According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, participants reviewed the progress made in previous efforts to combat illegal cross-border activities and other potential security threats.
They also discussed new strategies to address the security challenges faced by border communities engaged in legal cross-border trade. The discussion further emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the RDF 5 Division and TPDF 202 Brigade to ensure a safe environment for cross-border business.
Brig Gen Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, Commander of the TPDF 202 Brigade, highlighted the positive outcomes of these recurring security meetings, initiated under the guidance of both heads of state.
He stressed the need for a secure and conducive environment for the citizens of both countries to conduct business freely and recommended continued joint efforts to address any emerging security issues along the border.
Col Pascal Munyankindi, Acting Commander of RDF 5 Infantry Division, expressed gratitude to both Presidents, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, as well as the two armies leadership, for fostering an environment where military leaders could meet and discuss security issues at the tactical level.
He acknowledged the progress made since the last meeting held in Rwanda in May 2024, particularly in disrupting criminal activities along the border.
The meeting also included visits to key areas along the Rwanda-Tanzania border, particularly in Kyerwa and Karagwe districts.
Local residents involved in cross-border trade praised the collaboration between the two countries’ security forces. Fokasi Tunda Marico, a resident of the Kafunjo area in Karagwe District, shared his positive experience of over 25 years in legal cross-border business.
He expressed appreciation for the security measures in place, which have greatly facilitated trade and underscored the warm welcome they receive from Rwandan soldiers at the border.
Marico also encouraged continued visits and cooperation from both Tanzanian and Rwandan forces to address any challenges that might arise in the future, ensuring the smooth continuation of cross-border activities.
According to the OECD economic outlook, annual GDP growth in the United States is projected to slow down to 2.6 percent in 2024 and further down to 1.6 percent in 2025, but be cushioned by monetary policy easing.
For Euro area, the OECD said that GDP growth is projected to be 0.7 percent in 2024 and speed up to 1.3 percent in 2025, with activity supported by a recovery in real incomes and an improvement in credit availability.
Headline inflation has continued to fall this year in most countries, partly due to further declines in food price inflation and low or negative energy and goods price inflation, the organisation noted, adding that the recent steep fall in oil prices, and the ongoing easing of global food prices could place further downward pressure on headline inflation in the short-term.
“Oil prices have declined by over 10 percent since July, amid expectations for excess supply next year and market concerns about weakening oil demand growth… If oil prices remain at their current level, global headline inflation could be reduced by around 0.5 percentage points over the coming year,” the OECD explained.
According to the OECD, declining consumer price inflation has supported household spending, providing a counterbalance to the negative impact from restrictive financial conditions and the uncertainty about the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the evolving crisis in the Middle East.
Along with stable GDP growth and further disinflation, the OECD also said that real incomes would improve and less restrictive monetary policy in many economies would help underpin demand.
The recovery in real incomes could provide a stronger boost to consumer confidence and spending, and further oil price declines would hasten disinflation.
Headline inflation is projected to ease from 5.4 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent in 2025 in the G20 economies.
This annual event, held in Rwanda’s Northern Province, marks its 20th edition and is expected to draw over 2,000 guests, including local residents from Musanze District and neighboring areas.
Since its inception 20 years ago, the ceremony has seen 395 baby gorillas named.
Kwita Izina has become an internationally renowned celebration of Rwanda’s conservation efforts.
Maurice Mugabowagahunde, Governor of the Northern Province, reassured the public that despite ongoing security challenges in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, tourism in the province remains unaffected.
“Security in the Northern Province is robust. Visitors can be confident that their safety is guaranteed. The conflicts across the border have had no impact on our tourism industry, as visitor numbers continue to increase. Local residents trust that our borders and national parks are well-protected,” he stated.
Mugabowagahunde also emphasized the broad economic benefits generated by tourism-related events like Kwita Izina.
“This event has a significant financial impact on many people, including local businesses, hotel and restaurant owners, and those in the transportation sector, all of whom benefit.”
Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, expressed satisfaction with the progress in organizing the ceremony, noting its alignment with the country’s broader tourism growth strategy.
In the past 15 years, Rwanda’s tourism revenue has surged from $180 million to $620 million, with a goal of reaching $1.1 billion under the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
He was presenting the Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement (MPFSS) on September 25. The latter features the economic performance for the first half of the year and provides projections for the remainder of 2024.
With this robust growth, Governor Rwangombwa emphasized that the Rwandan economy is expected to surpass the initially projected growth for the year.
“We expect our economy to perform much higher than the original 6.6 percent projection for 2024,” he stated.
According to Rwangombwa, all sectors of the economy have contributed to this growth, with the service and industrial sectors showing particularly strong double-digit increases.
