Category: Uncategorized

The event held on October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C, brought together various leaders and conservationists, to celebrate global initiatives in wildlife protection and ecosystem preservation.

In his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva thanked the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) for its unwavering dedication to advancing global conservation and emphasized Rwanda’s strong commitment to the cause.

'Peace and prosperity cannot be sustained, without protecting the environment that our people depend on,' Dr. Nsengigumva stated. 'That’s why Rwanda has placed conservation at the heart of our national development strategy, for the past three decades.'

Reflecting on Rwanda’s conservation achievements, Dr. Nsengigumva pointed out the success of the Kwita Izina program, initiated twenty years ago, which involves naming all baby mountain gorillas born in the previous year.

This initiative, he noted, came at a time when mountain gorillas were critically endangered.

'Today, thanks to our conservation efforts, the population has rebounded to over 1,000, a four-fold increase, and we can proudly say they are no longer critically endangered,' he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the restoration of Akagera National Park, where a public-private partnership with African Parks led to a dramatic rise in the park’s wildlife population.

'Since then, Akagera’s wildlife population has more than doubled, from fewer than 5,000 large mammals to nearly 12,000, and the park is now self-funding,' Dr. Nsengigumva revealed.

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengigumva has reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to environmental conservation.

Rwanda’s commitment to reintroducing species, such as lions and rhinos, was another point of pride.

Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after being decimated in 1994, followed by the return of Eastern Black Rhinos and the introduction of Southern White Rhinos, marking the largest single rhino translocation in history,' he stated, adding a lighthearted remark.

Dr. Nsengigumva stressed the vital role of local communities in Rwanda’s conservation success.

“None of these results could have been achieved without the support of the communities that surround these parks. They have become the frontline defenders of wildlife in Rwanda because we always make sure that they benefit directly from wildlife conservation,” he explained.

Dr. Nsengigumva also spoke about Africa’s broader commitment to conservation, referencing the Kigali Call to Action for People and Nature, adopted by African leaders in 2022.

He pointed out the innovative potential within the continent’s parks, from wildlife monitoring to biotechnological advancements like genomic sequencing.

'We cannot allow Africa’s parks to be used by terrorist groups, or criminal organizations, to create insecurity,' the Prime Minister added, emphasizing Rwanda’s commitment to preserving peace and safety in the region.

He expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s leadership in facilitating regional peace, which includes provisions for cross-border cooperation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on wildlife conservation and tourism.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva expressed his thanks to those supporting conservation initiatives, particularly highlighting Rob Walton’s remarkable contributions to the field, including the recent establishment of the African Conservation Academy in Akagera.

“When we work together, we can create a better future for our children and our planet,” he concluded.

The 2025 ICCF U.S. Congressional International Conservation Leadership Gala is one of the most prominent events in Washington, D.C. dedicated to advancing bipartisan U.S. leadership in global conservation efforts.

Hosted by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the gala convenes over 200 distinguished guests, including members of the U.S. Cabinet and Congress, global policymakers and opinion leaders, international business executives and NGO leaders, celebrities and conservation advocates.

The gala serves as a platform to raise awareness and political support for habitat and biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and international collaboration.

It highlights the work of the ICCF Group in building political will and delivering cost-effective, resilient conservation solutions through its International Conservation Corps and parliamentary caucus model.

Since its inception in 2006, the gala has featured notable figures such as; King Charles III; Founder of Amazon and Bezos Earth Fund,Jeff Bezos; Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton who are also Honorary Co-Chairs of ICCF.

The event held on October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C, brought together various leaders and conservationists, to celebrate global initiatives in wildlife protection and ecosystem preservation.

The introduction of Southern White Rhinos in Rwanda marked the largest single rhino translocation in history.

Akagera National Park is home yo the ‘Big Five’.

Théophile Niyitegeka

Ebabi and her partner were preparing for their wedding, set for October 31, 2025. Ahead of the event, they visited 'Raw Studio’ in Kinshasa to take photos and videos to commemorate the occasion.

