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  • New MINAGRI leadership sets irrigation, productivity and Kayonza hunger response as priorities #rwanda #RwOT

    Speaking to IGIHE, Dr Uwituze, who was recently appointed alongside Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, the new Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, said the new leadership at MINAGRI will focus on streamlining irrigation projects and ensuring that established schemes deliver tangible results in both food production and export-oriented crops.

    She said particular emphasis will be placed on fast-tracking irrigation projects in areas already earmarked and funded for such interventions.

    'We will put strong emphasis on ensuring that areas designated for irrigation and already financed move quickly through technical processes, procurement and implementation, so that national targets set for citizens are achieved without delay,' she said.

    'Secondly, we will work to ensure that the irrigated schemes we have established produce sufficient food crops, as well as cash crops that earn foreign exchange for the country.'

    Dr Uwituze noted that increased production must go hand in hand with improved market access, citing instances where farmers harvest produce only for it to spoil due to lack of buyers.

    'If we do this well, we can achieve sufficient, high-quality production. That must be matched with market access, because there are times when produce is harvested but ends up spoiling at collection centres. These issues must be addressed in a coordinated manner,' she said.

    She added that the ministry will also intensify efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture by promoting climate-smart farming practices and strengthening measures to address the impact of excessive rainfall or prolonged dry spells.

    Addressing hunger in Kayonza

    The issue of hunger has recently drawn attention in Kayonza District, where prolonged drought has affected residents in the sectors of Ndego, Mwiri, Kabare and Rwinkwavu.

    The situation was among the factors that led to the dismissal of district officials, following reports that residents in the affected areas were facing acute food shortages due to persistent dry conditions.

    The drought, marked by limited rainfall and dry conditions, has forced some residents to migrate in search of food.

    This challenge is not new, as the government has often had to provide food assistance to these communities on an annual basis. However, reports indicate that local authorities failed to submit timely reports on the situation, allegedly concealing the severity of hunger in the affected sectors.

    Once the central government became aware of the situation, emergency food assistance was immediately deployed. Each household is receiving beans and maize sufficient to last approximately 15 days.

    A household of five people, for instance, is being provided with 37 kilograms of maize and 15 kilograms of beans. Distribution has already started across all four affected sectors.

    Irrigation project under scrutiny

    Kayonza District is also home to the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project (KIIWP), a government-funded initiative that was expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

    Despite substantial investment, the project has yet to deliver the anticipated results.

    Dr Uwituze acknowledged the long-standing climatic challenges in the area, noting that Kayonza is known for receiving limited rainfall.

    'This is an area that is naturally prone to low rainfall. What we have committed to do is to put in place daily monitoring to understand what is likely to happen and how best to prepare,' she said.

    'In particular, we will allocate crop varieties that require less water and mature quickly.'

    She explained that agricultural interventions in the area will be tailored to local climatic conditions rather than applying standard national programmes.

    'If maize takes five months to mature, yet rainfall in the area lasts only about two months, then we must design programmes that reflect the local climate. The goal is to ensure communities do not continue to lose harvests or suffer hunger while we are present,' she said.

    Dr Uwituze said that while immediate food assistance has stabilised the situation, longer-term solutions are already being implemented.

    'At the moment, residents have food to eat, but we are also introducing fast-maturing crops such as sweet potatoes. We are also considering short-cycle bean varieties that mature in about 45 days, so that alongside the food aid, communities can grow and harvest their own food within a short period.'

    Dr Uwituze, who was recently appointed alongside Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, the new Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, said the new leadership at MINAGRI will focus on streamlining irrigation projects and ensuring that established schemes deliver tangible results in both food production and export-oriented crops.

    Dr Solange Uwituze spoke about the areas she will focus on in her new role.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/new-minagri-leadership-sets-irrigation-productivity-and-kayonza-hunger-response

  • Trump sues BBC for $10 billion over defamation #rwanda #RwOT

    The lawsuit, filed on Monday in federal court in Miami, Florida, argues that the BBC manipulated footage of Trump’s remarks in its flagship current affairs programme Panorama, which broadcast the segment in the run‑up to the November 2024 vote. Trump’s legal team says the edits made it appear he urged supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol and 'fight like hell,' while omitting key portions in which he called for peaceful protest.

    Trump is seeking $5 billion in damages for defamation and an additional $5 billion for alleged violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act bringing the total to $10 billion. The complaint accuses the BBC of publishing a 'false, defamatory… and malicious depiction of President Trump' that could have influenced public perception during the election cycle.

    In recent weeks, the BBC acknowledged that the documentary clips were edited in a way that gave the wrong impression, with BBC Chairman Samir Shah calling the episode an 'error of judgment.' However, the corporation has rejected the defamation claims and said it believes there is no legal basis for the lawsuit, even as its leadership faced intense scrutiny.

    The controversy triggered significant leadership changes at the broadcaster. Both the BBC’s Director‑General Tim Davie and the head of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following the revelations of editorial mishandling and internal criticism.

    This legal action is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s disputes with major media outlets. Over the past year, he has taken legal action against several U.S. news organisations, including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, over what he says are defamatory portrayals, though such cases often face significant legal hurdles.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has filed an aggressive $10 billion lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), accusing the publicly funded broadcaster of defamation and deceptive practices for the way it edited his January 6, 2021, speech in a documentary that aired ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

    Rania Umutoni

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/trump-sues-bbc-for-10-billion-over-defamation

  • AFC/M23 announces withdrawal from Uvira in support of Doha peace process #rwanda #RwOT

    In a statement dated December 15, 2025, and signed by its coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the AFC/M23 said the decision follows recent progress within the Doha Peace Process, including the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement on November 15, 2025. The group stated that the withdrawal was carried out at the request of United States mediation, which it described as part of broader international efforts to facilitate a lasting political solution to the conflict.

