Author: admin

It would be prudent for President Paul Kagame to adopt a cautious yet constructive posture: endorse the Agreement, yes—but subject to essential caveats and guarantees that safeguard Rwanda’s security interests.

The security dilemma

Rwanda’s primary concern remains the continued threat posed by the FDLR, a remnant genocidaire force entrenched in eastern DRC. The question that must be answered before any final commitment is: Does FARDC—the Congolese military—possess both the will and the capability to neutralize the FDLR when Rwanda lifts its defensive measures? Evidence to date suggests otherwise.

Without clear enforcement mechanisms and robust disarmament strategies, lifting security measures risks exposing Rwanda to cross-border insecurity. Kigali’s security interests must not be an afterthought.

Commitments that may prove fleeting

History tempers optimism. The Kinshasa government has shifted positions on peace commitments before. What, then, ensures that this time is different? The Agreement’s Section 8, Clause 2—permitting either party to unilaterally terminate the pact—undermines long-term stability. This provision not only introduces strategic ambiguity but also weakens the Joint Oversight Committee’s authority. Why invest in a monitoring mechanism only to simultaneously make it irrelevant?

No peace without all parties

Another omission threatens the practicality of the Accord: the absence of key non-state actors—most notably, the M23/AFC movement. Peace in the Kivus cannot be sustained by state actors alone. Excluding powerful non-state groups from the peace architecture may render the Agreement toothless on the ground, where allegiances and control are fluid. If the goal is genuine peace, rather than diplomatic optics, then all relevant stakeholders must be engaged, not sidelined.

Rwanda must calculate its risks

The Kagame administration must also develop a clear fallback plan. What if Kinshasa reneges? What if the U.S. loses interest—as it has in the past in other regions? Rwanda must preserve its strategic autonomy and avoid being caught in a one-sided peace that could morph into a strategic trap.

Washington’s role cannot end at the signing table

If the U.S. is serious about restoring peace in one of Africa’s most volatile corridors, it must stay engaged beyond photo ops and press statements. Washington must play an active role in the implementation and verification stages, ensuring that parties abide by their commitments and that bad-faith actors are held accountable.

A provisional path forward

Ultimately, this Agreement represents a step in the right direction. But Rwanda must not be rushed into ratification without solidifying the fine print. Rwanda should endorse the Washington Accord, but only with conditions that guarantee Rwanda’s national security, address historical inconsistencies in DRC’s commitments, and integrate all actors who command influence on the ground.

In diplomacy, as in security, the devil is always in the details. Rwanda cannot afford to sign away its leverage in exchange for vague promises. Peace, to be enduring, must be anchored in realism—not rhetoric.

The author, Dr. Charles Kiiza is a University Don teaching Diplomacy and International Relations at the University of Rwanda.

Dr. Charles Kiiza

The announcement was made on Thursday, July 10, via the club’s official social media platforms. Ssekiganda joins from Uganda Premier League side SC Villa.

The 21-year-old, who was named in the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League Team of the Season, had long been on APR’s radar. However, the move was delayed due to his commitments with the Uganda national team.

Ssekiganda was recently part of the Uganda Cranes squad preparing for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament reserved for players competing in their respective domestic leagues.

With CHAN fixtures set to coincide with the start of the Rwandan Premier League, APR opted to bring the midfielder in early to allow him to integrate with the squad during pre-season preparations.

Ssekiganda is expected to be a key asset for APR FC across all competitions, with the club aiming for a strong campaign in the CAF Champions League.

APR FC Chairman Brig. Gen. Déo Rusanganwa officially welcomed Ronald Ssekiganda to the club.

Ronald Ssekiganda has signed a two-year contract with APR FC.

The 21-year-old, who was named in the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League Team of the Season, had long been on APR’s radar.

Ssekiganda is expected to be a key asset for the military side, across all competitions, with the club aiming for a strong campaign in the CAF Champions League.

IGIHE

In partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Rwanda this week dispatched over 40 tons of essential foodstuffs and medical supplies to support civilians affected by the protracted conflict, the Office of the Government Spokesperson announced on Thursday, July 10.

The consignment was received in Amman by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, which is facilitating the onward distribution to Gaza.

This latest delivery marks Rwanda’s fourth humanitarian shipment to Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023. It follows a May 29 2025, shipment of over 20 tons of aid, which also included food and medical supplies. That consignment, like the current one, was transported by RwandAir and coordinated closely with Jordanian authorities.

Rwanda’s initial humanitarian intervention came in late October 2023 with a package of 16 tons of medicines, food, and water. A second shipment followed in November 2024, comprising more than 19 tons of fortified food for children and other critical supplies.

