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But tensions that erupted early 2022 between the two neighbors derailed much of that progress. Some projects were suspended, while others slowed to a near standstill.

Among the most affected were the joint construction of a major hydroelectric plant, conservation of the Virunga parks, gold refining agreements, petroleum exploration in Lake Kivu, and the planned model village in Goma.

The Ruzizi III power plant

One of the flagship projects delayed by the diplomatic fallout is the Ruzizi III hydropower station, a joint initiative of Rwanda, the DRC, and Burundi.

In 2016, the three countries agreed to harness the Ruzizi River to produce 147 megawatts of electricity. Backed by the World Bank, the European Union, and the African Development Bank, the project was valued at $450 million and was expected to be completed by 2024.

However, regional disputes disrupted cooperation, causing repeated delays. Costs have since ballooned to an estimated $800 million. Earlier this month, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, inspected the site and announced that construction will formally begin in January 2026 and conclude by 2030.

Each partner country will contribute around $266 million and receive roughly 68 megawatts of power.

The construction project for the Ruzizi III hydropower plant on the Ruzizi River has stalled.

Park conservation efforts

In 2014, Rwanda, the DRC, and Uganda signed a pact to protect the Virunga mountain range and surrounding parks, an area spanning over 7,900 square kilometers.

Through the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), the countries sought to coordinate anti-poaching operations and counter armed groups destabilizing the region, such as the FDLR.

Those efforts stalled after hostilities resumed. In October 2022, Kinshasa accused Rwanda of smuggling gorillas and monkeys, allegations Rwanda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Robert Kayinamura, dismissed as 'a colonial mindset.'

'For the past 28 years, Rwanda has been blamed for everything; lack of water, lack of electricity, lack of roads,' he said. 'We need to move beyond this mentality and focus on real solutions.'

Rwanda, the DRC, and Uganda had agreed to collaborate on the conservation of the Virunga National Parks.

Gold refining agreement

The DRC, home to vast mineral wealth, has long struggled to add value to its resources due to limited refining capacity. In contrast, Rwanda operates the Gasabo Gold Refinery in Kigali.

In June 2021, the two countries signed an agreement allowing Congolese gold to be processed in Rwanda through a partnership between Sakima (Socièté Aurifère du Kivu et Maniema), a state-owned company in the DRC, and Rwanda’s Dither Ltd.

But just a year later, after M23 rebels seized Bunagana, Kinshasa suspended the deal, accusing Rwanda of backing the rebels; allegations Kigali has consistently denied.

Gasabo Gold Refinery was set to process gold from the eastern DRC.

Goma’s model village

The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in May 2021 destroyed more than 1,000 homes on the outskirts of Goma. In a gesture of solidarity, President Paul Kagame visited the area and pledged to help rebuild, promising a modern settlement similar to Rwanda’s Kinigi model village in Musanze.

Congolese officials later toured Kinigi to study its design, and it was agreed that Rwanda would supply construction materials. The model village, estimated to cost over 26 billion Rwandan francs, was to be inaugurated on July 4, 2022.

By then, however, relations had soured, leading to setbacks in the implementation of the project.

The model village in Goma was intended to resemble the one in Kinigi.

Lake Kivu oil exploration

In 2017, Rwanda and the DRC signed an agreement to jointly explore petroleum deposits in Lake Kivu. The deal followed discussions between the two presidents in 2016 and aimed to identify reserves, estimate quantities, and plan for joint exploitation.

Following the Bunagana crisis, Kinshasa suspended cooperation and accused Kigali of supporting M23 rebels. Rwanda proceeded with exploration on its side of the lake. In January 2025, Kigali announced it had identified 13 potential petroleum blocks.

The discovery angered Kinshasa, prompting Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to instruct her Minister of Hydrocarbons, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, to demand explanations from Rwanda Mining Board (RMB).

Oil exploration in Lake Kivu was part of joint projects.

A path to reconciliation?

Since 2022, Angola and other mediators have attempted to restore relations. In September of that year, Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi last met in New York, with President Emmanuel Macron of France facilitating talks.

In March 2025, the United States helped broker a peace framework, culminating in a June 27 agreement aimed at ending hostilities.

If relations improve, key joint projects including Ruzizi III, cross-border conservation and mineral processing could be revived, renewing hopes of regional integration.

The United States and partners have begun engaging Rwanda and the DRC to support efforts that led to the signing of peace agreement.

Jean de Dieu Tuyizere

His remarks came after AFC/M23 forces took control of Nzibira town in Walungu Territory, South Kivu, on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Brig. Gen. Kapend, who also commands the army in Katanga, said the situation does not pose a major threat as long as Katanga remains untouched.

