Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said on social media platform X, “There is no humanitarian zone let alone a ‘safe zone.’”
He called for an end to misleading evacuation orders and the killing of civilians, warning that every day without a ceasefire brings more tragedy.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of large areas within Gaza, citing rocket fire into Israel. The office said an initial analysis indicates the new orders cover about 3 square km in North Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates. Strikes have been reported in the Al Mawasi area, where people were ordered to move and take shelter.
“Over 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked Israeli evacuation orders. Amid this situation, OCHA warns that the ability of humanitarian organizations to support people in need across Gaza is further diminishing,” said OCHA.
The humanitarians said some of the most onerous restrictions on humanitarian movement were recorded last month, including blocking access to border areas for collecting supplies, denying attempts to deliver goods and services, or assessing needs across Gaza. Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to move aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by the Israeli authorities, with another 18 percent disrupted or interfered with.
Access has been denied for the besieged areas in North Gaza since Oct. 6. According to OCHA, out of 166 attempts, 150 were refused, and 16 were initially agreed to but interfered with or faced impediments. The office noted that access to what remains of hospitals in the north is among the top priorities.
OCHA also said that in the West Bank, it joined with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners to assess the aftermath of an Israeli operation in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps last week. Teams visited the area on Tuesday and estimated more than 1,000 housing units and about 100 shops were damaged from explosions or bulldozing. Over 20 families of more than 90 people were displaced.
The office said that damage to infrastructure disrupted electricity, water and sewage networks. OCHA mobilized a humanitarian response by partners, who trucked water to people.
It said the West Bank assessment will inform further interventions, including installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash.
The event, held at the Got Ramogi Hill shrines, also honored former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga with the same title.
The cultural leader, Ker Odungi Randa, conducted the crowning ceremony, presenting the leaders with traditional symbols of leadership, including a ruler’s seat, crown, elder’s cloth, shield, spear, and a whisk symbolizing peace.
The festival celebrated Luo heritage and unity, attracting participants from various East African countries and communities, including Uganda’s Alur, Acholi, Padhola, and Jo Nam groups, as well as other Luo communities from across Africa.
Museveni expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the festival’s role in fostering East African unity, urging for a stronger push towards an East African Federation to achieve regional prosperity and security.
He emphasized the shared heritage among East Africans, despite colonial-era borders, and called for greater integration.
Museveni reflected on Africa’s struggles under colonialism and praised historical leaders like Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta for their contributions to the East African integration process.
He presented Luo cultural leaders with plaques featuring historical moments, including the 1963 declaration by East African leaders to form a federation.
On his part, Ruto applauded Museveni for attending the festival on short notice, calling it a testament to his commitment to regional unity. He emphasized the importance of breaking down artificial borders to enable the free movement of people, goods, and services within East Africa.
He also reaffirmed support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union chairmanship, positioning it as a step toward promoting African unity and progress.
Raila Odinga echoed these sentiments, calling for the removal of colonial-era borders that hinder regional prosperity. He stressed the importance of intra-African trade, noting that only 15% of African trade occurs within the continent compared to 70% in Europe.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo also called for practical steps towards the East African Federation, proposing free movement between Kenya and Uganda as a starting point.
As part of the festival, Ruto officially opened the Lamogi campus of Nyang’oma Technical Training College, a Ksh400 million project aimed at providing educational opportunities.
He announced the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate President Museveni’s presence at the event, symbolizing the celebration of East African unity.
The three-day festival, themed “Celebrating the Roots of Our Culture and Heritage,” featured cultural displays, including traditional dances, foods, attire, prayers, and folklore.
Participants visited historical landmarks like the Jaramogi Oginga Mausoleum and traditional Luo huts representing the community’s origins.
Later, Presidents Museveni and Ruto inaugurated the newly constructed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga stadium, a 20,000-seat FIFA-standard facility designed to boost sports in Western Kenya.
