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Unlike typical real estate projects designed for quick sales, Fortis Green is pursuing a build-to-rent model aimed at fostering long-term community living. Of the total units, 302 apartments, consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options in ground-plus-three buildings, will be retained, owned, and managed by the developer for rental. In addition, 51 single-family homes, including twins, duplexes, or semi-detached units with one shared wall, and 33 townhouses will be available for purchase.

Fortis Green Housing officially broke ground on the Masaka Views Eco Estate on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Managing Director Jonathan Shafer said the strategy aligns with market realities and Rwanda’s surging demand for rental housing.

'Our research found that around 95% of homes sold in Kigali are immediately rented out,' he noted. 'Homeownership remains difficult due to financing barriers. So we want to own and operate these units long-term to provide stable, well-managed housing communities.'

The remaining homes, including three- and four-bedroom single-family houses priced between $120,000 and $135,000, target middle-income buyers seeking more flexible financing options. Discussions are ongoing with banks and potential investors to introduce lease-to-own arrangements in future phases.

The entire three-phase project is valued at approximately $25 million (Rwf 36 billion).

Managing Director Jonathan Shafer said the build-to-rent as well as mixed-income property strategy aligns with market realities and Rwanda’s surging demand for rental housing.

Sustainability at the core

Masaka Views is designed as an EDGE-certified eco-estate, promoting lower carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and water-saving techniques. The project includes a living fence, fruit trees, public green spaces, and a community garden to support wellness and environmental engagement.

According to the Managing Director, the Fortis Green Wellness Initiative will provide residents with access to programmes that promote both physical and mental well-being. These will include fitness activities, gardening workshops, and community support services designed to foster a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Masaka Views is designed as an EDGE-certified eco-estate, promoting lower carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and water-saving techniques.

Government sees strategic market opportunity

Speaking at the ceremony, which was also attended by the United States Ambassador to Rwanda, Eric Kneedler, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Investment Officer Michelle Umurungi said the project reflects the country’s urbanisation priorities.

'Housing remains a critical need for our population. Kigali’s rapid urbanisation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. We’re delighted to see investors like Fortis Green Holdings stepping into this opportunity, meeting the growing demand by designing communities that are greener, smarter, and more resilient,' she said, praising Fortis Green for its confidence in Rwanda’s investment environment.

RDB Chief Investment Officer Michelle Umurungi said the project reflects the country’s urbanisation priorities.

The project is financed through a mix of U.S. investment capital and local banking partnerships. Most building materials will be sourced from Rwandan manufacturers to support the local construction ecosystem.

Delivery time

Phase 1 of the development includes the construction of 51 single-family homes, 33 townhouses, and 88 apartments, with the first units expected to be handed over in early 2026. The entire phase is planned for completion within approximately 13 months, after which Phase 2 will begin, keeping construction continuous until the full project is delivered in about two and a half years.

The ground breaking ceremony, which was also attended by the United States Ambassador to Rwanda, Eric Kneedler.

Market demand heating up

Kigali is projected to need over 30,000 new housing units per year, driven by a rising urban population and increasing demand for home financing. Investors say this reality signals strong long-term returns for rental-focused developments.

Early buyer interest supports this view. One future resident, Beatrice Hariri, said flexible payment terms and environmental commitment influenced her decision.

'It’s a welcoming community that aligns with Rwanda’s priorities. The affordability and flexible payment options made it possible for me,' she said.

Early buyer Beatrice Hariri (center) said flexible payment terms and environmental commitment influenced her decision.

As ground breaks in Masaka, Fortis Green plans additional estates both within and outside Kigali, signalling continuation of its long-term strategy.

'We want to create communities that improve lives,' Shafer said. 'Kigali’s growth story is only getting started, and we’re here for the long run.'

The seven-hectare project, located near the upcoming Kigali Medical City, will deliver over 300 modern housing units with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and community living.

Fortis Green Housing officially broke ground on the Masaka Views Eco Estate on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The groups share a common goal: to undermine Rwanda by any means possible. For instance, since its formation, the RNC has attempted multiple operations that disrupted national security.

Between March 2010 and January 2013, these activities were widespread. During this period, Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegeya, leaders of the RNC, appointed individuals to recruit at least 100 former FDLR members to support their terrorist operations.

On several occasions, IGIHE has interviewed people affected by these frequent attacks.

