Authorities have labeled the incident an act of terrorism, as Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, and later opened fire on police officers.
He died in a shootout with law enforcement, and investigators found weapons, a suspected explosive device in the truck, and other potential explosives in the French Quarter.
The presence of an ISIS flag in the vehicle has prompted further investigations into Jabbar’s possible connections to terrorist organizations. Although he is believed to have aligned himself with ISIS, no clear evidence has emerged regarding foreign involvement or direction in the attack.
Videos made by Jabbar before the incident show him claiming allegiance to ISIS, but authorities are still working to piece together the full details.
Jabbar had served in the U.S. Army for 13 years, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009-2010. He left active duty in 2015 and continued in the Army Reserve until 2020, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.
His roles included human resources and information technology. After leaving the military, Jabbar transitioned to a career in real estate, managing a Texas-based company, Blue Meadow Properties LLC.
In 2020, he appeared in a promotional video where he discussed how his military experience had shaped his approach to business, particularly his skills in negotiation and service.
Though Jabbar had some minor legal issues in the past, including a misdemeanor charge for property theft in 2002 and an arrest for driving with an invalid license in 2005, he had no violent criminal history.
His personal life included a divorce in 2022 after five years of marriage, without a child. Jabbar’s actions on New Year’s Day have stunned both the community in New Orleans and the nation, as authorities continue to investigate his motives.
The FBI and local law enforcement are actively working to identify possible accomplices, believing Jabbar did not act alone. “We are aggressively pursuing every lead, including those linked to his associates,” said FBI Assistant Special Agent Alethea Duncan.
Investigators also found precursor chemicals at Jabbar’s residence in Houston, which are commonly used in explosives, raising concerns that the attack may have been part of a broader plan.
While there is no confirmed link between this attack and other recent incidents, such as a separate explosion near a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, investigators are exploring all possibilities.
The antioxidants in honey work for the benefit of a healthy heart. From heart disease prevention and keeping blood pressure in control to fighting bad fat, honey is good for your heart.
Honey also works to keep your brain healthy by fighting memory issues, anxiety and any depression troubles. It has multi-nutrients like copper, and riboflavin that keep you fit.
The natural sugar content in honey is good for your health if it is in the right quantity. If suffering from cough and cold, honey is used to combat it and at times, with other natural ingredients.
Honey can be used on your skin for general skincare, and help in healing wounds and cuts. You can call honey a superfood to solve all your troubles.
{{4 ways to use honey}}
Incorporate honey in your breakfast in simple ways like replacing sugar in milk, coffee, smoothies and tea, in oats as a sweetener, over your toast or pancakes, in warm water as an early morning energizer and so on. Your morning sugar rush is healthily managed.
A small amount of honey applied to your skin for a short while acts as a great moisturizer for dried skin. Mix it with natural ingredients that suit your skin and use it as a face pack for skincare. Apply a small amount of honey to heal your scars and wounds.
You can incorporate honey in healthy lunches and dinners like using it in salad dressings or glazing roasted dishes. You can even make healthy snacks like nutrition or granola bars by including honey in the ingredients instead of sugar.
If suffering from a cold and cough, a spoonful of honey is therapeutic. You can also add it to herbal tea, lemon water or warm water for better benefits. Mix honey with crushed ginger or clove and have a small dose from time to time to cure cough and cold.
The event, held at the Got Ramogi Hill shrines, also honored former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga with the same title.
The cultural leader, Ker Odungi Randa, conducted the crowning ceremony, presenting the leaders with traditional symbols of leadership, including a ruler’s seat, crown, elder’s cloth, shield, spear, and a whisk symbolizing peace.
The festival celebrated Luo heritage and unity, attracting participants from various East African countries and communities, including Uganda’s Alur, Acholi, Padhola, and Jo Nam groups, as well as other Luo communities from across Africa.
Museveni expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the festival’s role in fostering East African unity, urging for a stronger push towards an East African Federation to achieve regional prosperity and security.
He emphasized the shared heritage among East Africans, despite colonial-era borders, and called for greater integration.
Museveni reflected on Africa’s struggles under colonialism and praised historical leaders like Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta for their contributions to the East African integration process.
