Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

REB to offer scholarships to 300 teachers for further studies at the UR

These scholarships will support teachers seeking to obtain a bachelor’s degree in critical fields, including Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Education, Sciences, and Languages, starting in the 2025/2026 academic year.

According to REB, applicants must be Rwandan citizens aged 35 years or younger. Eligible candidates should hold either an A2 certificate from a recognized Teacher Training College (TTC) or an A1 diploma in education.

For those who completed their studies abroad, a recognized equivalence certificate verifying that their qualifications align with Rwanda’s education system will be required.

REB further specified that applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience. Additionally, they should not have been suspended from their teaching duties for more than three months.

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications accompanied by several supporting documents. These include a certified copy of their A2 or A1 academic certificate from a recognized institution and academic transcripts from either A2 (result slip) or A1 (transcript).

Applicants must also provide a copy of their appointment letter confirming their employment as a teacher and a disciplinary clearance form for the 2023/2024 academic year, signed by the district office.

REB has announced that the application process will be conducted online through the Teacher Management Information System (TMIS) portal, accessible at https://tmis.reb.rw/. The registration window will open on March 17, 2025, and will close on March 28, 2025.

This scholarship initiative reflects REB’s commitment to improving the quality of education in Rwanda by enhancing teachers’ professional capacities.

Through these opportunities, the government aims to empower educators with advanced skills and knowledge to better serve students and contribute to the country’s educational development.

REB has encouraged all eligible teachers to apply and seize this opportunity to further their education and play a greater role in shaping the future of Rwanda’s education system.

March 14, 2025
Rwanda, Burundi edge closer to resolving bilateral tensions, says Nduhungirehe

“Rwanda and Burundi are on a promising path to ending hostilities and reaching an understanding, as discussions between the leaders of both countries continue,” he stated.

The ongoing discussions referenced by Minister Nduhungirehe include a meeting held in Rwanda two weeks ago between intelligence officials from both countries and another meeting in Kirundo Province on March 10, 2025.

Relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated in late 2023 when Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of supporting the RED Tabara rebel group, which had launched an attack on Gatumba Zone near Bujumbura.

Rwanda strongly denied these allegations, explaining that it had never collaborated with any group opposing the Bujumbura government. However, Burundi dismissed these explanations and, in January 2024, closed all land borders with Rwanda, citing security concerns.

The East African Community (EAC), led by South Sudan’s President Salva Mayardit Kiir, attempted to mediate between the two nations, emphasizing the bloc’s goal of fostering regional trade and cooperation.

In July 2024, during an EAC foreign ministers’ retreat in Zanzibar, Minister Nduhungirehe and his Burundian counterpart, Albert Shingiro, agreed that the two countries would resolve their disputes without external mediation.

It was decided that envoys from both nations would meet by October 2024 to discuss the issues. However, the meeting did not take place as planned, signaling a setback in the reconciliation process.

By September 2024, Minister Nduhungirehe expressed optimism, stating that the people of Rwanda and Burundi were “brothers and sisters” and that both governments had the willingness to resolve their differences.

“Rwandans and Burundians are brothers, and there is a shared commitment to solving the issues between our two countries,” he remarked.

The beginning of 2025 marked a low point in Rwanda-Burundi relations. In late January, President Ndayishimiye made strong statements against Rwanda, indicating readiness to confront the country.

His rhetoric echoed comments he made in Kinshasa in January 2024, where he suggested that Burundian youth would help Rwandans change their government, which he claimed was oppressing the region.

On February 11, during a visit to Kirundo Province near the Rwandan border, President Ndayishimiye told the local population that Burundians were prepared to defeat Rwandans, emphasizing historical victories dating back to the monarchical era.

“Prepare yourselves, do not be afraid. We know them well. From Bugesera to here, since the monarchy, they have never defeated us. Do you think they can beat us now? Remind them, ‘Do you know where this all started in Kirundo?’” he declared.

However, during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Burundi on February 27, President Ndayishimiye struck a more conciliatory tone, expressing his government’s readiness to engage in dialogue with Rwanda to resolve their disputes peacefully.

“To prevent war between our two countries, we are willing to resolve our differences through peaceful means. We initiated talks with Rwanda in 2020, and to this day, Burundi remains open to dialogue to address the issues between our nations,” he stated.

This is not the first time Rwanda and Burundi have experienced and resolved tensions. Between 2015 and 2020, the two countries faced a diplomatic crisis, but negotiations eventually led to the reopening of their previously closed borders.

March 14, 2025
EACOP pipeline on track for 2026 completion despite funding challenges

The $5 billion project, which will transport 230,000 barrels of oil per day at peak production, has reached an overall progress of 55 percent, according to Guillaume Dulout, the managing director of Eacop Ltd.

