On January 14, a Burundian court sentenced journalist Sandra Muhoza to four years in prison and fined her 200,000 Burundian francs (about US$68). Local outlets SOS Médias Burundi and Radio Publique Africaine reported the decision. In addition, a source familiar with the case confirmed the ruling to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) but requested…
AI is transforming our lives at an unprecedented pace, but it carries a hidden risk few discuss. I call it AI Brain: the gradual dulling of your cognitive, emotional, and creative abilities as you hand more thinking, deciding, and interpreting over to machines. AI Brain isn’t about intelligence—it’s about sharpness. It weakens the subtle mental…
Residents of Gicumbi District have expressed growing concern over the rising number of stray dogs roaming freely on the streets, citing threats to public safety and health. Many locals say they feel unsafe walking in their neighborhoods, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Reports of dog attacks on children have intensified fear and increased…
Residents of Huye District have welcomed the steady development of the Sovu Industrial Zone, saying it is already improving their livelihoods through job creation and economic growth. Local authorities say the industrial zone remains a priority area for investment, with continued improvements in infrastructure aimed at attracting more industries and increasing productivity. Growing Opportunities for…
A group of vulnerable elderly women in Huye District say a project meant to lift them out of poverty has left them in financial distress. The women were given more than three million Rwandan francs to invest in poultry farming. Instead of profits, they report heavy losses. Project Aimed to Reduce Poverty The beneficiaries are…
Residents living near the industrial zone in Rwamagana say nearby factories are harming their health. They blame a livestock feed processing factory for releasing a strong and unpleasant smell into the area. According to Emmanuel Nayituriki, one of the residents, some factories release harmful gases into the air. In addition, he said a metal-processing plant…
In Kirehe District, 90 families received cows through Rwanda’s Girinka program, also known as “One Cow per Poor Family.” The initiative, run under the RDDPII project in partnership with Heifer International Rwanda, aims to improve nutrition, provide fertilizer, and support local livelihoods. Cows Delivered Across Three Sectors On January 14, 2026, officials delivered cows to…
Four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule safely returned to Earth early Thursday. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after leaving the International Space Station (ISS) a day earlier. NASA approved the early return to allow doctors to examine a medical issue affecting one crew member. The astronauts undocked from the ISS…
Grok image editing restrictions have been introduced by Elon Musk’s AI company xAI following growing concern from regulators in California, Europe, and Asia over sexually explicit AI-generated images shared on X. xAI moves to limit Grok image editing Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, announced late Wednesday that it has restricted image editing features on…
The Uganda election 2026 has drawn national and international attention as voters head to the polls in a tense political climate. President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his long rule, while opposition leader Bobi Wine challenges his grip on power amid heavy security and internet restrictions. A tense voting day across Uganda Ugandans voted…
Technology experts say SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, has begun providing free Starlink satellite internet in Iran. The move comes as Iranian authorities face accusations of violently suppressing nationwide protests. Internet Shutdowns Spark Global Concern In recent days, the Iranian government cut off internet access across the country. Authorities claimed protesters were being influenced by…
The United States has announced plans to impose tough measures on Iran over its handling of ongoing protests. President Donald Trump said Washington would respond firmly to what he described as serious human rights violations. Thousands Reportedly Killed in Protests Human rights organizations report that more than 2,400 protesters opposing the government have been killed…
France recorded more deaths than births in 2025, according to official data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). This marks the first time such a situation has occurred since World War II. Official Figures Show Population Shift INSEE reported that 651,000 people died in France in 2025. During the same year,…
The United States has announced a temporary suspension of visa processing for citizens from 75 countries, including Rwanda, Russia, and Iran. The decision was confirmed by the US Department of State. The suspension affects applicants seeking to move to the United States. Visa Processing to Stop From January 21, 2026 According to the announcement, the…
Major U.S. banks posted higher profits in the fourth quarter, supported by rising demand for loans, a sign that the U.S. economy remains resilient and supportive of future earnings growth for lenders. Loan Demand Signals Economic Strength Bank of America reported an 8% year-on-year increase in average loans, while its net interest income reached a…
VFD Group has outlined its 2026 growth strategy during an Executive Leadership Retreat held in Kigali, bringing together senior executives to align on institutionalisation, disciplined execution, and leadership development. The retreat marked a strategic shift as the Group positions 2026 as a consolidation year focused on strengthening governance, scaling impact, and embedding execution into daily…
Starlink has reportedly waived subscription fees for users in Iran, after authorities shut down the internet amid a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. The move, which has not yet been officially confirmed, came after Iran cut off internet access last Thursday, isolating millions of people from communication, livelihoods, and independent information. Since then, satellite internet…
Kigali Universe is set to open a new pedestrian footbridge to the public, marking a major addition to one of Kigali’s most popular entertainment destinations. The project cost more than Frw900 million, according to the facility’s management. Kenny Mugarura, Global Entertainment, Sports and Events Director at Kigali Universe, confirmed that the footbridge forms part of…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to raise so-called “health taxes” on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that falling prices are fuelling preventable diseases and injuries worldwide. In two reports released on January 13, WHO said weak and poorly designed tax systems have allowed products linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer,…
More than 400,000 people were diagnosed with malaria in Rwanda during the last three months of 2025, according to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). The data shows that 442,678 people tested positive for malaria between September and November 2025. Health officials say the sharp increase was mainly caused by the rainy season, which…
More than 42,000 people were infected with tuberculosis over the past seven years, according to a new report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The report shows that 42,103 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis during this period. Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. It spreads…
One year after AFC/M23 took control of Goma, residents can now sleep peacefully, according to the group’s coordinator, Corneille Nangaa. He made the statement on January 12, 2026, during a meeting that brought together people from several areas. These included Lubero, Walikale, Masisi, Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, and parts of South Kivu. Nangaa said the city has…
The Trump visa suspension has sparked global concern after the U.S. government confirmed it will halt visa processing for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21, according to a State Department spokesperson. U.S. Suspends Visa Processing for 75 Countries The Trump administration will temporarily stop all visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, a U.S….