The stadium hosted a friendly football match between Kenya’s Gor Mahia and Uganda’s Kitara FC, with Gor Mahia winning 9-8 in penalties. Museveni praised both teams for their spirited performances and encouraged East Africans to create wealth through agriculture, ICT, services, and manufacturing.
The Piny Luo Festival underscored the cultural and historical ties binding East African communities while advocating for deeper regional integration and cooperation. The event also served as a platform to promote peace, reconciliation, and shared aspirations for a prosperous future.
In an end-of-year address on Tuesday, President Alassane Ouattara declared that the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion stationed at Port-Bouët in Abidjan would be handed over to the Ivory Coast armed forces by January 2025.
“We can be proud of our army, whose modernisation is now effective. It is in this context that we have decided on the concerted and organised withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast,” President Ouattara announced.
France’s presence in West Africa, once robust, has been rapidly diminishing. Ivory Coast follows nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Chad in scaling back or completely severing military ties with Paris.
Notably, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger expelled French troops after military coups, shifting towards alliances with Russia.
In November, Senegal and Chad both announced the departure of French forces, signaling a shift in regional security dynamics. On December 26, France officially returned its first military base to Chad, marking the end of its military presence in the Sahel region.
The decision to remove French forces has been tied to growing local sentiments against French influence. Analysts see this as part of a broader transformation in Africa’s relationship with its former coloniser.
While France ended its colonial rule in West Africa in the 1960s, its military presence has often been viewed as a lingering symbol of external control.
In Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently reinforced this sentiment, citing the incompatibility of military bases with national independence.
“Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases,” Faye said in an interview commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, where French forces killed hundreds of African riflemen demanding their pay.
Faye also called for further investigations into the incident, which French President Emmanuel Macron has officially recognized as a massacre.
France’s diminishing footprint on the continent has now resulted in its expulsion from more than 70 percent of the African countries where it maintained a military presence after the end of colonial rule.
The French military’s permanent presence is now limited to Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 personnel.
A vehicle fire was first reported around 8:40 a.m. local time in the valet area of the hotel. The Cybertruck pulled up to the front to the entrance when smoke started showing and there was an explosion, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill was quoted as saying, adding that one person inside the vehicle was killed.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a post on X that “We are investigating a vehicle fire at the entrance to Trump Towers. The fire is out. Please avoid the area.”
Officials confirmed to media that seven people suffered minor injuries as a result of the explosion, with two of them taken to a hospital for treatment.
Most people staying at Trump International have been moved to a nearby hotel, Resorts World Las Vega, said the report of KSNV television station, citing McMahill.
Videos posted on social media showed a Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside the hotel’s lobby entrance.
An official who briefed on the probe told ABC News that the Tesla Cybertruck had a load of fireworks-style mortars onboard.
Investigators are urgently working to determine a motive and whether the driver intended to set off an explosion and why, said the report, noting that “Until a motive is determined and other possibilities are ruled out, police are treating the explosion like a possible criminal act and a possible act of terror.”
Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, said in a post on X that “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now.”
The staunch ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump noted that “We’ve never seen anything like this.” He wrote later that “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.”
“Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas,” Eric Trump, the president-elect’s son and a leader of the Trump Organization, said in a post on X. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism,” he added.
Concerns raised by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) revealed that in 2023 alone, 228 houses were damaged by fire outbreaks. This trend persisted into 2024, with another 87 houses destroyed between June and August, revealing a significant gap in insurance coverage among property owners.
RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe explained that the ongoing assessment seeks to address these gaps and inform future interventions.
“Over the past few months, RHA has initiated a comprehensive data collection exercise to assess the insurance status of buildings across the country. This process is still ongoing, and we are working closely with stakeholders to compile and validate the data,” he told The New Times.
The results of this exercise will clarify the disparity between insured and uninsured properties, enabling policymakers to craft more effective strategies.
