The agreement was signed on Monday, January 20, 2025, by Clementine Mukeka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary for Africa.
The MoU establishes a foundation for closer collaboration between the two nations.
During the discussions, both parties explored ways to expand cooperation in diplomacy and identified opportunities for mutual benefit.
They agreed on potential areas of partnership, including trade and investment, defence and security, education, culture, science, technology, and agriculture.
Following the MoU signing, a delegation of Pakistani military officials, led by Maj Gen Muneer-ud-Din, Director General of Foreign Military Cooperation at the Joint Staff Headquarters of the Pakistan Armed Forces (PAF), held discussions with Rwanda’s Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.
During their three-day visit to Rwanda, the delegation will explore avenues to enhance cooperation between the Rwandan Defense Forces and Pakistan’s security institutions.
Their itinerary includes visits to the Gako Military Academy, the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum at the Parliamentary Building.
Speaking at a joint news conference with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Hassan said that laboratory tests conducted at the Kabaile mobile laboratory in the northwestern Kagera region and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one person in Biharamulo District as infected with MVD.
“Following rumors of an outbreak of MVD in the Kagera region, the government took several measures, including investigating suspected individuals in the affected areas,” she said.
Hassan said that health authorities worked closely with local community leaders to enhance surveillance, establish emergency response teams, and implement additional safety measures.
“Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative for other illnesses. This confirmed that the Marburg virus case marks the second outbreak of this disease in our country,” she said.
The WHO released a statement last week, saying that the agency had informed its member states of an outbreak of suspected MVD in Kagera.
In March 2023, Tanzania experienced its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a rare and deadly hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. That outbreak also occurred in the Kagera region, which borders Uganda and Rwanda.
Due to projected cold weather in Washington, D.C., his inauguration ceremony was held indoors — the first time in four decades.
Trump took his oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Chief Justice usually administers the presidential oath of office, a tradition that has been followed since the first inauguration.
Trump said in his inauguration speech that American decline ends and “the golden Age of America begins right now.”
In his speech, Trump promised to sign “a series of historic executive orders,” including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, enhancing oil and gas production, revoking electric vehicle mandate. He also promised to immediately begin the overhaul of the trade system and “tariff and tax foreign countries.”
Trump pledged to bring down prices, save auto industry, “restore fair, equal and impartial justice,” and bring law and order back to U.S. cities.
Criticizing Democrats’ DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs, the newly sworn-in president said this week, he will also end the government policy of “trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” and “forge a society that is colorblind and merit based.”
He noted that it will be the “official policy” of the United States government that there are only two genders — male and female.
Trump also pledged to build the strongest military the world has ever seen. “We will measure our success, not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into,” Trump said, adding that he will be a peacemaker and unifier.
The president reiterated that he will change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and will take back the Panama Canal.
In addition, Trump said that he will, for the second time, pull the United States out of the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change.
Moments before Trump’s swearing-in, JD Vance was sworn in as the vice president.
The group consists of six females and three males, and the arrests took place on January 17, 2025, as confirmed by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry.
“We have identified nine individuals, including six girls and three boys, who appear in videos circulating on social media showing them engaging in sexual acts. They are under investigation for crimes including drug use, public distribution of obscene material, and engaging in public indecency,” Dr. Murangira stated.
The individuals, aged between 20 and 28, were part of the “Rich Gang” group, where they distributed the explicit videos.
The group includes Ishimwe Patrick, Uwineza Nelly Sany, Gihozo Pascaline, Kwizera Emelyne, Uwase Sariha, Uwase Belyse, Shakira Uwase, Rucyahana David, and Banza Julien.
Emelyne has been trending on social media in recent days after an alleged explicit video of her went viral.
Seven have been arrested, while two are being investigated without detention. They are being held at various RIB stations in Kicukiro, Gikondo, Remera, Kacyiru, and Kimironko as their cases are processed for submission to the Public Prosecution.
The individuals are said to have recorded videos of themselves engaging in sexual acts and shared them with others in exchange for money.
Upon arrest, it was revealed that some of them were using drugs, with several testing positive for cannabis. The levels ranged from 55 to 275, far above the normal range of 0-20.
RIB urges young people to understand that social media platforms should not be used to share obscene content or engage in criminal activities.
Dr. Murangira emphasized, “Recently, some individuals have been creating WhatsApp groups to spread explicit videos. We urge them to stop because such acts are punishable by law, and all social media platforms are considered public spaces.”
