This request was conveyed by the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, during a meeting with the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, on October 7, 2024.
In a statement issued by the U.S. Mission to the UN, it was noted, “Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield congratulated Foreign Minister Kayikwamba on her appointment, urged the DRC government to remain steadfast in its commitment to the Luanda Process, and emphasized the importance of fully implementing the de-escalation plan agreed upon at the technical level between the DRC and Rwanda.”
The ambassador also stressed the need for continued dialogue between the two countries to enhance regional stability, reiterating that the United States is ready to support the peace process.
The DRC is under pressure to fulfill its obligations following the resumption of the Luanda talks on September 14, 2024.
During the talks, Minister Kayikwamba rejected a plan proposed by Angola to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group that has long been a security threat to Rwanda.
In September, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe disclosed that intelligence experts from Angola, DRC, and Rwanda had convened in Rubavu on August 29-30, 2024, and proposed a harmonized plan to neutralize the FDLR.
The conclusions of this meeting were intended to be ratified by relevant ministers in Luanda, with DRC representatives initially in agreement.
However, during the 4th Ministerial Meeting under the Luanda Process, held in Angola on September 14, 2024, Foreign Minister Kayikwamba rejected the conclusions.
“This plan was endorsed by the Foreign Ministers of Angola and Rwanda. However, the DRC’s Foreign Minister alone rejected the harmonized plan and opposed a new meeting of experts proposed by the facilitator for September 30 to October 1, 2024, to develop a concept of operations [CONOPS] for the plan,” Nduhungirehe recently shared on X account.
Despite this refusal, UN reports indicate that the DRC’s forces continue to collaborate with the FDLR in their fight against M23 in North Kivu province.
Nevertheless, Angola has expressed its intent to keep the peace process moving forward and has scheduled another round of Luanda talks for later in October 2024.
From a surprise appointment to impressive double-digit growth in gross written premium, she has embraced both challenges and opportunities with a clear focus on the future.
During an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Igoma shared the driving forces behind her leadership, key milestones in her career, and her insights on the evolving insurance landscape in Rwanda.
{{Career path and education}}
With a strong background in finance and insurance, Igoma brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, ensuring that Mayfair Insurance remains competitive in the Rwandan market while also aligning with global industry trends.
Igoma’s journey to the top has been a story of perseverance and professional growth.
Reflecting on her appointment as Managing Director, she admits that it was a surprise, despite her longstanding involvement with Mayfair as a member of the Board of Directors.
“I felt valued and appreciated,” Igoma says. “I was humbled by the confidence that the shareholders and the Board placed in me.”
Her sense of duty and excitement was matched by the recognition of her ability to steer the company forward.
Igoma’s career trajectory reveals a deep understanding of both the technical and operational aspects of business.
“Starting from the bottom and working your way up is crucial for building a successful career,” she shares.
Igoma’s earlier roles gave her insight into the workings of various organizational layers.
She rose through the ranks, eventually heading the Finance Department at her previous job, where she established a Treasury Department and implemented measures that enhanced organizational efficiency.
These milestones prepared her for the multi-faceted responsibilities of leading Mayfair Insurance in an evolving industry.
Education has played a pivotal role in shaping Igoma’s professional path. Armed with a Business Administration degree from the College of Science and Technology (formerly Kigali Institute of Science and Technology) and a Master’s in finance and management from the University of St. Andrews in the UK, she also pursued certifications in diverse areas such as Corporate Governance, Anti-Money Laundering, Reinsurance, and Insurance.
“These qualifications equipped me with the technical know-how to perform tasks required of me in middle management and cross-cutting functions,” she notes.
This solid foundation in both academic and practical fields has enabled Igoma to navigate the complex landscape of finance and insurance with confidence.
{{Motivation and leadership}}
Her decision to enter the finance sector was influenced early on by her mother, who was both a teacher and an accountant.
“Growing up, I was fascinated by my mother’s ability to do complex calculations in her head,” Igoma recalls.
This exposure sparked a lifelong interest in numbers and finance, which led her to pursue a career that combined these elements.
