Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Malawi, Zambia endorse Kenya opposition chief’s AU commission bid

The leadership of the two countries pledged their support for Odinga’s candidacy for the regional role during his visit to Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, on Sunday, where he attended the funeral service of the deceased Malawian Vice President, Saulos Chilima. The Vice President and nine other people died in a plane crash last week in Malawi’s northern region of Mzimba.

After the event, Odinga held talks with Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera at State House in Lilongwe, where the Head of State endorsed the former Kenyan Prime Minister’s bid to head the AU Commission.

Odinga was accompanied by two of his AUC campaign strategists: former Kenya Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo and ex-Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu.

Odembo told Kenya’s Daily Nation that Odinga also had a lengthy telephone conversation with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who, like the Malawi Head of State, pledged to promote Odinga’s bid among member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Both Zambia and Malawi not only assured Kenya of their support but also promised to campaign for [Odinga] among their SADC partner states,” Odembo stated.

The two countries now join a growing list of nations that have pledged to support Odinga’s candidacy.

President Ruto last week announced that he had secured support from Algeria during the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, after talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the sidelines of the high-level forum.

“I have held a discussion with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune… [who] has pledged support for Kenya’s Africa Union Commission chairmanship bid,” President Ruto wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Other countries that have endorsed Odinga’s candidacy include Rwanda, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan.

Odinga, who previously served as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, is seeking to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki in elections slated for February 2025.

The leader of the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition in Kenya received a huge boost in March after the African Union Executive Council unanimously resolved that candidates for the position of the next chairperson of the AU Commission would be nominated by the Eastern African regional states.

Other candidates eyeing the seat are former Seychelles Vice President Vincent Meriton, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, and ex-Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf.

June 18, 2024
‘They are wasting their time’ – President Kagame reacts to ‘Forbidden Stories’

Speaking during an interview with RBA, the Head of State dismissed the series of stories dubbed “Rwanda Classified” as sponsored, saying the individuals behind the campaign “are just wasting their time”.

“I was seeing a conglomerate of journalists who are really up in arms against us. But these are just wasting their time. They should have used their money and energy for something else. Rwanda is here and will prosper every year in spite of them,” President Kagame stated.

The government had earlier accused the group of journalists mostly European and drawn from 17 media outlets of a well-orchestrated plan to dent Rwanda’s image ahead of the general elections slated for July.

In a statement to newsrooms on May 28, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said the claims were not new.

“Rwandans have come to expect this kind of media flurry by the usual actors, timed to disrupt our upcoming presidential and legislative elections.

“In a similar vein, along Rwanda’s western border, in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a parallel attempt to protect the genocidal militia FDLR, in the hopes of hurting Rwanda and in support of the open call for “regime change” by the President of the DRC,” the government said.

The government maintained that the “malicious” campaign would not “materialise”.

“This objective will not materialise because of the strong unity and accountable political system that Rwandans have built over the years. Rwanda’s democratic processes will continue, and Rwandans will make their choices about who they want to lead them into the future, peacefully and confidently.”

The “Rwanda Classified” project is orchestrated by “Forbidden Stories,” a platform and website run by the Freedom Voices Network. The Journalists’ association was created in November 2017 by French journalist Laurent Richard.

June 17, 2024
Rwanda projected to retain top spot in East Africa’s economic growth

Rwanda, covering 26,338 square kilometers and home to about 13 million people, has recorded tremendous growth over the last three decades since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, which left the nation on its knees. Last year, the country achieved a remarkable growth rate of 8.2 percent, reaching a GDP of $35 billion.

According to the World Bank, strong growth is expected to continue in the construction and manufacturing sectors in Rwanda, while agricultural production is forecast to rebound following two years of weak performance. Gains recorded in the tourism sector are also expected to contribute to the country’s growth.

The World Bank report further indicates that Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ranked second, are projected to grow at a rate of 6.0 percent in 2024, followed by Tanzania and Kenya at 5.4 and 5.0 percent, respectively.

Uganda’s economic growth has been attributed to investments in the oil sector, with the country also set to benefit from increased global tourism. Kenya, which boasts the biggest economy in the region, is expected to see its economy grow by 5.3 percent, with the World Bank attributing the growth to a strengthened macroeconomic framework and regained access to international financial markets.

Burundi, also a member of the East African Community (EAC), is expected to record a growth rate of 3.8 percent, with Somalia slightly behind at 3.7 percent. South Sudan is ranked the lowest, with a growth rate of 2 percent.

Risks

While acknowledging the positive trends, the World Bank warned of several potential risks to the economic outlook.

“Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Downside risks include increasing global geopolitical tensions, especially an escalation of conflict in the Middle East; a further deterioration in regional political stability; increased frequency and intensity of adverse weather events; higher-than-expected inflation; a sharper-than-expected economic slowdown in China; and increased government debt distress, especially if elevated public debt cannot be stabilized or new sources of financing do not become available,” the report reads in part.