Over the past five years, the service sector has grown by an average of 48.2%, the industrial sector by 24.1%, and the agriculture sector by 18.4%.
However, Rwangombwa pointed out a significant challenge: the growth is not reflected in the export sector, which has impacted Rwanda’s foreign exchange earnings.
“The only challenge we have is that this growth is not reflected in our export sectors. This impacting our foreign exchange earnings and foreign exchange market.
“This is where the government and the private sector need to do more because the economy is growing but the imbalance between imports and exports continue to widen,” he stated.
This issue is evident in the rising level of imports, which grew by 5.7% in the first half of 2024, while exports decreased by 0.9%.
In 2023, imports rose by 17.4%, and exports increased by 11.2%, highlighting the ongoing trade deficit. The widening of the trade deficit—up by 9.6% in the first half of this year—can be attributed to a drop in the prices of exported commodities, while imports continue to rise.
This trade imbalance has also contributed to the depreciation of the Rwandan franc against the US dollar. In the first half of 2024, the franc depreciated by 3.7%, which is a notable decrease compared to the 8.8% depreciation recorded during the same period last year.
Governor Rwangombwa noted that while this year’s depreciation is expected to be just above 8%, it remains higher than the historical average, driven by pressures from the trade deficit.
On a positive note, inflows from travel, tourism, and remittances continue to rise, helping to finance the trade deficit. Rwanda currently has enough reserves to cover 4.7 months of imports, with projections to end the year at 4.8 months.
Inflation stood at 4.7% in the first half of 2024 and is projected to average around 5% for the entire year.
Speaking at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Lourenço reiterated Angola’s commitment to resolving conflicts in Africa, particularly focusing on the conflict in eastern DRC.
He highlighted Angola’s current efforts, which include a proposal aimed at fostering peace between Rwanda and the DRC.
Key elements of Angola’s proposal involve coordinated efforts to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group identified as a primary source of insecurity in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region as well as the possibility of Rwanda to lift defensive measures.
During a meeting held on September 14, 2024, between Rwandan and Congolese delegations, an agreement to dismantle the FDLR was expected, following approval by intelligence and military experts. However, the DRC representatives rejected the proposal.
On September 19, President Lourenço sent a message to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi regarding the ongoing Luanda talks and spoke with Rwandan President Paul Kagame by phone.
Since 2022, Lourenço has played a key role in mediating between Rwanda and the DRC after relations soured.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group during its clashes with the Congolese army, a claim Kigali denies. Rwanda, in turn, accuses the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR and urges it to resolve its internal issues without implicating Rwanda.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Lourenço noted that a ceasefire had been achieved in eastern DRC, taking effect on August 4, 2024, as part of the Luanda process. He expressed optimism for further progress.
“To consolidate these achievements, Angola has put forth a peace agreement involving the DRC and Rwanda, which is currently being discussed at the ministerial level.
“The goal is to reach an understanding that will justify the convening of a summit meeting to seal the signing of the definitive peace agreement and the reestablishment of relations between the DRC and Rwanda,” Lourenço noted.
He also expressed concerns about conflicts in Sudan and other African regions, urging the international community to align its efforts with the African Union to promote lasting peace across the continent.
The training for 56 officers from 10 African countries is designed to advocate for greater gender parity and to improve women’s participation, representation and leadership in law enforcement and criminal justice in Eastern Africa.
Participants are from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Burundi, Seychelles, and Rwanda, the host. It is organized in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Administration and Personnel, DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, while opening the training, said that it provides an opportunity to deepen their understanding of how integrating gender perspective into practice can enhance effectiveness as law enforcement professionals.
“Creating a gender-responsive law enforcement system is not just a matter of fairness; it is vital to our effectiveness in maintaining public safety and upholding the law and order. Gender mainstreaming is not a choice but a necessity in modern law enforcement,” DCG Ujeneza said.
She advocated for the integration of a gender perspective into all stages of policy-making, enforcement strategies, and organizational practices, ensuring that gender considerations are a concern of every level of decision-making especially the top leadership that provides strategic guidance to lower levels.
“Law enforcement agencies, by nature, interact on a daily basis with a cross-section of the society. A diverse and gender-sensitive approach leads to more effective and empathetic policing, enhancing trust and cooperation within the community. It provides a platform for varied perspectives and innovative solutions to complex problems,” the Deputy Police Chief said.
She called for individual and collective approaches to challenge stereotypes, and reinforce policies that promote equality and respect.
IGP Namuhoranye pointed out that the visit marks a milestone in the cooperation journey that started in June last year, when a cooperation agreement in law enforcement was signed between Rwanda and Seychelles.
He added that this builds on the guidance and strong foundation laid by the leaders of the two countries to work together in different areas of policing.
