The event marked the start of his diplomatic mission in Moscow and was attended by senior Russian officials and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions.
President Putin also received letters of credence from ambassadors of several other countries during the ceremony, including Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia, alongside representatives from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Addressing the diplomats, President Putin emphasised the importance of cooperation, saying that “international cooperation is fundamental to humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity,” and stressed the need for open and constructive partnerships in an increasingly complex global environment.
Ambassador Nzabamwita was appointed Rwanda’s ambassador-designate to Russia in December 2024. He brings extensive experience in national security and public service, having previously served as Presidential Advisor on Security. Before that, he held the position of Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
He succeeds Lt Gen Mushyo Kamanzi, who had represented Rwanda in Moscow since 2019.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Russia date back to 1963, and the two countries have since maintained cordial and cooperative ties. Both nations operate resident diplomatic missions at ambassadorial level, reflecting the strength and continuity of their bilateral relationship.
Cooperation between Rwanda and Russia spans several sectors, including political engagement, military collaboration, education, human resource development, training, and cultural exchange. Russia has also been offering university scholarships to Rwandan students as part of its support for skills development and academic cooperation.
In recent years, nuclear energy has emerged as a key area of collaboration. Rwanda is working with Russia to establish a nuclear research centre by 2030, aimed at producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, enhancing agricultural productivity through radiation technologies, and supporting industrial testing and innovation.
In her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body, Rodriguez said that the relevant reforms would help improve the operating environment of the oil industry and enhance its capacity for external cooperation.
According to the acting president, the South American nation’s oil production reached 1.2 million barrels in December last year. The revenue from oil exports will mainly be used to support the construction of the public health system, promote economic development and advance infrastructure projects.
Venezuela is currently at an important turning point, and the government will explore more pragmatic and diversified ways of foreign exchange, said Rodriguez.
The country should handle its relations with all parties, including the United States, on the basis of mutual respect, she added.
The storm left communities reeling, as homes were destroyed, trees uprooted, and floodwaters surged through towns and villages. Dozens of people lost their lives, many others were injured, and daily life ground to a halt.
Power and communication networks collapsed across large parts of the country, forcing thousands of families into shelters as debris filled streets that were once bustling.
With billions of dollars in damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, the hurricane carved a path of devastation that will take years for Jamaica to overcome.
Recovery efforts have been inspiring, bolstered by international partnerships. On January 14, 2026, the Rwanda Defence Force deployed a contingent of military engineers to assist with rehabilitating critical infrastructure, a meaningful gesture that highlights deepening bilateral ties and Jamaica’s global connections.
As the nation rebuilds, its timeless appeal shines brighter, inviting exploration of its beauty, history and unbreakable resilience.
{{Geography and size}}
Jamaica, the third-largest island in the Caribbean, covers about 10,991 square kilometers, roughly the size of Connecticut in the United States or Lebanon in the Middle East. Located in the Greater Antilles, south of Cuba and west of Haiti, it boasts an extraordinarily diverse terrain packed into a relatively small space.
The eastern interior is dominated by the majestic Blue Mountains, rising to 2,256 meters at Blue Mountain Peak, where misty clouds and fertile soil produce world-renowned coffee. Lush rainforests transition into rolling hills, fertile valleys, and flat coastal plains.
Over 200 kilometers of coastline feature everything from powdery white-sand beaches and coral reefs to rugged cliffs and hidden coves.
Rivers plunge into spectacular waterfalls, while limestone cave systems add an underground wonder.
This geographical variety creates distinct climates: cool and wet in the highlands, hot and sunny on the coasts. It’s a playground for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking, diving, birdwatching, and relaxation in one compact paradise.
{{History}}
Jamaica’s past is a tapestry of indigenous roots, colonial hardship, and hard-won independence. The Taíno people, original inhabitants, named it “Xaymaca”, land of wood and water, and thrived until Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1494 sparked Spanish colonization.
British control from 1655 transformed the island into a sugar powerhouse, reliant on the transatlantic slave trade and plantation labor.
