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The event served as a platform to recognize their role in achieving Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.

Despite remarkable progress, women in business still encounter obstacles. Many struggle with societal perceptions that limit them to small-scale enterprises, while others face difficulties in accessing financing and engaging in international trade.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between men and women, alongside strong government intervention. Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), commended the resilience and innovation of Rwandan women.

'We celebrate their resilience, innovation, and willing commitment to driving economic transformation in our country. Women-owned businesses now make up 42% of all enterprises in Rwanda, a remarkable achievement that speaks to their strength and determination,' she said.

Mubiligi emphasized that progress is not just about numbers but about the real impact of women-led businesses on communities.

'This represents real women whose businesses are creating jobs, transforming communities, and inspiring the next generation. This has been fueled by the government’s strong commitment to gender equality, financial inclusion, and various initiatives supported by partners, including the PSF Specialized Cluster,' she said.

She also urged women to build partnerships at all levels, stating that collaboration among business owners is crucial for sustained success. Women entrepreneurs were encouraged to support each other by promoting locally made products.

Rose Kayitesi, a Kigali-based businesswoman specializing in organic products and cleaning services, shared her journey. 'I started with only four products but gradually expanded to over ten. My secret was working with others and fostering cooperation among female entrepreneurs,' she said.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s progress in gender equality, Silas Ngayaboshya, Director of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), highlighted the country’s achievements over the decades.

'In Rwanda, women have reached remarkable milestones. Over the past 30 years since the country’s liberation, we have seen extraordinary progress in leadership, the economy, education, and business,' he noted.

Rwandan women entrepreneurs gathered on March 27, 2025, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

However, Ngayaboshya stressed that true empowerment must go beyond financial independence to include decision-making within households. 'While we have made significant progress, we are not yet where we aspire to be,' he stated.

Cultural norms still restrict many women from managing their own earnings freely, limiting their economic participation.

Ngayaboshya also called for greater inclusion of women in male-dominated industries such as transportation, mining, and technology. Additionally, he addressed gender disparities in domestic responsibilities, emphasizing the need for shared household duties.

'Shared responsibility is fundamental to gender equality. Women should have the opportunity to work and run businesses while ensuring children’s needs are met. However, we must move away from the belief that childcare is solely a woman’s duty,' he said.

To further advance gender equality, Rwanda has introduced a National Transformative Strategy that encourages men and boys to take an active role in supporting women’s empowerment.

This initiative aims to foster inclusivity and shared responsibility in the journey toward gender equity. As Rwanda continues on its path of economic transformation, women entrepreneurs remain at the forefront, driving change, overcoming barriers, and shaping the nation’s future.

Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), commended the resilience and innovation of Rwandan women.

IGIHE

According to a report by Radio France Internationale (RFI) on March 28, 2025, explosives specialists have been deployed to remove hazardous devices, paving the way for the airport’s potential reopening to facilitate humanitarian aid for communities affected by the ongoing crisis in eastern DR Congo.

Goma International Airport was closed on January 26, 2025, following intense clashes between M23 and DRC government forces.

Although international organizations have repeatedly urged the reopening of the airport to establish a humanitarian corridor, the presence of unexploded ordnance left behind after the clashes has delayed progress.

AFC/M23 emphasized that the removal of these dangerous devices remains a key priority before the airport can resume normal operations.

On February 11, 2025, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka highlighted that technical challenges, including unexploded ordnance and significant damage to the runway, had prevented the airport from reopening.

Additionally, the control tower sustained extensive damage during the retreat of DRC forces, further complicating efforts to restore functionality.

Military equipment, including trucks, small aircraft, and heavy weaponry, was also abandoned in the area, adding to the complexity of the clearance operations.

As demining efforts continue, optimism grows that Goma International Airport will soon be safe enough to resume operations.

M23 has been controlling Goma airport since January 2025.

Military equipment, including trucks, small aircraft, and heavy weaponry, was also abandoned at the runwway, adding to the complexity of the clearance operations.

IGIHE

Sebahizi made these remarks while addressing the National Forum of Political Parties, where he outlined the country’s policies and strategies for enhancing international trade and economic cooperation.

In light of ongoing security issues in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), several countries have imposed sanctions on Rwanda, including trade restrictions, while overlooking the underlying causes of the regional problems.

