António Guterres was speaking at UN Headquarters in New York following the ninth conference between the global body and the African Union (AU).
The high-level talks focused on progress in implementing cooperation frameworks but also on joint action and challenges in the areas of peace, security, development, human rights and climate action.
'Cooperation between our organizations has never been stronger â” or more necessary,' the Secretary-General said at a press briefing alongside the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
'Our world is in turmoil, rocked by deadly conflicts, widening inequalities, climate chaos and runaway technologies. The impacts are felt deeply on the African continent.'
Youssouf said the partners have aligned their respective development agendas.
They also are working closely on flagship peace programmes, including the AU’s efforts to 'Silence the Guns’ by 2030, and are now 'very much involved' in advancing climate justice and energy transition.
He also highlighted commitment to work with all parties and stakeholders at the UN on Security Council reform.
'These reforms are indeed of paramount importance and would ultimately consolidate the multilateral system,' he said.
The two organizations also face financial strains and 'need to adapt our actions and programmes to the new realities.' They also must continue to support peace operations, the fight against terrorism, conflict prevention and resolution, and focus most of their efforts on humanitarian affairs.
The Secretary-General outlined three areas where decisive action is needed, starting with simply prioritizing Africa.
He noted that the Pact for the Future, adopted last year by Member States, also called for Africa to have permanent seats on the Security Council, 'correcting once and for all an intolerable injustice faced by the African continent.'
His second point concerned financing for development and innovation. Although Africa has vast resources, 'its progress is held back by an outdated and unfair global financial system,' he said.
'The time has come to reform this financial architecture â” so it reflects the world of today and better serves the needs of developing countries, particularly in Africa.'
He recalled that 'African leadership helped secure the Sevilla Commitment,' an agreement reached by Member States this year, which includes steps to advance issues such as easing debt burdens and lowering borrowing costs.
The Secretary-General will urge the G20 group of industrialized nations 'to lead on these long-overdue reforms' when he attends their summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, later this month.
Finally, turning to investing in peace, the UN chief reaffirmed his full support for the Silencing the Guns initiative.
'And its time is now,' he added. 'Today, Africa is home to too many conflicts and too much suffering.'
On Sudan, he expressed grave concern over recent reports of mass atrocities and gross human rights violations in El Fasher and worsening violence in the Kordofans.
He also voiced alarm over rising insecurity in the Sahel, and highlighted other situations across the continent, including in Mali, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
'The world must not turn its back on Africa, home to nearly one-fifth of humanity,' the UN chief underlined, warning that 'the stakes are too high. And the potential is too great.'
Secretary-General António Guterres (right) meets with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. UN Photo
Okowa will serve the remainder of Yusuf’s term, which runs until Feb. 5, 2027.
She is a Kenyan lawyer and professor of public international law at Queen Mary University of London and has served as a member of the UN International Law Commission since 2023.
Under the ICJ’s Statute, judges are elected by secret ballot in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.
To be elected, a candidate must obtain an absolute majority in both chambers, which vote concurrently but separately.
There were four candidates for the post. Okowa won after three rounds of voting in the Security Council and four rounds of voting in the General Assembly.
The Hague-based ICJ has 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office. Judges are eligible for re-election. Should a judge die or resign during his or her term of office, a special election will be held to choose a judge to fill the unexpired part of the term.
The 15 judges must come from 15 different countries. The court as a whole must represent the main forms of civilization and the principal legal systems of the world.
A conference officer (woman in red) hands out ballots during a Security Council meeting to elect a judge for the International Court of Justice at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 12, 2025. Kenyan jurist Phoebe Okowa was elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday to fill the seat vacated by Somalia’s Abdulqawi Yusuf, who resigned effective Sept. 30.
Kenyan jurist Phoebe Okowa was elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday to fill the seat vacated by Somalia’s Abdulqawi Yusuf, who resigned effective Sept. 30.
He was speaking in Conakry, Guinea, on Wednesday, at the opening of the Transform Africa Summit (TAS) 2025, organised by the Smart Africa Alliance under the theme 'AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally.'
The Transform Africa Summit (TAS), held annually, brings together Heads of State, policymakers, and innovators to accelerate Africa’s ongoing digital revolution.
In his remarks, President Kagame said that Africa’s success in the age of artificial intelligence will depend not only on how fast countries deploy new technologies, but also on how well they apply them to solve real, local problems.
