During this meeting, they explored potential areas for further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between Rwanda and Azerbaijan in multiple sectors.
So far, the two countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations and a visa waiver agreement for service and diplomatic passports.
As Ambassador Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga presented his credentials to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in October 2024, both countries expressed their desire to collaborate in advancing various sectors.
At that time, Amb. Kayonga highlighted potential areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, science, education, and humanitarian efforts.
In a recent interview with an Azerbaijani newspaper, Amb. Kayonga shared that the two countries could engage in mutually beneficial trade.
On November 13, 2024, President Paul Kagame met with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, where they discussed the partnership between the two countries in advancing key sectors.
The two heads of state focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as investment, trade, and knowledge exchange to ensure the successful implementation of their objectives.
The relationship between Azerbaijan and Rwanda began in 2017. Azerbaijan has an ambassador to Rwanda, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while Ambassador Kayonga is based in Ankara, Turkey.
Dr. Kadozi brings 14 years of extensive experience in capacity building, focusing on business, economics, energy utilization, and environmental conservation.
His academic career includes teaching and research roles at leading institutions such as the University of Rwanda and Kigali Independent University (ULK), where he taught master’s students in economics and development while conducting training sessions across various sectors.
Over the years, he has mentored more than 50 students conducting research at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. These students hailed from Rwanda, Europe, and the United States.
In 2019, Dr. Kadozi earned a PhD in economics from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. His academic credentials also include a master’s degree from Tsinghua University in China and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rwanda, further cementing his expertise.
The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) also welcomed new leadership, with Dr. Flora Mutezigaju appointed as Deputy Director General.
Dr. Mutezigaju holds a PhD in inclusive education for persons with disabilities from Kenyatta University in Kenya, where she also completed her master’s degree.
She joined UNICEF in August 2023 as an education specialist and, in 2021, worked with the World Bank on promoting inclusive education. Prior to that, in 2018, she served as the Director of Inclusive Education Development at REB.
Another notable appointment is Carlène Seconde Umutoni, who became the Deputy Director General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA).
She transitioned from MINEDUC, where she worked since 2021. Previously, from 2018 to 2021, she managed projects at MTN Rwanda. Umutoni holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from AUCA, showcasing her strong academic foundation.
Further changes in MINEDUC saw Rose Baguma appointed as the Head of the Education Policy department.
Adia Umulisa now heads the education sector planning, monitoring, and evaluation department, while Jimmy Christian Byukusenge takes on responsibilities as the Director General of Corporate Services.
Esther Shaban Tuyizere has been named an advisor to the Minister of Education, and Jean Baptiste Doxa Niyibizi assumes the role of legal analyst.
New provincial education coordinators have also been appointed. Emmanuel Butera oversees the Eastern Province, Augustin Uwimana is responsible for the Northern Province, Christophe Nsengiyaremye takes charge of the Southern Province, Eric Niyongabo leads in Kigali City, and Jean de Dieu Ntaganira manages education coordination in the Western Province.
Beyond the education sector, other significant appointments include Dr. Edgar Kalimba as Deputy Director General for Medical Services at King Faisal Hospital (KFH). The hospital also established a new board chaired by Dr. Thierry Kalisa, with Dr. Natalie McCall as Vice Chair.
Other board members include Israel Bimpe, Dr. Sanctus Musafiri, Dr. Regis Hitiman, Flora Nsinga, Theogene Maniragaba, Jeannette Rwigamba, and Natacha Butera.
Lastly, Agnes Muhongerwa was named Deputy Chief Gender Monitor in charge of Gender-Based Violence at the Gender Monitoring Office.
The incident occurred at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT) when SpaceX mission control lost contact with the newly upgraded Starship during its test flight. The rocket, carrying its first payload of mock satellites but no crew, disintegrated eight minutes after liftoff from SpaceX’s South Texas launch facilities.
Fiery debris was spotted streaking across the skies of the Caribbean, with videos shared online showing orange trails over Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
“We did lose all communications with the ship—that is essentially telling us we had an anomaly with the upper stage,” said SpaceX Communications Manager Dan Huot. Minutes later, SpaceX confirmed the rocket’s loss.
