In a statement shared on X, Police spokesperson ACP Rutikanga Boniface urged the youth to be cautious and desist from actions that would undermine their value during the festive holidays.
“Young people, as you go on holiday, avoid using drugs, refrain from ‘house parties’ that lead to drunkenness and other degrading behaviors such as vandalism, fighting, and even actions that could cost you your life or cause serious injury. This is a time to reflect on your academic achievements but also to think about your future goals,” he said.
He further advised parents, to watch out and know where their children are and what they are doing, as it helps in ensuring the safety of the youth, who are the future generation of Rwanda.
Rutikanga also reminded alcohol vendors that alcohol is not for children and that even adults who begin to drink should not continue to sell it irresponsibly.
He urged them to observe noise restrictions, ensuring that the volume is kept at a level that doesn’t interrupt the neighborhood.
Rutikanga appealed to the public to drink responsibly, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The management of Kozo Restaurant confirmed Tyler ICU’s performance on New Year’s Eve in a promotional poster, promising a night filled with dazzling acts and surprises.
“Join us for an extraordinary New Year’s Eve at Kozo. An unforgettable night of live performance, dazzling acts, and electrifying vibes,” the restaurant announced.
Tyler ICU, whose real name is Austin Khulani Baloyi, has become a key figure in the Amapiano genre. He is known for his skilful music production and energetic performances.
He is celebrated for his hit tracks, such as “Mnike,” which was certified platinum in South Africa, and “Bella Ciao,” a collaboration with Nicole Elocin, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small.
Tyler ICU’s hit “Banyana” with DJ Maphorisa also earned double platinum status. The songs have propelled him into the spotlight, making him one of the most sought-after DJs in the Amapiano scene.
The upcoming performance in Kigali follows Tyler ICU’s successful debut in the city in August 2023, when he performed at Atelier Du Vin, alongside popular Rwandan artists.
The event was a massive hit, drawing a lively crowd, predominantly young fans, who enjoyed the midnight performance of Amapiano music. His show was a major highlight of the night, culminating in the early hours of the morning.
In his address, Kagame emphasized the critical responsibilities the new ministers face, urging them to be resourceful and innovative in executing their roles.
“Your jobs involve finding the necessary equipment and resources to carry out your duties effectively,” he said. While acknowledging that the country may not have an abundance of resources, Kagame encouraged the ministers to be strategic in using what is available based on need and capacity.
For the Minister of Sports, Kagame highlighted the importance of building on existing achievements and focusing on talent development.
“Sports is a business that thrives on talent. We must explore and nurture the available talent in Rwanda, while continuously improving our sports infrastructure across the country,” he remarked.
The President further stressed that the government has already laid down infrastructure to support sports, and the next step is to maximize its potential.
Turning to the newly appointed Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury, Kagame stressed the importance of financial acumen in driving economic growth.
“It’s not just about counting money, but understanding where it comes from and how to increase its inflow,” he said. The President called on the Ministry of Finance to focus on effectively managing resources and increasing national income through strategic policies.
The President also emphasized that success in these roles depends not only on individual efforts but also on strong collaboration with other leaders and sectors across the government. “Working together with others in different capacities and sectors is crucial in achieving our collective goals,” Kagame stated.
Kagame reminded the new ministers that their oaths of office are not just formalities. “I often say, the oath is not just a tradition; it carries weight, and it reflects the work you are about to undertake,” he said.
Mukazayire previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports and a senior official at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) before was appointed Minister of Sports.
Rwego Ngarambe has expertise in sports law and previously served as the Director General for Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports before becoming Minister of State for Sports.
Godfrey Kabera is formerly the head of the Planning and Research Department at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
The car, unveiled by President Paul Kagame and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in Kigali, has sparked pride and ambitious aspirations among the students involved.
Speaking to RBA, some team members highlighted the importance of their milestone, describing it as proof of Africa’s potential in innovative engineering.
Clemence Iradukunda, one of the students, shared, “Being part of this project, creating a racing car for the first time in Africa, has inspired me to further refine my skills and contribute to Rwanda’s development.”
Félix Ndayizeye, a student who assisted in supervising the project and welding components, emphasized the transformative power of vocational training.
“My responsibilities included welding and supporting our engineer from FIA. After working together, we assembled the required parts. This shows that Rwanda’s vocational training programs have immense potential. We’ve proven that Rwanda can achieve great things, and we’re confident about future projects,” he said.
Marc Sibomana, an instructor at IPRC-Kigali, lauded the team’s dedication and resilience.
“We learned to work within deadlines and realized that nothing is impossible if we strive to achieve our goals,” he noted.
Dr. Alice Ikuzwe, Deputy Principal in charge of Academics and Training at IPRC-Kigali, encouraged the students to use this accomplishment as a springboard for tackling local challenges.
