Accompanied by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gaibov, Kagame toured the eight-year-old track, which has hosted F1 races for nearly a decade and is one of 24 circuits on this year’s championship calendar.
The visit coincided with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing claiming victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a win that brought him closer to reclaiming the season’s top spot from Oscar Piastri of McLaren.
Last year, President Kagame confirmed Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula 1 race, which would make the East African nation the first African host in three decades. Since then, discussions and preparations have been underway, with Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire confirming that the project is progressing steadily.
President Kagame’s tour of Baku follows visits to other notable circuits, including the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore and the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, highlighting Rwanda’s growing engagement with global motorsport.
Racing a 31.2-kilometre course through the Rwandan capital, Reusser delivered a dominant ride, clocking 43 minutes 09 seconds at an average speed of 43.3 km/h. She finished nearly a minute ahead of Dutch veteran Anna van der Breggen, who took silver, with her compatriot Demi Vollering securing bronze.
The win marked a career milestone for Reusser, who celebrated her 34th birthday a day earlier. After taking silver in 2020 and 2021 and bronze in 2022, she finally stood on the top step to wear the rainbow stripes.
“I tried so many times… It makes me so happy that I can achieve this — both for myself and for the whole group around me. I am really full of love for these people,” she said with a beaming smile.
For the home crowd, there was special pride as Rwandan riders Xaveline Nirere and Diane Ingabire lined up in the time trial, representing Rwanda with determination. Nirere completed the 31.2 km course in a time of 50:07.67, while Ingabire finished in 52:57.79. Though outside of medal contention, their participation drew huge cheers along the route.
{{Women elite individual time trial – top 10 riders
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The Kigali championships are the 98th edition of the UCI Road World Championships, but the first ever to be staged in Africa. Over the next eight days, more than 900 riders from 110 nations will compete in 13 races across the city’s steep hills and valleys, with elevation gains reaching 5,400 metres.
At the opening ceremony inside BK Arena, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire welcomed the riders and spectators, calling the event a historic moment for the nation.
“This is going to be a special week with the best riders in the world riding across Kigali’s hills and valleys,” she said. “I’m really honoured to welcome the 110 nations, 996 riders, and all the visitors joining us in this historic moment.”
UCI President David Lappartient also hailed Rwanda’s achievement in hosting the championships.
“Without the vision of President Paul Kagame, without our shared vision, it would have been impossible,” he said. “We are so proud to be here for the first time ever.”
The event was inaugurated by Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who welcomed participants and highlighted the unique opportunity the championship presents.
“This is going to be a special week with the best riders in the world riding across Kigali’s hills and valleys, facing a challenge up to 5,400 metres of elevation. I’m really honoured to welcome the 110 nations, 996 riders, and all the visitors joining us in this historic moment,” she said.
The minister also highlighted a first for the event: the inclusion of the women’s under-23 road race.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it’s happening in Kigali. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, women’s empowerment has been part of Rwanda’s exemplary leadership. I am a woman, and I am a product of this leadership. Let’s give him a round of applause.”
UCI President David Lappartient praised President Paul Kagame for his leadership, noting that Rwanda’s efforts made it possible for the championship to be hosted in Africa for the first time.
“Without his vision, without our vision, it would have been impossible, and we are so proud to be here for the first time ever,” Lappartient said.
“And here, in the country of a thousand hills, it means it’s not flat. It will be hard—probably the hardest UCI World Championship ever—but probably also the most crowded UCI World Championship ever,” he added.
He also highlighted the global exposure the event will bring to Rwanda.
“You will show your country, and you will show cycling to the whole world. These different races will be televised in 130 countries, live worldwide. That means millions, even hundreds of millions of people worldwide will see, will discover, and will witness your passion, and the beauty of your country and your city.”
This edition of the championship is historic, featuring over 900 cyclists from more than 100 countries competing across 13 races over eight days. The 2025 event marks the 98th Cycling World Championships and the 12th time it has been held outside Europe.
The competition opened with the women’s individual time trial, a 31.2-kilometre race where each cyclist rides alone against the clock.
President Kagame also emphasized that Rwanda and Azerbaijan share many similarities, underlining his wish to further strengthen cooperation in development.
While diplomacy and bilateral cooperation were at the center of the visit, Azerbaijan itself is a country with a rich history, unique culture, diverse geography, and remarkable features.
Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region (in Western Asia), at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. It borders Russia to the north, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, Turkey through the small Nakhchivan exclave, and the Caspian Sea to the east.
The country covers an area of about 86,600 square kilometers (roughly three-quarters the size of Rwanda multiplied by four) and has a population of about 10.5 million.
Azerbaijan holds a special place on the global stage due to its oil, energy resources, cultural heritage, and strategic location.
Here are 10 remarkable things you should know about this country.
1. The land of eternal flames AND natural fire phenomena
On the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, there are places where natural gas escapes through cracks and burns continuously. For example, Yanar Dagh is a hillside that has flames burning naturally, fed by gas seeps underground.
In addition, the Ateshgah Fire Temple near Baku used to be a site where fire worship (Zoroastrian, Indian Hindu, Sikh) took place, because of natural eternal flames. It is now a museum.
2. First Muslim-majority country to give women the right to vote
Azerbaijan granted women suffrage in 1918, when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formed. It was among the earliest Muslim-majority countries to do so.
3. More mud volcanoes than almost anywhere
Azerbaijan has hundreds (over 350, some sources say more than 400) of mud volcanoes, more than most countries. Some are active; they bubble up methane and mud, sometimes dramatically.
4. The world’s smallest books and miniature book museum
In Baku, there is a collection of extremely tiny books, some as small as 2 mm, displayed in a miniature book museum. It’s one of the largest collections of its kind.
5. Baku’s parts below sea level
Some parts of Baku lie significantly below sea level, and as the city area extends into the Caspian Sea shore, there are zones that are underwater or reclaimed. Some sources say that parts of the capital district are 28 meters under the sea.
6. The Nakhchivan exclave, Azerbaijan apart from Azerbaijan
Nakhchivan is an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan that is separated from the main part of the country by Armenia. It borders Iran and Turkey. It has its own government, and its geographic separation gives it a different feel, both historically and culturally.
7. Extreme tea consumption despite not growing much of it locally
Even though Azerbaijan has regions suited for tea cultivation, much of its black tea is imported, about 12,000 tons annually for a population of about 10 million. Tea is deeply embedded in social culture.
8. A “world’s first” in oil history and strategic importance
In the early 1900s, Azerbaijan was one of the world leaders in oil production. For example, in 1901, it produced a massive part of global crude oil output. During WWII, it was a crucial supplier of oil for the Soviet Union.
9. Religion, secularism, and state structure
Even though the vast majority of people in Azerbaijan are Muslim (> 90 %), the country is officially secular. The constitution does not declare an official religion. Religious practice exists, but the state maintains secular governance.
10. Monumental flag and civic display
Baku has a large State Flag Square, huge in size, with a massive flagpole and a giant national flag. In recent years, the flagpole has been upgraded, and the square has become a major symbol of national identity.
At its inauguration in 2010, the flagpole was certified as the world’s tallest by Guinness World Records before being surpassed by a flagpole in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in 2011.
Azerbaijan is therefore a country with a unique character, from its eternal flames and mud volcanoes to its history of gender equality, its tea culture, and its major oil industry.
President Kagame’s visit highlights how Rwanda and this country can work together in development, culture, and trade.
The luncheon was attended by Rwanda’s Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Juliana Kangeli Muganza; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe; and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga.
During the meeting, the two leaders commended the bilateral ties between Rwanda and Azerbaijan and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade, culture, agriculture, and tourism.
President Kagame’s visit, which began on September 19, 2025, followed the signing of five bilateral agreements covering agriculture, education, satellite communication services, trade, and public service delivery. Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that the agreements achieve the expected outcomes.
President Aliyev described Rwanda and Azerbaijan as strong partners and welcomed the progress in bilateral relations since they were formally established in 2017.
President Kagame last visited Baku in November 2024 to attend the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Vercruysse, a political journalist with VRT, was prevented from boarding a Brussels Airlines flight to Kigali on Thursday. Speaking to Belgian media, he suggested the move was linked to his past critical reporting on Rwanda.
In a post on X on Saturday, Nduhungirehe rejected that narrative, instead accusing VRT of deliberately misrepresenting Vercruysse’s role in order to gain access.
