Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

The meeting, initiated on December 18, 2024, by DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, followed a series of controversial posts by Gen. Muhoozi on social media platform X.

In one now-deleted post, Gen. Muhoozi declared: “This is my final warning to all white mercenaries operating in eastern DRC. Starting January 2, 2025, we will launch operations against all white mercenaries in our zones. In the name of Jesus Christ, the God of all Bachwezi, no mercenary will remain in the DRC next year.”

The remarks were interpreted as a direct reference to foreign operatives from groups like Agemira and RALF, which have reportedly supported the Congolese national army (FARDC) against the M23 rebellion since 2022.

However, the DRC has maintained that these individuals are military trainers, not mercenaries, helping to modernize FARDC operations in key areas such as Goma and Sake.

The DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, saying: “On December 18, Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner summoned Uganda’s Chargé d’Affaires to the DRC, Mr. Matata Twaha Magara, to explain comments made by Uganda’s Commander of Land Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, concerning President Tshisekedi.”

Gen. Muhoozi had also praised Rwandan President Paul Kagame, describing him as a peacemaker advocating for stability in eastern DRC. He hinted at plans to visit Kinshasa for the first time in 22 years, stating: “I shall visit my big brother, President Tshisekedi, soon to ask for peace.”

These posts come amid heightened tensions after the DRC rejected a proposal from Rwanda and Angola to negotiate with the M23 armed group for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Gen. Muhoozi has been a vocal supporter of M23, asserting their mission to protect civilians and criticizing the FARDC’s reliance on external actors.

Despite his conciliatory tone in some posts, Muhoozi’s remarks have added strain to an already fragile relationship between Uganda and the DRC. Regional observers warn that such incidents could further complicate efforts to address security challenges in eastern DRC.

The DRC government has demanded official clarification from Uganda, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement to manage the situation.

Experts are increasingly concerned about the potential for this virus to cause a broader pandemic, especially as it continues to affect not only birds but also mammals, including dairy cows.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has declared a state of emergency in response to the spread of bird flu among dairy herds, which has been ongoing since March 2024.

While the overall risk to the public remains low, Newsom emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent further spread. The virus, primarily affecting poultry farms, has already led to the culling of over 100 million birds. California’s declaration is the first of its kind in the US, although Colorado had issued a more targeted alert earlier in the year.

The current outbreak began in poultry farms but has recently spread to dairy cows, with cases now confirmed in at least 16 states. The virus is of particular concern because it has previously led to high mortality rates among humans globally, with the World Health Organization reporting a 53% death rate in confirmed cases since 2003.

Though human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed, the virus’s increasing presence in mammals is fueling fears of wider spread. A case in Louisiana, which involved exposure to sick and dead backyard birds, has added urgency to the situation.

The CDC confirmed that the Louisiana patient has the D1.1 genotype of the virus, which has been detected in both wild birds and some human cases, although the full extent of its reach remains unclear.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with the CDC reassuring the public that the risk to the general population remains low. However, concerns about the virus’s adaptability are growing, especially with the potential for new avenues of transmission, such as through raw milk.

The USDA has already issued new regulations requiring raw milk samples to be tested and reported if they contain traces of the H5N1 virus.

As the number of human cases increases, so too does the scrutiny of public health measures. While no deaths have been reported from the current outbreak, the severe condition of the Louisiana patient serves as a stark reminder of the virus’s potential for causing harm.

Public health experts are urging increased vigilance as the virus evolves and spreads, stressing the need for swift action to mitigate its impact on both human and animal populations.

In October 2021, Air France started flying to Zanzibar twice a week via Nairobi. The carrier later in June, 2023 launched direct flights from Paris to Dar es Salaam.

KIA Director, Rehema Myeya, made the announcement on during the launch of Aviation Safety Week at the airport on December 17, 2024

Air France will operate three flights a week between KIA and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, using its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900WXB.

“We are delighted to welcome Air France back after a 28-year absence. This year, we’ve received their first flight since their services were suspended in 1996,” said Myeya, emphasizing the importance of improved aviation security as a key factor in attracting such international airlines.

The resumption of Air France services is a testament to the enhanced security measures at KIA, which continue to be a focal point for the airport’s management.

“We are delighted to welcome Air France back after a 28-year absence. This year, we’ve received their first flight since their services were suspended in 1996,” said Myeya, emphasizing the importance of improved aviation security as a key factor in attracting such international airlines.

She asserted that the resumption of Air France services is a testament to the enhanced security measures at KIA, which continue to be a focal point for the airport’s management, highlighting that maintaining safety standards is a shared responsibility for all those involved in airport operations.

Myeya also pointed out that the tourism sector has been a major contributor to KIA’s growth, with the airport now receiving over a million tourists every year.

