The news was confirmed by Tanzania’s Parliament Speaker, Tulia Ackson, who expressed sorrow in a Swahili statement.
“It is with great sadness that I have received the news of the death of Kigamboni Member of Parliament and Director-elect of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Region, Dr Faustine Ndugulile,” Ackson stated, extending condolences to Ndugulile’s family and all Tanzanians.
According to media reports, Ndugulile had been undergoing treatment in India. He died just days before taking up his position at WHO. Ndugulile was elected on August 27, 2024, during the 74th WHO Regional Committee for Africa session, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti.
Selected from a competitive field of candidates, including representatives from Niger, Rwanda, and Senegal, Ndugulile had previously served as Tanzania’s Health Minister under the late President John Magufuli.
He had pledged healthcare reforms and including tackling challenges such as the spread of mpox in Africa.
He shared these remarks ahead of the inaugural Global Food Week (GFW), which began on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi and will run through November 28.
The event, organized by the ADNEC Group and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), brings together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss urgent food security challenges, including agricultural sustainability and climate change, while exploring sustainable solutions.
In a heartfelt video message, Harvey emphasized the significance of the Global Food Week, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the global food system.
“Global Food Week is more than just an event; it’s a movement to ensure that no one goes hungry,” he said.
Harvey highlighted Abu Dhabi’s role as a transformative force in tackling global hunger and food security, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“It’s inspiring to witness Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration,” Harvey remarked.
He also commended Abu Dhabi’s leadership, particularly President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for spearheading initiatives that unite the global community in addressing critical issues.
“Abu Dhabi is where the future is happening now,” Harvey added.
Addressing the scale of global hunger, Harvey pointed out, “Right now, over 800 million people—that’s nearly 1 in 10 folks on this earth—don’t know where their next meal is coming from. And in 2024, with all our resources, technology, and knowledge, that just isn’t right.”
The Global Food Week includes the Global Food Security Summit, where leaders will discuss strategies to ensure equitable access to nutrition.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition, featuring innovations such as robotic farming, lab-grown meat, and other cutting-edge technologies.
Another highlight is the Date Palm Exhibition, celebrating the UAE’s agricultural heritage and its enduring role in food security.
Harvey stressed the unifying power of food, stating, “Food bridges cultures and unites humanity. This isn’t just about feeding people today—it’s about hope, survival, and ensuring food for generations to come.”
[Harvey recently concluded a visit to Rwanda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-steve-harvey-discuss-potential-areas-of-collaboration], where he explored the country, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and met with President Paul Kagame to discuss potential areas of investment and partnership in various sectors including events and entertainment.
The report, which analyzes private market transactions across the continent, highlights the continued vibrancy of Africa’s private capital landscape.
In Q3 2024, a total of 73 private market deals were recorded, with 39 of them disclosing a combined value of $2.27 billion.
Rwanda stood out in East Africa, contributing to 37% of the region’s private market transactions, making it the second-most active country in the region after Kenya.
Overall, Rwanda emerged 5th on the continent with 15% share of total African deals while Southern Africa accounted for the largest share of private market activity in Q3 2024.
Rwanda was recently ranked as the safest investment destination in East Africa in the ninth edition of the Africa Risk-Reward Index 2024, thanks to the country’s strong security and investment-friendly policies.
Key initiatives include the development of industrial parks, advancements in technology, and the expansion of infrastructure.
The campaign aims to foster political commitment and collective action to eliminate all forms of GBV, including sexual violence, rape, physical-psychological abuse, and harmful traditional practices. It seeks to bring together different actors to share knowledge, support local initiatives, and create sustainable solutions.
Under the theme “Altogether, Fight Against Violence Against Women”, the campaign focuses on empowering the population of Haute-Kotto by raising awareness about preventing GBV, supporting victims, and promoting the rights and essential activities of women and girls.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Osong Esapa, the Deputy Head of Office in Sector East, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in eradicating GBV.
“Leaders at all levels must make an effort to support and educate the population to eliminate the culture of gender-based violence,” he said.
The event brought together UN officials from sector headquarters, members of Rwanda Battle Group VI, local leaders, NGOs, and women and girls from Bria town, demonstrating strong community participation and commitment to the campaign’s objectives.
