In a notice to passengers, Rwanda’s national carrier stated that this mandatory measure aims to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone as outlined by the Ministry of Health. Passengers can fill out the questionnaire with the assistance of staff from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) or complete a [declaration form online->https://phpd.moh.gov.rw/travel/], download the QR code, and present it upon arrival at the airport.
Travellers are also advised to monitor for MVD symptoms—such as fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea—before departing Rwanda and to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
To help curb the spread of the virus, RwandAir stated that passengers should expect routine temperature checks using Thermo-Scan Cameras, as well as the availability of hand sanitizing stations.
The airline emphasized Rwanda’s capacity to manage the health emergency, stating, “Rwanda’s proven ability to handle public health challenges ensures a safe environment for all travellers. The country’s commitment to scientific and evidence-based responses, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a top priority in safeguarding the well-being of everyone in Rwanda.”
So far, Rwanda has confirmed 56 cases of Marburg disease, with 12 deaths and 8 recoveries. Cumulative tests have surpassed 2,300.
Initial symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it can cause severe hemorrhaging, organ failure, and shock.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend strict hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of Marburg virus disease.
The attack, considered the deadliest in Israel’s history, involved militants storming Israeli communities and targeting multiple sites, including a music festival where at least 370 people were killed. More than 250 individuals were captured and taken as hostages to Gaza, many of whom remain captive a year later.
Hamas launched missile attacks on Israel, stating that the assault was in response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, threats to the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the plight of Palestinian refugees and prisoners. In retaliation, Israel began bombing the Gaza Strip the very next day.
Monday’s anniversary featured memorials and vigils, including a moment of silence at Kibbutz Reim, where the music festival massacre occurred.
AFP reports that families of the victims, still grappling with the trauma of the attacks, were overwhelmed with emotions as President Isaac Herzog met with the crowd. The publication highlighted that the Israeli head of state began the commemoration with a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m, the exact time the attack started at Kibbutz Reim.
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages and supporters rallied before dawn, holding banners and placards bearing the pictures of their loved ones and calling for their release.
The October 7, 2023, attack initiated a devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has since expanded to Lebanon, with Israel also fighting Hezbollah forces.
The conflict has left Gaza in ruins and resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The ongoing conflict continues to affect the region, with daily rocket fire and airstrikes between Israel and Hamas forces in Gaza, as well as clashes in Lebanon.
In fact, on the day of remembrance of these deadly attacks, Hamas and Hezbollah fired rockets at Tel Aviv in continuation of hostilities, with Israeli attacks reported to have killed at least 12 people across Gaza.
The commemoration comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, marked by a significant missile exchange.
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, targeting areas such as Nevatim Airbase and regions north of Tel Aviv. Iran cited this attack as retaliation for Israel’s alleged assassinations of key figures linked to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas political leader), Hassan Nasrallah (Hezbollah leader), and Fuad Shukr (Hezbollah senior commander).
During the latest assault, Israel’s air defenses intercepted the majority of the missiles. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation, escalating regional tensions further. The U.S. has also pledged support for Israel in dealing with the aftermath.
The besieged Kenyan second-in-command, widely reported to have fallen out with his boss, William Ruto, pleaded with the Head of State to pardon him if he and his spouse, Dorcas Rigathi, had done anything to offend him.
“I want to say to my brother President William Ruto, if, in our zeal to work, I have wronged you, please find it in your heart to forgive me. If my spouse, in her duties with the boy child, has wronged you in any way, please find it in your heart to forgive her,” Gachagua pleaded during a church service at the National Prayer Altar in Nairobi.
Gachagua also made a similar passionate appeal to members of Parliament in an attempt to make amends ahead of the consideration of his impeachment motion.
In an apparent reference to his controversial remarks that the government was like a company where those who voted for the current administration hold more shares than others, Gachagua pleaded with Kenyans to pardon him, insisting that he did not mean to cause ethnic divisions but intended to appreciate those who voted for him and Ruto into power.
“Probably, you find that in appreciating our people and the support they gave the president and I, our utterances made you feel uncomfortable; we did not mean bad; we were appreciating the people who voted for us. If you feel that we rubbed you the wrong way, please find it in your heart to forgive me,” he further appealed.
Gachagua is facing ouster two years after assuming office in a joint ticket with President Ruto.
