The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most mineral-rich countries in the world, with an estimated wealth of $24 trillion in natural minerals. Many of these minerals are vital for expanding the IT and AI industries, on which the U.S. relies. So far, China has led the way in tapping into the DRC’s reserves; today, Trump is hoping to change that.

Trump’s clear incentives for brokering peace may trigger alarm bells for many, however, the DRC’s government asserts that “sovereignty over resources remains entirely Congolese”. DRC Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama told the press this deal “is not 'peace in exchange for minerals', as has been claimed - it is about securing minerals to deprive the war of financing”.

Control of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth has long been a central driver of the region’s instability. Rebel militia groups like M23 often seize mines and key transport routes to extract revenue. Minerals like cobalt, copper and gold are easily smuggled out of the country and provide a reliable source of income that can be used to pay fighters, buy guns and maintain territorial control.

U.S. investment in Congo’s mining industry could ensure that everyday Congolese people benefit from the wealth extracted from their country’s mines and help starve militia groups of funding.

However, even as Rwanda’s President Kagame and the DRC’s President Tshisekedi arrive in Washington, the fighting rages on in eastern DR Congo. The fighting sides on the ground are less swayed by the U.S. president’s appetite for economic deals and so preliminary accords agreed over the summer, in Washington and Doha, have often been ignored.

This week, both Rwanda and the DRC have accused the other of sabotaging peace talks with ceasefire violations, and few expect today's deal to have an immediate impact on the ground.

Ultimately, whether this deal delivers peace will be decided not in Washington, but in the hills where militias still trade bullets for minerals.

On September 8, Rwandan President Paul Kagame received letters of credence from four newly accredited ambassadors: Irene Vida Gala of Brazil, Casper Stenger Jensen of Denmark, Aurélie Royet-Gounin of France, and Hanan AbdelAziz Elsaid Shahin of Egypt. The diplomats pledged to strengthen partnerships with Rwanda in areas such as trade, investment, and education. Ambassador Vida Gala highlighted Brazil’s interest in agricultural cooperation, social policies, and student exchanges, stressing shared challenges in poverty reduction and access to quality services.

Eastern Africa peace support training

A training course for battlegroup commanders in peace support operations opened on September 8 at the Rwanda Peace Academy in Musanze District. Seventeen senior officers from six Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) member states are participating in the two-week programme, organised by the EASF Secretariat, Rwanda Peace Academy, and African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga of the Rwanda Defence Force underscored the importance of the initiative in building regional capacity for sustainable peacekeeping.

Rwanda launches Africa’s first public flight of self-flying air taxi

Rwanda, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), successfully launched Africa’s first public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi on September 3. The Ministry of Infrastructure said the project is part of Rwanda’s strategy to position itself as a hub for advanced air mobility. Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore noted that the technology will help reduce traffic congestion, connect communities, and support sustainable transport solutions.

Aviation Africa Summit showcases Chinese technologies

The ninth Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition took place in Kigali from September 4 to 5, drawing 1,700 industry professionals and more than 100 companies. Under the theme “Collaborating to unlock Africa’s growth – How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?”, the event highlighted challenges and opportunities in the sector. The EH216-S pilotless aerial vehicle from China’s EHang was the centrepiece of the exhibition, making its maiden flight in Africa in the presence of President Kagame and Chinese representatives.

Kagame calls for affordable air travel across Africa

In his opening address at the aviation summit, President Kagame reiterated his call to lower the high cost of air travel across the continent. He said affordable aviation is essential for inclusive development, tourism, and economic growth, stressing that flying should not remain a luxury for the wealthy. Kagame urged African governments and industry leaders to invest in building a more dynamic and accessible aviation sector that connects people and fuels growth.

South African forces are deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional mission and the UN peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, to help stabilise the conflict-prone region.

Ramaphosa emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the region, including conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. "We are insisting that a ceasefire must hold," he told the media .

Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga provided additional details, revealing that M23 had requested safe passage to retrieve their deceased fighters. "We hoisted a white flag to allow this passage, which I am told is a conventional practice in war ," Motshekga said.

She also highlighted Angola’s role in peace negotiations and ongoing discussions involving Rwanda, often accused of supporting the M23. "We are keeping communications open with Rwanda, and there has been no hostility between us," Motshekga added.

The attacks in DRC have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands to flee further south into the already volatile South Kivu region or seek refuge across the Rwandan border. The UN reports that over 500,000 people have been displaced since January, while hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, many of whom are civilians.

Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau were among the first to send their good wishes to Kagame, who garnered over 99.15 percent of the votes, according to partial results released by the NEC on Monday.

President Rajoelina of Madagascar expressed his congratulations on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “On behalf of the Malagasy people, I extend my warm congratulations to my brother Paul Kagame for his re-election with 99.15% of the votes, according to the partial results. We wish Rwanda peace and prosperity.” 

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania also extended her congratulations, saying, “On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Paul Kagame for being re-elected as the President of the Republic of Rwanda. I look forward to working with you in fostering the relations between our two countries and in the pursuit of East Africa’s unity and prosperity.”

President Nyusi of Mozambique shared his sentiments, “Dear brother Paul Kagame! On behalf of the People, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Your Excellency, the ruling Party and the Rwandan People, offering our best wishes for success as you assume the new mandate in the position overwhelmingly entrusted by the People of Rwanda.”

As of Tuesday, the NEC had counted 96.6 percent of the cast votes, or 8,761,453 out of 9,071,157. The ruling coalition, RPF-Inkotanyi, secured 62.67 percent of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies, according to NEC chair Oda Gasinzigwa. The tallying of the presidential and parliamentary votes is ongoing, with the NEC expected to announce the provisional results by July 20 and the final results on July 27.

David Maraga, the head of the EAC Election Observation Mission, described the Rwandan elections as "one of the best organised electoral processes I have seen."

Election observers from the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) have also praised the smooth conduct of the elections. They commended the security agencies for ensuring the safety of citizens throughout the campaign period and on election day. The observers highlighted the orderly and peaceful manner in which the elections were carried out, reflecting positively on the electoral process. This commendation underscores the efforts made by the electoral bodies and security agencies to uphold democratic processes and ensure a safe voting experience for all citizens.

The outcome of Monday's poll was never in doubt. Partial results issued seven hours after polls closed showed that Kagame had won 99.15 per cent of the vote, even more than the 98.79 per cent he got in the last poll seven years ago. 

In an address from the headquarters of his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the 66-year-old Paul Kagame thanked Rwandans for giving him another five years in office. "The results that have been presented indicate a very high score, these are not just figures, even if it was 100 per cent, these are not just numbers.

"These figures show the trust, and that is what is most important. I am hopeful that together we can solve all problems," he added.

Here are some reactions from Rwandans to Kagame's landslide win:

Frederick Bayingana, pensioner 

"We have freedom, we govern ourselves, there is no divisionism, he removed all of that. There used to be division based on Hutu-Tutsi, but he abolished all of that. He abolished the IDs that showed your ethnicity, now we are all Rwandan. We have security, the older people have a monthly stipend, citizens are given cows, fertilisers for their crops, so we want the president to remain forever until the day he dies."

Thomas Dushimirimana, driver of a bicycle taxi 

"Personally, I feel this is a celebration because this is what I wanted. I wanted him to win, there is absolutely no problem with the votes he got. Changing leadership, that is not an option. Those saying that he should leave power, that’s impossible because if we analyse where were came from the last 30 years, today I sleep well because of him."

Delphine Akimana, street vendor

"He will continue and continue to rule us. Saying that he should leave power, that is not an option because if it happens, we won’t have peace."

He took a landslide lead after the NEC announced 78.94% of the votes hours after polls had closed.

The two other candidates Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana won 0.53% and 0.32% respectively.

The final results of the presidential and parliamentary elections will be announced no later than the 27 th of July, the NEC announced.

Kagame, a former military leader, has been the President of Rwanda since 2000.  He first came to prominence as the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which played a crucial role in ending the 1994 genocide that resulted in the deaths of over a million Tutsis.

Kagame has been re-elected multiple times (2000, 2003, 2010, and 2017). His presidency has seen significant controversy regarding electoral fairness, with landslide victories in elections criticised by rights groups and observers.

In the 2017 election, he received over 98% of the vote. The referendum lifted the previous constitutional limit on presidential terms, allowing Kagame to potentially remain in power until 2034. 

This is the end of our live coverage. Thank you for following. Follow GSW for updates and final declaration of the election results by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda.

2000 GMT : Preliminary results from the National Electoral Commission (NEC), after counting 79% of the votes, indicate another resounding victory for Paul Kagame. NEC announced that Paul Kagame received 99.15% of the votes, while Dr. Frank Habineza secured 0.53%, and Philippe Mpayimana garnered 0.32%.

1900 GMT: The preliminary results of the presidential election will be announced on the national radio and television at 10:00pm, NEC says.

