The move expands the airline’s East African network, connecting Kigali with two of the region’s most popular coastal destinations.
The flights will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using a Boeing B737. The new service marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its route map. With this expansion, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya.
“Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” said Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir. “By expanding our East African network, we are strengthening Kigali’s position as a key hub, giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”
The route is designed to offer both weekend getaways and extended vacations, giving travellers convenient access to pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class leisure experiences.
Flight WB 444 will depart Kigali at 9:50 AM, arriving in Zanzibar at 12:50 PM before continuing to Mombasa, arriving at 2:35 PM. The return journey, Flight WB 445, will leave Mombasa at 5:10 PM, with a brief stop in Zanzibar before arriving back in Kigali at 8:00 PM.
As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir affirms that its latest route underscores its commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience for its customers.
RwandAir operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, serving over 144 destinations through direct flights and codeshare partnerships, connecting Africa to the world from its hub in Kigali.
Speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on September 30, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Martin Ngoga, said the UN reports on eastern DRC overlooked key drivers of the conflict, including tensions between the AFC/M23 rebel group and the Kinshasa administration, as well as the security threats posed to Rwanda.
“The latest report on eastern DRC reflects troubling omissions. Chief among them is the failure to sufficiently address one of the most dangerous drivers of violence, and that is hate speech and identity-based persecution. The report does not address the issue of mercenaries,” Ngoga said.
{{FDLR’s decades-long menace
}}
Ngoga accused the DRC government of continuing to back the FDLR, remnants of the militia responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, despite repeated concerns raised by Rwanda.
“FDLR, that is backed by the DRC government, has its origin in the force that killed 1 million Rwandans. It is the only genocidal group that remained in its military formation, in known locations, with the same intentions, undisturbed for a period of 31 years,” he said.
Ngoga warned that the FDLR’s presence in eastern DRC directly threatens Rwanda’s security. “It happened once to us in ’94. We took advice from preachers and hid in churches, and we were slaughtered like cows. It will never happen again. FDLR are Rwandans, and in Rwanda is where they should be, and this is what we are asking the DRC to do,” he said.
He added that, unlike neighbouring countries like Tanzania that disarmed and repatriated perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, the DRC has chosen to arm and support the group.
“The problem we have with the DRC is they chose the opposite direction: to arm them, reorganise them, continue to support them until now. And we have a report 31 years later that says they even have strongholds in the DRC. These are people who killed our people, want to continue killing…They should be neutralised.”
He questioned MONUSCO’s role, noting: “MONUSCO cooperates with the DRC government, DRC army, knowing FDLR is within the DRC army. And what MONUSCO does, and this is on record, is to avoid units and battalions in which FDLR is deployed. Formally, that is the position of MONUSCO. What does complicity mean?”
{{Mercenaries are a growing concern
}}
Ngoga also raised alarm over mercenaries operating in eastern DRC, saying they have been consistently overlooked in UN reporting. This comes amid reports that the DRC has enlisted mercenaries from the private security firm of former US Navy SEAL officer Erik Prince, months after Romanian mercenaries were forced to flee following the M23 offensive in Goma.
“There are mercenaries now. There were mercenaries before. When they were thrashed out of the forest, everyone was there to see. Why is it that the Security Council treats this as a non-issue, and why is it that MONUSCO does not consider this as an issue?” he asked, urging the UN to address their presence as a serious threat to regional stability.
{{UN reporting and hate speech
}}
Ngoga criticised the UN for underreporting key facts and portraying armed groups in a biased manner. He also highlighted the dangers of hate speech targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities.
“I have seen reports of the Security Council where you quote from social media postings. Who has not seen hate speech on social media, in classrooms, in churches, where hate is taught to 10-year-olds? Only last week, some people were being tormented because they had long noses. Those who know the history of the region know what it means. What a long nose means—it means death to some people,” he said.
{{Call for a credible peace process
}}
While criticising the UN, Rwanda reiterated its commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha process, which provide structured and inclusive frameworks for dialogue, addressing governance, exclusion, armed groups, and ethnic tensions.
