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Resolution 2800 won the support of 14 members of the council, while the United States abstained.

The resolution decides that the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR, known by its French acronym as MINUSCA, shall comprise up to 14,046 military personnel and 2,999 police personnel, as well as 108 corrections officers.

It recalls the Security Council’s intention to keep the numbers under continuous review, taking into account progress on the security situation and the objective of transition and eventual drawdown of MINUSCA when conditions are met.

The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) for a year, until Nov. 15, 2026.

Xinhua

'This programme is about taking the capital market to the people,' said Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange. 'By simplifying account opening and showing how small, regular contributions grow over time, we remove barriers and widen participation practically.'

During the sessions, market players explained how the capital market works, the protections in place for investors and issuers, and the role of the regulator. They also gave new investors a simple step-by-step path to open an account through a licensed intermediary, set clear financial goals and timeframes, and choose suitable products such as shares, bonds, or collective investment schemes.

'Gisagara is proud to host the first stop,' said Jerome Rutaburingoga, Mayor of Gisagara District in the Southern Province. 'Financial inclusion is central to our development agenda. When families invest formally, we strengthen resilience, create opportunity, and support the growth of our economy as a whole.'

In Ndora Sector, resident Felix Mirimo opened an investor account and committed to a monthly contribution. 'Investing through the capital market gives me a clear plan for my family,' he said. 'Even a modest amount each month can grow, helping with school fees today and building a foundation for a small business tomorrow.'

By taking capital market players closer to communities, the campaign helps close information gaps that keep money in short-term or informal savings. A stronger base of local investors supports a more active market, while companies gain better access to long-term funds to buy equipment, expand production, and grow value chains.

Rwanda’s capital market industry plans to extend the campaigns to other districts. Each visit will combine public education with on-the-spot services so that participants leave with better information, an active account, and a clear plan for their next steps in the market.

Rwanda’s capital market stakeholders launched a grassroots outreach campaign in Gisagara District, using the inaugural Capital Market Community Engagement to connect directly with communities and channel routine savings into long-term investments.

Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange highlighted that by simplifying account opening and showing how small, regular contributions grow over time, they can remove barriers and widen participation practically.

IGIHE

The Protocol on Inspection, Quarantine, and Sanitary Requirements, signed on Wednesday, November 12, will pave the way for Rwandan avocados to join the growing list of agricultural products already exported to China, a market of 1.4 billion consumers.

This development coincided with Rwanda’s participation in the 8th edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, an event that has become a key platform for promoting trade, attracting investment, and promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.

The agreement, signed by Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo,, expands the range of Rwandan agricultural products exported to China, a market of 1.4 billion consumers.

Rwandan avocados, which have already gained strong demand in markets such as the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates, are increasingly recognised as a major export crop alongside coffee and tea. The new protocol with China represents the next step in Rwanda’s strategy to diversify export markets and reach new consumers.

Since Rwanda first appeared at the CIIE in 2018, the country has introduced a range of agricultural and processed products to the Chinese market, including coffee, tea, chili, natural honey, macadamia nuts, and handicrafts. Exports to China have grown significantly over this period, rising from US$35 million in 2019 to US$160.6 million in 2024.

'The protocol for the export of Rwanda’s avocados to China will further broaden the variety of Rwandan products available to Chinese consumers,' the embassy said in a statement released on November 4, ahead of the expo.

China remains Rwanda’s leading source of foreign direct investment, which reached US$460 million in 2024 across sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, agro-processing, and mining.

Meanwhile, Rwanda’s avocado industry has shown remarkable growth, with exports generating US$6.3 million in 2023 compared to just US$440,000 in 2013. The country exported 3,200 tonnes of avocados at an average of US$2 per kilogram and aims to increase this to 31,000 tonnes by 2029, targeting new markets in China and India.

The new avocado trade protocol is expected to not only boost Rwanda’s agricultural exports but also strengthen the country’s economic ties with China, further deepening a partnership guided by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Under the new deal, high-quality Rwandan avocados can now enter one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The event, held at the College of Business and Economics of the University of Rwanda in Gikondo, focused on leadership, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and human rights.

From the opening keynote, the message was unmistakable: “You are not chickens scratching in the dirt. You are eagles, born to soar, built to lead, and destined to return to your nest to lift others.”

The message encouraged participants to take charge of their potential and make a difference in their communities.

