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Launched in July 2025, Smart Ibiruhuko is a joint initiative of MINICT and several partners, designed to provide young people with digital skills during the school holidays through online learning platforms.

Students accessed lessons using computers available in schools and youth centers, while others followed classes from home using their own devices. The program targeted secondary school students, those enrolled in technical and vocational training (TVET), and out-of-school youth eager to acquire technology skills.

At the launch of the program, MINICT emphasized that it aligns with Rwanda’s national ICT vision.

'This initiative is part of the broader government project One Million Rwandan Coders [1MRC], whose goal is to train one million people, mainly youth, in digital skills such as coding within five years,' the ministry said.

Smart Ibiruhuko also supports Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by enabling young people to use their holidays productively, gaining essential knowledge for the country’s development in the 21st century.

According to MINICT, a total of 10,245 students participated nationwide. Of these, 2,644 completed multiple courses, justifying why the number of certificates awarded exceeded the number of participants.

Fourteen top-performing students were recognized with prizes, including laptops and tablets.

The courses covered a wide range of skills, including Digital Literacy, Data Analytics, Software Development, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Python Essentials, JavaScript Essentials, Internet of Things (IoT), UI/UX Design, among others.

Students expressed their satisfaction with the program, noting that the knowledge gained would help them pursue further ICT-related studies and apply digital skills in their everyday lives.

MINICT stressed that Smart Ibiruhuko represents an important milestone in Rwanda’s journey to becoming a continental hub for technology and innovation.

Over 1000 students received digital skills through the program.

Outstanding students received various prizes.

Students who attended the 'Smart Ibiruhuko’ program were awarded certificates

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Yves Iradukunda addressing participants of the Smart Ibiruhuko program.

The Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana, attended the closing ceremony of the writing competition.

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With over 1,000 riders, eight days of racing, and thousands of visitors expected, the Rwanda National Police has issued a detailed plan of road closures and alternative routes to help residents and motorists navigate the city.

Day 1 — Sunday, 21 September (9:00 AM — 5:15 PM)

The main race route will run from BK Arena through Kimironko (Simba Supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza, Gahanga (Master Steel), back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Main Roundabout, back to Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries (Kwa Mignone), Ombudsman and KCC.

Alternative routes include:

* Nyamata — Mugendo — Nunga — Rebero — Gikondo — Rugunga — Biryogo — Downtown
* Kuri 12 — Kigali Parents — Kibagabaga — Kagugu — Utexrwa — Kinamba — Yamaha — City Centre
* Kuri 12 — Giporoso — Kabeza — Niboye — Kicukiro Centre — Gatenga — Gikondo — Rugunga — CHUK — Downtown

Truck traffic will be diverted through the Special Economic Zone, Birembo, Kinyinya, Gasanze, Nyacyonga, Gatsata, Nyabugogo and Giticyoni.

Day 2 — Monday, 22 September (9:30 AM — 4:45 PM)

The route will start at BK Arena and pass through Kimironko (Simba supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince house, Sonatube, Nyanza, Gahanga Market, back to Sonatube, then to Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.

Alternative routes remain the same as Day 1. Truck diversions will be through the Free Zone, Birembo, Kinyinya, Gasanze, Nyacyonga, Gatsata, and Nyabugogo.

Day 3 — Tuesday, 23 September (9:45 AM — 4:45 PM)

The route will cover BK Arena, Kimironko (Simba supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince house, Sonatube, Nyanza and back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries (Kwa Mignone), Ombudsman and KCC.

Motorists can use Nyamata — Nyanza — Rebero — Gikondo — Rugunga — Biryogo — Downtown; or Kuri 12 — Kigali Parents — Kimironko Junction- Kimironko P/station — Nyabisindu — Gasabo District HQs — Former RDB — Gishushu — Golf — Kinamba — Yamaha — Downtown.

A third option runs from Kuri 12 through Giporoso, Kabeza, Niboye, Kicukiro Centre, Gatenga, Gikondo and Rugunga to CHUK — Downtown.

Trucks will follow the Special Economic Zone — Birembo — Kinyinya — Gasanze — Nyacyonga — Gatsata — Nyabugogo — Giticyoni route.

Day 4 — Wednesday, 24 September (8:00 AM — 5:15 PM)

The race will start from KCC and pass through Gishushu, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza, back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and KCC. An additional circuit will include KCC – Gishushu – MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, the Golf area, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.

