In a notice released on Monday, October 28, 2024, the government agency stated that the impersonators have been making phone calls, falsely claiming to offer sponsorships, assist with international travel, or expedite the processing of important documents, including passports and visas.
“It has been observed that some individuals are falsely claiming to represent the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to deceive the public. They often create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to pay unauthorized entities,” the notice reads in part.
RDB asserted that the agency does not request service payments through phone calls or unofficial channels.
“All legitimate communications from RDB will come from official contact details, and any required fees must be paid exclusively through authorized government channels,” RDB stated.
“Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those requesting urgent payments or offering special opportunities.”
Members of the public have also been urged to always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent RDB by contacting official channels before taking action. They should report suspicious calls or messages to RDB or relevant law enforcement authorities immediately.
“To report suspicious communications claiming to be from RDB, please contact: RDB Call Center: 1415; Email: info@rdb.rw; Office Address: RDB Building, 1 KG 9 Ave, Kigali,” RDB advised.
RDB was established in 2008 to accelerate Rwanda’s economic growth by facilitating private sector development.
RDB’s core functions include:
-* One-Stop Services: Providing comprehensive services for businesses and investors, including registration, licensing, and permit issuance.
-* Investment Promotion: Attracting foreign direct investment and promoting domestic investment.
-* Export Development: Supporting businesses in exporting Rwandan products to international markets.
-* Tourism and Conservation: Developing the tourism sector and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
-* Skills Development: Upgrading the skills of the Rwandan workforce to meet the demands of the modern economy.
By streamlining processes and offering a range of services, RDB aims to create a conducive business environment and drive economic growth in Rwanda.
The march took place on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with members of Rotary Club Rwanda and its partners starting from Amahoro Stadium to Tennis Club in Nyarutarama.
The event was attended by Dr. Kayondo King, a member of the Government appointed Committee for polio eradication, and Dr. Langa Nelia, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Alex Muderevu, head of the Polio Eradication Commission at Rotary Club Rwanda and a physician, stated that while polio has been eliminated in Rwanda, efforts to combat it have not ceased.
He said, “Although polio has not been present in Rwanda since 1993, we aim to emphasize the need for constant vigilance, as the disease is still present in other countries. We must strengthen our advocacy to enhance prevention, especially since we interact with these other countries.”
He explained that polio is generally transmitted through food or drink contaminated with the virus, primarily affecting children under five and others with low immunity. Once contracted, polio often leaves the arms or legs paralyzed, resulting in disability.
Muderevu urged the public to maintain hygiene as a preventive measure and to vaccinate all children, noting that there are sufficient vaccines available as a primary defence against the disease.
Carole Karema, representing the District Governor of Rotary District 9150, which includes Rwanda, expressed pride in the organization’s efforts to fight polio globally and particularly in Rwanda.
She said, “For the past 35 years, Rotary International has been engaged in the fight against polio worldwide. We are over 1.4 million members, each contributing $25 annually to combat the disease.”
She added that the funds collected by Rotary Club are used to support government efforts in purchasing polio vaccines and to finance awareness campaigns in various areas to promote prevention.
She noted that the ten countries in Rotary District 9150, including Rwanda, are currently raising $60,000 to intensify the fight against polio.
Karema also praised the collaboration between the Rwandan government, Rotary Club, and partners such as WHO and UNICEF in combating polio in the country.
Suman Alla, Deputy Governor of Rotary District 9150 in Rwanda, highlighted Rotary International’s commitment to fighting polio as one of the diseases that can severely impact human health, with Rotary having invested around $2.1 billion globally over the past 35 years.
He added that Rotary International has helped to vaccinate over 3.1 million children against polio, and the campaign to completely eradicate the disease worldwide continues.
To declare a country polio-free, at least three consecutive years without new cases must be observed.
Globally, polio remains present in Pakistan and Afghanistan, while in Africa, many countries have eradicated it, though a few have not officially been declared polio-free.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana had [initially linked the outbreak to a zoonotic origin ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-marburg-virus-outbreak-linked-to-animal-origin?var_mode=calcul] on October 20, 2024, while noting that investigations were still ongoing.
In a recent update, Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that the virus had jumped from animals to humans, with the 27-year-old index case traced back to a cave where mining activities had been ongoing.