For instance, the European Union has placed sanctions on Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold Refinery, prohibiting it from trading gold within EU member states.

However, Sebahizi pointed out that these sanctions stem from Rwanda’s decision to fill the economic gaps left by these countries. Through Rwanda’s measures, the country now processes and exports its minerals directly, whereas these nations previously handled the processing.

Rwanda continues to strengthen its mining sector with several processing plants designed to add value to its minerals before export. These include the Gasabo Gold Refinery, which processes 96 tons of gold annually, LuNa Smelter, which melts 360 tons of cassiterite monthly, and Power Resources International Ltd., which processes 120 tons of coltan each month.

Sebahizi emphasized that raw minerals exported without processing are often seen as waste by the importing countries, even though these nations profit significantly from them.

'When we process these minerals ourselves, the countries that previously imported them lose out, which is why they are unhappy with the decision,' Sebahizi said.

The Minister also highlighted that many investors who had mining licenses in Rwanda once planned to export unprocessed minerals. However, they are now required to process the minerals domestically.

'Our gold is not sold to Europe. If you look at the numbers, you’ll see that our refined gold is sent to Arab countries.

'The strategy is to find alternative markets so that if Europeans block our access to their market, we can take our products elsewhere. However, it’s also possible for us to use these resources ourselves and start selling the finished products derived from our minerals,' Sebahizi explained.

The Minister reaffirmed that Rwanda’s strategy is centered on processing all mined resources locally to create added value within the country.

“For example, we have many minerals used to make metals and glass. Today, we produce metals and glass ourselves. So, their sanctions don’t mean much to us. In fact, we need them to help our industries grow. What they did is open our eyes and teach us a new kind of wisdom,' Sebahizi added.

Rwanda is rich in valuable minerals such as Wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan, which are used in tungsten, tin, and tantalum production. The country extracts between 8,000 and 10,000 tons of these minerals annually, with prices fluctuating based on market conditions.

In addition to these minerals, Rwanda also produces gold in regions like Gicumbi, Musanze, Burera, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, and Nyarugenge. The country also has sapphires in the western provinces and is conducting ongoing research into lithium and other minerals.

According to the Rwanda Mining Board (RMB), mineral exports in 2023 generated over $1.1 billion, marking a 43% increase from the previous year.

Rwanda’s target is to reach $2.2 billion in mining revenue by 2029, with plans to increase the share of processed minerals from 40% to 80%.

Rwanda continues to strengthen its mining sector with several processing plants designed to add value to its minerals before export. These include the Gasabo Gold Refinery, which processes 96 tons of gold annually.

IGIHE

Cancer cells typically hide from the immune system by displaying minimal recognizable proteins. However, in this new study, researchers disrupted protein production within the cancer cells, forcing them to produce abnormal proteins.

These new proteins made the cancer cells more visible to the immune system, prompting a stronger immune response capable of targeting and destroying them.

In tests using mouse models, the method successfully activated immune cells to target and inhibit tumor growth.

When combined with existing immunotherapy treatments, the approach led to the complete eradication of tumors in approximately 40 percent of the mice, according to Yardena Samuels, who led the research.

This innovative technique holds significant promise for improving cancer treatment, particularly for cancers with fewer mutations.

The research team is now investigating how the method can be applied to various other cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, hoping it will lead to more effective, widespread therapies in the future.

IGIHE

UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, expressed grave concern on Wednesday, warning that years of progress in reducing child starvation could be undone.

“Since 2000, the number of stunted children under the age of five has fallen by 55 million, and the lives of millions of severely malnourished children have been saved,” she stated.

“But steep funding cuts will dramatically reverse these gains and put the lives of millions more children at risk.”

UNICEF’s estimates show that over 2.4 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could lose access to life-saving therapeutic foods for the rest of the year.

Additionally, up to 2,300 centers providing critical care for children with severe wasting are either closing or drastically reducing their services, while nearly 28,000 outpatient therapeutic centers supported by UNICEF are at risk.

The funding cuts are particularly tied to the U.S., the largest donor to UN agencies. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, U.S. foreign aid has been slashed, including nearly all multi-year aid contracts, following a sweeping pause on existing foreign assistance.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that these cuts will have devastating effects on vulnerable populations worldwide.