'Artificial intelligence, the theme of this year’s conversation, is a case in point. For Africa, success will not only depend on how quickly we deploy this new tool, but also on which problems we choose to apply it to,' he said.
He added that Rwanda has already laid the groundwork for a national AI policy aimed at guiding innovation in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, with projections showing that AI could contribute up to 5 percent of Rwanda’s GDP in the near future.
Closing Africa’s digital gap
President Kagame noted that despite Africa’s youthful and tech-savvy population, many countries still face challenges in digital infrastructure, skills development, and regulatory frameworks.
'The investment deficit in digital infrastructure, skills, and regulatory framework is what slows us down. Closing these structural gaps requires close collaboration between the public and private sector,' he said.
He commended Smart Africa for spearheading initiatives such as the Africa Artificial Intelligence Council and the AI Fund, describing them as 'important foundations to advance our continent’s priorities.'
President Kagame also urged African nations not to be swayed by fears surrounding AI’s impact on jobs and privacy, noting that while some of these concerns are valid, they should not overshadow the transformative opportunities AI brings.
'Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence, especially regarding the future of work, privacy, and safety. Some of it is completely unjustified, and some of it is just fear of the unknown,' he said.
'Regardless of the sentiment, this new reality is here to stay with us, and we must learn how to adapt and live with it.'
Technology won’t replace anyone
In a reassuring message, President Kagame emphasised that technological progress has historically uplifted, rather than replaced, humanity.
'This is not the first nor the last wave of technological progress that Africa and the world will witness,' he said.
'Science and technology are powerful engines of creativity and performance that are not here to replace anyone. Almost always, humanity has been better for it. Let’s make the most of these times.'
President Kagame arrived in Conakry on Tuesday, where he joined President Mamady Doumbouya for the launch of the Simandou Iron Ore Project, one of the largest ongoing mining initiatives in the world.
The Simandou deposit is regarded as the world’s largest known untapped iron ore reserve, estimated to contain between 3 and 4 billion tonnes of high-grade recoverable iron ore.
The project, expected to reach full production by 2030, will produce around 120 million tonnes of iron ore annually, positioning Guinea as a key player in the global mineral economy.
President Paul Kagame says science and technology are not here to replace people but to expand human creativity and strengthen performance, urging Africa to embrace the new wave of innovation with confidence and purpose.
The Congolese army had previously stated that it was on a mission to eliminate the FDLR. However, skepticism surrounding this statement arises from the group’s longstanding ties with the Congolese army, which has collaborated with the militia for years.
The FDLR emerged in 2000, originating from the ALiR group. Its founders were former members of the Interahamwe, the militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, along with defeated soldiers (Ex-FAR) and some Rwandan refugees.
On June 27, 2025, Rwanda and the DRC, with the support of the United States, signed a peace agreement that included clauses for dismantling the FDLR. According to the Concept of Operations (CONOPS), before launching the operation, an awareness campaign would first urge the group’s fighters to surrender their weapons and prepare for repatriation.
On October 10, 2025, the DRC army called on FDLR fighters to surrender their arms to the DRC government or to the United Nations peacekeeping forces (MONUSCO). Following this, a group of DRC soldiers, led by Brigadier General Patrick Sasa Nzita, head of the country’s military intelligence, was sent to Walikale to lead a 'campaign' urging the FDLR fighters to disarm.
However, the soldiers reported that “no FDLR fighters were seen.” When asked why the campaign was conducted in areas where the fighters were not present, they explained that these areas were the closest to the militia’s main strongholds.
The wife of President Tshisekedi visited wounded FDLR soldiers at the Kokolo and Tshatshi military hospitals on January 25, 2025.
Where is the FDLR located?
FDLR fighters were initially based in various areas of North Kivu, such as Rutshuru and Masisi, but attacks by the AFC/M23 group forced them to retreat to remote areas controlled by the DRC army and local militias, including Wazalendo.
AFC/M23 has indicated that some FDLR fighters have sought refuge in South Kivu, where they are collaborating with Burundian forces and other groups to launch attacks on the Banyamulenge people in the Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga territories.
According to Rwanda’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), senior leaders of the FDLR are located in the Walikale territory, areas controlled by the DRC government, such as Buhaya.
