The Government, through Rwanda Development Board (RDB), has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited for the exploration of lithium, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and other associated metal deposits in the country.
According to RDB, the goal of this partnership is to align with Rwanda’s strategic objectives to develop its mining sector as a key driver of economic growth. It is a remarkable step forward in advancing Rwanda’s contribution to the global green energy transition.
Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer at RDB, has expressed delight in partnering with Rio Tinto on the groundbreaking project.
“This collaboration elevates Rwanda’s standing in the global mining industry and promises substantial economic and technological advancements for our country. We are dedicated to supporting this endeavor and ensuring its success,” he stated.
The initiative will initially focus on the early stages of regional exploration, utilizing innovative technologies and modern exploration methodologies. The program will begin by collecting and interpreting high-quality data collection using advanced geological, geochemical, and geophysical techniques.
This venture brings on board Rio Tinto’s extensive global mineral exploration experience to blend with local expertise, setting new standards in Rwanda’s sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), expressed confidence that the partnership will advance Rwanda’s mining industry, making it a major economic enabler and contributor to sustainable development.
“With this remarkable partnership, we look forward to blending our local expertise in mining with Rio Tinto’s global experience to leverage our mineral resources potential and enhance our geological capabilities,” he noted.
Dave Andrews, Head of Rio Tinto Exploration, expressed commitment to working with the Government of Rwanda to explore the country’s geological potential.
This strategic partnership follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both parties in January 2024 for the exploration and mining of lithium in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Last year, Rwanda launched a three-year exploration campaign as part of a strategy to modernize the mining sector. This strategy aligns with other key areas, including mineral extraction and beneficiation, mineral value addition, and mineral trading. The mining sector contributes about 3% to Rwanda’s GDP and employs more than 72,000 people.
The MPs were reacting to horrific scenes witnessed as security forces clamped down on demonstrators who had planned a peaceful demonstration demanding for the resignation of the Speaker, Rt Hon Anita Among over corruption allegations.
On Tuesday early morning, a security blanket rolled over Kampala as Uganda Police Force and Military deployed hundreds of personnel in what authorities described as a precautionary measure to avoid law breakers from disorganizing the city.
During plenary sitting, security services had deployed heavily outside Parliament preventing demonstrators from accessing the premises in a planned Anti-Corruption march.
In downtown Kampala, the army deployed armored vehicles and heavily-armed personnel to patrol the streets resulting in over 60 demonstrators being detained at various police stations in Kampala, according to local media reports.
This did not go well with some MPs who accused the speaker of selectively applying the law when it comes to public demonstrations.
Hon Joel Senyonyi, the Leader of Opposition and MP for Nakawa West Constituency asked the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Thomas Tayembwa why the “protesters” against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials are well received while those demanding the resignation of his boss are stopped.
“When protesters against corruption in Parliament and other entities want to come to Parliament, they are brutally arrested but when those against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials show up, they are well received. These double standards must stop, peaceful young people should be listened to,” Senyonyi said.
The security deployments and eventual arrests follow the youth’s declaration to hold a peaceful demonstration against corruption in government, especially Parliament
The youth are calling for the resignation of the top leadership of Parliament and reduction of lawmakers’ salaries and allowances.
Several protesters were arrested and detained at various Police Posts as they held placards condemning corruption in government.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has set up a team of lawyers to secure bail for the arrested protestors.
Led by Bernard Oundo, the President of ULS, lawyers from the Legal Aid Project of ULS are already at Jinja Road Police Station to secure bond for the detained protesters.
“They have been told to wait for a while. All the stations where the protesters have been detained have already been visited by our lawyers from the Uganda Law Society to represent them. The Law Society is more than ready to assist in the provision of legal aid,” Oundo said.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Mariam Wangadya has advised government to present those arrested during the ongoing anti-corruption protests before the Courts of Law within the stipulated time.
Wangadya also asked government to consider releasing those arrested without any charge, and implored security agencies to exercise their mandate within the realms of the law.
In Rwanda, marriage is viewed as a significant decision that involves careful consideration of various factors, including financial stability, maturity, societal expectations, and individual needs.
In the wake of a legal proposal by the Rwanda government to reduce the marriage age from 21 to 18 years, the public is widely divided.
While some marry before the age of 25, others wait until their 40s or beyond based on personal experiences or observations. To some others, age is just a number.