The DRC military arrested Ebabi on October 24 after a video showing her kissing her partner went viral on social media. She is currently being held at the Military Prosecutor’s office.

The prosecution accuses Ebabi of tarnishing the image of the national army and violating military regulations. They argue that the incident, kissing while in uniform, was compounded by her alleged role in spreading the 25-second video.

During proceedings at the Military High Court, Ebabi testified that the photographer from Raw Studio, Yannick Kayembe, admitted to posting the video and photos on his TikTok account to promote his work.

She told the court president, 'The crime is the photographer’s, Mr. President. I didn’t share the video.'

The military prosecution, however, insists that Ebabi was responsible for posting the photos and videos and is requesting a 10-year prison sentence.

The court’s final decision is expected to be announced on the afternoon of October 29, 2025.

The DRC military arrested Ebabi on October 24 after a video showing her kissing her partner went viral on social media. She is currently being held at the Military Prosecutor’s office.

The military prosecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is seeking a 10-year prison sentence for the soldier.

IGIHE

To reach the decision, the court analyzed the history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the specific actions of Dr. Munyemana, using testimonies from survivors, expert evidence, and statements from the accused himself.

Both the defense and witnesses agreed that after the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, extremists, political leaders, and high-ranking military officers initiated a nationwide campaign to kill Tutsis, based on a premeditated plan.

Initially, Butare remained peaceful as its Prefect, Habyarimana Jean Baptiste, had prohibited violence. However, two days after the transitional government forced him to resign on April 17, 1994, President Théodore Sindikubwabo called on the population to “do the work,” which meant killing Tutsis.

After this speech, Tutsis were targeted through roadblocks, ambushes, and mass killings at churches and government offices, which were falsely labeled as “safe,” yet were set up as traps to kill them. These acts were part of a nationwide strategy.

For the court to establish a link between the violence in Butare and Dr. Munyemana’s actions, it was necessary to examine detailed information about his activities, his standing in the local community, and his political affiliations.

Dr. Munyemana from Butare

Dr. Munyemana was a gynecologist who worked at Butare Hospital before and during the genocide, and also served as a lecturer at the former National University of Rwanda (UNR).

He was a member of the MDR party, the Vice President of the local intellectuals’ group (Cercle des Intellectuels)of the party in Butare, and had close ties to key figures, including Kambanda Jean, the Prime Minister of the interim government.

The court found that Dr. Munyemana’s reputation and influence allowed him to carry out actions that affected the Butare population, as he was seen as an influential figure.

On April 16, 1994, Dr. Munyemana, along with other intellectuals, signed a document supporting the interim government, which played a significant role in the mass killings of Tutsis. The court determined that by signing this document, Dr. Munyemana knowingly supported the continuation of the genocide.

The court’s ruling, issued on October 27, 2025, stated, “It is clear that the accused, from April 16, 1994, supported the transitional government’s plan and its execution, calling on Hutus to ‘start work,’ which meant continuing to kill ‘enemies’ labeled as Tutsis across the country.”

Dr. Munyemana’s involvement in roadblocks and patrols

The court confirmed that Dr. Munyemana attended a meeting at the Tumba sector office on April 17, 1994, where a decision was made to initiate patrols and set up roadblocks. He was assigned to a security committee responsible for implementing these measures.

From April 21, 1994, the roadblocks and patrols were used to search for and arrest Tutsis to kill them.

The court noted that Dr. Munyemana knew that Tutsis were being captured at the roadblocks and patrols, but continued to participate in these operations without intervening to stop the violence against Tutsis or protect the victims.

Dr. Munyemana admitted that François Bwanakeye, the head of Tumba sector, gave him the keys to the sector offices, which he held from April 23 to May 19, 1994.

The court found that Dr. Munyemana locked many Tutsis in the sector offices, and most of them were arrested and killed. He prevented them from escaping, allowing the Interahamwe militia to bring in more victims, whom he then handed over for execution.

Survivors from the genocide testified that Dr. Munyemana played a role in the death of Tutsi. A witness stated that one of the Tutsis who had been imprisoned at the sector offices was the only survivor.

