The signing took place on May 13, 2025, at the U.S. Department of State and was witnessed by Kim Harrington, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Energy Resources.
The letter of intent outlines plans to develop a sustainable and transparent supply chain for Rwandan tin, classified by the U.S. as a critical mineral, in support of broader economic and national security objectives.
“This type of critical minerals project supports U.S. onshoring, strengthens our national security, and advances economic prosperity,” reads a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Energy Resources.
The preliminary agreement paves the way for a more formal and comprehensive collaboration. It forms part of America’s efforts to secure strategic mineral inputs for domestic manufacturing across various sectors, including electronics, glass production, and electric vehicle batteries.
The partnership also comes just weeks ahead of an expected broader mining cooperation framework between Rwanda and the United States, set to be formalised in June 2025. The upcoming agreement is anticipated to cover mineral exploration, responsible sourcing, and increased trade.
Trinity Metals began operating in Rwanda in 2022 and currently extracts key minerals such as wolframite (tungsten), coltan, and tin.
The company has already invested over $40 million in its Rwandan operations, which include mining sites at Nyakabingo, Musha, and Rutongo. Collectively, these sites span 17,294 hectares and employ more than 700 people.
In 2024 alone, Trinity Metals exported 2,226 tonnes of tin, tungsten, and coltan. The company projects that by 2029, its exports could more than double to 5,201 tonnes as global demand for critical minerals increases.
The decorated officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit-One (RWAFPU-1) are deployed in Malakal, Upper Nile State, where they largely charged with protection of civilians in camps, who were displaced by conflicts.
The medal pinning ceremony was presided over by Paul Adejoh Ebikwo, Officer In Charge (OIC) Head of Field Office, Malakal. It was also attended by other high profile UN officials, peacekeepers from other contributing countries as well as South Sudan government officials and security organs.
Ebikwo expressed gratitude to the Rwandan peacekeepers for their unwavering commitment and relentless efforts in executing their mission to protect and support vulnerable populations residing in IDP Camps.
“These medals represent the exceptional professionalism and commitment you have demonstrated in safeguarding peace and security for the people of South Sudan,” Ebikwo said.
He also commended the Government of Rwanda for its visionary leadership and active contribution to global peace and security efforts.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Felly Bahizi Rutagerura, the UNMISS Chief of Operations, also thanked the Rwandan Police peacekeepers for supporting the local communities through various social and development initiatives.
Rwanda started deploying Police peacekeepers in South Sudan in 2015. Currently, there are two Rwandan Formed Police Units; RWAFPU1, based in Malakal in Upper Nile State, and RWAFPU-3, operating in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The campaign to completely eliminate asbestos roofing and ceiling materials began in 2011, at which point buildings across the country were found to have over 1.692 million square metres of asbestos. Currently, only around 300,000 square metres remain to be removed.
The dangers of asbestos in roofing materials arise when the materials become damaged or deteriorate over time, releasing microscopic asbestos fibres into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lungs and lead to serious diseases, including cancer.
RHA’s Director General, Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, told members of Parliament from the Public Accounts and Budget Committee that the new allocation amounting to Frw 2,102,929,920 is expected to accelerate the removal of remaining asbestos roofs, ensuring safer living and working environments in line with national health and safety standards.
He noted that although the project has been ongoing for years, it has frequently encountered challenges related to the unexpectedly large quantities of asbestos, which often exceeded initial budget estimates.
He indicated the goal is to complete the full removal of asbestos roofing by 2027.
In 2024, Mathias Ntakirutimana, the National Coordinator of the Asbestos Removal Project at RHA, told IGIHE that the project was nearing completion.
At that time, about 130,000 square metres of asbestos remained on buildings owned by citizens, churches, and religious institutions, while government buildings still had approximately 180,000 square metres to be removed.
Ntakirutimana said that adequate disposal sites have been prepared to safely bury the asbestos roofing and ceilings without harming nearby ecosystems.
