Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, following a contentious election marked by claims of voter fraud.
His opponent, Edmundo González, had declared victory in the July election, alleging widespread irregularities.
Maduro’s inauguration defied mounting international pressure and sanctions, particularly from the United States, which has recognized González as the winner of the presidential race.
“May this new presidential term be a period of peace, of prosperity, of equality and the new democracy,” Maduro declared, pledging to uphold the laws of Venezuela.
The swearing-in ceremony came a day after a rare public appearance by opposition leader María Corina Machado, who led a protest against Maduro’s rule.
According to Machado’s team, she was briefly detained during the demonstration, adding to the ongoing tensions.
Maduro, a former bus driver, rose to power following the death of left-wing leader Hugo Chávez in 2013.
His leadership has been plagued by accusations of authoritarianism, along with severe economic and political crises that have deeply affected the country.
The July 28 presidential election sparked widespread protests, with many Venezuelans contesting the results.
However, a heavy-handed government response quickly quelled the demonstrations. During the unrest, an estimated 2,000 people were arrested, and at least 25 lost their lives.
The Rwandan Presidency confirmed that the message was delivered by Hichilema’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe, on Friday afternoon.
However, the Presidency did not disclose any further details regarding the content of the message.
The relationship between Rwanda and Zambia has been longstanding, marked by collaboration aimed at promoting the well-being of both countries’ citizens.
During President Kagame’s visit to Zambia in April 2022, both nations signed several bilateral agreements covering areas such as taxation, immigration, health, investment promotion, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
As part of that visit, the Zambian government granted Rwanda 10,000 hectares of land for agricultural projects, reinforcing their commitment to advancing agricultural development.
In June 2023, President Hichilema visited Rwanda at the invitation of President Kagame, accompanied by officials from various sectors, to discuss ways to further strengthen their partnership.
The two presidents also met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2024, during the African Union summit, where they held talks to deepen bilateral ties.
The President criticized the DRC government for continuing to blame Rwanda for the presence of these rebels, despite being well aware of their origins.
Speaking at a press briefing on January 9, 2025, President Kagame stated that the M23 fighters are Congolese, a fact acknowledged by the DRC government, and explained that they are fighting for the rights of their fellow countrymen who were persecuted and forced to flee.
“These are Congolese even to the admission of Congo’s leaders, the past and the present. Now, why are they fighting? Why do we have over 100,000 refugees here in Rwanda originating from that region? Is it because Rwanda wants refugees and attracted them from Congo to come to Rwanda? Do they like fighting?” he wondered.
The President further questioned the narrative that labels the rebels as foreigners, pointing out that such accusations are unfounded.
“[They are involved] in the fighting that is happening in eastern Congo, and you call that violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity. How does it arise? On one hand these are Congolese, on the other hand, they are foreigners. How do they combine these two identities?”
President Kagame emphasized that those who call M23 fighters foreigners are either unaware of or are deliberately ignoring the complex history of the situation in eastern DRC.
He explained that the roots of this conflict go back to colonial times when borders were arbitrarily drawn, and that the M23 rebels did not originate from Rwanda when they resumed fighting in November 2021.
He reminded that when the rebels fled in 2013, most of them went to Uganda, where they regrouped and took up arms again to confront the DRC’s forces in 2021.
This was due to the failure of the Congolese government to address the persecution of Rwandophones, particularly Tutsis.
President Kagame noted that one of the reasons Rwanda is blamed for the situation in eastern DRC is because M23 fighters speak Kinyarwanda, and speaking Kinyarwanda in the DRC has become a pretext for the persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
Additionally, President Kagame explained that Rwanda is also blamed due to the presence of the genocidal militia group FDLR in the DRC, which poses a security threat to Rwanda.
He recalled that United Nations peacekeepers deployed to eastern DRC had to handle issues including the dismantling of the FDLR, but despite spending significant resources, they have not made substantial progress.