“The project is at 55 percent. We hope in 2026 that the oil will flow from Uganda’s Albertine down to Tanga. That is our objective,” Dulout told participants at the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE) 2025.

The pipeline, which spans 1,443km from Uganda’s Hoima District to the Indian Ocean port of Tanga in Tanzania, is expected to position East Africa as a key player in global energy markets.

Despite facing challenges, Dulout said that crucial components of the infrastructure are complete, while others are on track for completion by the end of this year and the pipeline itself, next year.

The offshore facility, which includes the jetty, terminal, and export hub, is at 70.4 percent completion, while the construction of the high-tech oil export terminal is anticipated to be completed by October 2025.

The project has faced pressure from activists, who have threatened to disrupt the project’s efforts to secure external financing. However, Dulout said that the project is on track to meet its deadline.

The Eacop project is a key component of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, which is expected to drive economic growth and development in the country.

The project has also created economic opportunities for local communities, with approximately 80 percent of the pipeline lying in Tanzanian territory, spanning eight regions.

The buried, thermally insulated pipeline is designed to minimize its environmental footprint while providing economic benefits to local communities.

EACOP project starts at Hoima, close to Lake Albert, and cross Uganda-Tanzania border between Masaka and Bukoba, past Lake Victoria, following its western border, traversing Tanzania, passing close to Kahama, Singida, Kondoa, into Tanga.

March 14, 2025
President Salva Kiir fires three ministers amid tensions with Riek Machar

The changes, announced early this week, through a presidential decree broadcast on state television, removed Awut Deng Acuil as Minister of General Education, Ruben Madol Arol as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and Joseph Mum Majak as Minister of Trade and Industry.

Both Awut and Madol had served in their respective positions since 2020. Awut, a long-serving government official, previously headed ministries responsible for gender, child welfare, and labor. Majak, who was appointed Trade Minister in July 2024.

{{New ministerial appointments}}

Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol has been appointed as the new Justice Minister having previously served as a deputy cabinet minister before the outbreak of the civil war in 2013.

Atong Kuol Manyang, daughter of Senior Presidential Adviser Gen. Kuol Manyang, was promoted from Deputy Governor of Jonglei State to Minister of Trade and Industry.

Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, an academic and author who has served as the Education Ministry’s Undersecretary since 2019, was named the new Minister of General Education.

The reshuffle is seen as part of President Kiir’s pattern of frequent ministerial changes. Analysts say these moves reflect his ongoing consolidation of power, often replacing officials months after their appointment.

The dismissals come amid escalating tensions between Kiir and his First Vice President, Riek Machar. Last week, President Kiir appointed Dr. Riek Gai Kok, a member of Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party, as Governor of Jonglei State.

This role was initially allocated to the opposition South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) under the 2018 peace agreement. However, a revised 2023 deal transferred control of Jonglei State back to Kiir’s party in exchange for offering SSOA a deputy governor role or a national ministerial post.

Additionally, Kiir revoked the parliamentary appointments of three legislators from Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, who represented Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

The ousted lawmakers, Bak Deng Nyang, Akec Fabio Goi, and Chan Deng Maror, were replaced by John Atak Garang Machar, Deng Nyawel Dhieu, and Wol Kuac Wol.

The President also removed several SPLM-IO members from the Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State Parliament, including Awaya Awaya Makuei, Victor Wol Guoth, Bol Akum Akum, Deng Wol Dheiu, and Theresa Awok Adup. They were replaced by Hajar Mataya, Majok Piol Mayen, Longar Aror, Maria Akum, and James Jem Then.

Furthermore, Kiir replaced Atak Garang Akec, another SPLM-IO member, with Bol Akum Akum as Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.

South Sudan’s fragile power-sharing government was formed in 2020 following a revitalized peace agreement aimed at ending years of civil war.

However, political infighting and mistrust between Kiir’s SPLM and Machar’s SPLM-IO persist. The latest reshuffle and parliamentary dismissals underscore the ongoing political jockeying as the country moves toward long-delayed elections scheduled for late 2024.

March 13, 2025
Shooting Touch Rwanda advances gender and health equity through sport

The event, held in Rilima Sector, Bugesera District, was organized by Shooting Touch, an international sport-for-development organization based in Boston, Massachusetts in partnership with the district leadership.

It highlighted the intersection of gender equity and public health. Through basketball competitions and open discussions, community leaders emphasized the need to challenge traditional gender norms and improve health awareness.

Notably, the event provided free health screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV, allowing more than 157 community members to access vital health information and medical support.

Local officials underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering inclusive development. Appolinarie Bamurange, the Gender Monitoring Officer, stressed that achieving gender equality requires collective action and systemic change.

“Everyone’s rights matter and must be fully respected. Our country’s vision is shared and equal welfare, security, and protection of every citizen, with no gender-based discrimination,” she said.

“We must put all our efforts together and find solutions to the challenges we encounter. This will lead us to common and shared development, where no one is left behind because of being male or female,” she added.

