The meeting marked the end of Ambassador Kneedler’s tenure in Kigali, during which he engaged with Rwandan leadership on bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the United States.
Earlier in the day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, also bid farewell to Ambassador Kneedler.
Ambassador Kneedler formally assumed his role as U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda on October 18, 2023, after presenting his letters of credence to President Kagame at Urugwiro Village. He succeeded Peter H. Vrooman. His appointment followed his nomination by U.S. President Joe Biden on August 3, 2022, confirmation by the U.S. Senate on July 27, 2023, and swearing-in later in August 2023.
A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Kneedler previously served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing extensive diplomatic experience to his role in Rwanda.
His departure comes amid a broader diplomatic reshuffle in which the United States has recalled nearly 30 ambassadors from dozens of countries. The changes have largely affected Africa, where envoys from 15 countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and others, have been recalled. Additional recalls have also affected countries in Asia, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere.
Rwanda and the United States continue to maintain diplomatic relations spanning health, development, security and economic cooperation, with both sides reaffirming engagement through ongoing bilateral frameworks.
The campus is dedicated to the School of Business Management and Economics. Located in the heart of Kigali’s bustling Remera neighbourhood, the campus, formerly home to AIMS, has been transformed into a cutting-edge learning environment designed to inspire innovation, leadership, and high-impact business education.
Students began classes shortly after the official opening, filling the campus with renewed energy as they explored its smart classrooms, advanced computer labs, collaborative study areas, and modern academic facilities. University leaders praised the campus as a bold step toward delivering world-class, industry-aligned education and enriching the student experience.
Professor George Kimathi, Vice Chancellor, expressed profound pride during the historic first day of classes.“These state-of-the-art facilities reflect our collective vision for a globally competitive institution. The lecture halls, computer and research labs, hostels, and recreational areas were all designed to offer a holistic, inspiring, and world-class academic experience. This is where champions will be created.”
Speaking on the broader impact of the new campus, Mr. Philibert Afrika, Chairman of the Governing Body, emphasized UoK’s ambition to lead regional business education and strengthen Africa’s professional talent pipeline. “This new campus is not merely an expansion of our physical footprint; it is a dedicated centre of excellence. Here, we will nurture exceptional talent across Financial Management, Marketing Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership, skills urgently needed in Rwanda’s evolving economy and across the continent.”
Professor Manasseh Nshuti, Chairman of the Board of Promoters, connected the inauguration to the university’s long-term institutional transformation agenda. “This milestone aligns perfectly with our 2025–2029 strategic pillars, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and industry engagement. By investing in world-class learning spaces like Remera, UoK affirms its commitment to becoming a beacon of innovation and sustainability in higher education.”
In the first week of December 2025, barely weeks after its official opening, the Remera Campus achieved another historic first as UoK, in partnership with EduHubAfric, hosted the inaugural Pan-African Economics Olympiad (PAEO).
The four-day event brought together 120 brilliant secondary school students from Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria, turning the campus into a buzzing centre of innovation, collaboration, and youthful intellectual competition.
Students competed in Economics, Financial Literacy, and an intense Business Case Challenge. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Ogechi Adeola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Enterprise) of the University of Kigali, underscored the importance of nurturing economic thinking among Africa’s youth.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by young people who can think critically, understand economic systems, and apply financial literacy to real-world challenges. Initiatives such as the Pan-African Economics Olympiad go beyond competition; they cultivate a Pan-African mindset, encourage collaboration across borders, and prepare the next generation of economists, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders our continent urgently needs,” she said.
Rwanda excelled in Economics and Financial Literacy, earning top positions across multiple categories, while Kenya’s iconic Alliance High School clinched the Business Case Challenge, demonstrating outstanding creativity and analytical depth. These achievements mark a powerful step forward for the region’s future economists, innovators, and business thinkers.
The Remera Campus’s modern design enriched the Olympiad experience, with smart classrooms, tech-enabled halls, innovation-friendly lounges, and business-focused study areas helping to set a continental standard for academic competitions.
Mr. Nasser Okoth, Minister Counsellor at the Kenyan Embassy in Rwanda, delivered inspiring remarks at the ceremony. “What we have witnessed here is truly remarkable: unity, brilliance, and the spirit of Pan-African excellence. The University of Kigali has provided an environment worthy of Africa’s future leaders, and these young economists will shape the continent’s next chapter.”
