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Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE magazine during the opening night of Call Me Izzy at Broadway’s Studio 54 on June 12, Roberts shared that the couple will be coming to the land of a thousand hills to celebrate nearly two years of marriage.

'We’re actually going to Rwanda,' said Roberts, 64. 'Because we wanted to celebrate that way, because our time together has been an adventure. And we thought what better way than to be with the gorillas … in Rwanda?'

The celebrated Good Morning America co-anchor and her wife, a massage therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area, tied the knot in an intimate backyard ceremony in Farmington, Connecticut, in September 2023, following nearly two decades together. They first met on a blind date in 2005 and have been inseparable ever since — a bond strengthened through personal milestones, health challenges, and years of mutual support.

Robin Roberts and Amber Laign at the ‘Call Me Izzy’ premiere in N.Y.C. on June 12.

The couple’s visit will come as Rwanda continues to grow its reputation as a premier luxury and eco-tourism destination. From trekking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to enjoying serene lakefront lodges and vibrant cultural experiences, the country has become a favourite among high-profile visitors seeking meaningful travel.

Roberts and Laign have long described their relationship as rooted in strong communication and mutual respect.

'We’ve had peaks and valleys — many more peaks than valleys,' Roberts told PEOPLE. 'Communication' and understanding each other’s backgrounds have been key to their enduring love.

Laign added, 'We keep it fresh. You’ve got to keep it fresh, have our little date nights.'

Amber Laign and Robin Roberts at the ‘Glamour’ Women of the Year Awards in N.Y.C. on Nov. 10, 2014.

Their anniversary trip also coincides with another milestone, 20 years together as a couple this July.

Roberts, known for her warmth and resilience on GMA, has inspired millions through her openness about overcoming breast cancer and a rare bone marrow disorder. Laign, too, is a cancer survivor, having battled breast cancer in recent years. Their mutual support during these health challenges has only deepened their bond.

With this upcoming trip, the couple joins a growing list of global celebrities drawn to Rwanda’s unique blend of wildlife, culture, and serenity. Other celebrities who have visited Rwanda recently include John Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, who were in the country in February for the Move Afrika concert series.

Whether exploring lush rainforests or enjoying quiet moments together in Kigali, Roberts and Laign’s Rwandan escape promises to be a celebration not just of their marriage but of love, resilience, and shared adventures.

Robin Roberts and Amber Laign attend the opening night of ‘Call Me Izzy’ in N.Y.C. on June 12, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Pezeshkian made the remarks during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a statement from his office. In response to Macron’s call for restraint, Pezeshkian said the United States must face consequences for its attacks on Iran.

He described the U.S. strikes as a “clear symbol of its insincerity and the baselessness of its claims about favoring dialogue and seeking peace.”

Despite this, Pezeshkian stressed Iran’s continued commitment to diplomacy with Europe, saying, “We have always announced our readiness for dialogue and interaction with Europe and have never abandoned the path of diplomacy, as we maintain that nobody would suffer any harm from dialogue.”

Macron reiterated France’s willingness to pursue negotiations with Iran and said Paris would continue efforts to halt the conflict and restore stability, according to the statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced on Truth Social that American forces had completed strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

The U.S. strikes followed Israeli attacks launched since June 13 on various targets in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. As of Saturday, more than 400 people have been killed and over 3,500 wounded in Iran, according to the Iranian Health Ministry. In Israel, authorities reported 24 fatalities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that the United States must “receive the response to its aggression,” following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Xinhua

A large number of Rwandans living in Israel are students, particularly those studying agriculture. Most of them have received scholarships through Israel’s MASHAV program, which is part of the country’s development aid efforts.

These students attend school one day a week, while the remaining days are spent working in the fields, often for up to eight hours. Each student has an agricultural expert assigned to them for guidance.

As the conflict intensifies between Israel and Iran, many countries have begun urging their citizens to return home as soon as possible. Those who are unable to leave have been advised to stay close to their embassies, where they can receive assistance in organizing their repatriation.

Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided specific figures on the number of Rwandans in Israel and Iran, they assured that all Rwandans in both countries are safe.

'All Rwandans living in Iran and Israel are safe , but contingency plans are in place to ensure their orderly return if necessary,' an official from the ministry told IGIHE.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe recently told The East African that while Rwanda doesn’t have known nationals in Iran, efforts are underway to determine if any Rwandans are currently in the country.

