Author: admin

These are the words of Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, describing how the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) overcame the odds to liberate Rwanda. As of today, 31 years have passed since that historic victory.

All warfare requires strategy, but military conflict especially demands innovative and adaptive tactics. When the RPA launched the liberation war in 1990, it had spent years regrouping and preparing. Many of the men who started the war had served in the Ugandan military in various roles.

Maj Gen Fred Rwigyema led the first attack on October 1, 1990. He was a seasoned commander who had played a key role in Uganda’s liberation war, serving as deputy to Gen Elly Tumwine, who was injured early in the conflict. Rwigyema took over from there.

However, the liberation of Rwanda did not begin as expected. On October 2, just one day after the war began, Maj Gen Rwigyema was killed. Other senior commanders, including Maj Chris Bunyenyezi and Maj Peter Bayingana, were also killed shortly after. Bayingana was ambushed on the road from Kagitumba to Gabiro, and Bunyenyezi was killed on the way from Nyagatare.

Initially, the RPA used conventional warfare, which is characterized by open, face-to-face engagements where opposing forces establish clear frontlines. This form of fighting dates back centuries and was historically done with spears and swords. Later, it evolved with the use of firearms and heavy artillery, tanks, and airplanes.

In both World Wars, tanks and aircraft became dominant in conventional warfare. Each side would dig trenches, set up defensive lines, and battle for control of enemy positions. But this method has major drawbacks: it’s costly, predictable, and results in heavy casualties due to the mass concentration of troops in single locations.

This conventional approach was what the RPA relied on in the early days of the war. But everything changed when Maj Gen Paul Kagame returned from military training in the United States and took over the command of a demoralized and scattered army.

When Kagame arrived in Kagitumba, many soldiers were already seeking ways to retreat back to Uganda. Even Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira admitted that he was preparing to return to Uganda, as the battle seemed lost.

Kagame, referred to as “Afande PC,” immediately called for a regrouping of the troops. In meetings with senior commanders, he urged them to reconsider retreating, arguing that going back was not an option. Their only goal should be to liberate Rwanda and stop the ongoing massacres against the Tutsi.

This photo of Maj Gen Paul Kagame was taken on May 11, 1994, in Byumba. At the time, he was in a meeting with José Ayala Lasso, the head of the UN Human Rights Commission.

At that moment, the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) were celebrating, believing they had defeated the RPA completely. But Kagame introduced a new battle strategy: shifting from conventional to mobile and guerrilla warfare.

The first operation under this new tactic was the attack on Gatuna in early November, led by Col (Rtd) Twahirwa Ludovic, known as Dodo. It was a highly organized assault that greatly boosted morale among the troops, especially those who were just entering the battle and had not witnessed the chaos of the early days.

On the same day that Gatuna was captured, it was officially announced that Fred Rwigyema had died, news that brought sorrow but also renewed determination among the fighters.

The combined tactics of mobile warfare and guerrilla warfare turned the tide of the liberation struggle. RPA troops relocated from Mutara to the Virunga mountains, from where they launched operations and conducted training.

Guerrilla warfare involves small, highly mobile units launching surprise attacks on enemy positions and then retreating. Even three soldiers could wreak havoc, creating the illusion of a much larger force. This method is ideal for ambushes, sabotage (e.g., destroying bridges), and psychological warfare, creating confusion and disorientation among enemy ranks.

Although sabotage is common in guerrilla tactics, the RPA avoided destroying key infrastructure since rebuilding would be a priority after liberation.

Former FAR soldiers have testified that they often felt disoriented, unsure of where to focus their defenses or what the RPA’s next move would be.

Rtd Col Ludovic Dodo Twahirwa, wearing a red beret, was one of the key strategists who could skillfully map out how the battle should unfold.

Mobile warfare, while similar to guerrilla tactics, focuses more on identifying and targeting enemy weaknesses. It involves cutting off supply routes, surrounding the enemy, and defeating them decisively. It is faster-paced and relies heavily on intelligence and coordination among units.

Historically, mobile warfare was used effectively by Germany during the Blitzkrieg campaigns between 1939 and 1941, allowing rapid conquests of Poland, France, and Soviet territory. During the Korean War (1950—1953), Chinese forces used night raids and rapid movements to overwhelm their enemies. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli forces also applied mobile warfare tactics to defeat neighboring Arab armies swiftly.

