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The summit represents a historic first — the first time the gathering is being held in a Central Asian country. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a keynote speech.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun, the summit will open up new space for Belt and Road cooperation and build an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

The inaugural summit was held two years ago in China’s northwestern city of Xi’an, where leaders agreed to hold the top-level gathering every two years alternately in China and Central Asia.

Xi arrived in Astana on Monday to a blue-carpet welcome. The color — featured on Kazakhstan’s national flag — symbolizes the sky and holds deep cultural significance in the country.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, leading a team of senior officials, welcomed the Chinese president at the airport, and hosted a grand ceremony to mark his arrival.

Kazakh children and teenagers recited heartfelt verses for Xi: “China-Kazakhstan friendship heart to heart, the Silk Road shines forever bright;” “You help me and I help you, peace and happiness forever true.”

During their talks later in the day, Xi told Tokayev that China has always viewed and developed its relationship with Kazakhstan from a strategic and long-term perspective.

The two countries should practice true multilateralism, and resolutely safeguard the common interests of the vast majority of developing countries, Xi said.

Kazakhstan-China relations are at the highest level, said Aidar Amrebayev, director of the Center for Political Studies at the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies of the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

“Both a partner and a friend to China,” said Amrebayev, “Kazakhstan, one could say, also serves as a bridge connecting China with many countries across Eurasia.”

There are various formats of cooperation with Central Asian countries, and the most effective and successful is precisely the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, he said.

During the Xi’an summit in May 2023, Xi and the presidents of the five Central Asian countries signed the Xi’an Declaration, vowing to work together to build a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

The Belt and Road Initiative has played a central role in advancing cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries. Thanks to the initiative, China now stands as Central Asia’s top trading partner and major investment source. In 2024, two-way trade soared to almost 95 billion U.S. dollars, up by 5.4 billion dollars from the previous year.

In 2013, Xi first laid out his vision for building the Silk Road Economic Belt — a key component of the initiative in Astana when delivering a landmark speech at Nazarbayev University.

When talking with Tokayev, Xi called for efforts to consolidate strengths of traditional cooperation in trade, investment and energy, advance the construction of cross-border railway projects and the upgrading of port infrastructure, promote connectivity, high-tech cooperation as well as green and sustainable development.

Through the initiative, China is offering a lot of opportunities in energy, digital transformation, AI development and education, said Jessica Neafie, an assistant professor from the Political Science and International Relations Department of Nazarbayev University.

As Kazakhstan is a landlocked country, Neafie said, the initiative, along with broader trends in globalization, has helped people in the country become more globally connected and outward-looking.

Abdugani Mamadazimov, a scholar at Tajik National University, said that since the launch of the initiative, Central Asian countries have actively aligned their national development plans and strategies with it.

The upcoming summit, he noted, is expected to further deepen the Belt and Road cooperation in the region, particularly by accelerating progress in transcontinental land transportation and logistics infrastructure, and promoting the growth of joint ventures across a range of industries and service sectors.

Xinhua

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ahead of the second China-Central Asia Summit.

Xi pointed out that China-Kazakhstan relations have withstood the test of international changes and have consistently maintained a high level of development. This is due to the geographical proximity and the long-standing friendship between the two peoples, as well as the inevitable choice for the two countries to pursue development together, he said.

In recent years under joint planning of the two leaders, Xi said, the China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future has become more substantial and richer in content, with tangible and people-centered outcomes continuously emerging, effectively enhancing the sense of fulfillment among the two peoples.

China has always viewed and developed its relationship with Kazakhstan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work together with Kazakhstan to unswervingly consolidate the friendship between the two countries, he said.

Xi emphasized that both China and Kazakhstan are at crucial stages of their respective development and revitalization, and the two countries should work together to advance comprehensive cooperation.

First, high-level strategic mutual trust should guide the development of bilateral relations, Xi said, urging both countries to continue to support each other on issues involving their core interests and major concerns, to promote synergy of their development strategies, to be strong supporters of each other amid the turbulent international situation, and to be helpful partners in their respective development and revitalization.