During the trial of Lt Joel Mutabazi, the involvement of the RNC led by Kayumba Nyamwasa, in the plot was highlighted. It was revealed that in June 2013, members of the RNC and FDLR met at the Mamba Point Bar in Kampala, Uganda, to plan attacks in Kigali during the parliamentary elections scheduled for September, as well as other attacks planned for the Christmas and New Year period.

Among the grenades thrown in Kigali in 2010, one exploded at 'Kwa Rubangura' in downtown Kigali, while another grenade was thrown at 'Chez Venant,' where taxis bound for various parts of the city were waiting. A third grenade was thrown at the Nyabugogo bus terminal.

On the afternoon of August 11, 2010, seven people were injured when grenades were thrown at Kwa Rubangura in downtown Kigali.

On May 15, 2010, another grenade attack in downtown Kigali killed two people and severely injured approximately 32 others. Grenade attacks were not limited to Kigali; other areas, including Nyamagabe, Gisagara, Muhanga, Huye, and Rubavu, were also targeted. In Muhanga City, at a location known as 'Jacques,’ a grenade exploded on January 24, 2010, injuring 16 people, some of whom later died in hospital.

Personal accounts of victims

Barahira Rwema Issa and Mukayiranga Annonciata were among those injured by grenades in Kigali during 2010. While not all injuries were severe, victims continue to suffer from shrapnel-related pain and permanent scars.

Rwema was injured by a grenade at 'Kwa Rubangura' on February 19, 2010, while about to board a vehicle to return to Muhanga. He recalls: 'I had just dropped off a passenger and was about to go home to Muhanga when I asked if I could leave. As I was leaving Rubangura, I was walking near the SP station, where bus companies like Horizon operate. That’s when I heard a loud noise and saw a flash of light—the grenade exploded.'

Mukayiranga was injured on July 11, 2010, while running errands for her brother’s upcoming wedding.

She explained: 'The first taxi came, but people rushed and took it from me. I went back and stood there, then decided to take a motorcycle around 1:30 PM. When the motorcycle arrived, a girl nearby handed it to me. That’s the last thing I remember. Then, there was a sudden blast. People fell to the ground. When I regained consciousness, I saw the motorcycle on the ground and the girl bleeding heavily. She must have been cut in half.'

Rwema added, 'It was terrifying. I didn’t even know I had been hit by grenade shrapnel in my back. I felt a burning sensation, and someone at Horizon told me I was bleeding heavily. He helped me near my spine.'

Mukayiranga recounted, 'Right after the explosion, there were many injured people. I didn’t realise I was hurt until someone near the BK headquarters told me. I rushed to CHUK for treatment for my leg wounds and received a tetanus shot. I felt dizzy, thinking it was fear, but later realised my shoes were slippery because they were filled with blood. There were so many wounded people, I couldn’t tell the exact number.'

Attacks by FLN in 2018

In 2018, the FLN carried out attacks in areas near the Nyungwe Forest, looting populations, killing civilians, and destroying infrastructure. These attacks occurred on various dates, including June 3, June 19, July 1, July 13, and November 15, 2018.

The vehicle of the Nyabimata Sector Executive Secretary was set ablaze by the FLN.

Reports indicate that some individuals within the Burundian government supported these attacks, although they were carried out covertly. The group killed citizens, looted shops and livestock, kidnapped people, injured others, and destroyed homes and vehicles.

Josephine Mukashyaka, from Nyabimata Sector in Nyaruguru District, lost her husband, Fidèle Munyaneza, in these attacks.

'My husband was the breadwinner of our home. He was my pride and the pride of our children. Life is hard now because he is no longer here,” she said.

Marie Chantal Ingabire, from Kibeho Sector, lost her husband, Anathole Maniraho, leaving her with two children. On the night of Tuesday, June 19, 2018, the group attacked the Nyabimata Sector offices, injuring the Sector Executive Secretary and burned his car.

During the same attack, they killed Fidèle Munyaneza, Anathole Maniraho, and a local resident, Joseph Habimana. The Nyaruguru District authorities reported that the attacks occurred between 07:30 PM and midnight.

In 2021, the FLN attempted another attack on Rwanda via Nyungwe. However, their fighters were neutralised.

In 2021, discussing FLN fighters who were killed while attempting to destabilise Rwanda’s security, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga stated that the RDF 'took the necessary action' and warned that the same would happen to anyone else who tried to threaten the nation’s security.

FDLR and RUD Urunana attacks

Since 1994, FDLR attacks on Rwanda have been continuous, primarily targeting the northwestern regions along the DRC border. Their objective has consistently been to return to Rwanda and resume the genocide agenda they fled from.

