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.
The event was inaugurated by Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who welcomed participants and highlighted the unique opportunity the championship presents.
'This is going to be a special week with the best riders in the world riding across Kigali’s hills and valleys, facing a challenge up to 5,400 metres of elevation. I’m really honoured to welcome the 110 nations, 996 riders, and all the visitors joining us in this historic moment,' she said.
The minister also highlighted a first for the event: the inclusion of the women’s under-23 road race.
'I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it’s happening in Kigali. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, women’s empowerment has been part of Rwanda’s exemplary leadership. I am a woman, and I am a product of this leadership. Let’s give him a round of applause.'
UCI President David Lappartient praised President Paul Kagame for his leadership, noting that Rwanda’s efforts made it possible for the championship to be hosted in Africa for the first time.
'Without his vision, without our vision, it would have been impossible, and we are so proud to be here for the first time ever,' Lappartient said.
'And here, in the country of a thousand hills, it means it’s not flat. It will be hardâ”probably the hardest UCI World Championship everâ”but probably also the most crowded UCI World Championship ever,' he added.
He also highlighted the global exposure the event will bring to Rwanda.
'You will show your country, and you will show cycling to the whole world. These different races will be televised in 130 countries, live worldwide. That means millions, even hundreds of millions of people worldwide will see, will discover, and will witness your passion, and the beauty of your country and your city.'
This edition of the championship is historic, featuring over 900 cyclists from more than 100 countries competing across 13 races over eight days. The 2025 event marks the 98th Cycling World Championships and the 12th time it has been held outside Europe.
The competition opened with the women’s individual time trial, a 31.2-kilometre race where each cyclist rides alone against the clock.
The event was inaugurated by Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who welcomed participants and highlighted the unique opportunity the championship presents.
UCI President David Lappartient praised President Paul Kagame for his leadership, noting that Rwanda’s efforts made it possible for the championship to be hosted in Africa for the first time.
Vercruysse, a political journalist with VRT, was prevented from boarding a Brussels Airlines flight to Kigali on Thursday. Speaking to Belgian media, he suggested the move was linked to his past critical reporting on Rwanda.
In a post on X on Saturday, Nduhungirehe rejected that narrative, instead accusing VRT of deliberately misrepresenting Vercruysse’s role in order to gain access.
'It is not up to Rwanda to provide the slightest explanation to Flemish Belgian television or to the Belgian government. It is rather up to @vrtnws and @vercrus to explain this crude attempt at international deception,' he wrote.
The minister argued that international sporting events follow strict accreditation protocols, typically requiring journalists to hold a valid sports press card, including one from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). He noted that VRT sought accreditation for a political journalist, rather than a registered sports reporter, which he said amounted to a violation of established rules.
'Sports journalists from all over the world registered with the UCI to cover this major event, the first of its kind on African soil. However, VRT tried to cheat the rules by registering a political journalist known for his systematically hostile positions towards Rwanda,' Nduhungirehe said.
He pointed to Vercruysse’s own public comments as evidence of political intent: 'After being prevented from boarding, he declared to the Belgian press: 'We had also planned to produce a critical report on the host country.’ What on earth do such openly declared intentions have to do with this great sporting celebration?'
The UCI Road World Championships, hosted in Kigali from September 21 to 28, mark the first time the event is being held on the African continent. The Belgian national team is among those from more than 190 countries participating.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has defended the decision to block Belgian journalist Stijn Vercruysse from travelling to Rwanda ahead of the UCI Road World Championships, accusing Flemish broadcaster VRT of attempting to bypass accreditation rules.
It is the first time that the World Championships are being hosted on the African continent, specifically in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
Most national teams are already in Rwanda, having traveled with RwandAir. On September 18, 2025, a group of Belgian men and women departed from Zaventem Airport in Brussels told IGIHE that they were eager to reach Kigali to begin mountain biking tours and also follow the global cycling competition.
Faeza Bladj, who traveled from northern Belgium where Flemish is spoken, said: 'This is my first time going to Africa. I’m very excited to arrive in Kigali, to witness the Road World Championships together with my friends. I believe RwandAir, which has welcomed us well, will take us there with the same great service.'
Martine Hofstede, visiting Rwanda for the second time, explained that she returned with a new group of companions who wanted to experience the country’s beauty.
'This is my second visit to Rwanda. I came with a different group than the first time. They were eager to see the beauty of this country that I have grown to love. We are happy to attend the World Championships and to also visit places we planned to tour,' she said.