Iran warns of retaliation after the United States began withdrawing some military personnel from key Middle East bases, signaling rising tensions as President Donald Trump threatens possible action over Iran’s violent unrest. A U.S. official confirmed on Wednesday that the withdrawals were precautionary, citing heightened regional risks. The move followed warnings from senior Iranian officials…
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a nationwide internet shutdown ahead of the country’s general elections. In a directive issued on January 13, 2026, UCC ordered all telecommunications companies to suspend public internet access starting at 6:00 p.m., until further notice. Telecom Companies Ordered to Comply The statement instructs all telecom operators to: According…
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has officially dismissed Adel Amrouche from his position as head coach of the Rwanda men’s national team, Amavubi, citing a breach of contract. In a statement released late Tuesday night, FERWAFA confirmed that Amrouche had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. “Adel Amrouche has been suspended from his…
A recent survey by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that gaps in childhood immunization remain a concern, despite Rwanda’s strong performance in vaccination coverage. The seventh basic childhood immunization survey, released in 2025, reveals that the proportion of children who receive all recommended vaccines has dropped by 2 percent compared to…
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday reviewed state laws that ban transgender athletes from joining female sports teams. Several conservative justices showed support for the laws during oral arguments. The cases involve Idaho and West Virginia, where lower courts blocked the bans after ruling in favor of transgender students. The laws require public school and…
Nigeria is moving closer to becoming one of Africa’s first countries to formally regulate artificial intelligence, as lawmakers advance a comprehensive legal framework governing AI use across the digital economy. The proposed law is expected to pass by March 2026, marking a major milestone in Africa’s approach to AI governance. If adopted, it will introduce…
Scott Adams, the creator of the long-running comic strip Dilbert, has died at the age of 68, months after revealing that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Adams’ family confirmed his death on Tuesday. His former wife, Shelly Miles, announced the news during a YouTube message to fans, saying simply that Adams was “no…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of everyday life. Today, people interact with AI-driven systems more often than they realise. From smartphones and online shopping to navigation and finance, AI quietly improves speed, accuracy, and convenience. As technology advances, AI continues to reshape how individuals work, communicate, and make decisions. Understanding its real-world…
Students from Rwanda Coding Academy have described their experience at the JA Africa regional competition as transformative, after representing Rwanda in Abuja, Nigeria, in December 2025. The four students earned the opportunity after winning the 2025 JA Rwanda National Company of the Year Competition. They competed at the regional level from December 3 to 5…
The Ministry of Health has urged students across Rwanda, particularly in Huye District, to adopt hygiene as a permanent culture rather than a temporary practice. The call was made by Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, during a hygiene and sanitation awareness campaign known as “Fresheri ku Ishuri” (Freshness at…
The Trump administration’s decision to open a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has intensified the president’s campaign against the central bank. Powell called the move a “pretext” aimed at influencing interest rate decisions and warned it threatens the Fed’s independence. ALSO READ: Trump signs emergency order protecting Venezuelan oil funds Market Reaction…
Rwandan government employees across various sectors are undergoing training in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve daily work efficiency and integrate AI into public service delivery. The program, launched in mid-December 2025, initially required participants to complete basic AI courses by December 31, 2025. The Ministry of Public Service and Labor later extended the deadline to…
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to protect Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts, preventing courts or private creditors from seizing the funds. The White House announced the move on Saturday, calling it necessary to support stability in Venezuela. The order, signed on Friday, classifies the revenue as sovereign property…
The Storm Goretti death has shocked communities in Cornwall after a man in his 50s died when a tree fell onto a caravan during violent winds. The tragic incident highlights the deadly risks posed by extreme weather events across the south-west of England. Emergency services rushed to the scene in Mawgan, near Helston, on Thursday…
A Bolton head-on crash has left four people dead and five others injured after a violent collision between a taxi and a private car on Wigan Road, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The fatal crash happened at around 00:45 GMT, shocking residents as emergency services rushed to the scene in the early hours of…
German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday that international law applies to all countries, including the United States. He reacted to President Donald Trump’s comments about taking control of Greenland. Klingbeil made it clear that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island’s future. He said countries must respect territorial sovereignty…
On January 9, 2026, China, Russia, Iran, and other BRICS Plus countries started a week-long naval exercise in South African waters. The event took place at Simon’s Town Naval Base near Cape Town. The exercise aims to improve maritime safety and protect shipping and economic activities. BRICS Plus is an expanded version of the original…
Popular American streamer and internet sensation IShowSpeed has officially arrived in Rwanda, sparking widespread excitement across social media platforms. The high-energy content creator, who commands millions of followers worldwide, is visiting the country to experience mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s most iconic tourist attractions. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park…
Three Democratic U.S. senators are pressing Apple and Google to take X and its built-in AI chatbot, Grok, off their app stores. The lawmakers argue that the platform has failed to stop the spread of nonconsensual sexual images involving women and minors. In a letter released on Friday, Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon, Ben Ray…