As Rwanda’s official partner for the International Economics Olympiad, one of only four recognized countries on the continent, UoK continues to cement its growing reputation as a regional hub for academic advancement and global-standard talent development.
The Olympiad aligns with UoK’s broader commitment to Pan-African academic excellence and regional talent development, university officials noted.
The Association of Insurers in Rwanda (ASSAR) told IGIHE that recent cases involve impostors setting up fake offices, collecting money from public service motorcycle operators, and issuing forged insurance certificates while posing as legitimate insurance agents.
Pamela Umutesi, the Managing Director of ASSAR, said the recent incidents targeted Mayfair Insurance Company Rwanda Ltd and strongly condemned the actions, describing them as criminal offenses punishable by law.
“There used to be other minor issues, such as people altering insurance dates instead of renewing their policies. But this is the first time we have seen people establish fake offices, charge clients, and issue certificates claiming they are insured,” she said.
She added that, in collaboration with relevant authorities, the suspects are under investigation and that several measures have already been put in place to curb the fraud, with more interventions planned.
“Since 2019, as an association, we have been issuing a unified insurance certificate through ASSAR. This means that regardless of the insurance company where a client purchases insurance, it is ASSAR that issues the certificate. It includes a scanning feature that allows authorities such as the Police to verify its authenticity using a mobile phone,” Umutesi explained.
“Because not everyone owns a smartphone, we are also planning to introduce a USSD system using a star code. The insurer will provide a code, which the client can dial to verify whether the certificate they received is genuine,” she added.
Umutesi noted that beyond financial losses, the most serious risk arises when an accident occurs and a rider believes they are insured, only to later discover they were issued a fake certificate.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Kayonza District, one of the areas where the scam was identified, said that toward the end of 2025, two individuals were discovered impersonating representatives of Mayfair Insurance Company Rwanda Ltd. One suspect had set up an office in Murundi Sector and was arrested, while the other remains at large.
Similar cases have also been reported in Nyamasheke and Karongi districts. Investigators say they are following leads pointing to a suspected ringleader who is still on the run.
Mayfair Insurance confirmed the incidents, saying that as soon as the fraud was discovered, the company reported the matter to relevant authorities, including RIB, ASSAR, and the regulator, the National Bank of Rwanda.
The company clarified that it does not provide motorcycle taxi (PSV) insurance and urged the public to remain vigilant when paying for insurance certificates.
“We have noted several cases where fraudulent insurance certificates were issued by rogue individuals falsely claiming to represent us. We urge the public to exercise caution when receiving insurance certificates,” the company’s Managing Director Ms. Jessica Igoma said.
“We also encourage the public to remain vigilant as authorities continue with efforts to apprehend all suspects and put an end to these fraudulent activities,” she added.
Mayfair Insurance, which has operated in Rwanda for nearly a decade, offers a wide range of general insurance products, including motor, property, marine, travel, and specialized corporate insurance solutions.
Members of the public are advised to verify insurance certificates using QR codes on the documents, deal only with authorized agents listed on Mayfair’s official website, or contact the company directly at 0788 381 844.
The bill is expected to be passed by March 2026, marking a significant step in Africa’s evolving approach to AI governance.
The proposed legislation is part of the National Digital Economy and E‑Governance Bill, which expands regulatory authority especially that of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) over AI systems, algorithms, digital platforms, and data across sectors.
Under the framework, regulators would have the power to request information, issue enforcement directives, and block or restrict unsafe or harmful AI tools.
The bill also seeks to promote ethical standards in AI, prioritizing fairness, accountability, and transparency in how AI systems operate. It would adopt a risk‑based approach to oversight and give regulators stronger enforcement powers, including the authority to impose penalties on developers or users who fail to comply with the rules.
In addition to oversight mechanisms, the legislation is designed to support innovation and protect emerging technology businesses, creating a safer ecosystem for startups and fostering responsible AI development across the country.
