According to an RCS statement released on November 11, 2024, these dismissals were confirmed by Cabinet Meeting resolutions from November 9, 2024.
The primary reasons cited include professional misconduct such as indiscipline, corruption, and other offenses.
The RCS highlighted that these actions align with its commitment to uphold high standards and values within the service.
In a similar move earlier in May 2024, judicial authorities had investigated over 135 prison officers for various offenses.
Of these, 20 were promptly reinstated, while others were referred to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, with several recommended for permanent dismissal from their roles.
The Commission declared ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo the winner, with 70.67% of the votes, while Mondlane, representing Podemos, received 20.32%. Mondlane subsequently alleged electoral fraud, fueling public outrage.
The Rwandan community in Maputo was urged to take precautions due to concerns that protesters might target them. Social media rumors suggested that Rwandan forces stationed in Cabo Delgado had been deployed to Maputo to control the demonstrations. However, Rwanda refuted these claims.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently announced that the Rwandan Embassy in Maputo would close on November 6 and 7, advising Rwandans to remain at home.
Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, the Deputy President of the Rwandan Community in Mozambique, spoke with IGIHE about the impact of the protests on the Rwandan community and their current situation following the third phase of demonstrations, which ended on November 7, 2024.
Iyamuremye clarified that relations between Rwandans and Mozambicans are generally positive, dismissing the rumors of Rwandan forces’ involvement in Maputo as attempts by opportunists seeking to incite unrest and target Rwandan-owned businesses for looting.
“There is no real conflict between Rwandans and Mozambicans; we coexist peacefully. Those spreading rumors are opportunists aiming to justify looting by sowing divisions,” he stated. “The Mozambican government, in collaboration with security agencies, has condemned such actions.”
The protests, however, have disrupted local businesses, including those owned by Rwandans selling food and beverages. According to Iyamuremye, looters have specifically targeted these businesses during chaotic episodes.
“Some protesters break into shops looking for food and beverages. Many shop owners have suffered substantial losses due to looting, and others fear they might be next, with no end to the unrest in sight.”
Human Rights Watch reported that as of November 7, the protests had resulted in up to 30 deaths, including three fatalities and 66 injuries on November 6 alone.
Iyamuremye reported that two Rwandans were injured during the protests. One was struck by a rock while assisting a friend whose shop was being looted, and the other was beaten by protesters after refusing to join them, as he was focused on carrying his goods.
He emphasized that these injuries were not due to the victims’ nationality but rather were general acts of violence amid the unrest. Both individuals are now recovering well.
On November 11, Mondlane announced that a fourth phase of protests would take place from Wednesday to Friday, promising a more intense demonstration.
Iyamuremye advised Rwandans in Mozambique to heed guidance from local authorities and Rwandan representatives, staying home until further notice or an assurance of restored safety.
Meanwhile, Mondlane has taken his grievance to the Constitutional Court, requesting the annulment of the election results.
The Mozambican government has urged him to wait for the court’s decision, but he remains defiant in his call for protests.
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{{President Kagame Attends COP29}}
President Paul Kagame arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to join world leaders for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
During his stay, President Kagame is expected to hold bilateral meetings with various leaders, including Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
Calls for increased climate financing are anticipated to dominate COP29, which runs from November 11 to November 22, 2024.
{{Trump Expected to name Marco Rubio as Secretary of State}}
United States President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of state.
If confirmed as America’s top diplomat, Rubio would become the face of Trump’s foreign policy, crisscrossing the globe to articulate the president-elect’s America First doctrine. He will be the first Latino to serve in the role.
The Florida Senator has in past years advocated for a muscular foreign policy with respect to America’s geopolitical foes, including China, Iran and Cuba.
Sources close to the Republican also indicate that Trump has Rep. Mike Waltz to be the White House national security adviser.
The reports come just hours after Trump designated Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, to serve as “border czar” in his incoming administration, a position that is likely to play a key role in Trump’s campaign pledges to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and deal with illegal migration.
{{Women in U.S. Stockpile Abortion Pills Over Ban Fears}}
The Washington Post reports that women are increasingly seeking abortion medication ahead of a Trump presidency, fearing restricted reproductive care access.
