In an interview with RBA, ACP Rutikanga highlighted that this was a positive contrast to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, during which two accidents occurred, resulting in two fatalities.
“Security was very good, as unlike Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when there were only two accidents, no accidents were reported on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day across the country,” he said.
ACP Rutikanga further clarified what constitutes an accident, noting that it includes incidents that cause injuries or fatalities, as well as damage to infrastructure.
“I wouldn’t describe an accident as something like a vehicle lightly brushing against another, or a motorcyclist bumping into a car, falling, getting up, and continuing. I’m referring to incidents where vehicles are severely damaged, infrastructure is destroyed, and people are injured or lose their lives,” he added.
Between December 23, 2024, and January 1, 2025, 14 major accidents were reported. ACP Rutikanga stated that across the country, 16 people were injured, and a few lost their lives.
Their two-year term officially started on Jan. 1. Thursday is the first working day of the council for 2025 after the Christmas and New Year break.
The five countries replaced Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland.
A flag installation ceremony was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York to mark the start of their responsibilities.
Kazakh UN ambassador Kairat Umarov, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated the five new council members and wished them success in their two-year term.
The flag installation ceremony for new Security Council members was initiated by Kazakhstan in 2018.
Algerian UN ambassador Amar Bendjama, in his capacity as president of the Security Council for the month of January, thanked the outgoing members and welcomed the newcomers.
He said that it is an “immense privilege” as well as “a huge responsibility” to serve in the Security Council, calling on all council members to work tirelessly and effectively to address the challenges facing the world “and uphold the values of multilateralism.”
The permanent representatives of the five new members made short speeches before they installed their respective national flags outside the Security Council Chamber.
The 15-member Security Council has five permanent members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are replaced every year.
Huang Xin, deputy dean of the School of International Education at Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, said, “Talent training programs and teaching plans for the new group of Rwandan students are being perfected based on the feedback from the first group of students.”
Vocational education, as an important bridge to continue the traditional friendship between China and Africa, shoulders the important responsibility of training variety of talents, passing on technical skills, promoting employment and entrepreneurship, and adding youth power to the dream of modernization for China and Africa. At present, China has built the world’s largest vocational education system.
In the system, Luban Workshops shines like a pearl in the international cooperation of China’s vocational education. Currently, more than 30 workshops have been jointly built in Asia, Europe and Africa. And nearly 10,000 students have been trained in academic education and more than 31,000 people received vocational training.
Jinhua’s cooperation with African countries in vocational education is a “golden card” for China-Africa educational exchanges and cooperation.
As the first batch of pilot institutions of “Future Africa– China-Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Plan” project, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology welcomed the first group of 30 Rwandan students involved in the Future of Africa—Vocational Education Cooperation Plan in April this year. They gained fruitful results during the year in Jinhua.
At Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season IX in 2024, MBONIMANA Philimine won the highest score while Tuyihimbaze Israel won the third prize.
In the finals of Industrial Robot Installation and Maintenance Technical Competition Season V(International Group) of the 2024 Belt and Road and BRICS Skills Development and Technological Innovation Competition, Tuyihimbaze Israel, Musengamana Eugene and Iradukunda Abel won the third prize; Umwali Ange Natacha, Ngabonziza Elie and Uwamahoro Alphonsine won the gold medal in the finals of the Finance and Business Circuit (International Group) of the 2024 World Vocational College Skills Competition, while Mbonimana Philimine won the bronze medal in the Equipment Manufacturing circuit (International Group).
Umwali Ange Natacha was also employed as the international communication envoy of Jin Hub and the promotion officer of Jinhua Mountain Cultural Travel, telling the good story of Jinhua to the world.
At present, Jinhua University of Vocational Technology is also preparing the graduation ceremony for these Rwandan students. The students say that they have lived an extremely fulfilling life in Jinhua and hope to become witnesses, beneficiaries, builders as well as story tellers of China-Africa friendship and cooperation.
Umwali Ange Natacha and Hafashimana Patrick say that they will stay in Jinhua after graduation and have signed letters of intent with Zhejiang Wandefu Intelligent Technology Co., LTD. and Jinhua Runxing Technology Co., LTD respectively.
“Most overseas students choose to return to their country after graduation. We have contacted Chinese enterprises in Rwanda through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda and the Association of Overseas Chinese in Rwanda, and actively helped them realize their dream of returning to China.”