The Office of the Government Spokesperson previously emphasised that Rwanda’s contributions are part of a broader international effort to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza. It reiterated Rwanda’s call for an end to the conflict and the urgent protection of innocent lives.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale assault on Israel, has since escalated into one of the region’s deadliest in recent history.

The violence has resulted in the death of at least 57,575 people and wounded 136,879, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

In partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Rwanda this week dispatched over 40 tons of essential foodstuffs and medical supplies to support civilians affected by the protracted conflict.

The consignment was received in Amman by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, which is facilitating the onward distribution to Gaza.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Initial drilling conducted on the HCK Project site revealed rich lithium deposits beneath the surface. One drill hole in particular, known as MWOG0002, reached a depth of 174.6 meters and uncovered a 6.9-meter section of lithium-bearing rock.

Within this section, a higher concentration was found, an impressive 3.2% lithium oxide, which is considered high-grade in the industry. The geological team also found thick sections of pegmatite rock, known to host lithium, with some layers measuring up to 80 meters in thickness.

This exploration only covered two of the twelve areas identified as potential lithium sites on the 2,750-hectare license in southern Rwanda. The fact that such promising results have already been achieved in such a small portion of the site has generated strong excitement about what may be found in the remaining zones.

In response to these early findings; Rio Tinto, which also operates in Rwanda, has confirmed that it will exercise its Stage 1 earn-in rights under the joint venture agreement. This means, the company will now own a 51% stake in the exploration license.

Moreover, Rio Tinto plans to invest further and can earn up to a 75% share by spending $7.5 million over the next three years. As part of this next phase, Aterian Plc will receive a $100,000 cash payment, and the two companies will continue to jointly manage the exploration process.

In a statement released on July 10, 2025, Simon Rollason, CEO of Aterian Plc, expressed enthusiasm about both the results and the partnership.

He emphasised that although the work is still in early stages, the thickness of the pegmatite layers and the quality of the lithium discovered so far are very encouraging.

'While further work is required to fully assess the project’s scale and continuity, these early indications provide a strong foundation to build upon as we advance our exploration activities in Rwanda,' Rollason noted.

The broader exploration effort began in August 2023 and included several phases of mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys.

Drilling only recently began as a way to test whether early surface findings translated into deeper mineral deposits.

Aterian and Rio Tinto plan to release more updates as exploration continues. A detailed technical review is already underway to determine the best path forward, and decisions about the next phase of work are expected by the end of 2025.

Lithium was first reported in Rwanda in 2020. That same year, its global market value began to rise sharply. The price per ton increased from $44,090 in 2022 to $61,520 in 2023.

In August 2023, exploration efforts were intensified through an agreement signed between Aterian PLC, RIO Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd, and Kinunga Mining Ltd.

Lithium is a valuable mineral used in the production of various technologies, including batteries for phones, computers, cameras, and more.

Before 2020, few people recognised the value of lithium, and its price was relatively low. In December 2020, one kilogram of lithium cost around $9 (about 9,000 Rwandan Francs), up from $20.5 per kilogram in January 2018.

Lithium prices dropped in 2020 due to an oversupply, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, 2021 was a breakthrough year for lithium traders, as prices soared by over 600%. By April 2021, the price reached $78,000 (over 78 million Rwandan Francs) per ton.

This price surge was driven largely by the increased production of electric vehicles, which require large, long-lasting batteries made from lithium.

In 2021 alone, 6.6 million electric vehicles were sold globally, double the number sold in 2020.

Experts in the mineral trade predict lithium will continue to be in high demand, as electric vehicle production continues to rise. By 2030, it is expected that more than 26 million electric vehicles will have been sold.

Currently, the leading exporters of lithium include Chile, China, the Netherlands, South Korea, Germany, and Belgium.

Rwanda is on the brink of a major breakthrough in its mining industry following the discovery of high-grade lithium in the Southern Province.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The browser, expected to roll out in the coming weeks, is designed to reshape how users interact with the internet by embedding artificial intelligence directly into the browsing experience.

Built atop Chromium, the same open-source foundation behind Chrome and Microsoft Edge, the browser will integrate AI agents capable of performing tasks such as booking reservations, filling out forms, and summarising web content.

Reuters reports that the interface will include a native ChatGPT-like assistant, reducing the need to navigate through traditional websites.

