President Tshisekedi, on December 11, 2024, addressed both chambers of the Congolese Parliament, accusing Rwanda of repopulating North Kivu by replacing Congolese citizens with foreign nationals.
In an interview with DW, Minister Nduhungirehe expressed surprise at President Tshisekedi’s remarks, calling them dangerous and fueling xenophobia against Congolese Tutsi communities in Eastern DRC.
He questioned the logic behind the claim that Rwandans would leave their peaceful country to settle in North Kivu, a region where security is severely compromised by ongoing armed conflicts and violence from over 200 militia groups, including the FDLR and Wazalendo.
“It doesn’t make any sense to claim that Rwandan citizens would leave a country in peace for a war zone, where civilians are facing daily violence and ethnic persecution by a hundred local militias, including the Wazalendo, and by the FDLR genocidaires, supported by Kinshasa,” he noted.
Minister Nduhungirehe also deemed Tshisekedi’s statements irresponsible, especially on the eve of the Luanda talks scheduled for December 15.
These talks, aimed at addressing the security crisis in eastern DRC and the region, will be led by Angola’s President, who is also serving as the African Union (AU)-appointed mediator.
Both Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame are expected to participate in the discussions, with Angola emphasizing the potential for a lasting peace agreement.
Amb. Nduhungirehe clarified that the primary focus of the talks will be to ensure the DRC government is committed to engaging in direct negotiations with the M23, which represents the marginalized Congolese Tutsi community.
According to United Nations reports, over 1.45 million internally displaced persons have returned to North Kivu.
Rwanda has consistently rejected accusations from the DRC that it supports the M23 rebel group, calling such claims unfounded.
Instead, Rwanda has accused the DRC government of collaborating with the FDLR in the ongoing conflict in North Kivu, a group which poses a threat to Rwanda’s security.
This landmark initiative brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including public sector representatives, private businesses, civil society organizations, and development partners, all united in their efforts to address the country’s critical water security issues.
The launch of the MSP is a significant milestone in the implementation of the Prime Minister Order N°031/03 of November 30, 2022, which governs the National Water Consultative Committee (NWCC).
The NWCC is made up of two main bodies: a high-level Policy Consultative Committee and the MSP, which focuses on technical coordination, strategic planning, and fostering collaborative action to address Rwanda’s growing water resource challenges.
The MSP is designed to support Rwanda in achieving water security for economic growth and sustainable development. One of its key objectives is to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders from different sectors to co-design solutions for pressing water-related challenges.
Additionally, it aims to enhance coordination across public, private, and civil society sectors, ensuring a holistic and unified approach to managing the country’s water resources. The MSP also seeks to pilot innovative interventions, such as the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiative, which will reward communities for conserving ecosystems that help manage water resources.
The operationalization of the MSP has been supported by the 2030 Water Resources Group (2030 WRG), a global initiative hosted by the World Bank Group. The launch event also marked the signing of a historic partnership framework between the Rwanda Water Resources Board, Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd, ARCOS Network, and IUCN for a PES pilot project at the Giciye Catchment.
Speaking at the launch, Beatrice Cyiza, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, expressed her optimism about the MSP’s role in advancing Rwanda’s water security efforts.
“The launch of this platform marks a new chapter in Rwanda’s commitment to water security and sustainability. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we are building a foundation for collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions to our water challenges. This is a collective victory for Rwanda’s development agenda,” she said.
Dr. Emmanuel Rukundo, Director General of the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), highlighted the transformative potential of partnerships in addressing water challenges.
“Through initiatives like the Payment for Ecosystem Services pilot, we are not only addressing water security but also creating economic and environmental benefits for communities. This partnership framework is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” he said.
With increasing pressure on water resources from population growth, urbanization, and climate change, Rwanda’s approach to water security is critical for its sustainable development. The MSP offers a collaborative space for stakeholders to address the complex challenges surrounding water management through shared knowledge and joint action.
The platform will bring together a broad range of key institutions, with the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) serving as the chair of the MSP.
Other participating entities include WASAC Group, the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
Additional stakeholders include the Rwanda Transport Development Authority (RTDA), the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), the National Land Authority (NLA), and the Rwanda Meteorology Agency (RMA).
