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Speaking about RRA’s new targets, he highlighted the ambitious goal of collecting Frw 3.628 trillion in taxes during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, explaining how the Authority intends to achieve this and why citizens should better understand their role in building their country’s economy.

For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, RRA aims to collect 54% of the national budget, which amounts to Frw 7.032.5 trillion. This collection effort aligns with the government’s introduction of new taxes, expected to significantly contribute to financing Rwanda’s development.

Niwenshuti stressed that citizens should appreciate the benefits of taxation, as revenues are reinvested in public infrastructure and services across the country.

'A nation can rely on its future if its people work, pay taxes, and grow the economy,' he explained. 'Think of taxes as the blood in a body. Taxes are the blood of a country’s economy because when we collect them, we build roads, schools, hospitals, ensure security, and most importantly, we create jobs.'

He further noted that taxes stimulate employment through infrastructure projects, which generate jobs for citizens who, in turn, support their families. Taxes also create business opportunities through public tenders and contracts, expanding economic activity year by year.

Is collecting 54% realistic?

According to Niwenshuti, entrusting RRA with the responsibility of collecting 54% of the national budget is a remarkable milestone.

He recalled that when RRA was established in 1998, it collected just Frw 66 billion, yet since then tax revenue has grown by an average of 13% annually.

The 2025/2026 budget allocates 62.8% to economic development projects such as roads and infrastructure, and 21% to social welfare initiatives.

'Much of this money will directly benefit citizens through infrastructure and services,' he explained. 'But to achieve these targets, RRA cannot do it alone. It requires collective effort and citizen cooperation.'

Why new taxes?

The Commissioner General explained that the introduction and revision of new taxes is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen the taxation system.
Rwanda’s ambition is that by 2029, tax revenue should reach 19% of GDP.

'The more taxes we collect, the more the country can prosper — just like a household striving to improve its wellbeing. When you approach a bank for a loan, it first checks your ability to repay. Similarly, a nation must demonstrate its capacity to grow, and that capacity comes from tax revenues. Taxes give the country the strength to borrow and invest in development projects early, instead of postponing progress to the future,' he noted.

This year marks one of the most significant shifts in Rwanda’s taxation framework, designed to help Rwandans clearly understand the nation’s development path.

'Taxation itself is not enough. People must understand why it matters,' he added. 'First, it’s about raising more revenue. Second, it reduces the deficit between what people earn and what is needed for national services. Third, it changes citizens’ mindset toward embracing their role in development.'

He noted that some taxes, such as those on alcohol, tobacco, and gambling, might be enacted to serve a social purpose, discouraging harmful habits that can negatively affect citizens’ wellbeing.

Niwenshuti urged Rwandans to shift their mindset and recognize that paying taxes is not merely an obligation but a direct contribution to the nation’s progress.

The Commissioner General of the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Ronald Niwenshuti, has emphasized that taxes are like the lifeblood of a human body, sustaining the growth and prosperity of a nation’s economy.

IGIHE

“At the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow,” von der Leyen wrote on social media platform X.

At a later press conference with Zelensky, von der Leyen said territorial decisions must be made by Ukraine, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.

She stated that Europe would firmly support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved, and that the European Union (EU) will keep up diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia. A 19th package of sanctions could be introduced in early September, according to von der Leyen.

She also noted that the EU welcomed Trump’s willingness to contribute to Article Five-like security guarantees, and that the Coalition of the Willing, including the EU, is ready to do its share.

Article Five of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is the clause on collective defense. U.S. president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday that it was possible for the United States and several European nations to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article Five.

Several other European leaders said Sunday they will accompany Zelensky to Washington. The German government announced that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington on Monday, joining other European leaders and Zelensky for talks with Trump.

Merz is expected to discuss the current state of peace efforts, a statement said, adding that security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine will be addressed.

The French presidency told the press on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington on Monday together with Zelensky and other European leaders to advance coordination between Europe and the U.S.

ANSA news agency reported that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be in Washington on Monday to attend a meeting with Trump at the White House, together with Zelensky and other European leaders.

Other leaders also making the trip include British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Enditem

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump wrapped up their talks in the U.S. city of Anchorage in Alaska, but no deal was reached. The talks, which lasted about three hours, focused primarily on the Ukraine crisis, as well as on reshaping bilateral relations that have largely stalled in recent years.

