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The event, which saw the planting of over 1,000 trees, took place in Cyimpima marshland, located between the Kigabiro and Munyaga sectors.

The initiative was held in collaboration with Twibumbe, a farmers’ group consisting of four cooperatives: COCURICYI, CORICYA, COCURIGA, and COCURIBU. Together, these cooperatives comprise more than 2,500 members.

The trees planted include a variety of fruit-bearing species and other tree types that will help prevent water flow disruptions in areas where excess water from the hills tends to flood rice fields.

Ignace Musangamfura, the Managing Director of Goshen Finance Plc, explained that the tree-planting activity was part of the company’s broader effort to engage with their clients in promoting environmental sustainability.

“Our role as a financial institution goes beyond providing loans and encouraging savings. We also recognize that environmental conservation plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of our clients. This is why, alongside offering financial services, we are committed to contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection,” he said.

He further emphasized the importance of such initiatives in the face of climate change, stating, “As we navigate the challenges of climate change, it is crucial that all development activities prioritize environmental conservation to mitigate its effects and secure a better future for all.”

Rice farmer Théogène Uwizeye expressed his appreciation for the support, noting, “We are grateful for Goshen Finance’s involvement in this initiative. Our farms, located in the marshlands, have always been vulnerable to flooding. The trees will help manage the water flow, preventing damage to our crops and reducing losses. It’s wonderful to have a partner who is genuinely concerned about our well-being and farm protection.”

Christine Niyonsaba also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the positive impact it will have on their farming practices. “Not only will these trees help prevent soil erosion and control water flow, but they will also improve the quality of the air in our community. We’re excited about the potential of this project to boost our productivity.”

The Executive Secretary of Munyaga Sector, Damascène Munyentwari, commended Goshen Finance Plc for its partnership with the community.

“We encourage the farmers to take good care of the trees. These trees represent an investment in the land. As they mature, they will not only protect the environment but also generate income when sold.”

Currently, Goshen Finance Plc has a capital base of 35 billion Rwandan Francs (Rwf), with plans to increase this to Rwf 40 billion by next year.

The company is also focusing on expanding its support for youth and women, particularly in projects that contribute to environmental sustainability, and is working to strengthen its relationship with clients.

With nine branches across Rwanda, Goshen Finance Plc serves 70,000 customers and is aiming to expand its reach to 100,000 clients, including cooperative members. The company also plans to increase the number of agents to better serve its growing customer base.

The community was excited to join Goshen Finance Plc for the tree-planting initiative.

A variety of fruit trees and other tree species were planted in large numbers.

Goshen Finance Plc planted over 1,000 trees in areas prone to flooding in the rice-growing marshlands.

Goshen Finance Plc staff in collaboration with community members planted more than 1,000 trees, including a mix of fruit trees and crops.

After planting the trees, leaders interacted with the community and expressed their gratitude to Goshen Finance Plc.

Ignace Musangamfura, the Managing Director of Goshen Finance Plc, explained that the tree-planting activity was part of the company’s broader effort to engage with their clients in promoting environmental sustainability.

The Executive Secretary of Munyaga Sector, Damascène Munyentwari, commended Goshen Finance Plc for its partnership with the community.

IGIHE

The United States government has suspended its green card lottery program, formally known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, after a suspect in fatal shootings at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was found to have entered the country through the program, senior officials said Friday.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that, at the direction of President Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security has ordered the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to pause the diversity visa lottery program immediately. The program, created by Congress decades ago, annually grants up to 50,000 green cards to applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

Noem said in a post on the social media platform X that the suspect, 48‑year‑old Portuguese national Claudio Neves Valente, 'should never have been allowed in our country', a remark reflecting broad criticism by Trump and his allies of the lottery system.

Valente entered the United States in 2017 under the green card lottery program and later became a permanent resident. He is suspected of carrying out two deadly attacks that shook college communities in New England earlier this month.

In one incident at Brown University, two students were killed and nine others were wounded during a classroom shooting. Days later, Valente is suspected of fatally shooting an MIT professor at his Massachusetts home. He was later found dead of a self‑inflicted gunshot wound in New Hampshire during a manhunt.

