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The launch took place at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (CST-UR) on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the devices, designed to be mounted on both motor vehicles and motorcycles, continuously gather and transmit air quality data in real time. They monitor key indicators such as temperature, humidity, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and gases including ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).

Data will be analysed in real time, enabling city administrators and researchers to identify high-risk pollution areas and take early preventive action.

Representing the university, Professor Richard Musabe said the initiative will be highly beneficial to Kigali and its surrounding areas.

Dr. Eric Nizeyimana, the researcher behind the project, explained that the idea began in 2020 as a response to rising global air pollution. The research was conducted at the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT).

'Air pollution is a major challenge in Kigali and beyond. It is crucial to develop sustainable solutions to protect both current and future generations,' Dr. Nizeyimana said. The project will initially focus on Kigali, with plans to expand to other provinces.

Eddah Barasa, Research Grants Officer at the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) under PASET, praised the initiative for its innovative use of technology and potential impact. RSIF/PASET also financially supported the research.

The Clean City IoT Device project not only collects and analyses real-time air quality data to guide preventive measures but also aims to raise public awareness, foster scientific collaboration, and engage communities in protecting urban environments.

Key partners in the project include the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Meteo Rwanda, the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and RSIF/PASET.

The the devices are designed to be mounted on both motor vehicles and motorcycles.

The devices use Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The project was developed by Dr. Eric Nizeyimana.

Representing the university, Professor Richard Musabe said the initiative will be highly beneficial to Kigali and its surrounding areas.

The project was officially unveiled on Friday, October 10, 2025.

IGIHE

The fair, which brought together key players from the global travel and tourism industry, proved to be an ideal platform for showcasing Rwanda’s tourism offerings.

This marked Rwanda’s first appearance as a main partner of the event, and the country’s stand generated significant interest.

Represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda had a prominent space where engaging visuals highlighted the diverse tourist attractions the country has to offer.

The opening ceremony, which was presided over by the Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports, was attended by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Prof. Anastase Shyaka.

Amb. Shyaka praised the growing bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed his gratitude to the organizers for the unprecedented partnership.

He also emphasized the significance of the Visit Rwanda brand, noting its powerful appeal to tourists from around the globe.

Taking advantage of this visibility, Amb. Shyaka invited TT Warsaw 2025 attendees and visitors to plan a trip to Rwanda and experience the country’s rich cultural and natural offerings firsthand.

The closing ceremony of the fair was marked by a celebration of Rwanda’s cultural heritage, with a spotlight on the Visit Rwanda brand and lively Rwandan dance performances.

In an interview with IGIHE, Amb. Shyaka thanked organizers, and all tourism sector players, including eight Rwandan companies present at the fair.

Kazimierz Cwikla, vice‑president of Ptak Warsaw Expo, largest exhibition center in Poland, hailed Rwanda for an exemplary collaboration and promised continued collaboration.

Throughout the event, Itorero Icyeza ballet captivated attendees with performances showcasing Rwanda’s cultural beauty through songs and traditional dance.

Rwanda was specially recognized as one of the event’s main partners and for its excellence at the trade show. The country was also awarded a certificate and medal of recognition for quality and innovation by PTAK Warsaw Expo.

Rwanda was represented by eight companies.

The closing ceremony of the fair was marked by a celebration of Rwanda’s cultural heritage, with a spotlight on the Visit Rwanda brand and lively Rwandan dance performances.

The 30th edition of the Warsaw International Travel and Tourism Fair (TT Warsaw 2025), in which Rwanda participated for the first time, concluded on a high note on Sunday October 12, 2025.

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

Key appointments include Laurent Nunez as minister of the interior, Jean-Pierre Farandou as minister of labor, Monique Barbut as minister of ecological transition, Edouard Geffray as minister of national education, and Catherine Vautrin as minister of defense.

Roland Lescure was reappointed as finance minister. Jean-Noel Barrot remains in office as minister of foreign affairs, while Gerald Darmanin has retained his post at the Ministry of Justice.

Lecornu met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace earlier in the evening, according to local media reports. Lecornu proposed “a mix of civil society figures with experience and young parliamentarians” for the second edition of his government.

