Category: Uncategorized

According to Travel And Tour World, the airline will operate four weekly flights using an Airbus A320, which is expected to elevate Rwanda’s position as a prominent travel hub in the region and contribute to the growth of tourism across Africa.

The resumption of this nonstop service to Rwanda’s capital is a significant milestone, enhancing global connectivity and offering improved access for both business and leisure travelers to East Africa.

Qatar Airways’ direct flights are anticipated to have a lasting impact on Rwanda’s tourism sector. The country has been making strides in promoting eco-tourism, adventure travel, and business conferences.

With this direct connection to Hamad International Airport in Doha, a key global transit hub, international arrivals are expected to increase, and outbound travelers will have easier access to destinations beyond Africa.

Besides, the direct flight eliminates previous stopovers, reducing travel time between Doha and Kigali. Moreover, Doha’s central location as a major transit hub ensures better access for passengers from North America, Europe, and Asia, making it easier for international visitors to reach Rwanda.

Rwandan travelers will also benefit from seamless access to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, enhancing both business and leisure travel opportunities.

The return of Qatar Airways to Kigali is expected to boost Rwanda’s tourism, providing easier access to the country’s renowned attractions, such as its luxury lodges and the world-famous gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park.

Additionally, the direct flights will support business travel between Africa and the Middle East.

As part of the oneworld alliance, Qatar Airways continues to expand its presence in Africa to meet the growing demand for premium travel and enhanced connectivity.

The airline’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its selection of the Airbus A320 for this route, which offers both efficiency and passenger comfort for mid-range flights.

According to recent data, over 1.4 million visitors traveled to Rwanda in 2023, with projections indicating a doubling of this number by 2029. This growth is expected to be accompanied by an expansion of routes by Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir.

Qatar Airways has also partnered with RwandAir, including in cargo operations, and the two airlines signed a codeshare agreement in 2021.

The partnership between Qatar and Rwanda has been strong since diplomatic relations were established in May 2017.

The collaboration spans various sectors, including infrastructure development and aviation, with Qatar Airways acquiring a 60% stake in Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport project in December 2019.

This partnership aims to position Rwanda as a key aviation hub in Central Africa.

Qatar Airways is set to resume its direct flights between Doha and Kigali, beginning on May 14, 2025.

IGIHE

The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has requested an expanded investigation into Kanziga’s alleged involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

According to previous investigations, PNAT noted that the inquiry had been conducted on a limited scope and called for hearing more witnesses and further investigating additional actions.

Attorney Richard Gisagara explained that the French judiciary had initially examined Kanziga’s involvement in crimes committed from April 7, 1994, despite it being known that French forces evacuated her from Rwanda on April 9, 1994.

He further stated that PNAT is now requesting an investigation into crimes committed as early as March 1, 1994. Gisagara also revealed that the prosecution seeks to add the charge of participation in the planning of the genocide, which would hold accountable individuals who played an indirect role in the crimes.

The prosecution’s request was originally set to be reviewed in a closed-door session on March 19, 2025. However, according to the French international broadcaster RFI, the hearing did not take place due to missing documents required by the Court of Appeal. The court has now rescheduled the review for May 21, 2025, as reported by the media outlet.

In 2007, the Rwandan government issued an arrest warrant for Kanziga, accusing her of genocide and crimes against humanity. However, the French judiciary refused to extradite her and later suspended its investigation.

The Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), an organization advocating for justice against genocide fugitives in France, stated that Kanziga provided financial support to RTLM, a radio station that broadcasted hate speech targeting the Tutsi.

The CPCR also claimed that Kanziga, a prominent member of the “Akazu” inner circle, was involved in compiling lists of influential Tutsis to be killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Former First Lady Agatha Knziga is being investigated for crimes committed as early as March 1, 1994.

IGIHE

The warrant was issued by Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who was satisfied that Ssemakadde is on the run outside the country. The court has ordered Interpol to arrest him on sight.

The charges against Ssemakadde stem from allegations that he insulted the modesty of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo during a symposium in November 2024. The remarks, which went viral on social media, sparked public outrage.

Ssemakadde’s legal team had argued that he should not be compelled to appear in court in person, citing his illness and a pending High Court ruling. However, the prosecution insisted on his physical presence to formally address the charges.

This development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against Ssemakadde, who is also facing separate charges for contempt of court.

The Uganda Law Society president has been at the center of controversy in recent months, with his comments sparking widespread debate about free speech and the limits of public discourse.

Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of the Uganda Law Society. His whereabouts are currently unknown.

IGIHE

The government noted that many imported hybrid cars were outdated, with their hybrid technology often malfunctioning or failing after a short period. Between July 2021 and July 2024, data revealed that 45% of hybrid vehicles imported into Rwanda were between 10 and 14 years old.

During a parliamentary session on March 19, 2025, where amendments to the VAT law were discussed, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Godfrey Kabera, explained that several previously exempted items had become obsolete and needed to be taxed.

“The list of goods now subject to VAT includes technology equipment and services related to media and telecommunications, road transport for goods, mobile phones that use SIM cards, hybrid vehicles, and their batteries,” Kabera stated.