The primary goal of mobile warfare is to win quickly, using strong internal coordination and real-time intelligence about enemy movements and vulnerabilities.

Thanks to the adaptation of these tactics, the RPA managed to withstand greater firepower, outmaneuver a better-equipped enemy, and ultimately liberate the country—proving that strategy, courage, and adaptability can overcome overwhelming odds.

Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe is one of the soldiers who fought in the liberation struggle and has continued to contribute to the country’s development to this day.

The RPA soldiers at Kagitumba on October 22, 1990, in the early days of the liberation struggle.

With the few resources they had, they carried out one of the most heroic acts in Rwanda’s history.

Day by day, even in the face of hardship, their morale remained high.

IGIHE

The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, cleared the House 218-214, with two Republicans, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, joining a united Democratic front in opposition. Earlier in the week, the Senate narrowly approved the measure, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.

At nearly 900 pages, the legislation is a mammoth rewrite of U.S. economic and social priorities. It combines $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, deep reductions in Medicaid and food assistance, a record $350 billion for immigration enforcement and border wall construction, and ambitious spending on military modernisation, including $25 billion for a new missile shield called the Golden Dome.

But with a projected price tag of $3.3 trillion added to the national deficit over the next decade, the bill has set off alarm bells among fiscal watchdogs and drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who call it a 'reverse Robin Hood' policy.

A tax revolution, but at what cost?

At the heart of the bill is a permanent extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which were set to expire later this year. It introduces new deductions on tips, overtime, and auto loans; expands the child tax credit slightly from $2,000 to $2,200; and eliminates taxes on Social Security benefits for many older Americans. Businesses also gain immediate write-offs for research and equipment costs.

But according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill will give the wealthiest Americans an average annual tax cut of $12,000, while the poorest may lose $1,600 a year due to cutbacks in federal aid.

'This is not a middle-class tax cut. It’s a windfall for the rich funded by taking food and health care from the vulnerable,' said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Republicans insist the tax reforms are essential to avoid what they call an 'automatic tax hike' come December and argue the changes will unleash unprecedented economic growth.

Safety net restructured

To offset some of the cost, the bill imposes sweeping new restrictions on Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps), including 80-hour monthly work requirements for most adult recipients up to age 65 and new $35 co-pays for Medicaid services. Parents with children aged 14 and above would also be required to meet the work thresholds.

The CBO estimates that 11.8 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage by 2034, and another 3 million could lose access to SNAP. States will also begin sharing the cost of SNAP by 2028 if their payment error rates exceed 6%, a provision softened after a push from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

Border wall, mass deportation plans receive major boost

Fulfilling a signature Trump promise, the bill allocates $350 billion for immigration enforcement. That includes funding for 100,000 migrant detention beds, the hiring of 10,000 ICE agents with $10,000 signing bonuses, and infrastructure for the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history, aiming to remove 1 million undocumented immigrants per year.

Immigrants applying for asylum protections will now face additional processing fees.

Military, space, and symbolic add-ons

Beyond domestic and economic policy, the bill delivers a massive windfall to the Pentagon: billions for shipbuilding, munitions systems, and the new missile defence program. It also includes $1 billion in Defence Department border spending, $40 million for Trump’s long-touted 'National Garden of American Heroes,' and billions for space exploration, including the Artemis moon mission and future Mars landings.

The bill also introduces 'Trump Accounts,' a new federal savings plan for children, seeded with a $1,000 Treasury deposit.

The bill also includes several controversial provisions. It ends federal funding for Planned Parenthood for one year and rolls back clean energy tax credits, including those for electric vehicles, which will now expire on September 30. It imposes a new 1% tax on remittances and university endowments, eliminates the $200 tax on gun silencers and certain rifles, and expands compensation for individuals affected by nuclear testing.

A new fiscal frontier or a mirage?

The bill raises the U.S. debt ceiling by $5 trillion to cover past and new spending. However, Republican senators argue that since many tax cuts were already 'current policy,' their extension should not count as new spending — a controversial accounting method that, they say, turns a $3.3 trillion deficit increase into a $500 billion reduction.

Democrats and independent economists have called this 'budgetary sleight of hand.' The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget labeled it 'an accounting gimmick that would make Enron executives blush.'

