Launched by the East African Community (EAC) in April 2022, the Nairobi Process aimed to address the conflict in eastern DRC, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed as the mediator.
M23 representatives had initially attended the talks but were expelled by the DRC government, which accused them of reigniting fighting in the Rutshuru territory.
However, M23 denied the accusations, calling them an excuse to exclude the group from the dialogue.
Subsequent talks held in Luanda, Angola, and Rwanda urged the DRC to engage in direct dialogue with M23.
Initially, the DRC rejected this proposal but later indicated that if dialogue were to occur, it would be based on the Nairobi Process.
On December 20, 2024, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, declared that the group would not engage in discussions that do not involve direct talks with the government of Kinshasa.
“Our organization reaffirms its commitment to peacefully resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC through direct and sincere dialogue with the Kinshasa regime, in addressing the root causes of the conflict,” reads part of the statement.
“We also wish to clarify that our organization is not willing to participate in any dialogue with the militias and the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime,” the statement adds.
M23’s rejection of these talks comes as the group continues to control significant swaths of eastern DRC.
In 2021 alone, mobile money transactions in the country reached a staggering RWF 10 trillion, a remarkable achievement for a nation still early in its economic transformation.
The rapid adoption of smartphones and increasing internet penetration have not gone unnoticed, with major fintech players, including leading Rwandan network providers, diversifying their offerings as the country moves toward a cashless economy.
However, challenges remain in the convenience and efficiency of mobile money services, including transaction monitoring, financial knowledge, and business financial management.
These gaps create the need for improved solutions that can streamline mobile money experiences.
This is where Faranga comes in, a mobile money payment solution designed to address these gaps by offering efficient financial tracking and self-accounting tools.
Proven to be faster and more effective than any currently available alternatives in the local market, Faranga simplifies financial management for its users.
Faranga enhances the mobile money experience with faster payments to saved contacts, location-based tracking of business codes, and precise financial monitoring.
It also encourages responsible financial behavior by providing users with weekly insights into their expenditures, comparing current spending with that of previous weeks and months.
By automatically tracking transactions, Faranga eliminates the need to sift through SMS messages for transaction confirmation.
Founded by Jonathan Sack, a young Rwandan software engineer with a background in sales, Faranga builds on the success of its predecessor, PressPay. PressPay, currently the highest-rated Rwandan app on the App Store, laid the foundation for Faranga, which has continued to simplify financial tasks and improve financial literacy.
Faranga is part of a larger movement aimed at driving financial inclusion across Africa. It leverages mobile phones and the internet to provide financial services to both urban and rural populations—communities often excluded from traditional banking systems.
With Rwanda’s focus on microfinance and local innovation, Faranga is poised to play a key role in maximizing entrepreneurship and income generation, positioning itself as a vital tool at the individual, community, and national levels.
Looking to the future, Faranga will continue to play an integral role in financial inclusion, contributing to economic growth as mobile money evolves. The app’s simple and accessible features are designed to empower millions across Africa, helping pave the way for a borderless financial future with Rwanda leading the charge.
As the mobile money sector expands, Faranga will leverage Rwanda’s welcoming environment for homegrown solutions, particularly in financial technology, to expand its reach and maximize its impact on both national and continental communities.
With the increasing penetration of mobile phones and internet access, mobile money solutions like Faranga will be essential in providing financial services to underserved populations, driving economic development across Africa.
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Speaking at his annual news conference on Thursday, Putin said, “If someone takes part in the election and gains legitimacy, we are ready to talk to him, including Volodymyr Zelensky.”
Putin’s remarks signal an openness to dialogue, but he emphasized that such talks would take into account the evolving situation on the ground, referencing the Istanbul agreements as a potential framework for discussions.
These agreements were initially brokered in March 2022 during peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, although they ultimately failed to bring about a ceasefire.
The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, has caused widespread destruction, with tens of thousands of casualties and millions displaced.
The conflict, rooted in long-standing tensions between the two countries, has escalated into a brutal war, marked by fierce battles, significant international sanctions on Russia, and ongoing geopolitical ramifications.
The recent comments from Putin come amidst increasing global pressure for a peaceful resolution and a series of military setbacks for Russian forces, which have prompted discussions about potential negotiations.
However, given the entrenched positions on both sides and the complexities of the conflict, prospects for meaningful peace talks remain uncertain. Ukraine is scheduled to hold its next presidential elections in March 2024, despite the ongoing conflict.
The team retained this spot from the previous rankings released in November 2024, following their strong showing in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches.
Rwanda’s ranking remains unchanged, holding steady at 1136.06 points.
On the global stage, Argentina remains in the top spot, followed by France, with England and Brazil completing the top four.
In Africa, the leading teams are Morocco (14th), Senegal (17th), Egypt (33rd), Algeria (37th), and Nigeria (44th).
Among Rwanda’s neighboring countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo is ranked 61st, Uganda 88th, Tanzania 106th, Kenya 108th, and Burundi sits in 139th place.
Liberia saw the biggest improvement, gaining 34.47 points and climbing to 142nd place. In contrast, Equatorial Guinea lost 47.53 points, dropping 10 positions to 89th.