Adalbert Rukebanuka, MINEMA’s Director General of Planning, Policy, and Risk Reduction, emphasized the challenges posed by urban living conditions, such as overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
These factors, combined with limited firefighting resources, exacerbate fire risks in densely populated areas. “Most of the buildings are not insured for fire risks,” Rukebanuka noted.
“Overcrowded settlements with narrow alleyways hinder firefighters, leading to greater damage and loss of life.”
Informal settlements and inadequate public awareness about fire safety contribute to the prevalence of fire-related incidents. To mitigate these risks, the RHA has engaged some insurance companies to streamline insurance access for government institutions.
Regular reminders and follow-ups are expected to ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
The claims, which have been circulating among certain individuals, suggest that the RIB unfairly accused over 150 people, including Rwandans and foreigners, of being involved in the bank’s fraud, without sufficient evidence or proper legal procedures.
The accusations stem from a 2023 investigation into the misuse of Mastercard prepaid multicurrency cards, a service introduced by I&M Bank.
The bank had marketed the cards as a way for customers to exchange Rwandan Francs into various foreign currencies at favourable rates.
According to RIB, some individuals exploited the system by deceiving others into providing personal information, which was then used to obtain multiple cards and carry out fraudulent transactions. The stolen funds amounted to approximately $10.26 million.
Following the discovery, RIB launched an investigation, and a number of suspects were placed under investigation. Some were arrested, while others fled the country.
A total of 148 suspects have been pursued, and over 2.27 billion Rwandan Francs have been recovered, along with other assets, including properties purchased with the stolen money.
Despite the progress in the case, several individuals have claimed that they were wrongly accused and victimized by the RIB’s actions.
Among the claims, one individual, through a post on X, alleged that the investigation was manipulated by some corrupt officials who abused their power for personal gain.
However, RIB has firmly rejected these allegations, stating that its actions have always been based on law and evidence. The bureau maintains that it followed proper procedures throughout the investigation and that any claims of injustice are being used to deflect attention from the true perpetrators.
“We are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all individuals involved in illegal activities are held accountable,” RIB said while reacting to the social media seeking President Paul Kagame’s intervention.
“The allegations of wrongful targeting are baseless and part of a broader attempt to discredit our efforts.”
RIB assures the public that the investigation is ongoing, with continued efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, December 30, 2024, has drawn widespread attention.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, KSA said preliminary assessments indicate that the object is a fragment of a space vehicle, specifically a metallic ring used as a separation mechanism for rockets.
The object, measuring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter, startled residents when it fell in the village, creating a loud thud upon impact. Panic quickly turned to curiosity as residents gathered to inspect the mysterious debris.
KSA explained that such objects are typically designed to burn up upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere or land in uninhabited areas, such as oceans. However, in this rare case, the fragment reached the ground in a populated area, making it an isolated but significant incident.
KSA is now working within established international space law frameworks to investigate the matter and determine the exact origin of the object.
The agency expressed its gratitude to the residents of Mukuku Village for their swift action in reporting the incident and cooperating with authorities to ensure public safety.
KSA further assured the public that the fallen object poses no immediate threat to safety.
“Our experts will analyze the object, use existing frameworks to identify the owner, and keep the public informed of the next steps and outcomes,” the government agency stated.
The incident has reignited discussions about space debris and the need for stringent measures to manage objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Space agencies worldwide are increasingly grappling with the challenge of ensuring that rocket components and satellites are disposed of responsibly.
On this day in 2024, IGIHE visited various places in Kigali, capturing memories of the moments and speaking with some of the celebrants.
The Archbishop of Kigali, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, led a mass at Saint Michel Cathedral. He read from the Gospel of Luke 17:11–19, recounting the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, of whom only one returned to thank God.
He reminded the congregation of the importance of gratitude, reflecting on how God had been with them throughout the year, despite some challenging moments.
“We thank God for being with us this year, and we entrust you and your families to Him for 2025, a year of multiple jubilees, including 125 years since the Good News reached Kigali,” he said.