The forum brought together over one hundred young women from high schools and universities across Rwanda.

Several young women stood out for their stories and achievements. Anderson Tuyizere, a project management student and GLF member, spoke about her commitment to gender justice: “I believe in women empowerment and all genders. I don’t support any injustice whether it’s a woman or a man.” She has already started an Equality Circle at Kepler College to create space for dialogue and change.

Karine Usanase, from East Africa’s first business analytics cohort at Kepler College, described gender equality as having access to opportunities without limits set by gender. Tafaul Wazil, also at Kepler, highlighted the importance of confidence: “What my brother can do, I can also do. What they can achieve, I can also achieve.”

Gloria Nshutinziza, a law student at Mount Kigali University, shared her experience overcoming doubt from male classmates. Appointed class representative in her first week, she went on to become President of the School of Law, proving her leadership through action.

The Girls Leadership Forum was first launched in 2012 with support from the Graca Machel Trust and GLF-Rwanda. Over the years, it has provided mentorship, skills, and networks for young women across Africa.

In a world where the voices of young girls are often silenced, the Pan-African Adolescent Girls Movement stands as a beacon of empowerment, offering adolescent girls across Africa the tools to break through barriers and claim their rightful place as leaders of tomorrow.

With a vision to reshape Africa’s future, the movement is set to inspire the next generation of visionary women who will drive positive change, challenge the status quo, and create lasting impact in their societies.

Hear from some of the leading voices in the video below.

The forum brought together over one hundred young women from high schools and universities across Rwanda.

Rania Umutoni

The two-day meeting is taking place under the theme 'Leverage on Digital Innovation and Regional Collaboration to Facilitate Trade and Optimize Revenue Mobilisation.'

While opening the meeting, the Minister of State in Charge of National Treasury, Godfrey Kabera, highlighted the remarkable progress made across the region, largely due to closer policy coordination and administrative collaboration.

The GDP growth across the region averaged 5.8% in 2024/25, and nearly all revenue administrations exceeded their collection targets, achieving an average annual revenue growth rate of 16%, significantly outpacing GDP growth.

Despite this, Kabera said, informality continues to limit the efficiency and scale of tax collection, while compliance challenges, including smuggling, under-declaration, and slow adoption of e-invoicing, persist. Geopolitical tensions and inflation spikes also disrupt revenue mobilization.

'This gap highlights the need for continued improvement in both policy and administration to optimize domestic resource mobilization,' he said. 'It also underscores the value of regional collaboration, where shared experiences, harmonized practices, and coordinated enforcement can help countries respond more effectively to uncertainty.'

He cautioned against policy approaches that work against regional goals. 'When countries compete through uncoordinated tax benefits, it may offer short-term gains but can erode the collective revenue base. Greater alignment and harmonization of tax policies would reduce harmful competition, simplify compliance for cross-border businesses, and strengthen the integrity of the regional market.'

Kabera encouraged the Commissioners General to engage actively, not only to review progress but also to explore practical solutions at both national and regional levels.

Other participants include experts from the Research and Planning, Customs, Domestic Taxes, ICT, Investigations, Legal Affairs, Integrity, Policy, and Human Capital departments.

In his welcoming remarks, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) Commissioner General, Ronald Niwenshuti, noted that since the first meeting in 1999, member countries have steadily strengthened domestic resource mobilization, reduced reliance on external financing, and built fiscal sustainability through robust national revenue systems. This progress, he said, has resulted from collective efforts across the region, though challenges remain.

The region’s average tax-to-GDP ratio remains below the 15% threshold, tax expenditures account for around 2.5% of GDP (2022/23), while illicit trade and smuggling continue to undermine gains. According to the AU High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows, Africa loses USD 88 billion annually to illicit financial flows, up from USD 50 billion in 2015.

Over the next two days of deliberations, key focus will be on continued digital transformation, smarter enforcement, simplifying taxpayer experiences, and harmonizing approaches across the region. Two other important topics include the digitalization of tax administration and combating illicit financial flows.

'This is especially important given the continued challenges posed by illicit financial flows, which deprive our countries of critical resources,' CG Niwenshuti said.

He emphasized the need for regional collaboration in the harmonization of tax policies and systems, improved cross-border surveillance and enforcement, enhanced digitalization and data exchange, more strategic tax reforms, better management of tax expenditures, and continued knowledge-sharing and peer learning.

