As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter this summer, many people notice their skin feeling drier, tighter, or less radiant. The good news is that keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during summer doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple changes to your routine can help you enjoy the season while maintaining your glow.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), maintaining proper skin hygiene, such as gentle cleansing and moisturising, is essential to protect your skin barrier and prevent dryness and irritation, especially during hot weather.
One of the most important things is staying hydrated from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water each day helps keep your skin supple and fresh. Including juicy fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and oranges in your diet can also boost hydration while providing vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy skin.
Switching your skincare products for the season can make a big difference. Heavy creams might feel too greasy in the heat, so many dermatologists recommend lighter, water-based moisturisers. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera help your skin retain moisture without clogging pores or feeling sticky.
Of course, sunscreen is essential, even if you’re not spending hours at the beach. The sun’s rays can cause dryness, dark spots, and premature ageing. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protects your skin from damage and keeps your complexion looking smooth and youthful. Remember to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
Hot weather and dust can also cause breakouts or make your skin feel grimy. Washing your face gently twice a day helps remove sweat, oil, and dirt. Choose a mild cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture, and avoid harsh scrubs that could cause irritation.
Don’t forget the small protective measures: wearing hats, sunglasses, or light scarves can shield your skin from excessive sun and dust exposure, helping prevent dryness and irritation.
Lastly, stress can often show up on your skin, causing breakouts or dullness. Take time to relax, sleep well, and enjoy activities you love. A calm mind can reflect in a healthier glow.
With just a few smart changes, your skin can stay soft, smooth, and radiant all summer long. Whether you’re working, travelling, or relaxing under the sun, taking a little time to care for your skin is an investment in your confidence and well-being.
Remember: your skin is with you for life—treat it with care, and it will thank you with a glow no filter can match.
Grossi is in Rwanda for the inaugural Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2025), a major event underway in Kigali that brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from over 30 countries to advance nuclear solutions for sustainable development.
During the meeting, President Kagame and Grossi discussed the transformative potential of nuclear energy in driving economic growth across the continent and reviewed the significant strides Rwanda has made toward the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Reactors. These technologies are part of Rwanda’s broader energy diversification plan, designed to boost electricity production while minimising environmental impact.
Also on Tuesday, President Kagame met with Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who is attending NEISA 2025. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and aligning on key continental priorities.
Rwanda is positioning itself to be among the few African nations with a nuclear-powered electricity plant by 2030, according to the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB). The country has been investing in nuclear energy for nearly seven years, including strategic partnerships with Russia, the United States, Germany, and Canada.
In 2024, Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding with Nano Nuclear Energy Inc., an American company, to deploy SMRs and microreactors. This followed a 2023 agreement with Dual Fluid Energy Inc., based in Germany and Canada, to test next-generation nuclear technologies on Rwandan soil.
The reactors Rwanda is pursuing require relatively small land footprints, 15 to 50 hectares, and are designed for high output without posing significant risks to nearby populations. These projects are expected to create up to 250 jobs across key operational categories.
RAEB CEO Dr. Fidel Ndahayo on Monday noted that Rwanda has already identified potential sites for the plant and is conducting detailed feasibility studies to evaluate environmental and safety factors.
“We now have a clear vision of our energy needs and how nuclear can address them,” he said.
Rwanda has also prioritised human capital development in this sector. Over 200 students and RAEB staff have been sent abroad for specialised training, with additional cohorts expected to follow in partnership with countries such as Hungary, China, and South Korea. Domestic academic institutions, including the University of Rwanda, are set to launch nuclear education programs to strengthen local expertise.
At the summit’s opening on Monday, Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente emphasised the urgency of scaling up nuclear solutions to meet Africa’s rising energy demand, particularly as the continent’s population is projected to surpass 3 billion within four decades.
With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity, Ngirente said nuclear energy is important as a sustainable, low-carbon solution capable of ensuring energy security and supporting climate resilience across the continent.
Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore highlighted that Rwanda expects its first SMR to be in place by 2026, with operational readiness by 2028. He stressed that smaller nuclear plants—producing up to 100 MW—are more practical for countries like Rwanda, both in terms of scale and safety.