Dr. Munyemana’s defense and court’s rejection

Dr. Munyemana claimed that he did not know the killings were planned, but the court found that he was well aware, as he followed the media and knew what was happening in Kigali. He was close to the leaders who orchestrated the killings.

The accused also argued that he confined Tutsis in the sector offices to protect them. However, the court found that locking them in a small building without essential resources such as food, water, or security was intended to facilitate their deaths.

Dr. Munyemana further claimed that he did not know what happened to the Tutsis after they were removed from the offices. However, the court noted that he never inquired about their fate, even though he could clearly see that those he claimed to be “rescuing” had disappeared.

To explain his inaction, Dr. Munyemana asserted that he was just a doctor with no political involvement. The court, however, disagreed, as it found that he played an active role in politics in Butare and at the national level.

Court’s decision

The judges concluded that Dr. Munyemana played a direct role in the genocide by imprisoning Tutsis at the sector offices in Tumba, fully aware that they were to be killed. This constituted a crime of depriving people of their liberty with the intent to kill them as part of the genocide plan.

The court also found that Dr. Munyemana contributed to the planning of the genocide through his involvement in various meetings, his support of the genocidal government, and his participation in security operations designed to capture and kill Tutsis.

However, the court acquitted him of crimes against humanity due to lack of evidence proving that he personally tortured, murdered, or committed other inhumane acts against the Tutsis detained at the sector offices.

Dr. Munyemana was sentenced to 24 years in prison, a sentence he had previously received from the Paris Court of Assizes in December 2023.

IGIHE

The discussion on 'Is Humanity Heading in the Right Direction?' featured an array of world leaders, including President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan, as well as business luminary Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, and Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.

The session was moderated by Richard Attias, Chairman of the FII Institute Executive Committee and Acting CEO of FII Institute.

Addressing the panel, moderator Attias highlighted Rwanda as a model of resilience and reform, asking President Kagame what leadership quality is most crucial to restoring trust between citizens and leaders.

President Kagame responded, emphasising that 'delivery' aligning what leaders promise with the experiences of the people, is fundamental. He stated that leaders must understand what their people expect and work within available structures to meet those expectations.

'Trust is created when the delivery we promise and the experience people have move in harmony,' he said.

Highlighting Rwanda’s journey, Kagame noted, 'For my country, which is a very small country, we make sure that everybody understands that we are small geographically in size, but we are not a people of small minds or spirit… The first people to take care of ourselves are us, and partnerships can accelerate growth, but it has to start with us.'

The discussion also explored how medium and small-sized countries can redefine their paths to development. Kagame stressed that size is not a limitation; rather, mindset, practice, and accountability are key.

He reflected on Rwanda’s recovery from its tragic past of the Genocide against the Tutsi, stating, 'Thirty years ago, the country was completely destroyed. So those of us who survived the tragedy had to make a choice. Do we go along with the destruction and disappear ourselves? Or do we do something and live again, and later on connect with the rest of the world?

“We learned to take care of our business, hold ourselves accountable, and make sure that we are able to measure the results we get throughout this journey we have undertaken…We don’t forget to cooperate with others across the world for what they can provide. We also prepare the ground for other people from outside who can come and make investments with us, trade with us, or cooperate in all kinds of ways we can.”

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana echoed Kagame’s sentiment, stressing the importance of bold thinking, investment in human capital, technology, and infrastructure as essential for competitiveness, regardless of a country’s size.

Earlier in the day at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, President Kagame participated in another high-level discussion on 'the true cost of economic security,' where he called for a more inclusive global trade framework that enables equitable growth for developing nations.

President Kagame arrived in Riyadh on Monday, October 27, joining global leaders, CEOs, investors, and policymakers for FII9, which runs through October 30 under the theme 'The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth.'

The conference, organised by the FII Institute, provides a platform for debate and solutions-oriented dialogue on global investment and policy challenges, focusing on AI & Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability.

President Kagame arrived in Riyadh on Monday, October 27, joining global leaders, CEOs, investors, and policymakers for FII9, which runs through October 30 under the theme 'The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth.'