He presented Luo cultural leaders with plaques featuring historical moments, including the 1963 declaration by East African leaders to form a federation.
On his part, Ruto applauded Museveni for attending the festival on short notice, calling it a testament to his commitment to regional unity. He emphasized the importance of breaking down artificial borders to enable the free movement of people, goods, and services within East Africa.
He also reaffirmed support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union chairmanship, positioning it as a step toward promoting African unity and progress.
Raila Odinga echoed these sentiments, calling for the removal of colonial-era borders that hinder regional prosperity. He stressed the importance of intra-African trade, noting that only 15% of African trade occurs within the continent compared to 70% in Europe.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo also called for practical steps towards the East African Federation, proposing free movement between Kenya and Uganda as a starting point.
As part of the festival, Ruto officially opened the Lamogi campus of Nyang’oma Technical Training College, a Ksh400 million project aimed at providing educational opportunities.
He announced the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate President Museveni’s presence at the event, symbolizing the celebration of East African unity.
The three-day festival, themed “Celebrating the Roots of Our Culture and Heritage,” featured cultural displays, including traditional dances, foods, attire, prayers, and folklore.
Participants visited historical landmarks like the Jaramogi Oginga Mausoleum and traditional Luo huts representing the community’s origins.
Later, Presidents Museveni and Ruto inaugurated the newly constructed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga stadium, a 20,000-seat FIFA-standard facility designed to boost sports in Western Kenya.
The stadium hosted a friendly football match between Kenya’s Gor Mahia and Uganda’s Kitara FC, with Gor Mahia winning 9-8 in penalties. Museveni praised both teams for their spirited performances and encouraged East Africans to create wealth through agriculture, ICT, services, and manufacturing.
The Piny Luo Festival underscored the cultural and historical ties binding East African communities while advocating for deeper regional integration and cooperation. The event also served as a platform to promote peace, reconciliation, and shared aspirations for a prosperous future.
The concert, dubbed “The New Year Groove & Album Launch”, ushered Rwandans into the new year while showcasing The Ben’s third album, “Plenty Love”.
The Ben, ultimately achieved his dream of organizing a concert he had envisioned but couldn’t carry out in 2009 with a high attendance from his fans, an occasion marked with emotions and sheds of tears.
The performance was organized in two segments with the first part featuring various artists he had collaborated with on songs, including Bushali, Tom Close, K8 Kavuyo, Otile Brown, Kivumbi King, Kevin Kade, Element Eleéeh, and others.
Green P, The Ben’s sibling, joined the stage along with P-Fla and Fireman, his former Tuff Gang groupmates, to perform the song “Kwicuma,” honoring Jay Polly, a member of their group who passed away in 2021.
Before The Ben took to the stage in his distinctive outfit, several upcoming artists were given the chance to showcase their talents. These included J-Sha, Phil Emon, Shemi, Yampano, and children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. Attendees of the concert left mesmerized and satisfied with the music and performances.
It was a memorable experience, highlighted by standout performances and emotional moments. It featured a mix of The Ben’s timeless hits and collaborations with various artists. Songs like “Amaso Ku Maso,” “Rahira,” and “Amahirwe Ya Nyuma” took fans back to the early days of his career.
Special performances by artists like Kivumbi King, Kevin Kade, and Element Eleéeh added excitement, with Kevin’s dance moves particularly captivating the audience.
A heartfelt moment came when The Ben broke into tears while thanking his mother and supporters, expressing gratitude for their role in his success. This vulnerability resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing his genuine connection with his fans.
Cultural pride was evident when “Naremeye” was performed alongside the traditional Itorero Inyamibwa dancers, blending Kinyarwanda dance with The Ben’s artistry.
The spiritual tone of the concert emerged during “Ndaje,” where he reflected on his gratitude for life, hinting at a future focus on faith-inspired music.
Throughout the evening, notable guests like Otile Brown and Tom Close shared the stage, while Tuff Gang members paid tribute to the late Jay Polly with an emotional performance of “Kwicuma.” The night also featured crowd favorites like “True Love,” performed with a calm and reflective energy.
The Ben’s ability to blend nostalgia, culture, and spirituality made the concert unforgettable, solidifying his place as a celebrated icon in Rwandan music.