NEISA 2025, organised in collaboration with international bodies such as the IAEA, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, World Nuclear Association, and Nuclear Energy Agency, aims to position nuclear power as a central pillar of Africa’s sustainable development and energy independence.
With current national capacity at 406.4 MW, Rwanda’s adoption of nuclear energy is expected to significantly boost the country’s electricity generation, supporting industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The Ministerial Instructions, which came into force on April 23, 2025, were issued by the Ministry of Interior and are rooted in a 2022 Prime Minister’s Order.
Signed by Interior Minister Dr Vincent Biruta, the new rules aim to enhance public safety and ensure accountability in the handling of non-lethal guns and related accessories.
{{What qualifies as a non-lethal gun?
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Under the new regulations, a non-lethal gun is defined as a weapon designed to incapacitate a target while minimising the risk of death, permanent injury, or collateral damage.
This includes any portable barreled weapon capable of firing non-explosive projectiles, or which can be modified to do so. The regulations also apply to accessories such as cartridges, bullet components, propellant powder, and related materials.
Permitted uses of non-lethal guns are strictly limited to the incapacitation of domestic or wild animals, exhibition, sports and games, and other authorised activities approved by the competent authority.
{{A new permit system
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At the core of the new regulatory framework is a comprehensive permit system, with authority divided between the Minister of Interior and the Inspector General of Police. The Minister of Interior is tasked with issuing permits for activities such as the importation, exportation, transit, and trading of non-lethal guns and accessories.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police is responsible for permits related to possession, use, transfer, or borrowing of such items.
Anyone seeking a permit must submit a written application to the appropriate authority, accompanied by a range of supporting documents. These include an application letter clearly stating the type of permit being sought, a copy of the applicant’s identity card or passport proving they are at least 21 years of age, and—if applicable—a local business registration certificate.
Individual applicants are also required to present a medical certificate from an authorised doctor confirming balanced mental health.
In addition, applicants must provide documentation outlining the type and quantity of non-lethal guns and accessories they intend to acquire, evidence of a secure storage facility verified by a competent authority, and a curriculum vitae of personnel trained in handling such weapons.
If the application involves bringing non-lethal guns and accessories into Rwanda, a police clearance from the country of export and a usage or trading permit from the country of residence are also necessary. A tax clearance certificate is mandatory for all applicants.
Authorities are required to process permit applications within 30 days from the date of receipt.
Once issued, permits will specify key information such as the date and place of issuance, validity period, country of origin or destination, end-user, type and quantity of the non-lethal guns and accessories involved, their storage location, and, where applicable, the weapon’s serial number and factory details.
{{Reporting, storage, and inspections
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Permit holders are subject to rigorous oversight. They are required to submit a monthly report to the competent authority detailing how the non-lethal guns and accessories were used.
Any incident involving a non-lethal weapon must be reported immediately to the nearest police station. Furthermore, any imported, traded, or transferred items must be reported to the Rwanda National Police for record-keeping.
The instructions also impose strict storage requirements. Non-lethal guns and accessories must be stored securely and separately, and only managed by personnel with adequate training.
To ensure these standards are upheld, a joint inspection team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Rwanda National Police will carry out inspections at least every six months, or as frequently as necessary.
{{Suspension, revocation, and penalties
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The regulations lay out clear grounds for suspending or revoking permits. A permit may be suspended for up to six months if an applicant is found to have provided false or incomplete information, submitted forged documents, failed to comply with the instructions, or if national security concerns arise.
In cases where a permit has been suspended twice, or when the competent authority deems it necessary for security reasons, a full revocation may be issued.
In both cases, the Rwanda National Police is authorised to confiscate the non-lethal weapons and accessories in question. The affected permit holder will be notified in writing, with a clear explanation of the reasons for the suspension or revocation and the duration, where applicable.
Six-month transition period
Recognising that some individuals and entities already possess non-lethal firearms, the regulations include a six-month grace period for compliance. Anyone in possession of non-lethal guns or accessories prior to the signing of the new instructions must bring themselves into full compliance by October 23, 2025.
