The Sunday talks, expected to address ongoing tensions between the two nations, were cancelled due to the DRC’s refusal to negotiate with the M23 rebel group. This decision contradicts commitments made earlier by the DRC to enter discussions with armed groups, including M23, as part of regional peace efforts.
Minister Nduhungirehe stated, “The DRC refused discussions with M23, in direct contradiction to what they had agreed to just a few days earlier.”
Angola, serving as the mediator in these talks, had notified both parties on November 30, 2024, that the DRC had agreed to dialogue with M23, but the decision was later reversed.
The talks were planned as a follow-up to a series of meetings between officials from Rwanda, DRC, and Angola, aimed at creating a framework for addressing insecurity in eastern Congo.
Rwanda maintains that meaningful peace efforts in the region require the inclusion of M23, as it remains one of the key players in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
Despite the postponement, Angola hosted discussions between Tshisekedi and President João Lourenço, along with an invitation extended to former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has been mediating between the DRC government and armed groups through the Nairobi process.
The M23 group, active since resuming fighting in late 2021, has called for negotiations to address grievances, including alleged persecution of Congolese Tutsi communities.
In earlier peace talks convened in Nairobi in 2022, M23 representatives were expelled after being accused of reigniting hostilities, further complicating the conflict resolution process.
In a social media post on Saturday, Makolo attributed the claims to a small group of individuals who resist change and seek to maintain the economic dominance of a few wealthy nations in global sports.
Makolo’s response came after renowned Kenyan media personality Jackie Lumbasi questioned the meaning and use of “sportswashing” in relation to Rwanda’s growing sports presence.
“Hi Jackie, these people brought this term ‘sportswashing’—it’s a cabal that swims against the tide. They want all the benefits of the sports business to remain the preserve of the few rich countries that have historically reaped the profits. But this is 2024—things have taken a different turn,” Makolo wrote on X.
Bite Jackie, hawa watu walileta this term “sportswashing” ni cabal ina swim against the tide. Wanataka benefits zote za business of sports, zibaki the preserve of those few rich countries that have historically reaped the profits. Lakini this is 2024 – ibintu byafashe indi ntera.…
The term “sportswashing” surfaced after Rwanda made history on Friday, December 13, 2024, by hosting the 2024 FIA Awards, the first to be held in Africa. The prestigious awards ceremony brought together key figures in motorsport, including four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, to Kigali.
Rwanda’s critics often use the term “sportswashing” to discredit the government’s initiatives that have placed the country on the world map, especially through high-profile sports partnerships and events. These include significant sponsorship deals with global football clubs like Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) through the “Visit Rwanda” branding.
In addition to football, Rwanda has invested heavily in basketball, with the country hosting events such as the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and focusing on strengthening its ties with the NBA.
Other notable events Rwanda has bid for include the IRON MAN 70.3 race, the ATP Challenger 50 Tennis Tour, the Kigali International Marathon, and the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally.
The government disputes the ‘sportswashing’ narrative and has often affirmed that Rwanda’s involvement in sports is not about hiding wrongdoing but rather about boosting the country’s international profile and capitalizing on the opportunities that hosting sports events presents.
The talks are being mediated by Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been acting as a facilitator in efforts to resolve tensions between the two nations.
The discussions aim to address ongoing conflicts and foster lasting peace, particularly in light of strained relations between the DRC and Rwanda. Angola, committed to mediating the situation, hopes the talks will lead to agreements, including a ceasefire and strategies to restore security in the eastern regions of the DRC.
This meeting follows preliminary discussions held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, when representatives from both countries met in Luanda.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Angola, Rwanda, and the DRC worked on a draft agreement that will be reviewed by the heads of state during the summit.
President Tshisekedi’s trip to Angola comes days after he accused Rwanda of displacing Congolese citizens in North Kivu and replacing them with foreigners. His remarks, delivered on December 11, 2024, to a joint session of the Congolese parliament, were met with strong criticism from Rwanda.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe described Tshisekedi’s comments as inflammatory, expressing concern that they could incite hatred against Congolese Tutsis in eastern DRC.
Rwanda also refuted the allegations, emphasizing that Congolese refugees returning to North Kivu—estimated at over 1.45 million—had fled violence during clashes between the DRC armed forces and the M23 rebel group. Rwanda reiterated its stance that those individuals are Congolese citizens and not foreigners.
The peace talks follow agreements from the sixth ministerial meeting held on November 25, 2024, which outlined a three-month strategy to dismantle the FDLR, a militia group comprising individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This operation will proceed in three stages: assessing the militia’s threats and resources, launching direct operations against the FDLR, and reviewing the progress of these measures.
Both parties have expressed cautious optimism that these efforts could lead to a breakthrough in resolving the security crisis in the region.