These leaders include FDLR President Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye and the group’s military commander, Pacifique Ntawunguka, also known as ‘Gen Omega.’
The DRC army has suggested that FDLR fighters are now located in areas controlled by AFC/M23, attempting to evade responsibility for dismantling the group, although it has not officially acknowledged this.
FDLR’s resistance to disarmament
In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Lt Col Octavien Mutimura, the spokesperson for FDLR-FOCA, reiterated the group’s stance that its fighters remain in the forests of the DRC to protect “abandoned Rwandan refugees.”
Lt Col Mutimura stated that the FDLR has no intention of laying down arms, asserting that its fighters are not afraid of potential attacks in the future. He said, “We are here to defend ourselves and protect the abandoned Rwandan refugees. Asking us to lay down our arms without honoring our request is just a dream.”
Although the FDLR claims to be protecting Rwandan refugees, Rwanda continues to receive many individuals who were held captive by the group, with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The Rwandan government reports that over 5,000 Rwandans have returned since January 2025, with 222 returning in the most recent repatriation on November 6, 2025.
The FDLR targets those it knows are planning to return to Rwanda, either killing them or subjecting them to severe punishments, including torture.
Ntawiha Feza, a returnee, shared her experience with IGIHE, saying, “I feel relieved because I have made it back home. I have three children. My husband was killed. We were about to return when they killed him, and I came back alone. I am hopeful we will live well now that we’re home.”
The wife of President Tshisekedi visited wounded FDLR soldiers at the Kokolo and Tshatshi military hospitals on January 25, 2025.
Fighters
As AFC/M23 resumed fighting in November 2021, the DRC government repeatedly claimed that the FDLR was a small group of aging fighters, incapable of threatening Rwanda’s security.
In September 2022, President Félix Tshisekedi stated that his country had disarmed hundreds of FDLR fighters more than twice, claiming this demonstrated political will. He further asserted that the FDLR was no longer a security threat.
However, the DRC army’s collaboration with this terrorist group has been confirmed by UN experts, who have documented the ongoing ties in reports approved by the UN Security Council.
Various reports estimate the number of FDLR fighters to be between 1,500 and 3,000. Lt Col Mutimura disputed these figures, stating that the number of fighters is much higher.
In June 2025, Rwanda’s military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, stated that the FDLR’s fighters were estimated to number between 7,000 and 10,000. He also noted that when they expect an attack, they blend in with civilians to shield themselves.
Repeated shielding patterns
Under international pressure, in September 2024, the DRC army initiated operations aimed at dismantling FDLR strongholds in areas near the city of Sake, including Shove, Kimoka, Lupango, and Mubambiro.
Before these operations began, Gen Maj Peter Cirimwami, the then Governor of North Kivu, notified senior FDLR leaders, prompting them to relocate their positions.
On September 23 and 24, elite forces led by Lt Col Donatien Bawili carried out attacks in these areas. On September 25 and 26, the 11th Brigade, led by Gen Papi Lupende, also launched an assault in Rusayo. It was later revealed that the forces fighting the DRC army were members of the APCLS group, led by Janvier Karairi, not the FDLR.
While UN experts suggest that these attacks were not specifically targeting the FDLR, Lt Col Mutimura reported that the group lost “many fighters and significant equipment” during the September 2024 operations.
Lt Col Mutimura’s statement attempts to clarify that the FDLR is not collaborating with the DRC army, but strong evidence points to a partnership, particularly in the context of their shared fight against the AFC/M23.
On January 25, 2025, the wife of President Tshisekedi visited wounded soldiers being treated at the Kokolo and Tshatshi military hospitals. Among the injured, one soldier was found with a tattoo representing the elite FDLR unit, known as CRAP.
Various reports estimate the number of FDLR fighters to be between 1,500 and 3,000. Lt Col Mutimura disputed these figures, stating that the number of fighters is much higher.
In my innocence, this resonated with my understanding of why some men had big bellies.
Later, I understood that society carefully constructed 'gender boxes’; which constitute a set of characteristics that determine the attitudes, roles, behaviour and actions of men and women, and which are transferred to boys and girls through socialization; for them to be 'a good girl / woman’ or 'man’.
From this, I learned that men were not expected to show emotions and have to always look and be strong even when it is not the case.