The insurance industry, in particular, resonated with her due to its potential for growth in Rwanda.
“With the industry’s penetration rate still below 2% in Rwanda, there is significant potential for growth,” she says. Igoma is determined to contribute to the industry’s development and seize the opportunities it presents.
Since assuming her role at Mayfair, Igoma has led several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the company’s market position.
A priority has been full digitization, a transformation she believes is essential for future growth.
“We have made notable progress in our digitalization journey,” Igoma reports, emphasizing that technological advancements are key to improving client service and operational efficiency.
The integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics, for instance, has enhanced Mayfair’s risk assessment capabilities, claims processing, and overall customer experience.
{{Growth}}
Profitability has also been a major focus. Under Igoma’s leadership, Mayfair Insurance has seen remarkable growth.
“Mayfair Insurance is on a strong growth trajectory, achieving double-digit growth. Our Gross Written Premium [GWP] increased by 28% last year, and as of June 2024, we’ve seen a 42% growth year-on-year,” she shares.
This impressive performance is a testament to the company’s strong growth trajectory.
For Igoma, profitability goes hand-in-hand with operational efficiency, and she has worked tirelessly to streamline processes and reduce costs, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and improving the company’s bottom line.
{{Customer-centric approach}}
At the heart of Igoma’s strategy is a customer-centric approach. She believes that understanding and addressing the specific needs of Rwandan customers is essential for remaining relevant in the market.
“A customer-centric approach ensures that the company remains relevant and responsive to market demands,” she explains.
This focus extends to product development, where Mayfair is continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of its clientele.
By introducing niche products like index-based insurance, the company is addressing gaps in the market and offering solutions tailored to its customers’ requirements.
{{Talent development and gender equality}}
In addition to digital transformation and customer satisfaction, Igoma places a high value on talent development within the organization.
“Attracting and retaining top talent is critical for fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration,” she says. Igoma is committed to building a strong, capable team, which she views as essential for maintaining Mayfair’s competitive edge in the industry.
She has worked to create a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth, particularly for women, who are underrepresented in the finance and insurance sectors.
One of Igoma’s most notable achievements since taking on the role of Managing Director has been Mayfair Insurance’s decision to join Women in Finance Rwanda, an initiative aimed at promoting gender equality and diversity in the workplace.
“This decision reflects Mayfair Insurance’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive and advance in their careers,” Igoma explains.
The partnership also allows the company to contribute to the empowerment of women in the finance industry by supporting initiatives that provide women with the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed.
{{The future of Mayfair Insurance}}
Looking ahead, Igoma is excited about Mayfair Insurance’s future, particularly its ongoing digitalization journey.
“We look forward to becoming fully digitalized within the next two to three years,” she shares, noting that this transformation will position the company to better serve its clients and adapt to changing market conditions.
As Rwanda’s insurance market continues to evolve, Mayfair is well-positioned to thrive, thanks in no small part to Igoma’s strategic leadership and forward-thinking approach.
{{Advice to aspiring women in finance and insurance}}
Igoma also offers advice to young women aspiring to build successful careers in finance and insurance.
“Never stop learning. Whether it’s gaining new technical skills, staying updated on industry trends, or pursuing further education, continuous learning will keep you competitive and open to new opportunities,” she advises.
Igoma also encourages women to seek out challenges, take risks, cultivate resilience, build a strong network, be open to feedback, prioritize work-life integration, and develop confidence, all of which are essential for navigating the complexities of the business world.
“While it’s important to be ambitious, also be patient with your career progression. Success takes time, and it’s important to build a solid foundation,” she concluded.
RDB assured the public that a new date for the prestigious gorilla naming event will be shared soon.
In September 2024, RDB had confirmed that 22 baby gorillas were due to receive names during the much-anticipated Kwita Izina ceremony. The event was expected to feature various celebrities as they take part in naming the gorillas.
Over the past 19 editions of Kwita Izina, 395 baby gorillas have been named. This annual ceremony draws global attention and underscores Rwanda’s dedication to environmental conservation.
