Describing the issue as a “small tiff” between the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Uganda Law Council, Maangi emphasized the need for swift action to resolve the matter for the benefit of both nations.
During the Jamhuri Dinner in Kampala, marking Kenya’s 61st Independence anniversary, Amb. Maangi stressed the significance of professional collaboration between the two countries.
He noted that many Ugandan lawyers practice in Kenya, just as Kenyan lawyers work in Uganda. Maangi expressed confidence that the issue would not escalate into retaliatory actions, despite earlier threats by the LSK to restrict Ugandan lawyers in Kenya.
The conflict emerged when Karua sought a temporary practicing certificate to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obed Lutale Kamulegeya, who are facing charges at Uganda’s General Court Martial. The Uganda Law Council denied the request, citing various reasons, which Karua dismissed as unfounded.
In response, Karua has re-submitted her application through the Uganda Law Society, hoping to secure the necessary certification before the case resumes in January. Meanwhile, Dr. Besigye’s legal team continues to expand, adding more international expertise.
The standoff highlights the critical need for smooth professional exchanges between Kenya and Uganda, underscoring the importance of resolving legal disputes in a timely and cooperative manner.
The dialogue, held recently, addressed long-standing challenges such as the lack of dedicated agroforestry extension services, low tree survival rates, and insufficient resources for farmers and forestry officers.
Discussions centered on embedding agroforestry into Twigire Muhinzi, the country’s flagship agricultural extension system, which currently focuses on crops and livestock. Experts believe this integration will be pivotal in advancing agroforestry adoption and achieving Rwanda’s ambitious environmental restoration goals.
Athanase Mukurarinda, Country Director of the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), highlighted the historical oversight that left agroforestry out of key agricultural programs. “When the Ministry of Agriculture designed Twigire Muhinzi, they didn’t include agroforestry. Agroforestry means integrating trees with crops or livestock, and this gap has hindered its adoption,” he said.
Mukurarinda emphasized the importance of introducing incentives to encourage farmers to plant and care for trees on their farms. “We’ve seen incentives work in food security, where farmers receive support for mineral fertilizers, compost, improved seeds, and pesticides. Similarly, we need a system that incentivizes tree planting and ensures higher survival rates in agricultural landscapes,” he explained.
Rwanda is committed to restoring two million hectares of degraded land by 2030, a target that experts say requires a radical shift in current practices. Dr. Ivan Gasangwa, Division Manager of Research at the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), explained how the new guidelines would address existing gaps.
“We’re now working with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board to integrate agroforestry into the existing extension framework. This will bring more focus to tree planting on farms and provide farmers with the tools, skills, and incentives they need to succeed,” Gasangwa said.
The guidelines will include a comprehensive package for farmers, covering capacity building, nursery management, tree care, and data recording. Gasangwa believes this structured approach will not only increase tree survival rates but also make monitoring more effective.
“For too long, we’ve relied on ad-hoc monitoring. With these changes, farmers will be trained to record data, and we’ll have a clear framework for tracking progress. This will completely change the way trees are managed on farms,” he added.
Going forward, there is need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, and development partners. Gasangwa expressed optimism about the impact of these efforts, noting that the integration of agroforestry into Twigire Muhinzi would create a ripple effect.
“Farmers will now have the training, resources, and incentives to plant and sustain trees, which will not only improve tree cover but also contribute to sustainable farming practices,” he said.
As the country approaches the 2030 deadline for its restoration commitments, the urgency to act is clear. “This is why we need to do things differently, business as unusual. These guidelines and incentives are not just about planting trees; they’re about ensuring that those trees survive and thrive,” Gasangwa said.
There is a shared commitment to prioritize agroforestry as a critical component of Rwanda’s agricultural and environmental strategy. With the right policies, resources, and collaborative efforts, agroforestry could play a transformative role in building a more sustainable and resilient future for the country.
The BK Arena in Kigali transformed into a grand stage, glittering with elegance and excitement, to honor the brightest stars in motorsport. The event also marked the 120th anniversary of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), a milestone that added an extra layer of significance to an already monumental evening.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was President Paul Kagame, whose sharp black suit and bowtie matched the evening’s elegance.
