In response, the Congolese government demanded the arrest of these individuals. However, Kenya declined to comply, leading to the recall of the Congolese Ambassador, John Nyakeru, from Nairobi.
President Ruto, addressing the situation on Sunday, emphasized that Kenya, as a democracy, does not arrest individuals for making statements.
He stated, “Kenya is a democracy; we cannot arrest anybody who has issued a statement. We don’t arrest people who have made a statement; we arrest criminals. If anybody has committed any crime, we will go out of our way to deal with them.” Ruto highlighted the essence of freedom of expression within a democratic framework.
In response to DR Congo’s recall of its ambassador, Ruto acknowledged it as their right but reiterated Kenya’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, maintaining that the country cannot arrest individuals for expressing their opinions.
The APTF is a pan-African agency with the primary objective of promoting technological advancement within the medical ecosystem across the continent.
Established and approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Board of Directors in June 2022, the institution emerged in response to the collective request from African Union member states. It serves as a dedicated entity to enhance Africa’s access to technology for the comprehensive manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.
The genesis of the foundation can be traced back to the challenges faced by African countries in accessing vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to address this issue, the APTF was conceived, recognizing the critical need for technological solutions in the medical field.
According to data provided by the AfDB, Africa currently relies on imports for over 70 percent of its required medications, incurring an annual cost of up to $14 billion. Surprisingly, the continent manufactures only one percent of the necessary vaccines. The APTF aims to significantly bridge this gap, fostering self-sufficiency and technological empowerment in pharmaceutical production across Africa.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Dr. Vincent Biruta, highlighted the significance of the agreement and emphasized the cooperative effort to advance pharmaceutical technology in Africa and improve healthcare on the continent.
Dr. Biruta stated, “This agreement is a sign of cooperation, innovation, and technological development in medicine for the benefit of our people and the entire continent.”
Furthermore, Dr. Biruta underscored the broader implications of the collaboration, stating, “It is a sign and shows the will to produce knowledge and technology that promotes innovation and research, knowledge sharing.” He also acknowledged the pivotal role of technology in enhancing healthcare in Rwanda and Africa at large.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), provided insights into the establishment of the APTF, emphasizing its role in supporting the African pharmaceutical industry.
He remarked, “This center will help the pharmaceutical industry to access and share technology and engage in dialogue with intellectual property rights holders in the pharmaceutical industry to develop the pharmaceutical industry in Africa.”
In addition to the AfDB’s commitment, Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development in Germany, expressed the country’s dedication to collaboration with Rwanda and Africa in the production of medicines and vaccines.
Dr. Kofler stated, “The cooperation between the German Government and APTF is based on our shared values, to ensure that the people of the African continent have a better life.”
Among others, the Minister of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the importance of distributing such critical infrastructure across various African countries, particularly mentioning the opening of BionTech Africa, the first vaccine manufacturer in Rwanda, dedicated to combating Malaria and Tuberculosis.
Dr. Biruta stressed the need for capacity building and noted that APTF should play a pivotal role in this regard.
The signing of a cooperation agreement between APTF and the European Investment Bank was also highlighted, indicating the bank’s commitment to providing technical assistance and facilitating funding for innovative healthcare initiatives. This collaborative effort aligns with the shared goal of enhancing health services and medication availability in Africa.
In a meeting between President Kagame and Adesina in September 2023, discussions centered on AfDB’s assistance in developing the pharmaceutical sector in Africa through the establishment of APTF’s headquarters in Rwanda. This meeting emphasized the ongoing commitment to cooperation and development in the pharmaceutical field.
Having lived in Cabo Delgado for a year, Jacqueline, a Burundian woman, and her fellow entrepreneurs sustained themselves by offering essential services in the post-war scenario. She emphasized the improved security in Palma since her arrival and expressed her intention to leave once Rwandan security forces depart, citing concerns about her safety.
Kwifera Claudine, another woman residing in Mozambique for five years, shared positive experiences about her business in Palma, which she initiated in November 2022.
Aside from Burundians engaged in business in the city, there are Rwandans undertaking diverse businesses, particularly wholesaling. Many foreign traders, including Indians, also contribute to the economic landscape.
