These ancient trees, planted at what was once the entrance to the king’s palace, are more than mere botanical giants.
They are living relics of a time when Rwanda’s monarch ruled over the land, symbols of the grandeur that greeted visitors as they approached the royal residence.
A nearby signpost erected by the Rwanda Culture and Heritage Academy (RCHA) provides further insight into the historical importance of this location, which sits just a few meters from the shores of Lake Kivu.
The choice of this location was not merely for its scenic beauty but for its strategic role in the military expeditions of the time. King Kigeli IV Rwabugiri, who reigned from 1853 to 1895, used his royal palaces—particularly those near Lake Kivu—as staging grounds for military expeditions.
Nyamasheke holds a special place in this royal history. It was here that King Rwabugiri resided when he received the German explorer Von Gotzen in May 1894.
After this historic meeting at Kageyo in Ngororero, the king returned to Nyamasheke to celebrate the Umuganura festival in June, a traditional Rwandan harvest festival symbolizing unity and prosperity.
Following the celebrations, he embarked on one of his most significant military expeditions.
Tragically, King Rwabugiri’s fate was sealed during one of these expeditions. While on his way to the battlefield in Bunyabungo, he was poisoned at Iyamabini Island.
Although efforts were made to return him to his residence, he died in a boat before reaching Nyamasheke. His body was received at his residence and later transported to Riture in Gicumbi, where he was laid to rest.
The peninsula of Mivura, near the residence, served as grazing land for the king’s cattle, adding another layer to the significance of this area.
Today, the royal residence may have faded into history, but the ficus trees continue to stand as enduring guardians of King Rwabugiri’s legacy.
As you stand beneath the broad branches of these ancient trees, it’s easy to imagine the grandeur that once defined this royal site.
Recognizing this power, the Mustard Seed Institute (MSI) and Ishami Foundation recently partnered to leverage football as a tool for promoting social cohesion and harmony in Rwanda, a country once reduced to ashes during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Through this initiative, they aim to deepen understanding of Rwanda’s core values of forgiveness, tolerance, and unity.
Ishami Foundation, is an organization that uses football as a tool to promote tolerance, unity and reconciliation among Rwandan youth.
This collaboration came to life during the celebration of International Peace Day on September 21, 2024. To mark the occasion, the Ishami Foundation, in partnership with MSI, and with support from the Former Amavubi Players Association (FAPA) and Coaches Across Continents (CAC), organized a week-long football program in Murambi Sector, Gatsibo District.
The initiative brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, using sport as a medium to foster community spirit and peace.
The celebration in the area was not by coincidence. Murambi, now part of Gatsibo District, has a tragic history. Formerly part of the Murambi Commune in Byumba Prefecture (today’s Eastern Province), it was a significant site of mass killings during the genocide, under the notorious leadership of the then Bourgmestre Jean Baptiste Gatete.
In this area, new militia groups were introduced, ensuring widespread participation of the local Hutu population in exterminating the Tutsi.
These groups formed alliances known as “Imboma,” a name derived from insecticide tablets used to kill cockroaches—a dehumanizing term used to refer to Tutsis.
Women and children were also conscripted into the genocide. Female militias were known as “Interamwete,” while children were referred to as “Imiyugiri.”
Particularly, the Interamwete initially encouraged their husbands to avoid any contact with Tutsi women and their families and assisted the Interahamwe by identifying hiding Tutsis or singing songs to boost morale among the killers.
Despite this dark past, Murambi has transformed into a community committed to unity and reconciliation. MSI, a grassroots organization founded by genocide survivor Jean Nepomoscene Sibomana and his wife, Sabrina Joy Smith, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Established on Sibomana’s family land in 2015, MSI employs former genocide perpetrators or their descendants, fostering peaceful coexistence and promoting forgiveness.
Sibomana’s efforts were recognized in 2022 when he was honored with the Protectors of the Friendship Covenant award (Umurinzi w’Igihango) by Rwanda’s First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, for his contributions to national unity. Building on the power of sport, MSI, with support from the Ishami Foundation, is now integrating football into its programs to further advance peace and unity in Murambi.