    According to the communiqué, the alliance said it opted for the withdrawal despite what it described as continued provocations and abuses by the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied forces. AFC/M23 maintained that the move was intended to give the peace process 'the maximum chance' to succeed and to demonstrate goodwill toward dialogue.

    However, the group also expressed concern over past experiences in which it claims its previous trust-building measures were exploited by FARDC, Wazalendo militias and allied forces to retake territory and target civilians perceived as sympathetic to AFC/M23. In this context, the alliance called on the guarantors of the peace process to put in place concrete measures to manage the situation in Uvira following its withdrawal.

    These measures, according to the statement, should include the demilitarisation of the city, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and the monitoring of the ceasefire through the deployment of a neutral force. AFC/M23 said such mechanisms are necessary to prevent a security vacuum and to ensure that the withdrawal does not result in renewed violence against the local population.

    The communiqué also addressed the presence of armed groups hostile to the Government of Burundi operating in eastern DRC. AFC/M23 stated that it would not allow areas it previously controlled to be used as rear bases for attacks that could undermine relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, stressing the importance of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries.

    The AFC/M23 group captured Uvira last week, describing the move as an effort to liberate the city from what it called ethnic atrocities being committed against the local population by coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government.

    'For more than three months, we have denounced the spread of hate speech, targeted attacks, and massacres in areas previously liberated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime and their ally, Burundi. Today, the threat has been removed, and Uvira is now liberated,' AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced.

    The withdrawal from Uvira marks a significant development in the evolving conflict dynamics in South Kivu, where control of strategic cities has frequently shifted amid fighting between government forces, local militias and armed movements. While the AFC/M23 framed its move as a step toward de-escalation, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with the durability of the withdrawal likely to depend on the implementation of agreed security arrangements and the credibility of ongoing peace talks.

    Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the withdrawal contributes to renewed momentum for dialogue or opens a new phase of contestation over control of Uvira and its surroundings.

    The AFC/M23 leadership has announced the unilateral withdrawal of its forces from the city of Uvira, in South Kivu province, describing the move as a confidence-building measure aimed at supporting ongoing peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-announces-withdrawal-from-uvira-in-support-of-doha-peace-process

  • Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland honored with ‘Diplomat of the Year 2025’ Award #rwanda #RwOT

    This high-profile event, attended by ministers, former ambassadors, and experts, marked a significant moment for Rwanda’s growing influence in global diplomacy.

    Amb. Shyaka’s recognition on December 11, speaks volumes about the strength of Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in Poland, and its expanding role in fostering strategic global partnerships.

    Commenting on the development, Amb. Shayaka expressed his appreciation for the recognition and thanked the leadership of the Centre for International Relations (CIR) for the award.

    'This award is both a surprise and an encouragement to continue spurring Rwanda- Poland relations, which are win- win in nature, and growing in the right direction,” he noted. ” Africa sees Europe as its strategic partner to shape its future. I hope that Europe can see Africa as its strategic partner, in years to come,” Amb. Shyaka added.

    The conference focused on critical issues such as the challenges of a multipolar world, digital sovereignty, and global security.

    It also explored topics such as transatlantic relations, European digital sovereignty, and the shifting role of the United States in global governance, issues that benefit from African perspectives.

    Amb. Shyaka’s involvement reinforced the importance of integrating Africa’s voice in shaping discussions around security, the digital economy, and Europe-Africa relations.

    Rwanda, known for its remarkable economic transformation, strong governance, and technological innovation, has consistently positioned itself as a leader in these areas.

    Amb. Shyaka’s presence at such a high-level forum provided an invaluable platform to showcase Rwanda’s economic potential, while also opening doors for collaboration across a range of sectors, including investment, technology, academia, cybersecurity, and digital governance.

    Receiving the 'Diplomat of the Year' award also represents a form of soft power, enhancing Rwanda’s global profile. It highlights the country’s diplomatic achievements and promotes the image of a forward-thinking nation eager to forge meaningful international partnerships.

    The event also recognized ambassadors from Italy and Uzbekistan, underscoring the importance of diplomacy in addressing shared global challenges.

    Amb. Shayaka expressed his appreciation for the recognition and thanked the leadership of the Centre for International Relations (CIR) for the award.

    Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Anastase Shyaka (in the middle), has received the 'Best Diplomat Award’ of the Year 2025 at the Christmas conference hosted by the THINKTANK and the Centre for International Relations at the Palace on the Isle.

    Amb. Shyaka’s recognition on December 11, speaks volumes about the strength of Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in Poland, and its expanding role in fostering strategic global partnerships.

    Amb. Shyaka’s presence at such a high-level forum provided an invaluable platform to showcase Rwanda’s economic potential.

    [email protected]

    Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-ambassador-to-poland-honored-with-diplomat-of-the-year-2025-award

  • Miss Naomie Nishimwe launches memoir ‘More Than a Crown’ in star‑studded ceremony (Photos) #rwanda #RwOT

    The star-studded gathering drew government officials, celebrities, former pageant contestants, and sports stars, celebrating the journey of a young woman whose life story goes far beyond the crown.

