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The study, which involved 292 participants from eight districts of Rwanda, focused on individuals from different categories, including youth, sex workers, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community.

In each group, the research uncovered various issues. For instance, sex workers were found to have limited knowledge about reproductive health and lacked awareness of how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It was revealed that at least 75% of sex workers do not have sufficient information. Among adolescent girls, 73% lacked adequate knowledge, while 70% of LGBTQ members were also uninformed. Additionally, 50% of people with disabilities lacked adequate information.

Tanga Community staff member, Josiane Uwizeyimana, stated that the idea for this research stemmed from the desire to understand the ongoing issues affecting access to information and services related to reproductive health.

“We looked at the high rate of teenage pregnancies and wondered, 'Why is the situation still the same despite the government’s efforts to address this problem?’ This motivated us to carry out the research,” she explained.

Djamali Shema, from the Feminist Action Development Ambition (FADA), a non-governmental organization also involved in the research, noted that LGBTQ members face a lack of information, but even those who are informed feel ashamed to seek reproductive health services at health facilities, fearing they may be ostracized or marginalized.

“There are times when people mistreat LGBTQ members, trying to make them feel outcast due to their beliefs, which makes them isolate themselves and avoid seeking reproductive health services.”

Shema suggested that one solution to this problem would be to “conduct awareness campaigns so that people understand that LGBTQ members are just like everyone else, and those who abuse them should face stronger consequences.”

She also praised the Rwandan government for the efforts made to address their health needs, including setting up special services for them at health centers.

Chantal Uwizeyimana, representing people with disabilities, emphasized that one of the main challenges identified was how people with disabilities access various services.

“There are times when these services are available at health centers, but getting there is a challenge,” she explained. She also highlighted the issue of patient confidentiality, particularly when a person with a disability is accompanied to the clinic.

She stressed that awareness campaigns are necessary, alongside infrastructure development to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.

Hakizimana Sylvestre Samuel noted that youth, especially in rural areas, struggle with affordability, particularly when it comes to purchasing items like condoms. “It’s difficult to find the resources, especially in rural areas,” he said.

Uwizeyimana expressed hope that this research would spark more discussions on the remaining challenges in accessing information and services related to reproductive health.

She stated, “Reproductive health services are the foundation for building a better future for the country. We need to talk more about these issues to solve the problems that still exist.”

IGIHE

“I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the terrible massacre of October 7,” Netanyahu said, referring to Hamas’ attack on southern Israel in October 2023. “You are giving a huge reward to terrorism.”

He added, “It will not happen, there will not be a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.”

He added that he will give a response to the latest recognition after his return from the United States. “Wait for it,” he said.

Welcoming the move by the three countries, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, “It constitutes an important and necessary step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy,” according to a statement by his office.

Earlier in the day, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a video statement that Britain “formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” calling for a shift back to a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, a joint media release by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said “Australia recognizes the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday also issued a statement on Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday denounced the decision by Britain, Canada, and Australia to recognize a Palestinian state.

Xinhua

The fighting escalated on Sunday, September 21, 2025, but ended with M23 defeating government forces and the Wazalendo militia.

According to Radio Okapi, heavy battles took place in Cisaza, Cibanda, Muyange, Karhuliza, and Kalongo.

Reports indicate that the clashes were so intense that M23 deployed armoured vehicles and other heavy weaponry.

Nzibira is one of the key towns in South Kivu, known for its mining activities, particularly coltan and gold. It had been an important area under FARDC control, meaning its loss would carry significant consequences.

On the same day, heavy fighting was also reported in North Kivu, particularly in the Masisi and Walikale areas.

The capture of Nzibira adds to other territories now controlled by AFC/M23 in South Kivu, including Bukavu. The group is also reported to be present in Mwenga, Kabare, Fizi, and Uvira.

Fighters from the AFC/M23 coalition have captured the town of Nzibira, located in Walungu Territory in South Kivu, following intense clashes with FARDC and their allied militias.

IGIHE

Accompanied by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gaibov, Kagame toured the eight-year-old track, which has hosted F1 races for nearly a decade and is one of 24 circuits on this year’s championship calendar.

The visit coincided with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing claiming victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a win that brought him closer to reclaiming the season’s top spot from Oscar Piastri of McLaren.

Last year, President Kagame confirmed Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula 1 race, which would make the East African nation the first African host in three decades. Since then, discussions and preparations have been underway, with Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire confirming that the project is progressing steadily.