“We managed to trace back and find that this outbreak came from a zoonotic origin, and we were also able to find the cave where these particular fruit bats were living, with human activity—particularly mining—taking place. That’s where we found our index case,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated without specifying the cave’s location.
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that extensive research, including genomic sequencing, epidemiological investigations, and environmental testing, pointed to a zoonotic origin.
“The focus now is to ensure that these fruit bats living in caves are not interacting with humans and to share sequencing information that can be useful for other parts of the world where these species are living,” he added.
The Health Minister also revealed that all mining activity at the cave has been halted, and assessments are being conducted on the people who worked there to ensure they don’t become ill.
“We’ve brought together different teams from veterinary science, epidemiology, genomic surveillance, and lab diagnostics to test these animals and also the people,” he said. “It’s very important for the scientific community to study the animal perspective, humans, and the environment.”
The Marburg virus is a highly contagious disease that causes severe hemorrhagic fever. While outbreaks are rare, they often result in high mortality rates and pose serious public health challenges.
During the earlier press conference on October 20, 2024, attended by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Dr. Nsanzimana said the outbreak in Rwanda was first identified after the index case was hospitalized at King Faisal Hospital, where he was treated in the intensive care unit. Healthcare workers attending to him soon exhibited symptoms, prompting an investigation into the source of the virus.
“Identifying the index case has been the result of several efforts. We are very happy to have reached this point because, in many outbreaks, it is extremely difficult to do so,” the minister revealed.
Since the first-ever outbreak was declared in Rwanda on September 27, 2024, a total of 65 cases, 15 deaths, and 47 recoveries have been recorded.
“BRICS works to promote true multilateralism and support changes in global governance, and China plays an important role by actively engaging in discussions and initiatives that aim for a fairer international system,” Alok Kumar Pathak, associate fellow at the BRICS Institute India in Delhi, told Xinhua in a recent Interview.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua at a time when the 16th BRICS Summit was held from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24 in Russia’s Kazan, Pathak said that China has put forward Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and is committed to working with all parties to build a community with a shared future for mankind, which matches the concept of BRICS cooperation that attaches equal status for all the sovereign nation-states.
BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, five major emerging markets with considerable economic potential that founded the BRICS group.
B.R. Deepak, professor of the Center for Chinese and South East Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University, also talked with Xinhua. He said that since its establishment, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has expanded to various practical cooperation areas and achieved remarkable results.
“The BRICS countries have played an important and unique role in leading the global South and promoting multilateralism. Among this, China has provided numerous economic contributions, ideological contributions and global public goods,” he said.
China’s initiatives fully embody the BRICS spirit and implement China’s commitment to bridge differences between countries and build a more equitable, just, and acceptable cooperation platform, Deepak said, adding that through its own development and cooperation under the BRICS framework, China has provided tremendous development support for many countries in the global South, elevation of poverty across the continents, especially in Africa and South Asia.
“The global economy is now limping. The way it progressed during deep globalization is over, and geopolitical conflicts in various regions have added fuel to the fire,” Deepak said. “In such circumstances, all countries should welcome more initiatives that maintain world peace and security, and promote common economic development.”
The Kazan summit is also the first offline gathering of leaders of the “BRICS family” after the historic expansion in January this year. Pathak said that China has made remarkable contributions in promoting the expansion of the BRICS countries.
More and more countries wish to join the ranks of BRICS, which fully demonstrates that the BRICS concept of independence and equal cooperation is getting more support among countries, said Pathak. “The Western paradigm on the basis of their so-called economic and legal theories is designed to preserve the dominance of the West and keep the rest lagging behind,” he added.
He stressed that after the expansion, the BRICS countries will be more representative and have greater development potential, and can more effectively promote the transformation of the global governance system towards a more just and reasonable direction.
Speaking about the potential outcome of this summit, Pathak said that all countries should conduct more economic cooperation. “The BRICS countries should conduct organizational activities to ensure the significance of the BRICS plus’ countries in the world economy increases with their joint efforts as a group,” he said.
