Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing her supporters and the nation from her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Harris acknowledged that the election outcome was not what Democrats had anticipated, but she urged them to accept the results.

“We must accept the results of this election,” she stated on Wednesday, calling for unity and respect for the democratic process.

The 60-year-old Vice President expressed deep gratitude for the journey and pledged her continued commitment to America’s future, including the values of freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity for all people.

“My heart is full today—full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve,” she said, visibly moved. “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, but hear me when I say: the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”

Harris revealed that she had spoken with Trump earlier in the day to congratulate him on his victory and assured him of a smooth transfer of power.

“I told him that we will help him and his team with that transition, and we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” she added.

As Vice President, Harris will play the ceremonial role of President of the Senate during the certification of Trump’s victory on January 6, 2025.

Harris’ public concession marks the end of a tumultuous election season, during which the two rival candidates fiercely sought public support, trading sharp barbs as they pursued their bids for the White House.

Harris had aspired to make history as the first Black woman and first female U.S. president, but that dream dimmed on Wednesday morning as Trump secured key states to surpass the 270 electoral vote threshold needed to win the presidency.

The Republican candidate, who lost to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, won several battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, securing a non-consecutive term in office—a feat last achieved by Grover Cleveland 132 years ago.

As of Thursday morning, Trump had garnered 295 electoral college votes, with Harris trailing at 226. Trump also holds a popular vote lead of more than five million votes.

In his return to power, Trump defied numerous odds, surviving repeated scandals and multiple indictments, including charges related to hush money payments, mishandling classified documents after leaving office, and alleged interference in the 2020 election.

Political pundits believe that Trump’s primary focus on the economy and his promise to contain illegal immigration ultimately resonated with enough Americans, leading to the Democrats’ resounding defeat.

The Republican Party candidate, who lost to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, secured several battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed to defeat his Democratic rival in this year’s polls.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Trump had garnered 277 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 threshold and dimming Harris’ hopes of becoming the first Black woman and first female U.S. president. Harris is trailing Trump with 224 electoral votes.

With Trump leading Harris in the Electoral College and holding a popular vote lead of more than five million, the Associated Press and major networks such as CNN have called the election in Trump’s favour, though the world awaits the final official results.

This historic victory makes Trump the first U.S. president to secure a non-consecutive win in over a century, a feat last achieved by Grover Cleveland 132 years ago.

Early on, Trump declared victory as the 47th president of the United States as it became increasingly clear he would defeat Harris.

Addressing his supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described his ballot triumph as a “magnificent victory for the American people” that would usher in a “golden age” for the country.

“This will truly be the golden age of America. It will make America great again. There was no other path to victory,” he told his supporters.

Trump promised Americans he would make them “very happy” and “very proud” of their vote.

“We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly,” Trump said. “We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country.”

Trump, who has promised to spur economic growth by boosting tariffs and trade and decisively deal with illegal migration, was also ecstatic that Republicans had regained control of the Senate in this year’s election.”

“The number of victories in the Senate is incredible. You’ll have great senators, and it looks like we will be keeping control of the House of Representatives too,” he added.

Meanwhile, dejected supporters of Harris, who had gathered at Howard University for an election watch party, left after Trump took an early lead in the election, which had been described as neck-and-neck.

The mood dampened further after Harris’ campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond announced that the candidate would not address them, suggesting that she would speak about the election later on Wednesday.

“We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet. We will continue overnight to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has been heard. So you won’t hear from the Vice President tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow,” Richmond told the supporters.

The 78-year-old is inching closer to victory after winning Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina key battleground states, putting him just three electoral votes shy of the 270 threshold needed to defeat his rival, Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris, who is trailing with 224 electoral votes.

Addressing his supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described his ballot triumph as a “magnificent victory for the American people” that would usher in a “golden age” for the country.

“This will truly be the golden age of America. It will make America great again. There was no other path to victory,” he told his supporters.

Trump promised Americans he would make them “very happy” and “very proud” of their vote.

“We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly,” Trump said. “We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country.”

In his speech, Trump praised tech billionaire Elon Musk as a “super genius” while thanking those who contributed to his campaign on Election Night.

“A star is born: Elon,” Trump said, directing his message to the SpaceX and X owner.

“Only Elon can do this,” he said about a recent SpaceX launch. “That’s why I love you, Elon,” he added.

Trump was also ecstatic that Republicans had regained control of the Senate in this year’s election.

“The number of victories in the Senate is incredible. You’ll have great senators, and it looks like we will be keeping control of the House of Representatives too,” he added.

The 2024 presidential election was initially expected to be a rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden, who defeated him in 2020. However, Biden dropped out of the race in July and endorsed Harris after a disastrous debate that heightened concerns about his age.

Trump’s victory is significant, as it would make him only the second president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland—a feat last achieved 132 years ago.

The watch party at Howard University had begun with music pumping and crowds dancing; however, the mood started to dampen as results from the Tuesday election began to trickle in, with the Republican Party surging ahead.

The heartbroken crowd, which had initially cheered as races were called in favour of Harris, was later seen booing as states were called for Trump.