“Students now understand their capability. They should start identifying and addressing development projects that meet societal needs while creating jobs for others,” she explained.
The car is the first in the world to be built using blueprints provided by the FIA to its Member Clubs as part of the Affordable Cross Car project.
Remarkably, the students completed the vehicle in just one month, working alongside an FIA technician to meet international standards.
This achievement placed Rwanda firmly on the motorsport map and set a powerful example for future innovations by young African engineers.
The event, which precedes the celebration of Christmas, was graced by prominent figures, including First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
The concert was also attended by members of the Catholic church, friends of the Kigali Choir from various denominations, and senior leaders in Rwanda.
The 11th edition of the concert captivated the audience with beautiful renditions of songs such as “Abijuru Baririmba,” “Nduwawe,” and “Ndakuramutsa Mubyeyi,” keeping many on their feet.
Other worship songs, including “Tambira Jehovah,” “Atawale,” and “Wabanye Natwe,” energized the audience, which joined the Kigali Choir in singing.
The male members of the choir, led by the skilled saxophonist Cedric Mineur, delighted the crowd with their unique voices and excellent music.
Children in the choir also had their moment, performing popular children’s songs such as “Lundi Matin,” “Frère Jacques,” and “Bye Bye Ngona.”
Jean Claude Hodari, President of the choir, thanked the attendees and emphasized the concert’s role in uniting people. He promised an even better event in 2025.
“I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Before I conclude, I ask you to join us again next year. We’ve held this concert for 11 years and this is our 12th. It brings joy and unites families. This concert connects believers in Christ,” he remarked.
The choir president also expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for providing BK Arena for the annual outreach event.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Catholic Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, thanked First Lady Jeannette Kagame for attending and extended Christmas and New Year wishes to her and her family, including President Paul Kagame.
“This concert has become a tradition to help people celebrate Christmas and honour the Virgin Mary. It is valuable to be together. We thank the performers for their dedication,” Cardinal Kambanda stated.
The Cardinal reiterated the significance of the choir’s collaboration, with members harmonizing their diverse voices as a symbol of unity.
Established in 1966, Chorale de Kigali has been organizing annual Christmas Carols events since 2013. Over the years, this concert has grown into a signature pre-Christmas celebration, attracting a large audience from Kigali and beyond.
As one of Rwanda’s oldest Catholic choirs, Chorale de Kigali began with a group of 20 individuals, many of whom were music graduates from seminary schools across the country during that period.
The concert concluded with a prayer led by Cardinal Kambanda, asking for peace and joy for all Rwandans as they celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Donald Trump’s transition team is pushing to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of the new administration, according to experts who warn of the “catastrophic” impact it would have on global health, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Sunday.
Members of Trump’s team told the experts of their intention to announce a withdrawal from the global health body on the president-elect’s January 20 inauguration, the FT said, noting that the departure would remove the WHO’s biggest source of funds, damaging its ability to respond to public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S.’s plan to withdraw “on day one” would be “catastrophic” for global health, the FT quoted Lawrence Gostin, professor of global health at Georgetown Law, as saying.
Gostin said there would be “very lean years for the WHO where it will struggle to respond to health emergencies and will have to reduce its scientific staff considerably.”
Trump has in the past expressed his intent to withdraw the United States from WHO due to concerns over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He criticized the organization for being “overly influenced by China”, claiming it failed to address early missteps in reporting the virus. Additionally, he faulted the WHO for its perceived lack of urgency and transparency during the pandemic, which he argued worsened the global crisis.
Citing the substantial financial contributions the U.S. makes to the WHO, Trump claims that the organization does not sufficiently advance American interests or provide adequate value in return.
This prestigious event is one that Rwanda has recently shown interest in hosting, with discussions on the matter progressing, as highlighted by President Paul Kagame on December 13, 2024.
Hosting a Formula One Grand Prix would require significant investment, including building the race track and maintaining it.
The costs involved cover the construction of the racing circuit, roads for the race, and ongoing repairs to potential damages. Seats for spectators, barriers, and fencing also add to the total expense.
Generally, the cost to build a new Formula One venue ranges between $270 million and $1.5 billion. The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi currently holds the record, costing $1.34 billion.
Nowadays, new races come with a 10-year contract, costing almost $48.9 million annually (amounting to about $396.2 million over ten years) and an additional $575 million for race preparation, totaling nearly $1 billion, or roughly 1.3 trillion Rwandan francs.
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It has been six months since Visit Rwanda partnered with major European teams and various other competitions, which has boosted the country’s tourism sector.
The growing awareness has been evident, with a rise in the number of visitors. Rwanda’s sports investments have also been aimed at promoting its natural beauty and attracting international events, not just for tourism but also for business opportunities related to sports.
The tourism sector is expected to generate $660 million for Rwanda in 2024, up from $620 million in 2023.