The International Peace Day activities featured a 3-day training session for 14 youth football coaches, led by CAC’s East Africa Regional Instructor, Salim T. Blanden, alongside Community Impact Coach, Evariste Habimana. The training focused on Rwanda’s Home-Grown Solutions and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The week culminated in a showcase event on September 21, where the public witnessed the unifying power of football. Games such as Ndi Umunyarwanda, Kwibuka, and Kubaka Amahoro were played, highlighting how sports can foster resilience and peacebuilding within communities. The youth coaches, who had completed their training, led the games ahead of the finals, which saw thrilling matches between local teams.
The girls’ final between Rwimitereri Cell and Rwankuba Cell, and the boys’ final between Rwankuba Cell and Murambi Cell, were played in a lively atmosphere with hundreds of fans from the community cheering on the teams.
Winning teams were awarded trophies, and all participants received certificates commemorating International Peace Day.
It was unanimously agreed that this event will now become an annual tradition, with sports and other activities promoting community engagement, especially among the youth, to encourage peaceful coexistence in Murambi and beyond.
Following the matches, local authorities and organizers delivered messages of peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared values.
Eric Murangwa Eugène, Founder and CEO of Ishami Foundation and President of the Former Amavubi Players Association, highlighted the transformative power of sport.
“International Peace Day in Murambi is not just a commemoration; it’s a powerful reminder of our journey from tragedy to triumph. Through sport, we are weaving a new narrative of unity and reconciliation, transforming a place once marked by violence into a community that embodies hope and collaboration,” he said.
Jean Nepomoscene Sibomana, co-founder of MSI and the main organizer of the Peace Day activities, noted the importance of leveraging sport for social change.
“Through the power of sport and community engagement, we are transforming Murambi into a beacon of reconciliation and opportunity. Together, we are rewriting our story from one of tragedy to a legacy of hope, healing, and harmony,” he stated.
Simpenzwe Gaspard, a Community Youth Football Coach, expressed how participating in the training opened his eyes to football’s potential as a tool for social change. “It’s not just about the game; it’s about fostering understanding, building friendships, and empowering our youth to be champions of peace and unity in our community,” he said.
Jean Claude Ndayisenga, Executive Secretary of Murambi Sector, also praised the initiative for shaping a future where unity and collaboration define the community’s identity.
Under the global theme, ‘Make Room For Life’, Bralirwa, Rwanda’s leading beverage company, joined efforts with the cooperatives working along the shores of Lake Kivu in Nyamyumba sector in clean-up activities and discussions on waste management, in commemoration of the global cleanup day.
In December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly resolutions proclaimed 20th September as World Cleanup Day, with the purpose of raising awareness of the role that clean-up efforts play in sustainable development.
The community was thrilled to engage in the activities and awareness discussions on how to conserve the natural environment through a shared sense of responsibility.
Bralirwa Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Mrs. Rosette Mutoni, explained how environmental sustainability is one of the pillars under the company’s Brew a Better World agenda.
“Sustainability and responsibility are an integral part of how operate as a business. While the road to a waste-free world is long, initiatives like World Cleanup Day serve as a platform to foster environmental awareness and advocate for sustainable practices that are crucial to achieve a healthier and cleaner planet,” she said.
Yoram Maniraguha, a representative from one of the cooperatives working at the shore of Lake Kivu, appreciated the learnings from the day’s activities and pledged his commitment in promoting environmental healthy practices.
“Participating in the cleanup activities today made me realize how much of a difference we can make together. It’s not just about picking up trash—it’s about taking ownership of our community and setting an example for future generations to care for the environment,” said Yoram.
In his appreciation remarks, the Mayor of Rubavu, Mr. Prosper Mulindwa commended Bralirwa for the great initiative as well as donation of garbage collection bins to the cooperatives and called upon residents to be more vigilant in keeping the shores and the city clean.