The impeachment motion, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, lists 11 grounds for his removal from office.
Among the charges are allegations of dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines, undermining President Ruto’s administration, and other state agencies.
Other charges include amassing wealth illegally, bullying, and intimidating state officers. In one incident, Gachagua allegedly intimidated a contractor to divert materials meant for the construction of a public road to tarmac a private road leading to his beach resort in Kenya’s coastal region.
Parliament approved the motion to table and debate it after garnering signatures from 291 MPs. Public participation for the motion was conducted on Friday and Saturday ahead of the debate on Tuesday.
The motion must garner the support of 233 MPs, representing two-thirds of the total 349 MPs, before being transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Gachagua, who brought in significant votes for Ruto from Kenya’s populous Mt. Kenya region in the August 2022 election, insists that he is innocent. He has dismissed the impeachment plot as a political witch hunt.
In a recent media address, the minister stated that the use of shared helmets by pillion passengers, especially those showing symptoms, could increase the risk of spreading the virus. He urged individuals exhibiting symptoms to avoid motorcycles and seek emergency help from the ministry immediately.
“People have asked us whether it’s possible to contract the virus from using a taxi motor helmet that has been worn by someone else. If a person is showing symptoms, especially high fever, painful headache, or muscle aches, they should not be getting on a moto or wearing a shared helmet. Doing so could increase the risk of spreading the virus.
“What you should do instead is call the emergency helpline so that we can assist you and prevent the virus from becoming life-threatening,” Dr. Nsanzimana advised.
He called for increased hygiene in the sector, including the cleaning of helmets before use as a precautionary measure.
“As for the helmet itself, there is no immediate concern. However, as a precaution, anyone using a shared helmet should clean it before use,” the minister added.
Dr. Nsanzimana noted that hygiene practices had proved successful in containing previous outbreaks, such as COVID-19.
“During COVID-19, we adopted practices of maintaining hygiene—not just with the helmets but also in public spaces like seating areas, toilets, and other high-contact surfaces. We must continue to be vigilant, especially in places where someone with the virus might have been, to avoid contracting it through direct contact,” he added.
He argued that imposing stricter measures, including suspending the use of the popular means of transport, was not “necessarily the solution.”
“Stopping the use of taxi motors isn’t necessarily the solution; instead, we should encourage people to use them in a safe and hygienic manner,” he added.
“The Rwandan government has made it a priority to fight every outbreak using all available resources to avoid harsher restrictions. Our goal is to manage the situation alongside normal activities without resorting to uncomfortable measures.”
Meanwhile, the minister announced on Sunday that Rwanda had initiated vaccination trials for Marburg. The initial phase targets healthcare workers directly involved in treating patients, as well as individuals who have contracted the virus.
The Ministry of Health indicated that the country had received 700 vaccines on October 5, 2024, and various agencies had already assessed them, allowing individuals on the list of those at high risk of infection to start receiving these vaccines.
“The vaccines arrived [in Rwanda] last night, and they have been verified by the relevant authorities here in Rwanda and the National Immunization Program, who have assessed them and are preparing them so that today we can begin vaccinating those who are most at risk of this outbreak,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 46 cases, 12 deaths, and five recoveries from Marburg disease. Cumulative tests conducted have surpassed 1,700.
Dr. Thierry Roels, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Country Director in Rwanda, confirmed that the shipment of the consignment was completed on Friday, October 4, 2024.
“The U.S. government has completed an initial shipment of therapeutic and vaccine doses to support Rwanda in the first days of its response to the emergence of the Marburg virus in Kigali,” Roels said on Saturday, October 5, 2024, without revealing the number of doses delivered.
Roels indicated that the U.S. government is working closely with international partners and Rwanda’s Ministry of Health to initiate clinical trials for evaluating investigational countermeasures. The U.S. is also considering additional shipments that would supply the trials.
The delivery of the consignment comes days after Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, confirmed plans to roll out therapeutic clinical trials for the vaccination and treatment of the highly contagious disease.
Among the vaccines being evaluated is one developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. Early-stage human trials have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and triggers an immune response.
On Saturday, the Sabin Vaccine Institute announced the delivery of approximately 700 doses to Rwanda for a trial targeting frontline workers, including healthcare professionals.
