The meeting was confirmed by the Office of the President, Urugwiro Village.
Relations between the two countries have significantly improved in recent years, especially after President Macron acknowledged France’s historical responsibility in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and expressed a desire to rebuild ties and promote reconciliation.
This renewed partnership has been further reinforced through high-level visits and ongoing diplomatic engagement.
In 2021, President Macron paid a landmark two-day official visit to Rwanda aimed at deepening bilateral ties and cooperation.
During the visit, he toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are laid to rest.
There, he laid a wreath and delivered a powerful speech acknowledging France’s role in Rwanda’s history.
“As I stand with humility and respect at your side on this day, I come to recognise the magnitude of our responsibilities,” Macron said.
The visit also included a bilateral meeting and a joint press conference, during which the two heads of state witnessed the signing of two key agreements: one outlining a framework for bilateral cooperation and another focused on sports and talent development.
President Kagame most recently visited France in October 2024, accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, to attend the 19th Summit of La Francophonie, co-hosted by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed on Wednesday.
The talks come after the new U.S. administration imposed a series of unilateral tariff measures, which China said have disrupted bilateral relations and global trade order.
In response, China took firm [countermeasures,->https://en.igihe.com/business/article/trade-war-heats-up-as-china-strikes-back-with-125-tariffs-on-u-s-goods] defending what it calls its legitimate rights and interests.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the U.S. recently expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, prompting China to agree to talks after careful consideration of global expectations, national interest, and feedback from U.S. industry stakeholders.
China emphasized that any negotiation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit, warning against the use of dialogue as a tool for coercion or blackmail.
The spokesperson added that China would not compromise on its core principles and reiterated its commitment to fair international trade, the World Trade Organization, and multilateralism.
The incident was confirmed on Wednesday by Pakistan’s Minister of Defense in a televised address.
Earlier that day, India’s Ministry of Defence stated it had carried out strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claiming the action was in retaliation for a terror attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir that left over 20 civilians dead.
In response, Pakistan strongly condemned the Indian strikes, calling them an unprovoked act of war and a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement that the Indian Air Force had violated Pakistan’s airspace using standoff weapons to target civilian areas.
The strikes reportedly hit Bahawalpur and Sheikhupura districts in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, as well as Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Kotli districts in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani army, said that at least 26 people were killed and 46 others injured after India carried out strikes on six civilian settlements in Pakistan.
In a statement issued Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on both nations to exercise maximum restraint, warning: “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
He had earlier described the situation as the most dangerous in years between the two South Asian nuclear powers, urging both governments to resolve their differences diplomatically.
“A military solution is no solution,” he emphasized, offering his good offices to help ease tensions.
The Secretary-General also condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, calling it “unacceptable” and urging that those responsible be brought to justice through “credible and lawful means.”
The attack occurred on May 3, 2025, in the dense Katupa forest, located in Macomia District.
According to RDF spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the ambush was carried out by insurgents. He noted that while Rwanda suffered casualties, the enemy incurred significant losses.
“Yes, it happened on May 3 in Katupa forest. The soldiers were on duty when they were ambushed. Three were killed and six injured, but they are recovering. The enemy suffered heavy casualties,” Brig Gen Rwivanga told IGIHE.
Katupa forest, in northern Macomia, is one of the regions where insurgents regrouped after being expelled from other areas of Cabo Delgado. The area was previously under the control of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission.
In late 2023, Rwandan forces engaged in intense fighting in the region and successfully rescued approximately 600 hostages held by insurgents.
The latest attack comes as Rwanda is also involved in training Mozambique’s national forces to strengthen their capacity to independently protect their country once international missions conclude.
Mozambique’s Army Chief, Maj Gen Tiago Alberto Nampele, previously stated that 95% of insurgent activity had been eliminated by the end of 2023.
However, he acknowledged that small militant cells remained in areas like Katupa, where they operate from mobile camps and avoid setting up fixed bases.
In response, Rwandan forces have intensified surveillance using helicopters, particularly after the discovery of landmines planted by insurgents in the forest. In 2024, a Mozambican military vehicle was destroyed by one such explosive in Katupa.
Since Rwanda’s initial deployment to Mozambique to combat the Al Sunnah wa Jama’ah insurgent group, several high-ranking militant leaders have been eliminated.
In August 2023, RDF troops killed the group’s top commander during a targeted ambush on August 16. Most of the group’s original leadership has since been dismantled and replaced by new operatives.
Currently, Rwanda’s security operations in Mozambique are led by Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who commands the Joint Task Force (JTF).
He is supported by Brig Gen Justus Majyambere, the Task Force Battle Group Commander. The Rwandan police contingent in Mozambique is headed by CP William Kayitare, with ACP Francis Muheto serving as his deputy.
He urged the officer to remain focused on their duties and the overarching goals of their mission, highlighting their critical role in maintaining peace and security, and particularly protection of civilians.
The two contingents–Rwanda Formed Unit One (RWAFPU-1) of 140 officers and Rwanda Formed Police Unit-Two (RWAFPU-2) of 180 officers will replace their colleagues in Bangui and Kaga Bandoro, respectively.
