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The Kigali office will offer Fund Administration, Corporate Services, Compliance Solutions, as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory services, pending regulatory approvals.

The company said in a statement on Thursday that, in offering its services, it will work closely with the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), which is positioning Rwanda as a leading hub for financial services in Africa.

Emma Msowoya, Country Head of Apex Group Rwanda, said the office reflects a 'long-term commitment to the region' and a focus on building local expertise.

'I am proud to be part of Apex Group’s entry into East Africa as we expand our global footprint and drive meaningful change across the financial services industry,” she said.

“Rwanda’s reputation for innovation, stability, and progressive economic policy makes it an ideal location for Apex Group’s next chapter in Africa,” she added.

KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge welcomed the expansion, saying it demonstrates growing global confidence in Rwanda’s stable business environment and strengthens the country’s position as a competitive financial hub.

“Apex Group’s presence further strengthens our financial ecosystem, enhances the availability of world-class services and Rwanda’s position as a trusted and competitive financial hub on the continent,” the KIFC CEO stated.

Apex Group, founded in Bermuda in 2003, operates in more than 50 countries worldwide, including several in Africa such as South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.

The company plans to host an official launch event for the new office on September 8 at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, bringing together clients, partners, and stakeholders from across the region.

Apex Group, founded in Bermuda in 2003, operates in more than 50 countries worldwide, including several in Africa such as South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a phone call with UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) commander Diodato Abagnara, Aoun expressed solidarity with peacekeepers who came under fire near the border town of Marwahin.

On Wednesday, UNIFIL said Israeli drones dropped four grenades on Tuesday as its personnel cleared roadblocks blocking access to a UN post. One grenade landed within 20 meters of peacekeepers, and three others within 100 meters of staff and vehicles. The mission called it “one of the most serious attacks” on its personnel since last November’s ceasefire.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, stressing that endangering peacekeepers was “unacceptable” and urging all sides to guarantee their safety.

Lebanon’s presidency said Aoun condemned the strike and demanded swift international measures to hold Israel accountable. He accused Israel of defying UN Security Council resolutions, undermining the immunity of UN personnel, and continuing attacks that kill civilians and damage infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

The incident marked the first direct targeting of UN peacekeepers since the November truce, brokered by the United States and France to stop cross-border clashes linked to the Gaza war.

Israel has continued periodic strikes in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah threats, and has maintained positions at several border sites after missing a Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline.

Also on Thursday, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli airstrikes a day earlier killed four people and wounded 17 in the south. A Lebanese Army intelligence source reported that Israeli aircraft carried out 18 strikes across the region from Wednesday into early Thursday.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday urged urgent international action after Israeli drones targeted areas near United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, calling it the “most serious violation” of the ceasefire in place since November.

Xinhua

Allison Burroughs, judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, wrote in a ruling that “Defendants (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Justice) used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this country’s premier universities.”

On April 11, Trump administration officials sent a letter to Harvard, demanding that the university eliminate antisemitism on campus and dismantle diversity initiatives that favor certain minority groups.

The Trump administration “did so in a way that runs afoul of” the Administrative Procedure Act, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, wrote the ruling.

On April 14, after Harvard rejected the administration’s demands, the Trump administration announced a freeze on 2.2 billion dollars in multi-year grants and 60 million dollars in multi-year contract value to the university.

“We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other,” wrote Burroughs.

Noting that Harvard “was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior for as long as it did,” the judge wrote that “Harvard is currently, even if belatedly, taking steps it needs to take to combat antisemitism and seems willing to do even more if need be.”

“Now it is the job of the courts to similarly step up, to act to safeguard academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution, and to ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost,” Burroughs wrote.

The judge granted a motion for summary judgment, which means she has ruled in favor of Harvard without a trial.

A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday sided with Harvard University in a lawsuit against the Trump administration, ruling that the federal government illegally froze billions of dollars in research funds.

Xinhua

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement on Thursday that the missile “hit its target and was not intercepted,” forcing Israelis into shelters and disrupting flights.

He said the attack was in support of Palestinians and in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli side so far.

It was the group’s third claimed attack against Israel in two days.

On Wednesday, the group claimed responsibility for launching two missile and drone attacks on “sensitive targets” in Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv.

The escalation came after an Israeli airstrike last Thursday in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa killed 12 senior Houthi figures, as the Houthi forces have no air defense systems.

The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, have been frequently launching missile and drone attacks on Israel since November 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Nearly all Houthi attacks were reportedly intercepted.

In response, Israel has retaliated, striking Houthi targets in northern Yemen.

Yemen’s Houthi group said it fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel on Thursday morning.

Xinhua

A medical report from Kyegera Doctors Center, seen by IGIHE, confirmed that she succumbed to an illness that evening.

