Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

This recognition came on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, during a visit by World Bank representatives and donors to SAIP II-supported projects in Rwamagana District.

SAIP II is implemented under the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

Some of the projects visited include the Gwiza Rw34 cooperative, which utilizes water from the Nyirabidibiri dam for irrigation and greenhouse farming, as well as an avocado farm spanning eight hectares.

Jean Hitimana, the SAIP II manager, revealed that the initiative, along with its predecessor SAIP I, had received a total of $52 million in funding. He emphasized that the project aims to boost agricultural productivity in Rwanda, with a particular focus on crops such as maize, beans, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits.

“The primary goal is to improve nutrition, which is why we are working with farmers on various initiatives, including distributing chickens for egg production, teaching kitchen gardening, and supplying mushroom cultivation kits. These efforts all contribute to improving the diets of local farmers,” Hitimana said.

He added that World Bank officials and other donors were pleased with the positive outcomes their support had produced in the community, urging citizens to maintain the infrastructure in place and use the funding responsibly.

“The donors observed the progress made and were pleased to see that the funding was being used effectively. Farmers shared their progress and outlined their plans for future growth, showing that the funding is continuing to deliver positive results,” he added.

Fidele Dushimirimana, president of the Gwiza Rw34 cooperative, which farms across 215 hectares in the Mwulire, Rubona, Nzige, and Gahengeri sectors, explained that before the introduction of irrigation infrastructure, farmers relied on unpredictable rainfall, which often led to crop losses.

“Now, we can farm even without rain. We grow crops like chili peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and potatoes, while also practicing crop rotation with maize, beans, and soybeans. Many of us now have a stable income, as tomato farmers, for example, can sell their produce regularly in the market,” Dushimirimana said.

He expressed his gratitude to the Rwandan government for facilitating such effective partnerships with donors, which have quadrupled the benefits farmers are experiencing and allowed them to farm sustainably throughout the year.

Josiane Mukansanga, a farmer from Kigarama in the Nzige sector, shared her success story of growing vegetables, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

“Previously, we farmed just for subsistence, but now we have access to markets where we sell our produce regularly. In one season, I earned over 300,000 Rwandan Francs, which enabled me to renovate my house and buy livestock,” Mukansanga said.

Oliver Mutesi, the Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for Rwamagana District, praised the SAIP for its support, including the provision of solar-powered irrigation systems and other vital resources.

She urged the World Bank to continue supporting such initiatives, recognizing the profound impact they have on farmers’ livelihoods. Mutesi also assured that the district would continue to monitor and support farmers in maintaining the infrastructure provided to them.

Currently, the SAIP II is operational in 20 districts across Rwanda, helping farmers increase productivity in crops such as potatoes, beans, maize, vegetables, and fruits.

The project emphasizes improving nutrition, facilitating small-scale irrigation on small plots, and supporting smallholder farmers through infrastructure development and value addition.

Each year, Karisimbi Events honors outstanding public and private companies for their exceptional business practices and customer service. Mega Global Link was among the distinguished winners this year, celebrated for its dedication to supporting Rwandans in studying abroad.

Dr. Habumugisha shared his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that it will motivate the team to work even harder.

“This is a meaningful moment for Mega Global Link, Mega Global Market, and Goodrich Business Group,” he said. “We thank God for giving us the strength, wisdom, and dedication to serve our fellow Rwandans. We are proud to be recognized as a leader in helping people travel abroad.”

He further explained that the company entered the field after witnessing many Rwandans fall victim to scams or misinformation about visa applications. “We saw that people were being misled, promised visas they couldn’t get, or had their cases mishandled. At Mega Global Link, we are committed to honesty—we tell people the truth. If a particular visa isn’t possible, we say so, and we offer alternative solutions.”

In just one year, Mega Global Link has made a significant impact, assisting Rwandans in traveling for education, work, family visits, tourism, and medical treatment. The company collaborates with countries in Europe, Canada, and the USA.

Currently, Mega Global Link operates in Rwanda, New York, Canada, and Europe. Dr. Habumugisha expressed his pride in the company’s achievements thus far, stating that the goal for 2025 is to help even more people. “What matters most to us is the joy of knowing we’re making a difference in people’s lives. We provide top-tier service to help our clients achieve their dreams.”

He also revealed that in the coming months, beneficiaries of Mega Global Link’s services will begin sharing their success stories, demonstrating the impact of the company’s work.

Mega Global Link is located in Kigali at Matheus House, on the third floor.

Ramazan Twalla, the assistant chief administrative officer for Bulambuli, told Xinhua over the phone that the landslides swept through three sub-counties on Wednesday night, burying around 40 houses.

“I can confirm that nine bodies have so far been recovered this morning. The residents are still digging the soil and we expect to recover more bodies because many houses were buried,” Twalla said.

“We expect the government to send in official search and rescue teams as well as humanitarian assistance in the form of food and temporary shelters,” he added.

The landslides were triggered by days of heavy downpour in the mountainous region, said Twalla.

