The two leaders met in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, an event focused on strengthening global partnerships to address climate change and explore innovative solutions.
This conference aims to advance the adoption of renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies to combat climate-related challenges. Participating nations are encouraged to adopt strategies for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Rwanda and Nigeria share a strong partnership in areas such as diplomacy, politics, and security. The two countries have working relations in aviation, technical cooperation, and healthcare, where Nigerian medical professionals collaborate with Rwandan counterparts to improve public health.
These discussions underscore the importance of Rwanda-Nigeria relations, marked by mutual support and shared priorities in various sectors.
On May 29, 2023, Kagame joined other leaders across the globe at the inauguration of President Tinubu, who won Nigeria’s February 2023 elections with 8.8 million votes, succeeding Muhammadu Buhari after two terms.
While in Abu Dhabi, President Kagame is scheduled to attend the 16th edition of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards, organized by the UAE to honor innovators and organizations creating impactful solutions to climate challenges. Small and medium enterprises and NGOs are among the award recipients.
The Head of State will also address fellow leaders during the summit’s opening session, a gesture reminiscent of Rwanda’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.
The project will expand the road segment between Nyabugogo (Kigali) and Ruyenzi (Kamonyi District) to four lanes, with climbing lanes added to facilitate heavy truck movement.
Additional infrastructure will include drainage systems, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian sidewalks, ensuring a safer and more efficient transport corridor. “We aim to add lanes on uphill sections, allowing trucks to move without obstructing other vehicles,” he explained.
Kabera emphasized the importance of climbing lanes, which will separate trucks from smaller vehicles on ascents and revealed that expropriation activities will precede construction to clear the path for these upgrades.
Funding for the $120 million (approximately Frw166 billion) project comes from a loan agreement signed on September 13, 2023, in Busan, South Korea, between the Rwandan government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank).
The loan, approved by Parliament on November 13, 2024, will be repaid over 40 years with a 15-year grace period and a nominal interest rate of 0.01%.
The project involves rehabilitating the entire 45-kilometre road, widening 12.2 kilometers to four lanes, and adding 11.9 kilometers of climbing lanes for trucks. These enhancements are expected to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion, supporting Rwanda’s broader infrastructure development goals.
The 36-year-old Fury previously announced his retirement after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022 but returned six months later. The Briton has enjoyed two stints as heavyweight champion and holds a record of 34 wins, two defeats and one draw.
“Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing, it has been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it and I’m going to end with this; Dick Turpin wore a mask,” Fury said.
Fury shocked long-reigning world champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to win the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles.
After over two-and-a-half years out of the ring, during which he tackled mental health issues, Fury returned to action in 2018 and became a two-time champion by beating Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC belt in 2020.
According to a statement released by the police on X, four of the robbery suspects were neutralized during the operation. A fifth suspect was severely injured and is currently in critical condition.
The suspects were already on the police watch list, and authorities suspect they may have been involved in a series of similar robberies that have taken place recently.
“Police have thwarted a bank robbery at Acacia Mall, neutralizing four suspects involved in a Stanbic Bank heist. A fifth suspect is in critical condition. These individuals were already on the police watch list and are believed to be linked to a series of robberies,” Police said.
The robbery attempt comes at a time when bank robberies have been on the rise in Uganda, with criminals targeting commercial banks and their clients.
However, thanks to the swift actions of the Ugandan police, this particular heist was unsuccessful, and the dangerous criminals were brought to justice before they could cause any harm.
Ugandans online have praised the efforts of the police, with many expressing their gratitude for the quick response and ability to prevent a major crime. Social media users are celebrating the police for their dedication and commitment to keeping citizens safe, and there is widespread appreciation for the police’s timely intervention.
“Commendable work done today. All gangs of this category should be put out of Action so that our prisons don’t get too congested by people who don’t want to work,” said an X user identified as Edmund Tumushabe.
The authorities are expected to provide more details soon as investigations continue.
This was announced by the State Minister at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Olivier Kabera, while addressing the Committee on Governance and Gender affairs in the Chamber of Deputies. He was clarifying on issues raised by the Office of the Ombudsman.