President Donald Trump welcomes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington on Friday, February 28, 2025. Zelenskyy is expected to return to Washington on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Xinhua

In a Truth Social post, Trump said, “President Zelensky of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.” “No getting back Obama given Crimea…and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”

Earlier, Trump shared a social media post from his supporter, which said, “Ukraine must be willing to lose some territory to Russia otherwise the longer the war goes on they will keep losing even more land!”

Also on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ABC News’ “This Week” that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky must make concessions to achieve a peace deal.

In a separate interview with Fox News, Rubio said that European leaders involved in talks with Ukraine “are very helpful being in the room sometimes,” particularly in providing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Rubio said he hoped the Europeans would also help to push Ukraine toward a potential peace deal by “giving ideas about what accommodations can be made.”

Meanwhile, Rubio did not rule out the United States imposing more sanctions on Russia. In an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he said doing so would signal the failure of Trump’s efforts to reach a ceasefire or lasting peace in Ukraine. “The minute he takes those steps, all talks stop,” he said.

Presidential envoy Steve Witkoff said the White House extracted critical wins from its Friday meeting with Putin in Alaska.

Security guarantees offering Ukraine “Article 5-like protections” are the real prize, Witkoff said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” They’re “game-changing,” he added.

“We got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee,” Witkoff said.

“We didn’t think that we were anywhere close to agreeing to Article 5 protection from the United States in legislative enshrinement within the Russian Federation, not to go after any other territory when the peace deal is codified,” he added.

Article 5 protection generally refers to the collective defense provision within NATO, which states that an attack against one ally is considered as an attack against all allies.

On Friday, a Trump-Putin meeting was held in Anchorage, Alaska, with no deal reached. Zelensky will travel to Washington, alongside a number of major European leaders, to meet with Trump on Monday.

“At the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday on X.

At a later press conference with Zelensky in Brussels, von der Leyen said the EU welcomed Trump’s willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees, adding that it was essential to have a trilateral meeting between the presidents of Russia, Ukraine and the United States “as soon as possible.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could swiftly end the conflict with Russia by abandoning efforts to reclaim Crimea and forgoing NATO membership.

Xinhua

The ministry announced in a press release that Hussein Moallim Hassan, a key figure in the al-Shabab terrorist group for over 15 years and one of its most wanted senior leaders, was killed on Saturday night.

The deceased had played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of terrorist attacks against civilians in the central and southern regions of Somalia, said the ministry.

It added that the elimination of Moalim provided strategic impetus to the intensified campaign to degrade al-Shahab terrorists, including those in the group’s leadership structure.

Somalia’s security forces have vowed to step up air and ground operations to flush out al-Shabab militants in the central and southern regions of the country.

Somali security forces pledge intensified air and ground offensives to root out al-Shabab in the country’s central and southern regions.

Xinhua

For young people in Rwanda and across the continent, this reality poses a tough but urgent question: how do I remain competitive in a world where machines can do part of my job?

At the Global AI Summit on Africa, held in Kigali earlier this year, experts warned that as much as 40% of tasks in Africa’s outsourcing sector could be automated. Women, they noted, are at higher risk of job loss. But they also emphasised that with the right skills, AI could become a job creator, not just a job destroyer — adding 500,000 new roles a year by 2030. It’s now clear that competitiveness depends on how quickly you can adapt.

OpenAI recently unveiled GPT-5, which it describes as its most advanced AI model to date, bringing major improvements in reasoning, accuracy, and real-world usefulness.

Here are five ways young people can stay ahead.

1. Learn to use AI as a tool, not fear it

Too many young people still see AI as a threat instead of a tool. But just as calculators did not eliminate accountants, AI will not eliminate human contribution. What it will do is redefine it. Those who know how to use AI will have a distinct advantage over those who resist it.

Imagine two candidates applying for the same job in a marketing firm. One is able to use AI to analyse customer data, generate creative campaign drafts, and measure impact in real-time. The other relies only on manual methods. Which one do you think an employer would hire?

Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. It is already changing how we learn, work, and earn a living.

The truth is, AI is becoming the new 'digital literacy.' Just as employers today expect basic proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google tools, they will soon expect candidates to understand how to use AI platforms for data, writing, design, translation, and more.

If you are not experimenting with these tools, you are already falling behind. Fortunately, there are numerous free and affordable online resources available, including tutorials on YouTube, as well as courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy, that can help anyone start learning.

To stay competitive, the mindset shift must happen now. AI is not your rival but your co-pilot. Those who figure out how to combine their own judgment with AI’s speed and efficiency will rise above those who see technology only as a threat. The workplace of tomorrow belongs to those who embrace AI early, learn to use it creatively, and integrate it into their everyday tasks.

