the room for the world to learn from bitterness of fruits from hatred and violence,” he said.

“I thank President Kagame who built the memorial helping people to remember victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It is a place for remembrance not only for Rwandans but also for the rest of humanity,” added Juma.

Located in Gisozi sector of Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial was built in 1999.

According to the statement, Kagame is expected to pay a two-day state visit to Botswana from 27th to 28th June at the invitation of his Botswanan counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

“President Kagame’s visit marks an exciting moment in the relations between Botswana and Rwanda, as this will be the first at head of state and government level,” reads the statement in part.

According to the statement, the visit will also afford the two “ambitious” leaders an invaluable opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The visit is also expected to provide Botswana with a golden opportunity learn from Rwanda’s “wealthy technological advancement” into the fourth industrial revolution.

Rwanda is one of the best performing nations on the African continent and is touted as an emerging economy to watch.

In September 2012, Rwanda’s Ambassador Vincent Karega with residence in South Africa presented credentials to the President of Botswana Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama to represent Rwanda in the country.

At the time, President Khama said that Botswana and Rwanda are landlocked countries which count on good governance to scale up economic development.

He explained that both countries enjoy existing cooperation in agriculture and security.

Botswana accommodates Rwandans actively involved in their countries progress and different charities donating Mutuelle de Santé to the needy.

Madagascar obtained Independence 26th June 1960 from France.
The anniversary took place at Mahamasina Stadium in the capital city, Antananarivo.

Upon arrival in Madagascar, they were welcomed by President Andry and First Lady Mialy Rajoelina.

President Rajoelina‏,44, sworn in to lead Madagascar on 19th January 2019 after winning elections with 55.66% beating his Marc Ravalomanana.

In March 2019, Rwanda development Board (RDB) signed cooperation agreements with Economic Development Board of Madagascar (ECDBM) in Madagascar to bolster free movement and investment between both countries and strengthen cooperation in capacity building.

Operated by Boeing 737-800NG with 16 seats in business class and 138 seats in economy class, the national carrier took off on Monday night 24th June and landed in Tel Aviv on 25th June 2019 morning where it was welcomed with a water salute.

RwandAir’s Chief Executive Officer, Yvonne Manzi Makolo expressed her delight for the successful maiden flight to Israel, noting that the carrier will conduct three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Tel Aviv becomes the airline’s 29th destination and the second in the Middle East, after the United Arab Emirates.

RwandAir revealed that the new flights are expected to boost existing ties between Rwanda and Israel, particularly in inter-trade cooperation.

Since the beginning of 2019; Rwanda launched flights to Addis Ababa in Ethiopie, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guangzhou in China.

Inaugural flight from #Kigali to #TelAviv is getting ready to take-off ✈️.#FlyTheDreamOfAfrica #MaidenFlight #TelAviv #Israel #Rwanda pic.twitter.com/LnA3SqynK9

— RwandAir (@FlyRwandAir) June 24, 2019

1. The Cabinet meeting approved minutes of its previous meeting held on 07/06/2019.

2. The Cabinet meeting approved the following policies, strategies and agreements:

o Rwanda child online protection policy for protecting children against risks related to exposure to cyber space;

o The national cooling strategy meant to phase out use of harmful gases;

o Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Muganza – Kivu tea factory Ltd on co-management of some state forests located in Nyaruguru District;

o Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Karongi tea factory Ltd on co-management of some state forests located in Karongi District.

3. The Cabinet meeting approved the following draft laws:

o Draft law governing statutes of judges and judicial personnel;

o Draft law approving ratification of the cooperation agreement between the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the field of communication, information and media;

o Draft law approving ratification of the African Union Convention on cyber security and personal data protection adopted at Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

4. The Cabinet meeting approved the following Presidential orders:

o Presidential order establishing special statutes governing diplomatic officers;

o Presidential order granting retirement to 7 senior officers and 61 junior officers of Rwanda National Police;

o Presidential order discharging a junior officer of Rwanda National Police on health grounds.

5. The Cabinet meeting approved the following Prime Minister’s orders:

o Prime Minister’s order allocating state land located in Nyamasheke District, Karambi Sector, to Gatare tea company Ltd for tea cultivation;

o Prime Minister’s order granting a leave of absence for non-specific period to Mr. NKURUNZIZA Mark who was chief financial officer in Rwanda Development Board.

6. The Cabinet meeting approved the following Ministerial orders and Instructions:

o Ministerial order granting retirement to 140 non-commissioned officers of Rwanda National Police;

o Ministerial order discharging 8 non-commissioned officers and low-ranking officers of Rwanda National Police on health grounds;

o Ministerial instructions amending the existing ministerial instructions on modalities for negotiation and management of contracts between government and service providers.

7. The Cabinet meeting approved agrément of Mr. GOBOPANG DUKE LEFHOKO as High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Republic of Rwanda with residence in Nairobi, Kenya.