One of the concerns highlighted by the Ombudsman was the delayed compensation of citizens for land and property affected by infrastructure projects such as roads, water systems, electricity installations, and other initiatives.
Minister Kabera assured the Members of Parliament that the issue is well understood and that efforts are being made to resolve it urgently, with a clear plan to address it by June 2025.
He explained that in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the energy sector had around 20,000 compensation cases valued at Frw6.8 billion of which payments exceeding Frw1.8 billion had already been made.
For water-related projects, 19,000 cases required payments amounting to Frw11.8 billion. Out of this, Frw10.4 billion had been disbursed, while compensation worth Frw1 billion is still pending.
Regarding transport infrastructure, such as roads, 10,907 individuals were owed over Frw18.8 billion in compensation, but slightly more than Frw10 billion had been paid.
In the housing sector, 252 properties valued at Frw10.2 billion were involved, with 117 of these, worth more than Frw2.5 billion, already compensated, while the remaining funds are still being sourced.
“We are doing our best to ensure that by 2025, this issue will be resolved. Last week, we held discussions with the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. We want to put in more effort to solve compensation issues and other related challenges,” Kabera said.
He acknowledged recurring obstacles, such as citizens not having proper documentation for their properties, which complicates land transfer processes. Additionally, some projects commence before adequate funding is secured.
“On our side, we must focus on better planning. Where possible, we should leverage technology or find other solutions,” he added.
During a recent media briefing, President Kagame addressed the issue of citizens being displaced without proper compensation or experiencing delays in receiving it. He noted that the delays often stem from multiple factors, including errors by both citizens and authorities, but assured that the matter is being addressed urgently.
{{Why are citizens displaced without receiving compensation?}}
MP Germaine Mukabalisa questioned why citizens are not properly compensated before being relocated for infrastructure projects.
“There was a resolution that no citizen’s property should be affected without prior compensation, but this still happens. What is being done to ensure that citizens with proper documentation are not displaced without receiving their rightful compensation?” she asked.
She further emphasized that even though infrastructure projects benefit society, citizens without proper compensation are left in dire situations.
“It’s true that we all benefit from the road, but when you put yourself in the shoes of a farmer whose field was taken for the road, and that field was their sole livelihood for five years, how do they survive? Why can’t we adopt the principle that no infrastructure project should displace citizens without compensation?” she questioned.
The Director General of the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), Imena Munyampenda, explained that some projects begin before the government has all the necessary funds, which hinders the timely compensation of affected citizens.
However, he assured that efforts are being intensified to ensure that projects are only implemented after citizens have received their compensation.
With 19 days to start of the games, a delegation led by CAF Competitions and Events Director Samson Adamu was comprised of several departments including technical, safety and security, marketing, communications and events among others.
The assessment work started in Kenya on Tuesday and Wednesday last week before heading to Tanzania for the next two days and eventually concluded with Uganda on Saturday and Sunday, January 12, 2024.
The inspection was done on different facilities such as airports, hotels, hospitals, training grounds and stadia.
Whereas Uganda and Tanzania seem close to having the facilities ready, there has been concern about the progress in Kenya.
For instance, at Nyayo National Stadium, there is still a lot of fabrication works ongoing and the floodlights were also being erected as of last week. At Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, work is clearly behind schedule with the playing surface far from convincing despite efforts to patch up things.
In Tanzania, there has been tremendous work done especially at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium with the press conference room and other amenities fixed. In Uganda, Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) is nearly ready. New Floodlights have been set up for both the main pitch and the training ground.
The pitch at Namboole is undergoing transformation into a hybrid turf with 5% of synthetic fiber added. Additionally, there has been addition of emergency outlets at the stadium.
Floodlights have been set up at the Kadiba Training facility but there is race against time to make sure the playing area and access roads are finished. At Wankulukuku, a new VIP shade and dressing rooms are being set up with the pitch also patched up. The same is also happening at Kampala International School Uganda (KISU).
The floodlights for Kyambogo Training Facility arrived in the country recently and the local organizing committee was contemplating on putting them at Wankulukuku for the meantime but they were guided that this cannot be done in the remaining days.
