The cyclone made landfall on December 15, bringing torrential rains and strong winds that devastated Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. Over 123,000 families—more than 622,000 people—have been affected, with over 140,000 homes damaged or destroyed, INGD reported.
Public infrastructure has also suffered heavily, with damage to 250 schools, 89 public buildings, and 52 health centers. Flooded agricultural lands further threaten food security in the region.
To assist victims, the government has set up two shelters accommodating 1,349 people.
However, the scale of destruction presents significant challenges for relief and recovery efforts.
In a national address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi declared two days of mourning and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, urging solidarity in the face of this disaster.
Authorities and humanitarian agencies are calling for more support to address the urgent needs of those affected by the cyclone.
Nelly Mukazayire, formerly the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, was appointed Minister of Sports. She emphasized her focus on grassroots development to elevate sports in Rwanda.
“I am deeply humbled to be given yet another opportunity to serve my nation. Thank you, Your Excellency Paul Kagame, for entrusting me with these new responsibilities. I commit to work together with partners to promote sports from grassroots and make Rwanda a global sports hub,” Mukazayire said.
Rwego Ngarambe, who previously served as Director-General of Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports, was named State Minister in the same ministry.
He expressed pride and gratitude for his new role and pledged to contribute to sustainable sports development.
“With gratitude and humility, I accept this new role entrusted to Your Excellency President Paul Kagame. I am honored to continue contributing to the sustainable growth of sports in Rwanda,” Ngarambe said.
François-Regis Uwayezu, the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, previously served as CEO of Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club and Secretary-General of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA). He vowed to execute his responsibilities effectively.
“Thank you, Your Excellency President Paul Kagame, for entrusting me with this role. I will do my utmost to execute these duties effectively,” Uwayezu stated.
Ngabo Brave, appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, was formerly the Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council. He pledged to collaborate with young people to build the Rwanda they envision.
“When the leader calls you to duty, you say, ‘Yes, again!’ I thank His Excellency Paul Kagame for this trust and am ready to work wholeheartedly with the youth to continue building the Rwanda we desire,” Ngabo said.
Francis Gatare, named Senior Advisor in the Office of the President (OTP), had served as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) since September 2023. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the nation.
“I am always grateful, humbled, and inspired by His Excellency Paul Kagame, who gives me the opportunity to continue serving my country. Returning to the OTP is a special privilege and transformative experience. I recommit myself to do my utmost best and to use the chance well for lifelong learning,” Gatare noted.
Eng. Richard Nyirishema, transitioning from Minister of Sports to lead the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), pledged to enhance water resource management in his new role.
“I sincerely thank His Excellency President Paul Kagame for the trust he has placed in me. I pledge to dedicate myself to improving water resource management in Rwanda,” Nyirishema said.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, who served as Minister of Local Government from November 2022 to October 2024, was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He assured his commitment to the role.
“I once again thank His Excellency President Paul Kagame for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue serving Rwanda through the National Electoral Commission. I pledge to work with even greater dedication and diligence,” he said.
Vincent Karega, previously Rwanda’s envoy to different countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, was named Ambassador at Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on the Great Lakes Region. He reaffirmed his dedication to advancing Rwanda’s interests.
“Thank you, His Excellency Kagame. I am proud and honored by your continued trust in me to continue serving on Rwanda’s journey of transformation. My commitments and loyalty to national duties remain high and unshakable. Long live Rwanda,” Amb. Karega affirmed.
Lambert Dushimimana, formerly Governor of the Western Province, was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands. He vowed to represent Rwanda with integrity and promote its values.
“Thank you, His Excellency President Paul Kagame, for the trust you have placed in me by appointing me as an ambassador. I am committed to representing our nation with integrity and dedication and promoting Rwandan values in the Netherlands. I am truly humbled by your confidence in my abilities,” Dushimimana said.
These appointments follow the October 18, 2024, reshuffle, during which President Kagame named Dr. Patrice Mugenzi as Minister of Local Government and Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro as Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources.
The city now glows with vibrant decorations and sparkling lights that set the tone for a season of celebration.
Walking through the streets of Kigali during this time is nothing short of magical.
From the bustling downtown area near the iconic roundabout to the scenic paths leading through Gishushu and Remera, the city is illuminated with festive ornaments.
The streets, lined with glowing lights and colorful displays, reflect the collective spirit of its residents, who take immense pride in living in one of the cleanest cities in the world.
For those who love to capture the beauty of the moment, the festive decorations offer the perfect backdrop. Visitors from all over the world are seen wandering the streets, taking pictures of the stunning displays, each one reflecting Kigali’s pride and vibrant culture.
Beyond the public spaces, Kigali’s residents have also embraced the season by adorning their homes, offices, and even vehicles with festive touches. This added personal touch enhances the collective spirit of celebration and reflects the deep-rooted joy that comes with the season.
As the countdown to Christmas and New Year begins, IGIHE took a tour around the city. The pictures below showcase a glimpse of the magnificence Kigali has to offer as we step into this festive season.
Take a moment to explore these eye-catching pictures and experience the magic of Kigali.
“It makes no sense to have conflicts about this. Therefore, I appeal to everyone to bring these negotiations to a good result now,” said the German chancellor Scholz upon arriving at the European Council summit.
China hopes that the EU will take concrete steps as soon as possible to jointly advance consultations on a price commitment plan for Chinese EVs, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
China always stands for the resolution of trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and has been doing its utmost in the price commitment talks, said the ministry’s spokesperson He Yongqian.