Qian Xiangming, dean of Musanze International College of Jinhua University of Vocational Technology says. He hopes that Rwandan students will innovate and explore “small but beautiful” cooperation projects when promoting local economic development, and become a link of business exchanges between Jinhua and Africa.
In the overseas development of vocational education for Africa, in addition to Jinhua University of Vocational Technology, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College and Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction are highly active as well.
In October 2023, Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College and Morocco Mondiapolis University cooperated in running an overseas branch – Morocco Yiwu Business School, jointly carrying out the training of international trade talents, big data technical talents, and e-commerce talents.
In 2018, Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction gave full play to the industrial advantages of national intangible heritage Dongyang wood carving, and cooperated with the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of the Congo to recruit the first batch of international students from the country, becoming the first vocational college in Zhejiang province to recruit international students in the field of arts and crafts.
At the end of March this year, it cooperated with Sassu University of the Republic of the Congo to build the “China-the Republic of the Congo Silk Road College”, carrying out all-round cooperation in running schools around personnel training, skills training and cultural exchanges.
The appreciation was conveyed through his end-of-year 2024, message to Rwanda’s Defence and Security Forces.
The President took the opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of the year and encouraged the continued dedication of the forces.
“I take this moment to express my deepest gratitude for your service to our nation,” President Kagame stated, acknowledging the discipline and professionalism that have been the cornerstone of Rwanda’s Defence and Security Forces.
He emphasized that their efforts, even in the face of adversity, have ensured that Rwanda remains a symbol of peace, stability, and progress within the region and globally.
This year marked two key milestones in Rwanda’s history: 30 years of liberation and 20 years of active participation in peacekeeping operations.
These accomplishments, President Kagame pointed out, reflect Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation while contributing to global security efforts.
The President also took the opportunity to praise the forces for exemplifying the highest standards of patriotism, teamwork, and innovation in addressing modern security challenges.
“Your role in promoting Rwanda’s national interests and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our citizens is invaluable,” he said, underlining the importance of their work in advancing national and global peace.
As Rwanda looks toward the new year, President Kagame urged the Defence and Security Forces to continue upholding the principles of integrity and accountability that define them.
He encouraged vigilance and adaptability to evolving security threats while maintaining a firm focus on the shared goal of a secure, prosperous, and united Rwanda.
The President also recognized the sacrifices made by the families of those who have lost loved ones in service.
“I honour your sacrifice and assure you that we will always stand by your side and that the sacrifices shall never be in vain,” President Kagame assured the grieving families, expressing his deepest respect and commitment to honoring their memory.
The President also extended heartfelt wishes to all members of the Defence and Security Forces and their families for a joyful festive season and a successful year ahead.
Recent reports have highlighted incidents of violence against genocide survivors in certain parts of Rwanda.
These include killings, threats via unsigned letters and property damage.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, [retired diplomat ->https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-mutaboba-67930367/?originalSubdomain=uk] Ambassador Mutaboba lamented that even 30 years after the genocide, such actions persist.
“It is infuriating that after committing such heinous crimes, serving prison time, or seeing your accomplices held accountable, you would still come out and engage in the same hateful behaviors as 30 years ago is unacceptable,” he said.
Amb. Mutaboba pointed out that these acts undermine government efforts to foster unity among Rwandans. He also raised concerns about external influences encouraging division within the country.
“There’s more to be done. Efforts to educate Rwandans have been made, but we need to intensify them. Some people understand, while others either ignore or reject the teachings. If a child grows up exposed to harmful ideologies, those lessons shape their worldview,” he explained.
Amb. Mutaboba stressed the importance of teaching Rwanda’s youth the nation’s history comprehensively, starting from pre-colonial times, through colonial rule, and into the post-colonial era.
“We need to double down on teaching young people where Rwanda came from—how it was united before colonization. That history must be thoroughly explored and taught to the younger generation,” he said.
Amb. Mutaboba also acknowledged the existence of hidden forces working to sow division, urging a resolute and vigilant approach to counter these influences.
“It’s deeply troubling and frustrating. These divisive actions must stop, and the law must be enforced without compromise to set an example for anyone caught engaging in them,” he insisted.
Amb. Mutaboba called for stronger initiatives to discourage those who fuel such harmful activities within Rwanda.
“We must also address the enablers of these actions. Some individuals within the country engage in dangerous behaviors because they are paid small amounts of money. These people spread harmful ideologies, and that needs to end,” he said.