As for people-to-people exchanges, Pathak said that he applauds China’s attitude that diversity is essential to human civilization. “Encouraging exchanges and learning among cultures is important for mutual progress. I hope that during the BRICS Summit, China will continue to support peaceful coexistence and suggest ways to improve understanding and collaboration among different civilizations,” Pathak said.
In his address to the summit, Xi emphasized the need for BRICS countries to seize the historical opportunity and work together to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations.
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During a small-group meeting, President Xi welcomed new members to the BRICS family and extended invitations to many other countries to become partner countries.
Xi pointed out that the enlargement of BRICS is a major milestone in its development history, and a landmark event in the evolution of the international situation. It is for their shared pursuit and for the overarching trend of peace and development that BRICS countries have come together, he said.
Stressing that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, marked by new trends of multipolarity and the risks of a “new Cold War,” Xi said BRICS countries should seize the historical opportunity, take proactive steps, remain committed to the original aspiration and mission of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, conform to the general trend of the rise of the Global South, seek common ground while reserving differences, work in concert to further consolidate common values, safeguard common interests, and strengthen BRICS countries through unity.
“We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform,” Xi said.
Xi stressed that the more turbulent the world is, the more BRICS countries should uphold the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, refining the essence of BRICS and demonstrating its strength. BRICS countries should raise the voice of peace, advocating a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation and partnership over alliance.
Xi also urged BRICS countries to jointly pursue a path of development, advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and stay committed to the principle of common development. He said BRICS countries should consolidate the foundation of cooperation, deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as agriculture, energy, minerals, economy and trade, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as green, low-carbon and artificial intelligence, and safeguard trade, investment and financial security.
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As the high-profile gathering unfolded amid global uncertainties, BRICS embarked on a new chapter, cementing its growing influence on the world stage.
President Xi, addressing the leaders in an expanded format, put forward five suggestions: building a BRICS committed to peace, innovation, green development, justice, and closer people-to-people exchanges.
“We must build on this milestone summit to set off anew and forge ahead with one heart and one mind,” Xi said. “China is willing to work with all BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation.”
This year’s summit also marked another major milestone with the decision to invite a number of nations as partner countries, further advancing the group’s development.
During Wednesday’s meetings, leaders exchanged views on BRICS cooperation and crucial international issues of shared concern under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.” Central to their discussions were global and regional security, sustainable development, climate change, and reforms in global economic governance.
A notable focus of the summit was the call for increased funding to support the sustainable development of developing countries. Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi said that BRICS aims to “strengthen a multipolar international system,” particularly through facilitating “innovative and effective” financing for developing nations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that “the trend for the BRICS’ leading role in the global economy will only strengthen.” He cautioned against the ongoing risks posed by geopolitical tensions, unilateral sanctions, and protectionism. “A key task is to promote the use of national currencies to finance trade and investment,” Putin said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who participated in the summit via video link due to a head injury, said, “It’s not about replacing our currencies, but we need to work so that the multipolar order we aim for is reflected in the international financial system.”
BRICS has already made strides with the New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai. On Wednesday, the BRICS countries agreed to support the NDB in implementing its general strategy for 2022-2026 and in expanding local currency financing.
In a declaration issued at the 16th BRICS Summit, they also agreed to jointly build the NDB into a new type of multilateral development bank for the 21st century, support its further expansion of membership, and expedite the review of membership applications from BRICS countries in accordance with its general strategy and related policies.
Leaders also advocated for a fairer global order for the Global South. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that BRICS is an inclusive bloc capable of changing the trajectory of the Global South. “To do this we must realize the full potential of our economic partnership, to ensure sustainable development for all and not just for some,” he said.
“The period of unilateralism is coming to an end,” said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, calling for a more equitable global system.
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The term BRIC was initially coined in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, former chief economist at Goldman Sachs, as an investment concept referring to emerging market economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. With South Africa’s inclusion in 2010, BRICS officially took shape.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, O’Neill acknowledged the need for policymakers to collaborate in creating an optimal system that benefits all. “I think as we pass through time, we will find a new equilibrium where countries will be more at ease with what other countries are doing,” he said.
In recent years, BRICS has garnered attention from countries around the world. Over 30 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, have either formally applied for or expressed interest in joining the group. Many other developing countries are also seeking stronger cooperation with BRICS.
