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A collective voice

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the first day of the general debate that “in Gaza, the horrors are approaching a third monstrous year,” highlighting “a scale of death and destruction beyond any other conflict” in his years as secretary-general.

He called for the full and immediate implementation of the International Court of Justice measures, a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and humanitarian access, adding that “we must not relent in the only viable answer to sustainable Middle East peace: a two-state solution.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the Hamas terror attacks in his remarks on Tuesday, noting that international humanitarian law and the myth of Western exceptionalism were buried under the rubble there, and the survival of the Palestinian people requires an independent state.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his country’s complete support for the two-state solution, calling for both Palestine and Israel to be free and independent, safe and secure from threats and terrorism. Indonesia is ready to deploy 20,000 or even more people to help secure peace in Gaza or elsewhere, and this year, over self-sufficiency, it exported rice to other nations in need, including to Palestine, he said.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II said that security will only come when Palestine and Israel begin to co-exist side by side. “This is the two-state solution, in line with international law and UN resolutions: an independent and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, … alongside a secure Israel, … living in peace with its neighbors,” he noted.

“We reaffirm our support of the two-state solution with the UN playing a central role. Kazakhstan acknowledges diplomatic initiatives aimed at regional reconciliation in the Middle East,” said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the deeply worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations,” said Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, adding that “in line with the UN resolutions, we remain steadfast supporters of the two-state solution principle.”

Uncertainties ahead

Speaking Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump struck a different tone, urging immediate action in Gaza. “Release the hostages now — just release the hostages now,” he said, adding that “we have to negotiate peace, get the hostages back — all 20 back — and 38 dead bodies back.” Meanwhile, he warned against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, saying it would amount to “a reward to Hamas for its horrible atrocities.”

A summit organized by France and Saudi Arabia on Monday ahead of the general debate in New York was portrayed as an urgent effort to salvage the long-deferred vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City against Hamas and rapidly expands its settlements in the West Bank, the notion seems more distant than ever.

“We must pave the way for peace,” said French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, to applause from those at the meeting and a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation. “Today, France recognizes the State of Palestine,” he said, noting recent statements of recognition, some not yet formalized, by Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium and several others.

“France, Britain and the other countries recognizing a Palestinian state this week say they aim to salvage whatever hope remains for the internationally backed formula to end the half-century-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians: a Jewish state of Israel at peace with a neighboring Palestinian one,” reported The New York Times on Monday.

“But nearly two years into the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, Israelis and Palestinians alike say the possibility of a two-state solution seems more remote than ever,” it noted.

On Sept. 12, the General Assembly adopted by a wide margin the “New York Declaration,” which called for “just and lasting peace grounded in international law and based on the two-state solution.” To end the war, it urged Hamas to “end its role in Gaza, and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.” The United States and Israel voted against the text.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

The idea of establishing one nation each for Jewish and Palestinian populations, living alongside each other in peace, predated the UN’s founding in 1945. Drafted and redrafted since then, the concept has appeared in dozens of UN Security Council resolutions, multiple peace talks and in the General Assembly’s recently resumed 10th emergency special session.

On Tuesday, Guterres warned that the viability of a two-state solution is steadily eroding, now reaching its most critical level in more than a generation, in a statement at a UN Security Council high-level meeting on the Palestinian question, highlighting relentless settlement expansion, de facto annexation, and forced displacement as evidence of the erosion.

“Cycles of deadly violence, including by extremist settlers, have entrenched an unlawful Israeli occupation and pushed us perilously close to a point of no return,” he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, September 23, 2025.

Xinhua

In an interview with Russia’s Izvestia newspaper, Galuzin said that what he described as a “war party” in the EU was seeking to undermine positive steps in U.S.-Russia contacts, including the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, which focused on a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

“These forces … are trying to disrupt this process and pull the United States to their side,” Galuzin said. “They are resorting to unscrupulous methods such as baseless accusations against Russia of violating NATO countries’ airspace or sending drones into their territory.”