2. Build skills that machines can’t easily replicate

While AI is powerful, it cannot fully replicate human qualities such as empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. For example, a machine can analyse thousands of medical records in seconds, but it cannot comfort a patient in distress. An algorithm can produce a painting in milliseconds, but it cannot draw from lived human experience. Employers increasingly recognise that while AI can handle routine tasks, uniquely human skills remain invaluable.

This means young people must double down on developing abilities that machines struggle with: problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and communication.

These skills are not developed overnight. They are cultivated through real-world practice, including taking on leadership roles in clubs or community projects, participating in debates, volunteering, or even running small entrepreneurial ventures. Each of these experiences forces you to make decisions under uncertainty, deal with different personalities, and solve complex problems — all things AI cannot do on your behalf.

Young people must double down on developing abilities that machines struggle with: problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and communication.

The most competitive workers will be those who can pair technical fluency with these human strengths. Imagine a teacher who uses AI to prepare personalised lesson plans but relies on empathy and communication to inspire students. Or a young lawyer who uses AI to draft legal documents but applies sharp judgement to craft courtroom arguments. Competitiveness lies not in choosing between human and machine skills, but in combining them.

Another example I often use is the work of journalists. AI can help a reporter generate a transcript of a two-hour press conference in minutes or proofread an article draft with impressive accuracy. These are tasks that used to eat up valuable time. What AI cannot do, however, is capture the mood of a political rally, the tension in a negotiation, or the subtle irony in a speaker’s tone.

AI cannot lean on intuition to decide which question to ask a minister when the cameras are rolling, nor can it interpret the unspoken signals in a crowded room. That human ability to sense, interpret, and contextualise remains irreplaceable, and it is precisely what will keep good journalists competitive in the AI age.

3. Focus on lifelong learning, not a single degree

The days of getting one degree and coasting through a career are gone. In the AI age, knowledge and skills have an expiry date. Technologies evolve so fast that what you learned five years ago may already be outdated today. For young people seeking jobs, the most dangerous mindset is assuming that a diploma or degree is enough to guarantee long-term relevance.

Employers are increasingly looking for people who can adapt to change, not just people with static qualifications. This means cultivating a habit of continuous learning. Fortunately, lifelong learning no longer requires enrolling in expensive universities.

A young graduate in Kigali can access world-class training in data analytics, digital marketing, or AI ethics through online platforms at little or no cost. Short bootcamps, workshops, peer-learning circles, and workplace training are all ways to refresh skills and stay relevant.

The best way to think about your career now is as a journey of multiple transitions. You may start as a customer support agent, then upskill to become a data analyst, and later transition into project management.

Each stage will require you to learn something new. Those who embrace lifelong learning will thrive in this environment of constant change. Those who resist it risk becoming irrelevant not because they lack talent, but because they stopped learning.

4. Look for opportunities to innovate in your own context

AI is not only about jobs in coding or Silicon Valley-style start-ups. Its real impact will be in local contexts. This includes how we grow food, deliver healthcare, teach children, and run small businesses. The most competitive young people will be those who spot everyday problems around them and use AI tools to solve them.

Take agriculture, for example. Farmers in Rwanda often face unpredictable weather and pest infestations. A young entrepreneur who learns to use AI-powered weather forecasts and pest-detection apps can build services that help smallholder farmers protect their crops.

In education, AI-powered tutoring platforms can help teachers identify struggling students earlier. In healthcare, chatbots can help triage patients in rural areas before they reach a hospital. These are not futuristic ideas; they are practical opportunities waiting for people with the creativity to apply them.

Instead of asking, 'Will AI take my job?', the sharper question is, 'How can I use AI to do my job better or create a new one?' Those who apply AI in ways that solve real community problems will not just remain competitive; they will create new forms of competitiveness for others around them.

Instead of asking, 'Will AI take my job?', the sharper question is, 'How can I use AI to do my job better or create a new one?'

5. Build networks, not just skills

Finally, competitiveness in the AI era is not only about what you know, but also about who you know. Skills are important, but networks create opportunities. Being part of innovation hubs, mentorship programmes, or professional associations exposes you to knowledge, resources, and collaborations that you cannot find alone.

In Rwanda, for example, initiatives like Norrsken House Kigali and the government-led Hanga Hubs are connecting entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and markets. These hubs provide a critical network for young innovators.

