Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

The Charge d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy, Ali Bin Hamad Al Aida, hosted the guests and highlighted the significance of the occasion. In his address, Al Aida commemorated the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, who founded the nation on December 18, 1878, and praised Qatar’s development over the last 146 years.

“Qatar has grown into a beacon of progress and achievement. Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, our country continues to advance a purposeful national vision, reflected in our remarkable strides in human, economic, social, and environmental development,” Al Aida said.

The Charge d’Affaires further emphasized Qatar’s consistent role as a reliable global partner, citing its policies grounded in cooperation, transparency, and balance. He underscored the strong and flourishing relations between Qatar and Rwanda, describing them as a testament to shared aspirations.

“Qatar-Rwanda relations have flourished across multiple domains, evolving into a strategic and long-term partnership under the leadership of both nations,” Al Aida noted.

He highlighted the Bugesera International Airport project as a transformative initiative that reflects the shared vision of both nations, describing it as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, celebrated the deepening bilateral ties between Qatar and Rwanda. He acknowledged Qatar’s visionary leadership and praised the country’s remarkable achievements in fostering global prosperity and development.

“Rwanda values the excellent relations between our two countries and reaffirms its commitment to strengthen further the cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of our people,” Nduhungirehe said.

He commended Qatar for successfully organizing significant global events, including the Doha Forum and the Formula One Qatar Airways Grand Prix, which were attended by President Kagame.

Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda’s recent bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix, underscoring Qatar’s experience as a valuable reference.

“We are looking forward to learning from the experience of countries like Qatar, with which Rwanda takes inspiration,” he stated.

The Minister also took a moment to honor the late Qatari Ambassador Misfer bin Faisal Al Shahwani, who passed away in July this year. He described him as a distinguished diplomat who played an active role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

Further reflecting on the achievements of Qatar-Rwanda cooperation, Nduhungirehe emphasized the importance of the $1.3 billion Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% investment stake. He described it as a gateway for increased opportunities for people and businesses in the region.

The Minister praised Qatar’s contributions to capacity building in Rwanda through the Qatar Fund for Development. He highlighted the role of scholarships in providing world-class education to Rwandans and preparing youth for the jobs of the future.

“By equipping the youth with the right skills, we are creating the ideal conditions for our societies to grow more prosperous,” he said.

Nduhungirehe also acknowledged Qatar’s role in sports development in Rwanda through its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, which fosters talent and strengthens the country’s sports ecosystem.

During the celebration, recognition gifts were presented to various stakeholders for their contributions to the embassy’s operations and activities. Among the honored partners was IGIHE, recognized for its exemplary support as a valued working media partner.

The evening was marked by a spirit of camaraderie as guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and celebrated the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar. Both Al Aida and Nduhungirehe reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to fostering peace, development, and shared prosperity.

In closing, remarks. Nduhungirehe affirmed that Rwanda highly appreciates the continued and fortified partnership displayed between the two countries and that the ongoing collaboration would continue to build a bright future for both of our nations.

The project aims to streamline fuel transportation to landlocked countries, reducing their dependence on trucking systems, which are costly, environmentally harmful, and prone to inefficiencies such as accidents and fuel spillages.

Currently, fuel to Uganda and Rwanda is transported by trucks from Eldoret or Kisumu, with a smaller share moved across Lake Victoria via vessels loaded at Kisumu Oil Jetty and unloaded at Entebbe.

This pipeline project was first conceptualized in 1995 but has faced delays for nearly three decades. Renewed momentum emerged in May 2024 when Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on the pipeline.

Talks expanded further in July 2024 to include Rwanda and South Sudan, signaling the growing importance of regional integration in energy security.

A recent ministerial meeting held in Entebbe, Uganda, brought together energy officials led by Uganda’s Minister of State for Energy, Okaasai Sidronius, and Rwanda’s High Commission Charge d’Affaires, Ismael Baguma.

At the forum, Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) framework, noting the pipeline’s potential to reduce fuel transportation costs and enhance energy security.

At the onset, the pipeline is envisioned to play a role in fostering economic growth, energy stability, and environmental sustainability for the region. According to analysts, the project is a critical step toward regional energy independence and long-term prosperity.

To fast-track progress, a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) was inaugurated to oversee the project’s planning and execution. The JTC is tasked with updating previous studies to ensure alignment with current needs and regional development goals.

The renewed Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline reflects the collaborative determination of the EAC member states to address energy challenges and unlock economic opportunities across the region.

