Data released on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, shows that between August 11 and 15, the country exported 8,182 metric tonnes of agricultural and animal products, with coffee leading the charge.
Coffee exports generated $4.27 million (Frw 6.18 billion) from 561 metric tonnes, cementing its role as Rwanda’s flagship crop. Tea followed closely with revenues of $1.51 million (Frw 2.18 billion), while diversified agricultural products – including cereals, roots and pulses – brought in $3.45 million (Frw 4.99 billion).
Other key earners during the week included vegetables ($403,772 / Frw 584 million), mainly exported to cross-border countries, India, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and France. Fruits contributed $276,278 / Frw 400 million, with cross-border countries and the UAE emerging as the main markets.
Animal products generated $580,840 / Frw 840 million, largely destined for neighbouring countries. Flowers added $102,915 / Frw 149 million, shipped primarily to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
“Rwanda doesn’t just export commodities; we export quality,” the agency wrote in a post on X.
Rwanda’s agricultural sector has seen substantial growth in exports over the years, with total revenue reaching $3.2 billion (over Frw 4.6 trillion) between 2020 and 2024, according to figures released last year by NAEB.
By the end of June 2025, the bank’s total assets had risen to Frw 916 billion, reflecting a 12% increase since December 2024. Its loan portfolio expanded by 24% to reach Frw 440 billion.
Almost half of these loans were new, issued mainly through branches across the country, with a large portion allocated to first-time clients, demonstrating the growing confidence customers place in the bank.
Customer deposits also registered growth, rising 12% to Frw 737.7 billion by June 2025. This was largely attributed to branch network expansion and service improvement initiatives.
The bank reported effective cost management, with reduced cost-to-income ratio of 45%.
A substantial share of this spending went toward employee-focused programs, which increased by 27%, reflecting investment in staff training, welfare, and professional development.
According to the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Mutimura, the strong performance was the result of customer trust and the bank’s continued focus on market leadership, strategic partnerships, and a customer-first approach. He stressed that these priorities had consistently delivered positive results.
In addition to financial growth, the bank underscored its broader social contribution, noting that its initiatives had positively impacted the lives of more than 200,000 Rwandans.
Management emphasized that this progress reflects a commitment to inclusive development and shared prosperity, made possible through strong partnerships, employee dedication, and client loyalty. Looking ahead, the bank reaffirmed its focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centered growth.
Established in 1963 under the name Banque Commerciale du Rwanda (BCR), I&M Bank Rwanda is the country’s oldest commercial bank. It has been listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since March 2017.
Since late July 2025, the DRC’s military oversight body, led by Gen. Gabriel Amisi Kumba, has been probing whether senior military officers played a role in the withdrawals. Gen. Kumba has identified 25 high-ranking officers, all holding the rank of General, who were involved in the command of operations across Kinshasa, eastern Congo, and other regions.
Among those under scrutiny are Gen. Christian Tshiwewe, former Chief of Staff of the Congolese armed forces, and Gen. Franck Ntumba, who oversees military operations at the President’s office. Both were arrested last month on suspicion of plotting against the Head of State.
Other officers on the list include Army spokesperson Gen. Maj. Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, Lt. Gen. Constant Ndima, former commander of North Kivu, Gen. Chico Tshitambwe Jérôme, and Lt. Gen. Padiri Bulenda David, head of the Rapid Intervention Force.
Gen. Kumba stated that the investigation aims to identify weaknesses in the army’s battlefield operations and implement measures to strengthen military performance.
The AFC/M23 coalition captured Bunagana in June 2022, seven months after launching its offensive. Its leader, Corneille Nangaa, said in June 2025 that the group now controls areas spanning 34,000 square kilometres.
The research, based on World Health Organisation (WHO) data from 102 countries, shows that the average suicide rate decreased from 10.33 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 7.24 in 2021, representing a 29.9% drop.
The decline was steeper in high-income countries, where cases fell by 32.1%, compared to 27.3% in low- and middle-income nations. The study was conducted by Soeun Kim and Selin Woo from the Department of Medicine at Kyung Hee University in Seoul.
The authors cautioned that differences in how suicide is defined and reported across countries could influence the reliability of statistics.
In Europe, they noted, several factors contributed to the downward trend, including responsible media reporting and initiatives aimed at strengthening the social and emotional skills of young people.
Expanded access to psychiatric and psychosocial care, a reduction in stigma surrounding mental health, and the implementation of prevention programs were also identified as major drivers of progress.
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In 1990, high-income countries recorded a relatively high suicide rate of 12.68 per 100,000 people. By 2021, this had dropped to 8.61. In low- and middle-income countries, the rate fell from 7.88 to 5.73 over the same period.