1621 GMT : Rwandans share expectations after voting.

1630 GMT : Kagame and his party, RPF Inkotanyi, lead the vote count at a polling station in Kabeza, Kicukiro, Kigali.

1500 GMT : Counting officially commences as polls close in many polling stations across the country. Many polling stations were reported to have completed the exercise by 3 p.m., the time officially set by the National Electoral Commission (NEC). However, in some areas, an extension was granted to allow people still in the queues a chance to cast their ballots.

1400 GMT : Partial results to be announced by evening of July 15, the NEC says.

1300 GMT : Polls are expected to have officially closed by now, according to the NEC. Vote counting should begin right after voting stops.

1245 GMT: Persons with disability are assisted to vote in the ongoing process.

1234 GMT: Less than an hour to go before polls close. Voters continue to wait in line to cast their votes.

1107 GMT: President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame cast their votes.

1100 GMT : Voters continue to wait in line to cast their votes some two hours before polls officially close.

0920 GMT: Voting has passed the halfway mark as Rwandans continue to cast their votes at various polling stations across the nation. Voter turnout is high.

0912 GMT: Presidential candidate Frank Habineza after casting his vote, tells the press he is confident of securing a win in the elections. He added that the voting process "is a very good show of the level of growth and democracy" in Rwanda.

0855 GMT : Some voters encounter challenges updating their location in the online voter registry system.

0836 GMT : Presidential candidate Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda casts his vote.

0826 GMT : Independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana casts his vote at a polling station in Kigali.

0814 GMT: 3 hours on and voting continues across polling stations nationwide.

0746 GMT : Sisters of President Kagame voted at a polling station in Gasabo a district in Kigali.

0745 GMT : Voters line up at the SOS Kinyinya Polling Station where President Paul Kagame, the RPF presidential candidate is expected to cast his vote.

0740 GMT : Ian Kagame, first son of President Paul Kagame casts his vote at the SOS Kinyinya Polling Station where his father is also expected to vote.

0714 GMT : Over two hours of voting have taken place with no sign of violence in any of the polling stations. Elections carry on peacefully as Rwandans continue to cast votes.

0643 GMT : Voting takes place peacefully at a polling station in Gasabo, a district in the capital city of Kigali.

0652 GMT : Some polling stations provide breakfast to voters.

0636 GMT : Voting continues to take place an hour and a half since polls officially opened.

0616 GMT : First-time voters and early voters share their experiences.

0551 GMT : Some voters have cast their ballots as others line to vote less than an hour after polls opened.

0500 GMT : Voting is expected to start at this time nationwide as polls officially open.

0400 GMT : Rwandans arrive early at polling stations to vote.

July 14 : Rwandans abroad cast their votes.

Polls open at 7:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and close at 3:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT on Monday).

ELECTIONS BACKGROUND

Rwanda has had five presidents since the establishment of the office. The current president, Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), who has been in power since 2000 after having played a pivotal role in ending the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, is seeking a fourth term.

Following a constitutional referendum in December 2015, the previous two-term limit on the presidency was lifted, allowing Kagame to run for a third seven-year term and potentially for two additional five-year terms.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has confirmed two other candidates to run alongside Kagame: Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

In addition to the presidential race, up to 589 candidates are competing for 80 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Over nine million Rwandans are registered to vote in these elections, with two million being first-time voters. The NEC has set up about 2,600 polling stations, including 160 stations for Rwandans in the diaspora who cast their votes on Sunday, July 14.

Special interest groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, will have their parliamentary elections on Tuesday, July 16.

Preparation for the elections began on Friday, July 12, with the distribution of voter materials. The NEC dispatched ballot papers, voter lists, and electoral ink to all districts across the country. Additionally, more than 1,000 local and foreign election observers have been accredited by the NEC.

Vote counting is scheduled to commence immediately after voting concludes.

Candidates

Paul Kagame

President Paul Kagame, leader of the RPF and a dominant figure in Rwandan politics, is expected to secure a fourth term. He has faced criticism from opposition groups and international watchdogs for his administration's crackdown on dissent. Kagame was Rwanda's vice president and de facto leader from 1994 to 2000, after which he officially became president. He has been re-elected multiple times (2000, 2003, 2010, and 2017) and is largely unchallenged in his leadership.

Frank Habineza

Frank Habineza, the founder and president of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), is one of Kagame's opposition. Habineza has a history of political activism and has faced major challenges, including fleeing to Sweden in 2010 due to safety concerns. Despite these, he successfully registered the DGPR in 2013.

