Announcing his trip in a message posted on X on August 25, 2025, Grandi said ongoing peace initiatives could help restore stability in the volatile eastern DRC if all parties act in good faith.
“On my way to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Ongoing political initiatives may allow harsh realities on the ground (violence against civilians and forced displacement in Eastern DRC) to be finally addressed, if all actors cooperate. UNHCR stands ready to do its part,” the post reads.
His visit comes on the heels of a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025, during which Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a new 2025–2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, was attended by Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
The roadmap, detailed in a joint communiqué, outlines operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines for facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees between the two countries.
It is viewed as a key pillar of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region, following recent diplomatic breakthroughs—including the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
The new plan reaffirms the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without restrictions. It also calls for closer coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, better information-sharing with refugees, and the creation of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently at a transit centre in Goma, with logistical support from UNHCR. The roadmap further emphasises inclusive reintegration efforts, including access to housing, education, health services, livelihoods, and civil documentation, alongside engagement with donors and development partners to support long-term recovery.
On August 25, in line with these commitments, UNHCR successfully repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to the Government of Rwanda.
Grandi’s visit to Rwanda and the DRC is expected to reinforce diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, particularly in tackling the remaining challenges that hinder voluntary return.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on August 26, 2025, describing the incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
This is the first time since World War II that Australia has taken the step of expelling an ambassador. Operations at Australia’s embassy in Tehran were also suspended.
The attacks, which took place in late 2024, targeted two key Jewish institutions. In October, a kosher restaurant, Lewis Continental Kitchen, in Bondi, Sydney, was firebombed. Two months later, in December, a fire was deliberately set at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.
Although both incidents caused significant property damage, no lives were lost.
According to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), investigations revealed that Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated the attacks through multiple layers of intermediaries, including local criminal networks.
This method was designed to conceal Tehran’s role while destabilising Australia’s Jewish community and undermining social cohesion.
In response, the Australian government declared the IRGC a terrorist organisation, expelled four Iranian diplomats, including Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, and gave them one week to leave the country. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised that such measures were both necessary and proportionate, while a national travel warning was issued advising Australians not to travel to Iran.
The executive body of Australian Jewry condemned the attacks as a direct assault on the Jewish community and on the sovereignty of Australia. Israel’s embassy in Canberra welcomed the firm stance, stressing that Iran’s activities represented a threat that extended well beyond the Middle East.
The revelations come at a time of rising antisemitism in Australia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Jewish institutions have reported a surge in threats, vandalism, and violent incidents, making the arson attacks part of a broader climate of fear.
ASIO’s report detailed how Iranian proxies used encrypted communications, cryptocurrency transfers, and covert recruitment networks to organise and finance the attacks.
Investigators said the sophistication of the plot underscored Iran’s intent to destabilise Australia’s domestic security.
The Australian government stressed that its response sends a clear message that hostile acts directed by foreign powers against communities in Australia will not be tolerated.
Addressing more than 6,000 soldiers, police officers, and prison officers at the Gabiro combat training centre in Eastern Province on Monday, August 25, 2025, Kagame praised their hard work and sacrifice, calling it essential to Rwanda’s continued strength.
He reminded them that Rwanda’s history, marked by both tragedy and resilience, has proven one key lesson: Rwanda will never disappear.
Kagame dismissed those who act as though they “created” Rwanda, stressing that external assistance can only complement, but never replace, Rwandans’ own efforts.
“This means that we, as a people, chart our own path and sustain ourselves. Even when support comes from outside, it should only add to what we already have — it can never replace it. It cannot take away the right we hold over who we are. It simply complements our own efforts, and for that, we may indeed thank those who provide it,” he said.
The President underscored the duty of the RDF to shield citizens from “predators” who try to seize what belongs to them. He noted that every three to five years Rwanda faces new external threats—not because it provokes others, but because hostility is imposed upon it.