Rwanda has a history of assisting its citizens during times of conflict, having previously repatriated Rwandans from conflict zones like Sudan during escalated violence. Other neighboring countries are also taking steps to evacuate their citizens from Israel and Iran.

Uganda, for example, has repatriated 48 of its citizens, primarily students, from both countries via neighboring states.

Uganda has reached out to countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Jordan, requesting them to grant visas to Ugandan nationals fleeing the conflict. These individuals are being offered refuge and assistance as they leave Israel and Iran.

Meanwhile, many flights to and from Israel have been suspended. Ethiopian Airlines, which previously operated many of these flights from Sub-Saharan Africa, has canceled all its scheduled trips to the country.

The conflict has already claimed over 600 lives in Iran due to Israeli airstrikes, while 24 Israeli citizens have also lost their lives since the war began.

The ongoing intense conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its second week.

IGIHE

The Rwandan champions made the announcement on Sunday, June 22, 2025, through their official social media platforms, stating: “APR FC welcomes Dao R. Memel to the Army of Champions. Playmaker vibes on. Lion mode activated”

The 21-year-old joins from AS Sonabel Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, where he had an impressive campaign last season, scoring five goals. His performances caught the attention of several clubs in the region, including Tanzania’s Singida Big Stars.

Dao, known for his creativity and attacking flair, recently featured for the Burkina Faso national team in their 2-0 defeat to Tunisia during a friendly played on June 2, 2025. He also stood out at the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar, earning praise as one of the tournament’s top performers.

His arrival brings APR FC’s number of new signings to seven, following the acquisitions of Hakizimana Adolphe, Bugingo Hakim, Omborenga Fitina, Ronald Ssekiganda, Ngabonziza Pacifique, and Iraguha Hadji.

The military side is expected to make one final signing, a foreign striker, as they finalise their squad for the new campaign.

APR FC have confirmed the signing of Burkinabé attacking midfielder Memel Raouf Dao on a two-year contract, marking their first reinforcement ahead of the upcoming season.

The 21-year-old joins from AS Sonabel Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, where he had an impressive campaign last season, scoring five goals.

IGIHE

The introduction of the modern cleaning vehicle is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at preserving Kigali’s reputation as a model city for urban management and environmental sustainability.

According to Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, the vehicle is designed to sweep tarmacked roads in dirty areas using built-in brushes.

The vehicle is designed to sweep tarmacked roads in dirty areas using built-in brushes.

'It also has a method of cleaning roads without raising dust, by using a vacuum or suction system to remove dirt, debris, and loose materials from the road surface,' she said.

'The vehicle is equipped with a tank specifically designed to collect and store the waste it gathers, which is then transported to a designated disposal site.'

Ntirenganya added that the waste is discharged automatically and the vehicle includes 'high-pressure hoses that can be used to wash a vehicle, such as cleaning the tyres when necessary, or washing the entire vehicle when it has come from a dirty area before entering paved roads.'

She also assured that the deployment of the new vehicle will not replace current road-cleaning staff.

'The workers will remain in their roles because the vehicle does not enter drainage channels or clean other edges of the road. It also does not clean around roadside flowerbeds,' she said, adding that 'the vehicle operates from midnight, once traffic has reduced.'

The development comes as Kigali continues to draw praise for its cleanliness and innovative city management. Recognised for years as one of the cleanest cities in Africa, Kigali has consistently ranked highly in regional and international assessments.

In 2023, the city was named Africa’s premier smart city in the African Smart City Index. In July 2024, it ranked third among travellers’ favourite African cities.

'From urban planning to quality of life and business appeal, Kigali continues to set the bar high,' Ntirenganya said.

The city’s emphasis on cleanliness dates back over a decade. In 2007, Forbes named Kigali the cleanest city in Africa. A year later, it received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. In 2018, UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim described Kigali as 'the cleanest city on the planet.'

City authorities credit these achievements to consistent environmental policies, including the 2008 plastic bag ban, as well as community initiatives such as Umuganda, a monthly national clean-up activity in which residents take part in maintaining public spaces.

WATCH:

Kigali has begun using a smart road-cleaning vehicle overnight as part of its strategy to sustain its status as one of Africa’s cleanest cities. #RBANews pic.twitter.com/tAi8Kh9s3S

— Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) June 22, 2025

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The troops consist of 317 soldiers from South Africa and 144 from Malawi. They travelled in 11 RITCO buses, escorted by Rwandan security agencies.

