Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced in a statement that the company’s owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for the foreseeable future beginning with Wednesday night’s show.
Nexstar owns America’s largest local television broadcasting group comprising top network affiliates, with more than 200 owned or partner stations reaching 220 million people, according to its website.
“Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets,” the statement read.
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located,” said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division.
Shortly after the release of the statement, NBC News quoted an ABC spokesman as saying that “‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ will be pre-empted indefinitely.”
In Monday night’s monologue, Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk’s killing, could have been a pro-Trump Republican.
“The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have accused the “radical left” of being responsible for the death of Kirk, while rejecting the Democrats’ argument that political violence has been a problem from both sides.
In an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson earlier Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr threatened to take action against Disney and its subsidiary ABC over the comments, noting that the FCC could consider revoking licenses of ABC affiliate stations as a penalty.
Criticizing the FCC chair on the social platform X, FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, the only Democrat on the panel, said, “An inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship and control.”
“This Administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression,” said Gomez.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” is one of the several nationally recognized late-night talk shows in the country.
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) announced Wednesday that it has suspended the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show “indefinitely” after controversial comments by its host about the conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week.
According to officials, the updated framework is designed to balance household affordability with the need to strengthen national production, encourage industrial efficiency, and support investment in green infrastructure.
In a statement released on Wednesday, RURA Director General Evariste Rugigana announced the expansion of the first block of household consumption from 15 kilowatt hours to 20 kilowatt hours per month, while the tariff for this essential band remains unchanged at 89 Frw/kWh.
This measure is intended to protect vulnerable households and promote universal access to electricity. Beyond this, however, significant adjustments are introduced: households consuming between 20 and 50 kWh will now pay 310 Frw/kWh, up from 212 in 2020, while those using more than 50 kWh per month will pay 369 Frw/kWh, compared to 249 under the previous schedule.
For non-residential customers, tariffs have also been reviewed upwards. Those consuming up to 100 kWh will now pay 355 Frw/kWh, while usage above 100 kWh is charged at 376 Frw/kWh, compared to 227 and 255 respectively in 2020.
At the same time, RURA has introduced preferential rates for health facilities, schools and higher learning institutions, setting their tariff at 214 Frw/kWh, significantly below the general non-residential rate to ease operating costs for critical services.
Sector-specific customers will also see changes. Telecom towers will now pay 289 Frw/kWh, up from 201, while broadcasters face an increase from 192 to 276 Frw/kWh. Hotels have been split into two categories: those consuming less than 660,000 kWh annually will pay 239 Frw/kWh, while larger hotels are grouped with small industries and charged at 175 Frw/kWh. Commercial data centres, which paid 179 in 2020, will now also pay 175 Frw/kWh.
Industries face a mix of higher energy charges but also new incentives to shift usage to off-peak hours. Small industries will now be charged 175 Frw/kWh, up from 134, while medium industries rise to 133 Frw/kWh from 103.
Large industries move to 110 Frw/kWh, compared to 94 previously, while steel, mining and cement industries consuming more than one million kWh annually will pay 97 Frw/kWh.
Crucially, while maximum demand charges during peak and shoulder hours remain unchangedâ”11,017 Frw/kVA for small industries, 10,514 for medium, and 7,184 for large industries during peak hoursâ”off-peak demand charges have been cut to zero.
Previously, industries were required to pay between 886 and 1,691 Frw/kVA for off-peak consumption. This represents a major policy shift designed to encourage night-time production and reduce strain on the grid during peak hours.
For industrial customers without smart meters, prepaid flat rates have also risen. Small industries will pay 175 Frw/kWh, up from 151, medium industries 156 Frw/kWh compared to 123, and large industries 124 Frw/kWh up from 106.
Speaking after the announcement, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, said the new tariff adjustments are intended to boost national production by guaranteeing factories affordable and reliable power. He underscored that the Government of Rwanda remains committed to ensuring that households retain affordable access to electricity despite the increases in higher consumption bands.
Murangwa further noted that the tariff revision is only one element of a broader energy strategy. He pointed to ongoing efforts to expand Rwanda’s electricity grid and highlighted the country’s exploration of nuclear energy development as part of long-term plans to diversify supply, improve reliability, and lower costs.