President Kagame began his visit with a bilateral meeting with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a message shared on his X account on October 28, 2025, Amb. Karega expressed his delight at becoming Rwanda’s first resident ambassador to Algeria.

'I am honored to officially present to President Tebboune of Algeria my letters of credence as the first resident Rwandan Ambassador. Rwanda and Algeria are determined to elevate our bilateral and continental relations to the highest level,' he noted.

Other ambassadors who presented their credentials to President Tebboune on the same occasion included Najmul Huda Mohammed of Bangladesh, Wolfgang Spadinger of Austria, Anna Block Mazoyer of Sweden, Oleksandr Voronin of Ukraine, and Abdellatif Ellayeh of Egypt.

Rwanda and Algeria have maintained cooperation in areas such as security and education, with several Rwandan students pursuing studies in Algeria, a country where Arabic, French, and Tamazight are the official languages.

Since 1982, the two nations have signed various agreements covering economic cooperation, social development, cultural exchange, and other fields.

In December 2023, Algeria opened its embassy in Rwanda, demonstrating a renewed commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties.

On June 3, 2025, President Paul Kagame paid a state visit to Algeria, where he toured the National School of Artificial Intelligence, which also hosts Rwandan students.

During the visit, he held talks with President Tebboune focused on promoting stronger African cooperation in areas such as cross-border trade.

Before his new appointment, Ambassador Karega served as Rwanda’s envoy to South Africa until 2019, after which he was posted to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He left the DRC in 2022, following heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

On December 20, 2024, he was appointed Rwanda’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, prior to taking up his current role as Ambassador to Algeria.

Amb. Vincent Karega has presented credentials to represent Rwanda in Algeria

IGIHE

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 28, the rebel group claimed that government forces launched a 'comprehensive offensive across all front lines' at around 3:00 a.m., targeting densely populated areas in Kibati, Bibwe, Nyabiondo, Bukombo, and surrounding localities.

'The Kinshasa regime has escalated its flagrant violations of the ceasefire, operating with impunity both along and beyond the front lines,' read the communiqué signed by AFC/M23’s Spokesperson Laurence Kanyuka.

The group accused the Congolese army of 'criminal barbarism' and 'orchestrated massacres,' adding that heavy artillery and combat drones were deliberately aimed at civilian areas.

According to the statement, the attacks have resulted in civilian deaths, including women and children, and triggered mass displacement.

'By sabotaging all international peace efforts, Kinshasa has made its intentions clear: it is waging a war against the Congolese people,' Kanyuka said, asserting that the group would 'exercise its right to self-defence' to protect civilians.

The allegations come just two weeks after representatives from both the DRC government and the AFC/M23 signed an agreement in Doha establishing a joint ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. The accord, facilitated by the State of Qatar, was hailed as a major step toward consolidating peace in the DRC’s restive eastern provinces.

The Doha mechanism, signed on October 14, builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles of July 19, 2025. It outlines a structured process to monitor compliance with the permanent ceasefire, investigate alleged violations, and engage stakeholders to prevent renewed hostilities.

Tuesday’s accusations now raise concerns about the fragility of the peace process and the durability of recent diplomatic gains. There are growing fears that renewed hostilities could derail ongoing international efforts to stabilise eastern DRC, where the AFC/M23 accuses the Kinshasa administration of marginalising and persecuting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.

The DRC army is accused of having launched a comprehensive offensive across all AFC/M23 front lines on Tuesday at 3:00 a.m., targeting densely populated areas in Kibati, Bibwe, Nyabiondo, Bukombo, and surrounding localities.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused the Congolese army of 'criminal barbarism' and 'orchestrated massacres,' adding that heavy artillery and combat drones were deliberately aimed at civilian areas.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The tree planting activity which was held during the monthly Umuganda community service where 10,000 agroforestry trees and 3000 fruit trees were planted in the community, preceded other 7,000 fruit trees that the company had distributed to the districts of Kicukiro and Nyarugenge the previous week.

