Dubbed The Sanctuary, the space goes beyond traditional spa services, featuring a salt-water lap pool, steam room, ice bath, meditation pods, and treatment rooms.
The lodge says the design prioritises stillness and restoration, with natural materials, quiet soundscapes, and minimal distractions from the surrounding environment.
The new facility will be open to guests staying at both Bisate and the nearby Bisate Reserve.
Wilderness, the company behind the lodge, says the launch reflects a broader shift in how it approaches guest experiences. Alexandra Margull, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, said wellness would no longer be treated as an add-on but “a natural extension of place.”
The opening at Bisate comes alongside a similar rollout at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana, part of what the brand describes as a more integrated wellness offering across its camps.
Located near some of the last remaining habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla, Wilderness Bisate is known for its conservation-focused model and ultra-private guest experience. The new wellness space adds another layer to what is already one of Rwanda’s most exclusive tourism destinations.
The French-Rwandan developer, which began operations in 2021, has focused on creating quality housing in prime locations including Rebero, Kibagabaga, and soon Kimihurura.
“50 owners or tenants are now living in the apartments and villas we completed during this initial journey,” noted David Benazeraf, Founding partner and Managing Director.
Imara Properties’ first project, Isange Estate Rebero, completed in 2022, introduced 15 high-end villas in a community setting with common gardens and swimming pool.
This was followed by Isange Phase II in 2023, which added 12 apartments and 6 villas to the Rebero neighborhood. The company expanded to Kibagabaga with Isange Apartments, offering 11 premium units near the Convention Center, just handed over, while Ituze Village in Kanombe, introduced functional family homes in 2025.
Currently under construction is Isange Phase III Rebero, featuring 20 luxury villas that continue the company’s commitment to community-focused living. The project, like its predecessors, has seen strong ongoing sales, with over 50% of units already sold.
This consistent market response reflects growing confidence among both local and international investors. “When we launched Imara, we had one ambition: to build communities and raise the standards of residential construction in Kigali”, said Founding partner Serge Kamuhinda.
{{A Focus on Quality and Urban Development }}
What sets Imara apart in Kigali’s competitive real estate market is its emphasis on transparency and quality.
“We’ve maintained a simple principle from the beginning,” explains David Benazeraf. “Every property we sell comes with clear, detailed, and accurate specifications. All room sizes are measured, displayed, and explained.”
This approach has resonated with buyers and tenants from 25 different countries across 4 continents, many of whom appreciate the company’s reliable communication and on-time execution.
Client testimonials support this reputation. “The attention to detail and the property matched the initial descriptions, which isn’t always the case in real estate,” shared an owner at Isange Estate Rebero.
Another buyer at the Kibagabaga apartments noted on-time delivery and excellent finishes quality as key factors in their satisfaction. “They are not selling Instagram 3D pictures. They build reality”, said another one who purchased in two of Imara’s projects.
{{Looking ahead}}
Like many developers, Imara Properties has navigated construction challenges and supply chain delays. However, “projects have consistently sold out before completion” recalled Founding partner Aimé Bakata Nkunzi, a sign of sustained demand for well-managed housing in Kigali.
As Rwanda’s capital continues to grow, Imara appears well-positioned for the future. With additional projects in the planning stages and a proven track record of delivery, the company demonstrates that steady, quality-focused development can succeed in Kigali’s dynamic real estate market. Imara’s projects have created about 200 stable jobs.
The company’s strength stems from a dynamic international team and its diverse founding team, which brings together Rwandan and French expertise across multiple disciplines.
The co-founders include David Benazeraf, a French entrepreneur with extensive African and international market experience; Aimé Bakata Nkunzi, a prominent Rwandan architect; Serge Kamuhinda of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda; Alain Ngirinshuti from Rwanda Social Security Board; along with locally based architect Yannick Miara, and Yonathan Arfi of Group Optimal Gestion.
“The market is becoming more discerning,” noted David Benazeraf. “Buyers prioritize quality and transparency, which aligns with our vision. Moving forward, we aim to keep improving while staying responsive to the city’s housing needs.”
{{About Imara Properties }}
Founded in 2020, Imara Properties is a French-Rwandan developer specializing in residential real estate.
The company has completed four projects totaling over 50 units across Kigali, with a fifth project of 20 villas currently under construction in Rebero and a sixth one starting construction in Kimihurura this year.
Its leadership combines international expertise with deep local market knowledge. www.imara-properties.com
On July 27, 2025, MTN Rwanda announced that it was experiencing a nationwide technical failure, impacting both voice calls and the functionality of its USSD codes.
