Makolo’s remarks were in response to a viral video of Congolese Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, who was captured inciting inmates at Munzenze Prison in Goma against Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese Tutsis, whom he referred to as “Banyarwanda.”
In the shocking video, the minister called for violent actions against the Rwandan Head of State and those associated with Rwanda. He was also heard promising to free prisoners who help identify “traitors” and “foreigners,” who would then be “arrested and killed.”
Makolo termed the minister’s violent rhetoric a reflection of the constant tensions Rwanda has to deal with daily.
“How sick is the DRC justice system? So sick that the DRC justice minister Constant Mutamba wore a mask to stem the stench of rot in the Munzenze prison in Goma, a stone’s throw from the Rwandan border, while he spewed, in Kiswahili, hate speech and incited the prisoners to hunt, denounce, and kill ‘Banyarwanda,’ including the President of Rwanda, in exchange for freedom. This is what Rwanda has to deal with every day. This is why Rwanda’s defensive measures remain in place,” the spokesperson wrote on X, while taking a swipe at DRC’s justice system.
Rwanda has in the past put in place defensive measures citing constant threats from the FDLR group, which comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The FDLR militia group has been accused of collaborating with the Congolese government to persecute Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have sought refuge in Rwanda. The persecution led to the rise of the M23 rebel group in 2012, which said it was fighting for the rights of the Tutsi minority in eastern Congo.
The fight between the government forces and the rebels has heightened tensions in the region as the Congolese leadership accused Rwanda of supporting M23. Rwanda denies the claim.
The situation was exacerbated after the Congolese political and military leadership, including President Tshisekedi, repeatedly declared their intention to invade Rwanda and change the country’s elected government by force.
Yesterday, there was progress in the ongoing peace talks between the two countries after an agreement was reached, outlining how the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia will be dismantled.
The agreement also includes Rwanda lifting the security measures it had put in place due to concerns over its security arising from the political tension in eastern DRC.
The signing of the agreement followed discussions between the two parties in Luanda, Angola. Rwanda was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, while the DRC was represented by Foreign Minister Therese K. Wagner. The meeting was also attended by Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete António, who acted as the mediator.
Jean Bosco Siboyintore, Rwanda’s National Prosecutor, told the media at a press conference in Kigali that Salman Khan was arrested at the request of the Government of India through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
“India submitted a request indicating that Salman Khan is wanted for terrorism charges. While some suspects are already detained in India, he attempted to flee to Rwanda,” Siboyintore explained.
The suspect was tracked down by officers from INTERPOL’s branch in Rwanda and arrested on September 9, 2024. Rwanda then notified the Indian government of his detention.
India submitted a formal request for Khan’s extradition on October 29, 2024. The request was reviewed and approved by Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice on November 12, 2024.
Despite the absence of an extradition treaty between Rwanda and India, Rwandan law permits extradition based on mutual agreements.
“Although Rwanda and India lack a formal extradition treaty, our laws provide provisions for such cases through mutual agreements. Similarly, if Rwanda requests a suspect’s extradition, we expect the same cooperation,” Siboyintore noted.
He emphasized that Rwanda does not serve as a haven for fugitives.
“Rwanda is not a hiding place for criminals. It is not a country where you can commit crimes elsewhere and seek refuge here,” he said.
Siboyintore highlighted that Rwanda extradited Khan, just as other countries have done in cases involving suspects of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He also underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as terrorism, human trafficking, and money laundering.
This is the first extradition request Rwanda has received from India.
A representative from India’s Ministry of Justice commended Rwanda’s cooperation despite the lack of a formal extradition treaty between the two countries. He expressed hope for future agreements.
“Terrorism is an issue that India does not tolerate, and Rwanda shares the same stance. Rwanda’s approach sets a positive example on the international stage,” the Indian representative remarked.
Besigye, a renowned opposition figure in Uganda, and his close ally Obeid Kamulegeya are currently in remand following their controversial abduction in Nairobi by Ugandan authorities, who accuse them of engaging in activities that undermine Uganda’s security.
Karua is expected to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for the two men, who were arrested by Ugandan security agents in Nairobi while attending the launch of the former Justice Minister’s book on November 16, 2024.
She takes over the lead role from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who confirmed the leadership change during a press briefing on Monday.
