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The event was held on Thursday at the Caribbean Military Academy Headquarters in Kingston and was presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.

Addressing the contingent, Smith expressed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda for the deployment of RDF engineers, noting that their expertise will contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s post-disaster recovery and resilience-building efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the leadership of the Rwanda Defence Force, Col Claudien Bizimungu expressed Rwanda’s solidarity with the government and the people of Jamaica.

He delivered a message from the RDF leadership, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to stand with Jamaica during its recovery and rebuilding process.

Col Bizimungu emphasized that the deployment reflects Rwanda’s broader commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian support, highlighting the RDF’s experience in engineering, reconstruction, and community-focused interventions.

Col Moses Kayigamba, the RDF Engineer Contingent Commander, also highlighted that Rwandan engineers will work closely with the Jamaican Defence Forces and other national institutions in rehabilitation initiatives, as part of the agreed framework between the two countries.

The RDF engineer contingent was deployed to the Caribbean island nation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to support the country’s recovery efforts by rehabilitating infrastructure destroyed by a powerful cyclone (Hurricane Melissa) in October last year.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the deployment was conducted in accordance with a bilateral agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica aimed at assisting in the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure destroyed by disasters.

Prior to their departure for Jamaica, the RDF engineers received a briefing from Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanized Division on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, who urged the deployed personnel to apply their full expertise, professionalism, and technical skills in order to successfully accomplish the mission entrusted to them by RDF leadership.

He emphasised that the beneficiaries of their support should clearly feel the positive impact of their work.

The deployment is in line with President Paul Kagame’s pledge to support the Republic of Jamaica in the post-disaster recovery process during his visit in April 2022.

The Government of Jamaica has officially welcomed the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Engineer Contingent deployed to support the rehabilitation of infrastructure destroyed by a cyclone in 2025.

The event was marked by the exchange of presents.

The event was held on Thursday at the Caribbean Military Academy Headquarters in Kingston and was presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.

Addressing the contingent, Smith expressed appreciation to the Government of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda for the deployment of RDF engineers

Théophile Niyitegeka

Situated on a prime plot between the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) and Kigali Heights (YYUSSA Plaza), the project will include a sky bridge providing direct access to the Convention Centre.

Upon completion, the 140-metre-tall tower will encompass approximately 74,000 square meters of built area, making it one of the most significant developments of its kind, featuring a five-star hotel, modern office facilities, and vibrant commercial areas.

The development is a joint venture between Parklane Group and Mota-Engil Africa, a subsidiary of the Portuguese construction giant Mota-Engil.

The foundation stone was laid on Thursday in a ceremony attended by the Minister of State in charge of Infrastructure, Ambassador Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye.

Parklane Center Ltd President, Engineer Antonio Azevedo, described the project as a model for sustainable development that will empower young people and drive growth in business, tourism and social sectors.

He highlighted that ten floors, spanning over 16,000 square metres, will provide flexible, modern office spaces, while eight floors will house commercial facilities, including the five-star hotel designed to attract regional and international visitors.

'This hotel will not only serve international and regional visitors, but also strengthen the city’s position as a destination for business, diplomacy and high-end tourism,' Azevedo said.

'As a Board, we have approached this project with a long-term perspective. Governance, risk management, and quality assurance are embedded into every layer of decision-making. We are committed to ensuring that the project is delivered responsibly, sustainably, and in line with international best practices,' he added.

Azevedo also praised the architectural design by renowned Venezuelan architect Carlos Zapata and the international expertise involved.

The Managing Director, Yannick Sekamana, said the groundbreaking marks the transition from planning to execution, with a clear focus on quality and timely delivery.

'As construction begins, our focus now turns to delivery, on time, on quality, and in line with the standards that this project, this city, and this partnership deserves,' Sekamana stated.

Parklane Group Chief Operations Officer Claire Mugisha underscored the project’s contribution to Rwanda’s infrastructure upgrade, job creation, and Vision 2050 goals.

She highlighted Rwanda’s strong governance, clear national objectives, and professional public institutions as key factors attracting sustainable investment.

Mota-Engil Africa Executive Director Roberto Ferreira reaffirmed the company’s commitment to projects that deliver positive social impact and support Africa’s self-reliance and long-term development.

In closing, Minister Uwihanganye commended the partners for the significant investment and reaffirmed government support for its successful implementation.

He said the Parklane Center will open a new chapter in Rwanda’s urban development and encouraged continued investment in the country.