Second, he said, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation should be used to improve bilateral cooperation. Efforts should be made to consolidate strengths of traditional cooperation in trade, investment and energy, advance the construction of cross-border railway projects and the upgrading of port infrastructure, promote connectivity, high-tech cooperation as well as green and sustainable development, Xi said.

Third, he said, comprehensive security cooperation should be carried out to safeguard peace and stability of the two countries. This includes expanding law enforcement and defense exchanges, jointly combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, and deepening cooperation in emergency management as well as disaster prevention and mitigation, Xi said.

Fourth, Xi noted, diversified people-to-people exchanges should be carried out to solidify the foundation of China-Kazakhstan friendship. He also called for organizing well the China tourism year in Kazakhstan and encouraging more exchanges among youth, media and think tanks as well as at the local level.

Xi pointed out that in the face of the international situation intertwined with changes and chaos, China and Kazakhstan should firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, practice true multilateralism, and resolutely safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

China commends Kazakhstan for the extensive preparatory work it has done for the second China-Central Asia Summit, and believes that this meeting will write a new chapter in cooperation between China and Central Asia, Xi said.

Meanwhile, as the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China is willing to work with all member states to take this year’s Tianjin summit as an opportunity to strengthen the organization and demonstrate new development, new breakthroughs and new looks.

For his part, Tokayev said that China is a friendly neighbor, close friend and reliable partner of Kazakhstan.

The Kazakhstan-China permanent comprehensive strategic partnership is entering a new golden age, driving the sustainable economic and social development of both countries, benefiting the two peoples, and serving as a model of relations between countries, he said.

Noting that Kazakhstan and China share a strong political will to enhance cooperation, Tokayev said the two countries have always supported each other on issues concerning their core interests, such as sovereignty and security, regardless of changes in the international landscape.

Under the wise leadership of President Xi, great achievements have been made in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, he said.

Kazakhstan is sincerely glad for these achievements and firmly believes that China will continue to achieve greater development accomplishments, Tokayev said, adding that Kazakhstan is willing to deepen strategic mutual trust and all-round mutually beneficial cooperation with China and elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

The two sides should jointly advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in fields such as trade, investment, industry, agriculture, energy and transportation, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges in culture, education, sports and tourism, he added.

The Kazakh side highly appreciates and actively supports China’s commitment and efforts to safeguard international fairness and justice, and is ready to continue close cooperation and mutual support with China within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the SCO, BRICS, the China-Central Asia mechanism, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, so as to push forward the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.

Following the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the exchange of more than 10 bilateral cooperation documents covering areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, customs, tourism, and media.

Xinhua

She made the disclosure on June 17, 2025, during a meeting with members of the Senate’s Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights, which followed a report detailing a visit to several of Rwanda’s islands.

Muganza emphasized that research, conducted in collaboration with various stakeholders, has highlighted the islands’ unique biodiversity.

This makes them ideal candidates for development into a National Island Park. She noted, “It is evident that the islands, which host unique ecosystems, could be consolidated into a significant area, or a National Island Park, in the near future, potentially by 2028.”

However, Kangeli also pointed out several challenges to developing the islands in a way that benefits both local communities and the country. These challenges include insufficient infrastructure, issues with land registration on some islands, and underdeveloped transport systems.

Senator Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu expressed his belief that the islands should be developed as tourism destinations, which could contribute significantly to Rwanda’s revenue.

“I think these islands should be developed as special tourism sites. Some islands have historical significance for Rwanda. We should focus on creating high-quality tourism across all islands, except for Nkombo, which should remain mostly residential,” he said.

He also suggested that the islands could serve as hubs for research into medicinal plants, as well as opportunities for beekeeping and cattle farming. “I believe there is tremendous potential for these islands to contribute significantly to the economy, even more so than the gorillas, as I have personally seen,” he added.

Rwanda currently boasts several national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe National Park, all of which attract a steady stream of tourists.

Tourism is a crucial sector for Rwanda, and the country is positioning itself as a leading eco-tourism and cultural destination in Africa.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Umuhire Adrie, emphasized the need to prepare the islands properly while ensuring that local communities benefit from the development.

Senator Niyomugabo Cyprien further noted that if the islands are developed appropriately, they could generate significant revenue for the country. He also called for the promotion of cultural tourism in the region.