The President also pointed out that some countries, including former colonial powers in Africa, have created groups of so-called experts to assess the security situation, but when they are in the region, they tend to conceal the truth.
“Those who were involved in the colonial times and who were blamed for it have the power to manipulate and always fall short of doing what is right.
“You find they have groups they create, they say ‘Groups of Expert’, expert in doing what? You find these experts are led by people who are supposed to come and really cover up the blame that should be leveled against those who are responsible for those crimes of colonial times,” Kagame stated.
He stressed that anyone wanting to understand the realities of the situation in eastern DRC, and to find solutions, does not need to rely on experts but rather seek peace and security for the Congolese people.
President Kagame reiterated that FDLR plays a major role in destabilizing eastern DRC, and that the problem of this group should not be ignored.
He explained that Rwanda approached the DRC government offering support to eliminate FDLR but they refused despite having allowed Burundi and Uganda to cross into the country to fight armed groups threatening their security.
President Kagame made these remarks during a New Year press conference on January 9, 2025, where he addressed various topics.
In response to a question from an Al Jazeera journalist about what new developments might be expected from the new U.S. administration regarding issues in the DRC, President Kagame stated that he respects the changes that have occurred in the country, acknowledging that they were made for good reasons.
“I respect the change that has taken place in the United States, because for it to happen, it must have been for very good reasons that The Americans endorsed in their vote,” he said.
Kagame also noted that although there has been a change in leadership through democratic processes, the country’s approach to political issues is expected to evolve.
“There are many things, even geopolitically, at least the approach, that are going to change for sure […] I think that it will be the same to the approach of how African matters may be dealt with generally and also specifically with Eastern Congo. The same might see change happen,” he said.
“That’s what I think from a distance and just waiting for what will follow,” he added.
The President highlighted that changes are taking place not only in the United States but also across the globe at a “terrific pace” and stressed the importance of hard work to thrive in this “whirlwind.”
Donald Trump, of the Republican Party, won the U.S. presidential elections held on November 5, 2024. He defeated his main rival, Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, securing 277 Electoral College votes to Harris’s 224.
After the elections concluded, President Kagame congratulated Donald Trump on his victory and pledged to continue cooperation between Rwanda and the U.S. for mutual benefits in the years ahead.
Trump is expected to take the oath of office as the 47th U.S. President on January 20, 2025.
Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized that restoring America’s dignity would involve refraining from interventionism, focusing instead on strengthening America as a global hub, and improving the quality of life for Americans.
He was responding to a question about the replacement of five ministers since the new government was sworn in after last year’s presidential elections.
The press conference, which included both local and international media, covered various issues, including the security crisis in eastern DRC.
Regarding the replacements, Kagame explained that further changes are still expected.
“Changes in the government are not over. We are still at the beginning,” he said. “This process is guided by various factors, including the context of the time, the nature of the people, and the leadership’s desire to ensure efficiency, minimize time waste, and reduce costs while achieving our goals.”
He added that these decisions are aligned with the country’s current needs, trying to work at a manageable to address challenges in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, the private sector, and other key areas.
Kagame compared the process to a blueprint. “It’s like having a plan for everything—how things are done, who does them—and this plan guides the outcome. As things progress, adjustments are made where necessary,” he explained.
The President reiterated that the primary focus is on the people, ensuring that their needs are met in the best possible way.
He acknowledged the limitations posed by the country’s resources but emphasized that the government works to make the most of what is achievable.
He also highlighted the importance of accountability, stressing that leaders must focus on serving the people rather than prioritizing personal interests.
“We must consider whether someone performs well in their current role, or if they might be more effective elsewhere. It’s about ensuring that the focus remains on the people, not on personal interests,” Kagame said.
Before making any appointments or replacements, he follows a thorough process to ensure the leaders selected truly represent the interests of the citizens.
“I go through all these steps first. If I see a need for change, I don’t hesitate. Even if I appoint someone overnight, but realize the next day it’s not working, I will remove the person,” Kagame affirmed.