{{Testimonies of gratitude}}
Bonaventure Habimana, a church member at Saint Michel Cathedral, shared how God helped him through many challenges in 2024. He had come to pray for guidance in 2025.
“There are many people I studied or worked with who have passed away, but here I am, with so much ahead of me. I came here to thank God for guiding me and also to ask for His presence in the new year so that I may prosper even further,” he said.
Aime Confiance Ishimwe shared similar sentiments in reference to many of her ambitions and goals achieved in the past year. “I came here today to thank God and seek blessings for my endeavors. My goal is to elevate myself in what I do and improve my life, and I believe God will guide me in achieving that,” she said.
Just like at St Michael, so many other churches across the country, gathered worshippers in large numbers.
At EPR Kiyovu Parish, Isaie Iradufasha, a father of one, described 2024 as a fulfilling year, marked by his wedding.
“I’m ending the year having married, and I thank God for that. I hardly used to pray, but now I do. Some of my goals for 2024 were achieved, and those that weren’t, I’ll carry them into 2025,” he proudly said.
At the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR), congregants celebrated the transition into 2025 with gatherings across the country. The main event took place at Ntora Church in Gisozi, where the lead evangelist Pastor Isaïe Ndayizeye, delivered the new year’s, commending the congregation’s dedication to God’s work.
At Zion Temple Celebration Centre, worshippers were immersed in a service that extended into the wee hours of January 1, 2025. As a tradition, the church designates an annual and for this year, the theme is “Year of Breaking Limits,” symbolizing a time to move toward greater achievements.
Apostle Paul Gitwaza, disclosed a prophecy based on Isaiah 54:2–3: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”
These verses are part of a prophecy of restoration and blessing. They metaphorically describe preparation for growth and expansion, symbolizing God’s promise to bless His people abundantly and extend their influence. It reflects themes of hope, renewal, and God’s faithfulness.
He emphasized that this scripture will guide the church throughout 2025, encouraging believers to think big, expand their reach, and aim for lasting success.
“This is a time for expansion—moving from one to many, from nothing to something, from small to great. If you have one plot of land, acquire two; if you have little, aim for much,” he said.
He urged believers to strengthen their foundation to ensure that what they build is durable and impactful for future generations. “Ensure that everything you do is grounded and has a strong foundation. It must last and withstand time,” Gitwaza said.
{{Women Foundation Ministries}}
Members of Women Foundation Ministries gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre to give thanks for 2024, with some sharing testimonies of breakthroughs.
Jane Mutesi expressed gratitude for her spiritual growth in 2024. “I wasn’t used to fasting, but I decided to follow the pastor’s teachings. On the second day of fasting, I felt freed from spiritual bondage,” she said.
Diane Kandama shared how God worked miracles in areas she had doubted. “I grew up as a believer, but it wasn’t deeply rooted in my heart. Now, I am convinced that God heals sorrow and pain,” she said.
Apostle Mignone Kabera predicted that in 2025, Jesus would not only visit the members of Women Foundation Ministries but also dwell in their homes, bringing blessings and transformation.
{{Celebrations beyond churches}}
In Kigali’s Car Free Zone, young people gathered in large numbers to mark the end of the year with entertainment.
Janvier Harerintwali, one of the attendees shared his joy in achieving a significant milestone in the past year by renovating his mother’s house. “I was able to renovate my mom’s house and make economic progress. My goal is to expand on my land this year,” he affirmed.
Fiette Ishimwe celebrated finding a good school. “2024 was a good year. I achieved many great things, including getting into a school I never imagined,” she disclosed.
Iradukunda Jackson was proud to have earned his permanent driver’s license. “This year went well because I accomplished my goal of getting my [B&C] driver’s license. My next target for 2025 is to make good use of it,” he said.
He made these remarks in his New Year’s address to Rwandans, marking the transition from 2024 to 2025.