Towards midnight, The Ben and Tom Close concluded the event with the last song, “Thank You,” a collabo between the two. They later sang a short rendition of “Genda Rwanda Uri Nziza” to express their gratitude to the country’s leadership.
The night was filled with overwhelming emotion. The Ben, deeply moved by the significance of the moment, couldn’t hold back his tears, and the audience shared in his heartfelt moment, witnessing the raw emotions of a dream realized.
The incidents occurred during a Group D Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier played on October 15, 2024, at Amahoro Stadium, where Rwanda’s Amavubi defeated Benin’s Les Guepards 2-1. This victory placed Rwanda third in the group, level on points with Benin.
After the match, Benin players attempted to confront the referees and some members of Rwanda’s coaching staff. Fortunately, security personnel intervened to prevent further escalation.
Following a disciplinary committee meeting at CAF, it was concluded that Benin violated Article 45 of the governing regulations. As a result, the Benin FA was fined $5,000 for general misconduct and an additional $25,000 for aggression against the referees, totaling to $30,000.
Despite the fine, Benin secured qualification for the tournament to be held in Morocco alongside Nigeria, finishing second in the group with eight points, ahead of Rwanda on goal difference.
On this day in 2024, IGIHE visited various places in Kigali, capturing memories of the moments and speaking with some of the celebrants.
The Archbishop of Kigali, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, led a mass at Saint Michel Cathedral. He read from the Gospel of Luke 17:11–19, recounting the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, of whom only one returned to thank God.
He reminded the congregation of the importance of gratitude, reflecting on how God had been with them throughout the year, despite some challenging moments.
“We thank God for being with us this year, and we entrust you and your families to Him for 2025, a year of multiple jubilees, including 125 years since the Good News reached Kigali,” he said.
{{Testimonies of gratitude}}
Bonaventure Habimana, a church member at Saint Michel Cathedral, shared how God helped him through many challenges in 2024. He had come to pray for guidance in 2025.
“There are many people I studied or worked with who have passed away, but here I am, with so much ahead of me. I came here to thank God for guiding me and also to ask for His presence in the new year so that I may prosper even further,” he said.
Aime Confiance Ishimwe shared similar sentiments in reference to many of her ambitions and goals achieved in the past year. “I came here today to thank God and seek blessings for my endeavors. My goal is to elevate myself in what I do and improve my life, and I believe God will guide me in achieving that,” she said.
Just like at St Michael, so many other churches across the country, gathered worshippers in large numbers.
At EPR Kiyovu Parish, Isaie Iradufasha, a father of one, described 2024 as a fulfilling year, marked by his wedding.
“I’m ending the year having married, and I thank God for that. I hardly used to pray, but now I do. Some of my goals for 2024 were achieved, and those that weren’t, I’ll carry them into 2025,” he proudly said.
At the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR), congregants celebrated the transition into 2025 with gatherings across the country. The main event took place at Ntora Church in Gisozi, where the lead evangelist Pastor Isaïe Ndayizeye, delivered the new year’s, commending the congregation’s dedication to God’s work.
At Zion Temple Celebration Centre, worshippers were immersed in a service that extended into the wee hours of January 1, 2025. As a tradition, the church designates an annual and for this year, the theme is “Year of Breaking Limits,” symbolizing a time to move toward greater achievements.
Apostle Paul Gitwaza, disclosed a prophecy based on Isaiah 54:2–3: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”
These verses are part of a prophecy of restoration and blessing. They metaphorically describe preparation for growth and expansion, symbolizing God’s promise to bless His people abundantly and extend their influence. It reflects themes of hope, renewal, and God’s faithfulness.
He emphasized that this scripture will guide the church throughout 2025, encouraging believers to think big, expand their reach, and aim for lasting success.
“This is a time for expansion—moving from one to many, from nothing to something, from small to great. If you have one plot of land, acquire two; if you have little, aim for much,” he said.
He urged believers to strengthen their foundation to ensure that what they build is durable and impactful for future generations. “Ensure that everything you do is grounded and has a strong foundation. It must last and withstand time,” Gitwaza said.
{{Women Foundation Ministries}}
Members of Women Foundation Ministries gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre to give thanks for 2024, with some sharing testimonies of breakthroughs.