From that date through July 28, numerous MTN customers reported receiving error messages such as “This number does not exist” when attempting to place calls. Many were also unable to send SMS messages during the outage.
On the evening of July 28, RURA issued a statement confirming it had detected widespread service issues and had officially summoned MTN Rwanda’s leadership for a response.
“The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has noted persistent and recurring issues in MTN’s service delivery, including disruptions in voice services, SMS, USSD, and challenges related to interconnect traffic between service providers,” reads a statement posted by RURA on X.
“In accordance with the regulations, MTN’s leadership has been invited for a formal meeting tomorrow, Tuesday at 9:00 AM, to provide explanations regarding these issues and to present concrete measures to improve service quality and prevent similar disruptions from recurring,” the statement adds.
At approximately 11:00 PM on July 28, MTN Rwanda announced that the technical issues affecting calls and USSD services had been resolved nationwide and expressed appreciation for customers’ patience.
The official ceremony took place at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura, for RDF Generals and Senior Officers, while that for Junior Officers and Other Ranks was held at each RDF Division’s headquarters across the country and the General Headquarters, Kanombe, for RDF Units around Kigali city.
The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF. Also in attendance were the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, RDF Service Chiefs, Generals, Senior Officers, and the retirees’ spouses.
On behalf of the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, expressed his appreciation for the outstanding service rendered by Retirees during the times when Rwanda needed them.
“You stood firm during the liberation struggle, stopped the genocide against Tutsi, and have been instrumental in rebuilding our country ever since. You played a crucial role in transforming RDF into a strong and professional force, both within Rwanda and on international platforms. Your contributions, especially in the military, have left a lasting legacy,” he said.
He also said that even as they retire, their experience and wisdom remain vital to our nation’s progress. He urged them to always be part of the RDF family and assured them to continue to benefit from their expertise.
In his address, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, expressed appreciation to the RDF retirees for their sacrifices, commitment, and significant contribution to the nation. He commended them for the discipline they upheld throughout their military careers and encouraged them to continue collaborating with the wider Rwandan community in efforts to develop the country.
“Today marks a special day for soldiers who have made immense sacrifices. While you are retiring from active military service, you are not retiring from the values of the Rwanda Defence Force. These values will continue to guide you and keep you ready to serve whenever called upon. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and loyalty you demonstrated, from the liberation struggle, through the efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to the long and difficult journey of rebuilding our nation. You have played a vital role in shaping Rwanda into the country it is today.”
He also extends heartfelt thanks to the retirees’ spouses who stood strong in their absence, holding the families together and supporting their service from afar, noting their resilience is deeply appreciated.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Wilson Gumisiriza, speaking on behalf of the retirees, expressed pride in the progress of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the contributions they made in transforming it into the respected institution it is today. He noted that although they are entering a new phase in life, they remain committed to serving Rwanda in different ways.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic for the visionary leadership he provided to the RDF, which has grown into a highly respected force, both nationally and internationally. Although we have retired from active duty, we remain ready and willing to serve our country whenever called upon. Today, we may be taking off our military uniforms, but we are not stepping away from our duty to the nation,” he said.
As a token of appreciation, the retirees were awarded certificates in recognition of their dedicated service to the Rwanda Defence Force.
The sharp rise is being driven by preventable factors such as hepatitis infections, obesity-related liver conditions, and alcohol consumption, researchers say.
In Rwanda, as in many countries around the world, liver cancer remains a pressing health concern. According to 2020 data, it was responsible for 706 deaths, accounting for 1.22% of all deaths in the country. The age-adjusted death rate stood at 11.48 per 100,000 population, placing Rwanda 24th globally in liver cancer mortality.
The new study, conducted by an international team of experts and drawing from data in the Global Cancer Observatory, warns that if current trends continue, liver cancer will remain among the world’s most lethal diseases, already ranking as the third deadliest cancer globally. By 2050, it is expected to claim 1.37 million lives each year, up from current figures.
Researchers stress that three out of five cases could be prevented through targeted public health interventions.
{{Preventable causes driving the surge
}}
The study highlights several key risk factors fueling the rise in liver cancer cases, including viral hepatitis B and C, alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
MASLD is increasingly linked to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, particularly in high-income countries and urban areas in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Alcohol consumption alone is projected to cause more than 21% of liver cancer cases by 2050, up from 19% in 2022. Similarly, cancers related to liver fat buildup from obesity are expected to increase to 11%, also up more than two percentage points from current levels.
The study’s authors emphasise that these are largely modifiable risks that require stronger public health messaging and lifestyle interventions.
