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.
{{What could Rwanda gain?}}
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.
The researchers showcased this AI-enabled technology, which aids coffee farmers in identifying crop diseases and reporting them to relevant authorities for prompt action.
The technology is available as a smartphone application for Android devices and a web-based application. Using a photo of diseased coffee leaves, the system can instantly identify the disease and pinpoint the affected area.
This innovation empowers farmers to report crop health issues early, ensuring timely interventions. The data is transmitted to agencies such as the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Previously, delays in identifying and addressing issues led to significant losses for farmers.
Dr. Eric Hitimana, a lecturer, researcher, and project lead at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology, explained that the technology was developed to simplify reporting for farmers.
“We designed this technology to enable farmers to report crop health issues easily using their phones. Although farmers work with agronomists, one agronomist often serves over ten cooperatives, making it difficult to address all reported issues promptly,” he said.
“Now, farmers can take a photo of a coffee leaf, and the technology will identify the disease. The data will be sent to a central system accessible to various stakeholders like sector-level agronomists, district agriculture officers, RAB, and NAEB.”
He urged stakeholders in the coffee industry to extend the technology’s reach and support its adoption.
“We ask stakeholders to promote and add value to this technology so that it benefits farmers and agronomists nationwide. As developers, we’ll continue collaborating to enhance and upgrade it.”
Dr. Simon Martin Mvuyekure, RAB’s coffee research and promotion specialist, praised the research outcomes, stating that the technology will advance coffee farming through innovation.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to address other aspects of coffee farming.
“This is just the beginning. Coffee diseases affect all parts of the plant, from roots and stems to leaves and berries. This initial focus is promising, and future work will tackle other areas. We highly value technology and AI because they improve efficiency and reduce agricultural costs. This research will help farmers thrive in a tech-driven world where coffee farming must keep pace,” he said.
He added, “We’ll integrate this initiative into national plans. We call for collaboration from all sectors, including the private sector, to ensure its success.”
The technology has been well received by those working closely with coffee farmers, who previously struggled to detect and report diseases, often incurring losses. They expressed hope that similar innovations could extend to other crops.
Josiane Dusenge, a quality controller at KOAKAKA Cooperative in Huye, said, “This technology will help coffee farmers identify issues early, preventing losses. We also suggest making the app accessible on simpler phones for easier reporting.”
Didier Ndinayo, Manager at RWACOF Rwinyoni in Rutsiro District, added, “Previously, we struggled to monitor coffee plantations and diagnose diseases due to the vast number of farmers and scattered fields. Now, farmers can share real-time updates from their fields, allowing us to respond with solutions. This is a valuable project that deserves support and promotion.”
The research, conducted in Rulindo, Gicumbi, Ngoma, Rutsiro, and Huye districts, involved 300 coffee farmers from 10 cooperatives, including COCATU, TUMBA COFFEE, NOVACOFFEE, and KOAKAKA.
The findings are accessible through the platform [https://rwandasmartcoffee.com/->https://rwandasmartcoffee.com/] and are documented in two scientific publications.
Coffee remains a vital export for Rwanda. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the country exported over 20,000 tons of coffee, generating $115.9 million (about 147 billion Rwandan Francs), a 53.39% increase compared to the previous year’s $75.5 million.
The children, drawn from across the country, engaged in songs, dance, and plays, and indulged in a feast with the First Lady during the warm and colourful celebrations.
The celebrations also provided the young ones with a unique platform to showcase their talents in various areas such as drawing, traditional Rwandan dances, karate and acrobatics.
The First Lady has made it a tradition to warmly host the children at the close of each year, providing them with an opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and share in the festive spirit during the holiday season.
This comes against the backdrop of the postponement of a meeting between President Paul Kagame and his DRC counterpart Félix Tshisekedi, which was expected to culminate in the signing of an agreement to help end the conflict in the troubled region of eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed frustration over the failure to reach a consensus, particularly regarding the involvement of the M23 rebel group in peace discussions, which led to the talks stalling on December 15, 2024.
The two sides had previously agreed on measures, such as dismantling the FDLR militia and addressing Rwanda’s security concerns. However, progress faltered midway through the discussions.