The growing interest from countries seeking to join BRICS cooperation each year demonstrates that in today’s troubled world, BRICS is not only important but essential, said Bunn Nagara, director and senior fellow at the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific.
“China, led by President Xi, has contributed significantly to BRICS’ success with a progressive and enlightened approach,” said Nagara.
BRICS is seen as a vital platform for developing countries to pursue growth and address global imbalances.
The enlargement of BRICS is “important in tipping the financial and technological balance in favor of the majority Global South rather than the minority Global North,” Webby Kalikiti, a lecturer and researcher at the Department of History, University of Zambia noted. He believed that the future of the world depends on the cooperative energies of all countries and the transition to a multipolar world.
Ahmed Al-Ali, a political and strategic researcher at the Gulf Research Center in Dubai, believed that BRICS aims to foster a more equitable, effective, and rational international system.
It will play a crucial role in promoting development and growth opportunities for Global South countries, while also ensuring the sustainability of economic and social progress, said Al-Ali.
Similarly, Sithembiso Bhengu, a senior research fellow with the Sociology Department, University of Johannesburg said that “the BRICS mechanism presents real possibilities for making the globe a fairer community of nations, with possibilities for mutual support and cooperation towards our respective goals in modernization and development.”
The trees were planted in Gatare village, Gahanga cell as part of a national environmental protection drive.
The Rwanda National Police collaborated with the Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and other security institutions in the monthly community work.
Umuganda, which translates to ‘coming together in common purpose,’ is a nationwide community service event held on the last Saturday of each month. It encourages Rwandans to engage in activities that promote development and environmental stewardship.
During Umuganda, Rwandans come together to work on various projects, such as cleaning public spaces, planting trees, building infrastructure, and other community development activities.
Meanwhile, the tree planting exercise coincided with the launch of the 2024-2025 National Tree Planting Season.
The launch event took place in Rwamagana District, Munyaga Sector, where a total of 25,000 trees were planted across 17 hectares of land.
During the 2024-2025 tree planting season, a total of 65 million trees will be planted across the country, marking an increase of almost two million from the previous season’s 63 million. Additionally, the number of trees each household is required to plant has been raised from three to five.
The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a reporter’s query that the U.S. Defense Department on Oct. 26 announced that the U.S. State Department has approved 1.988 billion U.S. dollars in arms sales to Taiwan, including the “National Advanced Surface-to-air Missile Systems” and radar systems.
The U.S. arms sales to China’s Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The sales seriously infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security interests, harm China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and send a gravely wrong message to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, the spokesperson said.
China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the sales and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side, the spokesperson noted.
The U.S. decision to use Taiwan to contain China and help advance “Taiwan independence” agenda by arming Taiwan goes against the U.S. leaders’ commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence” and the two sides’ effort of stabilizing the China-U.S. relations, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson revealed that China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Taiwan’s separation from China traces back to 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. After years of conflict, the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, gained control of mainland China and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Meanwhile, the defeated Nationalist government, led by Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, retreated to Taiwan. There, they established a separate government, continuing to refer to themselves as the Republic of China (ROC).
Since then, Taiwan has operated with its own government, economy, and military, while the PRC has maintained that Taiwan is a breakaway province.
The new officers passed out on Friday, October 25, 2024, after completing a nine-month Basic Police Course at the Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District. Among the graduates are 1,777 men and 479 women.
During the ceremony, presided over by the Minister of Interior, the officers demonstrated some of the skills they acquired, including crowd control, shooting, hostage rescues, drills, martial arts, and various self-defence techniques.
The Director of the Gishari Police Training School, CP Robert Niyonshuti, said the officers underwent rigorous training to prepare them for service in the Rwanda National Police.
While 2,135 students initially enrolled, 26 did not complete the training due to various reasons. An additional 147 students trained at the Musanze Police College, where they also began university studies. Some of these graduates will join the Rwanda National Police, while others will serve in the National Intelligence and Correctional Services.
Minister Biruta highlighted that Rwanda’s historical journey has made security a top priority, enabling the country to rebuild and advance significantly over the past 30 years through unity and collaboration.
He stated, “To continue on this path, it’s essential to maintain a professional police force that is skilled, equipped with modern tools, and has the discipline derived from training like today’s and other programs.”
