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The Ministry of Infrastructure is expected to roll out this improved transportation system starting in December 2025.

The new system will focus on providing reliable service, with buses adhering to scheduled timetables.

There will be a modern traffic management system in place, which will track the buses in real-time, ensuring they are dispatched to areas where they are needed. This will guarantee that passengers receive regular service throughout all routes.

The system also aims to protect the environment, supporting Rwanda’s goals for sustainable urban development, as outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.

Recently, the Director-General of RURA, Evariste Rugigana, informed Senators about the plan to address the transportation challenges, especially in Kigali. He mentioned the establishment of a public enterprise, Ecofleet Solutions Ltd, aimed at improving public transport services.

He emphasized that currently, public transport is operated by private individuals seeking profit. Therefore, the establishment of a government company would help improve the system of passenger transportation.

He explained, “Currently, public transport is operated by private businesses that focus on making a profit. If a bus arrives at a terminal but isn’t full, it doesn’t depart. This leads to delays for passengers, as some people have to wait for the bus to fill up. We don’t want to inconvenience passengers. We want to ensure timely service even when there are fewer passengers.”

A new public transport model is set to be introduced in Kigali City with plansfor expansion to other urban areas.

IGIHE

He was accompanied by the RDF Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga. According to the RDF, the visit took place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Upon arrival, Maj Gen Nyakarundi was welcomed by the Commander of the 7th Rwandan Contingent, Lt Col Willy Ntagara, who briefed him on the security situation and the activities undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the region.

During his address to the troops, Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed messages from President Paul Kagame and the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, commending them for their professionalism and dedication to their duties.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Rwandan troops, both under the UN mandate and bilateral agreements between Rwanda and the Central African Republic, in restoring peace and improving the welfare of local communities. He urged them to remain vigilant and to uphold exemplary conduct throughout their mission.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi also provided an update on the security situation in Rwanda and the region. He assured the troops that Rwanda’s borders are well-secured against any provocation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to enhanced defense measures in place.

The 7th Rwandan Contingent in Bria operates as a tank battalion and is part of the RDF forces deployed under the MINUSCA mission. They also manage a Level 2+ hospital that provides medical services to UN personnel stationed in the eastern part of the country.

The hospital offers surgical procedures, anesthesia, emergency care, physiotherapy, radiology, internal medicine, and dental services.

The contingent’s primary duties include protecting civilians, conducting day and night patrols, and maintaining main roadways. They also engage in community outreach activities such as public service work (Umuganda), offering free medical care, and other initiatives aimed at improving the local population’s welfare.

Bria, the capital of Haute-Kotto province, is located approximately 600 kilometers from Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic. It is about a 1.5-hour flight from Bangui, but due to poor road conditions, the journey by road can take up to three days.

The province covers an area of 86,650 square kilometers, more than three times the size of Rwanda, and is home to over 120,000 residents.

A significant portion of the population in Bria consists of refugees, some of whom fled from Sudan, while others were displaced by conflicts between Muslim and Christian communities.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi visited Rwandan troops serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication to their duties.

The contingent’s primary duties include protecting civilians, conducting day and night patrols, and maintaining main roadways.

IGIHE

According to media reports, the blaze occurred at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, a densely populated residential area.

Emergency teams have worked around the clock to search for survivors, but as of now, authorities have confirmed that the death toll stands at 128, with many others still missing.

Authorities have officially ended search and rescue operations, and the focus has shifted to identifying victims and investigating the cause of the fire.

As of now, officials have not finalized the exact cause, but early reports suggest that poor fire safety measures and the building’s renovation may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

The fire has been described as particularly devastating due to the building’s overcrowded conditions and the high number of residents it housed.

The authorities have yet to provide a full breakdown of the victims’ nationalities, though it is known that the complex was home to many low-income families and some foreign workers.

A man reacts, as smoke rises while flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong on November 26, 2025. Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Rania Umutoni

The announcement follows a rapid tightening of immigration measures after investigators identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the country in 2021 through a post-withdrawal resettlement programme.

The President made the declaration on his Truth Social platform on Thursday night, arguing that the move was necessary to 'allow the US system to fully recover' and to reverse what he described as the 'millions of Biden illegal admissions.'