Holiday signing

House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the bill as a sweeping effort to reverse what he called the 'disaster of the Biden-Harris regime.'

'Everything was broken — we tried to fix it all, in one big, beautiful bill,' he said after the vote.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the measure as 'the largest middle-class tax cut in American history' and a 'commonsense agenda that nearly 80 million Americans voted for.'

President Trump is expected to sign the bill at a high-profile ceremony at the White House on Friday at 5 p.m. ET, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations, symbolising, as the administration put it, 'the beginning of America’s Golden Age.'

In a razor-thin vote that caps weeks of partisan wrangling and intraparty tension, the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', sending it to his desk just in time for the July 4 deadline he imposed.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Liberation Day is not only a moment to commemorate the end of a painful chapter in Rwanda’s history—it is also a powerful reminder of the resilience, determination, and unity of the Rwandan people. The liberation that was attained in 1994 was more than a military victory; it was the dawn of a new national vision—one rooted in reconciliation, dignity, self-reliance, and shared progress.

Rwanda’s journey since then has inspired the world. From the ashes of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has risen to become a beacon of peace, stability, and development on the African continent. Its commitment to good governance, innovation, women’s empowerment, and inclusive growth stands as a model for nations striving to rebuild and thrive after tragedy.

As Israelis, we deeply resonate with the themes of survival, renewal, and nation-building. Our own national story reflects the determination to rise after unspeakable loss, to defend life, and to invest in a future built on hope. This shared experience brings our nations closer together in spirit and purpose.

Today, the friendship between Rwanda and Israel continues to grow stronger—through partnerships in agriculture, innovation, health, education, among others. We are proud to walk alongside Rwanda as a friend and partner, supporting its goals and learning from its remarkable achievements.

Liberation is not a destination but an ongoing commitment to the values of justice, unity, and human dignity. As Rwanda marks three decades of liberation, may this milestone inspire even greater strides forward for the country and deeper bonds between our peoples.

Happy Liberation Day, Rwanda. May your flag continue to fly high, your people continue to prosper, and your future remain bright.

Murakoze cyane.

Einat Weiss is the Ambassador of Israel o Rwanda.

Einat Weiss

According to the group, the DRC representatives showed little commitment to signing a ceasefire agreement, which was a key expectation during the negotiations.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 3, 2025, Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the AFC/M23 delegation in Doha, said that every time they arrived in Qatar, they anticipated the signing of a ceasefire pact. However, the Kinshasa government repeatedly rejected the agreement.

'Kinshasa has chosen to portray Rwanda as its enemy, yet the issues between Rwanda and the DRC are strictly state-level matters. Our concern is with the Congolese government. We engage directly with the government because only through dialogue can this conflict be resolved and peace restored, but unfortunately, not all officials seem to understand this,' Mbonimpa explained.

He further stated that while peace talks were ongoing, the DRC government was simultaneously planning military offensives against territories controlled by M23. He pointed to the presence of foreign mercenaries in Kisangani, including Colombians and Americans, preparing attacks.

Mbonimpa also accused the DRC government of supporting militias such as Wazalendo and Mai-Mai by providing them with drones and heavy weaponry to regain control over captured areas.

Mbonimpa noted a striking difference in how delegations approached the talks, saying while M23 consistently presented official documents authorising their participation, DRC representatives never showed any credentials.

'We found it difficult to negotiate with people who came without any official mandate or letter of appointment. We would present our authorisation to the mediator, but the DRC representatives came without any proof of government backing. They behaved more like informal participants than official negotiators,' he said.

According to AFC/M23, the first and most critical step in the talks was supposed to be signing a ceasefire agreement. However, the DRC government repeatedly refused to commit to this.

Despite rejecting the ceasefire in talks, the DRC government has often publicly accused M23 of rejecting peace efforts.

M23 maintains that since 2022, it has declared ceasefires unilaterally on five occasions, while the DRC government has not taken similar steps.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 3, 2025, Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the AFC/M23 delegation in Doha, said that every time they arrived in Qatar, they anticipated the signing of a ceasefire pact. However, the Kinshasa government repeatedly rejected the agreement.

IGIHE

Eagle View Golf Kigali: Swing, savour, and soak in scenic luxury

In a land of a thousand hills, few places offer a better vantage point than Eagle View Golf Kigali. Situated along 172 Street in Gahanga, just minutes from the city centre and airport, this destination blends golf, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views into one seamless leisure experience.