Angola’s leadership remains central to coordinating these efforts and encouraging the neighboring nations to prioritize peacebuilding over conflict.
Museveni’s remarks come amid heated debates surrounding the ongoing trial of opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his associate, Obeid Lutale, in the Makindye-based General Court Martial.
President Museveni, in a detailed statement on Thursday, December 12, 2024, praised the role of the Court Martial system, referring to it as “eyokyeero,” a Runyankore term meaning reinforcement.
He attributed the establishment of military trials for civilians to the increasing activities of criminals and terrorists who have wielded weapons indiscriminately to harm Ugandans.
Museveni argued that the civilian court system, overwhelmed with a backlog of cases including murders, assaults, and land disputes, could not efficiently handle gun-related crimes.
“For stabilization, you need speed,” Museveni argued, adding that military courts provide the necessary swiftness and decisiveness to deal with armed offenders.
He stressed that such offenders, though civilians, become “soldiers” in a sense by taking up arms and should therefore face the jurisdiction of the Court Martial, which is specifically designed to handle cases involving weapons.
The president’s comments were a direct response to legal and public criticism, particularly from opposition voices, about the legality and morality of trying civilians in military courts.
Lawyers for Besigye and Lutale have described the Court Martial proceedings as illegitimate, with lead counsel Erias Lukwago labeling it a “kangaroo court.”
Besigye, a retired army officer turned opposition leader, has long been a thorn in Museveni’s side, having run against him in four contested presidential elections.
Besigye and Lutale were recently charged with endangering national security and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Their detention followed their controversial abduction by Ugandan intelligence agents in Nairobi, Kenya, last November.
Despite protests, the two remain in custody, with their case adjourned until January 7, 2025.
Critics, including Besigye’s legal team, have argued that Ugandan law does not permit civilians to be tried in military courts, making their trial unconstitutional. They have refused to apply for bail, maintaining their stance against the court’s legitimacy.
However, Museveni defended the practice, stating that the military court system operates as a subordinate to civilian courts, with opportunities for appeal and oversight to rectify any miscarriages of justice.
“If the Court Martial judges badly, the superior courts will rectify the issue,” Museveni stated.
He also argued that military trials provide a pragmatic solution to keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.
Citing his recent tour of Karamoja, Museveni pointed to the effectiveness of military courts in addressing crime in the region. He noted that over 900 Karamojong youth, detained for gun-related crimes, were being processed by military tribunals.
The president credited this approach for the restoration of peace in the region, contrasting it with what he termed as the inefficiency of civilian courts where offenders are often “granted bail or kept on remand endlessly where they form part of the backlog of the general court system.”
Museveni proposed a referendum in districts like Karamoja to gauge public support for the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians, expressing confidence that such a measure would receive overwhelming approval.
The Besigye case, however, remains a lightning rod for dissent, with opposition leaders and activists accusing the government of weaponizing military courts to suppress political opponents.
While it remains unclear if Xi has accepted, the mere possibility of his presence is generating significant buzz in political circles and even on social media.
Inviting a foreign leader—particularly one representing a major geopolitical rival—to a U.S. presidential inauguration is highly unusual. Historically, foreign dignitaries have attended these events, but never has a leader of Xi’s stature been asked to witness the transfer of power firsthand.
CNB, citing multiple sources, reported on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, that President-elect Donald Trump extended the invitation to Xi Jinping shortly after his November 5 election victory. The Chinese embassy in Washington has not commented on the matter, leaving analysts and observers speculating about Xi’s potential response.
What is certain, however, is that Trump’s relationship with Xi, while complex, seems to be entering a new phase. Shortly after his election victory, Xi congratulated Trump, expressing hope for a “stable, healthy, and sustainable” relationship between the U.S. and China.
“China and the U.S. will benefit from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” Xi stated.
Proponents argue that Trump’s move could signal a willingness to reset relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Indian tech influencer Manoj Kumar reacted on X, saying, “Interesting move by Trump! Inviting Xi Jinping could signal an intent to improve or at least stabilize U.S.-China relations right from the start of his new term. It will be key to see if Xi accepts and how this impacts international dynamics.”
During Trump’s first term between 2017 and 2021, the U.S.-China trade war heightened tensions, with tariffs and accusations of unfair trade practices dominating the bilateral agenda. Trump has vowed stricter tariffs in his second term, including a 10% levy on Chinese imports unless Beijing takes action on fentanyl trafficking.
Despite this history, Trump maintains that he shares a “good rapport” with Xi, recently revealing that they had communicated earlier this week.
Critics, however, remain sceptical. Shahzad Saleem, a netizen, commented, “Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping is a bold move, but it’s hard to ignore the irony. For a leader who campaigned on being tough on China, this feels more like rolling out the red carpet for geopolitical theatre.”
