She specifically called for cases to be tried at the locations where the crimes occurred, where feasible.
Mukantaganzwa made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed judges on December 18, 2024.
The judges sworn in include the President and Vice President of the Commercial Court, as well as the Presidents and Vice Presidents of Intermediate Courts.
In her address, Mukantaganzwa stressed the importance of expediting trials, particularly those involving murder and genocide ideology.
“First, you should expedite trials for defendants charged with murder and genocide ideology, and, where possible, these cases should be tried at the location where the crimes were committed,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for swift trials of corruption-related crimes, adding, “For Rwanda to reach its full potential, we must tackle the issue of individuals accumulating wealth from public resources, believing they will never face justice.”
Further, Mukantaganzwa advocated for adopting judicial practices like mediation, plea bargaining, and reliance on precedents to enhance efficiency.
She also called for greater attention to the directives issued by higher courts in previous rulings, ensuring consistency in the justice system for similar cases.
Among those sworn in were four judges appointed to intermediate courts in Gicumbi, Musanze, Rubavu, and Rusizi, and two to the Commercial Court.
He had been accused of involvement in attacks against Tutsis on the hills of Nyamure, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and roadblocks set up in Nyanza.
From the beginning of the trial, Hategekimana had been charged with his role in the death of Narcisse Nyagasaza, the former Mayor of Ntyazo Commune, accusing him of attempting to smuggle Tutsis into Burundi through the Akanyaru River, though Hategekimana had vehemently denied these allegations.
IGIHE spoke with lawyers representing survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Paris, who expressed their satisfaction with the verdict handed down to Hategekimana.
Lawyer André-Martin Karongozi said that the case had concluded as they had hoped.
“We wanted the court to make a decision like the one made by the first instance court, sentencing him to life imprisonment. This man has been sentenced to life imprisonment, and nothing more is fitting for the gravity of the crime he committed. This is the harshest sentence here. The death penalty no longer exists,” he noted.
Lawyer Richard Gisagara, who also represented the Rwandan community in France, emphasized that anyone familiar with the magnitude of the genocide trials would be pleased with the court’s decision.
He highlighted that the last months of 2024 had been marked by the delivery of justice for genocide survivors, noting that since October 2024, the Biguma case had become the third trial in a series.
He also referenced other cases, such as that of Dr. Eugene Rwamucyo, who was sentenced to 27 years for genocide crimes, and Charles Onana, who was convicted for genocide denial and revisionism—the first such conviction by a French court.
“This is encouraging,” Gisagara said. “It is a significant step here in France to fight against the culture of impunity for those accused of genocide crimes, including denial and revisionism.”
Lawyer Gisagara acknowledged that while progress was being made, they must remain vigilant and continue to push for those responsible for the genocide to face justice.
Alain Gauthier, founder of the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), and his wife Daphrose, whose organization advocates for the prosecution of those involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi hiding in France, also welcomed the sentence.
Gauthier said, “The decision did not surprise us. It is what we expected. We followed this case from start to finish, attending each hearing and writing reports about how the trial proceeded. I don’t understand why Biguma would not be handed a life sentence.”
He further commented on Rwamucyo case, saying that they were up against someone deeply entrenched in genocide ideology, but they were pleased with the outcome, as he was convicted.
Gauthier also expressed satisfaction with the case against Dr. Sosthène Munyemana, who played a key role in the genocide in Tumba (Huye) and the former Butare Prefecture, noting that justice had been delivered after a long wait, with proceedings that started in 1995.
“Although the legal process took nearly 20 years, justice has been delivered in these final months of 2024,” he said. “We’ve won. We’ve won all eight cases that were tried in this court since 2014.”
Gauthier thanked the genocide survivors for their continued trust in the justice process and reassured them that they would keep fighting for justice.
Lawyer François Epoma, representing civil claimants in the case, also reflected on the difficult six weeks of the Biguma trial.
“It was a tough period, with heated debates about the genocide crimes he committed,” Epoma said. “However, despite the challenges, it ended well. Justice has been served, and Biguma has been sentenced to life imprisonment, which is what we expected.”