Alternative routes include:

* Nyamata — Nyanza — Rebero — Gikondo — Rugunga — Biryogo — Utexrwa — Downtown
* Kuri 12 — Kigali Parents — Kimironko- Kibagabaga(Ku mavaze) — Kagugu — Kinamba — Yamaha — City Center
* Kuri 12 — Giporoso — Kabeza — Niboye — Kicukiro Centre — Gatenga — Gikondo — Rugunga — CHUK — Downtown.

Day 5 — Thursday, 25 September (12:00 PM — 4:45 PM)

The route will extend from KCC through Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and back to KCC.

Motorists can divert via Giporoso — Prince House — Sonatube — Kanogo — Kinamba — Yamaha — City Centre or via Giporoso — Chez Lando — Kimironko — Kibagabaga — Kagugu — Utexrwa — Kinamba — Yamaha — City Centre.

Day 6 — Friday, 26 September (7:00 AM — 4:45 PM)

The race will follow the same course as Day 5, from KCC through Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.

Alternative roads remain Giporoso — Prince House — Sonatube — Kanogo — Kinamba — Yamaha — City Centre, or Giporoso — Chez Lando — Kimironko — Kibagabaga — Kagugu — Utexrwa — Kinamba — Yamaha — City Centre.

Day 7 — Saturday, 27 September (7:20 AM — 5:00 PM)

Cyclists will follow the same route as the previous day, and motorists can continue using the same alternative roads.

Day 8 — Sunday, 28 September (8:30 AM — 5:30 PM)

The final day will feature the most extensive course, starting from KCC to Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Sopetrade, Main Round about, Nyabugogo, Ruliba, Nervege, Kigali Pele Stadium, Tapi Rouge, Kimisagara, kwa Mutwe, ONATRACOM, Gitega, Main Round about, Sopetrade, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and back to KCC.

Alternative routes include:

* Ruliba — Mwendo — Rugendabari — Miduha Center — RP — Kanogo
* Giporoso — Prince House — Sonatube — Kanogo — Kinamba — Nyabugogo
* Giporoso — Chez Lando — Kimironko — Kibagabaga — Kagugu — Utexrwa — Kinamba — Nyabugogo

Light vehicles may also use Mukoto — Murambi — Masoro — Nyacyonga.

The Rwanda National Police has urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance and familiarise themselves with alternative routes to avoid delays. Officers will be on duty across the city to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety throughout the championships.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

At least seven people were killed in the attack, including two Qatari security officers, according to Doha authorities.

In an official statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Rwanda expressed its condolences to the State of Qatar and the families of the deceased.

The government called the attack a 'wanton trampling of foundational norms of interstate relations' and warned that such actions risk creating a 'no-rules-based order' with no contemporary precedent.

Through the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Kigali sharply criticised the international community for what it termed as inaction in the face of escalating violence.

“The continued escalation is senseless, and yet the international community seems content to let it continue unchecked. The hypocrisy and complacency evident in such circumstances, especially from the most powerful, leaves the world vulnerable to growing chaos and uncertainty,” the statement reads in part.

Recognising Qatar’s mediation role in the Great Lakes region and beyond, Rwanda emphasised that such efforts merit 'universal appreciation and gratitude' rather than violence. The government also urged 'a principled, pragmatic, and swift resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.'

“The Government of Rwanda stands with the State of Qatar in this difficult time and calls for a principled, pragmatic, and swift resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region,” the statement reads.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, had earlier described the Tuesday attack as 'state terrorism' and called for a 'collective response' from the region, warning that the entire Gulf region is at risk.

He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining peace efforts in Gaza and said Israel’s actions have 'killed any hope' for hostages still believed to be alive.

Sheikh Mohammed added that regional partners are consulting on legal avenues to hold Netanyahu accountable for violating international law.

The Qatari government also condemned Israel’s threats of future attacks and highlighted its ongoing mediation efforts, which include hosting Hamas officials at the request of the United States and Israel.

The attack in Doha is part of a broader escalation by Israel, which has struck six countries in the past 72 hours and continued its bombardment of Gaza, where more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.

The Israeli government’s rationale for this broad campaign is to dismantle Hamas’s military and political infrastructure wherever it exists.

Since the October 7, 2023, attack, which Israel states was orchestrated by Hamas leadership, Israeli officials have repeatedly declared that there is “no difference between a terrorist with a Kalashnikov and a terrorist in a three-piece suit” and have vowed to pursue Hamas leaders in “every corner of the world.”

This aggressive strategy is not limited to Hamas alone. Israel has also conducted strikes in other countries, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, against groups it considers to be proxies of Iran, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.

Security footage captures the moment of an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on September 9, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

He was speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, where RSSB officials presented the institution’s overall performance from 2021 to 2025.

Rugemanshuro highlighted that RSSB’s total assets have doubled in five years, climbing to Frw 3 trillion as of June 2025.

