The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the suspect was detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Due to the involvement of a high-profile public figure, the Metropolitan Police’s Counterterrorism Command is leading the investigation.
The arrest follows three recent fire-related incidents in north London. Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at 1:35 a.m. local time (0035 GMT) on Monday at the entrance of a residential property in Kentish Town.
The property, believed to be owned by Starmer and rented out, suffered damage, but no injuries were reported.
Starmer lived in the house before moving to 10 Downing Street following the Labor Party’s general election victory last year.
President Kagame met with Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-organiser of the Africa CEO Forum 2025. Their discussions focused on the group’s growing partnership with Rwanda and preparations for the next edition of the forum, set to be held in Kigali.
In a separate meeting, President Kagame held talks with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The two explored avenues to deepen cooperation, particularly in widening access to finance as a driver of inclusive economic growth and private sector development in Rwanda.
President Kagame also met with Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, to discuss ongoing collaboration with Rwanda. The conversation touched on the mobilisation of private capital for infrastructure and development projects, a priority area in Rwanda’s economic strategy.
On the sidelines of the forum, President Kagame also held bilateral discussions with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania. The leaders discussed strengthening the growing ties between Rwanda and Mauritania, with a focus on mutually beneficial cooperation.
He also met with President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, host of this year’s Africa CEO Forum. The two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum has become a premier platform for public-private dialogue and cross-border investment in Africa.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the forum alongside fellow Heads of State, President Kagame emphasised that recent policy decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump, including the cutting of aid, should serve as a wake-up call for African leaders to intensify efforts towards self-reliance.
“We should have been building momentum in terms of what we need to do to make Africa self-dependent and resilient, and how Africa works with other continents and countries,” said President Kagame, who was on a panel with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania.
“It is as well that President Trump decided to do what he did; if that was only to add to many other reminders that should wake us up as Africans to be able to do what we ought to do.”
The annual forum, themed “Africa in a Transactional World: Can a New Deal between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”, has brought together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and around the globe.
Youssouf said the priorities of his leadership during its initial four-year term align with the urgent need to expedite the implementation of the major aspirations of the second 10-year plan of Agenda 2063, the continental bloc’s 50-year development blueprint.
Highlighting Africa’s complex peace and security challenges, the AU Commission chairperson outlined ongoing initiatives to achieve lasting solutions to the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the peace and stability in Somalia, the escalating tensions in South Sudan, as well as the continued conflict in Sudan.
He further emphasized the pressing need to elevate Africa’s role in global trade as a key priority of his leadership, expressing the AU’s ambition to capitalize on the Group of 20 (G20) mechanism as a crucial platform to boost the continent’s role in global trade.
“We see good opportunities for African countries to increase the level of intra-African trade, which is now around 18 percent. We see the emerging challenges as new opportunities. We are working with partners and stakeholders on the continent to create a conducive environment so that intra-African trade will be boosted and fill the gaps,” he said.
Fostering inclusive continental development across Africa’s agriculture, energy, education, health, infrastructure, science and technology, industry, and other critical sectors is also among the key priorities for the new AU Commission leadership.
Besides, the AU reform agenda remains another key priority area. Central to the reform agenda is ensuring the AU’s financial autonomy and reducing its dependence on external funding by exploring innovative financing mechanisms, according to Youssouf.
The AU Commission chief also underscored the critical need for the AU to strengthen partnership mechanisms with international and regional institutions, as well as bilateral partners, such as cooperation with China through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that primarily affects the musculoskeletal system. It is characterized by widespread body pain, persistent fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
What sets it apart is that it doesn’t show up in standard medical tests, making it difficult to diagnose and often misunderstood.
Dr. Theoneste Rubanzabigwi, a Family Medicine specialist at Baho International Hospital, told IGIHE that fibromyalgia is frequently misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
“Fibromyalgia often begins with localized pain—commonly in the back of the neck or thighs—but as it progresses, the pain spreads throughout the body. Some patients become so sensitive that even light touches can cause discomfort,” Dr. Rubanzabigwi explained.