Epoma highlighted that prosecuting individuals responsible for the genocide sent a clear message that those who partake in such crimes would face the law.
Lawyer Sylvain Tapi, a lawyer based in Brussels and Abidjan, also commented on Biguma’s case, stating that he had lied throughout the trial but was ultimately convicted based on evidence and testimonies.
“Philippe Hategekimana did nothing in this trial except lie, and in the end, he was found guilty thanks to the evidence and the testimonies of those who accused him,” Tapi said. “I am pleased that the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi have received justice.”
As of early July 2024, the country had over 25,000 doctors, with the 4×4 reform expected to increase this number to 58,582 by 2028. The reform, which requires an investment of over $395 million, has made significant strides by the end of 2024.
A report from the Ministry of Health reveals that Rwanda received $62 million (over 86.3 billion Frw) in funding, which has been used for student scholarships, educational resources, equipment purchases, infrastructure development, and facility renovations—all aligned with the 4×4 initiative.
A key component of the program has been the expansion of medical schools. In 2024, the number of midwifery schools increased from four to eleven, while nursing schools grew by four, reaching a total of twelve.
Additionally, the African Health Sciences University (AHSU) has been fully accredited to operate in Rwanda, and it began accepting students for medical specializations in November 2024.
Similarly, the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) has been granted accreditation to offer undergraduate programs in general medicine and dentistry.
This year, the number of students entering the medical field has grown by 3.7 times, supported by the hiring of qualified instructors to maintain high educational standards.
The Ministry of Health also introduced advanced training programs for midwifery specialists, mirroring the training offered to doctors pursuing specializations in various medical fields.
The University of Rwanda has enhanced its capacity to increase the number of students pursuing Master’s degrees in medicine, with a 40% increase this year.
Two new Master’s programs focusing on ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging were launched.
The program has also expanded training for gynecologists, establishing new training programs in 10 district hospitals.
Specialist doctors capable of both treating and teaching were selected and placed in these hospitals to mentor others in gynecology.
Each hospital received two specialists, along with support teams of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, and other professionals, providing services comparable to those offered at the four main teaching hospitals: Kanombe Military Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali University Teaching Hospital, and the University Teaching Hospital of Butare.
International partnerships have played a key role, facilitating the first cohort of 44 doctors sent to Ethiopia, where they will specialize in treating various critical conditions.
In addition, 13 specialized training programs were introduced at the University of Rwanda, including those in kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, and neonatal care.
Currently, 11 medical training programs are being offered across Rwanda, with 13 doctors expected to complete their studies in 2024.
Additionally, 26 doctors are undergoing specialization abroad in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Israel, France, and Tanzania.
Rwanda has signed partnership agreements with institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean to further enhance its healthcare education.
Meanwhile, 45 other doctors have been approved for training in Rwanda. While significant progress has been made, the Ministry of Health recognizes that funding challenges remain.
In 2025, there are 8,350 opportunities for medical training, but only 1,418 scholarships (17%) have been awarded thus far.
This event, designed for children and their families, promises a fun-filled celebration to kick off the holidays.
Typically, the hotel hosts a Sunday brunch offering a variety of meals and beverages from 11 AM to 1 PM, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests.
However, this holiday season, they’ve teamed up with the Sherrie Silver Foundation to create a special experience tailored just for children.
The event will also feature children from the foundation who will showcase their talents through activities like dancing and singing.
The children are encouraged to dress in “Cinderella”-themed costumes, with prizes awarded to the best-dressed. Prizes include hotel services such as four complimentary brunches, a stay at the hotel, school supplies, and more.
In addition to the performances, various games will keep the children entertained throughout the day, ensuring a lively and joyful atmosphere for everyone.
The brunch is priced at Frw 25,000 for adults and Frw 12,500 for children under 12.
The price includes access to both Billy’s Bistro, offering international dishes, and Tung Chinese Cuisine, known for its Chinese food. Adults can also enjoy live music performed by Cedric Mineur and Afrozik Band.