Jane Mutesi expressed gratitude for her spiritual growth in 2024. “I wasn’t used to fasting, but I decided to follow the pastor’s teachings. On the second day of fasting, I felt freed from spiritual bondage,” she said.
Diane Kandama shared how God worked miracles in areas she had doubted. “I grew up as a believer, but it wasn’t deeply rooted in my heart. Now, I am convinced that God heals sorrow and pain,” she said.
Apostle Mignone Kabera predicted that in 2025, Jesus would not only visit the members of Women Foundation Ministries but also dwell in their homes, bringing blessings and transformation.
{{Celebrations beyond churches}}
In Kigali’s Car Free Zone, young people gathered in large numbers to mark the end of the year with entertainment.
Janvier Harerintwali, one of the attendees shared his joy in achieving a significant milestone in the past year by renovating his mother’s house. “I was able to renovate my mom’s house and make economic progress. My goal is to expand on my land this year,” he affirmed.
Fiette Ishimwe celebrated finding a good school. “2024 was a good year. I achieved many great things, including getting into a school I never imagined,” she disclosed.
Iradukunda Jackson was proud to have earned his permanent driver’s license. “This year went well because I accomplished my goal of getting my [B&C] driver’s license. My next target for 2025 is to make good use of it,” he said.
Recognized as a promising young talent, Yangiriyeneza recently showcased his skills in Rwanda’s U-20 Championship, where he scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Rutsiro FC.
Following this performance, his academy revealed that he has attracted interest from Portuguese clubs after undergoing trials for the second time.
Yangiriyeneza previously trained with top-tier Portuguese teams G.D. Estoril Praia and Rio Ave F.C., earning recognition from their youth teams.
His academy stated, “Erirohe, who recently turned 18, is being sought by U-19 teams in Portugal after impressive trials and excellent performances for Rwanda’s U-20 National Team. His contract is expected to be finalized soon.”
In addition to Portugal, reports indicate that Moroccan clubs are also keen on signing him, leaving the final decision in the player’s hands.
He made these remarks in his New Year’s address to Rwandans, marking the transition from 2024 to 2025.
Reflecting on 2024, Kagame highlighted the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation. He described these milestones as symbols of the country’s progress.
“We celebrated and commemorated our nation’s liberation. Both events remind us of where we came from and how far we have come, driven by our shared goal of development and reconstruction,” he said.
President Kagame also mentioned the successful elections held in 2024, reinforcing the trust between Rwandans and their leaders.
“The recent elections were well-organized, further affirming the trust citizens have in their leaders and institutions. I thank all Rwandans and friends of Rwanda for your support during the elections and in other times of need,” he stated.
“Rwandans have voiced their ambition for even greater achievements and better services in the years to come. Together, we must work to realize these aspirations.”
{{Condolences for Marburg victims}}
One of Rwanda’s significant challenges in 2024 was the Marburg virus outbreak, which claimed 15 lives, primarily among healthcare workers.
President Kagame expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “We stand with you in this time of grief.”
He commended healthcare workers for their bravery and thanked Rwanda’s partners for their contributions, which helped end the outbreak by early December 2024.
{{Addressing regional security challenges}}
The year 2024 saw strained relations between Rwanda and neighboring countries, including Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as security issues in the region. President Kagame reassured that Rwanda’s security and sovereignty remain non-negotiable.
“I want to assure you that Rwanda’s security and sovereignty will always be safeguarded, no matter the circumstances,” he affirmed.
He added, “Quick fixes cannot resolve these issues. Lasting solutions rooted in addressing the core problems are needed to ensure enduring peace for all citizens of the region. This is essential for everyone. There can be no peace for some without peace for others. We all need peace.”
The Head of State stressed that Rwanda would not accept being misrepresented in the ongoing regional challenges.
{{Rwanda’s development vision and Formula One aspirations}}
The President reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to self-driven development, stating, “You cannot wait for others to develop you if you do not put effort into your own growth.”
He highlighted Rwanda’s recent hosting of the FIA conference, the first of its kind in Africa, and the announcement of plans to host Formula One. He noted that these initiatives aim to leverage sports for economic growth that benefits all citizens.
{{A call to the youth}}
President Kagame expressed his confidence in the youth’s role in advancing the country’s development beyond current expectations.