At the same time, organisations like ALX Rwanda are building the necessary talent pipeline, providing young people with the AI and tech skills that are essential for developing cutting-edge solutions.

A young person experimenting with an AI solution in isolation may struggle to gain traction. But the same person, plugged into a network, can find partners, funding, and guidance that accelerate growth. Networking also exposes you to ideas you may never have considered, sparking innovation.

To sum it up, the AI revolution will not pause for anyone. It is already reshaping the job market and redefining competitiveness. But it is not a death sentence for young people entering the workforce. On the contrary, it offers a chance to thrive if individuals embrace it with the right mindset.

The Global AI Summit in Kigali reminded us that Africa must not be just a market for AI but an active player.

The Global AI Summit in Kigali reminded us that Africa must not be just a market for AI but an active player. On an individual level, that means refusing to be a passive user of technology. Competitiveness now belongs to those who learn to use AI as a tool, cultivate uniquely human strengths, commit to lifelong learning, innovate in their own contexts, and build networks that multiply opportunities.

For young people searching for employment today, don’t compete with AI; compete with those who don’t know how to use it. The future of work is not about surviving disruption but about using disruption to build a career that endures.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

He made the appeal on Friday, August 15, 2025, during the official inauguration of the Mugera Basilica, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and attended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. Located in Gitega Province, Mugera Parish has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica, the first of its kind in Burundi.

President Ndayishimiye expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for choosing Mugera as the first Basilica under his papacy, and invited him to personally celebrate Mass there.

'We have come to receive the gift from our father, Pope Leo XIV, who has granted Mugera Church the title of Basilica. We invite him to come and bless it at a time he finds suitable—let him come to his home,' the President said.

He added that a papal visit to Burundi would include a Mass at the new Basilica.

'From today, this Basilica is his home. Mugera Church has long been a symbol of faith for all Christians, welcoming even Protestants. It is a place for all Burundians. We are deeply grateful to the Pope for this gift,' Ndayishimiye said.

The President emphasised the significance of the Basilica for national unity and called on Burundians to contribute to its development.

'This is the first Basilica under Pope Leo XIV. We hope it will become a place where we meet God—a space of peace, reflection, and inspiration to build our country,' he said.

He further urged the Pope to consider granting Burundi a Cardinal to oversee the Basilica.

'While the Basilica has been conferred, a Cardinal is still needed to shepherd it. We hope that all who pray here will feel at home, as Saint Peter once guided his followers. This will be a hub uniting Christians across the region,' the President said.

The Mugera Parish was founded in 1908 during the reign of King Mwezi Gisabo by missionaries Father Van Der Burgt and Father Van Der Wee. In 1922, as Burundi became an independent Vicariate, Mugera became the seat of its first Bishop, Monsignor Julien Louis Gorju, making it the country’s first cathedral.

Mugera, formerly known as 'Mu mana za Mugera,’ also produced the first Burundian priests, Father Patrice Ntidendereza and Emile Ngendagende, who were ordained in 1925.

President Ndayishimiye said that the Mugera Basilica will serve as a place for Burundians to come together and connect with God.

Located in Gitega Province, Mugera Parish has been elevated to the status of a minor Basilica, the first of its kind in Burundi.

Various officials attended the ceremony.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, signs the documents officially declaring Mugera Church a minor basilica.

President Ndayishimiye signs the documents officially declaring Mugera Church a minor basilica.

President Ndayishimiye was accompanied by his wife.

President Ndayishimiye asked Pope Leo XIV to grant Burundi a cardinal.

Thousands of people gathered at Mugera Church to witness the elevation of the parish to a minor basilica.

IGIHE

The Senegalese soldier was among the African peacekeepers deployed to Rwanda in 1994 under the United Nations mission. The veterans are currently on a seven-day visit to Rwanda.

On April 7, 1994, Belgium decided to pull out its troops from Rwanda, a move that severely weakened UNAMIR. That same day, Belgium launched a strong campaign to have the entire mission dissolved and withdrawn from Rwanda.

Brig. Gen. Faye Hadji was among the African peacekeepers deployed to Rwanda in 1994 under the United Nations mission. The veterans are currently on a seven-day visit to Rwanda.

Under Belgian pressure, the UN Security Council on April 21, 1994, drastically reduced UNAMIR’s presence, leaving only 270 soldiers—too few and ill-equipped to protect those being massacred.

Brig. Gen. Faye explained that they had every right to leave, since that was the official order. He was then part of the observer group assigned to monitor military activities.

