In her new role, Akamanzi will oversee the NBA’s business and basketball development efforts in Africa, focusing on growing the sport’s popularity and the impact of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) across the continent. This includes grassroots basketball development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and social responsibility initiatives benefiting African youth and families.
As the former CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) from 2017 to September 2023, Akamanzi played a pivotal role in spearheading Rwanda’s economic development through private sector growth.
Under her leadership, RDB implemented business policy reforms and initiatives that attracted significant investments, including partnerships with entities such as the BAL, Arsenal FC, Paris Saint-Germain FC, FC Bayern Munich, and TIME Magazine.
Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner, expressed confidence in Akamanzi’s ability, stating, “Clare’s business acumen, international experience, and familiarity with basketball and the NBA make her the ideal executive to lead our business in Africa.”
He envisions that under Akamanzi’s leadership, NBA Africa and the BAL will continue to contribute to economic transformation across the continent.
Akamanzi, an accomplished business executive and international trade and investment lawyer, has a rich background in international trade, business, and diplomacy.
She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a Master of Laws degree in international trade and investments from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She was recognized by Forbes as one of Africa’s Top 50 Powerful Women in 2020.
Expressing her excitement for the role, Akamanzi highlighted the positive impact sports, particularly the NBA and the BAL, can have on businesses, families, and communities in Africa. She looks forward to building on the momentum and contributing to the growth of basketball and its associated economies across the continent.
A number of people have also been arrested in these environmental degradation activities.
On Sunday, December 24, a 40-year old man was apprehended in Kayonza District for allegedly destroying part of a gazetted forest located in Sabasengo in Kageyo Cell, Mwiri Sector.
At the time, he was found with 174 trees, which he cut from the same protected forest.
On Christmas Day, at about 9a.m, Police intercepted a woman in Rutsiro District, who was at the time trafficking 30,000 pieces of non-biodegradable polythene bags.
The outlawed plastic bags packed in 150 cartons, were being transported in a passenger service vehicle. The woman, one of the suspected dealers in the banned polythene bags, was headed to Karongi District to supply her clients.
Similarly, three men were also apprehended on Tuesday, December 26, in Rutsiro District, where they were conducting illegal mining activities.
Such illegal mining activities are also dangerous to those involved and in some cases, they have ended fatal as a result of lack of knowledge and skills, when conducted at night, and in dangerous concessions.
Cutting trees especially in protected forests, illegal mining and trafficking, sell or use of plastic bags are some of the activities that undermine the national environment policy.
{{What the law says}}
Article 44 of Law No.48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment prohibits the following acts in order to protect biodiversity: burning forests, national parks and reserved areas, burning swamps, grazing land, bushes, grass with the aim of agriculture or organising grazing land, killing, injuring and capturing animals of endangered species, destroying or damaging habitats, larvae, pupae or the young animals of the endangered species, causing death or burning protected plants, harvesting or destroying them, transporting or selling the remains of a whole or part of an animal and plants of endangered species, and cutting trees in forests or protected areas or in national parks.
In article 59; any person who causes death, destroys protected plants, harvests or damages them, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and not more than five years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf3 million.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300,000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
Anyone convicted for illegal mining or illegal mineral trade faces an imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.
{{Impact of community policing}}
Many people have been apprehended over similar environmental crimes, which have far reaching effects on the ecosystem.
These successful operations to protect the environment are largely attributed to the ownership of the public working with the Police and local leaders to implement the national environmental protection programmes to ensure that those involved environmental degradation activities are arrested.
The public is further urged to keep sharing information on people, who violate policies and the law, to engage in such environmental crimes.
The event, conducted via online Zoom meeting, saw the participation of approximately 15 Rwandan legal professionals, including current and former judges, lawyers, and former Supreme Court justices and former dean of the University of Rwanda Law School, HPDO, PEI civic group leaders, and a party member of the House of Representatives. They engaged in discussions on methods to promote peace activities in Rwanda.
