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He made the remarks on Friday, December 19, 2025, during the 17th National Congress of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which convened over 2,200 party members to discuss key priorities for Rwanda’s transformation.

'But even as things change, and they must change continually, not everything changes. There is always something that remains constant: who you are, and the values and aspirations that define how you should live and respond in the midst of change. The core must remain constant,' President Kagame, who also serves as the party chairman, stated.

He emphasised that while strategies and tools may adapt over time, fundamental principles endure.

'The RPF has always said we must fight corruption. That principle does not change. The idea of fighting corruption from 31 years ago cannot be abandoned simply because we now live in a world that tolerates corruption, whatever that world may be. Rather, what changes are the methods we use to fight it. The principle itself does not change,' he added.

Rwanda continues to rank highly in global anti-corruption efforts. According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Rwanda is ranked the 49th least corrupt country globally and the least corrupt in East Africa.

New RPF-Inkotanyi leaders

Meanwhile, Friday’s Congress ratified a series of organisational changes within the party. Christophe Bazivamo was appointed Secretary General of FPR—Inkotanyi following revisions to the party’s statutes and leadership structure approved during the Congress. Under the new arrangement, the National Executive Committee now comprises two Vice Presidents and two Secretaries General.

Consolée Uwimana was confirmed as First Vice President, Kayisire Marie Solange as Second Vice President, and Stephen Gasana was appointed Deputy Secretary General. Bazivamo replaces Gasamagera Wellars, who previously held the position.

President Paul Kagame addressed the 17th National Congress of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) on Friday, 19 December 2025.

The congress convened over 2,200 party members to discuss key priorities for Rwanda’s transformation.

The Head of State emphasised that while strategies and tools may adapt over time, fundamental principles endure.

First Lady Jeannette Kagame joined President Paul Kagame at the Congress.

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After weeks of hosting packed football screenings and building momentum among fans, Skol Malt will now screen all matches of the continent’s premier football competition, offering supporters a premium and vibrant matchday atmosphere throughout the tournament.

A premium football experience for African football Ffans

All 52 matches will be screened live on giant screens at Ahanad Bafana HQ, giving fans the opportunity to come together, support their national teams, and enjoy football in an electric environment.

To add to the excitement, the opening game featuring Morocco vs Comoros on December 21 (9PM) will be celebrated with a welcome drink offered to all fans in attendance.

Throughout the competition, fans wearing their national team jerseys will receive special gifts, with various prizes to be won. Bring your country’s jersey and stand a chance to win exciting rewards while celebrating African football pride and unity.

Ahanad Bafana HQ, by Skol Malt in partnership with Mundi Center and Airtel Rwanda, has quickly become a go-to destination for football lovers in Kigali, offering quality screenings, great food, and refreshing Skol Malt.

How fans can win a trip to the final in Morocco

Throughout the competition, fans attending screenings will have the opportunity to collect Ahanad Points by purchasing Skol Malt drinks on-site.

By accumulating points across the tournament, participants will stand a chance to win a fully paid trip to Morocco to watch the final match live, including: Flights, Accommodation, Transport, Final match tickets.

The two ticket winners will be selected through a tombola on January 4th at 6:30 PM at Mundi Center, rewarding the most loyal and engaged fans.

Building a community around football

This initiative reinforces Skol Malt’s commitment to creating a strong football culture and a welcoming space where fans can share unforgettable moments around the beautiful game.

'We’ve seen incredible passion from football fans over the past month, and this was the natural next step,' said Halidi Mukandama, Football Exploitation Officer at Skol Brewery.

'This tournament is special for Africa, and we want to celebrate it with fans while rewarding them for their loyalty and love for the game.'

Gates open daily ahead of kick-off and the entrance fee remains Rwf 3,000 consumable.

Skol Malt is set to bring Africa’s biggest football tournament screenings at Mundi Center.

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According to the investigation, the conflict has produced catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with an estimated 150,000 civilians killed, approximately 12 million people forcibly displaced, and widespread famine affecting large swaths of the country.