The disruption extended beyond the launch site, as dozens of commercial flights were forced to divert or alter their routes to avoid the debris field.
At Miami International Airport, some flights were temporarily grounded, according to eyewitness accounts.
Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that air traffic across the region had been rerouted, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a brief airspace restriction.
The FAA, responsible for regulating private space activities, stated that normal operations had resumed shortly after the debris cleared. The agency regularly closes airspace for rocket launches and reentries but expands these closures if anomalies occur.
Elon Musk responded to the incident with characteristic optimism, posting on X: “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!”
Preliminary assessments from SpaceX pointed to an internal liquid oxygen fuel leak as the cause of the rocket’s failure.
The mishap comes amid fierce competition in the private space race.
A day earlier, Blue Origin, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its New Glenn rocket into orbit for the first time. SpaceX’s Starship—standing 2 meters taller in its latest version—was designed with significant upgrades for long-distance space missions, including Mars exploration and satellite deployment.
Despite the setback, Musk has reiterated his commitment to an aggressive testing schedule, aiming for up to 12 Starship flights this year. He downplayed the potential for significant delays, stating that “nothing so far suggests pushing next launch past next month.”
However, the FAA’s forthcoming mishap investigation could affect timelines, especially if debris is found outside designated zones or near populated areas.
Thursday’s test marked the seventh Starship flight since 2023, as part of SpaceX’s test-to-failure approach. While the method has resulted in high-profile failures, it has been instrumental in advancing the engineering limits of reusable rockets. The explosion, however, occurred during a mission phase that SpaceX had successfully completed in prior tests.
The towering Super Heavy booster, a crucial part of the Starship system, performed flawlessly, returning to its launchpad seven minutes after liftoff. The booster executed a controlled descent by reigniting its Raptor engines and latching onto giant mechanical arms affixed to the launch tower—a bright spot in an otherwise troubled mission.
During a press briefing on January 16, 2025, Brigadier General Baratuza acknowledged the losses, stating: “Death is possible because they are not exchanging flowers at war. That is what they signed up for. Even in a bathroom, one can slip and fall to their death. On the battlefield, we say they have fallen with honor.”
The statement came in response to reports of heavy casualties during clashes with the M23 rebel group in Ngungu, Masisi Territory, on January 14.
Allegations have surfaced accusing the Burundian government of concealing information about the fatalities, reportedly transporting bodies to hospital morgues in Bujumbura under secrecy before burial.
While some reports suggest that around 200 Burundian soldiers were killed in Ngungu, Brigadier General Baratuza characterized these figures as exaggerated.
The M23 rebel group has previously shown captured Burundian soldiers in their custody, with some pleading for international assistance to return home.
However, in December 2023, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye denied these claims, stating that the individuals in question were not Burundian soldiers but members of the RED Tabara rebel group.
This statement drew criticism, with families of the captured soldiers confirming their identities as members of the Burundian national army.
Burundian troops have been deployed in North Kivu province since November 2023 under an agreement signed between the Burundian and DRC governments in August the same year.
Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (RWAFPU3-7) commanded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Donatha Nyinawumuntu left early in the morning to replace RWAFPU3-6 in the capital Juba, which arrived home later in the afternoon after a successful one-year tour-of-duty.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmy Karangwa guided the replaced contingent safely back home.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Yahaya Kamunuga saluted off the deployed contingent of 160 Police officers, majority women, at Kigali International Airport, and received the outgoing contingent, on behalf of the RNP leadership.
While receiving the officers, who completed their peacekeeping duties, ACP Kamunuga commended them for their professionalism and dedication.
“Welcome back to your country. The leadership of the Rwanda National Police appreciates your commitment, discipline, and professionalism, which enabled you to perform your duties effectively,” said CP Kamunuga.
SP Karangwa, the RWAFPU3-6 Deputy Commander of the outgoing contingent, highlighted the diverse activities they carried out during their mission.
These included not only restoring peace and ensuring security but also working with the United Nations staff, the local Police and communities.
“In addition to our primary responsibility of maintaining peace in South Sudan, we also engaged in community development initiatives related to health and hygiene through Umuganda, and teaching the local communities on how to construct organic gardens for proper feeding,” SP Karangwa said.