While he did not specify which nations fall under the label, the term 'Third World' is broadly associated with developing countries across the Global South.

Trump said his administration would move to remove 'anyone who is not a net asset to the United States' and pledged to strip federal benefits and subsidies from all non-citizens. He further vowed to denaturalise migrants deemed to threaten 'domestic tranquillity' or considered 'non-compatible with Western civilisation.'

The remarks come as the nation reels from Wednesday’s attack near the White House, where two National Guard members were shot. One of them, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, later died, while her colleague, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.

Authorities have named the suspect as Rahmanaullah (also known as Rahmanullah) Lakanwal, an Afghan who arrived under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme created to protect Afghans who had worked with US forces following the 2021 withdrawal from Kabul.

Federal officials confirmed that Lakanwal’s immigration history, including his asylum approval earlier this year, is now under scrutiny by Homeland Security and the FBI. His case has quickly become a political flashpoint, bolstering Trump’s long-held position that immigration poses significant national security risks.

Sweeping reviews ordered

Earlier on Thursday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow announced a 'full-scale, rigorous re-examination' of every green card issued to immigrants from 19 'countries of concern.' The list, based on a presidential proclamation from June, includes Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, Yemen, Cuba, Somalia and others.

Edlow said the reassessment was being carried out 'at the direction of President Trump,' emphasising that 'the protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount.' USCIS has also indefinitely suspended all Afghan immigration requests pending updated vetting procedures.

The administration’s wider review extends to roughly 200,000 refugees admitted under former President Joe Biden, with green card applications for those individuals frozen until further notice.

Trump has been steadily intensifying immigration restrictions throughout his presidency, but the Washington shooting has triggered an even more aggressive posture. In recent weeks, he has reinstated travel bans affecting several countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East and set a historically low refugee cap of 7,500 for 2026.

On Thursday, he reiterated a call for 'reverse migration,' arguing that reducing what he termed 'illegal and disruptive populations' was essential to restoring public security. His administration has already expanded deportation operations, with ICE data showing that more than two-thirds of detainees arrested since mid-November had no criminal convictions.

While Lakanwal entered the country legally under a US-backed evacuation programme, Trump has pointed to the case as evidence that broader categories of legal migration require tighter vetting. He described the shooting as an 'act of terror,' insisting it underscored a longstanding failure in immigration policy.

The President has not clarified how a blanket pause on migration from 'Third World countries' would be defined or enforced, nor how it would interact with existing statutes on asylum, refugee protection, and family reunification. Legal experts warn that such sweeping restrictions may face court challenges, similar to battles seen during his first presidency over travel bans targeting majority-Muslim nations.

United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to 'permanently pause migration from all Third World countries' in the wake of a deadly shooting in Washington, D.C.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Stressing that any disregard of the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the Nov. 23 general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles, the UN chief calls for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, as well as the release of all detained officials, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, in a statement.

Dujarric said the UN chief urges all stakeholders to exercise utmost restraint, uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.

Guterres emphasizes that disputes must be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues, and reaffirms the UN’s full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the West African Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability, and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path, said the spokesperson.

On Wednesday, Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces declared on national television that they had assumed full control of state power in response to what they described as attempts by some political figures to destabilize the country. On Thursday, senior military officer Horta Inta-A was sworn in as Guinea-Bissau’s transitional president for a one-year term.

UN chief has condemned coup in Guinea-Bissau

Xinhua

Held at Green Hills Academy, the event served as both a cultural showcase and a fundraising platform, with proceeds directed toward supporting 50 rural artisan cooperatives across Rwanda.

Organised by Intercultural Bridge Group CBC, a Community Benefit Company specialising in cultural advocacy, research, and education, the event aimed to create a space where diplomacy meets culture and philanthropy.

Nigerian and Sudanese envoys tour exhibitions by local artisans during the event.

The inaugural edition featured vibrant performances from local traditional dance troupes, alongside cultural groups from the Indian community and other participating nations. Attendees also enjoyed a diverse culinary experience, sampling dishes prepared by various diplomatic missions in a celebration of global flavours.