'Those who left for Nairobi received $135 per day, while those of us who stayed under gunfire in Rwanda were given only $93. If we had left, we would have enjoyed good hotels, comfort, and safety. But choosing to remain here was choosing death. It was a major decision and a symbol of sacrifice for those who stayed,” he recalled during an engagement with young people at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

'Every day, we came closer to death. But our greatest joy was that sometimes we managed to save two or three lives, whether in areas controlled by the UN or by the Rwandan army,” he added.

The veterans engaged in a discussion aimed to inspire Rwandan youth with lessons of resilience, shared humanity, and moral courage.

Mistaken for an ‘Inyenzi’

Brig. Gen. Faye recalled an evening when he encountered Interahamwe who accused him of being an Inyenzi (a derogatory term for RPF Inkotanyi soldiers), even though he had already explained he was not Rwandan.

'That day I had been asked to escort a nun living near the Bralirwa factory. As we neared the convent, we saw three armed men who suddenly began shouting, 'Inyenzi, Inyenzi.’ That was the first time I ever heard the word.'

He explained that after escorting the nun safely inside, he returned to find the armed group had grown from three to eight men.

'One had a rifle, the rest carried other weapons. I didn’t run. Instead, I approached them and said, 'Don’t mistake me—I am not an Inyenzi, I am from Senegal.’ One of them said, 'But you look like them.’ I replied, 'Yes, but I am not.’ He told me, 'You know, those people are witches. They can reach anywhere.’ In the end, they let me go.'

Remembering His Fallen Comrade

Brig. Gen. Faye also remembered his close friend, Capt. Mbaye Diagne, describing him as an inseparable companion, since they had served together in another mission for four years before being deployed to Rwanda.

Capt. Mbaye, also Senegalese, was among the UN peacekeepers deployed to Rwanda in 1993 following the Arusha Accords between the Rwandan government and the RPF-Inkotanyi.

He served as a UN military observer, tasked with reporting information to UN leadership. Upon arrival, he was based at Hôtel des Mille Collines.

When President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, the genocide began almost immediately. The first victim was Prime Minister Agathe Uwiringiyimana, who was assassinated.

Hearing rumours of her death the following morning, Capt. Mbaye drove alone to her house to verify, without waiting for orders. He found that she had indeed been killed, along with the ten Belgian soldiers guarding her. Nearby, he discovered her children hiding and, though unarmed, managed to rescue them.

He placed the children in the boot of his car, covered them with clothes, and drove them to Hôtel des Mille Collines, where many had sought refuge.

Brig. Gen. Faye recalled:

'When he got to Agathe’s house, he called me and told me she had been killed, but that he had found her children. He immediately informed Gen. Romeo Dallaire. From that day on, he kept saving lives until May 31, 1994—the day he was killed.'

On May 31, 1994, while carrying a message from Gen. Dallaire to the then Rwandan army chief, Augustin Bizimungu, Capt. Mbaye was stopped at a roadblock. A mortar shell exploded near his car, striking him in the head and killing him instantly—just as he was preparing to return home to Senegal.

Brig. Gen. Faye said he was among the first to arrive at the scene.

'Among the Senegalese contingent, there were several officers like Capt. Mbaye. Though not all had his level of courage, they shared the same spirit. Of the 29 observers, 25 chose to remain in Rwanda, carrying out different missions. They led by example, alongside us and other soldiers from countries such as Togo.'

Brig. Gen. Faye was among a group of former UN peacekeeping soldiers who recently visited Rwanda to share their experiences from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, particularly with youth and members of the Rwandan Defence Force.

The veterans are currently on a seven-day visit to Rwanda.

Brig. Gen. Faye was among a group of former UN peacekeeping soldiers who recently visited Rwanda to share their experiences from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, particularly with youth and members of the Rwandan Defence Force.

IGIHE

The talks, which lasted about three hours, focused primarily on the Ukraine crisis, as well as on reshaping bilateral relations that have largely stalled in recent years.

Though Trump said progress was made during the meeting, no concrete deal was agreed upon, while Ukraine and other European countries voiced concerns about being marginalised.

No deal reached

At a joint press conference following the meeting, Trump said “many points” had been agreed upon, noting “great progress” had been made, though no formal deal was reached.

Putin said he agreed that Ukraine’s security should be ensured, adding that the understanding reached could help pave the way toward peace.

Russia is sincerely interested in ending the conflict, Putin said, stressing the need to address the “primary causes” of the conflict and warning Ukraine and European countries not to “throw a wrench in the works.”