In 2024, Rwanda’s tourism sector generated $647 million (approximately Frw 932 billion), marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year. This growth was largely driven by a 27% increase in gorilla-related tourism and an 11% rise in air travel.

Rwanda mulls establishing National Island Park by 2028.

IGIHE

Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, made the call while delivering a statement during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation in eastern DRC at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Ambassador Bakuramutsa expressed deep concern over what she described as an alarming increase in hostile actions against Rwanda originating from the DRC since late 2021.

Top among the concerns is the alliance between the Congolese Army and the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned armed group composed of elements responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The envoy maintained that the FDLR continues to operate in the Great Lakes region, spreading genocidal ideology.

“The reinforced collaboration between the Congolese Army and the FDLR poses a direct threat to regional stability and cannot be ignored,” Ambassador Bakuramutsa stated, noting that the eastern DRC is home to around 200 armed groups contributing to persistent insecurity.

Rwanda also cited multiple acts of aggression from Congolese forces, including cross-border shelling, airspace violations by DRC military jets, and the disappearance of Rwandan nationals within Congolese territory.

The Rwandan envoy also pointed to what she termed an 'organised campaign of hate speech and incitement' targeting Congolese citizens of Rwandan descent.

Rwanda expressed concerns over the public call for regime change in Rwanda by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, which Kigali described as an unprecedented and dangerous escalation.

Ambassador Bakuramutsa also noted that the M23, which the DRC accuses Rwanda of backing, is a movement composed of Congolese citizens from marginalised, Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, whose grievances stem from systemic discrimination and human rights violations, not from foreign sponsorship.

'Their grievances are rooted in structural exclusion, hate speech, and persecution—governance failures that must be addressed by the DRC government,' she said.

Reaffirming Kigali’s commitment to peace, the Rwandan envoy highlighted Rwanda’s active role in the African-led peace framework and parallel initiatives in Doha and Washington. She also endorsed the inclusion of humanitarian corridors within the regional peace process spearheaded by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Rwanda appealed to the international community to support these African-led efforts politically and humanitarianly, stressing that local solutions are essential to resolving regional instability.

'Rwanda stands ready to engage in constructive dialogue, provided that the work of the fact-finding mission remains impartial and free from politicisation,' said Bakuramutsa.

'Only by addressing the structural drivers of conflict in eastern DRC can the Council begin to restore trust and relevance in a region too often failed by the international community.'

The statement comes amid efforts by Qatar and the United States to resolve the conflict, with a peace deal expected to be signed on June 15 between the DRC and Rwanda now delayed.

Rwanda participated in the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council and delivered a statement during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation in Eastern DRC.

Key highlights:
1️⃣ Instability stems from the DRC government’s failure to address internal governance and… pic.twitter.com/KXscdLxo3h

— Rwanda in Geneva (@RwandaInGeneva) June 17, 2025

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing members of the press from East and Southern Africa in New Delhi, Singh emphasised India’s consistent policy of neutrality and dialogue in resolving global conflicts, while taking a firm stand against terrorism.

Singh articulated India’s approach to the Rwanda-DRC crisis, stating, 'India’s stated policy for many conflicts around the world, be it Rwanda-DRC, Russia-Ukraine, or Israel-Palestine, is to remain completely non-judgmental about the merits of the case.'

He explained that India refrains from examining evidence or passing judgment, viewing both Rwanda and the DRC as sovereign nations with their own decision-making capacities, histories, and perspectives on the conflict.

'Both sides are not children; they are adults,' Singh remarked, underscoring the importance of respecting their autonomy.

India’s policy, as outlined by Singh, rests on three key pillars: an immediate cessation of hostilities, the initiation of dialogue, and an expression of concern for the situation.

'Our approach is always: stop fighting, start a conversation,' he said, noting that this framework applies universally across conflicts.

Singh emphasised that any Indian press statement on global conflicts would consistently advocate for these principles, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering peace through diplomacy.

While advocating for neutrality in the Rwanda-DRC conflict, Singh was unequivocal in condemning terrorism.

'We have strong opinions on terrorism,' he declared. 'We reject distinctions like 'militant’ versus 'terrorist’ or 'good terrorist’ versus 'bad terrorist.’ The only good terrorist is a dead terrorist.'