The platform also brings in critical private sector partners, such as the CEO of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), as well as civil society representatives, including the Executive Secretary of the Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations on Environment (RENGONF).
The funding was approved by the Executive Board of IMF following the completion of the fourth reviews under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility , as well as the second review under the Standby Credit Facility.
These reviews confirm that Rwanda has made significant progress in areas like fiscal consolidation, inflation control, and climate policy integration.
According to the IMF, Rwanda’s economy grew by 8.2% in 2023, driven by strong performance in services, construction, and a recovery in food crop production.
For 2024, the IMF projects growth will remain strong at 8.3%, with a slight decrease to 7% expected in 2025. Growth is projected to remain steady at 7% in 2026, with an increase to 7.2% in 2027 and a further rise to 7.3% in 2028 and 2029.
Despite a positive growth outlook, external challenges, including inflation and a widening current account deficit, have been a concern.
In 2023, inflation rose to 14%, but the IMF projects that, starting in 2024 and continuing through 2029, inflation will stabilize at around 5%.
This is in line with Rwanda’s strong monetary policies and efforts to keep inflation within the central bank’s target range.
The funding will be vital for maintaining Rwanda’s macroeconomic stability and ensuring fiscal sustainability. It will also help the government accelerate domestic revenue mobilization, which is key to expanding fiscal space and improving Rwanda’s ability to respond to economic shocks.
Additionally, the funding will support further reforms aimed at increasing public investment efficiency, reducing fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and managing financial sector stability.
The IMF has also recognized Rwanda’s progress in integrating climate considerations into its economic policies.
By establishing frameworks to attract climate financing, Rwanda is positioning itself to address climate challenges and promote sustainable investment. The government is developing a green project pipeline to help attract additional climate resources, enhancing the overall impact of the funding.
Mr. Bo Li, IMF Deputy Managing Director, highlighted Rwanda’s economic resilience, noting its strong growth in key sectors and effective monetary policies.
However, he emphasized the continued need for fiscal reforms, improved revenue mobilization, and oversight of state-owned enterprises to ensure long-term economic stability.
He also praised the country’s work in advancing its climate policy, positioning Rwanda as a leader in integrating climate goals with economic development.
“We carried out two military operations, the first of which targeted a military target in the occupied Ashkelon city, while the second targeted a target in the occupied Jaffa city,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement, referring to Israeli cities.
“The two operations were carried out with two drones that were able to bypass Israeli air defenses,” he said.
“We also carried out a joint military operation with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, targeting vital targets in the south of occupied Palestine with a number of drones,” he said.
The Houthi spokesperson didn’t specify the date of those attacks nor identify the targets. There were no comments yet from the Israeli side on the Houthi claim.
The Houthi militant group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been launching rockets and bomb-laden drones toward Israeli cities and disrupted “Israeli-linked” shipping in the Red Sea since November 2023 to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The motion was approved with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, and three abstentions during a historic plenary session.
The first impeachment motion over martial law declaration had been invalidated after a majority of lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party walked out and did not participate in the vote.
With parliamentary approval, the matter will now be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to decide.
During this period, Yoon’s powers will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president. If the court upholds the impeachment, a snap election will be held within 60 days.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of the FIA General Assembly, which took place in Rwanda from December 10 to 13, 2024, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the founding of the organization.
The FIA Awards ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including President Paul Kagame and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Head of State, accompanied by Ben Sulayem, presented two major awards, one of which was for the best driver in Formula One. Max Verstappen received the award for the fourth consecutive year, defeating Lando Norris, who came second, and Charles Leclerc, who finished third.
President Kagame also presented an award to Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, for the best team of 2024. McLaren, which includes drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, was recognized for its performance this year.
In total, awards were given across 16 categories, including the World Karting Championship, Rally-Raid, Formula 2, Rally, Formula E, Endurance, and Rallycross.
Among the honorees was French driver Michèle Mouton, who received the “Lifetime Award” from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem after 50 years of involvement in motorsport.
The 73-year-old Mouton competed in motorsport until 1986 and now focuses on organizing races.
In his welcoming remarks, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, the Director-General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, appreciated the strong collaboration between the Defence attachés and the Mnistry of Defence (MINADEF), which benefits both Rwanda and their respective countries.