To comprehensively explore perspectives on the ideal age for marriage and the factors influencing this decision, IGIHE spoke to different members of the society.
A 25-year-old motorcyclist, who preferred to remain anonymous, believes that marriage should begin from age 20.
“Marriage goes with financial ability. From my understanding, a person who is 20 years old or above can get married because at that age someone is at least financially stable to run a family,” he explained.
Yassin Munyentwari, a local journalist in his thirties thinks that there should be no specific age for getting married.
“A person should consider marriage when they feel fully prepared, both mentally and emotionally. This decision should be made after finding someone they believe can spend the rest of their life with them,” he reasoned.
According to him, once consensus between a couple is reached at considering current and future life needs, the decision to get married should apply equally to both girls and boys.
“Everyone should have the autonomy to decide when they feel ready for marriage, without being restricted by age,” he said.
Pascal Baziki, a 33-year-old airtime vendor from Rusizi District, observes that societal pressure often influences people to marry early.
“Some people do it under pressure basing on others who have got married or even given birth. However, I personally think this should be an individual choice,” he said.
Baziki has decided to marry in two years’ time when he clocks the age of 35 because that’s when he will be ready and well equipped to conduct a wedding ceremony without being a burden to anyone.
Solange Niyoniringiye is a 22-year-old businesswoman in Kigali. She shared her views emphasizing that no one should be compelled to marry just because others have.
“A person should be prepared enough to get married. Being engaged is one thing but transforming into a legal marriage involves many factors especially financially. It would be weird to get married and start soliciting for food from neighbors the next day,” she said.
Richard Twizeyimana, a 33-year-old man from Gatsibo District, says that engagements should last at least three years to allow for thorough consideration of one’s life partner.
“Nowadays, people’s engagements can last for one month, but it should be at least three years. That is when you will have enough time to get a thorough understanding of your life partner,” he says.
For ladies in particular, Twizeyimana explains that the perfect age for marriage should be 24 years old and above.
These diverse views highlight that marriage is a subject with varying perspectives.
To address this complex issue, the focus should be put on ensuring the well-being and future prospects of marriage as an institution. Young citizens should be empowered to enter marriage with the maturity and resources necessary for a stable and fulfilling relationship.
Rwandan family law currently sets the legal marriage age at 21. However, in March 2024, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion reported that numerous girls aged 18 to 20 sought permission from the Ministry of Local Government to marry, but their requests were denied.
Sources say that many of those seeking to marry before 21 were either pregnant or sought to take on employment opportunities abroad that require an affirmative marital status.
A legislative proposal is currently under review by the Rwandan Parliament that could potentially lower the marriage age to 18 if individuals have valid reasons.
According to The Barrett Academy, an international think-tank on human consciousness, there are seven stages of psychological development.
Between age 20 and 25, individuals typically reach physical and mental maturity, completing the first three stages: surviving, conforming, and differentiating.
Research by Nicholas H. Wolfinger from the University of Utah suggests that the optimal age for marriage is between 28 and 32.
The incident occurred this month at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a gunman nearly succeeded in bringing down the 2024 Republican presidential candidate.
The resignation follows increasing bipartisan pressure and investigations by lawmakers and an internal government watchdog into the agency’s handling of Trump’s security.
During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Cheatle admitted to “significant” security lapses but resisted calls for her resignation. “I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time,” she stated.
Speaking to the media, House Speaker Mike Johnson deemed the resignation “overdue” and emphasized the need to restore public trust in the Secret Service.
Cheatle, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, initially insisted she would not step down following the shooting.
The incident occurred in Karongi Village, Nyarusazi Cell, Bwishyura Sector in Karongi District on July 22, 2024.
On the night of July 21st to 22nd, 2024, residents noticed the shed of Mukeshimana Dative on fire. Security patrols and residents rushed to extinguish the fire, but the pig inside did not survive.
After extinguishing fire, they saw another shelter belonging to Emmanuel Nshimyumukiza, which housed a calf, also up in flames but residents managed to save the calf before it was harmed.
Saïba Gashanana, the Executive Secretary of Bwishyura Sector, has told IGIHE that they went to the scene and spoke with the residents, but have not yet determined the exact cause of the arson.