'All the pressure is in eastern DRC. If we fail to stop the enemy there, we will be the first to face its heavy weapons,' he said.

He added that the rebel coalition could expand further without endangering national stability.

'They may take over other areas, but as long as they do not take Katanga, the country will endure,' he stated.

Heavy fighting between AFC/M23 and the Congolese army coalition flared again late last week, with clashes reported in Cisaza, Cibanda, Muyange, Karhuliza and Kalongo in South Kivu, as well as in Masisi and Walikale in North Kivu.

The commander of the 22nd Military Region, Brig. Gen. Eddy Kapend, has downplayed concerns over AFC/M23 rebels seizing territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying the real danger would only arise if they captured Katanga Province.

IGIHE

The 28-year-old Frenchman delivered 35 goals and 14 assists in 53 appearances last season, spearheading PSG’s historic treble of the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the French Cup. He was also named Ligue 1 and Champions League player of the year, and played a decisive role in PSG’s run to the Club World Cup final.

Dembele, who received the award from Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, was visibly moved on stage. His mother joined him as he delivered an emotional speech.

'What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG,' Dembele said. 'I feel a bit of stress, it’s not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional.”

Dembele, who received the award from Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, was visibly moved on stage.

It is the first Ballon d’Or for Dembele and makes him the sixth Frenchman to win the award, following in the footsteps of Karim Benzema (2022) and Zinedine Zidane, among others.

PSG dominate Ballon d’Or night

Dembele’s triumph underlined PSG’s dominance at this year’s awards. The club was named Team of the Year, while manager Luis Enrique received the Best Coach award after guiding the Parisians to their first Champions League title. Enrique, who was managing PSG’s Ligue 1 fixture against Marseille that evening, became only the second coach after Pep Guardiola to win trebles with two different clubs.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was also honoured, winning the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper after keeping 17 clean sheets across the campaign. Donnarumma has since moved to Manchester City, but his performances in PSG’s treble run proved decisive.

Bonmatí achieves historic hat-trick

On the women’s side, Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third year in a row. The midfielder, who was hospitalised with viral meningitis just days before the Women’s European Championship last summer, helped Barcelona to a domestic treble and was named the tournament’s best player despite Spain’s shootout loss to England in the Euro 2025 final.

'Third time in a row here, and I still can’t believe it,' Bonmatí said. 'I owe Barcelona everything. This is the club of my life.'

Her win extends Barcelona’s streak of women’s Ballon d’Or winners to five consecutive years.

Youth and scoring honours

Eighteen-year-old Lamine Yamal, runner-up to Dembele in the Ballon d’Or voting, collected the Kopa Trophy for best player under 21. He became the first footballer to win the award twice, following another standout season for Barcelona and Spain.

Lamine Yamal was bidding to become the first teenager to win the Ballon d’Or – but he could still manage that next year.

In the goalscoring category, Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyökeres claimed the Gerd Müller Trophy after netting 54 goals for Sporting CP and Sweden across 2024—25. On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor received the same prize.

Viktor Gyokeres’ 54 goals for Sporting in 2024-25 helped him get a move to Arsenal.

Humanitarian recognition

The Socrates Award went to the Xana Fundación, a charity set up by Luis Enrique’s family in memory of his daughter, who died of bone cancer in 2019. The foundation supports children with life-threatening illnesses.

A French revival

Dembele’s Ballon d’Or completes a remarkable turnaround for a player once plagued by injuries and inconsistency at Barcelona. Signed by PSG in 2023 for £43.5m, he was transformed mid-season by Enrique’s tactical switch to a central striker role. From December onwards, he scored 30 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele capped the most prolific season of his career by winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, overcoming Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal in Paris on Monday night.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The deal was signed in New York on September 22, 2025, by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó.

The agreement follows Minister Nduhungirehe’s visit to Hungary in May 2025, alongside Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire. During that trip, the delegation toured the famed Hungaroring Formula 1 circuit, which has hosted races since 1986, and also took part in the launch of the Tour de Hongrie, one of Europe’s major cycling races.

Beyond sports, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in diplomacy, water resource management, education, and investment.

This latest accord signals Rwanda’s growing interest in expanding international partnerships in sport, while Hungary gains a new African ally in advancing global sporting exchanges.

🎥It’s official! @RwandaMFA Min. @onduhungirehe and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary🇭🇺, H.E Péter Szijjártó (@FM_Szijjarto) have signed an MoU on cooperation in #Sports.