Aid Access, a major abortion pill provider, is reported to have received 10,000 requests within 24 hours after Trump’s election—a dramatic surge from the usual 600 per day.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump adopted a clear stance on abortion, emphasizing that abortion laws should be managed by individual states rather than at the federal level.
Although he previously hinted at potentially supporting a 15- or 16-week federal ban with exceptions for cases like rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions, he ultimately confirmed he would not endorse a national abortion ban.
He stated that if a federal abortion ban reached his desk, he would veto it, affirming his position on state-level control over abortion policy.
{{Jets from US airlines struck by gunfire over Haiti’s capital
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Two jets from U.S.-based airlines were hit by gunfire on Monday while flying over Port-au-Prince, Haiti, prompting Haitian authorities to suspend all flights in and out of the capital due to escalating gang violence.
Officials confirmed that a Spirit Airlines flight attendant was injured after Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Port-au-Princ was struck by several rounds of gunfire while trying to land in Haiti.
JetBlue also temporarily cancelled flights to and from Haiti after damage from a bullet was identified in one of its planes returning from Haiti.
Gang violence in Haiti has intensified due to the country’s ongoing political instability, especially after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The killing of the Head of the Head of State created a power vacuum that further weakened governance and fueled gang activity.
Kenya is now leading a United Nations-sanctioned multinational mission aimed at restoring law and order in Haiti.
{{Opposition calls for protests at Mozambique border posts, ports
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Tensions in Mozambique continue as opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane calls for gatherings at ports, borders, and major cities starting Wednesday, marking the fourth round of demonstrations against recent election results.
Mondlane has led protests since the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner last month with 70.67% of the vote. Mondlane, representing Podemos, received 20.32%. Mondlane accuses the ruling party of electoral fraud and his claims have intensified public outrage and fueled ongoing unrest.
The agency is tasked with implementing foreign aid programs in line with the general policy for international humanitarian affairs. Its responsibilities include planning, overseeing, executing, and monitoring official government support, with a particular focus on disaster relief, early recovery programs, post-conflict stabilization, development programs, and capacity building programs.
Speaking on the occasion of the establishment of the UAE Aid Agency, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said, “The establishment of the UAE Aid Agency represents a continuation of the steadfast humanitarian legacy laid by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“This approach reflects the UAE’s dedication to addressing humanitarian challenges and fostering sustainable development globally. The country pursues this mission under the wise leadership and enduring support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirming the commitment of the leadership, government, and nation to advancing this noble humanitarian endeavor.”
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, “The establishment of the UAE Aid Agency reaffirms the UAE’s humanitarian role in providing essential assistance, improving living conditions, and supporting communities and people across all continents.”
His Highness emphasized the UAE’s commitment to collaborate with international partners to create a tangible and lasting positive impact, especially in regions affected by crises and instability, with a focus on vital areas such as educational services, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure sectors to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said, “With the formation of the UAE Aid Agency, we are reaffirming our commitment to addressing global humanitarian challenges and promoting sustainable development in a strategic and coordinated manner.”
He added that the agency aims to enhance the impact of UAE’s global priority foreign aid. It seeks to maximize positive outcomes in executing humanitarian relief programs, initiatives, and developmental projects worldwide, aligning with the UAE’s role and stature in regional and international humanitarian and developmental efforts.
The UAE is considered one of the world’s most generous donor countries. Latest figures show the UAE, since its founding by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has contributed over US$98 billion (AED360 billion) in foreign assistance, which has benefited over one billion people worldwide.
According to media reports, the Rwandan Head of State was received at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Hidayat Abdullayev, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, along with other officials.
During his stay in Baku, President Kagame is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with various leaders, including the host, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.
Calls for increased climate financing are expected to dominate the COP29 conference, which is scheduled to run from November 11 to November 22, 2024.
Rwanda’s delegation, represented by various institutions, will advocate for more ambitious climate action and present the country as an ideal destination for green investment.
Rwanda will also call for a new global climate finance goal of at least $1.3 trillion annually, as part of the proposed ‘new collective quantified goal on climate finance’ (NCQG).
The United Nations meeting comes at a time of increasing urgency to fund climate adaptation through capacity building and technology transfer. This approach is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure that nations “walk the talk” on previous commitments.
During the last edition of the conference held at Expo City in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 to December 12, 2023, world leaders deliberated on several initiatives and agreements aimed at accelerating climate action.