Residents, such as a 63-year-old man, conveyed gratitude for the Rwandan intervention, attributing their newfound peace and prosperity to the assistance provided.
The narrative continued with a man’s account of reuniting with his wife after fleeing during the conflict. He highlighted the positive changes in their lives and acknowledged the role played by the Rwandan Security Forces in ensuring their safety.
Abdallah Ali, a food trader, credited the Rwandan soldiers for restoring security, enabling business operations to flourish. He expressed a sense of security in Palma and emphasized the resumption of daily activities without fear.
Ismail Lichemba praised the collaboration between Rwanda and Mozambique but lamented the abduction of his child, expressing hope for their reunion. He called for continued support from the Rwandans.
Overall, the residents of Cabo Delgado credited Rwanda’s Security Forces for instilling hope and optimism for the future, marking a significant shift from the despair that once enveloped their lives. Some have ventured into entrepreneurship, while others remain hopeful about the promising prospects ahead.
Reflecting on the events since the province’s attachment, the initial stage did not label the attached individuals as terrorists. However, the situation evolved significantly. In October 2017, the situation was manageable despite insurgent attacks, but two years later, instability struck. Reports of killings and kidnappings emerged, causing concern among the populace.
As Mozambican troops sought to address the situation, it became apparent that these individuals were not mere civilians but terrorists.
As Tauabo said, their motives remained unclear, adding to the complexity of the issue. Despite the challenges, the troops committed themselves to protecting the people.
In 2020, the governor, previously a district administrator, became the elected governor. Drawing from his experience in Palma, he extended efforts to secure all attached provinces, relocating people from vulnerable areas to the south. While the circumstances were far from ideal, the government’s presence provided solace to the affected population.
Currently, the province’s inhabitants are experiencing a sense of well-being. Those who temporarily relocated are returning, indicating confidence in the efforts of Rwandan, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), and other Mozambican troops.
Progress may be gradual, but collective determination assures a better future.
Tauabo acknowledges the devastating impact of terrorist attacks in 2021, resulting in 3,000 deaths and displacing over 800,000 individuals. Critical infrastructure was destroyed, hindering development activities and necessitating reconstruction.
Following the expulsion of terrorists from different regions, the collaboration between Rwandan and Mozambican forces has been instrumental. However, Tauabo emphasizes the prolonged journey to lasting peace and the need for individuals to feel secure in pursuing their projects.
TotalEnergies, a vital contributor to Cabo Delgado’s prosperity, invested significantly in a gas processing project. Unfortunately, this project, along with many others, was halted due to the prevailing conditions. The governor remains optimistic about its eventual resumption.
Despite the challenges, Tauabo expresses satisfaction with the synergy between Rwandan and Mozambican soldiers. He underscores the importance of their collaboration in daily activities, especially considering the extensive regions that must be traversed for essential connections between Pemba and Palma.
After Rwandan troops intervened, terrorists were dislodged and sought refuge in areas controlled by SADC forces, particularly in districts like Macomia. Currently, regions under the control of the Rwanda Security Forces include Palma, Mocimboa da Praia, Quionga, Afungi, Mbau, Pundanhar, and others.
The governor highlights that residents are pleased with the collaborative efforts between Rwandan and Mozambican troops, as it enables the resumption of daily activities.
The Presidential Decree, issued on December 11, 2023, stipulates that the elections for the President of the Republic and Members of Parliament will take place on July 15, 2024, with voting for Rwandans residing outside the country scheduled for July 14. The decision to consolidate these elections was driven by the aim to mitigate the substantial costs associated with conducting them individually.
Charles Munyaneza, the Executive Secretary of NEC, revealed during an interview on December 17, 2023, that direct elections involving the entire citizenry had previously surpassed Rwf7 billion in expenses. Munyaneza emphasized that holding separate elections in consecutive years resulted in higher costs, citing the example of the direct presidential election exceeding Rwf7 billion.