The news was also confirmed by Bikem Uwayesu, one of her close representatives, who was with her in Uganda.

He explained that Gogo and her team had travelled from Rwanda to Uganda on August 28, 2025, to attend a gospel crusade in Mbarara, held from August 29 to 31.

Following the event, she and her team continued to Kampala on August 31, where she was scheduled to work on promotional activities with a certain company.

Shortly after arriving in Kampala, Gogo fell ill. At first, those close to her thought it was a mild condition, as she had battled the same illness before. However, her health deteriorated rapidly, and despite being rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Gogo who rose to prominence on social media, gained wider attention after her worship track was remixed by South African musician David Scott, popularly known as The Kiffness.

Gogo was best known online for her heartfelt worship songs, often sung in English with her distinct accent. In the viral clip, she sings: 'Everyday, I need the blood of Jesus.'

The Kiffness reworked the video by layering her vocals with trumpet and piano, creating a lively new version that he shared on TikTok and YouTube in January.

By September 4, 2025, the remix had been viewed over 780,000 times on his YouTube channel, which has over three million subscribers.

Rwandan gospel singer Gloriose Musabyimana, popularly known as Gogo, has died in Uganda after a short illness. She passed away on the night of September 3, 2025.

IGIHE

According to a joint statement released by the US Department of State, the committee acknowledged delays in implementing some provisions of the agreement but underscored a shared commitment to ensure its complete and timely implementation to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

Deliberations focused on recent challenges, including reports of violence in eastern DRC, and the need for actionable steps to guarantee compliance with the agreement.

Members welcomed the decision to merge the technical secretariats of the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU) into a single independent joint secretariat. This, they said, would enhance coordination, with the AU playing a central role in implementation.

The DRC and Rwanda also reaffirmed commitments made during the August 8 Tripartite High-Level Ministerial, particularly regarding the safe return of refugees.

The committee welcomed the upcoming meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), tasked with accelerating efforts to neutralize support for the FDLR armed group and advancing Rwanda’s lifting of defensive measures as outlined in Appendix A of the Peace Agreement.

Ahead of the JSCM meeting in Doha, the DRC reiterated that it has no policy of supporting the FDLR and pledged concrete action to reflect this position.

Rwanda, in turn, reaffirmed its respect for the DRC’s territorial integrity and committed to ensuring its actions remain consistent with this principle.

Both governments also committed to establish a technical-level intelligence and military channel for direct information exchange.

The committee emphasized that these steps are essential to realizing the Regional Economic Integration Framework, which aims to open key economic corridors and drive long-term development and stability in the region.

Qatar provided an update on the ongoing negotiations in Doha between the DRC government and AFC/M23, describing them as critical to achieving stability in eastern DRC. Both the DRC and Rwanda pledged full support for bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Among others, the JOC reaffirmed its commitment to holding regular meetings to monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure the Peace Agreement’s effective implementation.

In closing, the DRC and Rwanda expressed appreciation for the United States, Qatar, and the African Union, recognizing their vital contributions and coordinated efforts to advance durable peace in eastern DRC.

Rwanda and DRC signed a peace deal on June 27, 2025.

IGIHE

This deeply symbolic event, meaning 'to give a name' in Kinyarwanda, is a celebration of Rwanda’s conservation successes, community engagement, and the incredible journey of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas.

A total of 40 baby mountain gorillas will be named, including 18 born in 2024, when the ceremony was postponed due to the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda.

Over the past two decades, Kwita Izina has evolved into a global platform, attracting influential figures from around the world who participate in naming the newest generation of baby gorillas. These distinguished participants serve as ambassadors for conservation, highlighting Rwanda’s pioneering role in blending sustainable tourism with rigorous wildlife protection.

The 20th anniversary promises will bring together leaders from diverse fields, including entertainment, sports, business, science, and hands-on conservation.

Below are the 20 prominent figures who will take part in Kwita Izina 2025:

1. Michelle Yeoh Todt

Internationally acclaimed actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Michelle Yeoh Todt is renowned not only for her stellar career in film but also for her advocacy on gender equality, environmental sustainability, and global development.

Internationally acclaimed Malaysian actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh Todt, and her husband, Jean Todt.

At Kwita Izina, she brings her global influence to champion wildlife conservation and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

2. Jean Todt

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, motorsport executive, and former FIA President, Jean Todt, is a global leader in advocacy and safety. His participation in Kwita Izina underscores the intersection of leadership, global responsibility, and conservation awareness, highlighting the importance of cross-sector support for wildlife protection.

3. Javier Pastore

Argentine professional footballer and PSG legend, Javier Pastore, is known for his elegant play as an attacking midfielder and his environmental advocacy.

Argentine professional footballer and PSG legend Javier Pastore is among the prominent people set to name baby gorillas.