With over 14 years of experience managing Marriott hotels across Asia and Africa, Aditya is tasked with overseeing all operations at both properties. His mission is to enhance service quality and provide an exceptional guest experience.
Aditya’s journey with Marriott began in 2010 through the Marriott International Voyager Program, a leadership training initiative for recent graduates. His first role was in Mumbai, India. He later moved to Oman, where he served as the Front Office Manager at Marriott Resort Salalah.
Aditya’s first posting in Africa brought him to Rwanda, where he served as the Front Office Manager at Kigali Marriott. After 18 months, he moved to Ghana to contribute to the launch of Accra Marriott Hotel in the same capacity.
He later took on the role of Director of Operations at Lagos Marriott Hotel in Nigeria, where his leadership during the hotel’s opening led to his promotion to General Manager within a year.
During his tenure in Lagos, Aditya achieved remarkable success, including leading the hotel to win several prestigious awards: “Hotel of the Year 2023,” the “J.W. Marriott Award of Excellence 2024,” and the “Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award 2024.”
He also increased the hotel’s revenue by 20% and reduced operational costs by the same margin.
Known for his strategic vision and leadership, Aditya is also passionate about travel, exploring new cuisines, and playing golf.
Staff at Kigali Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton have expressed enthusiasm about his appointment, highlighting his proven ability to drive excellence in hospitality.
“Aditya is an exemplary leader with a strong vision for advancing hospitality services. We are confident that his leadership will keep our hotels at the forefront of Kigali’s hospitality industry,” said a representative.
In his new role, Aditya plans to focus on delivering customer-centric services, fostering innovation, and promoting community development initiatives.
Organized by the Rwandan community in Brighton in collaboration with the National Association of Rwandese Communities in the UK (NARC-UK) and the Rwandan Embassy in the UK, the event featured a retreat and cultural celebration attended by dignitaries and community members alike.
The retreat was attended by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UK, Johnston Busingye, along with leaders from 14 Rwandan community organizations under NARC-UK.
Reflecting on the retreat’s purpose and outcomes, Ambassador Busingye described it as a crucial platform for unity and progress.
“This retreat was an excellent opportunity to bring together representatives from across the UK. It had been over five years since the last event of this kind. The aim was to reflect on where we’ve come from, where we’re heading, and how we can work together to meet the expectations of the communities we represent,” Busingye said.
He added that discussions focused on key topics such as Rwanda’s development agenda, trade, diaspora remittances, vocational contributions, and fostering unity among Rwandans.
The celebration portion of the event featured cultural showcases, including traditional Rwandan music, dance, and cuisine, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.
Brighton City Mayor Mohammed Asaduzzaman joined as a special guest and lauded the Rwandan community’s efforts.
He viewed the event as a platform to celebrate the richness of Rwandan culture while promoting unity and understanding among the diverse communities in Brighton.
Event organizer Wibabara Ange highlighted the importance of passing down cultural traditions to younger generations.
“What we’re doing is connecting our children with their roots and showing them our beautiful culture, so they can embrace it as their own. We hope to make this an annual event, bringing together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in Brighton,” she said.
Jabo Butera, Chairperson of NARC-UK, praised the dedication of attendees who traveled from across the UK to participate.
“I deeply appreciate the commitment of Rwandans who set aside their weekend to come together, engage in discussions, and celebrate,” Butera said.
NARC-UK, which has been active for nine years, is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, reflecting on its achievements in uniting and empowering the Rwandan diaspora community in the UK.
This initiative is set to coincide with the upcoming Holy Year celebrations. On December 2, Pope Francis is expected to inaugurate the webcam, which will be installed beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Additionally, another webcam is expected to be positioned at the basilica’s Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event during which pilgrims traveling to Rome can receive indulgences for the forgiveness of sins by passing through the Holy Door.
The Vatican described this initiative as providing “symbolic access” for those unable to make the journey to Rome.
The Holy Year, celebrated once every 25 years, is expected to draw an estimated 32 million pilgrims to the Eternal City. Pope Francis will officially open the Holy Door on Christmas Eve to mark the beginning of the Jubilee.
In a further effort to enhance communication during the Holy Year, the Vatican will also launch a new magazine. A notable feature will include a section where Pope Francis responds to questions from readers. Among the first submissions is a heartfelt query from a grandmother concerned about her grandchildren not being baptized.