Construction of the Parklane Center, a 25-storey mixed-use tower that will reshape the city’s skyline, officially began on Thursday with the laying of the foundation stone.

The development is a joint venture between Parklane Group and Mota-Engil Africa, a subsidiary of the Portuguese construction giant Mota-Engil.

The project will include a sky bridge providing direct access to the Convention Centre.

The architectural design was created by renowned Venezuelan architect Carlos Zapata.

Parklane Center Ltd President, Engineer Antonio Azevedo, described the project as a model for sustainable development that will empower young people and drive growth in business, tourism and social sectors.

The Managing Director, Yannick Sekamana, said the groundbreaking marks the transition from planning to execution, with a clear focus on quality and timely delivery.

Parklane Group Chief Operations Officer Claire Mugisha underscored the project’s contribution to Rwanda’s infrastructure upgrade, job creation, and Vision 2050 goals.

Mota-Engil Africa Executive Director Roberto Ferreira reaffirmed the company’s commitment to projects that deliver positive social impact and support Africa’s self-reliance and long-term development.

Minister Uwihanganye commended the partners for the significant investment and reaffirmed government support for its successful implementation.

The ceremony was attended by investors and stakeholders.

Artistic impression of the building

IGIHE

The delegation was led by Mr. Leung Chun-Ying, Chairman of GX Foundation and former Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in Rwanda’s health sector, with discussions covering ways to strengthen local health systems and improve access to medical care.

Established in 2018, GX Foundation is a non-governmental organization that delivers targeted medical interventions in underserved regions worldwide. The foundation is known for initiatives such as eliminating cataract blindness through mobile treatment centers, controlling vector-borne diseases, improving environmental health, and supporting emergency health risk management.

GX Foundation also builds local and global capacity through training programs, cross-border partnerships, and knowledge transfer, working closely with governments and health institutions.

The organization currently operates across Asia, Africa, Central America, and the South Pacific, with activities in countries including Senegal, Mauritania, Djibouti, Cambodia, Laos, Honduras, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva hosts a delegation from the GX Foundation, a Hong Kong—based charitable organisation providing international medical and public health assistance.

The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in Rwanda’s health sector, with discussions covering ways to strengthen local health systems and improve access to medical care.

The delegation was led by Leung Chun-Ying (far right), Chairman of GX Foundation.

IGIHE

The interest was voiced during interactions with Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Jacqueline Mukangira, on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held in Rajkot on 11-12 January 2026 where Rwanda was invited as a partner country.

'On the sideline of the Vibrant Gujarat, the High Commissioner had the opportunity to exchange with business industrialists, company CEOs and education leaders. Many expressed interest to visit Rwanda and explore investment possibilities,' reads a statement from Rwanda’s High Commission in India.

The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on promoting regional industrial development, attracting investments, and strengthening global partnerships, with particular emphasis on ceramics, engineering, and renewable energy.

The event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, and international delegates to showcase Gujarat’s progressive industrial policies and its potential as a global manufacturing hub.

In her remarks High Commissioner Mukangira highlighted the robust bilateral ties between Rwanda and India. She thanked the Chief Minister of Gujarat for extending the invitation and praised Rwanda’s impressive economic trajectory, noting an 11.8% growth rate in the third quarter of 2025.

She underscored that India is Rwanda’s second-largest foreign investor and trading partner and extended a warm invitation for increased Indian investment in priority sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, mining, tourism and healthcare.

The High Commissioner also recalled Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Rwanda in 2018, which significantly deepened cooperation between the two nations.

She expressed gratitude for PM Modi’s gesture of gifting 200 cows to villagers in Bugesera District.

During the conference, Prime Minister Modi himself referenced this initiative, highlighting the unique rule attached to the gift: each new calf born from the gifted cows must be passed on to another family in need, thereby multiplying the benefit and positively impacting local household economies in Rweru Village.

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences are preliminary to Vibrant Gujarat Summit which is also held in Gujarat biannually.

High Commissioner Mukangira highlighted the robust bilateral ties between Rwanda and India.

Indian entrepreneurs have expressed interest in visiting Rwanda to explore investment opportunities.

The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference was officiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials and international delegates

Théophile Niyitegeka

In a statement issued on January 15, 2026, the group’s spokesperson, Col Kamasa Ndakize Welcome, alleged that FARDC troops, supported by Burundian forces, FDLR rebels, and Wazalendo militias, launched coordinated ground and aerial attacks in the Point-Zéro area, approximately 10 km from Minembwe Commune.

