In a joint communique, the organizations praised progress made in 2024, including a sustained ceasefire and steps toward electoral and constitutional planning.
However, they voiced concerns over delays in implementing key transitional tasks, which led to the extension of the transitional period in September.
The statement urged the government to capitalize on this extension—the final one, as assured by President Salva Kiir Mayardit—to accelerate the deployment of unified forces, strengthen transitional security arrangements, and ensure inclusivity in the peace process.
The missions also emphasized the need for expanded civic education to engage political parties, civil society, and the media in addressing implementation challenges.
With elections set for December 2026, the communique highlighted the importance of beginning detailed planning early in 2025 and maintaining global trust by demonstrating commitment to peace and stability.
The AUMISS, IGAD, and UNMISS reaffirmed their support for South Sudan and stressed that the year ahead offers a critical opportunity to solidify peace and lay the groundwork for credible elections.
Ms. Hammarskjöld succeeds Miguel de Serpa Soares of Portugal, who has been commended for his dedicated service to the Organization.
Until Ms. Hammarskjöld assumes her new role, Stephen Mathias, the Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, will continue as Acting Under-Secretary-General.
Bringing over three decades of experience, Ms. Hammarskjöld currently serves as Director-General for Legal Affairs at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she heads the Legal Department.
Her extensive career includes expertise in security policy, international law, human rights, and treaty law.
Throughout her 10 years in senior management, she has held notable positions such as Director-General for Political Affairs, Ambassador of Sweden to Israel, and Deputy Director in the Department for European Security Policy.
Additionally, she represented Sweden at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Ms. Hammarskjöld holds a Master of Laws degree in international law from both the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and the University of Uppsala in Sweden.
She has also pursued studies in peace-and-conflict research, French, and literature.
Fluent in English and Swedish, she is also proficient in French and Spanish, enhancing her ability to navigate the multilingual demands of her new role.
Chapo, representing the ruling party Frelimo, secured 65.17% of the votes, a slight decrease from the 70.67% initially announced by the National Electoral Commission (CNE) in October.
His main rival, Venancio Mondlane of the extra-parliamentary Podemos party, garnered 24.19%, while Renamo’s Ossufo Momade and Lutero Simango of the MDM captured 6.62% and 4.02%, respectively.
Lucia Ribeiro, President of the CC, acknowledged irregularities during the election but noted they were insufficient to nullify the results.
In parliamentary elections, Frelimo retained its dominance, winning 171 of the 250 seats.
Podemos followed with 43 seats, Renamo secured 28, and the MDM claimed 8.
Post-election violence has cast a shadow over the results, with local reports indicating over 100 civilian deaths and hundreds injured.
Despite the unrest, Chapo is set to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, continuing Frelimo’s long-standing leadership.
The car, unveiled by President Paul Kagame and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in Kigali, has sparked pride and ambitious aspirations among the students involved.
Speaking to RBA, some team members highlighted the importance of their milestone, describing it as proof of Africa’s potential in innovative engineering.
Clemence Iradukunda, one of the students, shared, “Being part of this project, creating a racing car for the first time in Africa, has inspired me to further refine my skills and contribute to Rwanda’s development.”
Félix Ndayizeye, a student who assisted in supervising the project and welding components, emphasized the transformative power of vocational training.
“My responsibilities included welding and supporting our engineer from FIA. After working together, we assembled the required parts. This shows that Rwanda’s vocational training programs have immense potential. We’ve proven that Rwanda can achieve great things, and we’re confident about future projects,” he said.
Marc Sibomana, an instructor at IPRC-Kigali, lauded the team’s dedication and resilience.
“We learned to work within deadlines and realized that nothing is impossible if we strive to achieve our goals,” he noted.
Dr. Alice Ikuzwe, Deputy Principal in charge of Academics and Training at IPRC-Kigali, encouraged the students to use this accomplishment as a springboard for tackling local challenges.
“Students now understand their capability. They should start identifying and addressing development projects that meet societal needs while creating jobs for others,” she explained.
The car is the first in the world to be built using blueprints provided by the FIA to its Member Clubs as part of the Affordable Cross Car project.
Remarkably, the students completed the vehicle in just one month, working alongside an FIA technician to meet international standards.
This achievement placed Rwanda firmly on the motorsport map and set a powerful example for future innovations by young African engineers.
This prestigious event is one that Rwanda has recently shown interest in hosting, with discussions on the matter progressing, as highlighted by President Paul Kagame on December 13, 2024.
Hosting a Formula One Grand Prix would require significant investment, including building the race track and maintaining it.
The costs involved cover the construction of the racing circuit, roads for the race, and ongoing repairs to potential damages. Seats for spectators, barriers, and fencing also add to the total expense.
Generally, the cost to build a new Formula One venue ranges between $270 million and $1.5 billion. The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi currently holds the record, costing $1.34 billion.
