Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Kenyan lawyer Karua responds to claims of being denied licence to represent Uganda’s Besigye

Karua made the remarks on Sunday, December 1, 2024, while responding to social media reports that Ugandan authorities had rejected her application for the crucial document.

She confirmed that she is already in Kampala ahead of the mention of the case against Besigye and his close ally, Obeid Kamulegeya, who are currently in remand following their controversial arrest in Nairobi by Ugandan authorities in mid-November. The authorities accuse them of engaging in activities that undermine Uganda’s security.

“I am hopeful of getting the license and already in Kampala,” Karua wrote on X.

Karua was recently appointed to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for the two men, who were apprehended in the Kenyan capital while attending the launch of her book on November 16, 2024. She took over the lead role from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

The star-studded legal team includes representatives from notable organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

“This team is a demonstration of our commitment to justice,” Lukwago stated during a past press conference. “Hon. Martha Karua has graciously agreed to lead this team, and her extensive legal expertise will be invaluable in this fight against what we believe are politically motivated charges.”

Lukwago also explained that arrangements were underway to obtain the temporary practising certificate required for Karua to participate in legal proceedings in Kampala, in accordance with Uganda’s Advocates Act.

He noted that, as Kenya is part of both the East African Community and the Commonwealth, the process is expected to proceed without hitches.

“We’ve already submitted Karua’s application and are confident it will be finalized swiftly. For now, the legal team will be attached to Lukwago and Company Advocates to ensure seamless collaboration between Ugandan and Kenyan lawyers,” he added.

Besigye and Kamulegeya were arraigned in a military court in Kampala on November 20 and remanded until December 2 on charges of soliciting logistical support and identifying military targets in Uganda, intending to undermine the security of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.

December 1, 2024
Rwanda to host Africa Trade Development Forum 2024

The two-day forum, co-organized by the Government of Rwanda and TradeMark Africa (TMA), will bring together Heads of State, government officials, development partners, academicians, multilateral organizations, and private sector leaders from 14 TMA implementation countries and beyond.

TMA focuses on promoting trade and regional integration across a range of countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eritrea. These nations form the core of TMA’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation, reduce barriers, and drive economic growth through innovative projects and partnerships.

Held under the theme ‘Digital Trade,’ this year’s forum will highlight transformative digital trade practices and technologies. The forum will be officially opened at the Kigali Convention Centre by Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Édouard Ngirente.

According to the organizers, key discussions will explore the interoperability of digital payments, the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and artificial intelligence in trade processes, and the role of automation in supporting green trade initiatives. The sessions aim to address leveraging technology to streamline trade facilitation, enhance policy frameworks, and foster sustainable development across Africa.

This marks the first time the forum will be held in Rwanda, following previous editions in Kenya (2011, 2012, 2014, and 2019) and Uganda (2018).

David Beer, CEO of TradeMark Africa, emphasized the forum’s significance in advancing Africa’s economic prosperity.

“TradeMark is driven entirely by generating practical results to remove trade barriers and drive up exports within and from Africa. While we have seen serious progress from trade facilitation interventions in the last decade, there is another big step forward to take,” he said.

“The 2024 forum will focus on propagating digitization successes more widely and introducing cutting-edge technologies. We look forward to sharing lessons and presenting innovative ideas to help governments and the private sector further drive down the cost and time of trade.”

The forum is expected to drive Africa’s trade integration, leveraging digital solutions to build sustainable, seamless trade systems that enhance regional and global competitiveness.

This year’s conference will culminate in the development of the Africa Trade Development Forum Kigali Declaration, which will capture the key insights and decisions arising from the event’s discussions.

Additionally, TradeMark Africa (TMA) is set to unveil the Trade Facilitation Flagship Document, a report that outlines emerging trends in Africa’s trade facilitation and showcases innovative technologies designed to streamline and enhance trading processes.

December 1, 2024
Global wine production to hit new low in 2024

Based on comprehensive data from 29 countries representing 85 percent of global production in 2023, global wine production for 2024 is estimated between 227 million and 235 million hectolitres, the OIV said in its 2024 World Wine Production Outlook on Friday.