He noted that although patients may appear physically healthy, they often experience ongoing, invisible pain. Many learn to live with the discomfort, adapting to it in order to carry on with their daily routines.
“In developed countries where research is more advanced, it’s estimated that 4% to 8% of the population is affected by fibromyalgia. That means in a group of 1,000 people, up to 80 may be living with it,” he added.
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, studies suggest contributing factors such as high stress levels, physical or emotional trauma, and abnormalities in how the nervous system processes pain. However, the condition is not contagious.
Although there is no known cure, Dr. Rubanzabigwi emphasized that effective management is possible. Treatment typically involves a combination of regular physical exercise, appropriate pain medication, and mental health support.
He urged anyone experiencing consistent, unexplained pain and fatigue to seek medical evaluation early, as the condition often goes unrecognized for at least three months. While fibromyalgia most commonly affects women over the age of 40, it can also occur in men.
Located in Kigali, the new facility is designed to provide high-quality ingredients and tailored flavour solutions to local manufacturers, reinforcing Kerry’s commitment to localisation and sustainable production in emerging markets.
The company says the move is part of a broader €1 billion strategy to accelerate growth and sustainability across the global food industry, with a focus on fast-growing regions like Africa.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), local academic institutions, manufacturers from across the country, and Jill Clements, the Deputy Head of Mission to Uganda and Rwanda at the Embassy of Ireland.
“The establishment of this facility in Rwanda marks a significant step towards realising our vision to bring delicious and nutritious products, produced with world-class quality, to millions of African consumers,” said Jad Neaime, General Manager of Kerry Africa.
“As the only global taste and nutrition solutions company producing in East Africa, we aim to partner with our customers to help them solve their unique challenges and grow their business by leveraging our innovative technologies and global network.”
Kerry’s new plant is built with sustainability at its core, incorporating zero waste to landfill operations, high-efficiency utility systems, and a custom-designed wastewater treatment process. The company emphasised that these features align with its global environmental targets and commitment to responsible manufacturing.
The Kigali facility strengthens Kerry’s presence in East Africa, which began in 2018 with the opening of a technology and innovation centre in Kenya. Since then, the company has expanded its footprint to seven manufacturing sites across Africa, including operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, Nigeria, and now Rwanda, along with sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi.
Neaime highlighted Rwanda’s dynamic food processing sector as a key driver behind the company’s decision.
“Producing in Rwanda strengthens our localisation plans and brings us closer to our customers and their needs,” he said.
“This includes building local partnerships, expanding local sourcing, and recruiting and upskilling local talent to drive community-level growth.”
The facility is expected to play a central role in delivering flavour and nutrition solutions tailored to local preferences, while enabling Kerry to scale up support for food and beverage manufacturers across the region.
The City of Kigali has outlined key development projects for the upcoming budget year, starting in July 2025. These include the upgrading of the Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, urban planning improvements in various parts of the city, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of residents in informal settlements.
The City plans to spend over Frw 251 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with this figure projected to increase to Frw 263 billion the following year, and Frw 306 billion by 2027/2028.
{{Upgrading settlements in Mpazi, Nyabisindu, Nyagatovu, and Gatenga
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The City of Kigali continues its programme to improve residential areas across the city. Through the RUDPII project, upgrades will be made in Mpazi (Nyarugenge), Nyabisindu and Nyagatovu (Gasabo), and Gatenga (Kicukiro).
The entire project is estimated to cost over Frw 53.9 billion, with Frw 26.9 billion allocated in the 2025/2026 budget. This initiative is jointly implemented with the Ministry of Infrastructure and is expected to significantly improve living conditions in these areas.
{{Revamping Nyabugogo Bus Terminal
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One of the most highly anticipated projects is the revamp of the Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, which includes the creation of a dedicated bus lane.
