Category: Uncategorized

The aircraft, equipped as a state-of-the-art teaching hospital, has been stationed at Kigali International Airport since July 21 and will remain until August 1, 2025.

Rwanda is the 84th country to host Orbis since the program launched in 1982.

The initiative is a collaboration between Orbis International, the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), and Kibagabaga Hospital.

Over 100 Rwandan eye specialists have already received hands-on training using advanced technology, and more than 140 patients, 40 aboard the aircraft and 100 at Kibagabaga Hospital, are expected to benefit from surgeries.

Speaking at the launch of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital mission, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana hailed the initiative as a milestone in advancing high-tech healthcare in Rwanda and across Africa.

He highlighted the partnership between the Ministry of Health, Orbis International, and local institutions like RIIO as vital for expanding capacity and improving eye care services across the country.

He also underscored the importance of integrating artificial intelligence and digital tools in ophthalmology, which can predict complications early and prevent blindness.

Reflecting on past successes, he noted a recent nationwide cataract screening campaign that operated on thousands of patients, emphasising the ongoing efforts to reach even the most remote communities.

Dr. Nsanzimana noted that the government is working hard to increase the number of eye specialists in Rwanda from the current 30 to at least 120 over the next five years, as part of a broader strategy to quadruple the total number of doctors.

'Let’s increase the number of ophthalmologists from 30 to 120 in the next five years. This is achievable.'

The Flying Eye Hospital’s director, Maurice Geary, praised Rwanda’s warm reception and infrastructure support, calling it a historic collaboration.

Dr. Ciku Mathenge, Orbis Medical Advisor for Africa and RIIO co-founder, shared powerful stories of patients, including a young man treated for parasitic worms in his eye and Esther, a 26-year-old woman whose sight was saved through AI-supported diagnosis and treatment for diabetic retinopathy.

'Esther’s story is really a testament to why this work that Orbis is supporting Rwanda to do matters. Lasting, happy change happens when we invest in people, when we foster strong partnerships, and when we strengthen the foundations that your ministry has so ably set down in the health system in Rwanda,' said Dr. Mathenge.

'As a doctor, as a mother, as a proud African woman, and as a passionate advocate for eye care, I know firsthand the life-changing difference that sight makes in an individual. Seeing all of you here today with your dedication and belief fills me with a lot of joy, and it confirms that all of you understand why our mission is so critical.'

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital will continue operating until August 1, with further training and surgeries planned in close collaboration with RIIO and Rwandan universities.

RIIO, founded 14 years ago by Brig Gen Prof. John Nkurikiye and Prof. Mathenge, was established to address the gap in eye care services in Rwanda and continues to play a central role in building a sustainable, high-quality ophthalmology workforce in the country.

The aircraft, equipped as a state-of-the-art teaching hospital, has been stationed at Kigali International Airport since July 21 and will remain until August 1, 2025.

Rwanda is the 84th country to host Orbis since the program launched in 1982.

Speaking at the launch of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital mission, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana hailed the initiative as a milestone in advancing high-tech healthcare in Rwanda and across Africa.

RIIO was founded 14 years ago by Brig Gen Prof. John Nkurikiye and Prof. Ciku Mathenge.

Dr. Chiku Mathenge highlighted the impact of the mission through patient stories, including a man treated for eye parasites and a young woman whose vision was saved thanks to AI-assisted care.

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital will continue operating until August 1, with further training and surgeries planned in close collaboration with RIIO and Rwandan universities.

IGIHE

These include Major General Andrew Kagame and Major General Wilson Gumisiriza, as well as Brigadier Generals Joseph Demali, Fred Muziraguharara, James Ruzibiza, Frank Mutembe, Pascal Muhizi, Nelson Rwigema, and Jean Paul Karangwa.

In addition to the Generals, President Kagame approved the retirement of 120 senior officers, 26 junior officers, and 927 other ranks.

Speaking at a send off ceremony of retiring soldiers on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF expressed his appreciation for the outstanding service rendered by Retirees during the times when Rwanda needed them.

'You stood firm during the liberation struggle, stopped the genocide against Tutsi, and have been instrumental in rebuilding our country ever since. You played a crucial role in transforming RDF into a strong and professional force, both within Rwanda and on international platforms. Your contributions, especially in the military, have left a lasting legacy,' he said.