The venue features an elevated golf driving range where both seasoned players and curious beginners can enjoy their swing against a backdrop of rolling hills and city lights. Neatly arranged bays provide the perfect setting for solo practice or relaxed group fun.

The on-site restaurant and bar complete the experience, offering soft drinks from Frw 1,500, local beers between Frw 2,000 and 4,000, cocktails ranging from Frw 5,000 to 10,000, and meals such as burgers, grills, or local dishes between Frw 8,000 and 20,000.

The retreat by Heaven: Where luxury meets local charm

Tucked in the lush Kiyovu neighbourhood, The Retreat by Heaven is one of Kigali’s most acclaimed boutique hotels. With just 20 exclusive rooms and pool villas, it promises privacy, tranquillity, and eco-luxury in an intimate setting.

Dining is a highlight here, with starters from Frw 8,000, main courses between Frw 12,000 and 25,000, cocktails from Frw 6,000 to 12,000, and desserts starting at Frw 5,000. Rates range from USD 735 to 2,100 per night.

Wonderland Kanyinya Hills: A scenic hideaway for food, events, and camping

Located outside Kigali’s bustle, Wonderland Kanyinya Hills is perfect for garden weddings, outdoor events, and relaxed dining. Visitors enjoy a serene ambience and beautiful night views.

Entrance fees are Frw 5,000. A buffet lunch costs around Frw 10,000. Camping options include dome tents at Frw 81,000 to 99,000 per night or own tents at Frw 25,000 per night.

Four people swing seat.

Èze: Chic comfort with a private pool in the city

Èze is a stylish four-bedroom villa in Kigali offering a perfect home-away-from-home atmosphere. It features a private swimming pool, modern interiors, and room for up to seven guests.

Rates average USD 100 per night, making it ideal for families, professionals, or group holidays.

Amata n’Ubuki Boutique Hotel & Restaurant: Peaceful, personal, and perfectly placed

This intimate hotel is known for its tranquil setting, elegant décor, and warm service. Guests appreciate its proximity to the Kigali Convention Centre and other city highlights.

Room rates typically range between USD 90 and 150 per night.

Eagle View Lodge: Kigali’s boutique hilltop treasure

Perched atop Rebero Hill, Eagle View Lodge combines breathtaking views, bohemian-inspired design, and personalized hospitality.

Its open-air terraces and gourmet meals offer a scenic and relaxing escape just minutes from the city.

Château Le Marara: European grandeur overlooking Lake Kivu

Set above Lake Kivu in Karongi, Western Province, Château Le Marara is a luxurious castle-style hotel inspired by French classicism. The regal suites, gourmet French dining, and sweeping lake views make it one of Rwanda’s most elegant getaways.

Room rates range from USD 350—500 per night. Gourmet dinners are served at Frw 30,000 per person.

Villa Asimba: Boutique garden retreat

Villa Asimba is a charming 7-room boutique property located in Kacyiru. With a pool, cozy bar, and lush gardens, it’s perfect for guests seeking peace and personality in Kigali.

Rates typically start from around USD 67 – USD 95 per night for a single or standard double room, with larger rooms and suites going up to approximately USD 165 or more.

An extra bed can be added for around USD 65 per person, per night.

Century Park Hotel & Residences: Modern urban luxury apartments

Century Park Hotel & Residences offers modern apartment-style accommodations ideal for extended stays or stylish urban staycations. Located near the Kigali Convention Centre, it blends comfort with independence, featuring full kitchens, cozy fireplaces, complimentary WiFi, and tranquil garden spaces. Pet-friendly and self-catered, it suits both business and leisure travelers.

Rates start from around USD 100 for studio apartments, with one-bedroom units ranging from USD 150 to 250 per night. Larger apartments with two or more bedrooms can reach USD 400+, depending on size and season.

Pili Pili Boutique Hotel: Hilltop views & relaxed vibes

Located in Kibagabaga, Pili Pili offers modern rooms, a hilltop terrace, and a lively restaurant. Its outdoor pool and relaxed ambiance make it a popular spot for staycations with a social flair.

Expect rates to generally start from USD 70 – USD 100 per night for a standard room or studio. Larger apartments or deluxe rooms may go higher, potentially up to USD 150-200+ depending on the size and amenities.