Kagame said that Rwanda never provokes others; however, whenever a threat arises against the country, its army must be present and ready to fight.
He said, “And fighting means there will be deaths and injuries, but the objective is not to kill or to wound — except when others refuse to understand Rwanda, do not care for it, and instead wage war against it. That is when the profession fulfills its true duty. At that point, war must be fought.”
The head of State reminded the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) that whenever it becomes necessary to enter a war, it must be a guiding principle that they prevail. War, he said, cannot be fought with hesitation or pity, but must be carried through to the end — until Rwanda’s enemies regret ever having started it.
Those who wish Rwanda harm have often threatened to attack, to overthrow the existing leadership, and to install whoever they please, deciding who should live and who should die.
President Kagame cautioned: “We must always remain prepared, because we do not know where an enemy may come from, nor when they may choose to strike.”
{{What it takes to confront Rwanda’s enemies}}
President Kagame emphasized that confronting those who seek to harm Rwanda requires much of its citizens. It begins with a clear understanding of one’s responsibilities, working with diligence and commitment even in difficult times, and joining efforts with fellow Rwandans.
He added that this must be reinforced by discipline, which ensures that individuals remain attentive to their duties and committed to fulfilling them.
The President further stressed that once Rwandan soldiers acquire knowledge, they must put it into practice by mastering the use of equipment in confronting the enemy.
“If it is about using a gun, you must learn to use it properly so that you can shoot the enemy — the one who has brought war against you. It is not simply about pulling the trigger and firing bullets at random. That is not fighting,” he said.
Kagame continued: “Every bullet must carry the name of its intended target. When you aim, it must hit. If you shoot once, twice, three times without striking the target, then there is a problem — either with your training or with you.”
He noted that if a soldier wastes ten bullets just to hit a single target, sustaining such a war would be impossible because ammunition is costly.
“Some ammunition is expensive nowadays. There are projectiles that can cost up to $3,000 or even $5,000 each. If you are meant to hit a target in the sky and you miss once at $5,000, then again at $5,000, and again — that’s already $15,000 wasted. How can you fight a war like that? Where will those resources come from? In that case, you are only helping the enemy,” Kagame said.
President Kagame urged the Rwanda Defence Force to master precision and make effective use of the equipment available to them, rather than relying on superstition.
He warned that hesitation or misplaced beliefs could cost lives: “If someone convinces you that unseen forces will guide your bullet, what they are really doing is preparing the coffin you’ll be buried in.”
He reminded the soldiers that failing to fulfill their duty not only endangers their own lives but also those they are tasked with protecting, handing them over to the enemy.
Kagame further noted that while some people attack Rwanda without reason, there are others with whom Rwanda has genuine, unresolved grievances — such as the Interahamwe militia that devastated the nation during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“You often hear about the FDLR and their supporters — with them, we truly have unfinished business. But their backers are simply enemies creating problems for us. They are the ones who openly declare, without any shame, that they intend to harm us,” Kagame said.
{{Double standards}}
Kagame cautioned against those who distort Rwanda’s past, particularly attempts to deny or rewrite the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He recalled how, even at the UN, some denied a genocide was happening, portraying it instead as “Rwandans killing each other” to cover up the international community’s complicity.
On eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kagame noted that while the M23 movement has restored stability in areas it controls, Rwanda is unfairly blamed.
“It is not that the facts are different, but powerful countries and some media insist on portraying the problem as if it were M23, AFC, or RDF. If RDF were really there, what they claim is not what RDF would be doing,” he said.
He questioned why RDF is vilified while groups like the FDLR and Wazalendo, which kill Congolese civilians, are sanitized.
{{Rwanda’s contribution to global peace}}
Kagame emphasized that Rwanda has not only focused on defending itself but has also supported peace efforts in countries including Mozambique, the Central African Republic and South Sudan
“Even in eastern Congo, if they had sought our support, we would have provided it. […] If they want us to work together to maintain security on both sides, that has always been our goal.”