Last weekend, a gentleman shared with me his own experience to confirm his lived reality. 'When funds were no longer available, project activities stopped, and I was laid off. My fellow men, with whom I used to mingle with at various occasions, abandoned me and started telling me that it was inappropriate to live on a woman’s salary, because men have to always be breadwinners for the family,' he confidently testified.
That man also reminded me of another scenario where the same group of friends criticized him, saying that he has 'been bewitched” by his wife.
'That was not surprising coming from them. Last year, when I started going home early to help my children do their homework, and support my wife with household chores, my friends would write in our WhatsApp group that my wife had bewitched me.
'They nicknamed me 'Inganzwa’ [a man who has been bewitched and is controlled by his wife]. They could not understand how I am involved in responsibilities such as cleaning the dishes, cooking and so forth which are believed to be the women’s and girls’ tasks,' he continued.
He tried to find jobs here and there but could not manage to secure one. In between jobs, his family members also started attacking him and questioning his manhood. As the pressure mounted, his mental health was negatively impacted. 'I felt that I was no longer a man and was good for nothing. I tried to commit suicide twice but failed. I decided to meet a psychologist who provided me with counseling sessions. This made me regain a sense of hope for the future.
'Two months ago, I managed to get a new job which filled me with a sense of self-esteem and gave me room to meet my needs of peace of mind, growth and contribution to family and society. I have started engaging my fellow men in discussions about how to liberate the community from 'toxic masculinity effects’. Their positive actions are showing that they have understood that men can be allies in promoting gender justice, and a culture of human rights in our daily interactions,' he acknowledged.
This experience is beyond just telling a story. It reflects how society rewards those who behave and act according to socially constructed norms and punishes those who don’t. It shows that men, who stay in their 'gender box’, are powerful, confident, proud and invulnerable, while failure to conform leads to isolation, abuse and shame.
In the midst of globalization and its positive impact across continents, we should prioritize our safety and self-acceptance instead of conforming to a culture that deprives us of attaining our dignity.
It is futile to prove our 'manhood’ in the 21st century. Instead, we should be prioritizing collective well-being, joint decision-making, equal rights and opportunities, as well as access to resources for all of us to thrive.
The moment is now to foster collaboration between people from ALL GENDERS to build together society, promote fairness and create harmonious, healthier and meaningful relationships.
Challenging societal norms that define masculinity is essential for fostering healthier, more inclusive communities.
The writer, Theoneste Ndungutse is a poet, storyteller, and novelist with 11 years of experience as a practitioner in human rights, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment across Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region of Africa.
The event was attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, in addition to a number of senior officials and partners.
The event concluded with the participation of public figures from different sectors, who took the very first steps 'towards Mars' on the stationary treadmills, marking the initial contributions to the national collective countdown and goal.
The national 'Walk to Mars’ initiative looks to transform movement into achievement, encouraging participants to collectively cover 54 million kilometres together, equivalent to the distance between Earth and Mars, and thereby also marking the 54th year of the nation.
Through walking, running, cycling, swimming, and other physical activities, participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to take part under the theme 'Every Step Makes a Difference.'
The initiative aims to promote daily movement, community wellbeing, and a culture of active living across the UAE, ensuring that the goal is attained in time for the upcoming Games.
Sarah Al Amiri said, “Walk to Mars embodies the spirit of the continual pursuit of progress that distinguishes the United Arab Emirates. Just as our passion for science led us to explore space and reach Mars, today this national, social movement leads us toward a unified goal that reflects the power of will and collective action.
“Every step we take is not merely a distance covered, but an investment in our health and in a more prosperous, vibrant future for coming generations. Through this journey, we affirm that ambition begins with each and every individual, and their constant ability to move, learn, and grow.'
Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated, 'This first-of-its-kind national movement embodies the spirit of collective ambition that defines the UAE. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire every individual to move with purpose and take part in a collective challenge that goes beyond fitness, it’s about unity, progress, and pride. Together, we can show the world what it means to dream big and achieve as one community.'
Following the event, interactive and community activities will be held to encourage participation and raise awareness of healthy lifestyles.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 application will allow participants to track progress and record their contributions from across the Emirates. It is open to everyone aged 30 and above, with no fitness or experience limits.
The event was attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, in addition to a number of senior officials and partners.