In an interview with Fox News after the meeting, Trump said it is up to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to strike a ceasefire deal, while indicating that he and Putin had discussed land transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine, and had “largely agreed”.

The U.S. president also said a meeting involving Zelensky, Putin and himself would be arranged soon.

The meeting marked the first visit to the United States by a Russian head of state in nearly a decade and the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries’ presidents since 2021.

In addition to the conflict, Putin also expressed hope that the meeting would serve as “a starting point” for restoring “business-like” and “pragmatic” relations between Russia and the United States, highlighting potential for Russia-U.S. cooperation in trade, high technology, space exploration and the Arctic.

The two leaders also left the door open for the next meeting, as Putin invited Trump to meet “next time in Moscow” during the press conference.

“I’ll get a little heat on that one,” Trump replied. “But I could see it possibly happening.”

Many differences remain

Despite the moderately friendly atmosphere between the two leaders – Trump welcomed Putin with a red carpet at the airport, which, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, drove Western media “insane” – many differences still remain between the two sides.

The two leaders did not reach an agreement on “probably the most significant” aspect of their meeting. “We didn’t get there,” Trump told reporters before leaving the press conference room, without taking questions.

“For the man who likes to tout himself as a peacemaker and a dealmaker, it appears that Trump will leave Alaska with neither,” according to a BBC report, noting that Putin and Trump still have major differences in opinion over the Ukraine crisis.

The U.S. president also admitted in the Fox News interview that he was wrong to think the conflict would be easily solved. “I thought this would be the easiest of them all, and it was the most difficult,” Trump said.

The summit in Alaska was productive, and the U.S. side received the Russian side “very well,” said Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s top economic envoy, on Telegram.

The two countries would continue building relations despite “resistance,” Dmitriev said.

Putin’s remarks at the press conference, especially his emphasis on the “primary causes” of the conflict and his warning to Ukraine and European countries not to disrupt the talks, were seen by some in the West as evidence of “the summit’s lack of actual progress.”

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide downplayed the meeting’s “progress.” “Too little concrete information has come out,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R, Rear) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L, Rear) arrive for a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on August 15, 2025.

Worries of Europe

Similar to a virtual meeting held on Wednesday before the Alaska summit, Trump, on his return flight after the meeting, had phone conversations with Zelensky and several other European leaders to brief them on his talks with Putin.

Zelensky announced after the calls that he would visit the White House on Monday to discuss “all of the details” regarding ending the conflict.

The talks covered the possible establishment of a trilateral format between Ukraine, the United States and Russia, he said, voicing support for Trump’s proposal for such a meeting.

Zelensky also underscored the importance of ensuring that European countries are involved in the peace process in order to provide Ukraine with reliable security guarantees together with Washington.

Worries about being marginalized have been growing across Europe in recent days, due to the absence of European voices at the Alaska summit.

In a joint statement following the phone call with Trump, leaders of the European Union (EU), France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Finland and Poland reiterated support for “ironclad security guarantees” for Ukraine and a trilateral summit “with European support.”

“European leaders are able to inform Trump of their ideas, and the U.S. will brief them on the summit outcomes, but Europe is in the position that the Ukraine conflict outcomes are being negotiated over its head and the continent’s leadership is essentially an observer,” said Neil Melvin, director of International Security at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, ahead of the meeting.

“While Moscow and Washington decide our fate, we’re left out in the cold,” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Tuesday, explaining why Hungary did not join a joint EU statement on Ukraine.

“It’s simple really: sit at the table or you’ll find yourself on the menu,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R, Rear) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on August 15, 2025.

Xinhua

Speaking to business leaders and global delegates, he outlined how Rwanda’s bold choice to 'think big' has transformed a nation once deemed doomed into a beacon of resilience and progress.

The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi left Rwanda in ruins, with one million lives lost in just 100 days. Institutions were shattered, the economy collapsed, and hope seemed lost. Yet, as Minister Nduhungirehe explained, Rwanda refused to accept despair.

'We chose to stay together, to be accountable, and to think big,' he said, describing three defining decisions that reshaped the nation’s DNA.

Rejecting a one-size-fits-all development model, Rwanda forged its own path with homegrown solutions rooted in its culture and context. The Gacaca community courts, inspired by traditional dispute resolution, processed over two million genocide-related cases in a decade, delivering justice and reconciliation where conventional courts would have taken a century.

