Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to the Seasonal Agricultural Survey (SAS) 2024, conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the country saw significant increases in crop yields, driven by sustainable farming practices and effective use of agricultural inputs.

The report highlights an impressive 30% increase in maize production during Season A, with yields reaching 507,985 metric tons compared to 390,879 metric tons in 2023.

The report attributes the growth to the widespread adoption of improved seeds and fertilizers. The average maize yield for the season stood at 2 tons per hectare, with large-scale farmers achieving up to 4.6 tons per hectare.

Paddy rice also saw notable gains, with production increasing by 8% in both Seasons A and B.

In 2024, paddy rice yields averaged 4.1 tons per hectare, showcasing the effectiveness of enhanced farming techniques and irrigation methods.

Sustainability was a cornerstone of Rwanda’s agricultural success. The SAS report revealed that 90.6% of farmers implemented anti-erosion measures in Season A, with this figure rising to 92.9% in Season C.

“In 2024, 90.6% of farmers implemented anti-erosion measures in Season A, rising to 92.9% in Season C, showcasing the widespread adoption of practices vital for preserving soil fertility and combating land degradation in Rwanda’s hilly terrain,” the report reads in part.

Irrigation practices also saw significant adoption, particularly in Season C, where 58.2% of farmers utilized irrigation systems. This marks a substantial increase from 7.5% in Season A, reflecting the government’s efforts to expand irrigation infrastructure and reduce reliance on unpredictable rainfall.

The use of agricultural inputs played a crucial role in improving yields. In Season A, 39.7% of farmers used improved seeds, a slight increase from 37.1% in 2023.

Organic fertilizers were used by 89.1% of farmers, while 64.5% opted for inorganic fertilizers. Additionally, the application of pesticides increased to 39.8%, up from 34.5% in the previous year.

These inputs have been instrumental in combating pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, ensuring that crops reach their full potential.

Despite challenges such as a decline in the cultivated area for some crops, Rwanda’s agricultural sector demonstrated resilience. The area under Irish potatoes decreased by 3% in Season A, but production still managed to increase by 1%, reaching 460,830 metric tons.

This was made possible through the efficient use of inputs and improved farming techniques.

Similarly, while the cultivated area for sweet potatoes in Season A fell by 10%, production rose by 4%, totalling 692,945 metric tons.

Rwanda’s achievements in 2024 reflect the success of its Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), which emphasizes productivity, value addition, and sustainability. By investing in high-quality agricultural inputs, promoting sustainable practices, and expanding irrigation systems, the country is working to expand its economy through agricultural production.

He will also resign as the leader of the People’s Party.

Nehammer said on X that his party had ended the negotiations with the Social Democratic Party to form a new government due to disagreement over key issues.

His surprise move came just one day after the NEOS party pulled out of the coalition negotiations to form an unprecedented three-party government. Following the NEOS’ withdrawal, the People’s Party and the Social Democratic Party confirmed late on Friday to continue their two-party coalition talks.

Negotiations between the three parties had dragged on since mid-November following Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen’s decision in October to task the People’s Party with forming a government.

In September’s parliamentary election, the far-right Freedom Party came first with around 29 percent of the vote, followed by the People’s Party and the Social Democratic Party with 26.3 percent and 21.1 percent respectively. While the Freedom Party won the parliamentary presidency, it has so far been unable to find coalition partners to form a government.

Austrian news agency APA said on Saturday that the path to forming a new government remains unclear.

The agency said the business wing of the People’s Party might now consider a coalition with the Freedom Party following the resignation of Nehammer, who has repeatedly ruled out the possibility of a coalition with the far-right party under its leader Herbert Kickl.

A snap election is also possible, but analysts say the Freedom Party stands to gain the most if one is called. Recent polls indicated rising public support for the party, positioning it as a potential beneficiary of the political deadlock.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to leverage technology across various sectors. Over the past five years, the police have implemented speed-monitoring cameras to enhance road safety using artificial intelligence.

Since the installation of the first speed camera in Kanzenze, Bugesera District, in July 2019, which yielded positive results, additional cameras have been placed in locations like Nyagasambu, Kamonyi, Ryabega, and Kanyinya. The cameras are now widespread across Kigali and other provinces, and drones will soon be added to the arsenal.

IGIHE has learnt that the drones, which may have been tested in Musanze District, Northern Province, are ready for deployment.

In an exclusive interview, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, spokesperson for the Rwanda National Police, explained that the use of drones is a key part of the force’s effort to improve service delivery by providing real-time, accurate information.

He emphasized that the ability to respond quickly and make informed decisions is critical for effective policing.

“Technology plays a central role in enhancing our ability to deliver timely services and respond efficiently,” Rutikanga stated.

When asked about the specific challenges prompting the adoption of drone technology, ACP Rutikanga mentioned that there were no significant obstacles.

The decision, he said, aligns with Rwanda’s broader focus on technology to expedite services and ensure professionalism.

“The use of drones is a natural progression for us, as we strive to meet the growing demand for efficient services and timely justice,” he added.

Rutikanga also shared that the police have already conducted several successful tests using drones. Over the past year, drones were used to monitor security in mining areas, especially in hard-to-reach locations.

The drones provided crucial data that allowed the police to address illegal mining activities effectively. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, drones were employed to broadcast public messages, a move that further demonstrated their potential in various policing roles.

“The tests have proven successful, and we’re now ready to expand their use to enhance road safety,” Rutikanga noted.