The report, which is based on months of research, combines analysis of hundreds of videos, satellite imagery, whistleblower accounts, and interviews with survivors on the ground. It documents patterns of violence that indicate deliberate targeting of non-Arab communities — including mass killings and disposal of bodies in canals and mass graves — following the Port Sudan Authority’s offensive to retake the strategic city of Wad Madani earlier this year.

Eyewitness testimony and visual evidence show civilians being executed, often after being accused of supporting opposing forces. Some victims were found bound and killed — a pattern described by independent observers as possibly rising to the level of ethnic cleansing or genocide.

The investigation also highlights that orders for these operations appear to have originated from high command, although the Sudanese military has not responded to requests for comment.

The findings have drawn attention from members of the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, with at least one representative characterizing the conduct as 'systematic genocide' and crimes against humanity.

Humanitarian agencies warn that the combination of sustained violence, mass displacement, and agricultural disruption has led to acute food insecurity, raising the specter of famine across regions already devastated by conflict.

As international attention focuses on Sudan’s deepening crisis, this report aims to shed light on some of the war’s most severe abuses and urges global actors — including media, policymakers, and human rights advocates — to respond to the documented evidence and address gaps in the prevailing narrative.

Read the full report here

Satellite imagery exposes bodies in Sudan’s Canals

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The ministry reported that between December 5 and 15, 2025, Burundi received 71,989 Congolese refugees and 8,700 returnees from DRC, fleeing escalating violence in the region.

The influx of refugees has placed immense pressure on temporary camps, including those in Ndava, Gatumba, Vugizo, Rumonge, and Makombe, which are already struggling to accommodate the growing number of displaced individuals.

Providing adequate shelter, food, security, and sanitation for these refugees has become a significant challenge.

Many of the refugees have chosen to live with local residents in surrounding villages, with some renting homes. However, the Burundian government has mandated that all refugees leave these villages and relocate to border camps, citing the need for better management and resources.

The government has also pointed out that, aside from the recent arrivals, there are other refugees who arrived earlier in 2025 who require immediate assistance.

In a statement, the ministry said, “The Government of Burundi urgently requests assistance from both domestic and international partners to address this growing humanitarian crisis. We appeal to humanitarian organizations, technical and financial partners, civil society, and faith-based groups to contribute towards a collective solution to this issue.”

As part of efforts to better manage the situation, the government plans to move refugees to camps farther from the border, in line with international refugee protocols.

The AFC/M23 alliance, which has taken control of several areas in South Kivu Province near the Burundian border, was a key factor in the border closures at Gatumba and Vugizo. As a result, Lake Tanganyika is currently the only open passage for movement between the two countries.

The AFC/M23 also helped some Burundian nationals stranded in Uvira return to their home country. The alliance has urged the Burundian government to reopen the border, allowing Congolese refugees in Bujumbura Province to return to their homeland.

In response, the Burundian government stated that it is working on a long-term solution to repatriate those wishing to return, but emphasized that this process will only begin once the necessary conditions for a safe and sustainable return are in place.

As of October 31, 2025, UNHCR reported that Burundi had already hosted 110,746 Congolese refugees. Between December 5 and 16, an additional 82,275 refugees from areas such as Kamanyola, Luvungi, Katogota, and Uvira arrived in Burundi.

As of October 31, 2025, UNHCR reported that Burundi had already hosted 110,746 Congolese refugees.

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This was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, during a meeting with members of the The National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO).

Dr. Ndabamenye highlighted that Rwanda’s agricultural exports generated a substantial revenue of $893.1 million in 2025, equivalent to Rwf 1,301,159,552,579.

Among the main exports, coffee was the largest contributor, earning the country over $116.18 million. This is a remarkable increase compared to the previous year, 2024, when Rwanda earned $78.7 million from coffee exports.

The coffee export revenue for 2025 is almost on par with the figures from 2023, which stood at $115.9 million.

However, tea exports saw a slight decline. In 2025, tea earned the country $110.9 million, down from $114.9 million in 2024.

Pyrethrum exports also experienced a reduction, earning $7.445 million compared to $8.063 million in 2024.

