The petition stems from allegations of Besigye’s abduction by Ugandan security personnel in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, with claims of Kenyan authorities’ complicity.
Prominent lawyers Andrew Karamagi, Godwin Toko, and Anthony Odur lodged the petition, challenging the legality of the abduction plus Besigye and Lutale’s subsequent trial in a Ugandan military court.
The petitioners argue that the abduction and trial of the two suspects who were in Nairobi to attend the launch of a book by Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua violate international and regional legal standards, including the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community (EAC). They condemn the use of military tribunals for trying civilians, asserting that it undermines judicial independence and fairness.
The lawyers contend that the abductions tarnish Kenya’s image as a democratic safe haven, accusing its authorities of failing to prevent or investigate the incident, thereby jeopardizing regional stability and the rule of law.
The General Court Martial in Makindye, Uganda, where Besigye and Lutale face charges of undermining national security and illegal possession of firearms, has drawn criticism from human rights groups. Observers argue that the military court lacks impartiality and jurisdiction over civilians.
The latest developments come days after Besigye and Lutale were remanded to Luzira Prison for an additional eight days on December 2, 2024. The adjournment followed a request by their defence team, seeking time to secure a temporary practicing certificate for Karua, who is expected to lead the defence.
The next court date in Uganda has been set for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, while the EACJ proceedings are anticipated to gain momentum in the coming weeks.
In a press briefing on Sunday, 8 December 2024, just a day after the general elections, Bawumia admitted that Mahama had won the presidency, based on provisional results from the NPP’s internal tallies.
Although the Electoral Commission has not yet made an official declaration, Bawumia’s concession has been widely seen as an acknowledgment of Mahama’s victory.
According to Bawumia, the NPP’s internal results showed that Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not only won the presidential race but also secured a majority in the parliamentary elections. Although some seats were still being tallied, Bawumia expressed confidence that the overall result would not change.
In his statement, Bawumia said, “The people of Ghana have spoken, and they have voted for change at this time. We respect that decision with all humility.” He added that he had already called Mahama to congratulate him on his victory, a call which Mahama confirmed in a post on social media, stating.
“This morning, I received a congratulatory call from my brother Mahamudu Bawumia following my emphatic victory in the Saturday election. Thank you, Ghana,” he said.
Mahama’s NDC had earlier claimed an early victory based on provisional results from their agents stationed in all 276 constituencies. Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communications Officer, declared at a party press conference on Sunday.
“From the results we have so far from our internal collation, it is clear that Ghanaians have rejected eight years of corruption, eight years of state capture.” He emphasized that the people of Ghana had voted for change, adding that the NDC had secured an “unprecedented, historic victory.”
Despite the early claims, it is only the Electoral Commission (EC) that has the constitutional mandate to announce the final results of the election. As of 8:00 am on Sunday, the EC had yet to receive all the results at its National Collation Centre, according to an official statement.
The EC assured the public that once all the necessary data from the regional collation centres was received, the final results would be declared.
“The declaration of final results is based on a process enshrined in law. The pink sheet, signed by presiding officers and party agents at the 40,650 polling stations, will determine the final results,” the EC said.
The outcome of the election marks the end of two terms in power for the NPP, under President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after reaching the constitutional limit of two terms.
Bawumia’s concession signifies a shift in Ghana’s political landscape after years of economic challenges, including high inflation, currency devaluation, and a debt default, which led to a $3bn bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
Mahama, 65, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, now has the chance to return to office in what would be a historic victory, as he becomes the first president in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to reclaim the presidency after being voted out.
His campaign focused on promises of economic recovery, tackling corruption, and appealing to Ghana’s youth.
In the wake of his apparent victory, Mahama’s supporters have already begun celebrating, with cheers and blaring horns echoing through the streets of Accra.
The celebrations reflect the high hopes many Ghanaians have for the return of Mahama’s leadership, particularly after the economic struggles the country has faced in recent years.
Though the final official results are yet to be declared, Mahama’s early victory claims have set the stage for a potential change in leadership, with hopes that his return could usher in a new era of stability and growth for Ghana.