His involvement in Kwita Izina reflects how global sports icons can champion conservation and inspire new generations of environmental stewards.

4. His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz

Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and President of World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia, Tunku Ali has long championed environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.

His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz.

His presence at Kwita Izina reflects the critical role of international collaboration in safeguarding endangered species such as mountain gorillas.

5. Mathieu Flamini

Former professional footballer for Arsenal and CEO of GFBiochemicals, Mathieu Flamini bridges the worlds of sports and sustainability.

Former professional footballer for Arsenal and CEO of GFBiochemicals, Mathieu Flamini.

At Kwita Izina, he represents the growing role of public figures in supporting innovative solutions for conservation and environmental stewardship.

6. Yemi Alade

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter, Yemi Alade, uses her global platform to promote awareness of cultural and environmental causes.

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter, Yemi Alade, will also be in Kinigi.

Her participation at Kwita Izina highlights the power of arts and culture in engaging audiences for conservation initiatives.

7. David S. Marriott

Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, Inc., David S. Marriott brings decades of leadership experience in global hospitality. His presence at Kwita Izina symbolises the crucial partnership between conservation and sustainable tourism, highlighting the connection between protecting Rwanda’s natural treasures and responsible travel experiences.

Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, Inc., David S. Marriott brings decades of leadership experience in global hospitality.

8. Susan Chin

Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Susan Chin, combines architecture, design, and conservation to create immersive wildlife experiences.

Susan Chin’s work educates millions about the natural world.

Her work educates millions about the natural world, and at Kwita Izina, she exemplifies the importance of connecting people with wildlife through creative and strategic engagement.

9. Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga

Field veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors, Dr. Nzayisenga provides hands-on medical care to wild mountain and Grauer’s gorillas, often treating injuries from snares and monitoring their health in Volcanoes National Park. His role is vital in ensuring the survival of these endangered species.

Dr. Nzayisenga provides hands-on medical care to wild mountain and Grauer’s gorillas.

10. Alliance Umwizerwa

Gorilla Research Assistant with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Alliance monitors gorilla populations and conducts behavioural research, contributing critical insights that inform conservation strategies and habitat management.

11. Leonard Nsengiyumva

Data Technician at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Leonard supports gorilla conservation by managing and analysing crucial data, helping to track population trends and inform field interventions.

12. Brenda Umutoni

Ranger at Volcanoes National Park, Brenda is on the front lines of protecting mountain gorillas and their habitats through patrols, monitoring, and community engagement programs that ensure long-term conservation success.

13. Claver Ntoyinkima

Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer at Nyungwe National Park, Claver oversees wildlife protection and ranger training, fostering a new generation of skilled conservationists dedicated to preserving Rwanda’s rich biodiversity.

A devoted steward of Nyungwe National Park, Claver Ntoyinkima won the 2024 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his exceptional dedication to primate and bird conservation in Rwanda.

Claver was in November 2024 awarded the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to primate and bird conservation in Rwanda.

14. Reed Oppenheimer

As the Chairman and CEO of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation, Reed leads philanthropic initiatives supporting education, health, and environmental conservation.

At Kwita Izina, he demonstrates the role of private foundations in promoting global conservation goals.

15. Sang-Hyup Kim

Sang-Hyup is the Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute. He advances sustainable development and environmental policies worldwide. His participation highlights the link between international policy, economic growth, and the preservation of endangered species.

16. Athanasie Mukabizimungu

Founder and Chairperson of the Imbereheza Cooperative in Gahunga, Athanasie empowers local communities through sustainable agriculture and development projects, showing how grassroots efforts can complement wildlife conservation.

17. Charlie Mayhew OBE

Charlie Mayhew OBE is the co-founder and CEO of Tusk Trust. He leads initiatives that protect wildlife and support community development across Africa, illustrating the power of collaborative conservation models.

18. Dr. Yin Ye

The CEO of BGI Group and science popularisation vlogger bridges the gap between scientific innovation and public engagement, bringing evidence-based insights to global conservation efforts.

19. Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein

Artist, philanthropist, and Chairperson of the Louisenlund Foundation, Princess Ingeborg uses her artistic and philanthropic influence to support environmental and cultural causes, inspiring broader societal involvement in conservation.

20. Camille Rebelo

Camille Rebelo is the founder and CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo. Camille implements sustainable land-use projects that combat deforestation, rehabilitate degraded land, and create employment opportunities, demonstrating the impact of entrepreneurial solutions in conservation.

Kenyan-born environmental entrepreneur Camille Rebelo is the co-founder of EcoPlanet Bamboo, a company quietly changing how we fight climate change, protect forests, and lift rural communities out of poverty.