Joined by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Kagame played a central role in awarding the night’s top honorees. The event celebrated achievements across FIA Championships, including the Formula One World Championship, the FIA World Rally Championship, and the FIA World Endurance Championship, among others.
At the heart of the celebration was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who clinched his fourth consecutive Formula One World Championship. Verstappen, one of only six drivers in history to achieve four or more titles, received his trophy from the Head of State.
Standing under the spotlight, the Dutch driver reflected on the challenges of the season: “It’s amazing. Four titles is definitely incredible. This year the competition was very close, but my team and I pushed through,” he said.
Despite a less dominant car compared to previous seasons, Verstappen’s unparalleled consistency and skill secured his place at the pinnacle of the sport. McLaren’s resurgence in 2024 was another highlight of the evening. The British team claimed their ninth Constructors’ Championship—a title they had last won 26 years ago.
Lando Norris, who finished second in the drivers’ standings, congratulated Verstappen while expressing hopes for a more competitive 2025 season: “If we had a better car at the beginning of the year, we would have been fighting him a lot more. But hats off to Max; his achievements this year were phenomenal.”
The FIA’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Michèle Mouton, a trailblazer in motorsport whose career has inspired generations. Her award was a moment of pride, underscoring the FIA’s commitment to honoring legends who have shaped the sport’s history.
The ceremony also spotlighted rising stars. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 champion, was named Rookie of the Year as he prepares to step up to Formula One with Sauber next season.
In karting, Ethan Jeff-Hall and Kenzo Craigie were crowned champions in the OK and Junior categories, respectively, showcasing the future of motorsport.
Toyota Gazoo Racing emerged as a dominant force, securing multiple titles, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and the World Rally-Raid Championship. Nasser Al-Attiyah, representing the team, claimed the World Rally-Raid driver’s title, while Thierry Neuville was celebrated as the FIA World Rally Champion.
Formula E, a championship that continues to grow in prestige, saw Pascal Wehrlein crowned as the ABB FIA Formula E World Champion, with Jaguar TCS claiming the Team Championship. Meanwhile, Johan Kristoffersson added another accolade to his illustrious career by winning the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
The evening was not just about the winners but also about Rwanda’s growing prominence on the global stage. The FIA Awards coincided with the closure of the FIA General Assembly, which brought over 800 delegates from around the world to Kigali.
The culmination of this gathering, the awards ceremony, was a powerful statement of Rwanda’s ambition to become a hub for motorsport. President Kagame hinted at the nation’s future in the sport, announcing Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix as the series eyes a return to Africa.
Hosted by Kigali-based Rwandan-Jamaican media personality Makeda Mahadeo, the ceremony combined elegance with electrifying energy. The BK Arena was transformed into a visual spectacle, with dazzling lights and massive screens showcasing highlights from the year.
The winning cars, wheeled onto the stage, served as a vivid reminder of the innovation and determination that define motorsport. For the 53,000 viewers who tuned in live and the hundreds in attendance, the night was more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the unifying power of sport.
As the crowd roared in applause for each honoree, it was clear that the spirit of motorsport had found a perfect home in Rwanda.
The evening’s success underscores the FIA’s vision of making motorsport more inclusive and globally accessible. It also reflects Rwanda’s ability to host world-class events, further solidifying its position as a leader in innovation and ambition on the continent.
As the lights dimmed and the ceremony came to an end, the echoes of a historic night lingered. For the drivers, teams, and fans, it was a moment to celebrate the past year and look forward to the possibilities of the future.
For Rwanda, it was a statement to the world: the country is ready to take its place at the heart of global motorsport. What an evening to remember!
She was awarded runner-up in the Print and Online Category at the Africa-wide competition focused on science reporting in agricultural biotechnology. Earlier this year, Byukusenge was also named the overall winner of the 2024 OFAB Rwanda Media Awards.
Upon winning his feat, the Science and Environmental journalist The Fore Front Magazine expressed her excitement. “I am honored to be recognized for my work in science reporting, particularly in agricultural biotechnology. This award highlights the importance of showcasing scientific advancements in agriculture and their impact on communities,” an ecstatic Byukusenge said.
She further highlighted the importance of promoting science communication and encouraging women to pursue journalism careers. “As a female journalist in Rwanda, I am proud to represent my country and inspire other women to join science reporting. It is vital to raise awareness about the role of technology in agriculture and its potential to enhance food security and livelihoods,” she added.