IGIHE has learned that similar activities are happening in other groups, such as “Kigali VP HOOKS-UPS,” “VIP Online Sex,” “House Party Show,” and others.
RIB’s preliminary investigation reveals that some individuals have turned the distribution of explicit videos into a business.
Dr. Murangira further stated, “These activities must stop because no one will be able to claim their photos were leaked if it involves connivance.”
The investigation also uncovered that some individuals, including both men and women, encourage others to share explicit content in exchange for large sums of money.
Some even offer phone numbers and invite others to DM them for such content, which constitutes premeditated criminal activity and is punishable by law.
While attending the 30th National Prayer Breakfast, President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of moral upbringing.
He condemned indecent dressing and stressed that no family or religion advocates for it.
“I observe trends on social media, where young people roam the streets dressed inappropriately, practically naked. What exactly does someone who dresses like that hope to showcase? There is no religion that encourages nudity, nor is there any family that promotes it. But this nudity is not just physical; it also reflects emptiness in the mind, which is the real issue,” the Head of State remarked.
“How can we, as a society, allow such behaviour? As leaders, what responsibilities are we fulfilling if we tolerate such actions? Are we supposed to clothe Rwandans in indecency?”
The crime of distributing explicit content via computers or networks could result in imprisonment for three to five years, along with a fine between one million and three million Rwandan Francs.
Convictions for drug use or pharmaceutical abuse may lead to one to two years of imprisonment or community service.
Eavesdropping, recording, or broadcasting private conversations could lead to imprisonment for six months to one year.
Meanwhile, distributing obscene content via technological means may result in imprisonment for six months to two years.
Speaking on the Italian talk show Che Tempo Che Fa, AP has reported, Francis expressed concern about the impact such policies would have on vulnerable immigrants.
“If true, this will be a disgrace because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill for the problem. This won’t do!” he said.
In a telegram sent on Trump’s inauguration day, Francis prayed for America to remain a “land of opportunity” and urged for a society free of hatred and exclusion.
Trump, who prioritized deportations during his campaign, faced criticism from U.S. Catholic leaders.
Cardinal Robert McElroy, incoming Archbishop of Washington D.C., said such policies contradict Catholic teachings about welcoming the stranger.
Similarly, Chicago Cardinal Blasé Cupich described the plans as “profoundly disturbing.”
Pope Francis has consistently championed the rights and dignity of migrants, asserting that their protection outweighs national security concerns.
The ceasefire ended an Israeli offensive that claimed more than 46,900 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The deadly fighting also razed much of Gaza and caused widespread hunger and diseases in the strip.
Among the three released women are Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli and Doron Steinbrecher, a Romanian-Israeli veterinary nurse aged 30, both of whom were abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza outside northern Gaza, and Romi Gonen, 23, who was taken from the Nova music festival.
A live broadcast from Gaza showed the hostages, freed from 471 days of captivity, being transferred from a Hamas vehicle surrounded by armed militants to a Red Cross vehicle, which transported them to Israeli forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released photos of the women embracing their mothers at a military compound outside Gaza. Later, helicopters flew them to Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, where they received medical and psychological care.
The Red Cross earlier informed the Israeli side that their condition was “good.” However, a screenshot of Damari during a video call showed her with a bandaged hand missing two fingers, an injury sustained during her abduction by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Her mother, Mandy, expressed in a statement her gratitude to supporters, saying, “After 471 days, Emily is finally home.”
In Gaza, celebrations erupted in the streets, with people chanting and waving the flag of Palestine. Displaced residents began returning to their homes in northern and southern regions, only to find much of the infrastructure reduced to dust.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel is set to release 90 Palestinian detainees on Sunday, primarily women and children from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Over the next six weeks, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in phases, including women, children, men over 50, the sick, and the injured.
Deceased hostages are expected to be returned in later stages. Israel estimates that about half of the 98 hostages still held in Gaza are alive, though Hamas has not provided confirmation.
In Tel Aviv, large crowds gathered at Hostage Square to celebrate and demand adherence to the agreement. Families and friends of the hostages were seen following the news of their release, cheering and bursting into tears as the women were transferred to Israeli forces.
Netanyahu called the release “a great moment, an exciting moment…,” adding that the three “went through hell.”
Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari, speaking at a press briefing, warned the military was boosting forces in the West Bank and remaining prepared for military action if Hamas violates the truce.
Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said on Sunday that Al-Qassam and other Palestinian factions are committed to the ceasefire deal.
“We, along with other resistance factions, declare our full commitment to the ceasefire agreement, but this remains contingent on the enemy’s adherence,” Ubaida emphasized in a televised statement.
