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Rwanda Hosts 18th African Command and Staff Colleges Chief Instructor's Workshop

The 18th African Command and Staff Colleges Chief Instructor’s Workshop officially opened today on 21st July, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together 38 delegates from 18 African nations. The annual workshop, a key event for military education and cooperation on the continent, is chaired by Rwanda this year.

Prior to the opening ceremony, participants paid their respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi and visited the Museum of Liberation War located at the Parliament of Rwanda, reflecting on the nation’s history and journey.

Despite funding challenges, Kigali inspires a united, innovative, and youth-led global push to conquer HIV

KIGALI, Rwanda – As the International AIDS Society (IAS) 2025 conference in Kigali drew to a close, a clear message resonated among participants. The global fight against HIV demands continued dedication, fresh ideas, and strong community voices. Despite growing worries about reduced funding, attendees left with a renewed spirit, ready to push for a future free from the virus.

A major point of excitement at the conference centered on groundbreaking prevention methods, especially long-acting shots. “There are truly promising tools for prevention on the horizon,” shared Thu, who works in medical affairs for Gilead Sciences. This enthusiasm highlights new advancements like Lenacapavir, a medication that could prevent HIV with just two injections each year.

Innovation and Access Drive Exhibitor Expectations at IAS 2025 Kigali

Kigali, Rwanda - As the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference 2025 draws to a close this Thursday, July 17th, global pharmaceutical leaders and health advocates gathered in Kigali, Rwanda are sharing their ambitious expectations. From pioneering new treatments to ensuring widespread drug affordability, exhibitors are focused on advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS.

African Updates secured exclusive insights from key players, revealing a shared commitment to patient centric solutions and strategic collaborations.

Africa: New HIV Prevention Shot Faces Funding Hurdles in Africa

A new, long-acting injectable medicine that offers powerful protection against HIV is on the horizon for African nations, but its widespread availability hinges on overcoming significant funding and logistical challenges. This was the central theme emerging from the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference in Kigali on Monday, July 14, 2024.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, emphasized his country’s unwavering commitment to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. “We know what we have achieved together, and we know what can be done,” he stated, highlighting new tools for prevention and treatment, and the critical need to strengthen health systems and combat stigma. Rwanda was “very pleased to have thousands of participants” at the conference, underscoring Africa’s high disease burden and the urgent need for solutions.

Rwanda: Senderi's 20-Year Celebration Continues as Thousands Enjoy Burera Concert

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.

Kenya Protests Turn Deadly, Finance Bill Signed Amidst Public Outcry

Nationwide demonstrations against Kenya’s 2025 Finance Bill turned violent Wednesday. A security guard, Fred Wamale Wanyonyi, was fatally shot at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza during the protests.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reports at least eight protest related deaths across six counties. Over 400 casualties, including civilians, police, and journalists, are recorded. KNCHR also noted criminal elements infiltrating demonstrations, leading to violence and property destruction.

[caption id=“attachment_32496” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”] A protester in Nairobi jumps for safety as she emerges from a narrow alley.Credit…Luis Tato/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images[/caption]

Kenya: Five Guns Stolen, Police Post Torched in Kikuyu as Protests Intensify

Twenty-five individuals face arrest following violent clashes during Wednesday’s nationwide protests in Kikuyu. The unrest, part of broader “Gen Z” demonstrations, saw significant destruction, including the torching of the Kikuyu Law Courts, county government offices, and the Dagoretti Police Post.

During the chaos, rioters stole five firearms from the Dagoretti police facility. The stolen weapons include two AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a Jericho pistol, and an anti-riot gun. Police successfully thwarted an attempt to seize five additional firearms from a Sub-County APS armoury.

Rwanda's Two-Decade Commitment to a Sustainable Africa

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.

Africa: Innovating for a Secure and Stable African Future

Kigali, Rwanda from 19th - 20th May 2025, leaders and companies focused on safety met in Kigali. AfricanUpdates talked to some of them. Everyone agreed: for Africa to be safer, countries need to make more of their own security gear. They also need to use new tools and work together better.

Africa faces many tough challenges. Today, over 37 million people in Africa have fled their homes because of fighting. Millions more are displaced inside their own countries. Sudan, Congo, and the Sahel region still see lots of trouble. This shows how much more security is needed. Still, some places are quite safe. Rwanda, for example, has made big strides since its past troubles. Countries like Ghana and Botswana are also known for being peaceful.

Kigali Summit Calls for African-Led Security Solutions

A high-level gathering convened in Kigali on 19th May, 2025, as the International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) opened its doors, drawing a diverse and influential audience. The conference is poised to redefine the narrative around African security.

President Paul Kagame declared the forum “long overdue,” emphasizing the need for the continent to chart its own course in peace and security.

The event attracted key figures from across Africa and beyond. Notably, the Secretary-General of La Francophonie joined the assembly, alongside prominent members of security forces, including top-ranking army and police officials. Delegates filled the Kigali Convention Centre, signaling the weight of the issues at hand.