'Our progress moves faster when we learn from each other’s experiences,' he said.

Technical teams are expected to present progress in areas such as customs management, the use of data and technology, informal sector taxation, institutional capacity building, and the development of shared protocols and data exchange frameworks.

The 53rd East African Commissioners General (EARACG) meeting opened on Thursday, November 13, in Kigali with a shared vision to strengthen revenue administrations across the region.

The Minister of State in charge of National Treasury, Godfrey Kabera, highlighted the remarkable progress made across the region, largely due to closer policy coordination and administrative collaboration.

Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) Commissioner General, Ronald Niwenshuti, noted that since the first meeting in 1999, member countries have steadily strengthened domestic resource mobilization, reduced reliance on external financing, and built fiscal sustainability through robust national revenue systems.

IGIHE

The initiative is financed by the Government of Poland and was formalized at UNIDO headquarters in Vienna.

The signing ceremony took place between UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to UNIDO, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, in the presence of Poland’s Head of Mission to UNIDO, Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, and officials from Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

'Today’s signing is more than just a document, it marks the beginning of a triangular partnership: Poland as an emerging donor, UNIDO with its technical expertise, and Rwanda on its path toward resilient, sustainable development,' Director General Müller said. 'Together, we will deliver practical solutions that improve lives and build a safer, more sustainable future.'

Titled 'Strengthening Rwanda’s capacities to respond to industrial and natural hazards,' the project will be implemented by UNIDO in cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Brigade of the Rwanda National Police.

It aims to strengthen institutional capacities, carry out a comprehensive feasibility study and risk assessment, and prepare a roadmap to improve national firefighting and emergency response systems.

A potential second phase could support targeted capacity‑building and the provision of specialized firefighting equipment.

Amb. Bakuramutsa described the project as a concrete example of multilateral cooperation that supports national development objectives.

'This project embodies the principles of international cooperation that define effective multilateralism,' she said. 'It directly contributes to the implementation of our Second National Strategy for Transformation and Vision 2050, particularly in building a modern, competitive and green industrial economy.'

The project aligns with UNIDO’s strategic priorities of fostering sustainable and resilient industrialization, securing supply chains and promoting industrial safety and security. It is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s disaster preparedness and industrial safety frameworks, with practical benefits for communities and businesses.

Ambassador Szczygieł emphasized Poland’s commitment to development cooperation with African partners.

'Poland attaches great importance to development cooperation with African countries, and the project being signed today, implemented by UNIDO, is a prime example of this,' he said, noting Poland’s recent cooperation with UNIDO in countries such as Tajikistan, Moldova and Georgia and the country’s continued support for Ukraine.

Beyond its immediate technical aims, the initiative also marks a step toward deeper cooperation between Poland and UNIDO and signals Warsaw’s growing role as a reliable development partner.

By joining efforts with Rwanda, UNIDO and Poland intend to lay the groundwork for long‑term collaboration focused on resilience, innovation and inclusive industrial growth.

Rwanda, UNIDO and Poland have partnered to strengthen national capacities for industrial and natural hazard response.

Rwanda, UNIDO and Poland have partnered to strengthen national capacities for industrial and natural hazard response.

The signing ceremony took place between UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to UNIDO, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, in the presence of Poland’s Head of Mission to UNIDO, Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, and officials from Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

The initiative is financed by the Government of Poland and was formalized at UNIDO headquarters in Vienna.

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

This is a significant increase from the current $110 million generated from 35,000 tons of exported tea.

The role of tea in Rwanda’s economy was underscored on November 12, 2025, after officials from NAEB, alongside tea farmers from the Rutsiro Tea Growers’ Cooperative (RUTEGROC), participated in an activity to replant and expand the areas under tea cultivation.

This activity is part of the PSAC project, which seeks to support smallholder farmers to boost both the quantity and quality of crops, ensuring competitiveness in international markets.

The project will be implemented in six districts known for tea and coffee production: Nyaruguru, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, and Rulindo.

Nkurunziza Alex, traditional commodities Division Manager at NAEB, emphasized that the PSAC project will help farmers address areas where tea plants have not flourished and expand cultivation areas.

“Tea continues to improve livelihoods, which is why we are focusing on filling gaps in tea cultivation and increasing the planted areas. Our collaboration with agronomists and farmers aims to boost production so that, by 2029, tea exports will generate $164 million for Rwanda,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by tea farmers, particularly the impacts of climate change, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers daily to achieve these goals.