Some exemptions remain, but only for a limited period. Fully electric vehicles and electric charging station equipment will continue to be tax-free until June 30, 2028.

Equipment related to renewable energy will remain tax-free until June 30, 2028, while industrial machinery and raw materials for manufacturing will be exempt until June 30, 2026.

Rwanda’s environmental and economic justification

Kabera pointed out that many imported hybrid cars were too old to function effectively as hybrid vehicles and ended up relying solely on gasoline or diesel, thereby defeating the environmental purpose of tax exemptions.

“When these cars are too old, they operate only on gasoline or diesel, meaning that our environmental goals are not being met. Now that people are familiar with hybrid cars, we want to encourage the purchase of newer models. That is why we introduced a tax system that varies based on the car’s age,” he explained.

Kabera emphasized that Rwanda aims to encourage the importation of new or fully electric vehicles to align with its environmental protection policies. “For VAT, we believe it is time for people to adapt. Fully electric cars remain exempt, and we want to ensure that our environmental protection and climate preservation strategies focus primarily on promoting fully electric vehicles,” he added.

The new VAT policy on hybrid cars will be based on their age at the time of importation. Vehicles under three years old will be taxed at 5%, those between three and eight years old at 10%, and those older than eight years at 15%.

VAT reintroduced on mobile phones

The government has also decided to reinstate VAT on mobile phones, citing the fact that over 80% of households in Rwanda already own one. Initially, telecommunications devices were exempt from VAT to encourage digital adoption, but the high penetration rate has led to a policy shift.

Kabera clarified that the new tax would not significantly increase phone prices or discourage their use.
“The issue is not the cost of smartphones but the fact that many people lack the knowledge to use them effectively,” he noted.

MP Jean Claude Ntezimana raised concerns about how taxing mobile phones could impact Rwanda’s digital transformation efforts.

“In the past, the government encouraged citizens to adopt digital technology to accelerate development. Now that over 80% of households own phones, I worry that introducing taxes could hinder efforts to achieve 100% penetration, which is crucial for national progress,” he said.

Kabera reassured lawmakers that the government was working on initiatives to improve digital literacy so that more Rwandans could effectively use smartphones and other technological tools.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Godfrey Kabera, explained that several previously exempted items had become obsolete and needed to be taxed.

During a parliamentary session on March 19, 2025, amendments to the VAT law were discussed.

IGIHE

Speaking on the matter, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that his ministry is actively working to secure clemency for Nduta, though it is not seeking to overturn the charges against her.

Nduta was arrested in Vietnam after being caught with cocaine at the airport. Reports indicate that she had managed to pass through security screenings in Ethiopia and Qatar before being apprehended.

Vietnam, known for its strict anti-drug laws, imposes harsh penalties, including capital punishment, for drug-related offenses.

Mudavadi also revealed that Nduta’s case is not an isolated incident. According to the ministry, over 1,000 Kenyan nationals are currently facing various legal charges in different countries. However, further details on these cases remain undisclosed.

The news of Nduta’s looming execution has sparked widespread concern, with many Kenyans calling on the government to intervene and prevent her from facing the death penalty.

Advocacy groups and members of the public have urged authorities to engage in diplomatic negotiations to secure a more lenient sentence.

As efforts continue, the government remains in discussions with Vietnamese officials, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement in such cases. The fate of Nduta now depends on the success of these negotiations, as well as Vietnam’s response to Kenya’s appeal for clemency.

37-year old Margaret Nduta Macharia is facing execution in Vietnam over drug trafficking charges.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that his ministry is actively working to secure clemency for Nduta.

IGIHE

The phone call came one day after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday in their phone talks that the peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire” in Ukraine.

U.S. and Ukraine’s “technical teams will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea on the way to a full ceasefire” in Ukraine, said a statement signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

Trump and Zelensky discussed the situation in Kursk and “agreed to share information closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved,” said the statement.

During the phone conversation, Zelensky asked for additional air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile systems, and “President Trump agreed to work with him to find what was available particularly in Europe,” said the statement.

Trump also discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants with Zelensky and told the latter: “The United States could be very helpful in running those plants. American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.”

Zelensky wrote on X after speaking to Trump, “One of the first steps toward fully ending the war could be ending strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure. I supported this step, and Ukraine confirmed that we are ready to implement it.”

However, the White House statement on Wednesday did not mention that the partial ceasefire would apply to civilian infrastructure as Zelensky suggested.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed at a press briefing later on Wednesday that all intelligence sharing between the United States and Ukraine will continue.

The White House said U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone call on Wednesday agreed to “a partial ceasefire against energy” between Russia and Ukraine.

Xinhua

M23 entered the city after seizing surrounding areas, including Ngora, Kisima, and Mubanda, on March 19, 2025. The DRC forces guarding the city retreated toward Kisangani, located in Tshopo province.

The fighting followed an offensive launched by the DRC army coalition on M23 positions in areas recently captured by the group in Walikale, including Mpofu and Kibua, which forced the coalition to retreat.