Ten embassies and high commissions took part in the Bazaar, including Angola, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and Sudan, each showcasing their country’s art, cuisine, traditional attire, and tourism attractions. The stalls, set up with the support of community members, gave visitors an opportunity to interact directly with diplomatic representatives and artisans.

The inaugural edition featured vibrant performances from local traditional dance troupes.

Speaking at the event, Naeem Khan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Rwanda, emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy as a pillar of international cooperation.

'I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Diplomatic Charity Bazaar organisers. It’s a great initiative,' he said. 'Politics, economics, and culture are equally important pillars of diplomacy. When we understand each other’s cultures and bridge the gaps in cultural communication, genuine public diplomacy emerges.'

Envoys pose for a photo outside a stall by the Pakistan High Commission.

He noted that events like the Bazaar help create the foundation for stronger economic and political relations between nations, stressing that culture must not be overlooked in global engagement.

India’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das, echoed this sentiment, describing the Bazaar as a 'very good start' with the potential to grow into a major annual event.

'This is the first time ever that a diplomatic charity bazaar is being organised in Rwanda,' he said. 'In the years to come, it will grow to become a really big event with more embassies and high commissions participating. It stands for a noble cause, benefiting 50 cooperatives of artisans, and we are all willing to work together to contribute.'

Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das (centre), and other envoys cut a ribbon to officially kick off the first edition of the Diplomatic Charity Bazaar at Green Hills Academy on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

He highlighted the enthusiasm of the Indian community, which contributed cultural performances, artisan exhibits, and cuisine. He also praised the diversity on display across other country stalls, including jewellery, crafts, traditional attire, and tourism showcases.

Beyond cultural appreciation, the Bazaar served a critical economic purpose. Vendor fees, auctions, and raffle tickets raised funds to support rural artisan cooperatives.

'The money will be used to buy tools, materials, and training according to each cooperative’s needs,' stated Chief Organiser Edison Niyontegereje.

Visitors tour the inaugural Charity Bazaar event at Green Hills Academy.

The organisers also announced that an e-commerce platform is under development to help artisans reach wider markets.

'The platform will support the artisans in showcasing their products to a much larger audience, beyond the physical Bazaar,' said Organising Committee Member Dr Saurabh Singhal.

Some of the artwork showcased by the Nigerian Embassy.

Meanwhile, Edison noted that the success of the first edition sets a strong foundation for growth.

'The first edition gives us hope that the next edition, in 2026, is going to be an even bigger event,' the chief organiser said. 'More embassies and partners are showing interest in joining. This is about coming on board to contribute to the cause of improving artisans’ lives.'

Some of the paintings that were on display at the charity bazaar.

He added that the organisation plans to build a cultural centre that will allow visitors to experience different cultures through immersive exhibitions, languages, and virtual reality. The goal, he said, is to foster deeper cultural exchange while exposing Rwandan artisans to global craftsmanship techniques.

Artisans themselves expressed gratitude for the visibility and support the Bazaar generated.
Esperance Mukabaranga, a basket weaver and cultural artist, said the event helped her connect with potential business partners.

'We met different people, and they like our products. We exchanged business cards, and we believe they will become our business partners,' she said.

Some of the cultural and handmade accessories showcased by the Kenyan community.

She added that the funds raised will help strengthen artisan communities: 'If they support us, we will be supporting our families and communities as well.'

Despite the event’s success, organisers acknowledged challenges such as the Rwf 10,000 ticket price, which some embassies felt may have limited attendance. Several missions recommended making the event free in future editions to increase accessibility, and some have expressed their intention to sponsor entry for participants to encourage greater participation.

As the event concluded, envoys from the participating missions called for stronger lobbying within diplomatic circles and encouraged more embassies in Kigali to support the cause in future editions. Such backing will not only provide Rwanda’s artisan communities with the resources they need to scale their operations, but also help them gain glocal connections.

Held at Green Hills Academy, the event served as both a cultural showcase and a fundraising platform.

The inaugural edition featured vibrant cultural performances from various groups.

The dance groups kept guests engaged and entertained.