Rwanda experienced setbacks that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed lives of over 1 million victims.
After the Genocide against, ongoing efforts have been made for reconciliation between Rwandans and the development of the nation.
In this webinar, titled ‘Seminar for Enhancing Global Citizenship Awareness,’ with the subtitle ‘For the Continuous Development of Rwanda,’ HWPL emphasized the significance of global citizenship education targeting Rwandan people in the global era for the sustainable development of the nation.
The discussion also highlighted the necessity of institutionalizing peace to address new societal conflicts arising from increased possibilities of tension due to diverse racial, cultural, and religious exchanges.
Dennis Bikesha, former Dean of the Law School at the University of Rwanda, presented Rwanda’s case of peace institutionalization, citing the positive impact on regional community development and stability in Gacaca and Umuganda.
HWPL underscored the need for more examples of institutions positively influencing societal development and introduced its efforts in peace institutionalization. Additionally, the webinar delved into detailed explanations of Article 10, Paragraph 38 of the DPCW, focusing on religious freedom (Article 8), the rights of religious and ethnic identity (Article 9), and the pursuit of peace.
Through this webinar, participants gained awareness of the necessity of peace institutionalization and explored the potential of recognizing ethnic diversity through the peace international law, DPCW, contributing to broadening perspectives and supporting the development of their own countries.
In 2024, HWPL plans to continue its ongoing collaboration with local community stakeholders not only in Rwanda but also throughout Africa to achieve peace in the region.
During a talk show on the national broadcaster on December 26, 2023, Dr. Ngabitsinze explained that the government issued an order to cultivate all unused land to increase crop production.
He stated, “We have been directed to ensure that all pieces of arable land should be cultivated, and then make sure we make appropriate storage of produce. This is what we are working on with the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant ministries.”
This increased production is expected to eliminate food shortages, with local trade sustaining communities during the off-season (March, June, and July) rather than relying on imports.
Minister Ngabitsinze further noted that if petroleum and fertilizer prices continue to drop, food prices will follow suit. Regarding fertilizers, he expressed optimism for relief following the launch of a mixing plant in Rwanda with the capacity to produce over 100 thousand tons per year.
In November, there was a notable decrease in market prices, with inflation increasing by 9.2%, marking the first time it increased by less than 10% since the previous months of the year.
The industry plays a pivotal role in accelerating the overall development of the country and the well-being of its people. In Nyamasheke District, various factories, particularly those processing agricultural products such as coffee and tea, are vital contributors to the national economy.
Existing tea factories, including the three in Nyamasheke and others in different parts of the country, are constrained by insufficient tea leaf production, leading to their utilization at only 50% capacity.
Emmanuel Gasarabwe, the Director General of Gatare Tea Factory, has told IGIHE that the factory’s operational limitation is strategic. The factory was designed with ample capacity to accommodate future production increases, eliminating the need for additional construction every time production rises.
Gasarabwe emphasized, “While the current 50% utilization poses a challenge, it is also a forward-looking solution. Rwanda Mountain Tea constructed this factory with a long-term perspective, anticipating sustained production growth without the necessity of building another facility.” He added, “Our large-capacity factory ensures we can handle the increased production expected in the next decade.”
Athanasie Mukankusi, the Vice Mayor of Nyamasheke District in charge of social affairs, highlighted the district’s commitment to industry development in alignment with national policies. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between farmers and the industry, Mukankusi stressed the importance of coordination. “It is our role to encourage farmers to cultivate tea effectively, ensuring a robust supply chain for the industry to operate at its full 100% capacity.
“Our plan involves planting over 4,000 hectares along the Nyungwe belt to boost overall production in Gatare and Gisakura factories, elevating them from 50% to a higher operational level,” she stated.
Despite Gatare Tea Factory’s capacity to process 4000 tons of tea annually, its actual production is limited to 2000 tons, primarily due to farmers not meeting the demand for raw tea leaves.
In a statement, President Biden emphasized that these actions are designed to turn the “promise of equal justice” into a tangible reality.