The Hideaway: Family-friendly urban oasis

Just 7 km from Kigali’s bustling centre, The Hideaway provides a tranquil retreat perfect for families or group getaways. This urban oasis boasts a beautiful garden, a welcoming restaurant, a refreshing pool, and a dedicated playground.

As a luxury boutique hotel, its pricing reflects its upscale offerings. “Hidden Coves” (Standard Double) rooms typically start from USD 280 – USD 380 per night. For more space, “City Gaze” (Deluxe) rooms are around USD 520 per night, and “Secluded Oasis” (Larger Suites) can go for approximately USD 600 per night. The opulent “Penthouse” is the top-tier option, priced at around USD 1300 per night.

The on-site Hut Restaurant offers a diverse menu, with pizzas around Frw 10,000 – 15,000, main courses from Frw 14,000 – 45,000, and cocktails ranging from Frw 12,000 to 20,000+.

Hotel des Mille Collines — Kigali’s historic landmark

As one of Kigali’s most iconic hotels, Hotel des Mille Collines offers stylish suites, serene gardens, and a storied past. Its pool and central location appeal to both leisure and business travelers.

Classic Rooms typically start from USD 160 per night, with Classic Rooms offering a garden view from around USD 185 per night, and those with panoramic city views starting from USD 210 per night. For more spacious accommodations, Junior Suites begin around USD 300 per night, and Superior Suites can be found for approximately USD 400 per night.

M Hotel Kigali: Modern elegance with city views

M Hotel Kigali is a sleek, contemporary retreat offering panoramic city views and a full suite of amenities. Its soundproofed rooms provide a quiet, comfortable stay, while guests enjoy access to an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and diverse dining options featuring African, Chinese, and Indian cuisine.

Room rates vary by category, with standard rooms typically ranging from USD 160 to 250 per night. Deluxe rooms are priced between USD 250 and 350, while junior suites start from USD 350 and can go beyond USD 500. For more spacious options, executive suites and three-bedroom apartments range from USD 500 to over USD 2,100 per night. The most luxurious presidential suites can reach up to USD 5,000 per night.

With complimentary airport transfers, free WiFi, and a rooftop bar overlooking Kigali, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers seeking modern comfort in the heart of the city.

The Keza Hotel & Apartments — Modern urban comfort

Situated in Kimihurura, The Keza offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and barbecue amenities. It’s a refined apartment-hotel experience for modern travelers.

The Keza offers a variety of room types, with rates starting around USD 60 for standard options and reaching up to USD 150 for larger or family-friendly rooms, depending on the season and occupancy.

High Ground Villa: Architectural urban retreat

Perched atop Rebero Mountain, High Ground Villa is a modern, architect-designed retreat offering sweeping views of Kigali and the surrounding hills. With sleek interiors, garden spaces, and a pool, it provides both individual apartment stays and full-villa exclusivity.

Individual apartment rates start from USD 220 for three-bedroom units, while larger four-bedroom apartments range from USD 240 to 400 per night. For a luxury private stay, full villa rental starts at USD 496 per guest with breakfast.

Gorillas Golf Hotel: Cozy nature-adjacent guesthouse

Located near the golf greens in Nyarutarama, Gorillas Golf Hotel offers a peaceful yet social guesthouse experience. With 83 well-appointed rooms, it caters to both business and leisure travelers, featuring a restaurant, hot tub, and communal lounges.

Room rates range from USD 59 for standard rooms to USD 171 for deluxe options, while executive suites start around USD 199 per night.

Rania Umutoni

As the club marks this milestone, IGIHE spoke to Byusa Wilson, widely known as Rudifu, one of the club’s founding members when it was established in Mulindi, Gicumbi District.

Rudifu shared that the idea of creating the team originated with President Paul Kagame, who at the time was leading the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).

'The idea came from President Kagame back in 1992. At the time, each battalion had its own team, and we used to play friendly matches—our Byumba team would play against the Nyagatare side, and so on,' he said.

'In 1993, President Kagame got wind of this and asked, 'Why don’t we create a league?’ We continued playing until combat resumed, and we had to pause.'

According to Rudifu, APR FC began with 32 players selected from a pool of 90.

'They selected 32 players out of 90. Those chosen became the first APR FC squad. This happened in April 1993.'

