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This reduction was observed over the eight-day event held in Rwanda. To monitor air quality during the championship, REMA set up 10 stations across different parts of Kigali to monitor air pollution levels, particularly focusing on both closed and open roads.

These stations were located in areas such as Gacuriro, Rusororo, Mont Kigali, Gikondo, Nyarutarama, Kibagabaga, Kimironko, Nyabugogo, and Kimihurura.

REMA’s analysis revealed that temporarily closing major roads improved air quality significantly.

The report shows that Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels— fine particles in the air, measured in micrograms per cubic meter were measured.

Because they are so small, when inhaled, they quickly enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, causing various health problems such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, lung diseases, heart problems, stroke, and even cancer.

The primary sources of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, especially those using gasoline and diesel, burning coal, industrial smoke, and other pollutants. These fine particles have been linked to numerous short and long-term health problems, including the potential harm to unborn children.

Meanwhile, alternative routes used during the event had less traffic and were not regularly used, leading to a reduction in air pollution by 30% – 35%. On the roads that were not affected by the race, no significant change in pollution levels was observed.

Juliet Kabera, the Director General of REMA, emphasized that the findings show that reducing pollution has a direct impact on improving the air quality that people breathe.

The WHO recommends that the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, and for a 24-hour period, it should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter.

'These findings are a clear demonstration of how reduced traffic emissions directly improve the air we breathe,' said Juliet Kabera, Director General of REMA.

'During the UCI Championships, the air quality in Kigali was moderate, which is acceptable for the general public according to WHO [World Health Organization] air quality guidelines. This should inspire all of us to properly maintain our vehicles, and to embrace more sustainable transport choices such as using public transport, cycling, walking, and avoiding unnecessary car trips whenever possible. Cleaner air is within our reach if we make conscious decisions in our daily lives,' she added.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Environment, through REMA, introduced enhanced vehicle emissions testing, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to cleaner air, improved public health, and sustainable development.

REMA notes that the positive results during the championships underscore the importance of sustainable urban mobility.

In addition to the air quality monitoring stations located in Kigali, REMA operates stations across Rwanda, and citizens are encouraged to follow real-time updates on aq.rema.gov.rw to stay informed about the air they breathe and make healthier choices.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has announced that the temporary closure of major roads during the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali decreased air pollution by 45%.

REMA’s report indicates that air pollution dropped by 45% on closed roads during the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

IGIHE

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be forced to take unpaid leave, with some public services potentially suspended or delayed, and the release of economic data possibly impacted as well.

The shutdown commenced hours after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a short-term spending bill that would have temporarily kept the government running. The continuing resolution proposed by Senate Republicans was blocked by Democrats, falling short of the 60 votes required for passage.

In the latest negotiations, healthcare benefits have been one of the core sticking points between the two parties. Democrats are demanding stronger healthcare-related benefits, including an extension of the enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act set to expire at the end of the year, as well as restoring the act’s coverage eligibility for certain immigrants who are legally present, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Republicans, on the other hand, opposed these measures and have been pushing to temporarily maintain current government funding levels to allow more time for negotiations.

Republicans and Democrats continued to trade blame recently, accusing each other of forcing the government into a “shutdown.”

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday afternoon that Democrats want to shut down the government, claiming that their insistence on providing free healthcare to undocumented immigrants has caused the negotiations to stall.

“The Democrats want to shut it down. So when you shut it down, you have to do layoffs. So we’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And they’re going to be Democrats,” Trump said.

While top Democrats in the House and the Senate blamed Trump and Republicans for the shutdown early Wednesday morning, they also voiced Democrats’ readiness to make a deal to reopen the federal government.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement on Wednesday that Democrats “remain ready to find a bipartisan path forward to reopen the government in a way that lowers costs and addresses the Republican healthcare crisis.”

With the shutdown now in effect, federal employees deemed “excepted” — those who work to protect life and property, such as FBI investigators and air traffic controllers — have to stay on their jobs without pay. They will not receive their wages until Congress passes a funding bill and ends the government shutdown.

On the other hand, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be forced into unpaid leave. The Congressional Budget Office estimated earlier that roughly 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day of a shutdown, with the total daily cost of their compensation at roughly 400 million U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, the shutdown will impact some public services. The Brookings Institution recently reported that a government shutdown can be disruptive, leading to delays in processing applications for passports, small business loans, or government benefits; shuttered visitor centers and bathrooms at national parks; fewer food-safety inspections; and other various inconveniences.

“Shutdowns don’t save money, they waste money,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement.

“Under shutdowns, we pay federal workers not to work and rent buildings that aren’t being used, all while requiring costly shutdown planning, inefficient allocation of government resources, and a reduction in the services available to the American people. We should avoid a shutdown and keep the government funded,” MacGuineas said.