Col Didier Calmant the President of the Rwanda Military Attachés Association from Belgium, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence for the informative security updates and the valuable opportunity to engage in discussions on Defence and security matters.
The briefing, hosted by the Ministry of Defence, was attended by 27 Defence attachés and associates from countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Sudan, Ghana, France, Turkey, the USA, China, Belgium, Namibia, Angola, Italy, Qatar, Germany, South Korea, Poland, Sweden, Ethiopia, Russia, Senegal, Denmark, Israel, The Netherlands, the UK, and the European Union (EU).
The Ministry of Defence and Rwanda Defence Force regularly organize briefings to provide Defence attachés, both resident and non-resident, with the opportunity to discuss current Defence and security dynamics at national, regional, and international levels, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between their countries and Rwanda.
On the same day, RDF held an end-of-year dinner to honor Defence attachés accredited to Rwanda. The event took place at the Senior Officers Mess in Kimihurura, Kigali.
Brig Gen Celestin Kanyamahanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), represented the Minister of Defence as the guest of honor. In his address, he welcomed the Defence attachés and praised their presence as a demonstration of the importance of cooperation.
He emphasized that partnerships with other allies are a crucial aspect of the Rwanda Defence Forces’ professionalization journey.
“We believe that no single country can confront contemporary security challenges. It is therefore paramount for all of us to embrace trust, confidence, and interoperability through defence cooperation as we jointly contribute to global security,” Brig Gen Kanyamahanga noted.
The event, organized by the Department of International Military Cooperation, was attended by Defence attachés, RDF generals, senior officers, and invited guests.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE following her swearing-in ceremony on December 12, 2024, Justice Mukantaganzwa highlighted her key priorities: tackling the backlog of cases, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and combating corruption within the judiciary.
Upon assuming office, Mukantaganzwa stressed the importance of understanding the judicial system’s structure and personnel, with a goal to address the inefficiencies that hinder the timely delivery of justice.
{{Tackling the case backlog}}
One of the most pressing challenges facing Rwanda’s judicial system is the backlog of cases. Mukantaganzwa acknowledged this issue as a major barrier to delivering swift and fair justice.
To address this, she has proposed a categorization of cases to better understand their nature and complexity.
“For example, in civil cases, we can assist the parties in reaching a settlement. Even in criminal cases, some can be resolved through mediation, which can help speed up the justice process,” she said.
The Chief Justice believes that mediation, especially for less serious offenses, could significantly ease the burden on courts.
Mediation, according to Mukantaganzwa, is an effective tool in ensuring that both parties come to an understanding, even if the case is resolved outside the courtroom.
She emphasized that the primary goal is to “resolve the issue and have both parties reconcile,” which would ultimately lead to positive outcomes for society as a whole.
In her view, resolving cases outside the courtroom would not only save time but also reduce the overcrowding in prisons—a problem that is intricately linked to the backlog of cases.
“Not all cases are of the same nature or weight,” she pointed out. Some cases, she noted, are simple and could be resolved much quicker without formal court proceedings.
By promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, Mukantaganzwa believes that a significant portion of disputes could be settled without overwhelming the judicial system.
{{Strengthening public trust and fighting corruption}}
A major theme of Mukantaganzwa’s vision is cementing public trust in the judiciary. The Chief Justice highlighted that one of the core reasons behind public dissatisfaction with the judicial process is the perception of corruption.
To counter this, she emphasized the need for a transparent and unbiased judiciary.
“Corruption is an individual problem, not an institutional one,” Mukantaganzwa asserted.
She made it clear that any judge or judicial employee found involved in corruption would face strict legal consequences, including criminal prosecution and removal from office.
The aim, she explained, is to foster public confidence by ensuring that the judiciary remains free of corruption.
In her view, the fight against corruption must go hand-in-hand with a broader effort to educate the public about the importance of trust and fairness in the legal system.
“Ultimately, the responsibility is to build confidence in the judiciary,” she added. “We must continue to foster trust by ensuring the justice system is transparent, unbiased, and fair.”
{{Leveraging technology}}
While technology has been playing a role in streamlining processes across various sectors, Mukantaganzwa recognizes that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for the judiciary.