“Healthy practices are a result of continuous awareness that effects long term behavior change. Today, we are reminded that the health of our planet is in our hands. Each small act of care contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment – let’s together thrive for a cleaner city,” said Mr. Mulindwa.
Mohamed Ibrahim, spokesman of the ministry, said that the injured had been transferred to Al-Nao and Sawaed hospitals, adding that the death toll could be higher as the rescue team could not reach and identify some victims.
The RSF has not yet commented on the attack.
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, resulting in at least 16,650 deaths and the displacement of millions of people, according to UN estimates.
As confirmed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through X account, the visa waiver agreement was signed on Monday, September 23, 2024, in New York, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
This MoU marks a significant step in enhancing diplomatic relations between Rwanda and The Bahamas.
In July 2023, President Paul Kagame was honored with the Order of Excellence, the highest accolade in The Bahamas, in recognition of his strong friendship with the Bahamian Government and its people.
He received this honor during the celebration of The Bahamas’ 50th Independence Anniversary, which was attended by leaders from across the Caribbean.
The Order of Excellence is one of the highest honors in The Bahamas, ranking just after the Order of National Hero and the Order of the Nation.
The Bahamas, located in the Caribbean Sea, is an archipelago covering a land area of 13,878 km² with a coastline stretching 3,542 km. Geographically important, The Bahamas ranks as the 28th largest country in the Americas and 161st globally by area.
On July 10th, 1973, The Bahamas peacefully gained independence after 300 years as a British colony.
Since then, July 10th has been celebrated as a national holiday throughout the archipelago and in Bahamian foreign missions.
The Bahamas is now a member of the Commonwealth, as is Rwanda, which joined in 2009.
Normally, stunting manifests in delayed physical growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased vulnerability to illness. Prevention involves proper maternal nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, good hygiene, and ensuring access to nutritious foods and healthcare during early childhood.
In Rwanda, efforts to address stunting and promoting maternal and child health through antenatal and early childhood interventions are intensely underway with an ambitious stunting prevention trial set to begin in 2025.
This impending trial is seen as a significant step forward in combatting stunting and improving maternal and child health especially in rural Rwanda by assessing whether providing comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care can reduce stunting and significantly enhance health outcomes for mothers and their children.
A recent stakeholders’ meeting held in Kigali disclosed that the trial, involving 60 health centers in rural areas, will compare two groups; one receiving current antenatal and postnatal care and the other receiving a more comprehensive package, which includes advanced tools for pregnancy monitoring and additional nutritional support for children.
According to Dr. Edgar Kalimba, a senior consultant pediatrician at King Faisal Hospital and Principle Investigator (PI) in the project, the study will focus on the first 1,000 days of life—a crucial period for child development.
“We aim to measure various outcomes, including maternal weight gain during pregnancy, the prevalence of preterm births, low birth weight, and the number of children who are stunted by the age of two,” Kalimba elaborated.
The trial will also monitor children’s cognitive and social development, alongside maternal health indicators such as hemoglobin levels and pregnancy duration.
A unique aspect of the trial will be its sub-studies investigating the predisposing conditions of stunting, such as epigenetic factors and diving into the root causes to gain deeper insights.
It is planned that prenatal interventions will follow both national and international guidelines and include low-dose aspirin, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-arginine supplementation. Early enrollment in antenatal care will be strongly advocated to ensure timely intervention for pregnant mothers.
Postnatal care will align with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommendations which stipulate nine scheduled visits, including a home visit from birth to 24 months.
These visits will include health assessments, growth monitoring, and family support, supplemented by small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements for children aged 6 to 18 months.
“This trial could transform how we address stunting and maternal health in rural areas, potentially serving as a model for broader healthcare improvements across the country,” Kalimba noted.
Along with other co-PIs, Kalimba will work with the Ministry of Health through Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) and the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) to ensure that the outcomes of the clinical trial are quickly scalable across the country.