The total project cost is projected at Frw 288.6 billion, with completion expected by June 2030. Approximately Frw 13 billion is allocated for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Though implementation was supposed to begin earlier, the project was delayed due to a funding shortfall, specifically Frw 1.2 billion, or 18% in taxes, which the government has yet to disburse.
{{Completing road construction under the KIP project
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The Kigali Infrastructure Project (KIP), launched in 2020, aims to build 215 kilometres of roads.
Completion is scheduled for 2030/2031, with a total projected cost of $404 million. So far, Frw 299 billion has been spent, and Frw 15 billion is allocated for the 2025/2026 budget.
Challenges facing this project include a $150 million loan and a Frw 88 billion budget gap that the City is still working to cover.
{{Upgrading settlements in Rwezamenyo and Kagugu
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Another significant housing project focuses on upgrading Rwezamenyo (Nyarugenge) and Kagugu (Gasabo) settlements.
The total budget for this project is Frw 92 billion, with Frw 20 billion allocated for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. However, implementation still awaits a Frw 2 billion tax contribution (18% share) from the Government of Rwanda and a Frw 9 billion resettlement compensation fund.
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The City is also partnering with residents to build community access roads. Under this scheme, citizens contribute 30% of the cost, while the government covers the remaining 70%.
So far, Frw 1.1 billion has been raised for the 2025/2026 budget. However, the project is challenged by the City’s limited capacity to supplement the numerous requests for road construction.
{{Other planned developments
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Improvement of informal settlements in Mpazi and Nyabisindu, with Frw 1.47 billion allocated.
There is also the installation of automated streetlights, with the project expected to cost over Frw 5 billion. The budget for next year includes ¥502 million (over Frw 4.9 billion) allocated for this project.
In February 2025, the DRC banned Rwandan flights from using its airspace or landing on its territory, citing national security concerns.
The move followed escalating tensions between the two countries, triggered by ongoing conflict between the DRC army and the M23 rebel group, which has controlled the city of Goma since January 27, 2025.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Makolo expressed regret that political issues had interfered with aviation services.
“We had to suspend some routes like Brazzaville, Abuja and Cotonou because the flight had become a bit long,” she noted.
However, Makolo explained that RwandAir is now focusing on expanding its network in Eastern and Southern Africa.
“We are putting that capacity on eastern and southern African routes and adding frequencies where possible,” she said.
“We’re looking at opening new routes. I think more immediately, the first ones coming are Mombasa and Zanzibar. Until the issue is resolved, we’ll focus more on the eastern and southern sides of the continent,” added Makolo.
Since late 2016, RwandAir had expressed interest in launching direct flights to New York, USA. The route was initially expected to begin by 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to delays and a shift in strategic priorities.
Makolo confirmed that the New York route is no longer an immediate priority for the airline.
However, she noted that RwandAir connects passengers to five U.S. cities via Doha, through its codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways.
Speaking during a panel at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Ramaphosa responded to perceptions of a strained relationship, saying, “People may think that President Kagame and I are in conflict. Some of you may have expected fireworks as we sit close to each other.”
The South African Head of State’s remarks were part of a broader reflection on regional peace efforts in the DRC and the role of African-led initiatives.
Ramaphosa praised the continental mediation frameworks, including the Nairobi and Luanda processes, as essential to building confidence and laying the groundwork for ceasefires and troop withdrawals, including the recent pullout of SADC forces from eastern DRC.
“All these efforts have been building a very strong and firm foundation,” he said, adding that while international involvement is welcome, “we must also remember the principle that we have adopted as Africa: African solutions for African problems.”
President Kagame, who also took part in the session, acknowledged the multiplicity of peace efforts, including those led by Qatar and the United States, but cautioned that none had yet succeeded fully.
He called for greater coherence in African efforts and less dependence on external actors. “Much progress has been made. But there are things we still haven’t done,” Kagame said.
The remarks came months after the two leaders sharply differed on conflicting statements over the conflict in the eastern DRC.