By combining household protection, targeted social sector support, and industrial incentives, the revised tariff framework is expected to provide a more sustainable foundation for Rwanda’s energy sector. RURA emphasised that the changes also align with the country’s climate and economic goals, particularly by promoting investment in green infrastructure and e-mobility charging stations.
The changes in electricity tariffs mark the first major revision since 2020.
The meeting brings together military commanders deployed along the shared border to address key security challenges and enhance cross-border cooperation.
The RDF delegation is led by Brigadier General Justus Majyambere, Commander of the RDF 5th Infantry Division, while the TPDF delegation is headed by Brigadier General Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, Commander of the TPDF 202 Infantry Brigade.
The first day of the meeting included field visits to key border areas to assess the security challenges facing communities on both sides. The delegations jointly visited the Mitakoâ”Rusumo area in Ngara District, which borders Nyamugali Sector in Kirehe District, Rwanda.
They also visited a tri-border point shared by Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi; locations known as hotspots for smuggling and other illicit cross-border activities.
In addition, the commanders visited the Akagera River, which forms a natural boundary between Rwanda and Tanzania.
They observed the need for urgent action to protect the wetland from unsustainable farming practices that threaten the river’s ecosystem.
The meeting brought together military commanders deployed along the shared border to address key security challenges and enhance cross-border cooperation.
The first day of the meeting included field visits to key border areas to assess the security challenges facing communities on both sides.
The commanders also visited the Akagera River, which forms a natural boundary between Rwanda and Tanzania.
'My dream was just to be known,' he confessed during a recent interview on the Long Form podcast, revealing a passion for recognition over riches that propelled him from Lagos streets to European stadiums.
In a candid conversation on the sidelines of the SportsBiz Africa Forum recently held in Kigali, where he featured as a keynote speaker and panellist, the African football legend shared insights on his improbable rise, the weight of fame, the financial savvy that secured his future, and his concerns about the fading flair of African football.
From Nigerian streets to European pitches
Okocha’s path to football immortality was far from scripted. In 1990, at just 17, he arrived in Germany on a visiting visa, not as a scouted prodigy but as an opportunist seizing his brother’s trial opportunity at a third-division club.
This marked the start of a career that would dazzle at Eintracht Frankfurt, PSG, and Bolton Wanderers.
Facing language barriers, cultural shock, and even racism, Okocha leaned on his dream to 'eradicate poverty in my family, my community.'
'My challenges were off the pitch,' he admitted, but his distinctive style, African flair fused with a relentless work ethic, won over sceptics in Germany’s disciplined football landscape.
'I needed an identity,' he said, determined to represent Africa uniquely.
Navigating fame and financial responsibility
Okocha’s flair found a home in the English Premier League with Bolton Wanderers, where he became a cult hero. Despite offers from top-four clubs, he stayed, drawn by the fans’ passion and the challenge of elevating a smaller team.
'I felt wanted,' he said, recalling how his presence helped Bolton reach mid-table and compete in Europe. 'One fan approached me and said, 'Thank you. You’ve put Bolton on a European map that I never thought would happen.’'
Financially, Okocha was wise beyond his years. His first contract, a modest 5,000 Deutschmarks in 1991, was saved, not squandered.
'You can’t wash away poverty with champagne,' he remarked, rejecting the urge to splurge.
With no pension for athletes, in what he described as 'you are basically your own government,' he invested solely in property to ensure stability after retirement.
'My contract money is for investment,' he explained. 'Match bonuses, endorsementsâ”that’s enough for nice cars, watches, travel with the wife.'
Okocha also tackled the 'black tax,' the cultural expectation to support extended family. He made dependents part of his budget but set firm boundaries.
'You make it clear they have a limited time,' he said. 'You’re trying to set them up, and they have to make it count.'
By buying houses and paying school fees, he secured their futures while safeguarding his own.
'I can’t suffer because you decide not to be responsible,' he stressed.
Highs and lows of a storied career
Okocha’s career peaked with Nigeria’s gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a historic first for an African football team. The triumph came despite chaotic preparations, with unpaid buses and repetitive meals of rice and chicken sauce.
'We had to pay for accommodation,' he recalled, highlighting the team’s grit. Conversely, relegation with Frankfurt in 1996 and Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup were his lowest moments.
