Each family received a package containing rice, maize flour, beans, cooking oil, wheat flour and dates, enough to feed their households for several days.
For many, like Fatuma Nyiracumi, a mother of five, the assistance came as a timely blessing.
“We thank God for this blessing and provision from Qatar Charity. I am very happy that so many families, not just mine, have received Iftar support. This food will help my family for about five days, and we are truly grateful,” she said.
Each family received a package containing rice, maize flour, beans, cooking oil, wheat flour and dates.
Hamdi Abdou, Country Director of Qatar Charity in Rwanda, said the initiative is the organisation’s first Ramadan Iftar program in the country and is part of its broader efforts to support families and promote well-being.
“We are grateful to the Government of Rwanda for giving us the opportunity to operate here. Our goal is to help families during Ramadan while also supporting long-term programs that reduce poverty and improve education and well-being for citizens,” Abdou said, further expressing his gratitude to donors in Qatar, whose generosity made the initiative possible.
At least 1,000 families benefited from the Iftar food aid initiative.
Looking ahead, Qatar Charity, which operates in 50 countries, plans to work with the Ministry of Education to build classrooms and provide school desks, as well as with the Ministry of Health on programs aimed at improving citizens’ well-being as it expands its operations in Rwanda.
Hamdi Abdou, Country Director of Qatar Charity Rwanda, says the initiative is the organisation’s first Ramadan Iftar program, supporting families and promoting well-being.For many, the assistance came as a timely blessing.
In a statement issued by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the movement said the handover took place on March 2, 2026, at Rugamabo camp in North Kivu Province, where the captives had been held after being captured on various frontlines of the conflict.
According to the statement, the detainees were transported back to the Congolese capital under the supervision of the Red Cross.
The prisoner transfer comes within a broader framework aimed at facilitating detainee exchanges between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23. The Red Cross was tasked with overseeing such exchanges in eastern Congo in September 2025 as part of confidence-building measures linked to mediation efforts.
During a ceremony in Doha, officials from Qatar, acting as mediator, handed the ICRC a signed copy of the mechanism for the release of detainees. Representatives from both the Congolese government and AFC/M23 attended the event, which established procedures for verification and exchange operations.
As part of the process, the AFC/M23 has called for the release of more than 700 prisoners currently held by Congolese authorities in connection with the conflict. The group says the request should be addressed during the Red Cross–supervised exchange process.
The ICRC has previously facilitated similar operations in eastern Congo, including the transfer of disarmed Congolese government soldiers and their family members from Goma to Kinshasa.
In its statement, the AFC/M23 said the handover of prisoners demonstrates its commitment to confidence-building measures and to easing tensions in accordance with international humanitarian law.
However, the group accused the government in Kinshasa of failing to reciprocate. It alleged that authorities have refused to release detainees linked to the movement and accused the government of violating ceasefire arrangements while continuing military operations against its forces.
The statement also urged international mediators and partners to take note of repeated ceasefire violations by the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in North Kivu, has escalated in recent years, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and drawing regional and international mediation efforts aimed at restoring stability in the mineral-rich region.
L’Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) informe l’opinion publique qu’elle a une fois de plus remis au Comité international de la Croix-Rouge (CICR) plus de 5 000 éléments des FARDC, capturés sur différents fronts. Ceux-ci seront rapatriés vers Kinshasa sous la… pic.twitter.com/5eP9QCLFD5
In a post on X, the First Lady called on women to prioritise self-care and their health, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves and others.
“I urge you to carve your character carefully, define your boundaries, advocate for yourselves and other women and girls, and protect your physical and mental health. And please, love yourself with the same gentleness you give others – the same gentleness you wish and deserve to experience from the world,” she wrote.
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It also serves as a call to action to accelerate gender parity and address ongoing challenges such as the gender pay gap, violence against women, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.
In Rwanda, IWD is marked by celebrations acknowledging women’s contributions to family and national development, empowerment activities, and the promotion of gender equality. The country has made significant strides in political representation: women now occupy 63.75% of parliamentary seats, up from just 12% in 1996, making Rwanda the nation with the highest proportion of women in Parliament globally in 2026.
The origins of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 20th-century labour and socialist movements in North America and Europe. In 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights, leading to the first National Woman’s Day in 1909.
In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual International Women’s Day, which was celebrated for the first time in 1911 in several European countries. The day gained further prominence after women in Russia staged the “Bread and Peace” strike in 1917, a pivotal moment that contributed to women gaining voting rights.
