The two leaders discussed the “continuous positive bilateral relations between Rwanda and Qatar and partnership in key sectors,” according to the President’s Office.
A day before, the Head of State arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a work visit. He was welcomed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr. Ahmad bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, at Hamad International Airport.
Rwanda and Qatar are friendly nations with cooperation in various sectors that benefit both sides. These countries collaborate in areas such as security, investment promotion, economic partnership, trade and technology, tourism, anti-corruption, and more.
Qatar is also partnering with Rwanda in transportation investments, particularly in the Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake.
Last month, Kagame mentioned that significant progress had been made regarding agreements Rwanda signed with Qatar for the construction of Bugesera International Airport and the purchase of a 49% stake in RwandAir, with most aspects bearing fruitful results.
At the end of the work visit, the head of state, along with his delegation, was once again accompanied by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, to Hamad International Airport for departure.
The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, which has been engaged in conflict since November 2021, allegedly causing human rights violations in North Kivu. This case, filed in August 2023, comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
In his address, Dr. Ugirashebuja brought to light the numerous procedural irregularities and legal shortcomings in the case brought against Rwanda.
“From its inception, this application has been marked by lack of coherence, procedural irregularities, and an outright disregard for the established principles governing the court’s jurisdiction and admissibility requirements. It is not merely flawed, but fundamentally untenable,” he stated, criticizing the DRC’s approach from the start.
Dr. Ugirashebuja elaborated on the procedural lapses, emphasizing several instances of non-compliance with court rules.
He specifically pointed to the DRC’s filing of an additional application for an expedited procedure, which he called “an unprecedented move that had no justification.”
He further speculated that the DRC may have been seeking a quick resolution ahead of an upcoming election, though the court had rightfully dismissed this request.
Additionally, he condemned the DRC’s diplomatic maneuver when a government official visited the court in August 2024 with little notice, which he described as “perhaps an attempt to intimidate its members.”
He continued, “This is unheard of. President of the court, members of the court… graver yet was when the applicant sought to lodge 11,000 observations to the respondent’s rejoinder in another breach of procedural norms that underscores the opportunistic and unstructured nature of the applicant’s approach to this case.”
Dr. Ugirashebuja noted that the DRC’s actions, such as filing duplicative claims before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) without disclosing this to the AfCHPR, revealed a “cavalier attitude” towards the proceedings.
According to the Minister, the DRC’s conduct undermines the integrity of the legal process.
“It should therefore be clear that the applicant’s attempt to conceal its litigation strategy erodes the principles of good governance and transparency essential to international adjudication,” Dr. Ugirashebuja argued, calling for the court to firmly reject such tactics.
Beyond procedural flaws, Dr. Ugirashebuja also pointed to the lack of a solid legal foundation for the DRC’s claims. He stated that the DRC had invoked a wide range of legal instruments without demonstrating their relevance or applicability.
“The applicant seems to be under the impression that it suffices to invoke a bewildering array of legal instruments and alleged norms without demonstrating their applicability, let alone their ratification or even binding nature upon the respondent,” he explained.
Dr. Ugirashebuja emphasized that the DRC had failed to establish a bona fide legal dispute or to address preliminary objections raised by Rwanda.
“The applicant has opted to raise as many arguments as possible while ignoring the respondents’ legitimate objections and is now simply hoping that the court will somehow sort out its case,” he said.
Additionally, Rwanda pointed out the DRC’s failure to exhaust local remedies before seeking international intervention.
Dr. Ugirashebuja underscored that the burden of proof lies with the applicant to show that such remedies were unavailable or unnecessary, a requirement the DRC had not met.
“The applicant has utterly failed to rebut, preferring to believe that it is not bound by the usual rules of admissibility,” he added.
The Rwandan Minister concluded by urging the court to consider the procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies of the case.
“This case is therefore remarkable, but it’s couched with a lot of procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies,” he said. He called on the court to reject the claims and reaffirm the importance of adhering to international legal principles.
Rwanda’s legal representative, Prof. Dapo Akande, argued that the African Court lacks jurisdiction over the case filed by DRC, as it pertains to actions outside Rwanda’s borders.
Rwanda’s representatives claimed the complaint aimed to dodge diplomatic processes for peace in eastern DRC.
This case, led by ten judges, follows a similar complaint filed by DRC against Rwanda in the East African Court of Justice in September 2024, related to the ongoing conflict since November 2021.
The meeting brought together leaders from the political coalition AFC, which consists of various political groups and the M23. Among the attendees were AFC leader Corneille Nangaa, North Kivu’s Deputy Governor Manzi Willy, and M23 military officials.