Regarding vegetables, fruits, and flowers, Rwanda earned over $86.08 million from these exports in 2025, an increase from $75.1 million in the previous year.

Dr. Ndabamenye explained that Rwanda has set an ambitious target to increase foreign currency earnings from exports, aiming to reach $1.5 billion as outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

As part of the Ministry’s five-year plan, Rwanda intends to expand the area under cultivation for export crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, increasing the land from 1,373 hectares to 14,733 hectares. This will also result in a significant boost in production, from 7,222 tons per year to 91,073 tons.

For tea, the plan is to increase the area under cultivation to 40,000 hectares, which will help in raising tea production. As for coffee, in addition to expanding the cultivation area, there are plans to increase productivity to four kilograms per tree, up from two kilograms, while aiming to raise the price to $12 per kilogram, up from the current $6.

Dr. Ndabamenye emphasized that efforts to boost agricultural productivity are being given high priority to double the country’s agricultural output.

'We have carried out a land survey involving various farmers, and now we have nearly 600,000 hectares under agricultural reforms. We are training farmers on best farming practices, helping them access technology, seeds, fertilizers, and other soil-enhancing resources. We are also assisting farmers in finding markets for their produce,' he revealed.

The Minister emphasized that the “food basket site” initiative would be instrumental in doubling agricultural output and even surpassing current production levels.

In the livestock sector, production has also increased. For the 2024/2025 period, milk production reached 1,152,514 liters, meat production totaled 219,523 tons, fish production amounted to 52,439 tons, and egg production reached 29,855 tons.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has announced that agricultural and livestock exports in 2025 generated over $893.1 million, equivalent to Rwf 1,301 billion.

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The decision was taken during the 17th National Congress of FPR—Inkotanyi on Friday, where party members approved amendments to the party’s statutes and endorsed a revised structure of the National Executive Committee. Under the new structure, the committee comprises two Vice Presidents and two Secretaries General.

The Congress also approved new members of the National Executive Committee, with Consolée Uwimana confirmed as First Vice President and Kayisire Marie Solange as Second Vice President.

Christophe Bazivamo was endorsed as Secretary General, while Stephen Gasana was appointed Deputy Secretary General.

Bazivamo replaces Gasamagera Wellars, who previously held the position.

Christophe Bazivamo has been appointed Secretary General of FPR—Inkotanyi following changes to the party’s structure and leadership.

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As a company that believes in the benefits of a modern, connected life, MTN Rwanda recognizes that both young and old deserve to safely enjoy the opportunities offered by the internet.

MTN Rwanda is now offering a Child Online Protection USSD-based solution that empowers parents and guardians to manage and control the type of online content their children can access.

Through a simple dial of *807#, parents and guardians can block websites and content they deem inappropriate, giving them peace of mind while allowing children to explore the digital world safely.

This initiative ensures that children can remain connected without parents and guardians having to worry about the content they are exposed to, reinforcing MTN Rwanda’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the digital age.

'As we enter the festive season, we reflect on how best to serve our customers and ensure the safety of Rwanda’s children as they spend more time online, which emerged as a clear priority. While the internet is a powerful and valuable tool, without guidance it can quickly become harmful.

'Through the use of *807#, we are providing parents and guardians with the peace of mind that their children can explore the benefits of the internet without being exposed to damaging content,' states Sharon Mazimhaka, General Manager, Corporate Services and Company Secretary.

By introducing this simple, free, and mobile-first solution, MTN Rwanda bridges the digital safety gap by enabling even non-smartphone users with a tool that allows them to protect their children online.

This Child Online Protection solution marks an important step towards making every connection safe, by empowering parents and guardians, educating young users, and partnering with key stakeholders to safeguard Rwanda’s digital future.

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In a statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the alliance had declared the ceasefire 'in a spirit of responsibility and in order to offer a real chance for the return of peace.' However, he accused the Kinshasa government of persisting with 'a plan for the systematic extermination of our compatriots, in flagrant violation of all its commitments.'

Kanyuka detailed that early Friday morning, Congolese government forces launched coordinated attacks on Makobola and Minembwe in South Kivu.

