The information was presented by federal junior home minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday in the lower house of the Indian parliament, locally called Lok Sabha.
Kumar said, according to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), the total amount of losses incurred by citizens due to cyber frauds in the entire country in 2024 was over 2.64 billion U.S. dollars as compared to 863.8 million dollars in the previous year.
The minister stated 3,637,288 incidents of online financial fraud were reported on NCRP and CFCFRMS in 2024 as compared to 2,442,978 in 2023.
According to the data shared by the minister, 2,268,346 cyber crimes were reported in 2024, reflecting a 42.08 percent yearly increase.
This service is activated in the event of the death of a client, their spouse, or child, offering immediate funeral assistance to ease the financial burden during emotionally difficult times.
The bank emphasized that the launch of Komera reflects its commitment to supporting clients not only during moments of prosperity but also in times of grief, recognizing that loss can strike anyone, anytime.
Komera is available to clients of Bank of Africa Rwanda aged between 18 and 65 years, and offers financial support ranging from Frw 500,000 to Frw 5,000,000, depending on the chosen coverage plan.
Once a claim is submitted, the support funds are disbursed within 24 hours, ensuring that families receive timely help when they need it most.
“At the Bank of Africa, we understand that life comes with both joy and sorrow. Komera is more than just a financial product — it’s a promise. A promise that we will stand with our clients, even in their most difficult moments,” said Jean Havugimana, Chief Commercial Officer at Bank of Africa Rwanda.
He added that through Komera, the bank reinforces its mission of being a reliable, compassionate financial partner — one that walks with clients through every chapter of life, offering strength and unwavering support.
The $2.7 million ‘Kigali Sky Wheel’ project, which is underway at the site of the upcoming Inzovu Mall near the Kigali Convention Centre, will be the first of its kind in Rwanda. Once operational, it will offer passengers a 15- to 20-minute ride in enclosed cabins, providing elevated views of the city’s hills and expanding skyline.
Globally, Ferris wheels have become defining features of urban landscapes. Cities such as Dubai, London, Singapore, and Las Vegas have built towering observation wheels, transforming them into tourist magnets and architectural icons.
Dubai’s Ain Dubai is currently the tallest in the world at 250 metres, followed by Las Vegas’s High Roller (167.6m), and the Singapore Flyer (165m), which offers views stretching across three countries. The London Eye, a 135-metre wheel on the River Thames, has become one of the most recognisable structures in the UK capital.
The development in Kigali comes as the city continues to raise its profile as a tourist destination. In 2024, it was [ ranked the third most preferred African city ->https://en.igihe.com/lifestyle/article/kigali-ranked-among-top-five-favorite-tourist-destinations#:~:text=0%2012%2D07%2D2024%20%2D,if%20you%20are%20in%20Morocco.%E2%80%9D] for travellers by Travel + Leisure. The Ferris wheel is expected to add to the city’s recreational offerings and appeal to both residents and visitors.
The project is being developed by Kigali Ferris Wheel Ltd., in partnership with Mo Gashi and Partners, a Canadian engineering firm.
According to Moses Umugisha Gashirabake, the Managing Director and majority shareholder at Kigali Ferris Wheel Limited, the iconic structure is expected to become a defining feature of Kigali’s skyline and a focal point for urban activity.
He emphasised the significance of such landmarks in shaping the identity of modern cities and attracting both domestic and international visitors.
“They offer unique perspectives of the city, can be standalone attractions, and can be designed to fit within existing urban spaces,” Gashirabake told The New Times.
“Furthermore, they are often popular with both residents and tourists, offering a sense of novelty and shared experience,” he added.
Beyond sightseeing, the Kigali Sky Wheel is designed to serve as a multi-purpose venue. Plans include nightly light displays, food and beverage stalls, branded merchandise, and event space. Commercial opportunities are also expected to emerge around advertising and co-branding linked to the attraction.
The wheel is part of a broader trend of private-sector investment in leisure and tourism infrastructure in Kigali, which authorities have identified as key to economic diversification. If construction stays on schedule, the Kigali Sky Wheel will be open to the public by December 2025.
The forum is a collaborative initiative by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in China and the Rwandan community living in China, aimed at deepening bilateral ties through trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
The flagship event will spotlight Rwanda’s progress and the vast opportunities it offers in key sectors such as investment, tourism, manufacturing, and culture. With China currently leading all countries in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Rwanda, the gathering will serve as a strategic platform to attract even more Chinese investors and promote high-quality Made in Rwanda products.