8. AOBs.

o The Minister of Trade and Industry informed the Cabinet meeting that on 6th July 2019, Rwanda will celebrate the international cooperative day under the theme “cooperatives for decent work”.At national level, the day will be celebrated in Rugarama Sector, Gatsibo District, as well as in other districts across the country;

o The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion informed the Cabinet meeting that from 26th to 28th June 2019, Rwanda will host a meeting of Ministers in charge of gender and women promotion in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) at Serena Hotel, Kigali;

o The Minister of Defense informed the Cabinet meeting that from 24th June to 7th August 2019, the 12th intake of Itorero Indangamirwa will be held at Gabiro Combat Training Center;

o The Minister of Healthinformed the Cabinet meeting of Rwanda’s preparedness to prevent and handle any Ebola threats.

This communiqué was signed by

Marie Solange KAYISIRE

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs

The event was also graced by Rwanda’s ambassador to Mozambique, Amb. Claude Nikobisanzwe, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps Amb. Antoine Kola Masala of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Amb. Mónica Patrício Clemente Mussa representing Mozambique to Rwanda.

Minister Sezibera commended existing vibrant relationship between both countries hi9ghlighting that the inaugurated embassy will uphold relationships helping Rwandan investors to run businesses smoothly in Mozambique and facilitating Mozambique people interested to visit or investing in Rwanda.

He urged Rwandans in Mozambique to always be fond of their country and strive to improve welfare of their families in Mozambique or Rwanda.

The inauguration of the embassy in Mozambique follows an interactive event held on 16th June 2019 in which Amb Nikobisanzwe talked to over 400 Rwandans living in Maputo.

Amb. Claude Nikobisanzwe presented credentials to Mozambique president, Filipe Nyusi to represent Rwanda in Maputo on 3rd April 2019.

Rwanda and Mozambique enjoy good relationships. In 2016 and 2018, both countries signed cooperation agreements in politics, governance, tourism, agriculture, mining, air transport services, promoting investment, science and technology and professional trainings..
In July 2018, Mozambique president, Filipe Nyusi visited Rwanda following president Paul Kagame’s visit in Mozambique in 2016 when he talked to investors and invited them to invest in Rwanda.

Today, Mozambique accommodates over 3500 Rwandans involved in different businesses.

TAZ: Mr President, you came to Brussels for the European Development Days. What was your message?

Paul Kagame: It is not the first time I came to the European Development Days. This time the topic was sustainable development goals, focusing on how we fight inequality. So it was of interest to us. How does development become sustainable when there is inequality at the same time? It should be inclusive, narrowing the gaps. It is what we are trying to do in our country. That is what this partnership between Europe and Africa is all about.

Until recently, you were the chairman of the African Union. What were the main achievements under your presidency of the organization?

Paul Kagame: I combined a number of things. Before I became chairman of the African Union, I had been selected by the African Union to lead the reform process. I still continue with the active role of seeing through the reforms. Most of the reforms will be on the agenda in the forthcoming summit in Niamey (Niger). The continental Free Trade Area is going to be in effect because the number of signatories and ratifications has reached the point that allows it to be in effect. I am chairman of the East African Community (EAC) as well. I have been working on some important integration issues, like the formation of an air transport common market.

At the same time, we have seen tension between Rwanda and your neighbor Uganda. What’s the current situation? To what extent do these tensions affect trade and the economy in the EAC?

Paul Kagame: Any tension will necessarily affect the stability of the economy, of trade, of all kinds of things. There is no question about it. That’s why we don’t need tension at all. But with politics (smile), we always see these things in any part of the world! We have had an easy relationship during many years. Tension comes and goes. We hope one day we can get rid of it forever. This time around is part of this history. We have seen Uganda getting involved in supporting (armed) groups against us because they (in Kampala) think we don’t stand for the interests of Uganda. They just don’t appreciate that Rwanda has a different government and would wish Rwanda to pay allegiance to them, something like that.

Some of it is not very visible. We see people being arrested in Uganda. We have Rwandese in their hundreds, actually in prison in Uganda. Uganda keeps telling all kinds of stories, they say these people are there illegally, that these are spies … And we have raised this because we have collected information about it and then they say: how do you know these details? It is because you (Rwandan government officials) have people here (in Uganda) and in fact they (the Ugandan officials) say they are against us. But the arrests have been indiscriminate: they arrest women, men, young people; they even picked some pupils from schools. The last time I met with (Ugandan president) Museveni I said these accusations have no credibility. Two hundred people were arrested; they failed to charge even one. That shows the magnitude of the problem. That resulted in fact in us telling people not to go to Uganda. And we cannot tell Uganda what to do. We have asked them, we have begged them, we have even told them it’s ok, if you have people in custody who committed offences, bring them to the courts of law, don’t keep them in prison. People come and tell us they have been in prison for nine months or a year, for nothing. But we have kept calm. People fear fighting between us. I don’t see it coming because I think Uganda understands the cost of it. We don’t want to go down that road because everyone will lose something.