“This is an opportunity to learn from each other, share experience and establish strategies for sustainable cooperation in security and policing needs of our countries and the continent at large,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He added that this will help to harness joint efforts and capacities that are essential for collective security needs.
“Rwanda has consistently demonstrated its readiness to engage in meaningful partnerships, both regionally and internationally… Rwanda National Police is a reliable partner ready to work with you going forward,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He emphasized that community policing remains the core of the RNP’s safety and security agenda.
The Seychelles Police Chief commended Rwanda’s progress in policing and security.
“Policing is quite challenging in Seychelles since we have more waters to Police than the land. We are surrounded by water bodies and facing a big challenge of drug trafficking. Last year, we intercepted more than one tonne of narcotics, so this is one major area where we can work together through information sharing,” CP Barbe said.
He added: “I am happy that our President chose Rwanda as a strong partner to work with and share experiences. We will continue to expand on various areas of interest like community policing, forensics, and fighting drug trafficking, financial crimes.”
The two parties agreed to constitute a joint team to fast-track the implementation of the cooperation agreement.
During his four-day visit, CP Barbe and his delegation will also tour various RNP units and department, including training centres, operation units and border security, among others.
These ancient trees, planted at what was once the entrance to the king’s palace, are more than mere botanical giants.
They are living relics of a time when Rwanda’s monarch ruled over the land, symbols of the grandeur that greeted visitors as they approached the royal residence.
A nearby signpost erected by the Rwanda Culture and Heritage Academy (RCHA) provides further insight into the historical importance of this location, which sits just a few meters from the shores of Lake Kivu.
The choice of this location was not merely for its scenic beauty but for its strategic role in the military expeditions of the time. King Kigeli IV Rwabugiri, who reigned from 1853 to 1895, used his royal palaces—particularly those near Lake Kivu—as staging grounds for military expeditions.
Nyamasheke holds a special place in this royal history. It was here that King Rwabugiri resided when he received the German explorer Von Gotzen in May 1894.
After this historic meeting at Kageyo in Ngororero, the king returned to Nyamasheke to celebrate the Umuganura festival in June, a traditional Rwandan harvest festival symbolizing unity and prosperity.
Following the celebrations, he embarked on one of his most significant military expeditions.
Tragically, King Rwabugiri’s fate was sealed during one of these expeditions. While on his way to the battlefield in Bunyabungo, he was poisoned at Iyamabini Island.
Although efforts were made to return him to his residence, he died in a boat before reaching Nyamasheke. His body was received at his residence and later transported to Riture in Gicumbi, where he was laid to rest.
The peninsula of Mivura, near the residence, served as grazing land for the king’s cattle, adding another layer to the significance of this area.
Today, the royal residence may have faded into history, but the ficus trees continue to stand as enduring guardians of King Rwabugiri’s legacy.
As you stand beneath the broad branches of these ancient trees, it’s easy to imagine the grandeur that once defined this royal site.
Recognizing this power, the Mustard Seed Institute (MSI) and Ishami Foundation recently partnered to leverage football as a tool for promoting social cohesion and harmony in Rwanda, a country once reduced to ashes during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Through this initiative, they aim to deepen understanding of Rwanda’s core values of forgiveness, tolerance, and unity.
Ishami Foundation, is an organization that uses football as a tool to promote tolerance, unity and reconciliation among Rwandan youth.
This collaboration came to life during the celebration of International Peace Day on September 21, 2024. To mark the occasion, the Ishami Foundation, in partnership with MSI, and with support from the Former Amavubi Players Association (FAPA) and Coaches Across Continents (CAC), organized a week-long football program in Murambi Sector, Gatsibo District.
The initiative brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, using sport as a medium to foster community spirit and peace.
The celebration in the area was not by coincidence. Murambi, now part of Gatsibo District, has a tragic history. Formerly part of the Murambi Commune in Byumba Prefecture (today’s Eastern Province), it was a significant site of mass killings during the genocide, under the notorious leadership of the then Bourgmestre Jean Baptiste Gatete.
In this area, new militia groups were introduced, ensuring widespread participation of the local Hutu population in exterminating the Tutsi.
These groups formed alliances known as “Imboma,” a name derived from insecticide tablets used to kill cockroaches—a dehumanizing term used to refer to Tutsis.
Women and children were also conscripted into the genocide. Female militias were known as “Interamwete,” while children were referred to as “Imiyugiri.”
Particularly, the Interamwete initially encouraged their husbands to avoid any contact with Tutsi women and their families and assisted the Interahamwe by identifying hiding Tutsis or singing songs to boost morale among the killers.