He however, disclosed that three individuals have been arrested in relation to this case. “Three people have been arrested on suspicion of setting these shelters on fire. They are detained at Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB] station in Bwishyura Sector,” he stated.
There are reports suggesting that the arson might be rooted in property disputes, but Gashanana mentioned that the information provided by residents could not be immediately verified.
They are waiting for the results of the investigation being conducted by relevant authorities.
Following the incident, a meeting was held in the area, attended by the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of Economic Development, Theophile Niragire, and security personnel and other sector officials.
The authorities commended the residents and patrols for swift response to help their neighbors. They urged them to continue reporting incidents promptly and to seek assistance from authorities when conflicts arise.
To gain more insight, IGIHE spoke with Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo. He confirmed the allocation of the land and emphasized Rwanda’s readiness to utilize it effectively as per the agreements.
“Zambia provided this land to increase food production. It wasn’t a request; the agricultural agreement includes many aspects beyond just land,” Amb. Bugingo explained.
He further noted that the land has not yet been utilized due to infrastructural requirements that the Zambian government must fulfill. These include constructing roads for access, installing electricity for irrigation, and other necessary infrastructure.
“There is still work to be done by the Zambian government to delineate the land, and they are working on it,” Amb. Bugingo added.
The completion of these tasks will ensure the land can be used as intended, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of both countries.
This collaboration means Rwanda will also have a role once the land is officially handed over. Amb. Bugingo mentioned that Zambia has assured them of this, noting that some aspects require budget allocations but will be completed soon.
“Once the land is in the hands of the Rwandan government, our well-governed country will find a way to leverage it efficiently,” he stated.
When asked whether the farmers cultivating the land will be Rwandans or local Zambians, Amb. Bugingo said relevant authorities will determine the best approach to maximize the land’s potential.
Zambia is known for producing various crops, including maize, cassava, millet, peanuts, soybeans, and sorghum. Amb. Bugingo mentioned that the specific crops for the granted land have not yet been determined, but experts will assess its potential once it is handed over, given Zambia’s reputation for fertile soil.
Rwanda and Zambia continue to foster their relationship based on mutual respect, support in times of both adversity and prosperity, and other forms of cooperation.
On July 18, 2024, Zambia received a donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of relief maize from Rwanda. The donation was a response to the severe drought affecting Zambia and other Southern African countries, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon and climate change. The drought has affected 84 out of Zambia’s 116 districts.
During the handover, Rwandan High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo, assured of Rwanda’s continuous support whenever possible. He expressed gratitude to the Zambian government for allocating 10,000 hectares of land to Rwanda for agriculture, adding that this partnership will be a sustainable solution to food security issues in both countries.
President Kagame made these remarks on the evening of Sunday, July 21, 2024, while hosting individuals who contributed to the successful conduct of his campaign activities. The event, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, was attended by various people, including RPF-Inkotanyi members, artists who supported the campaign, entrepreneurs, and other leaders.
In his speech, President Kagame expressed gratitude to all those who dedicated their efforts to ensure the campaign’s success.
He said, “I want to thank you on behalf of the RPF, on behalf of Rwandans, and personally for how we worked together. Achieving 100%, or even 99% and beyond, reflects the efforts of our supporters and those from other political parties we collaborate with. I want to particularly thank them.”
President Kagame expressed confidence that the work ahead, following the election victory, would proceed smoothly.
“Last time, I told you that the significant activity we’ve been engaged in for almost a month has gone smoothly. Now, the remaining tasks require even more effort than we’ve already exerted. But I have no doubt that we will succeed because of our determination, energy, and our resolve that Rwanda will never return to its dark past,” he said.
This ceremony came after the National Electoral Commission announced provisional election results showing President Kagame winning with 99.18% of the votes, followed by Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda with 0.50%, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana with 0.32%.
President Kagame reminded those present that Rwanda’s journey is one of rebuilding, aligned with its troubled history.
“As we build our country, we do so together, acknowledging the past that once devastated it but also recognizing the strength that emerged from that. This is our journey, knowing we are not insignificant, and ensuring everyone else recognizes that too,” he stated.
He further noted that Rwanda’s journey emphasizes friendship and cooperation with other nations. “Every country or individual has friends and enemies. With our combined efforts and those of our friends, the achievements are immeasurable. In RPF’s culture, we never rest; we work well with those willing to cooperate, becoming reliable friends they can count on.”
