The appointment was announced by Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente on Monday, January 13, 2025.
“Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, particularly Article 112, His Excellency the President of the Republic has today, January 13, 2025, appointed Mr. Jean-Guy Afrika as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB),” Dr. Ngirente stated in a communiqué.
Afrika brings to RDB a wealth of experience in regional integration, infrastructure finance, and public policy. His expertise will be pivotal in advancing RDB’s core mandate to drive Rwanda’s economic growth, attract investment, promote exports, develop the tourism sector, and ensure the country has the necessary skills and infrastructure to sustain long-term economic development.
Before his new appointment, Afrika served as Acting Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the African Development Bank (AfDB), a position he held since December 16, 2021. In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributed significantly to Africa’s regional development goals.
He joined the AfDB in 2010 and held various key positions across departments focused on trade, infrastructure, and industrialization.
In his previous role, Afrika was responsible for overseeing a regional integration portfolio valued at $13 billion and played a pivotal role in structuring the $555 million Central Africa Republic-Congo multimodal transport project.
Afrika’s extensive experience includes advising on the design and implementation of over 35 projects spanning critical sectors like trade facilitation, energy, agriculture, and private sector development. He also contributed to major initiatives such as the Africa Regional Integration Index and the Africa Visa Openness Index, which are now flagship knowledge products for the African Union.
Afrika holds a Master of Arts degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University and has further advanced his leadership expertise through executive programs at institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School and Oxford University.
This annual motor show brings together leading carmakers from around the globe to display vehicles designed to meet the changing demands of consumers and the industry.
This year’s exhibition highlighted the rapid technological advancements shaping the automotive sector.
Manufacturers presented vehicles that incorporated cutting-edge features, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Eco-friendly cars are becoming a major focus, with both consumers and producers prioritizing greener alternatives.
Alongside the vehicle unveilings, the event hosted discussions on automotive technology and manufacturing processes, providing a platform for industry leaders to exchange knowledge and expertise.
The exhibition, which began on January 10, 2025, will run until January 19. It was officially opened by King Philippe of Belgium, joined by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Brussels Mayor Philippe Close.
Over 60 automakers participated this year, including industry giants such as Volkswagen, Groupe Renault, and Mercedes-Benz.
Groupe Stellantis, formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Peugeot-Citroën, also showcased its diverse lineup of brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Leapmotor, Opel, and Peugeot.
Other notable participants included Kia, Hyundai, Isuzu, Maxus, MG, KGM, Suzuki, Ford, and Mazda.
Among the standout vehicles was the Audi RS Q8 2025, a luxury SUV priced at $137,495. The car is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.
With an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.
The Audi RS Q8 2025 also features advanced safety technologies, including lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge safety.
Others include the KIA EV3, a car unveiled for the first time at the end of 2024. It is fully electric, featuring a motor capable of covering up to 600 kilometers on a single charge.
The car’s weight ranges between 1,750 and 1,850 kilograms, with a horsepower of 201 and torque of 283, delivering impressive performance and smooth driving.
Its acceleration is powered solely by the front wheels, allowing it to gain speed quickly. When the accelerator is pressed, the car can reach 100 kilometers per hour in just seven seconds.
The BMW XM was another highlight of the exhibition. Priced from $159,000, this hybrid car combines electricity and gasoline, featuring both a V8 engine and an electric motor. It can travel up to 50 kilometers on electricity alone.
The Salon de l’Auto remains one of the premier events in the automotive world, offering an exciting preview of the innovations and technologies shaping the future of mobility.
The vehicles showcased at this year’s event underline the industry’s commitment to driving forward technological advancements and sustainable design.
The meeting was confirmed by the Office of the President through a statement shared on X, which highlighted that both parties discussed the bilateral relations.
Shimelis Abdisa has been leading Oromia since April 2019 and has been Chief Staff of the Prime Minister since 2018, Abiy Ahmed, since 2018.
Oromia is the largest region in Ethiopia, covering more than 350,000 square kilometers and home to nearly 40 million people, approximately a third of Ethiopia’s population.
The region is located in central Ethiopia, extending to the western part, sharing borders with other parts of the country in the Horn of Africa, excluding Tigray.
Oromia is known for its fertile land, natural resources, and agricultural production, particularly coffee.
It is also rich in minerals such as gold, gemstones, and others. However, the region has faced political challenges, natural disasters, and other issues.
Rwanda and Ethiopia have a strong relationship based on diplomatic respect and cooperation agreements aimed at benefiting their citizens.
The two countries have signed various agreements, including those focused on cooperation in law enforcement, media, sports, tourism, healthcare, education, and culture.
Their partnership extends to agriculture, trade, education, and air travel services with agreements between RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.