Despite this dark past, Murambi has transformed into a community committed to unity and reconciliation. MSI, a grassroots organization founded by genocide survivor Jean Nepomoscene Sibomana and his wife, Sabrina Joy Smith, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Established on Sibomana’s family land in 2015, MSI employs former genocide perpetrators or their descendants, fostering peaceful coexistence and promoting forgiveness.
Sibomana’s efforts were recognized in 2022 when he was honored with the Protectors of the Friendship Covenant award (Umurinzi w’Igihango) by Rwanda’s First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, for his contributions to national unity. Building on the power of sport, MSI, with support from the Ishami Foundation, is now integrating football into its programs to further advance peace and unity in Murambi.
The International Peace Day activities featured a 3-day training session for 14 youth football coaches, led by CAC’s East Africa Regional Instructor, Salim T. Blanden, alongside Community Impact Coach, Evariste Habimana. The training focused on Rwanda’s Home-Grown Solutions and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The week culminated in a showcase event on September 21, where the public witnessed the unifying power of football. Games such as Ndi Umunyarwanda, Kwibuka, and Kubaka Amahoro were played, highlighting how sports can foster resilience and peacebuilding within communities. The youth coaches, who had completed their training, led the games ahead of the finals, which saw thrilling matches between local teams.
The girls’ final between Rwimitereri Cell and Rwankuba Cell, and the boys’ final between Rwankuba Cell and Murambi Cell, were played in a lively atmosphere with hundreds of fans from the community cheering on the teams.
Winning teams were awarded trophies, and all participants received certificates commemorating International Peace Day.
It was unanimously agreed that this event will now become an annual tradition, with sports and other activities promoting community engagement, especially among the youth, to encourage peaceful coexistence in Murambi and beyond.
Following the matches, local authorities and organizers delivered messages of peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared values.
Eric Murangwa Eugène, Founder and CEO of Ishami Foundation and President of the Former Amavubi Players Association, highlighted the transformative power of sport.
“International Peace Day in Murambi is not just a commemoration; it’s a powerful reminder of our journey from tragedy to triumph. Through sport, we are weaving a new narrative of unity and reconciliation, transforming a place once marked by violence into a community that embodies hope and collaboration,” he said.
Jean Nepomoscene Sibomana, co-founder of MSI and the main organizer of the Peace Day activities, noted the importance of leveraging sport for social change.
“Through the power of sport and community engagement, we are transforming Murambi into a beacon of reconciliation and opportunity. Together, we are rewriting our story from one of tragedy to a legacy of hope, healing, and harmony,” he stated.
Simpenzwe Gaspard, a Community Youth Football Coach, expressed how participating in the training opened his eyes to football’s potential as a tool for social change. “It’s not just about the game; it’s about fostering understanding, building friendships, and empowering our youth to be champions of peace and unity in our community,” he said.
Jean Claude Ndayisenga, Executive Secretary of Murambi Sector, also praised the initiative for shaping a future where unity and collaboration define the community’s identity.
Under the global theme, ‘Make Room For Life’, Bralirwa, Rwanda’s leading beverage company, joined efforts with the cooperatives working along the shores of Lake Kivu in Nyamyumba sector in clean-up activities and discussions on waste management, in commemoration of the global cleanup day.
In December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly resolutions proclaimed 20th September as World Cleanup Day, with the purpose of raising awareness of the role that clean-up efforts play in sustainable development.
The community was thrilled to engage in the activities and awareness discussions on how to conserve the natural environment through a shared sense of responsibility.
Bralirwa Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Mrs. Rosette Mutoni, explained how environmental sustainability is one of the pillars under the company’s Brew a Better World agenda.
“Sustainability and responsibility are an integral part of how operate as a business. While the road to a waste-free world is long, initiatives like World Cleanup Day serve as a platform to foster environmental awareness and advocate for sustainable practices that are crucial to achieve a healthier and cleaner planet,” she said.
Yoram Maniraguha, a representative from one of the cooperatives working at the shore of Lake Kivu, appreciated the learnings from the day’s activities and pledged his commitment in promoting environmental healthy practices.
“Participating in the cleanup activities today made me realize how much of a difference we can make together. It’s not just about picking up trash—it’s about taking ownership of our community and setting an example for future generations to care for the environment,” said Yoram.
In his appreciation remarks, the Mayor of Rubavu, Mr. Prosper Mulindwa commended Bralirwa for the great initiative as well as donation of garbage collection bins to the cooperatives and called upon residents to be more vigilant in keeping the shores and the city clean.
“Healthy practices are a result of continuous awareness that effects long term behavior change. Today, we are reminded that the health of our planet is in our hands. Each small act of care contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment – let’s together thrive for a cleaner city,” said Mr. Mulindwa.
