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Wang Fengli, deputy director of the Office of the Free Trade Port Working Committee of the Communist Party of China Hainan Provincial Committee, made the remarks during the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

Hainan will build a more flexible and efficient supervision system to facilitate the free, safe flow of goods. “On the one hand, the range of zero-tariff goods will be expanded to promote the trade of goods. On the other hand, the opening-up of services sectors such as tourism, education and health care will be accelerated in response to the development needs of trade in services,” Wang said.

Regarding investment, the Hainan FTP aims to create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment with greater transparency. Foreign investment access will be relaxed further, and reforms will be implemented to streamline approval processes, the official said.

The opening-up of the financial sector will be advanced steadily, with efforts to develop cross-border asset management and offshore yuan business, he said.

Restrictions on the free flow of people will also be relaxed, and entry and exit policies will be eased to attract talent and business visitors, according to Wang.

Hainan will adopt a more open shipping environment, optimize vessel inspection policies and establish an efficient, secure mechanism for the cross-border transfer of data, he added.

Xinhua

Under the updated order, nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone will be barred from entering the United States unless they qualify for specific exemptions.

The new proclamation also includes people traveling with Palestinian Authority—issued travel documents.

The White House explained that the expanded travel ban targets countries with 'persistent and severe deficiencies' in vetting, screening, and information‑sharing that officials say pose national security and public safety risks.

Syria, long affected by conflict and governance challenges, is one of the most notable additions to the list, reflecting ongoing concerns about the country’s ability to provide reliable documentation or cooperate with U.S. security processes.

This policy builds on a broader set of restrictions that already applied to several other nations earlier in 2025. Under prior proclamations, dozens of countries had faced either full or partial limitations on visas and entry to the United States. The latest expansion increases the number of affected countries to nearly 40 when including both full bans and partial restrictions.

The administration has defended the expanded travel ban as a necessary step to safeguard the American public, citing gaps in international vetting systems and recent security incidents.

Among the examples referenced by officials is a shooting involving an Afghan national, which they say demonstrated vulnerabilities in the current screening process.

The announcement has triggered a range of reactions. Supporters of the policy say it is essential to protect U.S. borders and prevent terrorism or criminal threats, while critics argue that the ban could harm diplomatic relationships, disrupt travel and education, and unfairly impact families and students from the affected countries. Civil liberties organizations have also described parts of the policy as discriminatory.

Despite the broad restrictions, exceptions remain. Foreign nationals who already hold valid U.S. visas or lawful permanent residency are generally exempt from the ban. Diplomatic travelers, certain categories of workers, and individuals whose entry is deemed in the national interest may also qualify for waivers or exemptions.

The new travel restrictions will become effective at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and consular officers, as well as border authorities, are preparing to implement the expanded policy in the coming weeks.

President Donald Trump, on December 16, 2025, signed a proclamation that broadens the United States’ travel ban to include seven additional countries, with the restrictions set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Rania Umutoni

The company acknowledged that the issues have caused significant financial losses and reputational strain, prompting it to intensify engagement with riders and the wider public. The matter was discussed during a media briefing held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

One of the most common concerns raised by riders involves the perceived failure of brakes on Spiro motorcycles, a situation that some fear could lead to accidents. However, Spiro says the problem is largely linked to limited familiarity with the design and operation of electric motorcycles.

Spiro Rwanda’s Deputy Plant Manager, Dieudonné Mbuguje, explained that the motorcycles are equipped with three braking mechanisms, unlike conventional petrol-powered bikes. In addition to the front and rear brakes, Spiro motorcycles also feature an engine braking system that cuts power to the rear motor.

According to Dieudonné, some riders have been disconnecting small sensor-linked components that regulate power flow to the motor, often unknowingly compromising the braking system in the process.

'When these sensors are disconnected, riders are left relying only on the conventional brakes, and the engine brake can no longer cut power to the motor when needed,' he said, noting that this can create the impression of brake failure.

Spiro says it has expanded its rider training programme in Rwanda as it moves to address safety concerns that have recently surfaced around the use of its bikes, particularly complaints related to braking systems.