Reflecting on 2024, Kagame highlighted the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation. He described these milestones as symbols of the country’s progress.
“We celebrated and commemorated our nation’s liberation. Both events remind us of where we came from and how far we have come, driven by our shared goal of development and reconstruction,” he said.
President Kagame also mentioned the successful elections held in 2024, reinforcing the trust between Rwandans and their leaders.
“The recent elections were well-organized, further affirming the trust citizens have in their leaders and institutions. I thank all Rwandans and friends of Rwanda for your support during the elections and in other times of need,” he stated.
“Rwandans have voiced their ambition for even greater achievements and better services in the years to come. Together, we must work to realize these aspirations.”
{{Condolences for Marburg victims}}
One of Rwanda’s significant challenges in 2024 was the Marburg virus outbreak, which claimed 15 lives, primarily among healthcare workers.
President Kagame expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “We stand with you in this time of grief.”
He commended healthcare workers for their bravery and thanked Rwanda’s partners for their contributions, which helped end the outbreak by early December 2024.
{{Addressing regional security challenges}}
The year 2024 saw strained relations between Rwanda and neighboring countries, including Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as security issues in the region. President Kagame reassured that Rwanda’s security and sovereignty remain non-negotiable.
“I want to assure you that Rwanda’s security and sovereignty will always be safeguarded, no matter the circumstances,” he affirmed.
He added, “Quick fixes cannot resolve these issues. Lasting solutions rooted in addressing the core problems are needed to ensure enduring peace for all citizens of the region. This is essential for everyone. There can be no peace for some without peace for others. We all need peace.”
The Head of State stressed that Rwanda would not accept being misrepresented in the ongoing regional challenges.
{{Rwanda’s development vision and Formula One aspirations}}
The President reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to self-driven development, stating, “You cannot wait for others to develop you if you do not put effort into your own growth.”
He highlighted Rwanda’s recent hosting of the FIA conference, the first of its kind in Africa, and the announcement of plans to host Formula One. He noted that these initiatives aim to leverage sports for economic growth that benefits all citizens.
{{A call to the youth}}
President Kagame expressed his confidence in the youth’s role in advancing the country’s development beyond current expectations.
“We count on you to take Rwanda to new heights, beyond what we have imagined. Always remember that we have the ability to shape the future we desire and deserve,” he said.
Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, was the first to celebrate, marking the start of January 1, 2025, earlier today. The country is located in the world’s earliest time zone, UTC+14.
As the first country to welcome 2025, Kiribati, also known as Christmas Island, was followed shortly after by New Zealand. Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower lit up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display, drawing thousands of spectators to ring in the New Year.
Australia followed suit, with Sydney’s world-famous fireworks over Sydney Harbour attracting large crowds despite some disruptions. The celebrations in both nations set the tone for the global festivities that would follow.
In Asia, Japan and South Korea soon joined the festivities. Japan welcomed the New Year with traditional ceremonies and cultural rituals, while South Korea, in observance of a national mourning period, kept the celebrations more subdued. Both nations celebrated in their unique ways, embracing the New Year in their respective time zones.
As the evening wore on, countries across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, began their celebrations.
Meanwhile, nations in South Asia, like India and Sri Lanka, were preparing to usher in 2025. The global progression of New Year celebrations continued across the globe, as each time zone marked the arrival of the New Year in succession.
Rwanda will welcome the New Year 12 hours after Kiritimati Island in Kiribati due to the time difference.
The City of Kigali authorities have confirmed that the night sky in Kigali will be lit up with a spectacular fireworks display on Tuesday night. The fireworks show will conclude the countdown to the New Year at exactly midnight on January 1.
According to a public notice issued on December 30, celebrations will take place at Canal Olympia, Rebero, and Imbuga City Walk in the City Centre.
Fireworks will also be displayed at key locations, including the Kigali Convention Centre and Kigali Serena Hotel, offering a stunning visual experience for thousands of revellers.