Olivier Karangwa, RwandAir’s Station Manager at Brussels Airport, said flying with RwandAir to Africa was like fulfilling a dream.
'We are proud that as Rwanda’s national airline we are among those transporting teams and their equipment to the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali 2025. Today alone we have welcomed more than 40 passengers, including men, women, and even families with children. It shows how much these Championships attract entire households,' he noted.
Karangwa added that beyond the competition, some visitors also came for cycling tourism and will watch the races live.
'This is a big gain for Rwanda in terms of tourism and the Visit Rwanda campaign. All of these guests will become ambassadors for the country after enjoying our hospitality, which started right here on our flight.'
Karangwa said the airline had deployed an Airbus A330-300, a modern and spacious aircraft with three-class configuration that can carry 274 passengers.
The UCI Road World Championships is an annual event, with this year marking its 98th edition since 1921.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the individual time trials for both men and women will be contested. Afghan rider Yulduz Hashimi will be the first to set off in the women’s race at 10:10 a.m.
Race routes have already been prepared with clear road signage and safety equipment to protect fans and riders.
Cyclists from 110 countries have arrived in Kigali early, touring the city’s roads and holding training sessions in preparation for what promises to be a historic week of racing in Africa.
Faeza Bladj (on the right) said she is very excited to arrive in Kigali
Martine Hofstede, visiting Rwanda for the second time, explained that she returned with a new group of companions who wanted to experience the country’s beauty.
Karangwa said the airline had deployed an Airbus A330-300, a modern and spacious aircraft with three-class configuration that can carry 274 passengers.
Although the country’s leaders have avoided openly addressing the issue, signs of discontent have been visible since 2023, when President Évariste Ndayishimiye deployed troops to fight against the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From the lowest ranks to the top command, fear and unease have spread across the army.
After suffering heavy defeats in battles fought in Masisi territory, North Kivu province, many Burundian soldiers refused to continue fighting. Some deserted, while hundreds of others were arrested in Bujumbura and other locations, accused of disobeying orders from their superiors.
Official decrees issued by President Ndayishimiye between 2 January 2023 and 29 August 2025 confirm that more than 30 officers have been struck off the army roster. On this basis, the Head of State declared that these individuals are no longer members of the national armed forces.
Among those who deserted were nine Colonels or Lieutenant Colonels. They include Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, Lt Col Barikore Alexis, Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, Lt Col Nkurunziza Willy, Lt Col Habarugira Diomède, Lt Col Ndikumagenge Apollinaire, Lt Col Nahimana Daphrose, Lt Col Ndayishimiye Jean Baptiste and Lt Col Hatungimana Philbert.
Presidential records indicate that the most recent Colonel to be removed from the army rolls was Lt Col Nindereye Angelus, service number SSO813, whose name was struck off on 11 June 2025. The most senior among them, Col Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, service number SS0274, was officially dismissed on 8 April 2025.
Other senior officers holding the rank of Major who were dismissed for desertion include Maj Nkengurutse Melance, who was removed on 21 February 2025, Maj Nkeshimana Eddy Germain, who was removed on 19 November 2024, Maj Ndizeye Ildephonse, Maj Ntakabanyura Eric and Maj Ntungwanayo Alphonse, who was removed on 13 December 2023.
In addition, 13 Captains and four Lieutenants are reported to have deserted the Burundian army during the same period.
Will the pressure intensify?
Burundian troops have been heavily deployed in South Kivu province, particularly in areas near Bujumbura such as the city of Uvira. Alongside Congolese forces, the Wazalendo militias, and FDLR elements, they are preparing for clashes with the M23 rebels.
The M23 movement has not been idle. It continues to expand by recruiting and training new fighters. For example, on 14 September 2025 the group enrolled more than 7,400 combatants who had undergone six months of training at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru territory. The movement also possesses significant weaponry seized from the Congolese army coalition.
The Commander of M23, Major General Sultani Makenga, announced on 2 September that he intends to capture more key cities in the DRC, including Kalemie in Tanganyika province. To achieve that objective, however, he stressed that taking control of Uvira is essential.
With M23 fighters continuing to expand their arsenal and territory, the likelihood of a large-scale conflict is high, and the pressure on Burundian troops stationed near Bujumbura would become immense.
Should Burundi’s forces be overpowered once again by M23, they could be forced to retreat toward Bujumbura. Yet, if they remain under strict orders to continue fighting in the DRC, new waves of desertions among senior officers may emerge, echoing the pattern of the past two years.