“In response to a request from the government of Rwanda and the Ministry of Health to support its ongoing Marburg outbreak response, we have provided an initial shipment of 700 investigational Marburg vaccine doses to be used in a trial targeting frontline workers. We dispatched the shipment within seven days of first being contacted for assistance, thanks to our many partners,” the organization said in a statement.
“We are prepared to supply additional vaccines pending a request from Rwandan officials and authorization from BARDA, which is funding our current research and development efforts.”
In addition to vaccination efforts, Gilead Sciences, an American biopharmaceutical company based in Foster City, California, announced on Thursday that it would donate approximately 5,000 vials of its antiviral drug, remdesivir, to Rwanda for emergency use in response to the outbreak.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 46 cases, 12 deaths, and five recoveries from Marburg disease. Cumulative tests conducted have surpassed 1,700.
Initial symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it can lead to severe hemorrhaging, organ failure, and shock.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend maintaining strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of individuals showing Marburg-like symptoms.
In a series of posts on X, Muhoozi issued the ambassador an ultimatum to apologize to the Ugandan Head of State for his “undiplomatic behavior” by Monday or face expulsion from Uganda.
“If this current US ambassador does not apologize to Mzee personally by Monday morning (9:00 AM) for his undiplomatic behaviour in our country, we will demand that he leaves Uganda,” Muhoozi wrote.
He, however, emphasized that Ugandan authorities are not at odds with the U.S., but with the envoy.
“We have no problem with the USA; as I have said many times, it is a country we love and admire. But lately, we have a lot of evidence that they have been working against the NRM government,” he added.
In another post, he expressed his contempt for the ambassador, saying, “Fellow Ugandans, it is my solemn duty to announce to you all that we as a nation are about to have a serious confrontation with the current US ambassador to our country, for disrespecting our beloved and celebrated President and for undermining the constitution of Uganda.”
Gen. Muhoozi’s outburst is seen as an escalation of tensions between the Ugandan leadership and the U.S., following recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. against four officers in the Ugandan Police Force (UPF) for alleged human rights violations, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and punishment.
In the sanctions announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of State identified the sanctioned officials as Bob Kagarura, former Wamala Regional Police Commander, and Alex Mwine, former District Police Commander for Mitanya District.
Others include Elly Womanya, who at the time of the alleged violations was Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of UPF’s Criminal Investigations Division in charge of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and Hamdani Twesigye, previously Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the SIU.
The U.S. had previously imposed travel sanctions against several high-profile Ugandan officials, including Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, Parliament Speaker Anita Annette Among, and Minister Amos Lugoloobi, along with their families.
The first edition of B-READY assessed the business environments of 50 global economies, focusing on three pillars: regulatory frameworks, public service delivery, and operational efficiency. The report focuses on ten indicators, which include Business Entry, Business Location, Utility Services (water, electricity, and internet), Labour Force, Financial Services (access), International Trade, Taxation, Dispute Resolution, Market Competition (Public Procurement), and Business Insolvency.
Rwanda performed exceptionally well in several key areas. In terms of Operational Efficiency, the country earned an impressive score of 81.31%, ranking 3rd globally. For Public Services, Rwanda scored 67.37%, placing 8th in the world. Additionally, the country achieved a score of 70.35% in the Regulatory Framework, securing the 17th spot globally.
The scores position Rwanda as one of the top-performing countries worldwide and the top-performing country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In terms of operational efficiency, Rwanda remains one of the fastest countries in Africa and globally for company registration. This efficiency stands in contrast to global averages of 32 days for domestic firms and 39 days for foreign firms, reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a regional leader in ease of doing business.
Other measures that have encouraged investments include free online business registration, automated tax filing and payments, one-stop center services for business permits and licenses, and support for foreign ownership and ease of profit repatriation.
In Public Services, Rwanda’s digitization of public services has been a key driver of its strong performance. Systems like the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for the judiciary and the e-titles system for land services have streamlined processes, reducing both the time and cost of doing business. These innovations play a vital role in enhancing the overall business environment.
Additionally, Rwanda’s regulatory reforms continue to enhance its global competitiveness. Recent legislative efforts, including the 2021 Investment Promotion Law, the Company Law, and the Insolvency Law, have created a more business-friendly regulatory environment. Furthermore, Rwanda’s commercial courts and streamlined processes for business registration and dispute resolution set benchmarks for the region.
