Culture

As Ethiopia marks Adwa Day on March 2, 2026, the spirit of African unity and resilience echoed strongly in Kigali, where the 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa was commemorated over the weekend.

On Saturday, February 28, the Embassy of Ethiopia in Kigali, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Community in Rwanda, hosted a vibrant celebration that blended history, environmental action, and cultural pride. The event began in the morning with participation in Umuganda, Rwanda’s nationally recognized community service initiative. Embassy staff and community members joined local residents in cleaning and tree planting, sending a strong message about shared responsibility and sustainability.

For years, the home of Bizimana Damascene and Tuyishimire Valerie in Cyahinda Sector, Nyaruguru District, was filled with pain and conflict. Constant family fights, often caused by alcohol abuse, created fear and sadness in their household.

Today, that same home is a story of peace, love, and progress, all thanks to training and support from the Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE).

Valerie Tuyishimire, 38 years old, recalls those dark days with emotion.

The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an appeal from the family of late Zambian president Edgar Lungu, who wanted him to be buried in South Africa. The court ruled that Lungu should be laid to rest in his home country.

Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died in June at the age of 68 while receiving medical treatment in South Africa. Since then, his remains have been kept in a South African morgue as his family fought legal battles over where he should be buried.

On July 11, 2025, Rwandan music icon Eric Senderi International Hit marked his 20th anniversary in the music industry with a unique celebration in Burera District. The artist joined local leaders and residents in Butaro sector in Burera District, Northern Province, for Umuganda, a monthly community work initiative, before performing a massive concert for thousands of fans.

Senderi, known for his energetic performances and diverse musical themes, began his day by participating in road reshaping efforts in Butaro Sector. He was joined by Butaro Sector Executive Secretary Kayitsinga Faustin, soldiers, Ndayisaba Fabrice (leader of the Ndayisaba Foundation), and numerous local citizens. The group worked from 8 AM to 11 AM, improving approximately three kilometers of roads.

KIGALI, Rwanda: As the world recently marked World Environment Day, Rwanda stood out as a testament to what focused environmental policies and strong national commitment can achieve. With a proactive stance against plastic pollution and a growing focus on sustainable development, the East African nation offers valuable lessons for the continent and beyond.

During recent World Environment Day celebrations, Rwanda’s leaders shared their amazing journey. Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), explained how serious plastic pollution is. “Plastic pollution threatens our ecosystems, our health, our climate and so much more across the world, Without action, studies have projected and show that plastic pollution will triple by the year 2040, but Rwanda chose a different path early, early enough, and with determination.” she said.

Vatican City — When a pope dies or resigns, a centuries-old process begins behind the Vatican walls. The Catholic Church’s method of choosing a new leader is filled with ritual, secrecy, and tradition. This process not only selects a spiritual head for 1.4 billion Catholics but also appoints a new head of the Vatican City State.

The transition begins with a period called sede vacante_,_ Latin for “the seat being vacant.” This marks the official end of a papacy. A cardinal known as the camerlengo formally confirms the pope’s death, seals his private rooms, and takes charge of the Vatican’s temporal affairs.

Bishop Darlington Wolah journey began in the challenging environment of a Liberian slum, where he witnessed firsthand the struggles women faced with menstrual hygiene. These experiences, coupled with a poignant memory of a young girl publicly humiliated during an unexpected period, ignited a passion within him. Now, based in Rwanda, Bishop Wolah is the driving force behind MySafepad, a sexual reproductive health and rights organization dedicated to transforming the lives of women and girls across Africa. MySafepad goes beyond simply providing menstrual products. It’s a holistic approach that encompasses education, access, and sustainable solutions. The organization focuses on menstrual hygiene management, antimicrobial resistance awareness, and supplying healthcare facilities with safe, antimicrobial materials. Recognizing the prevalence of unhygienic practices, especially in rural areas, MySafepad also collaborates with weavers to produce antimicrobial fabrics, ensuring that even everyday materials contribute to better health.

Rulindo, Rwanda – The Ineza Foundation brought the spirit of Christmas to Shyorongi Sector with a joyous celebration for local children. The event, held on Tuesday evening, brought together children, parents, and local leaders for an evening of entertainment, encouragement, and community building.

The highlight of the celebration was undoubtedly the children’s performances. Youngsters showcased their talents with enthusiasm, captivating the audience with their singing, dancing, and other creative expressions. “We are so happy today! It’s not every day we get to perform in front of so many people,” shared Angel Umutesi, a participant in the Shyorongi community library’s reading program.

The Female Engagement Team of Rwanda Battle Group VI, serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), launched a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) in Bria, Haute-Kotto Prefecture.

The campaign, which began on Monday, November 25 as part of the global 16 Days of Activism, was held in collaboration with local communities, other UN peacekeepers, and national and international NGOs.

It aims to eliminate all forms of GBV, including sexual violence, rape, physical and psychological abuse, and harmful traditional practices.