“I strongly condemn the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partner personnel, as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions,” he told reporters after briefing the Security Council on the situation in Yemen in closed-door consultations. “I call for their immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with international law.”
In recent days, Houthi de facto authorities referred three UN personnel to a special criminal court. This referral must be rescinded, Guterres said. They have been charged in relation to their performance of UN official duties. These charges must be dropped, he said.
“The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen. The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to perform our work without interference,” said Guterres.
In the press encounter, Guterres called for de-escalation of the tensions in Yemen.
Tensions have been simmering across Yemen, and dramatic new developments in the eastern governorates are turning up the heat, he said. “A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security, including on the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Horn of Africa.”
Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue.
“Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement — one that embraces the aspirations of all Yemenis and brings this devastating conflict to an end. Until then, the Yemeni people will continue to pay a terrible price,” he said.
“If the EU and EU Member States insist on continuing to restrict, limit, and deter the competitiveness of U.S. service providers through discriminatory means, the United States will have no choice but to begin using every tool at its disposal to counter these unreasonable measures,” said the USTR in a post on the social platform X.
According to the USTR, potential countermeasures could include assessing fees or imposing restrictions on foreign services. The agency also warned that it could adopt a similar approach toward other countries pursuing what it called an EU-style regulatory strategy in this area.
The USTR alleged that the EU and certain member states have pursued a sustained pattern of discriminatory and harassing lawsuits, taxes, fines, and directives targeting U.S. service providers.
“The United States has raised concerns with the EU for years on these matters without meaningful engagement or basic acknowledgement of U.S. concerns,” the USTR added.
The USTR also said EU service providers have operated freely in the United States for decades, benefiting from access to the U.S. market and consumers, while naming several European technology giants with expansive presence in the country.
The latest remarks reflect growing frustration among U.S. officials over the EU’s tightening technology regulations and lawsuits targeting U.S. tech giants.
The European Commission has recently opened two antitrust investigations into U.S. tech giants Google and Meta, and fined Elon Musk’s platform X 120 million euros (about 140 million U.S. dollars) in its first non-compliance decision under the Digital Services Act.
The institution’s leadership disclosed this on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, during a meeting with EADB and its development partners.
Alphonse M. Ngabonziza, CEO of Duterimbere IMF Plc, said EADB’s backing has enabled the institution to expand financial services for small and large businesses, as well as households across Rwanda.
“In 2023, Duterimbere received a Frw 3.5 billion loan from EADB, which strengthened our capacity to finance projects in agriculture, livestock, trade, and service sectors,” Ngabonziza said.
The support allowed Duterimbere to provide loans to 344 clients, positively impacting more than 1,032 people and creating 1,321 new jobs.
Ngabonziza also highlighted the institution’s commitment to gender equality, noting that 93% of beneficiaries were women.
“This support has empowered youth, women, and small traders, helping them grow their businesses and improve livelihoods,” he said.
He added that Duterimbere IMF Plc plans to continue its partnership with EADB and remains committed to opening new opportunities for clients to drive Rwanda’s economic growth.
Margarita Uwantege, a long-time client of Duterimbere, shared how the institution helped her grow her business.
“I started with small savings in 2000, buying a chicken to begin farming. In 2007, I received a Frw 50,000 loan from Duterimbere, which I topped up with my own savings to purchase cows. Today, I trade car and motorcycle parts and have been able to pay for my five children’s university education,” she said.
Duterimbere IMF Plc, a community development microfinance institution, began its partnership with EADB in 2023. With 19 branches across Rwanda, it continues to play a key role in supporting inclusive financial growth in the country.
The TFR, which indicates the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime, fell from 4.1 in the 2019-2020 survey.
The decline is evident nationwide, with the sharpest drops in the Western Province (from 4.0 to 3.4) and Northern Province (from 4.1 to 3.8).
Urban areas maintained a stable rate of 3.4, while rural areas saw a decrease from 4.3 to 3.9.
The City of Kigali recorded the lowest TFR at 3.1, followed by the South Province at 3.8 and the East Province at 4.0. The trend is largely attributed to rising family planning adoption.
According to the survey, modern contraceptive use among women in unions surged to 78% from 64% in prior surveys, with injectables (34%) and implants (25%) being the most popular methods.
Among married women, about half still desire more children, but preferences have shifted: only 13% want another soon, 37% prefer to delay, and 47% want no more or have been sterilized.
The RDHS7 also highlights broader health progress. Maternal mortality has plummeted from 1,071 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 149 in 2025, while under-5 mortality stands at 36 per 1,000 live births.
The RDHS7, conducted between June and October 2025, surveyed over 14,500 households across the country, offering comprehensive, nationally representative data on key issues such as fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, HIV, and mortality.
