In an interview with the Financial Times, RwandAir Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yvonne Makolo expressed optimism that the talks, which have been ongoing for about five years, would soon yield the desired results.
“It’s been going on for a while; we have been discussing it for almost five years. So, now, we’re really at the tail-end of it,” Makolo told the British daily.
Senior executives close to the negotiations intimated to the publication that the agreement could be executed as early as next month – July.
The deal is expected to help RwandAir expand its operations, including increasing the number of aircraft and destinations, as well as enhancing the skills of its employees.
It will also help Qatar Airways increase the number of flights it operates in Africa.
“We access over 70 points on their network, and they access a number of points, especially in central Africa, where they don’t have a presence,” Makolo added.
Officials say the deal between RwandAir and the Qatar-based airline was partly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and by Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup.
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But the two airlines have been working together since late 2021 when they signed a codeshare agreement aimed at offering travelers more choice, enhanced service, and greater connectivity to more than 65 destinations across Africa and the rest of the world.
As part of the agreement, the state-owned carrier launched non-stop flights between Kigali and Doha.
“This codeshare agreement will give our customers significantly more choice and flexibility, allowing RwandAir to strengthen its global presence and build on its strong and loyal African customer base. As we continue to grow out of the pandemic, this partnership represents yet another extremely important step on our recovery runway, and we hope to deliver more commitments like this to our customers in the very near future,” Makolo stated while welcoming the partnership in October 2021.
In a separate agreement reached in 2019, Qatar Airways agreed to take a 60 percent stake in Bugesera International Airport in Kigali, being built at a cost of $1.3 billion.
Makolo says the new airport, expected to be operational in 2027 and have an initial capacity for eight million passengers, would turn Kigali into “a major transit hub” on the continent.
This issue was highlighted by Edmond Dufatanye, the head of RSPN, during the 16th international conference held in Rwanda by the International Association for Psychiatric Nurses (IAPN), which concluded on August 14, 2024.
Psychiatric-mental health nurses have played a significant role in caring for Rwandans with mental health issues, being the first to receive training domestically from international experts after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The first group completed their Advanced Diploma in 1999 at what was then the Kigali Health Institute (KHI).
Although there was no Bachelor’s degree program previously, the University of Rwanda has introduced one this year, 2024. However, current professionals cannot enroll yet as they must wait until next year for the first-year students to reach the Advanced Diploma level.
Edmond Dufatanye emphasized the need for current professionals to further their education, warning that the delay might lead to some leaving the field for other opportunities. He stated, “The primary demand from professionals is the opportunity to study. The study opportunities provided only reached the Advanced Diploma level. […] Our main request is for a program that helps those at the Advanced Diploma level to attain a Bachelor’s degree.”
The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) also highlighted that the lack of continued education for psychiatric-mental health nurses limits their competitiveness in the job market both in Rwanda and internationally.
Dr. Philomene Uwimana from the University of Rwanda urged these nurses to be patient until next year, as this is the current solution available. She said, “They should be patient because many did not wait and shifted to other fields since there was no program available. Now that the courses have started, I believe it will work out well, and they will follow their chosen path.”
A study conducted by RSPN, which included responses from 98 psychiatric-mental health nurses, revealed that 78% of them have an Advanced Diploma, only two have a Bachelor’s degree obtained abroad, and one holds a Master’s degree, also from abroad.
These cases prosecuted from 2019 to 2024 include 35 cases involving suspects in possession of grenades, 34 cases involving suspects in possession of firearms, 12 cases involving possession of ammunition (magazines), and 10 cases related to individuals found with illegal substances.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, during an interview with RBA, indicated that these confiscated arms indicate various criminal intentions.
He said, “Those found with firearms face charges including illegal possession, criminal intent, and malicious acts… There are also cases where someone is found with a single firearm and claims it is for self-defence or protection against threats.”
RIB points out that the weapons in the country are linked to the liberation war and the subsequent “Abacengezi” war that lasted from 1997 to 2000.
The weapons involved included grenades, boxes of ammunition, and AK-47 rifles confiscated from various locations.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, emphasized that possession of weapons is strictly regulated by law, and anyone found with them will face legal consequences due to their threat to public safety.
He also stated that since 2019, armed violence and crimes such as robbery and terrorism have not been observed in Rwanda.
The WHO boss sent five names of the candidates eyeing the coveted regional seat to member states on June 14.
The five candidates include Rwanda’s Dr. Richard Mihigo, who is considered a strong contender for the position. Dr Mihigo will run against Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger, Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall from Senegal, and Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile from Tanzania.