The police spokesperson highlighted several activities that drones will support beyond traffic enforcement. While many people associate drones primarily with penalizing traffic violations, Rutikanga pointed out that they will also help identify incidents like road blockages caused by accidents or stalled vehicles.

“For instance, drones will enable us to quickly identify and address a blocked road, reducing delays and improving traffic flow,” he explained.

The drones will also assist in detecting emergencies like fires, enabling quicker responses to protect lives and property.

As for their integration with existing systems, Rutikanga revealed that the drones will be equipped with cameras, and the data collected will be centralized for better decision-making.

This approach, he said, will enhance the effectiveness of the police in addressing both security concerns and traffic violations.

Deployment of the drones will begin in areas with the most pressing need, with plans to gradually expand their use across the country.

The police are also mindful of concerns regarding privacy, and Rutikanga assured that Rwanda’s data protection laws will be strictly adhered to.

“We operate within a legal framework that protects personal data and ensures that drone use complies with privacy regulations,” he affirmed.

To further ease public concerns, the Rwanda National Police plans to engage citizens through awareness campaigns. The campaigns will aim to explain the benefits of drone technology and clarify how it will be used to improve road safety and security.

Detective Inspector Titus Phiri, the Team Leader at Leonard Cheelo Police Post under Kanyama Police Station, reportedly freed the suspects after seizing the cell keys from a female officer on duty.

According to police, the incident occurred on December 31, 2024, at around 10:00 a.m.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that Detective Inspector Phiri, in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys from Woman Constable Serah Banda,” said Rae Hamoonga, the Police Public Relations Officer.

Phiri allegedly unlocked both the male and female cells and instructed the 15 suspects in custody to leave, stating they were free to “cross over into the New Year.”

Thirteen of the detainees took the opportunity to escape. The officer fled the scene shortly after, disappearing into a nearby compound.

Among the escapees are individuals charged with offences ranging from theft and assault to drug possession and gender-based violence.

Authorities have launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives and are urging the public to provide any information that could assist in locating them.

“All the suspects remain at large. A docket of the case has been opened, and a manhunt has been launched,” the statement read.

The Zambia Police Service condemned the actions of Detective Inspector Phiri, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining law and order.

“Decisive action will be taken against any officer found to be abusing their authority or acting contrary to the law,” Hamoonga assured.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said on social media platform X, “There is no humanitarian zone let alone a ‘safe zone.’”

He called for an end to misleading evacuation orders and the killing of civilians, warning that every day without a ceasefire brings more tragedy.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of large areas within Gaza, citing rocket fire into Israel. The office said an initial analysis indicates the new orders cover about 3 square km in North Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates. Strikes have been reported in the Al Mawasi area, where people were ordered to move and take shelter.

“Over 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked Israeli evacuation orders. Amid this situation, OCHA warns that the ability of humanitarian organizations to support people in need across Gaza is further diminishing,” said OCHA.

The humanitarians said some of the most onerous restrictions on humanitarian movement were recorded last month, including blocking access to border areas for collecting supplies, denying attempts to deliver goods and services, or assessing needs across Gaza. Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to move aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by the Israeli authorities, with another 18 percent disrupted or interfered with.

Access has been denied for the besieged areas in North Gaza since Oct. 6. According to OCHA, out of 166 attempts, 150 were refused, and 16 were initially agreed to but interfered with or faced impediments. The office noted that access to what remains of hospitals in the north is among the top priorities.

OCHA also said that in the West Bank, it joined with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners to assess the aftermath of an Israeli operation in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps last week. Teams visited the area on Tuesday and estimated more than 1,000 housing units and about 100 shops were damaged from explosions or bulldozing. Over 20 families of more than 90 people were displaced.

The office said that damage to infrastructure disrupted electricity, water and sewage networks. OCHA mobilized a humanitarian response by partners, who trucked water to people.

It said the West Bank assessment will inform further interventions, including installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash.

In an end-of-year address on Tuesday, President Alassane Ouattara declared that the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion stationed at Port-Bouët in Abidjan would be handed over to the Ivory Coast armed forces by January 2025.

“We can be proud of our army, whose modernisation is now effective. It is in this context that we have decided on the concerted and organised withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast,” President Ouattara announced.

France’s presence in West Africa, once robust, has been rapidly diminishing. Ivory Coast follows nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Chad in scaling back or completely severing military ties with Paris.

Notably, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger expelled French troops after military coups, shifting towards alliances with Russia.

In November, Senegal and Chad both announced the departure of French forces, signaling a shift in regional security dynamics. On December 26, France officially returned its first military base to Chad, marking the end of its military presence in the Sahel region.

The decision to remove French forces has been tied to growing local sentiments against French influence. Analysts see this as part of a broader transformation in Africa’s relationship with its former coloniser.

While France ended its colonial rule in West Africa in the 1960s, its military presence has often been viewed as a lingering symbol of external control.

In Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently reinforced this sentiment, citing the incompatibility of military bases with national independence.

“Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases,” Faye said in an interview commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, where French forces killed hundreds of African riflemen demanding their pay.

Faye also called for further investigations into the incident, which French President Emmanuel Macron has officially recognized as a massacre.

France’s diminishing footprint on the continent has now resulted in its expulsion from more than 70 percent of the African countries where it maintained a military presence after the end of colonial rule.

The French military’s permanent presence is now limited to Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 personnel.