During the meeting, shareholders were commended for their decision to increase equity participation, a move aimed at supporting the construction of COPEDU PLC’s new headquarters.
According to the institution’s financial report, customer deposits rose by 11% to Frw 32.3 billion, up from Frw 24.8 billion. Total assets also increased by 9%, from Frw 46.3 billion to Frw 51.25 billion. Member savings grew by Frw 3.83 billion during the same period, climbing from Frw 34 billion to Frw 38 billion.
Vestine Nyiraneza, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, praised the institution’s strong performance, noting that 95% of COPEDU PLC’s 2024 goals had been successfully met.
“COPEDU PLC is in a strong position overall. Achieving 95% of our annual targets is a testament to the commitment and hard work of our entire team,” she said.
“This progress is the result of unified efforts by shareholders, leadership, staff, and our partners across various sectors.”
Beyond its financial achievements, COPEDU PLC continued to contribute to national development by supporting women’s empowerment, particularly in promoting income-generating activities and access to financial services.
With over 27 years of operation, COPEDU PLC now operates 11 branches nationwide, six of which are managed by women.
Women also hold 70% of the company’s shares, 66% of positions on the executive committee, and represent 63% of the total workforce, further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusive growth.
With these powerful words, Mugesera Antoine, a member of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, captures the painful reality that followed Rwanda’s independence on July 1, 1962.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he reflects not only on the symbolic and historic significance of that day, but also on the deep disappointment that unfolded in its aftermath, a betrayal of national hope that still echoes through Rwanda’s history.
Mugesera was among those present at the official Independence Day celebrations in Kigali in 1962. He remembers the moment vividly: the excitement, the expectation, the joy. After decades of colonial rule under Belgium, Rwandans believed independence would open the door to peace, dignity, and national unity. But for many, that dream was quickly and violently shattered.
“For about three years leading up to independence,” he said, “Rwanda had been going through unusual events. King Rudahigwa had died, political parties emerged in 1959, houses were set on fire, people were burned alive, things never seen before in Rwanda. People were being killed… We dreamed that when independence came, things would change for the better.”
But independence did not mark the beginning of reconciliation. Instead, the trauma that began in 1959, following the fall of the monarchy, intensified.
Tutsis were targeted, many were killed, others had their homes destroyed, and thousands fled to neighboring countries as refugees. Rwanda was being torn apart, not by its colonial masters, but by internal divisions that colonial rule had helped create and deepen.
Mugesera recounted that many Rwandans were bewildered by this violence. “We used to ask our parents, ‘What is happening? Why are people you once lived with setting homes on fire?’ They would say, ‘The Belgians turned us against each other.’ So we thought that once the Belgians left, Rwandans would live together again, just as they had done peacefully for centuries.”
Even amid the bloodshed, there remained hope. Songs were sung with lyrics like, “Let the Belgians go back home so that we can become Rwandans again.” This hope, however, began to fade soon after the official celebration. Mugesera explained that within days of independence, violence returned.
The Inyenzi, a group of young exiled Rwandans denied the right to return home, launched attacks. In response, some individuals including children, and the innocent were executed in cold blood.
He recalled, “The celebration happened, and we were joyful, thinking a new chapter was beginning. But that hope quickly faded. Every time something happened, people were killed… Just three or four days after independence, the Inyenzi attacked, and people were killed, accused of being collaborators. Children captured at the time were killed in Nyamagumba, Ruhengeri.”
Yet, for a brief moment on July 1, 1962, there was unity and national pride. Mugesera vividly described the Independence Day celebrations. The day began with a solemn Mass at Sainte Famille church, presided over by Monsignor Perraudin and attended by various priests and dignitaries. The main celebrations took place at a field that now houses the City of Kigali headquarters.
“At around 10:00 a.m.,” he said, “the Belgian representative stood up to speak. He was wearing a sharply cut diplomatic suit. After his brief speech, a trumpet sounded, and soldiers marched to the flagpole. The Belgian flag was lowered, and the Rwandan flag was raised.”
The new President, Grégoire Kayibanda, gave a speech filled with messages of peace, words Mugesera still remembers. “I don’t remember the entire speech, but I distinctly remember him speaking about peace. That word stayed with me, and I thought to myself, ‘we’re finally going to see peace,’ especially since we had just gone through some very troubling times.”