The return on investment also rose sharply, moving from 1.4 percent in 2021 to 14.2 percent in June 2025.

Investment portfolio increased to Frw 2.846 trillion in 2024/2025, translating into an increase by 16.7 percent compared to the previous year.

'Over the last five years, RSSB has reshaped its investment approach by focusing on sustainable real estate projects and subjecting all new investments to thorough due diligence,' Rugemanshuro said. 'The results are clear, and this is the strategy we intend to maintain.'

He added that in addition to reviving underperforming assets, the institution successfully exited certain investments at a profit.

Rugemanshuro also dismissed past criticism that RSSB was operating at a loss, saying current results demonstrate sound financial management.

'This confirms that members’ contributions are being well protected, invested for their benefit , and used to support job creation and national development,' he emphasized.

The report further showed an expansion in healthcare partnerships. The number of health facilities working with RSSB under the Community-Based Health Insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) increased from 953 in 2021 to 1,182 in 2025, while those under the Rwandaise d’Assurance Maladie (RAMA) scheme rose from 810 to 1,152.

RSSB indicates that although investments in real estate are still generally lagging behind, they account for 10% of its total investments.

'This is an area where we need to intensify efforts. Despite achieved progress, delays in project implementation remain an issue, from project initiation to completion, due both to follow-up capacity and needed improvements in the construction sector,' he said.

Among the ongoing projects is Heza Estate, where 70 percent of the houses have already been reserved by buyers even as works near completion.

RSSB is also planning to expand developments on land near the Kigali Golf Course, with plans including a five-star hotel and other projects in collaboration with private investors.

Rugemanshuro concluded that, while there is room for improvement, the last five years have shown remarkable progress,with significant contribution to Rwanda’s broader development goals.

RSSB Chief Executive Officer Regis Rugemanshuro highlighted that RSSB’s total assets have doubled in five years, climbing to Frw 3 trillion as of June 2025.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, RSSB officials presented the institution’s overall performance from 2021 to 2025.

The Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) has reported strong financial growth, with profits totaling Frw 361.7 billion by June 2025.

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In a statement shared on X, the partners said the first U Express outlet is scheduled to open in early 2026. It will be located within Inzovu Mall, a 40,000-square-meter mixed-use development in Kigali’s Kimihurura business district. The mall sits strategically near the Kigali Convention Centre and is being constructed on the former site of Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court.

Construction spearheaded by Groupe Duval began in August 2023, with the development expected to be completed by September 2025 and open to the public in December 2025. The total project cost is estimated at $68—71 million, financed through a combination of Groupe Duval’s investment and external loans from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Proparco, each contributing $17.5 million.

Groupe Duval and Cooperative U representatives pose for a photo on Tuesday, September 9.

The mall aims to attract both international and local brands. The U Express store will span 3,000 square meters, providing consumers with quality products at fair prices and closer links to local producers.

Economic impact and job creation

The partnership is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. Groupe Duval estimates that the U Express stores will create over 500 jobs, while the Inzovu Mall development will support more than 700 positions during construction and operation. The project is also expected to boost Rwanda’s retail sector, contribute to tax revenues, and support local infrastructure.

The artistic impression of Inzovu Mall.

Inzovu Mall is being developed as a high-end, mixed-use hub that combines retail, leisure, hospitality, and office spaces. The mall will offer between 21,000 and 26,000 square meters of retail and leisure space, hosting restaurants, entertainment facilities, and anchor tenants such as Intermarché and a BUT store.

A four-star Odalys hotel, covering 5,000 square meters and featuring 95 rooms, will be integrated into the development, allowing guests to access the mall directly from their rooms.

Inzovu Mall, will feature a four-star hotel, a supermarket, and a wide range of commercial spaces.

The project also includes 6,000 square meters of Grade A office space and extensive parking facilities, with between 400 and 667 spaces, including a basement accommodating 450 vehicles.

Sustainability is a core component of the development, with energy-efficient lighting, solar power, water recycling systems, and other green technologies. Inzovu Mall is targeting IFC EDGE certification, which recognises environmentally sustainable building practices.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In response to the “current threats” from drone activity over Polish territory, the ministry said it is ready to send a helicopter unit for special operations, equipped with three specially modified Mi-171S aircraft.

Poland requested the unit following a phone call between Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova and her Polish counterpart Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, the ministry said in a statement.

The number of soldiers will not exceed 150, and will be determined based on the current situation and logistical support possibilities, it added.

“Our helicopters can assist in the defense of European airspace within a few days,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on social media platform X.