Lecornu had resigned on Monday, less than a month after his initial appointment and just one day after announcing part of his first cabinet. He was reappointed as prime minister on Friday amid ongoing political tensions.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Sunday evening unveiled the lineup of his new government, comprising a total of 34 ministers, according to the Presidency.

Xinhua

During his remarks at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Tshisekedi stated that ending the conflict in eastern DRC rests between him and President Kagame. He also called on the Rwandan President to order AFC/M23 to cease hostilities.

Rwanda strongly rejected Tshisekedi’s remarks reminding him that the issue of AFC/M23 is under his jurisdiction.

Speaking to RBA on Sunday, Minister Nduhungirehe condemned Tshisekedi’s actions as political theatre.

'Tshisekedi should stop playing this game and instead sit down, read and implement signed agreements. There are the Washington agreements regarding the elimination of FDLR [terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi] and removal of defensive measures. This was discussed in Washington recently, and we agreed that October 1st was the starting date for the 90-day plan,' he said.

He emphasized that the issue of AFC/M23 must be addressed through the Doha talks, where the group has been engaged in dialogue with the DRC government.

'On the other hand, there are the Doha talks where AFC/M23 engage with the DRC government to discuss the underlying reasons for the situation in Eastern Congo between the Congolese people. They are seeking a long-term solution. This means all the issues concerning M23 must be addressed in Doha.'

Regarding Tshisekedi’s comments asking President Kagame to instruct AFC/M23 to cease hostilities, Amb. Nduhungirehe said, 'President Tshisekedi should not come to Brussels and stir things up, telling President Kagame to instruct M23 to withdraw its troops. That is an attempt to mislead the public. He should sit down and implement the Washington agreements and expedite the Doha agreements, as he is the one delaying them due to issues he does not accept or act upon.'

Last week, Bertrand Bisimwa, the deputy coordinator of AFC/M23 responsible for political affairs, told President Tshisekedi that President Paul Kagame has no connection to the group and suggested that President Tshisekedi should reconcile with the group by fulfilling his promises.

M23 fighters resumed fighting in 2021 in response to Kinshasa’s failure to address grievances, including the marginalization of the Congolese and Tutsi communities.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has urged President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi to acknowledge that the issue of AFC/M23 rebel coalition falls under his responsibility.

IGIHE

Between 2016 and 2023, disasters destroyed 451 bridges across Rwanda, according to the Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Risks in Rwanda (2024). Gakenke District alone lost 54 bridges, while Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Nyabihu recorded dozens more. Each replacement costs between Frw 80 million and Frw 300 million, depending on terrain, pushing the total bill into tens of billions of francs.

Residents in Nyabihu District watch helplessly as a bridge is submerged by raging floods in May 2020.

Every collapsed bridge means more than broken infrastructure. It means interrupted trade routes, delayed medical care, and food supplies stranded on the wrong side of rivers. For a landlocked nation that relies heavily on road networks to connect rural producers to markets, the cost of such destruction ripples through the national economy.

Over the past seven years, extreme weather has wiped out more than 46,000 hectares of farmland nationwide. Of this, about 23,400 hectares were lost to rainstorms, 11,100 hectares to floods, 6,400 hectares to landslides, and 5,400 hectares to hailstorms.

The western districts of Gakenke, Ngororero, Rubavu, and Nyabihu suffered the worst losses, sometimes losing entire harvests in a single event. Beyond the immediate food shortages, these disasters threaten Rwanda’s key export crops, including coffee and tea largely grown in the highlands, most vulnerable to erosion and flooding.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains.

The Disaster Risk Hotspots Assessment Report (2024) identified more than 70 critical public facilities, including schools, health centres, and power lines, built in high-risk zones.

Between 2016 and 2023, 104 water systems were damaged, nearly half of them in Gakenke District. Each repair can cost up to Frw 500 million, and when these systems fail, entire communities are left without access to clean water.