Tensions continue to mount within the Burundi National Defence Force, as official records show that 14 senior officers, including nine holding the rank of Colonel, have deserted over the past two years.
He delivered the message on Friday during the third graduation ceremony of the institute, where 83 students from the Class of 2025 were awarded their degrees.
The Premier congratulated the graduates for their achievement and commended the visionaries behind RICA’s establishment.
Dr. Nsengiyumva underscored that the graduation was not an endpoint, but the beginning of a larger mission.
'Today you are not just receiving degrees, you are receiving a call to service,' he said.
Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted how the graduates’ expertise is closely tied to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which seeks to boost productivity in priority food crops by 50 percent to ensure food sufficiency and competitive exports.
'As experts in conservation agriculture, you are well-positioned to drive this transformation by applying modern conservation practices and agri-innovations,' he emphasized.
He described conservation agriculture as a vital pathway to meet both national and global challenges: 'Conservation agriculture represents a viable pathway for Rwanda to achieve environmental sustainability and long-term resilience. By improving soil health, it enhances agricultural productivity, increases farm efficiency and profitability, and contributes significantly to food security and the improvement of rural livelihoods.'
A call for integrity and service
The Prime Minister urged graduates to serve with humility and integrity, stressing that their skills were not meant for personal gain alone.
'As you embark on your careers, remember that the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at RICA are not for personal advancement alone. You are called to serve as agents of change and problem-solvers who create opportunities that transform communities' he said.
'True success is not measured by how far you go alone, but by how many you lift along the way. Let you be a generation not content to wait for the future, but a generation that is bold enough to shape it. Rise with purpose, rise with compassion, and above all, rise together as proud Rwandans,' Dr. Nsengiyumva added.
The Premier further assured that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment where their talents will thrive.
'Together, we will forge a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient,' he said.
Preparing leaders for global challenges
Dr. Olusegun Yerokun, Interim Vice Chancellor of RICA, also addressed the graduates, reminding them of the immense challenges facing agriculture globallyâ”climate change, soil degradation, dwindling resources, post-harvest losses, and population pressures.
'Your training at RICA has been specifically designed to prepare you to lead this agricultural revolution,' he said.
He explained that the program combined theory with practice in fields, laboratories, greenhouses, and surrounding communities.
'The skills and knowledge you possess are the seeds that will enable you to cultivate change and sow a truly sustainable future for many generations of Rwandans,' Dr. Yerokun affirmed.
The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture was inaugurated in 2019 in Bugesera District as a strategic partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Established with the bold vision to revolutionize agricultural education, RICA equips young leaders with the tools to address Rwanda’s pressing agricultural challenges while contributing to global sustainability.
It currently offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture, taught entirely in English.
The program is designed to address real-world problems, supported by international faculty, modern facilities, and partnerships with government, the private sector, and development organizations.
Dr. Olusegun Yerokun, Interim Vice Chancellor of RICA, also addressed the graduates, reminding them of the immense challenges facing agriculture globally.
Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has called on graduates of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to become catalysts of Rwanda’s agricultural transformation and to help the nation achieve food sufficiency.
Top performers were awarded at the event.
The graduation ceremony took place on Friday, September 19, 2025.
A statement released on September 19, highlights that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts of the UCI and SafeR to enhance the safety of professional road cyclists.
The GPS safety tracking technology to be used in Rwanda was tested during the three stages (August 15 to 17) of the Tour de Romandie Féminin, in Switzerland, which enabled it to be refined.
All riders in all categories (Men and Women Elite, Under 23 and Junior) will be equipped with a GPS safety tracking device attached under their saddle during all events at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships (road races, individual and team time trials).
This system, operated from the UCI Road World Championships control centre, will enable real-time monitoring of data regarding the position and speed of the entire peloton, thus allowing for immediate identification of any unusual situations, such as a rider suddenly stopping on the course.
In such a case, the rider’s exact position will be transmitted to the relevant parties in the convoy â” organisers, UCI Commissaires, medical and security services â” so that appropriate measures can be taken without delay.
The UCI will continue to work closely with event organisers and all stakeholders with a view to wider deployment of GPS rider safety tracking in races and the development of safety alert and intervention protocols.
Commenting on the development, UCI President David Lappartient said that the introduction of a GPS safety tracking system for riders is important and necessary progress in this regard.
'Thanks to this system, any incident or accident that might have gone unnoticed can be quickly identified, and it will be possible to assist the person concerned as quickly as possible by mobilising those already on the ground and the emergency services,' he noted.