APR FC’s first match was against a team of PSD members who were visiting Mulindi. That same period also saw the launch of the club’s volleyball and basketball sections.

Among the original members were Uwimana Michael, Lt. Col. Alphonse Muyango, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, Maj. Gen. Willy Rwagasana, Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura, and others.

Not born in black and white

Interestingly, APR FC didn’t originally don the now-iconic black and white colours. Rudifu recounted how the team’s colours evolved:

'Many of us had come from Burundi and were fans of Vital’O FC, which wore mauve and white. One day, Katarebe, who was the president of Rwanda FC, attended a meeting with his close friend Kazura.'

'Kazura had played for Inter Star, which wore black and white. That’s how we ended up adopting those colours. But originally, we were mauve and white.'

Entering the league with spirit and purpose

In 1996, APR FC entered the Rwandan Premier League for the first time and won it.

'We had no proper facilities, but what drove us was sheer determination,' Rudifu said. 'We often said, 'We came from the bush’—unlike other teams that had better conditions. What gave us the edge was our fighting spirit and the will to prove ourselves.'

The club was also founded with the support of three civilian members from the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi).

Some of the first notable players to join included Nshimiyimana Eric, Julien Ndagano, and Nkunzingoma Ramadhani.

'As players, we received a bonus—what we called a prime—on top of our military salary. The civilians, of course, had their own contracts,' Rudifu explained.

Now a coach at Intare FC, Rudifu credits APR FC’s continued success to strong leadership, consistent support for players, and a culture of fearlessness grounded in its history.

'The club’s leadership engages closely with players, and there’s a shared hunger for success. APR FC doesn’t fear any opponent.'

Over the course of its 32-year history, APR FC has built a legacy of unparalleled success in Rwandan football. The club has claimed the Rwandan Premier League title an astonishing 23 times, with victories spanning from 1995 to 2025. These championship seasons include 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and consecutively from 2020 through 2025.

In addition to its league dominance, APR FC has lifted the Peace Cup 14 times. The club first won the trophy in 1994 and went on to claim it in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, and most recently in 2025.

APR FC’s influence has extended beyond national borders as well. The team has triumphed in the CECAFA Kagame Cup on three occasions: 2004, 2007, and 2010, solidifying its reputation as a regional football powerhouse.

Some of the players who were part of APR FC when it was founded in 1993.

APR FC in 1996 during the final match of the OSMA (Military Championship), at Amahoro Stadium.

The 2004 APR FC squad is considered one of the best in the club’s history.

In 2010, APR FC won the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

APR FC was crowned champions of the Rwanda Premier League for the 23rd time on May 24, 2025, after securing a crucial 1—0 victory over Muhazi United. This victory confirmed their lead and extended their record as the most successful club in the league’s history.

IGIHE

Ebang Engonga, 55, is the former head of the General Directorate of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR) and a nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. He is also the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, the current president of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC).

He dominated headlines late last year over a sex scandal involving over 400 women in the Central African country.

His trial, unfolding in the capital Malabo, centers on charges of embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office during his tenure between 2015 and 2020.

Prosecutors allege that Ebang Engonga orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to divert state funds for personal use. The indictment seeks eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for illicit enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of office.

In addition to prison time, the prosecution is requesting a fine of more than 910 million CFA francs (approx. $1.5 million) and a ban from holding public office for the duration of the sentence.

The case, dubbed the 'Treasury Trial,' involves six other former DGAR officials facing similar charges. Among them are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.

The legal proceedings have been further inflamed by the scandalous revelations about Ebang Engonga’s personal life. In late 2024, authorities recovered explicit videos from Ebang Engonga’s electronic devices during the investigation.

The recordings, some filmed in his government office and involving women reportedly linked to government officials, sparked a public firestorm and added to growing calls for accountability within the ruling elite.

The defence has rejected the charges as unfounded and politically charged, calling into question the credibility of the evidence, including the financial audit and video materials presented by the prosecution. Ebang Engonga’s legal team maintains that the proceedings are intended to sideline him from public life.

The trial, which began Monday, is expected to conclude by the end of the week, with a verdict likely in the coming days.

Baltasar Ebang Engonga dominated headlines late last year over a sex scandal involving over 400 women in the Central African country.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The much-anticipated project, which marks Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, and will feature 16 tracks.