Also on Sunday, the first humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza from Egypt, Palestinian sources confirmed.
Based on the ceasefire agreement, about 600 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid, including 50 fuel trucks, will enter Gaza every day to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aims to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas that was triggered by Hamas’ cross-border assault on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of 1,200 people in Israel and the kidnapping of about 250 others.
The appreciation was voiced on January 16, 2025, as the four-year project officially came to an end during a ceremony that celebrated its achievements.
The event included testimonials from beneficiaries, coffee exhibitions, and tastings, and it was graced by coffee industry stakeholders, TechnoServe staff, and various partners, including representatives from the Government of Rwanda.
The Rwanda INC project, implemented in six districts, was funded by the European Union (EU) with a contribution of €2 million and JDE Peet’s, which provided €500,000.
It sought to enhance Rwanda’s coffee value chain by enabling farmers, washing stations, and service providers to access critical information and financing, ensuring they could produce high-quality coffee for local, regional, and international markets.
TechnoServe’s presence in Rwanda spans over 15 years, during which the organization has empowered more than 80,000 farmers and entrepreneurs.
The Rwanda INC program is one of over 15 projects TechnoServe has implemented in the country, making a profound impact on the coffee sector.
In addition to distributing over 1.9 million coffee seedlings, it supported more than 11,000 coffee farmers.
The initiative also trained 53 young professionals in collaboration with the Coffee Quality Institute, fostering their growth in the coffee sector.
Additionally, 50 Coffee Washing Stations received support to improve their quality and operational efficiency, further strengthening Rwanda’s coffee production capabilities.
Dr. Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary at MINAGRI, praised TechnoServe for its critical role in advancing the nation’s coffee industry.
He highlighted the productive collaboration between TechnoServe and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), noting the development of quality and sustainable guidelines that will benefit the coffee sector for years to come.
“The decision to transfer ownership of the Digital Farmer Extension Monitoring System to NAEB demonstrates your commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of these interventions,” he noted.
Dr. Kamana reaffirmed the government’s dedication to building upon the achievements of the Rwanda INC project and pledged to expand its successful interventions to other Coffee Washing Stations across the country.
The impact of the project extended to individuals and businesses across the coffee sector.
Christine Vuguziga, co-founder of Ngoma Coffee Washing Station in Nyamasheke District, described how the project transformed her operations.
“The project enabled us to plant 40,000 new coffee trees, which grow faster and adapt to climate changes. We also use a digital application that helps our agronomists address farmers’ issues, resulting in better yields,” she said.
Similarly, Manasseh Hategekimana, a graduate from IPRC Huye College in crop production, expressed his gratitude for the training he received through TechnoServe and the Coffee Quality Institute.
“Before the training, I didn’t see coffee farming as a viable career for youth. But after gaining skills and earning a Professional Certificate, I got employed immediately.
“Today, I’m an agronomist at the Land of Thousand Hills Coffee Company. I encourage more young people to explore opportunities in coffee farming and processing because it’s a lucrative industry,” Hategekimana shared.
Sophie Duchanoy, TechnoServe Rwanda’s Country Manager, reflected on the project’s success in elevating the value of Rwandan coffee in local and international markets.
She expressed her deepest gratitude to the EU, JDE Peet’s, and the Government of Rwanda for their trust and support, which enabled the program to achieve its goals.
“By supporting farmers, washing stations, and service providers, the program has facilitated access to critical information and financing needed to produce high-quality coffee for local, regional, and international markets,” she noted.
Amparo Gonzalez Diez, team leader of the Agriculture and Rural Development section at the EU delegation to Rwanda, commended the project for its emphasis on youth involvement and modern practices while pledging the EU’s continued support for Rwanda’s coffee sector.
Although the Rwanda INC project has concluded, TechnoServe remains active in Rwanda through the ReGenerate Rwanda project, funded by the Swedish Embassy.
This initiative aims to sustainably increase incomes for 30,000 individuals living in poverty in the Western and Southern Provinces.
By collaborating with private sector partners, the project seeks to develop innovative business solutions that address unmet demands for essential products and services.
With a focus on inclusivity, the project integrates women and youth as key drivers of transformative growth, advancing regenerative economic models that promise to build a sustainable future for Rwanda’s coffee industry and beyond.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” TikTok said in a statement.
“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship,” said the company.
TikTok said it would work with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume the presidency on Monday, for a long-term solution that would keep TikTok in the United States.