The basketball competitions played a central role in showcasing the capabilities of women and youth. Four competitive matches featured women’s teams, U13 youth teams, and U18 girls’ and boys’ teams from Rilima and Mayange Sectors.

These games not only provided a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills but also challenged the societal perception that sports are predominantly male domains.

Ephraim Sebarundi, the Executive Secretary of Rilima Sector, highlighted the value of integrating gender equality principles through sports.

“The Mayange and Rilima women’s teams have shown us outstanding basketball matches. I am sure they could even win against the men! Together, let’s appreciate this gender equality in sports and integrate gender equality principles into the lives of young boys and men,” he said.

Beyond the court, the event advanced community health efforts. Free NCD and HIV screenings targeted individuals aged 35-80, increasing access to early detection and medical advice.

Health professionals on site provided counseling and referred individuals with serious health concerns to district hospitals for further care.

According to Benjamin Tuyishimire, the Health Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, the goal was to empower individuals to take control of their health.

“It’s important for individuals to know their health status and to encourage them to visit health facilities and take initiative in improving their well-being,” he explained.

The success of this initiative underscores the transformative potential of sports in addressing social challenges.

By combining athletic engagement with public health outreach and gender advocacy, the community is fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender or social status.

March 12, 2025
DRC Gov’t and M23 rebels to hold peace talks on March 18 in Angola

This announcement follows a brief visit by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to Luanda on March 11, 2025, to discuss the possibility of negotiations.

Angola, which has been acting as the official mediator in the conflict, confirmed that it will first hold preliminary consultations with M23 representatives to organize a delegation for the talks with the Kinshasa government.

The upcoming discussions mark the first formal dialogue between the two sides after months of escalating violence in eastern Congo.

The conflict intensified in late January when the rebels advanced and seized control of the strategic city of Goma. Last month, they also captured Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city.

Despite the rebel group’s territorial gains, the DRC government had previously refused to engage with M23, maintaining a hardline stance against direct negotiations.

President Tshisekedi has consistently rejected direct engagement with M23. He notably skipped the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, where regional leaders urged the DRC to open talks with the rebels.

The pressure on Tshisekedi to engage in negotiations increased during the African Union (AU) summit on February 15, which he also missed to attend a security conference in Munich, Germany.

The AU summit endorsed earlier resolutions from EAC and SADC, reinforcing calls for direct dialogue with M23 to find a lasting solution to the conflict. While M23 welcomed the proposal, Kinshasa remained opposed until now.

Angola’s mediation efforts aim to bridge the gap between the two sides and create a pathway to lasting peace in the conflict-torn eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

For its part, M23 has long criticized previous peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda, arguing that decisions were made without their involvement.

The upcoming talks represent a critical opportunity to directly address their grievances and seek a negotiated resolution.

March 12, 2025
MINALOC pledges collaboration to address challenges in the media sector

He made the remarks while appearing before the Chamber of Deputies before the Committee on governance, gender equality, and social welfare. The session was centered on issues highlighted in the 2023-2024 report by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).

Responding to a question from MP Germaine Mukabalisa about efforts to improve journalists’ welfare, Mugenzi clarified that journalists are primarily overseen by RGB.

“RGB does not report to MINALOC, meaning I cannot directly request their report, but we work together. However, this collaboration must be handled carefully to avoid misunderstandings. For example, if I were to speak on RGB’s operations, people might question why I do not do the same for LODA, which is under my direct responsibility,” he explained.

Although RGB does not report directly to MINALOC, Mugenzi assured that collaboration with different government bodies could help resolve these issues.

“The media agenda and journalists’ welfare are matters we will continue to work on together because they fall under our mandate. Although their report is handled elsewhere, I can always engage with the Minister in charge to find a way forward,” he said

“I assure you that this is not an unsolvable issue. What is important is to establish platforms for dialogue and consultation to address these challenges. Both RGB and MINALOC will work together to provide solutions to the concerns raised,” Mugenzi emphasized.

The report by RGB revealed that 44.5% of journalists earn less than Rwf 200,000 per month, an amount deemed insufficient for journalists to perform their duties effectively.

It also indicated that only 42.9% of media outlets provide formal employment contracts to their employees, while only 28.6% offer social security benefits.

The report further highlighted the low representation of women in the media sector. Mugenzi acknowledged this concern but stressed that no one is excluded from the profession.

“Women should continue to increase their participation in the media industry, moving from the current 35% recorded in 2023 to 50% or even beyond,” he stated.

The government, through collaborative efforts with RGB and other stakeholders, aims to address these challenges and create a conducive working environment for all media practitioners in the country.

March 12, 2025
Unpacking Rwanda’s plan to boost investments and reform tax policies

In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Tesi Rusagara, the Minister of State for Public Investments and Resource Mobilization, outlined Rwanda’s strategic plan.