'I felt bad,' he said of Frankfurt, blaming a manager who 'destroyed the team.' The World Cup miss in Germany, where he had first made his name, stung deeply.
Future of African football
Okocha voiced concern over African football’s fading flair, as players increasingly mimic European styles.
'We are losing our identity,' he warned. 'We are trying to play like Europeans, and we can’t beat them at their game.'
He attributed this to structured coaching that stifles the street-bred creativity of his era, when he and peers like Rashidi Yekini played for love, not just results.
'We were free,' he said, lamenting the shift toward predictable, pass-heavy play.
To revitalise African sports, Okocha called for better governance, with former athletes in leadership roles.
'No one will understand how an athlete feels except if you’ve been an athlete,' he argued, criticising the appointment of unqualified figures as 'political settlements.'
He also urged for investment-friendly structures, noting that unappealing leagues deter funding.
'If the league is not interesting, you can’t get value for your money,' he said.
During the interview, Okocha also hailed Rwanda’s progress as a model for Africa, praising its leadership and ambition.
'Rwanda can be used as an example of what one can achieve if you have a good leader and citizens willing to follow,' he said, urging Nigeria to adopt its focus on implementation.
For young Rwandans and aspiring athletes, Okocha’s advice was clear: 'Dreams do come true. There’s no limit to what you can achieve if you believe, but it will never be rosy.'
He emphasised discipline and resilience, urging them to embrace challenges and take risks. 'Don’t be scared of trying,' he said, 'because a foolish doer will always do a great thinker.'
At the beginning of 2025, the Belgian government spearheaded a campaign urging European Union member states and other wealthy nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing Kigali of supporting M23.
Prévot, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, argued at the time that sanctions would pressure Rwanda to 'withdraw its troops' from eastern Congo. In his view, such punitive measures, which also extended to some leaders of the AFC/M23, could end the decades-long conflict in the DRC once and for all.
This stance led Rwanda in March 2025 to sever ties with Belgium, accusing the former colonial power of pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.
However, in a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, Minister Prévot acknowledged that dialogue is the only path to resolving the conflict. This position echoes Rwanda’s consistent call for the Congolese government to engage in direct talks with M23 instead of shifting the blame.
Asked why his government no longer views sanctions as a viable solution, Prévot explained that although they may exert pressure on targeted individuals or entities, sanctions are not a 'miracle cure' for ending conflicts like the one in eastern Congo.
“What seems important to us is to be able to respond to the humanitarian emergency, knowing that the diplomatic resolution of the conflict is now in the hands of Qatar and the United States,” he stated.
The Belgian minister added that his country would not interfere with the peace initiative led by the United States and Qatar. He warned, however, that if fighting resumes in the DRC and more cities fall, Belgium could renew its call for punitive measures.
“These are processes that we must support, not interfere with. Only if they were to fail or if military logic took over again, with, for example, new captures of cities, could the question of sanctions arise again,” he added.
With only four days remaining before the historic event begins, Rwanda is set to make history as the first African country to host the World Championships, now in its 98th edition.
The competition will run from 21 to 28 September 2025, bringing together the world’s top cyclists in elite men’s and women’s categories, under-23, and junior categories.
Speaking to Radio/TV10, ACP Rutikanga explained that security and logistical measures have been well prepared. 'Preparations are advanced. For instance, places like Kigali Heights have already been booked by international visitors who will watch the races from there,' he said.
'To ensure the safety of all participants and spectators along the routes, the Rwanda National Police has conducted adequate drills. Road safety equipment is in place to prevent accidents, and escort arrangements for cyclists will be managed at international standards,' he added.
ACP Rutikanga also clarified that traffic will remain largely unaffected, except for temporary adjustments such as the relocation of Nyanza Bus Station in Kicukiro to Canal Olympia for three days, while other transport routes will operate as usual.
On education concerns, Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), assured parents that students in boarding schools will remain on campus during the event. 'Boarding students will stay at their schools, while day students will receive assignments and guided work during the competition days,' he said.
Minister Mukazayire highlighted the scale of participation. 'A total of 107 countries have sent 915 athletes. This shows the level at which future competitions like the Tour du Rwanda will be elevated,' she said.