The national 'Walk to Mars’ initiative looks to transform movement into achievement, encouraging participants to collectively cover 54 million kilometres together, equivalent to the distance between Earth and Mars.
Six years later, the Managing Director of Fortis Green Holdings calls Kigali home, a place where business, purpose, and family have found a shared rhythm. The holding company, active in renewable energy, has expanded into housing and now manages 36 assets across eight countries in Africa.
From Sierra Leone to Kigali
Shafer’s African journey began long before Rwanda. In 2008, he moved to Sierra Leone, where he spent nearly seven years investing and working in one of West Africa’s toughest environments.
'It’s where I fell in love with the idea of using business not just to make money, but to make a difference in people’s lives,' he recalls.
Jonathan Shafer has been living in Rwanda with his family for nearly six years.
After returning to the United States, he and his wife knew they would eventually come back to Africa. Their decision to settle in Kigali, he says, was primarily a family choice.
'We wanted a city that gives us the highest probability of not burning out, safety, pace of life, and access to the rest of the continent. Kigali just felt right.'
Today, the Shafers are firmly rooted. His wife works at the International School of Kigali, their two children are thriving, and the family is building a home in Kibagabaga. 'Now that we’re here, this is really where we’re supposed to be,' he says with conviction.
Arriving only two months before Covid-19, Shafer witnessed Kigali’s transformation from lockdown quiet to post-pandemic vibrancy.
'What’s happened since then, from tourism to sports and infrastructure, is incredible,' he says. 'It’s an honour to be in Rwanda during this phase of its journey.'
A mission to bridge capital and impact
Through Fortis Green Holdings, Shafer is working to solve a global problem: the lack of electricity affecting more than 600 million Africans. His mission is to attract American capital to invest in sustainable African infrastructure that delivers both financial and social returns.
'Rwanda offers the perfect balance,' he notes. 'There’s institutional stability, rule of law, and a genuine partnership spirit from government agencies like REG, EUCL, MININFRA, and RDB.'
Fortis Green today owns three power plants in Rwanda, including the 8.5 MW Agahozo Shalom solar farm, the Rwaza hydropower plant near Musanze, and another project in Nyamasheke.
The 8.5 MW Agahozo Shalom Solar Plant in Rwamagana.
Beyond the energy itself, Shafer finds meaning in the land that hosts the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, once home to orphans from the Genocide against the Tutsi and now a haven for vulnerable youth.
'Paying rent there supports their work. We even employ graduates from that school. It’s humbling.'
Building the Masaka eco-estate
Last month, Fortis Green broke ground on the Masaka Views Eco-Estate, a $25 million (approximately Rwf 36 billion) project that merges sustainability with community living. Spread over seven hectares, the development includes 33 townhouses, 51 family homes, and about 300 apartments, mixing for-sale and for-rent models.
'Most developers build to sell. We build to own and rent because we believe in Rwanda’s growth story. Selling today means giving up the future value we know this economy will create,” Shafer explains the long-term vision.
Masaka Views is designed as an EDGE-certified eco-estate, promoting lower carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and water-saving techniques.
The project will deliver its first homes by early 2026 and the first apartments within 12 months. Each unit is designed with EDGE certification, a global green-building standard that ensures energy and water efficiency, solar water heating, and sustainable materials.
Fortis Green offers three finishing options, from basic shell units to luxury packages, giving families flexibility in choosing their home. Three- and four-bedroom single-family houses are priced between $120,000 and $135,000, appealing to middle-income buyers seeking more flexible financing options.
'We want to be here long term,' Shafer stresses. 'Our goal is to make quality housing attainable without compromising sustainability.'
Masaka Views is designed as an EDGE-certified eco-estate, promoting lower carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and water-saving techniques.
Nurturing wellness and community
Fortis Green’s philosophy extends past walls and roofs. The Masaka Eco-Estate is designed as a living community with gardens, recreation areas, and wellness spaces.
'In 18 to 24 months, we’ll have 400 families living there,' Shafer says. 'We take that seriously.'
Plans include community gardens, yoga and exercise classes, and partnerships with mental-health professionals.
'We’re still developing these programs, but we want to promote holistic well-being, physical, mental, spiritual, and social.'
Rwanda’s investment advantage
Having worked in more than 15 African countries, Shafer considers Rwanda’s environment unique.