On the continental level, after a sluggish year in 2023, Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic outlook is brightening. The region is projected to experience an acceleration in growth, rising from 3 percent in 2023 to 3.5 percent in 2024. This momentum is expected to continue, with growth averaging around 4 percent annually in 2025 and 2026. This positive shift is driven by easing inflation.

June 17, 2024
Qatar Airways to acquire 49% stake in RwandAir by July

In an interview with the Financial Times, RwandAir Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yvonne Makolo expressed optimism that the talks, which have been ongoing for about five years, would soon yield the desired results.

“It’s been going on for a while; we have been discussing it for almost five years. So, now, we’re really at the tail-end of it,” Makolo told the British daily.

Senior executives close to the negotiations intimated to the publication that the agreement could be executed as early as next month – July.

The deal is expected to help RwandAir expand its operations, including increasing the number of aircraft and destinations, as well as enhancing the skills of its employees.

It will also help Qatar Airways increase the number of flights it operates in Africa.

“We access over 70 points on their network, and they access a number of points, especially in central Africa, where they don’t have a presence,” Makolo added.

Officials say the deal between RwandAir and the Qatar-based airline was partly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and by Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup.

Codeshare deal

But the two airlines have been working together since late 2021 when they signed a codeshare agreement aimed at offering travelers more choice, enhanced service, and greater connectivity to more than 65 destinations across Africa and the rest of the world.

As part of the agreement, the state-owned carrier launched non-stop flights between Kigali and Doha.

“This codeshare agreement will give our customers significantly more choice and flexibility, allowing RwandAir to strengthen its global presence and build on its strong and loyal African customer base. As we continue to grow out of the pandemic, this partnership represents yet another extremely important step on our recovery runway, and we hope to deliver more commitments like this to our customers in the very near future,” Makolo stated while welcoming the partnership in October 2021.

In a separate agreement reached in 2019, Qatar Airways agreed to take a 60 percent stake in Bugesera International Airport in Kigali, being built at a cost of $1.3 billion.

Makolo says the new airport, expected to be operational in 2027 and have an initial capacity for eight million passengers, would turn Kigali into “a major transit hub” on the continent.

June 17, 2024
Nurses specializing in mental health request rollout of degree programs

This issue was highlighted by Edmond Dufatanye, the head of RSPN, during the 16th international conference held in Rwanda by the International Association for Psychiatric Nurses (IAPN), which concluded on August 14, 2024.

Psychiatric-mental health nurses have played a significant role in caring for Rwandans with mental health issues, being the first to receive training domestically from international experts after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The first group completed their Advanced Diploma in 1999 at what was then the Kigali Health Institute (KHI).

Although there was no Bachelor’s degree program previously, the University of Rwanda has introduced one this year, 2024. However, current professionals cannot enroll yet as they must wait until next year for the first-year students to reach the Advanced Diploma level.

Edmond Dufatanye emphasized the need for current professionals to further their education, warning that the delay might lead to some leaving the field for other opportunities. He stated, “The primary demand from professionals is the opportunity to study. The study opportunities provided only reached the Advanced Diploma level. […] Our main request is for a program that helps those at the Advanced Diploma level to attain a Bachelor’s degree.”

The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) also highlighted that the lack of continued education for psychiatric-mental health nurses limits their competitiveness in the job market both in Rwanda and internationally.

Dr. Philomene Uwimana from the University of Rwanda urged these nurses to be patient until next year, as this is the current solution available. She said, “They should be patient because many did not wait and shifted to other fields since there was no program available. Now that the courses have started, I believe it will work out well, and they will follow their chosen path.”

A study conducted by RSPN, which included responses from 98 psychiatric-mental health nurses, revealed that 78% of them have an Advanced Diploma, only two have a Bachelor’s degree obtained abroad, and one holds a Master’s degree, also from abroad.

June 16, 2024
92 cases of illegal arms possession prosecuted in the past five years

These cases prosecuted from 2019 to 2024 include 35 cases involving suspects in possession of grenades, 34 cases involving suspects in possession of firearms, 12 cases involving possession of ammunition (magazines), and 10 cases related to individuals found with illegal substances.

RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, during an interview with RBA, indicated that these confiscated arms indicate various criminal intentions.

He said, “Those found with firearms face charges including illegal possession, criminal intent, and malicious acts… There are also cases where someone is found with a single firearm and claims it is for self-defence or protection against threats.”

RIB points out that the weapons in the country are linked to the liberation war and the subsequent “Abacengezi” war that lasted from 1997 to 2000.

The weapons involved included grenades, boxes of ammunition, and AK-47 rifles confiscated from various locations.

Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, emphasized that possession of weapons is strictly regulated by law, and anyone found with them will face legal consequences due to their threat to public safety.

He also stated that since 2019, armed violence and crimes such as robbery and terrorism have not been observed in Rwanda.

June 16, 2024
Inside the rich career profile of Dr. Mihigo, Rwanda’s candidate for key WHO role

The WHO boss sent five names of the candidates eyeing the coveted regional seat to member states on June 14.

The five candidates include Rwanda’s Dr. Richard Mihigo, who is considered a strong contender for the position. Dr Mihigo will run against Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger, Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall from Senegal, and Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile from Tanzania.

All the shortlisted candidates have the backing of their countries, a key requirement for the regional role.

Dr. Mihigo met with President Paul Kagame on Saturday, June 15, to discuss his bid for the post, ahead of the government’s intense lobbying to secure the seat.

The Regional Committee of the WHO African Region will vote to nominate the next Regional Director in a closed meeting during its seventy-fourth session from 26 to 30 August 2024 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

The nominee will then be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, set for January 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The newly appointed Regional Director will take office on February 1, 2025, for a five-year term and will be eligible for reappointment once.

Dr. Mihigo’s name was submitted to the WHO Director-General by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 16, 2024.

The 57-year-old Rwandan, born in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is considered a strong candidate for the post due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.

Dr. Mihigo holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in International Health from Boston University School of Public Health, USA, obtained in 2003, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B., Ch.B.) from the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kisangani, DRC, obtained in 1994.

Dr. Mihigo boasts of several other trainings, including an Executive Leadership Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Johannesburg in 2019. He also completed a Certificate program in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies at Boston University School of Public Health in Massachusetts, USA, from February to May 2002. Additionally, he undertook a Certificate program in Quality Assurance Management Methods for Developing Countries at Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, in Baltimore, Maryland, from June to July 2000.

Dr. Mihigo has held numerous positions, including advisor roles at WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI (the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization). He also served as an advisor at USAID-Rwanda, working in various health sectors.

He currently serves as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC. He has held this position at GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, in Geneva, Switzerland, since March 2024.

Previously, from April 2022 to February 2024, Dr. Mihigo served as the Global Lead and Senior Director for COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery, Coordination, and Integration at GAVI. Prior to that, from June 2014 to March 2022, Dr. Mihigo held the role of Regional Coordinator for the Immunisation and Vaccine Development Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville.

From June 2008 to May 2014, Dr. Mihigo served as the Team Lead for the Immunisation & Vaccine Development Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

Earlier, from August 2006 to May 2008, Dr. Mihigo was the Immunisation and New Vaccines Officer at the Inter-Country Support Team for West Africa countries, World Health Organization, based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

From July 2004 to July 2006, he worked as a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at the Inter-Country Programme for Central Africa countries, World Health Organization, based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

From January to June 2004, Dr. Mihigo served as the Permanent Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). Additionally, From 2000 to 2003, Dr. Mihigo served as the National Programme Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at the Ministry of Health in Rwanda.

From 1999 to 2000, he held the position of the Provincial Medical Director at the Ministry of Health, overseeing Provincial Health Services in Butare District.

Previously, from 1996 to 1999, Dr. Mihigo was the District Medical Director at the Ministry of Health, overseeing District Health Services in Nyanza Province, and from September 1994 to 1996, he served as the first Medical Director of Nyanza Hospital in the difficult period following the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Dr. Mihigo, proficient in English and French, has received four awards for his contributions to healthcare and has published 32 research papers on health.

June 16, 2024
Amb. Hazza Al Qahtani highlights UAE’s commitment to science and technology during Rwandan school visit

Speaking with students and teachers at the school, His Excellency highlighted that science and technology are at the center of the UAE’s commitment to key sectors such as renewable energy, the space industry, and Artificial Intelligence, all aimed at advancing the country’s economy.

“The UAE recognizes that enhancing its economy to an advanced stage requires accelerating work on localizing advanced technology, and investing in a base of national cadres possessing knowledge in the field of modern technology,” H.E. Al Qahtani said.

The ambassador told students that the UAE is a major player in the exploration of outer space, thanks to the UAE Space Agency, which was established in 2014, and the subsequent launch of the first Arab and Islamic orbiter to Mars. This mission, led by an Emirati team, embarked on a scientific exploration to the Red Planet.

“The UAE currently has the largest active space sector within the Gulf region and the Middle East. In 2019, Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati astronaut to reach space,” he added.

Ambassador Al Qahtani also discussed that the UAE intends to significantly increase reliance on clean energy and reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2050.

“The UAE aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 70%, increase reliance on clean energy by 50%, and enhance energy consumption efficiency by approximately 40% by the middle of the 21st Century,” the ambassador noted, adding that the UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which has significantly contributed to the production of clean energy, is one of the world’s largest renewable projects based on an independent power producer model.