“This is a one-time chance to bring lasting peace to the DRC, and the Security Council must lend its unequivocal support. Rwanda is fully committed to this process, and we shall implement it to the letter,” Ngoga said.
He also stressed the importance of humanitarian access and the safe return of refugees. “Some of the refugees are already returning to Rwanda, and mechanisms are in place to receive them,” he said.
{{Rwanda’s right to self-defence
}}
At the same time, Ngoga reminded the Council that Rwanda has faced repeated cross-border attacks from the DRC over three decades and stressed that Rwanda will continue to defend itself in the face of threats.
“If 21 attacks by a non-state group supported by a state member of the UN do not constitute the reason to activate Article 51 of the Charter, which threshold exists?” he asked, stressing Rwanda’s right to defend its citizens.
This reduction was observed over the eight-day event held in Rwanda. To monitor air quality during the championship, REMA set up 10 stations across different parts of Kigali to monitor air pollution levels, particularly focusing on both closed and open roads.
These stations were located in areas such as Gacuriro, Rusororo, Mont Kigali, Gikondo, Nyarutarama, Kibagabaga, Kimironko, Nyabugogo, and Kimihurura.
REMA’s analysis revealed that temporarily closing major roads improved air quality significantly.
The [report->https://www.rema.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=145048&token=e3cf8ea673c17d0db4d1fb735c157438d8fcc388] shows that Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels— fine particles in the air, measured in micrograms per cubic meter were measured.
Because they are so small, when inhaled, they quickly enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, causing various health problems such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, lung diseases, heart problems, stroke, and even cancer.
The primary sources of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, especially those using gasoline and diesel, burning coal, industrial smoke, and other pollutants. These fine particles have been linked to numerous short and long-term health problems, including the potential harm to unborn children.
Meanwhile, alternative routes used during the event had less traffic and were not regularly used, leading to a reduction in air pollution by 30% – 35%. On the roads that were not affected by the race, no significant change in pollution levels was observed.
Juliet Kabera, the Director General of REMA, emphasized that the findings show that reducing pollution has a direct impact on improving the air quality that people breathe.
The WHO recommends that the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, and for a 24-hour period, it should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter.
“These findings are a clear demonstration of how reduced traffic emissions directly improve the air we breathe,” said Juliet Kabera, Director General of REMA.
“During the UCI Championships, the air quality in Kigali was moderate, which is acceptable for the general public according to WHO [World Health Organization] air quality guidelines. This should inspire all of us to properly maintain our vehicles, and to embrace more sustainable transport choices such as using public transport, cycling, walking, and avoiding unnecessary car trips whenever possible. Cleaner air is within our reach if we make conscious decisions in our daily lives,” she added.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Environment, through REMA, introduced enhanced vehicle emissions testing, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to cleaner air, improved public health, and sustainable development.
REMA notes that the positive results during the championships underscore the importance of sustainable urban mobility.
In addition to the air quality monitoring stations located in Kigali, REMA operates stations across Rwanda, and citizens are encouraged to follow real-time updates on [aq.rema.gov.rw->https://aq.rema.gov.rw/] to stay informed about the air they breathe and make healthier choices.
The deal marks the first time an African tourism board has secured a major NBA jersey sponsorship. The “Visit Rwanda” logo will appear on all Clippers game and practice jerseys, and the brand is also the official coffee sponsor of the team’s new Intuit Dome.
Beyond global visibility, the partnership is a strategic move for Rwanda, helping to promote tourism, showcase its culture and natural beauty to a worldwide audience, and strengthen the country’s presence in international sports.
Here’s what you need to know about the Clippers:
{{A rocky start to an NBA journey
}}
Founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, the franchise faced early struggles despite Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo leading the way. In 1978, the team moved to San Diego, becoming the Clippers, a nod to the city’s historic clipper ships.
By 1984, the franchise relocated to Los Angeles but spent decades in the shadow of the Lakers, making only occasional playoff appearances and struggling to establish a consistent winning culture.
{{The rise of “Lob City”
}}
The Clippers’ fortunes changed in the 2010s. The acquisition of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and superstar Chris Paul in 2011 launched the “Lob City” era, famous for highlight-reel dunks and fast-paced offence.