Nowadays, new races come with a 10-year contract, costing almost $48.9 million annually (amounting to about $396.2 million over ten years) and an additional $575 million for race preparation, totaling nearly $1 billion, or roughly 1.3 trillion Rwandan francs.
{{What could Rwanda gain?}}
It has been six months since Visit Rwanda partnered with major European teams and various other competitions, which has boosted the country’s tourism sector.
The growing awareness has been evident, with a rise in the number of visitors. Rwanda’s sports investments have also been aimed at promoting its natural beauty and attracting international events, not just for tourism but also for business opportunities related to sports.
The tourism sector is expected to generate $660 million for Rwanda in 2024, up from $620 million in 2023.
The potential hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix has attracted global attention, and if it materializes, it would significantly boost Rwanda’s visibility, especially since the last African Formula One race took place in 1993 at Kyalami, South Africa.
In other countries, such races have proven to generate substantial returns, primarily from ticket sales because money from sponsorships often goes to the organizing company, Liberty Media.
While there have been instances where Formula One races incurred losses, such as in India and South Korea, where the Grand Prix failed to continue after heavy financial losses amounting to $24 million and $37 million respectively in 2012 and 2013, there are numerous successful examples.
For instance, Las Vegas invested $500 million for its 2023 Grand Prix, which generated an impressive $1.2 billion in tourism revenue. Similarly, between 2008 and 2018, Singapore’s Grand Prix contributed about $1.4 billion to its economy by drawing in 450,000 more tourists.
In Mexico, the Formula One Grand Prix boosted the country’s economy by 12%, largely through spending on luxury hotels and other services, where each Formula One attendee spends an average of $1,730 over the race weekend.
Research shows that between 2012 and 2015, hosting the event in Austin, Texas, generated $2.8 billion.
Formula One races are watched by over 1.54 billion viewers worldwide, with each race attracting an average audience of 70 million people.
With races broadcast in over 200 countries and spanning 635 hours of television coverage annually, the global reach is vast. About 53% of viewers are international, with tourists and teams spending significant amounts in the host country.
In addition to promoting the country, hosting such an event also creates job opportunities for local residents.
For example, the Formula One Grand Prix in Canada creates 640 jobs, while in Austin, Texas, it supports 9,100 jobs and generates $306 million annually.
If Rwanda was to host the Formula One Grand Prix, it could see a significant boost in its economy, both from tourism and the creation of job opportunities for locals.
The East African Community (EAC) had previously urged inclusive negotiations with all armed groups in the DRC after M23 resumed hostilities in late 2022. The plan sought to reintegrate domestic militias into civilian life and disarm foreign-based groups, repatriating their members.
However, momentum quickly faded. While M23 initially participated, subsequent talks focused primarily on groups allied with the Congolese army (FARDC), excluding M23.
During a discussion on RBA’s Inkuru mu Makuru, lawyer Jean Baptiste Gasominari described the Nairobi talks as a political maneuver.
“I avoided calling it theater because theater entertains and conveys purpose. This was purely political—a move by the DRC to appear cooperative,” he stated.
Senator Uwizeyimana agreed, calling the Nairobi talks “an illusion.”
“The DRC claims all issues related to armed groups are being addressed, asserting that foreign groups should return to their countries. Yet, it refuses to treat M23 differently, grouping them with others,” he explained.
The DRC government has consistently labeled M23 a terrorist organization and vowed not to engage with them.
“The government once negotiated with M23 and even signed agreements, which it later violated,” Uwizeyimana said. “Tshisekedi has at times admitted M23 are Congolese citizens, only to deny it later. This inconsistency reflects the chaos in their approach.”
Uwizeyimana emphasized that peace talks cannot succeed without addressing M23, which lies at the heart of tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
“You cannot exclude M23 from the Luanda discussions, as they are central to resolving Rwanda-DRC conflicts. Ignoring them undermines the entire dialogue,” he asserted.
The Luanda talks, involving Rwanda, Angola, and the DRC, stalled after seven days when the DRC rejected direct talks with M23 despite the mediator’s request.
Rwanda maintained its stance, arguing that excluding M23 rendered any agreements meaningless.
Speaking on Sunday, Putin promised “many times more destruction” in retaliation, Russian news agency RIA Novosti has reported.
“Whoever attempts to destroy something in our country will face many times greater destruction on his own,” Putin said, emphasizing Russia’s resolve to not only repair the damage but to “move forward even faster.”
The attacks on Saturday involved eight drones, six of which targeted residential buildings, causing widespread concern.
According to reports, a drone attack on Kazan, 1,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, caused school evacuations and flight suspensions.
Of the eight drones, six hit luxury apartments, one struck an industrial site, and one was shot down, according to officials.
Ukrainian drone strikes aim to weaken Russia’s military and industrial capabilities to support its war effort.
The cyclone made landfall on December 15, bringing torrential rains and strong winds that devastated Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. Over 123,000 families—more than 622,000 people—have been affected, with over 140,000 homes damaged or destroyed, INGD reported.