Enslaved Africans and their descendants endured immense suffering but resisted fiercely, forming Maroon communities in the mountains under leaders like Queen Nanny and fueling rebellions like Sam Sharpe’s 1831 uprising, which accelerated emancipation in 1838.
The 20th century brought waves of change: Marcus Garvey’s global push for Black empowerment inspired movements worldwide, while labor leaders Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante guided Jamaica to independence in 1962.
Today, this history lives on in preserved sites, museums, and the national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” celebrating unity amid diversity.
{{A multicultural hub in Kingston}}
With a population of approximately 2.8 million, Jamaica is a vibrant melting pot. Influences from African, European, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern ancestors, shaped by enslavement, indentured labor, and migration, create a rich ethnic blend reflected in daily life.
Kingston, the capital on the southeast coast, is home to over 580,000 and serves as the nation’s pulsating center. A city of contrasts, it mixes modern skyscrapers and bustling commercial districts with historic neighborhoods, colorful markets brimming with fresh produce, and street art that tells stories of resilience.
As the economic, political, and cultural heartbeat, Kingston embodies Jamaica’s energy, where English is official but expressive Patois brings conversations to life with rhythm and warmth.
{{Culture and lifestyle}}
Jamaican culture pulses with creativity, spirituality, and an infectious “irie” outlook—optimistic, laid-back, and full of joy even in tough times.
Reggae, born here in the 1960s from ska and rocksteady, spreads messages of peace, love, and social justice globally, thanks to icons like Bob Marley.
Dancehall keeps the beats evolving with high-energy rhythms, while Rastafarianism, rooted in the 1930s, promotes natural living, Ital (vegetarian) diets, African pride, and spiritual depth, influencing everything from dreadlocks to philosophy.
Lifestyle revolves around community and celebration: family gatherings over home-cooked meals, lively street dances, and festivals like Reggae Sumfest that draw international crowds.
Hospitality is legendary, visitors are welcomed like old friends, and faith, whether Christian, Rastafari, or other, provides a strong foundation. In post-hurricane recovery, this communal strength has been evident, with neighbors and global partners coming together.
{{Cuisine: Bold, spicy flavors that tell a story}}
Jamaican food is a delicious fusion of history and fresh ingredients, known for its spice and soul. The national dish, ackee and saltfish, features the creamy (and carefully prepared) ackee fruit sautéed with salted cod, peppers, onions, and thyme—often enjoyed for breakfast with boiled green bananas or fried dumplings.
Jerk seasoning defines the island’s grilling tradition: allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and herbs rubbed on chicken, pork, or fish, slow-smoked over pimento wood for smoky, fiery perfection. Roadside jerk pits are cultural institutions, serving it with festival (sweet fried dough) or rice and peas simmered in coconut milk.
Other highlights include tender curried goat, escovitch fish (fried and topped with pickled vegetables), flaky beef or vegetable patties, and abundant tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples. Blue Mountain coffee is smooth and prized worldwide, while rum distills the sugarcane heritage into punches and cocktails, paired perfectly with crisp Red Stripe beer.
{{Tourism and key attractions}}
Tourism is Jamaica’s lifeblood, drawing millions for its beaches, adventure, and culture. Iconic spots include Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, with soft sands and dramatic cliff sunsets; Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios, where visitors climb cascading terraces in a fun group tradition; and the Blue Mountains for hiking trails, coffee tours, and breathtaking views.
In Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum offers intimate insights into the legend’s life, while Devon House, a 19th-century mansion built by Jamaica’s first Black millionaire, charms with gardens and legendary ice cream. Emancipation Park provides urban tranquility, and historic sites like Port Royal (the old pirate capital) or Rose Hall Great House blend mystery and lore.
Eco-tourism thrives with rafting on the Rio Grande, exploring luminous lagoons, or relaxing in natural hot springs. Post-hurricane, many attractions have reopened stronger, showcasing Jamaica’s bounce-back ability.
{{Sports and global influence}}
Jamaica excels in athletics, especially sprinting, producing stars like Usain Bolt, whose Olympic dominance made him a worldwide icon. The island’s school-based track programs nurture talent that consistently shines internationally.