Global production in 2024 would be 13 percent lower than the ten-year average, the OIV said, adding that it could probably be the smallest global output since 1961.

According to the outlook, France, the leading wine producer in 2023, has recorded the most significant decrease in production compared to the previous year, largely due to challenging weather conditions across the country.

Italy, however, is about to take over France and become the world’s largest producer in 2024.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the OIV predicted that wine production volumes would remain low in 2024, a result also mainly caused by climatic conditions. It would mark the region’s lowest output in two decades.

The OIV, established in 1924, is an intergovernmental organization with a scientific focus and its competence is widely recognized concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes, raisins, and other vine-based products.

This year, the organization accepted China’s application for membership on November 14.

December 1, 2024
Kigali secures second spot as Africa’s most attractive city

The Africa Report is a Paris-based, English-language quarterly magazine focusing on African politics and economics, founded by Patrick Smith two decades ago.

In its first ranking of African cities, the pan-African media platform recognized Kigali as Africa’s second most inviting, livable, and investment-friendly city.

South Africa’s Cape Town and Johannesburg claimed the first and third spots, followed by Morocco’s twin cities of Casablanca and Rabat. Nairobi, Kenya, ranked sixth.

Other cities in the top 10 include Alexandria, Cairo, Abidjan, and Accra. Additional rankings feature Lagos, Dakar, Gaborone, Addis Ababa, Tunis, Lusaka, Cotonou, Oran, Kampala, Abuja, Lomé, Algiers, Douala, Yaoundé, Luanda, Maputo, Harare, Kinshasa, Libreville, and Ouagadougou.

The report highlights progress made by urban centres while identifying areas for growth, using a comprehensive survey of readers and foreign direct investment data to provide insights into Africa’s evolving urban landscape.

Kigali has previously been recognized for its ease of doing business, driven by streamlined regulatory processes, transparent governance, and supportive policies for entrepreneurs and investors.

The city also boasts a clean, orderly environment thanks to initiatives like monthly Umuganda community cleanups and strict waste management systems, earning it a reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest capitals.

In addition, Kigali embraces innovation with tech hubs, smart city initiatives, and a growing startup ecosystem fostering creativity and modern solutions, making it an attractive destination for both business and living.

In July, Kigali was ranked among the top five favourite destinations for travellers visiting Africa and the Middle East. It moved up four spots from ninth place in the World’s Best Awards 2024, behind Marrakesh, Cape Town, Jerusalem, and Dubai, respectively.

The awards, organized by Travel + Leisure, a New York City-based travel magazine, consider traveler experiences to rank the world’s top cities based on parameters such as sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value.

In the 2024 edition, voters described Kigali as a beautiful and well-organized hub with friendly and helpful residents.

“Amazingly clean and progressive city! I felt safe walking all over,” wrote one voter. “There is a wide variety of cuisine available and amazing coffee.”

December 1, 2024
Senegal, Chad cut military ties with France; Australia bans social media for under 16s: A snapshot of world’s top stories

{{Senegal and Chad End Military Cooperation with France
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Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has called for the removal of French troops from the West African nation, citing national sovereignty.

In an interview with international media ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre—when hundreds of African riflemen were killed by French forces on December 1, 1944, for demanding their pay—Faye emphasized the incompatibility of military bases with Senegal’s independence.

“Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases,” Faye asserted.

Faye also revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the Thiaroye incident as a massacre in an official letter.

“It is not enough to recognize it as a massacre; this acknowledgement must pave the way for full collaboration to uncover the complete truth about Thiaroye’s tragic events,” he stated.

Faye’s remarks coincided with Chad’s announcement on Thursday that it would terminate its security and defence cooperation agreement with France. This move aligns with a regional shift, as nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have recently expelled French forces to redefine their security partnerships.

{{Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16
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Australia has enacted one of the world’s strictest regulations targeting Big Tech by banning social media access for children under 16.

Passed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the law requires platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, to block minors from logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).

A trial phase for enforcing the law begins in January 2025, with the full ban taking effect in a year.