He also said that even as they retire, their experience and wisdom remain vital to our nation’s progress. He urged them to always be part of the RDF family and assured them to continue to benefit from their expertise.

In his address, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, expressed appreciation to the RDF retirees for their sacrifices, commitment, and significant contribution to the nation.

He commended them for the discipline they upheld throughout their military careers and encouraged them to continue collaborating with the wider Rwandan community in efforts to develop the country.

As a token of appreciation, the retirees were awarded certificates in recognition of their dedicated service to the Rwanda Defence Force.

As a token of appreciation, the retirees were awarded certificates in recognition of their dedicated service to the Rwanda Defence Force.

The send-off ceremony for retiring RDF personnel took place on Monday, July 28, 2025.

IGIHE

On July 27, 2025, MTN Rwanda announced that it was experiencing a nationwide technical failure, impacting both voice calls and the functionality of its USSD codes.

From that date through July 28, numerous MTN customers reported receiving error messages such as 'This number does not exist' when attempting to place calls. Many were also unable to send SMS messages during the outage.

On the evening of July 28, RURA issued a statement confirming it had detected widespread service issues and had officially summoned MTN Rwanda’s leadership for a response.

'The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has noted persistent and recurring issues in MTN’s service delivery, including disruptions in voice services, SMS, USSD, and challenges related to interconnect traffic between service providers,' reads a statement posted by RURA on X.

'In accordance with the regulations, MTN’s leadership has been invited for a formal meeting tomorrow, Tuesday at 9:00 AM, to provide explanations regarding these issues and to present concrete measures to improve service quality and prevent similar disruptions from recurring,' the statement adds.

At approximately 11:00 PM on July 28, MTN Rwanda announced that the technical issues affecting calls and USSD services had been resolved nationwide and expressed appreciation for customers’ patience.

The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has summoned telecommunications provider MTN Rwandacell to clarify how it is resolving ongoing issues that have disrupted service delivery across the country.

IGIHE

The French-Rwandan developer, which began operations in 2021, has focused on creating quality housing in prime locations including Rebero, Kibagabaga, and soon Kimihurura.

'50 owners or tenants are now living in the apartments and villas we completed during this initial journey,' noted David Benazeraf, Founding partner and Managing Director.

Imara Properties’ first project, Isange Estate Rebero, completed in 2022, introduced 15 high-end villas in a community setting with common gardens and swimming pool.

This was followed by Isange Phase II in 2023, which added 12 apartments and 6 villas to the Rebero neighborhood. The company expanded to Kibagabaga with Isange Apartments, offering 11 premium units near the Convention Center, just handed over, while Ituze Village in Kanombe, introduced functional family homes in 2025.

Currently under construction is Isange Phase III Rebero, featuring 20 luxury villas that continue the company’s commitment to community-focused living. The project, like its predecessors, has seen strong ongoing sales, with over 50% of units already sold.

This consistent market response reflects growing confidence among both local and international investors. 'When we launched Imara, we had one ambition: to build communities and raise the standards of residential construction in Kigali', said Founding partner Serge Kamuhinda.

A Focus on Quality and Urban Development

What sets Imara apart in Kigali’s competitive real estate market is its emphasis on transparency and quality.

“We’ve maintained a simple principle from the beginning,” explains David Benazeraf. “Every property we sell comes with clear, detailed, and accurate specifications. All room sizes are measured, displayed, and explained.'

This approach has resonated with buyers and tenants from 25 different countries across 4 continents, many of whom appreciate the company’s reliable communication and on-time execution.

Client testimonials support this reputation. “The attention to detail and the property matched the initial descriptions, which isn’t always the case in real estate,” shared an owner at Isange Estate Rebero.

Another buyer at the Kibagabaga apartments noted on-time delivery and excellent finishes quality as key factors in their satisfaction. 'They are not selling Instagram 3D pictures. They build reality', said another one who purchased in two of Imara’s projects.

Looking ahead

Like many developers, Imara Properties has navigated construction challenges and supply chain delays. However, 'projects have consistently sold out before completion' recalled Founding partner Aimé Bakata Nkunzi, a sign of sustained demand for well-managed housing in Kigali.

As Rwanda’s capital continues to grow, Imara appears well-positioned for the future. With additional projects in the planning stages and a proven track record of delivery, the company demonstrates that steady, quality-focused development can succeed in Kigali’s dynamic real estate market. Imara’s projects have created about 200 stable jobs.