All the shortlisted candidates have the backing of their countries, a key requirement for the regional role.
Dr. Mihigo met with President Paul Kagame on Saturday, June 15, to discuss his bid for the post, ahead of the government’s intense lobbying to secure the seat.
The Regional Committee of the WHO African Region will vote to nominate the next Regional Director in a closed meeting during its seventy-fourth session from 26 to 30 August 2024 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
The nominee will then be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, set for January 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed Regional Director will take office on February 1, 2025, for a five-year term and will be eligible for reappointment once.
Dr. Mihigo’s name was submitted to the WHO Director-General by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 16, 2024.
The 57-year-old Rwandan, born in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is considered a strong candidate for the post due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.
Dr. Mihigo holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in International Health from Boston University School of Public Health, USA, obtained in 2003, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B., Ch.B.) from the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kisangani, DRC, obtained in 1994.
Dr. Mihigo boasts of several other trainings, including an Executive Leadership Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Johannesburg in 2019. He also completed a Certificate program in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies at Boston University School of Public Health in Massachusetts, USA, from February to May 2002. Additionally, he undertook a Certificate program in Quality Assurance Management Methods for Developing Countries at Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, in Baltimore, Maryland, from June to July 2000.
Dr. Mihigo has held numerous positions, including advisor roles at WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI (the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization). He also served as an advisor at USAID-Rwanda, working in various health sectors.
He currently serves as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC. He has held this position at GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, in Geneva, Switzerland, since March 2024.
Previously, from April 2022 to February 2024, Dr. Mihigo served as the Global Lead and Senior Director for COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery, Coordination, and Integration at GAVI. Prior to that, from June 2014 to March 2022, Dr. Mihigo held the role of Regional Coordinator for the Immunisation and Vaccine Development Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville.
From June 2008 to May 2014, Dr. Mihigo served as the Team Lead for the Immunisation & Vaccine Development Programme at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Earlier, from August 2006 to May 2008, Dr. Mihigo was the Immunisation and New Vaccines Officer at the Inter-Country Support Team for West Africa countries, World Health Organization, based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
From July 2004 to July 2006, he worked as a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at the Inter-Country Programme for Central Africa countries, World Health Organization, based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
From January to June 2004, Dr. Mihigo served as the Permanent Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). Additionally, From 2000 to 2003, Dr. Mihigo served as the National Programme Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at the Ministry of Health in Rwanda.
From 1999 to 2000, he held the position of the Provincial Medical Director at the Ministry of Health, overseeing Provincial Health Services in Butare District.
Previously, from 1996 to 1999, Dr. Mihigo was the District Medical Director at the Ministry of Health, overseeing District Health Services in Nyanza Province, and from September 1994 to 1996, he served as the first Medical Director of Nyanza Hospital in the difficult period following the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Dr. Mihigo, proficient in English and French, has received four awards for his contributions to healthcare and has published 32 research papers on health.
Speaking with students and teachers at the school, His Excellency highlighted that science and technology are at the center of the UAE’s commitment to key sectors such as renewable energy, the space industry, and Artificial Intelligence, all aimed at advancing the country’s economy.
“The UAE recognizes that enhancing its economy to an advanced stage requires accelerating work on localizing advanced technology, and investing in a base of national cadres possessing knowledge in the field of modern technology,” H.E. Al Qahtani said.
The ambassador told students that the UAE is a major player in the exploration of outer space, thanks to the UAE Space Agency, which was established in 2014, and the subsequent launch of the first Arab and Islamic orbiter to Mars. This mission, led by an Emirati team, embarked on a scientific exploration to the Red Planet.
“The UAE currently has the largest active space sector within the Gulf region and the Middle East. In 2019, Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati astronaut to reach space,” he added.
Ambassador Al Qahtani also discussed that the UAE intends to significantly increase reliance on clean energy and reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2050.
“The UAE aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 70%, increase reliance on clean energy by 50%, and enhance energy consumption efficiency by approximately 40% by the middle of the 21st Century,” the ambassador noted, adding that the UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which has significantly contributed to the production of clean energy, is one of the world’s largest renewable projects based on an independent power producer model.
Regarding Artificial Intelligence, the ambassador explained that the UAE has made several significant advances, including the launching of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy in October 2017 and the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in October 2019. The university is the first of its kind globally in specialized postgraduate studies in AI research.
He also highlighted the collaborations between the Rwanda Space Agency and the UAE Space Agency as a demonstration of the UAE’s commitment to science and technology development. The two agencies signed an MoU to establish collaboration frameworks in civil space activities, fostering research and development, space technologies, geospatial data sharing, and initiating joint space sector projects on the sidelines of COP28 last year.