Unlike similar legislation in France or U.S. states, which allow parental consent for access, Australia’s law is absolute. The move is aimed at addressing social media’s mental health impact on young people and could set a precedent for other governments globally.

{{Kenyan Deputy President’s Motorcade Attacked During Burial Ceremony
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Recently impeached Kenya Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Thursday forced to scamper for safety after goons invaded a burial ceremony he was attending in Limuru within Kiambu County.

The attackers indiscriminately assaulted mourners, and Gachagua’s motorcade sustained damage.

In a statement shared on X, the former Deputy president condemned the attack, claiming that the State had intentionally withdrawn his security detail to facilitate such an attack.

“Earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security that was in place after the impeachment process we are contesting. We did not raise issue with this decision although expectations were that any Kenyan who has served at the level of government that I was privileged to serve at, would be secured by government even after leaving office,” he alleged.

Gachagua, impeached in October for allegedly undermining President William Ruto and other officials, has contested his removal in court.

{{President Kagame Discusses DRC Security Crisis with Angola’s Lourenço
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Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, held a phone discussion on Thursday about the security situation in eastern DRC.

Eastern DRC remains plagued by conflict between government forces and the M23 rebel group, which controls much of North Kivu Province.

The talks came after a November 27 discussion between Lourenço and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and a roadmap agreement between Rwanda, DRC, and Angola to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group in the region.

Photos from the call showed Lourenço accompanied by his foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently participated in Rwanda-DRC talks in Luanda.

{{Rwanda Unveils National FinTech Strategy to Spur Financial Growth
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Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT launched a five-year FinTech Strategy (2024–2029) on Thursday, aiming to foster a robust FinTech ecosystem and position the country as a regional financial hub.

The strategy prioritizes improving financial literacy, expanding access to investment, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and developing digital infrastructure.

“Today marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey as we launch our national fintech strategy. This strategy represents not just a policy document but our country’s commitment to positioning Rwanda as a leading fintech hub in Africa,” Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said during the launch in Kigali.

Rwanda aims to attract 300 FinTech players, generate 7,500 jobs, and raise $200 million in investments by 2029.

November 29, 2024
President Kagame discusses security situation in eastern DRC with Angola’s Lourenço

Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for the past three years, marked by clashes between a coalition of government forces and the armed M23 rebel group, which controls significant areas of North Kivu Province.

The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.

From photos shared on social media, it appears that during the call, President Lourenço was accompanied by members of Angola’s foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently represented Angola in the Rwanda-DRC talks held in Luanda on November 25, 2024.

This dialogue followed another discussion President Lourenço held with DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi on November 27.

These engagements came shortly after Rwanda, DRC, and Angola’s envoys agreed on a roadmap to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group operating in the region.

The agreement to dismantle the FDLR is structured into three phases, to be completed within three months.

The first phase involves a thorough 15-day assessment of the FDLR’s threat level, pinpointing its bases, and evaluating its arsenal. This stage aims to establish a clear understanding of the group’s capabilities and operational reach.

Following this, the second phase will see the launch of coordinated military offensives targeting the FDLR and its affiliates. These operations will be conducted alongside joint evaluations overseen by Angola’s security leadership, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to neutralizing the group.

The final phase focuses on repatriating FDLR combatants back to Rwanda and reintegrating them into civilian life. Concurrently, efforts will be directed toward mending Rwanda-DRC relations, which have been strained since early 2022. This phase underscores the broader objective of fostering long-term peace and stability in the region.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, clarified that the M23 issue was not a primary focus of the November 25 talks. He noted that subsequent meetings would address M23-related concerns.

“We agreed to meet again to find solutions to this issue. As a country, we have highlighted three security concerns between Rwanda and the DRC: dismantling the FDLR, lifting our defensive measures, and resolving the M23 matter,” he said.

President Lourenço aims to facilitate direct dialogue between Kagame and Tshisekedi once their countries’ ministerial-level envoys finalize actionable solutions to restore peace and security in eastern DRC.