This initiative reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle stunting and improve maternal and child health in Rwanda. The results could shape future policies and interventions, offering a blueprint for stunting prevention not just in Rwanda but across similar settings globally according to officials from the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Aline Uwimana, Head of the Maternal, Child, and Community Health Division at RBC says that Rwanda’s intensity in combating child stunting is part of its National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), which aims to reduce stunting rates from 33% to 15% by 2029.
One of the key initiatives is the upcoming stunting prevention trial, which is expected to bring significant advancements in understanding and addressing the root causes of stunting. The trial will focus on nutrition, maternal health, and innovative approaches to combat the socioeconomic inequalities that contribute to stunting.
“This upcoming stunting prevention trial will provide critical insights into the effectiveness of various interventions we have implemented. It will allow us to fine-tune our strategies, particularly in addressing the gaps that still exist among the most vulnerable communities,” she said.
Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), which have already shown promising results in other regions will be included and this is viewed as a game-changer for pregnant women and young children in Rwanda.
“The MMS has been proven to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm births. By starting this trial, we aim to gather concrete data that will help us scale up this intervention nationwide, ensuring that all pregnant mothers have access to the necessary supplements to protect their health and that of their children,” she explained.
The trial is also expected to benefit from Rwanda’s multi-sectoral approach, which combines nutrition, healthcare, education, and water and sanitation improvements.
According to her, it’s not about just distributing supplements; it’s about creating an environment where every child has access to nutritious food, clean water, and quality healthcare. This will provide the evidence needed to strengthen these connections and improve the overall well-being of the Rwandan child.
One of the key goals of the trial is to address the socioeconomic inequalities that have contributed to stunting in Rwanda. Research shows that intergenerational transfer, including maternal health and nutrition, accounts for 31% of the inequality in stunting. Uwimana pointed out that the trial would focus on closing this gap.
“By targeting the most affected groups, we can ensure that the benefits of our programs reach every corner of the country. This trial will help us identify the most effective ways to reduce stunting, particularly among children whose families have been hardest hit by socioeconomic disparities,” she explained.
Dr. Uwimana is confident that this project will pave way for more extensive and sustainable programs not only for Rwanda but other countries facing challenges of child stunting.
“By investing in cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies, we are ensuring that future generations of Rwandan children will grow up healthier, stronger, and ready to contribute to the country’s development,” she emphasized.
The 2025 stunting prevention trial represents a crucial step in Rwanda’s ongoing battle against child stunting. Through innovative approaches and a commitment to data-driven strategies, the country is setting a strong foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future.
These appointments come a few days after the National Electoral Commission officially announced the election of 12 senators chosen from local governance structures and two elected from both public and private higher learning institutions. Additionally, the Political Party Forum announced two senators elected to join the Senate.
{{Dr. François Xavier Kalinda }}
Dr. François Xavier Kalinda joined the Senate in January 2023 and was immediately elected as its President, replacing Dr. Iyamuremye, who had resigned. Born in Kitabi Sector, Nyamagabe District, Kalinda holds a PhD in commercial law from Strasbourg, France.
He completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the National University of Rwanda, and later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Ottawa in Canada. In 2015, he was elected to represent Rwanda in the East African Legislative Assembly, succeeding Céléstin Kabahizi, who had resigned.
Kalinda also served in the university’s teaching and administration, including as a law lecturer at the University of Rwanda.
{{Dr. Usta Kayitesi }}
Dr. Usta Kayitesi is the former Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) who served from July 2019 until August 2024, when she was succeeded by Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard.
Prior to her role as CEO, Dr. Kayitesi was the Deputy CEO of RGB. She holds a PhD in law and has a background as a lecturer and administrator at the University of Rwanda, particularly in the College of Arts and Social Sciences.
She was also part of the seven-member commission tasked with reviewing the Constitution, as mandated by the Cabinet in 2015, where she served as Vice President of the commission.
{{Amb. Solina Nyirahabimana }}
Amb. Solina Nyirahabimana, formerly State Minister at the Ministry of Justice responsible for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, had previously served as Rwanda’s ambassador to Switzerland and the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva until 2013.