The company’s strength stems from a dynamic international team and its diverse founding team, which brings together Rwandan and French expertise across multiple disciplines.

The co-founders include David Benazeraf, a French entrepreneur with extensive African and international market experience; Aimé Bakata Nkunzi, a prominent Rwandan architect; Serge Kamuhinda of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda; Alain Ngirinshuti from Rwanda Social Security Board; along with locally based architect Yannick Miara, and Yonathan Arfi of Group Optimal Gestion.

“The market is becoming more discerning,” noted David Benazeraf. “Buyers prioritize quality and transparency, which aligns with our vision. Moving forward, we aim to keep improving while staying responsive to the city’s housing needs.”

About Imara Properties

Founded in 2020, Imara Properties is a French-Rwandan developer specializing in residential real estate.

The company has completed four projects totaling over 50 units across Kigali, with a fifth project of 20 villas currently under construction in Rebero and a sixth one starting construction in Kimihurura this year.

Its leadership combines international expertise with deep local market knowledge. www.imara-properties.com

Imara Properties has established itself as a reliable player in Kigali’s real estate sector, having successfully delivered 55 units across four residential projects.

What sets Imara apart in Kigali’s competitive real estate market is its emphasis on transparency and quality.

A fifth project by Imara Properties is currently under construction, with a sixth set to begin later this year.

Currently under construction is Isange Phase III Rebero, featuring 20 luxury villas that continue the company’s commitment to community-focused living.

IGIHE

Dubbed The Sanctuary, the space goes beyond traditional spa services, featuring a salt-water lap pool, steam room, ice bath, meditation pods, and treatment rooms.

The lodge says the design prioritises stillness and restoration, with natural materials, quiet soundscapes, and minimal distractions from the surrounding environment.

The new facility will be open to guests staying at both Bisate and the nearby Bisate Reserve.

Wilderness, the company behind the lodge, says the launch reflects a broader shift in how it approaches guest experiences. Alexandra Margull, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, said wellness would no longer be treated as an add-on but 'a natural extension of place.'

The opening at Bisate comes alongside a similar rollout at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana, part of what the brand describes as a more integrated wellness offering across its camps.

Located near some of the last remaining habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla, Wilderness Bisate is known for its conservation-focused model and ultra-private guest experience. The new wellness space adds another layer to what is already one of Rwanda’s most exclusive tourism destinations.

Dubbed The Sanctuary, the space goes beyond traditional spa services, featuring a salt-water lap pool, steam room, ice bath, meditation pods, and treatment rooms.

The lodge says the design prioritises stillness and restoration, with natural materials, quiet soundscapes, and minimal distractions from the surrounding environment.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking at the ANC’s 2025 Liberation Movements Summit in Kempton Park, ZANU—PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Washington should not 'misdirect itself' in its diplomatic approach to South Africa.

He emphasised that such issues could be resolved without resorting to sanctions, but if the US chooses otherwise, Zimbabwe is prepared, having endured sanctions for over two decades.

'These sanctions have not stopped Zimbabwe’s progress. In fact, we are emerging as one of the most dynamic economies on the continent,' Mutsvangwa told the media.

He highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing steel industry as a symbol of the country’s resilience, adding that even the US might view this development with 'a bit of jealousy.'

The US has had strained relations with Zimbabwe for more than 20 years. Initially imposed in the early 2000s, sanctions targeted former President Robert Mugabe and senior officials over allegations of democratic erosion.

Last year, Washington imposed sanctions on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of human rights violations following a contested 2023 election. However, on March 4, 2024, President Joe Biden lifted all US sanctions on Zimbabwe, ending the sanctions program.

Mutsvangwa encouraged South Africa to remain optimistic and not be 'pushed around by superpowers,' emphasising shared experiences and resources between the two countries.

The call comes amid the introduction of the US and South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, proposed by Congressman Ronny Jackson. The bill could sanction ANC leaders accused of supporting US adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue during a visit to BMW South Africa, acknowledging the legislative process was ongoing. He expressed hope for continued diplomatic engagement with the US and a positive outcome that would strengthen bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, the ANC is appealing to US Democrats, especially those who supported the anti-apartheid movement, to oppose the bill.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stressed that the party will resist any efforts to isolate it through renewed sanctions, recalling the isolation they faced under apartheid-era sanctions backed by some Western countries.