Galuzin stated that allegations of Russian airspace violations lack credible evidence.

His remarks followed recent statements by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, who said Tallinn had requested consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after claiming that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace last Friday.

Russia’s Defense Ministry denied the allegations, saying that the aircraft had conducted a planned flight from Karelia to the Kaliningrad region in full compliance with international airspace regulations.

The ministry underlined that the jets did not deviate from their approved route and did not cross Estonia’s borders, a fact confirmed by objective monitoring data.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin accused certain political forces in the European Union (EU) of attempting to derail dialogue between Moscow and Washington by leveling unfounded accusations against Russia, local media reported Wednesday.

Xinhua

The agreements were formalised on Tuesday, September 23, during President Paul Kagame’s official visit to Egypt, hosted by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

The accords cover priority sectors including investment promotion, water resource management, urban development, and housing. Under the land allocation agreement, Rwanda had previously committed to grant Egypt 10 hectares in Kirehe District, near the Tanzania border, while Egypt committed equivalent land for Rwandan ventures.

In his address, President Kagame said the reciprocal land allocation was a 'significant step' that would strengthen economic cooperation and expand market access in Africa.

He underlined that Rwanda and Egypt share a vision of transforming the continent’s natural resources into value-added products to generate sustainable prosperity.

'Rwanda regards Egypt as a strong partner and our cooperation is tangible and steadily growing,' Kagame noted, highlighting ongoing joint projects such as the construction of a state-of-the-art heart treatment center in Kigali.

'We believe there are numerous opportunities our two countries can explore, from food processing to advanced technology.'

The President also praised Egypt for providing advanced training to Rwandan medical professionals and for its support in pharmaceuticals and vaccine production, describing Egyptian firms in the health sector as 'excellent partners.'

Earlier on Monday, September 22, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) had urged Egyptian investors to tap into Rwanda’s diverse opportunities.

Speaking at the inaugural Egypt—Rwanda Business Forum in Cairo, RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika invited Egyptian businesses to use Rwanda as a gateway to the wider East African and continental markets.

The forum brought together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from both sides to explore opportunities, foster partnerships, and promote trade and investment. Key areas of interest included energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.

The agreements were formalised on Tuesday, September 23, during President Paul Kagame’s official visit to Egypt, hosted by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

In his address, President Kagame said the reciprocal land allocation was a 'significant step' that would strengthen economic cooperation and expand market access in Africa.

The accords cover priority sectors including investment promotion, water resource management, urban development, and housing.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to Rwanda’s Presidency, their discussions focused on potential investment opportunities in Rwanda, with particular emphasis on energy, infrastructure, and industrial growth.

Elsewedy Electric is a global leader that has transformed from a local manufacturer of electrical products to an integrated infrastructure solutions provider. With over 19,000 employees, the company recorded revenues exceeding USD 5.13 billion in 2024.

Elsewedy Electric operates across five key business sectors: wire, cable and accessories, electrical products, engineering and construction, digital solutions, and infrastructure investments.

The company has a strong presence in 19 countries, with 34 production facilities located across Africa and Asia, including Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Tanzania.

Additionally, Elsewedy Electric exports a wide range of high-end products to over 110 countries globally.

In 2022, the company entered the Rwandan market through an agreement with Rwanda’s Energy Group (REG) and EPC Africa, which involved selling 185.5 kilometers of cables to Rwanda.

Should Elsewedy Electric invest further in Rwanda, it could support the country’s efforts to expand electricity access, build industries, enhance infrastructure, foster technological advancements, and advance renewable energy projects.

President Kagame and Ahmed El Sewedy, the CEO of Elsewedy Electric have discussed potential investment opportunities in Rwanda.

Elsewedy Electric has a strong presence in 19 countries.

In 2022, Elsewedy Electric entered the Rwandan market through an agreement with Rwanda’s Energy Group (REG) and EPC Africa, which involved selling 185.5 kilometers of cables to Rwanda.