A key highlight of the event will be a high-level business forum organised in partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The forum will bring together Chinese enterprises, Rwandan officials, private companies, academia, traders, and tour operators to explore partnerships and conduct business matchmaking sessions.
“This is more than a promotional event; it is a strategic engagement to strengthen people-to-people ties and stimulate tangible collaboration between our two countries,” the Rwandan embassy in China said in a statement.
Beyond business, “Meet Rwanda in China” will also serve as a celebration of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Coinciding with Umuganura, Rwanda’s national thanksgiving and harvest festival, the event will feature traditional dance and music performances, cultural storytelling, riddles (ibisakuzo), games like kubuguza, and symbolic acts such as guha abana amata (serving milk to children), offering Chinese audiences a taste of Rwandan tradition.
Sports competitions will also feature prominently, especially considering that over 95% of the Rwandan community in China are students. These youth-led activities will foster unity and highlight Rwanda’s values of togetherness, innovation, and shared responsibility.
As a recurring initiative, “Meet Rwanda in China” is expected to become a vital platform for diaspora mobilisation and sustained dialogue on Rwanda’s Vision 2050 development agenda. It also aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy of building strong international partnerships to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.
The trial in substance had initially been suspended when the High Court summoned Victoire Ingabire —who was not originally part of the case—to provide clarification in court.
Her summons was based on Article 106 of the Rwandan law on offenses and penalties in general, which allows additional investigation when initial explanations are deemed insufficient. After her court appearance, the judges found her statement lacking and instructed the Prosecution to launch a more thorough investigation.
Ingabire, a self-proclaimed opposition politician, is facing six charges. These include harm to the current government, spreading false information or propaganda intended to turn foreign nations against Rwanda, creating or joining a criminal group, and plotting illegal activities such as demonstrations and subversion.
When she appeared before the Kicukiro Primary Court seeking bail, she denied all charges. However, the court remanded her for 30 days, citing serious grounds for suspecting her involvement in the alleged crimes.
While that case was underway, the High Court trial involving the other nine defendants—former Dalfa Umurinzi party members and journalist Nsengimana—was put on hold, pending a decision on whether Ingabire would be formally added to the case.
Ingabire was expected to appear for the first time as a co-defendant on July 23, 2025. However, the court has postponed the proceedings to September 1, 2025, due to the judicial recess now beginning.
The nine co-accused had already entered their pleas. The prosecution was due to present its final submissions, after which the defendants would respond before the court concluded the trial for deliberation.
Once the trial resumes, Ingabire will be allowed to present her defense and submit any exculpatory evidence. After her statement, the prosecution will submit its final recommendation, which will be addressed by all defendants before the judges begin deliberations.
Some of the bars were temporarily closed, while others were fined based on the nature of the infractions.
The inspections were conducted over the weekend of Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, 2025, in a total of 601 bars across all three districts of Kigali. The objective was to assess compliance with the rules and regulations in place for such businesses.
According to Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, the operation is part of a broader national effort to promote responsible business conduct and curb excessive alcohol consumption.
“In an effort to prevent and reduce rampant alcohol abuse, particularly among the youth, enforcement measures have been introduced,” said ACP Rutikanga. “These include regular inspections by the police in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure hospitality operators respect the law.”
He noted that the crackdown follows persistent non-compliance by some bars and hotels, despite repeated warnings. “This is why administrative penalties were imposed, and these inspections will continue,” he added.
Among the non-compliant venues were 53 nightclubs, 64 liquor stores, 5 supermarkets, 17 retail outlets selling alcohol, 64 bars, 2 lodging facilities, and 1 restaurant. Penalties ranged from temporary closures to fines.
One individual was arrested in Remera Sector, Gasabo District, for illegally reopening a bar and lodge that had previously been shut down for violations.
In Nyarugenge District, 24 individuals found publicly intoxicated were counseled and later released.
ACP Rutikanga urged bar, restaurant, and nightclub operators to prioritize compliance in order to avoid penalties and business losses, especially as nationwide inspections will intensify.
A recent statement from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), issued on June 28, 2025, after a joint meeting with RNP, the City of Kigali, and other partners, emphasized the need to strengthen regulation and protect public well-being.
The directive requires all bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and alcohol-selling outlets to stop serving alcohol by 1:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and by 2:00 a.m. on weekends.
Additionally, operators must ensure all patrons exit the premises by closing time, shut entry points, monitor sound levels to avoid noise pollution, verify the age of clients to prevent underage drinking, and refuse service to visibly intoxicated individuals.