He stressed that India draws a firm line against actions that target innocent civilians for political objectives.

'Nothing justifies picking up a gun and terrorising innocent civilians,' Singh asserted, adding that open warfare, if necessary, should be conducted transparently rather than through acts of terror.

DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group, which is fighting for the rights of Rwandophone communities.

Rwanda vehemently denies these allegations and instead accuses the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR terrorist group, formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Singh’s remarks also come amid ongoing negotiations facilitated by Qatar and the United States.

The peace deal between the two countries was expected to be signed on June 15, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed that the final agreement is yet to be finalised.

Mayank Singh, Joint Secretary for East and Southern Africa at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, has outlined India’s stance on tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

IGIHE

The announcement was made on June 16 by the Minister of State for Local Government, Marie Solange Kayisire, while addressing the Senate’s Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights.

The state minister revealed that, of Rwanda’s 60 islands, only 14 are currently inhabited. Following the planned relocations, only three islands, Nkombo, Bugarura, and Birwa, will remain settled.

'These relocations are necessary. The geography of these islands poses serious risks to residents, and delivering services like clean water, electricity, and healthcare is often more expensive than resettlement itself,' Kayisire explained.

The relocation will affect more than 4,600 households, impacting over 25,000 people.

The islands earmarked for resettlement include Mwegerera and Mukira in Musanze District; Munanira and Bigwa in Burera; Sharita and Mazane in Bugesera; Gihaya in Rusizi; and Mushungo, Muzira, Kirehe, Ruzi, and Tereri in Nyamasheke District.

In Musanze’s Mwegerera and Mukira islands, 38 families rely on boats to ferry their children to schools on the mainland, while in Bigwa, 78 families live without stable solar power and basic infrastructure.

Kayisire said the relocation process has already begun in some areas. For instance, 26 families have started moving from Munanira, with costs estimated at Rwf127.6 million. In Sharita, 212 families were previously relocated under government IDP programmes, with 84 families still awaiting relocation. The district requires Rwf2.5 billion to complete the process.

Lawmakers welcomed the plan but called for fair compensation and detailed demographic planning.

'We need to know the numbers of women, children, and elders involved so we can design appropriate support,' said Senator Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu.

Kayisire emphasised that relocated families are being integrated into government social protection programmes like Girinka and income-generating initiatives.

'We are not only offering safer environments but ensuring long-term support and resilience for these communities,' she said.

The government has announced plans to resettle residents from 11 inhabited islands across the country, citing safety risks and the unsustainable cost of delivering essential services.

IGIHE

In a public notice dated Monday, June 16, 2025, the central bank confirmed that it is now implementing Regulation n° 89/2024, which amends existing rules governing foreign exchange operations.

The updated regulation, published in the Official Gazette on 30 May 2025, introduces strict pecuniary sanctions for unauthorised pricing, transacting, or auctioning in foreign currencies.

'Any individual or entity that prices goods or services, or transacts in foreign currency without prior authorisation from the National Bank of Rwanda commits an administrative fault,' the notice read.

Under the new regulations, individuals or businesses found pricing goods or services in foreign currency without prior authorisation will face a fine of Frw 5 million for a first offence, which doubles to Frw 10 million for any subsequent violations.

Those caught transacting in foreign currency illegally will be penalised 50 percent of the total amount involved in the first instance, and 100 percent of the amount for repeat offences.

Additionally, anyone who calls for or takes part in unauthorised foreign currency auctions will be fined 50 percent of the total auctioned amount.

BNR Governor Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye emphasised that only certain exceptions apply, including transactions involving non-residents carried out by hotels, casinos, tourism operators, duty-free shops, and international schools, as well as payments related to imports or exports.

The regulator also encouraged the public to report suspicious or unlawful foreign exchange activities through official channels, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda National Police (RNP), or local authorities.

The enforcement marks the start of a more aggressive stance by the central bank to stamp out unofficial foreign currency activity in Rwanda’s economy following concerns over growing informal use of foreign currencies, particularly in the real estate, where rent or services are sometimes quoted in US dollars.