IGIHE

The remarks signaled a sharp shift in the White House’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict since Trump has for months pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make concessions to reach a ceasefire deal with Russia, claiming Kiev “doesn’t have the cards” in the negotiations.

“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option,” Trump said.

“We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them,” said the president.

When meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City earlier on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that NATO countries should shoot down Russian jets that violate their airspace.

In a letter dated Saturday and addressed to the president of the UN Security Council, Estonia claimed that three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered up to 10 km inside Estonia’s airspace and stayed for 12 minutes on Friday.

Russia’s first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, denied that Russian jets had violated Estonian airspace and accused European states of Russophobia.

A past photo of President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Xinhua

During the visit, both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. A key highlight was a landmark land allocation deal, expected to provide businesses from both countries greater access to regional markets.

Rwanda and Egypt share a strong bilateral relationship, with embassies established in each other’s capitals. This development builds upon numerous cooperation agreements in various sectors, including technology, industrial development, trade, agriculture, education, youth, healthcare, and military collaboration.

The partnership between the two nations has been long-standing. In 2017, President El-Sisi visited Rwanda to further strengthen their bilateral relations. Both countries are also active members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Egypt opened its embassy in Kigali in 1976, and Rwanda re-established its embassy in Cairo in March 2015, signaling the importance of their diplomatic ties.

This longstanding relationship was further strengthened by President Kagame’s recent visit to Cairo, a city rich in culture, history, and landmarks.

Here are the top 15 attractions to know about this extraordinary city visited by President Kagame.

1. The Pyramids of Giza

One of Cairo’s most iconic and unmissable attractions is the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient wonders, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, continue to awe visitors with their scale and grandeur.

The Pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and culture of ancient Egypt, making them one of the most visited tourist sites in the world.

Visitors can explore the inside of the pyramids, learn about the pharaohs’ burial practices, and take camel rides for a more immersive experience.

2. The Egyptian Museum: A gateway to ancient Egypt

The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is an essential stop for anyone looking to delve into Egypt’s remarkable history.

With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities. The highlight of the museum is the treasure of Tutankhamun, including his famous golden death mask.

The museum provides invaluable insights into Egypt’s ancient civilization, offering visitors a chance to learn about mummification, religious rituals, and the everyday life of the pharaohs.

3. Coptic Cairo: Egypt’s Christian Heritage

Coptic Cairo is an area in Cairo that reflects the deep Christian history of Egypt. It is home to several significant churches, including the famous Hanging Church, which dates back to the 3rd century.

The Coptic Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that trace the history of Christianity in Egypt, from the early Christian period to modern times.

The area also includes the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the ancient Babylon Fortress, marking the historical and cultural crossroads where different religious traditions intersect.

4. Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is a district filled with some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture. The area is home to historic mosques, madrassas, and palaces.

Key highlights include the stunning Sultan Hassan Mosque, one of the largest in the city, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque, which is one of the oldest in Cairo.

The Citadel of Saladin, which includes the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offers panoramic views of the city and a peek into Cairo’s Islamic history. Islamic Cairo is a living museum, where visitors can walk through streets lined with ancient buildings and immerse themselves in the city’s Islamic heritage.

5. Khan El Khalili Bazaar: A shopper’s paradise

For those looking to experience the authentic flavors and sounds of Cairo, Khan El Khalili Bazaar is the place to go.

This vibrant market, which has been a trading hub since the 14th century, is filled with colorful stalls offering everything from handcrafted jewelry, spices, and textiles to copperware, perfumes, and souvenirs.

The bustling market is a sensory overload, with its maze of alleyways and lively merchants. Don’t forget to bargain; it’s part of the fun in this traditional Egyptian souk.

6. Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar Park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Cairo, providing visitors with beautiful green spaces and panoramic views of the Cairo skyline.

Located near Islamic Cairo, the park is a perfect place to relax while taking in the breathtaking view of the Cairo Citadel and the surrounding historic mosques. The park is an oasis of calm in the heart of Cairo, offering a unique combination of nature, history, and tranquility.