ACP Rutikanga concluded by reminding all operators to follow these rules strictly to avoid penalties, protect the public, and promote responsible entertainment in Kigali.
On the night of July 21 to 22, 2025, Wazalendo fighters—believed to have emerged from Virunga National Park—launched coordinated assaults in the Mugunga area and the Rusayo locality.
Gunfire echoed for nearly three hours as AFC/M23 forces engaged the attackers in an effort to neutralize the threat to Goma’s security. Residents in neighborhoods such as Ndosho and Kyeshero reported hearing heavy gunfire and expressed fear that the violence might reach their communities.
However, AFC/M23 forces successfully pushed back the Wazalendo fighters before dawn.
The coalition has maintained control of Goma since January 2025. On July 22, Manzi Willy, the North Kivu governor appointed by AFC/M23, reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the city.
“Our security forces remain steadfast and dedicated to the mission of eliminating criminal elements seeking to disrupt the safety of our people,” Manzi stated.
He further revealed that, following the coalition’s takeover of Goma, opposing forces had hidden weapons, ammunition, grenades, and other explosives among the civilian population.
According to Manzi, AFC/M23 continues to uncover and dismantle these threats on a daily basis.
In a letter addressed to Zoe Lofgren, ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, on Monday, the scientists accuse the Trump administration of abruptly terminating staff, withholding critical research funds, and drastically cutting the agency’s budget.
Due to concerns about retaliation, all but one of the employees’ signatures have been withheld.
The signatories expressed concerns over a series of “politically motivated” and “legally questionable” actions by the Trump administration that threaten the integrity of the NSF and undermine the civil service protection guaranteed under federal law.
The letter called on the U.S. Congress to defend the NSF’s mission and workforce, reaffirm its scientific independence, and maintain support for research vital to national prosperity and security.
This statement follows similar protest letters released last month by scientists and staff at the National Institutes of Health and employees at the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the recent Voyager Declaration signed by current and former scientists of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Experts say these collective actions represent an unprecedented wave of dissent among U.S. federal scientific employees.
The Rwanda Formed Police Unit One rotation 10 (RWAFPU1-10) under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Corneille Murigo, will replace their counterparts in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
“You are well-trained, fully equipped, and ready to undertake this important assignment.
“I urge you to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism in the execution of your duties. Take good care of your equipment and support one another as a team,” DCG Ujeneza said.
She emphasized the importance of representing and maintaining Rwanda’s positive image in peacekeeping, both through professional conduct and cultural respect.
“Be proud ambassadors of our country, work harmoniously with other forces, keep our culture, but respect the culture of those you serve alongside and those under your protection,” she advised.
DIGP also encouraged the contingent to actively engage in community policing and human security efforts to support the local communities in South Sudan.
“Participate in local activities such as medical outreach and communal work. These efforts build trust with the community and reflect our core values as a nation,” she noted.
Since 2015, Rwanda has consistently deployed Formed Police Units (FPUs) to UNMISS. The country currently maintains two contingents: RWAFPU1 in Malakal and RWAFPU3 — majority female officers— stationed in the capital, Juba.
Launched in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the Africa EdTech 2030: Vision, Plan and Policy framework is aligned with AU digital transformation agenda and envisages a future where a critical mass of learners has access to mobile devices connected to high speed internet, enabling them to study remotely.
The Africa EdTech vision and framework aims to bypass traditional education infrastructure hiccups, harness digital tools to reach marginalized children and youth with instructional materials.
Some of the high-impact goals advanced by the strategy includes expanding digital access through low cost devices, solar solutions, offline-first technologies, upskilling teachers, research and data privacy.
“Through coordinated policy, local innovation and equitable infrastructure, Africa can leapfrog legacy education barriers and build a globally competitive digital learning ecosystem. The time was ripe to transition to digital learning in Africa, boost content development, cognitive abilities and social skills of the continent’s youth”, said John Kimotho, EdTech consultant from Kenya.
He cited Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius as frontrunners worth emulating as the continent expand access to digital learning for a future workforce that is globally competitive.
However, The Vision & Plan responds to urgent continental challenges that over 60 percent of the population is below 25 years, 30 million primary school age children remain out of school and 17 million additional teachers are required by 2030 to achieve universal access to quality education. Also, only 30-65 percent of tutors own the device in South Africa while in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya.
To make the vision achievable, all stakeholders-governments, educators, private sector actors, communities, and partners are invited to review and comment on the vision and plan to ensure it enables the collective action envisaged.