He added: “We also provided additional support such as donating essential items to local security personnel, including boots and raincoats; scholastic and hygiene items to vulnerable schoolchildren.”
Rwanda began deploying police officers to the South Sudan peacekeeping mission in 2015.
Currently, the country has two contingents in South Sudan, comprising about 400 officers.
The two vehicle, Toyota Noah type, were intercepted on Wednesday, January 15, in Rurembo Village, Byahi Cell of Rubavu Sector.
The vehicles were also transporting assorted wines and liquors, and banned skin bleaching cosmetics locally known as mukorogo.
The Police spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said that one person, the driver, was arrested in connection with smuggling and fraud. The second driver fled the scene, he added.
“The operation was conducted by the Anti-smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) unit following a rip-off from area residents,” SP Karekezi said.
He added: “During the operation, Police intercepted the two Noah vehicles with 25 bales of caguwa, 604 pieces of skin whitening creams, 72 bottles of Leffe Blonde beer, 216 of Red Bull, 20 packs of Red Wine, 24 bottles of Camino whisky, 24 bottles of Smirnoff, and three tins of Nido, powdered milk.”
According to the arrested suspect, the goods were sneaked into Rwanda from the DRC on foot through illegal borders, to a house in Rubavu where they were found being loaded into the two vehicles.
He added that the goods were being transported to Kigali.
SP Karekezi commended the residents for their cooperation in fighting smuggling and related cross-border crimes.
According to the East African Community Customs Management Act, smuggling is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine equal to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods.
A vehicle used in smuggling is also auctioned, and their driver faces a fine of up to $5,000.
Article 87 of Law No. 026/2019 of September 18, 2019, on taxation states that anyone, who intentionally evades taxes by hiding taxable goods or property related to trade, commits tax evasion. If convicted, the offender faces an imprisonment between two and 5 years.
Firefighters have made progress containing the Eaton and Palisades Fires as calmer winds offered some relief.
However, search teams are still looking for 31 people reported missing. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, 24 are unaccounted for in the Eaton Fire area, and 7 in the Palisades Fire zone.
Authorities have recovered human remains at 13 locations linked to the missing, though identifications are still pending. Search and rescue operations continue, alongside efforts to locate more victims.
Evacuations remain widespread, with over 82,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders and another 90,000 on high alert. Curfews from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. are in place to ensure safety in the affected areas.
Officials have warned that many neighborhoods will remain inaccessible for at least another week as the battle against the devastating fires goes on.
Speaking to citizens and soldiers in Wad Madani, the capital of Gezira State, Al-Burhan emphasized the strength of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). He also rejected new U.S. sanctions saying his country would not be subjugated to external pressures.
“The armed forces will defeat the rebel militia,” he declared, underscoring Sudan’s resistance to external interference, particularly the recent measures imposed by Washington.
The U.S. sanctioned Al-Burhan on Thursday, citing the SAF’s alleged involvement in deadly attacks on civilians.
This action followed similar sanctions on RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who has been accused of atrocities, including genocide in Darfur.
Wad Madani, previously under RSF control for over a year, was recaptured by the SAF on January 11.
Al-Burhan’s remarks came during his visit to the city, a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has endured a brutal war between the SAF and the RSF, resulting in nearly 30,000 deaths and the displacement of about 15 million people, according to international organizations.
Established in 1921 and headquartered in New York City and Washington, D.C., CFR is a nonpartisan institution renowned for its influential role in shaping global policy.
Its membership comprises high-ranking politicians, secretaries of state, CIA directors, bankers, academics, corporate leaders, and prominent media figures.
The Global Board of Advisors (GBA), now in its twelfth year, serves as a platform to strengthen CFR’s understanding of international perspectives. It fosters dialogue between U.S. leaders in global affairs and their counterparts from other nations, further enriching CFR’s work.
CFR hosts meetings that bring together government officials, business executives, and members of the intelligence and foreign policy communities to address critical international issues. It is also the publisher of Foreign Affairs, a bi-monthly journal widely regarded as a leading voice in foreign policy analysis since 1922.
“I am honored to have been asked to join the Council on Foreign Relations Global Board of Advisors and am grateful for the chance to bring a positive African narrative to the discussions,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group.