COP28 delegates reached a historic consensus to phase down fossil fuels, pushing for economies to transition towards clean energy. The UAE Consensus calls for participants to submit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, and triple global renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030.
The conference performed the first Global Stocktake, which evaluates global progress on climate commitments, identifying key gaps. In response, COP28 advocated for a restructuring of climate finance to make it more accessible and equitable, especially for developing nations. It mobilized over $85 billion, including funding for loss and damage due to climate events and increased support for adaptation measures.
At the same time, a landmark agreement was reached to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, with an initial commitment of $792 million. This fund is intended to assist nations that have suffered disproportionately from climate-induced disasters, helping them recover and rebuild.
The conference recognized youth contributions by institutionalizing the Youth Climate Champion role and included commitments to health and sustainable food systems. Over 140 countries endorsed the “Climate and Health Declaration” to build climate-resilient health systems, and 158 nations supported a similar initiative for sustainable agriculture.
COP28 also fostered partnerships between governments and industries, committing to decarbonize the oil and gas sector and reduce methane emissions.
Its purpose is to provide the investment community with a benchmark of market infrastructure across the continent and equip policymakers with insights from developments throughout Africa.
In line with this improved ranking, Rwanda listed its first domestic sustainability-linked bond in September 2023.
Additionally, the country introduced new climate-related financial regulations that reflect its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
These developments contributed to a three-point increase in Rwanda’s overall score to 47 from 44 in 2023 scores.
Now in its eighth year, the Absa Africa Financial Markets Index, produced by OMFIF in association with Absa Group Limited, evaluates the financial development of 29 African nations, offering valuable insights and benchmarks for investors. It serves as a key resource for understanding market infrastructure while enabling policymakers to learn from key trends across the continent.
Commenting on the ranking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority of Rwanda, Thapelo Tsheole noted; “Rwanda has fully embraced ESG principles, reflected in our recent listings in this category. We remain committed to continuous improvement, and our financial sector is poised for further growth. Work is already underway to improve Rwandan ranking.”
The annual index ranks the maturity, openness, and accessibility of 29 African financial markets based on qualitative and quantitative criteria. It emphasizes the development of local investor capacity and enhances the ability to attract foreign capital.
The Absa Africa Financial Markets Index highlights significant investment opportunities and reveals untapped market potential through expert analysis of Africa’s financial landscapes.
The index is structured around six fundamental pillars of financial market performance: Market Depth; Access to Foreign Exchange; Market Transparency and Regulation; Pension Fund Development; Macroeconomic Opportunity; and Enforceability of International Financial Agreements.
The RWAFPU3-3 is commanded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Thomas Kayonga.
RWAFPU3-2 commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Methode Munyaneza, returned home later in the afternoon, after a successful one-year tour-of-duty.
Rwanda began deploying police officers under the MINUSCA mission in 2014.
Rwanda has four police units involved in this mission. These include RWAPSU and RWAFRU-1, both of which operate in the capital, Bangui, with each unit comprising 140 police officers.
The FPUs specialize in public order management, protection of civilians, delivery of humanitarian assistance, escort duties and protection of UN facilities.
Erixon Kabera, a father of three, was shot at his apartment following an incident involving Hamilton Police officers on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The Rwandan national succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on Sunday, November 10.
Hamilton Police initially indicated on social media that officers were responding to a 911 call when they were confronted by a “male with a firearm.” The police reported that one officer was injured during the confrontation.
“The officer has been transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An adult male has also been transported to hospital in life-threatening condition,” the police said.
However, in a statement on Monday, the family disputed the circumstances surrounding Kabera’s shooting, insisting that their relative was neither armed nor a violent person.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable loss of a man who was a giant in his own right, the kindest soul we’ve ever known, and the pillar of our family and community. With his infectious smile and hearty laugh, he was so full of life and had so much to live for,” the family’s statement reads in part.
“…Our family deserves answers, clarity, and peace, and we stand firm in our belief that Erixon was not armed, nor would he act in a way that would justify this result.”
The family accused the police of issuing contradictory reports regarding the circumstances that led to Kabera’s death, citing a statement in which police reportedly acknowledged there was no exchange of fire.