RWAFPU-1 is commanded by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bernardin Nsengiyumva while RWAFPU2 is under the command of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Jules Rutayisire.
DIGP Sano reminded the officers of the significance to carry the Rwandan flag with honor and dignity to uphold the Rwandan legacy.
He further emphasized the core values such as teamwork, discipline, loyalty, and patriotism towards a successful tour-of-duty.
The Deputy Police Chief also reiterated the importance of operational readiness, handling contingent owned equipment well, mental resilience, and cultural sensitivity.
“You are entrusted by your country to undertake Police related duties under the UN flag. The guidance you receive reinforces the training you have undergone, and it is essential to integrate this knowledge into your work. By conducting yourselves with professionalism, you will enhance the reputation of the nation you represent,” DIGP Sano said.
“You are deployed to contribute to peace and restore security in the CAR. To fulfill your responsibilities effectively, it is essential to follow in the footsteps of your predecessors with professionalism, integrity, commitment, and diligence” the Deputy Police Chief said.
Rwanda started its peace support operations in CAR in 2014, and currently maintains four contingents there–three Formed Police Units and a Protection Support Unit (PSU)
PSU also operates in the capital Bangui while RWAFPU-3 is deployed in Bangassou.
The PSU is largely charged with ensuring protection for high profile government and UN officials, including the Prime Minister, President of National Assembly, Minister of State in charge of Justice, and MINUSCA Head of Police component, among others.
He was presenting the 2024 Annual Audit Report to both chambers of Parliament on May 6, 2025.
The report, covering the fiscal year ending 30 June 2024, also detailed other improvements, including a reduction in unlawful expenditure and significant recoveries through preventive audits.
The increase to 94% of public entities earning unqualified opinions on their financial statements reflects growing adherence to financial standards.
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) expanded its audit coverage, examining 239 public entities and issuing 242 financial audit reports and 243 compliance audit reports, compared to 222 and 220, respectively, in 2023.
Additionally, the OAG conducted 18 performance audits, 7 information systems audits, and 10 special audits requested by stakeholders.
Compliance with laws and regulations improved, with 75% of entities receiving unqualified opinions, up from 69%. Value-for-money audits also advanced, with 66% of entities achieving unqualified opinions, compared to 59% in 2023.
Preventive audits were a key success, enabling the recovery or adjustment of Frw 9.29 billion in inflated bills out of Frw 9.39 billion identified since 2023.
Unlawful expenditure decreased to Frw 2.04 billion in 2024 from Frw 2.57 billion in 2023, reflecting enhanced oversight.
Despite these gains, challenges remain, including delayed contracts, stalled construction projects, and idle assets.
The implementation rate of audit recommendations rose slightly to 60% from 59%, indicating a need for better follow-through.
This significant financial turnaround, announced in the company’s results for the period ended 31 March 2025, was fueled by robust revenue growth and reduced depreciation costs.
The company achieved a 12.3% YoY increase in service revenue, totaling Frw67.2 billion, with strong performances in its fintech and data segments.
Data revenue rose by 12.2%, propelled by a 33.6% spike in data traffic and growing smartphone penetration, which now stands at 41.8%.
Popular offerings like GWAMON’ data and voice bundles have continued to drive customer engagement, despite a slight decline in active data users due to heightened market competition.
MTN Rwanda’s Mobile Money (MoMo) platform remains a cornerstone of its growth, with revenue climbing 28.0% YoY. The platform now serves 5.3 million active users, reflecting strong adoption of advanced services such as payments and remittances.
“The way Rwandans are embracing MoMo in their daily lives is both a source of pride and a deep responsibility,” said Chantal Kagame, CEO of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd.
“As a dedicated partner in Rwanda’s progress, we remain Focused on responsible and inclusive innovation which are key to advancing the country’s ambitious Financial inclusion goals, together.”
The company’s total subscriber base grew by 2.8% to 7.6 million, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 9.3% to Rwf 26.5 billion.
However, the EBITDA margin dipped slightly by 1.2 percentage points to 38.9%, impacted by currency depreciation and higher operational costs.
“We are pleased with the growth and return to profitability,” said Dunstan Ayodele Stober, Acting Chief Finance Officer.
“We continue our efforts to improve profitability through a disciplined expense efficiency program and value-based capital allocation. As we execute our Ambition 2025 strategy, our focus remains on building financial resilience and driving long-term value for our stakeholders .”
Commenting on the results, newly appointed CEO Monzer Ali expressed optimism about MTN Rwanda’s trajectory.
“I am energized by the opportunity to build on our strong foundation[…] I am particularly pleased with our Q1 results, which reflect the strength of our connectivity and platform business together with the resilience of our team,” he said.
“We remain committed to leading Rwanda’s digital transformation by delivering innovative, inclusive solutions that enable progress for all Rwandans,” Monzer added.
Beyond financial performance, MTN Rwanda continues to empower communities through its corporate social responsibility efforts.
The company awarded Rwf 14.5 million to 40 MTN agents under its Level Up Your Biz program, supporting local entrepreneurs with training in digital marketing, finance, and business growth.