Regarding Artificial Intelligence, the ambassador explained that the UAE has made several significant advances, including the launching of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy in October 2017 and the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in October 2019. The university is the first of its kind globally in specialized postgraduate studies in AI research.

He also highlighted the collaborations between the Rwanda Space Agency and the UAE Space Agency as a demonstration of the UAE’s commitment to science and technology development. The two agencies signed an MoU to establish collaboration frameworks in civil space activities, fostering research and development, space technologies, geospatial data sharing, and initiating joint space sector projects on the sidelines of COP28 last year.

Ambassador AlQahtani stressed that the progress made by the UAE in the sectors of renewable energy, Artificial Intelligence, and space exploration began with investing in science education within schools and the development of institutions of research.
The ambassador’s talk aimed to inspire students at the school to embrace science to solve emerging challenges in the world.

The Secondary School for Sciences at the Islamic Cultural Center is among the schools being supported by the UAE. Established in 1985, the school’s enrollment has increased from 80 to 734 students in 2024, both at the ordinary and advanced levels.

June 15, 2024
Rwanda’s Amahoro Stadium gets CAF’s nod to host international matches

The green light to host international competitions follows CAF officials’ inspection of the state-of-the-art 45,000-seater stadium in April.

“In line with the previous communication, we acknowledge receipt of the pre-inspection report of Amahoro Stadium (Kigali) in Rwanda conducted by the FERWAFA CLM and validated by CAF.

“Following the review of the report by CAF, please note that the stadium is approved for use in all upcoming CAF/FIFA competitions since it meets all the set minimum CAF stadium requirements to host such matches,” CAF said in a communiqué to sports officials in Rwanda on Thursday, June 13.

CAF further lauded the renovation work done at the stadium, terming it one of the best sports venues on the African continent.

“We take this opportunity to congratulate the stadium authorities and FERWAFA for the outstanding renovation work completed at Amahoro Stadium (Kigali) in Rwanda, making it one of the best venues on the African continent,” CAF added.

Amahoro Stadium, which has been under renovation for nearly two years, will be formally inaugurated during the 30th Liberation Day celebrations on July 4.

Turkish contractor Summa is putting the final touches on the stadium before the pre-opening friendly showdown between archrivals APR and Rayon Sports on June 15.

The stadium was renovated at a cost of $160 million, which saw the capacity expanded from 25,000 to 45,000.

Besides the football turf with a cutting-edge hybrid surface, blending natural grass and artificial turf, Amahoro boasts an eight-lane track for athletics events, a Paralympic gymnasium, and training facilities for football, handball, and volleyball.

The sports arena has also been fitted with various amenities, including VIP lounges, an Amavubi bar, dressing rooms, washrooms, coaches’ offices, a massage room, a changing room, and a FIFA office.

Additionally, there are rooms for match officials, a medical room, a doping control room, a staff management room, and a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, among others.

June 14, 2024
Rwanda welcomes over 110 asylum seekers from six countries

In a statement, the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) said the migrants from Libya originate from six different countries.

This is the 18th group of asylum seekers to be welcomed into the country in Rwanda’s partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). A total of 2,355 migrants have been received in Rwanda since 2019.

“Rwanda remains committed to contributing in finding solutions to global crisis and provide support to people in need,” the ministry affirmed.

The arrival of the migrants in Rwanda comes days after Rwanda accused UNHCR of double standards in its bid to block Rwanda’s partnership with the United Kingdom on plans to send unsuccessful asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo on Tuesday accused the UNHCR of fabricating allegations presented to the United Kingdom’s courts and undermining Rwanda’s longstanding policy of providing refuge to those in need.

Makolo’s statement followed UNHCR’s allegations that Rwanda abuses the rights of asylum seekers and that they have no freedom while in the country. However, Rwanda dismissed the claims, questioning how the UNHCR filed false accusations while continuing to work with Rwanda to host asylum seekers from Africa.

“UNHCR is lying. The organization seems intent on presenting fabricated allegations to UK courts about Rwanda’s treatment of asylum seekers, while still partnering with us to bring African migrants from Libya to safety in Rwanda through the Emergency Transit Mechanism,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson pointed out that UNHCR bases its claims on a case involving a man who was denied asylum in Seychelles. Makolo stated that UNCHR in South Africa had unilaterally sent the man to Rwanda without involving the Rwandan authorities. Another case involves two Burundian nationals who UNHCR claims were denied asylum in Rwanda.

“These individuals never claimed asylum but instead were found to have breached Rwandan immigration laws. This is made all the more ridiculous when you consider the fact that Rwanda currently provides refuge to tens of thousands of our Burundian neighbours who have sought safety in our country,” the spokesperson added.

June 14, 2024