'Gacaca means grass,' Nduhungirehe noted, recalling how village elders once settled conflicts on grassy patches, a practice revived to heal a fractured society.

Other innovations drew from Rwanda’s traditions. Umuganda, a monthly community work day, unites citizens for public projects like tree planting and building homes for the vulnerable, making Kigali one of Africa’s cleanest cities.

Imihigo, or performance contracts, hold public officials accountable with measurable targets, fostering a results-driven culture. The Girinka program, meaning 'own a cow,' has lifted thousands out of poverty by providing cows to poor families, with recipients passing on calves to neighbours in a chain of solidarity.

Rwanda’s ambition extended to gender equality, with women now holding 61% of parliamentary seats, the highest globally.

'After the genocide, women were victims beyond men, facing sexual violence and loss,' Nduhungirehe said. Reforms ensured equal rights to inheritance and services, while gender-responsive budgeting prioritizes women in education, health, and agriculture. Programs like One Laptop Per Child aim to leapfrog Rwanda into the digital age.

The minister highlighted Rwanda’s defiance of sceptics who called its goals too ambitious. Despite pressure from international partners like the World Bank and IMF to scale back, Rwanda invested in five-star hotels and tourism campaigns like Visit Rwanda, partnering with soccer giants Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich.

'They told us we were a poor country, that we should stay where we are,' he said. 'We refused, and it’s paying off.'

Rwanda’s Vision 2020 lifted millions out of poverty and established universal healthcare and free primary education. Now, Vision 2050 aims to make Rwanda an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income nation by 2050, with a GDP per capita target of $12,000.

'Even if we don’t fully reach our goals, we know we’ll be close,' Nduhungirehe said, emphasising the power of ambition.

The minister also addressed Rwanda’s global partnerships, including its role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative since 2018, which has funded roads, hospitals, and irrigation projects.

On the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nduhungirehe noted that FDLR, a militia group formed by the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continues to destabilise the region from DRC territory.

He highlighted a peace agreement signed with the DRC in Washington on June 27, 2025, aimed at neutralising the FDLR, lifting Rwanda’s defensive measures, resolving political issues for Congolese of Rwandan descent, and fostering joint economic projects like methane gas extraction from Lake Kivu and critical minerals development.

'We hope to change the narrative from blood minerals to shared prosperity,' he said, stressing Rwanda’s commitment to implementing the agreement in good faith.

Responding to questions, Nduhungirehe credited President Paul Kagame’s visionary leadership. A delegate from his team recounted Kagame’s post-genocide call to 'transform suffering into a creative force,' choosing unity over bitterness. This clarity of vision, coupled with accountability, has driven Rwanda’s progress, from performance contracts for mayors to resisting external pressures to conform.

'Development should never be about fitting into a frame designed elsewhere,' Nduhungirehe remarked. 'It should be rooted in values, driven by pragmatism, and flexible enough to adapt.'

Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe delivered a compelling address at the Australian Leadership Retreat on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The case gained public attention after several journalists, including Ndayishimiye Reagan (Rugaju), Ishimwe Ricard, and former journalist Mucyo Antha Biganiro, were implicated in the investigation. Authorities allege that both military personnel and civilians colluded to misuse public resources for personal benefit.

On 5 August 2025, the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) issued a statement identifying suspects as two RDF officers and 20 civilians. They are alleged to have committed offenses such as complicity in issuing and receiving unauthorized documents and misusing public resources for unintended purposes.

In the following days, the number of defendants rose from 20, reaching 28 individuals brought before the court on 5 August 2025. Among them were three military officers: Capt Peninah Mutoni, Capt Peninah Umurungi, and Maj Vicent Muligande.

Also charged were the spokesperson of the Rwanda Revenue Authority, CSP Hillary Sengabo, and his colleague CSP Olive Mukantabana.

The case further involves 23 civilians, including sports journalists, as well as Kalisa Georgine, a former treasurer of APR FC, and Mugisha Frank (known as Jangwani), the former spokesperson for the club.

The Military Court ruled that all defendants should be tried in-camera for national security reasons, given that the allegations are closely connected to the Ministry of Defence.

Charges against key defendants

Capt Peninah Mutoni faces accusations including granting unauthorized documents to individuals, misusing public funds, and collusion in producing and using falsified documents, harges shared with Maj Vicent Muligande and Kalisa Georgine.

Capt Peninah Umurungi, CSP Hillary Sengabo, CSP Olive Mukantabana, and journalists Ndayishimiye Reagan and Ishimwe Ricard are accused of being accomplices in fraudulently obtaining documents issued by authorized institutions and misusing public resources for personal gain.

