The agreement was signed on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, and Argentina’s Secretary of Transport, Franco Mogetta.
Ambassador Mukantabana praised the signing as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
“This milestone is not only an achievement for our aviation industries but also a symbol of the strong and growing ties between our nations,” she said.
Both Rwanda and Argentina share a history of strong cooperation and are now focused on further expanding and deepening their collaboration across political, economic, commercial, and cultural areas for mutual benefit.
This was revealed during discussions between MINEMA and the Senate’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security on November 27, 2024.
Rwanda has been hosting refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the past two years, particularly at the Nkamira refugee camp, where individuals seeking refuge have been granted asylum-seeker status. However, due to limited capacity, many have been relocated to other camps across the country.
Minister of Emergency Management Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira stated that Rwanda currently accommodates over 135,000 refugees, including nearly 15,000 who have arrived since the escalation of the M23 conflict. However, these refugees have not yet been granted official asylum status.
“We are currently hosting around 14,000 to 15,000 refugees who fled the DRC after the M23 conflict. They have not yet received asylum status. While Nkamira camp currently hosts about 4,000 refugees, the camp lacks the capacity to accommodate the full influx, so they have been relocated to other camps while holding refugee-seeker status,” Murasira explained.
He also mentioned that the total number of people seeking asylum in Rwanda, including those from other countries, exceeds 16,000. Refugees in various camps receive cash assistance to purchase essential items, while those at Nkamira are provided with food supplies.
Among the camps, Mahama hosts the largest number of refugees, with 68,115 individuals.
Other camps with significant refugee populations include Kiziba (14,350), Kigeme (14,868), Mugombwa (11,980), and Nyabiheke (11,480). According to MINEMA statistics, more than 9% of refugees in Rwanda live in urban areas, where they are able to meet their basic needs.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that the DRC has over 7.2 million internally displaced persons.
By September 30, 2024, the number of displaced people from North Kivu—due to the activities of various armed groups, including the FDLR militia and the Wazalendo group—had reached 1.78 million. In the 18 months leading up to September 2024, approximately 865,000 internally displaced persons had returned to their homes.
Makolo’s remarks were in response to a viral video of Congolese Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, who was captured inciting inmates at Munzenze Prison in Goma against Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese Tutsis, whom he referred to as “Banyarwanda.”
In the shocking video, the minister called for violent actions against the Rwandan Head of State and those associated with Rwanda. He was also heard promising to free prisoners who help identify “traitors” and “foreigners,” who would then be “arrested and killed.”
Makolo termed the minister’s violent rhetoric a reflection of the constant tensions Rwanda has to deal with daily.
“How sick is the DRC justice system? So sick that the DRC justice minister Constant Mutamba wore a mask to stem the stench of rot in the Munzenze prison in Goma, a stone’s throw from the Rwandan border, while he spewed, in Kiswahili, hate speech and incited the prisoners to hunt, denounce, and kill ‘Banyarwanda,’ including the President of Rwanda, in exchange for freedom. This is what Rwanda has to deal with every day. This is why Rwanda’s defensive measures remain in place,” the spokesperson wrote on X, while taking a swipe at DRC’s justice system.
Rwanda has in the past put in place defensive measures citing constant threats from the FDLR group, which comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The FDLR militia group has been accused of collaborating with the Congolese government to persecute Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have sought refuge in Rwanda. The persecution led to the rise of the M23 rebel group in 2012, which said it was fighting for the rights of the Tutsi minority in eastern Congo.
The fight between the government forces and the rebels has heightened tensions in the region as the Congolese leadership accused Rwanda of supporting M23. Rwanda denies the claim.
The situation was exacerbated after the Congolese political and military leadership, including President Tshisekedi, repeatedly declared their intention to invade Rwanda and change the country’s elected government by force.
Yesterday, there was progress in the ongoing peace talks between the two countries after an agreement was reached, outlining how the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia will be dismantled.
The agreement also includes Rwanda lifting the security measures it had put in place due to concerns over its security arising from the political tension in eastern DRC.
The signing of the agreement followed discussions between the two parties in Luanda, Angola. Rwanda was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, while the DRC was represented by Foreign Minister Therese K. Wagner. The meeting was also attended by Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete António, who acted as the mediator.
