The management of Kozo Restaurant confirmed Tyler ICU’s performance on New Year’s Eve in a promotional poster, promising a night filled with dazzling acts and surprises.
“Join us for an extraordinary New Year’s Eve at Kozo. An unforgettable night of live performance, dazzling acts, and electrifying vibes,” the restaurant announced.
Tyler ICU, whose real name is Austin Khulani Baloyi, has become a key figure in the Amapiano genre. He is known for his skilful music production and energetic performances.
He is celebrated for his hit tracks, such as “Mnike,” which was certified platinum in South Africa, and “Bella Ciao,” a collaboration with Nicole Elocin, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small.
Tyler ICU’s hit “Banyana” with DJ Maphorisa also earned double platinum status. The songs have propelled him into the spotlight, making him one of the most sought-after DJs in the Amapiano scene.
The upcoming performance in Kigali follows Tyler ICU’s successful debut in the city in August 2023, when he performed at Atelier Du Vin, alongside popular Rwandan artists.
The event was a massive hit, drawing a lively crowd, predominantly young fans, who enjoyed the midnight performance of Amapiano music. His show was a major highlight of the night, culminating in the early hours of the morning.
The event, which precedes the celebration of Christmas, was graced by prominent figures, including First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
The concert was also attended by members of the Catholic church, friends of the Kigali Choir from various denominations, and senior leaders in Rwanda.
The 11th edition of the concert captivated the audience with beautiful renditions of songs such as “Abijuru Baririmba,” “Nduwawe,” and “Ndakuramutsa Mubyeyi,” keeping many on their feet.
Other worship songs, including “Tambira Jehovah,” “Atawale,” and “Wabanye Natwe,” energized the audience, which joined the Kigali Choir in singing.
The male members of the choir, led by the skilled saxophonist Cedric Mineur, delighted the crowd with their unique voices and excellent music.
Children in the choir also had their moment, performing popular children’s songs such as “Lundi Matin,” “Frère Jacques,” and “Bye Bye Ngona.”
Jean Claude Hodari, President of the choir, thanked the attendees and emphasized the concert’s role in uniting people. He promised an even better event in 2025.
“I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Before I conclude, I ask you to join us again next year. We’ve held this concert for 11 years and this is our 12th. It brings joy and unites families. This concert connects believers in Christ,” he remarked.
The choir president also expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for providing BK Arena for the annual outreach event.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Catholic Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, thanked First Lady Jeannette Kagame for attending and extended Christmas and New Year wishes to her and her family, including President Paul Kagame.
“This concert has become a tradition to help people celebrate Christmas and honour the Virgin Mary. It is valuable to be together. We thank the performers for their dedication,” Cardinal Kambanda stated.
The Cardinal reiterated the significance of the choir’s collaboration, with members harmonizing their diverse voices as a symbol of unity.
Established in 1966, Chorale de Kigali has been organizing annual Christmas Carols events since 2013. Over the years, this concert has grown into a signature pre-Christmas celebration, attracting a large audience from Kigali and beyond.
As one of Rwanda’s oldest Catholic choirs, Chorale de Kigali began with a group of 20 individuals, many of whom were music graduates from seminary schools across the country during that period.
The concert concluded with a prayer led by Cardinal Kambanda, asking for peace and joy for all Rwandans as they celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Donald Trump’s transition team is pushing to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of the new administration, according to experts who warn of the “catastrophic” impact it would have on global health, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Sunday.
Members of Trump’s team told the experts of their intention to announce a withdrawal from the global health body on the president-elect’s January 20 inauguration, the FT said, noting that the departure would remove the WHO’s biggest source of funds, damaging its ability to respond to public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S.’s plan to withdraw “on day one” would be “catastrophic” for global health, the FT quoted Lawrence Gostin, professor of global health at Georgetown Law, as saying.
Gostin said there would be “very lean years for the WHO where it will struggle to respond to health emergencies and will have to reduce its scientific staff considerably.”
Trump has in the past expressed his intent to withdraw the United States from WHO due to concerns over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He criticized the organization for being “overly influenced by China”, claiming it failed to address early missteps in reporting the virus. Additionally, he faulted the WHO for its perceived lack of urgency and transparency during the pandemic, which he argued worsened the global crisis.
Citing the substantial financial contributions the U.S. makes to the WHO, Trump claims that the organization does not sufficiently advance American interests or provide adequate value in return.
The researchers showcased this AI-enabled technology, which aids coffee farmers in identifying crop diseases and reporting them to relevant authorities for prompt action.
The technology is available as a smartphone application for Android devices and a web-based application. Using a photo of diseased coffee leaves, the system can instantly identify the disease and pinpoint the affected area.