Ambassador AlQahtani stressed that the progress made by the UAE in the sectors of renewable energy, Artificial Intelligence, and space exploration began with investing in science education within schools and the development of institutions of research.
The ambassador’s talk aimed to inspire students at the school to embrace science to solve emerging challenges in the world.
The Secondary School for Sciences at the Islamic Cultural Center is among the schools being supported by the UAE. Established in 1985, the school’s enrollment has increased from 80 to 734 students in 2024, both at the ordinary and advanced levels.
The green light to host international competitions follows CAF officials’ inspection of the state-of-the-art 45,000-seater stadium in April.
“In line with the previous communication, we acknowledge receipt of the pre-inspection report of Amahoro Stadium (Kigali) in Rwanda conducted by the FERWAFA CLM and validated by CAF.
“Following the review of the report by CAF, please note that the stadium is approved for use in all upcoming CAF/FIFA competitions since it meets all the set minimum CAF stadium requirements to host such matches,” CAF said in a communiqué to sports officials in Rwanda on Thursday, June 13.
CAF further lauded the renovation work done at the stadium, terming it one of the best sports venues on the African continent.
“We take this opportunity to congratulate the stadium authorities and FERWAFA for the outstanding renovation work completed at Amahoro Stadium (Kigali) in Rwanda, making it one of the best venues on the African continent,” CAF added.
Amahoro Stadium, which has been under renovation for nearly two years, will be formally inaugurated during the 30th Liberation Day celebrations on July 4.
Turkish contractor Summa is putting the final touches on the stadium before the pre-opening friendly showdown between archrivals APR and Rayon Sports on June 15.
The stadium was renovated at a cost of $160 million, which saw the capacity expanded from 25,000 to 45,000.
Besides the football turf with a cutting-edge hybrid surface, blending natural grass and artificial turf, Amahoro boasts an eight-lane track for athletics events, a Paralympic gymnasium, and training facilities for football, handball, and volleyball.
The sports arena has also been fitted with various amenities, including VIP lounges, an Amavubi bar, dressing rooms, washrooms, coaches’ offices, a massage room, a changing room, and a FIFA office.
Additionally, there are rooms for match officials, a medical room, a doping control room, a staff management room, and a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, among others.
In a statement, the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) said the migrants from Libya originate from six different countries.
This is the 18th group of asylum seekers to be welcomed into the country in Rwanda’s partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). A total of 2,355 migrants have been received in Rwanda since 2019.
“Rwanda remains committed to contributing in finding solutions to global crisis and provide support to people in need,” the ministry affirmed.
The arrival of the migrants in Rwanda comes days after Rwanda accused UNHCR of double standards in its bid to block Rwanda’s partnership with the United Kingdom on plans to send unsuccessful asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo on Tuesday accused the UNHCR of fabricating allegations presented to the United Kingdom’s courts and undermining Rwanda’s longstanding policy of providing refuge to those in need.
Makolo’s statement followed UNHCR’s allegations that Rwanda abuses the rights of asylum seekers and that they have no freedom while in the country. However, Rwanda dismissed the claims, questioning how the UNHCR filed false accusations while continuing to work with Rwanda to host asylum seekers from Africa.
“UNHCR is lying. The organization seems intent on presenting fabricated allegations to UK courts about Rwanda’s treatment of asylum seekers, while still partnering with us to bring African migrants from Libya to safety in Rwanda through the Emergency Transit Mechanism,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson pointed out that UNHCR bases its claims on a case involving a man who was denied asylum in Seychelles. Makolo stated that UNCHR in South Africa had unilaterally sent the man to Rwanda without involving the Rwandan authorities. Another case involves two Burundian nationals who UNHCR claims were denied asylum in Rwanda.
“These individuals never claimed asylum but instead were found to have breached Rwandan immigration laws. This is made all the more ridiculous when you consider the fact that Rwanda currently provides refuge to tens of thousands of our Burundian neighbours who have sought safety in our country,” the spokesperson added.
Eid al-Adha, meaning “Feast of the Sacrifice,” is one of the holiest Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God’s command.
“Given that the celebration of Eid al Adha will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour wishes to inform employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Monday, June 17, 2024, will be a public holiday to celebrate Eid Al Adha,” the Ministry of Public Service and Labour said in a notice on Wednesday night.
— Ministry of Public Service and Labour | Rwanda (@RwandaLabour) June 12, 2024
Before Abraham sacrificed his son, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this, an animal (usually a camel, goat, sheep, or ram depending on the region) is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one-third for the poor and needy, another third for relatives, friends and neighbours, and the remaining third is retained by the family.