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. “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 are underway to obtain a 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 related to security, including illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.
The prosecution told the General Court Martial, chaired by Brig. Freeman Mugabe, that the two committed the offences in Nairobi (Kenya), Athens (Greece), and Geneva (Switzerland).
In the first count, the prosecution alleges that Besigye, Kamulegeya, and other suspects still at large held meetings in Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi between October 2023 and November 2024 to solicit logistical support and identify military targets in Uganda, intending to undermine the security of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
In the second and third counts, the two are accused of illegally possessing firearms, contrary to Uganda’s Firearms Act, at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024. The prosecution claims they were found with two pistols: a Model 27KAL No. 765 and an HB 10414 1953, both classified as restricted weapons under the monopoly of the Defense Forces.
They also face an additional charge of unlawful possession of eight rounds of ammunition.
Karua, alongside several rights groups in Uganda and Kenya, has been at the forefront in condemning the charges, which they argue are politically motivated.
Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, has been arrested numerous times for leading anti-government protests in Uganda and charged with inciting violence.
In the latest incident, Ugandan security agents allegedly tracked him to Nairobi following intelligence reports that he was planning to meet with arms dealers as part of a plot to target President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
The immunity, granted through a gazette notice on October 4, 2024, had earlier been defended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who cited the foundation’s “significant” contributions to development as the basis for the special status.
However, on Monday morning, the court issued orders suspending the privileges pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which seeks to have the status declared null and void. The LSK has raised concerns over the legality of granting such privileges to a private entity.
The special status afforded the foundation’s officials immunity and protection while conducting its operations in Kenya. The government’s decision sparked public controversy and raised questions about power and accountability. Typically, such privileges are reserved for diplomatic missions.
While defending the government’s decision earlier this month, Mudavadi insisted that the privileges were granted after careful consideration of the foundation’s philanthropic contributions to Kenya.
“We take the concerns of our citizens seriously. I wish to clarify the rationale behind our decision: diplomatic privileges and immunities are tools, not trophies. They are meant to facilitate the seamless operation of organizations advancing the public good, much like the foundational principles of the Vienna Convention,” Mudavadi stated.
He further explained that the foundation, as a charitable trust addressing poverty, disease, and inequality in over 140 countries globally, qualified under Section 11 of the Privileges and Immunities Act to receive such benefits.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest private philanthropic organizations, was founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. Its headquarters are based in Seattle, USA.
The INC-5 meeting is scheduled to run from November 25 to December 1, 2024, at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center.
In a statement ahead of the gathering, Rwanda, as co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, reaffirmed its commitment to championing a comprehensive treaty that addresses the root causes of plastic pollution and emphasizes accountability.
“Rwanda is calling for ambitious, just, and enforceable global rules to end plastic pollution and safeguard the health of people and the planet,” reads the statement in part.
Rwanda seeks a treaty that encompasses the entire lifecycle of plastic, setting global targets to reduce plastic production to sustainable levels, promoting sustainable alternatives, and fostering vibrant circular economies. The country also stresses the need for legally binding commitments, robust monitoring mechanisms, and accountability frameworks to ensure effective implementation and meaningful progress.
Rwanda is advocating for a start-and-strengthen approach, which would allow for increasing ambition over time. The treaty must also protect and empower the most affected communities while ensuring a just transition for waste pickers and informal workers who play vital roles in managing plastic waste.
Additionally, Rwanda is proposing the establishment of a dedicated Multilateral Fund capable of supporting developing countries in meeting their treaty obligations. This would be complemented by mechanisms to attract broad-based financing to address plastic pollution comprehensively.
In the negotiations, Rwanda aims to leverage its 2008 ban on plastics to inspire global action in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
“For two decades, Rwanda has demonstrated its commitment to tackling plastic pollution through bold national policies and regional leadership. We are now taking these home-grown innovations to the world,” said Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment.
“At INC-5, we call on the global community to unite behind an ambitious and enforceable treaty that delivers a future free from plastic pollution,” she added.
The ban which prohibits the production, sale, and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and packaging in Rwanda has had significant positive impacts, including cleaner streets, a boost in tourism, and enhanced environmental protection. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, has earned recognition as the cleanest city in Africa as a result of these measures.