According to the Ministry of Finance, climate-related disasters reduce Rwanda’s annual GDP growth by about one percent, primarily through losses in infrastructure and agriculture. Local economies bear the brunt: farmers lose income, traders face higher transport costs, and small businesses suspend operations as roads and bridges are rebuilt.

As the world marks the International Day for Disaster Reduction this Monday, October 13, Rwanda’s experience offers a sobering case study in why resilience matters. The day, celebrated annually, highlights global efforts to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and reminds countries of the cost of inaction. For Rwanda, it reinforces an urgent message: preparedness and prevention are far more affordable than recovery.

To curb future losses, the government is investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, including the relocation of 6,000 households from high-risk zones, slope reinforcement projects, and stronger bridge designs. New construction standards now require improved drainage systems and higher clearances to withstand heavier rainfall.

Through partnerships with the World Bank and the African Development Bank, Rwanda is also piloting anticipatory financing mechanisms, systems that unlock funds for repairs and mitigation before disasters escalate.

Between 2016 and 2023, disasters destroyed 451 bridges across Rwanda, according to the Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Risks in Rwanda (2024).

IGIHE

According to a book dubbed 'The History of Rwanda’ co-authored by Paul Rutayisire and Deo Byanafashe, the roots of the conflict in Rwanda stretch back to September 24, 1914, when German forces, led by Captain Wintgens, attacked Ijwi Island and began consolidating their control over the strategic areas surrounding Lake Kivu.

At this time, Rwanda, under German colonial rule since 1897, was already experiencing the strain of European dominance. With a population of fewer than 50,000 German soldiers across the whole of East Africa, including Rwanda, the Germans faced a daunting challenge to maintain control.

Although Germany lacked the military numbers to secure long-term dominance, their disciplined forces had managed to hold Rwanda, employing guerilla tactics to repel Belgian and British forces.

Rwanda’s central location was critical for the Germans, especially in terms of access to vital trade routes and strategic areas around Lake Kivu. However, Belgium had its own plans for the region. As the Belgians eyed the German-occupied territories in East Africa, the country sought to use Rwanda as a stepping stone for further colonial expansion.

Belgium, having already seized German-controlled Burundi, began advancing toward Rwanda in 1915. Despite the Germans’ smaller numbers, their soldiers and local allies fought fiercely to defend their hold over the country.

Rwanda was initially under German colonial rule before the Germans were eventually driven out of the country.

King Musinga, although caught in a difficult position, supported the German forces, supplying warriors and essential resources to resist the Belgian advances.

The conflict escalated in 1916 when Belgian forces launched a decisive offensive on Rwanda. On April 28, 1916, Colonel Molitor of the Belgian military led his troops to capture key strategic locations, including Gatsibo, which marked the beginning of their march towards Kigali.

The Belgians, now bolstered by British forces from Uganda, quickly closed in on the German-held capital. German forces, realizing they could no longer defend Kigali, began their retreat.

By May 5, 1916, the last German soldiers left Kigali, making their way towards the neighboring regions of Save and Burundi. The Belgian troops, after a fierce but brief skirmish, entered Kigali on May 9, 1916, taking full control of the city and marking the end of German rule in Rwanda.

The German withdrawal was driven by the fear of being completely surrounded by advancing Belgian and British forces.

German Captain Wintgens, the commander in charge of the retreat, also led his troops through the rugged terrain of Rwanda’s hills towards Nyundo and beyond, seeking refuge in the neighboring forests and eventually making their way out of the region.

This retreat signified the final collapse of German authority in Rwanda and the beginning of Belgium’s colonial rule.

The German withdrawal was driven by the fear of being completely surrounded by advancing Belgian and British forces.

Under the Belgian mandate, Rwanda was governed more directly than under the Germans, and the local population would soon feel the effects of this shift. The Belgians established a more rigid political and social order, imposing taxes and forcing labor to support their colonial economy.

King Musinga, though initially hopeful that his relations with the Germans could be rebuilt, found himself under the scrutiny of the new Belgian colonial authorities.

Belgium’s takeover introduced policies that would permanently alter the governance structure of Rwanda. Unlike the Germans, who had worked through local leaders, the Belgians dismantled Rwanda’s traditional power structures, replacing them with direct colonial control.