“More than 24 hours after that disconcerting initial report, the SIU released an update clearly indicating there was no gunfire exchange, and that it was indeed two responding officers who shot Erixon and inflicted fatal wounds. We find this reversal of crucial facts—a full day after telling the entire world otherwise and painting an image of violence—to be deeply outrageous and unnerving,” the family stated.
The heartbroken family is now calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation into Kabera’s death, including the release of police body camera footage.
“As we grieve this senseless loss, we respectfully ask for transparency and accountability from the authorities. Whether it’s police body cam footage, surveillance videos from the building, or any other pieces of evidence, we want to know the details of the altercation so we can understand the truth of what happened in Erixon’s final moments,” the family added.
The family described Kabera as a dedicated and industrious father who worked tirelessly to support his family.
At the time of his death, they revealed, he was serving as a Resource Officer with the Canada Revenue Agency, where his ability to speak multiple languages was an asset in customer service roles.
In addition to his job, Erixon was deeply involved in the Rwandan community, serving as vice president of the Rwandan Community Abroad in Toronto and as an advisor for the Rwandan Canadian Healing Center.
“He contributed to countless projects aimed at empowering, educating, and uplifting the community he cherished,” the family said.
The Chairperson of the Rwandan community in Canada, Alain Patrick Ndengera, also questioned the police’s statement and urged Canadian authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the death of the Rwandan national.
“If any police officers are found to have acted wrongly, they should face the courts to explain their actions,” Ndengera stated while alluding to a case of mistaken identity.
The report, published by Oxford Economics Africa and Control Risks, also highlights the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Uganda as the riskiest investment destinations in East Africa, primarily due to political, social, and economic challenges.
The Africa Risk-Reward Index 2024 gives the DRC a risk score of 7.6 out of 10, followed by Kenya (6.06), Uganda (6.01), and Tanzania (5.37), with Rwanda achieving the safest ranking at 5.11, an improvement from its 2023 score of 5.46.
The reward score considers factors such as each country’s medium-term economic growth forecast, economic size, structure, and demographics. Economic growth outlook holds the most weight in the reward score.
The report also notes a shifting investment landscape across African markets, with the continent at a significant point of change and transformation.
Rwanda’s dedication to poverty eradication and economic development over the past 30 years has been instrumental in boosting its GDP and raising its per capita income to $1,040.
Projections show Rwanda’s economy growing at an average rate of over 7% through 2029, supported by policies aimed at fostering investment. Key initiatives include developing industrial parks, advancing technology, and expanding infrastructure.
Additionally, Rwanda stands out as one of the few African nations pioneering the use of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors, enhancing its appeal as a forward-thinking investment destination.
Rwanda’s agricultural calendar is divided into three seasons: Season A (September-February), Season B (March-May), and Season C (June-September).
The survey highlights significant growth in various crops: cassava production increased by 6%, reaching 783,290 tons; rice rose by 4%, totaling 72,834 tons; sweet potatoes saw an 8% increase to 666,814 tons; and bananas grew by 5% to reach 1,142,552 tons.
Maize output increased by 1% to 119,101 tons, and beans saw a 6% increase despite a 1% decrease in the area planted with beans.
Potato production, however, decreased by 13%, largely due to a reduction in planted area and unfavorable weather conditions in major potato-growing regions.
The land area planted with potatoes dropped from 48,210 hectares in 2023 to 41,836 hectares in 2024, leading to a reduction in output from 326,677 tons to 285,596 tons.
Yields per hectare remained stable, with smallholder farmers averaging 6.8 tons per hectare and large-scale farmers averaging 14.9 tons per hectare. Of the total potato production, 55.4% was sold, 26.7% consumed by farmers, and 12.8% reserved for seed.
Several factors contributed to the overall increase in agricultural output, including the widespread use of fertilizers, with over 80.1% of farmers applying organic fertilizers.
Improved seed varieties were also key, utilized by 72.6% of large-scale and 16.6% of small-scale farmers, particularly enhancing maize and bean production.
Additionally, 30.2% of farmers applied pesticides, and a significant majority (89.2%) engaged in soil erosion prevention practices. Irrigation also saw increased adoption, with 12.1% of farmers implementing various irrigation methods.
The NISR report emphasizes that the 3.1% increase in agricultural production marks a positive trend for Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
The report also notes that Rwanda’s total land area is 2.376 million hectares, with 1.350 million hectares (57%) dedicated to agriculture.