Together, these distinguished individuals will participate in the symbolic act of naming the newest baby gorillas, a gesture that reinforces the global commitment to biodiversity, conservation, and Rwanda’s leadership in sustainable tourism.

Their involvement highlights not only the remarkable recovery of mountain gorilla populations but also the importance of international collaboration, community engagement, and innovative approaches to wildlife protection.

Rania Umutoni

The Head of State delivered his remarks at the opening of the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

'Since its inception, the Aviation Africa Summit has been pivotal in showing how much growth Africa’s aviation industry has experienced in a very short time,' President Kagame said, welcoming participants from across the continent and beyond.

'With the exhibitors and sponsors present, we also see how much more potential the aviation sector has to offer.'

Highlighting Rwanda’s innovative partnerships, President Kagame pointed to the collaboration with Zipline, which has been delivering urgent medical supplies to health facilities via drones for over a decade.

'This technology does not only save time; it also saves lives,' he said, noting plans to expand the service to urban deliveries and support emerging sectors like e-commerce.

President Kagame also celebrated a landmark moment for African aviation, witnessing the continent’s first-ever autonomous air taxi flight at the summit.

'We are very happy to be part of this demonstration and look forward to seeing what will come next,' he said.

President Kagame underscored the need for investments in a robust and dynamic aviation sector, pointing to a growing middle class, increasing tourism, and projected doubling of passenger traffic across the continent in the coming years.

President Kagame called for stronger collaboration with the African Union and African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to realise 'one sky and free movement’ across Africa, noting Rwanda’s policy allowing visa-free entry for all African nationals.

'We have all the resources and capabilities we need,' he said, stressing that collaboration, innovation, and policy reforms are key to making travel more accessible and affordable.

Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore also welcomed participants, stressing Rwanda’s strategic role as a hub for aviation innovation and future air mobility.

'For Rwanda, aviation is not just a mode of transport; it is a strategic enabler of development,' he said, highlighting the integration of the Africa Drone Forum into the summit.

The two-day summit, hosted by the Government of Rwanda alongside the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, RwandAir, and Rwanda Airports Company, opened at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre under the theme, 'Collaborating to Unlock Africa’s Aviation Growth.'

The summit brings together senior government officials, airline CEOs, Air Chiefs, and industry professionals to discuss key sectoral priorities, including sustainable aviation fuels, advanced air mobility technologies, and airport infrastructure development.

Rwanda is positioning itself as a leader in aviation excellence, investing in major infrastructure projects like the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera and supporting technological innovation to strengthen the continent’s aviation ecosystem. The previous edition of the summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2024.

The Kigali gathering aims to transform policy discussions into practical actions, fostering collaboration that can help Africa fully realise its aviation potential.

President Paul Kagame has called on African nations and aviation stakeholders to work more closely together to unlock the continent’s aviation potential, emphasising the sector as a key driver of economic growth.

The two-day summit, hosted by the Government of Rwanda alongside the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, RwandAir, and Rwanda Airports Company, opened at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre under the theme, 'Collaborating to Unlock Africa’s Aviation Growth.'

The Head of State delivered his remarks at the opening of the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a report released earlier this week, the Federal Ministry of Health said field tests, medical reports, and surveillance data showed no signs of toxic substances. “There is no evidence of chemical or radiological contamination in Khartoum State,” it said in a detailed report.

The ministry said no abnormal deaths, mass illnesses, or symptoms of poisoning had been recorded, and that forensic reports had not identified any unusual causes of death. It added that radiation levels were normal, no radioactive material had moved, and no suspicious munitions or residues had been found.

The report said the findings were based on field tests conducted since April, when the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) retook control of Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

It said measurements were carried out with equipment accredited by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The United States in June imposed sanctions on Sudan, accusing it of using chemical weapons in 2024. Khartoum dismissed the allegations at the time as “political blackmail” and a distortion of facts.

Sudan has been in conflict since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the SAF and the RSF. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, worsening a humanitarian crisis in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Abdelrahman al-Burhan is a Sudanese politician and soldier who is the Interim President of Sudan since 2021 and the Chairman of the Transitional Military Council from 2019.

Xinhua

“The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60 and the casualty figure is rising,” said Abdullahi Baba Ara, chair of Borgu local government area, adding that 10 people were in serious condition and many others still missing.

Emergency personnel and local divers were searching for the victims, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.

The accident occurred around 11 a.m. local time (1000 GMT) on Tuesday when the overloaded vessel collided with a tree stump and capsized near the Gausawa community in the Borgu local government area.

The boat carried more than 100 people, with women and children being the majority of the fatal victims, said Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, the district head of Shagumi.

Boat accidents, often caused by overloading, adverse weather, and operational errors, are common in Nigeria.

At least 60 people were killed and dozens rescued after a boat capsized in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, local authorities said on Wednesday.

Xinhua