In October 2019, RUD-Urunana fighters attacked Musanze District, targeting Kinigi and Musanze Sectors. Fourteen people were killed, 18 were injured, and community infrastructures, including homes, were destroyed.

In March, May, and June 2022, FDLR forces, reportedly collaborating with DRC military units, shelled Musanze District using mortar bombs. In January 2025, they shelled Rubavu District, killing 16 people.

IGIHE

The statement said the UN chief took note of the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to immediately suspend the country from participation in all activities of the union, its organs and institutions, until constitutional order is restored in the country.

“The Secretary-General encourages all the Malagasy stakeholders, including the youth, to work together to address the underlying causes of instability in the country,” the statement said.

Guterres also reiterated the availability of the United Nations to support national efforts toward the attainment of that goal, in collaboration with the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and other international partners, the statement added.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a Malagasy military officer, announced on Tuesday that state power in Madagascar had been taken over by a military council comprising members of the army, gendarmerie and national police, and the country’s constitution had been suspended.

Protests erupted in Madagascar in late September, initially triggered by widespread power outages and water shortages. Some demonstrations turned violent and soon escalated into calls for the president’s resignation. The protests took a new turn on Saturday, with an army regiment declaring its support for and protection of the protesters.

Xinhua

Under the deal, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was designated to locate the prisoners, verify related information, and facilitate their transfer between the two sides.

However, a month later and despite Qatari mediation, no prisoners have been released. Instead, both parties continue to trade accusations of violating the ceasefire in North and South Kivu provinces.

On October 13, 2025, representatives from the DRC Government and AFC/M23 reconvened in Qatar to discuss compliance with the ceasefire and the modalities for the prisoner exchange, ahead of the next phase that is expected to lead to a peace accord.

The ceasefire implementation has since been given structure, with both sides agreeing to establish a joint monitoring mechanism composed of mediators and observers.

But progress on the prisoner issue has stalled. The list of detainees remains incomplete, the locations of some prisoners are unknown, and several cases are still under judicial review. As a result, an exchange cannot yet proceed.

Following agreement on the ceasefire monitoring mechanism on October 14, talks began to address the outstanding challenges surrounding prisoner release. The discussions are expected to last about ten days.

Mediators and observers, including representatives from the United States and the African Union, have intensified pressure for tangible results, especially after the parties failed to meet their initial target of signing a peace agreement by August 2025.

AFC/M23 has submitted a list of prisoners it wants freed by the DRC Government. The list includes its members, such as Eric Nkuba Shebandu, a former adviser to Corneille Nangaa, along with others accused of belonging to the movement.

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance signed an agreement in Doha on October 14, 2025, establishing a joint ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism aimed at consolidating peace efforts in the country’s volatile east.

IGIHE

“I have just concluded my telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, and it was a very productive one,” said Trump on Truth Social.

“We also spent a great deal of time talking about Trade between Russia and the United States when the War with Ukraine is over,” he said.

“I believe great progress was made with today’s telephone conversation,” he added.

Trump said the two countries agreed to hold a high-level advisors’ meeting next week, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the U.S. delegation, adding that the meeting location is to be determined.

“President Putin and I will then meet in an agreed upon location, Budapest, Hungary, to see if we can bring this ‘inglorious’ War, between Russia and Ukraine, to an end,” Trump said.

The phone conversation came one day ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled visit to the White House.

Trump and Putin met in the U.S. state of Alaska in August, but no deal was reached. In late September, Trump said on social media that he believes Ukraine, with the support of the European Union and NATO, “is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”

Talks between Trump and Putin in Budapest, Hungary, aim to end the Russia—Ukraine conflict, following a recent phone conversation between the two leaders.

Xinhua

The launch event held at the Kigali Convention Center convened high-level representatives from government, financial institutions, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to discuss and re-affirm commitment to the successful implementation of the strategy and to deepening collaboration across the financial ecosystem.

Speaking during the event, Godfrey Kabera, Minister for National Treasury, emphasized that the FSDS will serve as the 'financial engine' to drive the nation’s long-term ambitions under Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

He noted that the strategy is designed to strengthen digital financial ecosystems, promote savings, and facilitate access to resources needed to expand trade and investment.
'Through this strategy, we aim to expand private sector engagement, create quality jobs, and ensure a more inclusive economic growth for all Rwandans,' he said.

The FSDS 2025—2029 aligns closely with Rwanda’s broader goal of positioning itself as a regional financial hub through the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC).

It seeks to transform the financial sector into a powerful vehicle for mobilizing and channeling capital toward key national priorities.