The event was graced by distinguished government officials including the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Mayor of Rubavu District among other distinguished guests and dignitaries.

Community members were glad to participate in the event and also receive fruit trees to plant at home as a chance not only to help the environment, but to improve household nutrition, income and soil health.

The initiative is part of BRALIRWA’s 'brew a better world’ agenda to boost watershed protection, biodiversity and community livelihoods.

Speaking during the event, BRALIRWA’s Corporate Affairs and Communications Director, Rosette Mutoni, reiterated the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.

'Each year, we proudly plant 20,000 trees across our water catchment areas in both Kigali and Rubavu. This initiative not only helps to restore and protect vital ecosystems but also demonstrates our dedication to nurturing the environment for the well-being of our communities and future generations.'

Last year in September, the company in partnership with Rubavu leadership engaged the community in clean-up activities along the shores of Lake Kivu under the theme 'make room for life’ where they engaged in discussions on waste management and donated hygiene materials to facilitate waste collection.

The Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Mulindwa, appreciated the community members for their great participation in tree planting event and commended BRALIRWA for continuing to set an example of responsible corporate citizenship by showing that protecting our planet and supporting our people go hand in hand in building a sustainable future for Rwanda.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, who was the guest of honor in the umuganda 'community work’ reminded all participants of the importance of conserving the environment, 'Every tree we plant today is a symbol of our faith in Rwanda’s future, a future that is green, sustainable, and prosperous.'

'Environmental protection and industrial development are not opposing goals, they are complementary pillars of Rwanda’s transformation. At the Ministry of Trade and Industry, we are committed to green industrialization, supporting factories that use clean technologies, promoting eco-friendly value chains, and encouraging businesses that grow while protecting nature,' he added.

The event was concluded with interactions between event participants and BRLAIRWA staff highlighting the importance of collaboration and joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability.

The initiative is part of BRALIRWA’s 'brew a better world’ agenda to boost watershed protection, biodiversity and community livelihoods.

BRALIRWA Corporate Affairs Director, Minister of Trade & Industry, and BRALIRWA Brewery Manager planting trees during Umuganda the community work.

Minister of Trade & Industry, Mayor of Rubavu District, BRALIRWA Corporate Affairs Director, among other event participants carrying tree seedlings to plant during the community work.

The event was concluded with interactions between event participants and BRLAIRWA staff highlighting the importance of collaboration and joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, who was the guest of honor in the umuganda 'community work’ reminded all participants of the importance of conserving the environment.

IGIHE

Paula Ingabire, the Minister of Technology and Innovation, stated that the World Bank, as the main partner, contributed to the development of the digital ID system by investing over $48 million (more than Frw 69 billion).

She emphasized that this amount is insufficient “to achieve what we aim to do now,” and that the total cost for the completion of the project will exceed $70 million (over 100 billion Rwandan Francs).

Speaking to RBA, she explained, 'The reason for this is the construction of the system and the upgrading of services that were previously provided to citizens based on the old ID system. These services will now be available using the digital ID. There are also tools required to ensure that people can access services based on the digital ID.'

While Rwanda has received support from various donors on this journey, the country itself is also contributing significantly to ensure the project’s completion.

In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the project was allocated a budget of Frw 5,397,688,170 , and in 2025/2026, the budget has increased to Frw 12, 265, 253, 074 billion.

The digital national ID will be issued to Rwandans aged 16 and above, as well as foreign residents and refugees in Rwanda.

The pre-enrollment platform was officially launched on August 7, 2025, during the 28th edition of Rwanda International Trade Fair at Gikondo Expo Grounds.

Currently, the IDs will be distributed to Rwandans, foreign nationals living in Rwanda, refugees, asylum seekers, adopted children, foreign nationals staying temporarily, immigrants, and stateless individuals residing in Rwanda.

Minister Ingabire added, 'We used to have a number of people without proper identification, which made it difficult for them to access basic services. The digital ID will simplify service delivery because it will contain all your information, enabling you to open a bank account without needing to visit the bank.'