“It is not up to Rwanda to provide the slightest explanation to Flemish Belgian television or to the Belgian government. It is rather up to @vrtnws and @vercrus to explain this crude attempt at international deception,” he wrote.
The minister argued that international sporting events follow strict accreditation protocols, typically requiring journalists to hold a valid sports press card, including one from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). He noted that VRT sought accreditation for a political journalist, rather than a registered sports reporter, which he said amounted to a violation of established rules.
“Sports journalists from all over the world registered with the UCI to cover this major event, the first of its kind on African soil. However, VRT tried to cheat the rules by registering a political journalist known for his systematically hostile positions towards Rwanda,” Nduhungirehe said.
He pointed to Vercruysse’s own public comments as evidence of political intent: “After being prevented from boarding, he declared to the Belgian press: ‘We had also planned to produce a critical report on the host country.’ What on earth do such openly declared intentions have to do with this great sporting celebration?”
The UCI Road World Championships, hosted in Kigali from September 21 to 28, mark the first time the event is being held on the African continent. The Belgian national team is among those from more than 190 countries participating.
Although the country’s leaders have avoided openly addressing the issue, signs of discontent have been visible since 2023, when President Évariste Ndayishimiye deployed troops to fight against the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From the lowest ranks to the top command, fear and unease have spread across the army.
After suffering heavy defeats in battles fought in Masisi territory, North Kivu province, many Burundian soldiers refused to continue fighting. Some deserted, while hundreds of others were arrested in Bujumbura and other locations, accused of disobeying orders from their superiors.
Official decrees issued by President Ndayishimiye between 2 January 2023 and 29 August 2025 confirm that more than 30 officers have been struck off the army roster. On this basis, the Head of State declared that these individuals are no longer members of the national armed forces.
Among those who deserted were nine Colonels or Lieutenant Colonels. They include Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, Lt Col Barikore Alexis, Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, Lt Col Nkurunziza Willy, Lt Col Habarugira Diomède, Lt Col Ndikumagenge Apollinaire, Lt Col Nahimana Daphrose, Lt Col Ndayishimiye Jean Baptiste and Lt Col Hatungimana Philbert.
Presidential records indicate that the most recent Colonel to be removed from the army rolls was Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, service number SSO813, whose name was struck off on 11 June 2025. The most senior among them, Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, service number SS0274, was officially dismissed on 8 April 2025.
Other senior officers holding the rank of Major who were dismissed for desertion include Maj Nkengurutse Melance, who was removed on 21 February 2025, Maj Nkeshimana Eddy Germain, who was removed on 19 November 2024, Maj Ndizeye Ildephonse, Maj Ntakabanyura Eric and Maj Ntungwanayo Alphonse, who was removed on 13 December 2023.
In addition, 13 Captains and four Lieutenants are reported to have deserted the Burundian army during the same period.
{{Will the pressure intensify?}}
Burundian troops have been heavily deployed in South Kivu province, particularly in areas near Bujumbura such as the city of Uvira. Alongside Congolese forces, the Wazalendo militias, and FDLR elements, they are preparing for clashes with the M23 rebels.
The M23 movement has not been idle. It continues to expand by recruiting and training new fighters. For example, on 14 September 2025 the group enrolled more than 7,400 combatants who had undergone six months of training at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru territory. The movement also possesses significant weaponry seized from the Congolese army coalition.
The Commander of M23, Major General Sultani Makenga, announced on 2 September that he intends to capture more key cities in the DRC, including Kalemie in Tanganyika province. To achieve that objective, however, he stressed that taking control of Uvira is essential.
With M23 fighters continuing to expand their arsenal and territory, the likelihood of a large-scale conflict is high, and the pressure on Burundian troops stationed near Bujumbura would become immense.
Should Burundi’s forces be overpowered once again by M23, they could be forced to retreat toward Bujumbura. Yet, if they remain under strict orders to continue fighting in the DRC, new waves of desertions among senior officers may emerge, echoing the pattern of the past two years.
It is the first time that the World Championships are being hosted on the African continent, specifically in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
Most national teams are already in Rwanda, having traveled with RwandAir. On September 18, 2025, a group of Belgian men and women departed from Zaventem Airport in Brussels told IGIHE that they were eager to reach Kigali to begin mountain biking tours and also follow the global cycling competition.