“Kilimanjaro has greatly benefitted from tourism, and KIA remains a safe and reliable gateway for visitors from around the world,” she said.

Flight Guidance Services at the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) Director, Florah Alphonce, assured that security at KIA remains a top priority.

“This week, we’re promoting safety culture at our airports. It is essential that all stakeholders understand what is needed to maintain safety and continue attracting airlines to our country. When airports are safe, airlines trust us, and we’ve seen more carriers choosing to fly to Kilimanjaro. This growth is directly linked to the excellent aviation safety standards we maintain,” said Alphonce.

The return of Air France marks a major milestone in Tanzania’s attempt to become a key destination for international tourists and hub for regional aviation.

The delegation, led by Prof. Wole Soboyejo, Chairperson of the AMRS Board of Directors, included scientists and experts in materials science and technology. They are in Rwanda attending the 12th AMRS International Conference, which has brought together over 500 participants from diverse fields such as research, academia, and industry.

The conference aims to explore how materials science can keep pace with global technological advancements and address critical needs in Africa.

A statement from the Office of the President highlighted that the meeting emphasized “advancing science, building partnerships among institutions, and identifying key areas to promote research that benefits Africa.”

The discussions revolved around developing materials for healthcare, agriculture, energy, housing, and infrastructure. Innovations in environmentally sustainable materials, solutions for water and electricity distribution, mineral processing, advanced technologies, and industrial applications were also dicussed.

AMRS, founded in 2000, is a Pan-African organization dedicated to promoting materials science and fostering collaboration among researchers.

The society was establisged during a meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, supported by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) and the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). It officially launched in Dakar, Senegal, two years later, where it held its first General Conference.

Since then, AMRS has convened in countries including Rwanda, Morocco, Tanzania, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Botswana, bringing together experts committed to advancing materials science across the continent.

António, who is visiting as a special envoy of Angola’s President João Lourenço, appointed by the African Union to mediate between Rwanda and the DRC, will hold talks with Rwandan officials.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed the visit, stating, “He will arrive in the afternoon as a special envoy for the Luanda Dialogue mediator, President Lourenço of Angola.”

The visit follows the postponement of a meeting initially scheduled for December 15, 2024, in Luanda, which was set to bring together President Lourenço, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.

This decision came after DRC representatives at the ministerial level refused to engage in dialogue with the M23 armed group, despite previous commitments under the “Nairobi Process” led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

During his Kigali visit, Minister António is expected to discuss resolving the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC through the ongoing Luanda Dialogue mediated by President Lourenço since 2022.

In a statement earlier this week, President Lourenço expressed optimism that a summit in Luanda with Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi would eventually lead to a lasting peace agreement.

However, the DRC’s withdrawal from the planned discussions has undermined previous progress, including agreements to dismantle the FDLR armed group and to lift border restrictions imposed by Rwanda.

Angola remains committed to mediating peace efforts in eastern DRC and the broader region, despite challenges. Minister António noted that substantial agreement had been reached, with 99% of the framework for peace finalized, but a last-minute request for postponement stalled the process.

Nduhungirehe highlighted that Angola had informed Rwanda on November 30, 2024, that DRC had agreed to negotiate with M23 under the Nairobi Process, only for DRC to backtrack later.

President Lourenço has since engaged Tshisekedi and Uhuru Kenyatta in further discussions on how to advance talks between the DRC government and armed groups, particularly the M23.

Angola continues to urge all parties to prioritize the well-being of citizens and work toward a lasting resolution to the conflict that has plagued eastern DRC for over three decades.

The DRC government has reiterated its refusal to negotiate with the M23, labeling the group as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, M23 insists that resolutions impacting them are invalid without their direct involvement in the discussions.

Hategekimana served as a Gendarme in Nyanza during the Genocide and was accused of orchestrating deadly attacks against Tutsi civilians at Nyamure Hill, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and roadblocks in Nyanza.

He was also implicated in the murder of Narcisse Nyagasaza, the then Mayor of Ntyazo Commune, for attempting to help Tutsi escape to Burundi via the Akanyaru River.

In November 2024, Hategekimana launched an appeal, denying all charges and claiming that testimonies against him were fabricated. However, witnesses maintained their accounts, describing his direct involvement in the atrocities.

The Paris court dismissed his claims and reaffirmed the life sentence, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and his leadership role in promoting genocidal ideology.

Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, welcomed the verdict, stating, “Justice has been served at the Paris Assize Appeals Court.

Adjutant Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, is unequivocally convicted of being a key perpetrator of the Genocide in Nyanza and its surrounding areas. Those he murdered have received justice.”