7. Tahrir Square

Tahrir Square is not just a central location in Cairo—it has been the site of many pivotal moments in Egypt’s modern political history.

Most notably, it was the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution that led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak.

Today, the square is a key symbol of the country’s political struggles and successes. Surrounding the square are important landmarks, including the Egyptian Museum, and it remains a central hub for both political movements and everyday life in Cairo.

8. The Cairo Opera House

Cairo is home to one of the most prestigious cultural venues in the Middle East—The Cairo Opera House.

A key part of the city’s thriving arts scene, the opera house hosts performances ranging from classical music and ballet to contemporary dance and opera. It’s a cultural institution in the city, drawing in artists from around the world.

9. The Citadel of Saladin: A historic fortress

The Citadel of Saladin is one of Cairo’s most important historical sites. Built by the famous Islamic ruler Saladin in the 12th century, the Citadel was the seat of the Egyptian government for almost 700 years.

Visitors can explore its many mosques, including the iconic Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which offers stunning views of the city. The Citadel also houses the National Military Museum and the Police Museum, both of which offer fascinating insights into Egypt’s military history.

10. The Nile River

The Nile River has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years, and it continues to play a central role in the life of Cairo.

Tourists can take a relaxing boat ride or even a traditional felucca ride on the river to see the city from a different perspective.

Many luxury hotels and restaurants along the Nile offer dining experiences with beautiful views of the river and the city skyline.

11. The Nile Corniche

The Nile Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade that runs along the Nile River in Cairo. The Corniche is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering stunning views of the river and the city’s historic buildings.

Visitors can take in the sights of Cairo’s skyline, cross over bridges, or simply sit at one of the many cafes that line the river. It’s an ideal spot to experience the dynamic energy of Cairo’s urban life while enjoying the tranquility of the river.

12. The City of the Dead

One of Cairo’s more unusual attractions is the City of the Dead, a vast necropolis located in the eastern part of the city. This sprawling cemetery houses tombs that date back to the Mamluk period and even earlier.

The City of the Dead is home to some of Cairo’s poorest residents, who live among the tombs, making it a fascinating and thought-provoking site for visitors. While it may be an unconventional tourist attraction, it offers a unique window into Cairo’s past and present.

13. Zamalek: Cairo’s Greenest District

Zamalek is an upscale district in Cairo known for its lush greenery, colonial-era architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. Located on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is a quiet residential area that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the rest of Cairo.

The district is home to embassies, art galleries, and cultural venues, including the Cairo Opera House. It’s a great area for walking, dining, and enjoying Cairo’s more laid-back side.

14. The Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo offers a fascinating collection of Islamic artifacts spanning over 1,400 years.

The museum’s exhibits include rare manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork from various periods in Islamic history.

Visitors can explore the rich artistic and cultural legacy of the Islamic world, with artifacts from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.

15. Cairo Tower

Standing tall at 187 meters, the Cairo Tower offers the best panoramic view of the city. Located on Gezira Island, it provides a breathtaking view of Cairo’s skyline, the Nile River, and iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza in the distance.

Visitors can enjoy a meal or drink at the revolving restaurant on the tower’s top floor, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset or gaze at the sprawling cityscape.

IGIHE

The 18-year-old cycled through the challenging 22.6-kilometre course with a blistering time of 29:07.61, securing his place at the top of the podium.

Mouris’ victory marked a momentous achievement, as it was the second gold for the Netherlands of the day, following Megan Arens’ dominant performance in the Women’s Junior Time Trial earlier in the morning.

The 18-year-old cycled through the challenging 22.6-kilometre course with a blistering time of 29:07.61, securing his place at the top of the podium.

Known for his exceptional racing intelligence and explosive speed, Mouris added yet another prestigious title to his growing resume. The young Dutch rider, already the winner of the Paris-Roubaix Juniors and other key stage races, proved once again why he is one of the most promising talents in junior cycling.