Lourenço serves as the African Union-appointed mediator in the ongoing Luanda Process aimed at addressing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The visit comes amid rising tensions between Rwanda and DRC, following the resurgence of fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese Army.
DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim strongly denied by Kigali, which instead urges DRC to address its internal issues without implicating Rwanda.
Rwanda has also criticized DRC for its collaboration with the FDLR, a terrorist group, which threatens Rwanda’s security.
Minister Antonio’s arrival follows the postponement of Luanda talks between Presidents Lourenço, Kagame, and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi, which were set for December 15, 2024.
The postponement occurred after DRC’s ministerial delegation refused to engage in talks with the M23, despite earlier commitments to do so through the “Nairobi Process,” led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
DRC’s reversal on the talks has delayed progress on critical issues, including plans to dismantle the FDLR and remove Rwanda’s security measures at its border.
Despite the setback, Angola’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed President Lourenço’s continued commitment to mediating efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader region.
One of the plots involved a young woman believed to be attempting a suicide bombing in Mosul, a city that was once a stronghold of the Islamic State.
According to media reports, the pope shared these details in an excerpt from his upcoming autobiography Spera (Hope), which was released on December 17, 2024, on his 88th birthday.
In the excerpt, he recalled the high security risks surrounding the visit, stating, “I had been advised against that trip by almost everyone, which would have been the first by a pontiff in the Middle Eastern region devastated by extremist violence.”
Despite the warnings, Francis felt compelled to make the journey. He explained, “If your grandfather’s house burns down, if in his country his descendants risk their lives or have lost it, the [best] thing to do is to reach the house as soon as possible.”
Pope John Paul II had also planned a visit to Iraq to open the Jubilee Year 2000, but was prevented by Saddam Hussein.
Francis said he felt it was important not to disappoint the people again, emphasizing the significance of the visit to the region’s religious communities.
The full autobiography will be published in Italian in mid-January 2025.
This pledged was disclosed on December 16, 2024, during the One UN Steering Committee meeting, which brought together government officials, UN agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, and representatives from the private sector.
The meeting focused on reviewing the UN system’s progress in delivering as one in Rwanda.
Yusuf Murangwa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, commended the UN system in Rwanda for aligning its cooperation with the country’s medium and long-term strategies.
“The One UN Committee provides an opportunity to assess our progress and discuss the way forward, specifically how the UN will continue to align its interventions with our National Strategy for Transformation Two. This is about delivering as one—not just the UN system, but all of us working together,” he noted.
Ozonnia Ojielo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Rwanda, explained that the new UNSDCF aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, NST2, and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
It prioritizes, among others, economic and social transformation, as well as transformational governance, to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
“Key focus areas include innovative financing, climate-smart growth, human capital development, and strengthened governance systems to promote peace and accountability,” she said.
The Joint One UN Committee aims to provide strategic direction and oversight for the UNSDCF, ensuring its alignment with national, regional, and international development processes, such as Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Additionally, it connects with other processes like the Voluntary National Reviews and the Universal Periodic Review.
This platform also serves as an accountability mechanism for the Cooperation Framework, supporting the collective effort towards the 2030 Agenda.
The agreement, signed on December 18, 2024, under the Financing Green and Gender-Sensitive Public Spaces project, follows a previous 20 million euro grant intended to support investments in environmental protection initiatives.
The Minister of Finance and Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, thanked the Federal Republic of Germany for its strong development partnership with Rwanda and expressed optimism for continued cooperation.
He further noted that the grant would contribute to enhancing climate resilience in both rural and urban areas of secondary cities.
“Some of the investments to be made as part of this project include wetlands rehabilitation, improvement in stormwater management, and green infrastructure for the social and economic development of the areas involved,” he said.
Rwanda has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030, with a budget of $11 billion allocated for addressing the impacts of climate change and environmental conservation through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
German Ambassador to Rwanda, Heike Uta Dettmann, praised Rwanda for being an ambitious partner and effectively utilizing received support to improve the lives of its people.