Rwanda🇷🇼 and Hungary🇭🇺’s partnership also continues in diplomacy, water management,… pic.twitter.com/7zoQRKgywF

— Permanent Mission of Rwanda to The United Nations (@RwandaUN) September 22, 2025

IGIHE

Naviair, Denmark’s air traffic control company, said operations were suspended at around 20:30 local time (1830 GMT).

Copenhagen police confirmed a “massive presence” at the airport.

According to DR, fire trucks from the Tarnby Fire Department were seen heading toward the Vilhelm Lauritzen Terminal, used for VIP traffic. No immediate police activity was observed at the main passenger terminals 2 and 3.

Copenhagen Airport halted all takeoffs and landings Monday evening after unidentified drones were spotted nearby, Danish broadcaster DR reported.

Xinhua

“I declare today that France recognizes the State of Palestine,” Macron said at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

“The time has come. We can no longer wait,” he said, adding that “we want two states in peace and security side by side.”

With France’s recognition, over 150 countries have announced their recognition of the State of Palestine.

On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine to push for a “two-state solution,” as Israel pressed ahead with its offensive and annexation in Gaza despite mounting global condemnation.

“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has gone unresolved for generations,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in remarks at the meeting, held on the opening day of the UN General Assembly’s High-level Week.

“Dialogue has faltered. Resolutions have been flouted. International law has been breached,” he said.

The situation is intolerable, and it is deteriorating by the hour, said the UN chief.

“We are here today to help navigate the only way out of this nightmare: A two-state solution, where two independent, sovereign, democratic states — Israel and Palestine — live side-by-side in peace and security within their secure and recognized borders on the basis of pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states — in line with international law, UN resolutions and other relevant agreements,” said Guterres.

Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th UN General Assembly session, said the General Assembly has been very clear: “We need an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Israel must immediately facilitate the full, rapid, safe and unhindered entry and delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians. Hamas must immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.”

She emphasized that the decade-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved by endless war, permanent occupation and recurrent terror, and the only way to ensure that future generations of both Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace, security and dignity is the two-state solution.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday at a UN meeting on the two-state solution that his country recognizes the State of Palestine, joining most of the other UN member states that have already done so.

Xinhua

In a joint statement issued in Bamako, the three countries said they had ratified the Rome Statute between 2000 and 2004 and had since cooperated with the ICC under the treaty as well as related agreements.

However, over time the ICC had “become a neo-colonial instrument of repression in the hands of imperialism” and “a global symbol of selective justice,” they said.

According to the statement, the court has failed to prosecute clear cases of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression, remaining “inexplicably, confusingly and complacently silent” toward perpetrators of such crimes, while targeting actors outside what it called the “institutionalized circle of impunity” in violation of its own statute.

The three governments said their sovereign decision to quit the Rome Statute “reflects the will of the Sahel Confederation member states to safeguard their sovereignty.” They pledged to strengthen peace and justice through home-grown mechanisms, while reaffirming their commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in line with their social values and rejecting all forms of impunity.

The statement also expressed gratitude to the United Nations and its member states, reaffirming that the Sahel Confederation countries would continue to cooperate in other appropriate frameworks to advance human rights and respect for state sovereignty.

In September 2023, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed the Liptako-Gourma Charter in Bamako, agreeing to establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

On July 6, 2024, the three countries announced the creation of the Confederation of the AES in Niamey, marking a significant step toward establishing an economic-military bloc.

The governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger on Monday announced their immediate withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Xinhua

The urgent aid comes as part of the UAE’s global humanitarian initiatives aimed at ensuring early recovery and stability.

The UAE aid included a package of medicines for chronic diseases, along with essential medical supplies such as bandages, sutures, and necessary surgical equipment.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, said, 'The dispatch of medical aid to Botswana comes within the framework of the UAE’s global humanitarian role in responding swiftly to health crises, strengthening the health systems of friendly African countries, and enhancing their capacity to curb the spread of epidemics and infectious diseases.'

He added, 'The UAE’s medical assistance will help support the stock of medicines and essential medical supplies for surgical operations, while also enhancing the capacity of the health sector to provide medical services to a large segment of the population who directly rely on the public healthcare system, especially children, women, and the elderly.'

The UAE has dispatched an urgent relief aircraft carrying 96 tonnes of medical supplies to Botswana following the declaration of a public health emergency due to shortages of essential medical supplies.

IGIHE

This directive comes as Israeli forces intensify their ground offensive in Gaza City, targeting Hamas infrastructure. The evacuation order exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands without access to critical medical care.