The survey shows that the proportion of girls aged 15 to 19 who have ever been pregnant has fluctuated over the past two decades. In 2005 (DHS 3), the rate was 4 percent. By 2010 (DHS 4), it had risen to 6 percent, and in 2014–15 (DHS 5) it reached 7 percent. The rate dipped slightly to 5 percent in 2019–20 (DHS 6) but increased again to 8 percent in 2025 (DHS 7), signaling a concerning upward trend in recent years.
Education remains a key factor in teenage pregnancy. Adolescents with no formal education experience the highest rates, with 21 percent having been pregnant. Those who have completed primary education have a lower rate of 13 percent, while teenage girls with secondary education see the rate drop sharply to 4 percent.
“University-level data are not presented due to the limited number of observations in the sample,” the report reads, underlining the protective role of schooling for adolescent girls.
The findings present a contrast within Rwanda’s broader health progress. The same survey reports a declining total fertility rate, now at 3.7 births per woman, down from 4.1 five years ago, alongside record-high use of modern family planning methods among married women.
Maternal care indicators are also near universal, with 98 percent of births assisted by skilled health providers and delivered in health facilities.
The survey further highlights worrying trends among young people, including a decline in comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention among youth aged 15–24, suggesting the need for renewed awareness campaigns targeting adolescents.
Conducted between June and October 2025, the RDHS7 covered more than 14,500 households nationwide, providing nationally representative data on fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, HIV, and mortality. The full report is expected to inform future policy interventions aimed at protecting adolescents and sustaining Rwanda’s gains in public health.
Throughout the year, Rwanda’s influence on the international stage has continued to grow. The country garnered widespread recognition for its strong governance, diplomatic efforts, and flourishing international trade, particularly in tea, coffee, and minerals.
Additionally, Rwanda’s vibrant tourism industry and its prominent role as a host for international conferences further elevated its global profile. These efforts helped Rwanda attract over 1.15 million visitors during the 2024/2025 period, cementing its position as an increasingly influential global player.
In the realm of diplomacy, Rwanda continued to expand its influence opening new embassies around the world. In return, several countries have also chosen to establish embassies in Rwanda.
One such move took place in Luxembourg, where Rwanda’s first ambassador, Munyangaju Aurore Mimosa, arrived in March 2025. She assumed duties after presenting her credentials to the King of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg, located in the heart of Europe, borders Belgium to the north and west, France to the south, and Germany to the east. Situated over 6,300 kilometers from Rwanda, Luxembourg is not known for its high mountains, with its highest point, Kneiff, reaching only 560 meters above sea level.
With a population of just over 670,000 and an area of 2,586 square kilometers, Luxembourg is more than 10 times smaller than Rwanda. Nearly half of Luxembourg’s population is foreign-born, and its citizens speak three languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish.
{{Rwanda expands relations with Pakistan}}
In April 2025, Rwanda opened a new embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Fatou Harerimana serving as Rwanda’s ambassador to Pakistan. Since the embassy’s opening, several initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two countries have been launched.
Key developments include the possibility of direct flights between Rwanda and Pakistan, and exploring potential areas of collaboration.
Pakistan established its embassy in Rwanda in 2021. Following the opening of Rwanda’s embassy in Islamabad, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on diplomatic training in April 2025.
{{Growing relations with Algeria }}
In July 2025, Rwanda appointed Vincent Karega as its first ambassador to Algeria.
He presented his credentials in October 2025 to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a message shared on his X account on October 28, 2025, Amb. Karega expressed his delight at becoming Rwanda’s first resident ambassador to Algeria.
“I am honored to officially present to President Tebboune of Algeria my letters of credence as the first resident Rwandan Ambassador. Rwanda and Algeria are determined to elevate our bilateral and continental relations to the highest level,” he noted.
Rwanda and Algeria have maintained cooperation in areas such as security and education, with several Rwandan students pursuing studies in Algeria, a country where Arabic, French, and Tamazight are the official languages.
Since 1982, the two nations have signed various agreements covering economic cooperation, social development, cultural exchange, and other fields.
In December 2023, Algeria opened its embassy in Rwanda, demonstrating a renewed commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties.
On June 3, 2025, President Paul Kagame paid a state visit to Algeria, where he toured the National School of Artificial Intelligence, which also hosts Rwandan students.
During the visit, he held talks with President Tebboune focused on promoting stronger African cooperation in areas such as cross-border trade.
Before his new appointment, Ambassador Karega served as Rwanda’s envoy to South Africa until 2019, after which he was posted to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He left the DRC in 2022, following heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
On December 20, 2024, he was appointed Rwanda’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, prior to taking up his current role as Ambassador to Algeria.