This innovation empowers farmers to report crop health issues early, ensuring timely interventions. The data is transmitted to agencies such as the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Previously, delays in identifying and addressing issues led to significant losses for farmers.
Dr. Eric Hitimana, a lecturer, researcher, and project lead at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology, explained that the technology was developed to simplify reporting for farmers.
“We designed this technology to enable farmers to report crop health issues easily using their phones. Although farmers work with agronomists, one agronomist often serves over ten cooperatives, making it difficult to address all reported issues promptly,” he said.
“Now, farmers can take a photo of a coffee leaf, and the technology will identify the disease. The data will be sent to a central system accessible to various stakeholders like sector-level agronomists, district agriculture officers, RAB, and NAEB.”
He urged stakeholders in the coffee industry to extend the technology’s reach and support its adoption.
“We ask stakeholders to promote and add value to this technology so that it benefits farmers and agronomists nationwide. As developers, we’ll continue collaborating to enhance and upgrade it.”
Dr. Simon Martin Mvuyekure, RAB’s coffee research and promotion specialist, praised the research outcomes, stating that the technology will advance coffee farming through innovation.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to address other aspects of coffee farming.
“This is just the beginning. Coffee diseases affect all parts of the plant, from roots and stems to leaves and berries. This initial focus is promising, and future work will tackle other areas. We highly value technology and AI because they improve efficiency and reduce agricultural costs. This research will help farmers thrive in a tech-driven world where coffee farming must keep pace,” he said.
He added, “We’ll integrate this initiative into national plans. We call for collaboration from all sectors, including the private sector, to ensure its success.”
The technology has been well received by those working closely with coffee farmers, who previously struggled to detect and report diseases, often incurring losses. They expressed hope that similar innovations could extend to other crops.
Josiane Dusenge, a quality controller at KOAKAKA Cooperative in Huye, said, “This technology will help coffee farmers identify issues early, preventing losses. We also suggest making the app accessible on simpler phones for easier reporting.”
Didier Ndinayo, Manager at RWACOF Rwinyoni in Rutsiro District, added, “Previously, we struggled to monitor coffee plantations and diagnose diseases due to the vast number of farmers and scattered fields. Now, farmers can share real-time updates from their fields, allowing us to respond with solutions. This is a valuable project that deserves support and promotion.”
The research, conducted in Rulindo, Gicumbi, Ngoma, Rutsiro, and Huye districts, involved 300 coffee farmers from 10 cooperatives, including COCATU, TUMBA COFFEE, NOVACOFFEE, and KOAKAKA.
The findings are accessible through the platform [https://rwandasmartcoffee.com/->https://rwandasmartcoffee.com/] and are documented in two scientific publications.
Coffee remains a vital export for Rwanda. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the country exported over 20,000 tons of coffee, generating $115.9 million (about 147 billion Rwandan Francs), a 53.39% increase compared to the previous year’s $75.5 million.
The children, drawn from across the country, engaged in songs, dance, and plays, and indulged in a feast with the First Lady during the warm and colourful celebrations.
The celebrations also provided the young ones with a unique platform to showcase their talents in various areas such as drawing, traditional Rwandan dances, karate and acrobatics.
The First Lady has made it a tradition to warmly host the children at the close of each year, providing them with an opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and share in the festive spirit during the holiday season.
This comes against the backdrop of the postponement of a meeting between President Paul Kagame and his DRC counterpart Félix Tshisekedi, which was expected to culminate in the signing of an agreement to help end the conflict in the troubled region of eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed frustration over the failure to reach a consensus, particularly regarding the involvement of the M23 rebel group in peace discussions, which led to the talks stalling on December 15, 2024.
The two sides had previously agreed on measures, such as dismantling the FDLR militia and addressing Rwanda’s security concerns. However, progress faltered midway through the discussions.
In an interview with IGIHE, various analysts stressed that meaningful dialogue is essential for lasting peace despite the DRC’s reluctance to engage with M23.
Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba pointed out that in negotiations aimed at resolving conflicts, all opposing sides must sit down and have frank discussions.
“Talking with M23 is a necessity in negotiations, in inter-country relations, and in governance. When there’s an issue in a household, the husband and wife must sit down to discuss it. Similarly, when it’s a family matter, such as between a father and child, they must have a conversation. At the community level, mediators may step in. Problems often need to be solved from the ground up,” he stated.
“If Congolese leaders fail to recognize M23 as their own citizens with grievances and a history that needs to be addressed, and if they refuse to sit down and resolve these issues, other, potentially less favourable, solutions may emerge,” he added.
Mutaboba emphasized that no external party could provide a solution if the DRC itself does not engage with M23 to find a lasting resolution.