Kagame further emphasized that his decisions are not swayed by personal feelings.
“I don’t care if someone gets upset or not. What matters to me is whether I’ve addressed an issue for the people and ensured that things are done properly,” he concluded.
In an interview with RBA, Minister Sebahizi emphasized the importance of key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining as pillars of the national economy.
He underscored the ministry’s dedication to strengthening mineral extraction to fuel economic growth.
“There remains significant untapped potential in mining, especially with the entry of new investors who add value to processed minerals. This is why we are focusing on increasing investment in industries to drive production and sustain economic progress,” he said.
Bosco Kayobotsi, Managing Director of Gasabo Gold Refinery Ltd, highlighted the significant growth in gold and silver processing during the 2023/24 fiscal year.
“Our production has grown steadily, with the past two years showing the most substantial rise compared to the previous five years,” he noted.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that the industrial sector’s overall output grew by 14.7% in November 2024 compared to November 2023.
The mining and quarrying sector alone registered a remarkable 45.2% growth, while electricity production increased by 9.6%, and water and sanitation services rose by 12.8%.
Oreste Mukiza, Public Relations and Communication Specialist at the Rwanda Mining Board (RMB), attributed this growth to initiatives supporting the mining sector, such as providing electricity to remote mining sites.
“These electricity provisions enable the use of heavy machinery and advanced technology, making operations more efficient and significantly boosting production,” Mukiza explained.
Research conducted in 2017 identified 52 mineral-rich areas across Rwanda.
The nation’s underground mineral reserves are estimated to be worth approximately $154 billion.
The RMB reported that Rwanda’s mineral exports generated over $1.1 billion in 2023, a 43% increase from $772 million in 2022.
Chadian President Mahamat Deby Itno was inside the palace when the attack occurred, but authorities swiftly contained the situation.
During a live broadcast from within the presidential palace, Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah reassured the public, stating that the situation is completely under control.
The incident coincided with a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had earlier praised Deby Itno for efforts to reestablish constitutional order.
This attack comes shortly after parliamentary elections intended to restore democracy.
However, the main opposition party boycotted the polls, and analysts suggest the elections may further consolidate Deby Itno’s power.
President Mahamat Déby took over in 2021 following his father’s death during a rebel clash.
He was recently elected to lead Chad in a controversial election, facing allegations of vote-rigging and suppressing opposition voices.
Chad continues to struggle with ongoing violence and terrorism, including threats from extremist groups such as Boko Haram.
It was in late December 2012, the day had started all well for Niyibizi, with shopping as he looked forward to joining his family to enjoy the festive season.
The joy turned into despair later that evening, when he was involved in an accident as he was going home.
“I lost my leg because of speeding. I think I was just happy that I was going home after months without going there, to enjoy Christmas and the New Year with them, and I forgot that I was on the road, which is shared with many other motorists and pedestrians. This ended up being my last ride,” Niyibizi reckons.
He recalls how carelessness and overexcitement cost him dearly. Having accepted the situation, Niyibizi now urges other road users to avoid making the same life-threatening mistakes.
“Towards the end of the year, people tend to overindulge, but that is dangerous for drivers and motorcyclists. You will regret your whole life when you lose your limb; that is if you don’t die and leave your loved ones heartbroken for something preventable.
“When I see people walking, I feel like I’ve lost something invaluable. My advice to motorists is to stay cautious, not prioritize celebrations over life, avoid speeding, and refrain from drinking and driving. If you lose your life, you leave your family in distress,” says Niyibizi.
Just like Niyibizi, Ernest Ndayishimiye, a former truck driver, recounts the same ordeal.
“It was in November 2011, when I was involved in an accident. I was driving a truck from Kigali to Rusizi and I had an accident in Nyamagabe. I lost my limb, which has since affected my life. Accidents have severe consequences. Economically, I’ve lost a lot having to spend years unable to work. I used to support my family, but now I can’t,” says Ndayishimiye.