The event brought together key players in Rwanda’s wood product sector, including cooperatives, wood processors, traders, service providers, and government bodies. The aim was to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the wood product value chain in Rwanda.
Dr. Athanase Mukuralinda, ICRAF Rwanda Country Director, opened the with a call highlighting the need to create a platform for stakeholders in the wood sector to engage in constructive discussions that would lead to actionable solutions.
He pointed out that the wood product value chain, one of the key areas of focus for the project, holds significant potential.
“By improving climate-resilient production systems, the value chain can provide employment opportunities and income to a wide range of stakeholders, from forest managers and cooperatives to processors and traders,” he said.
This is part of the larger Transforming Eastern Province Through Adaptation (TREPA) project which aims to build a more resilient and equitable wood product value chain, particularly in Eastern Province.
The TREPA initiative focuses on restoring 60,000 hectares of drought-degraded landscapes and strengthening agroforestry systems, ultimately benefiting 75,000 smallholder farmers.
Dietmar Stoian, a lead scientist in value chains, private sector engagement and investments at ICRAF, shared insights into the goals of bringing together various actors involved in the wood product value chain.
He explained that the chain begins in the forest or plantations, where trees are grown and harvested. The wood then undergoes various processing stages, such as turning into sawn wood, fiberboard, or even fuel wood products like charcoal or pellets.
“The challenge faced by many actors in the value chain is their limited perspective. For example, producers may not understand the needs of the processors, and vice versa. Bringing all stakeholders together helps foster collaboration and a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities at each stage,” he said.
One key challenge identified was the lack of quality wood, which affects both production costs and the ability to add value. Stoian emphasized that overcoming such challenges requires collaboration between private companies, NGOs, and the state.
Speaking about the market dynamics, he noted that there is a significant opportunity for the wood product sector in Rwanda.
“Both fuel wood and timber have a higher demand than domestic supply, with imports filling the gap. However, the challenge remains that some of the imports are cheaper, posing a competitive threat to local producers,” he said.
Stoian called for better collaboration among stakeholders to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality, ultimately turning these challenges into opportunities.
Charles Kayumba, General Manager of Atelier de Mecanique Generale Du Rwanda (AMEGERWA Ltd), a local manufacturer and processor of wood products, also provided valuable input.
He stressed the importance of quality wood products and noted that poor quality often stems from premature harvesting of trees. He emphasized that forest conservation practices are essential to address this issue and ensure a sustainable supply of quality wood.
“Such a platform where stakeholders can share information and insights are crucial for disseminating knowledge and aligning the efforts of all actors in the wood value chain,” he said.
This marks an important step toward strengthening Rwanda’s wood product value chain by fostering collaboration and addressing common challenges. Stakeholders are well-positioned to transform the sector, improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and contribute to Rwanda’s broader environmental and economic goals.
It is a starting point for ongoing collaboration, with plans for a larger follow-up consultation in February 2025 to develop an upgraded strategy for the wood product value chain.
After taking over, opposition fighters appeared on state television channels to announce what they described as the fall of Damascus and the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
A man in military fatigues, flanked by armed fighters, read a statement on air, calling it “Statement No. 1.” He claimed that rebel units had captured Damascus.
Opposition activists said the rebel fighters entered the Syrian capital at dawn Sunday, according to the Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The monitor said hundreds of government soldiers were ordered to withdraw from Damascus International Airport and were seen removing their military uniforms and donning civilian clothing.
Multiple media outlets have reported that al-Assad has left the country, citing rebel forces.
Reporters in Damascus witnessed intense gunshots reverberating through the streets with heavy traffic caused by cars departing the capital.
Civilians took to the streets, waving the “revolution flag,” an older flag used in Syria before the rule of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jallali announced his readiness to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people.
Opposition military leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, declared Al-Jallali would oversee public institutions until an official transfer of authority is completed.
“We extend our hands to every Syrian citizen committed to safeguarding the country’s resources,” Al-Jallali said in a televised address. “Syria belongs to all Syrians, and I urge everyone to think rationally about the nation’s best interests.”