Philippe Mpayimana

Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate and journalist, is also running against Kagame after having lived in exile since the 1994 genocide, primarily in France and Belgium. Mpayimana is hopeful about garnering support from the Rwandan diaspora.

Electoral system

The President of Rwanda is elected by a simple majority vote and serves a seven-year term. Initially limited to two terms, the constitution was amended in 2015 to allow for extended tenure, drawing international criticism.

Rwanda's bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, with both chambers representing the people, passing laws, and overseeing executive actions.

Voter eligibility

Every Rwandan aged 18 and above, who is registered on the voters' register and not subjected to disenfranchisement, is eligible to vote. This includes Rwandans residing both in the country and abroad. However, certain individuals, such as those convicted of serious crimes or those with mental illness, are prohibited from voting as per the electoral law.

Since the establishment of the office, five individuals have served as President of Rwanda. The current president, Paul Kagame, has been in office since April 22, 2000, after briefly serving as acting president.

Initially, the Rwandan Constitution imposed a two-term limit on the presidency. However, a constitutional referendum in December 2015 amended this rule, allowing Paul Kagame to run for a third seven-year term and potentially for two additional five-year terms thereafter.

Grégoire Kayibanda (1962-1973) 

Grégoire Kayibanda was Rwanda’s first elected president, serving from July 1, 1962, until his deposition on July 5, 1973. Elected in 1965 and 1969, Kayibanda, an ethnic Hutu, was a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s revolution and its struggle for independence from Belgium. He played a crucial role in transitioning Rwanda from a Tutsi monarchy to a republic, marking the beginning of Hutu political dominance in the country.

Juvénal Habyarimana (1973-1994)

Juvénal Habyarimana, also an ethnic Hutu, took office on July 5, 1973, after overthrowing Kayibanda in a coup. He served as president for nearly 21 years until his assassination on April 6, 1994. Habyarimana, who previously held several security positions, including Minister of Defense, continued Kayibanda’s pro-Hutu policies. His presidency was marked by dictatorial rule and electoral fraud, with suspiciously high vote percentages in the 1978, 1983, and 1988 elections.

Théodore Sindikubwabo (1994)

Théodore Sindikubwabo briefly held the office of head of state from April 8, 1994, until his ousting on July 19, 1994. His short tenure of 102 days occurred during a period of intense turmoil and violence in Rwanda.

Pasteur Bizimungu (1994-2000)

Pasteur Bizimungu took office on July 19, 1994, and served until his resignation on March 23, 2000. His presidency lasted for 5 years and 248 days, during which he attempted to lead the country through the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.

Paul Kagame (2000-present)  

Paul Kagame, a former military leader, has been the President of Rwanda since 2000. At 66 years old, Kagame first came to prominence as the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which played a crucial role in ending the 1994 genocide that resulted in the deaths of 800,000 to one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Kagame was Rwanda's vice president and de facto leader from 1994 to 2000, after which he officially became president. Kagame has been re-elected multiple times (2000, 2003, 2010, 2017) and is largely unchallenged in his leadership. His presidency has seen significant controversy regarding electoral fairness, with landslide victories in elections criticized by rights groups and observers. In the 2017 election, he received over 98% of the vote. The referendum lifted the previous constitutional limit on presidential terms, allowing Kagame to potentially remain in power until 2034.  

Rwanda's general elections are scheduled for Monday, July 15, with a public holiday declared to enable citizens to participate in the voting process. The following day, Tuesday, July 16, will focus on parliamentary elections for special interest groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Rwandans will have the opportunity to choose from three presidential candidates and over 500 parliamentary hopefuls.

Nursing mother runs for parliamentary seat

Jeanne d’Arc Nyiramahirwe, a nursing mother in Rwanda, is running for a parliamentary seat in the upcoming elections. She is one of 199 women campaigning for 24 reserved seats in the lower house. Nyiramahirwe is a math teacher and farmer and is running as an independent candidate, advocating for women’s rights and education. Despite her political aspirations, she is committed to continuing her responsibilities as a mother to her three-month-old daughter. According to Punch , the main polls are on Monday, July 15 with the vote for the reserved women’s seats taking place on Tuesday, July 16.