These are specially dug pits using modern methods, some measuring 60 metres long and 20 metres wide, while others are 20 by 30 metres, with a depth of six metres. A pit is considered full when it is just two metres from the surface and is then sealed off.
In the Southern Province, such pits are located in the districts of Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara. In the Eastern Province, they are found in Rwamagana, Nyagatare, Kayonza, Ngoma, and Bugesera.
In the Northern Province, pits are located in Musanze, Gicumbi, and Rulindo. In the Western Province, they are in Karongi, Rubavu, Ngororero, and Rusizi—areas where asbestos was once commonly used.
Once filled, these pits are covered with soil and trees are planted on top. The trees help purify the air and hold down the soil to prevent any asbestos dust from rising.
During a session with Members of Parliament from the Public Accounts and Budget Committee, the ministry presented key priorities for the coming fiscal year. The Ministry of Infrastructure and its affiliated agencies have been allocated Rwf 615.1 billion, which will fund a wide range of projects covering transport, energy, water, sanitation, and housing.
According to Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, the government plans to continue expanding access to clean water, electricity, road networks, and environmental conservation measures.
A particular highlight is the ongoing construction of the Rusizi port, now 80% complete, with plans underway to initiate works on new ports in Karongi and Nkora following the identification of development partners.
In the energy sector, over 280,000 households are expected to gain access to electricity. The Rwanda Energy Group (REG) revealed that projects such as Nyabarongo II, with a generation capacity of 43.5 megawatts, and the expansion of the Nasho power plant are among those planned for the year.
Additionally, REG aims to replace the transformer at the Mukungwa power station and extend power to residents in Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts. The Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) has been allocated Rwf 200 billion to implement these initiatives, including partnerships with the European Investment Bank and the Korean EDCF.
In terms of road infrastructure, the government plans to build 143 kilometres of new roads and rehabilitate 110 kilometres of existing ones. A further 131 kilometres of feeder roads to support agriculture will also be constructed. Major road projects include the Huye–Kitabi (53 km), Ngoma–Ramiro (53 km), and Muhanga–Rubengera (Nyange–Muhanga) routes.
Other urban transport improvement efforts include the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project (KUTI) and upgrades to key roads such as Sonatube–Gahanga–Akagera and Nyabugogo–Jabana–Nyacyonga (40 km).
To improve access to clean water, the government aims to provide safe drinking water to 500,000 new households. By the end of the fiscal year, Rwanda expects to have added 25,000 cubic metres of daily water treatment capacity, progressing toward the 2029 target of 180,000 cubic metres per day.
The plan also includes the rehabilitation of 665 kilometres of water pipelines and repair of 122 damaged rural water systems. WASAC Group has been allocated Rwf 110.3 billion to lead these efforts.
Sanitation also features prominently in the budget. The Ministry announced that work on upgrading the Nduba and Musanze landfills will be completed, alongside ongoing efforts to centralise and treat waste from latrines.
In the housing sector, the government aims to relocate 1,500 households from high-risk zones in 2025/2026. By 2029, this figure is expected to exceed 6,000.
Dr. Gasore noted that slum upgrading efforts have already led to the construction of 688 housing units, with another 879 planned for the next fiscal year. Redevelopment of informal settlements has so far covered 282 hectares, with plans to cover an additional 213 hectares in 2025/2026 and a total of 1,160 hectares by 2029.
In the area of environmental protection, more than 100,000 clean cookstoves will be distributed in 2025/2026, contributing to the national goal of reaching over 800,000 households by 2029.
Since late last year, it has been reported that the Tshisekedi administration remains committed to working with mercenaries, even after the failure of the Romanian contingent. These efforts have recently intensified.
American mercenary Erik Dean Prince, founder of the private military company Blackwater, has recently signed an agreement with the Congolese government to provide security for the country’s mines and oversee tax collection systems. This agreement was finalized in January 2025, following extended negotiations between both parties.
IGIHE learnt from credible sources that through his company Blackwater, Prince has been recruiting mercenaries—predominantly Colombians—for deployment to DR Congo.