In response to the funding crisis, Russell urged governments and donors to prioritize child health and nutrition programs, particularly through the Child Nutrition Fund, which was launched in 2023.

She stressed that good nutrition is essential for child survival and development, offering significant returns on investment.

UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, expressed grave concern on Wednesday, warning that years of progress in reducing child starvation could be undone.

IGIHE

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, dispatching 21 ambulances to transport 23 injured passengers to five local hospitals. The injured sustained fractures and bruises, with four in critical condition requiring intensive care. Those in stable condition were discharged and returned to their hotels. Authorities confirmed that no passengers were missing.

Officials stated that the submarine, named Sinbad, had a valid license and the crew leader held the necessary qualifications. The vessel sank at its marina near a well-known hotel. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Earlier reports indicated that all passengers aboard were Russian tourists, including minors, who were traveling with the company Biblio Globus.

This photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows the rescue site for a sunken tourist submarine in Red Sea off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt.

IGIHE

The organisers of the event announced its postponement on Thursday night, saying, “A new date will be announced very soon.”

“Those unable to attend will, of course, be refunded,” the statement added.

The April 7 date, officially recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide, holds deep meaning for the Rwandan community, and the concert has raised concerns that it could undermine the significance of the commemoration.

The police had earlier in the day heeded the call to stop the event following a letter from Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who cited the potential for public disorder.

The mayor had indicated that the concert’s timing was inappropriate, given the sensitive nature of the date.

Responding to the mayor’s concerns on Thursday, the police stated that the city’s police chief, Laurent Nunez, would request the concert’s rescheduling due to these concerns or face a ban.

“The Prefect of Police, Laurent Nunez, will ask the organizers to reschedule the concert to a date other than April 7th, due to the risk of public order disturbances. If not, the Prefect of Police will initiate a procedure to ban the event,” the police department said in a statement on X.

The organizers of the event had claimed that the concert was meant to raise funds for children affected by the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.

The President of the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, and representatives of survivor organizations had raised concerns with the mayor, warning that the event could undermine genocide remembrance efforts.

Critics of the concert say some of the scheduled Congolese performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, have previously expressed controversial views about Rwanda, adding to the tension already present between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.

UNICEF France, the intended beneficiary, had already distanced itself from the event, citing the significance of the date.

Congolese artist Maître Gims was part of the lineup for the Solidarité Congo concert.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Nduhungirehe condemned the failure to hold Kinshasa accountable for its role in fueling the crisis and defended Rwanda’s border security measures as necessary for national protection.

Minister Nduhungirehe accused the UN and its peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, of perpetuating a misleading narrative that places disproportionate blame on Rwanda while ignoring key factors contributing to instability in eastern DRC.

He highlighted that, despite repeated evidence of the DRC integrating fighters from the FDLR genocidal militia—linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda—into its national army, international actors continue to turn a blind eye.

'The conflict was not started by Rwanda, yet the burden has been placed squarely on our shoulders,' Nduhungirehe stated. 'The failure to hold the DRC accountable for its governance failures and alliances with violent groups only exacerbates the crisis.'

Nduhungirehe emphasised that one of the root causes of the instability is the continued presence of the FDLR militia in the eastern DRC. According to the minister, the group has engaged in ethnic massacres, child soldier recruitment, and cross-border attacks, yet international actors fail to acknowledge its impact.

'The recent capture and handover of FDLR commanders, including a senior figure, further confirms the DRC government’s support for this group,' he noted, accusing Kinshasa of equipping and funding these forces.

Another major issue raised was the long-standing persecution of Congolese Tutsi and other Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in eastern DRC. Nduhungirehe described this as a consequence of deep-seated ethnic discrimination stemming from colonial history.

'As a result of systemic persecution, hundreds of thousands of Congolese Tutsi remain displaced, forced to seek refuge in Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond,' he said, calling for an end to targeted violence against these communities.

In a scathing critique, Nduhungirehe pointed to MONUSCO’s long-standing failure to neutralise armed groups in eastern DRC, despite operating as the UN’s most expensive peacekeeping mission for over 25 years.