Case background

Reliable sources indicate that most allegations focus on Capt Peninah Mutoni, who worked in a department responsible for requesting airline tickets for Ministry of Defence staff and other designated individuals. She held the responsibilities from 2017 until late 2024.

It is alleged that Capt Peninah Mutoni exploited this position to fraudulently purchase tickets for individuals who were not eligible for Ministry-funded travel, including fans and journalists attending APR FC matches against Pyramid in Egypt and AZAM in Tanzania.

Capt Peninah Mutoni reportedly collaborated closely with Kalisa Georgine to solicit payments from individuals seeking these tickets. However, the funds provided were not used for their intended purpose but were instead added to the Ministry of Defence’s accounts. The two allegedly shared the proceeds for personal gain.

During the investigation, journalist Ndayishimiye Reagan reportedly admitted that in September 2024 he paid Kalisa Georgine $540 for a ticket and an additional $100 for a visa, after which Kalisa delivered the ticket at the airport. Similarly, Ishimwe Ricard reportedly paid Kalisa $700 for a ticket, which Kalisa then forwarded to Capt Peninah Mutoni.

For the APR FC versus Pyramid match, Ndayishimiye Reagan and Biganiro Mucyo Antha had tickets paid for by the Ministry of Defence. RwandAir invoiced the Ministry $1,013 for Mucyo Antha’s travel to Tanzania, billed as official duty.

Prior to being taken into custody, Ishimwe Ricard admitted the wrongdoing during a radio interview on SK FM on 31 July 2025, stating:

“What troubled me in this matter is that I traveled to Egypt, spending Frw 1.4 million for my ticket, and additional travel expenses […] How can a journalist be questioned about payment and even face imprisonment?”

CSP Sengabo designated as APR BBW employee

Beyond the funds reportedly used for APR FC matches, information indicates that military and correctional service officers returning from peacekeeping missions in South Sudan were provided with airline tickets by Capt Peninah Mutoni without proper authorization. Among them was CSP Hillary Sengabo.

According to sources, at the end of 2024, as CSP Sengabo prepared to return to Rwanda for leave, he coordinated with Capt Peninah Mutoni to purchase a RwandAir ticket. She reportedly provided her bank account details and transferred $534, after which Capt Mutoni arranged the ticket.

A similar situation reportedly occurred with CSP Olive Mukantabana, who is said to have received a ticket purchased by Capt Peninah Mutoni when she intended to travel from South Sudan. CSP Mukantabana stated that she received Capt Mutoni’s contact number through Capt Peninah Umurungi, with whom they were together in South Sudan.

Both were given tickets, but the funds they provided were not used to pay for the tickets; instead, they were registered as employees of APR BBW. Capt Peninah Umurungi also received a ticket purchased by Capt Mutoni. This arrangement is where the alleged forgery charges against Capt Mutoni originate.

It is reported that once Capt Mutoni realized the illegal transactions to secure the ticket for Capt Umurungi drew attention, she collaborated with a RwandAir employee to produce a false document indicating that Capt Umurungi had paid for it.

Another military officer involved in the case is Maj Vincent Murigande, who, according to Capt Mutoni, instructed her to purchase tickets for Sengabo and Mukantabana. He is also said to have received all emails requesting tickets, which were recorded under the Ministry of Defence, even though the recipients were not affiliated with it.

Brigadier General Déo Rusanganwa, Chairman of APR FC, recently stated that anyone who misuses Ministry of Defence resources must be held accountable.

'MINADEF provides us with budgets to uplift Rwandans, and if we misuse them, we will be held accountable. If someone among you is contacted to clarify matters and has no involvement, they will be cleared. Justice may take time, but it will prevail. I ask for patience from those affected, because our country cannot function like other places we know,' he said.

He added: 'We must carefully manage the resources entrusted to us to nurture talent and ensure they are used for their intended purpose. Let us trust that justice will take its course. It may take a little time, but I am confident it will be resolved appropriately. We must also cooperate to safeguard the resources APR entrusts to us.'

The spokesperson of the Rwanda Correctional Service, CSP Hillary Sengabo, is among those under investigation.

Antha Mucyo is also under investigation in this case.

Ndayishimiye Reagan, known as Rugaju, a journalist at RBA, is also among those under investigation.

Ishimwe Ricard, a journalist at SK FM, is also among those under investigation.

IGIHE