In 2024, Rwanda and Ethiopia signed cooperation agreements in five areas, including political collaboration, business, sports, disaster management, and investment.
The countries also share a deep connection through their people-to-people exchanges. In April 2024, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, attended Rwanda’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Kagame and Dr. Ahmed have held several discussions, including during the 2023 Africa-Saudi Arabia summit, to further strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
The two leaders also met in 2021 during a two-day visit Dr. Ahmed made to Rwanda.
This pivotal gathering will bring together Chiefs of Police from 14 member countries to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation in combating emerging security threats.
As the region grapples with increasingly sophisticated and transnational criminal activities, the AGM serves as a critical platform for addressing shared challenges, fostering intelligence exchange, and enhancing the collective capacity of law enforcement agencies.
The theme of this year’s meeting, “Strengthening regional law enforcement cooperation to counter terrorism, transnational, organized, and emerging crimes,” reflects the growing need for robust collaboration in tackling complex security issues that transcend national borders.
The meeting will not only focus on current crime trends but will also explore innovative solutions to enhance regional security and prevent future threats.
A unified response to regional security challenges
Founded in 1998 in Kampala, Uganda, EAPCCO was established as a regional response to the increasing threat posed by transnational and organized crimes.
The organization aims to unite law enforcement agencies in Eastern Africa to combat these shared threats.
The 14 member countries of EAPCCO include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles, and Somalia.
EAPCCO’s core mission revolves around strengthening cooperation among member states to address regional crime, share vital intelligence, and build capacity to effectively combat emerging threats.
Over the years, the organization has evolved into a key player in regional security, ensuring that law enforcement agencies remain equipped to tackle challenges that affect the entire region.
{{Collaboration and capacity building}}
EAPCCO’s main objectives focus on promoting cooperation, enhancing crime management, and strengthening law enforcement across the region.
This includes fostering joint strategies to combat cross-border and related crimes, disseminating information on criminal activities, and facilitating efficient management of criminal records.
The organization also places a significant emphasis on training and capacity building, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are well-prepared to meet the region’s evolving security needs.
Through its various subcommittees and initiatives, EAPCCO continually develops new approaches to address the complex landscape of regional security.
The organization’s efforts have been instrumental in shaping a more cohesive and effective regional response to emerging crime trends.
{{Focus areas of the 26th AGM}}
The 26th AGM will focus on addressing key crime areas that are increasingly affecting the region, including financial crimes, terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and intellectual property crimes.
These areas have become more interconnected and complex, necessitating a coordinated response from member states.
{{Reviewing resolutions’ implementation}}
At the AGM, Chiefs of Police will review the implementation of previous resolutions and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to combat transnational organized crime.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to assess the challenges faced in implementing these strategies and identify actionable measures to overcome obstacles.
Additionally, the meeting will facilitate the approval of new recommendations and resolutions aimed at improving regional cooperation and enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies.
The AGM will also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and experiences, allowing member countries to learn from one another’s successes and challenges in tackling criminal activities.
Through these discussions, EAPCCO will continue to refine its strategies, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are better equipped to address both current and emerging threats.
{{A showcase of tactical excellence}}
This year’s AGM introduces a dynamic new feature: the EAPCCO SWAT Challenge.
Set to take place from January 29-30, 2025, at the Counter-Terrorism Training Center (CTTC) in Bugesera District, the SWAT Challenge will showcase the operational readiness and skills of police tactical units from EAPCCO member countries.
Elite law enforcement teams will compete in various exercises designed to test their physical fitness, teamwork, and tactical expertise in responding to security incidents.
The event will not only serve as a demonstration of the region’s capacity to respond to critical security situations but will also foster knowledge sharing among participating teams.
The best-performing units will be recognized for their excellence in law enforcement, further promoting a spirit of healthy competition and continuous improvement among the region’s law enforcement agencies.
{{EAPCCO Events}}
The AGM key events include the meeting of Chiefs of Police—a supreme decision-making authority of EAPCCO—Council of Ministers, and sideline meetings that include the Permanent Co-Coordinating Committee (PCC) composed of directors of Criminal Investigations and Heads of National Central Bureaus (NCB).
Other sideline subcommittee meetings include those on legal, training, cybercrime, gender and counter-terrorism.
Each session provides a unique opportunity to share experiences, review progress, and discuss new ways to address challenges facing the region.
During the AGM, there is always change of chairmanship to the Chief of Police of the host country.
The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday, with dangerously high winds expected to return.
Sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts up to 70 mph are forecast for the region, particularly on Tuesday, which could make firefighting efforts even more difficult.
The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong Santa Ana winds is fueling the flames, making this one of the most perilous fire seasons in recent memory.
Fire crews received additional support on Sunday, with 70 water trucks deployed to help fight the flames. Aircraft also dropped fire retardant along vulnerable hillsides in an attempt to slow the spread of the fires.