    Among the notable attendees were the Minister of Public Service and Labour, Ambassador Christine Nkurikiyinka, and former Miss Rwanda winners, including Jolly Mutesi, Liliane Iradukunda, and Meghan Nimwiza. Previous contestants such as Darina Kayumba, Claudine Muyango, Pamella Uwicyeza, and Shanitah Umunyana also graced the occasion.

    “We are here to support you, we are behind you, and I hope everyone in this room will go out as your ambassadors,” the Minister remarked.

    The event also featured celebrities such as Bull Dogg, Juno Kizigenza, Christopher, and Ruti Joel, who entertained the guests, alongside performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. APR BBC basketball stars Ntore Habimana, Adonis Filer, and Axel Mpoyo also attended as special guests, interacting with attendees and joining in the celebrations.

    One of the most notable announcements of the evening was Nishimwe’s initiative to distribute more than 10,000 copies of her memoir to schools and community libraries across Rwanda. Targeting young people who may not have access to books, the initiative aims to empower youth to read, dream, and work toward brighter futures. Each book is priced at 40,000 Rwandan francs, and several attendees immediately pledged support, placing orders to contribute to the program.

    A memoir of growth, faith, and resilience

    More Than a Crown chronicles Nishimwe’s life before, during, and after her reign as Miss Rwanda. The memoir explores her childhood, struggles with self-esteem, mental health challenges, and the pressures of social media, as well as insights into her marriage to Michael Tesfay in December 2024.

    Nishimwe uses the book to reflect on moments of joy and hardship, offering readers lessons in resilience, faith, and personal growth.

    'Before the crown, there was Naomie. There was Naomie with the crown, and now there’s Naomie after the crown. Wearing the crown felt like a season, but not my whole identity. This book is for everyone, to inspire each person who feels unseen or misunderstood by society,” Nishimwe shared.

    'Tonight we’re not just launching a book, we’re celebrating a journey. More Than a Crown is a reminder that every person is more than the titles people give them, more than their past, more than their struggles, and more than the crown society places on them.'

    During the launch, Nishimwe recounted that Chapter 9, which deals with loss and personal pain, was particularly challenging to write.

    'It was a big conversation with myself, full of so much pain. Sharing it helps me heal and create a safe space for others to feel seen and understood,' she explained.

    During post-launch interviews, Nishimwe expressed her excitement at the overwhelming support from attendees, with over 100 copies signed during the event alone. She emphasised the importance of her book donation initiative, noting that most of her followers are high school-aged and that the program is designed to give back and encourage young readers.

    'The moment this book inspires people to dream big, believe in themselves, and step out of their comfort zones, that is when I know it has succeeded,' Nishimwe said.

    She also revealed plans to take the memoir on a global tour next year, including Uganda, Kenya, the U.S., and Europe, aiming to create a community where people can share their stories without judgment.

    Her husband, Michael Tesfay, delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising the memoir as a reflection of Nishimwe’s courage, authenticity, and journey of growth.

    'This book is more than a story; it is a reflection of her heart, her strength, and her courage to be vulnerable in front of the world,' Tesfay said.

    Representatives from Imagine We Publishers highlighted the importance of amplifying African voices and stories that reflect contemporary challenges and triumphs. The memoir, they said, represents the post-genocide generation navigating modern life with resilience and hope.

    More Than a Crown is available through Imagine We Publishers in Rwanda and is also available to a global readership on Amazon.

    Guests received at the registration desk upon arrival.

    Nadia Umutoni and her husband, Malik Shaffy, arriving at the Kigali Convention Centre for the book launch.

    The ceremony took place at the Kigali Convention Center.

    Miss Jolly Mutesi made her entrance at the book launch alongside Miss Muheto Nshuti Divine.

    Adonis Filer, who plays for APR BBC, chats with Miss Akaliza Amanda.

    Axel Mpoyo, Adonis Filer, and Ntore Habimana of APR BBC were among those who attended the event.

    Miss Akaliza Amanda, who is expecting a baby, was among those who attended the event.

    Guests collect their books.

    How Miss Nishimwe Naomie and her husband arrived at the Kigali Convention Centre.

    Miss Nishimwe Naomie and her husband, Michael Tesfay, kicked off the event by taking a commemorative photo.

    All eyes were on Miss Nishimwe Naomie as she launched her book, 'More than a Crown.’

    Fans flocked to Miss Nishimwe Naomie for a commemorative photo.

    Miss Nishimwe Naomie took a photo with guests, including social media star The Keza and event organizer Kelly Uwineza.

    Miss Nishimwe Naomie and Adonis Filer snapped a keepsake photo together.

    Former Miss Rwanda winners Meghan Nimwiza and Liliane Iradukunda were among the attendees at the event.

    Miss Nishimwe Naomie’s mother, pictured second from the left, at the event venue.

    Miss Darina Kayumba (left) was also among those who attended Miss Nishimwe Naomie’s book launch.

    Sherrie Silver arrived at the Kigali Convention Centre accompanied by Star Girl Naomie.

    Miss Nishimwe Naomie expressed her appreciation to everyone who supported her throughout the journey.

    Miss Jolly Mutesi took part in a panel discussion during the event.

    Miss Nishimwe Naomie’s mother closely followed the proceedings of the event.

    DJ Sonia was among the attendees at the event.

    Shanitah Umunyana and Claudine Muyango attended the launch.