President Kagame’s tour of Baku follows visits to other notable circuits, including the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore and the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, highlighting Rwanda’s growing engagement with global motorsport.

Accompanied by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gaibov, Kagame toured the eight-year-old track, which has hosted F1 races for nearly a decade and is one of 24 circuits on this year’s championship calendar.

IGIHE

“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” the president wrote on his Truth Social account.

Located about 50 km north of Kabul, the Bagram Airbase was the hub of U.S. and NATO operations during the two-decade-long War in Afghanistan. The withdrawal of American forces in 2021 resulted in the Taliban taking control of the base.

During his recent visit to Britain, Trump said that the United States is “trying to take back” the Bagram Airbase. The remarks have attracted widespread attention and sparked speculation about whether the United States intends to redeploy troops to Afghanistan.

On Saturday, Trump told reporters at the White House that the United States is in talks with Afghanistan regarding regaining control of the airbase, saying, “We want it back, and we want it back soon, right away.”

“If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m gonna do,” said Trump.

U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Sept. 20, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened Afghanistan with “bad things” if it doesn’t “give Bagram Airbase back.”

Xinhua

The 25-year-old star completed the 40.6-kilometre route in 49:46.03, averaging an impressive 48.9 km/h. His performance reaffirmed his dominance against the clock and ensured Belgium’s flag flew highest on the opening weekend of competition.

Evenepoel’s ride was a test of both physical strength and mental resilience, as Kigali’s steep climbs and cobbled sections pushed every rider to the limit.

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel produced a blistering display of power and precision to win the Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial at the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, claiming his third rainbow jersey in the discipline.

'It felt pretty good right away on the first flat part; I could feel my legs turning. I held my pace without going over the limit. The first climb of the day was quite hard, along with the last two, so I really pushed it there,” he reflected on the effort required to secure gold.

“After that, I saw I had a big gap, so I kept a pace I could sustain until the bottom and then went flat out on every climb. I must say, the cobbles were brutal—I hated them at some point. It was so hard to push through them toward the end, but winning was the most important thing,” he added.

Vine takes silver, Van Wilder bronze

Australia’s Jay Vine rode strongly to secure the silver medal, clocking 51:00.83 — over a minute behind Evenepoel, but still clear of the chasing pack. The bronze went to Evenepoel’s compatriot Ilan van Wilder, who stopped the clock at 52:22.10, giving Belgium two riders on the podium in Kigali.

Pogačar and Del Toro in the mix

Pre-race favourite Tadej Pogačar, fresh from his fourth Tour de France title earlier this summer, had to settle for a disappointing fourth on his birthday. The Slovenian finished in 52:23.76, narrowly missing a medal. Rising Mexican sensation Isaac Del Toro followed closely in fifth with 52:26.89, adding another strong result to his breakout season.

Dutch rider Thymen Arensman, considered a podium contender, placed ninth in 53:25.71, while Swiss specialist Stefan Küng completed the top ten.

Rwanda’s cycling fans had plenty to cheer as two local riders lined up in the world championship field of 54 participants. Shemu Nsengiyumva delivered a spirited ride to take 25th place in 56:41.13, while Moise Mugisha came home 31st in 58:40.67

Men elite individual time trial — top 10 results

1. Remco Evenepoel (BEL) — 49:46.03

2. Jay Vine (AUS) — 51:00.83 (+1:14.80)

3. Ilan van Wilder (BEL) — 52:22.10 (+2:36.07)

4. Tadej Pogačar (SLO) — 52:23.76 (+2:37.73)

5. Isaac Del Toro (MEX) — 52:26.89 (+2:40.86)

6. Andreas Leknessund (NOR) — 52:43.30 (+2:57.27)

7. Lucas Plapp (AUS) — 52:49.37 (+3:03.34)

8. Bruno Armirail (FRA) — 52:52.10 (+3:06.07)

9. Thymen Arensman (NED) — 53:25.71 (+3:39.68)

10. Stefan Küng (SUI) — 53:34.95 (+3:48.92)

The 25-year-old star completed the 40.6-kilometre route in 49:46.03, averaging an impressive 48.9 km/h.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Racing a 31.2-kilometre course through the Rwandan capital, Reusser delivered a dominant ride, clocking 43 minutes 09 seconds at an average speed of 43.3 km/h. She finished nearly a minute ahead of Dutch veteran Anna van der Breggen, who took silver, with her compatriot Demi Vollering securing bronze.