During this period, the team won its first Pacific Division titles in 2013 and 2014, becoming consistent playoff contenders, though Conference Finals success remained elusive.
{{A new era under Steve Ballmer
}}
In 2014, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer purchased the team, bringing financial muscle and a bold vision. The 2019 acquisitions of two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard and superstar Paul George positioned the Clippers as legitimate title contenders. Their milestone came in 2021 when the team reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
The team has also posted 14 consecutive winning seasons, the longest active streak in the NBA, reflecting sustained success and resilience at the top of the league.
{{Recent achievements
}}
The Clippers have captured three Pacific Division titles in 2013, 2014, and 2024. Their most notable playoff achievement came in 2021, when the team reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time.
Despite these successes, the franchise is still chasing its first NBA championship—a milestone that continues to fuel the team’s ambition and identity as resilient competitors in the league.
{{The Visit Rwanda partnership
}}
The newly signed multi-year partnership with Visit Rwanda provides both global visibility and community impact.
The “Visit Rwanda” logo will feature on all Clippers jerseys, reaching an estimated 1.4 billion NBA viewers worldwide.
Beyond branding, the partnership includes refurbishing basketball courts in Rwanda, hosting Rwandan youth coaches in Los Angeles for training sessions, and sending Clippers coaches to Rwanda for clinics and virtual coaching sessions.
Visit Rwanda is also the official coffee sponsor of the Intuit Dome, introducing premium Rwandan coffee to a global sports audience. The collaboration supports the NBA’s Basketball Africa League, which has held games at Rwanda’s BK Arena, providing young African athletes with development pathways and exposure to professional basketball standards.
The delegation, led by Col Elias Zulu, is in Rwanda for a study tour from 28 September to 4 October 2025. The visit aims to get insight into Rwanda’s transformation journey and its critical role in promoting peace and security in the region and beyond.
The Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, briefed the delegation on the RDF’s transformation and its contribution to continental security.
In his remarks, Gen Mubarakh expressed appreciation to the Zambia Defence Forces and the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College for selecting Rwanda as a destination for this important phase of professional military education.
He stated that the visit reflects the strong and enduring bonds of friendship and military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of capacity building.
“Rwanda today stands as a nation transformed,” said Gen Mubarakh. “31 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, we have moved from being a recipient of international peacekeeping support to a contributor to peace and security across the continent and beyond. Rwanda is now a peaceful, stable, and forward-looking country committed to long-term socio-economic development, despite complex regional security challenges.”
Col Elias Zulu, Head of delegation, expressed gratitude to the RDF for facilitating the visit. He noted that the delegation gained a deeper understanding of RDF’s contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, which aligns with the objectives of their study tour.
He highlighted the profound impact of visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where the delegation gained valuable insights into Rwanda’s history, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the country’s remarkable journey of recovery and resilience.
As part of the tour, the delegation also visited the Campaign against Genocide Museum and will continue their programme with visits to various government institutions and defence agencies.
The announcement was made on September 30, 2025, during the East Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) conference held in Kigali. The event brought together farmers from across the East African Community (EAC) and various partners to discuss strategies for food self-sufficiency and long-term agricultural development.
This latest contribution adds to over Frw 127 billion that the EU had previously provided through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Elise Hadman, Deputy Head for Western Africa at the EU’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, praised EAFF’s 20 years of supporting small-scale farmers and noted that over Frw 170 billion has been channelled to farmer associations through the EU-Bank of Kigali ‘Global Gateway Strategy’.
Hadman said, “So far, farmer associations and food processors have received over 75 million Euros (127 billion Rwandan Francs) from the EU in partnership with BK through the IFAD fund. Today, we are pleased to confirm an additional 26 million Euros (44 billion Rwandan Francs), bringing total support to over 170 billion Rwandan Francs.”
She added that the EU remains committed to advancing agricultural development across the continent to ensure food self-sufficiency.
Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, noted that the funding will help farmers, food processors, and agricultural institutions access capital to expand operations and mitigate the effects of climate change.
“As we celebrate 20 years of the EAFF, we look forward to advancing long-term agriculture that benefits the entire region. When we receive funding, we must use it to increase production, not for celebrations. This is what will help reduce Africa’s food import gap,” he said.