Reflecting on his performance after the race, Mouris shared, “It’s incredible that we both won here, and it’s amazing to deliver my best performance and win the world title. Pacing was difficult, and it was hard not to blow up, but I managed to recover enough in the descent to keep my legs going for the final climb.”

He continued, “The course was really tough, and the heat made it even harder. It was definitely one of the most difficult time trials I’ve done.”

Known for his exceptional racing intelligence and explosive speed, Mouris added yet another prestigious title to his growing resume.

Ashlin Barry secures a silver medal for the U.S.

Ashlin Barry (USA) showcased his strength and consistency, finishing in second place with a time of 29:14.45, just 6.84 seconds behind Mouris. Barry, who also earned the U.S. National Junior Time Trial Championship title, showed impressive speed throughout the race, continuing his strong season with podium finishes at several international events.

Belgium’s Seff van Kerckhove grabs bronze

Claiming the third spot was Seff van Kerckhove of Belgium, who crossed the line in 29:16.19—just 8.58 seconds behind Barry. Van Kerckhove, the Belgian Junior Time Trial Champion, has proven to be a fierce competitor, having also triumphed in events like the LVM Saarland Trofeo and Giro della Lunigiana.

Beckam Drake (USA) finished just outside the podium in fourth place with a time of 29:21.16. Known for his performances in the Tour de l’Abitibi and the Junior Tour of Ireland, Drake had a solid race but crossed the line 13 seconds behind Van Kerckhove.

The fifth-place finish went to Max Hinds (Great Britain), who clocked 29:26.52. The gold medalist in the Boys’ Time Trial at the European Youth Olympic Festival, Hinds has been a consistent performer throughout his junior career and demonstrated his potential once again with a strong finish in a fiercely competitive field.

Dylan Sage’s surprising setback

Despite being one of the race’s pre-race favourites, Dylan Sage (GBR), the reigning British Junior Time Trial National Champion, finished in 18th place with a time of 30:28.51. Sage, who had a string of solid results this season—including a podium finish at the LVM Saarland Trofeo—struggled on the day and was unable to match the blistering pace set by the leaders.

Junior Men’s Individual Time Trial: Top 10 Results

Michiel Mouris (NED) — 29:07.61

Ashlin Barry (USA) — 29:14.45 (+6.84)

Seff van Kerckhove (BEL) — 29:16.19 (+8.58)

Beckam Drake (USA) — 29:21.16 (+13.55)

Max Hinds (GBR) — 29:26.52 (+18.91)

Roberto Capello (ITA) — 29:36.55 (+28.94)

Jan Jackowiak (POL) — 29:37.41 (+29.80)

Vilgot Reinhold (SWE) — 29:55.82 (+48.21)

Mattia Agostinacchio (ITA) — 29:58.57 (+50.96)

Max Goold (AUS) — 30:02.15 (+54.54)

Rwandan cyclists on the global stages

In a historic moment for Rwandan cycling, Pacifique Byusa and Brian Ishimwe represented the home nation in the Junior Men’s Time Trial. Byusa finished with a time of 34:34.97, securing 53rd place, while Ishimwe clocked 34:59.77 for 55th place.

Rwanda’s 17-year-old Pacifique Byusa completed the 22.6 km men’s junior individual time trial in 34 minutes and 34 seconds, crossing the finish line at Kigali Convention Centre.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The 18-year-old cyclist delivered a stellar performance, completing the 18.3-kilometer course in 25:47.41, securing her spot at the top of the podium.

'It was a really hard race. I tried to go a little easier on the first climb and push harder on the last one. This win really means a lot to me. I still can’t believe it just happened,' she remarked after her victory.

Megan Arens, 18, delivered a stellar performance, completing the 18.3-kilometer course in 25:47.41, securing her spot at the top of the podium.

Arens’ victory adds to an already impressive season. In 2025, she placed second in both the Ronde van Vlaanderen WJ and Gent-Wevelgem WJ, proving her ability to compete with the best.