Cricket remains a national passion with hard-hitting legends, soccer rallies behind the Reggae Boyz, and the underdog bobsled team’s story inspired the world. Sports reflect Jamaica’s competitive heart and ability to achieve greatness on limited resources.
Jamaica blends natural wonders, cultural depth, and warm resilience into an unforgettable experience.
The delegation was led by Mr. Leung Chun-Ying, Chairman of GX Foundation and former Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in Rwanda’s health sector, with discussions covering ways to strengthen local health systems and improve access to medical care.
Established in 2018, GX Foundation is a non-governmental organization that delivers targeted medical interventions in underserved regions worldwide. The foundation is known for initiatives such as eliminating cataract blindness through mobile treatment centers, controlling vector-borne diseases, improving environmental health, and supporting emergency health risk management.
GX Foundation also builds local and global capacity through training programs, cross-border partnerships, and knowledge transfer, working closely with governments and health institutions.
The organization currently operates across Asia, Africa, Central America, and the South Pacific, with activities in countries including Senegal, Mauritania, Djibouti, Cambodia, Laos, Honduras, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
The directive, issued on January 14, 2026, requires that all short codes, those familiar numbers starting with * and ending with #, used for mobile banking, bill payments, health services, and government portals, be fully operational on MTN Rwanda, Airtel Rwanda, and KTRN before going live.
Previously, many short codes were tied to a single network, frustrating users who had to carry multiple SIM cards or remember different codes for the same service. With the new rule, RURA is ensuring interoperability and eliminating what many have called the “double SIM headache.”
{{What this means for businesses and citizens
}}
For businesses and citizens, the directive brings significant changes. Short code holders are now required to make their services accessible across all networks, ending the era of network discrimination. A code that previously worked only for MTN users, for instance, must also function for Airtel and KTRN customers by 15 February 2026.
Achieving this will require technical coordination between service providers and all licensed operators to ensure full integration and seamless accessibility. The move also strengthens consumer protection by preventing exclusive agreements between a service provider and a single network, guaranteeing that essential services are available to everyone, regardless of which SIM card they use.
USSD codes are the backbone of digital services in Rwanda. They are widely used for mobile money transfers, airtime top-ups, banking, and government services, particularly by those without smartphones or internet access. Banking codes such as *334# (Bank of Kigali) and *555# (Equity Bank) will now be universally accessible.
According to RURA Director General Evarest Rugigana, the directive was issued in the “interest of ensuring interoperability, non-discriminatory access, consumer protection and efficient delivery of electronic communication services.”
He warned that non-compliance by the February 15 deadline could result in enforcement measures or sanctions under Rwandan law.
The injectable drug, lenacapavir, is expected to be introduced in the last quarter of the year after the completion of regulatory approvals and preparations at health facilities. The medication is administered once every six months and will be incorporated into the country’s existing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme.
Dr Zephanie Nzeyimana, the HIV Key Population Strategic Officer at RBC, told The New Times that the planned timeline allows sufficient time to ensure the health system is ready for the new prevention method.
“Lenacapavir is expected to be available in the country in quarter four of this year. There are still processes that need to be finalised before it can be introduced at health facilities,” he said.
Once rolled out, the injection will be offered alongside existing PrEP options, including daily oral PrEP and long-acting injectable cabotegravir. Authorities say the addition of lenacapavir will give people more choice, which could help improve access to and sustained use of HIV prevention services.
Eligibility for the six-month injection will be determined using a risk-based approach. Priority will be given to people at substantial risk of HIV infection, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and HIV-negative individuals in sero-discordant relationships, where one partner is living with HIV and the other is not.
However, Dr Nzeyimana noted that access will not be limited to these groups. Healthcare providers will assess individual risk based on behavioural and epidemiological factors to identify others who could benefit from the drug.
Currently, Rwanda provides two main types of HIV prevention medication: a daily oral pill and a bimonthly injectable option that is now being rolled out in Kigali. The new biannual injection is expected to reduce dosing frequency and improve adherence, particularly among key populations at high risk of HIV.
Lenacapavir, developed by U.S. pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, has undergone clinical trials and has been approved to provide continuous HIV prevention for six months per injection. Individuals who receive the injection on schedule remain fully protected throughout that period. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended its use during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference held in Kigali in July last year.