According to the Associated Press, over 297,000 people have fled southern Gaza, though Israeli officials claim that more than 500,000 have been displaced.

Despite these efforts, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The United Nations reports that over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced and widespread famine reported in Gaza City.

Internationally, the evacuation order has prompted a surge of countries recognizing a Palestinian state.

Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and soon France have joined nearly 150 nations in formal recognition.

France has stated that diplomatic relations will depend on Hamas releasing hostages. In solidarity, tens of thousands have protested across Italy, and several French towns have hoisted Palestinian flags despite government restrictions.

In response to the escalating violence, Pope Leo XIV criticized the forced displacement of Palestinians and advocated for peace.

He called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reconciliation.

Reports indicate that over 297,000 people have fled southern Gaza, though Israeli officials claim that more than 500,000 have been displaced.

Rania Umutoni

The competition saw Söderqvist dominate the course, finishing more than a minute ahead of New Zealand’s Nate Pringle, who took home the silver, and France’s Maxime Decomble, who secured the bronze.

At just 22 years old, Söderqvist’s victory marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He posted a remarkable time of 38:24.43, averaging 48.741 km/h on the 31.2 km course.

Racing for Lidl-Trek Future Racing, Söderqvist had his eyes set on this event all year. His gold medal in Kigali marked the culmination of an intense season of preparation, and he was overjoyed with the achievement.

“This is the one thing in the U23 category that I care about the most, so it was preparations all year round to make this one as good as possible,” he said after the race.

The win in Rwanda was a personal milestone for Söderqvist, who had previously earned silver in Zurich (2024) and placed seventh in Stirling (2023). This victory, however, propels him into the elite ranks of U23 time trialists and solidifies his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.

A strong silver for Pringle

New Zealand’s Nate Pringle had an impressive showing in his first World Championships, earning the silver medal with a time of 39:28.39, just 1:03.96 behind Söderqvist.

The 2025 national under-23 time trial champion, Pringle demonstrated his strength and potential, finishing ahead of some of the most accomplished riders in the field. His solid performance throughout the season, including a 7th-place finish in the general classification at the Sibiu Cycling Tour earlier this year, confirms his rising prominence in the world of cycling.

Decomble’s narrow defeat for silver

Maxime Decomble, the French national under-23 time trial champion, was just a fraction away from claiming silver. With a time of 39:28.56, Decomble finished 0.17 seconds behind Pringle, taking the bronze.

Despite the razor-thin margin, Decomble’s third-place finish was a testament to his skill and determination. The 2024 French champion has consistently been a strong competitor, with top results in the Tour de l’Avenir and Alpes Isère Tour.

The top performers in the U23 time trial

The top 10 finishers in the Men’s U23 Individual Time Trial at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships were as follows:

1. Jakob Söderqvist (Sweden) — 38:24.43

2. Nate Pringle (New Zealand) — 39:28.39 (+1:03.96)

3. Maxime Decomble (France) — 39:28.56 (+1:04.13)

4. Lorenzo Mark Finn (Italy) — 39:33.06 (+1:08.63)

5. Callum Thornley (Great Britain) — 39:36.34 (+1:11.91)

6. Jonas Walton (Canada) — 39:51.34 (+1:26.91)

7. Mateusz Gajdulewicz (Poland) — 39:52.81 (+1:28.38)

8. Jonathan Vervenne (Belgium) — 39:57.53 (+1:33.10)

9. Héctor Álvarez Martínez (Spain) — 40:04.62 (+1:40.19)

10. Hamish McKenzie (Australia) — 40:12.79 (+1:48.36)

How Rwandan riders performed

Two Rwandan riders, Samuel Niyonkuru and Etienne Tuyizere, took part in the U23 time trial, representing their nation at home in Kigali. Niyonkuru finished in 28th place with a time of 43:15.35, while Tuyizere secured 30th place with a time of 43:36.51.

Though they didn’t place near the top, both riders showed remarkable spirit and perseverance, competing on one of the sport’s grandest stages.

Sweden’s Jakob Söderqvist has made history at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, claiming Sweden’s first-ever under-23 men’s individual time trial title.

The competition saw Söderqvist dominate the course, finishing more than a minute ahead of New Zealand’s Nate Pringle, who took home the silver, and France’s Maxime Decomble, who secured the bronze.

At just 22 years old, Söderqvist’s victory marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He posted a remarkable time of 38:24.43, averaging 48.741 km/h on the 31.2 km course.

Wycliffe Nyamasege