She also held several government positions, including Minister of Gender and Family Promotion from 2018 until she transitioned to the Ministry of Justice.
{{Bibiane Gahamanyi Mbaye}}
Bibiane Gahamanyi Mbaye is a human rights activist with dual citizenship in Rwanda and Senegal. She is fluent in French, English, Kinyarwanda, and Swahili, with extensive experience in international human rights law, gender equality, reproductive health rights, and international partnerships.
She has worked with numerous non-governmental organizations and has held advisory roles in international human rights organizations such as International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF-Africa) and ActionAid International.
These four newly appointed senators join four others whose terms have one year to expire, as per legal provisions.
Recent elections saw senators elected from different provinces, including Dr. Nyinawamwiza Laetitia and Rugira Amandin from the Northern Province, Adrie Umuhire, Uwera Pélagie, and Cyitatire Sosthene from the Southern Province, Bideri John Bonds, Nsengiyumva Fulgence, and Mukabaramba Alvera from the Eastern Province.
Others are Havugimana Emmanuel, Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, and Niyomugabo Cyprien from the Western Province. In Kigali City, it is Nyirasafari Espérance who was elected with 55.26% of the vote.
Furthermore, Telesphore Ngarambe and Uwimbabazi Penine were elected to represent higher learning institutions, while former speaker of Parliament, Mukabalisa Donatille and Murangwa Ndangiza Hadija were elected by the Political Party Forum.
These modern style Apartments, consist of three rooms each at a cost of Seventy-Five Million Rwandan Francs (Frw75M)
The in charge of the project at KTN Rwanda, Jean Pierre Uwitonze explained the uniqueness of these houses.
“It is difficult to find a place in Kagarama, so it is an opportunity to find a three-room house that is close to infrastructure such as kindergartens and universities that are planned to be built neighborhood,” he said.
He also mentioned that those who are unable to pay at once, are availed with different payments plans where they were connected to the Bank of Kigali, which helped them.
“The good thing is that when you don’t have enough money, we link you with the Bank of Kigali (BK), which will give you a loan, with the house as collateral.”
KTN Rwanda also continues to help Rwandans find good places to live in different parts of the country.
KTN Rwanda is a company with experience in connecting buyers and sellers of their property. Its specialty is that it helps its clients to track the land they have bought and to process all the documents including those living abroad.
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Mukuralinda made the disclosure during an interview with RBA on Sunday.
On July 31, 2024, representatives from Rwanda, the DRC, and Angola agreed that all hostilities between the warring factions in the DRC should cease by August 4, 2024. The parties also agreed that the FDLR terrorist group should be dismantled.
This decision stemmed from a proposal by the DRC delegation during the Luanda talks on March 21, 2024.
If implemented successfully, the dismantling of the FDLR could significantly contribute to ending the conflict, as the group is seen as a major driver of insecurity in the region.
Although the DRC government expressed its commitment to honoring this agreement, contradictions surfaced during Luanda talks on September 14, 2024.
Before these ministerial-level discussions resumed, military and intelligence experts from Rwanda, the DRC, and Angola had met in Rubavu on August 29-30, 2024, where they agreed on a plan to dismantle the FDLR.
Mukuralinda disclosed that during the September 14 Luanda talks, DRC representatives backtracked on their earlier commitment, refusing the proposed plan to dismantle the FDLR.
“When they arrived at the meeting, those who were supposed to present the report did so. If our minister said, ‘We signed at 1 AM,’ you can understand that it was challenging. These difficulties must have involved changes because the plan to dismantle the FDLR was no longer on the table,” he remarked.
Mukuralinda referenced a 1 AM message from Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, who noted that the meeting minutes were signed after facing difficulties.
He further commented, “If you analyze the situation, it’s the mediator who should explain the changes. However, if he didn’t say anything, and those who promised us a plan to dismantle the FDLR haven’t provided one, it shows that something changed.”
He also criticized President Félix Tshisekedi’s plan to welcome into the DRC, six Rwandans who faced genocide charges.
These individuals, temporarily hosted in Niger, include some who completed their sentences and others who were acquitted.