Kagame expected to win a fourth term

Rwandans will vote on July 15 to decide whether President Paul Kagame will be granted a fourth term. Three candidates are competing for the presidency in Rwanda, where the current President, Paul Kagame, has been victorious in every election since 2000. During a recent campaign rally, Kagame assured his supporters that while significant progress has been made, even more can be achieved if he is reelected, reports VOA . “There are roads, electricity and many other infrastructures that we have achieved,” Kagame said in Kinyarwanda, “but we still want to achieve more. We will do that with your help, starting with the elections we have on July 15.”

Rwanda's reluctance to return money from the migration deal with the UK

Rwanda has stated it is not obligated to refund the UK after the cancellation of a multi-million-pound migrant deal between the two nations. Over the weekend, new UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer declared that the plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda was 'dead and buried.' The scheme, initiated by the previous Conservative government, had seen the UK pay Rwanda £240 million ($310 million) since its announcement in 2022. Due to legal challenges, the plan was never implemented, and on Monday, the UK expressed hope that some of the funds could be recovered, reports the BBC .

Rwanda and M23 accused of violating truce

On Thursday, July 11, the Congolese army accused the M23 rebels and Rwanda of breaching a humanitarian ceasefire announced by the United States last week. The two-week ceasefire, effective since July 5, was intended to allow humanitarian workers to access conflict zones in North Kivu province, where millions are enduring one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. However, just a week into the ceasefire, reports of ongoing violence in Masisi territory near Goma, the capital of North Kivu, have emerged, according to the United Nations. The conflict in the region has escalated this year, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee from the rebels, Africanews highlights.

President Paul Kagame

Incumbent President Paul Kagame , who has been in power since 2000 and played a pivotal role in ending the 1994 genocide, is seeking a fourth term. Kagame, a dominant figure in Rwandan politics, has faced criticism from opposition groups and international watchdogs for his administration's crackdown on dissent. In 1990, as commander of the forces of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), he led the struggle to liberate the country.

Frank Habineza

Frank Habineza, the founder and president of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), is one of Kagame's opposition. Habineza has a history of political activism and has faced major challenges, including fleeing to Sweden in 2010 due to safety concerns. Despite these, he successfully registered the DGPR in 2013. 

Habineza’s campaign focuses on addressing unemployment and ending government-imposed monoculture. He has also condemned human rights violations and pledged to review cases of political prisoners. 

Philippe Mpayimana

Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate and journalist , also joins the race. Having lived in exile since the 1994 genocide, primarily in France and Belgium, Mpayimana is hopeful about garnering support from the Rwandan diaspora. 

His campaign promises include continuing Kagame's agricultural policies, improving living standards, providing free water, and imposing a controversial three-child policy to control population growth. 

Exclusion of Diane Rwigara

Notably absent from the race is outspoken Kagame critic Diane Rwigara, who was barred from running after failing to provide the necessary documentation and demonstrating sufficient nationwide support. 

Rwigara expressed her frustration on social media, criticizing the electoral process and accusing the government of denying her the right to campaign.“Why won't you let me run? This is the second time you [have] cheat[ed] me out of my right to campaign,” she is quoted. 

Concerns Over Electoral Fairness

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns about the fairness of the upcoming elections, citing a crackdown on opposition, media, and civil society. HRW has urged the Rwandan authorities to ensure that all citizens can freely express their views and vote without intimidation. “The threat of physical harm, arbitrary judicial proceedings, and long prison sentences, which can often lead to torture, have effectively deterred many Rwandans from engaging in opposition activities and demanding accountability from their political leaders,” said Clémentine de Montjoye, senior researcher in the Africa division at HRW.

According to AfDB, the agreement will enable Rwanda to raise €200 million competitively from international commercial banks, diversifying its funding sources and strengthening its position in the global financial market. This guarantee is further aligned with Rwanda's national strategy for transformation (2017-2024) and Vision 2050, establishing the country as a credible sustainable borrower.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Government of Rwanda in its efforts to promote green and inclusive growth in line with its Vision 2050. This guarantee from the African Development Fund will enable Rwanda’s inaugural access to financing under its Sustainable Finance Framework at competitive terms,” said Solomon Quaynor.

The proceeds from this guarantee will be allocated to various green and social initiatives, including renewable energy, climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, forestry, food security, health and wellbeing, affordable housing, and access to social services projects.

Rwanda has already made significant strides in green and social initiatives. Notably, the country aims to increase electricity access to 100% of the population by the end of 2024, focusing on renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, and geothermal power.

The capital, Kigali, is also being developed as a green city, focusing on sustainable urban planning, green spaces, and eco-friendly infrastructure .

Rwanda has also made significant progress in forest conservation, aiming to maintain at least 18% of its land under forest cover. These efforts demonstrate the country's dedication to protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development.