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year, shifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.
In a statement on Monday, June 10, Meteo Rwanda Director General Aimable Gahigi said that parts of the Bugarama plain are expected to record higher maximum temperatures compared to other parts of the country, with temperatures ranging between 30°C and 32°C for the months of June, July, and August.
Eastern Province, Eastern parts of Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyanza and Gisagara Districts, Kigali City will also experience warmer conditions with maximum temperature ranging between 28°C and 30°C. The parts of highland areas including the Volcanoes National Park are expected to record lower maximum temperature than other parts of the country and will vary between 22°C to 24°C.
On the other hand, the expected minimum temperature will range between 10°C and 18°C across the country, which is above the normal minimum temperature during the June, July and August season, which range between 7°C and 16°C.
The forecast shows that Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu and few parts of Rubavu and Gakenke districts will be cooler than the other parts of the country during the three-month period with the temperature varying between 10°C and 12°C. Additionally, parts of Bugarama plain, and most parts of Kirehe District and southern part of Kayonza District are expected to have higher minimum temperature ranging between 16°C and 18°C.
Rainfall
The forecast indicates that the country will experience normal rainfall during June and July across the country, and above-normal rainfall during August. The Met Department attributes this weather pattern to the neutral sea surface temperature conditions in the central tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans throughout the three-month period.
Rainfall ranging between 120-150 millimeters is expected over Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, most parts of Nyabihu and Musanze districts, the western parts of Ngororero District, and the northern parts of Burera and Karongi districts.
Rainfall ranging between 90-120 millimeters is expected in Nyamasheke District, parts of Nyamagabe, Ngororero, and Karongi districts, the northern parts of Rusizi, Gicumbi, Gakenke, and Rulindo districts, and the western parts of Ruhango and Muhanga districts.
Rainfall ranging between 60-90 millimeters is expected in Nyaruguru, Huye, Gisagara districts, most parts of Ruhango, Nyanza, Kamonyi, Rulindo, and Nyagatare districts, the northern parts of Gasabo District, and the western parts of Gatsibo District.
Additionally, rainfall ranging between 30-60 millimeters is expected over Kirehe, Ngoma, Kayonza, Bugesera, and Kicukiro districts, most parts of Gisagara, Nyarugenge, and Gatsibo districts, the eastern parts of Nyanza, Ruhango, and Kamonyi districts, and the northern parts of Gasabo and Rwamagana districts.
The 45,000-seat facility has been undergoing a facelift since August 2022 at a cost of $160 million. Turkish construction company Summa, tasked with expanding the stadium, whose initial capacity was 25,000, is expected to hand over the facility to the government before August this year, paving the way for hosting major events and tournaments.
Ahead of the formal opening of the stadium, photos and videos showing the transformation of the facility have been circulating on social media, gaining admiration from netizens across the African continent and beyond.
Besides the football turf with a cutting-edge hybrid surface, blending natural grass and artificial turf, Amahoro boasts an eight-lane track for athletics events, a paralympic gymnasium, and training facilities for football, handball, and volleyball.
The sports arena has also been fitted with various amenities, including VIP lounges, an Amavubi bar, dressing rooms, washrooms, coaches’ offices, a massage room, a changing room, and a FIFA office.
Additionally, there are rooms for match officials, a medical room, a doping control room, a staff management room, and a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Room, among others.
Kenyans, arguably the most vibrant online community on the continent, couldn’t help but marvel at the well-equipped, world-class stadium.
“Amahoro Stadium, right here under our noses, in Rwanda. Bwana kwani sisi tulifanyia Mungu nini (What did we do to God)?” Gabriel Oguda wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Amahoro Stadium, right here under our noses, in Rwanda. Bwana kwani sisi tulifanyia Mungu nini? pic.twitter.com/Rk6XBkkN23
“Amahoro Stadium in Kigali is just superb. Waiting to see how it will finally look once completed later in the year. {Kenya ni mdomo tu tunapiga} (Kenya we are just making noise),” Michal Okinyi opined.
Notably, despite ranking among the biggest economies on the continent and being the first in East Africa, Kenya’s promises to build world-class stadiums in recent years have remained just that—promises.
In yet another attempt to get it right, early this year, the government embarked on an ambitious project to build an ultra-modern facility earmarked to host some of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) matches.
The construction of the Talenta Hela Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 seats, began in the capital, Nairobi, in March, with President William Ruto presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony.
The stadium is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The Ministry of Defence has been tasked with supervising the work to ensure the facility meets the required standards and is completed within the set timelines.