If passed, Nigeria’s AI regulatory framework would place the country at the forefront of AI governance in Africa, ahead of many other nations that have adopted AI strategies but not yet established binding legal frameworks.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a security conference in Sweden’s Salen, Kubilius said he shared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s view that a forced takeover would deal a fatal blow to NATO and severely damage transatlantic ties. He added that such a move would also trigger a strong negative reaction among Europeans.
Kubilius said he did not believe a U.S. invasion was imminent, but noted that Article 42.7 of the EU treaty obliges member states to provide mutual assistance if a member country is subjected to armed aggression. He said the bloc could step up support for Greenland at Denmark’s request, including by deploying troops and expanding military infrastructure such as naval presence and counter-drone capabilities.
Denmark and the United States, both NATO members, are scheduled to meet this week to discuss the Greenland issue. Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale, while U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted Washington must “own” Greenland without ruling out the use of force.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Europeans within NATO were discussing ways to strengthen the alliance, but stressed that such work should not be based on any presumption that NATO would stop functioning.
Also at the security policy conference in the western resort town of Salen, Kristersson on Sunday criticized recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and Trump’s “threatening rhetoric” toward Denmark and Greenland, warning that such moves undermine international law and increase risks for smaller countries.
Kristersson said Washington should instead show gratitude toward Denmark, as it has been a longstanding ally. He also pledged Swedish support for Denmark.
Since taking office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring control of Greenland, stating that he would not rule out the use of “military or economic coercion” to achieve that goal.
Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Danish Realm. Trump said in a recent interview that the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland.
Jeune Afrique, citing sources privy to the tensions that followed the capture of Uvira, reports that Kinshasa feared the conflict could spread to other provinces, including Kalemie in Tanganyika, and sought help to counter the rebel advance.
However, Angola refused to send troops, reminding President Félix Tshisekedi that even when the Southern African Development Community (SADC) force was deployed in North Kivu, Angolan soldiers had not been involved. Instead, Luanda proposed political mediation.
On December 14, Tshisekedi visited Angola to meet President João Lourenço, who also chairs the African Union (AU), to discuss dialogue options. Tshisekedi returned on January 5, 2026, agreeing with Lourenço that discussions should include a broad range of Congolese actors, from political opponents to armed groups such as AFC/M23, with talks planned for Kinshasa.
Following the meetings, Lourenço conducted discreet consultations with potential participants, including former President Joseph Kabila and his close associates Moïse Nyarugabo and Raymond Tshibanda. The aim was to prepare a new phase of dialogue, although both governments have avoided calling it a “new peace process.”
AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, who had earlier communicated the withdrawal of M23 fighters from Uvira in a “confidence-building measure”, requested clarification on how these discussions would differ from the ongoing Doha talks. The rebels were invited to Luanda as part of preparations for the Kinshasa talks, but sought assurances that the initiative would not undermine previous agreements.
Tshisekedi returned to Luanda on January 8 to finalise the list of participants, according to diplomatic sources.
Angola is said to be engaging church leaders and opposition figures in the proposed Kinshasa talks, while carefully avoiding the term “new peace process.”
The behind-the-scenes efforts mark a subtle relaunch of Angola’s role as a mediator in the DRC conflict after President Lourenço had announced he was stepping back from mediation following his election as African Union chair in March 2025.
The announcement was made during a meeting on January 12, 2026, attended by AFC/M23 leadership and prominent figures from North Kivu province in eastern DRC.
Addressing the gathering, Nangaa referred to Kabila as a “visitor” in the area and promised a future public appearance.
“Here we have a visitor, the former President of the Republic, Joseph Kabila,” Nangaa said. “Do you know he is here? One day we will bring him so that he can come and greet you. He remains a lifelong Senator as provided by the Constitution, although he was removed from the Senate.”
This is the first public acknowledgment of Kabila’s presence since he was last seen in AFC/M23-controlled territory in June 2025.
During that earlier visit, Kabila spent several days meeting Congolese citizens from diverse backgrounds, holding discussions focused on restoring peace to the country. He set up a temporary office at his private residence in the Kinyogote neighbourhood, in western Goma.
Shortly after that June visit, the Kinshasa Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into Kabila’s activities. He was subsequently tried in the Military High Court, convicted in absentia of treason and membership in an illegal armed group, and sentenced to death.