Among the key targets are doubling exports to $7.3 billion and increasing private investments to 21.5 per cent of GDP. These efforts are part of a broader vision to transform Rwanda into a lower-middle-income country by 2035 and an upper-middle-income country by 2050.

“Taxation plays a crucial role in financing investments and attracting private sector participation,” Minister Rusagara stated. Thus, the government aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 14 per cent to 18 per cent over the next five years through comprehensive tax reforms.

These reforms are designed to widen the tax base and increase domestic resource mobilization. For example, previously exempt sectors, such as financial services and ICT, are now included in the tax framework to align with Rwanda’s growing economy.

The government is also mindful of the potential impact on consumers and businesses, particularly in sectors sensitive to inflation like fuel and food. Special measures are being implemented to monitor and mitigate these effects.

The tax reforms also aim to encourage positive behavior. For instance, the government is offering tax waivers on electric vehicles to promote the adoption of green mobility. These incentives are part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth while addressing environmental concerns.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in Rwanda’s development agenda. Minister Rusagara emphasized that despite a global decline in grants, Rwanda continues to attract both local and foreign investments.

This reflects strong investor confidence in the country’s manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT sectors. “PPPs are essential in leveraging capital, expertise, and innovation to drive infrastructure development,” Rusagara said.

Investments in critical infrastructure, including roads, ICT, and hospitality, are central to the government’s vision. These projects not only improve connectivity but also stimulate job creation and ancillary industries.

Looking ahead, Rwanda remains focused on enhancing its international financial sector to attract investors and solidify its position as a stable and lucrative market in Africa. The government is optimistic that its strategic initiatives will drive long-term economic prosperity.

With a clear roadmap and a commitment to sustainable growth, Rwanda is poised to achieve its ambitious development goals and emerge as a leading economy in the region.

March 12, 2025
Tanzania irked by CAF’s decision to ban Benjamin Mkapa Stadium

Government officials argue that CAF should have consulted them before taking such drastic measures, especially since the stadium had already been undergoing renovations.

Speaking today, 12 March 2025, Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, confirmed that the government received the news of the stadium’s suspension earlier in the day.

“It is true that we woke up today to the news that CAF has closed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium due to issues with the pitch. Their inspection was conducted about two weeks ago, following the match between Simba and Azam. However, it is important to remember that we had already declared the stadium closed for renovations,” he said.

Msigwa, who also serves as the Chief Government Spokesperson, elaborated on the circumstances leading up to CAF’s decision. “These matches attract large crowds and involve numerous security measures.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) had requested to use the stadium, and on the match day, the pitch had been trimmed down completely. Given the intensity of the game, players experienced some minor instability while running,” he explained.

He further revealed that CAF officials were present during the match and advised the Tanzanian authorities to make necessary improvements. Additionally, they requested to inspect the equipment used for pitch maintenance.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cited the continued decline in the quality of the stadium’s playing surface as the primary reason for the temporary suspension. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, TFF confirmed that this decision will impact upcoming fixtures.

Notably, the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) quarter-final match between Simba SC and Egypt’s Al Masry, originally scheduled for April 9 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, will now need to be relocated to an alternative venue.

“CAF will conduct an inspection of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on 20 March 2025 to assess the improvements made before deciding whether to lift the suspension or extend it,” the TFF statement added.

CAF has directed the Tanzanian authorities to undertake urgent improvements to meet the required standards and prevent the stadium from facing a prolonged ban.

The outcome of the scheduled inspection on 20 March will determine whether the iconic stadium can resume hosting major continental matches or remain under suspension.

The Tanzanian government remains hopeful that the ongoing renovations and collaboration with CAF will lead to a positive resolution.

For now, the spotlight remains on the efforts to restore the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to the standards expected by the continental football governing body.

March 12, 2025
Situation of SA soldiers stationed in DRC remains precarious, says Ramaphosa

Sixteen South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members died in the cross-fire in January, the biggest contingent since the battle of Bangui in 2013.

Answering questions about the situation in the National Assembly on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, Ramaphosa said he’s hopeful a negotiated settlement brokered by African leaders can be reached.

Ramaphosa says with the temporary cessation of hostilities in the eastern DRC, SANDF soldiers in Goma are not in any direct danger.

“They are in quite a precarious situation right now. But as it is, the peace is holding, the troops much as they are just located at the airport, they are not being fired on.”

On a question from the Democratic Alliance’s Chris Hattingh as to when South African troops can be withdrawn, Ramaphosa said this was dependent on the guns being silenced.

“We want a negotiated settlement, and that in itself, will be a precursor to ensuring that we have a cessation of hostilities and in the end our troops do come back home.”

Ramaphosa said the movement of food supplies, water and electricity is, however, currently still subject to consultations with other armies and the M23.

March 12, 2025