The first Rwanda migrant flight has been delayed until at least 24 July, casting doubt on the policy's timetable. A judge has been pressing for clarity on the start date. Legal challenges to the Rwanda plan are expected, and the policy could face months of legal battles, as reported by the BBC . The British government says the policy is essential to stop small boats crossing the English Channel, while the opposition criticises it as an expensive gimmick.

Agreement to support green and social initiatives

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Rwanda have signed a partial credit guarantee agreement to support green and social initiatives. According to a release by the AfDB, the agreement will enable Rwanda to raise up to €200 million from international commercial banks and demonstrates the Bank's commitment to support sustainable financing and inclusive green growth in Africa. “The Government of Rwanda appreciates the partial credit guarantee as an innovative initiative of the African Development Bank to support countries to leverage their African Development Fund allocations,” Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana said.

Opposition seeks presidential nomination in elections

Diane Rwigara, a prominent opposition figure in Rwanda, has submitted her nomination papers for the upcoming presidential elections. She previously faced disqualification in the 2017 election due to alleged forged signatures. Rwigara has since been acquitted and is campaigning on a platform focused on eradicating poverty and promoting free speech. The elections will be held on July 15, 2024, with President Paul Kagame campaigning for re-election.

Trade union challenges Rwanda Act in UK High Court

The British High Court will hear a trade union's legal challenge against the UK Government's Safety of Rwanda Act, regarding the Civil Service Code and the Act's relationship. The challenge concerns guidance to civil servants on removing asylum seekers to Rwanda, even if a Rule 39 measure has been made, The Evening Standard reports. The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 am UK time on June 6 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, and no decision is expected to be made at that time, according to The Evening Standard.

Development of Central Bank Digital Currency

Rwanda is developing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to align with its major trading partners and avoid hindrances in trade, Soraya Hakuziyaremenye, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) says. The NRB is working on a CBDC feasibility study and aims to ensure interoperability with other digital currencies, Hakuziyaremenye disclosed in an interview with local media the New Times . “The CBDC would be a digital form of cash. In the same way, Rwandans use banknotes, coins to buy things, or even electronic payments to send money, the central bank digital currency would do the same,” she said.

Filed by Lumumba & Ayieko Advocates, her application requests a court order to ensure her political party registration and candidacy before the May 30 deadline. The petition highlights, "That the honourable court be pleased to issue an order compelling Ms Ingabire to register a political party and participate in the July 2024 presidential elections as a candidate pending the inter-partes hearing," the East African reports.

Ingabire's application further noted the Rwandan government's failure to grant her authorization to travel, which she argues violates the East African Community (EAC) Treaty principles on human rights, the rule of law, accountability, and transparency. “The actions of the Rwandan government in ignoring Ms Ingabire’s multiple requests for authorization to leave the country are in breach of the fundamental and operational principles of the EAC Treaty,” the petition asserted

A staunch critic of President Paul Kagame, Ingabire was imprisoned for eight years, five of which were in solitary confinement. She was released in 2018 on a presidential pardon. Despite the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights ruling that Rwanda violated her right to freedom of expression, the government has not acknowledged this decision.

Ingabire stated, "I cannot run for any elections unless I am rehabilitated. Laws allow President Kagame to do so. Whether he will accept to rehabilitate me, I do not know,” she told the East African in 2023.

The National Election Commission (NEC) of Rwanda has set the application period for presidential candidates from May 17 to May 30. 

A Boeing 737 plane carrying 85 people skidded off a runway at the airport in Dakar, Senegal's capital, injuring 10 people. Footage showed the aircraft on fire and passengers jumping down emergency slides. The flight was headed to Bamako, Mali, according to Africa News . The injured were being treated at a hospital and the others were taken to a hotel to rest.

Kagame's visit to Senegal

President Paul Kagame concluded a two-day visit to Senegal, where he discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He also attended a basketball game featuring Senegal’s AS Douanes and Rwanda’s APR Basketball Club, but Rwanda was eliminated from the tournament, reports from KT Press indicate. This is Kagame's first visit to Senegal since Faye was elected in March.

Illegal fishing

The Senegalese government has taken steps to combat illegal fishing along its coastline by publishing a list of authorized fishing vessels. This initiative aims to promote transparency and combat corrupt practices in the management of national fisheries. The Maritime Executive explained the government has also called for strengthening the Maritime Fishing Code and prioritizing support for artisanal fisherfolk. IUU fishing has been found to have a significant economic impact on the country, resulting in job loss and increased poverty.