The WHO recommendation followed the drug’s first global approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration on June 18, 2025.
RBC has confirmed that lenacapavir will be provided free of charge, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. To support the rollout, RBC and its partners plan to train healthcare providers and conduct community outreach to raise awareness about the new prevention option and address potential misinformation.
In Rwanda, about 3,200 people contract HIV each year, while 2,600 die from AIDS-related illnesses. However, sustained prevention and treatment efforts have led to an 82 per cent reduction in new infections and an 86 per cent decline in HIV-related deaths over the past decade.
Rwanda’s move follows similar steps taken across Southern and Eastern Africa. Countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini have already completed regulatory approvals and received initial shipments of lenacapavir, while Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda have also authorised its use. Kenya and Namibia are among those finalising preparations or regulatory applications.
Since early 2025, leaders of the two churches have conducted consultations across various regions of the DRC, several African countries, and Qatar, engaging with different stakeholders on ways to achieve lasting peace in the country.
These efforts were part of preparations for a new peace dialogue that the churches intended to facilitate, bringing together Congolese from different backgrounds in Kinshasa, including opponents of the government such as the AFC/M23 coalition.
Senior church leaders have repeatedly stressed that resolving the DRC’s long-standing crises requires inclusive peace talks that exclude no Congolese group. However, they say the Tshisekedi administration has ignored this approach.
From December 2025, President Tshisekedi made three trips to Angola, where he asked President João Lourenço to help organize new peace talks involving Congolese stakeholders, including representatives of AFC/M23.
Tshisekedi reportedly expressed a preference for the Catholic and Anglican Churches to participate as stakeholders rather than serve as facilitators, a position seen as undermining the churches’ year-long preparations.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya has maintained that any Congolese dialogue must be held in Kinshasa. He also argued that the churches’ initiative lacks credibility because they have not publicly condemned the actions of AFC/M23 in eastern DRC.
On January 14, 2026, President Lourenço met with senior Catholic and Anglican leaders from the DRC. According to his office, discussions focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern Congo.
Sources familiar with the meeting said the church leaders told Lourenço they would not participate in the Kinshasa-led talks unless the Catholic and Anglican Churches were given a leading role.
The conflicting positions between President Tshisekedi’s government and the two churches highlight the difficulty of convening an inclusive national dialogue. Analysts warn that even if the talks go ahead, their impact may be limited if key actors remain excluded from the process.
Polling stations opened across the country amid heightened security and logistical delays. In some areas, voting began after 7 a.m. local time due to late arrivals of materials and temporary issues with biometric voter identification machines. Despite the delays, citizens formed lines outside polling stations to exercise their right to vote.
Diaspora voters, including Ugandans residing in Rwanda, were advised to travel home to cast their ballots ahead of the general election.
“The Uganda High Commission in Kigali would like to notify the public that there are no provisions for Ugandans in Rwanda to cast their votes from the High Commission and therefore advised to travel and exercise their duty as citizens and cast their votes from their respective homes where they registered,” a notice seen by IGIHE reads.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has led Uganda since 1986, faces seven other presidential candidates, including musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. The candidates have campaigned across the country, appealing particularly to younger voters concerned about economic opportunities, job creation, and social development.
Voters are also selecting more than 500 members of parliament and other local government officials. Polls are scheduled to close at 4 p.m. local time (3 p.m. Kigali time), with the electoral commission expected to announce results within 48 hours, in line with constitutional requirements.
The election takes place amid a temporary suspension of public internet access, implemented by the Uganda Communications Commission. Authorities said the measure was intended to limit misinformation and ensure the integrity of the vote.
At various polling stations in the capital, Kampala, and other towns, voters expressed determination to participate. Ronald Tenywa, a university researcher, said, “If we vote for someone who cares, things will be better for Uganda.” Juliet Zawedde, an 18-year-old first-time voter, emphasized the importance of a democratic process, saying, “Any succession should happen fairly and give others a chance to lead.”