To address the problem, Spiro is expanding its training programme beyond initial onboarding. The company said it has rolled out refresher tutorials across its service centres, battery swap stations and offices, while also circulating training videos through riders’ WhatsApp groups.

'We are introducing electric motorcycles into an environment where driving licences are issued for conventional bikes,' Dieudonné said. 'That means riders need additional knowledge to operate electric motorcycles safely. We are now going beyond basic riding lessons to ensure users fully understand how these bikes work.'

Low prices, not low quality

Spiro has also responded to criticism, suggesting that the relatively low price of its motorcycles reflects poor quality. The company insists that its pricing strategy is designed to support ownership rather than rental among riders.

Shanton Ngabire, Spiro’s Head of Commercial, said the company deliberately keeps prices low to enable riders to own their motorcycles, aligning with government efforts to promote electric mobility.

'Most conventional motorcycles are expensive, forcing many riders to work for years paying off bikes owned by others,' he said. 'Our goal is to help riders own their motorcycles and work for themselves.'

He added that a promotional offer introduced in November last year was intended to accelerate adoption of electric motorcycles. While the promotion later drew complaints from customers who experienced delays in receiving their bikes, Spiro says the issue has since been resolved and all outstanding orders have been fulfilled.

Battery concerns addressed

Some riders have also reported concerns about battery performance, including claims that motorcycles lose power quickly or stop unexpectedly while in motion.

Spiro Rwanda’s Country Lead, Arunkumar Bhandari, said the batteries are designed to last up to five years, but acknowledged that the company is still refining its systems, having operated in Rwanda for less than three years.

He said batteries that develop faults are removed from the system and replaced at no cost to riders, noting that Spiro retains ownership of all batteries to ensure consistent quality and safety.

Spiro Rwanda’s Country Lead, Arunkumar Bhandari, said the batteries are designed to last up to five years, but acknowledged that the company is still refining its systems, having operated in Rwanda for less than three years.

Spiro Rwanda’s Deputy Plant Manager, Dieudonné Mbuguje, explained that the motorcycles are equipped with three braking mechanisms, unlike conventional petrol-powered bikes.

IGIHE

In a statement, the Venezuelan government said U.S. President Donald Trump had issued what it called a “grave and reckless threat” against the country, claiming that it violated international law, free trade and freedom of navigation.

Trump claimed Venezuela’s oil, land and mineral resources as U.S. property and demanded their immediate surrender, while seeking to impose a naval blockade aimed at “robbing the nation of its natural wealth,” it added.

Venezuela reaffirmed its sovereignty over its natural resources and its right to free navigation and commerce in the Caribbean Sea and international waters, it said, adding that it would act in strict accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

In response to the threat, Venezuela’s permanent representative to the United Nations would immediately file a formal complaint.

Calling on the U.S. public and the international community to reject the threat, the statement said Venezuela would never return to a colonial status and would continue defending its independence and sovereignty.

Trump said on Tuesday that he has ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said that any U.S. attempts to block sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela constitute a violation of international law

Xinhua

NISR said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,53 trillion in Q3 2025, up from Frw 4,66 trillion recorded in the same period last year. The expansion marks a continued acceleration in growth, following increases of 7.8% in the second quarter and 6.5% in the first quarter of 2025.

'In the third quarter of 2025, GDP grew by 11.8 per cent following the growth of 7.8 per cent in Q2 and 6.5 per cent in Q1,' NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi told members of the press in Kigali on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Services remained the backbone of the economy, accounting for 57% of GDP, while industry contributed 22% and agriculture 15%. Net direct taxes made up the remaining 6%.

Sectoral data show that industry was the fastest-growing sector, expanding by 17%, followed by services at 10% and agriculture at 10%.

Within agriculture, growth was underpinned by a strong rebound in export crops, which increased by 35%. This was largely driven by a 32% rise in coffee harvests and a 100% increase in tea production. Food crop production also returned to growth, rising by 4%, compared with a 10% contraction in the same quarter of 2024.

The industrial sector posted broad-based gains. Mining and quarrying grew by 14%, with quarrying expanding by 20%, while mining rose by 2%. Construction activity surged by 20%, reflecting sustained infrastructure development, while manufacturing grew by 14%.