As the INC-5 negotiations mark the final stage of the treaty development process, Rwanda is urging all stakeholders to seize this historic moment to secure an agreement that safeguards humanity and nature.
At the tender age of ten, he would sit outside his home in Banda village in Nyamasheke District, often wandering along the edge of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda’s largest national park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The cacophony of bird calls and the soft rustle of primates moving through the undergrowth constantly piqued his curiosity.
During weekends and school holidays, he played with his mates but often paused to admire the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) staff as they ventured into the dense canopy of Nyungwe Forest. They were engaged in conservation activities under the Projet Conservation de la Forêt de Nyungwe (PCFN).
Some of the staff were his neighbours, and Claver Ntoyinkima dreamed of one day joining their ranks.
In the early 1990s, one of his older brothers was recruited to work with WCS, further fueling Claver’s ambition to be part of a team that mitigated threats to the forest and promoted its conservation.
“My brother used to educate the whole family on why we have to conserve the forest. So, I was really interested,” Claver recalls with nostalgia.
As he grew older, his passion for conservation deepened. He got his first opportunity to work in the park while in secondary school, where he assisted researchers and cleaners during school holidays. He also founded and led his school’s environmental club, collaborating with PCFN leaders who often took students into the forest to learn about conservation.
“I worked closely with the PCFN leaders and managers. They would bring their cars to the school, take us to the forest, explain everything, and then bring us back,” he remembers.
After completing secondary school, Claver trained as a teacher and worked as a primary school teacher for one and a half years. However, his passion for conservation led him to transition first to a multilingual receptionist role at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and later, in 2000, to the position of park ranger and tourist guide.
Twenty-four years later, his steadfast commitment to preserving the natural world has earned him international recognition. He was recently selected as the sole global winner of the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his work on bird and primate conservation in Nyungwe National Park.
The 51-year-old father of four will be honoured on November 27, 2024, in London at a ceremony addressed by Prince William and attended by other category winners from across Africa.
Over the past decade, the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Awards have celebrated African conservation heroes, recognizing the dedication and risks rangers face daily to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
Previous winners include Jealous Mpofu from Zimbabwe (2023), Neddy Mulimo from Zambia (2022), Suleiman Saidu from Nigeria (2021), and Amos Gwema from Zimbabwe (2020). This year, the award celebrates Claver’s contributions to Nyungwe National Park, where he has risen through the ranks to become a Senior Ranger and Guide.
Throughout his career, Claver’s diligence, hard work, and honesty have earned him the respect of colleagues and the community. Some of his notable achievements include habituating colobus monkeys and chimpanzees and launching birdwatching clubs at schools surrounding the park, such as GS Gisakura. Through these clubs, he mentors students to develop a deeper understanding of and commitment to protecting Nyungwe’s ecosystem which includes over 300 bird species.
“Some students from the birdwatching clubs have gone on to become park rangers and guides,” notes Protais Niyigaba, the park manager.
Niyigaba describes Claver as a selfless conservationist whose initiatives have reduced poaching and overdependence on park resources.
“Claver is a naturalist. Born near the park, even his name, Ntoyinkima, reflects his connection to wildlife—it means ‘I’ve luckily found a monkey.’ His work bridges the needs of the community and the park, promoting coexistence,” he says.
Claver has accomplished this through initiatives such as providing goats to local communities in Nyamasheke and promoting goat farming as an alternative to poaching. He also supported the establishment of a cooperative for former poachers, now trained as freelance guides, enabling them to earn livelihoods connected to conservation.
With more than two decades of experience, Claver is known for his expertise, kindness, and mentorship. He collaborates with researchers and shares his extensive knowledge, particularly on bird conservation, contributing to research projects across Rwanda, including those in Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks.
“These initiatives improve livelihoods while protecting nature. Claver doesn’t just do his job for a salary—he goes beyond, creating opportunities for his community,” Niyigaba adds.
Additionally, local communities benefit from government projects funded through tourism revenue-sharing programs, such as constructing classrooms and water infrastructure. These efforts have promoted a sense of ownership and responsibility for conserving the park.
“Now, the communities see the park as a source of support. Some even help control poaching by others who don’t yet understand,” Claver explains.
Claver’s award includes 30,000 pounds (approximately Frw51 million) prize, which he plans to reinvest in community projects.