Aloys Nzamwita, president of RUTEGROC, shared how the community’s perception of tea farming has evolved.

“When we first started, there was skepticism, but over time, people recognized its value. In 2015, a kilogram of tea sold for 100 Rwandan Francs, but today it sells for 460 Rwandan Francs. We now view tea farming as akin to owning a cow that is milked every day. Last year, we harvested 74 new hectares, and by 2027, we plan to expand by an additional 200 hectares,” he said.

Nzamwita also mentioned that tea farmers replacing old plants will benefit from an affordable payment plan during pruning, and increased yields.

Tea farmer Bitonda Boniface added, “Initially, we were hesitant because we only thought about growing potatoes. But with improved seedlings, our harvests will increase, and the money is good. Tea farming has lifted us out of poverty and provides monthly income to support our children’s education.”

The PSAC project aims to plant 8 million tea seedlings across 520 hectares in the six districts this year, with a focus on expanding cultivated areas and replacing poorly performing tea plants.

In Rutsiro, 150 hectares will be planted with tea in 2025, and by 2029, 40 million seedlings will be planted across 2,410 hectares.

Rwanda’s tea is expected to generate $164 million by 2029.

The project will be implemented in six districts known for tea and coffee production.

Officials joined residents during tea seedlings planting exercise on Wednesday.

IGIHE

The renovation began following a suspension in May 2025 by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) of the monthly prayer gatherings at ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, due to non-compliance with certain regulatory standards.

RGB instructed the Kabgayi Diocese to implement specific measures before activities could resume.

These included ensuring freedom of worship for all attendees, creating adequate parking facilities, establishing separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles, and providing quiet spaces where vulnerable individuals could participate in prayers undisturbed.

In an interview with IGIHE, the Chief Priest of Ruhango Parish, where the Peace Valley (the shrine) is located, Ngendahayo Tumaini Dominique, stated that the renovation works and the expansion of the worship space are almost complete to enhance the security of the large crowds.

'The work to expand and renovate the Peace Valley seems to be nearing completion, as most of the planned structures have been built, with others almost finished,' Father Ngendahayo said.

He explained that 60 new, fully-compliant toilets had been constructed, over 500 meters of pedestrian route and vehicle pathways had been laid, and large parking lots and gardens with various trees were established to improve air quality for worshippers.

'We have completed the construction of 60 new toilets and showers, a garden, a road, and a large parking area, all of which are nearing completion, with laterite being added and compacted,' he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that weak individuals will be accommodated in the Ruhango Parish Church, where “giant screens” will be installed to help them follow the prayers held at the Peace Valley.

Father Ngendahayo also highlighted that surveillance cameras will be installed to ensure the safety of worshippers, adding that these efforts aim to meet the requirements set by RGB and improve security for the large crowds attending.

The renovation work began on July 7, 2025, and is expected to be completed by the beginning of December. At that time, RGB will be notified of the completion, which will grant permission to resume the prayer gatherings at the site.

The gatherings at ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, began in 1991. Today, it has become a religious tourism destination, attracting visitors from across Africa and the world. The site attracts more than 100,000 people for worship on the first Sunday of each month.

Renovation work at the shrine known as ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, located in the Catholic Parish of Ruhango, Kabgayi Diocese, in the Ruhango District of Southern Province is nearing completion.

IGIHE

According to MINEMA, from January to October this year, Rwanda received 5,101 returning citizens, including those who had previously been unable to return due to threats from armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as the FDLR, which had warned that returnees would be killed if they attempted to go home. The FDLR is a militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

The figures were disclosed on Tuesday, 12 November 2025, during a visit to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre, where officials met with recently returned Rwandans. Discussions during the visit focused on governance reforms, national opportunities, and the Ndi Umunyarwanda ('I am Rwandan') programme.

The Mayor of Rusizi District, Phanuel Sindayiheba, welcomed the returnees and commended their decision to come back.

'Rwanda has chosen not to be held back by discrimination, poverty, or ignorance, but to pursue development and unity among Rwandans,' he said.

Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, the Executive Director in Charge of National Unity and Community Resilience at MINUBUMWE, emphasised the importance of the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme in fostering a sense of national identity.