Scholz also called on the European Commission to ease the enforcement of financial penalties for EU carmakers that fail to meet the region’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emission targets set for next year.
“In the current global pressures facing the automotive industry, especially in Europe, it makes no sense to further burden companies with penalties for unmet targets in 2025,” Scholz said.
“The Commission should find a way so that, if penalties become necessary, they do not impact the financial liquidity of the companies that now need to invest in electro-mobility, modern products, and vehicles,” he added.
The European Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, including a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport. To support this goal, stricter EU emissions rules for automakers will take effect from 2025, requiring average emissions of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer or less. Automakers exceeding this limit face fines of 95 euros (about 98.45 U.S. dollars) per gram per car.
Industry estimates suggest European automakers could face penalties totaling 15 billion euros for failing to meet the targets, with Germany’s Volkswagen, the region’s largest automaker, among the most exposed.
This new initiative allows EAC nationals to apply for the permit free of charge.
The announcement was made through a gazette notice issued by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as Kenya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
With this move, Kenya follows Rwanda’s example in eliminating work permit fees for EAC nationals.
To qualify for the permit, applicants must present proof of citizenship from an EAC member state, such as a valid passport.
The primary goal of the ‘Class R’ permit is to streamline the work permit process for EAC nationals and encourage both skilled and unskilled workers to come to Kenya.
In addition to the new permit, Kenya has also reduced the minimum annual income requirement for its nomad working permit, lowering it from $55,000 to $24,000.
Mudavadi has told The East African that these changes are part of Kenya’s strategy to position itself as a multilateral hub.
Initially, the DRC government had requested all MONUSCO forces to leave the country by December 31, 2024.
However, security in North Kivu has worsened, prompting the extension of the mission’s mandate, which will now expire on December 20, 2025.
This insecurity has been fueled by the ongoing conflict between government forces, supported by a coalition of armed groups, and the M23 rebel group.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the Congolese government’s refusal to engage in dialogue that could address the safety concerns of citizens facing violence in the eastern part of the country.
The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2765 (2024), outlining MONUSCO’s key priorities, including protecting civilians, supporting stabilization efforts, and strengthening state institutions and governance.
The resolution also grants MONUSCO the authority to use “all means at its disposal” to prevent attacks on civilians by armed groups.
MONUSCO will continue to operate with an authorized troop ceiling of 11,500 military personnel, 600 observers, 443 police officers, and 1,270 members of police units.
The Council also called for a tailored strategy for the mission’s gradual and responsible withdrawal, taking into account the evolving conflict dynamics in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
A progress report on the withdrawal strategy is expected by March 31, 2025. The Secretary-General will continue to provide regular updates on the mission’s performance and any necessary adjustments.
MONUSCO has been active in DRC for more than 20 years.
The development was announced by Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana on December 20, at a press conference during which Rwanda declared the end of Marburg Virus Disease.
Rwanda announced the Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024. Assessments linked the Marburg virus outbreak to Egyptian rousette bats in mining areas nearby Kigali City.
According to the Ministry of Health, investigations revealed that the initial transmission took place in August 2024. A man contracted the virus in the mine and subsequently transmitted it to his wife, who tragically passed away after being infected.
By the time the outbreak was declared over, the country had recorded 66 illnesses and 15 deaths.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted the importance of understanding bat movements, stating, “We will begin, in the coming weeks, to track and understand the migrations and movements of bats. […] We aim to detect outbreaks before they reach our hospitals.”
The government plans to focus on critical periods, especially in February and August, when bats are more likely to shed viruses.
Over 50 bat habitats have been identified, and warning signs are being placed to prevent human contact in high-risk areas.
While acknowledging the ecological role of bats, Nsanzimana emphasized the importance of creating safer environments to mitigate public health risks.
Richard Nyirishema had assumed the role of Minister of Sports in August 2024, replacing Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, while Richard Tusabe had held the position State Minister in charge of the National Treasury since 2020.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, released on December 20, 2024, confirmed other appointments, including Rwanda’s new ambassadors and leaders in key government institutions.
In ambassadorial appointments, Festus Bizimana has been designated as Rwanda’s proposed ambassador to Senegal, while Parfait Busabizwa will represent the country in the Republic of the Congo.
Olivier Kayumba is proposed as Rwanda’s ambassador to the Central African Republic, and Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President has been nominated ambassador to the Russian Federation.
Lambert Dushimimana, former Western Province Governor has been designated as the proposed ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Vincent Karega who previously served as Rwanad’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, has been appointed Ambassador at Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in charge of the Great Lakes Region.
Other key appointments include Francis Gatare as Senior Advisor in the Office of the President and Eng. Richard Nyirishema as the Executive Chairperson of the Rwanda Water Resources Board.
Francis Gatare previously served as the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Former Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana will serve as the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission, while Brave Ngabo is appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts.
Ariane Zingiro has been named Head of the National Development Planning and Research Department in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
A statement by the council of ministers indicates that the mourning would begin at midnight on 20 December.
In a televised address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi expressed his condolences, offering support to the grieving families and affected communities.
He emphasized the government’s immediate focus on providing shelter, food, water, and other critical aid.
The cyclone devastated the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, damaging over 36,000 homes, 49 healthcare facilities, and key infrastructure.
More than 182,000 people are impacted, with emergency shelters set up for over 1,300 displaced individuals. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing to address the crisis.