“Rwanda, the region, and the world cannot impose solutions unless they begin at home. Sustainable answers must address the root of the problem, not just its symptoms,” Ambassador Mutoba reiterated.
He also suggested that certain individuals might benefit from the ongoing instability, explaining why Tshisekedi’s government continues to shift its stance on the issue. If dialogue fails, he warned, some may resort to military means to resolve the conflict.
“When words fail to bring peace, the sound of guns might take over, as some are accustomed to such approaches,” he noted.
Me Gasominari Jean Baptiste argued that the DRC’s refusal to engage with M23—a group of Congolese Tutsi fighting for their rights and against ongoing persecution—demonstrates its lack of will to address the security crisis.
“The DRC’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue with M23 shows a lack of commitment to resolving the security problem. They consider negotiations with M23 a red line they cannot cross. Yet, M23 currently controls nearly three-quarters of North Kivu province due to military strength. If the government can neither defeat them militarily nor engage in dialogue, what is their end goal?” he posed.
He suggested that the DRC might have hidden political or economic motives for maintaining instability in its eastern region.
“The DRC may not want to resolve the crisis in the east because it could serve other hidden interests. The government might also use the conflict as an excuse for failing to deliver on its promises to citizens,” Gasominari explained.
Instead of focusing on resolving the eastern security crisis, DRC leaders have been more focused on tarnishing Rwanda’s image on the international stage, he added.
The M23 movement was formed in 2012 by former CNDP members who accused the DRC government of failing to honour a 2009 peace agreement. Fighting erupted in 2012, halted in 2013, but resumed in November 2021.
In April 2022, M23 participated in peace talks in Nairobi with the DRC government and representatives of armed groups. However, they were later expelled from the negotiations and accused of reigniting the conflict.
The handover ceremony for the leadership of the peacekeeping force took place in Kigali, concluding the 33rd EASF Policy Organs Meeting, which had been held in Rwanda over the past week.
Rwanda was represented at the ceremony by Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda and Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga, who led the EASF throughout 2024.
Somalia will assume the EADF responsibilities in 2025 and hold the position for the entire year.
The country assuming the leadership of the force heads three of the four key structures of the EASF: the General Assembly (composed of the Presidents and Prime Ministers of member states), the Defence Ministers’ meeting, and the committee of military commanders of member states.
The fourth structure, the EASF Secretariat, is led by an executive director and staff, independent of the country holding the leadership and based on qualifications.
This means that Somalia’s President, Defence Minister, and Chief of Defence Staff will lead their counterparts from EASF member states throughout the year.
Minister Marizamunda highlighted that the force, operational for 20 years, has become increasingly prepared to provide rapid responses to crises within member states.
“We have learned how to prevent security threats before they escalate. We have trained a force of soldiers, police officers, and civilians. We have also established advisory committees that help us develop strategies for conflict prevention,” he said.
Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, after assuming EASF leadership for 2025, expressed gratitude to Rwanda and outlined Somalia’s priorities.
“As you know, insecurity issues in East Africa are a significant challenge. We are bringing new ideas to address these issues to ensure peace and progress in our region,” he said.
Minister Nur emphasized that Somalia, having endured over 30 years of conflict and terrorism, deeply understands the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
“We understand it more than anyone else. We will seek new solutions to these problems because our region needs peace and security,” he stated.
Currently, the EASF has over 8,000 troops on standby to assist member states in times of need.
The peacekeeping force comprises ten East African countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, and Seychelles.
The annual selections not only showcase the former U.S. president’s eclectic taste but also shine a spotlight on diverse creators across the globe.
In 2024, Obama’s list continues this trend, celebrating works that span genres, languages, and cultures. Of particular note are several African works that have made it onto his list, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
{{Top Songs of 2024
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Music lovers can always count on Barack Obama’s playlist to showcase his broad and eclectic musical taste, and this year is no different.
Among the standout tracks is “YAYO” by Nigerian sensation Rema, who seamlessly blends Afrobeats with his signature melodic style. Rema’s inclusion highlights the global influence of African music, which continues to captivate audiences and dominate charts around the world.
Another notable entry is “ACTIVE,” a collaboration between Nigerian artist Asake and U.S. superstar Travis Scott. This electrifying track merges the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats with the dynamic energy of hip-hop, creating a perfect cross-continental fusion.
Adding to the diversity is “GATA ONLY,” a unique international collaboration by FloyyMenor and Cris MJ. With FloyyMenor hailing from Africa, this track showcases the artist’s distinct flair and further highlights the continent’s growing impact on the global music scene.
Other standout tracks on Obama’s list this year include Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Also featured is the Ezra Collective’s jazz-infused anthem, “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing,” with vocals from Yazmin Lacey.