{{Countering false narratives}}
President Kagame urged members of the security forces to actively counter those who defame Rwanda, particularly on social media, stressing that no one should be exempt from being challenged.
“If they fail and instead resort to war, then you respond with force. But do not tire yourselves with unnecessary worry. Rwanda will never go out to provoke wars in other countries. We are not aggressors — but we are fighters. Whether we fight or not depends on where the war comes from, how it begins, and what it means for us,” he said.
He further reminded the security organs that fulfilling their duties effectively also requires taking care of their own well-being, supported by the country’s leadership structures.
Gao, who officially presented his credentials to President Paul Kagame on July 29, 2025, succeeds Wang Xuekun as China’s envoy to Rwanda.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he expressed admiration for Rwanda’s transformation and enthusiasm for expanding ties that have been described as being in their “best period.”
Having arrived in Rwanda just recently, Gao expressed awe at the country’s stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and vibrant culture.
“The city is clean and safe. The culture is very unique. I enjoy the Intore dance very much,” he said, noting his participation in Rwanda’s Car Free Day and his eagerness to join Umuganda, the national community service day.
His initial impressions, shaped by limited prior knowledge and media portrayals, have been surpassed by Rwanda’s dynamic energy and warm hospitality.
“The country brings me surprise almost every day,” he added.
Reflecting on his first meeting with President Kagame, Gao described it as “exciting” and a significant moment in his diplomatic career.
“The President says that China is a reliable good friend of Rwanda,” Gao recounted, conveying warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He praised Rwanda’s unique development path under Kagame’s leadership, noting its success in promoting national unity, social harmony, and strong economic growth. Field trips to remote villages in Rwanda’s north and south affirmed his belief in the people’s support for their leader and pride in their nation’s restored dignity and prosperity.
Gao, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Changsha, Hunan’s capital, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Changsha, a hub for China-Africa cooperation, has been a gateway for Rwandan products like dried chilli and coffee, which sold out in seconds during Changsha’s online shopping festival.
“Rwanda was under the spotlight, thanks to your perfect and wonderful exhibition and roadshows,” Gao said, referencing the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in June 2025, attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The ambassador underscored the elevation of Rwanda-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, formalised at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
This milestone, driven by strategic guidance from Presidents Kagame and Xi, has positioned China as Rwanda’s top trading and investment partner. Rwanda’s exports to China hit a record high of $160 million (approximately Frw 230 billion), fueled by Rwandan exports like coffee, tea, and chilli, which resonate with Chinese consumers.
Looking ahead, Gao highlighted emerging sectors for collaboration, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), AI, and information and communication technology (ICT). Chinese EV brands like BYD, Chang’an, and Dongfeng have entered the Rwandan market, marking a “promising start.”
Gao anticipates more brands will follow, supported by maintenance services to ensure sustainability.
In AI and ICT, Rwanda’s forward-thinking approach to innovation makes it a compelling partner for collaboration. Huawei’s smart education project has connected approximately 1,500 Rwandan schools to educational networks, enhancing digital access. Additionally, a digital truck initiative is training local ICT professionals, bolstering Rwanda’s growing tech ecosystem.
Chinese universities and the embassy are also fostering AI capacity through workshops for Rwandan students.
“‘We have set up the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda and the Luban Workshop at IPRC Musanze…AI shouldn’t be exclusive to the wealthy,’ Gao emphasised, highlighting China’s establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation, announced last month, to narrow the digital divide.”
The new envoy also highlighted China’s long-term contributions to the healthcare sector.
“In healthcare, the Chinese medical team has been serving Rwanda for over 40 years, and Masaka Hospital is set to become one of the largest hospitals in the country,” he said.
Addressing criticisms of China’s engagement with Africa, Gao dismissed the “debt trap diplomacy” narrative as a “narrative trap.” He stressed that China attaches no political conditions to its financing, which has built railways, ports, and jobs across Africa without causing debt stress.