{{ColombianMercenaries already active in Ukraine and Sudan}}
Former Colombian soldiers have increasingly entered the global mercenary market and are now among the most sought-after worldwide. During the height of the Ukraine-Russia war, many Colombians joined the conflict, fighting on behalf of the Ukrainian government.
They were reportedly promised salaries of up to 19 million Colombian pesos per month (approximately $4,300). Recruitment ads flooded platforms like TikTok, prompting eager applicants to fly from Bogotá to Madrid, then onward to Poland before entering Ukraine.
The lucrative offers drew many former Colombian soldiers into the mercenary field. In Mexico, Colombian ex-military personnel are also highly sought after by drug cartels for smuggling and security operations.
In Africa, Colombians have also been spotted in Sudan. Recent reports indicated that over 300 of them were fighting alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
Since the early 2000s, Colombian mercenaries have operated in conflict zones including Russia, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Afghanistan. In Yemen, they were reportedly earning up to $7,000 per month.
In 2021, Colombian mercenaries were also implicated in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Seventeen Colombians were arrested and are currently detained in Port-au-Prince.
More than 300 Colombian mercenaries have reportedly died in Ukraine since the war began.
{{Rwanda’s concerns over DR Congo’s intentions}}
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently told Mama Urwa Gasabo TV that despite ongoing negotiations between Rwanda, the DR Congo, and the M23 group, evidence suggests the Congolese government is still preparing for war.
He said this concern has been brought to the attention of mediators, including Qatar and the United States.
“We have raised our concerns with the mediators that, while talks are ongoing, the Congolese government continues to pursue war. They are still importing weapons and hiring mercenaries, even after the Romanian forces were defeated—they are now recruiting new ones,” Nduhungirehe said.
{{U.S. distances itself from Erik Prince’s activities}}
While the United States plays a key role in mediating between Rwanda and the DR Congo, one of its own citizens—Erik Prince—is actively engaged in efforts to deploy mercenaries to the Congolese government.
Sources indicate that Prince’s actions are not supported by the U.S. government. In fact, a 2024 United Nations report revealed that Prince had proposed deploying up to 2,500 mercenaries to the DR Congo.
Prince, a former member of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs (1993–1995), founded Blackwater after leaving the military following the death of his father, Edgar Prince.
He went on to work closely with the U.S. government on various military and security missions.
It was once reported that when the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO withdraws from the DR Congo, Blackwater could assume security responsibilities in some regions.
According to a White House statement, the investment commitment involves agreements spanning various sectors, including “energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals.”
Among the deals was “the largest defense sales agreement in history — nearly 142 billion dollars,” the statement said.
As part of the defense agreement, the United States will provide Saudi Arabia with “state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.”
“This deal represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training,” the statement added.
Speaking later at an investment forum, the U.S. president announced that he would lift sanctions on Syria.
“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance,” Trump said, noting that the United States had taken the first steps toward normalizing relations with Damascus.
While praising ties with Saudi Arabia, Trump expressed hope that the kingdom would join the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term in office, aimed to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations.
U.S. efforts to promote normalization between Israel and Arab countries stalled amid Washington’s support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 52,900 Palestinians since October 2023 and drawn widespread regional criticism.
On potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio would travel to Türkiye later this week to join the negotiations.
Trump is on a four-day trip to the Middle East from Tuesday to Friday, his first major foreign visit since taking office in January. Saudi Arabia is the first stop of his tour, which will also include Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
In a recent episode of the Long Form Podcast, Haba unpacked the forces driving Kigali’s property surge and the challenges of delivering homes for the city’s middle- and low-income earners.
Kigali’s property prices have soared, undeterred even by the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by a staggering demand for housing.
Haba cited city statistics showing a need for 183,000 housing units, up from 34,000 just five years ago, driven by rural-to-urban migration, rising incomes, and the city’s expansion into areas like Kabuga. Yet, supply lags far behind, with fewer than 1,000 units built annually against a yearly need of 34,000.