{{New embassies in Kigali}}
In 2025, Rwanda’s diplomatic relations expanded significantly, as countries from all over the world chose to open embassies in Kigali. One notable example is Brazil, which decided to appoint its ambassador to Rwanda, ending years of reliance on its embassy based in Kenya.
Irene Vida Gala, Brazil’s first ambassador to Rwanda, expressed that Brazil hopes to learn from Rwanda’s success in reconciliation and peacebuilding. She also shared her vision of seeing “Visit Rwanda” on the shirts of Brazilian football teams.
Ambassador Gala also emphasized that both nations would work together to enhance cooperation in areas such as agriculture, livestock, and tourism.
{{Denmark commits to enhancing trade with Rwanda}}
In August 2025, Denmark opened its embassy in Rwanda, appointing Casper Stenger Jensen as the first Danish ambassador.
After presenting his credentials to President Kagame, Ambassador Jensen outlined his focus on strengthening investment and trade relations between the two nations.
Denmark has embassies in 11 countries across Africa, and Rwanda is now a key part of their diplomatic outreach.
In the same year, Gabon also appointed its first ambassador to Rwanda, with a primary focus on promoting economic, cultural, and educational cooperation.
Gabon is home to over 2,000 Rwandan students who are currently studying at various institutions in Rwanda.
{{Switzerland’s Embassy in Rwanda }}
Although Rwanda and Switzerland have maintained diplomatic relations since 1960, Switzerland officially opened its embassy in Kigali on November 20, 2025.
The embassy’s opening aligns with the country’s ongoing regional development efforts and bolsters Switzerland’s image as a strong advocate for peace and security.
In December 2025, Poland also opened its embassy in Rwanda, following Rwanda’s decision to open its embassy in Poland in 2021.
On November 13, 2024, Rwanda and Poland signed the Basic Air Service Agreement (BASA), which focuses on expanding air cooperation between the two countries.
Education continues to be a cornerstone of cooperation, as the 2022 Rwanda-Poland Education Forum led to agreements between universities in both countries. Poland has hosted over 1,500 Rwandan students, making them the largest group of foreign students from a single country in Poland.
Currently, Rwanda is represented by 49 ambassadors across the globe and has one Consul General. Together, these diplomats oversee Rwanda’s interests across 147 countries, with 37 honorary consuls representing Rwanda’s interests in 17 countries.
Rwanda is an active member of 200 international organizations, and 47 embassies are based in Kigali.
Additionally, there are 31 diplomats representing international organizations in Rwanda, 22 diplomats representing the interests of different countries, while 71 countries are represented by non-resident envoys in Rwanda.
The company acknowledged that the issues have caused significant financial losses and reputational strain, prompting it to intensify engagement with riders and the wider public. The matter was discussed during a media briefing held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
One of the most common concerns raised by riders involves the perceived failure of brakes on Spiro motorcycles, a situation that some fear could lead to accidents. However, Spiro says the problem is largely linked to limited familiarity with the design and operation of electric motorcycles.
Spiro Rwanda’s Deputy Plant Manager, Dieudonné Mbuguje, explained that the motorcycles are equipped with three braking mechanisms, unlike conventional petrol-powered bikes. In addition to the front and rear brakes, Spiro motorcycles also feature an engine braking system that cuts power to the rear motor.
According to Dieudonné, some riders have been disconnecting small sensor-linked components that regulate power flow to the motor, often unknowingly compromising the braking system in the process.
“When these sensors are disconnected, riders are left relying only on the conventional brakes, and the engine brake can no longer cut power to the motor when needed,” he said, noting that this can create the impression of brake failure.
To address the problem, Spiro is expanding its training programme beyond initial onboarding. The company said it has rolled out refresher tutorials across its service centres, battery swap stations and offices, while also circulating training videos through riders’ WhatsApp groups.
“We are introducing electric motorcycles into an environment where driving licences are issued for conventional bikes,” Dieudonné said. “That means riders need additional knowledge to operate electric motorcycles safely. We are now going beyond basic riding lessons to ensure users fully understand how these bikes work.”
{{Low prices, not low quality
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Spiro has also responded to criticism, suggesting that the relatively low price of its motorcycles reflects poor quality. The company insists that its pricing strategy is designed to support ownership rather than rental among riders.
Shanton Ngabire, Spiro’s Head of Commercial, said the company deliberately keeps prices low to enable riders to own their motorcycles, aligning with government efforts to promote electric mobility.
“Most conventional motorcycles are expensive, forcing many riders to work for years paying off bikes owned by others,” he said. “Our goal is to help riders own their motorcycles and work for themselves.”
He added that a promotional offer introduced in November last year was intended to accelerate adoption of electric motorcycles. While the promotion later drew complaints from customers who experienced delays in receiving their bikes, Spiro says the issue has since been resolved and all outstanding orders have been fulfilled.