Ndayishimiye advises road users to avoid driving under the influence, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and observe speed limits. He also encourages pedestrians to use designated crossings.
Another road accident victim, Alice Mukamurenzi, who lost her leg as a child in 1996 while crossing the road, now plays football and advocates for road safety.
She said: “I live in Musanze and play football in a team for people with disabilities. I was a child when I was hit by a car while crossing the road, leading to my disability. Whether it was my carelessness or the driver’s speed, the accident happened because of negligence on both sides.”
“Whatever you want to achieve or to celebrate, you will only do it when you are in good health and without any harm. Drive sober, follow traffic laws, and as pedestrians, cross or use the road carefully.”
Road traffic accident (RTA) victims suffer from different types of injuries and disabilities, which can affect their quality of life. They usually face various physical, mental, and social problems. Most traffic accident victims experience difficulties adapting to the new life.
Road traffic accidents are a global concern as they are among the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming over a million lives each year and leaving many others injured.
From January to December 2024, Rwanda recorded around 9,600 road accidents, leading to 350 fatalities. Despite ongoing efforts by international organizations and governments worldwide to mitigate the effects of road accidents, the issue persists.
For the last five years, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) has been conducting the “Gerayo Amahoro” road safety campaign to educate and influence all categories of road users to adopt safer behaviors on road usage.
The campaign focuses on eliminating human behaviors that lead to accidents, fatalities or permanent disabilities, and to increase visibility and enforcement.
Gerayo Amahoro or ‘arrive safe’ encourages safe driving behavior, responsive use of the road and to make road safety a choice and culture.
The road security report indicates that road-related fatalities reduced by 50 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Accidents involving cyclists, who are often among the most vulnerable road users, also dropped by 17%, reflecting significant changes in the behaviors of road users.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, echoed the message of road safety, urging people to drive safely without jeopardizing public safety.
He advises the public against driving or riding under the influence, and to seek alternative safer means.
“Roads are used by many people, who wish to get to their final destinations safely. So, when you are on the road as a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist, pedestrian or passenger, behave or act in a way that guarantees your safety and that of other people sharing the same road.
“Avoid speeding, using a phone when riding, driving or crossing the road; respect zebra crossing, refrain from drunk driving, wrong or dangerous maneuvers, reckless use of road; all of which increase risks of road crashes, injuries, loss of lives and destruction of property. Make road safety a choice and culture,” ACP Rutikanga says.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, spoke to reporters after meeting with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.
When asked about how China and Africa jointly address climate change, Wang said that President Sassou’s high attention to the issue of climate change reflects the foresight of African leaders, adding that China has always supported Africa in achieving green development as the installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants built jointly has exceeded 1.5 GW, lighting up thousands of homes across the continent.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization that is eco-friendly, which is the common goal of both sides and one of the key tasks of this visit, Wang said.
He said that China will implement the Partnership Action for Green Development, and work with African countries to carry out clean energy projects proposed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
China will join hands with Africa to promote international climate governance, Wang said.
Noting that fair and common but differentiated responsibilities should be adhered to, Wang called on developed countries to face up to their historical responsibilities, earnestly fulfill their obligations, and provide financial, technical and capacity-building support to developing countries, especially African countries.
This development was confirmed by Rwanda’s Presidency via its X account.
In 2021, a tripartite declaration of intent was signed between OIF, Rwanda’s Ministry of Education, and the French Development Agency (AFD) to develop a national plan for teaching French in Rwanda.
This agreement marked a significant step in improving the quality of French language teaching across various levels of education, from basic schooling to higher education and vocational training, with a focus on enhancing the professional integration of young Rwandans.
Before becoming the Secretary General of the OIF in 2018, Louise Mushikiwabo served as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She was re-elected for a second term in 2022 during the 18th Summit of Francophonie Heads of State in Djerba, Tunisia.
Under her leadership, the OIF has undergone reforms to address global challenges such as security threats and environmental issues. Rwanda joined OIF in 1970.