Manufacturing growth was led by a 44% increase in non-metal products, mainly cement, alongside a 28% rise in metal products and 25% growth in chemical products, including paints and soaps. Food processing expanded by 12%.

Services growth was anchored in trade and transport. Wholesale and retail trade increased by 20%, while transport services grew by 9%, supported by a 10% rise in land transportation. Information and communication services expanded by 17%, and financial services grew by 10%. However, hotels and restaurants contracted by 3%, reflecting continued pressures in the hospitality segment. Public administration services increased by 7%, education services by 5%, while health services declined by 16%.

The Special Economic Zone in Masoro, Kigali. Rwanda’s economy recorded robust growth in the third quarter of 2025, expanding by 11.8%, driven largely by strong performance in the services and industry sectors.

NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi addressed the press in Kigali on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa at the press conference.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The event’s focus was on empowering the youth to take an active role in governance, aligning with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation, which highlights the critical importance of youth in decision-making and leadership.

With the theme, “Our Voice, Our Participation, Right Now,” the dialogue emphasised youth engagement not only as a governance priority but also as a fundamental human right.

Organised by Citizen Voice and Actions Rwanda, the event brought together a diverse group of youth leaders, including students, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives, to discuss the role of youth in governance and explore strategies for greater involvement in national development.

The dialogue also focused on the significance of youth participation in shaping Rwanda’s future.

As Rwanda continues its journey of transformation, the 7th Youth Policy Dialogue stands out as a pivotal platform for amplifying the voices of young people in governance and leadership.

The dialogue underscored that youth participation is not just a governance priority, but a human right.

Participants, including students and entrepreneurs, shared experiences, discussed challenges, and proposed solutions for fostering national development. Interviews with attendees revealed a shared passion for taking immediate action and ensuring inclusivity, especially bridging the gap between urban and rural youth.

The dialogue underscored that youth participation is not just a governance priority, but a human right.

The dialogue also focused on the significance of youth participation in shaping Rwanda’s future. With youth aged 16 to 30 making up 27% of the population, attendees stressed that this demographic represents the backbone of the nation.

Real-world examples of youth leadership illustrated the tangible impact being made. Najimah Umutoni, a student at Kepler College, shared her initiative to establish “girls’ rooms” in Kigali high schools, providing private spaces for female students dealing with health issues.

“I initiated the girls’ room project after realising that many high schools lacked such spaces, and now many schools have adopted the idea,” she shared.

Robeni Mawuwa, the executive director of an organisation focused on youth empowerment, highlighted youth-led civil society organisations that empower women and teen mothers.

“Our work focuses on uplifting vulnerable groups, especially women and young mothers,” she noted.

Salama Umutoni, a social entrepreneur in agriculture, stressed her commitment to employing fellow youth and aligning her work with national policies. “Whenever I create employment opportunities, I prioritise hiring youth,” she said.

The dialogue provided valuable lessons that participants are eager to implement in their work. Many attendees spoke about Rwanda’s abundant opportunities, such as a peaceful environment, youth platforms, and freedoms, which are sometimes taken for granted.

Najimah emphasised the importance of staying active and starting small. “I’ve learned that I don’t have to wait for big opportunities. I can start small, even on platforms like LinkedIn,” she said. Robeni focused on bridging the participation gap between rural and urban youth, while Samiri advocated for meaningful engagement in policy implementation for the benefit of future generations.

The event ended with powerful messages to inspire hesitant youth. Salama urged young people to think beyond themselves: “Think about your peers and future generations. What kind of world do you want to create for them?”

Robeni challenged the narrative that youth are the leaders of tomorrow: “We are not the future leaders of tomorrow. We are the leaders of today,” she stated.

Najimah encouraged youth to take action, regardless of the obstacles: “Don’t let negativity hold you back. Believe in yourself, work hard, and you can achieve anything.”

The 7th Youth Policy Dialogue reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to youth empowerment and demonstrated how active participation today can help build a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow for the nation and beyond.

Watch the full video below.