    Minister of Public Service and Labour, Ambassador Christine Nkurikiyinka, follows the proceedings at the launch event.

    Children from the Sherry Silver Foundation entertained guests at the launch.

    Ruti Joel performed at the event.

    Miss Naomi’s husband, Michael Tesfay, delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising the memoir as a reflection of Nishimwe’s courage, authenticity, and journey of growth.

    Miss Nishimwe Naomie took time to sign copies of her book for attendees at the Kigali Convention Center.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/books/article/miss-naomie-nishimwe-launches-memoir-more-than-a-crown-in-star-studded-ceremony

  • Women in Finance Rwanda and Gate Consulting Group celebrate over 100 graduates of the LiftHerUp mentorship program #rwanda #RwOT

    The program, launched in March 2025, brought together 24 professional women from financial institutions, who joined 78 other women from various sectors under the broader LiftHerUp program this year, bringing the total to 102 participants. Through a structured mentorship journey combining group mentorship, optional one-on-one sessions and monthly masterclasses delivered both virtually and in person, participants strengthened their leadership capacity and career direction.

    The program concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025, with a colourful and engaging closing ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, themed 'Owning Your Growth,' where participants themselves led the event, shared impact stories and reflected on their nine-month journey.

    According to organisers, the program recorded an average satisfaction rating of 4.74 out of 5, with most participants indicating they would recommend it to others.

    Beyond satisfaction, the mentorship delivered tangible outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved leadership skills, expanded professional networks and clearer career goals. Several women also shared experiences of promotions and successful career transitions linked to insights and accountability gained through mentorship.

    A panel discussion during the closing event brought together senior leaders Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda; and Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law.

    Dr. Karusisi said mentorship plays a critical role in helping women see leadership as attainable.

    'My objective was to demystify leadership, to show that leaders are just normal human beings and that anyone in this room can aspire to lead,' she said.

    Mutimura, who attended the event as a supporter of the program, said intentional growth and continuous learning are essential for long-term success.

    'Growth doesn’t happen by accident; you must be intentional and consistent,' he told participants, adding that mentorship remains close to his heart.

    Kabasinga said she accepted the invitation to support the program because of her passion for empowering women, encouraging participants to take ownership of their journeys and not shy away from ambition.

    The 2025 cohort drew women professionals from a wide range of organisations, including Bralirwa, Irembo, Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), MTN, Ecobank, Canal+, Old Mutual, NCBA, I&M Bank, Sanlam, One Acre Fund, Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Umwalimu SACCO, among other leading institutions.

    Speaking on the program’s impact, Belinda Bwiza, Co-Founder of Women in Finance Rwanda, noted that initiatives like LiftHerUp play a critical role in strengthening women’s representation in leadership by addressing both skills and confidence gaps that often hold women back.

    'We are building a movement that is much bigger than any of us,' she said, encouraging participants and mentors to continue engaging and paying the impact forward.

    Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, said the partnership with Women in Finance Rwanda helped deepen the program’s reach within the financial sector, including the full sponsorship of 24 participants.

    'This is just the beginning, next year we expect the partnership to grow even stronger,' she said, adding that the collaboration with WIFR has strengthened trust and engagement within the sector and is expected to grow in future cohorts.

    She emphasised that mentorship remains one of the most effective tools for growth, noting that while education provides knowledge, mentorship creates space for reflection, practical learning, and intentional decision-making that supports long-term leadership development. For many participants, the program marked a turning point in how they approach their careers and leadership roles.

    Umutoneshwa Luminaire Sacrée, an ESMS Lead at Bank of Kigali, said the mentorship helped her move from doubt to decisive action.

    'Before LiftHerUp, I doubted whether my decisions were truly taking me forward, even when others believed in me. A turning point was when my mentor encouraged me to follow up on a role I’d been considered for. I pushed through the discomfort, and I got the position,' she said.

    Linda Rubanza, a Sales Officer at I&M Bank Rwanda (Cohort 2025), said the program strengthened her confidence and clarified her career direction.

    'The program gave me the clarity I needed, strengthened my confidence and shifted my mindset toward continuous growth. Today, I approach challenges with a growth mindset and feel more prepared to seize opportunities,' she said.

    Launched in 2023, Women in Finance Rwanda (WIFR) is a foundation dedicated to empowering women to excel in their careers and navigate the evolving finance industry.

    The LiftHerUp x WIFR Mentorship Program builds on the wider LiftHerUp initiative, which has supported over 400 women since its inception four years ago. Organisers say they remain committed to expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening women’s leadership pipelines in Rwanda and beyond.

    The program, launched in March 2025, brought together 24 professional women from financial institutions, who joined 78 other women from various sectors under the broader LiftHerUp program this year, bringing the total to 102 participants.

    The program concluded with a colourful and engaging closing ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali.

    The session was highly interactive, giving participants the opportunity to gain insights from experienced professionals.

    Participants themselves led the event, shared impact stories and reflected on their nine-month journey.

    A panel discussion during the closing event brought together senior leaders Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda; and Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law.

    Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law encouraged participants to take ownership of their journeys and not shy away from ambition.

    Belinda Bwiza, Co-Founder of Women in Finance Rwanda, noted that initiatives like LiftHerUp play a critical role in strengthening women’s representation in leadership by addressing both skills and confidence gaps that often hold women back.

    Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, said the partnership with Women in Finance Rwanda helped deepen the program’s reach within the financial sector, including the full sponsorship of 24 participants.