Lappartient also commended everyone who contributed to the development of this new safety device, as well as the National Federations that will inaugurate it during the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.
The weeklong event will bring together a total of 917 competitors in Kigali as the first African city to host the prestigious cycling competition.
Cyclists will be fitted with GPS trackers at 2025 UCI race in Rwanda.
The discussions took place during President Kagame’s three-day official visit to Azerbaijan, which began on Friday.
Following their meeting, the two leaders addressed the press after witnessing the exchange of five cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Azerbaijan. The agreements cover the sectors of agriculture, education, air services, trade, and public service delivery.
Speaking at the event, President Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that these new partnerships deliver tangible results.
'Mr. President, just know that you have friends in Africa, in Rwanda. We want to use this opportunity of our cooperation and friendship between you and myself, and the two countries, to move fast forward in achievements of prosperity,' President Kagame said.
Earlier in the morning, President Kagame visited the Alley of Honor, where he laid a wreath on the tomb of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev and Zarifa Aliyeva.
He also laid a wreath at the Alley of Martyrs, a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in Azerbaijan’s struggle for freedom, independence and territorial integrity.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Azerbaijan were formally established in 2017, with both countries expressing interest in expanding cooperation across different sectors.
The two leaders addressed the press after witnessing the exchange of five cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Azerbaijan.
President Paul Kagame on Saturday, September 20, met with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, at the Zugulba Presidential Palace.
Earlier in the morning, President Kagame visited the Alley of Honor, where he laid a wreath on the tomb of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev and Zarifa Aliyeva.
The Foreign Ministry condemned a “heinous terrorist aggression” against the Al-Daraja neighbourhood mosque, saying the strike wounded several worshippers and partially destroyed the building. It said the attack was a “flagrant violation of religious norms and international conventions” protecting civilians and places of worship.
The ministry blamed the RSF for systematic abuses against civilians and infrastructure, and urged the international communities to act against “terrorism targeting unarmed civilians.”
Volunteer groups in El Fasher said earlier on Friday that more than 75 people were killed, including 20 displaced residents of Abu Shouk camp. They said a drone operated by the RSF hit the mosque during dawn prayers.
The RSF has not commented.
Clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their allies have raged in El Fasher since May. Nationwide, the war between the SAF and RSF has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since it erupted in April 2023, deepening Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
“We can confirm that the commission has adopted a new package of sanctions against Russia, the 19th package,” European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho said at a press conference in Brussels.
The new package will target “Russian banks, crypto assets, and energy imports,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on social media platform X on Tuesday, after she held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
With about 19 percent of Europe’s gas supply still coming from Russia via the TurkStream pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, the EU is also discussing accelerating a ban on Russian LNG as part of the new sanctions, according to media reports.
Over the past weekend, Trump has called on European allies to halt remaining purchases of Russian oil, and even suggested that members of the Group of Seven and NATO impose duties on countries facilitating Russia’s energy exports, claiming such steps are needed to weaken Russia’s economy.
The commission “will also propose speeding up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports,” said Ursula von der Leyen in her X post. The phase-out of Russian fossil fuels is currently planned for completion by Jan. 1, 2028.
The new EU sanctions package had originally been expected to be presented to member states last Friday. However, a high-level EU team trip to Washington and efforts for coordination delayed it a week. EU officials said sanctions will be phased carefully to avoid energy price shocks or supply shortages within the bloc.
Former Munich Security Conference Chairman Christoph Heusgen has urged the EU to increase pressure on Hungary and Slovakia to reduce their reliance on Russian energy, noting that Hungary still imports about 60 percent of its oil from Russia, while Slovakia depends on Russia for roughly 75 percent of its energy needs.
Ukraine has urged a swift adoption of the 19th sanctions package. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in posts on X earlier this week that “coordinated steps across the Atlantic” are essential to deprive Russia of resources for the conflict. “Now the focus must be on making the 19th package even tougher,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russia has downplayed the impact of the pending sanctions. Threats from Washington and Brussels, voiced regularly, “have no effect and will not change anything,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a news briefing Friday. She also criticized the EU’s push to abandon Russian energy, calling it “suicidal sabotage” and warning that Brussels is exhausting itself.
The EU has adopted 18 sanctions packages against Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, targeting finance, technology and energy. The 19th package will test the bloc’s ability to maintain internal unity while responding to mounting U.S. pressure for faster and broader action, analysts say.