The diversity visa program was designed to foster immigration diversity by allowing people from countries with relatively low rates of U.S. immigration to gain lawful permanent residency through a randomized selection process. Although winners are subject to interviews, background checks, and other standard vetting, critics say the system poses security risks. Supporters contend these safeguards are robust and that the program contributes meaningfully to U.S. society.

In announcing the suspension, Noem and other Trump administration officials cited concerns about national security and the integrity of the immigration system. They said the pause will remain in place while the government reviews the program’s procedures and eligibility standards.

The suspension marks one of the most significant changes to legal immigration policy under the Trump administration since it took office. The lottery has been a longstanding pathway for many aspiring immigrants around the world, and its discontinuation could spark legal challenges from civil liberties groups and immigration advocates.

Critics of the program have pointed to the recent shootings as evidence that the system’s vetting process can fail, while supporters argue that isolated incidents should not lead to dismantling broad legal immigration avenues. As the country grapples with rising concerns about gun violence and immigration policy, the suspension adds a new dimension to the ongoing national debate.

Trump, a long‑time opponent of the diversity visa lottery, has repeatedly sought restrictions on legal immigration and has previously cited tragic cases to call for tighter border controls and policy reforms.

The United States government, through the directive of President Donald Trump, has suspended its green card lottery program, formally known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, after a suspect in fatal shootings at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was found to have entered the country through the program, senior officials said Friday.

Rania Umutoni

The casualties occurred between April 11 and April 13, 2025, when Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stormed the Zamzam displacement camp, once the largest refuge for people fleeing violence in Darfur. The camp, which sat near the provincial capital of el‑Fasher, had been home to almost half a million internally displaced people.

According to the U.N. report, the RSF restricted access to food, water, and essential supplies for months prior to the assault. During the takeover, fighters directed attacks against civilians, and survivors recounted widespread killings, rape, torture, and abductions as the camp was overrun.

At least 319 people were summarily executed either inside the camp or as they tried to flee, the report found. One witness told U.N. investigators that fighters shot into a room where civilians were hiding, killing everyone inside.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians, saying such attacks 'may constitute the war crime of murder.' He urged that those responsible be held accountable under international law.

The findings are based on interviews conducted in July with 155 survivors and witnesses who escaped to neighbouring Chad. Many described scenes of chaos and violence, with fighters entering homes, marketplaces, schools, and health facilities to commit atrocities.

The takeover of Zamzam was part of the RSF’s broader effort to seize el‑Fasher, the last major urban stronghold of Sudan’s regular army in the Darfur region. Late in October, the RSF captured the city in a prolonged offensive, and international rights groups reported further massacres and mass detentions there.

Humanitarian organisations describe the conflict in Sudan, now in its third year, as one of the world’s most severe crises. Millions have been displaced, and large swaths of territory have seen repeated violence against civilians.

Rania Umutoni

Before Africa, Steffi led a successful life in Germany. She owned four cooking schools across Hamburg, Potsdam, Bremen, and Hamm, had a comfortable home, cars, and a thriving career. Yet, despite her achievements, she felt drawn to something different, something that would push her beyond familiar comforts.

Speaking in a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Steffi revealed that her passion for dance had long been part of her life. She discovered it at 16, and it quickly became more than a hobby.

'In the morning, I stand up and dance,' she says.

Dance became a form of expression, connection, and personal freedom. Today in Kigali, she continues to dance several times a week and even hosts classes and events.

The decision to move to Africa came with uncertainty. Steffi and her children travelled across the continent, eventually arriving in Mwanza, Tanzania. It was here, in search of a dance community, that she made a pivotal decision: to cross the border into Kigali.

Their arrival coincided with the global COVID-19 lockdowns, leaving the family confined to a small house with no bed, sleeping on yoga mats. Travel was impossible, money scarce, and options limited.

Steffi responded by turning her skills into opportunity. She began cooking extra meals for her family and selling the surplus. What started as feeding ten instead of three quickly drew attention.

Using a WhatsApp catalogue to showcase dishes she missed from home, she found her first customers. Their encouragement led her to take a bolder step: opening a physical shop. Partnering with a local, Balinda, she launched her first outlet in Rugando. But just as momentum built, thieves broke in, taking everything she had worked to create.

Arriving in Rwanda with limited English and no knowledge of Kinyarwanda, the loss could have been crushing. Yet Steffi refused to give up. She returned to her WhatsApp catalogue, relying on customer trust to rebuild her business from scratch.