You warned Uganda in April. You said “if you mess up, we will mess up big time“…
Paul Kagame: Yes, (meaning) if you cross the border. You can do whatever you want on your territory, like arresting people. But if they crossed our border and wanted to do things in our territory – that’s what I meant.

On Tuesday, the former Prime Minister Twagiramungu…
Paul Kagame: Is he still living? (Laughter)

He is still alive. In a press conference in Brussels, held while you were addressing the European Development Days, he was blaming you for these tensions with Kampala…

Paul Kagame: He would blame me for everything! He is blaming me for taking refuge in Belgium. I didn’t chase him! There is no case against him.

Faustin Twagiramugu and Paul Rusesabagina’s group made a call for unity of the opposition. What do you make of this?

Paul Kagame: They are a creation of the media more than anything (laughter). These things have been there forever. So, I don’t look at one side as the media does. I look at all sides. There were more people at the place where we were, ten times more than for Twagiramungu’s group, getting aware about the progress Rwanda is making. And I am looking at those Rwandans, saying what we are doing is what we should be doing. This is for me the message. Secondly: These people, Twagiramungu and Rusesabagina, they are there in Europe, using the generosity of the Belgians, turning themselves into democrats, civil society that is fighting for freedom. But they are just a bunch of hooligans! OK, but I can understand also Europeans sometimes, and I forgive them. It is like they are looking at Rwanda’s progress, they don’t like Kagame for whatever reason and they can’t stop us making progress, and there is nothing they can do about Kagame. So they think the best way to attack is to back this group

Concerning regional integration, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC said Congo would apply to become a member of the East African Community…

Paul Kagame: I think it is a good thing! When an African country asks to be part of an organisation like the East African Community, I think it is a welcome thing, because in that we gain as a country, as a region.

You would support it?
Paul Kagame: I would absolutely support it!

You recently attended the funeral ceremonies for the DRC President’s father, the late Étienne Tshisekedi, in Kinshasa. Can we expect greater collaboration between Kinshasa and Kigali?

Paul Kagame: I think so. It is already happening. For example, we asked the previous government of President Kabila to have our airline Rwandair to connect Kigali and Kinshasa. And they refused. I didn’t understand why. It was just politics. Under Tshisekedi they have allowed the flights. And the traffic is huge. The plane is always full. We can’t even have enough! So it shows already a very positive thing. We are even formalizing defense and security cooperation so that we deal with troublemakers along our border.

He explained as a shame on Rwanda to continue implementing laws established by colonizers and requested abolishment of the outdated laws that were enacted by the colonial regime.

Minister Uwizeyimana made the observation yesterday as he responded to the summon of the parliamentary standing committee on political affairs and gender in the Chamber of Deputies during the assessment of the government proposal to abolish 1000 laws established before Rwanda’s independence.

The said laws were enacted between 1885 and 1962 when Rwanda obtained independence from Belgium.

The cabinet meeting of April 03rd, 2019 chaired by President Paul Kagame approved the draft law repealing all laws established before Rwanda’s independence.

As indicated by the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST), these laws are over 1000 and said to be obsolete.

Rwanda was a colony of two countries, German (1900-1916) and Belgium between (1916-1962).

Minister Uwizemana told parliamentarians that it brings shame on Rwanda to be guided by colonial laws enacted for interests of colonizers.

He explained that former President Grégoire Kayibanda declared publically that all laws established by Belgians have to be implemented in Rwanda in what he termed as blindness which spread to the regime of his successor President Habyarimana.

“Kayibanda and Habyarimana had adhered to colonial laws on specific reason. Apparently, Kayibanda was given political freedom but they retained control of the rest. This is evidenced through the fact that he had Belgians as part of leadership and advisors at his Presidency office. They were also part of the military without official ratifications. This spread to the regime of Habyarimana who had quite a number of France nationals as advisors,” he said.

Minister Uwizeyimana stressed that the latter reflects how Kayibanda independence was idle.

“Some implications of these obsolete laws still considered today include approved laws during the colonial rule with clauses limiting black people in accessing some places reserved for Belgians. For instance, in the place where Serena Hotel is currently based was the premise of Diplomate Hotel on which it was written ‘The area is restricted to dogs and black people’. These laws still exist,” he said.

Minister Uwizeye reiterated that such laws should have been set by Rwanda’s parliament knowing better what suits Rwandans.

The chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on political affairs and gender in the Chamber of Deputies, Emma Furaha said they shall sit together to analyze the situation considering suitable choices for Rwandans.

Speaking to IGIHE recently, Alain Songa Gashabizi, the acting head of the department for law research, reform, and revision at the Rwanda Law Reform Commission (RLRC) said that some laws in Rwanda are outdated.

He explained, after the independence of Rwanda in 1962, the then president announced that all international agreements signed by Belgium during the colonial rule have to be applied in Rwanda.

“This means, if Belgium signed agreements with France on a particular issue, they may bring these agreements to say Rwanda has such duties in France and Belgium based on the announcement,” said Gashabizi.

He highlighted that some approved laws during the colonial rule incorporate clauses limiting black people in accessing some places.