November 29, 2024
Rwanda taps AI-powered ‘Interspecies Money’ for gorilla conservation

The program, currently being piloted at Volcanoes National Park, allows tourists to make symbolic financial contributions during real-time interactions with mountain gorillas through digital wallets, similar to accounts provided by mobile money platforms like MoMo. The funds can be used to protect gorilla habitats and enhance their well-being.

So far, 20 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park have been successfully integrated into the system, enabling the apes to “pay” for essential conservation services like hiring park rangers who protect them.

Developed by Africa-based startup Tehanu, the initiative also incentivizes local communities to participate in wildlife conservation. For example, residents near the park can earn income by undertaking ecosystem-supporting tasks like photographing wildlife, recording animal sounds, or reporting sightings of specific species.

Jonathan Ledgard, the CEO and co-founder of Tehanu, told a local daily that the initiative not only enhances conservation funding but also deepens the connection between visitors and Rwanda’s iconic primates, offering a new dimension to eco-tourism in the region.

“By integrating both wildlife and humans into the financial system, the interspecies money initiative aims to create a circular economy that fosters mutual prosperity,” Ledgard told The New Times.

He added: “In Kigali, you can send money to your village using Momo. Now imagine a bat, a tree, or even a gorilla being able to receive and spend money, all for services that benefit them.”

In developing the digital platform, Tehanu leveraged artificial intelligence to understand the specific needs of the gorillas.

Gorilla tourism remains a key revenue stream for Rwanda, with visitors paying a minimum of $1,500 per person for gorilla trekking permits, which grant access to the park and an hour spent with the gorillas.

In 2023, the number of tourists visiting gorilla sites reached a historic high, growing by 29.4% to 25,927 visitors, according to an April report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The tourism sector also saw impressive growth, generating $650 million (Frw 832 billion) in revenue, marking a 35% increase compared to 2022.

Tehanu estimates that Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population has a financial value of approximately $1.4 billion, equivalent to about 10% of the country’s GDP.

November 28, 2024
Rwanda leads Africa in visa openness

In the [2024 rankings->https://www.visaopenness.org/] by the African Visa Openness Index (AVOI), Rwanda ties at the top position with Benin, Seychelles, and The Gambia, all offering visa-free access to all African travellers.

Rwanda introduced visa-free access for travellers from all African countries in January 2018.

The visa-free policy is part of the country’s efforts to promote Pan-Africanism, regional integration, and ease of movement across the continent. It allows citizens of African Union member states to enter Rwanda without requiring a visa.

Ghana ranks fifth, while Cape Verde and Nigeria share the sixth position. The three countries have mixed policies, offering visa-free access to some African nations and visa-on-arrival options for others.

Completing the top 10 are Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Mauritius, each showcasing a blend of policies.

Other countries that made it into the top 20 include Burundi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Djibouti, Comoros, Senegal, Madagascar, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.

Interestingly, Kenya’s introduction of new visa policies earlier this year, which the government claimed would simplify access, has instead made the country less accessible.

The East African economic powerhouse has dropped 17 places on the index and now ranks 46th out of 54 African countries.

Notably, the 2024 report highlights the disparities in visa policies among African countries and their impact on regional integration. It underscores how restrictive visa policies hinder free movement, contradicting the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the AU Agenda 2063.

According to the report, lower-income nations are generally more open to liberal visa policies. In contrast, several higher-income countries continue to maintain restrictive visa regimes, possibly due to concerns that visa openness could incentivize inbound travel for purely economic reasons or create pathways for irregular migration.

November 28, 2024
Rwandan ranger Claver Ntoyinkima among top conservationists honoured by Prince William

The 51-year-old was one of three top African conservationists honoured by Prince William at the Tusk Conservation Awards ceremony held at The Savoy Hotel in London, the United Kingdom (UK), on the night of Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, sponsored by the Nick Maughan Family Foundation, gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of individuals who work in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife.

Born near the [Nyungwe forest he now protects->https://en.igihe.com/tourism/article/from-forest-curiosity-to-global-conservation-hero-claver-ntoyinkima-s-journey?var_mode=calcul], Ntoyinkima combines his deep ecological knowledge of the park’s bird population with a passion for educating and inspiring others.