Some of the disappointed Harris supporters began to leave the party after Harris Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond announced that the candidate would not speak until later on Wednesday.

“We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet. We will continue overnight to fight to make sure that every vote is counted, that every voice has spoken.

“So you won’t hear from the Vice President tonight, but you will hear from her tomorrow,” Richmond told the supporters.

Trump is expected to reclaim the presidency after losing to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

He has already secured three key battleground states, putting him ahead with 267 electoral college votes against Harris’s 214. He now only needs three more electoral votes to reach the 270 threshold to win the presidency.

The 78-year-old candidate is projected to win Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia—the first three battleground states to be called in the U.S. presidential election—leaving Kamala Harris with only a slim chance to make history as the first Black woman and female U.S. President.

The 2024 presidential election was initially expected to be a rematch between Trump and Biden, but Biden dropped out of the race in July and endorsed Harris after a disastrous debate that heightened concerns about his age.

Rwanda will present its premium flowers under the Rwanda fresh brand at stand C5.06. Represented by Bella Flowers and NAEB, the country is highlighting its rapidly growing floriculture sector, aiming to enhance its international visibility, attract new buyers, and promote sustainable floriculture.

This event serves as a key platform for Rwanda to establish strong connections with buyers and distributors from around the world. According to Janet Basiima, Market Development Manager at NAEB; “IFTF 2024 is an exceptional opportunity for Rwanda to strengthen its global business relationships and showcase the excellence of our flowers, which are renowned for their quality and sustainable production.”

Gedion Demissie, Senior Advisor at Bella Flowers, shares this enthusiasm and emphasizes the importance of this event in expanding their client portfolio in Europe and Asia: “IFTF is a strategic meeting point to develop our customer base internationally and position Rwandan flowers as a superior quality choice in the global market.”

The Rwandan floriculture sector is recognized for its ecological practices and commitment to sustainability. Roses from Rwanda, cultivated in optimal conditions, are particularly sought after for their exceptional quality. Rwanda is establishing itself as a major global player in floriculture, with the ambition of making Rwandan roses a symbol of excellence in the global flower market.

The country has invested heavily in dedicated infrastructure for this industry, with over 200 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of roses and summer flowers. These investments aim to increase production and ensure the sustainability of the sector.

Bella Flowers, a major player in the industry, manages a flower farm of 100 hectares and produces 75 million stems of roses each year. The company plans to expand its production in the coming years to meet growing demand. In addition to roses, Bella Flowers also cultivates summer flowers and a patented variety of Gentians to diversify its offering and satisfy a demanding international clientele.

Rwandan flowers, particularly roses, are grown in a moderate tropical climate that allows for regular production year-round. These crops are primarily destined for European markets, with significant weekly exports.

Floraculture has been a priority sector for Rwanda for over ten years. The government has implemented measures to support this industry, including offering land and investing in the infrastructure necessary for its growth. Rwanda’s participation in IFTF 2024 reflects the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in the production of quality flowers while emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

With ambitious projects such as expanding the production of roses and summer flowers, Rwanda is positioning itself as a prime destination for investors in the floriculture sector. The goal is to increase exports and grow the industry while ensuring environmentally friendly production.

Rwanda’s participation in the International Flower Trade Fair (IFTF) 2024 marks an important milestone in the country’s rise as a key player in global floriculture. The sector, supported by sustainable agricultural practices and a commitment to innovation, is well on its way to conquering international markets while strengthening Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture.

Thus, with its presence at IFTF, Rwanda positions itself not only as a producer of high-quality flowers but also as a model of sustainable development in the floral industry.

{{karirima@igihe.com}}

Anti-government protests have rocked Mozambique’s capital since the October 9 presidential election, in which the ruling Frelimo party secured victory. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for street demonstrations to contest Daniel Chapo’s 70.7% election win.

Amid the ongoing protests, claims surfaced on social media suggesting that Rwandan troops deployed to fight terrorists in Cabo Delgado had joined local security forces to quell the protests, allegations that the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) swiftly dismissed as false.

In a recent statement, the EU affirmed the RDF’s position, insisting that “No evidence has been put forward to support the claims that Rwandese troops are present in Maputo.”

The EU, which supports the Rwandan troop mission in Cabo Delgado through facilitation and equipment, also dismissed reports that it was funding Rwandan security forces to violently repress the protests.

“As a friend and partner of the people of Mozambique, the European Union supports the country in restoring peace, security, and stability across Cabo Delgado through an integrated approach combining efforts in the areas of peace and security, development, and humanitarian aid.

“The European Union absolutely refutes the grave and groundless allegations that the EU is financing the Rwandese army in Mozambique to violently repress protests in Maputo,” the EU stated.

The EU warned against misinformation saying, “The European Union cautions against the spread of misinformation and calls on all parties to observe calm, restraint, and a sense of responsibility.”

Through the European Peace Facility (EPF), the European Union equips the Rwandan Defence Forces with protective individual equipment and covers the costs of transporting military staff to fight the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.