TikTok went dark late Saturday in the United States, one day after the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision to uphold a law forcing TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American company, or face a nationwide ban starting on Sunday.
Trump said earlier Sunday on Truth Social that he will issue an executive order on Monday that will allow TikTok to continue operating.
He said on Saturday that he will “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day extension.
The 217 officers were flagged off by Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday to assist the first batch of 400 officers deployed to the Caribbean nation last year.
Upon their arrival at Port-au-Prince on Sunday morning, the officers were received by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and other government officials. The officers were accompanied by Deputy National Security Advisor Joseph Boinnet, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, and Commandant-General of the Service Unit Ranson Lolmodooni.
The Prime Minister hailed the reinforcement as a crucial step in restoring order to the country, which has been plagued by gang violence for years.
Yesterday, Minister Murkomen noted that the Kenya-led mission has made tremendous progress in reducing gang violence.
“Our commitment to this historic mission is unwavering, and we will continue to mobilize all the necessary international support for it to succeed,” the minister stated.
The MSS mission, authorized by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023, has been tasked with assisting the Haitian government in re-establishing security amidst growing unrest.
Besides Kenya, the mission in Haiti has received commitments from several countries. As of January 2025, some of the contributing nations include Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Despite international efforts, the mission has faced challenges, including equipment shortages, logistical issues, and funding constraints, which have impacted its effectiveness.
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The UN extended the mission’s mandate until October 2025 in a unanimous decision made in September 2024, amid warnings from experts and the Haitian government about the dire situation.
In a recent investigative report, the UN offices in Haiti documented a massacre in Port-au-Prince by the Wharf Jérémie gang, with at least 207 executions recorded between December 6 and 11, 2024.
With over 5,350 people killed in 2024 alone and 17,000 dead or injured since the gang’s rise in 2022, the UN highlighted the urgent need for international intervention.
Recent reports indicate that more than 700,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to gang violence and insecurity. The number has been steadily increasing, with a significant rise between 2022 and 2023.
It is estimated that 2.7 million Haitians, including 1.6 million women and children, live in areas under gang control. The residents face daily threats of violence, extortion, and restrictions on their movement.
In recent days, social media platforms have seen an increase in the circulation of explicit images and videos featuring Rwandans engaging in nudity and sexual acts.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has consistently warned the public against such activities, reminding them that these are punishable offences under the law.
While attending the 30th National Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship at Serena Hotel, President Kagame stated that it is unacceptable for society to tolerate individuals walking around naked, as this goes against Rwandan culture.
“I observe trends on social media, where young people roam the streets dressed inappropriately, practically naked. What exactly does someone who dresses like that hope to showcase? There is no religion that encourages nudity, nor is there any family that promotes it. But this nudity is not just physical; it also reflects emptiness in the mind, which is the real issue,” the Head of State remarked.
“How can we, as a society, allow such behaviour? As leaders, what responsibilities are we fulfilling if we tolerate such actions? Are we supposed to clothe Rwandans in indecency?”
The President also highlighted that among the challenges reported to him are issues plaguing Rwandan families, including drug abuse, domestic conflicts, and violence, even among newlyweds.
“Families are increasingly unstable, with young couples who have been married for just a few months, even before having children, already facing numerous disputes. Some fight, separate, or engage in other conflicts. As leaders, whether in religious or governmental roles, we must focus on addressing these issues to stabilize Rwandan families,” he noted.
A report from Rwanda’s judiciary revealed that out of 25,481 civil cases handled by courts in the 2023/2024 period, 2,833 were divorce cases, making them the most common type of civil lawsuit.
President Kagame urged leaders to adopt all possible measures to ensure peaceful and stable families, reiterating that marriage is not meant for constant conflict.
“When you see young people, say 29 or 25 years old, getting married, even at 30, they are still young. They didn’t marry to fight daily; they married to build a family, to live in peace, and to grow together,” he said.
He also linked some family conflicts to the misuse of drugs, stating, “Those involved in drug abuse—whether young or old—often bring other problems into their families, leading to constant quarrels.”
He stressed that such behaviour often stems from a lack of compromise, as everyone insists on being right. He called on leaders in both religious and governmental circles to take an active role in mitigating these issues, urging them not to remain passive observers.
“Should we just watch and let things fall apart? If so, what role are we really playing? If we fail to fulfil our responsibilities, we deceive ourselves,” he concluded.
In previous years, divorce rates in Rwanda have shown a steady rise. In 2019, 8,941 divorces were finalized in court. In 2020, courts received 3,213 divorce cases, and in 2021/2022, the number rose to 3,322.