After the speech, students marched proudly with paper flags, and local leaders wore sashes in the colors of the new Rwandan flag. Each prefecture performed songs, dances, and traditional games that reflected their culture. “You felt like you were seeing all of Rwanda’s beauty in one place,” Mugesera recalled. “It was something we’d never witnessed before… It was beautiful.”
But that beauty, he emphasized, was tragically short-lived.
“The joy and hope of independence was short-lived,” Mugesera said. “I would compare it to a pregnant woman who expects a healthy baby, only to give birth to a child with a disability, or to miscarry entirely. What you had envisioned doesn’t come to pass.”
He continued, “Rwandans were wronged, many died. We were said to be independent, but far more people died after independence than before. Independence brought more harm than what existed prior. Instead of progressing, we began to regress. It was like a journey downhill, and it only got worse. Rather than development, everything deteriorated, until it culminated in the Genocide.”
According to Mugesera, the issue was not independence itself, nor the fall of the monarchy, after all, monarchies have ended in other countries without catastrophe. The problem lay in the kind of leadership that came to power. It institutionalized ethnic hatred and deepened divisions.
“Independence should have been a launchpad for progress, but instead, we fell backward because of bad governance,” he said.
For over three decades, Rwanda was governed by a regime that thrived on discrimination and hatred, leading eventually to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. But Mugesera believes that Rwanda has now found its footing. Today, he sees hope again, this time, rooted in responsible and inclusive leadership.
“If we are fortunate, we will continue to have good leaders. Right now, we do. And if we’re lucky enough to keep having capable, responsible leaders, whether they are Twa, Hutu, or Tutsi—as long as they are healthy-minded individuals who care about Rwanda, we will move forward.”
He concluded with a vision that embraces unity over division: “We need leadership that sees all Rwandans. Anyone with sound political thinking will lead us well; but those driven by extremist ideologies will only take us backward.”
Rwanda’s independence was not the end of struggle—it was, in many ways, the beginning of a painful and defining chapter. But today, with the lessons of history in hand, the country continues its journey forward, striving to fulfill the promise that so many believed in on that day in July 1962.
The remarks were made at the High-Level Technical Meeting on AfSEM and the African Continental Power System Master Plan on Monday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Speaking at the event, Kamugisha Kazaura, director of infrastructure and energy at the AU Commission, said the institutional and operational foundation has been laid for a unified African electricity market, which delivers clean, reliable and affordable power to every corner of the continent.
“Activities are progressing well to define a common path forward to address critical technical and regulatory gaps and explore continental strategies for renewable energy deployment, trading, and manufacturing,” Kazaura said.
Noting that more than 600 million Africans are still without access to electricity, Kazaura called for urgent and sustainable action to meet Africa’s rapidly growing energy demand through the full implementation of the AfSEM.
Simbini Tichakunda, principal program officer at the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development, said Africa is standing on the brink of an energy revolution that promises to transform the continent’s economic future.
“The dream of AfSEM is coming to life. The 400 KV seamless power integration between Kenya and Tanzania, linking the grids of Kenya and Tanzania and synchronizing them with those of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a major step forward,” Tichakunda noted.
He said the Eastern African Power Pool will be connected to the Southern African Power Pool by 2027.
The two-day meeting is expected to discuss how to de-risk investment in power infrastructure and strengthen institutional readiness at the national and regional levels.
This digital transformation marks a significant step in the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to enhancing good governance and improving public service delivery through technology.
The new IremboGov portal allows FBOs to submit required documentation and track the status of their applications conveniently from any location.
The online services enable FBOs to apply for collaboration letters and establish branches, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency in the application and approval processes.
According to a statement released on June 30, all submitted applications will be reviewed by the City of Kigali or relevant District authorities to ensure alignment with national development goals.
This platform also strengthens RGB’s capacity to provide timely support, feedback, and maintain an up-to-date database.
Both RGB and Irembo will offer guidance and technical assistance to ensure a smooth and user-friendly experience for all stakeholders.