The consequences of this change were not immediately felt, but the seeds of resistance were sown. The exploitation of Rwanda’s resources, particularly forced labor and the imposition of taxes, led to tensions between the Rwandan people and their new rulers.

King Musinga, who had tried to maintain a delicate balance during German rule, now found himself caught between appeasing the Belgians and retaining some semblance of power for his people.

Rwanda gained its independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. This followed the dissolution of the monarchy and the abolition of the Kingdom of Rwanda in 1961.

However, Belgium’s approach to governance in Rwanda, had sparked ethnic divisionism that culminated to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi halted by the Rwanda Patriotic Army.

German Captain Wintgens, the commander in charge of the retreat, also led his troops through the rugged terrain of Rwanda’s hills towards Nyundo and beyond, seeking refuge in the neighboring forests and eventually making their way out of the region.

The last German soldiers left Kigali by May 5, 1916, making their way towards the neighboring regions.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The project was unveiled on October 10, 2025, at the construction site of the new modern estate in Kacyiru Sector, Gasabo District. It will comprise 59 housing units designed to blend comfort, style, and sustainability.

Each of the Jasmine Hills homes will feature a living room, kitchen, dining area, and four spacious bedrooms, each equipped with a private bathroom, toilet, and balcony.

The estate will include three types of housing designs, ranging from two-story homes with private gardens and parking spaces to those with additional basements for extra space. The most exclusive units will be standalone villas enclosed within fenced compounds, complete with gardens and parking for two cars.

Beyond private residences, the estate will offer shared facilities that reflect a modern lifestyle, including a swimming pool, a children’s playground, landscaped gardens, and a fully equipped gym.

According to Bharat Parmar, Chief Executive Officer of Reportage Properties Rwanda, Jasmine Hills will stand out not only for its architecture but also for its natural setting.

The estate is located next to the Rugenge-Rwintare wetland, which is currently being rehabilitated into a green recreational area.

'We bought this land without knowing there was a project to rehabilitate the wetland,' Parmar said. 'When we learned about it, we were thrilled. Our houses will now overlook a beautiful green area, it will be a wonderful view for residents.'

Parmar praised Rwanda’s favorable business climate, highlighting that the company’s smooth operations are a result of the country’s strong governance and investment-friendly policies.

'We plan to stay in Rwanda and embark on even bigger projects,' he said. 'The support we’ve received from the government, the Rwanda Development Board, the City of Kigali, and citizens has been remarkable. Even though buying unfinished houses is not common here, Rwandans have trusted us and invested in our developments.'

Echoing the same sentiment, Alkesh Kumar Rajput, Chief Executive Officer of Reportage Properties East Africa, described Rwanda as one of the easiest and most efficient countries to do business in.

'For me and other leaders, we call this place the Dubai of Africa,' Rajput remarked. 'It’s a beautiful country with strong security, good governance, and excellent organization. Everything functions smoothly, just like in Dubai. It was very easy for us to establish our operations here.'

Reportage Properties Rwanda has introduced a flexible payment plan, offering a 10 percent discount on the purchase price.

Buyers can secure a home by paying 10 percent upfront, followed by one percent of the total cost each month until construction is completed, with the remaining balance paid upon handover.

Prices range from $294,000 to $441,000 depending on the house type and location, and buyers have the freedom to select their preferred finishing materials and interior fittings.

Jasmine Hills is expected to be completed within two and a half years. The project represents Reportage Properties’ second major investment in Rwanda, following Indabyo Heights, a residential development currently under construction in Nyarutarama.

Founded in 2014, Reportage Properties operates across several countries, including the United Arab Emirates and the United States, and continues to expand its footprint across Africa.

Jasmine Hills is expected to be completed at a tune of $20 million featuring housing units that aims to redefine modern living in Kigali.

Buyers can secure a home by paying 10 percent upfront, followed by one percent of the total cost each month until construction is completed, with the remaining balance paid upon handover.

To attract buyers, Reportage Properties Rwanda has introduced a flexible payment plan, offering a 10 percent discount on the purchase price.