In some advanced nations, nuclear power accounts for up to 20% of electricity production, while the rest comes from hydropower plants and other renewable energy sources.

On December 16, 2024, ministers from various countries responsible for energy met in Rwanda to discuss what African countries need to achieve self-sufficiency in nuclear-generated electricity.

Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, stated that Africa aims to accelerate its development using nuclear energy, which requires investments from partners and financial institutions.

“Many countries used nuclear power to advance their development. As Africans, we are now discussing with experts, including those from South Africa who already use this energy, to ask: What are the requirements? What are the risks, and how can we mitigate them? Most importantly, how can we harness nuclear energy to meet our needs?” he wondered.

Gasore confirmed that strategies are being developed to ensure Africa has sufficient energy for development within the next 30 years.

He underscored that achieving this goal requires boldness. “Many developed countries relied on nuclear energy. Why shouldn’t we adopt it to propel our progress?” he questioned

Generating nuclear energy requires significant investments, consideration under discussion “We are exploring how development partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders can support Africa in this journey toward nuclear energy,” he said.

Another key requirement is advanced technical knowledge for Africans and Rwandans, which Gasore believes is attainable, given that some African countries like Egypt and South Africa are already using nuclear energy.

In recent years, Rwanda signed an agreement with Russia regarding the development of nuclear energy and the Minister confirmed that discussions are ongoing, as this is a long-term project.

Currently, Rwanda reports having sufficient energy to meet its domestic needs, but additional energy is continuously required to support economic growth, which increases daily demand.

During the 66th ECOWAS summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, regional leaders acknowledged the withdrawal notice submitted earlier this year by the three military-led nations.

While the official termination date is set for January 29, 2025, a six-month grace period was granted, making July 29, 2025, the final date for their exit.

ECOWAS leaders had hoped to find common ground during ongoing negotiations. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, tasked with spearheading talks alongside Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, expressed cautious optimism but stopped short of guaranteeing success.

“The discussions remain open, and we will continue to engage in good faith until the final deadline,” President Faye stated.

The withdrawal comes amidst rising tensions between ECOWAS and the three countries, all of which are under military rule following coups that overthrew democratically elected governments.

In January, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger jointly announced their intention to leave, arguing that ECOWAS no longer reflects the founding ideals of regional cooperation.

While formal ties will be severed, the departing nations reassured that their exit does not signify complete isolation. They affirmed commitments to free movement of people and goods, maintaining trade and travel flows with neighboring states.

However, analysts warn that the departure could deal a blow to regional integration efforts, saying that the formation of the three nations’ alternative coalition, the Alliance of Sahel States, signals a desire for autonomy rather than hostility toward regional neighbors.

The situation has drawn comparisons to Mauritania’s exit from ECOWAS in 1999. Although it rejoined as an associate member in 2017, Mauritania’s withdrawal underscored how unresolved disputes can fracture regional alliances.

The pending exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger raises significant questions about ECOWAS’ influence and its future role in fostering regional stability. For now, the six-month extension offers a final opportunity for reconciliation before the bloc bids farewell to three of its key members.

The vote came after Scholz’s coalition government crumbled amid rising tensions and disagreements over budget priorities. Out of 733 lawmakers in the Bundestag, 394 voted against the chancellor, while 207 supported him and 116 abstained, leaving Scholz far short of the 367 votes needed for a majority.

The collapse of the coalition followed Scholz’s dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leader of the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), in November.

Lindner’s removal came as the three coalition parties; Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), the FDP, and the Greens, failed to agree on billions of euros in spending cuts for the upcoming fiscal year.

Scholz accused Lindner of “unjustifiable obstruction” in blocking budget measures that included increased aid to Ukraine. “Shortsightedness might save money in the short term, but the mortgage on our future is unaffordable,” Scholz said, defending his spending priorities.

In response, Lindner criticized Scholz’s handling of Germany’s economy. “Olaf Scholz has consistently refused to prioritize economic recovery for our country,” Lindner stated. Following his dismissal, the FDP announced their decision to withdraw all ministers from Scholz’s government.

The Greens, however, chose to remain in the coalition despite expressing disappointment at the deepening political rift. They emphasized Germany’s need for stability in light of geopolitical pressures, particularly the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president.

With the elections now confirmed, Scholz has framed the vote as a critical choice for Germany’s future. He pledged significant investment in infrastructure while rejecting austerity measures advocated by conservatives.

On the other hand, Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Scholz’s main rival, criticized the chancellor for his “unsustainable” spending plans.