The inspection team will now make a report to the CAF Executive Committee who will then make final decisions. The draw event for the 2024 CHAN is slated for this Wednesday, January 15, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kagame was welcomed into the UAE by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ADSW summit, one of the world’s premier platforms for advancing sustainability, will see global leaders, policymakers, and innovators convene to address critical environmental and socioeconomic challenges.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, where President Kagame will join Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and other Heads of State and dignitaries for the ADSW 2025 event.
President Kagame is also scheduled to deliver keynote remarks on the first day of the ADSW Summit, offering insights on sustainable development.
He will also attend the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize awards ceremony, which recognizes and rewards small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and global high schools with impactful, innovative and inspiring sustainable solutions.
Under the theme, “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress”, ADSW 2025 aims to explore the role of advanced technologies in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future.
Spearheaded by President Nahyan and Renewable energy company, Masdar,
, the summit serves as a global platform to unite leaders from government, business, and civil society in their shared mission to advance clean energy solutions and sustainable development.
The report sheds light on the conflict involving the DRC’s army (FARDC), armed groups like the FDLR formed by remnant perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Wazalendo, European mercenaries, and MONUSCO, who have been fighting against the M23 rebel group for nearly three years.
Released on December 27, 2024, the report draws on information from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), FARDC, and senior officials in the Congolese government.
Despite MONUSCO’s mission to protect civilians in the region, it has allegedly supported FARDC with weapons and equipment, which have also reached terrorist groups like the FDLR.
The collaboration raises doubts about the reliability of information collected by the UN experts from MONUSCO, given its active involvement in the conflict.
{{Biased stance}}
The report lacks input from M23 representatives, focusing instead on testimonies from sources that often remain unnamed or unverifiable.
This approach undermines its credibility and raises questions about the impartiality of the research.
President Paul Kagame criticized such biased reports during a press conference on January 9, 2025, questioning MONUSCO’s effectiveness in addressing the FDLR threat over three decades.
He highlighted that despite the billions of dollars spent, MONUSCO has failed to resolve security challenges in Eastern DRC, choosing instead to shift blame onto Rwanda for Congo’s internal issues.
{{Overlooking the FDLR threat}}
The FDLR remains central to the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, given its history of cross-border attacks on Rwanda and its destabilizing presence in the region.
However, the UN Group of Experts’ report largely downplays the FDLR’s role and its integration into the Congolese military, portraying this as a strategy to cover the group’s continued existence.
Besides, MONUSCO, which has been tasked with dismantling armed groups in DRC like the FDLR, now appears to be aligned with forces aiming to destabilize Rwanda.
{{Alleged links between M23 and ADF}}
The report also alleges a connection between the M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group associated with the Islamic State and known for crimes against humanity.
This claim, based on unverified social media rumors, has been dismissed by M23 as baseless.
M23 has repeatedly sought dialogue with the DRC government to address security issues, including the ADF threat.
Analysts argue that the UN’s narrative reinforces the DRC’s portrayal of M23 as a terrorist group, further justifying military operations against them despite their calls for peace.
{{Ignoring FARDC’s collaboration with militia groups}}
The report highlights FARDC’s alliances with armed groups like Wazalendo but fails to address their well-documented atrocities.
Wazalendo, which partly includes former FDLR fighters, has been implicated in attacks on Congolese Tutsi communities, such as the October 2023 massacre in Masisi.
The presence of over 1,600 European mercenaries fighting alongside FARDC also goes unmentioned, despite their use of weapons provided by MONUSCO.
This omission contradicts international norms, which prohibit the use of mercenaries in conflicts.
By overlooking the FDLR threat, FARDC’s alliances with militia groups, and the role of MONUSCO, the report risks undermining efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the region.
A week ago, these infernos ignited in various parts of Los Angeles, starting in its northern regions. The U.S. National Weather Service had issued prior warnings, alerting residents to the impending danger that was expected to peak at 10 a.m. on January 6, 2024.
At that exact time, the fire began in the Palisades, a Los Angeles suburb. Initially small, the blaze rapidly escalated, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, consuming homes, vegetation, vehicles, and other assets.
The destruction has been catastrophic, with damages valued between $52 billion and $57 billion, making it the worst wildfire in Los Angeles’ history. Zephany Nsengumuremyi, an Environmental Health Expert based in Kigali, shares views on why wildfires are becoming more devastating worldwide.