“There are projects I couldn’t achieve due to limited resources. This award will allow me to take those projects forward and encourage more community involvement in conservation,” he says with optimism.
This is Claver’s first international award and his second overall. In 2007, he received the Rhinoceros Recognition for his conservation efforts.
In the video recorded at Munzenze Prison in Goma, DRC Justice Minister Constant Mutamba is seen inciting inmates to target President Kagame and the Congolese Tutsis, whom he frequently refers to as Rwandans, while calling for violent actions against them and those associated with Rwanda.
“All the prisoners manipulated by Kagame and Rwanda, we will track them down and send them to the Angenga military prison. Know that we will catch them all and we are going to arrest Kagame in person. I warn all those who are in contact with a ‘Rwandan’ or Kagame that they will be taken out of this place and transferred to the Angenga military prison. We refuse that the foreign enemy comes to take our land. Our head of state will not let this country be occupied or governed by the Banyarwanda,” he says in the video.
He is also heard promising to free prisoners who help designate “traitors” and “foreigners” who will then be “arrested and killed.”
“Many among you are innocent but have been mixed here with those who accept being corrupted and manipulated by Rwanda. Know that the enemy of the Congolese people is Kagame… the Rwandans. Know that if you help us in this task, we will free those innocent among you. Come together and denounce them! And if you denounce them, you will receive a reward, and we will release you from this prison. I will personally release you from here,” he adds.
Reacting to the shocking remarks, the Rwandan government spokesperson described them as “extreme provocation” by the minister, stating that the remarks fuel the ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels, government troops, and allied rebel groups.
“Extreme provocation by the DRC Justice Minister at a prison in Goma, a few kilometers from the border with Rwanda. Should we now expect criminals and prisoners in the deadly mix of FDLR, Wazalendo, European mercenaries, and SAMIM fighting for FARDC?” Makolo wrote on X.
Extreme provocation by the DRC justice minister at a prison in Goma, a few kilometers from the border with Rwanda. Should we now expect criminals & prisoners in the deadly mix of FDLR, Wazalendo, european mercenaries and SAMIM fighting for FARDC? https://t.co/eh1irw6noD
The M23 rebels accuse the DRC government of persecuting Congolese Tutsis, leading to tensions in the eastern part of the DRC, near the Rwanda border.
Rwanda has implemented defense mechanisms to protect itself against the FDLR militia, which consists of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The FDLR has been accused of working with the Congolese government to target Congolese Tutsis in the country, many of whom have sought refuge in Rwanda.
Efforts to address the crisis in the DRC have been made through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. However, while the Luanda peace process between the DRC and Rwanda aimed to ease tensions, the Congolese government has faced criticism, particularly from Rwanda, for a lack of commitment to resolutions and agreements to end the conflict.
The country has made significant strides in developing its healthcare system, positioning itself as a regional hub for medical services. This progress is evident, as Rwanda no longer sends large numbers of patients abroad for treatment of serious illnesses.
Speaking during a recent media interview, Dr. Athanase Rukundo, Director of Medical and Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, shared that in the past, many people did not believe that Rwanda could perform complex medical procedures, such as heart or kidney transplants.
“In the past, no one believed that we could perform heart surgery. People thought the heart couldn’t be touched because anyone who attempted surgery on it would die. But now, these procedures are being done in Rwanda. Likewise, no one knew we could treat cancer here—one of the main reasons patients used to be sent abroad. But now, we offer these treatments in-country,” Dr. Rukundo explained.
With the expansion of modern medical services, Rwanda has become a sought-after destination for many foreigners, particularly from neighboring countries, who seek treatment at local medical facilities known for their quick service delivery.
“We see patients from various regions. Some come from neighboring countries or within the same region because they know our service delivery is fast. Although these services are available, accessing them may require additional effort,” he added.
Statistics show that 4,004 foreigners sought medical services in Rwanda during the second quarter of 2024, with 3,907 coming from the East African region.
“Patients who come here for treatment find it easy to receive care, and they often recommend our services to others,” Dr. Rukundo remarked.
He also highlighted the cost advantages, noting that in some countries, parents spend over $5,000 on medical procedures, even with insurance, while in Rwanda, treatment costs are much lower.