“We count on you to take Rwanda to new heights, beyond what we have imagined. Always remember that we have the ability to shape the future we desire and deserve,” he said.
With groundbreaking achievements in trading volumes, the launch of innovative financial instruments, and the implementation of forward-looking sustainability initiatives, the RSE continues to drive economic progress and investor confidence.
Some of the year’s key milestones include record-breaking market performance and cutting-edge product offerings plus strategic advancements shaping the future of Rwanda’s capital markets.
From its early years as a modest over-the-counter market lacking listed companies or active stockbrokers, the RSE has undergone a remarkable evolution into a fully-fledged daily trading stock exchange. This year, its achievements are remarkable:
{{Trading activities and investor participation}}
Total market turnover hit a new record and surged past the Frw100 billion mark to close the year at Frw129 billion, a 126% increase from the previous year. The Rwanda share index (RSI) is also up by 15.86%.
The RSE also surpassed its own record in issuance and listing of three products from private issuers in the last quarter of the year, raising at least Frw51 billion.
The new listings include Prime Energy Plc (the first-ever green bond on the RSE market) worth Frw9.58 billion with a 7-year maturity at a coupon rate of 13.75% per annum and listing of the first tranche of Frw3 billion corporate bond of Mahwi Grain Millers Plc paying 15% per annum. It is worth noting that both companies graduated from the RSE’s Capital market Investment Clinic (IC).
Finally, the issuance and listing of Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) Plc 2nd tranche Sustainability-Linked Bond worth Frw33.5 billion with a 7-year maturity at a coupon rate of 12.9% per annum.
All the issuances were oversubscribed and participation from retail investors including members of the Diaspora was remarkable giving hope for future growth of investor participation which overall has increased 37.35% to 95,672 dominated by domestic investors at the rate of 95.75%.
These numbers underscore the growing participation of both institutional and retail investors, driven by better accessibility and targeted education initiatives. The market capitalization has also slightly increased to Frw3.8 trillion from Frw3.6 trillion at the end of December 2023.
{{Pioneering new financial products}}
To broaden investment opportunities and support sustainable development, the RSE introduced a suite of new financial instruments which include the following;
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) & Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) which will provide investors with a low-cost, diversified, and flexible investment option, broadening access to the stock market, offering attractive returns and contributing to urban development.
Green Bonds and Sustainability-Linked Bonds which have placed Rwanda on the map as a leader in sustainable finance, attracting socially responsible investments and supporting environmental goals.
ESG Reporting Guidelines where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting guidelines were introduced to ensure listed companies adopt global best practices in transparency and sustainability. These guidelines are open to other corporates who may wish to use them.
However, the RSE’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. First, much as activity on the secondary market has improved over the years, it is still low compared to other advanced markets across the globe.
In addition, there is also a limited number of products and little diversification for investors. For instance, initially aiming for an average of 2 new listings per year, the exchange has realized closer to 1 per year, aligning with trends observed in other African stock exchanges.
Factors such as limited financial literacy, low savings rates, and reluctance from companies to go public have contributed to this slower-than-anticipated growth.
As challenging as it may be, deepening our market further is not solely our responsibility as an exchange. Policymakers, regulators, and Rwandans themselves must undergo a mindset change as there is need for a collective effort to address these obstacles.
Undeterred, the RSE remains committed to cultivating the domestic market and encouraging more Rwandan companies to raise money and list on the Exchange.
Just like in some countries, the government’s privatization policy through capital markets and perhaps a deliberate policy to encourage or compel public utility companies or companies of a certain size or systemic enough to go public could offer a promising avenue for expansion.
On the other hand, various efforts to enhance local professional skills and financial services aim to support a growing pipeline of potential issuers.
As Rwanda progresses on its development trajectory, the capital markets will and must play a pivotal role in mobilizing long-term domestic finance and fostering a robust savings culture.
Positioned at the forefront, the RSE is poised to deepen and diversify the country’s financial landscape in the years ahead especially now that we aspire to be an international financial hub of recon through the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC) initiative.
We should also leverage on the presidency of the African Securities Exchanges top body (ASEA) for continued growth and collaboration within Africa’s securities exchanges landscape and use Rwanda’s prominence in the regional and international financial arena.