Arens had also won the National Championships Netherlands WJ – ITT in 2024 and finished 9th in last year’s World Championships ITT in Zürich, showcasing her consistency at the highest level.

Arens’ victory adds to an already impressive season.

Spanish and Norwegian riders push hard for podium finishes

In second place, Spain’s Paula Ostiz Taco finished with a time of 26:22.71, 35.30 seconds behind Arens.

Ostiz Taco, who won the 2024 European Junior Time Trial Championship, had an outstanding season in 2025, securing victories at the Grand Prix Valromey Tour Féminin and the Watersley Ladies Challenge, as well as finishing as the runner-up in both the Spanish Junior Time Trial Championship and the Ronde van Vlaanderen WJ.

Norwegian rider Oda Aune Gissinger, another standout in time trials, took third place with a time of 26:24.95, just 37.54 seconds off Arens’ pace.

Gissinger, the current European Junior Time Trial Champion, has quickly become one of Norway’s brightest cycling talents. This year, she won the Grand Prix Ceratizit Women Junior and the Norwegian Junior National Championships, among other accolades.

Boothman’s near podium finish derailed by mishap

The competition was fierce, and one of the most notable stories of the day was the unfortunate mishap of Erin Boothman from Great Britain.

Boothman, the 2025 European Junior Time Trial Champion, was riding strong and even placed herself in contention for a podium finish, having been very close to Arens at the intermediate point. However, a setback struck as Boothman unclipped her foot from the pedal at the bottom of the climb in Kimihurura, bringing her to a complete stop.

Boothman finished in 5th place with a time of 26:36.10, just 48.69 seconds behind Arens.

Women’s Junior Individual Time Trial: Top 10 Results

1. Megan Arens (Netherlands) — 25:47.41

2. Paula Ostiz Taco (Spain) — 26:22.71 (+35.30)

3. Oda Aune Gissinger (Norway) — 26:24.95 (+37.54)

4. Roos Müller (Netherlands) — 26:34.92 (+47.51)

5. Erin Boothman (Great Britain) — 26:36.10 (+48.69)

6. Sidney Swierenga (Canada) — 26:41.14 (+53.73)

7. Maria Okrucinska (Poland) — 26:54.25 (+1:06.84)

8. Abigail Miller (Great Britain) — 27:19.43 (+1:32.02)

9. Liliana Edwards (USA) — 27:20.17 (+1:32.76)

10. Laura Five (Belgium) — 27:23.54 (+1:36.13)

Rwandan cyclists show their potential

Rwandan junior cyclists Masengesho Yvonne and Uwiringiyimana Liliane competed fiercely in the race, completing the course in times of 29:43.04 and 30:58.67, finishing in 33rd and 40th place, respectively.

Rwandan junior cyclists Masengesho Yvonne and Uwiringiyimana Liliane competed fiercely in the race.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The conference, held under the theme 'Innovate — Integrate — Insure,' brought together industry leaders, regulators, and practitioners to reflect on the role of brokers in promoting inclusive and customer-focused insurance services in Rwanda.

Several companies stood out for their achievements in different categories. MUA Insurance Company ® Ltd was recognised as the best provider of general insurance, while SONARWA Life emerged top in the life insurance category.

Eden Care received the award for health insurance, with Prime Insurance celebrated for its innovation in the sector. MayFair Insurance was recognised for outstanding customer service.

RIBA President Mendies Mhiribidi highlighted the crucial role brokers play in making insurance accessible and understandable.

'Insurance can often seem like a foreign language, filled with complex terms and deep explanations. Brokers help simplify these concepts, guide clients to the right cover, and stand by them throughout the process,' he said.

Embracing innovation and technology

Mhiribidi also emphasised the evolving nature of the industry, noting that new risks linked to climate change, cyberattacks, and rapid technological shifts demand advanced solutions. He pointed to the need for insurance brokers to adopt digital tools such as data analytics and collaborate with InsurTech companies to simplify processes like purchasing and claims management.