Byukusenge’s achievement underscores her dedication to science journalism and serves as a call to action for diversifying voices in this field. Her success inspires aspiring journalists, particularly women, to break barriers and elevate the quality of reporting on science and technology in agriculture.
The OFAB Media Awards, organized by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), aim to celebrate exemplary journalism that fosters public understanding of modern biotechnology’s role in transforming African agriculture.
Launched in 2006, OFAB operates in ten African countries, including Rwanda, to enhance knowledge-sharing on agricultural biotechnology and facilitate stakeholder engagement.
Byukusenge’s recognition is a milestone for Rwandan journalism and a testament to the power of responsible science reporting in driving sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
François Bayrou has been tasked with forming a new government in the near future. He will lead the French government during challenging economic times, with the budget deficit continuing to rise, from 5.5% last year to 6.6% this year.
Bayrou served as Minister of Education from 1993 to 1997 and as Minister of Justice in 2017. The 73 years old veteran politician who founded the “Mouvement Democrate” party, as Minister of Education during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in is
He is one of the French political figures who deny their country’s involvement in these historical events.
In May 2021 when President Macron visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, he expressed his support for survivors, and offered an apology for France’s failure to protect the Tutsi during the Genocide.
Bayrou was a big critic of President Macron’s statements, arguing that France has nothing to apologize for since, according to him, France had no role in the genocide.
“If evidence emerges, France will acknowledge mistakes, but I don’t like this policy of asking for forgiveness,” he said.
In an interview with France TV in June 2021, he revealed that the information he had, was given to him by former President François Mitterrand, who led France from 1981 to 1995, during their many discussions.
The awards cover major competitions, including Formula 1, World Rally-Raid Championship, Formula 2, World Rally Championship, Formula E World Championship, World Endurance Championship, World Rallycross Championship, and World Karting Championships.
In addition to the athletes, FIA will also recognize outstanding teams and organizations for their contributions to motorsport innovation and excellence.
Below are the top athletes and achievements to be celebrated at BK Arena in Kigali on Friday night, December 13, 2024:
{{Formula 1: }} Max Verstappen (Red Bull) leads the list with 437 points, followed by Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, will be awarded for leading the best team of 2024.
{{World Rally Championship:}} Thierry Neuville (Hyundai Motorsport) is the champion, with 242 points, and will be honored alongside his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe.
{{World Endurance Championship:}} André Lotterer, Kévin Estre, and Laurens Vanthoor will share the award after tying with 152 points each.
{{World Rallycross Championship:}} Johan Kristoffersson (Sweden), a seven-time champion, will be recognized for his stellar performance, securing 240 points.
{{World Rally-Raid Championship:}} Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) and co-driver Edouard Boulanger will receive the award for dominating this off-road endurance series.
{{Formula 2: }} Gabriel Bortoleto clinched the championship with 214.5 points across 11 races, outperforming 28 other competitors.
{{World Karting Championships:}} British racer Ethan Jeff-Hall will be awarded in the senior category, Kenzo Craigie in juniors, and Giuseppe Palomba for the 15-year-old category.
Apart from these disciplines, FIA will also honor motorsport legends for their significant contributions to the sport.
President Paul Kagame, alongside Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), unveiled the “Cross Car”, a racing car made in Rwanda by students from IPRC Kigali.
The event took place Thursday evening, December 12, 2024, at the Kigali Convention Centre, at the ongoing FIA General Assembly scheduled to conclude tomorrow.
The car, built over the past month by the students in collaboration with an FIA technician, was showcased with the participation of key figures, including Christian Gakwaya, President of the Rwanda Automobile Racing Club (RAC).
This “Cross Car” is set to be tested by Dutch Formula One champion Max Verstappen, as part of a FIA community service penalty imposed on him as a punishment for using unacceptable language during the pre-event press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last September.
After the unveiling, a reception was held at the Convention Centre, bringing together political leaders, sports celebrities, and other dignitaries, including Steve Harvey, to celebrate the FIA’s 120th anniversary.
The “Cross Car” is a compact, specialized vehicle with several critical features such as a protective racing seat, reinforced safety structures, race-specific tires, and a unique design for driver protection in case of accidents.