Two years later, she opened a second outlet in Remera, dubbed Steffi Metz Gourmet Shop. She converted a spare room and unused parking space into an outdoor cooking school, offering locals an alternative to everyday meals. The business grew, but challenges persisted. A landlord dispute forced her to relocate after just four months. Eventually, she found a larger, more suitable space in Gacuriro.

Along the way, Steffi trained staff in hotels, often without financial backing. She faced personal betrayals and repeated setbacks, yet she found support in Rwanda’s environment, where entrepreneurship and creativity were allowed to flourish.

For Steffi, the appeal of Rwanda goes beyond business opportunity. In Germany, regulations would have prevented her from producing even simple items like cheese in a small setup. In Rwanda, processes are faster and more flexible, even her visa renewal was granted overnight. Most importantly, the country allows her to live authentically.

'As a creative person, it’s absolutely necessary to be myself and not worry whether it’s allowed,' she says.

From a comfortable life in Germany to starting over amid lockdowns and uncertainty, Steffi Metz’s story is one of courage, adaptation, and relentless passion. Through dance, cooking, and entrepreneurship, she has built a life in Kigali that is vibrant, inspiring, and wholly her own.

'Rwanda touched me,' she says, a sentiment that echoes through every step of her extraordinary journey.

Watch the full exclusive interview with IGIHE below.

Steffi Metz’s shop.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Steffi Metz said that when she arrived in Africa in early 2020 with her two children, she had only two backpacks and no certainty about where the journey would take her.

Before Africa, Steffi led a successful life in Germany.

Steffi Metz during a recent interview with IGIHE’s Rania Umutoni.

Steffi Metz with plays with her baby.

Rania Umutoni

In his message on International Migrants Day, observed annually on Dec. 18, Guterres said migration is a powerful driver of progress, lifting economies, connecting cultures, and benefiting countries of origin and destination alike.

“Yet when migration is poorly governed or misrepresented, it can fuel hate and division, endangering the lives of people seeking safety and opportunity,” he said, adding that with borders tightening and smugglers and traffickers thriving, “women and children are among the most at risk.”

Pointing to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration adopted seven years ago, he said the international community “can and must harness the power of migration to advance sustainable development and build more resilient societies.”

“This starts with challenging the narratives that dehumanize migrants, and replacing them with stories of solidarity,” Guterres said, calling on the international community to “stand together for the rights of every migrant, and make migration dignified and safe for all.”

In December 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed Dec. 18 as International Migrants Day.

Since 2014, nearly 70,000 migrants have died or gone missing along land and sea routes, with the true number likely far higher.

Xinhua

In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the South African government said the deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) was carried out in full compliance with the country’s immigration statutes.

The individuals were found to be engaging in employment without required work permits, in violation of immigration regulations, it said, adding that South Africa will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law.

During the operation, DHA officials, in cooperation with the police department, arrested and later deported the Kenyan nationals who were allegedly employed at a facility processing applications for so-called “refugees” seeking resettlement in the United States.

Several U.S. media outlets reported that two U.S. staff were “briefly detained and then released” during the operation.

The DIRCO’s statement rejected allegations concerning the handling of private information of U.S. officials, describing such claims as “unsubstantiated.”

“South Africa treats all matters of data security with the utmost seriousness and operates under stringent legal and diplomatic protocols. We categorically reject any suggestion of state involvement in such actions,” the statement said.

The DIRCO said that while firmly dismissing unfounded claims, Pretoria remains committed to principled and transparent diplomacy, and official channels have been opened with the U.S. government to seek clarity on the matter and to reinforce the importance of mutual respect and fact-based dialogue in bilateral engagements.

The statement was issued against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States following an operation conducted by South African immigration authorities in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning what it described as the detention of U.S. officials. “The U.S. condemns in the strongest terms the South African government’s recent detention of U.S. officials performing their duties to provide humanitarian support to Afrikaners.”

Claiming U.S. officials’ passport information had been publicly released, the U.S. State Department called it “an unacceptable form of harassment.”

“We are seeking immediate clarification from the South African government and expect full cooperation and accountability,” said U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott, adding that interfering in U.S. refugee operations is “unacceptable.”

The DHA, however, said in a statement published on Wednesday that no U.S. officials were arrested during the operation and that the enforcement action was not conducted at any diplomatic site.