The digital ID will have both a physical card, like the current one, and a digital version in the form of a QR code, which can be carried on a mobile phone or computer. Additionally, a ‘token’ number will be provided, which will be used to access your information, distinct from the national ID number.

The National Identification Agency (NIDA) recently announced the launch of the ‘pre-enrollment platform’ to validate citizens’ records and correct errors in the national ID system, ahead of the digital ID rollout. More than 3,300 people have already registered on this platform.

This platform was officially launched on August 7, 2025, during the 28th edition of Rwanda International Trade Fair at Gikondo Expo Grounds.

The project will be extended nationwide, starting in the districts of Huye, Gisagara, and Nyanza in the Southern Province.

Residents in these areas will be assisted in correcting their personal information, submitting biometric data, and other requirements.

Two sites will be set up in each sector, with trained staff to prevent errors in the process.

Biometric data to be collected will include fingerprints, eye scans, and facial images. Both Rwandans and foreign nationals in Rwanda are eligible for the digital ID.

From birth to age five, children will receive an ID that only includes their photo, as biometric data changes over time. Children aged five and above will be required to provide additional biometric data.

Over 1,144 people have already received training to assist residents in correcting their information and providing biometric data. These individuals will be helping the public from October 28, 2025, to December 2025. By January 2026, the trained workforce is expected to grow to 2,500 individuals.

Minister Ingabire noted, 'By December, we will be covering nine districts, and another 21 districts will be served in the following year, by May 2025. This means we need to train more staff to reach the remaining districts and complete data collection by the end of May.'

The digital ID will include data across nine categories, an expansion from the previous system’s seven categories, to ensure a complete and accurate identification profile. These will include names, parental information, email and phone numbers, address, place of birth, and more.

By May 2025, Rwanda will be the first country in Africa to implement a fully digital national ID system within the planned timeframe, while other countries that started before Rwanda are still in the process of building their systems.

Paula Ingabire, the Minister of Technology and Innovation, stated that the World Bank, as the main partner, contributed to the development of the digital ID system by investing over $48 million.

IGIHE

While 17 candidates have been cleared to contest the presidency, the race is widely seen as uncompetitive, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan facing only minor challengers following the disqualification of the country’s two largest opposition parties.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, is running with Emmanuel Nchimbi, a seasoned politician and former minister.

Since the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in 1992, CCM has never lost a general election, and Samia Suluhu is highly likely to extend her party’s unbroken run of power, which began with its predecessor in 1961, to over six decades in the upcoming 2025 general election.

Main opposition leaders barred

The election landscape changed dramatically after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) barred the two largest opposition parties, Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo, from participating.

Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, was arrested in April on treason charges after what he termed a campaign for electoral reforms. His party was subsequently disqualified from the election.

Similarly, Luhaga Mpina, the presidential hopeful from ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified twice. Although the High Court initially reinstated his candidacy, the electoral commission quickly reversed the decision following an objection from the Attorney General, and the High Court later upheld the final disqualification.

These developments have left smaller opposition parties in the running, though none are seen as posing a serious threat to CCM’s dominance.

With the main opposition out of the race, the remaining contenders include the incumbent, Samia Suluhu Hassan, along with 16 candidates from smaller parties.

Salum Mwalimu of the Public Liberation Party (Chaumma) is arguably the most politically significant figure among the minor opposition, largely due to his recent high-profile role in the main opposition movement.

Chaumma presidential candidate Salum Mwalimu Juma campaigns during a recent rally.

Mwalimu previously served as the running mate to Tundu Lissu, the disqualified Chadema leader, in the 2020 presidential election, and was a former Secretary-General of that party before his defection to Chaumma. His participation is notable as he attempts to capitalise on the void left by his former party.

Haji Ambar Khamis (National Convention for Construction and Reform — Mageuzi – NCCR-MAGEUZI), representing a veteran opposition party, has put forth a core campaign pledge focused on major political change, promising to enact a new national constitution within his first 100 days if elected.

Haji Ambar Khamis has put forth a core campaign pledge focused on major political change.