Public infrastructure has also suffered heavily, with damage to 250 schools, 89 public buildings, and 52 health centers. Flooded agricultural lands further threaten food security in the region.
To assist victims, the government has set up two shelters accommodating 1,349 people.
However, the scale of destruction presents significant challenges for relief and recovery efforts.
In a national address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi declared two days of mourning and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, urging solidarity in the face of this disaster.
Authorities and humanitarian agencies are calling for more support to address the urgent needs of those affected by the cyclone.
Nelly Mukazayire, formerly the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, was appointed Minister of Sports. She emphasized her focus on grassroots development to elevate sports in Rwanda.
“I am deeply humbled to be given yet another opportunity to serve my nation. Thank you, Your Excellency Paul Kagame, for entrusting me with these new responsibilities. I commit to work together with partners to promote sports from grassroots and make Rwanda a global sports hub,” Mukazayire said.
Rwego Ngarambe, who previously served as Director-General of Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports, was named State Minister in the same ministry.
He expressed pride and gratitude for his new role and pledged to contribute to sustainable sports development.
“With gratitude and humility, I accept this new role entrusted to Your Excellency President Paul Kagame. I am honored to continue contributing to the sustainable growth of sports in Rwanda,” Ngarambe said.
François-Regis Uwayezu, the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, previously served as CEO of Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club and Secretary-General of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA). He vowed to execute his responsibilities effectively.
“Thank you, Your Excellency President Paul Kagame, for entrusting me with this role. I will do my utmost to execute these duties effectively,” Uwayezu stated.
Ngabo Brave, appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, was formerly the Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council. He pledged to collaborate with young people to build the Rwanda they envision.
“When the leader calls you to duty, you say, ‘Yes, again!’ I thank His Excellency Paul Kagame for this trust and am ready to work wholeheartedly with the youth to continue building the Rwanda we desire,” Ngabo said.
Francis Gatare, named Senior Advisor in the Office of the President (OTP), had served as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) since September 2023. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the nation.
“I am always grateful, humbled, and inspired by His Excellency Paul Kagame, who gives me the opportunity to continue serving my country. Returning to the OTP is a special privilege and transformative experience. I recommit myself to do my utmost best and to use the chance well for lifelong learning,” Gatare noted.
Eng. Richard Nyirishema, transitioning from Minister of Sports to lead the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), pledged to enhance water resource management in his new role.
“I sincerely thank His Excellency President Paul Kagame for the trust he has placed in me. I pledge to dedicate myself to improving water resource management in Rwanda,” Nyirishema said.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, who served as Minister of Local Government from November 2022 to October 2024, was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He assured his commitment to the role.
“I once again thank His Excellency President Paul Kagame for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue serving Rwanda through the National Electoral Commission. I pledge to work with even greater dedication and diligence,” he said.
Vincent Karega, previously Rwanda’s envoy to different countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, was named Ambassador at Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on the Great Lakes Region. He reaffirmed his dedication to advancing Rwanda’s interests.
“Thank you, His Excellency Kagame. I am proud and honored by your continued trust in me to continue serving on Rwanda’s journey of transformation. My commitments and loyalty to national duties remain high and unshakable. Long live Rwanda,” Amb. Karega affirmed.
Lambert Dushimimana, formerly Governor of the Western Province, was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands. He vowed to represent Rwanda with integrity and promote its values.
“Thank you, His Excellency President Paul Kagame, for the trust you have placed in me by appointing me as an ambassador. I am committed to representing our nation with integrity and dedication and promoting Rwandan values in the Netherlands. I am truly humbled by your confidence in my abilities,” Dushimimana said.
These appointments follow the October 18, 2024, reshuffle, during which President Kagame named Dr. Patrice Mugenzi as Minister of Local Government and Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro as Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources.
The city now glows with vibrant decorations and sparkling lights that set the tone for a season of celebration.
Walking through the streets of Kigali during this time is nothing short of magical.
From the bustling downtown area near the iconic roundabout to the scenic paths leading through Gishushu and Remera, the city is illuminated with festive ornaments.
The streets, lined with glowing lights and colorful displays, reflect the collective spirit of its residents, who take immense pride in living in one of the cleanest cities in the world.
For those who love to capture the beauty of the moment, the festive decorations offer the perfect backdrop. Visitors from all over the world are seen wandering the streets, taking pictures of the stunning displays, each one reflecting Kigali’s pride and vibrant culture.
Beyond the public spaces, Kigali’s residents have also embraced the season by adorning their homes, offices, and even vehicles with festive touches. This added personal touch enhances the collective spirit of celebration and reflects the deep-rooted joy that comes with the season.
As the countdown to Christmas and New Year begins, IGIHE took a tour around the city. The pictures below showcase a glimpse of the magnificence Kigali has to offer as we step into this festive season.
Take a moment to explore these eye-catching pictures and experience the magic of Kigali.