Minister Biruta acknowledged the general sense of safety in Rwanda but noted that certain crimes, such as drunkenness, theft, assault, drug abuse, and road accidents, still pose challenges.
“There are criminals who continuously learn and adapt their tactics, including using technology to commit crimes. This necessitates ongoing training, increasing the number of officers, and enhancing our resources to prevent and combat all forms of crime,” the minister added.
He praised the Rwanda National Police for its valuable contributions to national security since its establishment, which has also supported Rwanda’s consistently growing economy. He also thanked the parents who allowed their children to undergo this police training, integrating them into a team of dedicated officers.
The minister encouraged the new officers to uphold discipline, professionalism, diligence, integrity, and pride in serving Rwanda and its citizens wherever they may be posted.
Mugisha Steven, who graduated top of the class, expressed pride in joining the Rwanda National Police, saying it has been a lifelong dream.
“My goal now is to work alongside my colleagues, as a young officer, to support others and contribute my energy to the team,” he said.
Mirembe Liliane, the second-ranked graduate, also shared her excitement, stating her commitment to ensuring lasting security in collaboration with her peers.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s two-year term as Commonwealth Chair-In-Office, the Rwandan Head of State noted the particular climate vulnerabilities faced by small island nations like Samoa, which this year became the first Pacific island state to host CHOGM.
“Temperatures are rising, and for small island developing states in the Pacific and the Caribbean, this is literally a matter of survival,” Kagame emphasized.
As the world prepares for the forthcoming COP-29, an annual international conference that addresses climate change, President Kagame stressed the need for genuine commitments, specifically urging wealthy nations to increase climate financing for developing countries without adding to their debt burdens.
“What will make us cross the finish line in the fight against climate change is more finance from wealthy countries. Still, our collective efforts must not stop there,” Kagame stated.
“The terms must be favourable, without pushing developing countries into more debt,” he added.
Rwanda, he noted, continues to back the Sustainable Markets Initiative led by King Charles III, advocating for green investments across Commonwealth countries.
President Kagame also highlighted the need to empower young people, whom he described as the Commonwealth’s comparative advantage—a unique and valuable asset for the 56-member community.
“Creating digital jobs for women and young people should remain at the top of the agenda this year,” he added.
He also stressed the Commonwealth’s potential to harness technology for sustainable development, saying, “We must rely on the potential for innovation and technology to resolve the daunting challenge of rising unemployment and irregular migration.”
“Artificial intelligence should not become a problem. If we use it responsibly and establish sound policies, we can transcend the realm of our imagination and become even more resilient.”
President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, after Rwanda successfully hosted CHOGM.
During the opening ceremony on Friday, he congratulated Samoa Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and wished her success as Chair, assuring her of Rwanda’s support.
“It has been a great honour for Rwanda to serve as Chair-in-Office for the past two years,” he stated.
Historically, Rwandan football was more modest, with foreign players from neighbouring countries making their mark in the 1980s and 1990s. Most of these players came from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and a few from Uganda.
Notable figures include the late Jean-Marie Ntagwabira, who played for local clubs in the 1980s before becoming a celebrated coach, and Hassan Gasana, a prolific striker from Burundi known for his goal-scoring prowess at APR FC in the late 1990s.
Other prominent names were Shabani Nonda and Bokota Kamana Labama from the DRC, along with Uganda’s Ibrahim Mugisha, a revered goalkeeper for APR FC and Rayon Sports during the 1990s and early 2000s.
In recent years, Rwanda has emerged as a hub for sporting excellence, investing in modern infrastructure to bolster its sports scene, particularly football.
With the government’s investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including Amahoro Stadium, Rwandan football clubs are increasingly elevating their game and scouting for talent beyond regional borders.
By tapping into the talent pool, especially from West Africa—known for strong national teams and football talent—the clubs have improved the competitiveness of the league while also fostering collaboration and growing local talent.
IGIHE recently spoke with Police FC striker Peter Agblevor and La Jeunesse FC Central defender Isaac Eze, who shared their motivations for joining the Rwandan League and their experiences playing professional football in Rwanda. The two players hail from Ghana and Nigeria, respectively, two of the continent’s leading football powerhouses.