The U.S. Capitol building and traffic lights are seen in Washington D.C., the United States, Sept. 30, 2025.

Xinhua

In a brief statement shared on Wednesday morning, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said the negotiations focus on deepening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, transparent mineral supply chains, health, tourism, and trade.

He emphasised that the REIF 'will reinforce peace and benefit millions across the Great Lakes region, helping communities build a stake in lasting stability and shared prosperity.'

The ongoing talks mark a critical step in translating the commitments made under the Washington Declaration of Principles in April and the Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025, into concrete economic action.

Anchored in shared prosperity

The REIF is designed as a forward-looking platform that seeks to unlock investment, dismantle the economic drivers of conflict, and create opportunities for industrial development and job creation. Both Rwanda and the DRC have pledged to ensure that revenues from natural resources benefit local communities, while working to formalise artisanal mining and attract responsible global investment.

The framework’s priorities span a wide range of sectors. Rwanda and the DRC have committed to reforming the mineral sector by eradicating illicit trade and building a transparent, world-class mining industry.

In energy, the two countries will focus on completing the Ruzizi III hydropower project, exploiting Lake Kivu’s methane gas sustainably, and expanding electricity access. Infrastructure development is also central, with planned investments in transport, logistics, warehousing, ICT, and projects linked to the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor.

The partnership extends to conservation and tourism through coordinated park management, biodiversity protection, and a harmonised revenue-sharing model. In public health, both governments will strengthen cross-border responses to disease outbreaks, share information, and collaborate on health research and innovation.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, previously told Parliament that while economic cooperation is a central pillar of the Washington peace agreement, separate frameworks would follow. The REIF now provides the foundation for those agreements, setting out a roadmap from principle to execution.

The United States has brought together delegations from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Washington for the final round of negotiations on the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing stability in the Great Lakes region.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The launch will mark the brand’s entry into Rwanda’s growing beauty market, featuring a collection made especially for African skin by Africans with German technology.

Bellazuri has already established a presence in several African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Guinea, reflecting the company’s ambition to become a truly pan-African beauty powerhouse. The brand is also available in Colombia and the United States.

Bellazuri’s product line includes skincare, body care, and colour cosmetics formulated to match diverse African skin tones and needs.

A key part of the brand’s strategy is its emphasis on research-driven product development. The company says Rwandan consumers can expect products tailored to their needs, with future lines potentially designed specifically for the local market.

'Our products are not created randomly. Dr. Iman, our lead formulator, develops them in the lab based on real feedback. The Kigali launch will give us insights into what people want, and we have the capacity to refine products accordingly,” said Cynthia Uwineza, the brand’s ambassador in Rwanda.

“Every market we enter, we aim to give them exactly what they want,” she added.

Central to Bellazuri’s identity is its focus on combining natural African resources with advanced German technology. The company uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes from the IKA Group from Germany, ensuring products that are both safe and effective.
Partnership with Peniel Wholesale Ltd.

The brand’s mission is to make premium beauty accessible, inclusive, and representative of Africa.

In Rwanda, Bellazuri has partnered with Peniel Wholesale Ltd, which will serve as the brand’s sole distributor. The collaboration is expected to make the products widely accessible across the country. Peniel’s established distribution channels will ensure Rwandan consumers can easily find Bellazuri’s skincare, body care, and colour cosmetics in trusted outlets.

The company emphasises that its entry into the Rwandan market will go beyond beauty products. By partnering with local distributors and creating demand for sales and distribution services, Bellazuri expects to contribute to job creation and support Rwanda’s economic growth.

Bellazuri’s product line includes skincare, body care, and colour cosmetics formulated to match diverse African skin tones and needs. The brand’s mission is to make premium beauty accessible, inclusive, and representative of Africa.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

It’s hard to believe that a few decades ago, this area was bare land. Today, it is the largest man-made ecological forest park in East China, covering 68,000 mu (over 45 square kilometres) with a forest coverage rate of 90%.

When you climb the tallest observation tower, from the top, you can see an uninterrupted sea of green. The wind carried a freshness I hadn’t felt anywhere else. With 628 plant species, 342 bird species, and nearly 30 mammals, this forest is not only a shelter for wildlife but also a living testament to human commitment to ecological restoration.

It’s hard to believe that a few decades ago, this area was bare land.

UNESCO has even recognised it as a rare, unpolluted coastal destination along the western Pacific coast, and standing there, I understood why.

A short drive away, I found myself immersed in one of the world’s most important coastal wetland ecosystems, the Dongtai Tiaozini Wetland Reserve.

