Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has emphasised the need to expand habitat for mountain gorillas, a move that is part of Rwanda’s plan to extend the Volcanoes National Park size by nearly 25 per cent to secure a safe future for the next generation of mountain gorillas. ALSO READ: PM Nsengiyumva presides over 20th gorilla naming ceremony He made these remarks on September 5 while presiding over the 20th Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze District. Graced by First Lady Jeannette Kagame as a special guest, the event was also attended by government officials, sports legends, celebrities, business leaders, conservationists, as well as thousands of people from the community surrounding the park. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: First Lady Jeannette Kagame attends Kwita Izina At this year's Kwita Izina, 40 baby gorillas were given names, bringing the total number of gorillas named since 2005 to 438. “In Rwandan culture, naming a child is not just a formality, but an act of love, an act of commitment and hope, done in the presence of family and friends who pledge to support that child's future. Today, we carry forward this tradition with the same spirit,” the Prime Minister said. ALSO READ: Kwita Izina: Who will name baby gorillas this year? He noted that mountain gorillas once faced extinction, but thanks to Rwanda’s leadership, dedicated conservationists, committed rangers, and supportive communities, their primate population has recovered. To date, Nsengiyumva said that there are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Basin, thanks to the combined efforts of local communities, authorities, conservation agencies, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and supportive tourists. “Rwanda is honoured to be the custodian of these last mountain gorillas, which are not only a global treasure, but also a source of pride and economic opportunity for our nation,” said Nsengiyumva. He noted that this success brings new challenges, such as the need to increase the habitat. “As the gorilla families grow, we must expand their habitats,” he said. Rwanda has set out a bold plan to extend the Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25 percent to ensure the next generation of gorillas has a secure home. “This effort will also improve the lives of surrounding communities, demonstrating once again that conservation and development can go hand in hand. We call on the world to join us in this ambitious project as we share this responsibility.” Rwanda has strengthened biodiversity protection by expanding national parks, restoring ecosystems like Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecopark in Kigali. “We also encourage private sector participation in creating and managing sanctuaries and reserves supported through innovative public-private partnerships,” he said. The gorilla naming ceremony also marked over 20 years of dedicated efforts by local communities around Volcanoes National Park, recognizing their vital role in mountain gorilla conservation while benefiting socially and economically. ALSO READ: How gorilla tourism is reshaping Musanze’s economy, communities The Prime Minister also honoured the local communities for their central role, resilience, and commitment in protecting the mountain gorillas and their heritage. Jean Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB, stressed the connection between wildlife protection and community empowerment. “Tourism, anchored in conservation, continues to drive our national transformation. In 2024, the sector generated $647 million, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over $200 million,” Afrika said. He also emphasised Rwanda's extensive efforts in wildlife conservation, noting that in 2025, the country completed the translocation of 70 rhinos, the world's largest of its kind. The Governor of Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde, noted that communities living near Volcanoes National Park have consistently benefited from the park’s revenue-sharing program, receiving support for new homes, livestock, schools, clean water systems, health centers, and other infrastructure. “We are pleased that since this program began, 695 projects have been supported with a total of Rwf6.8 billion in the 12 sectors surrounding Volcanoes National Park,” he said. Names given to baby gorillas The names given to the 40 baby gorillas on Friday are Nyunganizi, Rugwiro, Tekana, Igishya, Amahoro, Umurage, Rwogere, Garuka, Ruvugiro, Mwungeri, Burere, Cyubahiro, Rwandanziza, Mwizerwa, Impuguke, Muvugizi, Mpinganzima, Rugano, Iraba, Amahumbezi, Ntavogerwa, Izere, Shyamba, Cyerekezo, Ganza, Inkomoko, Higa, Terimbere, Rubuga, Ogera, Mushumbamwiza, Unguka, Rufatiro, Amahitamo, Tsinda, Atete, Umutoni, Kwihangana, Iwacu, and Tengamara.