Rania Umutoni

Sources say a significant number of Burundian soldiers who had been deployed in parts of the Rusizi plain on the South Kivu side returned to Burundi over the past two weeks after being overwhelmed by AFC/M23 forces.

Other Burundian troops are reported to have fled to different areas of South Kivu, including the city of Baraka in Fizi territory and the Itombwe forest, according to information obtained by IGIHE.

The largest remaining concentration of Burundian soldiers is said to be around Minembwe commune, which connects the territories of Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga. The troops have for a long time blocked routes used by members of the Banyamulenge community to access markets and health facilities.

SOS Médias reported that on the night of December 15 to 16, 2025, many Burundian soldiers crossed Lake Tanganyika from Baraka and Mboko, arriving at a military port in Rumonge.

AFC/M23 recently entered the Mboko centre as it continued pushing southwards, forcing back a coalition of DRC government forces whose presence had reportedly compromised civilian security. The city of Baraka remained the last major objective in the area.

As AFC/M23 took control of additional locations along Lake Tanganyika, escape routes for Burundian troops were increasingly cut off, after land routes through the Rusizi plain had already been closed.

On Tuesday morning, six trucks were deployed at the port to transport the soldiers to Bujumbura, with witnesses noting visible signs of fatigue among them.

Burundi is estimated to have deployed nearly 20,000 troops to South Kivu province to help the Congolese army battle M23 rebels. While the exact number of soldiers who have withdrawn is not yet known, sources say they number in the thousands.

AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa announced late on Monday that his fighters would withdraw from Uvira in the interest of ongoing mediation efforts but warned rival forces against re-entering the city. It remains unclear whether Burundian troops will continue their withdrawal following the announcement.

Sources say a significant number of Burundian soldiers who had been deployed in parts of the Rusizi plain on the South Kivu side returned to Burundi over the past two weeks after being overwhelmed by AFC/M23 forces.

IGIHE

The center, which will be located at Rubona Station in Huye District, is part of the Rwanda BioCap Project, a five-year program launched in partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP), other international research institutions, and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The project will build local capacity in crop biotechnology, enabling Rwandans to acquire knowledge on genetic modification of crops and related technologies, without adverse effects. The initiative will also allow Rwanda to produce, regulate, and distribute improved seeds suited to local needs, contributing to food self-sufficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.

State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Solange Uwituze, said the sector faces increasing challenges, including new pests and diseases affecting potatoes, sweet potatoes, and bananas, compounded by climate change. She emphasised that science-based approaches, such as this project, are essential for protecting crops and increasing yields.

'This project will establish a Centre of Excellence for Crop Biotechnology under RAB. It will help generate critical data on regulatory compliance, environmental impact, and food safety, while supporting trials, seed distribution, and farmer assistance programs,' Dr. Uwituze said.

Currently, Rwanda’s agriculture sector accounts for 70% of crops exported abroad and meets 90% of domestic food demand. Approximately 1.4 million hectares of land are dedicated to agriculture, including 600,000 hectares consolidated under the expanded Food Basket Sites (FoBaSi) program, where the new technologies will also be implemented.

The initiative aligns with the government’s Fifth Agricultural Transformation Program (PSTA5), a five-year strategy with a budget of $5.4 billion, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity by 50% and accelerating rural development.

The government has pledged to make improved seeds rapidly available to farmers, strengthening the country’s capacity to achieve food security and sustainable farming.

The Government of Rwanda has announced plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for Crop Biotechnology to support the development and distribution of disease-resistant crops. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity through advanced genetic technologies.

IGIHE

Produced with the support of Aegis Trust, the book aims to show that the genocide was neither spontaneous nor accidental, but the result of decades of careful political and ideological planning. Ambassador Ngarambe argues that the ruling elites orchestrated the crime to maintain power at all costs, driven by a persistent fear of losing it.

The book, unveiled on Friday, December 12, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, challenges narratives that attribute the origins of the genocide to the 1990 attack by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), arguing instead that genocidal intent existed long before. During the Habyarimana regime, led by the MRND state party, there was little genuine political opposition, while Tutsi refugees were systematically prevented from returning, having been perceived as a political threat.