The win marked a career milestone for Reusser, who celebrated her 34th birthday a day earlier. After taking silver in 2020 and 2021 and bronze in 2022, she finally stood on the top step to wear the rainbow stripes.

'I tried so many times… It makes me so happy that I can achieve this — both for myself and for the whole group around me. I am really full of love for these people,' she said with a beaming smile.

For the home crowd, there was special pride as Rwandan riders Xaveline Nirere and Diane Ingabire lined up in the time trial, representing Rwanda with determination. Nirere completed the 31.2 km course in a time of 50:07.67, while Ingabire finished in 52:57.79. Though outside of medal contention, their participation drew huge cheers along the route.

Women elite individual time trial — top 10 riders

1. Marlen Reusser (SUI) — 43:09.34

2. Anna van der Breggen (NED) — 44:01.23 (+51.89)

3. Demi Vollering (NED) — 44:14.07 (+1:04.73)

4. Brodie Chapman (AUS) — 44:30.21 (+1:20.87)

5. Katrine Aalerud (NOR) — 44:33.68 (+1:24.34)

6. Antonia Niedermaier (GER) — 44:38.41 (+1:29.07)

7. Juliette Labous (FRA) — 44:42.33 (+1:32.99)

8. Anna Henderson (GBR) — 44:47.06 (+1:37.72)

9. Chloe Dygert (USA) — 45:34.77 (+2:25.43)

10. Mireia Benito Pellicer (ESP) — 45:41.39 (+2:32.05)

Rwanda’s debut on the world stage

The Kigali championships are the 98th edition of the UCI Road World Championships, but the first ever to be staged in Africa. Over the next eight days, more than 900 riders from 110 nations will compete in 13 races across the city’s steep hills and valleys, with elevation gains reaching 5,400 metres.

At the opening ceremony inside BK Arena, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire welcomed the riders and spectators, calling the event a historic moment for the nation.

'This is going to be a special week with the best riders in the world riding across Kigali’s hills and valleys,' she said. 'I’m really honoured to welcome the 110 nations, 996 riders, and all the visitors joining us in this historic moment.'

UCI President David Lappartient also hailed Rwanda’s achievement in hosting the championships.

'Without the vision of President Paul Kagame, without our shared vision, it would have been impossible,' he said. 'We are so proud to be here for the first time ever.'

Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser claimed her first-ever rainbow jersey with victory in the Women’s Elite Individual Time Trial in Kigali.

Reusser finished nearly a minute ahead of Dutch veteran Anna van der Breggen, who took silver, with her compatriot Demi Vollering securing bronze.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The dinner was attended by Rwanda’s Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Juliana Kangeli Muganza; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe; and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga.

During the meeting, the two leaders commended the bilateral ties between Rwanda and Azerbaijan and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade, culture, agriculture, and tourism.

President Kagame’s visit, which began on September 19, 2025, followed the signing of five bilateral agreements covering agriculture, education, satellite communication services, trade, and public service delivery. Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that the agreements achieve the expected outcomes.

President Aliyev described Rwanda and Azerbaijan as strong partners and welcomed the progress in bilateral relations since they were formally established in 2017.

President Kagame last visited Baku in November 2024 to attend the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

President Paul Kagame, who is on a working visit to Azerbaijan, was hosted to dinner by his counterpart, President Ilham Aliyev, on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

IGIHE

President Kagame also emphasized that Rwanda and Azerbaijan share many similarities, underlining his wish to further strengthen cooperation in development.

President Kagame laid a wreath at the Alley of Honor, the cemetery in the capital city Baku where some of the country’s most prominent leaders are buried.

While diplomacy and bilateral cooperation were at the center of the visit, Azerbaijan itself is a country with a rich history, unique culture, diverse geography, and remarkable features.

Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region (in Western Asia), at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. It borders Russia to the north, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, Turkey through the small Nakhchivan exclave, and the Caspian Sea to the east.

The country covers an area of about 86,600 square kilometers (roughly three-quarters the size of Rwanda multiplied by four) and has a population of about 10.5 million.

Azerbaijan holds a special place on the global stage due to its oil, energy resources, cultural heritage, and strategic location.

Here are 10 remarkable things you should know about this country.

1. The land of eternal flames AND natural fire phenomena

On the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, there are places where natural gas escapes through cracks and burns continuously. For example, Yanar Dagh is a hillside that has flames burning naturally, fed by gas seeps underground.