The troops crossed the 'Grande Barrière’ border post a few minutes before 9:00 a.m., and headed to Kigali, from where they continued their journey to Tanzania to be airlifted to their home countries.

The repatriation of SAMIDRC troops through Rwanda began on June 12, 2025, as part of the second phase of the withdrawal process.

The mission, launched in December 2023 to support Congolese forces in neutralising the M23 rebel group, was terminated in March.

The first phase of the withdrawal, which began on 29 April, focused on the removal of equipment and logistical supplies.

Deployed with an offensive mandate, SAMIDRC was tasked with pushing back the M23 rebels, who have repeatedly stated they are fighting against the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC. However, the mission faced significant operational challenges.

In January, M23 rebels seized the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu, dealing a serious blow to the regional intervention force. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 18 SADC troops, including 14 from South Africa, two from Malawi, and two from Tanzania, and left dozens injured.

Since the loss of Goma, SAMIDRC forces had largely remained confined to their bases, amid growing political pressure from within SADC member states to disengage. In South Africa, lawmakers increasingly questioned the rationale behind continued military involvement.

The troops consist of 317 soldiers from South Africa and 144 from Malawi.

The withdrawing troops were escorted by Rwandan security agencies.

The troops crossed the 'Grande Barrière’ border post a few minutes before 9:00 a.m., and headed to Kigali, from where they continued their journey to Tanzania to be airlifted to their home countries.

IGIHE

The announcement, made by the Embassy of Rwanda in the United States, confirms the two artists will join afrobeat sensation The Ben for a much-anticipated concert on July 5. The trio is expected to bring high energy and unforgettable performances to the main stage.

The celebration kicks off on July 4 with a powerful performance by cultural icon Massamba Intore, setting the tone for a weekend of music, unity, and pride. Gospel favourite Meddy will close out the event on July 6, leading a worship and praise session as attendees wrap up the three-day gathering on a spiritual high.

This year’s edition will be hosted at the Irving Convention Center in Texas, marking the return of Rwanda Convention USA after a five-year break—the last one being held in 2019.

The convention offers Rwandans living across the U.S. a vibrant space to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate both Rwanda’s Liberation Day and American Independence Day, which are both commemorated on July 4.

IGIHE

“Despite the complexity surrounding Iran, we completed the Bushehr nuclear reactor there. We’ve also signed contracts to build two additional reactors,” Putin said.

U.S. President Donald Trump promised to support Russia’s demand to ensure the safety of Russian employees of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Putin said, adding that Russia acts within the framework of international norms in Iran and asks to ensure the safety of personnel in Bushehr.

“Our specialists are on the ground in Bushehr — 250 based there full-time and others on temporary deployment. The total workforce can hit 600. And we’re not pulling out,” Putin said during a meeting with the heads of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg.

Putin also said that he is concerned about the situation around Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Threats to Iran’s nuclear facilities require Russia to participate in the search for peaceful solutions, Putin added.

In a Friday briefing at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi warned of the risk of nuclear contamination from Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Grossi said that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is an operating nuclear power plant, which hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material. “I want to make it absolutely and completely clear: In case of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment.”

Despite the complex situation surrounding Iran, Russia remains committed to the Bushehr nuclear reactor project, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Xinhua

Putin made the remarks in response to a question from Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, during a meeting with heads of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg.

Putin emphasized that Russia has established itself as a key economic partner for China, with bilateral trade reaching 240 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. He noted that the two countries have launched a series of practical investment projects and that the scale of investment is expected to grow further.

“This achievement stems not only from China’s economic growth in scale and quality but also from the enduring friendship that binds our countries,” he added.

Putin said financial cooperation is now a top priority in bilateral relations, with a focus on ensuring stable capital flows to sustain economic momentum and drive new breakthroughs in trade.

He also highlighted enormous cooperation potential in high-tech, aerospace and aircraft manufacturing.

Putin stressed that China has achieved remarkable success in the field of artificial intelligence, creating tenfold efficiency at one-tenth the cost of competitors, which is “amazing and gratifying.”

As economic and cultural ties deepen, Putin noted growing interest in the Chinese language across Russia. Currently, about 25,000 young Russians are enrolled in Chinese educational institutions.

The regularly held Russia-China theme years have not only deepened cultural and people-to-people cooperation and exchanges, but also enhanced mutual understanding between the two peoples, he said.