Among them is Capt. Innocent Sagahutu, who has attempted to enter the DRC illegally to join the FDLR, along with Protais Zigiranyirazo, the brother-in-law of former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
Mukuralinda emphasized that Tshisekedi’s shifting position, particularly his willingness to align with individuals who openly seek to overthrow the Rwandan government, highlights his duplicity.
He noted, “If you change and collaborate with people who openly declare they want to overthrow Rwanda’s government, then who is contradicting? If there has been a contradiction, who would dare stop them and say, ‘Everything we were about to do must stop’? It’s the Head of State!”
As the Luanda talks move forward, Mukuralinda asserted that the process is revealing which party genuinely lacks the will to resolve issues that led to conflicts between both countries.
“Today, as these talks continue, they expose who lacks willingness. Yet, just recently, he was the one loudly accusing Rwanda of being the cause. Let these talks continue until the true instigator becomes clear, even though they are already exposed,” he stated.
Mukuralinda concluded by assuring that Rwanda will remain actively engaged in the Luanda talks but will also continue to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
He spoke at an event to mark CRBC Rwanda Office’s 50th anniversary in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, Saturday evening.
“This anniversary not only highlights CRBC’s long life but also underscores its significant impact on Rwanda’s development, particularly connecting our communities and promoting our economic growth,” said Ngirente.
The CRBC has constructed more than 1,500 km of roads across the East African country, including both completed projects and ongoing ones, according to the prime minister.
These key roadways, he said, have significantly contributed to upgrading Rwanda’s transportation networks, increased market access, and created thousands of jobs while improving the quality of life for Rwandans.
Ngirente noted the partnership has also facilitated technology transfer and skills development, providing local workers with invaluable experience through their involvement in various projects.
In addition, he said the improved infrastructure has attracted foreign investment to Rwanda, making it an increasingly attractive destination for business operations.
“I am confident that the achievements of the past 50 years provide a strong foundation upon which we will build even greater successes in the future. Together, we can continue to build infrastructure that not only meets the needs of today but also paves the way for a brighter and more sustainable future,” Ngirente said.
The event featured dragon dance, a traditional Chinese dance performance.
Over the past 50 years, CRBC has created over 500,000 jobs in Rwanda, according to information from the Chinese Embassy in Kigali.
It has successively undertaken over 60 major projects, of which, ten are ongoing. It employs over 2,200 local staff members, accounting for more than 96 percent of the whole team, among whom nearly 20 percent are women.
Lin Hang, charge d’affaires ad interim at the Chinese Embassy in Kigali, said infrastructure works by CRBC echoed so well with bilateral relations between China and Rwanda, recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Through half a century, the world has changed a lot, so has Rwanda, but there’s something not changing, the commitment to each other, CRBC is always there with Rwanda, to best showcase China’s solidarity and brotherhood with our Rwanda people,” she said.
Lin noted that to CRBC, serving the people first and better and making everyone’s dream come true, is their dream, and their belief despite the challenges of living in remote areas due to the nature of their job.
“I have a dream, CRBC will help finish another 30 percent of unraveled roads in Rwanda, and extend the roads to every corner of Rwanda. I also have a dream, to make the first railway with the highest international standard happen in Rwanda,” she said.
Guo Meng, the director general of the China Road and Bridge Corporation Rwanda Office, thanked all the friends who have generously supported the development of their office and the employees who have contributed to its growth.
Zhao Lianzhi, the deputy managing director of CRBC Headquarters, said in response to the Rwandan government’s call for green and sustainable development, the company has expanded its business to focus on people’s livelihoods, enhancing the well-being of the Rwandan people.
“It is about growing together with Rwanda’s economic development. As one of the first Chinese enterprises to enter Rwanda, we have always remained committed to the Rwandan market, even during the most challenging times. As one project after another has been completed and put into use, the economic development along the project routes has also steadily improved. Watching the cities transform day by day, we deeply feel that our work is meaningful, which motivates us to continue our efforts,” Zhao said.