He explained that combining the elections for President and Deputies would result in a budget just over half of what would be incurred if the elections were held in separate years. Munyaneza projected a cost of Rwf7.2 billion for Deputies if held in one year and a similar amount for the presidential election the following year, totaling Rwf14 billion. However, the combined elections are estimated to cost Rwf8.1 billion, leading to potential savings of up to Rwf5 billion for the country.
Munyaneza clarified that the budget does not account for foreign aid and highlighted that the funds saved could be utilized in other areas of national development. He pointed out that the consolidation would streamline various aspects such as voting materials, civic education, and campaigning, thereby reducing overall expenditures.
To ensure the efficiency of the electoral process, NEC plans to increase the number of volunteers to 70,000. Munyaneza shared that based on the latest electoral roll figures, approximately 8.7 million Rwandans are expected to vote, with over 7 million eligible for candidacy.
The campaign period for the presidential and parliamentary elections is set to commence on June 22, 2024, and conclude on July 12, 2024, for those outside Rwanda and on July 13 within the country.
The upcoming elections mark the fourth time Rwanda has held presidential elections since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The last presidential elections occurred on August 3 and 4, 2017, while parliamentary elections took place on September 2 and 3, 2018.
The announcement came after community work (Umuganda) and medical outreach exercises conducted jointly by the RSF and Mozambican forces in Mocimboa da Praia city on Saturday, December 16.
Cabo Delgado’s coastal region had suffered from the terror activities of Ansar al Sunnah wal Jama’a terrorists, resulting in the deaths of over 4,000 people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands since 2017. In response to a request from the Mozambican government, Rwanda deployed 1,000 troops to Cabo Delgado in July 2021.
The joint forces successfully dislodged terrorists from major towns and villages in districts such as Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. Notable achievements include capturing strategic locations like Mbau, Awasse, Naquitengue, Chinda, Diaca, Primeiro de Maio, Quelimane, Pundanhar, Nhica do Rovuma, and the port city of Mocimboa da Praia.
The RDF continues its support to restore state authority in Cabo Delgado through combat and security operations, stabilization, and security sector reform. In November 2022, additional troops were deployed to pursue fleeing terrorists, extending operations to Ancuabe District.
The Rwandan contingent, comprising over 3,000 troops under the command of Maj. Gen. Alex Kagame, is divided into military and police components, including a level II field hospital.
Operations involve long-range patrols, mobile operating bases, confidence-building patrols, ambushes, and joint efforts with Mozambican and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.
Maj Gen Alex Kagame attributes the success in defeating terrorists to these operations. The relationship between the local population and Rwanda Security Forces has been strengthened through outreach programs, fostering trust and good relations.
Thanks to the joint operations, Mocimboa da Praia witnessed the reopening of its sea port and the inauguration of the airport in October by President Filipe Nyusi. Several terrorists and their leaders were neutralized, weapons seized, and a key leader, Bonomade Machude Omar, also known as Ibn Omar, was killed during Operation Hard Punch in Macomia District.
Brig Gen Rwivanga reports that about 80% of displaced individuals in Palma and Mocimboa da Praia have returned home. The RDF emphasizes its commitment to the region’s security, with ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorists dispersed in forests.
Speaking on the intervention’s duration, Brig Gen Rwivanga stressed that there is no set deadline, emphasizing the importance of building capacity for Mozambican forces.
Recently, Rwanda trained 150 Mozambican Special Forces, marking the beginning of a broader initiative to empower local forces and ensure sustained security in the region.
Simultaneously, the head of state engaged in fruitful discussions with Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), ahead of the plant’s inauguration slated for Monday 18th December 2023.
Kagame also hosted President Macky Sall of Senegal, fostering conversations on potential partnerships aimed at enhancing vaccine manufacturing capacities across the African continent.
According to Rwanda’s Presidency, their deliberations extended to encompass broader continental and global issues of mutual interest.
Among the dignitaries expected to attend the vaccine manufacturing facility’s launch is the German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, reflecting the international collaboration involved in this groundbreaking initiative.
The construction of the vaccine manufacturing facility, located in Masoro, Gasabo District, commenced in June 2022.