“Because the supply is trying to catch up with an ever-growing demand, we are not about to see that bubble anytime soon,” Haba said, dismissing fears of a market crash.
The boom is most visible in high-end neighbourhoods like Nyarutarama and Gacuriro, where developers are erecting luxury apartments and commercial spaces. However, Haba emphasised that this masks a critical shortfall: the greatest demand lies in affordable and middle-income housing, segments developers often avoid.
Haba explained that building affordable homes is “not worth the headache” for private developers. High land costs, expensive financing—often at 15% interest or more—and slim profit margins deter investment in low-cost housing.
“If it’s going to cost you RWF 45 million to build a house and the market is telling you to sell it at RWF 46 million, you’ll just not do it,” he said.
Instead, developers target wealthier buyers, where margins are higher and demand remains strong, leaving low-income earners struggling to find decent rentals.
The disparity has created a stark divide. While bare hills in areas like Bumbogo and Masaka signal untapped potential, private investment remains concentrated in affluent zones. Haba noted that this trend mirrors regional patterns, where developers shift to affordable housing only when higher-end markets saturate—a stage Kigali has yet to reach.
Compounding the affordability crisis is the increasing practice of landlords pricing rentals in U.S. dollars, a trend Haba links to inflation concerns.
“Almost all business people… will cushion themselves against inflation or rising prices… either to mark up significantly or to dollarize whatever good or service that they are selling,” he noted.
This practice, despite being illegal under Rwanda’s central bank regulations, burdens tenants, as landlords demand payments in dollars for homes previously priced in Rwandan francs.
Haba criticised the informality of Kigali’s rental market, where many tenants lack tenancy agreements, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary hikes. He urged renters to formalise contracts with clauses limiting rent increases, citing examples where agreements cap rises at 5% annually.
{{Government steps in
}}
Recognising the private sector’s reluctance, the Rwandan government is taking action. Haba highlighted a forthcoming special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Rwanda Housing Authority to build affordable rental housing, targeting low-income earners.
Additionally, rehousing projects in Mpazi, Nyamirambo, and several other areas are densifying informal settlements, allowing residents to stay in urban areas with upgraded homes.
“They don’t move them away. They build for them more densified housing,” Haba said, praising initiatives that place 10 homes on plots once holding two.
Haba remains optimistic about Kigali’s market, buoyed by infrastructure like widespread tarmac roads and urban ambitions, including potential F1 hosting. However, he urged young Rwandans to invest in land, noting its 20-25% annual appreciation outpaces loan interest rates.
The credential presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the State House.
President Ramkalawan welcomed High Commissioner Nyamvumba, congratulating him on his appointment and extending best wishes for a successful diplomatic tenure.
The President acknowledged the warm and growing relationship between Seychelles and Rwanda, emphasizing that bilateral ties are underpinned by shared values and a commitment to regional collaboration.
During the exchange, High Commissioner Nyamvumba conveyed greetings from President Paul Kagame to President Ramkalawan, who in turn extended his cordial salutations and best wishes to the Rwandan Head of State.
The discussions focused on deepening cooperation under existing Memoranda of Understanding and identifying new areas for collaboration across sectors of mutual interest.
President Ramkalawan reiterated Seychelles’ commitment to expanding its engagement with Rwanda, especially in areas that promise tangible development outcomes for both nations.
According to Seychelles Presidency, the ceremony was also attended by the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave; Director General of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Ms. Lindy Ernesta; Director of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Ms. Wendy Isnard; First Secretary at the Rwandan High Commission, Mr. Issa Mugabutsinze; and Third Secretary of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Mrs. Louisa Lepathy.
Rwanda and Seychelles have maintained diplomatic relations since 2006. Over the years, the two nations have deepened their cooperation across various sectors. An initial agreement was signed to promote collaboration in key areas such as tourism, education, agriculture, investment, and communication.
In June 2023, the partnership was further strengthened with a new agreement focused on combating terrorism, enhancing maritime security, sharing intelligence, and providing military training.
Most recently, in March 2025, correctional authorities from both countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving the quality and delivery of correctional services.