Despite the overall decline, the study highlighted persistent underreporting in some countries, often linked to stigma, religious prohibitions, or the criminalisation of suicide. Conversely, increases were observed in developing countries undergoing rapid urbanisation.
Looking to the future, researchers project that the global suicide rate could decrease further to around 6.49 per 100,000 people by 2050. However, they warned that certain population groups and regions are still at high risk and require targeted interventions.
At the primary level, the best performer was Arakaza Leo Victor from Wisdom School in Musanze District, who scored 99.4%. He was followed by Impano Brave Gloria from Bugesera District (98.8%), Ihirwe Kanimba Honnette from New Vision Primary School in Huye District (98.8%), Duhirwe Gall Gavin Darcy from École Internationale La Racine in Bugesera District (98.8%), Nsengiyumva Joannah Holiness from Bugesera District (98.8%), and Ashimwe Keza Gerardine from Bugesera District (98.8%).
Because five candidates tied with the same score of 98.8%, six students were recognized in this category instead of the usual top five.
Overall, 15,695 pupils completing primary school were placed in boarding secondary schools, while more than 150,000 were admitted into day schools.
Among the primary school laureates, Nsengiyumva Joannah Holiness highlighted prayer, faith in God, and consistent study as the main factors behind her success.
“The first thing that helped me was prayer and trust in God, because nothing is possible without Him. The second was studying diligently and using time wisely,” she said, adding that she aspires to become a doctor.
At the ordinary level of secondary education, the top performer was Izere Hennock Tresor of E.S Kanombe in Kicukiro District, who scored 98.67%. Other top students included Uwumuremyi Albert of Hope Haven School in Gasabo District (98.00%), Ineza Flora Elyse of Hope Haven School (97.89%), Ndayishimiye Jean D’Amour of Haven School in Gasabo (97.89%), and Agaba Happy Jean Eudes of Petit Séminaire St Aloys in Rusizi District (97.78%).
The Ministry of Education awarded the best performers with school materials, laptops, and a full year of tuition coverage for those continuing in public or government-supported schools.
Izere Hennock Tresor, who topped the ordinary level, attributed his success to five key factors: faith in God, support from his parents, studying in a good school with quality teaching, his personal commitment and effort, and encouragement from his siblings.
“Studying wasn’t very difficult to the point of staying up late at night, but I made sure to dedicate quality time to it and focus whenever I had tasks to complete,” he explained.
He acknowledged facing challenges particularly in Kinyarwanda but said he overcame them through extra effort and discipline. Izere expressed his ambition to pursue studies in technology, inspired by global trends, and emphasized his determination to excel in the field.
Although he sat for the exams aiming to achieve high marks, he admitted he had not expected to emerge as the country’s top student.
“I told myself I should at least try to be among the top students, but I also knew there are many brilliant learners across the country who study even harder. I didn’t imagine I would be number one,” he said.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the RNP on August 19, 2025, through its official X account.
The statement followed discussions aired on TV1 and later circulated on social media, in which media personality Kakooza Nkuliza Charles (KNC) and journalist Mutabaruka Angelbert raised concerns that some foreigners in Rwanda act with impunity, including physically assaulting citizens.
KNC argued that just as the Government of Rwanda continues to prioritize the fight against violence, assault, and battery among its citizens, the same standards should be applied to foreign residents.
In its response, the Rwanda National Police stressed that the matter is well known and has been under close monitoring by relevant institutions.
“This issue has been under investigation by institutions including the Police, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB], the National Public Prosecution Authority [NPPA], and the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Measures have already been taken,” the Police stated.
According to the RNP, in the past year, over 240 people were handed over to judicial authorities for crimes including assault, battery, and theft, while 64 foreigners were repatriated to their countries of origin.
The Police reaffirmed that no one is above the law in Rwanda and emphasized that all offenders, regardless of nationality, are held accountable without exception.
“We will continue to work closely with embassy officials representing their countries in Rwanda to encourage their citizens to comply with national laws,” the statement added.
Reports of violent conduct among some foreign residents have frequently been linked to students from countries such as South Sudan and others pursuing studies in Rwanda, with cases often involving drunkenness, assault, and theft.
Rwanda remains one of the African countries most open to foreign nationals, welcoming those who wish to invest or pursue education.
In recent years, the country has attracted thousands of young people from across the continent, many of whom are enrolled in private universities operating in Rwanda.
“You have my assurance,” Trump said in a Fox News interview, a day after hosting a White House summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders.
Trump said on Monday during meetings at the White House that the United States would be “involved” in security guarantees for Ukraine after its war with Russia but did not elaborate. He added more clarity in the morning interview with “Fox & Friends.”
“When it comes to security, they’re willing to put people on the ground,” Trump said, referring to the European countries.
“We’re willing to help them with things, especially probably … by air because there’s nobody that has the kind of stuff we have.”