{{Hepatitis B is still a major threat
}}
Despite the availability of effective vaccines, hepatitis B continues to pose a major global threat. The virus remains the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and is expected to be responsible for millions of deaths if vaccination rates do not improve.
The study warns that hepatitis B could cause up to 17 million deaths between 2015 and 2030 unless vaccine coverage, especially in poorer regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, is significantly expanded.
Vaccination at birth is considered the most effective prevention method, but many low-income countries still face barriers in implementing widespread immunisation programs. The study calls for renewed international investment in public health infrastructure to increase access to vaccines and antiviral treatments.
The authors of the study stress the urgent need for global action to reverse these trends. They recommend increasing public awareness around the preventable nature of liver cancer, especially among populations with obesity or diabetes, who may not be aware of the risks associated with fatty-liver disease.
The report also advocates for enhanced screening programs for high-risk individuals and more resources to support early detection, particularly in regions where late-stage diagnoses are common.
Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the liver, forming a malignant tumour. The liver, a vital organ located in the upper right abdomen, is responsible for filtering harmful substances from the blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing nutrients.
There are two main types of liver cancer. Primary liver cancer originates in the liver itself, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common form. Other less common types include cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and angiosarcoma.
Secondary or metastatic liver cancer, on the other hand, begins in another part of the body—such as the colon, breast, or lung—and spreads to the liver. This type is more common in many parts of the world than primary liver cancer.
The risk of developing liver cancer is heightened by several factors, including chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver often caused by alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis), obesity, diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain inherited liver diseases such as hemochromatosis. Exposure to environmental toxins like aflatoxins can also contribute.
{{Often silent, but deadly
}}
One of the challenges in combating liver cancer is that it often develops silently. In its early stages, liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, patients may experience pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, swelling or a hard lump under the rib cage, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, chalky stools, dark urine, or fever.
Because these symptoms often appear in advanced stages, early detection is critical. Regular screening, particularly using ultrasound, is recommended for individuals with chronic liver disease or other risk factors.
Schoof has convened an emergency meeting in The Hague during the summer recess, bringing together government ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The government’s goal is crystal clear: the people in Gaza must have immediate, unhindered, and safe access to humanitarian aid,” Schoof wrote.
Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) reached a deal with Israel aimed at facilitating greater humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. That agreement is set to be reviewed Tuesday by EU member states. Should Israel be found to have fallen short in its commitments, further actions could be taken at the EU level.
The Dutch prime minister indicated that the Netherlands is also prepared to take unilateral steps if necessary.
“We are also considering national measures to increase the pressure,” Schoof warned, adding that he had conveyed this message directly to Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a phone call on Monday.
Guterres “urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace,” Farhan Haq, the UN chief’s deputy spokesperson, said in a statement.
“The Secretary-General commends Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their dedicated efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement said.
The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, it added.
The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to implement a ceasefire from midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting hosted by him in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Addressing the official opening session on Monday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the need to transform global food systems to address critical sustainable development challenges.
“Food systems transformation is not just a moral imperative. It is a strategic necessity central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially ending hunger, reducing poverty, and building climate-resilient economies,” he said.
The AUC chief highlighted Africa’s “bold steps” in food systems transformation, supported by collective continental commitments and investment targets to build resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems. He further called on global partners to support African-led solutions.
In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the vital need to realize shared commitments in ensuring global food systems that are inclusive, sustainable, equitable, resilient, and rooted in human rights.
“Global hunger is rising, trade shocks are pushing food prices out of reach, and one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet while one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted,” Guterres said, warning that climate change and conflict are further driving hunger across the globe.
For her part, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need to address the major drivers of global food insecurity. She noted that although food insecurity has drastically decreased over the past decades, the phenomenon still affects about 10 percent of the world’s population.
“This percentage is largely concentrated here in Africa, where one in five people suffer from hunger and do not have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead a healthy life. This situation, already complex, has been exacerbated by the crises the world is currently facing,” Meloni said.
Describing food insecurity as a critical global political and economic issue, she warned of the catastrophic consequences, including poverty and conflicts, as communities become more vulnerable to violence, terrorism, and forced migration.
Echoing the sentiment, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the importance of ensuring predictable financing to support investments in agriculture, rural transformation, infrastructure, and nutrition in Africa and beyond.
Abiy, in particular, emphasized the need to put in place fair access to technology and finance for agricultural modernization in Africa. He further emphasized the importance of fair trade rules that create a level playing field and a strong global partnership that empowers local solutions.