{{Battery concerns addressed
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Some riders have also reported concerns about battery performance, including claims that motorcycles lose power quickly or stop unexpectedly while in motion.
Spiro Rwanda’s Country Lead, Arunkumar Bhandari, said the batteries are designed to last up to five years, but acknowledged that the company is still refining its systems, having operated in Rwanda for less than three years.
He said batteries that develop faults are removed from the system and replaced at no cost to riders, noting that Spiro retains ownership of all batteries to ensure consistent quality and safety.
Under the updated order, nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone will be barred from entering the United States unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
The new proclamation also includes people traveling with Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents.
The White House explained that the expanded travel ban targets countries with “persistent and severe deficiencies” in vetting, screening, and information‑sharing that officials say pose national security and public safety risks.
Syria, long affected by conflict and governance challenges, is one of the most notable additions to the list, reflecting ongoing concerns about the country’s ability to provide reliable documentation or cooperate with U.S. security processes.
This policy builds on a broader set of restrictions that already applied to several other nations earlier in 2025. Under prior proclamations, dozens of countries had faced either full or partial limitations on visas and entry to the United States. The latest expansion increases the number of affected countries to nearly 40 when including both full bans and partial restrictions.
The administration has defended the expanded travel ban as a necessary step to safeguard the American public, citing gaps in international vetting systems and recent security incidents.
Among the examples referenced by officials is a shooting involving an Afghan national, which they say demonstrated vulnerabilities in the current screening process.
The announcement has triggered a range of reactions. Supporters of the policy say it is essential to protect U.S. borders and prevent terrorism or criminal threats, while critics argue that the ban could harm diplomatic relationships, disrupt travel and education, and unfairly impact families and students from the affected countries. Civil liberties organizations have also described parts of the policy as discriminatory.
Despite the broad restrictions, exceptions remain. Foreign nationals who already hold valid U.S. visas or lawful permanent residency are generally exempt from the ban. Diplomatic travelers, certain categories of workers, and individuals whose entry is deemed in the national interest may also qualify for waivers or exemptions.
The new travel restrictions will become effective at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and consular officers, as well as border authorities, are preparing to implement the expanded policy in the coming weeks.
In a statement, the Venezuelan government said U.S. President Donald Trump had issued what it called a “grave and reckless threat” against the country, claiming that it violated international law, free trade and freedom of navigation.
Trump claimed Venezuela’s oil, land and mineral resources as U.S. property and demanded their immediate surrender, while seeking to impose a naval blockade aimed at “robbing the nation of its natural wealth,” it added.
Venezuela reaffirmed its sovereignty over its natural resources and its right to free navigation and commerce in the Caribbean Sea and international waters, it said, adding that it would act in strict accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
In response to the threat, Venezuela’s permanent representative to the United Nations would immediately file a formal complaint.
Calling on the U.S. public and the international community to reject the threat, the statement said Venezuela would never return to a colonial status and would continue defending its independence and sovereignty.
Trump said on Tuesday that he has ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said that any U.S. attempts to block sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela constitute a violation of international law
Sources say a significant number of Burundian soldiers who had been deployed in parts of the Rusizi plain on the South Kivu side returned to Burundi over the past two weeks after being overwhelmed by AFC/M23 forces.
Other Burundian troops are reported to have fled to different areas of South Kivu, including the city of Baraka in Fizi territory and the Itombwe forest, according to information obtained by IGIHE.
The largest remaining concentration of Burundian soldiers is said to be around Minembwe commune, which connects the territories of Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga. The troops have for a long time blocked routes used by members of the Banyamulenge community to access markets and health facilities.
SOS Médias reported that on the night of December 15 to 16, 2025, many Burundian soldiers crossed Lake Tanganyika from Baraka and Mboko, arriving at a military port in Rumonge.
AFC/M23 recently entered the Mboko centre as it continued pushing southwards, forcing back a coalition of DRC government forces whose presence had reportedly compromised civilian security. The city of Baraka remained the last major objective in the area.
As AFC/M23 took control of additional locations along Lake Tanganyika, escape routes for Burundian troops were increasingly cut off, after land routes through the Rusizi plain had already been closed.
On Tuesday morning, six trucks were deployed at the port to transport the soldiers to Bujumbura, with witnesses noting visible signs of fatigue among them.
Burundi is estimated to have deployed nearly 20,000 troops to South Kivu province to help the Congolese army battle M23 rebels. While the exact number of soldiers who have withdrawn is not yet known, sources say they number in the thousands.
AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa announced late on Monday that his fighters would withdraw from Uvira in the interest of ongoing mediation efforts but warned rival forces against re-entering the city. It remains unclear whether Burundian troops will continue their withdrawal following the announcement.