“In response to the unfriendly actions of German authorities, which were taken against Russian correspondents … as a mirror measure, it is prescribed to German correspondents to hand over their accreditation certificates and leave the territory of the Russian Federation,” Zakharova said at a media briefing.

She added that Russia will be ready to issue accreditation to new ARD employees after Germany creates conditions for the work of Russian journalists and resumes activities of Channel One’s office.

Earlier in the day, Russian media reported German authorities were closing Channel One’s office in Berlin, requiring a correspondent and a cameraman of the broadcaster to leave Germany in early December.

The broadcaster provided a document by the German authorities, which reportedly stated that “the activities of Channel One represent a significant immediate threat to public order and security in Germany and the EU as they pose a threat to the process of the formation of the public opinion and decision-making in the member states.”

According to MINEMA, the disasters—comprising floods, landslides, and lightning strikes—have affected various regions across the country during this period.

The torrential rains have caused extensive damage to homes, classrooms, crops, and roads in districts such as Gakenke, Gisagara, Kamonyi, Gasabo, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Rusizi, and Gatsibo.

With forecasts predicting more heavy rains in the coming weeks, as confirmed by the Rwanda Meteorological Agency (Meteo Rwanda), MINEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Habinshuti Philippe, has urged residents in high-risk areas to consider relocating to safer locations to mitigate further damage.

“This rainfall has brought a unique pattern of lightning, affecting both people and livestock. In the coming days, we must remain vigilant and take additional precautionary measures, based on the information from the Rwanda Meteorological Agency,” Habinshuti said.

MINEMA is coordinating efforts with the 17 districts most affected by these disasters to safeguard the population. In total, 1,143 families are expected to be relocated due to the landslide risks posed by the areas where they live.

The President also welcomed Ambassador Nadeska Imara Cuthbert Carlson of Nicaragua, High Commissioner Savvas Vladimirou of Cyprus, Ambassador Patricio Alberto Aguirre Vacchieri of Chile, Ambassador Jeanne Crauser of Luxembourg, Ambassador Mirko Giulietti of Switzerland, Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan of Armenia, and High Commissioner Jenny Isabella Da Rin of Australia.

After presenting credentials, High Commissioner Lincoln G. Downer of Jamaica, based in Abuja, Nigeria, expressed his commitment to deepening the already strong bilateral ties between Rwanda and Jamaica.

Both countries have maintained close relations for 26 years, collaborating at the United Nations, within the Caribbean and Pacific States, and the Commonwealth. Cooperation spans justice, tourism, technology, and digitization, with further expansion expected in defense and the medical industry.

Reflecting on exchanges of visits between the two nations’ leaders, Downer highlighted his role in further strengthening their partnership.

“My job is to reiterate and expand our relationship with Rwanda,” he noted. In 2022, President Kagame visited Jamaica during the country’s 60th anniversary of independence, and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness visited Rwanda the same year.

Ambassador Nadeska Imara Cuthbert Carlson of Nicaragua also emphasized her role in strengthening bilateral ties. She highlighted the shared resilience of both countries, which have overcome challenging periods on their paths to development.

“We are both on the road to development, and our first priority is our people,” she said, stressing the importance of continued cooperation in agriculture, education, and international forums.

Sweden’s Ambassador Dag Sjöögren underscored Rwanda as a valued partner, with both nations sharing significant interests in digitalization, climate adaptation, and green transitions, as well as the broader health sector.

“We look forward to continuing to boost the already very good cooperation between our two countries,” he stated.

As Luxembourg’s first Ambassador to Rwanda, Jeanne Crauser emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two countries, especially in healthcare, rural development, and vocational education.

Luxembourg has supported Rwanda since 1989, and recently signed an agreement worth 12 million euros (approximately 16.7 billion Rwandan Francs) to address climate change challenges.

Crauser also welcomed the appointment of Rwanda’s ambassador to Luxembourg, considering it the beginning of even stronger relations.

Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan of Armenia, the first Armenian Ambassador to Rwanda, outlined the countries’ 20-year diplomatic relationship.

He announced plans to establish a STEM-focused laboratory for students aged 18 and under in Kigali, helping them develop skills before entering university and the workforce.

Ambassador Sahak also mentioned collaborations with the FAST Foundation, an Armenian science and technology organization which wants to share expertise and knowledge with Generation AI initiative in Rwanda.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Ernest Yaw Amporful of Ghana discussed the thriving trade relations between Ghana and Rwanda and reiterated his commitment to reinforcing these ties, especially by promoting opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.

Owned by Irene Basil, a Rwandan entrepreneur based in the United States, the factory is poised to play a pivotal role in the country’s industrial growth.

Basil chose Muhanga as the site for the factory due to its proximity to her hometown and the more affordable land prices compared to other industrial zones.

“I am driven to contribute to the development of my home country, especially my native place,” she shared in a recent interview.

The factory spans four sections, with production already underway for toilet paper. Once fully operational, the facility will produce a variety of products, including toilet paper rolls, laundry soap, sanitary pads under ‘Pure’ brand, and corrugated boxes. The toilet paper section alone can produce over 800 packs daily, each containing ten rolls.