The summit, held on July 27-29, is expected to reflect on global progress in food systems transformation, strengthen collaboration, and unlock finance and investments to accelerate action toward the UN SDGs.
Speaking during the official launch of the facility in a question-and-answer session with Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and the driving force behind the Zaria Court concept, President Kagame emphasised the power of enabling environments and investing in youth potential as keys to Africa’s transformation.
“In my mind, thinking about the youth of Africa, I don’t think about borders,” Kagame said. “We need to make sure that everything we do translates their hidden potential into reality. The youth are the first asset the continent has.”
The inauguration ceremony, held on the sidelines of the ongoing Giants of Africa Festival 2025 in Kigali, drew African business leaders, creatives, sports icons, and youth from across the continent. Among them was Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, whom Ujiri praised for championing the African Renaissance initiative aimed at galvanising leadership and economic transformation across Africa.
Construction of Zaria Court Kigali began in August 2023, with President Kagame and Ujiri breaking ground on what was envisioned to be the first of several such hubs across Africa.
The complex now stands complete, featuring an 80-room hotel, multiple restaurants, a rooftop lounge, a gym, co-working spaces, a podcast studio, a broadcast centre, and a large multipurpose arena for sports, concerts, and cultural events.
Outside, the facility includes five-a-side football pitches, a callisthenics area, children’s play zones, and open green spaces. A modular retail park, built from stacked shipping containers, provides affordable space for Kigali’s rising designers, food vendors, and small business owners.
“This is more than a building,” Ujiri said. “It’s an ecosystem. It creates community. It creates value. It shapes economies.”
In the heartfelt conversation with Ujiri, President Kagame shared his personal reflections on sports and leadership, admitting he was never an athlete himself but always saw the value in creating platforms for others to thrive.
“I wasn’t a sportsman by any standard,” Kagame said. “But I was a sportsman at heart, and often thought about what I missed. If I can enable those who can do more and benefit the whole country, then I’m the happiest person.”
He also spoke to the economic impact of sports, pointing to Rwanda’s own experience with the BK Arena and other investments as proof that sports can be a serious contributor to national development.
“This is no longer just about the future. It’s already happening,” Kagame emphasised. “Statistics show that even across Africa, sports can bring in billions to the continent. So, it’s not just a story anymore. The question is whether we choose to be part of reaping those benefits.”
Ujiri, visibly passionate, challenged African governments and private sectors to stop viewing sports as merely recreational and instead recognise it as a business and a growth engine.
“We’re not going to sit down and just let this happen anymore,” declared the former basketball player and president of the Toronto Raptors. “This is a template for Africa, an ecosystem that works. It brings people together. It builds community. And it creates real value.”
He further highlighted how Zaria Court, from design to execution, was a response to the lack of sustained investment in sports infrastructure across African cities.
“In Africa, we have stadiums right in the middle of the city, and they’re all destroyed. They were built 50 years ago with no vision. We paint them before competitions, then leave them to rot. We won’t accept that anymore.”
With plans to replicate the Zaria Court model in cities like Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, Kigali’s success story is expected to serve as a catalyst for more sports-driven urban development across Africa.
During the event, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi underscored the economic potential of sports, stressing that nations sidelining it risk falling behind in development.
“Sports should be an economic priority for every country. If you’re not putting sports at the centre of your economic growth, then you’re already playing from behind,” she declared.
Echoing this, Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, said the progress seen in Rwanda affirms the possibility of building a world-class professional basketball league on the continent.
“This gives us confidence that we can build one of the best professional basketball leagues in the world, right here in Africa.”
Beya is on trial alongside Vanda Nowa Biama Guy, Colonel Cikapa Tite Mokili, Commissioner General Lily Tambwe Mauwa, Lieutenant Colonel Kalenga Pierre, and Brigadier General Tonton Twadi Sekele. The group is facing charges, including plotting to harm the President and inciting members of the armed forces to disobey their duties.
With the exception of Brig. Gen. Sekele, who remains at large, the co-accused were previously held in custody but were released on bail while proceedings continue.
Beya was arrested in February 2022 and later granted provisional release in August 2022 to receive medical treatment abroad. He is currently residing in France.
In submissions made last week, the prosecution argued that Beya should be sentenced to a one-year term, half of which would be suspended, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health. If the court accepts the recommendation, Beya would not be returned to custody, as the six-month custodial portion has already been served.
The court is expected to hear final submissions from Beya’s legal team on July 31. His lawyers have consistently challenged the proceedings, describing the charges as unfounded and lacking legal merit.