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Obama’s movie list for 2024 showcases the power of storytelling, featuring thought-provoking films and captivating performances that leave a lasting impression.
Among the standout picks is “Anora”, an African drama that vividly portrays the resilience of a young woman navigating societal challenges, including the systemic issues faced by sex workers.
Another highlight is “Dìdì (弟弟)”, meaning “Younger Brother” in Mandarin, a touching film that explores themes of family and cultural identity.
The “Promised Land” also makes the list, presenting a powerful story deeply connected to historical struggles and the enduring pursuit of hope. Its themes of resilience and determination resonate with audiences across cultures.
The list also includes Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated blockbuster “Dune: Part Two” and the soulful and reflective “The Piano Lesson”.
{{Top Books of 2024
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Obama’s book list for 2024 offers a rich selection of intellectual exploration and narrative depth, showcasing stories that inspire thought and spark conversation. African voices stand out prominently, with works that reflect the continent’s diverse experiences and global connections.
One notable entry is “Someone Like Us” by Ethiopian-American author Dinaw Mengestu. This compelling novel explores themes of belonging and identity, resonating deeply with African readers and audiences worldwide.
Another standout is “Patriot” by Alexei Navalny. While not African in origin, this powerful memoir addresses the universal fight for justice and democracy—issues that hold significant relevance for many African nations.
Additionally, “The Anthropologists” by Ayşegül Savaş delves into themes of cultural exploration, connecting to Africa’s rich anthropological heritage.
Other books on Obama’s list include Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo”, Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation”, and Daniel Susskind’s “Growth”.
In a statement, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) revealed that the course, conducted at Lake Kivu in Rubavu District, was organized in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The course covered various topics, including general criminal law and penalties, laws governing specific crimes, criminal procedure law, investigating water-related crimes, managing and securing ports, evidence collection, interviewing witnesses, and case file preparation.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel Hatari, the Regional Police Commander for the Western region, presided over the closing ceremony.
The officer emphasized that the course was crucial for marine-related operations.
“Just like in other parts of Rwanda, security in water bodies is given special attention to ensure that daily activities such as transportation and fishing are conducted safely and with confidence in security,” CP Hatari said.
He reminded the trainees to utilize the acquired knowledge and skills to prevent and investigate crimes in the waters.
The walkout, spanning seven facilities in four states, came during the busiest delivery time in a year as Americans complete their Christmas shopping.
At a San Francisco distribution center, about 50 workers formed a picket line early Thursday morning. Dressed in high-visibility yellow vests, they carried signs reading “Amazon: obey the law” and “Amazon is unfair” and chanted slogans, demanding Amazon negotiate with their union — the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Among them was Leah Penslar, who wore an “Amazon Teamsters” beanie.
“The company needs to come to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with us,” Penslar told NBC.
The strike occurred less than a week before Christmas when delivery networks faced their peak demands. Workers have taken action at delivery hubs including San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and Skokie, with the union reporting picketing activities at hundreds more Amazon facilities nationwide.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in a statement posted on social media.
The situation developed after Amazon did not meet the union’s Dec. 15 deadline to begin negotiations. According to the union, nearly 10,000 Amazon workers joined its movement, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and improved workplace safety conditions.
However, Amazon disputed these claims.
“For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally misled the public — claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers,” said an Amazon spokesperson in a statement, “They don’t, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative.”
The company also said the union “threatened, intimidated and attempted to coerce” employees and third-party drivers to join their cause.
Despite the protests, Amazon maintained that the strike would have minimal impact on holiday deliveries. The striking workers represent a small portion of the retailing giant’s about 1.1 million U.S. employees.
While there may not be “a material impact” on deliveries, “it is possible there may be some isolated incidents of delay,” said Dan Romanoff, an analyst with the investment research firm Morningstar.
Delivery operations showed signs of slowdown in New York City, while operations in other cities remained largely unaffected. The company’s multiple locations in metropolitan areas serve as a buffer against potential disruptions.
Industry observers noted that Amazon’s extensive logistics network, built over years of rapid expansion, provides significant resilience against localized disruptions.
The strike reflected ongoing discussions about Amazon’s business practices and workers’ rights.
As the second-largest U.S. private employer after Walmart, Amazon often faces questions from unions who say the company’s focus on speed and efficiency can lead to workplace injuries.
The company maintains that it provides industry-leading wages and implements automation designed to reduce repetitive stress.
The company recently announced an investment of 2.2 billion U.S. dollars to raise the wages for employees at its fulfilment and transportation network. But union representatives said such measures did not fully address their concern about workplace conditions and job security.