President Kagame mentioned that Rwanda even tries to engage its enemies for peaceful cooperation, but if they refuse, Rwanda will not falter in defending itself.
“For our friends, we are very good friends, you should rely on us. We won’t disappoint our friends. For our adversaries, for those who don’t wish us well, we will always extend a hand of cooperation. We will always show them that we can work together. But should they choose to keep us as enemies, Rwanda, Rwandans, RPF, we never take things for granted,” he stated.
“Our peace and security, we don’t take it for granted. For our enemies, we will always try to show them that we can work together but should they choose to keep us as enemies, we will also make sure that we don’t disappoint in fighting back. That is the spirit, the nature, the philosophy of RPF and which has become the Rwandan culture and philosophy,” added President Kagame.
Paul Kagame, 66, began leading Rwanda in March 2000 in a transitional capacity. He was first elected in 2003 during the country’s first elections post the Genocide against the Tutsi.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He noted that he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision.
In another post, Biden said he wants to offer his full support and endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic Party this year. “Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” he said.
Biden’s announcement, which ended weeks of speculation over his decision, came after reports emerged that a growing number of Democrats had urged him to step down, including prominent figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
A sitting U.S. president and presumptive nominee has never dropped out of the race this late in the election process before. Biden’s decision highlights the gravity of the crisis his campaign faced following the debate against former President Donald Trump, who formally accepted the Republican nomination on Thursday.
In the weeks following the debate, the president attempted to push back, asserting his commitment to remain in the race through various public appearances and meetings with Democratic officials. Even on Saturday, he said on X that it’s the most important election of Americans’ lifetimes, and “I will win it.”
According to the latest Real Clear Politics poll averages, Trump leads Biden in all the key battleground states, including key swing state Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Namibia said that the King’s continued stay had generated much controversy and raised security concerns for diplomatic staff in various countries.
Government was angry with widespread allegations instigated by his subjects that His Royal Highness was being illegally detained in Namibia, thereby throwing him out immediately.
By press time, King Mutebi had already arrived in Uganda’s capital Kampala.
In a detailed statement, Etienne Maritz, the Executive Director at the Ministry disclosed that a decision was made as a sovereign State with a right to implement the laws of the Republic of Namibia and other international laws.
Maritz described how the King entered Namibia on 14 April 2024, on a private medical visit and was stationed at an undisclosed location in the country.
“In terms of Section 29 of the Immigration Control Act, 1993 (Act No. 7 of 1993), His Royal Highness was granted a maximum stay of ninety (90) days applicable to non-Namibians,” the statement reads.
Whilst the visit of His Royal Highness Mutebi II was purely private, trouble emerged when some of his subjects who seemed not to have been briefed about the travel raised concern and began demonstrating at Namibia’s Diplomatic Missions around the world.
“They started allegations and demonstrations that the Namibian Government conspired with the Ugandan authorities in abducting their King, and thus demanded his unconditional release from detention in Namibia,” Maritz said.
As such, these demonstrations threatened the security of Namibian diplomatic officials, and infringed on the nation’s right as a Sovereign State- a taboo under international law.
This did not only put at risk the security of Namibia’s personnel abroad, but also interfered greatly with the operations and security of Namibia’s diplomatic missions.
The Namibian government argued that such malicious allegations were not only meant to tarnish its respected international reputation but also undermine the good bilateral relations that exist between Namibia and Uganda.
They explained that the visit of His Royal Highness was purely private, and did not have an intention to interfere with his medical stay, but certain unscrupulous elements started a rowdy diplomatic brawl, leaving them with no other choice.
Based on this, the Government on Saturday July 20, 2024, declared a non- extension of the King’s Visa and sent him parking straight way.
No wonder the FPR-Inkotanyi party, along with its allied parties have already started celebrating and thanking Rwandans who voted for their Presidential candidate Paul Kagame with an overwhelming majority of 99.18 percent. The same RPF won 68.83 percent of the parliamentary vote.
Going by the results, it’s very clear that Kagame will soon be sworn in as the next president and his party will have the majority membership in Parliament.
The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, the Ideal Democratic Party and PS-Imberakuri, which had initially secured at least five per cent of the votes in the parliamentary elections saw their results reduce.