Last month, Hong Kong experienced a notable rise in the rankings, largely due to victories over Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, despite a lack of international matches for national teams.
He was speaking on December 19, 2024, at the opening ceremony of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF)’s 33rd Policy Organs meeting running from 16 to 21 December 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.
“We must continue working together across political, security, development, and humanitarian pillars, deepening our partnerships as member states, regional economic communities, mechanisms, and our umbrella organisation, the African Union, to effectively contribute to peace, security, and stability,” Marizamunda said.
The Minister further urged EASF member states to enhance their response systems, adapt them to tackle existing challenges, and fully utilise their resources to foster peace and security across the region and the continent.
The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Chiefs of Defence who joined the Experts Working Group at the meeting, reaffirmed their commitment to member states’ pledges and acknowledged the valuable suggestions and recommendations provided by the experts during three days of deliberations.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of the EASF, General MK Mubarakh, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, assured that the EASF Chiefs of Defence Staff remain committed to providing crucial guidance to improve the force’s operational readiness.
Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, the EASF Director, commended the Experts Working Group for their exchange of ideas and productive recommendations, which will significantly contribute to maintaining EASF’s readiness and enhancing conflict prevention efforts.
The 33rd Policy Organs Meeting (POM) coincides with EASF’s 20th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “Two Decades of Commitment to Promote Regional Peace and Security.”
The organisation, now operational under the African Union’s umbrella, comprises ten member states.
The first phase of the centre, currently under construction in Rwamagana District, is almost complete. Initially, it will accommodate up to 250 female inmates.
Dr. Ugirashebuja shared the update at the Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) on December 19, 2024.
“The first phase is nearly finished, and we plan to begin operations by hosting up to 250 female inmates in February 2025,” he said. “If successful, we intend to expand the program to other areas across the country.”
The halfway home will provide inmates with the opportunity to reintegrate into society before their full release.
Dr. Ugirashebuja explained that the program will allow inmates nearing the end of their sentences to live at the centre, where they can go out during the day and return in the evening. This will help them adapt to life outside of prison.
“Inmates will start adjusting to life outside of prison and learn how to successfully reintegrate into society,” he explained. “This gradual reintroduction will help reduce recidivism.”
The centre will offer a range of programs, including civic education and vocational skills training to help inmates live independently after their release.
Families will also be allowed to visit their loved ones, supporting their reintegration into Rwandan society.
Dr. Ugirashebuja also emphasized the importance of lawyers in promoting alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice practices.
IGIHE has learned that both parties involved in organizing the concert decided to postpone the event to a yet-to-be-announced date due to the artist’s health condition, which prevents him from performing in Kigali as planned.
The ‘Valu Valu’ hitmaker was scheduled to perform at Kigali Universe, and preparations for the event were underway before it was confirmed on December 12, 2024, that the artist had fallen ill and was receiving medical care at Nakasero Hospital.
Following widespread reports of his illness, Chameleone’s son disclosed that it was linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Doctors have warned that unless the artist significantly reduces his drinking, his chances of surviving beyond the next two years are slim.
Recent updates indicate that Jose Chameleone will be transferred to the United States for advanced medical treatment, as his condition requires specialized care not available in Uganda.
She specifically called for cases to be tried at the locations where the crimes occurred, where feasible.
Mukantaganzwa made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed judges on December 18, 2024.
The judges sworn in include the President and Vice President of the Commercial Court, as well as the Presidents and Vice Presidents of Intermediate Courts.
In her address, Mukantaganzwa stressed the importance of expediting trials, particularly those involving murder and genocide ideology.
“First, you should expedite trials for defendants charged with murder and genocide ideology, and, where possible, these cases should be tried at the location where the crimes were committed,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for swift trials of corruption-related crimes, adding, “For Rwanda to reach its full potential, we must tackle the issue of individuals accumulating wealth from public resources, believing they will never face justice.”
Further, Mukantaganzwa advocated for adopting judicial practices like mediation, plea bargaining, and reliance on precedents to enhance efficiency.
She also called for greater attention to the directives issued by higher courts in previous rulings, ensuring consistency in the justice system for similar cases.
Among those sworn in were four judges appointed to intermediate courts in Gicumbi, Musanze, Rubavu, and Rusizi, and two to the Commercial Court.
He had been accused of involvement in attacks against Tutsis on the hills of Nyamure, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and roadblocks set up in Nyanza.
From the beginning of the trial, Hategekimana had been charged with his role in the death of Narcisse Nyagasaza, the former Mayor of Ntyazo Commune, accusing him of attempting to smuggle Tutsis into Burundi through the Akanyaru River, though Hategekimana had vehemently denied these allegations.
IGIHE spoke with lawyers representing survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Paris, who expressed their satisfaction with the verdict handed down to Hategekimana.
Lawyer André-Martin Karongozi said that the case had concluded as they had hoped.
“We wanted the court to make a decision like the one made by the first instance court, sentencing him to life imprisonment. This man has been sentenced to life imprisonment, and nothing more is fitting for the gravity of the crime he committed. This is the harshest sentence here. The death penalty no longer exists,” he noted.