Traditionally is held in Kinigi, Musanze District, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park which is home to famous mountain gorillas.
Two hundred and eighty-one lawmakers voted in favour of the motion to remove Gachagua, while 44 opposed it, with only one member of the House abstaining. The motion required support from 233 MPs, representing two-thirds of the total 349 members, to pass through the House.
The motion to impeach Gachagua was tabled in the National Assembly last week, having garnered a total of 291 signatures.
The sponsor of the motion, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, sought Gachagua’s removal on 11 grounds, including gross violation of the Constitution, undermining President William Ruto and the Cabinet, undermining devolution, and compromising judicial independence by publicly attacking a judge.
Other charges included making inciteful statements, committing economic crimes, spreading false, malicious, divisive, and inciteful remarks and bullying state and public officers.
Appearing in the House on Tuesday evening, Gachagua dismissed the charges as “outrageous and baseless propaganda” aimed at tarnishing his reputation and unfairly hounding him out of office.
He dedicated significant time to responding to allegations of corruption. He denied the claim that he had amassed Ksh5 billion worth of wealth within two years through corrupt means, insisting that the listed property belonged to his late brother, who had named him as one of the administrators of his vast estate.
With the National Assembly having pronounced itself on the matter, the motion now moves to the Senate for consideration. For the motion to pass in the Senate, it must garner support from two-thirds of the senators.
If the Senate upholds any of the charges against Gachagua, he will become the first Deputy President to be removed from office through an impeachment process in Kenya.
The collaboration was announced by NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, Opportunity International CEO Atul Tandon, and five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher at a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
As part of the partnership, the two institutions have committed to building the courts and hosting basketball clinics in 2025. Each court will host a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA coaches clinic aimed at elevating and upskilling 100 teachers and coaches in each city.
According to NBA Africa, an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the collaboration aligns with its commitment to building 1,000 courts across Africa over the next decade.
NBA Africa and Opportunity International explained that the development for coaches and teachers in both cities is aimed at providing them with skills and best practices in coaching, refereeing, game operations, event management, program administration, and more.
“Our collaboration with Opportunity International reflects our commitment to investing in local basketball ecosystems across Africa and providing youth with the resources and opportunities to develop their leadership and basketball skills,” Tatum said.
“We look forward to working together to create safe spaces where Kenyan and Rwandan youth can play the game and participate in programs that help develop the next generation of coaches and mentors.”
Opportunity International is a global nonprofit organization that develops innovative programs using financial services, training, and support to address some of the greatest challenges faced by those living in poverty around the world.
The company’s CEO, Atul Tandon, noted that the new partnership will help bring world-class basketball courts and coaches to Africa.
“This initiative is key to our longstanding commitment to bring more education and opportunities to the youth of Africa, and we are grateful to NBA Africa, NBA Deputy Commissioner Tatum, and our longtime friend and partner Sam Garvin for coming together to help build a rising Africa,” Tandon stated.
The Jr. NBA, the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches fundamental skills and the core values of the game at the grassroots level to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches, and parents.
Last year, Jr. NBA programming directly reached more than 170,000 youth across Africa.
The two countries signed a funding agreement on October 8, 2024, with the German Development Bank KfW representing the German Government during the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) in Kigali.
In a statement, MINECOFIN stated that the funds will be channelled into the Pro-Poor Infrastructure Basket, aimed at supporting rural districts by financing essential local infrastructure to improve the living conditions of citizens.
The new funding builds on Germany’s initial contribution of €16 million to launch the basket and complements contributions from other development partners, such as AFD (France) and LuxDev on behalf of the Government of Luxembourg.
The Inclusive Pro-Poor Basket, implemented by the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), focuses on improving access to basic public services, rehabilitating infrastructure, providing employment opportunities, improving climate resilience, and making a positive impact on women.
The districts earmarked to benefit from the initiative include Gisagara, Nyanza, Ngoma, Nyaruguru, Gatsibo, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, Kamonyi, Rulindo, Gakenke, Burera, Gicumbi, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Ngororero, and Nyamasheke.