Kenya High Commissioner to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi, dazzled in traditional Maasai accessories during the Diplomatic Charity Bazaar.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

He was speaking at a roundtable with the press on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

In recent weeks, political instability has rocked both Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, with coups unfolding in each country amid growing public discontent.

In Guinea-Bissau, the military seized control on November 26, 2025, a day before the results of a contentious presidential election were to be announced.

The military detained the sitting president and declared a one-year transitional government, led by Horta Inta-A Na Man. This sudden move has left the nation in uncertainty, with the army’s actions raising concerns about the true motives behind the coup.

Similarly, Madagascar experienced a coup in October 2025, following weeks of youth-led protests driven by frustrations over water and power shortages, rising living costs, and rampant corruption.

The unrest culminated when an elite military unit, refusing to suppress the protests, moved to oust President Andry Rajoelina.

The military declared the dissolution of key government institutions and the formation of a transitional government, responding to the growing public sentiment that leadership had failed to address critical issues.These coups add to a broader trend of military takeovers in Africa, echoing similar unrest.

Responding to a journalist’s question on what such coups reveal about the state of governance on the continent, Kagame recalled his first reaction to the coup in Guinea-Bissau, noting that he initially questioned whether the military was staging a coup against itself.

'When I heard it first, I thought somebody was carrying out a coup against himself,' Kagame remarked, further adding that he still needed time to fully confirm what had occurred.

However, he emphasized that such incidents typically reveal significant underlying problems in leadership. He expressed his belief that, in many cases, coups signify widespread dissatisfaction with the current governance, suggesting that 'where coups are taking place, there must be something wrong.'

Drawing from past incidents, including the political instability in Madagascar, Kagame underscored a recurring pattern.

'Once there is a coup, maybe 90% of the time, it means in that place there has been a problem,' he explained.

The President also critiqued the international community’s inconsistent praise of certain African leaders, noting that these coups often serve as a wake-up call, exposing the false narratives propagated by some global powers about stability in Africa.

'These coups only happen to tell these people you’ve been telling lies,' he said.

Addressing the concerns of young Africans, Kagame acknowledged the frustration felt by many, though he urged for greater responsibility and understanding.

He argued that rather than succumbing to reckless behavior, leaders must work to ensure that young people feel included and responsible for their country’s progress.

'It’s our responsibility to do something so that they have no need to do that,' Kagame asserted, emphasizing that open dialogue and transparency from leaders could help prevent violent uprisings.

Kagame remarked that he believes there are “good coups and bad coups,” depending on surrounding circumstances.

'There might be a coup by somebody who got high-handed, and high anyway, just got high-handed, and became reckless and thought because he has a gun he will go and take power. That’s a bad coup,' he said.

'But if somebody, a group of people say no, enough is enough. These guys have been telling us lies, they’ve been doing this, they’re enriching themselves, cheating us. You can’t have it anymore, it’s stinking. And they go for whatever form they do it, I think I am okay with it. I know it will be misunderstood, but I am happy to take the risk. I’m okay with that,' he added.

However, he also cautioned that for such movements to be legitimate, they must lead to meaningful change and not repeat the same mistakes of those they overthrew.

“If you come and do the very things you overthrew people for, or do worse, then why did you come out to the coup?” Kagame asked, suggesting that such a scenario would warrant another uprising.

President Paul Kagame addressed the state of governance across Africa, particularly in light of recent developments such as the coup in Guinea-Bissau and political unrest in Madagascar.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The visit took place on November 18 and 19, 2025, during which Dr. Muyoboke toured various justice-related institutions in The Gambia, including the country’s school of law.

In 2024, The Gambia revised its law regulating the legal profession, adding provisions that specify which countries’ law degrees are recognized for practicing law in Gambia. According to the new law, no one can practice law in Gambia without presenting a valid degree from a recognized country.

In Africa, recognized countries include Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. In Europe, countries like Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom, which colonized Gambia, are recognized. In the Americas, only Canada is accepted, while in Asia, countries like India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia are recognized.

Dr. Muyoboke explained that the relationship between the two institutions has sparked the beginning of discussions on how justice institutions in both countries can collaborate.