“Under the deal reached today, effective at 4 a.m. tomorrow local time, the fighting across the Lebanese-Israeli border will end,” Biden said in remarks delivered from the White House Rose Garden.
“This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations will not be allowed,” he added.
“Over the next 60 days, Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces, and civilians on both sides will soon be able to safely return to their communities and begin to rebuild their homes,” Biden said.
Israel, the president said, “retains the right to self defense” in the event that “Hezbollah or anyone else” breaks the newly announced deal, which was approved by the Israeli cabinet on the same day.
In a U.S.-France joint statement announcing the ceasefire deal, the two countries said the “announcement will create the conditions to restore lasting calm and allow residents in both countries to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”
The Blue Line is a demarcation line drawn by the United Nations on June 7, 2000 that is intended to separate the Israeli and Lebanese armies.
Biden in his remarks said the deal “supports Lebanon’s sovereignty, and so it heralds a new start for Lebanon.” He said no U.S. troops will be deployed to southern Lebanon.
Toward the end of his speech, Biden also alluded to the situation in Gaza, saying, “Just as the Lebanese people deserve a future of security and prosperity, so do the people of Gaza. They too deserve an end of the fighting and displacement.”
Biden said the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal “brings us closer to realizing the affirmative agenda” he has been pursuing for the Middle East region throughout his presidency, one that fulfills the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations for establishing a state of their own, shields Israel from terror threats and achieves the full normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
“I believe this agenda remains possible, and in my remaining time in office, I’ll work tirelessly to advance this vision for an integrated, secure and prosperous region,” Biden said.
The Israeli military drastically stepped up its strikes on Beirut hours before the government in Tel-Aviv approved the ceasefire deal, killing at least 25 people on Tuesday, according to a tally counted by CNN based on health ministry figures.
Jean Bosco Siboyintore, Rwanda’s National Prosecutor, told the media at a press conference in Kigali that Salman Khan was arrested at the request of the Government of India through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
“India submitted a request indicating that Salman Khan is wanted for terrorism charges. While some suspects are already detained in India, he attempted to flee to Rwanda,” Siboyintore explained.
The suspect was tracked down by officers from INTERPOL’s branch in Rwanda and arrested on September 9, 2024. Rwanda then notified the Indian government of his detention.
India submitted a formal request for Khan’s extradition on October 29, 2024. The request was reviewed and approved by Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice on November 12, 2024.
Despite the absence of an extradition treaty between Rwanda and India, Rwandan law permits extradition based on mutual agreements.
“Although Rwanda and India lack a formal extradition treaty, our laws provide provisions for such cases through mutual agreements. Similarly, if Rwanda requests a suspect’s extradition, we expect the same cooperation,” Siboyintore noted.
He emphasized that Rwanda does not serve as a haven for fugitives.
“Rwanda is not a hiding place for criminals. It is not a country where you can commit crimes elsewhere and seek refuge here,” he said.
Siboyintore highlighted that Rwanda extradited Khan, just as other countries have done in cases involving suspects of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He also underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as terrorism, human trafficking, and money laundering.
This is the first extradition request Rwanda has received from India.
A representative from India’s Ministry of Justice commended Rwanda’s cooperation despite the lack of a formal extradition treaty between the two countries. He expressed hope for future agreements.
“Terrorism is an issue that India does not tolerate, and Rwanda shares the same stance. Rwanda’s approach sets a positive example on the international stage,” the Indian representative remarked.
The news was confirmed by Tanzania’s Parliament Speaker, Tulia Ackson, who expressed sorrow in a Swahili statement.
“It is with great sadness that I have received the news of the death of Kigamboni Member of Parliament and Director-elect of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Region, Dr Faustine Ndugulile,” Ackson stated, extending condolences to Ndugulile’s family and all Tanzanians.
According to media reports, Ndugulile had been undergoing treatment in India. He died just days before taking up his position at WHO. Ndugulile was elected on August 27, 2024, during the 74th WHO Regional Committee for Africa session, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti.