The strategy highlights the importance of improving access to finance, particularly for underserved groups such as women, youth, small and medium enterprises, and the agricultural sector.

By 2029, the strategy targets a doubling of the national savings rate from 12.4% to 25.9% of GDP, alongside deeper financial inclusion and literacy across all segments of the population.

It also aims for more than 70% of private sector financing under NST2 to be mobilized through the domestic financial system, signaling a shift toward greater reliance on local financial institutions to drive growth.

By harnessing digital technologies, reinforcing regulatory frameworks, and fostering public-private partnerships, the FSDS 2025-2029 marks a decisive step in mobilizing the financial resources required to meet Rwanda’s ambitious development targets, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

Rwanda has launched new Financial Sector Development Strategy to accelerate inclusive economic growth.

IGIHE

The event, organized by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in partnership with the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany and the Tourism Chamber, followed successful engagements in Utrecht (Netherlands).

It aimed to connect Rwandan tour operators with European travel professionals and promote new, tailor-made packages for the German market.

In his remarks, Ambassador Igor César described Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, as a destination where nature, culture, and innovation meet.

He highlighted the country’s rich landscapes stretching from Nyungwe and Volcanoes to Akagera and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks, offering experiences from gorilla trekking and rainforest hikes to savanna safaris and urban exploration in Kigali.

Sustainability was a key theme. Amb. César emphasized Rwanda’s success in wildlife conservation, including the reintroduction of lions and rhinos, which has transformed Akagera National Park into a 'Big Five' destination.

He also underscored the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program, through which over Frw 18.1 billion has funded more than 1,190 community projects around national parks, ensuring tourism directly benefits local communities.

Speaking to tour operators and agents, Amb. César described them as 'storytellers' who shape travelers’ choices and invited them to integrate Rwanda into their itineraries.

With Germany among Rwanda’s top ten tourism source markets, the roadshow reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable partnerships and to positioning itself as one of Africa’s most compelling and responsible destinations.

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

According to a public notice dated October 14, 2025 and signed by NLA Director General and Chief Registrar of Land Titles, Marie Grâce Nishimwe, the decision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of land services nationwide.

The NLA noted that significant progress has been made through the decentralisation of land services, which are now accessible at national, provincial, district, and sector levels. Licensed private notaries with the necessary competences are also authorised to handle land transactions, including the transfer of land rights.

'Since land services are now available near everyone, it is no longer necessary for people who live in a different area from where their land is located to appoint someone through a power of attorney for land rights transfer,' the statement reads in part.

The authority explained that the temporary suspension seeks to address a growing number of fraud cases involving falsified powers of attorney, which have been used to facilitate illegal transfers of land ownership.

The suspension will remain in force until the electronic notary system (e-notary), currently being developed by the Ministry of Justice, is officially launched and becomes operational.

However, in exceptional circumstances where an individual is genuinely unable to appear in person, the matter may be submitted for review through the Office of the Registrar of Land Titles in the respective province or through the NLA headquarters in Kigali.

The Authority clarified that the suspension applies only to powers of attorney issued within Rwanda. Those issued outside the country will continue to be accepted, provided they meet all legal and procedural requirements.

The NLA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding landowners’ rights and ensuring the integrity of land transactions through more secure and transparent digital systems.

The National Land Authority (NLA) affirmed that the temporary suspension of the use of powers of attorney for all land-related transactions across Rwanda is aimed at curbing rising cases of land fraud.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Just three days after the war began on October 1, 1990, France deployed around 300 elite troops to Rwanda under the pretext of protecting French citizens and ensuring the safety of foreign nationals. In reality, the troops had been sent to rescue Habyarimana’s regime.

This French intervention was codenamed 'Operation Noroît', and the number of soldiers was later increased to around 800, according to Michel Goya, a former French Army colonel, in his analysis 'Penser les opérations. Retour sur l’opération 'Noroît’ au Rwanda (1990-1993)'.

France’s long record of foreign military operations

The deployment of French troops to Rwanda was part of a broader pattern of foreign military interventions abroad, known in France as 'Opérations Extérieures' (OPEX). These operations have stretched across continents for decades.

Before Rwanda, French troops had intervened in Kolwezi, Zaire (now DR Congo) in 1978. Other OPEX missions included Operation Atlante in 1954 in Indochina (present-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia); joint NATO missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Afghanistan during the 1990s and 2000s; and deployments in the Middle East, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

Today, roughly 30,000 French soldiers serve abroad, according to France’s embassy in the United States.