    Participants wrapped up by interacting with their mentors and sharing their last reflections.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/women-in-finance-rwanda-and-gate-consulting-group-celebrate-over-100-graduates

  • Rwanda central bank opens Frw 50 billion treasury bonds to investors #rwanda #RwOT

    The central bank announced on Monday that the offering will run from December 15 to December 17, 2025, giving investors an opportunity to participate in a competitive bidding process.

    The bonds, which will mature in 2040, offer investors regular interest payments throughout their term. The minimum investment is Frw 100,000, while individual investors can place bids of up to Frw 50 million. Successful bidders will be notified via email by 5:00 PM on December 17, 2025.

    Investors who wish to access funds before maturity can do so through the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE). Through licensed brokers, bondholders can sell their holdings at market prices, providing flexibility and liquidity.

    Government bonds in Rwanda are issued both as new issues and through reopenings, with maturities ranging from 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, to 20 years. They provide a safe, long-term investment, allowing individuals to plan for goals such as children’s education, retirement, or major projects.

    By purchasing government bonds, investors lend funds to the state while earning predictable returns. At maturity, the principal is fully repaid, and interest payments are made on schedule. The use of Rwandan francs ensures local participation, and the bonds are issued monthly to meet both investor demand and government financing needs.

    This latest reopening offers a secure and flexible investment opportunity for individuals and institutions, while supporting Rwanda’s broader economic development.

    The National Bank of Rwanda announced on Monday that the offering will run from December 15 to December 17, 2025, giving investors an opportunity to participate in a competitive bidding process.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/rwanda-central-bank-opens-frw-50-billion-treasury-bonds-to-investors

  • Celebrities, fans soar above Nyungwe in thrilling RUA Safaris tour (Photos) #rwanda #RwOT

    The one-day experience brought together more than 60 participants, including popular personalities such as Social Mulla, Ndimbati, Fally Merci, Rusine, Umushumba and Papy Ndahiro, for a mix of adventure and exploration in one of Rwanda’s most iconic natural reserves.

    Setting off early in the morning, the group immersed themselves in three of Nyungwe’s signature attractions: ziplining, the canopy walk and guided hiking through the rainforest.

    The highlight of the day was the ziplining experience, which unfolded across three sections named after Nyungwe’s famous primates. Participants first crossed the 335-metre Chimpanzee Section, followed by the 580-metre Colobus Section, before concluding with the Monkey Section, the longest stretch spanning 1,020 metres. The experience offered sweeping aerial views of the dense forest canopy below.

    After ziplining, the group proceeded to the Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge that provided a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest, allowing participants to experience Nyungwe from a rare and elevated perspective. The adventure concluded with a guided hike, during which participants learned more about the park’s rich biodiversity, flora and fauna.

    Speaking to IGIHE, event organiser Amen Babu Rugemana expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors and celebrities whose online engagement helped amplify the experience.

    'I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible, our sponsors, partners and the celebrities who shared photos and videos from the tour. Their support helps showcase Rwanda’s beauty and tourism potential,' he said.

    Buoyed by the positive response, Rugemana revealed plans to organise more similar trips aimed at encouraging Rwandans to explore local destinations.

    'This was just the beginning. Many people are eager to discover Nyungwe and other attractions. I want to continue making these experiences accessible and bring people together to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty,' he added.

    Beyond adventure and entertainment, the tour aimed to inspire greater appreciation of Rwanda’s natural heritage, encouraging locals to explore and take pride in the country’s ecological treasures.

    The growing attraction and adventure facilities at Nyungwe are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to leverage its natural heritage for sustainable tourism growth. Over the past year, Nyungwe National Park welcomed more than 26,000 visitors, a 20 per cent increase from 2023, generating over $2 million in revenue.

    Nationwide, Rwanda’s tourism sector earned over $647 million in 2024, a 4.3% rise compared to the previous year. That figure stood at just $7 million in 2005. The country now targets $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.

    Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. It is home to 98 mammal species, including 13 species of primates, representing 12% of all primates in Africa. The park also shelters over 1,000 species of flowering plants, 240 species of trees, and 320 species of birds, some of which are endemic.

    This richness led to Nyungwe’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, further strengthening its role as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s conservation and eco-tourism strategy.

    The group set off for Nyungwe early in the morning.

    Some of the participants included popular Rwandan celebrities who joined the trip to Nyungwe.

    The trip provided a mix of adventure and exploration in one of Rwanda’s most iconic natural reserves.

    Beyond adventure and entertainment, the tour aimed to inspire greater appreciation of Rwanda’s natural heritage, encouraging locals to explore and take pride in the country’s ecological treasures.

    The group delighted in spotting baboons up close.

    The highlight of the day was the ziplining experience, which unfolded across three sections named after Nyungwe’s famous primates.

    Babu Rugemana, the organizer of the trip.

    After ziplining, the group proceeded to the Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge that provided a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.

    Ndimbati, a popular Rwandan film actor, enjoys the canopy walk.

    Rania Umutoni

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/entertainment/article/celebrities-fans-soar-above-nyungwe-in-thrilling-rua-safaris-tour-photos

  • Le Drian and Rev. Coleman: Machetocratic preachers #rwanda #RwOT

    It arrived, of all places, from the United States of America, gift-wrapped in counterfeit divine authority, clerical collars, and the thrilling fanaticism of a self-anointed prophetess of hate. Her name? A Rwandan-American woman—Reverend Christine Coleman.