She also revealed one of the unique innovations planned: 'For the first time, time-trial competitions, both for teams and individual riders, will start indoors at BK Arena. The way the venue has been set up is one of the exciting new features awaiting participants.'
To accommodate international guests, Kigali International Airport has established special reception arrangements to ensure smooth transfers to hotels.
Beyond BK Arena, several fan zones have been set up for the public to follow the races and enjoy side events, including the Kigali Convention Centre, Kwa Mutwe (Mur de Kigali), Rwandex (Mundi Center), Kwa Mignone Stone Wall, Norvege, and other locations along the routes.
On Thursday, 18 September, organizers will conduct a rehearsal at the race’s finishing site near the junction by Kigali Convention Centre and Kigali Heights to finalize all technical aspects.
Minister Mukazayire highlighted that atotal of 107 countries have sent 915 athletes.
ACP Rutikanga explained that security and logistical measures have been well prepared.
On Tuesday, September 16, the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) of Morocco and Rwanda’s General Commissariat of Correctional Services signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Rabat.
The agreement, signed by Morocco’s General Delegate Mohamed Salah Tamek and Rwanda’s Commissioner General Evariste Murenzi, aims to enhance collaboration on prison governance, particularly in facilities housing high-risk inmates. It also establishes a framework for sharing best practices and expertise in prisoner rehabilitation and post-incarceration reintegration.
Tamek described the MoU as a key step in bilateral cooperation, emphasising that it will facilitate experience exchanges, capacity building, and technical collaboration to modernise prison systems in both countries. He highlighted training programs for staff, improvements in prison security, and enhanced management of dangerous inmates as core areas of focus.
Murenzi welcomed the initiative as part of the broader strategic partnership between Rwanda and Morocco, established in 2016. He noted that the signing reflects Rwanda’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and promoting institutional capacity building in correctional services.
Both officials underlined that the MoU will serve as a platform for future collaboration, with the potential to expand into other areas of shared interest.
The agreement, signed by Morocco’s General Delegate Mohamed Salah Tamek and Rwanda’s Commissioner General Evariste Murenzi, aims to enhance collaboration on prison governance, particularly in facilities housing high-risk inmates.
The call was made during the Africa Customer Experience Leaders Forum 2025, a continental meeting hosted in Rwanda that brought together representatives of institutions dedicated to promoting excellence in customer service across Africa.
The two-day forum, organized by CX Touchpoints Rwanda Ltd, convened more than 100 participants from 21 African countries.
Discussions highlighted that delivering quality services is central to achieving sustainable growth, with Rwanda presented as a leading example in innovation, effective policy implementation, and consistent improvement in both business and government services.
Jeannette Nyinawumuntu, Country Managing Director of CX Touchpoints Rwanda, emphasized that Africa must invest more in strengthening service delivery as part of its sustainable development journey.
On the first day, the forum focused on solutions tailored to Africa’s market realities, proposing new approaches to designing customer experience strategies suited for the continent.
Another key topic was the development of robust Voice of the Customer (VoC) frameworks to ensure that customer feedback directly informs corporate decisions, allowing institutions to respond effectively to the needs and expectations of their clients.
Participants also underscored the role of governments in creating enabling environments for high-quality services, citing Rwanda as a case study of how governance policies can enhance citizens’ experience with public service delivery.
The forum included sessions on consumer behavior research in Africa, offering practical recommendations for strengthening customer loyalty and trust in both businesses and organizations.
Executive Director of The Global Trust Project, Dominic Wilhelm urged African institutions to leverage artificial intelligence, noting that the technology can position organizations at the forefront of customer service excellence.
Meanwhile, Joan Ntabadde Kyeyune, a customer experience enthusiast, called on leaders of customer-focused agencies across the continent to drive cultural change in how clients are welcomed, as a means of boosting loyalty and confidence.
On her part, Dr. Lucy Kiruthu explained how aligning budgets with projects that directly improve customer experience could yield long-term benefits for both citizens and businesses.
At the conclusion of the forum, delegates visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, where they paid respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and were briefed on Rwanda’s history, how the killings were stopped, and the country’s resilience journey.
Ali made the remarks during an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), where he emphasized the need to build on the good relations between the two countries.
He explained that Rwanda and Djibouti share many commonalities, including cultural ties, which should serve as a foundation for expanding private-sector cooperation.