“Facts speak louder than words,” he said, citing President Kagame’s rejection of the debt trap narrative at the 2024 Doha Forum and former Namibian President Hage Geingob’s defense of African nations’ agency in managing their affairs.
Gao described Rwanda–China relations as comprehensive, constructive, and congenial, built on mutual respect, shared values, and people-centred development models.
He reiterated that both nations are guided by long-term visions — China’s centenary goals and Rwanda’s Vision 2050 — which provide a strong foundation for cooperation and which he is eager to deepen during his tenure in Rwanda.
“I am not just a visitor passing through. My mission is to observe, to learn, to love, and most importantly, to share. Congratulations on Rwanda’s achievements, and I wish the country greater success on the path of peace and development,” he remarked.
On global trade challenges, particularly U.S. tariffs, Gao argued that openness remains the dominant trend. Despite the 2018 U.S.-China trade war, China’s foreign trade grew from $30 trillion to $43 trillion, underscoring the resilience of global cooperation.
As the world’s second-largest economy, China offers 100% zero-tax access to 53 African countries, including Rwanda, to bolster market access for the least developed nations.
Gao also reaffirmed China’s stance on Taiwan, emphasising the one-China principle and Rwanda’s consistent support, as reiterated at the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” he said, noting the historical mandates of the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
Gaza health authorities said the strike on the hospital in Khan Younis, the last one operational in southern Gaza, killed five journalists and four medical staff.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called the attack “just one episode in a relentless series of massacres deliberately targeting civilians.” The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labelled it a “new episode in a long series of blatant Israeli violations of international humanitarian law.”
In a statement, Netanyahu said Israeli military authorities were conducting a thorough investigation. “Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians,” he said.
An Israeli military spokesman, Effie Defrin, told reporters the army “does not intentionally target civilians” and blamed Hamas for creating “impossible conditions” in the territory.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, an initial strike hit the fourth floor of the complex, and a second strike targeted medical teams as they responded to the casualties.
Citing Israeli military officials, Israel’s Kan TV reported the strike was carried out by a tank, not an aircraft. The report said the tank targeted a camera on the hospital that troops believed Hamas was using to monitor their movements.
The war, which began in October 2023, has devastated the coastal enclave. Israel does not permit foreign journalists into Gaza, but local reporters continue to provide coverage. According to Gaza health officials, at least 273 journalists and a total of 62,744 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the conflict began.
The development comes at a time when figures from the Ministry of Health show that, between 2020 and 2024, at least 5,925 people in Rwanda needed assisted reproductive services because they were unable to conceive naturally.
This article outlines key aspects of the new surrogacy law, including the responsibilities of both surrogate mothers and intended parents.
{{Surrogacy practices abroad and in Rwanda}}
Surrogacy is already common in many parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In India, for example, only legally married couples may apply, while surrogates must be between 25 and 35 years old and are only allowed to carry one pregnancy for someone else in their lifetime.
In Rwanda, the law takes a different approach. While in some countries surrogacy became commercialized, with surrogates earning between $55,000 and $100,000 depending on the country and their experience, Rwanda insists it will remain an act of compassion.
No payment is allowed beyond covering medical expenses linked to pregnancy and childbirth.
{{Legal framework and eligibility}}
The law passed on August 4, 2025, defines surrogacy as an assisted reproductive arrangement in which a surrogate mother agrees to carry a child for another person or couple and hand over the baby immediately after birth.
To qualify as a surrogate, a woman must be aged between 21 and 40, must have previously carried a pregnancy to term without complications, and must pass a medical assessment confirming she is healthy enough for another pregnancy.
The intended parents are responsible for finding their own surrogate. They must cover all medical costs throughout the pregnancy and for up to six weeks after delivery, including any complications the surrogate may face.