The United Nations Human Rights Office highlighted the importance of access to information and communication for genuine participation in elections, urging that all Ugandans be able to take part in shaping the future of their country.
Security presence was visible in many towns, including Kampala and Jinja, to ensure the safety of voters. Authorities urged citizens to maintain peace and civility at polling stations.
Simon Byabakama, chairperson of Uganda’s electoral commission, called for tolerance, saying, “Even if you know that this person does not support your candidate, please give him or her room or opportunity to exercise his or her constitutional right.”
Past elections in Uganda have been marked by violence and unrest. Ahead of this year’s vote, opposition candidate Bobi Wine has raised concerns about potential vote rigging, though Museveni’s administration has dismissed these allegations.
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) reports that construction of a flagship center dedicated to promoting agricultural mechanization is now at an advanced stage, paving the way for domestic production of such equipment.
Overall construction is approximately 80% complete, with all major buildings finished. Remaining tasks include finishing works and equipment installation, though progress has been temporarily halted.
The center is being established as a regional model for modern agriculture through a Rwanda-India partnership, funded by a loan from India’s Exim Bank. It forms part of the Export Targeted Irrigation (ETI) project, which encompasses the development of a demonstration hub for advanced agricultural machinery and equipment.
While building construction is nearly complete, equipment installation is only about 10% done. The facility is located in Kicukiro District, on the RAB site in Rubirizi.
RAB Acting Director General Dr. Florence Uwamahoro emphasized that the center will be pivotal in advancing modern agriculture and livestock production.
It will function as a hub for research on agricultural machinery, training for value-chain stakeholders, and testing and certification of equipment quality, services that will also extend to neighboring countries.
Once operational, the center will produce modern farming machines and assemble imported components locally. This will cover equipment for land preparation, weeding, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest handling, with significant portions of production and assembly conducted in Rwanda.
Dr. Uwamahoro noted that the facility will support mechanized agriculture tailored to Rwanda’s terrain and farming conditions.
Machinery will be tested on local soils for suitability before distribution to farmers. The center will also conduct research-based evaluations, quality assurance testing, and potentially offer regional services.
During a site visit on Wednesday, members of Parliament’s Committee on Budget and State Patrimony learned that construction stalled due to financial troubles faced by the original contractor, whose parent companies in India went bankrupt, leading to contract termination.
A new contractor must now be selected to complete the remaining works and install equipment. Per the Exim Bank financing agreement, contractors must be Indian, with the bank providing a shortlist of at least three candidates for Rwanda’s selection.
Officials informed lawmakers that delays stemmed partly from slow procedures at Exim Bank, but a new shortlist is expected by February 2026, enabling work to resume. The remaining tasks are projected to take about 10 months, after which the center should become operational.
The facility will feature training buildings, research laboratories, exhibition spaces for agricultural machinery innovations, testing and evaluation units, assembly workshops, and quality control laboratories.
The project agreement was signed in 2013, with implementation starting in 2015. Rwanda began repaying the loan in 2020 on a semi-annual schedule. Concerns have been raised about repayments starting before the project yields benefits, given the extended delays.
Rwanda and India are holding ongoing discussions to expedite completion, ensuring the center can soon deliver its intended impact on agricultural modernization.
After senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young reversed their position and left the chamber deadlocked 50-50, U.S. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote on a procedural motion, derailing the measure that would have required the president to obtain congressional approval before taking further military action in the oil-rich South American nation.
Young, who had been in talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, told CNN on Wednesday that he received “fairly extensive personal assurances” from the Trump administration over the U.S. role in Venezuela.
Young said the White House will “come to Congress” and seek congressional approval before “any major military operation in Venezuela,” adding that Rubio would testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee later this month, according to a CNN report.
Hawley also said Wednesday that Rubio assured him that there would not be ground troops sent to Venezuela and that the administration would seek congressional approval if that changed.
The resolution was introduced in the wake of a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. Senate last week voted 52 to 47 to advance the war powers resolution.
Trump had publicly criticized the five Republicans who joined all Democrats to back the bill, saying they “should never be elected to office again.”
The president also called each of the five senators to vent his frustration over their votes, said a report from The Hill.