Gombo Samandito Gombo of the People’s United Front (CUF) represents one of Tanzania’s oldest opposition parties, with historical strength, particularly in Zanzibar. His campaign focuses on combating corruption, promoting fiscal independence through domestic revenue mobilisation, and pledging major investments in agriculture and free social services.

Saum Hussein Rashid of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Mwajuma Noty Mirambo of the Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD) are notable as two of the few female presidential candidates in the 2025 contest, highlighting the limited but significant representation of women in Tanzania’s political landscape.

Majalio Paul Kyara of the Sauti ya Umma Party (SAU) carries forward his party’s tradition of contesting presidential elections, with SAU having fielded candidates in every general election since 2005.

Majalio Paul Kyara is running on Sauti ya Umma Party (SAU).

Hassan Kisabya Almas of the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA), Coster Jimmy Kibonde of the Makini Party (MAKINI), Abdul Juma Mluya of the Democratic Party (DP), and Kunje Ngombale Mwiru of the Alliance for African Farmers Party (AAFP) are among the smaller party candidates seeking to offer alternative platforms, though none are seen as major contenders.

Georges Gabriel Bussungu of the Tanzania Democratic Alliance (ADA-TADEA), Twalib Ibrahim Kadege of the United People’s Democratic Party (UPDP), Doyo Hassan Doyo of the National League for Democracy (NLD), and Wilson Elias Mulumbe of the Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC) also bring their parties’ distinct agendas to the race, representing minor opposition voices.

David Daud Mwaijojele of the Social Democratic Party (CCK) and Yustas Mbatina Rwamugira of the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) round out the field, adding further diversity to the slate of candidates despite their limited political reach.

If re-elected, President Suluhu is expected to consolidate her leadership within CCM and continue her agenda focused on economic reform, gender inclusion, and international cooperation.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan delivers her remarks during the launch of the party’s campaign for the upcoming general elections, at Tanganyika Packers grounds in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Albert Rudatsimburwa, a relative of Mukabayojo, confirmed her death, revealing that she passed away in Nairobi, Kenya.

“She passed away yesterday evening in Nairobi, and I learned of it then. We often spoke on the phone. She last came to Rwanda for the burial of her brother, King Kigeli,” he shared.

Rudatsimburwa explained that Mukabayojo was a close relative because ” my grandmother was the sister of Musinga.”

Mukabayojo was among the children who fled with King Musinga when he was exiled to Moba in Zaïre, (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).

King Musinga’s reign was marked by significant challenges in Rwanda’s history, as the foundational structures of the country were severely impacted during his time in power.

He was deposed by the Belgians, who stripped him of his authority, leaving him powerless unless sanctioned by them.

On November 12, 1931, Charles Voisin, the Governor of Ruanda-Urundi, went to see King Musinga in Nyanza, giving him 48 hours to leave the country.

The King was ordered to surrender national symbols, including Kalinga and other marks of the nation, to the Belgians who had been entrusted with Rwanda by the League of Nations.

On October 14, 1931, Musinga departed from Nyanza, along with his five wives, nine children, his mother Kanjogera, and other family members.

They were taken to a house prepared for them in Gihundwe, near Kamembe Airport. This marked the end of his 36-year reign.

Rudatsimburwa’s son, Mutijima Bryon, who was well acquainted with Mukabayojo, added, “Musinga’s daughters crossed with their great grandfather. They returned to Rwanda after Rudahigwa ascended the throne.”

Mukabayojo married Bideri in a wedding held in Nyanza. Together, they had six children, including Bideri Dieudonne, who passed away last year.

During the '1959 Revolution,’ marked by killings targeting Tutsis, Mukabayojo and her family fled to Kenya, where they lived until her last breath.

Mukabayojo’s last visit to Rwanda occurred as she came to bury her brother, King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, who was laid to rest in Mwima, near the place of his coronation in 1959, close to the final resting place of their older brother, King Mutara III Rudahigwa.

Speciose Mukabayojo (sitting in the middle, surrounded by her daughters) attended the burial of her brother, King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa in 2017.

Mukabayojo married Bideri. This photo was taken during their wedding celebrations.

IGIHE