    Le Drian had already gifted me the first 'Eureka,' the kind that makes a researcher feel as if the universe has kindly confirmed a hypothesis with unforeseen speed. But Coleman? She delivered the second surprise—a golden one, a stroke of genius of machetocratic illogicality— so pure and so unfiltered. Something that one can only marvel at how easily hatred repackages itself in religious language.

    The hate orchestra

    On December 11, 2025, Reverend Coleman—Rwandan-born, and proudly machetocratic—issued a public statement on X that harmonized so perfectly with Le Drian’s that it felt orchestrated. If Le Drian had played the bass drum of French denialism the day before, Coleman came in on the high-pitched cymbals, loud with evangelical fury.

    Her message opened with a scream written in capital letters, as though shouting at the blind: 'WE TOLD YOU THAT HE DID NOT STOP THE RWANDA 1994 GENOCIDE BUT STARTED IT! YOU HAVE PROOF NOW! INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION NEEDED!'

    There it was: the machetocratic refrain. The 'we,' of course, are the disciples of Hutu Power narratives, and the 'he' is President Paul Kagame—the man whose army stopped the genocide they wished had succeeded. Their hatred is so fanatical, so cosmically inverted, that they have convinced themselves the firefighter lit the fire, rescued children from flames he had supposedly ignited, and then blamed the real arsonists for interrupting his masterpiece. This isn’t just historical inversion; it is spiritual gaslighting on an industrial scale.

    She doubled down immediately, dragging geography into the delirium: 'The invasion of Kagame’s Rwanda to DRC, the occupation of Goma, Bukavu and now Uvira is proof that this Kagame did not stop the 1994 genocide—but he stopped what he started!'

    Her argument, if one dares to call it that, proceeds with the elegance of a drunkard descending a staircase. By some means, the presence of Congolese rebels in Uvira—year 2025 becomes retroactive evidence that Kagame planned the killing of Habyarimana, launched the genocide, stopped it only for spectacle, and is now performing an encore across the border.

    Logic does not survive in this machetocratic worldview—it is suffocated by ideology long before it sees daylight. What makes Coleman’s message especially striking is not its content but its presentation —because machetocratic denialists and ideologues have been reusing these poisons for decades.

    The profile photo attached to her X-handle is a psychological operation in itself: Christine on the left, her husband Rev. Coleman in full clerical attire in the middle, and President Donald J. Trump on the right, glowing like a divine endorsement. The message by this preacher of evil is unmistakable: 'I sit with the powerful who don’t know me. I walk with the anointed. My odious ideology is sanctified from the White House and above.' This is a public relations coup for hate.

    Weaponizing God

    So, when she wrote in her X-message, 'now God has given proof,' she meant it literally. God—who presumably has more pressing concerns—found time to validate machetocratic narratives through the fall of Uvira. If Le Drian invoked America’s intelligence services, Coleman bypassed the bureaucratic intercessors and went straight to Heaven’s archives.

    And then came her scriptural judgement, delivered with divinatory threat: 'The one who believe that he stopped the Rwanda genocide is totally blind! A day is coming and approaching quickly, when Kagame will be answerable to all the blood shed on Rwanda and DRC soil and even other territories.' Take note of the usage of the pronoun 'he'!

    This is not political criticism. It is just her spiritualized hatred. This is eschatology weaponized against a man whose army halted the genocide she cannot bring herself to acknowledge.

    Having subpoenaed God, prophecy, and imminent judgment, she then inclined—naturally—into dehumanization and xenophobic denial of Congolese citizenship: '…these monsters fight to conquer lands which do not belong to them!'

    Yes, she said 'monsters.' Not militants. Not rebels. Not citizens with rights and grievances. Monsters, since the machetocratic universe always portrays Tutsi bodies as predatory invaders whose very existence is a threat. In this universe, Congolese Tutsi are never Congolese; they are eternal outsiders, perpetual trespassers, foreign shadows to be expelled, hunted, erased. It is the ideological root of every pogrom from 1959 to 2025. Any political movement with Tutsi inevitably becomes undesirable.

    Ms. Coleman’s language mirrors Le Drian’s not by coincidence but by cosmology. Both operate from the same ideological script: delegitimize Kagame, demonize Tutsi, gaslight the world, and weaponize Western ignorance. Both speak with the arrogance of people convinced that Americans are easily manipulated, that Western audiences cannot distinguish fact from political phantasm, and that social media is a pulpit from which machetocratic gospels can be preached into naïve ears.

    The dumbfounding part is not that these two individuals exist, but that they spoke within twenty-four hours of each other, on two continents, in perfect coordination and harmony—as though their machetocratic choir had scheduled a global rehearsal. Their voices, united by hatred, carried the same tune: Kagame is the cause of the genocide; Tutsi are invaders; the world must be corrected; the truth must be on its head to make real genocidaires forgotten.

    This is certainly not a coincidence. This is perfect harmonization by ideology. And it is a clear warning: Be wary of machetocrats masquerading as intellectuals, activists or counterfeit opposition politicians. Be careful with clerics who weaponize God to sanctify an ideology of a crime and its denial. Beware of conspiracy theorists who think the world is as foolish as they wish and hope.

    Two continents, two self-anointed prophets of political delusion, two megaphones of machetocratic delirium—yet one message, one rhythm, one ideological bloodstream. Le Drian in Paris and Rev. Coleman in America were not merely speaking in unison; they were performing a duet of denialism, a transatlantic liturgy of deception.