The potential hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix has attracted global attention, and if it materializes, it would significantly boost Rwanda’s visibility, especially since the last African Formula One race took place in 1993 at Kyalami, South Africa.
In other countries, such races have proven to generate substantial returns, primarily from ticket sales because money from sponsorships often goes to the organizing company, Liberty Media.
While there have been instances where Formula One races incurred losses, such as in India and South Korea, where the Grand Prix failed to continue after heavy financial losses amounting to $24 million and $37 million respectively in 2012 and 2013, there are numerous successful examples.
For instance, Las Vegas invested $500 million for its 2023 Grand Prix, which generated an impressive $1.2 billion in tourism revenue. Similarly, between 2008 and 2018, Singapore’s Grand Prix contributed about $1.4 billion to its economy by drawing in 450,000 more tourists.
In Mexico, the Formula One Grand Prix boosted the country’s economy by 12%, largely through spending on luxury hotels and other services, where each Formula One attendee spends an average of $1,730 over the race weekend.
Research shows that between 2012 and 2015, hosting the event in Austin, Texas, generated $2.8 billion.
Formula One races are watched by over 1.54 billion viewers worldwide, with each race attracting an average audience of 70 million people.
With races broadcast in over 200 countries and spanning 635 hours of television coverage annually, the global reach is vast. About 53% of viewers are international, with tourists and teams spending significant amounts in the host country.
In addition to promoting the country, hosting such an event also creates job opportunities for local residents.
For example, the Formula One Grand Prix in Canada creates 640 jobs, while in Austin, Texas, it supports 9,100 jobs and generates $306 million annually.
If Rwanda was to host the Formula One Grand Prix, it could see a significant boost in its economy, both from tourism and the creation of job opportunities for locals.
The East African Community (EAC) had previously urged inclusive negotiations with all armed groups in the DRC after M23 resumed hostilities in late 2022. The plan sought to reintegrate domestic militias into civilian life and disarm foreign-based groups, repatriating their members.
However, momentum quickly faded. While M23 initially participated, subsequent talks focused primarily on groups allied with the Congolese army (FARDC), excluding M23.
During a discussion on RBA’s Inkuru mu Makuru, lawyer Jean Baptiste Gasominari described the Nairobi talks as a political maneuver.
“I avoided calling it theater because theater entertains and conveys purpose. This was purely political—a move by the DRC to appear cooperative,” he stated.
Senator Uwizeyimana agreed, calling the Nairobi talks “an illusion.”
“The DRC claims all issues related to armed groups are being addressed, asserting that foreign groups should return to their countries. Yet, it refuses to treat M23 differently, grouping them with others,” he explained.
The DRC government has consistently labeled M23 a terrorist organization and vowed not to engage with them.
“The government once negotiated with M23 and even signed agreements, which it later violated,” Uwizeyimana said. “Tshisekedi has at times admitted M23 are Congolese citizens, only to deny it later. This inconsistency reflects the chaos in their approach.”
Uwizeyimana emphasized that peace talks cannot succeed without addressing M23, which lies at the heart of tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
“You cannot exclude M23 from the Luanda discussions, as they are central to resolving Rwanda-DRC conflicts. Ignoring them undermines the entire dialogue,” he asserted.
The Luanda talks, involving Rwanda, Angola, and the DRC, stalled after seven days when the DRC rejected direct talks with M23 despite the mediator’s request.
Rwanda maintained its stance, arguing that excluding M23 rendered any agreements meaningless.
Speaking on Sunday, Putin promised “many times more destruction” in retaliation, Russian news agency RIA Novosti has reported.
“Whoever attempts to destroy something in our country will face many times greater destruction on his own,” Putin said, emphasizing Russia’s resolve to not only repair the damage but to “move forward even faster.”
The attacks on Saturday involved eight drones, six of which targeted residential buildings, causing widespread concern.
According to reports, a drone attack on Kazan, 1,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, caused school evacuations and flight suspensions.
Of the eight drones, six hit luxury apartments, one struck an industrial site, and one was shot down, according to officials.
Ukrainian drone strikes aim to weaken Russia’s military and industrial capabilities to support its war effort.
The cyclone made landfall on December 15, bringing torrential rains and strong winds that devastated Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. Over 123,000 families—more than 622,000 people—have been affected, with over 140,000 homes damaged or destroyed, INGD reported.
Public infrastructure has also suffered heavily, with damage to 250 schools, 89 public buildings, and 52 health centers. Flooded agricultural lands further threaten food security in the region.
To assist victims, the government has set up two shelters accommodating 1,349 people.
However, the scale of destruction presents significant challenges for relief and recovery efforts.
In a national address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi declared two days of mourning and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, urging solidarity in the face of this disaster.
Authorities and humanitarian agencies are calling for more support to address the urgent needs of those affected by the cyclone.