The move represents a strategic step for OpenAI to gain direct access to user data, a critical pillar of Google’s success. Chrome currently serves more than 3 billion users worldwide and plays a central role in Alphabet’s advertising ecosystem, which accounts for nearly 75% of its revenue. By keeping more interactions within its own interface, OpenAI could limit the flow of data back to Google, thereby weakening one of its rivals’ most profitable feedback loops.

According to sources who spoke to Reuters, if adopted by the 500 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s browser could put pressure on a key component of rival Google’s ad-money spigot.

Impact

For content creators, businesses, and information professionals, the implications are significant. A conversational AI search engine can redefine how people find news, research topics, or gain insights by delivering concise, verified summaries instead of forcing users to sift through numerous results.

Daniel Ives, a technology analyst, told Business Insider that 'OpenAI wants to become the front door to the internet, not just an app you visit'.

Beyond user-facing benefits, OpenAI’s new search engine may serve as a valuable tool for professionals, enabling quicker fact-checking, trend analysis, and content generation.

Yet, this innovation is not without challenges. Experts warn that AI systems sometimes produce 'hallucination' responses that are plausible but factually incorrect which can have serious consequences in information-sensitive fields.

OpenAI is reportedly focused on enhancing transparency and verifiability in its system to address these risks.

Meanwhile, Google is actively developing its own AI capabilities, including 'AI Overviews' powered by its Gemini model, to summarise search results. However, Google has encountered criticism over accuracy issues in some AI-generated content.

OpenAI’s approach differs by emphasising conversational interaction, context retention, and clearer source citations.

If successful, OpenAI’s search engine could divert users and advertising revenue from Google, impacting multiple sectors such as online media, publishing, and digital marketing.

OpenAI, the creator of the widely popular ChatGPT, is preparing to launch an AI-powered web browser that could challenge Google’s longstanding dominance, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans.

Rania Umutoni

Known for his hilarious impersonations of President Museveni and his trademark blend of classroom wit and political satire, Mpamire has built a career that straddles both teaching and comedy.

Like in many parts of the region, his content has been warmly received by Rwandan audiences, as he continues to grace various stages and expand his performances beyond home.

Teacher Mpamire touched down in Kigali on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

On Thursday, July 10, he makes a return to the Gen Z Stand-Up Comedy show, a year after his last performance in Kigali.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE upon landing in the capital, the 42-year-old comedian expressed excitement about his return, describing Rwanda as his second home.

“I’m so glad to be back in Rwanda. Rwanda is my second home, apart from Uganda. I’m glad to be here once again and happy to be hosted at Gen Z Comedy,” he said.

Gen Z Comedy has quickly become a staple on Kigali’s entertainment calendar, known for its vibrant mix of emerging and seasoned comedic talent. This year’s show carries a special theme, ‘Kwibohora31,’ commemorating Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Anniversary.

This marks Teacher Mpamire’s second appearance at Gen-Z Comedy, and this time, the show is themed around #Kwibohora31, commemorating Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Anniversary.

Reflecting on his connection with local fans, Teacher Mpamire praised Rwandan audiences for their purposeful support of comedy.

'Rwandan audiences purposely come for comedy. They’re ready, welcoming, and they support local comedians first, which makes it easier for international acts like me,' he said.

Mpamire will join local comedians, including Umushumba, Pirate, Rumi, Kadudu, Joseph, and Dudu for a night promising laughter and high-energy performances.

Speaking further in his interview, he reflected on the significance of performing during Rwanda’s Liberation period.

'It’s a nice initiative to perform during this time. As a teacher of nationalism, I know the importance of remembering a country’s past and celebrating progress. Rwanda has achieved so much — from the cleanliness of Kigali to the discipline of its citizens. I’m always impressed,' he added.

Balancing laughter and the classroom

Mpamire’s comedic style is a unique fusion of humour and education, deeply rooted in his role as a teacher at Standard High School Zzana in Uganda.

While he occasionally uses humour to engage students, he draws a clear line between comedy and teaching.

'I follow the teachers’ code of conduct. When I’m in class, it’s class time. But today’s students prefer teachers with a sense of humor, so I drop in small jokes related to the lesson — it helps them understand better. But I always know my limit,' he shared.

His journey into comedy began after watching Zambian comedian Ben Phiri, who performed in Uganda as a presidential impersonator.

'I was inspired seeing Ben Phiri act as President Museveni and Nelson Mandela. That’s how I developed my own version of acting as the president of Uganda,' he recalled.

But Mpamire’s craft evolved significantly after studying at the American Comedy Institute in New York, where he learned the art of writing, researching, and performing structured comedy.

'Before America, I only performed as the president. But my teacher, Steve Rosenfield, taught me to anchor my comedy in what I know best — teaching. That’s how I became Teacher Mpamire. Now, when people watch me, they can tell I’ve done my homework,' he said.