Jean Noé Mwizerwa, President of the Rwandan Community in France (CRF), highlighted the historical significance of the ruling, noting that it ended over 30 years of impunity. “This verdict closes a chapter of impunity for Hategekimana, who sought refuge in France under a false identity and obtained citizenship over three decades ago,” he said.

Hategekimana, who acquired French citizenship in 2005, was arrested in Cameroon in 2018 and extradited to France. His trial began in September 2021.

According to the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), the court’s decision is a testament to ongoing efforts to bring genocide perpetrators hiding abroad to justice.

Richard Gisagara, a lawyer representing the victims, affirmed, “Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, has been found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity in his appeal. His life imprisonment sentence has been upheld. Justice has prevailed! My thoughts are with those who perished in Nyanza, Ntyazo, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and beyond.”

He said this ruling reinforces the importance of holding individuals accountable for crimes of Genocide, ensuring justice for victims and survivors while deterring future atrocities.

While delivering the sentencing on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Eldoret High Court Judge Justice Reuben Nyakundi said Biwott expressed cruelty for shooting her spouse 12 times.

The judge said there was no evidence that the accused person was in self-defense since nothing proved that her spouse had provoked her.

Nyakundi said the police officer abused her firearm, knowing fully well that it was not in order as per the law.
He said her act has tormented the deceased’s family, especially his aging mother who is now depressed and psychologically disturbed.

“Lilian, you had all what it takes to avoid the death of your husband, father to your children who are now orphaned but you choose to travel the wrong route,” said the judge.

He said cases of gender based violence and femicide have been on the rise in the country and thereby there is need for harsher punishment. “The premeditated way that the act was committed was gruesome” noted Nyakundi.

In line with the upcoming election of the next AUC chairperson for the 2025-2028 period, which is slated to take place in February 2025 during the AU Summit, the three candidates, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato, took part in a live debate recently.

During the televised debate broadcast live, the three candidates elaborated on their vision and strategies for implementing the Agenda 2063, the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint, and driving Africa’s transformative vision for a prosperous, united, and peaceful Africa.

In his address, Youssouf underscored that strengthening the AU’s Peace and Security Council into a more proactive organ, operationalizing the African Standby Force, mobilizing resources to ensure stable financing of the union, boosting intra-African trade, and promoting the free movement of goods and people across Africa are among his major priorities if elected.

“The place of Africa on the international stage will be one of my priorities. The Africa that we want is the Africa of peace, integration and prosperity. If I’m given the chance of being the chairperson of the commission, I will do my best to make sure that our continent shines on the international stage,” Youssouf said.

The three candidates stressed their resolve to advance the transformative role of the AU in addressing Africa’s existing and emerging development and security challenges.

According to the AU, the February 2025 election process will be based on the principle of inter-regional rotation of the commission’s senior leadership positions. The Eastern Africa region will submit candidates for the role of chairperson, while the Northern Africa region will submit candidates for the role of deputy chairperson.

The remaining three regions (Central, Southern and Western Africa regions) will submit at least two candidates for the six portfolios of commissioners.

Odinga, on his part, underscored his conviction to strive for the realization of the founding fathers’ vision for a united Africa in the creation of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the AU, in 1963.

Describing himself as an ardent “Pan-Africanist and optimist,” Odinga promised to advance the continent’s progress through the promotion of quality education, health, value-addition, intra-African trade, and infrastructure development, among others.

“Africa is moving forward, but there is work to do, and I have what it takes to get us where we want to go. What remains now is action, and what I want to promise to the African people is that I’m going to lead from the front to ensure that we achieve the vision of the founding fathers of our continent,” he said.

Outlining his priorities, Randriamandrato highlighted the need to harness Africa’s robust potential to drive holistic economic development. He affirmed his commitment to augmenting the 55-member continental organization’s role in facilitating continental socioeconomic development if elected.

“We have our own house, the African Union, and there is an Africa, which is dynamic and moving forward. I am here before you today because I think it is indispensable, and it is a must to have the quality, competence and conviction (to lead the AU). I think that I have those qualities,” he said.

In February 2024, a Panel of Eminent Africans, composed of five personalities — one per region — was appointed to oversee the pre-selection of candidates for the eight positions.

According to the AU, the televised debate allows African citizens and other stakeholders to put forward questions to the candidates on how to propel the continent’s growth and ensure that Africa achieves its goals for integrated and sustainable development and becomes a major player in the global arena.

Experts have underscored the crucial need to advance the transformative role of the AU in addressing Africa’s existing and emerging development and security challenges.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, current AUC chairperson, who African leaders elected to lead the Pan-African bloc in January 2017 during the 28th AU Summit, is fast approaching an end to his second-term tenure at the helm of the AU Commission.