The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, continues to be a strategic partner in Rwanda’s international cooperation efforts.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, was presided over by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who is on a two-day official visit to the Central European country.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and warmly received by Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjártó.
The mission, which began operations in 2024, becomes a valuable addition to Rwanda’s expanding network of diplomatic missions. It is expected to play a vital role in fostering bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, education, sports, and investment.
Speaking during the inauguration, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the significance of the new embassy in strengthening ties between the two nations.
“This embassy, one of the newest in Rwanda’s growing diplomatic network, reflects our efforts to expand our global engagement and build ties with like-minded partners like Hungary,” he said.
“The presence of a resident ambassador here in Budapest has already begun to bear fruit, facilitating more direct exchanges, stronger institutional ties, and meaningful collaborations across sectors.”
He added that there was strong potential to deepen cooperation through mutually beneficial projects that connect businesses and institutions in both countries.
Minister Nduhungirehe also expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government and people for their support and hospitality.
“This embassy will serve not just as a diplomatic mission, but as a bridge—fostering dialogue, encouraging innovation, and building enduring friendships between our peoples,” he said.
Boglárka Illés, Hungary’s Minister of State for Bilateral Relations, also attended the inauguration ceremony, representing Hungary’s commitment to closer ties with Rwanda.
The inauguration follows a series of high-level engagements aimed at enhancing Rwanda-Hungary relations. Earlier this month, Ministers Nduhungirehe and Mukazayire met with Zsolt Mészáros, Hungary’s Ambassador to Rwanda, in Kigali to discuss areas of mutual interest.
Ahead of the embassy opening on Monday, bilateral talks were held between Nduhungirehe and Szijjártó, where both sides reviewed the progress of existing partnerships and explored new opportunities in education, trade, and sports.
The latest engagements build on an expanding relationship anchored in 2023 when President Paul Kagame met with then-Hungarian President Katalin Novak, who had visited Rwanda.
This state-of-the-art technology will significantly boost Rwanda’s capacity to diagnose and manage complex diseases.
Unlike traditional imaging tools, the PET scan works by injecting patients with small amounts of radioactive substances, which travel to areas of abnormal activity in the body.
This allows doctors to detect conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders at earlier and more treatable stages.
Speaking to the Parliament’s National Budget and Property Standing Committee, Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that all necessary preparations for the PET scan’s arrival have been completed.
“We are progressing with the acquisition of a PET scan machine, which is not yet available in Rwanda. We’re confident that by the end of this year, it will be here,” he stated.
To enhance healthcare service delivery, the government has already provided modern diagnostic equipment to various hospitals, including CT scans and MRI machines.
“New CT scan machines have been delivered to hospitals such as King Faisal Hospital, CHUK, Kanombe Military Hospital, and CHUB, which have already begun installation and use. As for MRI machines, three will be available within the next two weeks,” the minister added.
He also mentioned that advanced medical equipment will soon be installed in provincial hospitals like Kabgayi, Kibungo, and Kibuye, helping to reduce the number of patients referred to Kigali for specialised treatment.
He confirmed that the PET scan acquisition is underway and expressed optimism that it will be in place before 2025 ends.
Nuclear medicine, the field under which PET scans fall, remains limited in many countries due to the high costs associated with the equipment.
The two primary types of nuclear imaging machines are Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), with Rwanda choosing the latter for its higher precision and diagnostic value.
The PET scan’s precision is particularly vital in treatment planning for complex cases like brain cancer, where accuracy is crucial to avoid damaging critical areas of the brain.
Currently, Rwanda’s health facilities are equipped with various imaging technologies, including X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, endoscopic ultrasound, and high-performance systems such as the Multix Impact E and Somatom go, many of which were unavailable just a few years ago.
To support these advancements, the Ministry of Health has allocated RWF 16.5 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year specifically for the procurement of advanced medical equipment.
In total, the Ministry and its affiliated institutions have been granted a budget of RWF 333.5 billion, up from RWF 330.2 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