Its safety features include a six-point harness system and a window opening for entry and exit. The vehicle is operated with a manual transmission and requires specific skills and training, as it differs significantly from regular rally cars.
The sport of Cross Car racing is growing in Rwanda, with plans to purchase more vehicles and kick-start local championships to further develop the motorsport scene in the country.
The discussions focused on the foundation’s work, particularly in strengthening the health sector in Africa.
A global philanthropic organization, the foundation was established in 1964 by businessman Warren Buffett.
Until 2004, it was known as the Buffett Foundation, but it was later renamed in honor of Warren Buffett’s late wife, Susan Buffett. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is mainly involved in charitable activities, particularly in the field of health.
Senait Fisseha, who led the delegation, is the Head of Operations at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
She is also a strong friend of Rwanda, as she resides here, although she is originally from Ethiopia.
Howard G. Buffett, the son of Warren Buffett, who played a role in establishing the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, is a major partner of Rwanda.
This American billionaire has supported the creation of an international model agricultural and livestock school, with a $87.6 million investment for the construction and operations over five years, in addition to another $40 million for its ongoing support.
The Buffett Foundation has been involved in agriculture in Rwanda for some time, having committed to investing $500 million in projects aimed at advancing the agricultural sector in Rwanda since 2015.
During an interview with the national broadcaster, Sulayem discussed the preparations and highlighted his own election as FIA President in 2018, emphasizing that he made history as the first president outside of Europe to make it.
“I am the first president of this organization who was elected outside of Europe. This means that the doors are open, and they are open to the entire world. This is where everyone can find their place,” he said.
The history was supposed to continue, as he sought to ensure that these doors would also open to Africa, specifically Rwanda, thanks to the leadership of President Paul Kagame. However according to him, some individuals attempted to block this idea, questioning the country’s security.
“I have learned a lot from President Kagame. He has a wealth of experience, and I can say he doesn’t represent just Rwanda but the whole of Africa. I asked these people, ‘What evidence do you have to suggest that other members should not attend?’” he said.
“If you don’t trust the security there, at least trust the FIA. Concerns about the Marburg virus outbreak were better left to health authorities to address,” he added.
Ben Sulayem also emphasized that people should change the perception that motorsport is only for the wealthy, as the cost of participating is not as prohibitive as some might think.
He gave the example of a car made in Rwanda, demonstrating that there are no excuses for claiming that race cars are too expensive, as they are now more accessible.
This is the first time the FIA General Assembly is held in Africa, and it will also celebrate 120 years of the FIA, with awards presented to outstanding athletes in the federation’s sports.
The soldiers were part of Operation Turquoise, which was officially intended to protect Tutsi refugees who were being killed. However, instead of protecting them, the French forces assisted the Interahamwe, the defeated soldiers of the ex-FAR, and members of the Rwandan government responsible for planning the genocide massacres.
In 2005, the organizations Survie, IBUKA France, FIDH, LDH, and six genocide survivors from Bisesero had requested the court to order the French government to investigate the role of French soldiers in these killings.
These organizations stated that the French soldiers abandoned the Tutsi refugees in Bisesero, who were killed by the Interahamwe and ex-FAR soldiers between June 27 and June 30, 1994.
They further explained that they have evidence showing that, while the French soldiers knew about the massacre taking place as Tutsi refugees were being killed in Bisesero, they did nothing to stop it, despite having the ability to do so.
In 2018, a French court had decided to halt the investigation into this massacre, but after the March 2021 report by Professor Vincent Duclert, which revealed France’s involvement in the genocide, a new decision was made to resume the investigation. However, the investigation was once again suspended in October 2023.
In September 2024, the Paris Court of Appeal heard the arguments from these organizations and Bisesero Genocide survivors, who called for further investigation into the French soldiers’ role in Operation Turquoise, but the court dismissed their claims.
Eric Plouvier, the lawyer representing Survie, stated that this decision denied justice to the victims of Bisesero and the survivors.
“Investigation must continue. It is not acceptable for the court to make such a harsh decision to deny justice,” said Plouvier.
On the other hand, those involved in the operation, including General (Rtd) Jean-Claude Lafourcade, who led the mission, argued that the investigation should be ended, stating that the French soldiers committed no crimes.