The United Nations officially recognised March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1977, establishing it as a global observance for women’s rights and world peace.
First Lady Jeannette Kagame called on women to prioritise self-care and their health, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves and others.International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.
Key housing initiatives include the Heza Estate in Batsinda, Gasabo District, which will provide 548 housing units featuring two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses. This project is expected to cost 14.5 billion Rwandan francs.
Another major development is the Nyabisindu project in Gasabo, which will see 1,639 homes built on 38.54 hectares, replacing unplanned settlements with 58 residential blocks at a total cost of 42 billion francs.
The government is also constructing 296 houses for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, costing 5.4 billion francs, and approximately 2,300 homes will be rebuilt to replace those completely destroyed by natural disasters, with 11 billion francs allocated for this purpose. These housing projects include a variety of types, from multi-story apartments to townhouses, combining affordability with modern living standards.
The country estimates it will need at least 5.5 million houses by 2050, when the population is projected to reach 22.1 million people.
The revised National Urbanisation Policy indicates that Rwanda has chosen a strategy focused on upgrading housing and addressing the demand for adequate accommodation, in line with the Vision 2025 development agenda.
In addition to housing, the government is investing in complementary development initiatives to improve urban management and infrastructure. Informal settlements in Mpazi, Gatenga, Nyabisindu, and Nyagatovu will be upgraded under the RUDP II program, ensuring safer and more organised neighbourhoods.
Government buildings will also be improved, with asbestos roofs replaced and some offices expanded to meet functional needs. Infrastructure projects include the installation of artificial turf at Huye Stadium and the construction of 80 modern bridges across the country, while environmental management efforts will focus on rehabilitating wetlands and managing flood-prone areas in Kigali, including Rwandex, Gisozi, Kinyinya, Rugunga, and Rwampara.
The budget also supports capacity building and urban management, with 600 partners receiving training to ensure compliance with building regulations, alongside inspections of structures across all districts.
In total, 4,783 new homes are planned across the country, aimed at improving living conditions and supporting Rwanda’s urbanisation goals.
AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma, who spoke during a field visit to assess the combat readiness of frontline troops following the successful liberation of the strategic towns of Mubarak and Durasalaam in Somalia, said the allied forces are united in their efforts to flush out al-Shabaab terrorists in the country.
“Through sweat, struggle, and sacrifice, we stand united to eliminate al-Shabaab and secure a future for our brothers and sisters in Somalia,” Kavuma said in a statement on Friday evening after the field visit.
He called on the Ugandan contingent serving under AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, morale, and discipline in fulfilling the mission’s mandate.
“AUSSOM, in partnership with the Somali government and other stakeholders, will provide essential relief support to the liberated communities,” he added.
The joint operation conducted on Monday with international partners resulted in the full capture and securing of two strategic locations that had long served as strongholds and safe havens for al-Shabaab terrorists.
Owiny Akena, Battle Group 44 commander and operation commander, said Mubarak and Durasalaam remain under the full control of the joint forces.
AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma said the allied forces are united in their efforts to flush out al-Shabaab terrorists in the country.
The forum, themed “Your Health. Your Choice. Your Future,” was held on Saturday, March 7, at BK Arena and brought together students aged 15 to 20.
The event focused on discussions about health, consent, and responsible decision-making.
It was organized by Global Citizen in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth and Arts, Imbuto Foundation, Health Development Initiative (HDI), and other stakeholders.
Designed as an interactive session, the forum aimed to equip young people with accurate information on sexual and reproductive health while encouraging open conversations in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Batamuriza spoke about the importance of recognizing the value of their current stage in life and using it wisely.
“You must first be a child before becoming an adult. Life has stages, and young people should recognize the opportunities they have today while they are still young. A time will come when they are no longer young, so they must make the most of the opportunities available to them now,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of making wise choices early in life.
“Young people must understand that the choices they make today will follow them into adulthood and shape the kind of parents and elders they become. They should reflect on the temptations that may mislead them, set clear values, and make decisions that guide them toward a better future,” Batamuriza added.
She noted that the lack of safe spaces for young people to access accurate information often drives them to rely on social media and other unreliable sources, exposing them to misinformation and increased vulnerability.
Batamuriza stressed that platforms like the youth forum provide reliable information, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and relationships.
“Dialogue about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships empowers young people to make informed and responsible decisions. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence helps young people protect their health, respect one another, and pursue their ambitions,” she concluded.
The forum is part of the activities surrounding Move Afrika, an initiative by Global Citizen aimed at promoting the creative economy and creating jobs through large-scale music events across Africa.