He expressed concern about the unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and education created by criminal records related to marijuana use and possession. Biden underscored the need to rectify the repercussions of the nation’s past approach to marijuana, stating, “Too many lives have been disrupted. It’s time that we correct these injustices.”
It’s important to note that Biden’s order specifically pertains to marijuana, a substance that has been decriminalized or legalized in many states for various uses. However, it continues to be classified as a controlled substance under federal law. The federal government is currently exploring the possibility of reclassifying marijuana from “Schedule I” (deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”) to the less restrictive “Schedule III.”
Notably, this pardon does not extend to individuals who were unlawfully present in the U.S. at the time of their marijuana-related offense. While Biden’s proclamation effectively pardons those covered by the executive order, individuals will need to submit applications to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office to receive official certificates of pardon. These certificates can be utilized for housing and employment purposes.
President Biden also took the opportunity on Friday to reiterate his call to governors and local leaders to follow suit and take measures to expunge marijuana convictions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, stating, “Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.”
Nangaa officially announced the formation of the AFC on December 15, 2023, with notable political figures in attendance, including Bertrand Bisimwa, the President of M23. The DRC government has expressed concerns that such an opposition movement was inaugurated in a friendly country, which had played a crucial role in facilitating peace talks for the Congolese in Nairobi.
In response, the DRC government requested an explanation from the Kenyan Ambassador and urged the Kenyan government to apprehend Nangaa, Bisimwa, and other politicians present at the ceremony. President Ruto, however, defended his government’s stance on December 17, 2023, stating that Kenya upholds freedom based on political choices and would not imprison individuals for expressing their opinions.
In a press conference on December 26, Nicolas Kazadi, Congolese Minister of Interior, voiced concerns about the group’s origin in Kenya, emphasizing the international obligations binding member states. Kazadi expressed worry that a friendly country, instrumental in conflict resolution in the east of the DRC, would allow the birth of an armed group threatening the peace and security of their nation.
Kazadi declared that the explanation provided by Kenya was insufficient, and the DRC government demanded more information. He emphasized the importance of understanding why such an event occurred on Kenyan soil.
Following Nangaa’s announcement, his brother, Christophe Baseane Nangaa, the Governor of Haut-Uele province, contacted Kinshasa to provide an explanation. However, Minister Kazadi clarified that he was not personally contacted for this matter. Nangaa did not specify when the military group affiliated with the AFC would commence operations or where it would operate.
The two satellites, the 57th and 58th satellites of the BeiDou system, were launched at 11:26 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket and the Yuanzheng-1 (Expedition-1) upper stage attached to the carrier rocket.
They are the first medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites launched since BDS-3 was formally commissioned to provide satellite navigation services worldwide. After entering their orbit and completing in-orbit tests, they will be connected to the BeiDou system.
Compared to previous MEO satellites of the BeiDou system, the newly launched satellites have upgraded functions and performance in various areas, including global short message communication capacity, onboard atomic clock technology, and intelligent payloads.
They will upgrade the reliability and service capabilities of the BeiDou system. They will also lay the foundation for the development of next-generation BDS satellites.
The launch was the 504th mission for the Long March series carrier rockets.
The satellites and launch vehicle were respectively developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, both of which are affiliated with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
The two satellites will play multiple roles by effectively expanding the communication capacity of BeiDou’s global short messages, upgrading the performance monitoring of the integrity of its navigation signals globally, and more, said Xie Jun, deputy chief designer of the BDS.
On July 31, 2020, China commissioned BDS officially, opening BDS-3 to global users, making China the third country around the world to have an independent global navigation satellite system.
Visible tensions have been running high since the beginning of the polling on Dec. 20. It was till the last presidential election in late 2018 that the DRC realized its “first peaceful transfer of power” since independence from Belgium, according to the United Nations.
{{Massive protest}}
Five presidential candidates announced on Dec. 23 to launch a massive protest in Kinshasa on Dec. 27 to denounce what they described as major irregularities in the electoral process.