In a public notice dated Monday, June 16, 2025, Governor Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye confirmed that the central bank is now implementing Regulation n° 89/2024, which amends existing rules governing foreign exchange operations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In the infrastructure sector, modern buildings play a vital role as Rwanda competes to attract financial institutions, including international ones, which require state-of-the-art facilities.

This need led to the conceptualization of the 'Kigali International Financial and Business Square,’ a project featuring two identical towers. One building will accommodate commercial businesses, while the other will house a hotel and modern residential apartments.

Construction on the project began in 2022 and, barring unforeseen delays, is expected to be completed within 12 months.

Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda Limited, which is overseeing the construction, explained that the project aligns with the country’s ambitions to become an investment hub.

'This building is part of a partnership with the government, which has supported the construction. We are developing it as a Financial Center,' Namara explained.

'When a country aims big like this, you start to ask, 'Where will the financial center be?’ Kigali has taken this challenge, and the area where we are building will become the Financial District. However, compared to other financial centers, more infrastructure is still needed,' he added.

Namara further emphasized that Rwanda’s goal to become a development center hinges on the advancement of infrastructure, including modern buildings.

“The idea emerged to help Rwanda build infrastructure that would accelerate its transformation into a financial hub. The project kicked off when His Excellency the President laid the foundation stone.”

The project, which is estimated to cost $100 million, is progressing steadily. Namara noted, “We are currently on the 17th floor of one tower, and the other is on the 13th floor. We are about 60% to 70% through with the main structure. While the early stages were slow, the pace has accelerated as we go higher.”

Namara also reassured that the building would be completed soon, with the first tower expected to be ready by March next year.

“We anticipate finishing the project by June next year, ahead of our initial target of July 2026. The other tower, near the Car Free Zone, which will feature a hotel and residential apartments, will be completed by June 2026, with its finishing work nearly done.”

Despite rain-related delays, Namara confirmed that there were no significant issues, adding, 'There have been no budgetary concerns despite global price increases. We are confident we can meet our deadlines.'

Equity Bank’s new landmark building in Kigali is now 60% complete.

Construction on the project began in 2022 and, barring unforeseen delays, is expected to be completed within 12 months.

IGIHE

The announcement was made late Monday by the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), the country’s media regulator.

According to HAAC, the decision follows 'repeated failings' by both outlets, which allegedly aired biased and factually incorrect content that 'undermines the stability of republican institutions and the country’s image.'

While the authority did not cite specific broadcasts, it stated that the measure was necessary to counter disinformation and interference, emphasising that freedom of the press 'cannot be synonymous with disinformation.'

The suspension comes amid mounting political tensions in the West African nation, where President Faure Gnassingbé has faced growing opposition following constitutional changes approved in May.

The changes created a new position, President of the Council of Ministers, held by Gnassingbé with no term limits, a move critics have labelled a “constitutional coup” aimed at extending his rule indefinitely.

RFI and France 24 have been reporting on protests organised by opposition parties and civil society groups in response to the controversial reforms.

In a joint statement, the two broadcasters said they were “surprised” by the decision and reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to the ethical principles of journalism,” expressing readiness to engage with Togolese authorities to clarify any concerns.

Since 2022, public demonstrations have been officially banned in Togo, following a deadly explosion at a market in Lomé. However, political tensions have continued to simmer, with critics accusing the government of stifling dissent.

Togo has suspended broadcasts by French state-owned international media outlets RFI and France 24 for three months, accusing them of lacking impartiality and professionalism in their reporting.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The law outlines circumstances under which civilians, accused of crimes such as possessing military equipment or collaborating with military personnel in serious offenses like treason or murder, can be tried in military tribunals.

A previous law permitting such trials was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in January.

Under the new law, qualified advocates at the High Court level will be appointed as judges to the General Court Martial. This development marks an important update to Uganda’s legal framework, expanding the role of military courts in the justice system.

“The law will deal decisively with armed violent criminals, deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes, and ensure national security is bound on a firm foundational base. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!,” army spokesperson Col Chris Magezi wrote on X after the bill was passed by MPs.

While the law has sparked significant debate, it represents a notable shift in how Uganda will handle certain types of criminal cases involving civilians and military matters.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially signed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2025 into law, granting military courts the authority to try civilians in certain cases.

IGIHE