The fires, which began last week, have been exacerbated by the dry conditions and the powerful Santa Ana winds, which have turned them into catastrophic wildfires.
More than a dozen people are missing in the areas affected by the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire, and authorities are working to confirm whether some of the missing may be among the fatalities.
With little rainfall in the area for over eight months, the region remains highly susceptible to further fire risks, and officials are bracing for the worst as winds pick up again.
Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, expressed fears over potential security risks, citing efforts by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the National Office of Investigation (NOI) to arrest the impeached president.
Yoon’s legal team emphasized that the president would only attend the trial once these safety issues are addressed.
The constitutional court is set to begin hearings on January 14, with additional sessions planned for January 16, 21, 23, and February 4.
The impeachment motion, passed by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, suspended Yoon’s presidential powers for up to 180 days while the court deliberates.
Yoon, who faces charges related to insurrection, declared martial law on December 3, which was overturned by the assembly.
Despite a failed attempt to arrest him on January 3, a Seoul court has since extended the warrant for his apprehension.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on a working visit to Ethiopia.
The leaders held constructive discussions on regional and bilateral issues, aiming to deepen the fraternal bond between their peoples, according to a joint communique released Saturday evening.
Both leaders agreed to “restore and enhance” bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. They also emphasized closer collaboration between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, the communique said.
Noting that the stability of the region requires the two countries’ strong cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect, the two leaders pledged to strengthen coordination on improving regional relations and fostering common understanding and shared progress.
The leaders further underscored the need to enhance security cooperation, particularly in countering the threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region. They agreed to direct their security agencies to deepen collaboration in promoting peace and stability, it noted.
Reaffirming their commitment to the Ankara Declaration, the two leaders pledged to expedite technical negotiations outlined in the agreement.
The Somali president’s visit to Ethiopia followed last month’s Turkish-mediated talks in Ankara, which helped resolve misunderstandings and de-escalate diplomatic tensions that had strained relations throughout 2024.
The diplomatic rift had been escalating between the two neighboring countries after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly signed an agreement earlier in 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia said the agreement is legally invalid.
As part of the normalization efforts, Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed led a high-level delegation to Somalia earlier this month, reiterating both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
This 15th edition of the training program was attracted 45 participants, including 15 officers from South Sudan, 21 from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), three from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), four from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), and two from the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Vincent Sano, officiated the closing ceremony, emphasizing that capacity-building is key to addressing evolving security challenges in an increasingly dynamic world.
“In today’s security operations, it is essential for personnel across all relevant institutions to possess the necessary knowledge and skills to address security threats effectively within our countries, the region, and globally. This is why the Government of Rwanda, particularly the Rwanda National Police, invests heavily in capacity building,” said Sano.
He highlighted the importance of the training for all participants: “The training you completed today is significant for the Rwanda National Police, the South Sudan National Police, and for you as individuals.
Successfully completing it is an achievement that reflects your journey, the dedication of the institution’s leadership, faculty, and the collaboration among yourselves.”
Sano encouraged the graduates to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the program while upholding discipline and a strong work ethic in their respective roles.
“This training aims to equip participants with advanced skills in strategic thinking, planning, and implementing security operations beyond traditional methods, aligned with modern challenges. The expertise and professionalism you have gained, combined with your exemplary conduct and commitment, will enable you to excel in your assignments and deliver impactful results,” he added.
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for an end to subsistence farming, emphasizing the importance of commercial agriculture to secure food and economic prosperity.
Highlighting Uganda’s progress, Museveni said, “67% of Ugandan homesteads are now part of the money economy compared to only 9% at independence.” He credited strategies like improved seed distribution, farmer sensitization, and disease control for this success.
“With these measures, Africa will be a superpower economically. This Africa of having no food and begging is not the real Africa but a shameful legacy of colonialism,” he declared.
Museveni underscored the need to add value within Africa to retain wealth and jobs. “A shirt like the one I’m wearing now involves six job levels—from growing cotton to tailoring. Africa often stops at level two, exporting raw materials while losing jobs and money,” he said.
He also called for environmental preservation and innovative solutions like desalinization technologies to address water challenges.
Leaders at the summit agreed to remove non-tariff barriers and strengthen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Non-tariff barriers are crippling intra-African trade. We must eliminate these obstacles urgently,” Museveni added.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, lamented the slow progress in implementing the agricultural targets set in the 2003 Maputo and 2014 Malabo Declarations.
“Despite 60% of the world’s uncultivated land and a youthful population, millions of Africans remain food insecure,” Faki said. He called for increased investment in mechanization, modern farming technologies, and governance reforms to ensure accountability.
Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized linking smallholder farmers to urban markets. “The AfCFTA provides a vital framework to allow African agricultural products to compete freely across the continent,” he said, urging member states to implement the CAADP Kampala Declaration effectively.
Angolan President João Lourenço stressed the need for rigorous monitoring of commitments. “We must double our efforts to meet the targets outlined in our action plans, including producing fertilizers and vaccines for food security,” he said.
Norway’s State Secretary for International Development, Bjorg Sandkjær, reaffirmed international support for Africa’s agricultural agenda. “The bold vision of the new CAADP strategy aligns with Africa’s broader goals for resilience and prosperity,” she said, pledging continued financial and technical assistance.
The summit adopted the CAADP Kampala Declaration, a ten-year blueprint emphasizing agricultural modernization, climate resilience, and value addition. Uganda’s Agriculture Minister, Frank Tumwebaze, hailed the summit as a milestone. “The Kampala Declaration validates Uganda’s remarkable journey in agricultural development,” he noted.
As leaders return to their countries, the challenge remains to translate these commitments into concrete actions, unlocking Africa’s potential to ensure food security and economic prosperity for its 1.4 billion citizens.
In collaboration with Ishuri-Umuco, a cultural school established by Rwandans living in the city of Liège, journalist Hélène Annet and filmmaker Yvan Gorré, a journalist at the Belgian national television station RTBF, traveled to Rwanda with children from the Ishuri-Umuco school.
They were led by Eric Twagirimana, the school’s founder and director, alongside his colleague Karurenzi Donatille.
While visiting Rwanda, they produced the documentary, showcasing the children’s experiences, particularly regarding the history of the genocide and how their parents had lived through it.
It also highlighted how Rwanda has rebuilt itself. Donatille Karurenzi, a survivor from Kabgayi, shared her testimony, which added a unique perspective to the film by combining the children’s conversations with her personal story.
The visual footage and music used in the documentary also contributed to its powerful impact.
Ishuri-Umuco was founded in late 2019 by Rwandans in the diaspora from DRB-Rugari Liège, who came together to provide solutions for their children and help them unite and preserve Rwandan culture.
The documentary, titled “La Force des Racines” (translated as “The Strength of Roots”), was chosen from 19 other films to win the Journalism Prize 2024 at the Brussels Parliament.
The jury selected this 26-minute film due to its thoughtful and careful approach, which made it an excellent educational tool for young people to understand the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and learn about Rwanda’s progress today.
This award, presented by Speaker Benoit Dispa and other Belgian parliamentarians, journalists, researchers, and others, highlights the value of the media as a tool for education and advocacy for positive change. It also underscores the importance of living in peace.
Through the film, Hélène Annet and Yvan Gorré made a significant contribution to explaining the difficult experiences of Rwandans and encouraged young people to confront global issues like violence and discrimination.
Hélène Henet explained that the film was created to highlight the events of the Genocide against the Tutsi using the testimony of Donatille Karurenzi, who was 13 years old in 1994 and survived in Kabgayi.
“For us, it was essential to make this film to revisit the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi that happened 30 years ago in Rwanda.
“Even here in Europe, the seeds of hatred, violence, and denial continue to persist, sometimes in small ways. Our goal is to show that what happened in Rwanda can happen anywhere. It’s a warning for the youth to be alert, understand history, respect one another, and avoid conflicts over differences like race, language, and origins,” she said.
Director Yvan Gorré explained that the documentary sought to highlight the historical ties between Belgium and Rwanda and stressed the relevance of learning from past mistakes.
“Some of these links are difficult,” he noted, “but there is also a present and a diaspora here, including survivors living in Belgium. What was important for us was to exercise a right to memory—not as a passive view of history, but as a positive action,” he noted.
In an interview with IGIHE, Donatille Karurenzi expressed her joy about the award, noting how it would help further spread the film’s impact.
Since its release, teachers and students in Belgium have been using the film in schools, occasionally inviting genocide survivors to share their testimonies for a deeper understanding.
She said, “Beyond the award, we are grateful for the journey that led to the making of this documentary. It gave us the strength to continue teaching children about their country, its history, and the experiences their parents went through. That’s why it’s called ‘La Force des Racines.’”
This award is not just recognition but also honors those affected by and survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi. It serves as a reminder to people around the world to build a better future based on peace and mutual support.
Eric Twagirimana, the director of Ishuri-Umuco de Liège, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the National Academy of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda National Police and the Ministry of Unity and Civic Engagement for their significant support in the journey that led to the creation of this film.
He also thanked everyone who contributed to making this project a success.
“I also want to thank the parents who work with us to teach our children about culture and all that comes with it in Liège. Keep it up!” he said.
{{Some of the photos of the children and parents from Ishuri-Umuco de Liège during their journey in Rwanda served as the inspiration for this documentary film}}