Recently, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Anglican Church (ECC) launched a program to engage with various groups in the region in a bid to bring peace to Eastern DRC.
On February 9, 2025, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Catholic Archbishop of Kinshasa, announced that the churches were ready to engage M23 rebels, with peace as the primary goal.
“If going to Goma is necessary, we will go. We will meet and talk with everyone. Even if they are in the moon, we will meet them there. We cannot achieve anything if we don’t give everyone a chance, if we want these talks to lead to a lasting solution,” he stated.
However, the initiative by CENCO and ECC has been criticized by the ruling UDPS party in the DRC, which argued that the churches should not be involved in political activities without authorization from President Félix Tshisekedi.
UDPS stated, “UDPS/Tshisekedi reminds that religious groups do not have a mandate to engage in political processes on behalf of the state. We call on religious leaders to focus on promoting peace and unity among citizens, while respecting the authority of the legitimate state leadership.”
Both the Catholic and Anglican Churches support the peace initiatives endorsed by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which include halting fighting in Eastern DRC and facilitating talks between the DRC government and M23.
Irembo, a leading digital services provider in Rwanda, termed the strategic partnership a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
By making the RW country domain more accessible, this collaboration aims to simplify the process of domain registration, providing a seamless experience for both individuals and businesses seeking to establish a digital presence in Rwanda and beyond. RW domain registration is now available alongside other services provided on the IremboGov platform.
Through this integration, clients can now purchase RW domains directly on the IremboGov platform, aligning with Rwanda’s vision of building a modern digital ecosystem.
The addition of RW domain services enhances IremboGov’s comprehensive suite of digital services, empowering Rwandans and international investors with an easy-to-use, centralized platform to access essential online services.
“Users can now register their RW domains with just a few clicks,” Irembo said in a statement.
RICTA is a non-profit organization with a mandate to manage Rwanda’s RW country code top-level domain (ccTLD).
The new partnership is part of RICTA’s broader effort to promote the adoption of the RW domain, which is essential for establishing trust and authenticity in the digital space.
The RW domain serves as a symbol of Rwanda’s national identity, offering businesses, startups, and individuals a unique opportunity to strengthen their digital presence while supporting the country’s efforts to foster a thriving digital economy.
The collaboration with Irembo is expected to increase the visibility and adoption of the RW domain, making it the domain of choice within and beyond Rwanda.
RICTA has affirmed its commitment to ensuring the growth of Rwanda’s internet ecosystem. The integration with IremboGov is a significant step toward achieving this goal.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, made the revelation on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, as the government unveiled new tax reforms approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Monday.
Rwanda’s current tax-to-GDP ratio remains below the global benchmark of 16%, necessitating strategic reforms to expand the tax base.
The minister emphasized that raising the tax-to-GDP ratio is essential for funding the country’s transformation agenda under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Data from the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) show that the government collected Rwf 2.62 trillion in tax revenue during the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The revenue is projected to exceed Rwf 2.97 trillion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Minister Murangwa explained that lower-middle-income countries should maintain a tax-to-GDP ratio of at least 19%, upper-middle-income countries should target 23%, and high-income countries aim for at least 38%.
“In the short term, by the end of NST2, we aim to reach at least 18% or 19%, with further increases in the following years,” he said.
“To achieve upper-middle-income status by 2035, Rwanda will need a tax-to-GDP ratio of around 23%. By 2050, as a high-income country under Vision 2050, this ratio should reach approximately 38%.”
To meet these fiscal targets, the Rwandan government has introduced new tax policy reforms for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, focusing on broadening the tax base, enhancing revenue mobilization, and streamlining tax administration.
“These new tax policy reforms are part of the Government’s medium-term strategy to broaden the tax base, increase revenue mobilization, and streamline tax administration in order to meet Rwanda’s development goals,” Murangwa stated.
Key sectors affected by these reforms include consumer goods, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, and gambling. New levies have been introduced to ensure economic sustainability while driving national transformation.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a 15% excise duty on cosmetic and beauty products, including makeup, body lotion, and hair products. However, essential pharmaceutical beauty products will be exempted in consultation with the Ministry of Health.
Vehicle owners will also feel the impact of the reforms, as registration fees for all types of vehicles, including electric cars, will be increased. However, the exact figure was not immediately revealed.
Similarly, the fuel levy has been adjusted from a fixed fee of Rwf 115 per litre to 15% of the Cost-Insurance-Freight (CIF) to support road maintenance initiatives.
Mobile phone users will now have to pay 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on mobile phones, which had been exempted since 2010. The government argues that while the exemption initially helped to boost digital penetration and smartphone affordability, the reintroduction of VAT will allow for more sustainable revenue collection without stifling smartphone access.