Amb. Mutaboba encouraged young people to counter false narratives about Rwanda’s history and avoid being misled by those who seek to distort the truth.
Jean Baptiste Gasominari, a lawyer, echoed Mutaboba’s concerns, stating that attacks against genocide survivors are fueled by persistent genocidal ideology in the region.
“We are in a region where the genocide ideology remains prevalent. This issue extends beyond Rwanda. Look at what has been happening in Burundi since 2015, or the ongoing situation in the eastern DRC. Many individuals claiming to oppose the Rwandan government spend their time on social media, radio, and television spreading hate. Eradicating these ideologies is no easy task,” Gasominari explained.
He also urged the Rwandan government to strengthen its efforts to educate citizens and address the challenges posed by those who continue to promote genocide ideology globally.
“Education must be continuous. The Rwandan government is doing its best to educate the population, counter these actions, and prevent new attempts. However, the government cannot be everywhere at once. The persistence of these actions is largely due to perpetrators of the genocide who remain free and active around the world,” he said.
Gasominari concluded by emphasizing that the primitive mindset of taking another person’s life is unacceptable and reflects a dangerously low level of moral and intellectual development.
The escape involved 1,534 prisoners from the Central Prison and the Maximum Security Prison of Machava, known as B.O., resulting in clashes with the National Penitentiary Service staff, in which at least 33 people were killed.
The commission, which has already started its work, aims to understand the circumstances of the escape, identify possible internal or external failures, and determine whether there was negligence on the part of those responsible for security, the report quoted Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs Filimao Suaze as saying.
Suaze said the inquiry commission will also analyze the deaths that occurred during the ongoing operation to search for and capture the fugitives.
According to the deputy minister, about 280 prisoners have already been recaptured, more than 100 of them on Friday, thanks to the cooperation of families and reports of escapes in the neighborhoods.
Suaze emphasized that many of the fugitives returned voluntarily or were handed over by their relatives, who reported the escapes after noticing the irregularities.
The deputy minister also denied allegations that the escape was part of a premeditated plan to eliminate the prisoners, as some information on social media suggested. He clarified that the fugitives, some of whom are considered terrorists, are being monitored and that the police are committed to recapturing them.
Suaze called on the public to continue to cooperate with the authorities in locating the escaped prisoners, warning that the situation has caused panic in several neighborhoods in Maputo.
The commission has not set deadlines for completion of its report, but the deputy minister said he expected significant progress in the investigation in the coming days.
These systems are seen as a sustainable solution to meet energy needs while protecting the environment.
The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) plan outlines that $52 million (over Frw 71.7 billion) will be used to procure solar water heaters for urban residential buildings.
This initiative aims to support Rwanda’s commitment to combating climate change.
The funding will facilitate loans and grants to help individuals acquire these systems, aligning with the country’s green building initiatives.
Additionally, $8 million (over Frw 11 billion) is needed to reduce reliance on biomass energy sources, such as firewood, and decrease imports of energy-related products.
Thadée Twagirimana, acting director general in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Adaptation, explained that procuring solar water heaters is a vital part of Rwanda’s strategy to address climate change. The initiative aims to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030.
The energy sector is expected to reduce at least 1,530,000 tons of carbon emissions, with solar water heaters contributing 3% of this reduction.
Twagirimana emphasized that the majority of Rwandans, 79%, still rely on firewood and charcoal for energy, which contributes to deforestation and health issues. Solar water heaters offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.
Recently, solar water heaters were distributed to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in agriculture processing, bakeries, and hospitality.
These systems are projected to cut 1,500 tons of carbon emissions annually and save businesses Frw 3.7 million per month on firewood, charcoal, and other fuels.
Ernestine Tuyishimire, owner of Buganza Good Wine, reported that her business previously used about five cubic meters of firewood daily, costing Frw 100,000.
With the solar water heater, the business now only uses one cubic meter of firewood, resulting in substantial cost savings.
Reports indicate that $1.37 billion will be needed to reduce firewood use among households relying on charcoal, decreasing the dependency rate from 83% to 42% by 2030.
The appointed ambassadors are Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, Parfait Busabizwa, Olivier Kayumba, Festus Bizimana, and Dushimimana Lambert.
The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security in the Rwandan Senate, reviewed the qualifications and capabilities of these ambassadors to ensure they are equipped to effectively represent Rwanda in their respective countries.
Maj Gen Nzabamwita has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia. He holds a Master’s degree in International Law.