After June 2025, Kabila traveled to various African countries, including Kenya, where he established a political coalition named ‘Sauvons le RDC’ (Save the DRC), aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique journalist François Soudan, Ambassador Nduhungirehe directly addressed the persistent difficulties in improving ties with Burundi.
“After the fall of Uvira, meetings between Burundian and Rwandan security officials were held at the border on December 14 and 28, 2025, to establish modalities for de-escalation,” he said. “Rwanda’s objective is, and has always been, to pursue improved relations with Burundi. Unfortunately, statements by President Ndayishimiye and his Minister of Foreign Affairs have not made this task any easier.”
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi escalated in early December 2025 when AFC/M23 rebels captured parts of the Ruzizi Plain and the town of Uvira in eastern DRC, near the Burundian border.
Burundi quickly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels and of shelling its territory, claims Kigali firmly rejected as baseless.
Amid fears of a broader regional conflict involving Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, security officials from both countries met twice in December to prevent further escalation.
Relations have remained strained since late 2023, yet Rwanda has consistently signalled openness to dialogue. Bilateral delegations have met multiple times and agreed to avoid actions that could worsen the situation.
However, President Ndayishimiye has continued to make strongly worded public statements against Rwanda in addresses to citizens, official meetings, and media appearances.
In a March 2025 BBC interview, he warned that any Rwandan attempt to attack Burundi would be met with a counterstrike on Kigali, stating: “We tell them that if they want to attack Bujumbura through Congo, Kigali is not far either if we pass through Kirundo.”
In August 2025, President Ndayishimiye appointed Dr Édouard Bizimana as Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Albert Shingiro. The new minister, a former ambassador to Russia, has drawn criticism for adopting a confrontational tone widely viewed as undiplomatic.
Since early December 2025, Minister Bizimana has repeatedly used the social media platform X to criticise Rwanda, even while bilateral talks were underway.
On January 3, 2026, he posted accusations that Rwanda was violating Washington agreements by continuing to seize territory in eastern DRC, claimed Kigali had tested U.S. resolve without repercussions, and questioned Qatar’s mediation role, alleging the Gulf state was using financial influence to block American action.
The post provoked widespread backlash, especially for targeting an international mediator. It was later deleted following intense criticism. President Ndayishimiye subsequently distanced himself from the remarks, publicly praising Qatar’s contributions to mediation and development.
Escalona replaces Anibal Coronado, who will serve as minister of Ecosocialism, Rodriguez said on Telegram.
“I know that his loyalty, ability and commitment will ensure the continued development of our Bolivarian Government’s plans together with the people,” Rodriguez said of Escalona.
Trump made the comments in a January 7, 2026, interview with The New York Times, where he emphasised that simply having a military presence on the island is not enough for him.
Trump argued that owning Greenland outright would provide strategic and psychological advantages that cannot be achieved through existing agreements or leases. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with significant self‑government, already hosts a U.S. military presence under a Cold War‑era defence agreement, but Trump said that “ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do” through those arrangements.
When asked by a New York Times reporter whether it was psychologically important to him personally or to the United States as a whole, Trump responded without hesitation that it was “psychologically important for me.” He added, “Maybe another president would feel differently, but so far I’ve been right about everything.”
In the interview, Trump also hinted that he would be willing to consider using military force if necessary to acquire the Arctic territory, though he acknowledged that such action “might upset NATO,” since Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO member.
The idea of owning Greenland has drawn widespread criticism from both allies and experts. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated Denmark’s commitment to Greenland’s sovereignty and self‑determination, and many European leaders have rejected the notion of a U.S. takeover.
Greenland’s own government has strongly rebuffed Trump’s comments, insisting that decisions about the territory’s future belong to Greenlanders and Denmark under international law. EU officials have warned that any attempt by the United States to take over by force could jeopardise the future of NATO, as the alliance would be obligated to defend a fellow member state.
China has also criticised Trump’s stance, calling it self‑serving, and military analysts have dismissed the idea that ownership is necessary for defence, noting that the U.S. already maintains extensive global military partnerships without controlling foreign territory.
Trump’s remarks come amid rising geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where strategic resources and new shipping routes are attracting attention from major powers including Russia and China. As debates over Greenland’s future continue, Trump’s comments have added a controversial chapter to U.S. foreign policy discussions.