Mpamire encourages young comedians to be genuine, creative, and open to growth, especially in the face of criticism.

'If you want comedy as a career, you have to rehearse, research, and be original. Everything in life can be comedy — you just have to look for it. And remember, nothing is completely new in this world. What matters is how you make it your own,' he advised.

Watch the full interview below:

Rania Umutoni

Speaking on Wednesday while hosting several African heads of state, he emphasised that the peace deal signed between Rwanda and the DRC on June 27, 2025, aims to end three decades of conflict in eastern Congo.

'It’s been a long and vicious fight, and I just wanted to say that the countries represented were very happy that we were able to solve that problem,” Trump stated.

He noted that following the recent signing of the accord by foreign ministers from both countries, the two presidents are expected to sign the final agreement soon.

“Over the next couple of weeks, the leaders of both countries will come to sign the final agreement,” he added.

The announcement came as Trump hosted several African leaders at the event, including President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.

Trump also praised his senior adviser for Africa, Masssad Boulos, for playing a key role in mediating the deal, saying, 'He was very much involved in that settlement. Most people thought it couldn’t be done.'

The peace agreement signed last month includes commitments to dismantle the FDLR, an armed group that has long destabilised Rwanda from Congolese territory, and to roll back defensive measures Rwanda had implemented in response to regional threats. It also addresses the return of refugees and outlines a framework for economic cooperation.

Beyond Rwanda and the DRC, Trump said his team is also working to facilitate peace in other troubled regions on the continent. 'We’re going to be facilitating peace also in places like Sudan, where they have a lot of problems, Libya, and others.'

He emphasised a shift in U.S. engagement with Africa, moving from aid to trade:
'We’re shifting from aid to trade. Trade seems to be a foundation that I’ve been able to use to settle a lot of these disputes — India and Pakistan, Kosovo, Serbia. We said, 'You guys are going to fight? We’re not going to trade,’ and we seem to be quite successful in doing that.'

To support this new approach, Trump defended tougher measures introduced by his administration, including the shutdown of USAID, describing them as part of efforts to support the trade initiative.

'We have closed the USAID group to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, which was tremendous. We’re working tirelessly to forge new economic opportunities involving both the United States and many African nations.'

'There’s great economic potential in Africa, like few other places in many ways. In the long run, this will be far more effective, sustainable, and beneficial than anything else we can be doing together.'

'I’m eager to work with each of you on your vital issues and also to discuss security,' he concluded.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi are expected to travel to meet him in the coming weeks to finalise a landmark peace agreement.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Shares of the California-based firm rose 2.5% in early trading on Wednesday morning, briefly pushing its stock price above $164 and securing its place at the top of global equity markets.

The milestone comes just over a year after Nvidia first breached the $1 trillion mark in May 2023 and highlights its meteoric rise amid the artificial intelligence boom.

Nvidia’s valuation has surged eightfold since 2021, when it was valued at just $500 billion. The company crossed the $2 trillion threshold in February 2024 and hit $3 trillion in June before this week’s record-breaking leap. It now carries the most weight on the S&P 500, with its performance acting as a bellwether for global tech stocks.

Founded in 1993 and long known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) popular among gamers, Nvidia has become the dominant force behind the AI revolution. Its high-powered chips are essential to the data centres powering large language models, cloud computing, and generative AI platforms operated by tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet.

In its most recent earnings report, Nvidia posted a 69% year-over-year revenue increase to $44.1 billion, with profits soaring to $18.8 billion despite challenges from tariffs and export restrictions. The company is set to report second-quarter results next month, with analysts predicting another record-setting quarter.

Nvidia’s rapid ascent reflects a broader shift in investor priorities, with artificial intelligence now seen as the most transformative economic force of the decade. According to IDC, global spending on AI infrastructure is projected to exceed $200 billion by 2028.

CEO Jensen Huang has become one of the world’s richest individuals, with Bloomberg pegging his net worth at $140 billion. Huang has also gained political visibility, recently joining President Donald Trump on a high-profile trip to Saudi Arabia to promote Project Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative backed by Nvidia.

Despite its dominance, Nvidia faces competition and geopolitical challenges. Chinese startup DeepSeek rattled markets earlier this year with a rival AI model that raised questions about the long-term need for expensive hardware. The U.S. government’s export restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chips to China have also weighed on performance, costing the company an estimated $2.5 billion in revenue last quarter.

Nevertheless, the company has rebounded strongly—its stock is up nearly 74% since April—thanks to robust demand and continued AI adoption across industries.