It is expected that EU agricultural support to Rwanda will total 500 million Euros between 2020 and 2030.
During the conference, officials were also taken through a range of agricultural produce processed by local farmers, highlighting the impact of EU support on Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
In a brief statement shared on Wednesday morning, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said the negotiations focus on deepening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, transparent mineral supply chains, health, tourism, and trade.
He emphasised that the REIF “will reinforce peace and benefit millions across the Great Lakes region, helping communities build a stake in lasting stability and shared prosperity.”
The ongoing talks mark a critical step in translating the commitments made under the Washington Declaration of Principles in April and the Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025, into concrete economic action.
{{Anchored in shared prosperity
}}
The REIF is designed as a forward-looking platform that seeks to unlock investment, dismantle the economic drivers of conflict, and create opportunities for industrial development and job creation. Both Rwanda and the DRC have pledged to ensure that revenues from natural resources benefit local communities, while working to formalise artisanal mining and attract responsible global investment.
The framework’s priorities span a wide range of sectors. Rwanda and the DRC have committed to reforming the mineral sector by eradicating illicit trade and building a transparent, world-class mining industry.
In energy, the two countries will focus on completing the Ruzizi III hydropower project, exploiting Lake Kivu’s methane gas sustainably, and expanding electricity access. Infrastructure development is also central, with planned investments in transport, logistics, warehousing, ICT, and projects linked to the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor.
The partnership extends to conservation and tourism through coordinated park management, biodiversity protection, and a harmonised revenue-sharing model. In public health, both governments will strengthen cross-border responses to disease outbreaks, share information, and collaborate on health research and innovation.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, previously told Parliament that while economic cooperation is a central pillar of the Washington peace agreement, separate frameworks would follow. The REIF now provides the foundation for those agreements, setting out a roadmap from principle to execution.
Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be forced to take unpaid leave, with some public services potentially suspended or delayed, and the release of economic data possibly impacted as well.
The shutdown commenced hours after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill that would have temporarily kept the government running. The continuing resolution proposed by Senate Republicans was blocked by Democrats, falling short of the 60 votes required for passage.
In the latest negotiations, healthcare benefits have been one of the core sticking points between the two parties. Democrats are demanding stronger healthcare-related benefits, including an extension of the enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act set to expire at the end of the year, as well as restoring the act’s coverage eligibility for certain immigrants who are legally present, including refugees and asylum seekers.
Republicans, on the other hand, opposed these measures and have been pushing to temporarily maintain current government funding levels to allow more time for negotiations.
Republicans and Democrats continued to trade blame recently, accusing each other of forcing the government into a “shutdown.”
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday afternoon that Democrats want to shut down the government, claiming that their insistence on providing free healthcare to undocumented immigrants has caused the negotiations to stall.
“The Democrats want to shut it down. So when you shut it down, you have to do layoffs. So we’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And they’re going to be Democrats,” Trump said.
While top Democrats in the House and the Senate blamed Trump and Republicans for the shutdown early Wednesday morning, they also voiced Democrats’ readiness to make a deal to reopen the federal government.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement on Wednesday that Democrats “remain ready to find a bipartisan path forward to reopen the government in a way that lowers costs and addresses the Republican healthcare crisis.”
With the shutdown now in effect, federal employees deemed “excepted” — those who work to protect life and property, such as FBI investigators and air traffic controllers — have to stay on their jobs without pay. They will not receive their wages until Congress passes a funding bill and ends the government shutdown.
On the other hand, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be forced into unpaid leave. The Congressional Budget Office estimated earlier that roughly 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day of a shutdown, with the total daily cost of their compensation at roughly 400 million U.S. dollars.
Meanwhile, the shutdown will impact some public services. The Brookings Institution recently reported that a government shutdown can be disruptive, leading to delays in processing applications for passports, small business loans, or government benefits; shuttered visitor centers and bathrooms at national parks; fewer food-safety inspections; and other various inconveniences.
“Shutdowns don’t save money, they waste money,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement.
“Under shutdowns, we pay federal workers not to work and rent buildings that aren’t being used, all while requiring costly shutdown planning, inefficient allocation of government resources, and a reduction in the services available to the American people. We should avoid a shutdown and keep the government funded,” MacGuineas said.