5% is the threshold and Constitutional requirement to get seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Does that mean that the three parties had been voted out of Parliament?
Ordinarily, there are 80 seats in the Rwandan Parliament.
27 of them are reserved for quotas for special groups (24 women, 2 for youth and 1 for people with disabilities).
The remaining 53 representatives are elected through direct suffrage, with candidates from political parties and independents vying for the seats.
Since the only independent parliamentary candidate in the 2024 election could not get the minimum requirement to get a seat, the 53 seats will be shared by the parties.
With over 68 per cent, the RPF coalition, which includes PPC, PSR, PDC, PSP and UDPR, is assured of at least 37 seats. The Liberal Party (8.66 percent) and the Social Democratic Party (8.62 percent) could get five seats each. So who takes the remaining 6 slots?
According to NEC Executive Secretary Charles Munyaneza, Green Party, PDI and PS-Imberakuri could still get seats in Parliament, given that each of the party’s share of votes might be rounded off.
“Although some of the parties got 4.5 per cent or 4.6 per cent, that does not mean that they fell short of the required five per cent,” Munyaneza told the media earlier this week.
“When we have percentages like these, we round them to the nearest whole number, which is five in this case.” He said.
Therefore, he said, the three parties could still get a share in the 53 contestable seats in Parliament.
As per the available provisional results, it means that if the percentages of Green Party, PDI and PS-Imberakuri are rounded to 5, then they will get two seats each.
In the last Legislature, Green Party and PS-Imberakuri had two seats each. PDI, which was part of the RPF coalition, had one seat.
As the country awaits NEC to release the final results of the parliamentary elections by July 27, what do political parties have to say?
{{It was a double win for us- Liberal Party}}
PL received 8.66% of the votes, placing them second after FPR-Inkotanyi and are assured of 5 seats in the next Parliament.
The Party President Donatille Mukabalisa says that it is a double win for them given that the Presidential candidate of their preference also won.
She told IGIHE that the victory signifies their commitment to jointly work hard to achieve Rwanda’s development goals swiftly.
Mukabalisa, who is Former Speaker of the outgoing Parliament credited their success to thorough preparation and unity among PL members, which allowed them to reach many Rwandans in the shortest time possible.
{{We shall continue our cooperation with President Kagame- PSD}}
PSD received 8.62% of the votes guaranteeing five seats for them too.
In a statement released this week, PSD’s leadership expressed their delight in President Paul Kagame’s re-election, thanking Rwandans for voting for to enable them secur their representation in Parliament.
“PSD assures the nation of our full cooperation with President Kagame in building Rwanda based on democracy and development that benefits all Rwandans,” the statement said.
{{PDI aimed for 5% – Sheikh Harerimana}}
The Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), which supported the FPR-Inkotanyi presidential candidate, ran independently for parliamentary seats but aligned with FPR-Inkotanyi’s policies.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, PDI President Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana stated that the votes they received were what they had hoped for, even though they aimed for a full 5%.
“We were aiming for 5%. That way, we could be assured of two seats. It was challenging, but it shows that we explained our agenda well to the people,” he said.
Harerimana reasoned that it was PDI’s first time competing independently in parliamentary elections because previously they partnered with FPR-Inkotanyi. A partnership, he says, has strengthened PDI, and they plan to continue this collaboration in the future.
{{We fell short of our expectation- PS Imberakuri}}
PS Imberakuri party leader Christine Mukabunani says that the results were way below their expectations.
“The level we won at is not what we anticipated. Considering our efforts and discussions with citizens, we thought we would do much better, but we appreciate the votes we received. We thank the citizens for their trust.” She said in an interview.
Mukabunani noted that they expected at least 10% of the votes and found it challenging to pinpoint the exact reason they fell short, acknowledging the need to multiply efforts in the future to improve their performance.
{{DGPR missing out in Parliament is not a big deal- Dr. Frank Habineza}}
After securing only 0.53% of the Presidential votes, the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda President Dr. Frank Habineza says that he is not bothered with losing out on representation in parliament.
Dr. Frank Habineza, a former Member of Parliament, has confirmed that he will not return to Parliament as a representative of the Green Party, as he was not on the party’s list of parliamentary candidates.
However, he says, this would not change his party’s agenda of continuing to advocate for the people, promoting good governance and democracy, and ensuring everyone’s participation in decisions that affect them.