According to the Office of the President, discussions centered on the ICRC’s work in Rwanda and beyond.
The ICRC has been working with the Government of Rwanda since 1963, establishing a permanent presence in the country in 1990.
The organization collaborates closely with government institutions on matters related to policy, law enforcement, and training, aiming to promote adherence to international humanitarian law.
Beyond Rwanda, the ICRC plays a key role in supporting families affected by conflict in the Great Lakes Region, especially in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—an area long plagued by instability.
Rwanda currently hosts over 130,000 refugees, primarily from the DRC and Burundi, who receive continued support from international partners including the UNHCR and the ICRC, in collaboration with the Rwandan government.
The competitions were part of the We Can Work project, an initiative led by Light for the World and supported by the Mastercard Foundation. The goal of the project is to highlight the talents and contributions of young people with disabilities in the workplace and beyond.
These contests encouraged participants to share stories with the power to inspire and shift perceptions about disability.
Joseph Rugemandinzi, an agronomist with physical and visual impairments, holds a master’s degree in Fertilizer Science and Technology from Morocco. He is also a filmmaker.
Speaking to IGIHE, he said the competition provided a powerful platform to showcase untapped talent and advocate for inclusion.
“It means a lot—especially for someone with a disability—to demonstrate that we can contribute to personal and national development. In my case, I want to contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s film industry because I studied it,” Rugemandinzi said.
His submitted story featured a man who lost his sight later in life but continued working with the same dedication and skill he had before his visual impairment.
“This man used to weave and sell baskets as a child. Even after becoming visually impaired, he kept doing the same job just as well,” Rugemandinzi explained.
Patrick Mfitumukiza, a student of Entrepreneurial Leadership at the African Leadership University, shared his personal journey—navigating the emotional and societal challenges that came with having a physical disability.
“I used to believe that jobs were only given to people without disabilities. These thoughts can trap you and stop you from moving forward,” he told IGIHE.
Both Rugemandinzi and Mfitumukiza received awards, professional internships, and were named ambassadors for the We Can Work initiative, which aims to create one million jobs for youth with disabilities across the participating countries within eight years.
Established in 1985, Huadong Baili Winery was the first in the country to fully adopt the international OIV standards, which govern winemaking on a global scale. Located in the Laoshan region and covering over 1,200 acres, this winery isn’t just a production facility—it’s an immersive destination.
I toured the vineyard grounds, walked through the exhibition halls, and entered the cool cellars where single-varietal, single-origin, and single-vintage wines are carefully crafted.
What stood out to me was how deeply the company integrates advanced techniques like dynamic temperature-controlled fermentation, ensuring both consistency and quality in every bottle.
I also had the pleasure of tasting a range of their wines, each reflecting the terroir of this unique region.
Later that afternoon, I boarded a bus and followed the Yellow Sea coastline for a two-hour ride to Yantai’s Marine Star Pier. As someone from a landlocked country, being by the sea already felt special—but what awaited me there surpassed expectations.
A short ride took us to the Marine Ranch, a pioneering project that fuses intelligent aquaculture with tourism. Its distinct gemstone necklace-shaped layout is not just eye-catching but symbolic of China’s commitment to sustainable development under its ‘blue economy’ strategy.
Here, I tried fishing for the first time—a moment that was both exciting and oddly meditative. We also explored the aquacultural platforms, observed various species, and enjoyed the golden-hour view from the sea.
The visit concluded with a virtual reality experience that simulated life under the ocean, showcasing how cutting-edge technology is now part of everyday learning and tourism in China.
The following day, I stepped back in time as I explored Suochengli Block, the historical core of Yantai. This area has a deep past, dating back to 1398 when it was established as a garrison during the Ming Dynasty.
Later, it transitioned into a farming community during the Qing Dynasty. Walking through its well-preserved alleys and stone walls felt like moving through a living museum.
Just nearby is Chaoyang Street, once a vital trading hub during Yantai’s commercial rise. Since 2021, the street has been revived as a wine culture destination, repurposing its Qing-era architecture into cafes, tasting rooms, and small museums.
While there, I met a man who left a lasting impression. He spoke English with an American accent but revealed that he had taught himself the language—no formal education, no tutors. His welcoming nature and curiosity mirrored the larger spirit of the city.
To wrap up my journey, I visited Yantai Mountain—referred to by locals as the “mother mountain” of the city. Spanning 45 hectares, this coastal hill is a convergence point for sea, land, and city. The area is lush with greenery and features unique geological formations and 19th-century buildings once used by foreign consulates.
On that day, I witnessed children dressed in traditional costumes performing dances and songs. These cultural presentations, combined with the natural beauty around us, created a heartfelt moment that highlighted Yantai’s pride in its heritage.
Reflecting on the trip, I recalled the words of Pan Shiyou, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of Yantai Municipal People’s Congress, during a welcome banquet.
He said, “We sincerely hope that during your stay here, you will see around for yourself, taste great wine, enjoy the wonderland, experience the charm and romance of ‘Coastal wonderland, remarkable Yantai’, and tell the world with your writing and camera.” His invitation was an accurate summary of what I experienced.