This reflects the country’s commitment to fostering collaboration and integration within Africa’s financial markets, further solidifying its role as a driver of economic development and prosperity across the continent.
{{Driving regional and digital transformation}}
Looking ahead, the RSE is poised for continued growth through a few strategic initiatives including some of the following;
The East African Capital Market Infrastructure (CMI) project, which is part of integration of financial market. The overall objective under this component is to allow a seamless movement of securities and payments between the different EAC capital markets.
Its compatible at the regional level to enable the creation of a regional financial market in the EAC. The project will see full automation of trading operations on the RSE and increase efficiency.
The African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP) is in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the RSE is collaborating with other exchanges to create a unified trading platform thereby boosting cross-border investments and positioning Rwanda as a regional financial hub.
The RSE plans to launch cutting-edge digital platforms to streamline trading, enhance transparency, and improve user experience.
New offerings such as the introduction of a green exchange window, multi-currency-denominated instruments, market-making and Islamic finance or Sharia compliant platforms will also enhance product offerings.
And finally, sustainability commitments with renewed efforts to promote green financing and ESG practices will play a pivotal role in supporting Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
And as 2024 comes to a close, the RSE stands as a testament to the transformative power of a well-structured and innovative capital market.
With record-breaking achievements, groundbreaking product introductions, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, the RSE has laid a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
Investors, policymakers, and stakeholders alike can look forward to an even brighter 2025, as the we continue to drive Rwanda’s economic growth and establish itself as a leader in Africa’s financial landscape. Together, we are building a resilient and sustainable financial ecosystem
{{The author is the CEO, Rwanda Stock Exchange & Chairman of African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA).}}
The peace process, which took place at a time of heightened tension, was critical to stabilizing East Africa. Sudan’s government had been accused of supporting the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group waging an insurgency against Uganda.
Meanwhile, Uganda backed the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
For Sudan, the peace talks were an opportunity to improve its international standing. After being designated a terrorist state by the U.S. in 1993, due to alleged ties to Osama bin Laden and the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, Sudan’s leaders sought to repair their global reputation.
They turned to Jimmy Carter, hoping his influence could help alter U.S. policy toward Sudan.
On the Ugandan side, President Yoweri Museveni faced increasing military and economic pressures. His government was dealing with multiple insurgencies and struggling to meet World Bank demands to reduce military spending.
Museveni saw the peace process as an opportunity to stabilize the region and reallocate resources to other critical conflicts, including the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Carter’s involvement was grounded in years of prior engagement with Sudan. As early as 1995, he had brokered a ceasefire between warring factions in Sudan to allow for humanitarian aid.
His deep understanding of the region’s complexities positioned him as the ideal mediator for the Uganda-Sudan peace talks.
By 1999, both Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Ugandan President Museveni agreed to invite Carter to mediate the negotiations. Despite the challenges posed by Museveni’s support for the SPLA, Carter believed that improved relations between Sudan and Uganda could create a foundation for broader regional peace.
His strategy involved engaging not just the governments but also armed groups like the SPLA and LRA, aiming to address the root causes of the conflict.
A significant challenge was Joseph Kony, leader of the LRA. Carter’s attempts to bring Kony to the table faltered, and efforts to arrange meetings between Kony and his parents as a trust-building gesture ended in failure.
Nevertheless, Carter’s persistence and diplomacy proved effective. In December 1999, his efforts culminated in the Nairobi Agreement, signed by Bashir and Museveni in the presence of Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi.
The agreement called for both countries to cease support for each other’s rebel groups, improve the treatment of refugees, and restore full diplomatic ties.
Carter’s use of the “single document approach,” which he had previously applied at Camp David, ensured that both parties felt ownership of the agreement. The success of the Nairobi Agreement was a rare moment of cooperation in a region plagued by mistrust and conflict.
Carter’s work in Sudan and Uganda highlights his lifelong commitment to peace. His ability to bridge divides and foster trust between warring nations left a lasting legacy in East Africa.
He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, and his legacy continues to inspire those who work toward peace and human rights.
The world has paid tribute to Carter, with U.S. President Joe Biden praising him as a leader whose life was measured not by words, but by deeds.