A similar VAT exemption introduced in 2012 on ICT equipment will also be revoked, though selected ICT devices will remain tax-free based on consultations with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
The gambling industry is set to face higher tax measures, with the tax on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) rising from 13% to 40%, and withholding tax on winnings increasing from 15% to 25%. The government said the move aims to encourage responsible gambling while also increasing tax revenues from the industry.
Additionally, the tourism sector will be subject to a new Tourism Levy, which imposes a 3% tax on accommodation costs. This measure aims to fund investments in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry, a critical pillar of Rwanda’s economic growth.
In a bid to encourage green mobility and reduce carbon emissions, the government has maintained a 25% import duty exemption for hybrid vehicles while introducing an age-based excise duty system. Under the new system, hybrid cars less than three years old will be taxed at 5%, those between four and seven years old at 10%, and vehicles older than eight years at 15%.
Additionally, VAT and a 5% withholding tax will be reinstated for hybrid vehicles, while fully electric vehicles will remain tax-exempt to encourage their adoption. However, this measure will only take effect in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Excise taxes have also been adjusted in other areas. The tax on cigarettes has increased from Rwf 130 to Rwf 230 per pack, along with an additional 36% tax on the retail price.
The excise duty on beer has risen from 60% to 65% of the factory price. For airtime, the tax has been raised from 10% to 12% in 2024/2025, with a gradual increase to 15% in the medium term.
Beyond these direct tax changes, the government has also signalled upcoming policy adjustments targeting financial services, transportation, and ICT in the next financial year.
This discomfort isn’t limited to the bereaved. Even the process of confronting death can be difficult, and many find it challenging to view the deceased face-to-face. This fear often extends to those who work with the deceased, especially mortuary attendants.
While many shy away from such work, one individual has dedicated the last two decades of his life to it at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
Ngarambe Assiel, a 76-year-old man from Ruhango District, has spent 20 years working in CHUK’s mortuary, with a career spanning 43 years in the healthcare sector.
Since 1982, his role has involved receiving bodies, ensuring they are properly stored in fridges until claimed by relatives, and assisting in the medical examination of bodies, particularly in cases of diseases and accidents.
“I’ve never feared working in the mortuary. It’s just a job, and I treat it with respect,” Ngarambe says with a calm demeanor.
Each day, Ngarambe prepares for his work with care, donning protective clothing like a lab coat, gloves, and a mask to avoid direct contact with bodies.
He checks the mortuary fridges regularly to ensure they are functioning properly, preventing any damage to the bodies. Upon receiving the bodies, he ensures they are properly prepared for storage or transfer to the appropriate place for family viewing.
Ngarambe’s work is guided by professionalism and a deep respect for human dignity. He takes great care to ensure that bodies are handled respectfully, especially when families come to identify their loved ones.
He carefully explains the process of storing bodies in cold rooms and ensures that family members are treated with sensitivity and empathy during these emotionally charged moments.
Ngarambe also assists with bodies brought from outside the hospital, meticulously documenting each one and ensuring proper handling. Even when bodies are brought from distant locations, Ngarambe carries out his work with professionalism and care.
Despite his long experience, Ngarambe acknowledges the emotional toll of working in the mortuary. He reflects on the impact of seeing young, vibrant people pass away, which reminds him of the fragility of life.
“There are times when you prepare the body of a young person, or someone in their prime, and you can’t help but think about how short life can be. It makes you reflect on your own mortality and how precious time is,” Ngarambe shares.
For him, the job isn’t just about technical tasks; it’s about showing humanity and respect to the deceased and their families. He emphasizes that he never downplays anyone’s loss, always offering condolences and explanations in a thoughtful, respectful manner.
Despite common superstitions about supernatural occurrences, Ngarambe dismisses these beliefs. He’s never experienced anything unusual, even though some people believe that spirits may return in different forms.
“Those are just stories people tell. The rooms we work in are just like any other. There’s nothing supernatural going on here. I’ve never seen anything strange, even at night,” he explains.
Though he has vast experience, Ngarambe admits that sometimes he dreams about his work. However, this does not frighten him; he simply accepts it as part of his job.
Over the years, Ngarambe has witnessed countless deaths, including those of children, the elderly, the rich, and the poor. For him, this reinforces one simple truth: death does not discriminate. He encourages everyone to live humbly, for none of us knows when the time will come.
“Death doesn’t care if you’re young or old, rich or poor. It comes for everyone. That’s why we should live kindly, treat others with respect, and cherish the time we have,” he says.
This elderly man works day and night, depending on his shift. In 20 years, he has handled countless bodies, including those of his own family members. While he can’t recall the exact number, he says it can reach 50 or 60 in some months.