According to the author, both PARMEHUTU and the MRND regimes were motivated by a fear of losing power, targeting Tutsi communities as the primary enemy. Policies from 1959 onward, he argues, were totalitarian, segregationist, and exclusionary, built on an ideology of institutionalised hate.

Education and propaganda as tools of hate

The book details how, from 1982, secondary schools introduced teachings explicitly promoting hatred against Tutsi, including pseudo-scientific theories related to 'facial features.' This propaganda normalised violence and massacres, which had occurred repeatedly long before 1994.

In July 1986, the MRND publicly declared that Tutsi refugees would never be allowed to return, prompting the formation of the RPF, a movement of refugees advocating for their right to return. Extremist Hutu leaders viewed the RPF’s attack and the Arusha Accords as existential threats, with the accords seen as a red line.

From 1993, the Interahamwe militias, officially trained and supported by the regime, openly chanted 'Tubatsembatsembe' ('Let’s exterminate them'), signalling the impending genocide.

The genocide unfolds

The assassination of President Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, triggered the execution of a long-planned extermination strategy. Within three months, more than one million people were killed. Ambassador Ngarambe emphasises that, without the decisive intervention of the RPF, Rwanda would have been emptied of Tutsi, leaving perpetrators free to operate with impunity.

The book also examines foreign support for the Habyarimana regime, notably from France, and the training of Interahamwe militias, highlighting the international dimensions of the crisis.

Lessons for leadership and youth

During the launch, participants, including senators, commended the book and recommended its inclusion in Rwandan educational programs. Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Jean-Damascène Bizimana pledged closer collaboration with the ambassador and Aegis Trust to disseminate the book’s lessons widely.

Ambassador Ngarambe stressed Rwanda’s uniqueness in ending the genocide without international intervention, highlighting the importance of responsible leadership in preventing mass atrocities. Minister Bizimana urged Rwandan youth to engage with historical accounts, challenge denialist ideologies, and promote the preservation of truth, including within religious institutions.

Ambassador Ngarambe concluded that this publication is part of broader initiatives to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, emphasising memory, truth, and the prevention of future mass crimes.

Amb. François-Xavier Ngarambe’s book, unveiled on Friday, December 12, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, challenges narratives that attribute the origins of the genocide to the 1990 attack by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), arguing instead that genocidal intent existed long before.

The book launch event was attended by prominent political figures.

Minister Bizimana stressed the importance of confronting genocidal ideology in all its forms, wherever it appears.

Minister Bizimana urged Rwandan youth to take responsibility by reading, sharing, and defending historical accounts.

At the launch, attendees, including senators, commended the book’s relevance and recommended its inclusion in Rwandan educational programs.

The book is a major contribution to understanding the historical and political roots of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The main objective of the book, produced with the support of Aegis Trust, is to provide a deeper understanding of the Genocide against the Tutsi, demonstrating that it was neither spontaneous nor accidental.

IGIHE

Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC), Vincent Assanful, chairman of the Governing Board of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), said that the council has engaged in high-level technical collaboration with officials from the Confucius Institute over the past months on the new Chinese language curriculum.

According to him, a draft Chinese language curriculum, tailored to suit the Ghanaian context without losing its originality, has been developed and is expected to be rolled out soon.

Assanful said that NaCCA identified the critical need to formalize the study of Chinese within Ghana’s basic education system, as China is a global economic force and a key development partner to Ghana.

The official said that the two bodies have developed a draft Chinese language curriculum that is competency-based, contextually adaptive and structurally sound, fitting seamlessly into Ghana’s common core program.

“We believe that the Chinese language, when our children are well-trained and versed in it, dealing with the Chinese in terms of trade, in terms of economics, and in terms of world politics, will inure to the benefit of the Ghanaian,” Assanful told Xinhua.

Assanful urged the CIUCC to focus on the professional development of local teachers so they can become proficient in the new Chinese language curriculum, as it prepares to finalize and hand over the policy document for implementation.

Ghana is set to formally introduce the study of the Chinese language into basic schools across the country in early 2026, a government official said Monday.

Xinhua