This development comes amid heightened tensions in U.S.-China relations, with ongoing trade disputes, restrictions on critical exports, and clashes over technology policies. Beijing has cautioned against “mutually destructive tariff wars,” while Xi continues to call for “peaceful coexistence.”
Whether Xi Jinping accepts Trump’s invitation or not, the gesture underscores Trump’s unpredictable diplomatic strategies. As inauguration day approaches, the global community will watch closely to see how this bold overture unfolds—and what it means for U.S.-China relations moving forward.
However, this potential is accompanied by significant challenges, including high unemployment rates, an outdated education system, and political exclusion. Despite these hurdles, Africa’s youth, particularly Generation Z, are determined to play an active role in shaping their societies.
Unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues facing Africa’s young population. With 40% of the youth unemployed, the situation is dire. The lack of job opportunities not only affects economic stability but also fuels social unrest, crime, and substance abuse.
Observers say that this youth unemployment crisis has far-reaching consequences. When young people are excluded from the job market, they become disillusioned and often turn to protests and uprisings.
The frustration of Generation Z, which constitutes 31% of Africa’s population, is palpable. These young people are demanding more than just promises. They want action. A major part of the solution lies in reforming the education system to better align with today’s economic demands.
At the ongoing African Education and Youth Employability Forum in Nouakchott, Mauritania, President Paul Kagame has called for urgent need to reform Africa’s education systems. He shares the view that Africa’s growing youth population is a critical driver of economic growth, this opportunity cannot simply just go to waste.
“In just a decade from now, young Africans will represent the biggest share of the global population entering the workforce. This generation has the potential of becoming a powerful engine for growth and prosperity—not just for Africa, but for the rest of the world,” he said.
Experts believe that many African countries still offer curricula that fail to prepare students for the modern job market. Graduates often lack the practical skills needed to thrive in industries that are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements.
It means Africa must invest in industry-based education and ensure that young people graduate with skills that directly correlate with the needs of employers. More importantly, the education system must shift from preparing students for traditional, white-collar jobs to cultivating entrepreneurs.
Aby Agina, a financial journalism expert says that young Africans today are not just looking for employment, they are eager to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
“But the power of Africa’s youth does not stop at economics. Young people across the continent are also calling for more political engagement. They are rejecting the outdated notion that they are “leaders of tomorrow. They are the “leaders of today,” Agina says.
According to him, Rwanda stands out as an example of positive youth integration into governance. With young people holding key positions in both the public and private sectors, Rwanda has demonstrated that youth inclusion is not only possible but also essential for national progress.
Technology has also become a powerful tool for Africa’s youth in driving change. Many young people are using digital platforms to launch businesses, access global markets, and push for social justice.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a unique opportunity for Africa’s youth to leapfrog traditional barriers to success. Rather than fearing AI as a threat to employment, young people can use it to enhance productivity, conduct research, and improve their businesses.
Social media, too, has become a platform for youth to raise awareness on critical issues, mobilize for social change, and build entrepreneurial ventures. By embracing technology, Africa’s youth can redefine the continent’s economic and social landscape.
The private sector and civil society also have crucial roles to play in empowering Africa’s youth. The private sector is the largest source of employment on the continent, and by creating more job opportunities and supporting youth-focused initiatives, businesses can help tackle the unemployment crisis.
Similarly, civil society organizations are essential in mobilizing young people and providing them with the tools and platforms to advocate for change. Governments must collaborate with these sectors to create a conducive environment where youth can thrive, innovate, and contribute to national development.
The power of Africa’s youth lies in their ambition, resilience, and drive to create a better future. However, to unlock their full potential, African governments, private sectors, and civil society must provide the right opportunities, resources, and platforms for engagement.
If this happens, Africa’s youth can lead the way in driving transformative change—not just in their own countries, but across the continent and globally.
Africa’s future lies with its bold, tech-savvy youth. With the right support, they can drive progress and create a brighter, more prosperous continent for all.
“Congratulations to my friend President-elect John Mahama on your election victory. Rwanda and Ghana share a strong commitment to progress, and we look forward to working together to strengthen our bilateral ties and advance the vision of a prosperous Africa,” President Kagame posted on X.
The Ghana Electoral Commission officially announced on December 9, 2024, that Mahama secured 56.55% of the vote, while his opponent, Mahamudu Bawumia, the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and current Vice President, garnered 41.6%.
Prior to the official results, Bawumia graciously conceded defeat, offering his congratulations to Mahama for his win.
Mahama, who served as Ghana’s Vice President from 2009 to 2012 and President from 2012 to 2017, is set to assume office on January 7, 2025.