“The chance to explain Africa’s contributions to the world now and for decades to come as the continent takes its place on the global stage will mean greater productive collaborations for countries around the world to sustainably partner with the people of Africa,” he added.
Dr. Mwangi joins an elite group of 33 GBA members, including business leaders, scholars, and former government officials from both developed and emerging economies.
The board provides valuable regional insights and creates opportunities for members to engage in CFR’s discussions on global relations and the U.S.’s evolving role.
CFR’s Africa Program plays a vital role in shaping understanding of the continent’s dynamics through initiatives such as the Africa in Transition blog and roundtable series like “Africa Strategic Opportunities” and “U.S. Strategic African Partners.”
The program also engages global audiences through lectures, briefings, and publications focused on African political and security issues.
Dr. Mwangi, a career banker, is celebrated for his visionary leadership in inclusive finance and socio-economic transformation.
As Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc, he has guided the institution from a small, struggling entity to one of the largest and most successful financial institutions globally.
Equity Group has been recognized as the second-strongest financial brand globally in 2024 by Brand Finance and as the strongest financial brand in Africa by Brand Africa in the same year.
Dr. Mwangi’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2012 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, making him the first Sub-Saharan African to receive the award.
He was also inducted into the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame and the World Entrepreneurship Academy.
He has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Emerging Market Business Leaders and among the 20 most influential people in Africa by the Financial Times.
Other honors include Forbes Africa’s 2012 Person of the Year and inclusion in the Bloomberg 50 list of global influencers in 2019.
Dr. Mwangi is deeply involved in international advisory roles, serving on several high-profile boards and councils, including the World Bank Group High-Level Advisory Council on jobs, the Economic Advisory Board of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Global Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.
In Kenya, he has played a pivotal role in national development, serving as the founding Chair of Vision 2030, the founding Chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology, and currently as the founding Chancellor of Open University of Kenya.
With his appointment to CFR’s Global Board of Advisors, Dr. Mwangi is expected to continue to amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage, highlighting the continent’s potential for sustainable partnerships and global progress.
These pits, left unrestored after mineral and quarry extraction activities, pose significant risks to public safety and the environment.
Mineral extraction in Rwanda began in the 1930s under colonial rule. However, many mining sites were neglected after operations ceased, leaving behind hazardous pits that continue to threaten lives and livestock.
According to Francis Kamanzi, the CEO of RMB, a recent nationwide inspection revealed that these abandoned sites include both quarries and mining pits.
The study also showed that some of these sites were abandoned decades ago, while others were recently neglected by private companies and individuals, including those who mined illegally or failed to comply with restoration obligations.
Kamanzi explained that the neglected sites can be broadly categorized into four groups: those abandoned during colonial times, those exploited illegally in recent years, quarries handed over to private companies with valid permits but left unrestored, and pits neglected by licensed miners.
He noted that many of these sites are located near residential areas, exacerbating the risks of injury to people and livestock.
While some progress has been made, such as the restoration of 53 sites through community efforts, a significant amount of work remains.
Each site will require a thorough environmental assessment before any rehabilitation begins to ensure that restoration methods are tailored to the specific conditions of the site.
Kamanzi emphasized that this process cannot be rushed, as it involves detailed planning and coordination with various stakeholders.
RMB has identified that 367 sites can be cleared using machinery, 253 will be addressed through community efforts, and 304 will be cleaned using a combination of both methods, while 70 sites do not require any restoration.
Kamanzi stated that individuals or companies who abandoned their sites must take responsibility and fulfill their legal obligation to restore the land to its original state.
Parliamentarian Germaine Mukabalisa expressed concern that the financial guarantees provided by miners for site restoration are often insufficient.
She proposed the establishment of a dedicated state fund to cover restoration costs in cases where the guarantees fall short.
Mukabalisa argued that miners must be held to stricter standards to ensure they honor their commitments, rather than leaving the burden on the government or local communities.
Kamanzi explained that current regulations require miners to conduct environmental impact studies before beginning operations, which include plans for site restoration.
Additionally, miners are required to contribute 10% of the estimated restoration cost to the FONERWA fund.
However, many miners exploit loopholes by abandoning sites under the pretext of returning to extract remaining minerals, leaving environmental damage unaddressed.