“Wildfires today are a dangerous mix of climate change, urbanization, and human activities. As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, the smallest spark can ignite a massive blaze,” he says. The exact cause of the Los Angeles fire remains unclear, with speculations ranging from lightning strikes to electrical faults or discarded cigarette butts.
Nsengumuremyi says that while natural events like lightning can start wildfires, human activity remains a major driver. Careless actions, coupled with poorly managed ecosystems, set the stage for such disasters.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles highlight the escalating impact of climate change. Prolonged dry spells, erratic winds, and heavy rains that spur vegetation growth (only for it to dry out later,) create ideal conditions for wildfires.
“Climate change is altering weather patterns in ways we can no longer ignore. Events like the Santa Ana winds, which reached speeds of 129 kilometers per hour during this disaster, turn fires into unstoppable infernos,” Nsengumuremyi explained.
Such winds are not unique to California. Globally, erratic wind patterns have contributed to wildfires and other natural disasters, causing significant structural damage and threatening ecosystems.
Available data indicates that wildfires can burn as much as 1,704 hectares in a single day, or 2.3 million hectares annually. These staggering figures raise concerns about the sustainability of living in high-risk areas prone to such disasters.
Urbanization has also played a significant role for example, California’s haphazard development has disrupted ecosystems and increased the vulnerability of many areas to wildfires.
“When cities expand into forests or grasslands without proper planning, they create a collision course with nature. The result is more frequent and severe wildfires,” Nsengumuremyi noted.
The toll of these disasters extends beyond physical destruction. Insurance companies face mounting losses as they compensate for damages, and even advanced technologies like surveillance cameras have proven insufficient in preventing such tragedies.
While technology is a valuable tool, it cannot replace proactive measures such as building fire-resistant infrastructure and managing land use responsibly. Experts recommend various strategies to mitigate wildfire risks, including constructing homes with fire-resistant materials and ensuring communities are not situated too close to forests
Leaders are urged to establish clear and effective emergency protocols to protect lives and property during such disasters. “Preparedness and prevention are the keys to reducing the impact of wildfires. Governments must prioritize education and policies that address both human activities and climate change,” Nsengumuremyi advised.
The recent wildfires in California rekindle memories of other devastating events, including those in Chile and Greece in 2024 and Canada and the UK in 2023. These tragedies underscore the urgent need for global action.
As these disasters grow more frequent and intense, humanity’s resilience is being tested like never before. The world is at a critical juncture and the respond to these challenges will determine the future of the planet and the safety of generations to come.
From economic strategies to security concerns, Trump’s policies impacted African nations in ways that left some leaders hopeful for continuity while others are more cautious.
Now, as Trump prepares to re-enter the political arena, African leaders—particularly from Rwanda, South Africa, and other key nations—are closely monitoring the shifts they expect in U.S. engagement with the continent.
{{A shift in approach?}}
Among the most notable African leaders expressing cautious optimism is Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, who has pointed out that while the political transformation in the U.S. is significant, it is likely to bring changes in the approach to African affairs.
Speaking at a press conference on January 9, 2025, Kagame expressed hope that the new administration would take a more nuanced approach to regional conflicts, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
President Kagame acknowledged that U.S. foreign policy would inevitably evolve, with potential shifts in how the U.S. handles African geopolitical issues.
Kagame’s remarks reflect a broader sense of anticipation across the continent. After Trump’s first term, which many African leaders felt was marked by a lack of meaningful engagement, there is now a renewed hope that his second term could recalibrate U.S. policy toward Africa.
While concerns linger about U.S. interventionism, leaders are hopeful that Trump will focus on diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and enhance economic partnerships, particularly in countries experiencing unrest, like the DRC.
President Kagame has consistently emphasized that Rwanda is not the cause of the ongoing insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He points to historical events, particularly the drawing of boundaries and the FDLR terrorist group’s presence in Congo, as the major contributors to the current conflict.
Kagame has often expressed concerns about the DRC’s internal governance, which has led to the persecution of Congolese Tutsis, the rise of the M23 rebel group, and refugee flows into neighbouring countries, including Rwanda. He argues that such internal issues within the DRC contribute to regional instability.