Faeza Bladj, who traveled from northern Belgium where Flemish is spoken, said:
“This is my first time going to Africa. I’m very excited to arrive in Kigali, to witness the Road World Championships together with my friends. I believe RwandAir, which has welcomed us well, will take us there with the same great service.”
Martine Hofstede, visiting Rwanda for the second time, explained that she returned with a new group of companions who wanted to experience the country’s beauty.
“This is my second visit to Rwanda. I came with a different group than the first time. They were eager to see the beauty of this country that I have grown to love. We are happy to attend the World Championships and to also visit places we planned to tour,” she said.
Olivier Karangwa, RwandAir’s Station Manager at Brussels Airport, said flying with RwandAir to Africa was like fulfilling a dream.
“We are proud that as Rwanda’s national airline we are among those transporting teams and their equipment to the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali 2025. Today alone we have welcomed more than 40 passengers, including men, women, and even families with children. It shows how much these Championships attract entire households,” he noted.
Karangwa added that beyond the competition, some visitors also came for cycling tourism and will watch the races live.
“This is a big gain for Rwanda in terms of tourism and the Visit Rwanda campaign. All of these guests will become ambassadors for the country after enjoying our hospitality, which started right here on our flight.”
Karangwa said the airline had deployed an Airbus A330-300, a modern and spacious aircraft with three-class configuration that can carry 274 passengers.
The UCI Road World Championships is an annual event, with this year marking its 98th edition since 1921.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the individual time trials for both men and women will be contested. Afghan rider Yulduz Hashimi will be the first to set off in the women’s race at 10:10 a.m.
Race routes have already been prepared with clear road signage and safety equipment to protect fans and riders.
Cyclists from 110 countries have arrived in Kigali early, touring the city’s roads and holding training sessions in preparation for what promises to be a historic week of racing in Africa.
The discussions took place during President Kagame’s three-day official visit to Azerbaijan, which began on Friday.
Following their meeting, the two leaders addressed the press after witnessing the exchange of five cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Azerbaijan. The agreements cover the sectors of agriculture, education, air services, trade, and public service delivery.
Speaking at the event, President Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that these new partnerships deliver tangible results.
“Mr. President, just know that you have friends in Africa, in Rwanda. We want to use this opportunity of our cooperation and friendship between you and myself, and the two countries, to move fast forward in achievements of prosperity,” President Kagame said.
Earlier in the morning, President Kagame visited the Alley of Honor, where he laid a wreath on the tomb of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev and Zarifa Aliyeva.
He also laid a wreath at the Alley of Martyrs, a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in Azerbaijan’s struggle for freedom, independence and territorial integrity.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Azerbaijan were formally established in 2017, with both countries expressing interest in expanding cooperation across different sectors.
A statement released on September 19, highlights that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts of the UCI and SafeR to enhance the safety of professional road cyclists.
The GPS safety tracking technology to be used in Rwanda was tested during the three stages (August 15 to 17) of the Tour de Romandie Féminin, in Switzerland, which enabled it to be refined.
All riders in all categories (Men and Women Elite, Under 23 and Junior) will be equipped with a GPS safety tracking device attached under their saddle during all events at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships (road races, individual and team time trials).
This system, operated from the UCI Road World Championships control centre, will enable real-time monitoring of data regarding the position and speed of the entire peloton, thus allowing for immediate identification of any unusual situations, such as a rider suddenly stopping on the course.
In such a case, the rider’s exact position will be transmitted to the relevant parties in the convoy – organisers, UCI Commissaires, medical and security services – so that appropriate measures can be taken without delay.
The UCI will continue to work closely with event organisers and all stakeholders with a view to wider deployment of GPS rider safety tracking in races and the development of safety alert and intervention protocols.
Commenting on the development, UCI President David Lappartient said that the introduction of a GPS safety tracking system for riders is important and necessary progress in this regard.
“Thanks to this system, any incident or accident that might have gone unnoticed can be quickly identified, and it will be possible to assist the person concerned as quickly as possible by mobilising those already on the ground and the emergency services,” he noted.
Lappartient also commended everyone who contributed to the development of this new safety device, as well as the National Federations that will inaugurate it during the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.
The weeklong event will bring together a total of 917 competitors in Kigali as the first African city to host the prestigious cycling competition.