Stromae, born Paul Van Haver, appears on a collaborative track with the Nigerian superstar titled 'Pardon.'

The album also boasts a star-studded lineup of guest appearances. Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of iconic rock band The Rolling Stones, joins Burna Boy on a song titled 'Empty Chairs.'

American rap heavyweight Travis Scott features on the already-released single 'TaTaTa,' while Shaboozey, the Nigerian-American artist making waves in the country music scene, appears on the track 'Change Your Mind.' Shaboozey is currently enjoying major chart success with his hit single 'Tipsy,' which remains one of the hottest songs on the Billboard Hot 100.

Following the release, Burna Boy is expected to hit the road for a global tour to promote the album.

Belgian singer of Rwandan descent, Stromae, is set to feature on Burna Boy’s forthcoming studio album titled No Sign of Weakness.

The much-anticipated project, which marks Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, and will feature 16 tracks.

IGIHE

Speaking exclusively to IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye confirmed that the new aircraft will arrive in phases, with the A330 wide-body expected in August, followed by the two Boeing 737s by September.

'There’s number four coming before the end of the year,' said Caunhye. 'We’re planning for our fourth wide-body Airbus to come around August, so the paperwork is being finalised now. But number four will not be the last one—nor is it sufficient to meet all our planned requirements.'

The new aircraft are expected to boost RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by an additional 100 million, representing a 15—20% increase in capacity. Despite this growth, Caunhye noted it remains below the soaring market demand across Africa, which continues to outpace global trends.

Speaking exclusively to IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye confirmed that the new aircraft will arrive in phases, with the A330 wide-body expected in August, followed by the two Boeing 737s by September.

The incoming Airbus A330 will be deployed mainly on the airline’s high-demand London Heathrow route, offering much-needed backup given the strict slot rules at the UK hub.

'Given the slot rules in London, it’s very tricky with three aircraft—when one goes down, we face challenges with our slots,' RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo told African Aerospace on the sidelines of the African Airlines Association’s 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention held in Kigali in May.

The aircraft is also expected to reinforce RwandAir’s Lagos service, another key West African destination, as the carrier aims to deepen its regional connectivity while maintaining its growing international footprint.

The fleet expansion forms part of a broader strategy that follows RwandAir’s recognition as Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, received in June at the Paris Air Show.

The accolade, which CCO Caunhye described as 'a testimony to the precision of all the bolts and cogs coming together,' reflects the airline’s progress in enhancing service quality and operational resilience.

Currently, RwandAir operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, including two A330-200s, one A330-300, six Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Dash 8-400s.

The upcoming additions will not only boost seat capacity but also support RwandAir’s expanding network, as the airline positions Kigali as a strategic hub connecting East, West, and Southern Africa to key international gateways such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.

Additionally, new routes to Mombasa and Zanzibar are expected by the end of 2025, with Jeddah planned for early 2026.

Beyond passenger traffic, RwandAir is also ramping up its cargo operations. The airline currently operates a Boeing 737 freighter and is exploring the acquisition of a wide-body cargo aircraft to transport Rwandan exports such as coffee and tea to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Caunhye acknowledged the challenges of operating in Africa, including high operating costs, geopolitical disruptions, and limited profit margins on long-haul routes. Still, he expressed confidence that with fleet expansion, strategic partnerships, and the upcoming completion of Bugesera International Airport, RwandAir is well-positioned to become one of Africa’s leading carriers.

'We are not yet at full equilibrium,' he said. 'But with sustained investment, an expanding network, and an empowered workforce, we’re building an airline that connects Rwanda to the world—and the world to Rwanda.'

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The decision was made following the approval of the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran and in view of the security and safety assessments under the country’s present circumstances, spokesman of the Iranian Roads and Urban Development Ministry Majid Akhavan said in a statement.

He said that the suspension of domestic and foreign flights to and from airports in Iran’s northern, southern and western parts was extended until 14:00 local time (1030 GMT) on Thursday.

He added the country’s eastern airspace, which had been reopened on June 29 to domestic and international flights, would remain open.

Iran on Saturday reopened its airspace in central and western areas to international transit flights.

The country closed its airspace on June 13 following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other areas. After a 12-day aerial conflict, the two countries achieved a ceasefire on June 24.

Iran on Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace in the country’s central and western parts to international transit flights after having reopened it five days ago.

Xinhua