He said the assault began at around 5:00 a.m., when coalition forces targeted Makobola using kamikaze drones and naval troops deployed from Baraka. Shortly after, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Minembwe came under attack with drones and heavy artillery, spreading terror among the civilian population.

'These repeated and deliberate violations of the ceasefire, along with the continuation of massacres against our compatriots, demonstrate unequivocally that the Kinshasa regime seeks neither peace nor the protection of civilians,' Kanyuka said.

The announcement follows AFC/M23’s recent withdrawal from the strategic city of Uvira, which the alliance had captured earlier in December. The group described the move as a confidence-building measure intended to support ongoing peace talks under the Doha Peace Process.

The withdrawal, which was announced on Monday, December 15, 2025, was carried out at the request of the United States.

Despite this gesture, AFC/M23 maintained that government forces and allied militias, including Wazalendo and Burundian troops, have previously exploited trust-building measures to retake territory and target civilians sympathetic to the alliance.

Kanyuka called on the guarantors of the peace process to implement measures ensuring civilian protection, demilitarisation, and neutral monitoring of the ceasefire in Uvira and surrounding areas.

The AFC/M23 rebel alliance, through its spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, has accused forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of continuing attacks on its positions and civilian areas, despite the group’s unilateral declaration of a ceasefire.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This school, set to be a key player in Africa’s aviation sector, will provide comprehensive training in piloting, aircraft maintenance, and other vital skills necessary for air transportation. It aims to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals as Rwanda’s aviation industry continues to grow.

The CEAS will be built by Akagera Aviation, a company already known for providing domestic air services and operating a pilot training school that trains up to 20 students annually. Upon completion, the new facility will have the capacity to train 70 to 80 pilots annually and will offer certifications like the Commercial Pilot License and Airline Transport Pilot License, among others.

Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the State Minister for Infrastructure, highlighted that the new school will have nearly three times the capacity of the current Akagera Aviation School.

The school will also be open to students from across Africa, positioning it as one of the leading aviation institutions on the continent.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to take 18 months, with the school set to open in 2028.

'This school will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals for the aviation industry, with training conducted entirely in Rwanda,' said Eng. Uwihanganye.

'Rwanda is making significant investments in air transportation, including the Kigali International Airport being built in Bugesera, which will serve as the cornerstone for future aviation development. These projects require a skilled local workforce, including pilots, to drive them forward.'

He also noted that Rwanda currently relies on foreign pilots for about 40% of its aviation workforce, with only 60% of pilots being Rwandan.

The new aviation school is seen as a key step toward reducing this dependency and ensuring the country’s long-term sustainability in the aviation sector.

'We need more pilots because, in two years, when the new airport is completed, we will be bringing in new airlines and expanding our services. It’s crucial that we have a local workforce capable of supporting this growth,' he added.

Eng. Uwihanganye encouraged Rwandans to take advantage of the opportunity to train at the new school, noting that it will help the country develop a pool of locally trained aviation professionals who can work both within Rwanda and internationally.

In late 2023, the Rwandan government announced a $53.5 million project for the CEAS. However, budget constraints delayed its implementation.

In November 2024, the African Development Bank approved a $23.6 million loan (over 30 billion Rwandan Francs) to support the construction of the school, recognizing its importance in advancing aviation education in Africa.

Additionally, in February 2025, the Ministry of Education announced plans to expand the national curriculum to include aircraft maintenance courses and prepare for the launch of an Aviation Academy.

These efforts are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to develop its aviation sector in anticipation of the new airport in Bugesera, expected to be a major hub for air transportation in the region.

Once fully operational, the airport is expected to handle up to eight million passengers annually, a substantial increase from the one million passengers served by RwandAir in 2024.

Research indicates that over the next 20 years, Africa will need 50,000 aviation professionals, including 15,000 pilots, 17,000 aircraft maintenance technicians, and 23,000 other aviation-related workers.

Over the past 12 years, Akagera Aviation School has trained 106 Rwandan pilots, including both helicopter and commercial aircraft pilots, making a significant contribution to the country’s aviation industry.

Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the State Minister for Infrastructure, highlighted that the new school will have nearly three times the capacity of the current Akagera Aviation School.

IGIHE

The launch ceremony, held in Kigali recently, marked Rwanda’s debut as a host country for the prestigious awards, which recognize filmmakers, actors and other key contributors shaping Africa’s growing cinema industry. Rwanda becomes the fourth country to host iKON Activate in 2025, following earlier editions in Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.

iKON Activate serves as a precursor to the main iKON Awards ceremony, creating a platform to connect filmmakers, media professionals, policymakers and private investors. The initiative focuses on discussions around collaboration, investment opportunities and the sustainable growth of Africa’s film sector.

The iKON Awards 2026 will be held under the theme 'Beyond Borders', highlighting African storytelling and encouraging cross-border collaboration among filmmakers on the continent. The theme reflects iKON’s broader mission of positioning African cinema on the global stage while fostering unity across national film industries.

Speaking at the event, Humphrey Nabimanya, the Chief Executive Officer of iKON Awards, said Kigali was selected because of Rwanda’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.

'We want to tell African stories through collaboration,' Nabimanya said. 'National film industries play a crucial role in shaping how Africa is presented to the world, just as other creative sectors have done successfully.'

He added that Kigali is emerging as one of the promising centres for cinema in East Africa, noting that iKON Activate provides a unique space where filmmakers, government institutions and private sector players can align efforts to boost investment and partnerships within the industry.

Previous iKON Activate editions have already yielded tangible results. The inaugural event in Nigeria brought together prominent filmmakers from Nigeria and Uganda, film associations and industry stakeholders, including Directors Guild of Nigeria President Uche Agbo, Viva Cinemas Nigeria’s Patrick Lee, representatives from FDAN, and renowned actor and director Ramsey Nouah.

As a result of these engagements, iKON signed a collaboration agreement with veteran Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr., who will feature in an upcoming Nigerian film titled Dambe, directed by Ramsey Nouah and produced by Sauti Plus Media Hub.

Additionally, iKON launched a joint Uganda—Kenya film project under the O3plus Project, supported by Reach A Hand Uganda, Imara TV and UNESCO. The film addresses pressing youth challenges, including gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies, demonstrating iKON’s commitment to using cinema as a tool for social change.

Rwandan filmmaker Ndayirukiye Fleury 'The Legend’, founder of BahAfrica and husband to acclaimed actress Usanase Bahavu Jannet, welcomed the arrival of iKON Awards in Rwanda. He said local filmmakers were encouraged by the transparency and professionalism of the awards.

'After understanding how the awards operate — from the selection process to the jury system — we were convinced they are fair and credible,' he said. 'That is why we are willing to participate if our films meet the required standards.'

He revealed that Rwanda has already submitted 26 films to compete in the upcoming iKON Awards, a sign of the country’s growing confidence and ambition within the continental film industry.

With Kigali now part of the iKON Awards journey, Rwanda’s film sector stands to gain increased visibility, stronger partnerships and new opportunities on the African and global cinema stage.

The iKON Awards has established itself as one of the most prestigious film awards in Africa.

From left to right: Kimenyi Tito, Fleury Legend, Kemnique and Rukundo Patrick, also known as Patycope on social media, were some of the attendees at the iKON Awards.

Mucyo Jackson, the organizer of the Rwanda International Movie Awards, emphasized that the iKON Awards will play a crucial role in advancing the film industry in Rwanda and across Africa.

International film actor, Mazimpaka Jonns Kennedy, was also among the attendees.

International film actor, Malaika Uwamahoro (on the right), was one of the distinguished guests in attendance.

Isaac Rucabigango, a key figure behind the iKON Awards, shared that while these awards have traditionally been held in Uganda, this time they decided to bring them to various parts of Africa.

Fleury and ‘Scott,’ both well-known for their roles in many popular films, were among the guests at the iKON Awards launch event.

‘Fleury Legend,’ a film producer through BahAfrica, expressed that they agreed to participate in the iKON Awards due to the excellent organization of the event.

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