According to Bharat Parmar, Chief Executive Officer of Reportage Properties Rwanda, Jasmine Hills will stand out not only for its architecture but also for its natural setting.

Alkesh Kumar Rajput, Chief Executive Officer of Reportage Properties East Africa, described Rwanda as one of the easiest and most efficient countries to do business in.

IGIHE

The recognition took place on October 10, 2025, at Jali Finance’s branch in Sonatube, Kigali, during an event marking Customer Appreciation Week.

The celebration also aimed to honor and motivate riders who uphold their contracts by making timely payments for the motorcycles financed through Jali Finance.

Jali Finance partners with various motorcycle dealerships to enable riders to acquire bikes without collateral. Under the arrangement, riders contribute Frw 35,000 per week as repayment.

To qualify, applicants must hold a valid motorcycle driving license, provide proof of residence, have two guarantors, and be free of any outstanding loans from other financial institutions.

For example, to acquire a motorcycle worth Frw 2 million, a rider is required to make an initial payment of Frw 150,000 or less and continue repaying over a period of two years without providing any collateral.

Beyond financing, Jali Finance also supports motorcyclists in cases of traffic fines, allowing riders to reimburse the amount gradually.

One of the beneficiaries, Vedaste Karangwa, expressed gratitude for the program, saying it helped him rebuild his livelihood after losing his previous motorcycles.

He attributed such opportunities to Rwanda’s visionary leadership under President Paul Kagame, emphasizing how government-driven initiatives continue to empower ordinary citizens.

'Let us thank our Head of State, President Paul Kagame, because we owe all this progress to his leadership,' Karangwa said. 'This development is a result of good governance, unity, and peace. I had two motorcycles but lost them under difficult circumstances. When I approached Jali Finance for help, they supported me. I had almost lost hope, but they helped me start again.'

Another rider, Eric Ndagijimana, a father of two, shared that Jali Finance helped him upgrade from a small passenger motorcycle to a larger cargo-carrying one, which significantly improved his income.

With the additional earnings, he has been able to support his family and pay school fees for his child.

Ismaël Gasana, a 24-year-old rider, narrated how his life changed after owning a motorcycle through Jali Finance. Previously, he worked using bikes owned by others, which made it difficult to save or plan for the future, as the owners could take the motorcycles back at any time.

'I used to ride other people’s motorcycles, and it was always unstable. They could repossess them any day,' he said. 'But now I have my own motorcycle, and I no longer worry. I can work freely and plan ahead.'

Jali Finance Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer, Félix Nkundimana, said the company dedicated this customer week to appreciating riders who honor their commitments and repay responsibly.

He noted that the recognition reflects the institution’s respect for integrity and professionalism among riders, many of whom demonstrate discipline on the road and a genuine desire for progress.

One of the requirements to qualify for a motorcycle loan from Jali Finance is having no outstanding debt with any other financial institution.

Jali Finance supports motorcyclists to own bikes.

Motorcyclists financed by Jali Finance celebrated Customer Week together with the company’s staff in a joyful event.

Motorcyclists supported by Jali Finance expressed their appreciation.

Staff from Jali Finance spent time engaging with motorcyclists who received motorcycles through the company’s collateral-free loan program.

The CEO of Jali Finance Ltd, Félix Nkundimana, commended the motorcyclists who honor their repayments.

Jali Finance joined motorcyclists in celebrating Customer Week by sharing meals, including breakfast.

A cake-cutting ceremony was held as part of the Customer Week celebration between Jali Finance and the financed motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists who have been consistently repaying their motorcycle loans were recognized and rewarded for their integrity.

IGIHE

After the deadly floods and landslides of May 2023, which killed 131 people and displaced more than 51,000, Rwanda began reshaping how it handles climate emergencies.

The 2024 Disaster Risk Hotspots Assessment Report revealed 326 danger zones, with 41 percent categorized as high or very high risk.

These areas put at risk around 31,238 people and more than 70 critical facilities such as schools, roads, and power lines.