Rwanda now boasts advanced medical equipment, including X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Multix Impact E, and more—facilities that were previously unavailable.
This progress aligns with the country’s policy to attract high-level institutions offering education in cutting-edge medical technologies. For example, the University of Rwanda has completed a new five-story building in the Kigali Industrial Zone to house the African Center of Excellence in Medical Device Manufacturing (CEBE).
Additionally, IRCAD Africa is training surgeons in advanced surgical techniques, allowing them to perform complex procedures with the same level of expertise as in leading global centers, such as Texas, USA.
Speaking at a church service on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Gachagua claimed he had warned President Ruto against engaging with the Adani Group over its controversial reputation.
The former deputy president’s remarks came in response to the president’s recent decision to cancel deals proposed by the Adani Group to manage the country’s energy and aviation infrastructure. The cancellations followed the indictment of Adani Group’s chair in the United States on bribery charges.
“The matter with Adani is what led to my fallout with the president,” Gachagua said.
“In the Cabinet, I was the only person who could tell him the truth. All the others were cowards. I told him the issue with Adani is shady, and the people don’t want it. He hated me for it and accused me of opposing government projects.”
Gachagua further alleged that President Ruto’s decision to cancel the Adani deals was not motivated by genuine concern but rather by the indictment of the Indian firm’s founder.
“Even after the president cancelled the deals, there was no need to clap for him because it did not come from his heart. He only acted after that suspect was indicted in the United States,” he added.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced last Wednesday that Gautam Adani and seven associates, including his nephew Sagar Adani, were accused of offering over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative energy contracts. The contracts were partly funded by international investors, including some from the U.S.
The following day, during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, President Ruto defended his decision, citing credible evidence provided by relevant agencies. He announced the cancellation of deals worth $2.6 billion, which included leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years and upgrading electricity transmission infrastructure for a similar period.
“In the face of credible evidence of corruption, I will not hesitate to act,” Ruto stated.
The proposal to lease Kenya’s airports had faced significant resistance from activists and airport workers, who accused the government of “auctioning” national assets.
While the aviation deal was under review, the government had already signed a $736 million agreement with the Adani Group to operate electricity transmission lines and substations.
President Ruto and his cabinet had previously defended the deals, arguing that public-private partnerships would help modernize state facilities.
Gachagua was hounded out of office in October over allegations of gross misconduct and undermining both the President and the government.
The agreement, reached under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, unlocked international carbon markets, a milestone that had eluded previous COPs for over a decade.
“We have ended a decade-long wait and unlocked a critical tool for keeping 1.5 degrees in reach,” said COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev. “Climate change is a transnational challenge, and Article 6 will enable transnational solutions.”
With the agreement, carbon markets are poised to drive substantial investment in developing countries, ensuring transparency and environmental integrity. The newly adopted rules will facilitate real, additional, and measurable emission reductions while respecting human rights and promoting sustainable development.
COP29 also achieved a breakthrough agreement to triple public climate finance for developing countries, raising the annual target from USD 100 billion to USD 300 billion by 2035.
Additionally, resolutions were adopted to ensure collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to scale up climate finance for developing nations from public and private sources, targeting USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
Known formally as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), it was agreed after two weeks of intensive negotiations and several years of preparatory work, in a process that requires all nations to unanimously agree on every word of the agreement.
“This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “But like any insurance policy – it only works if premiums are paid in full, and on time. Promises must be kept, to protect billions of lives.”
“It will keep the clean energy boom growing, helping all countries to share in its huge benefits: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all.”
The International Energy Agency expects global clean energy investment to exceed USD 2 trillion for the first time in 2024.
UN said the new finance goal at COP29 builds on significant strides forward in global climate action at COP27, which established a historic Loss and Damage Fund, and COP28, which delivered a global agreement to transition away from all fossil fuels in energy systems swiftly and fairly, triple renewable energy, and boost climate resilience.
Stiell also acknowledged that the agreement reached in Baku did not meet all Parties’ expectations, and substantially more work is still needed next year on several crucial issues.
“No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work to do,” said Stiell. “The many other issues we need to progress may not be headlines, but they are lifelines for billions of people. So, this is no time for victory laps; we need to set our sights and redouble our efforts on the road to Belem.”