As a ranger, he has played a vital role in primate habituation and anti-poaching patrols, while also guiding scientific research and bird conservation efforts across Rwanda.

The father of four is also keen to extend his legacy to the next generation through conservation clubs he founded for local youth, promoting a lasting commitment to Rwanda’s natural heritage.

He expressed his joy at winning the international award, saying: “I am truly grateful to be a finalist for the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards; there are no words to describe how proud I am to win this award. The acknowledgement of my dedication and efforts to give back to the community is truly inspiring. I am very grateful for this historical support and recognition of the conservation efforts made by field-based actors like me.”

The 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards also recognized two other exceptional African conservationists: Nomba Ganamé from Mali, who was awarded the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa for his groundbreaking work in protecting desert elephants, and Edward Aruna from Sierra Leone, who received the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa for his efforts in marine turtle conservation.

Prince William commended the winners for their relentless dedication and contributions to the preservation of nature, highlighting their pivotal roles in safeguarding Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems.

“Now is the time to support those globally who work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature. We live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists, and I want that for the generations that follow. I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda, and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia.

“It will be thanks to extraordinary leaders – such as those that we are celebrating today – that this will happen. They remind us of the importance of living at peace with nature; they should guide and inspire us all to drive change,” the Prince of Wales stated.

Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, emphasized the critical role of conservationists in protecting Africa’s biodiversity.

“Africa is still rich in animal, plant, and marine biodiversity. Tusk’s vision is a future where the continent’s wildlife and human communities not only coexist peacefully, but positively thrive. Tonight we once again celebrate the remarkable, courageous, and committed individuals on the ground who safeguard Africa’s natural heritage day and night, and who demonstrate to us all the power of understanding, respecting, and protecting the natural world,” the CEO remarked.

Hendrik du Toit, Founder and Chief Executive of Ninety One, also spoke about the urgent need for continued conservation efforts, stressing the precarious state of the natural world.

“The endless degradation of the natural world is pushing our planet dangerously close to a series of tipping points that will lead to a less hospitable Earth for people and wildlife.

“Congratulations to all of those who have been recognized at the Tusk Awards. Their dedication to conservation plays a vital role in preserving Africa’s endangered environments and species, and it is essential that we continue to support their unwavering commitment to this task.”

The 12th edition of the awards, organized in partnership with Ninety One, an Anglo-South African asset management firm, was hosted for the second year running by wildlife biologist and presenter Liz Bonnin.

Previous winners of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award include Jealous Mpofu from Zimbabwe (2023), Neddy Mulimo from Zambia (2022), Suleiman Saidu from Nigeria (2021), Amos Gwema from Zimbabwe (2020), Benson Kanyembo from Zambia (2019), Julius Obwona from Uganda (2018), Solomon Chidunuka from Zambia and Lucky Ndlovu from South Africa(2017), Manuel Sacaia from Angola (2016) and Edward Ndiritu from Kenya (2015).

November 28, 2024
Rwandan Karate team in South Africa for commonwealth showdown

The competition is set to run from November 28 to December 2, 2024, in the city of Durban.

The five athletes, coached by Christian Kamuzinzi, were flagged off by Rwego Ngarambe, Director General in charge of Sports Infrastructure Development and Management at the Ministry of Sports.

While presenting the Rwandan flag to the team, Rwego encouraged the athletes, reaffirming the nation’s full support and confidence in their abilities.

He urged them to give their best effort and aim for medals in the tournament.

The 2024 Commonwealth Karate Championships will bring together athletes from across the Commonwealth for an exciting display of skill and competition.

Competing nations include England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Rwanda among others.

Hosted by Karate South Africa, the event marks a significant milestone as it serves as both a platform for elite karatekas and an opportunity to promote the sport’s growth within the region.

The tournament will feature categories for juniors, seniors, and veterans, showcasing inclusivity across various age groups.

Athletes will compete in Kumite (sparring) and Kata (forms), showcasing diverse styles and techniques.

The event also includes networking opportunities for national karate federations to discuss the development and integration of karate into broader sports systems.

November 27, 2024