Selected from a competitive field of candidates, including representatives from Niger, Rwanda, and Senegal, Ndugulile had previously served as Tanzania’s Health Minister under the late President John Magufuli.
He had pledged healthcare reforms and including tackling challenges such as the spread of mpox in Africa.
He shared these remarks ahead of the inaugural Global Food Week (GFW), which began on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi and will run through November 28.
The event, organized by the ADNEC Group and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), brings together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss urgent food security challenges, including agricultural sustainability and climate change, while exploring sustainable solutions.
In a heartfelt video message, Harvey emphasized the significance of the Global Food Week, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing the global food system.
“Global Food Week is more than just an event; it’s a movement to ensure that no one goes hungry,” he said.
Harvey highlighted Abu Dhabi’s role as a transformative force in tackling global hunger and food security, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“It’s inspiring to witness Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration,” Harvey remarked.
He also commended Abu Dhabi’s leadership, particularly President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for spearheading initiatives that unite the global community in addressing critical issues.
“Abu Dhabi is where the future is happening now,” Harvey added.
Addressing the scale of global hunger, Harvey pointed out, “Right now, over 800 million people—that’s nearly 1 in 10 folks on this earth—don’t know where their next meal is coming from. And in 2024, with all our resources, technology, and knowledge, that just isn’t right.”
The Global Food Week includes the Global Food Security Summit, where leaders will discuss strategies to ensure equitable access to nutrition.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition, featuring innovations such as robotic farming, lab-grown meat, and other cutting-edge technologies.
Another highlight is the Date Palm Exhibition, celebrating the UAE’s agricultural heritage and its enduring role in food security.
Harvey stressed the unifying power of food, stating, “Food bridges cultures and unites humanity. This isn’t just about feeding people today—it’s about hope, survival, and ensuring food for generations to come.”
[Harvey recently concluded a visit to Rwanda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-steve-harvey-discuss-potential-areas-of-collaboration], where he explored the country, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and met with President Paul Kagame to discuss potential areas of investment and partnership in various sectors including events and entertainment.
Even though people may share the same background, siblings may have vastly different life paths, showing just how unpredictable and challenging life can be. In some cases, people with strong faith may still face significant challenges, such as infertility, while others seem to have it all. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and despair.
It is common for individuals to look for answers in unhealthy places when their hopes are dashed, yet these paths often lead to more emotional distress. However, there is another way – a path of faith, patience, and shared strength.
Sandra Kirenga, driven by her own experiences and the struggles she witnessed in others, founded the “Lady In Waiting”, a platform, bringing together over 300 women from different countries who are committed to comforting one another through various means.
To support those walking the same difficult road, her initiative, aims to comfort those who are dealing with infertility and childlessness. The foundation of this platform is built on the Word of God, offering hope and guidance to those who have been waiting for years to conceive.
Kirenga realized that while many of her friends and family struggled with childlessness, others faced similar challenges, whether in marriage or other aspects of life.
“We all have something we are waiting for. Whether it’s a child, a job, or a breakthrough in any other area, we all have something that we desire and pray for,” she says.
One of the key goals of her platform is to help women find hope and strength through shared experiences. “Whether you’re waiting for a child or a job, being with others in the same situation helps you find strength and hope,” Kirenga explains.
She created a space where women in similar situations could come together, support one another, and share their strength in times of uncertainty. It’s a place where women can share their struggles and receive encouragement to keep going, even when the wait feels endless.
Kirenga also emphasizes that the pressure from family members and society to “move forward” can add unnecessary stress to the waiting process. She encourages those struggling with infertility or delayed milestones to stand firm in their faith and trust God’s timing.
“We want them to know who they are in Jesus and find strength to withstand the pressures from others. God’s plan for each person is unique, and we must learn to wait for what He has prepared for us,” she says.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 48 million couples globally face infertility, with one in six adults experiencing fertility problems in their lifetime. The road to parenthood can be long and difficult, and many couples find themselves in a seemingly endless cycle of medical treatments, tests, and emotional strain.
At a recent gathering in Kigali, Uganda-based evangelist Sarah Muhwezi shared her powerful testimony. After 15 years of marriage, she and her husband struggled with infertility, trying everything from medical treatments to IVF, but nothing worked.