Col Ndakize claimed the assaults deliberately targeted civilian areas, including Rwitsankuku and surrounding villages, destroying infrastructure, forcing residents to flee, and endangering innocent lives.

In response, he said Twirwaneho fighters repelled the ground offensive, shot down one enemy drone that was striking populated areas, dismantled opposing positions, and seized strategic heights, including Mount Baruta, a position long used, according to the group, to shell civilian zones.

MRDP-Twirwaneho emphasized that it will not tolerate alleged abuses by government-aligned forces and reiterated its commitment to protecting Banyamulenge civilians and their property.

MRDP-Twirwaneho emphasized that it will not tolerate alleged abuses by DRC government-aligned forces.

IGIHE

Ingabire argues that Article 106 violates constitutional guarantees, including Articles 29 (b) and 61, and should be annulled.

The article allows a court, during criminal proceedings, to summon individuals suspected of being accomplices or witnesses to provide explanations. If no incriminating evidence emerges, the trial continues without further summons.

However, if the court deems their explanations inadequate and detects signs of criminal responsibility, it may direct the Prosecution to open an investigation based on matters raised in court.

Ingabire’s petition stems from her own experience in a case before the High Court involving Sibomana Sylvain and others.

She was summoned by the trial judge to give explanations, after which the court ordered the Prosecution to investigate her, leading to her arrest.

The Supreme Court first confirmed that Ingabire has standing to bring the challenge, as the application of Article 106 directly affected her and could impact others similarly.

Representatives from the State Attorney General’s office opposed admitting the case. They cited a prior Supreme Court ruling in the case of Mutebwa Alphred, which addressed a similar provision (then Article 121) and prompted subsequent amendments.

They argued that evidence against concealed suspects may only surface during trial and that judicial orders for investigation do not predetermine outcomes.

They also invoked the principle of res judicata, asserting that an issue already conclusively decided by a competent court cannot be relitigated.

Ingabire countered that a judicial order to investigate carries immediate legal consequences. She further noted that, despite the earlier ruling, the revised wording of Article 106 retains unconstitutional elements.

Drawing on scholarly opinions from French legal experts, the Supreme Court held that res judicata must be evaluated in light of the substance of the contested provision.

The principle does not bar courts from revisiting or correcting prior approaches, particularly when legislation has been redrafted. The court cited precedents from India’s Supreme Court allowing review to verify legislative compliance with earlier judgments.

The court observed that, although the Criminal Procedure Law was amended in response to the prior decision, Article 106 preserves the core mechanism of judicial summons and retains elements now challenged by Ingabire.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court declared the petition admissible and scheduled the merits hearing for March 4, 2026.

As a result, the ongoing trial of former DALFA—Umurinzi party members, led by Sibomana Sylvain before the High Court, will remain paused until the Supreme Court rules on Ingabire’s case.

Victoire Ingabire’s petition stems from her own experience in a case before the High Court involving Sibomana Sylvain and others.

IGIHE

In her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body, Rodriguez said that the relevant reforms would help improve the operating environment of the oil industry and enhance its capacity for external cooperation.

According to the acting president, the South American nation’s oil production reached 1.2 million barrels in December last year. The revenue from oil exports will mainly be used to support the construction of the public health system, promote economic development and advance infrastructure projects.

Venezuela is currently at an important turning point, and the government will explore more pragmatic and diversified ways of foreign exchange, said Rodriguez.

The country should handle its relations with all parties, including the United States, on the basis of mutual respect, she added.

Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez (C) walks ahead of her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 15, 2026.

Xinhua

For many of us, exile marked our very birth. Being a refugee was neither a choice nor something to rejoice in. This imposed status shaped lives marked by resilience, waiting, and quiet trials, yet deeply formative.

The advent of the Inkotanyi made possible what once seemed impossible: the return to the homeland. That return did not merely end exile; it restored dignity, identity, and a sense of national belonging. Returning to Rwanda meant reclaiming the Gakondo, the land of our ancestors, and fully reconnecting with Rwandan identity.

This return also included Rwandans forced into exile by the genocidal regime: the Inkotanyi brought them back to their country and still encourage those who remain abroad to come home. From then on, the status of refugee can no longer define the identity of a Rwandan.

The transition from non-resident to full citizen brought a profound transformation. It made us Inkotanyi by state, not merely by sentiment. Ubukotanyi thus becomes a permanent commitment, a moral, civic, and patriotic posture sustained over time.