Merz has called for tighter fiscal policies and more military support for Ukraine, including the delivery of German-made Taurus missiles, something Scholz has firmly refused, warning of further escalation with Russia.
As Germany prepares for elections, opinion polls show the conservatives standing in a position. Scholz’s SPD trails behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), while the Greens sit in fourth place.

Amid economic uncertainty, growing far-right influence, and political fragmentation, the outcome of the February elections will set the direction for Germany’s leadership and its role in Europe in the next years.

The Rwandan team secured the trophy after a hard-fought 3-2 victory against the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) team on Sunday, marking their first volleyball championship in the tournament’s history.

Entering the match unbeaten, having won all four of their previous games, Rwanda demonstrated resilience and skill. The game was closely contested, with both teams tied 2-2 in sets before Rwanda clinched the decisive tiebreak set to emerge victorious.

Their flawless performance throughout the tournament made them one of the standout teams at this year’s games.

The games, which began on December 6, 2024, were officially opened by Kenya’s President William Ruto.
They featured lawmakers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia, Rwanda, and South Sudan competing across various sports, including football, golf, volleyball, basketball, darts, netball, athletics, tug-of-war, and walking.

While Rwanda celebrated its volleyball triumph, Uganda dominated the overall medal standings, amassing an impressive haul of 9 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze medals.

The Ugandan delegation led the competition, surpassing host Kenya, which finished second with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Tanzania secured third place with 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Rwanda placed fifth with one bronze medal overall, despite their volleyball success.

Uganda’s strength in tug-of-war, particularly in the women’s category, was a highlight of the tournament. The Ugandan women edged out Kenya 2-1 in a rain-soaked contest on Saturday, showcasing their superior strategy and resilience. Uganda also defeated Tanzania in a nail-biting 2-1 pull earlier in the day.

In the men’s tug-of-war, Uganda narrowly claimed the overall title with 13 points, followed by Tanzania with 12 points, while Kenya secured third place with 11 points.

Other standout performances included Kenya’s Simon Kang’ara, who clinched gold in the 1600m walk, outpacing Uganda’s Patrick Ocan with a time of 9:42.6.

The high level of competition drew praise from Mchezo Limited, the official sponsor of the games. Ivy Igunduura, Eastern Africa CSR and Partnerships Manager, lauded the resilience and mental toughness displayed, particularly in the women’s tug-of-war event.

The EALA Games, a significant platform for fostering regional unity, will conclude today Monday, December 16, 2024.

The reason cited was an alleged unexpected demand by Rwanda to engage in direct talks with M23 rebels, a claim firmly denied, stating that this issue had been consistently discussed since August 2024.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who participated in ministerial-level discussions aimed at resolving the years-long conflict in eastern DRC and easing tensions with Rwanda, dismissed the claims by Tshisekedi’s office as blatant lies, saying the truth speaks for itself.

The DRC alleged that Rwanda raised the issue of direct talks with M23 on December 14, 2024, just a day before the two presidents were scheduled to meet.

However, Rwanda released a statement on December 15, clarifying that the summit ended without concrete resolutions because DRC refused to engage with M23, thereby nullifying the possibility of signing a peace agreement.

Minister Nduhungirehe further responded via social media that the M23 issue had not been unexpectedly introduced by Rwanda but was initiated by the mediator, Angola, which had included it in a draft peace agreement presented to both Rwanda and DRC presidents on August 11 and 12, 2024.

Following this, Angola, as the mediator, invited M23 representatives to Luanda between August 31 and September 3, 2024, where M23’s Secretary-General, Benjamin Mbonimpa, elaborated on the political grievances that prompted the group to take up arms.

During the fourth ministerial meeting on September 14, 2024, held in Luanda, Rwanda reiterated its call for direct political talks between the DRC government and M23 to find a sustainable solution to the conflict. This request was documented in the meeting’s resolutions.

The issue of talks between DRC and M23 resurfaced in a virtual meeting on November 26, 2024, involving foreign ministers from Rwanda, Angola, and DRC. At the meeting’s conclusion, the mediator requested Rwanda to submit its stance on the matter in writing.

The following day, November 27, 2024, Rwanda sent the requested document, proposing that “the government should engage in direct political talks with M23 to address the root causes of the conflict and find a lasting solution.”

On November 28, 2024, the mediator informed the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Rwanda and DRC that Angolan President João Lourenço had confirmed the M23 issue as the primary obstacle to finalizing the draft peace agreement.