“We will plan a march for Dec. 27. We will protest against the irregularities observed during the voting operations of Dec. 20,” according to a statement of the five presidential candidates issued Saturday, including Martin Fayulu and Denis Mukwege, two main challengers in the race.
The demonstration would start from Triumphal Boulevard, where the parliament is located right next to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), in downtown Kinshasa. Acts of violence among the protesters remain prime concerns for residents of Kinshasa.
Irregularities were reported in the general elections held on Dec. 20, as voters in the DRC were scheduled to elect a new president, members of the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies, as well as municipal councilors.
Polling was officially extended to the following day as a large number of polling stations were not able to open due to the late arrival of voting materials and equipment. The extension was deemed against the electoral law and the Constitution by some presidential candidates.
The “irregularities sufficiently attest that on Dec. 20, 2023, it was a sham election, organized in violation of the fundamental right of the Congolese people,” according to the statement.
On Monday, the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) called on stakeholders in the electoral process to “show the greatest restraint in their actions,” to “reject hate speech and division, as well as violence in all its forms and to make their demands and protests peacefully.”
On Dec. 23, 13 embassies in Kinshasa released a joint statement calling for restraint.
“We call on all stakeholders, in particular political actors, candidates and their supporters, to continue to exercise restraint, allow time for the process to continue and to assert their challenges peacefully, in accordance with the laws and the Constitution,” read the statement.
{{Calls for annulment }}
As the CENI, the electoral body, has started publishing partial results of the presidential race, Moise Katumbi, one of the main opposition candidates in the presidential race, has suggested that the elections should be “annulled” because of “massive fraud.”
“Faced with this unacceptable situation, we call for the immediate annulment of these chaotic elections, marred by massive fraud,” read a statement by Katumbi on Dec. 23, a major challenger to the incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, who is seeking reelection.
Denis Kadima, the CENI president, confessed to the press that he was unable to clarify the exact number of polling stations in operation, due to complications on the ground. “So, I am unable to give you these figures because there are machines, you saw, which were broken”, said Kadima in an interview with local media published Tuesday.
About 75,000 polling stations were supposed to open for voters, yet polling continued on Dec. 23 in some parts of the country, three days after the fixated date, according to local media.
According to partial results announced by CENI late Monday, Tshisekedi was leading the race with 78.8 percent of the vote counted, while Katumbi ranked in second place with 17.3 percent of the vote.
Given the results announced by CENI so far account for more than 3.2 million ballots out of around 44 million voters registered, it is too early to call the election results.
Full provisional election results are expected by Dec. 31, as CENI will publish daily updates starting on Dec. 24.
On December 18, 2023, Tshisekedi indicated that he was contemplating seeking the approval of the Congolese Parliament to declare war on Rwanda. He emphasized the ability of the Congolese Army (FARDC) to shell Kigali from Goma town, located in the North Kivu province, without the need for a ground troop deployment. Tshisekedi accuses the Rwandan army of aggression through the armed group M23 operating in North Kivu, an allegation vehemently denied by Rwanda, which refutes any interference in Congolese affairs.
During an interview on the program ‘The Long Form’ with Sanny Ntayombya, Brig Gen Rwivanga was questioned about the consequences of such a declaration of war. He responded that the Rwandan army is ready to defend the country in the event of an attack, stating, “I will answer the political question with a military answer. We are ready and have always been prepared. There is nothing new in our readiness. People should rest easy.”
Rwanda has reinforced its military presence near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in response to escalating tensions between the FARDC and M23, aiming to protect its citizens from potential fallout from the fighting. The deputy spokesperson of the Rwandan government, Alain Mukuralinda, confirmed this development in November 2023, highlighting the threat posed by the FDLR group, known for its previous attempts to destabilize Rwanda and its collaboration with Congolese forces.
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated since the beginning of 2022, prompting the United Nations to urge both countries to engage in dialogue to avoid armed conflict.