Ifeoma Chuks-Aduzeo, Managing Director for Africa at Global Citizen, thanked Rwanda for its key role in bringing the initiative to life.
“We want to thank the Rwanda Development Board for their continued support in bringing the Move Afrika vision to life,” she said.
This year’s edition will be headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Doja Cat and will begin in Kigali on March 17 before heading to Pretoria on March 20.
According to Chuks-Aduzeo, Move Afrika is part of a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s creative economy and create employment opportunities for young people.
Since its start in 2023, the initiative has created about 2,500 jobs, with that number expected to grow as the concept expands to more countries.
She added that Move Afrika aims to position African cities as part of the global touring circuit, potentially stimulating tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
During the forum, participants engaged in panel discussions on consent, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being.
Health professionals and youth representatives answered questions about recognizing pressure in relationships, setting boundaries, and accessing youth-friendly health services.
Bernice Ineza, a 19-year-old student and one of the panelists, emphasized the importance of consent in everyday life.
“One of the key lessons we learned is that consent is something we should apply in everyday situations. For example, if someone asks for a picture or asks to do something you are not comfortable with, you should feel confident to say no, and that no really means no,” she said.
The event also featured a musical performance by Kivumbi King.
Organizers stated that such youth-focused engagements aim to reduce stigma around health conversations, improve awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights, and encourage responsible behavior among young people.
Panelists share valuable insights on youth health, relationships, and empowerment at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventLeaders and youth unite at the Global Citizen Move Afrika event, empowering the next generation.Kivumbi King brings the energy, entertaining the youth at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventIphie Chuks-Adizue, Global Citizen’s Managing Director for Africa, praised efforts to empower young people in Rwanda during the Global Citizen Move Afrika event
Paul Ehorn recently announced the discovery of the ‘Lac La Belle’, a 217-foot luxury passenger steamer that sank during a storm in October 1872. The vessel had departed from Milwaukee heading to Grand Haven, Michigan, when it was damaged in a gale just two hours into its journey.
Eight of the 53 people on board died after a lifeboat capsized, while the remaining passengers survived.
The Great Lakes are known for their dangerous maritime history. Historians estimate that more than 6,000 shipwrecks have been documented in the region, most occurring between 1840 and 1900 when heavy traffic and severe weather often collided.
In Lake Michigan alone, about 1,500 ships are believed to have sunk. According to Brendon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association, many vessels were pushed ashore by storms, while fewer, like the ‘Lac La Belle’, sank in deeper waters.
At the time of its operation, the ‘Lac La Belle’ was considered a high-quality and fast vessel, reportedly about 30 percent faster than other steamers.
It featured elegant passenger spaces including parlours and a main salon decorated with chandeliers. Alongside its passengers, the ship also transported cargo such as barley, flour, pork and whiskey along an important commercial route connected to Michigan’s railroad network.
Ehorn’s fascination with shipwrecks began at age 15 when he started scuba diving. Since 1965, he has helped locate 15 shipwrecks, including the automobile carrier Senator in 2005. His breakthrough in the search for the ‘Lac La Belle’ came in 2022 after fellow shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson uncovered a key clue. Using side-scan sonar, Ehorn detected the ship’s outline on the lakebed.
Two years later, divers documented the wreck, which remains in surprisingly good condition. Ehorn plans to share footage of the discovery at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Manitowoc, Wisconsin in the United States, while continuing his lifelong search for other lost vessels.
The stern of the Lac La Belle showing one of her propellers missing.This image of an original photo print provided by Brendon Baillod shows the Lac La Belle docked at Marquette, Mich., in 1866. (Brendon Baillod via AP)
In an interview with IGIHE, Batamuriza Ange, one of the event organizers, explained that the initiative aims to strengthen ties within the diaspora while introducing the richness of Rwandan culture to a wider audience in the United Kingdom.
The event scheduled on March 21, 2026, in Coventry, West Midlands, was organized by the West Midland (Coventry) RCA. Activities will run from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Wibabara noted that “Rwanda Cultural Day” will feature a variety of activities highlighting the country’s cultural identity. The program will include traditional music and dance performances, opportunities for community interaction, and a chance to discover authentic Rwandan cuisine.
“Rwanda Cultural Day brings together the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda to celebrate shared heritage, traditions, and values,” she said.
Beyond the festivities, the event will also serve as a platform for dialogue and connection, allowing members of the diaspora to strengthen community bonds and pass on Rwandan cultural values to younger generations growing up in the United Kingdom.