Al-Julani instructed opposition forces in Damascus to refrain from approaching public institutions and banned celebratory gunfire. “These facilities will remain under the supervision of the former prime minister until they are handed over formally,” he said in a statement.
The opposition celebrated the release of prisoners from Sednaya Prison near Damascus. The prison was emptied as security forces withdrew.
Flight data from the tracking platform FlightRadar24 showed a Syrian Air jet departing Damascus amid reports of opposition control of the capital. Initially heading toward the Alawite-dominated coastal region, the aircraft abruptly changed course before disappearing from radar, raising speculation about a possible evacuation of senior government figures.
Earlier Sunday, opposition fighters secured full control of Homs, a pivotal city and strategic crossroads, after a brief but intense battle. The victory severed connections between Damascus and the coastal strongholds of al-Assad’s Alawite community.
“The fall of Homs marks a historic moment,” Al-Julani said, urging his fighters to show restraint toward those who surrender. Thousands of prisoners in the city were freed as security forces fled, reportedly setting fire to government documents before departing.
The allegations, attributed to a Reuters report, claimed that nearly 20 officers had submitted letters of resignation over the past two months.
In a statement released by MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge, the mission refuted the claims, terming them as “inaccurate and malicious.”
Otunge stated that all MSS personnel have received their salaries and allowances, adding that no officer has resigned or submitted resignation letters.
“Reuters News did not reach out to the MSS for clarification, and the information being disseminated is both inaccurate and malicious. All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged,” the statement read.
The MSS reiterated that its officers remain motivated and dedicated to their mission of supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP) in combating gang violence and restoring stability to the nation.
Reuters had reported that three anonymous Kenyan officers claimed they had not been paid since September and had submitted resignation letters without receiving a response.
Kenyan National Police Chief Douglas Kanja had earlier addressed the issue during a news conference, stating that officers had been paid up to the end of October.
Kenya deployed 400 police officers to Haiti in June as part of a United Nations-backed initiative to stabilize the Caribbean nation, which has been plagued by gang violence. The MSS, expected to comprise 2,500 personnel from about 10 countries, has faced some challenges, including funding and staffing shortfalls.
Despite these hurdles, the MSS reaffirmed its commitment to helping Haiti restore peace and security.
“The MSS remains resolute in its mission to help Haiti reclaim its glory and restore peace and security for its people,” Otunge said.
Speaking at the opening of the East Africa Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa on Saturday, December 7, 2024, President Ruto highlighted the significant impact this expansion would have on the movement of goods and people within East Africa.
“We have now agreed with Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC that the Standard Gauge Railway will be extended from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC so that we both can use the SGR whenever we are going to these places,” he said.
The SGR extension is expected to strengthen the transportation network within the East African Community (EAC), a move that will greatly boost intra-regional trade, which currently stands at 28%.
Furthermore, the expansion is seen as a stepping stone toward greater continental integration, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Work has already begun on the SGR project in Uganda, with the first phase covering a 272 km stretch from Malaba to Kampala. This phase is slated for completion in four years. In Kenya, plans to develop the Naivasha to Kisumu line are in top gear.
The SGR extension is poised to revolutionize sectors such as agriculture, trade, tourism, and transport in the regions it serves.
“This project will not only benefit the countries directly involved but will also enhance economic cooperation throughout East Africa,” said Kenya’s Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar.
The development is part of a broader initiative under the East African Railway Master Plan, which aims to replace the region’s aging meter-gauge railways. The plan includes integrating the rail systems of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with further links planned to Rwanda and the DRC.
Ruto’s remarks come months after officials from the neighbouring countries signed a new agreement to expedite the SGR extension to Rwanda.
The agreement, reached during a meeting in Mombasa in May 2024, aims to overcome funding challenges that had previously delayed the project. The meeting included representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, attended the meeting.
Then Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who has since been transferred to the Ministry of Sports, expressed confidence in the project’s success.
“This historic agreement will facilitate joint resource mobilization and fast-track the completion of the SGR sections from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC,” he stated.
“It’s a crucial step toward creating economic hubs along the corridor, transforming regions with stop stations into centers of commerce.”