'In 2013, this very Council adopted Resolution 2098, mandating Monusco’s Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) to eliminate all armed groups, including the FDLR. However, instead of fulfilling this obligation, Monusco focused its military efforts almost exclusively on M23, leaving the FDLR to operate with impunity,' he asserted.

The minister also denounced MONUSCO’s alleged direct involvement in military operations alongside the DRC army and European mercenaries, some of whom were forced to return home after the capture of Goma by the M23 rebels.

'Not only has Monusco failed in its mission, but it has also placed itself in a position of belligerence,' he added.

Responding to criticism of Rwanda’s defensive actions along the border, Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda will not compromise its national security.

'Our defensive measures will remain in place until there is a credible framework for long-term security guarantees,' he affirmed, rejecting any suggestion that Rwanda should lower its guard while its borders remain threatened.

Despite his criticisms, Nduhungirehe welcomed recent efforts to advance a political resolution, particularly the recent joint summit between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which seeks to merge existing peace processes. He expressed Rwanda’s full support for these African-led initiatives and urged the international community to do the same.

“A sustainable political solution with long-term security guarantees for Rwanda will allow us to get back to the serious and urgent work of developing our country and integrating our region together with our neighbors,” he remarked.

Addressing the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe condemned the failure to hold Kinshasa accountable for its role in fueling the crisis and defended Rwanda’s border security measures as necessary for national protection.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), motorcycle users are involved in 28% of serious road accidents, and this number can rise to 75% in some countries. To address this, the campaign promotes access to affordable and reliable helmets, with support from the United Nations.

Last week, a handover event occurred at the TotalEnergies station in Gisozi, Gasabo District. During the event, 200 helmets were given to 100 motorcyclists, with each rider receiving two helmets. The activity was led by TotalEnergies Marketing Rwanda (TEMR).

This is part of the first phase of a global initiative called #Tuwurinde (Helmet 4 Life), supported by the TotalEnergies Foundation. Through this programme, 100,000 helmets will be distributed in 42 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The helmet distribution campaign supports the United Nations’ road safety goals by making protective headgear more accessible and affordable for riders worldwide.

Before receiving the helmets, the motorcyclists were reminded about key road safety practices, including obeying traffic rules, using protective gear, maintaining their motorcycles regularly, and avoiding traffic violations.

This activity is expected to continue across motorcycle cooperatives in the three districts of Kigali. The City of Kigali, MININFRA, Rwanda National Police, and RURA are jointly encouraging all motorcyclists to use certified helmets for their safety and that of their passengers.

Before receiving the helmets, the motorcyclists were reminded about key road safety practices.

The helmet distribution campaign supports the United Nations’ road safety goals by making protective headgear more accessible and affordable for riders worldwide.

These helmets are designed to protect riders in case of accidents and meet international safety standards.

The handover event occurred at the TotalEnergies station in Gisozi, last week.

IGIHE

In a statement issued on Thursday, March 27, the Rwanda Governance Board said the directive takes effect immediately.

The new policy forbids all forms of collaboration, partnerships, and engagements with the Belgian government, its agencies, and related non-governmental cooperation actors.

Additionally, the directive bans any financial transactions involving the Belgian government or its institutions. This includes, but is not limited to, budget support, project funding, and technical assistance grants.

The prohibition extends to financial contributions made directly or indirectly through third-party intermediaries, with strict penalties for any attempts to circumvent these restrictions.

The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) directed that all active projects or agreements involving Belgian-linked entities be terminated immediately.

Entities found violating the directive could face severe consequences, including suspension of registration or even revocation of legal status, as well as other legal and administrative sanctions.

“Any attempts to circumvent these financial restrictions, including indirect transactions through subsidiaries or partner organisations, will be subject to strict penalties,” RGB stated.

Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, 2025, accusing Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.

The government noted that Belgium had “consistently undermined Rwanda, both before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” accusing the former colonial power of taking a biased stance in regional affairs.

'Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region,' the government said.

Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim it has consistently denied. Instead, the Rwandan government maintains that its primary concern is the ongoing collaboration between the Congolese government and the FDLR militia, an armed group composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who remain intent on destabilizing Rwanda.

The decision follows the cut of diplomatic ties with Belgium.

Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, 2025, accusing Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.

Wycliffe Nyamasege