'The professionalism and predictability are unmatched. You can register a business in 24â”48 hours, meet officials who show up on time, and have zero tolerance for corruption. That gives investors confidence.'
Most of Fortis Green’s funding comes from the United States, complemented by local financing such as loans from the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD). Shafer believes Rwanda’s consistency and transparency are key to attracting more international capital.
'The best way to build trust is through success stories,' he says. 'Rwanda is already providing that.'
Jobs, growth, and the next chapter
Fortis Green employs about 40 people across its energy and housing divisions. The Masaka project alone will engage 300 to 400 workers daily during construction.
'Our bigger impact,' Shafer notes, 'is in powering and housing the infrastructure that keeps Rwanda’s economy growing.'
The company plans to build 10,000 housing units in 10 years, with several new projects set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, its second energy fund, Green Fund II, targeting $100 million (Rwf 145 billion), is due to launch next year to expand renewable investments across Africa.
Fortis Green employs about 40 people across its energy and housing divisions. The Masaka project alone will engage 300 to 400 workers daily during construction.
Basketball, community, and family life
Outside the boardroom, Shafer’s passion takes him to the court. A former college basketball player, he co-founded the Kigali Hoops League, a youth program that trains over 100 children in the Rwandan capital.
'We get the opportunity to play on some courts around the city. We play at Zaria Court on Saturday mornings, and I’d say it’s probably the best thing I’ve started in Kigali on a personal level,' he shares.
Outside the boardroom, Shafer’s passion takes him to the court.
At home, family remains his grounding force. 'Our kids have grown up here,' he reflects. 'They get to be children longer, with fewer distractions. We’re grateful for that.'
As for his long-term vision, Shafer says his goal is to make Fortis Green a trusted pathway for American investors, creating opportunities that deliver both financial returns and real impact for African communities.
'We’re here to stay. We’re building a lasting business and, hopefully, a legacy that endures here in Rwanda,' he concludes.
Watch Jonathan Shafer’s full exclusive interview with IGIHE below.
Ahead of the World Cycling Championship, which took place from September 21-28, 2025, several roads in Kigali were temporarily cleared of speed bumps to ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate the event’s organization.
Some of the roads affected include Downtown – Nyamirambo, Nyabugogo-Kimisagara – Nyamiramo, and Sopetrade-Kimihurura.
City of Kigali spokesperson Ntirenganya Emma Claudine clarified that the removal of the speed bumps is not permanent, as they play an important role in reducing vehicle speeds.
'The reinstatement of speed bumps will depend on the specific location and its conditions. In some areas, the speed bumps will be restored, while in others, alternative traffic signs and measures will be put in place to manage speed more effectively. Each area will be assessed individually. Reducing speed on the roads is not only about speed bumps; other methods, such as signage, will also be used,' she explained.
Although Ntirenganya did not provide a specific date the work will begin, she confirmed that relevant authorities are currently evaluating the logistics of the restoration, based on the characteristics of each area.
The City of Kigali has announced plans to reinstate speed bumps, which were removed from certain roads in preparation for the UCI Road World Championships.
This impasse occurred primarily due to a procedural standoff in the Republican-controlled Senate (53â”47 majority). Despite Republicans controlling the House, Senate, and the Presidency (Donald Trump), the minority Democratic caucus leveraged the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule to block the passage of spending bills.
The core negotiations hinged on a central policy dispute opposed by the Democratic minority: the demand for the inclusion of provisions, specifically the extension of enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which are crucial for preventing health insurance premiums from skyrocketing for millions of Americans.
With Republicans firmly rejecting this concession, the funding bill failed, triggering a widespread disruption of critical government services and escalating pressure on citizens and federal agencies.
The consequences of the 43-day shutdown have been immediate and severe across the country. One of the most critical effects has been the disruption and uncertainty surrounding food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), impacting tens of millions of vulnerable Americans.
Beyond social programs, the functionality of the nation was impaired, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facing operational strain that led to cancellations and delays in air travel. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees were either furloughed or forced to work without pay, and many federal services, grant programs, and cultural institutions were paused.
Internationally, the shutdown strained diplomatic relations, raising concerns among key allies about U.S. stability and its ability to maintain continuity in intelligence-sharing and security operations abroad.