'Although you are returning late, it is better late than never. You are encouraged to work hard to make up for lost time,' she said, adding that some returnees had been misled into prioritising ethnic identity over their Rwandan roots.

Kayumba Uwera also urged returning women to encourage their husbands to come back. 'Women have a strength we often do not realise. Many of you have already made the right choice to return, and you have inspired your husbands to follow,' she said.

Gonzage Karagire, Director of Refugee Programmes at MINEMA, said that receiving returning Rwandans is an ongoing effort.

'This year alone, over 5,000 Rwandans have come home. Currently, there are 592 people in this transit camp, including children and adults who recently returned,' he said.

Of the 592 returnees at Nyarushishi, 396 are children and 196 are adults. Among the adults, 160 are women and 36 are men.

Mushimiyimana Immaculée, who returned after 31 years in exile, recounted the challenges she faced and expressed her commitment to national unity.

'I only completed the first three grades, and I feel ashamed that at 32 years old I cannot read or write. I had to leave school when fighting broke out,' she said. She added that she intends to work with others to preserve unity and create opportunities for future generations.

Returning citizens, including those who had previously been unable to come back due to threats from armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as the FDLR.

The officials who visited the centre were Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba and Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, the Executive Director in charge of National Unity and Community Resilience at MINUBUMWE.

IGIHE

Speaking before the Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonisation, Rwanda’s Military Advisor Col. Deo Mutabazi expressed concern that peacekeeping missions are being forced to 'achieve less with less' as the UN grapples with a liquidity crisis.

'We are holding this debate when peacekeeping missions are facing a substantial liquidity crisis that has led to major downsizing, with the risk of losing the hard-earned gains on the ground,' Col. Mutabazi said, describing recent percentage cuts to missions as 'unfair and non-transparent.'

Rwanda, which currently ranks among the world’s top contributors to UN peace operations, continues to play a vital role in global peacekeeping efforts. According to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as of May 31, 2025, Rwanda was the second-largest troop-contributing country with 5,886 personnel, following Nepal with 6,119. Other leading contributors include Bangladesh (5,686), India (5,393), and Ghana (2,845).

Rwanda, which currently ranks among the world’s top contributors to UN peace operations, continues to play a vital role in global peacekeeping efforts.

Addressing root causes of conflict

Col. Mutabazi emphasised that the UN should place greater focus on addressing the root causes of conflict rather than relying heavily on military responses. He noted that sustainable peace depends on tackling governance challenges, corruption, discrimination, and poverty, issues that often fuel instability.

'No amount of capabilities, technologies, and even training to effectively protect civilians than investing in creating conducive conditions for peace through political dialogue for conflict resolution, an area that UN peacekeeping has invested less in,' he stressed.

Unrealistic mandates undermine trust

The Rwandan representative criticised what he termed 'unrealistic mandates', which he said often undermine trust between peacekeeping missions and host nations. He called for a review of the penholdership system, warning that current practices risk turning mission mandates into 'Christmas trees' that serve interests beyond those of the host country.

'It is time to rethink the penholdership that has led to mandates serving other interests than the host nation’s,' he said, adding that peacekeeping should not pursue military solutions to inherently political problems.

Speaking before the Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonisation, Rwanda’s Military Advisor Col. Deo Mutabazi expressed concern that peacekeeping missions are being forced to 'achieve less with less' as the UN grapples with a liquidity crisis.

Col. Mutabazi also backed UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which supports stronger partnerships between the UN and regional forces in peace enforcement operations.

Ensuring legal clarity

Rwanda further called for peacekeeping mandates to undergo legal scrutiny before approval to ensure that missions do not inadvertently associate with sanctioned groups.

'Maintaining legal clarity is essential to uphold both the legitimacy and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping,' Col. Mutabazi stated.

Strengthening community engagement

Addressing the challenge of operating with reduced resources, Rwanda proposed community engagement initiatives as a cost-effective way to enhance civilian protection. The approach includes local partnerships on health, sanitation, environmental protection, and education.

According to Col. Mutabazi, such initiatives 'build trust between peacekeepers, local leaders and communities,' while countering misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech that often fuel tensions in conflict zones.

Concluding his remarks, Col. Mutabazi reaffirmed Rwanda’s enduring commitment to peacekeeping and paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of global stability.

'Rwanda remains dedicated to supporting peace efforts and honours the brave peacekeepers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for peace and security,' he said.

Wycliffe Nyamasege