On environmental sustainability, the B-READY report highlights Rwanda’s leadership in integrating environmental sustainability into its business practices. Initiatives such as e-mobility and renewable energy demonstrate the country’s commitment to a green economy, positioning Rwanda as a leader in sustainable development across Africa.
Rwanda’s holistic approach to reform also prioritizes good governance, macroeconomic stability, and anti-corruption measures, all of which have contributed to its favourable rankings in the B-READY report.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment, stated that this performance demonstrates the country’s sustained drive to enhance its business environment and foster a welcoming climate for investors.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the RDB, participated in the launch of the World Bank report in Washington, D.C., United States. He acknowledged the good performance and pledged to further improve the business environment. Ongoing initiatives include the digitization of the One Stop Center, upgrades to business and mortgage registration systems, and the integration of trade services under a Single Transaction Portal.
“Rwanda’s performance in the B-READY report reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for private sector growth and investment. These reforms are the foundation of our socioeconomic transformation, and we will continue to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and efficiency to attract investment and grow the private sector.”
According to the World Bank, the B-READY report will offer countries a roadmap to create a business climate that benefits firms, consumers, the environment, and society as a whole. The 2025 report will assess more than 100 economies, and in 2026, the coverage will expand to about 180 economies.
In a statement, the government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment in Rwanda said the country has responded swiftly and proactively to contain the virus since the first cases were identified a week ago.
The management expressed confidence that the measures put in place were satisfactory and encouraged businesses to continue operating normally, while also urging business owners to follow the Ministry of Health’s enhanced hygiene guidelines, such as conducting temperature checks and providing hand washing or sanitizing stations at building entrances.
“These measures are essential for keeping businesses running smoothly while safeguarding the health of staff and customers,” the statement reads.
Regarding tourists, RDB stated that tourism in Rwanda remains safe, with the health and safety of visitors being a top priority.
“Visitors can travel with confidence, knowing that all necessary action is being taken to prevent the spread of Marburg,” RDB assured.
The agency noted that since Marburg is not airborne and does not spread asymptomatically, the likelihood of travel restrictions coming into effect is minimal.
“Tourists can rest assured that operators, hotels, and other service providers are following strict hygiene protocols, including temperature checks, regular handwashing, the availability of sanitizing stations, and enhanced cleanliness practices,” RDB added.
RDB also confirmed that Rwanda, which has become a hub for hosting international events, continues to host events safely, ensuring that the health and safety of attendees are the highest priority.
The agency directed event venues to implement additional hygiene measures, such as temperature checks, the provision of handwashing facilities, and encouraging minimal close contact between attendees.
“This balanced approach, which is based on scientific evidence, allows for events to continue while ensuring the safety of all participants and staff,” RDB stated.
The agency also assured investors of government interventions, saying the proactive public health measures put in place effectively balance the need for public safety with the importance of maintaining economic stability. This ensures that Rwanda remains open for investors.
“Rwanda’s evidence-based and effective response to public health challenges demonstrates why Rwanda is a reliable choice for investors,” the agency added.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak on Friday, September 27, 2024, with 37 cases and 11 deaths reported so far.
To control the spread of the virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, the government has implemented several measures, including heightened contact tracing, suspending hospital visits, banning wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) for Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials for Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Strettch was among over 70 startups that participated in the contest organized by the Ministry of ICT and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) under the Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) framework, which is currently being piloted. This framework aims to enable public institutions to procure solutions from the innovation ecosystem.
The current research and innovation project is the second of four initiatives funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The first project focused on health.
The first phase of the project implementation began on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with a meeting between the partners and Strettch software engineers at the Rwanda Polytechnic Campus in Kicukiro.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Ephrem Musonera, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Training, Institutional Development, and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic; Parfait Yongabo, the Division Manager in charge of Institutional Development, Research, and Consultancy at Rwanda Polytechnic; Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA; Dr. Said Ngoga, Technology Innovation Division Manager at RISA; and representatives from PWC Rwanda.
PWC Rwanda serves as the Contract Manager overseeing the project on behalf of PWC Japan.
Yongabo stated that the project will create digital solutions for institutional challenges, primarily supporting students and lecturers in their mandate of teaching, learning, and research.
The platform will enable students to document their learning journeys, support the implementation of innovative projects for both students and researchers, and foster collaborations.