The soap production unit is nearly complete, with 80% of the work finished. It is expected to produce up to 24 metric tons of laundry soap daily, with raw materials imported from Indonesia and India. The plant is also focused on sanitary pad production, becoming the first factory in Rwanda to manufacture them.

“Our capacity is set to produce up to 200,000 pads in an 8-hour shift and 500,000 pads in a 24-hour shift with ten pads packaged together,” said Anir Kumar, the plant manager.

Kumar emphasized the scale of the operation, noting, “This factory has been under construction for the last two years. We are now 99% complete. The final steps involve installing machines for soap and corrugated box production, which will be operational in two months.”

The factory’s infrastructure is designed to accommodate a wide range of products, with raw materials sourced from countries including China, Egypt, India, and Russia.

The sanitary pad production line will rely on imported materials such as PP films and pulps, while the corrugated box unit will provide packaging solutions for a variety of products.

“We want to reach every village and improve the hygiene and quality of life for women,” Kumar added, underscoring the factory’s commitment to quality and its potential impact on public health.

With the factory’s opening, Rwanda’s manufacturing sector is set to see a significant boost.

The new facility will reduce the country’s dependence on imports and provide much-needed employment opportunities.

Over 100 permanent jobs and more than 80 temporary jobs are expected to be created.

The construction of the factory is set to cost $30 million due to the expansion of the product range beyond the initial plans, which originally focused on only soap and sanitary products.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, and Argentina’s Secretary of Transport, Franco Mogetta.

Ambassador Mukantabana praised the signing as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.

“This milestone is not only an achievement for our aviation industries but also a symbol of the strong and growing ties between our nations,” she said.

Both Rwanda and Argentina share a history of strong cooperation and are now focused on further expanding and deepening their collaboration across political, economic, commercial, and cultural areas for mutual benefit.

This was revealed during discussions between MINEMA and the Senate’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security on November 27, 2024.

Rwanda has been hosting refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the past two years, particularly at the Nkamira refugee camp, where individuals seeking refuge have been granted asylum-seeker status. However, due to limited capacity, many have been relocated to other camps across the country.

Minister of Emergency Management Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira stated that Rwanda currently accommodates over 135,000 refugees, including nearly 15,000 who have arrived since the escalation of the M23 conflict. However, these refugees have not yet been granted official asylum status.

“We are currently hosting around 14,000 to 15,000 refugees who fled the DRC after the M23 conflict. They have not yet received asylum status. While Nkamira camp currently hosts about 4,000 refugees, the camp lacks the capacity to accommodate the full influx, so they have been relocated to other camps while holding refugee-seeker status,” Murasira explained.

He also mentioned that the total number of people seeking asylum in Rwanda, including those from other countries, exceeds 16,000. Refugees in various camps receive cash assistance to purchase essential items, while those at Nkamira are provided with food supplies.

Among the camps, Mahama hosts the largest number of refugees, with 68,115 individuals.

Other camps with significant refugee populations include Kiziba (14,350), Kigeme (14,868), Mugombwa (11,980), and Nyabiheke (11,480). According to MINEMA statistics, more than 9% of refugees in Rwanda live in urban areas, where they are able to meet their basic needs.

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that the DRC has over 7.2 million internally displaced persons.

By September 30, 2024, the number of displaced people from North Kivu—due to the activities of various armed groups, including the FDLR militia and the Wazalendo group—had reached 1.78 million. In the 18 months leading up to September 2024, approximately 865,000 internally displaced persons had returned to their homes.

“Under the deal reached today, effective at 4 a.m. tomorrow local time, the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end,” Biden said in remarks delivered from the White House Rose Garden.

“This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed,” he added.

“Over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces, and civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes,” Biden said.

Israel, the president said, “retains the right to self defense” in the event that “Hezbollah or anyone else” breaks the newly announced deal, which was approved by the Israeli cabinet on the same day.

In a U.S.-France joint statement announcing the ceasefire deal, the two countries said the “announcement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”

The Blue Line is a demarcation line drawn by the United Nations on June 7, 2000 that is intended to separate the Israeli and Lebanese armies.

Biden in his remarks said the deal “supports Lebanon’s sovereignty, and so it heralds a new start for Lebanon.” He said no U.S. troops will be deployed to southern Lebanon.

Toward the end of his speech, Biden also alluded to the situation in Gaza, saying, “Just as the Lebanese people deserve a future of security and prosperity, so do the people of Gaza. They too deserve an end of the fighting and displacement.”

Biden said the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal “brings us closer to realizing the affirmative agenda” he has been pursuing for the Middle East region throughout his presidency, one that fulfills the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations for establishing a state of their own, shields Israel from terror threats and achieves the full normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

“I believe this agenda remains possible, and in my remaining time in office, I’ll work tirelessly to advance this vision for an integrated, secure and prosperous region,” Biden said.

The Israeli military drastically stepped up its strikes on Beirut hours before the government in Tel-Aviv approved the ceasefire deal, killing at least 25 people on Tuesday, according to a tally counted by CNN based on health ministry figures.