The Rwandan community warmly invites everyone interested to attend “Rwanda Cultural Day” and experience a day filled with culture, unity, and the celebration of Rwanda’s heritage.
Interested individuals can register using the link below for Rwanda Cultural Day
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the RDF Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, and was attended by RDF Generals and officers.
The course was designed to strengthen the operational readiness of RDF Special Operations personnel by equipping them with advanced tactical knowledge and practical skills needed to address emerging security threats. It also aimed to enhance their ability to effectively respond to terrorist incidents and conduct rescue operations for victims held by terrorist groups.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the trainers for their dedication and professionalism in delivering high-quality instruction that strengthens the capabilities of RDF personnel. He further congratulated the graduates for their discipline and successfully completing the demanding training and acquiring valuable skills essential for future missions.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the trainers for their dedication and professionalism in delivering high-quality instruction. Best performers were awarded at the ceremony.RDF officials followed final drills as trainees showcased acquired practical skills.
The gathering highlighted shared values of compassion, tolerance and mutual respect, with speakers emphasizing the role of faith communities in fostering harmony in society.
Speaking at the event, the UAE Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mohammed AlKaabi, said the interfaith Iftar was an opportunity to bring together people from diverse traditions in the spirit of friendship and shared humanity.
“Your presence honors us, and it also gives this gathering its true meaning: coming together across traditions and backgrounds in a spirit of respect, friendship and shared humanity,” he said.
The gathering held at the UAE ambassador’s residence highlighted shared values of compassion, tolerance and mutual respect.
AlKaabi noted that the United Arab Emirates places strong emphasis on tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, values that shape its society and engagement with partners around the world.
“In the UAE, diversity is not simply acknowledged — it is embraced. People of many faiths and cultures live and work side by side, contributing to a society built on openness, compassion and unity,” the envoy noted.
He emphasized that Ramadan’s values of compassion, generosity, and reflection are especially important amid global uncertainties, and in light of recent tensions in the Middle East, he stressed the need for restraint and dialogue.
“Such times remind us how essential it is to protect human life, reject hatred and incitement, and uphold the principles of international law,” he added.
The diplomat also pointed to the growing relationship between the UAE and Rwanda, describing it as a partnership grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress and stability.
“We value Rwanda’s commitment to unity and resilience, and we look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in ways that benefit our peoples,” AlKaabi remarked.
The Guest of Honor, Marie Grâce Nyinawumuntu, Director General for Europe, Americas and International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commended the initiative for bringing together people of different faiths.
Marie Grâce Nyinawumuntu, Director General for Europe, the Americas, and International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was the guest of honor.
She said Ramadan serves as a period of reflection, compassion and spiritual renewal, encouraging individuals to strengthen their faith and commitment to serving others.
“This evening is particularly meaningful because it brings together people of different faiths and backgrounds around one table,” she said.
Nyinawumuntu noted that Rwanda strongly values peaceful coexistence among religions, with different faith communities living side by side in mutual respect.
“This commitment to unity and reconciliation is rooted in our history and in our determination to ensure that faith becomes an instrument of peace, not division,” she added.
Marie Grâce Nyinawumuntu noted that Rwanda strongly values peaceful coexistence among religions.
She also recalled Rwanda’s recent engagement with the Muslim World League, including the visit of its Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa from February 18 to 20, during which a scholarly seminar on peaceful coexistence highlighted Rwanda’s experience in unity and reconciliation.
Also addressing the gathering, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, emphasized that Ramadan is not only a time of fasting but also a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline and compassion for others, particularly the vulnerable.
He said interfaith initiatives such as the Iftar reflect the true spirit of Ramadan by bringing together people from different religious traditions around shared values including respect for diversity and the pursuit of peace.
“As religious leaders, we carry a sacred responsibility to guide our communities toward harmony and tolerance rather than division and violence,” Sheikh Musa stated.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya said interfaith initiatives such as the Iftar reflect the true spirit of Ramadan.
He also commended the UAE for its global efforts to promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue, noting that such initiatives strengthen not only diplomatic relations between nations but also the bonds among their peoples.
Participants concluded the evening by breaking the fast together, symbolizing a shared commitment to dialogue, understanding and cooperation for the common good. The event formed part of broader Ramadan observances aimed at encouraging compassion, solidarity and peace among communities.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, religious leaders and members of different faith communities.The gathering highlighted shared values of compassion, tolerance and mutual respect.