As of November 12, 2025, the government remains technically shut down, but a major legislative compromise is moving forward. The Senate secured the passage of a funding package on November 10th by a 60-40 vote, with eight members of the Democratic caucus siding with Republicans to break the filibuster.
This package is designed to fund most of the government through January 30, 2026, and includes three full-year appropriations bills for key agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the USDA/FDA.
The deal also guarantees retroactive pay for furloughed federal workers and reverses mass layoffs initiated during the shutdown. Crucially, the final bill does not include the extension of the ACA tax credits that Democrats had demanded, instead securing only a commitment from the Senate Majority Leader for a separate vote on the issue in December.
The political stakes remain exceptionally high as the legislation now heads to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives for a final vote expected today, Wednesday, November 12. House Democrats have signaled fierce opposition, with their leadership vowing to reject the bill for failing to win any concessions on healthcare.
The inability to resolve the policy issue before agreeing to funding underscores the deep partisan gridlock within U.S. politics. The eventual passage of the bill, which President Trump has already endorsed, would end the longest shutdown in U.S. history, but it simultaneously postpones the core fight over healthcare policy, leaving the credibility of U.S. institutions and the stability of critical social programs hanging in the balance.
The United States has been facing the longest federal government shutdown in its history, a consequence of a deep political deadlock under President Donald Trump that began when the previous government funding expired on October 1, 2025.
Dr Bizimana made the remarks on November 11, 2025, while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to discuss the implementation of resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Deputies.
The Chamber had earlier flagged issues in the construction of houses for vulnerable genocide survivors, particularly concerning poor smoke ventilation systems in kitchens.
The Director General of the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, explained that the problem largely resulted from the use of unsuitable cooking materials by residents. He noted, however, that affected households are being sensitised to adopt safer cooking practices.
PAC Chairperson, MP Valens Muhakwa, questioned the explanation, pointing out that similar complaints had been recorded in different districts. He called for a fresh technical assessment to determine whether structural flaws might have occurred during construction and to ensure corrective action is taken.
Minister Bizimana acknowledged that while some of the issues are linked to how residents use the houses, others stem from construction errors. He assured that the matter is being addressed.
According to the Minister, 6,973 homes for vulnerable genocide survivors need to be rebuilt, and more than 29,000 others will have to be repaired. However, due to budget constraints, only 298 new houses are expected to be constructed during the current fiscal year, as MINUBUMWE received an allocation of Frw 5 billion.
Dr Bizimana further explained that a new integrated approach has been adopted to align housing support for genocide survivors with broader national programmes targeting vulnerable citizens.
'We have agreed that survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi should no longer be treated as a separate category in housing projects. They will now be integrated with other vulnerable groups so that construction efforts move together,' he said.
'This approach not only promotes inclusion but also helps address the perception of genocide survivors as an isolated group.'
The Minister added that standard housing models have been approved to reduce construction costs and ensure uniformity across provinces and districts.
'Each province and district now has an approved design adapted to local building standards, which will help streamline implementation and control costs,' he noted.
Dr Bizimana explained that the new model will also give districts more autonomy in implementing housing projects. They will be able to work with local contractors or existing partners instead of relying exclusively on the Reserve Force (Inkeragutabara).
'We have agreed that where the Ministry of Defence finds it feasible for a district to construct houses at a lower cost through another contractor, the district will be authorised to award that contract. This flexibility will enable more houses to be built within the same budget,' he said.
Findings by RHA indicate that the cost of building one house varies significantly across districts, averaging Frw 17.3 million in Bugesera, Frw 16.5 million in Kayonza, and Frw 20 million in Nyamagabe.
Dr Bizimana cited an example from Rusizi District, where a house built by FPR Inkotanyi members for a vulnerable survivor cost just Rwf 9 million yet was sturdier than some that cost twice as much.
He concluded that empowering districts to oversee construction could lower costs and increase the number of houses built for survivors.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr Jean Damascène Bizimana, has revealed that nearly 7,000 houses belonging to vulnerable survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are in urgent need of reconstruction, while more than 29,700 others require renovation.
Dr Bizimana made the remarks on November 11, 2025, while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to discuss the implementation of resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Deputies.
The Chamber had earlier flagged issues in the construction of houses for vulnerable genocide survivors, particularly concerning poor smoke ventilation systems in kitchens.