The platform will also increase the visibility of students to potential employers through the generation of eCVs or e-portfolios.
“The portal will be able to generate e-portfolios where employers can quickly access a summary of the competencies and skills of the students. If they are interested, they can reach out to them for employment opportunities,” Yongabo explained.
Additionally, the platform will be integrated with Artificial Intelligence assistance to increase its efficiency and save students and researchers time.
Yongabo noted that while many of the companies that expressed interest in developing the platform had good solutions, Strettch provided the best solution that responded effectively to the challenge at hand.
Sauvé Jean-Luc, the co-founder and CEO of Strettch, was ecstatic that their startup won the bid, noting that the victory came after intense preparations and sleepless nights.
“We were very happy to hear that we were among the finalists because we also had to pitch and do intensive work after pitching,” Jean-Luc explained.
“More than 70 startups applied. It was very tough. We had a tight timeline and had to work hard to make the most of every hour. We needed to understand the problem and the client’s needs while being creative, too.”
The 21-year-old made the presentation alongside Libériste Clarance, one of the five founding members of the company. Both are graduates of the Rwanda Coding Academy, an institution they credit for their skills and exposure.
“Rwanda Coding Academy trained us from the ground up as engineers and encouraged us to think outside the box. We gained knowledge across different sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. We learned a lot, so we feel the need to give back more than what is expected,” Jean-Luc said.
The startup founders intend to use the new funding to develop the project and scale up their operations to create even bigger impact.
Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA, emphasized that the PPI initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of startups by removing obstacles in traditional procurement.
This will allow emerging companies to compete on equal footing with more established firms, helping them gain valuable experience and contribute to innovation.
“For young startups, tendering their solutions through normal procurement procedures is not possible, as it often requires five to ten years of experience to bid for certain tenders. But with this policy, young startups are being supported to participate regardless of the experience they may lack, so it’s a privilege for JICA to support them,” she quipped.
Daniel Chapo, running for the presidency on the ruling FRELIMO party ticket, is almost certain to win, succeeding Filipe Nyusi, who is retiring after two terms. His challengers include Ossufo Momade, the leader of Mozambique’s main opposition party and former rebel movement, Renamo, as well as Lutero (MDN) and Simango Venancio Mondlane (independent).
The 47-year-old former university professor, campaigning under the slogan “Let’s get to work,” is expected to oversee the revival of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects currently stalled due to insecurity in northern Cabo Delgado province.
Local analysts argue that Chapo’s development goals will heavily depend on the continued military support from the Rwandan forces, first deployed by Nyusi in 2021 to assist local troops in containing the insurgency.
“The Rwandans are undeniably competent,” Tertius Jacobs, lead Mozambique analyst at risk consultancy Focus Group, told Reuters. “Mozambique … has little to no better alternative.”
Jacobs notes that Nyusi’s introduction of Chapo to Rwandan President Paul Kagame in June signals a likely continuation of Rwandan involvement.
Rwandan forces, operating in the volatile northern province, are tasked with securing the area around the Afungi site, where TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil are planning LNG projects. TotalEnergies halted its $20 billion project when the skirmishes erupted in 2021.
Robert Besseling, CEO of consultancy Pangea-Risk, emphasized that the presence of Rwandan troops will remain crucial to the next administration’s efforts to neutralize terrorist threats, which have hindered Mozambique’s ambition to become a major gas exporter.
“They have thousands of troops there to protect the LNG sites,” Besseling remarked.
Rwanda began deploying its security forces to Mozambique on July 9, 2021. Initially, the contingent included 1,000 troops from the Rwanda Defence Force and Rwanda National Police.
By late 2022, the Rwandan troop presence had increased to approximately 2,500, reflecting an expanded mandate to pursue and dislodge terrorists from their strongholds.
Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended. This withdrawal has left Rwanda with a greater share of responsibility in assisting local forces in addressing the ongoing security crisis.
Before the intervention of Rwandan troops in 2021, the insurgency had claimed the lives of 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity also brought all development projects in insurgent-controlled areas to a halt.
Rwanda’s most recent troop deployment to Mozambique was in August 2024, led by Major General Emmy Ruvusha. The troops are responsible for securing several key areas and communities in Mocimboa da Praia, Chinda, Palma, Afungi, Pundanhar, Macomia, Ancuabe, and Pemba.