They are also required to respect the surrogacy contract and to accept any outcome of the pregnancy. This means that whether the child is born with a disability, is stillborn, or is of a particular sex, the intended parents must accept the circumstances.
{{Responsibilities of the surrogate mother}}
Like any pregnant woman, the surrogate is expected to safeguard her health and that of the baby. The law requires her to follow medical advice, attend regular health check-ups, and avoid any actions that might endanger the pregnancy. She must also keep the intended parents informed of her condition.
Once the baby is born, the surrogate is legally obliged to hand the child over to the intended parents and honor the terms of the agreement.
{{Restrictions on genetic selection}}
The law makes it clear that reproductive technology cannot be used to alter a person’s genetic makeup or to select the sex of the baby.
In addition, sperm or embryos donated by one individual cannot be shared with more than one couple seeking assisted reproduction.
State Minister for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, recently told Members of Parliament that infertility in Rwanda is caused by male factors in 30 percent of cases and female factors in another 30 percent. Another 30 percent of cases are due to problems affecting both partners, while 10 percent remain unexplained.
The returnees were received by the government on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will be accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi district before resuming normal life.
The repatriation follows decisions made during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.
Most of the returnees had been staying in the temporary Goma camp after fleeing areas in eastern DRC, where they were previously held captive by the FDLR militia group.
Egide Twagirumukiza, 65, who has lived in the DRC since 1994, said the FDLR had instilled fear among residents, preventing anyone from returning.
“They really prevented us from returning! They would either kill you or detain you if you tried to go back,” he said.
The group joins over 1,100 Rwandans who returned in May 2025 with UNHCR’s support. According to UNHCR, as of August 6, 2025, the temporary Goma camp still hosted 630 Rwandans awaiting return, with another 31 at various sites in Kitshanga, Karuba, and Mweso.
According to a statement released by the Congo River Alliance on Monday, August 25, at around 2:30 a.m., these forces carried out incursions into densely populated areas of Kibati, Munigi, Goma, and surrounding communities. The attacks resulted in the deaths of four civilians and left three others seriously injured.
The Alliance called on human rights organisations, as well as the national and international community, to document and strongly condemn what it described as “systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity” perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime.
The statement further accused the government of trampling the spirit and letter of the ongoing Doha Peace Process, citing continued arbitrary arrests, death sentences for alleged members of the Alliance, and targeting former President Joseph Kabila in what the group called “a mockery of justice.”
In an earlier statement on Sunday, August 24, the Alliance warned that coalition forces—including foreign mercenaries—had launched attacks on KADASOMWA and nearby positions, causing significant civilian displacement and casualties from drone bombardments.
The statement warned that, unlike previous attacks where perpetrators were allowed to return home without consequence, this new campaign would not go unpunished.
The Congo River Alliance reiterated its commitment to protect civilian populations and establish a security perimeter to neutralise what it described as the “terrorist forces of the Kinshasa regime.”
The AFC/M23 remains engaged in ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, where the group has accused government forces of targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities through marginalisation and violence.
He made these remarks during the celebration of the Anglican Church of Rwanda’s 100th anniversary, which took place at Gahini Diocese in Kayonza District.
When asked about the progress of reopening closed churches, Dr. Mbanda explained that they are working to fulfill all the requirements and are hopeful that the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) will authorize their reopening.
“The requirements and guidelines from RGB are being implemented. We are using the Irembo platform to register all churches that meet the standards. Many have already completed this process while others are still working on it. This does not only concern the Anglican Church but applies to all churches in Rwanda that wish to reopen,” he said.
Dr. Mbanda also cautioned religious leaders and Christians against criticizing the policy of closing churches that fail to meet standards, emphasizing that the measures are meant to protect the faithful, not to serve the interests of the state.
“Sometimes we misinterpret these requirements. But they are actually for our own good. If someone tells you that a church must have toilets, proper ventilation, or sufficient lighting, those are not bad demands—they are meant to help us. It is true that some churches face financial challenges that prevent them from meeting all the requirements immediately, but difficulty does not mean they are unnecessary. In fact, they are very important,” he said.