He will replace outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has held office since 2017.
The relationship between Rwanda and Ghana is marked by strong cooperation across various sectors, including air transport, defense and security, private sector partnerships, tourism, culture, finance, and trade.
Rwanda opened its embassy in Ghana in 2020, while Ghana reciprocated by opening its embassy in Rwanda in 2024.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Nouakchott, Mauritania, focused on strengthening partnerships in key areas, including education, defence, and security.
The two Heads of State also discussed opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and infrastructure development.
President Kagame arrived in Nouakchott on Monday evening to participate in the forum, organized by the African Union in partnership with UNICEF.
Hosted by Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who also serves as the current African Union Chairperson, the forum is being held under the theme, “Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa.”
The forum will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems to meet the demands of the 21st century. Key discussions will cover curriculum reform, teacher development, digital technologies in education, inclusive education, and financing mechanisms for educational transformation.
The conference aims to identify best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore sustainable solutions to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve overall learning outcomes.
With the African Union’s theme for 2024 focused on education, the forum will also explore strategies to build resilient education systems that prepare African youth to tackle the continent’s challenges and seize its economic potential.
Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for the past three years, marked by clashes between a coalition of government forces and the armed M23 rebel group, which controls significant areas of North Kivu Province.
The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.
From photos shared on social media, it appears that during the call, President Lourenço was accompanied by members of Angola’s foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently represented Angola in the Rwanda-DRC talks held in Luanda on November 25, 2024.
This dialogue followed another discussion President Lourenço held with DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi on November 27.
These engagements came shortly after Rwanda, DRC, and Angola’s envoys agreed on a roadmap to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group operating in the region.
The agreement to dismantle the FDLR is structured into three phases, to be completed within three months.
The first phase involves a thorough 15-day assessment of the FDLR’s threat level, pinpointing its bases, and evaluating its arsenal. This stage aims to establish a clear understanding of the group’s capabilities and operational reach.
Following this, the second phase will see the launch of coordinated military offensives targeting the FDLR and its affiliates. These operations will be conducted alongside joint evaluations overseen by Angola’s security leadership, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to neutralizing the group.
The final phase focuses on repatriating FDLR combatants back to Rwanda and reintegrating them into civilian life. Concurrently, efforts will be directed toward mending Rwanda-DRC relations, which have been strained since early 2022. This phase underscores the broader objective of fostering long-term peace and stability in the region.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, clarified that the M23 issue was not a primary focus of the November 25 talks. He noted that subsequent meetings would address M23-related concerns.
“We agreed to meet again to find solutions to this issue. As a country, we have highlighted three security concerns between Rwanda and the DRC: dismantling the FDLR, lifting our defensive measures, and resolving the M23 matter,” he said.
President Lourenço aims to facilitate direct dialogue between Kagame and Tshisekedi once their countries’ ministerial-level envoys finalize actionable solutions to restore peace and security in eastern DRC.
Reports surfaced on Sunday that Biden had given the green light for Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the U.S. to strike Russia, drawing concerns about the stakes in a war Trump will inherit once he is inaugurated in January 2025.
Biden’s move, which comes two months before he exits the Oval Office, marks a significant shift in Washington’s stance, as it had previously declined for months to grant Kyiv permission to deploy ATACMS missiles beyond its own borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently cautioned that strikes on Russia’s internationally recognized territory using U.S.-supplied weapons would be interpreted as direct involvement by NATO in the conflict. He has hinted that such actions could provoke serious consequences, potentially including retaliatory measures against Western interests.
“It is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is about deciding whether NATO countries become directly involved in the military conflict or not,” he said.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, a close confidant of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has opposed any attempt to escalate the ongoing war.
Musk, who also owns social media giant X, weighed in on the matter while agreeing with a post stating “libs love war.”
The post was published by Utah Senator Mike Lee, a Republican, who reacted to the news, saying “Libs [liberals] love war,” adding: “war facilitates bigger government.”
In response, Musk, designated to lead the Department of Government Efficiency in the next administration, replied with “True.”
Richard Grenell, a close adviser to the president-elect who served as acting director of national intelligence in 2020, accused Biden of “escalating the wars before he leaves office.”
Trump’s son, Donald Jr., also weighed in on the sensitive matter, accusing Biden of an attempt to trigger World War III.
“The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives,” Trump’s son wrote on X.
“Gotta lock in those $Trillions. Life be damned!!! Imbeciles!” he added.
Trump has committed to ending the conflict which began on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Prior to the full-scale war, tensions between the two countries had been escalating for years, particularly after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed separatists were fighting Ukrainian forces.
To bring the conflict to a speedy conclusion, Trump is expected to push Moscow and Kyiv to agree to peace talks.