    And if the world pays insufficient attention, their symphony of gaslighting will spread with the ease of contagion and the confidence of a lie told loudly enough to seem like revelation.

    Their rhetorical choreography tells something far more hazardous than conventional propaganda. It uncovers a worldview in which truth is not a virtue or discipline but a problem, and where genocide—real, documented, adjudicated genocide—is treated as flexible clay to be remodeled in the hands of ideological sculptors.

    Their words do not simply falsify history; they destroy it. They tear it from its foundation and rebuild it as a laughable monument praising the perpetrators of genocide and condemning the rescuers.

    The shamelessness of their messaging is made more disquieting by a shared assumption—one they never articulate openly but reveal through their tone, their strategies, and their arrogance. Both of them sound convinced that Americans are easy to fool enough to swallow anything.

    Le Drian writes as if the U.S. President is a naïve child in need of French tutoring. Coleman preaches bare hatred as though Americans are spiritual infants waiting for her machetocratic gospel to illuminate their darkness. Here are two proud individuals, who cannot distinguish fact from fantasy presuming themselves tutors of the world’s largest democracy.

    Digital mask of genocide denial

    Online hate speech in the 21st century rarely announces itself as hate. It lands clothed in righteousness, moral urgency, human right concerns, or divine conviction. It speaks softly, claims ethical authority, and presents itself as courageous truth-telling.

    This evolution is not unplanned; it is strategic. The X-messages of Jean-François Le Drian and Reverend Christine Coleman are not isolated lapses of judgment or unfortunate political opinions. They are contemporary manifestations of a decades-old ideological virus: genocide ideology adapted for digital circulation.

    What once needed magazines like Kangura, broadcasts such as RTLM, or the incitement of figures like Ferdinand Nahimana, Léon Mugesera, and Hassan Ngeze now travels smoothly across timelines, YouTube channels, and encrypted networks. The vocabulary has softened, but the objective remains unchanged. Genocide denial no longer appears as direct— it operates through linguistic repositioning, strategic vagueness, and moral inversion. Responsibility is blurred—whereby perpetrators are rehabilitated, rescuers are criminalized, and victims are gradually displaced from their own history.

    Jean-François Le Drian’s message to President Donald Trump demonstrates this transformation with troubling clarity. Operating not from state office but from the ideological ecosystem of online polemics, he advances a familiar narrative under the guise of moral revelation.

    His insistence that it is an 'open secret' that the man who led the military struggle to stop genocide actually caused it is not an innocent argument but a recycled justification. It is the central alibi of genocidaires. This time, reintroduced without machetes but with refined rhetoric and insincere concern for justice.

    Christine Coleman’s message trails the same ideological script, though delivered from a pulpit rather than a keyboard alone. Her rhetoric fuses politics, prophecy, and certainty, collapsing complex historical realities into absolutist theological pronouncements. When genocide denial is preached rather than debated, it acquires an immunity to scrutiny. Faith becomes not a refuge for conscience but a shield for hate.

    Rev. Coleman’s invocation of God is not piety; it is an alibi. She speaks as if heaven were a co-author of genocide ideology, as though the Almighty Himself had logged onto X to approve machetocratic narratives. God is summoned not to mourn and console victims but to launder falsehoods, to baptize hatred, and to offer divine cover for partners in crime who lack evidence but possess certitude.

    This wicked woman’s most horrendous act is not denial, but the conscription of God into genocide apology. In her sermons-by-tweet, the Almighty is recast as a forensic accomplice, issuing heavenly 'proof' to absolve killers and find guilty those who stopped them. This is not faith but blasphemy dressed as righteousness. When God is enlisted into machetocratic revisionism, genocide is not only denied—it is re-blessed

    What makes these two people’s messages particularly dangerous is their shared assumption about the audience. They presume global gullibility. They rely on the public’s short historical memory, racialized understandings of African conflict, media’s superficiality and a digital environment that rewards provocation over precision.

    They both assume that many readers cannot—or will not—distinguish between legitimate criticism of governments and the soft-spoken rehabilitation of genocidaires’ narratives. It is manipulation calibrated for the algorithmic age.

    Equally revealing is the casual dismissal, by those echoing President Felix Tshisekedi’s rhetoric, of collaboration with the FDLR as a fringe or irrelevant concern. One is summoned to believe that an armed group internationally infamous for its genocidal ideology can be tolerated, partnered with, or strategically ignored without moral consequence.

    This does not require analysis but ideological suspension of disbelief. In the United Nations Security Council, genocidal ideology becomes invisible when it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge it.

    Such positions are not naïve. They are ideological. They depend on the systematic eradication of Congolese Tutsi as valid political subjects and on the regularization of a worldview inherited directly from the FDLR’s ideological universe. In this framework, some citizens are permanently foreign, some grievances permanently proscribed, and some lives forever negotiable. Digital hate speech does not invent these hierarchies; it amplifies and modernizes them.

    The stealthiest danger lies not only in what these messages affirm, but in what they accomplish. They participate in the symbolic continuation of genocide: the gradual alteration of memory so thorough that moral and criminal responsibility dissolves.

    When the past is rewritten convincingly enough, perpetrators no longer need weapons. Words suffice. False accusations replace accountability. Hence, confusion substitutes justice.

    Platforms such as X function as accelerators of this ideological mutation. What once circulated within extremist circles like CDR, RDR, FDU-INKINGI, and the FDLR now reaches global audiences rapidly—amplified by engagement-driven algorithms and the performative self-assurance of those who speak or write as if revelation has finally arrived. This is how genocide denial evolves. Not louder, but cleaner. And, not cruder—but more respectable.