He added: “We need to comply step by step, patiently putting in place the necessary facilities. Once this is done, RGB will begin inspections and allow churches that meet the standards to reopen.”
Dr. Mbanda admitted that it is not easy for all churches to meet the requirements at once, but noted that the situation is improving gradually.
“Some churches struggle to raise funds, while others have pastors who do not yet meet the required educational qualifications. However, many denominations have started addressing this. For example, ADEPR has sent more than 1,000 pastors to pursue diplomas so they can meet the standard,” he explained.
He urged church leaders to fulfill the requirements, stressing that doing so benefits both the leaders themselves and their congregations.
According to RGB, a nationwide inspection in 2024 found that out of more than 13,000 churches, about 59.3% were closed for failing to meet standards. In February 2025, a follow-up inspection led to more than 20 denominations losing their licenses to operate in Rwanda.
Beyond her public image, she is an entrepreneur who seamlessly blends fashion, business, and philanthropy, most notably by supporting children from underprivileged families with school supplies to promote education.
But while her polished appearances often steal the spotlight, Kate lives a personal life that surprises many. She is unapologetic about her choices, prioritising happiness even when it sparks mixed reactions from the public.
One example is her love for animals—particularly her eight dogs, which she openly showers with affection and care, even buying land for them. For her, the bond is genuine, though some critics see it as excessive.
In an exclusive sit-down with IGIHE, Kate opened up about her journey, lifestyle, and values—from her playful childhood to her passion for giving back, and everything in between.
{{IGIHE: Who is Kate Bashabe?
}}
Kate Bashabe is an ordinary Rwandan woman who loves people, is calm, and enjoys things that bring happiness.
{{What kind of child were you growing up?
}}
As a child, I was very playful, and that energy has never really left me. I still keep everyone at home entertained with my liveliness. Back then, my parents were often concerned, wondering if I would return home safely or without any injuries. Despite my playful nature, I was also a well-behaved and respectful child.
{{We often see you attending football matches outside Rwanda. Which teams do you support?
}}
I am a big fan of Liverpool, but I also support Arsenal. I started following Liverpool when I was in the UK. As for Arsenal, I was once lucky to be invited by the club itself, and that was a very joyful experience because it’s something many people dream of but never get the chance to do. So whenever I get the opportunity, especially to watch Liverpool, I always go because I support them passionately.
{{How do you usually spend your day at home, from morning until night?
}}
When I don’t have work commitments, I often spend time with children from families I am close to. They enjoy being around me because I still have a childlike energy. I love playing, dancing, and watching movies. I also dedicate a lot of time to my dogs, which I love dearly. I currently have eight of them. On such days, I don’t feel the need to do much else. I take time to relax, watch films, or exercise, as fitness is something I really enjoy.
{{How did you develop such a strong love for dogs?
}}
I grew up in a household where dogs were part of the family. My father kept as many as seven, so I was surrounded by them from a young age, and that is where my affection for dogs began. As I got older, I always dreamed of owning my own and caring for different breeds. Beyond companionship, my dogs also provide security at home.
Of course, some people have different opinions, especially when I share a lot about them on social media. They may think I go overboard, but it simply comes from genuine love. Perhaps in the future, I’ll share less, but they remain a big part of my life.
{{With eight dogs, how do you manage their care professionally?
}}
Taking care of dogs is almost like managing another project. If I didn’t have the means, I couldn’t do it, because it requires both time and significant resources. They eat a lot, mostly meat, which is costly. To support them, I even set aside savings specifically for their needs and allocated land where I grow food for them.
Caring for them goes beyond feeding. It includes cleaning, medical care, and monitoring their overall well-being. My dogs eat twice a day, receive vaccinations regularly, and have a dedicated veterinarian who checks on them. It truly is a lot of work, but I see them as part of the family, deserving of proper attention and professional care.