Back in January, President Kagame accused South African officials, including President Ramaphosa, of distorting private conversations and misrepresenting Rwanda’s position on the conflict in eastern Congo, particularly regarding alleged warnings to Rwanda and the involvement of Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) soldiers in the war between M23 rebels and Congolese forces.
“What has been said… contains a lot of distortion, deliberate attacks, and even lies,” Kagame posted on his X account in response to a message shared by Ramaphosa.
South Africa had deployed troops to the DRC under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), supporting Kinshasa’s military alongside various militias, including the FDLR—a group formed by the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Kagame took issue with remarks made by South African Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, who claimed that Ramaphosa had warned Rwandan forces that continued hostilities against South African troops would be viewed as a declaration of war, following the deaths of 14 soldiers in clashes near Goma.
SAMIDRC’s mission was terminated in March to allow for the resolution of the conflict through diplomatic means, and Rwanda has since granted safe passage to troops withdrawing from eastern DRC.
The BFP reveals a Rwf 7,032.5 billion budget for 2025/26, marking a 21% surge from the prior year’s revised Frw 5,816.4 billion.
Aligned with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, the budget prioritizes sustainable development and includes funding for key projects like the Bugesera airport, RwandAir expansion, and recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic, May 2023 floods, and Marburg disease outbreak.
The government projects Rwf 4,105.2 billion in domestic revenue (Frw 3,628.0 billion from taxes and Frw 477.2 billion from other sources), Frw 585.2 billion in external grants, and Frw 2,151.9 billion in loans to finance the budget.
Expenditure is divided into Frw 4,395.1 billion for recurrent costs, such as salaries, and Frw 2,637.4 billion for capital investments.
On May 8, 2025, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa presented the BFP, noting a Rwf 1,216.1 billion budget increase driven by accelerated construction of the Bugesera airport, RwandAir expansion, and new pension policies.
Launched in 2017, the Bugesera airport’s first phase is slated for completion by 2027, with a capacity of 7 million passengers annually and employment for over 6,000 people.
Qatar Airways, holding a 60% stake, supports the project, which is now 25–30% complete.
Key infrastructure, including runways and drainage systems, is finished, with construction now focusing on vertical structures.
The airport’s full completion by 2032 will enable it to serve 14 million passengers yearly.
Dr. Ngirente made the remarks during the official opening of the 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention at the Kigali Convention Centre on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Addressing aviation leaders and policymakers from across the continent, Ngirente underscored the importance of collective efforts in shaping the future of African air travel. He said initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are vital frameworks that require improved air connectivity to deliver on their promise.
“Rwanda’s ambitions do not exist in isolation, and we all know that Africa’s growth is interconnected,” Ngirente stated. “An integrated African airspace will lower costs, improve competition, and unlock economic opportunities across the continent.”
The Prime Minister praised RwandAir’s role in connecting Africa to the world, describing it as one of the fastest-growing airlines on the continent, now reaching over 100 destinations through direct and codeshare routes. He noted the airline’s growing popularity among young people, with nearly 2,000 applicants for its cadet pilot programme this year alone.
Ngirente reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to investing in aviation infrastructure, including the expansion of Kigali International Airport and construction of the new Bugesera International Airport. These, he said, are more than transport projects—they are “economic multipliers” supporting trade, tourism, and employment.
The new Bugesera International Airport, being constructed in partnership with Qatar Airways, is expected to be completed by 2028 at a cost of $2 billion.
Calling on governments and industry players alike, the Prime Minister urged the creation of stable, transparent environments to foster innovation, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable growth within the aviation sector.
“We must turn today’s commitments into real progress for the millions of Africans who will benefit from a connected, competitive, and sustainable aviation sector,” he said.
The convention, organised by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in partnership with RwandAir, brings together stakeholders to explore strategies for innovation and sustainability under the theme “Sustainability. Collaborate. Innovate.”