Migrants stranded in Moroccan desert

Senegal's Consul General in Morocco, Babou Sene, has denied reports of Senegalese migrants stranded in the Moroccan desert, stating that migrants are housed in reception centres and receive medical care at the Moroccan government's expense. Sene emphasized the strong hospitality and support provided to Senegalese nationals in Morocco and highlighted the exceptional relationship between Morocco and Senegal, Morocco World News reported. He also commended Morocco's efforts in providing decent living conditions for migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Library of Léopold Senghor

Senegal has bought back the library of Léopold Senghor, the first president of independent Senegal, from France to prevent it from being auctioned off, The Black World Media reported. The collection of 344 books will be transferred to Dakar, including personally inscribed volumes by influential authors. Senegal plans to incorporate the library into a museum of Senghor's life and hopes to make digital copies of his papers available to researchers. There is some disappointment that the Senegalese state had to buy back Senghor's estate from France, but it is seen as an important part of Senegal's heritage.

President Kagame lit a remembrance flame, symbolising the over one million Tutsi lives lost during the 100-day killing spree, an act of remembrance that will endure for the next 100 days.

The United Nations also marked the day as an International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, unveiling a new exhibit at its headquarters in New York to honour the anniversary.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed solemn remembrance, stating , "We will never forget the victims. Nor will we ever forget the bravery & resilience of those who survived, whose courage & willingness to forgive remain a burst of light & hope."

The genocide, widely regarded to have been triggered by the assassination of Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana when his plane was shot down over Kigali on April 6, 1994, led to a rampage by Hutu extremists and the Interahamwe militia.

The violence saw victims brutally killed in acts fueled by anti-Tutsi propaganda broadcast on media channels. Tragically, an estimated 100,000-250,000 women were subjected to rape during the three months, according to UN estimates.

France, a destination for Rwandans fleeing justice, has seen convictions of individuals involved in the genocide. Notably, in December 2023, ex-Rwandan doctor Sosthène Munyemana was sentenced to 24 years in prison in Paris for his role in the atrocities.

Despite the scars of the past, the East African nation has made significant progress under President Kagame's leadership over the last three decades. Recently, the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) nominated Kagame for a fourth seven-year term in an upcoming election scheduled for July, a nomination met with no opposition, reflecting the stability and continuity sought by the nation.

According to the election calendar, Rwanda plans to hold presidential and parliamentary polls on July 15, following a synchronisation decision last year, with campaigning from June 22 to July 12.

The 66-year-old chairman of the RPF before taking office as president in 2000 after the resignation of former President Pasteur Bizimungu, President Kagame held the positions of vice president and minister of defence for Rwanda under Bizimungu’s government from 1994 to 2000.

He was elected by government ministers rather than through a direct election, taking office while the Transitional Constitution was still in force. In 2003, he triumphed in Rwanda's first multiparty election with a significant landslide.

He was reelected twice, in 2010 and 2017. The reason for his most recent reelection was a 2015 constitutional amendment that allowed him to run for a third seven-year term, replacing the nation’s 2003 constitution's two-term limit.

Throughout his term, Kagame has come under heavy fire for alleged human rights violations and limitations on political freedom.

He faces opposition in the July polls in 47-year-old member of parliament and leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Frank Habineza.

The leader of the unregistered Development and Liberty For All movement, Victoire Ingabire, is another potential challenger to Kagame who is barred from running for president after serving 8 years of a 15-year prison sentence on charges of terrorism and endangering national security following her bid against Kagame in the 2010 presidential election.

A court will rule on March 13 over her eligibility to run for president.

“Washington, D.C.’s National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday offered the stage to Rwanda’s dictator Paul Kagame, allowing a warmonger accused of crimes against humanity to grandstand before a large gathering of the capitol's most powerful…HRF condemns Kagame’s exploitation of the National Prayer Breakfast’s platform to whitewash his bloody crimes and project a deceitful image of peace-loving, benevolent, progressive, and legitimate leadership,” HRF wrote in a post directly responding to the official Presidency Rwanda account on X (formerly Twitter).

Spokesperson for the Rwanda government, Yolanda Makolo responded to the accusations by HRF through her official X account. “Your distortion of our history and progress made in the last 30 years has you sounding like spoiled children,” she said.

Before taking office as president in 2000 after the resignation of former President Pasteur Bizimungu, President Kagame held the positions of vice president and minister of defence for Rwanda under Bizimungu’s government from 1994 to 2000.