“The issue of security guarantees for Ukraine — and potential U.S. involvement in them — has proved to be a sticking point as Trump works to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia,” reported The Washington Post about the development.
“European leaders have been encouraged that Trump appears open to a U.S. role in peacekeeping in Ukraine, but that could complicate negotiations with Russia, which has spent years working to counter increased military support for Ukraine by its allies,” it noted.
The White House rarely hosts so many foreign dignitaries at once as it did on Monday, when Zelensky and European leaders arrived to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict with Trump.
The Monday meetings at the White House mainly focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and a possible trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Disagreements remain on some key issues, such as whether a ceasefire is necessary before further negotiations.
The latest talks came three days after the U.S. and Russian presidents met in the U.S. state of Alaska, when progress was reportedly made but no deal was announced.
The burnt area has more than doubled compared with last week’s tally of 439,568 hectares, underscoring the rapid spread of wildfires in recent days.
According to the JRC’s latest weekly update, this year’s figure far exceeds the 19-year average of 244,000 hectares typically seen by mid-August.
A total of 1,736 major blazes, defined as fires larger than 30 hectares, have been detected in the EU so far, compared with 1,185 during the same period last year. The surge has pushed estimated carbon dioxide emissions to 31.9 million tonnes, almost three times higher than a year earlier.
Looking ahead, the fire danger forecast for Aug. 19-25 suggests easing conditions in the southern part of Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, the Balkans, and Greece. However, risk levels are set to climb in northern and northwestern parts of the continent.
Ireland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, northern Germany, Poland, Denmark, and parts of Sweden and Finland face “very high to very extreme” anomalies in fire danger. Elevated risks are also forecast along the Danube basin in Austria, Hungary, and Romania.
On average, over 60,000 forest fires break out in the EU each year, burning some 500,000 hectares, nearly twice the area of Luxembourg, and causing human casualties and economic losses of around 2 billion euros (about 2.33 billion U.S. dollars), according to JRC data. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar)
Dr. Kacyira passed away on August 12, 2025, at the age of 61 after battling illness. Her funeral service was held at Christian Life Assembly (CLA) in Kigali, where she was a devoted member. Family, friends, government officials, and representatives of international organisations joined to celebrate her life of service and bid her farewell.
Kacyira’s career spanned senior roles in Rwanda and abroad. She served as Mayor of Kigali (2006–2011), Governor of the Eastern Province, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat (2011–2018), and later Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ghana with concurrent accreditation to several West African countries. In 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed her as Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), a position she held until her death.
Her legacy is remembered for leadership, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public service, both in Rwanda and across the world.
In a message delivered by RPF Secretary-General Wellars Gasamagera, President Paul Kagame and his family expressed deep sorrow at her passing.
“The President of the Republic and his family received with sadness the news of the passing of Dr. Aissa Kirabo Kacyira. They join her family and all Rwandans in this time of grief. Her life was marked by courage, dedication, and love for her country. Rwandans will forever remember her tireless devotion as a lasting legacy. May she rest in eternal peace.”
AIG Hilaly Sao, representing the African Union, hailed the late ambassador as a champion of African unity:
“She embodied the spirit of unity, working with dedication, patience, and commitment. In Somalia, she demonstrated compassion, humility, and determination in pursuit of peace and security. She will truly be missed.”
Ambassador James Swan, representing UNSOS, described her death as a profound loss:
“Aissa was a brave, thoughtful person, with a gentle heart and a source of inspiration. She left a mark on everyone she met. Her legacy is one of leadership, expertise, and service with compassion. To us in the UN, she was more than a colleague.”
Her son, Joshua Kacyira, speaking on behalf of her children, said their mother’s strongest legacy was her faith and devotion to service.
“She loved God and served both her country and the world wholeheartedly. She taught us not only through education but also through relationships built with others. The greatest gift she gave us was to love and trust in God.”
Her husband, Col (Rtd) Simon Kacyira, thanked the Government of Rwanda, the UN, and all who stood with the family.
“I deeply thank UNSOS and everyone who cared for Aissa. She was simple, grounded, and true. Even now that she’s gone, she remained the same person I chose to walk with.”
The latest sweep took place in the Kyeshero area in south-west Goma last night, following reports of gunfire the previous evening. Sources say several people were arrested, including those believed to be collaborating with the Congolese army and armed militias.
AFC/M23 has controlled Goma since January 27, after defeating forces from the Congolese army, Wazalendo, the FDLR, and European mercenaries.
Armed groups have continued to threaten security in parts of the city, particularly in western districts.
To restore calm, AFC/M23 has been searching homes for hidden weapons and detaining those involved in destabilising activities. A similar operation was carried out on August 6, resulting in multiple arrests.