She expressed openness to using technology where it can assist in speeding up case processing but cautioned that technology should not be seen as a magical fix for the backlog.
“The backlog is more related to our mentality as Rwandans,” she explained.
In her view, many cases brought before the courts could be resolved through other means, such as community mediation or restorative justice, without the need for lengthy legal battles.
{{Upholding judicial integrity}}
The Chief Justice also emphasized the critical role of integrity in the judiciary. In her message to those working within the judicial system, she urged them to remain firm in their commitment to fair and transparent justice.
Mukantaganzwa highlighted the national implications of judicial decisions and the importance of making choices that promote unity and public trust.
“We must always ask ourselves, ‘Do the citizens perceive this decision as fair?’” she remarked. For her, the law is the ultimate guide, and decisions must be rooted in it.
She believes that the judiciary’s decisions have far-reaching consequences, and therefore, judges and court personnel must always ensure their actions align with the law, ensuring fairness and justice for all.
The Head of State was speaking at a welcome cocktail held at the Kigali Convention Centre on the evening of December 12, 202.
“I want to thank from the bottom of my heart FIA and Mohammed bin Sulayem [FIA President] and his team for putting all this together and doing Rwanda proud to be able to host you. We appreciate that and I hope for all the time you are going to be here, you are going to enjoy your stay.”
The welcome cocktail was held at the Kigali Convention Centre, attended by conference participants, high-profile guests, and leaders from various sectors in Rwanda.
Among those present were Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, and renowned comedian and actor Steve Harvey.
Before the cocktail reception, President Kagame, together with FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem, unveiled the first-ever FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa, an innovative project developed through collaboration between Rwandan polytechnic students, the FIA, and the Rwanda Automobile Club.
Kagame expressed his gratitude to the FIA for supporting the project, highlighting its role in facilitating knowledge transfer and encouraging the development of local talent and skills in various creative fields.
Kagame remarked that the initiative was not just important for Rwanda, but for the entire African continent, as many opportunities had long been overdue.
He acknowledged that while Africa is rich in talent, access to opportunities remains a major challenge.
Kagame emphasized that Africa should not only focus on exporting talent but also become a place where people from other parts of the world are attracted to come, contribute, and help develop the continent’s potential.
On his part, Sulayem praised the close collaboration between FIA and Rwanda in organizing the General Assembly, highlighting that it was the first time the event had been hosted with the head of state personally welcoming the attendees.
He expressed his gratitude to President Kagame for the trust placed in the FIA and thanked all attendees for traveling from around the world to participate.
The evening also celebrated the work of Rwandan artists who created pieces commemorating the FIA’s 120th anniversary. Ishimwe Gad, a student from Rwanda Polytechnic-Kigali College, was awarded first prize for his artwork, which will be displayed at the FIA headquarters in Paris, France.
From December 10 to December 13, 2024, Rwanda is hosting the FIA General Assemblies, which will culminate in the award ceremony at the BK Arena on the evening of December 13.
The signing ceremony was held during the 2024 FIA General Assemblies in Kigali.
The UAOA campaign highlights the need for collective action among governments, technology platforms, and sporting organizations to ensure safer digital spaces for athletes, fans, and stakeholders.
At the signing, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said that their presence in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA’s calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport.
“We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa, and in Rwanda, is bright,” he noted.
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirishema noted that the step aligns with Rwanda’s values of inclusivity and accountability.
“We are proud to join the ‘United Against Online Abuse’ campaign and contribute to fostering a safer digital environment in sports,” he stated.
The President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem arrived in Rwanda on Monday to attend the federation’s General Assembly, scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024.
Since then, he has participated in various activities including engagement with young girls at the BK Arena for the “Girls on Track” program welcoming over 100 young women from schools across Kigali.
The girls took to the track in karts for the first time as well, challenging themselves on the simulators, trying their hands at different sporting challenges.
On Thursday, Sulayem along with President Paul Kagame unveiled the first-ever FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa at Kigali Convention Centre.
This project was developed in collaboration with Rwandan polytechnic students, the FIA, and the Rwanda Automobile Club.
American comedian and television host Steve Harvey Harvey also attended the event, marking his second visit to Kigali in one month.