“This investment will provide critical support to strengthening the resilience of cities to climate change and the quality of life of the urban population, and particularly for women, because it’s all over the world that women are a huge part of everything,” she stated.
This project is part of the bilateral climate and development partnership between Rwanda and Germany, signed in 2022. According to Amb. Dettmann, this partnership is already valued at over 260 million euros.
The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) program, which aims to address the effects of climate change and protect the environment, has a budget of $11 billion, with $6.2 billion required for implementation by 2030.
Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), confirmed that the grant would help close the existing funding gap for Rwanda’s climate change mitigation and environmental resilience programs.
She added that, based on current stakeholder participation, there is confidence that by 2030, the necessary funding will be secured.
Currently, the Rwandan government allocates 10% of its budget to environmental protection and addressing climate change impacts.
The Head of State was speaking at the inauguration of the World Health Organization (WHO) Academy on Tuesday, 17 December 2024 at the WHO Academy campus in Lyon, France.
This hybrid event brought together WHO Member States and local, national, and international partners to highlight the importance of lifelong learning in the health sector and provide an opportunity to experience the Campus facilities in action.
In his remarks, President Kagame expressed gratitude to the WHO and its Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, for this significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of the WHO Academy in enhancing global health education.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical gaps in health systems worldwide, particularly in Africa.
President Kagame acknowledged that the ongoing health challenges make it necessary to focus on advancing science, technology, and learning opportunities for health professionals.
“The COVID pandemic showed us the importance of training Africa’s health workforce. New health challenges have continued to arise since then,” he remarked, underlining the growing need for skilled healthcare workers to respond to emerging threats.
He went on to highlight Rwanda’s ambitious goal of quadrupling its health workforce in the next four years, noting that the WHO Academy will be key in achieving this target.
“The WHO Academy will be instrumental in helping us achieve this objective and we intend to make full use of it,” he said, signaling Rwanda’s strong commitment to harnessing the Academy’s resources for the benefit of its health sector.
The Government of Rwanda has set a target to expand the healthcare workforce through the 4×4 program, aiming to increase the number of healthcare workers from over 25,000 in July 2024 to more than 58,000 by 2028.
This initiative will improve the doctor-patient ratio, with one doctor serving 1,000 patients, compared to the current ratio where one doctor is responsible for a significantly larger population.
President Kagame also emphasized the importance of international partnerships to build sustainable health systems.
“We owe it to our people to deliver consistent, affordable, high-quality healthcare,” he said, adding that Rwanda is eager to benefit from knowledge transfer in fields like biotechnology.
The WHO Academy aims to help Member States address critical gaps in health workforce training by leveraging new technologies and applying the latest advancements in adult learning.
The Academy will offer high-quality courses to health and care workers, decision-makers and the WHO workforce, both online and in-person.
Located in the bio-district of Gerland in Lyon and funded by France, the WHO Academy Campus is an eco-friendly facility designed to foster innovation and collaboration.
It features a world-class simulation centre and will serve as a hub for learners, trainers, academics, and researchers from around the globe.
Starting from December 23-24, 2024, and December 30-31, 2024, passengers will board buses at designated locations in addition to the Nyabugogo Terminal.
Travelers using the Southern Corridor from districts such as Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Ngororero, Gisagara, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Nyaruguru will board buses at Nyamirambo’s Pele Stadium.
Passengers traveling along the Eastern Corridor to Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Ngoma, and Kirehe will board buses at the Kabuga Terminal.
For those using the Northern Corridor from Gicumbi or traveling to Nyagatare via Gicumbi, Rulindo, Musanze, Rubavu, Burera, Gakenke, and Nyabihu, buses will depart from the Nyabugogo Terminal.
RURA further stated that passengers heading to Bugesera will board at Nyanza in Kicukiro. Travelers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid delays.
Staff from the City of Kigali and relevant agencies will be on hand to assist passengers throughout the holiday period. RURA also urged travelers to remain patient with any challenges that may arise during this busy season.