Yanar Dagh is a hillside that has flames burning naturally, fed by gas seeps underground.

In addition, the Ateshgah Fire Temple near Baku used to be a site where fire worship (Zoroastrian, Indian Hindu, Sikh) took place, because of natural eternal flames. It is now a museum.

2. First Muslim-majority country to give women the right to vote

Azerbaijan granted women suffrage in 1918, when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formed. It was among the earliest Muslim-majority countries to do so.

Azerbaijan granted women the right to vote in 1918, one of the first Muslim-majority countries to do so.

3. More mud volcanoes than almost anywhere

Azerbaijan has hundreds (over 350, some sources say more than 400) of mud volcanoes, more than most countries. Some are active; they bubble up methane and mud, sometimes dramatically.

Azerbaijan is home to over 350 mud volcanoes, more than most countries, some of which erupt methane and mud dramatically.

4. The world’s smallest books and miniature book museum

In Baku, there is a collection of extremely tiny books, some as small as 2 mm, displayed in a miniature book museum. It’s one of the largest collections of its kind.

Baku hosts a miniature book museum featuring some of the world’s tiniest books, including volumes as small as 2 mm.

5. Baku’s parts below sea level

Some parts of Baku lie significantly below sea level, and as the city area extends into the Caspian Sea shore, there are zones that are underwater or reclaimed. Some sources say that parts of the capital district are 28 meters under the sea.

6. The Nakhchivan exclave, Azerbaijan apart from Azerbaijan

Nakhchivan is an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan that is separated from the main part of the country by Armenia. It borders Iran and Turkey. It has its own government, and its geographic separation gives it a different feel, both historically and culturally.

Surrounded by Armenia, Turkey and Iran but part of Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan is the world’s largest landlocked exclave.

7. Extreme tea consumption despite not growing much of it locally

Even though Azerbaijan has regions suited for tea cultivation, much of its black tea is imported, about 12,000 tons annually for a population of about 10 million. Tea is deeply embedded in social culture.

Azerbaijan imports much of its black tea, around 12,000 tons annually, reflecting its deep-rooted tea culture.

8. A 'world’s first' in oil history and strategic importance

In the early 1900s, Azerbaijan was one of the world leaders in oil production. For example, in 1901, it produced a massive part of global crude oil output. During WWII, it was a crucial supplier of oil for the Soviet Union.

Azerbaijan imports much of its black tea, around 12,000 tons annually, reflecting its deep-rooted tea culture.

9. Religion, secularism, and state structure

Even though the vast majority of people in Azerbaijan are Muslim (> 90 %), the country is officially secular. The constitution does not declare an official religion. Religious practice exists, but the state maintains secular governance.

Religious practice exists in Azerbaijan, but the state maintains secular governance.

10. Monumental flag and civic display

Baku has a large State Flag Square, huge in size, with a massive flagpole and a giant national flag. In recent years, the flagpole has been upgraded, and the square has become a major symbol of national identity.

At its inauguration in 2010, the flagpole was certified as the world’s tallest by Guinness World Records before being surpassed by a flagpole in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in 2011.

Azerbaijan is therefore a country with a unique character, from its eternal flames and mud volcanoes to its history of gender equality, its tea culture, and its major oil industry.

President Kagame’s visit highlights how Rwanda and this country can work together in development, culture, and trade.

President Kagame’s visit emphasizes avenues for cooperation between Rwanda and Azerbaijan in development, culture, and trade.

President Kagame was welcomed at the Zugulba Presidential Palace by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, where they held a tête-à-tête meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual benefit.

M.M.

The luncheon was attended by Rwanda’s Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Juliana Kangeli Muganza; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe; and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga.

During the meeting, the two leaders commended the bilateral ties between Rwanda and Azerbaijan and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade, culture, agriculture, and tourism.

President Kagame’s visit, which began on September 19, 2025, followed the signing of five bilateral agreements covering agriculture, education, satellite communication services, trade, and public service delivery. Kagame emphasised Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that the agreements achieve the expected outcomes.

President Aliyev described Rwanda and Azerbaijan as strong partners and welcomed the progress in bilateral relations since they were formally established in 2017.

President Kagame last visited Baku in November 2024 to attend the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

President Paul Kagame, who is on a working visit to Azerbaijan, was hosted to luncheon by his counterpart, President Ilham Aliyev, on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

IGIHE