Thousands of people in Rubavu District joined the rest of the country in welcoming 2026 in an atmosphere of safety and celebration in the lakeside city. Crowds gathered from churches, bars, hotels, and public beaches along the shores of Lake Kivu to watch fireworks light up the sky as the New Year was ushered in, attracting both local residents and tourists. ALSO READ: Rwandans usher in the New Year with hope, reflection Zain Farooq from Pakistan celebrated the New Year with his three brothers at Lake Kivu while enjoying fireworks displays. People converged in Rubavu town, mainly at Lake Kivu’s public beach near Serena Hotel, Saga Bay, and Kivu Beach View Hotel where fireworks were displayed. “Gisenyi is very good; everything is amazing,” said Farooq, who was in the border city for the first time. “It is beautiful to be in Rwanda, and I plan to visit as many places as I can because the country is very nice and safe.” PHOTOS: Thousands gathered in Rubavu town along the shores of Lake Kivu to watch fireworks and welcome 2026. pic.twitter.com/rshaHxFBaH — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) January 1, 2026 Reflecting on the insecurity caused by shelling from neighbouring DR Congo in early 2025, Pastor Amani Nkwaya of ADEPR Bethel Gisenyi gave thanks for the current security and peace as 2026 begins. “We are praising God who protected us from January to December,” said Nkwaya. “This district faced insecurity earlier this year when heavy fighting in Goma town escalated. It is good that we overcame all those hardships and are now safe and alive. It was terrible, but we are grateful for the safety and peace we have today.” Gedeon Mugisha, a 17-year-old student, was also pleased to usher in the New Year at Lake Kivu. “It was a hustling year for me as a student, with ups and downs, but we made it through,” said Mugisha. “In 2026, I believe I am going to enjoy and have an amazing time, urging my fellow students to dream big and work hard as we prepare to go back to school.” Vanessa Ishimwe, a resident of Rubavu, also expressed gratitude for the festive season. The only thing I would tell people is to be careful and avoid too much alcohol, drugs and risky behaviors during the festive season, Ishimwe said. Rubavu District Mayor, Prosper Mulindwa noted that cross-border movement “has significantly improved after previous security concerns stopped.” He explained that people now freely move between Rubavu and Goma for various businesses peacefully.