    This is why these narratives must be confronted with lucidity rather than outrage. The danger is not disagreement; it is deception wrapped in righteousness. When hate learns to speak the language of morality, it becomes harder to detect and easier to absorb. And when such narratives go unchallenged, silence ceases to be neutrality—it becomes complicity.

    The stakes could not be higher. X which was supposed to be a platform for opinion—has become a contested arena where memory, responsibility, and truth are actively negotiated. When ideologues masquerade as moral witnesses and preachers of faith, they do more than hoodwink—they prepare the ground for future violence by erasing the moral clarity of the past.

    Digital genocide denial is a reality. It is adaptive, patient, and persuasive. Recognizing it is no longer non-compulsory. It is an intellectual, moral, and historical imperative. Failure to challenge these distortions head-on, risks repeating the most tragic lesson of all: that genocide does not begin with machetes, but with words—and with the world’s willingness to believe them.

    A warning

    The Le Drian and Rev. C. Coleman’s overconfidence is not simply insulting; it is a diagnostic symptom of ideological extremism. They both believe that if they shout loudly enough, wrap their falsehoods in scriptural language or diplomatic urgency, Americans will fall into line like obedient congregants attending a revival meeting of historical amnesia.

    This is why their manipulations matter. Because when Le Drian tells Americans that Kagame is the 'open-secret villain,' and when Coleman affirms God Himself has delivered 'proof,' they are not just deceitful. They are auditioning. They are testing how far they can push the world into the deepest hole of unreality—and how many will follow them into the dark, thinking they are being led by prophets rather than hate propagandists.

    The danger is not that these individuals speak or write—the danger is that their machetocratic vocabulary is wrapped in the language of diplomacy and divinity, making it pleasant to the inexperienced mind. End results? Political manipulation becomes spiritual revelation; historical revision becomes moral crusade; racism becomes national security advice. This is how atrocities are justified. This is how the seeds of future violence are planted—quietly, digitally and algorithmically.

    So, let the world take note: When deniers preach in synchronization across oceans, it is not an accident. It is coordination by hatred. And unless we confront their manipulations with steadfast clarity, the next person fooled will not be a policymaker in Washington, a UN Security Council member in New York or a pastor in Texas. It will be the world itself.

    Le Drian in Paris and Rev. Coleman in America were not merely speaking in unison; they were performing a duet of denialism, a transatlantic liturgy of deception.

    Tom Ndahiro

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/le-drian-and-rev-coleman-machetocratic-preachers

  • Discussions on Rwanda’s F1 Grand Prix bid progressing, new international airport key to the plan #rwanda #RwOT

    Speaking to The Athletic, Afrika shared that the country is “in the race to possibly hold a Formula One event here in 2029,” with progress being made but the talks “not yet concluded.”

    He highlighted that these negotiations are tied to the development of a new international airport, which will support the creation of a “new city” alongside the F1 racetrack.

    “We actually want to use the airport as an opportunity to practically develop an entire new city,” Afrika explained.

    The project could extend beyond F1, with potential for hosting Formula Two and Formula Three races as well.

    Afrika emphasized the broader vision, stating, 'F1 as a whole is a sport of great interest for us, even beyond bringing the racetrack, in terms of what we could do in the future because it’s the sport of global CEOs, tech entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals, and it is far more targeted.'

    According to F1 sources, Rwanda is emerging as Africa’s most advanced contender to host a future F1 race, with 2030 also being considered as a possible date.

    Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire expressed confidence, saying, 'Talks are going well.' 'F1 is something huge, so you as a country really need to prepare in terms of different aspects. Their calendar is getting busier and busier, but we have proven to be a trustable partner and a strategic partner, so we believe we will get there.'

    With Rwanda positioning itself as a trusted partner in sports, the F1 event is seen as an opportunity to boost the country’s global profile and open doors to investments in both sports and business.

    “It opens doors for investment into the nation but also into sport,” Mukazayire added.

    The new Bugesera Airport is expected to open in phases, with the first phase set to be completed by 2027.

    This phase will have the capacity to accommodate up to 7 million passengers annually. The second phase, scheduled for completion by 2032, will expand the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year.

    President Paul Kagame confirmed Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the country on Friday, December 13, 2024.

    The Head of State made the announcement during the FIA General Assembly held at the Kigali Convention Center, following months of reports of Rwanda’s push to host the high-profile sporting event.

    In his speech, Kagame expressed delight at the progress made so far, acknowledging the positive discussions with Formula 1 officials, led by CEO Stefano Domenicali.

    Rwanda’s bid to host the Grand Prix is part of a broader strategy to attract high-profile sports events to Africa—a continent that has not hosted a Formula 1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.

    'I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is beginning to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix. A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at Formula 1 for the good progress in our discussions so far,' President Kagame stated.

    'I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. Together, we will build something we can all be proud of,' he added.

    For Rwanda to host an F1 event, it requires race tracks that meet global standards, including both “Street Circuits” and specialized “Race Tracks.”

    The cost of building a new track typically starts at $400 million, depending on the design and scale of the project.

    According to F1 sources, Rwanda is emerging as Africa’s most advanced contender to host a future F1 race, with 2030 also being considered as a possible date.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/discussions-on-rwanda-s-f1-grand-prix-bid-progressing-new-international-airport