“The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on (ousted former Syrian president) Bashar al-Assad… The Order permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria,” said the White House.
Following the order, five executive orders that created the existing Syria sanctions program were immediately terminated, while the State Department issued a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.
The U.S. Treasury Department already took the first step in lifting sanctions on Syria by issuing a general license, known as GL25, to authorize transactions involving the interim Syrian government, its central bank and state-owned enterprises.
Sanctions on Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS and their affiliates and Iranian proxies will remain in place, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Under the order, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directed to “explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations.”
Rubio is also directed to review the designations of Syria as a “State On the eighth of December 2024, of Terrorism,” Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a foreign terrorist organization, and its leader, Syrian interim chief Ahmed al-Sharaa, as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist.”
The Trump administration will “continue to monitor progress on key priorities” including steps toward normalizing ties with Israel and helping the United States prevent a resurgence of ISIS, according to the White House.
Amid the upheaval in the Middle East, Trump told al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in May that the United States would lift sanctions and explore normalizing relations as a major policy shift.
The 54-year Assad’s rule over Syria abruptly ended on Dec. 8, 2024, and days afterward, leaders of HTS, the primary force behind the offensive during Syria’s prolonged 13-year war, formed an interim government. Since then, the new government has scrambled to restore order, rebuild institutions, and reach out to regional and global partners.
The disclosure was made in a statement released on Monday, June 30.
“Following an investigation by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, which was submitted to the National Public Prosecution Authority [NPPA] on 24 June 2025, the NPPA has filed a case with the Primary Court of Kicukiro, requesting pre-trial detention for Ingabire Umuhoza Victoire,” the statement read.
Ingabire, founder of the unregistered political party DALFA-Umurinzi, was arrested on June 19, 2025, following a decision by the High Court of Kigali.
The court made the decision after establishing that there were strong reasons to suspect Ingabire’s involvement in a conspiracy with nine individuals, including journalist Theoneste Nsengimana, accused of participating in training sessions allegedly aimed at overthrowing the government.
Ingabire admitted that eight of the nine individuals, excluding journalist Nsengimana, were former members of DALFA-Umurinzi, but insisted that the party was not behind the organization of the training sessions, and that she personally had no knowledge of them.
According to the Prosecution Authority, the charges against Ingabire involve offenses that threaten public security.
The funding, approved on June 25, aims to deliver greener, safer, and more inclusive transport solutions to support the capital city’s shift toward a climate-resilient and people-centred mobility network.
The RUMI project will address challenges in Kigali’s public transportation, including overcrowded services, traffic congestion, inadequate pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and safety concerns.
Key interventions include the development of a modern multimodal transit hub in Nyabugogo, the introduction of dedicated bus lanes, expansion of sidewalks and cycle paths, and the deployment of electric buses and charging stations.
“This project will unlock access to jobs and services, particularly for women and youth, and support Kigali’s ambition to become a public transport–oriented and climate-smart city,” said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.
Currently, only about one-third of Kigali’s jobs are accessible within an hour via public transport, according to the World Bank. The RUMI project is expected to significantly improve the figure by enhancing connectivity across key transport corridors. The Nyabugogo transit hub alone is projected to serve up to 180,000 passengers daily by 2030, becoming a major hub for both local and regional mobility, commerce, and job creation.
According to Akiko Kishiue, World Bank Senior Urban Transport Specialist for Rwanda, the project “lays the foundation for a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly urban transport system” that will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
A central focus of the project is gender inclusion. With women making up just 4.2% of the country’s transport workforce, RUMI seeks to expand opportunities for women in transport planning, construction, operations, and entrepreneurship, particularly at the Nyabugogo hub.
In addition, the project incorporates climate resilience measures, such as flood mitigation systems at flood-prone transit points and the promotion of electric mobility to reduce urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative is co-financed by the European Union and the European Investment Bank. Its implementation will be led by the City of Kigali in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority, Rwanda National Police, and the University of Rwanda.
The RUMI project is aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), and the Kigali City Master Plan, which aims to ensure that 80% of Kigali’s population lives within a 10-minute walk of a public transport facility by 2030.