He was elected by government ministers rather than through a direct election, taking office during the period while the Transitional Constitution was still in force. In 2003, he triumphed in Rwanda's first multiparty election with a significant landslide.

He was reelected twice, in 2010 and 2017. The reason for his most recent reelection was a 2015 constitutional amendment that allowed him to run for a third seven-year term, replacing the nation’s 2003 constitution's two-term limit.

Throughout his term, Kagame has come under heavy fire for alleged violations of human rights and limitations on political freedom.

Diane Rwigara, a former presidential candidate from Rwanda who opposed President Kagame, was imprisoned for more than a year after her presidential bid in 2017 for tax evasion and inciting an insurrection, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) .

Established in June 2022 following the request of African Union member states, the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation was created as an institution aimed at enhancing Africa's access to technology for manufacturing the full range of pharmaceutical products, local media The New Times reported.

APTF is designed to address issues confronting African indigenous pharmaceutical firms, including limited human and institutional capacities, challenges in adopting new technologies, and insufficient access to essential active pharmaceutical ingredients required for medications and antigens in vaccines.

Members that will serve in the chairmanship of the APTF Advisory Council include Rwandan president Paul Kagame, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, Director General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and CEO of the African Development Bank, Adesina among others.

Africa currently imports over 70 percent of its required medications at a cost of up to $14 billion annually, while manufacturing only one percent of the necessary vaccines, according to AfDB data, quoted by local media The New Times .

“We are committed to advancing pharmaceutical technology for Rwanda and the entire Continent,” Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister said on X.

Speaking on the Foundation’s role, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank said, “The success will depend on building local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, assuring technology transfer and access to intellectual property rights, manufacturing processes and systems, equally important is the need to build the pharmaceutical and biomedical research and development ecosystems that can support world-class local pharmaceutical industries”.

Gelsomina Vilgiotti, European Investment Bank Vice President who was also present at the ceremony signed a partnership agreement with the Foundation to support its programmes advancement. She commended Rwanda for being a beacon of healthcare transformation in Africa, hosting various institutions, and contributing to the global focus on improving primary healthcare, diagnostics, and combating diseases across the continent.

In an interview on a Congolese radio show, President Tshisekedi remarked that relations between the DRC and Rwanda were at a crossroads.

According to Tshisekedi, Rwanda is behind the creation of the Congo River Alliance to support the work of the M23 rebels.

“In the event of the slightest skirmish from the jokers you saw in Nairobi, I will bring the two houses together in Congress. I will request authorisation to declare war on Rwanda,” Tshisekedi is quoted by Congolese media Actualite .

“As long as the Kagame regime is there, for us Rwanda does not exist. I would like to point out that we do not have a problem with the Rwandan people,” he added.

Tshisekedi is seeking reelection as President of the DRC in an election scheduled to take place on December 20.

Senegalese President, Macky Sall arrived in Kigali, Rwanda on December 17 at the invitation of Rwandan president, Paul Kagame to take part in the launch of the BioNtech Africa factory, local media The New Times reported.

Following a signed memorandum of understanding between the two parties in 2021, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame and BioNTech’s CEO Ugur Sahin launched the construction of the mRNA vaccine factory in Kigali on June 23, 2022.

“We are happy to have BioNTech as a partner, and I applaud the company’s commitment to working with Africa on a continental basis to help secure our vaccine resilience for the future,” President Paul Kagame said on the day of the launch, quoted by BioNTech .

BioNTech is a renowned German biotechnology company that develops and manufactures active immunotherapies for patient-specific approaches to treating diseases.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines protect people from diseases. They work by triggering the immune system to create antibodies (proteins) in the body to fight bacteria and viruses that cause diseases.

According to a press release by BioNTech dated June 23, 2022, the company expects to set up additional factories in Senegal and South Africa while the facility in Rwanda will become a node in a decentralised and robust African end-to-end manufacturing network. All vaccines to be manufactured in the network will be dedicated to people residing in member states of the African Union, BioNTech indicated.

The Rwandan facility with a size of about 30,000 square metres is equipped with two BioNTainers, one for producing mRNA and the other for producing the formulated bulk drug products. These BioNTainers are equipped to manufacture a range of mRNA vaccines targeted to the needs of the African Union member states.

The facility will start manufacturing at an annual capacity of 50 million doses. However, production will increase depending on the demand.

After years of dedicated efforts by the Rwandan government and BioNTech, the factory is ready.