He held various roles where he served as Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President, Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and as a spokesperson for the Rwanda Defence Forces.
Parfait Busabizwa has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo.
He was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth last year and has also served in various leadership positions, including as Vice Mayor of Kigali City in charge of Economic Affairs.
Olivier Kayumba has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Central African Republic.
He had been serving as an official at the Rwandan Embassy in that country.
Before his appointment, he served as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Emergency Management.
Festus Bizimana has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Senegal. He previously worked at the U.S. Embassy and also served as the Vice President of Rwanda Cycling Federation.
The other appointee, Dushimimana Lambert, is the former Governor of the Western Province.
He has been appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He previously served as a senator before becoming a governor. He holds a Master’s degree in International Law.
Murangwa Hadija, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security in the Rwandan Senate, stated that the appointees have demonstrated the necessary qualifications and are capable of fulfilling their duties as ambassadors.
FDLR comprises mainly of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reports have emerged that Burundi’s military cooperates with both the FDLR and the FLN.
A senior officer in the Congolese army recently told the Great Lakes Eye that the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi are constructing a secret military base in Uvira, South Kivu province.
This facility, located in Kitoga, is allegedly intended to coordinate armed groups planning attacks on Rwanda.
The DRC is reportedly providing materials for the construction, while Burundi has been accused of holding meetings with armed groups, including the FDLR and CNRD-FLN, since August 2024. These meetings are said to focus on uniting forces to launch attacks on Rwanda.
The FDLR has a history of attacks on Rwanda’s northern regions, while the CNRD-FLN launched offensives in 2018 and 2019 from Nyungwe National Park.
Speaking to the press on Friday, President Ndayishimiye rejected the accusations as baseless.
“It is like insulting us just to gain international sympathy. When we went to assist Congo, you know that it was a collective agreement among all the heads of state in East Africa, without exception, including Rwanda,” he said.
“We agreed to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo in restoring peace and security […] we agreed to fight all foreign armed groups committing crimes in Congo, without exception, while urging those based in Congo to participate in the Nairobi talks,” added Ndayishimiye.
He stated that he had discussed with Rwanda and informed them of the need to assist since it was responsible for intelligence operations and could provide information on the whereabouts of the FDLR.
“Tell us where the FDLR members are and see if we won’t attack them. If we don’t attack them, then you’ll know we are working together,” Ndayishimiye stated.
Ndayishimiye echoed Tshisekedi’s accusations, alleging that Rwanda collaborates with the M23 group. He claimed that after seeing Burundi’s cooperation with the DRC, Rwanda began to show dissatisfaction.
Despite Ndayishimiye’s claims, reports indicate that Burundian troops have held meetings following one attended by the Governor of North Kivu, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, and Brig Gen Hakizimana Antoine, also known as Jeva, who leads CNRD-FLN. They discussed joint efforts initiated in March 2024.
It is reported that the secret military base being built by the DRC and Burundi, once completed, will host armed groups opposed to the Rwandan government, where they will plan attacks. Once prepared, they are expected to use the Kibira forest in Burundi as a route to infiltrate Rwanda.
Since 2023, the armed forces of the DRC, Burundi, the FDLR, and other groups under the Wazalendo coalition have been cooperating in operations against the M23.
The governments of both countries accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 and the RED Tabara group, which opposes President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s regime.
They have long been attempting to unite the FDLR and CNRD-FLN to jointly launch attacks on Rwanda.
Known for her beauty and captivating performances, Hussey left an indelible mark on both cinema and television. According to reports, her passing is linked to cancer.
Hussey’s portrayal of Juliet earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer at just 17 years old.
Despite the film’s critical acclaim, her role sparked controversy due to a brief topless love scene with co-star Leonard Whiting.
In recent years, she and Whiting sued Paramount over the scene, though the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.
Beyond Romeo and Juliet, Hussey became a beloved figure in the horror genre.
She starred in the cult classic Black Christmas alongside Margot Kidder and John Saxon and appeared in other fan favorites such as It and Psycho IV.
Her voice acting roles, including Talia al Ghul in Superman: The Animated Series and characters in Star Wars video games, showcased her versatility.
In her personal life, Hussey married musician and actor David Glen Eisley in 1991. Together, they shared a family life marked by love and mutual support.
Hussey’s legacy endures through her timeless performances and contributions to film and television, inspiring new generations to discover her iconic work.