The construction of Kenya’s SGR cost $3.6 billion, financed by a loan from China’s Exim Bank. The SGR has significantly reduced the cost of transporting cargo from the Port of Mombasa to the hinterlands.
The Head of State was speaking on a panel co-hosted by the Doha Forum and the Center for China and Globalization, on “China’s Role in a Rising Global South: Redefining the Future World Order”, discussing the impact of deepening ties between the global south and China.
Kagame highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between China and Africa, noting that it predates the independence of many African nations.
He emphasized that China’s involvement in Africa has evolved, particularly in terms of trade and investment, which now hold significant value with tangible benefits for countries like Rwanda.
Rwanda’s exports to China grew from $39 million in 2018 to $131.2 million in 2023. Over the past five years, China has been Rwanda’s largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), further strengthening bilateral trade relations.
The two nations also saw a bilateral trade volume of $550 million in 2023, with China’s imports from Rwanda increasing by 86.2% from last year.
China’s investments in Rwanda, which exceed $1.2 billion since 2019, span critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining.
Notably, the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital to an 837-bed facility, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) and construction of Nyabarongo hydropower plant are among infrastructure projects demonstrating China’s significant contributions.
Kagame highlighted that the impact has not only been felt in Rwanda but also across various African countries, including larger economies.
While many critics, particularly from Western countries, have raised concerns about Africa falling into a “debt trap” due to Chinese loans, Kagame was firm in defending China’s approach.
He attributed the risks associated with debt to governance and management, rather than the nature of the loans themselves.
The President pointed out that African countries must be more diligent in engaging with their partners to ensure that loans are deployed effectively in projects that deliver mutual benefits.
The debt trap narrative, largely pushed by Western critics, often casts China’s loans to African nations in a negative light, suggesting that Beijing is deliberately setting up countries for failure.
However, many African leaders argue that the West’s history of imposing harsh conditions on aid and trade has left many African countries seeking more reliable and flexible partners.
China’s non-interference policy and willingness to engage without imposing restrictive terms has become an attractive alternative for many nations.
According to the China-Africa Research Initiative, as of 2023, African countries owe approximately $160 billion in debt to China, a significant portion of their external debt.
However, these loans are generally linked to infrastructure projects, such as roads, hospitals, and power plants, that have the potential to drive economic growth and improve living standards across the continent.
Kagame also addressed the broader global context in which China’s role in Africa is situated.
He spoke of the need for a new, more stable global order that includes the voices and interests of the Global South.
“The purpose of a global order is to have global stability, which we do not have,” he stated, emphasizing that true global stability can only be achieved when countries from the Global South work together.
“We need to realize that there is a lot we can do that benefits us in the Global South, but we need to come together.”
He noted that cooperation between the Global South and Global North could also be beneficial, but the Global North has often been unwilling to foster such collaboration in a way that feels equitable for all parties.
Kagame acknowledged that global geopolitical competition, in which China plays a significant role, is inevitable.
However, he argued that China’s approach to international competition has been more balanced and fair than that of the Global North.
“We don’t see anything in history that suggests that China has misused its strength. Rather, we have been benefitting from the cooperation and the attitude of bringing everybody to the table where everyone feels they are winning in the process,” he said.
Kagame also stressed the importance of the Global South working together to contribute to global stability.
“We just need to work together and make sure that we are contributing our fair share to this global stability that the world wants,” he said.
President Kagame participated in the panel discussion along with other panelists including Nangolo Mbumba, President of Namibia, Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, Dr. Eduardo Enrique Garcia, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras, and Dr. Henry Wang, President of the Center for China and Globalization.
Under the banner “Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity”, Doha Forum promotes the interchange of ideas and discourse towards policymaking and action-oriented recommendations.
The latest formal external trade in goods report revealed a 15.7% decrease in the value of Rwanda’s domestic exports in October 2024 compared to September 2024. However, exports grew by 61.8% compared to October 2023.
By October 2024, the trade deficit stood at $363 million, driven by a 23.9% increase in the value of imports compared to October 2023.
Key imports included machinery and transport equipment worth over $103 million and manufactured goods valued at $100 million.
Overall, imports rose from $507.9 million in October 2023 to $629.7 million in October 2024, marking a 23.9% increase.