The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) is using that data to plan ahead. Through its Relocation and Mitigation Plan, the government intends to move over 6,000 families from the most exposed zones and strengthen slopes that threaten homes and infrastructure.

Districts such as Gakenke, Rubavu, and Nyabihu now rely on daily rainfall alerts from Meteo Rwanda to warn residents early.

This is part of a broader anticipatory action approach, pre-positioning equipment, setting up temporary shelters, and releasing funds before disasters happen. Officials say acting early has already helped avoid heavy losses during recent rain seasons.

Rwanda’s topography divides its climate almost in half. To the west, heavy rainfall and steep terrain make landslides and floods an annual reality.

Data from the Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Risks in Rwanda (2024) show that between 2016 and 2023, landslides killed 449 people and floods 259.

The hardest-hit areas include the highlands of Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Ngororero, where annual rainfall can exceed 1,800 millimetres.

Meanwhile, in the east, drought remains the main threat. Districts such as Nyagatare, Kayonza, Kirehe, and Bugesera receive less than 900 millimetres of rain each year.

Temperatures have already risen by 1.4°C since 1981, and projections show an increase of up to 2.2°C by 2050. In 2023, parts of Eastern Province lost as much as 60 percent of their maize and bean harvests due to delayed rainfall and long dry spells.

Adaptation in the western highlands focuses on keeping the hills stable. Reforestation, terracing, and the construction of drainage systems are underway. Engineers are also using gabion walls and vegetation to hold soil in place and prevent slope failures.

In the east, attention is on managing scarce water. Irrigation schemes under the Land Husbandry, Water Harvesting and Hillside Irrigation (LWH) project are helping small farmers store and use water more efficiently. Boreholes and solar-powered pumps have been added to ensure crops survive during dry seasons.

District disaster plans now match each region’s dominant risk, slope stabilization in the west, and irrigation and water storage in the east. Together, these strategies show a country adapting to both extremes.

Floods in the west disrupt national food supply chains, while drought in the east puts pressure on prices and household incomes. Rwanda’s planners now treat disaster management as a nationwide effort, linking local early-warning systems with national climate policies.

As the Disaster Risk Hotspots Assessment Report concludes, the country’s vulnerability may be geographical, but its resilience depends on coordination. Whether facing floods or drought, Rwanda’s strategy is built on a single principle: anticipate, adapt, and act early.

Irrigation schemes are helping small farmers store and use water more efficiently in Eastern Province.

Disasters that struck in May 2023, killed 131 people and displaced more than 51,000 people. Since then, Rwanda reshaped how it handles climate emergencies.

IGIHE

According to Israeli officials and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), seven hostages were handed over to the Red Cross on Monday morning and are being transferred to Israeli military custody.

The hostages are among a group of 48 individuals whom Hamas agreed to release as part of the first phase of the deal, which also includes the freeing of 250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 detainees held by Israel.

Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square erupted in cheers as confirmation of the release emerged. Families of the captives, some of whom have been held since the October 7, 2023, attacks, expressed cautious relief amid hopes that all surviving hostages will soon return home.

In Gaza, Red Cross vehicles were seen moving through the southern corridor under heavy security. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its teams are 'prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred later today.'

The ceasefire, which took effect on Friday, October 10, has largely held, allowing for the first significant delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza in months. Israeli forces have reportedly begun a limited withdrawal from parts of the territory under the terms of the agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel early Monday to mark what he described as 'the beginning of the end of the war.' He is expected to attend a peace summit in Egypt later in the day, joined by around 20 world leaders to discuss the next phase of the deal, including Gaza’s reconstruction, governance, and security arrangements.

The agreement, while welcomed internationally, remains fragile. Key issues, such as the disarmament of Hamas, the return of displaced Gazans, and the long-term political control of the enclave, have yet to be resolved.

For now, however, the hostage handover represents a rare moment of progress after months of devastating conflict. As the Red Cross convoys continue their mission, families on both sides wait anxiously for a measure of closure and a glimpse of peace that has long seemed out of reach.

Hamas has begun the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, marking the first major step in implementing a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and peace agreement aimed at ending the year-long conflict between Israel and the militant group.

Wycliffe Nyamasege