The Polish air forces shot down multiple drones on Wednesday after the country reported its airspace was violated by a “huge number of Russian drones,” some of which posed a “direct threat.”

Warsaw claimed that this incident marked the first downing of Russian drones over NATO territory, while Moscow dismissed the accusation as groundless.

Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Poland, Andrey Ordash, was quoted by TASS on Wednesday as saying that the drones were from Ukraine.

The Czech Republic will support Poland with helicopters to protect the country from drones at low altitudes, the Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday.

Xinhua

Delivering her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen said the bloc is working with partners on a 19th package of sanctions, including measures to accelerate the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

She noted that the EU has already provided nearly 170 billion euros (199 billion U.S. dollars) in military and financial assistance for Ukraine and is devising new mechanisms to ensure long-term support. Among them is a financing plan based on immobilized Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a “Reparations Loan.”

Von der Leyen also announced the creation of a “Drone Alliance” with Ukraine to help maintain its battlefield advantage, as well as an “Eastern Flank Watch” system. The latter would involve investment in real-time space surveillance and the construction of a “drone wall” along Europe’s eastern border, following a proposal from the Baltic states.

Defending a recent trade agreement with the United States, von der Leyen said the much-debated deal was “the best possible” for Europe, preventing a damaging trade war.

She further unveiled plans for a multi-billion-euro “Scaleup Europe Fund,” which will pool EU and private investments to support fast-growing companies in key sectors. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar)

Xinhua

The agreements were signed in Monrovia on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, during a bilateral meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti.

The latest deals build on an existing framework of cooperation between the two countries that has steadily expanded in recent years. In September 2024, Rwanda and Liberia signed a historic General Cooperation Agreement aimed at fostering collaboration in key sectors such as air transport, ICT and digitisation, e-governance, education, health, agriculture, mining, trade, investment, and environmental sustainability.

Other agreements include a 2017 MoU between the Rwanda Revenue Authority and the Liberia Revenue Authority on tax administration, a 2024 MoU between the two countries’ police services on public order and security, and an October 2024 Bilateral Air Services Agreement to boost tourism and facilitate direct flights. The two countries also share a military partnership dating back to 2008.

The Visa Waiver Agreement is expected to ease mobility for citizens, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and complement wider efforts to promote trade and investment.

Additionally, the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation will provide a structured platform to monitor and advance progress across the various areas of collaboration.

The agreements were signed in Monrovia on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, during a bilateral meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti.

The latest deals build on an existing framework of cooperation between the two countries that has steadily expanded in recent years.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The 31-year-old was addressing students as part of his nationwide 'American Comeback Tour' when the incident occurred.

The shooting happened around 12:20 p.m. local time during Kirk’s 'Prove Me Wrong' event. Witnesses said he had just finished taking questions from the audience when a single gunshot rang out.

'I heard a loud crack, and then I saw Charlie grab his neck and collapse,' said Raydon Dechene, who was standing near the stage. 'There was blood. Everyone started screaming and running.'

Police believe the shot was fired from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away, likely from the Losee Center, a building on the university campus. Authorities immediately evacuated the area and secured the surroundings.

Two people were briefly detained for questioning but were later released. As of Wednesday evening, no suspect had been arrested, and a manhunt was ongoing. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, though no motive has been identified.

News of Kirk’s death sparked reactions across the political spectrum. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, describing Kirk as 'a fighter who loved America and gave his life speaking out for what he believed in.' Former President Barack Obama condemned the attack as 'despicable violence' and urged Americans to reject political hatred.

Kirk, who became a political organiser in his early twenties, founded Turning Point USA in 2012. The organisation grew into one of the most influential conservative youth movements in the United States, focusing on mobilising students around right-leaning political causes.

The tragic death of Charlie Kirk comes amid heightened public concern over violent attacks in the United States.

Just weeks earlier, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack aboard a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her death has sparked debates over urban safety, mental health care, and the protection of vulnerable communities, highlighting ongoing worries about violence nationwide.

Charlie Kirk , 31, was addressing students as part of his nationwide 'American Comeback Tour' when the incident occurred.

Rania Umutoni

The group, who had been residing in the temporary camp in Goma, returned on September 9, 2025, following assessments by UNHCR staff, the agency’s Director Filippo Grandi confirmed.

The repatriation follows an agreement reached on July 24 between Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR during a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The parties pledged to continue cooperating to address challenges affecting both Rwandan and Congolese refugees, including facilitating voluntary returns for those who wish to go back.

Earlier, on August 25, UNHCR repatriated 533 Rwandans from the same Goma camp, and the agency said it will continue working with both countries to assist others willing to return.

The repatriation follows an agreement reached on July 24 between Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR during a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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