The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda recently told the Parliament that the growing import bill is worsening the trade deficit due to declining prices for Rwanda’s key exports.
“Our main exports—minerals, coffee, and tea—have experienced price drops, reducing foreign earnings. This has widened the trade deficit, affecting the foreign exchange market,” he said.
Governor Rwangombwa explained that the demand for foreign currency needed for imports has increased, while export earnings have declined.
He noted that reducing the trade deficit would require favorable conditions, such as discovering high-value minerals, but emphasized that addressing the trade imbalance would take time due to the changing dynamics of the global economy.
The Government’s development plan targets a 13% annual growth in exports and aims to boost private sector investment from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion by 2029.
He is expected to attened the meeting along with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Angolan President João Lourenço in an effort to address regional security challenges.
This confirmation was announced by President Tshisekedi’s spokesperson, Tina Salama, on December 6, 2024, according to Radio France Internationale (RFI).
The talks follow a November 25, 2024, ministerial agreement outlining steps to dismantle the FDLR terror group and ease security measures imposed by Rwanda along its border.
The December 15 discussions are expected to focus on finding a lasting solution to the M23 rebel group crisis, which was not addressed during the earlier meeting.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently stressed that resolving the root causes behind M23’s armed rebellion requires direct talks between the DRC government and the group.
In an interview with Top Congo FM on December 6, 2024, DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, dismissed the possibility of such negotiations.
This milestone places Rwanda among 18 top regulatory authorities globally and one of the first eight in Africa to reach this level, underscoring its commitment to ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality medical products for its population.
This designation follows formal benchmarking by WHO, marking significant progress toward strengthening regulatory systems across the continent. The WHO benchmark, conducted with its Global Benchmarking Tool, evaluates regulatory systems against more than 250 indicators.
Maturity Level 4, the highest level, signifies an advanced regulatory system committed to ongoing improvement, while Maturity Level 3 indicates a stable, well-functioning, and integrated regulatory system.
The WHO global benchmarking process is part of WHO’s program to strengthen regulatory systems, evaluating core functions such as product authorization, market surveillance, and adverse event detection.
Regulatory authorities that reach ML3 and ML4 may qualify as WHO-listed Authorities after additional performance assessments.
Rwanda has attained ML3 level alongside Senegal, joining other African nations including Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
According to WHO, both Rwanda and Senegal achieved ML3 through an assessment finalized in October 2024, in close collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) and the WHO country offices in Rwanda and Senegal.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said: “Achieving Maturity Level 3 is a remarkable achievement for both Senegal and Rwanda, underscoring their commitment to improving public health and regulatory excellence.”
“This milestone marks a step forward in Africa’s journey toward stronger, more resilient health systems that prioritize the safety and efficacy of medical products. Both countries serve as models for the continent and contribute to the collective vision of a healthier Africa,” she added.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, said that this achievement for Senegal and Rwanda reflects the strong commitment of both countries to regulatory excellence.
“Senegal’s achievement also marks a first for a francophone country in Africa to reach ML3, underscoring the momentum toward the future operationalization of the African Medicines Agency. Rwanda’s achievement represents another milestone for the East African Region, being the second country after Tanzania, which became ML3 in 2018,” she noted.
Rwanda’s recognition followed a detailed evaluation conducted by WHO between December 2022 and October 2024. The assessment reviewed Rwanda FDA’s regulatory processes, systems, and compliance with international standards.
Achieving ML3 often takes more than five years, but Rwanda accomplished it in just two, reflecting its strong health sector reforms.
This certification allows Rwanda FDA to oversee the quality of locally manufactured vaccines, enabling them to be exported and recognized internationally. In contrast, medicines produced in countries without ML3 status are restricted from international marketing.
Prof. Emile Bienvenu, Director General of Rwanda FDA, expressed pride in the accomplishment, saying it reinforces Rwanda’s dedication to fostering sustainable investment and development in the health sector.
He also emphasized that while celebrating this milestone, Rwanda FDA will continue striving to maintain high-quality standards in medicines and vaccine regulation to safeguard public health.