Lawyer Richard Gisagara, who also represented the Rwandan community in France, emphasized that anyone familiar with the magnitude of the genocide trials would be pleased with the court’s decision.
He highlighted that the last months of 2024 had been marked by the delivery of justice for genocide survivors, noting that since October 2024, the Biguma case had become the third trial in a series.
He also referenced other cases, such as that of Dr. Eugene Rwamucyo, who was sentenced to 27 years for genocide crimes, and Charles Onana, who was convicted for genocide denial and revisionism—the first such conviction by a French court.
“This is encouraging,” Gisagara said. “It is a significant step here in France to fight against the culture of impunity for those accused of genocide crimes, including denial and revisionism.”
Lawyer Gisagara acknowledged that while progress was being made, they must remain vigilant and continue to push for those responsible for the genocide to face justice.
Alain Gauthier, founder of the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), and his wife Daphrose, whose organization advocates for the prosecution of those involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi hiding in France, also welcomed the sentence.
Gauthier said, “The decision did not surprise us. It is what we expected. We followed this case from start to finish, attending each hearing and writing reports about how the trial proceeded. I don’t understand why Biguma would not be handed a life sentence.”
He further commented on Rwamucyo case, saying that they were up against someone deeply entrenched in genocide ideology, but they were pleased with the outcome, as he was convicted.
Gauthier also expressed satisfaction with the case against Dr. Sosthène Munyemana, who played a key role in the genocide in Tumba (Huye) and the former Butare Prefecture, noting that justice had been delivered after a long wait, with proceedings that started in 1995.
“Although the legal process took nearly 20 years, justice has been delivered in these final months of 2024,” he said. “We’ve won. We’ve won all eight cases that were tried in this court since 2014.”
Gauthier thanked the genocide survivors for their continued trust in the justice process and reassured them that they would keep fighting for justice.
Lawyer François Epoma, representing civil claimants in the case, also reflected on the difficult six weeks of the Biguma trial.
“It was a tough period, with heated debates about the genocide crimes he committed,” Epoma said. “However, despite the challenges, it ended well. Justice has been served, and Biguma has been sentenced to life imprisonment, which is what we expected.”
Epoma highlighted that prosecuting individuals responsible for the genocide sent a clear message that those who partake in such crimes would face the law.
Lawyer Sylvain Tapi, a lawyer based in Brussels and Abidjan, also commented on Biguma’s case, stating that he had lied throughout the trial but was ultimately convicted based on evidence and testimonies.
“Philippe Hategekimana did nothing in this trial except lie, and in the end, he was found guilty thanks to the evidence and the testimonies of those who accused him,” Tapi said. “I am pleased that the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi have received justice.”
As of early July 2024, the country had over 25,000 doctors, with the 4×4 reform expected to increase this number to 58,582 by 2028. The reform, which requires an investment of over $395 million, has made significant strides by the end of 2024.
A report from the Ministry of Health reveals that Rwanda received $62 million (over 86.3 billion Frw) in funding, which has been used for student scholarships, educational resources, equipment purchases, infrastructure development, and facility renovations—all aligned with the 4×4 initiative.
A key component of the program has been the expansion of medical schools. In 2024, the number of midwifery schools increased from four to eleven, while nursing schools grew by four, reaching a total of twelve.
Additionally, the African Health Sciences University (AHSU) has been fully accredited to operate in Rwanda, and it began accepting students for medical specializations in November 2024.
Similarly, the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) has been granted accreditation to offer undergraduate programs in general medicine and dentistry.
This year, the number of students entering the medical field has grown by 3.7 times, supported by the hiring of qualified instructors to maintain high educational standards.
The Ministry of Health also introduced advanced training programs for midwifery specialists, mirroring the training offered to doctors pursuing specializations in various medical fields.
The University of Rwanda has enhanced its capacity to increase the number of students pursuing Master’s degrees in medicine, with a 40% increase this year.
Two new Master’s programs focusing on ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging were launched.
The program has also expanded training for gynecologists, establishing new training programs in 10 district hospitals.
Specialist doctors capable of both treating and teaching were selected and placed in these hospitals to mentor others in gynecology.
Each hospital received two specialists, along with support teams of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, and other professionals, providing services comparable to those offered at the four main teaching hospitals: Kanombe Military Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali University Teaching Hospital, and the University Teaching Hospital of Butare.
International partnerships have played a key role, facilitating the first cohort of 44 doctors sent to Ethiopia, where they will specialize in treating various critical conditions.
In addition, 13 specialized training programs were introduced at the University of Rwanda, including those in kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, and neonatal care.
Currently, 11 medical training programs are being offered across Rwanda, with 13 doctors expected to complete their studies in 2024.
Additionally, 26 doctors are undergoing specialization abroad in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Israel, France, and Tanzania.
Rwanda has signed partnership agreements with institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean to further enhance its healthcare education.
Meanwhile, 45 other doctors have been approved for training in Rwanda. While significant progress has been made, the Ministry of Health recognizes that funding challenges remain.
In 2025, there are 8,350 opportunities for medical training, but only 1,418 scholarships (17%) have been awarded thus far.