The name 'Tiaozini' comes from the strip-like creeks that shape its landscape. With 1.29 million mu (about 860 square kilometres) of intertidal wetlands, it’s the largest of its kind in the world, serving as a critical stopover on the East Asian—Australasian Flyway for migratory birds.

The Dongtai Tiaozini Wetland Reserve.

Here, I watched spoon-billed sandpipers and oriental storks through telescopes, guided by experts who explained their migration patterns. I was struck by how these fragile birds travel thousands of kilometres every year, depending on this exact spot to survive.

The feeling of witnessing rare species in their natural habitat was both humbling and unforgettable.

Next, I visited the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, home to the world’s largest wild population of milu deer. Once extinct in China, these deer were reintroduced in 1986 with just 39 individuals. Today, the reserve spans 40,000 mu and shelters more than 8,500 milu, including 3,673 living in the wild.

Once extinct in China, these deer were reintroduced in 1986 with just 39 individuals.

Seeing them roam freely against the backdrop of wetlands was like stepping into a storybook. The reserve also protects over 400 other animal species, making it a global model for endangered species protection.

My journey through Yancheng’s ecological wonders concluded at Jianhu Jiulongkou National Wetland Park, a lagoon-like landscape where nine rivers converge.

What amazed me most was that it’s China’s first carbon-neutral scenic spot, combining wetland restoration with low-carbon tourism. Walking along its wooden pathways, I felt as though I was in a living classroom, one where conservation and tourism coexist in perfect balance.

Yancheng is often called 'the Oriental Wetland and the Pearl of the Yellow Sea,' and after visiting these places, I understood the title deeply. This is not just a destination; it’s a living example of how people and nature can thrive together. For travellers who love eco-tourism, biodiversity, and meaningful journeys, Yancheng offers experiences that are both breathtaking and enlightening.

Christian Mugisha

The race took place from September 21 to 28, marking the first time in its 125-year history that the competition was held on the African continent.

Rwandans embraced the event with warmth, lining the streets alongside international fans all week. Flags waved, drums echoed, and chants rolled through Kigali’s avenues.

Reflecting after the race, UCI President David Lappartient said his strongest memory was the passion and enthusiasm that defined the event — exhausted but joyful riders, dedicated organizers, and spirited spectators all contributing to what he described as an atmosphere of 'happiness.'

He stressed that all the key elements for success came together — local expertise, political will, stability, and a well-established cycling culture — and highlighted the decisive support of President Paul Kagame in making the event possible.

Beyond the races themselves, Lappartient emphasized the international reach of the championships, which put Rwanda in the global spotlight.

A record 132 nations took part in the UCI Congress, 108 competed in the race, and television broadcasts reached audiences in 130 countries, placing Rwanda 'at the center of the world' during the event.

Many visitors also took the opportunity to explore national parks and the country’s scenery, combining tourism with the sporting experience.

Responding to early doubts from some quarters, the UCI president underlined the organization’s political neutrality and expressed regret over attempts to politicize the event.

He noted that several delegations who were initially hesitant eventually came to Kigali and left with a positive impression after witnessing the smooth organization.

'The purpose of sport,' he said, 'is also to unite and bring people together,' a mission he believes was fully achieved in Kigali.

Looking ahead, Lappartient confirmed that major events are on the horizon, including the 2027 combined World Championships in Haute-Savoie, France, which will bring together around twenty cycling disciplines at once.

Lappartient also hailed Rwanda’s modern infrastructure, and said he leaves Kigali with 'unforgettable memories,' convinced the event will mark a historic chapter for cycling and its athletes.

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has praised the 'extraordinary' success of the World Championships held in Kigali, calling the Rwandan edition a historic milestone for cycling on the African continent.

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, speaking with an IGIHE journalist after the end of the Road World Cycling Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

Beyond the race, UCI President David Lappartient said the event’s international scope helped showcase Rwanda to the world.

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Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

Announcing the verdict in Kinshasa, Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, who presided over the military tribunal, said Kabila was found guilty of treason, crimes against humanity, premeditated murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection.

Kabila, who led the DRC for nearly two decades, has lived mostly in Southern Africa since late 2023, although he appeared earlier this year in Goma — one of the cities recently captured by the M23 rebel group fighting against government coalition forces.

The trial began on July 25, 2025, without Kabila’s presence. Prosecutors accused him of treason, leading an unauthorized armed group, rape, and torture, arguing that these acts were committed in his alleged role as a leader of the AFC/M23.

While prosecutors demanded the death penalty, government lawyers also requested that Kabila’s assets be seized and that he be fined USD 24 billion.

Kabila publicly dismissed the proceedings on September 2, describing the trial as politically motivated and intended to deflect attention from the government’s alleged mismanagement and corruption.