Chipmaker Nvidia on Wednesday became the world’s most valuable publicly traded company, reaching a historic $4 trillion market capitalisation and surpassing tech titans Apple and Microsoft.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to the World Health Organisation, adults need at least seven hours of quality sleep each night to function optimally, but millions fall short of this goal, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and a weakened immune system.

A few simple nighttime habits can significantly improve the way we sleep, helping us wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated each morning. Here are a few to consider:

1. Create a consistent bedtime routine

Creating a consistent bedtime routine is one of the most effective steps toward better sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

“Going to bed or waking up at the same time every day of the week helps your ability to fall asleep when you want to. Also, a regular schedule helps to sync your circadian rhythm, which dictates when you feel sleepy or awake,” the National Sleep Foundation advises.

2. Limit screen time before bed

Limiting screen time before bed is another crucial habit. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep. Experts recommend putting devices away at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime and opting for relaxing activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music instead.

3. Optimise your sleep environment

The sleep environment itself plays a significant role in sleep quality. A cool, quiet, and dark bedroom helps signal to the body that it’s time to rest. Investing in comfortable bedding and minimising noise and light can create an atmosphere that promotes deeper, more restorative sleep. Even simple steps like using blackout curtains or a white noise machine can make a significant difference.

4. Watch what you eat and drink

Another often-overlooked factor is food and drink. Heavy meals late in the evening can disrupt sleep, as can stimulants like caffeine and nicotine. The National Institutes of Health advises finishing dinner at least two to three hours before bedtime and avoiding caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon and evening.

5. Manage stress before bed

Equally important is managing stress, which can be a significant barrier to restful sleep. Daily stressors often follow people into the night, making it hard to fall or stay asleep. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or writing in a journal can help calm the mind and prepare the body for rest.

6. Stay physically active during the day

Physical activity during the day also contributes to better sleep. People who engage in regular exercise tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep cycles. However, vigorous workouts too close to bedtime may leave the body feeling too energised to rest, so it’s best to schedule intense exercise earlier in the day.

Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

Rania Umutoni

Over the past ten years, the firm has generated more than $16 million in revenue, including about $4 million from international service delivery, according to the company’s Managing Director, Habineza Emmanuel.

Habiza disclosed this during the anniversary celebration held on Monday, July 7, 2025.

'We started with very few employees, but now, if we count everyone who has worked with us, it’s over 500 people. We’ve also made significant revenue, with nearly $4 million coming from services offered abroad,” he said.

Sandeep Khapre, CEO of BDO East Africa, recalled that when they launched operations in Rwanda, there was a shortage of professional financial auditors. The firm was determined to employ Rwandans rather than bringing in foreign professionals.

He added that they decided to invest in training local auditors to build a capable workforce.

'At the time, many firms in Rwanda relied on foreign professionals for these services. We made a deliberate decision to train and employ Rwandans — and even have them lead the firm. That’s how we identified leaders like Emmanuel and others who now run the company,” he remarked.

Trond Morten, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at BDO Global, highlighted the firm’s mission to support Africa in achieving financial and economic progress and to assist both private and public institutions in meeting their goals.

“We serve more than a million clients worldwide, but our main priority is helping them achieve their goals, guiding them on how to grow, how to improve governance in their operations.'

Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, CEO of Mahwi Grain Millers, who has worked with BDO East Africa (Rwanda) Ltd for the past eight years, praised the firm as a trusted advisor. He credited BDO with helping his company access financial and capital markets.

'Recently, we reached a major milestone by listing our company on the financial and capital markets, and we owe that to BDO. It’s been a long journey, and they helped us secure sufficient financing to pursue our vision,” Uwizeyemungu said.

BDO East Africa (Rwanda) Ltd began operations in Rwanda in 2015 with just three employees. Today, it boasts over 100 full-time staff offering services in financial auditing, economic advisory, development consulting, taxation, technology, and business risk management.

The Managing Director of BDO East Africa (Rwanda) Ltd, Habineza Emmanuel, said the company has made remarkable progress over the last decade.

Trond Morten, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at BDO Global, highlighted the firm’s mission to support Africa in achieving financial and economic progress and to assist both private and public institutions in meeting their goals.

BDO East Africa (Rwanda) Ltd generated over $4 million from exporting its services abroad.

BDO Global has a presence in more than 166 countries worldwide.

BDO East Africa (Rwanda) Ltd celebrated its 10th anniversary of operations in Rwanda, marking the milestone with a commemorative event that included a celebratory cake.

IGIHE