The bill has passed key US House committees and now awaits a full vote in the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the ANC’s 2025 Liberation Movements Summit in Kempton Park, ZANU—PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Washington should not 'misdirect itself' in its diplomatic approach to South Africa.

IGIHE

The new figures were released on July 28 in the latest Labour Force Survey. The report shows that both men and women benefited from the rise in employment. Employment among men and women respectively stood at 61.7% and 46.8%.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 had a job rate of 49.1%, which is lower than the 57.4% seen among adults aged 31 and above.

The report shows that most people are now working in the services sector. Meanwhile, the number of people working in agriculture went down to 38.0% in May 2025, compared to 39.3% in the same period last year.

Jobs in the industry sector also dropped slightly, while employment in services increased from 44.0% to 45.6% over the same time.

In total, Rwanda’s working-age population (people aged 16 and above) is now around 8.5 million. Out of that, 4.5 million people are working, about 710,000 are unemployed, and 3.2 million are not part of the labour force, meaning they are not working and not looking for work either.

Unemployment also went down. The rate of people without jobs dropped to 13.4%, a big improvement from last year’s 16.8%, and even better than the 15.0% recorded before COVID-19 in 2019. However, women are still more affected, with an unemployment rate of 15.3%, compared to 11.8% for men.

Young people also face more challenges, with 15.4% of them unemployed, compared to 12.1% among adults.

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has reported that the employment rate increased to 53.8% in May 2025, up from 52.0% in the same period last year.

IGIHE

Addressing the official opening session on Monday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the need to transform global food systems to address critical sustainable development challenges.

“Food systems transformation is not just a moral imperative. It is a strategic necessity central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially ending hunger, reducing poverty, and building climate-resilient economies,” he said.

The AUC chief highlighted Africa’s “bold steps” in food systems transformation, supported by collective continental commitments and investment targets to build resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems. He further called on global partners to support African-led solutions.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the vital need to realize shared commitments in ensuring global food systems that are inclusive, sustainable, equitable, resilient, and rooted in human rights.

“Global hunger is rising, trade shocks are pushing food prices out of reach, and one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet while one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted,” Guterres said, warning that climate change and conflict are further driving hunger across the globe.

For her part, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need to address the major drivers of global food insecurity. She noted that although food insecurity has drastically decreased over the past decades, the phenomenon still affects about 10 percent of the world’s population.

“This percentage is largely concentrated here in Africa, where one in five people suffer from hunger and do not have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead a healthy life. This situation, already complex, has been exacerbated by the crises the world is currently facing,” Meloni said.

Describing food insecurity as a critical global political and economic issue, she warned of the catastrophic consequences, including poverty and conflicts, as communities become more vulnerable to violence, terrorism, and forced migration.

Echoing the sentiment, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the importance of ensuring predictable financing to support investments in agriculture, rural transformation, infrastructure, and nutrition in Africa and beyond.

Abiy, in particular, emphasized the need to put in place fair access to technology and finance for agricultural modernization in Africa. He further emphasized the importance of fair trade rules that create a level playing field and a strong global partnership that empowers local solutions.

The summit, held on July 27-29, is expected to reflect on global progress in food systems transformation, strengthen collaboration, and unlock finance and investments to accelerate action toward the UN SDGs.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the Second UN Food Systems Summit in a video message in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 28, 2025. Global leaders on Monday called for urgent collective action to address challenges facing food systems.

Xinhua

Guterres “urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace,” Farhan Haq, the UN chief’s deputy spokesperson, said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General commends Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their dedicated efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement said.

The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, it added.

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to implement a ceasefire from midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting hosted by him in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand was reached on Monday in Malaysia.

Xinhua

Schoof has convened an emergency meeting in The Hague during the summer recess, bringing together government ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“The government’s goal is crystal clear: the people in Gaza must have immediate, unhindered, and safe access to humanitarian aid,” Schoof wrote.

Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) reached a deal with Israel aimed at facilitating greater humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. That agreement is set to be reviewed Tuesday by EU member states. Should Israel be found to have fallen short in its commitments, further actions could be taken at the EU level.

The Dutch prime minister indicated that the Netherlands is also prepared to take unilateral steps if necessary.

“We are also considering national measures to increase the pressure,” Schoof warned, adding that he had conveyed this message directly to Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a phone call on Monday.

Dutch PM has warned of action against Israel over Gaza aid access

Xinhua