“The presence of foreign officials apparently coordinating with undocumented workers naturally raises serious questions about intent and diplomatic protocol. The DIRCO has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to resolve this matter,” the DHA said.

Relations between South Africa and the United States have deteriorated since early this year, with analysts pointing to growing divergences between Pretoria and Washington on major international issues, including South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

In February, the U.S. administration denounced South Africa’s new land law, accusing the government of discriminating against white citizens, and issued an executive order cutting off U.S. aid.

Tensions further escalated on Aug. 7, when the United States imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African exports, the highest rate applied to any sub-Saharan African country.

The latest round of rhetorical clashes began in November, when Washington openly boycotted the Group of Twenty summit hosted by South Africa.

IGIHE

The organization, affiliated with Swiss-based charitable foundation Sight and Life (SAL), has introduced multi-layered evidence-based interventions to improve child, adolescent, women health as well as training and assisting farmers towards self-sustenance.

SAL Rwanda’s achievements were highlighted during a policy dialogue jointly organized by the Embassy of France and SAL Rwanda. The timing of the discussions was particularly relevant, as findings from Rwanda’s Sixth Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) show that 33% of children are stunted, while 25% of pregnant women are affected by anemia.

The forum aimed to assess the current state of nutrition in Rwanda, with a particular focus on pregnant women and young children, and to review progress. Results from recent national initiatives, including the government’s decision to replace iron and folic acid supplements with a more comprehensive Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) for pregnant women, showed tangible progress.

The limited nutrient composition constrained the impact of iron and folic acid constrained its impact. The newly adopted MMS formulation contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, offering broader nutritional support during pregnancy and contributing to improved maternal health and birth outcomes.

Elvis Gakuba, the Sight and Life Regional Director for Africa, stressed that improving nutrition for pregnant women and children is not just a health issue but also a vital investment in Rwanda’s long-term economic growth.

“Promoting adequate nutrition for pregnant women and children is not just about healthcare; it is an essential investment in the future of Rwanda. By prioritizing nutrition and well-being of both mothers and children, we are contributing directly to the nation’s development,” he explained.

Gakuba further shared that through a study conducted in partnership with UNICEF and RBC, SAL Rwanda has distributed MMS across all Rwandan districts. 'We have reached close to 90% of pregnant women,' he said.

Stéphane Le Brech, the First Counselor at the French Embassy in Rwanda, responsible for cultural cooperation, noted that the discussions were organized in line with commitments made during the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, held in Paris in March 2025.

The Rwandan government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women. The National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), set to run from 2024 to 2029, aims to combat malnutrition and reduce the current stunting rate of 33% to 15% by 2029.

Sight and Life works across Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria, integrating nutrition with livelihoods and food system strengthening.

In Rwanda, for instance, the organization’s project to reduce post-harvest losses, including efforts to combat aflatoxins in maize, have supported 2,400 farmers, reducing crop losses by up to 40%. Around 6,500 tons of crops have been saved from aflatoxin contamination.

The organization also runs a Food Fortification Project aimed at enriching widely consumed foods with essential vitamins and minerals to improve nutrition and combat nutrient deficiencies.

With a $3.5 million grant from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Sight and Life is implementing the 'Nutrition in City Ecosystems – NICE' project, which works to improve nutrition in urban areas of developing countries through community-led initiatives.

The project fosters collaboration between the agriculture, food, and health sectors, and supports public-private partnerships, with a focus on women and youth entrepreneurship.

NICE enhances urban governance and promotes the development of sustainable food systems, increasing the availability of healthy, locally grown food produced through agroecological practices, while also raising awareness about environmentally responsible diets.

Over the past seven years, Sight and Life has provided training in agroecology and sustainable farming practices to farmers, supported 14 cooperatives in fishing and livestock, and provided agricultural inputs and project management skills to 25 early childhood development (ECD) institutions – reinforcing the link between nutrition, resilient livelihoods, and long-term national progress.

A discussion was held on the strategies to address and eliminate stunting in Rwanda.

Participants of the discussion pledged to tackle the issue of stunting in the country.

Elvis Gakuba, the Sight and Life Regional Director for Africa, stressed that improving nutrition for pregnant women and children is a vital investment in Rwanda’s long-term economic growth.