“EPF support takes place in full compliance with international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and its implementation is subject to rigorous safeguards, controls, and monitoring mechanisms,” the EU added.

Rwandan forces are helping Mozambique’s army fight militants who launched an armed uprising in 2017.

Rwanda deployed its security forces to Mozambique in 2021 after the insurgency escalated, with the militia employing violent tactics, including attacks on civilians and security forces and destruction of property.

Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended.

Harris entered the presidential race after President Joe Biden withdrew in July, following a disastrous debate with Trump that inflamed concerns about his age.

The former senator from California and Democratic candidate was the latest entrant in a race that now includes five candidates, though it’s widely seen as a two-horse contest between her and the outspoken Republican candidate.

The other three presidential hopefuls from third parties remain relatively unknown outside the U.S. But who are they, and what do they stand for?

{{Chase Oliver
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The 39-year-old politician is running for the U.S. presidency on the Libertarian Party ticket.

Oliver previously ran for a U.S. Senate seat from Georgia in 2022, where he garnered 2% of the vote.

As the youngest candidate in the race, Oliver describes himself as a champion of individual rights against the growing power of the state. His political activism began with opposition to the Iraq War during George W. Bush’s presidency, and he joined the Libertarian Party after attending Atlanta’s Pride Festival in 2010.

His running mate is Mike Ter Maat, a former police officer in Broward County who served from 2010 to 2021 as a registered Libertarian.

The Libertarian Party typically secures around 3% or less of the national vote, though its members could still play a pivotal role in swing states.

The party, founded in 1971, advocates for minimal government intervention in both economic and personal affairs. As one of the largest third parties in the country, it emphasizes individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility.

{{Jill Stein
}}

The 74-year-old physician is running on the Green Party ticket, making her second stab at the presidency after her first attempt in 2016.

Stein launched her current campaign accusing Democrats of repeatedly betraying their promises “for working people, youth, and the climate,” while stating that “Republicans don’t even make such promises in the first place.”

The Green Party is a progressive political party focused on environmental sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy, and nonviolence.

Established in 1984, the party emerged from the global Green movement, which began in Europe in the 1970s. It positions itself as an alternative to the Democratic and Republican parties, particularly on issues of environmental protection and economic inequality.

While the Green Party rarely wins significant representation in national elections, it plays a crucial role in advocating for progressive issues, influencing policy discussions, and occasionally affecting election outcomes, especially in close races.

{{Cornel West
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The 71-year-old American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, and political activist is running as an independent candidate. He has taught at prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary.

Initially, West ran as a Green Party candidate but announced in October that he would run as an independent, stating that people “want good policies over partisan politics.” His campaign aims to attract progressive, Democratic-leaning voters.

At the top of his campaign pledges is ending poverty and guaranteeing housing.

Addressing the media on Monday, November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the virus may persist in specific body parts such as the inner parts of the eyes, breast milk, and semen, even when it is no longer detectable in blood tests.

“Recovery means the virus is no longer in your blood, confirmed through two tests taken 72 hours apart. Therefore, we advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sex until final tests confirm complete elimination of the virus,” he stated.

The minister noted that some discharged patients had disregarded protection guidelines, leading to new infections through unprotected sexual contact.

“We are closely monitoring them to prevent its spread, while also aiming to avoid stigmatization. They should not be treated as if they still carry the virus and need to be avoided.”

He explained that monitoring of the recovered patients may last from one to three months, and in some cases, up to a year, as each patient has unique health conditions.

“The virus may persist in certain areas longer, remaining longest in semen but briefly in saliva and urine. We are currently testing all recovered patients’ urine, breast milk, and semen to ensure the virus is entirely eliminated,” he revealed.

Dr. Nsanzimana affirmed that these individuals will remain under observation until final tests confirm no trace of the virus. Currently, some recovered patients are tested weekly and updated on their health status.

Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.

So far, 66 people have been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.

The Ministry of Health indicates that, while Marburg’s mortality rate in other affected regions can reach up to 90%, in Rwanda, it currently stands at 22.7%.

Swift measures implemented by the government have been credited with the high number of recoveries and the low number of deaths reported in the country. Notably, there have been no new deaths recorded in about a month.

During the meeting, the Rwandan minister congratulated the newly appointed envoy and commended the continued growth of bilateral relations between Ghana and Rwanda.

Amporful is expected to present his letters of credence to President Paul Kagame before formally assuming office.

The presentation of letters of credence is a formal diplomatic act that marks the official beginning of an envoy’s role as a representative of their country.

These letters, usually signed by the head of state, serve as certification of the envoy’s authority and legitimacy.

This gesture is essential in diplomacy, as it establishes the high commissioner’s standing and ability to conduct official duties and engage with the host country on behalf of their government.

Amporful will be the first Ghanaian High Commissioner with a residence in Kigali, as the previous commissioner to Rwanda was based in Nairobi, Kenya. The envoy’s appointment was approved by the Cabinet in May.

Ghana now joins dozens of foreign missions with residences in Kigali, reflecting the growing presence of nations establishing diplomatic ties and representation in Rwanda.