In a letter dated November 29, 2024, Rwanda maintained its position, stating that it would not sign any peace agreement unless it included a provision requiring the DRC government to hold direct talks with M23 within a specified timeframe.

The mediator informed Rwanda on November 30, 2024, that DRC had agreed to engage in talks with M23 under the framework established during the Nairobi discussions.

However, despite this commitment, DRC subsequently engaged in international media campaigns portraying itself as ready for dialogue with Rwanda to restore peace in its eastern regions and resolve the nearly three-year-long tensions.

The DRC also pledged to collaborate with Rwanda in dismantling and repatriating fighters of the FDLR, a terrorist group, but unexpectedly became the reason for delaying the peace agreement that was to be signed by both countries’ leaders.

Since resuming hostilities against the Congolese army in late 2021, M23 has consistently expressed its desire for talks to address grievances, including the persecution of Tutsi Congolese.

The DRC had initially agreed to negotiate with M23 and other armed groups operating in its territory under a roadmap established by East African Community leaders during a summit in Nairobi in 2022.

M23 representatives initially participated in these talks but were expelled on the second day by Serge Tshibangu, a special envoy of President Tshisekedi, who accused them of reigniting the conflict.

The rebel group has since argued that excluding them from the Luanda talks is unjust, maintaining that it will not recognize any decisions made without their involvement.

He made this announcement during his visit to Rwanda, where he attended the closing ceremony of the World Motorsport Federation (FIA) General Assembly last week.

In an interview with the national broadcaster, Harvey praised Rwanda as a unique country that should serve as an example to others, considering its remarkable progress over the past 30 years.

Harvey and his team have been mulling ways to bring their business activities to Rwanda, with a focus on creating job opportunities for the country’s young population.

“We have a lot of work to do in Rwanda. It’s a special place, and I think we can build businesses here. My team and I are here to explore investment opportunities because it will help create jobs and provide employment,” he said.

“The fact that you have overcome these challenges is a testament to your leadership. It’s proof of good governance. I urge others to come and learn from Rwanda—understand the meaning of kindness, forgiveness, and love,” he added.

Harvey also emphasized that Africa, especially with its youthful population, holds tremendous potential for investment. “You need to focus on the youth, as they are the future. I may not have much time left, but I understand the importance of helping the younger generation. They are the ones with innovative ideas and the drive to create change,” he stated.

Harvey, who began his career in comedy in the 1980s, later became the host of the popular ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ and launched his own show, ‘The Steve Harvey Show’ on WB Television.

He has also hosted major U.S. TV programs like Little Big Shots, Little Big Shots Forever Young, and Steve Harvey’s Funderdome. Currently, Harvey hosts ‘Steve on Watch’ and ‘Judge Steve Harvey.’

Air Tanzania is one of the airlines listed on the EU Air safety list, which outlines companies that are not allowed to operate flights in Europe.

The EU Air Safety List is a roster of airlines that do not meet the necessary international safety standards and therefore face either operational restrictions or a complete ban from flying within the European Union.

To be included on this list, airlines are assessed based on inspections carried out by aviation authorities in their home countries, as well as their overall track record on air travel safety.

This means that Air Tanzania is not permitted to fly within the EU, even though the national carrier does not operate any flights in the European Union Zone.

Under this system, passengers will tap their cards on a machine, which will deduct the fare as they board. When they reach their destination, they will tap again to pay for the distance they’ve traveled.

This system has been rolled out initially on the Nyabugogo-Kabuga and Downtown-Kabuga routes.
A statement released by RURA on Sunday indicates that the new payment method will be extended to buses on 24 different routes across the city.

The new routes include; Remera-Ndera, Downtown-Kanombe-Kibaya, Downtown-Kabeza-Rubirizi, Kimironko-Downtown, Nyanza-Downtown (via Gatenga), Kimironko-Nyabugogo, Nyanza-Nyabugogo (via Gatenga), Nyabugogo-Kanombe-Kibaya, Downtown-Kacyiru, Downtown-Saint Joseph, Nyabugogo-Saint Joseph and Downtown-Bwerankori.

Others are Nyabugogo-Bwerankori, Remera-Busanza (Rubirizi), Remera-Busanza (via Nyarugunga), Remera-Bwerankori, Kimironko-Bwerankori, Kimironko-Musave, Kimironko-Masizi-Birembo, Kimironko-Kinyinya, Kimironko-Batsinda, Nyanza-Gahanga, Nyanza-Kimironko and Remera-Nyanza.