St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first pope, is believed to have been martyred in Rome around 64–68 AD.
According to Christian tradition, he was crucified upside down and buried near his execution site, now part of the Vatican Necropolis. His tomb is regarded as the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church, with St. Peter’s Basilica symbolizing the apostolic foundation of the papacy.
The resumption was confirmed in a notice dated November 22, 2024, signed by Francis Kamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB).
This development comes after a three-month suspension, implemented on August 8, 2024, to address concerns about illegal mining and trading.
During this period, the RMB conducted mineral inspections, due diligence, and stock assessments across various mines and exporter premises.
“In view of these actions, the RMB hereby announces the resumption of beryllium exportation. All mineral exporters are strictly required to adhere to the mineral certification and export procedures that have been provided,” stated the notice.
The Board outlined measures to ensure responsible exportation.
“Certification will prioritize inspected stock, followed by new production, in full compliance with the established mineral certification and export procedures. These procedures include, but are not limited to, traceable mineral sources and proof of purchase,” the notice added.
The RMB also warned that non-compliant beryl stock would be confiscated and offenders penalized under Rwanda’s mining laws.
Beryllium, a silver-grey metallic element known for its lightweight properties and high strength, is primarily found in Ngororero District in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Its unique characteristics make it indispensable for manufacturing aircraft components, missiles, satellites, and high-tech electronics due to its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
The resumption of beryllium exportation highlights the critical role of Rwanda’s mining sector in the national economy. Alongside other key minerals such as tin, coltan, tungsten, and gold, beryllium significantly contributes to Rwanda’s export earnings.
In the past seven years, the country’s mineral export revenues have shown remarkable growth, rising from $373 million in 2017 to over $1.1 billion in 2023.
The Israeli military said its warplanes conducted “intelligence-based strikes on Hezbollah command centers” in Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting areas including Haret Hreik, Burj Barajneh, and Hadath. Local television station al-Jadeed reported 12 airstrikes within half an hour.
Footage shared on social media showed massive black smoke clouds rising above Beirut’s southern suburbs following Sunday’s strikes, which came after Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents on social media to evacuate several buildings in the area.
The strikes followed Saturday’s deadly attack on an eight-story residential building in Beirut’s Basta Fawka neighborhood. While Israeli media reported the strike targeted a prominent Hezbollah official, Lebanese lawmaker and Hezbollah member Amin Sherri denied any military or civilian party figures were in the building.
In response to the airstrikes, Hezbollah announced it had destroyed five Israeli Merkava tanks in southern Lebanon on Sunday, using guided missiles. The group also claimed to have launched attacks on multiple locations in northern Israel, including Kerem ben Zimra and Kfar Blum.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has intensified its air attack on Lebanon in an escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. Israel further initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon in early October.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that Israeli airstrikes have killed 3,754 people and injured 15,626 since the conflict began on Oct. 8, 2023.
According to NISR reports, the DRC remained Rwanda’s second-largest export market, trailing only the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between January and September 2024.
However, Rwanda imports minimal goods from the DRC, which does not feature among the top 10 sources of Rwandan imports.
Key exports included unprocessed foods and livestock, beverages, raw materials, skincare products, cooking oils, and processed foods.
{{Overall export highlights}}
In January 2024, the DRC ranked as the second-largest importer of goods from Rwanda, purchasing products valued at $17.42 million (Frw 23.81 billion). This represented a 21.61% increase compared to December 2023, when exports were valued at $14.32 million (Frw 19.57 billion).
Re-exports to the DRC also saw significant activity, with the country leading this category in January 2024. Goods worth Frw 68.98 billion were re-exported, marking a 6.94% increase from December 2023 (Frw 64.51 billion).
However, February 2024 saw a slight decline in exports of Rwandan-origin goods to the DRC, which dropped by 6.61% to Frw 22.24 billion from Frw 23.81 billion in January.
Re-exports also experienced a decrease of 7.57%, falling to Frw 63.76 billion compared to the previous month.
In the first nine months of 2024, the DRC emerged as the top destination for re-exports through Rwanda, receiving goods valued at Frw 667.36 billion. Other significant re-export markets included Burundi and Ethiopia, which alternated as secondary importers during the period.
Despite strained bilateral relations since 2022, currently under mediation, trade between Rwanda and the DRC has remained robust.