Putin also shared a personal anecdote, revealing that his daughter began studying Chinese with a tutor in the early 2000s, and that his granddaughter now speaks fluent Chinese with her teacher from Beijing.

The media event was organized on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Xinhua

Unlike most hotels in Rwanda, Château le Marara is modelled after a European-style château, a type of grand architecture traditionally associated with royalty and nobility. These buildings, common across Europe between the 8th and 16th centuries, were fortified residences for kings and the elite, serving both as homes and places of governance, celebrations, and decision-making.

Examples of such historic châteaux include Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, Château de Chenonceau in France, and Himeji Castle in Japan. While rare on the African continent, Rwanda now proudly hosts its own version—open not just for viewing, but also for overnight stays.

Upon entry, guests are welcomed into a display suite known as 'Fou de Toi,' named after the hit song by Element EleéeH, Ross Kana, and Bruce Melodie. The music video for the song, which has garnered over 24 million views on YouTube, prominently features the hotel during its construction phase, helping catapult Château le Marara into public awareness.

'The song played a huge role in promoting Château le Marara while it was still under construction. Many people learned about the hotel through that video,” says Mucyo Solange, a manager at the hotel.

“This room is used to showcase what the other rooms look like. It’s representative of the entire hotel’s style, which is consistent throughout.'

From the walls and beds to the carpets, sofas, and curtains, every detail at Château le Marara reflects royal grandeur.

'Everything is inspired by the traditional château aesthetic. In France and other parts of Europe, châteaux were homes to kings and nobles. Similarly, in Rwanda, our own kings also lived in beautiful, distinguished settings. That’s the inspiration behind our beds, chairs, and decor—it’s a tribute to royal living,” Mucyo explains.

The dominant colour throughout the hotel is red, a deliberate design choice.

'Red is traditionally associated with royalty. Even at weddings, someone in a red gown always stands out,' she adds.

Each room in the hotel has a distinct name, some inspired by the hills of Karongi, others by themes of Rwandan royalty and love.

In total, the hotel features 21 rooms, plus a VIP suite. The ground floor has two rooms, the first floor six, the second floor seven, and the third floor, which is built within the rooftop space typical of many European châteaux, contains six rooms.

Among these is the VIP suite, which includes a private lounge area.

'It’s like the other rooms but has exclusive features, such as a private sitting area and an additional room on the lower level,” Mucyo notes.

The hotel also offers discounts for long stays.

'We offer flexibility. For guests staying multiple nights, especially those coming with family or for a honeymoon, we adjust the rates based on their agreement with management,” the manager explains.

Another standout is the 'Le President' suite, described by Mucyo as the most luxurious room in the hotel.

'It’s our best suite. The furniture, space, balcony view, and dressing area set it apart from the rest.'

Interest in the hotel has grown steadily, with many Rwandans reaching out for more information and making visits.

'Rwandans are curious and excited to see the place. They write to us, ask questions, and come to experience it themselves,' Mucyo shares.

Having a château-style hotel in Rwanda is a point of pride for her.

'It’s a great honour. First, it adds to Rwanda’s beauty and tourism appeal. But more than that, investing in your own country and building something appreciated both locally and internationally is deeply fulfilling.'

The hotel also works closely with the local community. Mucyo emphasises their commitment to sourcing from nearby residents:

'We buy locally, especially basic food items and supplies. Of course, there are some things we need to source from Kigali or even from abroad, but we make it a priority to work with the local community. We purchase goods from them and also create job opportunities.'

At $200 a night, Château le Marara offers more than just accommodation. It delivers a royal experience rooted in heritage, refined design, and the warmth of Rwandan hospitality.

Château le Marara is a distinctively designed hotel, featuring an architectural style that is rare in Rwanda.

Château le Marara is a distinctively designed hotel, featuring an architectural style that is rare in Rwanda.

The entrance to Château le Marara offers a glimpse of its distinctive charm.

A view of Château le Marara from the foothills near Lake Kivu.

Château le Marara prides itself on its staff, who are trained to offer exceptional hospitality.

The restaurant at Château le Marara.

Château le Marara features an elegant bar serving a wide selection of drinks, from alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to wine and more.

Château le Marara offers a spacious conference room for meetings and events.

Video: Igisubizo Isaac
Photos: Kwizera Remy Moses

IGIHE