He recalls the heartbreaking moment of receiving his own child’s body at the morgue: “My child fell ill, and we took him to a health center. His condition worsened, so we brought him here, but he passed away. I received him the same way I do with others. It’s devastating.
“Watching your own child leave this world while you remain behind makes you question, ‘Who will bury me when those who should do it are leaving before me?’ It takes an immense amount of strength to bear such pain.”
Mukantaganda Bernadette, a social worker at CHUK, praises Ngarambe’s dedication to his work, noting his professionalism and compassion.
“He’s an exemplary worker, always respectful and considerate. He also helps guide new staff with his wisdom,” she says.
Working in the mortuary is not for everyone, it requires patience, empathy, and a strong emotional constitution. For Ngarambe, however, his role is more than just a job. It is a calling, one he approaches with dignity and care, always ready to support others in their time of need.
At a press briefing in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier explained that “communication has become difficult” due to the severing of traditional channels between the two parties, though he refrained from providing further specifics.
The H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the U.S., which began in April 2024, has led to nearly 70 infections, mostly among farm workers.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stressed that while human-to-human transmission remains unconfirmed and the public health threat remains low, individuals with extended exposure to birds, poultry, or livestock are at higher risk.
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, which was formalized by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his inauguration day, has raised concerns about the sharing of critical health data.
Some countries have privately voiced concerns that the U.S. may withhold important information on emerging diseases, which could hinder global efforts to prevent future pandemics.
The situation has become more alarming following the discovery of a second strain of bird flu in dairy cattle in Nevada, heightening fears that the outbreak could spread further.
Since February 1, the country has been seeing over 100 new cholera cases every day, with a high of 295 cases recorded on February 8.
However, the confirmation of cases through laboratory testing remains limited, with only around 20 samples being processed daily.
The outbreak, which started on January 7, has spread across several provinces, with Luanda and the neighboring Bengo province being the hardest hit.
To combat the outbreak, more than 925,000 people have been vaccinated, covering 86% of the targeted population, according to the Health Ministry’s epidemiological report on Monday.
The call was made during a high-level dialogue on gender equality in education, held on Tuesday at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The event, titled “Investing in Girls’ Education Systems as a Form of Reparation, Justice, and Sustainable Development for African Communities,” took place on the sidelines of the 38th AU summit.
The gathering focused on the importance of investing in girls’ education as a tool for justice and sustainable development, aligning with the AU’s 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
Mohamed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the need for policy reforms to improve access to education for African girls.
He pointed out that increased financial investment, safer school environments, and gender-responsive data were key to advancing girls’ education across Africa.
“This year, in line with the AU’s theme, we are placing a greater focus on education as a foundation for addressing long-standing inequalities,” Belhocine stated.
A joint report by the AU and UNESCO on the status of girls’ and women’s education in Africa was launched during the meeting. The report provided a detailed analysis of the progress made toward achieving inclusive and equitable quality education.
The dialogue served as a vital platform for policymakers, experts, and activists to share strategies and best practices to tackle the challenges hindering girls’ education in Africa.
The AU summit will continue through Sunday at the AU headquarters, with key meetings scheduled for the Executive Council and African heads of state and government.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Ivorian Minister of Commerce Souleymane Diarrassouba highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to global economic shocks, mainly due to heavy reliance on commodities and infrastructure deficits.
More than half of African nations depend on oil, gas, or minerals for over 60% of their export earnings, leaving them exposed to global market fluctuations. Additionally, trade costs across the continent are 50% higher than the global average, owing to underdeveloped transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.
Grynspan emphasized the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which could create a market worth $3.4 trillion. She urged African countries to implement bold reforms, make strategic investments, and fully realize AfCFTA’s potential to enhance economic resilience and global competitiveness.
Key recommendations from the report include diversifying exports, boosting intra-African trade, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are responsible for 80% of Africa’s jobs ,and establishing early warning systems for trade risks.
Grynspan also lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s economic resilience, noting the country contributes 40% of West Africa’s GDP growth and attracts 30% of the region’s foreign investments.
Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe underscored the role of the private sector as the economy’s engine, accounting for 75% of investments and 26% of GDP.
He outlined government efforts to improve business conditions, such as improving logistics, expanding digital connectivity, and providing targeted funding.
The report highlights Africa’s $194 billion annual infrastructure deficit and proposes solutions like tax incentives for industrialization, regional investment funds, and trade finance mechanisms to support businesses affected by crises.
Grynspan reiterated that Africa’s future lies in regional integration, urging faster implementation of AfCFTA. By adopting strategic reforms, the continent could reduce external dependency, stabilize revenue, and achieve more inclusive growth.