It’s hard to believe that a few decades ago, this area was bare land. Today, it is the largest man-made ecological forest park in East China, covering 68,000 mu (over 45 square kilometres) with a forest coverage rate of 90%.
When you climb the tallest observation tower, from the top, you can see an uninterrupted sea of green. The wind carried a freshness I hadn’t felt anywhere else. With 628 plant species, 342 bird species, and nearly 30 mammals, this forest is not only a shelter for wildlife but also a living testament to human commitment to ecological restoration.
UNESCO has even recognised it as a rare, unpolluted coastal destination along the western Pacific coast, and standing there, I understood why.
A short drive away, I found myself immersed in one of the world’s most important coastal wetland ecosystems, the Dongtai Tiaozini Wetland Reserve.
The name “Tiaozini” comes from the strip-like creeks that shape its landscape. With 1.29 million mu (about 860 square kilometres) of intertidal wetlands, it’s the largest of its kind in the world, serving as a critical stopover on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway for migratory birds.
Here, I watched spoon-billed sandpipers and oriental storks through telescopes, guided by experts who explained their migration patterns. I was struck by how these fragile birds travel thousands of kilometres every year, depending on this exact spot to survive.
The feeling of witnessing rare species in their natural habitat was both humbling and unforgettable.
Next, I visited the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, home to the world’s largest wild population of milu deer. Once extinct in China, these deer were reintroduced in 1986 with just 39 individuals. Today, the reserve spans 40,000 mu and shelters more than 8,500 milu, including 3,673 living in the wild.
Seeing them roam freely against the backdrop of wetlands was like stepping into a storybook. The reserve also protects over 400 other animal species, making it a global model for endangered species protection.
My journey through Yancheng’s ecological wonders concluded at Jianhu Jiulongkou National Wetland Park, a lagoon-like landscape where nine rivers converge.
What amazed me most was that it’s China’s first carbon-neutral scenic spot, combining wetland restoration with low-carbon tourism. Walking along its wooden pathways, I felt as though I was in a living classroom, one where conservation and tourism coexist in perfect balance.
Yancheng is often called “the Oriental Wetland and the Pearl of the Yellow Sea,” and after visiting these places, I understood the title deeply. This is not just a destination; it’s a living example of how people and nature can thrive together. For travellers who love eco-tourism, biodiversity, and meaningful journeys, Yancheng offers experiences that are both breathtaking and enlightening.
The launch will mark the brand’s entry into Rwanda’s growing beauty market, featuring a collection made especially for African skin by Africans with German technology.
Bellazuri has already established a presence in several African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Guinea, reflecting the company’s ambition to become a truly pan-African beauty powerhouse. The brand is also available in Colombia and the United States.
A key part of the brand’s strategy is its emphasis on research-driven product development. The company says Rwandan consumers can expect products tailored to their needs, with future lines potentially designed specifically for the local market.
“Our products are not created randomly. Dr. Iman, our lead formulator, develops them in the lab based on real feedback. The Kigali launch will give us insights into what people want, and we have the capacity to refine products accordingly,” said Cynthia Uwineza, the brand’s ambassador in Rwanda.
“Every market we enter, we aim to give them exactly what they want,” she added.
Central to Bellazuri’s identity is its focus on combining natural African resources with advanced German technology. The company uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes from the IKA Group from Germany, ensuring products that are both safe and effective.
Partnership with Peniel Wholesale Ltd.
In Rwanda, Bellazuri has partnered with Peniel Wholesale Ltd, which will serve as the brand’s sole distributor. The collaboration is expected to make the products widely accessible across the country. Peniel’s established distribution channels will ensure Rwandan consumers can easily find Bellazuri’s skincare, body care, and colour cosmetics in trusted outlets.
The company emphasises that its entry into the Rwandan market will go beyond beauty products. By partnering with local distributors and creating demand for sales and distribution services, Bellazuri expects to contribute to job creation and support Rwanda’s economic growth.
Bellazuri’s product line includes skincare, body care, and colour cosmetics formulated to match diverse African skin tones and needs. The brand’s mission is to make premium beauty accessible, inclusive, and representative of Africa.