Stéphane Le Brech, the First Counselor at the French Embassy in Rwanda, responsible for cultural cooperation, noted that the discussions were organized in line with commitments made during the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, held in Paris in March 2025.

IGIHE

The new outlet, located in Gisenyi, along the main road near the Rubavu Mosque, marks a significant step in promoting sustainable cooking options.

According to the seventh integrated household living conditions survey (EICV7), the number of households in Rwanda using environmentally friendly cooking stoves reached 5.4% in 2024, up from just 1% in 2017.

BioMassters operates a factory in Rubavu with a capacity to process 15 tons of materials per day.

The company has been selling its products in various shops across Kigali for the past two years.

The stoves come in two models: the “Iryacu” stove, made in Rwanda using bricks, and the “Inzuchief” stove, made from metal. Both stoves are known for their durability, cleanliness, and efficiency, using 50% less fuel compared to charcoal stoves.

Claudia Muench, the CEO of BioMassters, told IGIHE that their stoves are designed to cook efficiently without producing smoke, making them a healthier option for households.

“Our stoves offer a solution for families—they are affordable, and the pellets used for cooking are cheaper compared to other traditional methods. They promote better health for users while protecting the environment as the forests are preserved,” she said.

Despite the challenges posed by the small size of the factory and the fact that many people are still unaware of their products, Muench is optimistic that these issues will be overcome over time by raising awareness through different campaigns and plan to build new factories.

Mulindwa Prosper, the Mayor of Rubavu, emphasized that the opening of the BioMassters outlet will boost the local economy.

“BioMassters’ initiatives help residents maintain cleanliness, protect the environment, and assist the government in safeguarding public health. The smokeless pellets contribute to better health outcomes, and they are made from sawdusts and forests left overs.

We appreciate BioMassters for opening a branch in our district, creating new jobs, and contributing to the national economy,” he stated.

Mulindwa also noted that, compared to charcoal, the cost of using pellets is 50% cheaper, which will help local residents save money.

BioMassters’ stoves use pellets made from wood and crop residues, which are both eco-friendly and affordable. A kilo of pellets costs between Rwf 350 Rwandan Francs in BioMassters stores and Rwf 380 from other partners across the country.

To date, BioMassters has distributed over 8,000 stoves to households, reaching more than 70,000 people across the country. The “Iryacu” stove costs 40,000 Rwandan Francs, while the “Inzuchief” stove is priced at 50,000 Rwandan Francs.

The Mayor of Rubavu, Mulindwa Prosper, alongside the BioMassters management, officially inaugurated the Rubavu branch.

The new Gisenyi branch is stocked with a wide range of BioMassters stoves.

BioMassters employees demonstrate the operation of their stoves.

The new BioMassters branch in Rubavu is located in Gisenyi.

IGIHE

“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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 17, 2025. Guterres on Wednesday condemned the continued arbitrary detention of UN personnel by the Houthis in Yemen.

Xinhua

“Rwanda recognizes the importance of Kiswahili in achieving inclusive and equitable education. Our government made a decision in 2017 to designate Kiswahili as one of the official languages of the country, alongside Kinyarwanda, English, and French,” Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere told the closing the 4th World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, on Monday.

“This move was not just symbolic. It was a deliberate strategy to position Rwanda within the East African Community and the broader African linguistic landscape, while also strengthening African solidarity and fraternity,” she said.

Caroline Asiimwe, executive secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission, said Kiswahili language is fundamental to building society, nations, and the EAC region.

She emphasized the commission’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital innovation, urging young people to take ownership of Kiswahili’s digital future and use it as a tool for entrepreneurship and peace building.

“Let us build AI tools, dictionaries, and platforms in Kiswahili not only to preserve the language but to empower the next generation of African innovators,” Asiimwe said.

Co-hosted by Rwanda and the East African Kiswahili Commission, the two-day celebrations were held under the theme of “Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development” to examine relevant policies, best practices, and stakeholder engagement.

The event drew more than 300 participants, including senior government officials, delegates from EAC partner states, academics, Kiswahili experts, and university students.

The celebrations featured a regional symposium, youth engagement sessions, and an exhibition. Participants explored how Kiswahili, artificial intelligence, and inclusive education can advance a culture of peace and drive innovative initiatives.

Xinhua