“It was extremely painful to wait. I felt like I wasn’t producing any fruit, and it caused so much anxiety,” she recalls. But despite the challenges, Sarah remained patient and prayed continuously, supported by her husband, who is a pastor.
“I finally gave birth after 14 years of marriage. My child is now nine months old. Through prayer and patience, I found my answer. It was a difficult journey, but God’s timing was perfect,” Muhwezi shares, her voice filled with gratitude.
Her testimony highlights the importance of trusting God’s plan, even when it seems like there is no hope in sight. “Waiting through prayer is the best way to resist discouragement and avoid harmful distractions that may lead to bad decisions,” she advises.
“With God, nothing is impossible. I encourage others facing similar struggles to remain patient and steadfast in their faith,” she added.
This powerful message is a reminder that while the wait may be long, God is always at work, and with patience, faith, and support from others, the strength to overcome even the hardest trials can be found.
The initiative is part of UR’s curriculum for dental students and serves as a practical application of their training while giving back to the community.
Dr. Ramnath Elangovan, Acting Head of the Periodontology and Community Dentistry Department at UR, explained the scope of the campaign.
“This is part of our curriculum where students go into the community to serve and learn. Last time, we focused on schools in Kigali, such as GS Catholic Remera, GS Kimironko 1, and GS Kimironko 2. This time, we are moving outside Kigali to GS Catholic Nyamata, GS Catholic Nyamata EPR, and GS Kayenzi,” he said
The initiative has gained momentum through partnerships with the Kigali Cosmopolitan Rotary Club and Chemicotech Industries. These partners have provided resources like toothpaste and tooth brushes to support the campaign.
Elangovan noted that this year, his team targets reaching around 3,000 to 4,000 pupils in the schools. The future plan is to expand to border areas, ensuring that every child can benefit from oral health education.
He emphasized the significance of targeting children for such programs. “We believe that what we cannot bend at the age of five, we cannot bend at fifty. Educating children ensures they carry these lessons home to their families, spreading awareness within their communities.”
According to him, the collaboration between UR and the Rotary Club has been crucial to the success of the initiative. “The sponsorship and support we receive motivate our students to approach their work with confidence and dedication. It inspires us to expand the outreach further,” he noted.
Srinath Vardhineni, President of the Kigali Cosmopolitan Rotary Club, highlighted the role of Rotary in this initiative.
“Working with UR to teach young children about brushing techniques, the effects of sugar on teeth, and overall oral hygiene where over 25 doctors conduct screenings and providing reports on the children’s oral health is a good step in the right direction. We plan to expand the program next year to reach even more children,” he said.
The outreach not only benefits the community but also provides UR students with a deeper understanding of their role as health professionals.
Alexis Nshuti, a final-year Dental Surgery student, shared his perspective. “As much as this is a certified module in our course, it also teaches us the spirit of giving back to the community. We screen children, provide advice, and make referrals where necessary. It’s satisfying to see that we are contributing to better oral health awareness, especially as upcoming health professional.”
The program has already shown significant promise, with plans for annual expansion and increased funding. “This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing health challenges. By working together, we can ensure oral health awareness reaches even the most underserved areas,” said Vardhineni.
As the outreach continues, its impact is clear. By educating young children, UR and the Rotary Club are laying the foundation for a healthier generation while instilling in students the value of community service.
The report, which analyzes private market transactions across the continent, highlights the continued vibrancy of Africa’s private capital landscape.
In Q3 2024, a total of 73 private market deals were recorded, with 39 of them disclosing a combined value of $2.27 billion.
Rwanda stood out in East Africa, contributing to 37% of the region’s private market transactions, making it the second-most active country in the region after Kenya.
Overall, Rwanda emerged 5th on the continent with 15% share of total African deals while Southern Africa accounted for the largest share of private market activity in Q3 2024.
Rwanda was recently ranked as the safest investment destination in East Africa in the ninth edition of the Africa Risk-Reward Index 2024, thanks to the country’s strong security and investment-friendly policies.
Key initiatives include the development of industrial parks, advancements in technology, and the expansion of infrastructure.