In a step toward strengthening industry communication, RIBA launched the RIBA Magazine, an online publication designed to provide timely information and market insights with a strong focus on customer needs.

Brokers hailed as key partners

The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) reinforced the importance of professional insurance brokers, describing them as vital partners who connect clients with insurers and expand access to insurance. BNR noted that engaging brokers is a key strategy to raise insurance penetration rates, in line with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Practitioners also shared their experiences. Jean de Dieu Katabogama of Zion Insurance Brokers Ltd, with two decades in the field, stressed that brokers ensure clients receive quality services and support during claims.

Similarly, James Nteziryayo of Alpha Insurance Brokers Ltd called for increased awareness campaigns to attract more young people to the profession, while urging that insurance studies be made more accessible in Rwanda.

Regional cooperation

Speakers at the conference applauded RIBA’s efforts in uniting industry stakeholders to tackle challenges and enhance collaboration. They also emphasised the growing opportunities for regional integration, which will allow Rwandan clients to access quality insurance services across the East African Community.

The 2025 RIBA Annual Conference reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting innovation, professionalism, and customer-centred practices in Rwanda’s insurance sector.

The Rwanda Insurance Brokers Association (RIBA) honoured outstanding insurance companies for their exemplary performance and commitment to service during its 4th Annual Conference, held from September 10 to 12, 2025, at the Kivu Intare Arena in Rubavu.

MUA Insurance Company ® Ltd was recognised as the best provider of general insurance.

SONARWA Life emerged top in the life insurance category.

MayFair Insurance was recognised for outstanding customer service.

Speakers at the conference applauded RIBA’s efforts in uniting industry stakeholders to tackle challenges and enhance collaboration.

RIBA launched the RIBA Magazine, an online publication designed to provide timely information and market insights with a strong focus on customer needs.

IGIHE

The celebration took place in Bweramana Sector, Ruhango District, marking the 16th World Bamboo Day. The event is observed every year on September 18.

The theme for this year’s celebration highlighted bamboo as a solution for both environmental sustainability and innovative applications in the craft industry.

EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda was lauded for its contributions to environmental protection, with a particular focus on its efforts to restore land along riverbanks in eight districts. Notably, 307 hectares of land in Ruhango District were restored, and bamboo was planted to combat soil erosion.

In addition to land restoration, EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda created employment for 1,000 people and established 60 kitchen gardens to help combat malnutrition in the region. The organization also partnered with local communities to promote modern farming techniques that contribute to soil restoration, with efforts covering seven hectares in Bweramana.

Furthermore, EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda supported 270 farmers through various initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods. The organization also renovated five houses for vulnerable families and built a daycare center to support community well-being.

Sharon Higiro Umuratwa, the General Manager of EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda, expressed the organization’s commitment to advancing bamboo cultivation to protect riverbanks and improve the livelihoods of people in Ruhango District. She also extended her gratitude to the community for their partnership over the past three years, which has been instrumental in the restoration of the 307-hectare area.

The Vice Mayor for Economic Development of Ruhango District, Jean Marie Vianney Rusilibana, highlighted EcoPlanet’s significant role in improving the community’s quality of life through erosion control measures and emphasized the importance of bamboo conservation for providing sustainable livelihoods.

Remy Songa, representing the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), emphasized how bamboo plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions and combating soil erosion and landslides.

Divine Cyambarantama, Forest Extension Officer at Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), also urged the residents of Ruhango to continue preserving bamboo and thanked EcoPlanet for its ongoing contributions to environmental conservation.

EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda actively participated in the celebration of Bamboo Day alongside the residents of Ruhango, showcasing its significant contributions to environmental conservation.

Community members expressed their appreciation for the positive impact of EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda’s efforts.

The organization has played a crucial role in protecting the country’s riverbanks through the planting of bamboo, which helps in soil conservation and prevents erosion.

EcoPlanet Bamboo Rwanda continues to plant bamboo in various regions across Rwanda, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

IGIHE