Clashes in Walikale began in early March after days of fierce battles between M23 fighters and the DRC military coalition in the western part of Masisi territory.

After M23 captured Nyabiondo and Kashebere on March 13, the American and Canadian-owned Alphamin company suspended tin mining operations at the Bisie mines.

Bisie produces 4% of the world’s tin supply. In the first quarter of 2023, Alphamin extracted 3,187 tons of the valuable mineral from the site.

M23 has, in recent months, captured large swathes of territory in the North and South Kivu provinces, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, in an escalating conflict with the Congolese government.

The rebels accuse President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of poor governance and decades of marginalization of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the region, which has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of refugees.

M23 fighters took control of the town of Walikale on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

The M23 rebel group took control of the town of Walikale in North Kivu province after defeating the coalition of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) armed forces and Wazalendo militias.

IGIHE

In an exclusive interview with Le Figaro, he reflected on his recent meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar and addressed the region’s conflicts and resource challenges.

Tshisekedi and Kagame met in Doha under the mediation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The talks aimed to ease hostilities between the two nations, but no concrete agreements emerged.

'The meeting was conducted in a good atmosphere. The first step was taken with the support of Qatari envoys. The key issue was ensuring an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Talks must continue to reach a sustainable solution,' Tshisekedi said.

Despite efforts to engage the M23 rebel group in peace negotiations, talks in Angola collapsed after M23 refused to participate, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union on its leaders. Tshisekedi insisted that solutions must come through regional dialogue processes.

'The search for a definitive solution to the Congolese crisis is guided by the Luanda and Nairobi dialogue processes, initiated by the African Union and supported by regional organizations and the United Nations,' he said.

Mineral resources and military reforms

Tshisekedi also addressed concerns about the DRC’s vast mineral wealth and ongoing negotiations with the United States. He rejected fears of rushed deals and emphasized the need for fair trade agreements.

'What I absolutely want to avoid is a sell-off or rushed agreements,' he said. 'The goal is a win-win partnership that allows the DRC to process its minerals locally, create added value, and develop a value chain.

As much as possible, raw material processing should take place here with investors who contribute to building the energy infrastructure that we lack.'

Another major issue is the presence of the FDLR, an armed group accused of harboring former génocidaires from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda sees them as a security threat, but Tshisekedi downplayed their influence.

'Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration are key. The FDLR is a residual force with no more than 750 fighters. It is insignificant compared to M23,' he stated. Tshisekedi acknowledged the weaknesses of the Congolese army, including corruption and poor pay, but noted ongoing reforms.

'Our army has about 100,000 soldiers,' he said. 'A soldier’s salary was $100 per month, but we have now increased it. A soldier on the frontlines can now earn up to $500 per month.'

He also reaffirmed the DRC’s neutral stance on global conflicts, despite condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 'We are not in conflict with Russia,' he said. 'The DRC is an invaded country, just like Ukraine.'

Despite the ongoing challenges, Tshisekedi remains adamant that the DRC will not be divided. 'I have always believed in the Congolese people’s desire for a united and indivisible Congo,' he asserted. 'I promise you that it will not happen, at least not in my lifetime.'

Tshisekedi and Kagame met in Doha under the mediation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

IGIHE

The meeting, hosted by the State of Qatar under the leadership of Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, was a significant step in addressing the ongoing tensions in the region and reaffirming commitments to peace and stability in Eastern DRC.

In a statement released by the AUC on Wednesday, March 19, Chairperson Youssouf commended the leaders for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of the crisis in Eastern DRC.

He emphasized that their engagement reflected true leadership and a shared recognition that peace, security, and stability are essential for the prosperity of both nations and the wider Great Lakes region.

Youssouf further acknowledged the reaffirmation by both leaders of their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed during the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on 8 February 2025.

The tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have been longstanding, primarily revolving around mutual accusations.

DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group in its ongoing conflict with the Congolese army, a claim that Rwanda strongly rejects.

Rwanda, in turn, has accused the DRC of harboring the FDLR, a terrorist group linked to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, alleging that the group seeks to destabilize Rwanda’s security.

The Doha meeting saw both leaders reaffirming their commitment to the Luanda and Nairobi processes, regional peace initiatives aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict in Eastern DRC.

In his statement, Chairperson Youssouf also expressed the African Union’s continued support for African-led solutions to African challenges, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation.

“The Doha discussions, held in the spirit of constructive engagement, align with the efforts of the Luanda and Nairobi processes and complement ongoing regional mechanisms,” he said.

“We emphasize the importance of continued coordination between the African Union, regional economic communities, and international partners in fostering sustainable peace.”

Youssouf expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for their instrumental role in facilitating this critical dialogue.

He also urged all stakeholders to maintain the positive momentum generated in Doha and to work collectively toward the full implementation of the agreements reached.

“The African Union Commission stands ready to support and accompany these efforts in line with its mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent,” concluded Youssouf.

The African Union has welcomed Doha meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi

Théophile Niyitegeka