Minister of State in Charge of Public Investments and Resource Mobilization, Mutesi Rusagara, who was among high-ranking officials who attended the signing ceremony, welcomed the additional funding, expressing optimism that it will enable LODA to support local governments in investing more effectively in local economic development projects.
“The Government of Rwanda has set ambitious targets in NST2 to enhance service delivery, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth. The Pro-Poor Basket is an efficient and effective tool to contribute to these goals and, thus, to the implementation of NST2,” she stated.
LODA’s Director General, Claudine Nyinawagaga, highlighted the long-standing working relationship with KfW, noting that setting up and implementing the Pro-Poor Basket in close cooperation with KfW, AFD, and LuxDev marks an important milestone in achieving the socio-economic development of Rwanda’s rural population.
Dr. Simon Koppers, Head of the Central Africa Division at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), emphasized that Rwandan-German development cooperation has long focused on improving public services and infrastructure for the poor and vulnerable.
He noted that the additional funding for the Pro-Poor Basket is a testament to the enduring strong ties between the two countries.
Slated to begin on 8th October and continue until 21st October under the slogan “The UAE Stands with Lebanon”, the campaign is aimed at involving the community, institutions, and public sector and private sector organizations.
Speaking about the importance of the campaign, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stressed the utmost importance given by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to helping the people in Lebanon in their tough humanitarian circumstance.
He expressed confidence in the UAE community – people, businesses and institutions – in standing with people facing crisis situations and extending support to them.
The campaign announcement came close on the heels of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ordering an urgent relief aid package worth US$100 million as part of the country’s efforts to support the people of Lebanon.
The UAE sent 6 planes loaded with around 205 tonnes of medical supplies, food, relief materials, and shelter equipment. This was done in cooperation with international partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Members of Parliament allied with President William Ruto accuse the 59-year-old politician of corruption, undermining the government, and practicing ethnically divisive politics, among other charges.
Gachagua, however, denies the allegations, insisting that the impeachment motion is a political witch-hunt aimed at illegally hounding him out of office.
The deputy president’s remarks regarding the impeachment plot have been the subject of intense debate in Kenya, as his fallout with his former ally and boss, President Ruto, becomes increasingly apparent.
As the political landscape grows more polarized, pressing questions arise about the future of Kenya’s stability, democracy, and unity.
In the latest episode of our weekly show, The Perspective, we explore the genesis and intrigues surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment and potential pathways toward resolution.
Watch the video below to gain more insights into the situation in Kenya:
In a notice to passengers, Rwanda’s national carrier stated that this mandatory measure aims to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone as outlined by the Ministry of Health. Passengers can fill out the questionnaire with the assistance of staff from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) or complete a [declaration form online->https://phpd.moh.gov.rw/travel/], download the QR code, and present it upon arrival at the airport.
Travellers are also advised to monitor for MVD symptoms—such as fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea—before departing Rwanda and to seek medical advice immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
To help curb the spread of the virus, RwandAir stated that passengers should expect routine temperature checks using Thermo-Scan Cameras, as well as the availability of hand sanitizing stations.
The airline emphasized Rwanda’s capacity to manage the health emergency, stating, “Rwanda’s proven ability to handle public health challenges ensures a safe environment for all travellers. The country’s commitment to scientific and evidence-based responses, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a top priority in safeguarding the well-being of everyone in Rwanda.”
So far, Rwanda has confirmed 56 cases of Marburg disease, with 12 deaths and 8 recoveries. Cumulative tests have surpassed 2,300.
Initial symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it can cause severe hemorrhaging, organ failure, and shock.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend strict hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of Marburg virus disease.
According to a statement released by RURA, these revised prices will take effect starting at 7 p.m. on October 8 and will remain in place for two months.
RURA explained that the adjustments are a result of recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices. The last price update occurred in August.
This marks the third consecutive time petrol prices have decreased since April, when RURA raised fuel prices.