'We already cooperate, but we should enhance and expand our collaboration just as our governments are doing. Why shouldn’t we broaden our cooperation and develop it further?' he said.
His comments follow the 2016 partnership agreement signed between Rwanda and Djibouti’s private sectors, which aimed to foster joint initiatives and drive economic growth.
The strong bilateral relationship between the two nations has also been demonstrated through land exchanges. Rwanda has been granted 60 hectares of land at Djibouti’s ports, while Rwanda, in return, allocated 10 hectares within its industrial park to Djibouti.
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Djibouti, Abdourahman Ali, called for expanded cooperation between private sector actors.
The 98th edition of the World Championships will take place in Kigali from September 21 to 28, 2025, bringing together cyclists from more than 100 countries.
A total of 23 riders will represent Rwanda. They are currently finalizing their preparations in Bugesera District, with just five days left before the competition begins.
Coach Sempoma noted that the team’s preparations have been strong, having trained in Musanze, France, and Bugesera to meet different performance goals.
He expressed confidence, even though previous appearances at the championships ended without a Rwandan completing the elite men’s race.
'In past World Championships, we would often have only two or three riders, and we would prepare abroad. We always had hope that we could finish, but it never happened,' he said.
On the long-standing challenge that no Rwandan has ever completed the elite men’s race, Sempoma said that 2025 could be a turning point: 'This is a historic year, and it is possible to see Rwandan riders perform well in different categories.'
'What I can assure Rwandans is that our riders have trained well. Their morale is high, they have the ability, and the Ministry has supported us with everything we need, including modern equipment. We will do everything possible to make sure this year becomes historic,' he added.
'History is already being made with the World Championships coming to Rwanda, and for the first time to Africa. But another chapter could be written if a Rwandan rider performs strongly in the various races.'
First Vice President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), Valentin Bigango, confirmed that preparations are nearly complete and that the national team has received all the necessary support.
'Preparations are advancing well. Together with our partners, we are putting final touches on different aspects of the World Championships. We are at about 96 percent readiness.
“The training program we had designed for the national team has been completed successfully, and at this stage the riders are focused on the competition itself, exactly where we want them to be,' he said.
The Head Coach of Rwanda’s national cycling team, Félix Sempoma, said that the 2025 World Championships could be historic for Rwandan riders.
Riders confident ahead of the World Championships
Patrick Byukusenge, one of Rwanda’s most experienced cyclists who has competed in numerous major international races, expressed confidence that the team is well prepared, to the point that they could even compete again the following day if necessary.
On the long-standing challenge that no Rwandan has ever completed the elite men’s race, Byukusenge said that racing in Kigali could bring a breakthrough: 'This will make a difference, because the World Championships are being held in Africa for the first time. I feel this will change something for us as Rwandans. This circuit is not new to us; while we haven’t raced it many times, we have competed on it often enough. Our goal is to fight hard, and I know that millions of Rwandans will have their eyes on us.'
He further stressed that the 267.5-kilometre distance of the final race will not be a problem as the team is already accustomed to covering up to 300 kilometres in training sessions. Xaverine Nirere, who has performed strongly in many races this year and will be one of four elite women representing Rwanda, is preparing for her third appearance at the World Championships.
She explained: 'This Championship is different from the ones I took part in during 2023 and 2024, because this time we will start with a circuit and finish with a circuit. Being here at home, training daily on these roads, I believe we will perform well and could even win.' Meanwhile, Pacifique Byusa, competing in the under-19 category, will be making his debut at an international race.
'This is my first major race at the international level. I will be competing against riders who are on a higher level than me. But I am well prepared, I followed my coaches’ program carefully, and I believe I will perform well,' he said.
His teammate, Liliane Uwiringiyimana, also set to compete in the women’s under-19 category, added: 'We will give everything we have and do our best to ensure we finish the World Championships.'
Patrick Byukusenge stressed that the 267.5-kilometre distance would not pose a challenge, as the team is already used to covering such lengths in training.
Xaverine Nirere is among the riders who have shown strong performances
Pacifique Byusa is set to make his international debut in the under-19 category.
Liliane Uwiringiyimana is among the riders set to compete in the women’s under-19 category.