{{What kinds of sports do you enjoy?
}}
I go to the gym regularly, but I also enjoy walking every evening. The area where I live has hills, so walking there is refreshing. I also love swimming—it’s something I enjoy a lot. Going to the gym and lifting weights helps me stay strong so that when I grow older, I will remain healthy.
{{What do you love so much that you think you might actually be addicted to it?
}}
I love eating! That’s actually why I do a lot of exercise, because I eat a lot and not always the healthiest foods. I love rice, fries, meat, and mayonnaise. I can eat up to four times a day. Honestly, I really love food. If I didn’t exercise, I would gain too much weight. For me, food is life, especially when I enjoy it with a cold soda—it makes me feel alive.
{{What is the most painful experience you’ve ever gone through?
}}
The death of my grandmother. She was my closest friend. When she passed away, it left me traumatised for a long time. Even my parents didn’t know how to help me through it. I struggled in school, and her death broke me completely. I was deeply hurt, and even today, I still think about her.
{{What’s your secret to looking good and maintaining your figure?
}}
The real secret is having a good heart. Let me explain: if you keep stressing about life, it becomes even harder. But if you stay positive, keep smiling, and choose to live with joy, that shows on the outside too. There’s really no magic secret. It’s about being kind, staying humble, and enjoying life with others without thinking of yourself as above anyone else. Life is short, and none of us know what tomorrow will bring.
{{You once participated in MTN Rwanda’s beauty contest and won. Why didn’t you pursue pageantry further like other girls who later competed in Miss Rwanda?
}}
Yes, I was crowned “Miss Nyarugenge” in the MTN Rwanda competition, and we were supposed to move forward to the final round. Unfortunately, my father was in a car accident at the time, and I had to travel to Kenya where he was. I couldn’t continue with the competition. I had set my heart on becoming Miss Rwanda, but once it didn’t work out, I decided to shift my focus and put my energy into business instead.
{{As a businesswoman, what is the first project you worked on that brought you significant income?
}}
It was a contract with MTN. Imagine, I was still in secondary school when I signed it, and it was worth about 1 million Rwandan francs, which was a lot of money at the time. I was paid monthly, and I also earned from having my face on billboards and in newspapers. That was the starting point for my business journey. I saved every franc I earned—I didn’t even spend a coin on clothes. Later, I invested those savings into my own business.
{{What inspired your passion for helping underprivileged children?
}}
Kate Bashabe: I would say my grandmother inspired me the most. She helped so many people, and I lived with her for a while, so I saw that spirit of generosity firsthand. My mother also has a very giving heart. But beyond family influence, it also comes from within. If you don’t genuinely have that heart, you won’t do it, even if your family does. For me, it’s part of who I am—the desire to give and do good.
{{Despite your financial independence, some say women no longer need a husband. What’s your take?
}}
Everyone has their own choices in life. I can’t judge those who feel they don’t need a husband once they have money. But personally, I do want a husband. I dream of having a family, and I don’t believe that financial independence should take that away. Even if I had all the money in the world, I would still wish for a family, because it is something every person naturally desires.
{{Considering your age, what advice would you give to an 18-year-old girl?
}}
My advice would be to pay close attention to the people around you, the groups you associate with, and the friends you spend the most time with because they can influence your direction in life. I would also encourage having a mentor, someone who can guide you and help you understand things better. This could even be a parent, since they often have wisdom in areas you may want to pursue. Lastly, it’s important to remain humble and open to advice, listen carefully, and then choose the guidance that is best for you.
{{How did you receive the recent law passed in Rwanda that allows a woman to carry a child for another through surrogacy?
}}
I don’t have much to say about the law itself, because people’s situations are different. There are women who may not have the ability to carry a child themselves, and this gives them an option to still experience motherhood. However, I would personally prefer to carry my own children.