A memorandum of understanding between the parties in 2021 paved the way for establishing the BioNTech facility in the Special Economic Zone in Gasabo District. Following months of dedicated efforts, including the shipping and installation of BioNTainers—specially designed facilities for manufacturing various mRNA-based vaccines—the factory is now operational.
Spanning approximately 30,000 square meters, the Rwandan facility is equipped with BioNTainers tailored for the production of mRNA and formulated bulk drug products. Initially set to produce 50 million vaccines, the plant’s production capacity is flexible and will be adjusted based on demand.
According to BioNTech, the facility is poised to become the first node in Africa’s decentralized and robust end-to-end manufacturing network.
Expanding its reach beyond Kigali, BioNTech announced plans in March to ship BioNTainers to Senegal and potentially South Africa, further contributing to the broader African healthcare landscape.
Rwanda has collaborated with Germany’s BioNTech since 2021 to establish the plant, which employs mRNA technology in vaccine development. mRNA vaccines instruct cells to produce a harmless part of the virus, training the immune system without using live viruses, ensuring a safe and effective immunization process.
The partnership was formalized in 2021 through a memorandum of understanding, resulting in the construction of the BioNTech facility in Gasabo District’s Special Economic Zone. The 30,000-square-meter plant is now operational, boasting BioNTainers designed for manufacturing various mRNA-based vaccines.
Initially set to produce 50 million vaccines, the facility’s output will be scaled up based on demand. BioNTech envisions the plant as the first node in Africa’s decentralized manufacturing network, extending its reach beyond Rwanda to Senegal and potentially South Africa.
President Sall’s visit marks his second appearance in Rwanda this year, following his commitment in July to provide 150 scholarships for Afghan girls studying in the country during the Women Deliver Conference.
The call follows the arrest of some individuals, who from time to time, cut trees in protected forests, an act of environmental degradation punishable by law.
Two of the people that cut trees in protected forests were arrested on Thursday December 14, in Nyamagabe District, Kibumbwe Sector, Gakanka Cell, Gikomera Village.
They were felling trees in the gazetted forest for fire wood and to burn charcoal.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmanuel Habiyaremye, the Southern region Police spokesperson, said that the suspects were apprehended red handed in the forest, where they were found cutting trees.
“Communities neighboring the forest are the first line of defense against people, who attempt to destroy forests, and the two men were also reported by the residents,” SP Habiyaremye said.
He added: “When residents notice unusual movements in the forests or carrying trees from the forest, they call the police and local leaders.”
Article 44 of Law No 48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment prohibits the following acts in order to protect biodiversity: burning forests, national parks and reserved areas, burning swamps, grazing land, bushes, grass with the aim of agriculture or organizing grazing land, killing, injuring and capturing animals of endangered species, destroying or damaging habitats, larvae, pupae or the young animals of the endangered species, causing death or burning protected plants, harvesting or destroying them, transporting or selling the remains of a whole or part of an animal and plants of endangered species, and cutting trees in forests or protected areas or in national parks.
In article 59; any person who causes death, destroys protected plants, harvests or damages them, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and not more than five years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf3 million.
The signing ceremony, attended by Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, witnessed the formalization of Somalia’s entry into the seven-member EAC. President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Chairperson of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, joined Somalia’s President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud in signing the treaty.
Kiir emphasized that Somalia’s accession is a “major boost” to the regional integration agenda, recognizing the EAC’s achievements in its pillars of integration. President Mohamud expressed immense pride in Somalia’s entry, stating that it symbolizes hope for a future filled with possibilities.
“Our mission is clear; strengthen friendship, contribute to prosperity, and actively shape a brighter future for the population of this Community,” said Mohamud, emphasizing Somalia’s role in enhancing the bloc’s trade and investment potential.
Ugandan President Museveni, one of founders of the EAC, highlighted the significance of the bloc’s re-establishment, emphasizing the original goals of prosperity, strategic security, and regional unity. EAC Secretary General Peter Mutuku Mathuki, present at the event, explained that Somalia now has six months to undertake internal processes, including ratification of the EAC Treaty, before fully participating in the bloc’s activities.
The EAC Summit on November 24 had already approved Somalia’s full membership, and the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Accession marks a crucial step towards Somalia’s integration into the East African Community.