Additionally, the Head of State has raised concerns about the security threat posed by the FDLR terrorist group, which comprises remnants of those who participated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and fled to the neighbouring DRC. Kagame insists that the group, now collaborating with the Congolese government, continue to be a source of instability despite ongoing mediation efforts.
“The FDLR question has to be answered,” he said in a past address, urging the international community and the media to be objective and not to view the crisis through biased lenses.
{{Economic and trade relations}}
One of the areas of greatest interest to African nations is the future of U.S.-Africa trade relations. Trump’s first term saw a push for renegotiated trade agreements, including the U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was part of a broader strategy to encourage trade over aid.
The Prosper Africa initiative, launched in 2018, sought to increase trade and investment flows between the U.S. and African nations. While these policies were seen as a move away from traditional aid and toward economic partnerships, African leaders are watching to see whether these trends will continue.
Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), African countries benefit from preferential trade access to the U.S. However, concerns remain about Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, which could impact trade flows.
With rising economic challenges across the continent, African leaders are keen to ensure that U.S. policies do not disrupt vital trade ties. African leaders hope that Trump’s second term will foster an environment that promotes mutually beneficial economic growth, including foreign direct investment in key sectors like infrastructure and technology.
{{Security and counterterrorism}}
Security remains a primary concern for many African nations, especially in regions plagued by terrorism and insurgency. Trump’s first term was marked by a sustained U.S. military presence in Africa, particularly in the Horn and Sahel regions, where the U.S. played a significant role in counterterrorism efforts.
The Trump administration supported African military forces, especially in countries like Somalia, where the Al-Shabaab militant group has been a persistent threat. U.S. military involvement included intelligence-sharing, direct strikes, and training African security forces to combat extremist groups.
Africa’s leaders will be closely monitoring whether Trump maintains or strengthens these security commitments during his second term. Leaders from the East African Community and the Sahel region, will be watching to see if the U.S. continues its counterterrorism efforts and assists African countries with the resources needed to fight groups like Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and ISIS affiliates.
Given the ongoing instability in places like Somalia and Mali, African nations are keen to ensure that Trump’s foreign policy continues to prioritize regional security.
{{Health and humanitarian policy}}
Trump’s “America First” stance extended to foreign aid policy, with significant cuts proposed for U.S. development assistance during his first term. His administration’s approach to health aid, particularly the continuation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), was scrutinized, with critics worried that the U.S. might pull back support for vital health programs across Africa. The global gag rule, which restricts U.S. foreign aid funding for organizations that provide or advocate for abortion services, remains a point of concern for many African nations.
As Trump begins his second term, African leaders, especially those from countries with pressing health challenges, are apprehensive about the continuation or expansion of the global gag rule and whether Trump will reduce U.S. aid further. The implications of such policies on maternal health, HIV/AIDS treatment, and overall healthcare could have serious consequences for African nations already facing health crises.
{{Climate change and international cooperation}}
Trump’s scepticism toward climate change and his decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement during his first term raised alarms, particularly in Africa, where the effects of climate change—such as droughts, floods, and food insecurity—are increasingly pronounced.
African leaders are concerned that a continuation of Trump’s climate policies could further undermine global efforts to address climate challenges. As many African nations are heavily reliant on international partnerships for climate funding and adaptation, Trump’s approach to environmental issues will be closely scrutinized.
In addition to climate concerns, African leaders are paying attention to how Trump will handle international cooperation on global challenges. The growing influence of China in Africa, particularly in terms of infrastructure development and investment, adds another layer of complexity.
Many African countries are navigating a delicate balancing act between U.S. foreign policy, Chinese investments, and their own aspirations for economic development. Trump’s stance on global alliances and international agreements will likely have a significant impact on the way African countries engage with both the U.S. and China.
As President Kagame mentioned in his recent press conference, Africa finds itself at a moment of global flux, with changes occurring at a rapid pace.
While African leaders, including Kagame, remain hopeful that Trump’s second term will bring about meaningful engagement on key issues, they are also pragmatic. The real test will be in the tangible actions the Trump administration takes in relation to Africa.