This legacy imposes a major responsibility: to be vigilant guardians of national sovereignty.

Rwanda was reconquered at the ultimate cost, the lives of our people. Such a sacrifice precludes any lightness, forgetfulness, or compromise. Honoring their memory requires jealously preserving the nation’s independence, unity, and dignity.

As the Rwandan proverb reminds us: 'Umugabo arigira yakwibura agapfa'

'He who takes responsibility for himself will not perish.'

Thus, Rwanda is no longer a place of wandering but a space of life, stability, and hope, firmly rooted in the land of our forebears.

The core values of Ubukotanyi

Ubukotanyi rests on essential, non-negotiable principles:

— enlightened and responsible patriotism

— national sovereignty

— memory and respect for the sacrifice made

— the dignity of the Rwandan citizen

— unity, resilience, and national cohesion

— responsibility toward future generations

Message for 2026

May the year 2026 rekindle and strengthen these founding values.

May Ubukotanyi remain a permanent state, embodied in the actions, words, and choices of every citizen.

Ubukotanyi is not a feeling.

Ubukotanyi is a state.

The article was penned by Liliane Iradukunda

Liliane Iradukunda

The presentation of credentials officially accredits Ambassador Nzabamwita as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to the Russian Federation. The event marked the start of his diplomatic mission in Moscow and was attended by senior Russian officials and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions.

President Putin also received letters of credence from ambassadors of several other countries during the ceremony, including Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia, alongside representatives from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Addressing the diplomats, President Putin emphasised the importance of cooperation, saying that 'international cooperation is fundamental to humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity,' and stressed the need for open and constructive partnerships in an increasingly complex global environment.

Ambassador Nzabamwita was appointed Rwanda’s ambassador-designate to Russia in December 2024. He brings extensive experience in national security and public service, having previously served as Presidential Advisor on Security. Before that, he held the position of Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).

He succeeds Lt Gen Mushyo Kamanzi, who had represented Rwanda in Moscow since 2019.

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Russia date back to 1963, and the two countries have since maintained cordial and cooperative ties. Both nations operate resident diplomatic missions at ambassadorial level, reflecting the strength and continuity of their bilateral relationship.

Cooperation between Rwanda and Russia spans several sectors, including political engagement, military collaboration, education, human resource development, training, and cultural exchange. Russia has also been offering university scholarships to Rwandan students as part of its support for skills development and academic cooperation.

In recent years, nuclear energy has emerged as a key area of collaboration. Rwanda is working with Russia to establish a nuclear research centre by 2030, aimed at producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, enhancing agricultural productivity through radiation technologies, and supporting industrial testing and innovation.

Ambassador Nzabamwita’s appointment comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen strategic cooperation, particularly in science, technology, and energy, building on decades of diplomatic engagement.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The directive, issued on January 14, 2026, requires that all short codes, those familiar numbers starting with * and ending with #, used for mobile banking, bill payments, health services, and government portals, be fully operational on MTN Rwanda, Airtel Rwanda, and KTRN before going live.

Previously, many short codes were tied to a single network, frustrating users who had to carry multiple SIM cards or remember different codes for the same service. With the new rule, RURA is ensuring interoperability and eliminating what many have called the 'double SIM headache.'

What this means for businesses and citizens

For businesses and citizens, the directive brings significant changes. Short code holders are now required to make their services accessible across all networks, ending the era of network discrimination. A code that previously worked only for MTN users, for instance, must also function for Airtel and KTRN customers by 15 February 2026.

Achieving this will require technical coordination between service providers and all licensed operators to ensure full integration and seamless accessibility. The move also strengthens consumer protection by preventing exclusive agreements between a service provider and a single network, guaranteeing that essential services are available to everyone, regardless of which SIM card they use.

USSD codes are the backbone of digital services in Rwanda. They are widely used for mobile money transfers, airtime top-ups, banking, and government services, particularly by those without smartphones or internet access. Banking codes such as *334# (Bank of Kigali) and *555# (Equity Bank) will now be universally accessible.

According to RURA Director General Evarest Rugigana, the directive was issued in the “interest of ensuring interoperability, non-discriminatory access, consumer protection and efficient delivery of electronic communication services.”

He warned that non-compliance by the February 15 deadline could result in enforcement measures or sanctions under Rwandan law.

Rwanda’s digital service users will soon enjoy seamless access to USSD codes, thanks to a new directive from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) mandating the activation and integration of all short codes across the country’s licensed mobile networks.

Wycliffe Nyamasege