A ruling on those requests was initially expected on September 12 but was postponed to September 30.

Kabila publicly dismissed charges against him on September 2, describing the trial as politically motivated and intended to deflect attention from the government’s alleged mismanagement and corruption.

IGIHE

The Rwandan Embassy in the U.S. termed the delivery as a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade ties.

The shipment, managed by Trinity Metals, also underscores Rwanda’s growing role as a trusted supplier of critical minerals.

“This direct Rwanda-US shipment of tungsten marks an important step in strengthening our bilateral trade ties & highlights Rwanda’s position as a trusted supplier of critical minerals,” the embassy stated on Tuesday evening.

The delivery follows a recent commercial agreement Trinity Metals secured with GTP, part of the Plansee Group, and its offtake partner Traxys.

The partnership aims to establish a reliable supply of high-grade tungsten from the Great Lakes region of Africa to the U.S., supporting industries such as aerospace, defence, electronics, and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Trinity Metals, established in 2022 through the merger of the Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine, Rutongo Tin Mine, and Musha Tin and Tantalum Mine, is Rwanda’s largest producer of these three critical minerals.

Rwanda has reached a historic milestone in its trade relations with the United States, with the first containers of tungsten from the Nyakabingo Mine arriving directly at Global Tungsten and Powders (GTP) in Towanda, Pennsylvania.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The initiative was announced recently by the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council (IHPC), Office of Development Affairs, and the Presidential Court.

The programme is designed to deliver strategic masterclasses to reimagine aid through smarter tools, stronger collaboration and future-ready leadership.

Built on four foundational pillars — education, capacity building, experience sharing, and strategic networking — it aims to sharpen leadership in a volatile aid and development landscape. It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to a future-ready foreign aid model by focusing on leadership development, ecosystem strengthening, innovation and knowledge, and collaboration.

It will equip leaders in the humanitarian sector to reimagine how aid is delivered through innovation, technology and strategic partnerships.

The initiative integrates diplomacy, development and data to address modern crises with holistic solutions. It is based on the premise that the UAE has a unique opportunity to redefine the future of aid and development regionally and globally at a time of shifting global priorities and reduced budgets from major donors.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of the Office of Development Affairs, said the programme reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to advancing global cooperation in aid and development. He noted, 'It highlights the UAE’s willingness to learn from external expertise, networks and resources, underscoring its unique position in the global ecosystem as a unifying force working to bridge divides and achieve shared goals.'

He added that in a world that is increasingly reactive, the need is for proactiveness, innovation and leadership. 'The future of aid depends on anticipation and agility, and the UAE stands ready to deliver both through strategic initiatives such as the Aid Foresight Programme. Developing and promoting adaptive leadership in the aid and development space is crucial. Adoption of cutting-edge features including the use of digital tools to enhance delivery, tracking and coordination is important.'

The five-day programme covers a wide range of topics, including innovation and leadership, innovation in government, data and analytics in development and humanitarian aid, developments in Africa, East Asia and Latin America, partnerships and resources, climate and health diplomacy, innovative financing, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on aid.

The Aid Foresight Programme is designed to deliver strategic masterclasses to reimagine aid through smarter tools, stronger collaboration and future-ready leadership.

IGIHE

The verdict in Karasira’s case was delivered on September 30, 2025. The court ruled that he was guilty of one of the several charges he faced.

Karasira had originally been charged with multiple offenses, including denying and justifying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, inciting public division, and spreading false information. Prosecutors said the alleged offenses were committed through his YouTube channel at various times.

He was also accused of money laundering and failing to explain the source of his wealth, including cash seized from him and funds held in his bank and mobile money accounts.

The prosecution had asked the court to convict Karasira on all charges and sentence him to 30 years in prison.

During the trial, Karasira apologized to those who were hurt by his comments on YouTube, saying he never intended to spread hatred or deny the country’s tragic history.

Regarding the seized funds, prosecutors argued that the money came from individuals and groups opposed to the Rwandan government, who were supporting his public statements.

Karasira, however, said the money included severance pay from his former employer, the University of Rwanda, where he once worked, as well as donations from well-wishers. He added that he had no dependents and thus had been saving his income.

After reviewing arguments from both sides, the court sentenced Karasira to five years in prison and ordered the release of his seized property.

Karasira was arrested in May 2021 and has been detained at Nyarugenge Prison since then. Having already served four years, he now has less than one year left to complete his sentence — about eight months remaining until his expected release on May 30, 2026.

Nyanza High Court Chamber of International and Cross-Border Crimes has sentenced Uzaramba Karasira Aimable to five years in prison after finding him guilty of inciting public division.

IGIHE