During the visit, the President of the Gambian Bar Association, Neneh Cham, spoke with the President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Moise Nkundabarashi, exploring avenues of collaboration between Rwandan lawyers and their Gambian counterparts.

This collaboration is expected to facilitate Gambian students who graduate from ILPD and other future initiatives.

Dr. Muyoboke further mentioned that both The Gambia’s Supreme Court and Rwanda’s Supreme Court have set up dedicated teams to assess how the justice institutions can work together effectively.

In September of this year, the President of the Supreme Court of Rwanda, Mukantaganzwa Domitille, also visited The Gambia’s justice institutions, marking the start of in-depth discussions on collaboration.

This followed the visits of The Gambia’s Supreme Court President, Hassan B. Jallow, and the Head of the Gambian Law School, Rougie Thomasi, to Rwanda.

Dr. Muyoboke expressed hope that these discussions would yield positive results in the future.

He said, 'This visit will strengthen cooperation in judicial education, research, and the development of the legal profession. There is a strong desire to promote legal professionalism and collaboration in our continent, and this will be possible through our partnership.'

The President of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, also stated that Dr. Muyoboke’s visit was very valuable, as it continues to build the good relationship between The Gambia and Rwanda, particularly in the field of justice.

He added, 'For me, Rwanda is like a second home. I lived and worked there. The partnership we will have benefits us all, and working together as Africans is what is needed on our continent.'

During his visit, Dr. Muyoboke also met with The Gambia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dawda A. Jallow, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Hussein Thomasi, and others, including former ILPD students from The Gambia, who have now founded an association called the 'ILPD Alumni, Gambia Chapter.’

One Gambian lawyer, B.M. Bajo, who works in Rwanda, told IGIHE that he is excited about the collaboration between the two countries.

He explained that before the legal recognition agreement between Rwanda and The Gambia, Gambian lawyers working in Rwanda faced challenges in advancing their careers.

However, he believes that these issues are now left behind, as the partnership allows them to represent clients in court and tackle other legal obstacles.

To date, 50 students from The Gambia have graduated from ILPD, with others still studying.

Some of the graduates have chosen to continue working in Rwanda, where they appreciate the values they learned, such as cleanliness, fighting corruption, and advocating for justice.

IGIHE

He said the very fact that both countries now have a platform to discuss, agree, or even sign commitments is already 'a good effort' and a step not seen in earlier years of regional diplomacy.

Kagame was speaking during a roundtable with the press on Thursday, November 27, 2025, where he addressed the latest developments in the Rwanda—DRC peace efforts, including delays and inconsistencies from the DRC side.

His remarks came amid reported changes in positions by DRC leaders and ongoing efforts to address the conflict in eastern DRC through the Washington talks and parallel mediation processes.

Referring to the pattern of DRC officials agreeing to terms in Washington or Doha and then publicly contradicting them, Kagame said the inconsistency was not new.

'They agree on one thing in Washington or in Doha… then the next day or week, someone says, no, no, no, we are not going to do this,' he noted.

Kagame stressed that both the Washington process and the separate Doha mediation, where Qatar has facilitated dialogue between the DRC government and the M23/AFC coalition, represent real progress compared to previous years.

'We haven’t had anything tangible in place,' he said. 'Whether we arrive at a decisive moment that gives us a clear possibility and optimism that we are near finding lasting peace and soon, it’s something we can still continue to hope for and work towards.'

While acknowledging the important role played by international actors, Kagame said the ultimate responsibility lies with regional leaders, particularly in the DRC.

' I am always optimistic. Hopefully there is a chance another day and the following day,' he noted.

President Paul Kagame has said he remains 'optimistic' that the Washington process between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), could deliver tangible results despite what he described as shifts and contradictions from Congolese leaders.

IGIHE

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey claimed in a post on X that both members of the West Virginia National Guard have passed away from their injuries, but said in another post about 20 minutes later that he was “receiving conflicting reports” about the condition of the two National Guard members.

FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters that the two members are “in critical condition.”

In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump said the two guardsmen, “with both being critically wounded,” are in two separate hospitals.

Police keep a presence following the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities.

Xinhua