Africa as France’s long-standing military backyard

Reports indicate that France has intervened militarily 31 times in Africa since 1963. France has conducted numerous military operations under OPEX, treating the continent as a traditional sphere of influence.

These include Operation Épervier in Chad (1986—2014), Operation Licorne in Côte d’Ivoire (2001), Operation Artémis in Ituri, DR Congo (2003), and Kolwezi (1978).

Later operations included Serval and Barkhane in Mali, with the latter also extending into Burkina Faso and Niger. Others, like Operation Manta in Chad, Sabre in Niger and Burkina Faso, and deployments in Mauritania, Gabon, Djibouti, Senegal, and the Central African Republic, reinforced France’s deep military footprint across Africa.

The deployment of French troops to Rwanda was part of a broader pattern of foreign military interventions abroad.

France’s silence on Operation Noroît

Despite its extensive record of military missions abroad, France does not officially list Operation Noroît among its recognized OPEX operations, nor does it like to discuss it publicly.

While addressing diplomats and representatives of international organizations working in Rwanda, together with officials from the Ministry of National Unity in 2022, the then French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré, noted that many people tend to focus on Operation Turquoise, which took place in June 1994 during the Genocide against teh Tutsi, while overlooking Operation Noroît of 1990.

At that time, he explained that through Operation Noroît, France had helped Habyarimana’s army repel the first offensive launched by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), an attack in which Major General Fred Rwigema was killed.

He also hinted at the possibility that French pilots might have operated the helicopters used by the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) during the fighting.

Referring specifically to the helicopters Habyarimana used in the battle against the RPA, Anfré remarked, 'You would want to know who was actually flying them.'

France’s decision to send troops to Rwanda under the pretext of protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian assistance, while those same soldiers went on to work directly with the FAR in combat operations, remains an embarrassment for the European nation.

The discomfort is even deeper because some of the French trainers also instructed the Interahamwe militias, who were later involved in the secution of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

A failed mission that ended in shame

Operation Noroît lasted about three years, ending in 1993 without achieving its stated goals.

The subsequent Operation Turquoise during Genocide against the Tutsi in June 1994, publicly presented as a humanitarian mission to protect civilians, also became controversial.

Instead of saving lives, French troops were accused of siding with FAR and fighting against the RPA, which was then working to stop the genocide.

Furthermore, France was implicated in aiding the escape of members of the genocidal government and shielding some from accountability, helping them flee to Zaire and even Europe.

These actions have left France with a lasting sense of shame and denial over its role in Rwanda.

As Colonel (Rtd) Michel Goya noted in his conclusion, France ultimately decided that Operation Noroît would not appear on the official list of French overseas military operations.

Just three days after the war began on October 1, 1990, France deployed around 300 elite troops to Rwanda under the pretext of protecting French citizens and ensuring the safety of foreign nationals.

IGIHE

The competition scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, will take place at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas. This year’s edition has attracted around 200 registered golfers, including 120 Rwandans.

BPR Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Godfrey Kariuki Kamau, said the bank remains committed to contributing to community development through sports, particularly golf.

'Our continued involvement demonstrates the positive impact it has on Rwandans, especially among sports enthusiasts,' he said.

'Best performers will earn the opportunity to compete against players from other East African countries, which also helps strengthen regional ties,' added Kamau.

The Head of Golf at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas, Rama Donneur, praised BPR Bank’s role in popularizing the sport in Rwanda.

'We appreciate BPR for bringing this tournament to Rwanda. It is one of the events that has helped promote golf locally and marks an important step in attracting international-level competitions,' he said.

'These tournaments also give Rwandan golfers visibility across Africa. We are proud that our own player, Celestin Nsanzuwera, ranks among the continent’s best,' added Rama.

The BPR-KCB East Africa Golf Tour will feature several categories, including men, women, seniors, and a special category for tournament organizers.

Winners from the Kigali leg will advance to the grand finale in Nairobi, Kenya, in December 2025, where they will compete against top players from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi.

The winning team at the regional final will receive a cash prize of one million Kenyan shillings, equivalent to approximately 11.2 million Rwandan francs.

Rwanda’s previous representatives in the regional finals included Nganga Barnabas Kariuki, Olwit Anthony Robert, Murekatete Alphonsine, and Mukisa Benjamin, who all performed impressively and helped raise the country’s golfing profile in the region.

BPR Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Godfrey Kariuki Kamau, said the bank remains committed to contributing to community development through sports, particularly golf.

IGIHE