In an interview with IGIHE, various analysts stressed that meaningful dialogue is essential for lasting peace despite the DRC’s reluctance to engage with M23.
Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba pointed out that in negotiations aimed at resolving conflicts, all opposing sides must sit down and have frank discussions.
“Talking with M23 is a necessity in negotiations, in inter-country relations, and in governance. When there’s an issue in a household, the husband and wife must sit down to discuss it. Similarly, when it’s a family matter, such as between a father and child, they must have a conversation. At the community level, mediators may step in. Problems often need to be solved from the ground up,” he stated.
“If Congolese leaders fail to recognize M23 as their own citizens with grievances and a history that needs to be addressed, and if they refuse to sit down and resolve these issues, other, potentially less favourable, solutions may emerge,” he added.
Mutaboba emphasized that no external party could provide a solution if the DRC itself does not engage with M23 to find a lasting resolution.
“Rwanda, the region, and the world cannot impose solutions unless they begin at home. Sustainable answers must address the root of the problem, not just its symptoms,” Ambassador Mutoba reiterated.
He also suggested that certain individuals might benefit from the ongoing instability, explaining why Tshisekedi’s government continues to shift its stance on the issue. If dialogue fails, he warned, some may resort to military means to resolve the conflict.
“When words fail to bring peace, the sound of guns might take over, as some are accustomed to such approaches,” he noted.
Me Gasominari Jean Baptiste argued that the DRC’s refusal to engage with M23—a group of Congolese Tutsi fighting for their rights and against ongoing persecution—demonstrates its lack of will to address the security crisis.
“The DRC’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue with M23 shows a lack of commitment to resolving the security problem. They consider negotiations with M23 a red line they cannot cross. Yet, M23 currently controls nearly three-quarters of North Kivu province due to military strength. If the government can neither defeat them militarily nor engage in dialogue, what is their end goal?” he posed.
He suggested that the DRC might have hidden political or economic motives for maintaining instability in its eastern region.
“The DRC may not want to resolve the crisis in the east because it could serve other hidden interests. The government might also use the conflict as an excuse for failing to deliver on its promises to citizens,” Gasominari explained.
Instead of focusing on resolving the eastern security crisis, DRC leaders have been more focused on tarnishing Rwanda’s image on the international stage, he added.
The M23 movement was formed in 2012 by former CNDP members who accused the DRC government of failing to honour a 2009 peace agreement. Fighting erupted in 2012, halted in 2013, but resumed in November 2021.
In April 2022, M23 participated in peace talks in Nairobi with the DRC government and representatives of armed groups. However, they were later expelled from the negotiations and accused of reigniting the conflict.
The handover ceremony for the leadership of the peacekeeping force took place in Kigali, concluding the 33rd EASF Policy Organs Meeting, which had been held in Rwanda over the past week.
Rwanda was represented at the ceremony by Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda and Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga, who led the EASF throughout 2024.
Somalia will assume the EADF responsibilities in 2025 and hold the position for the entire year.
The country assuming the leadership of the force heads three of the four key structures of the EASF: the General Assembly (composed of the Presidents and Prime Ministers of member states), the Defence Ministers’ meeting, and the committee of military commanders of member states.
The fourth structure, the EASF Secretariat, is led by an executive director and staff, independent of the country holding the leadership and based on qualifications.
This means that Somalia’s President, Defence Minister, and Chief of Defence Staff will lead their counterparts from EASF member states throughout the year.
Minister Marizamunda highlighted that the force, operational for 20 years, has become increasingly prepared to provide rapid responses to crises within member states.
“We have learned how to prevent security threats before they escalate. We have trained a force of soldiers, police officers, and civilians. We have also established advisory committees that help us develop strategies for conflict prevention,” he said.
Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, after assuming EASF leadership for 2025, expressed gratitude to Rwanda and outlined Somalia’s priorities.
“As you know, insecurity issues in East Africa are a significant challenge. We are bringing new ideas to address these issues to ensure peace and progress in our region,” he said.
Minister Nur emphasized that Somalia, having endured over 30 years of conflict and terrorism, deeply understands the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
“We understand it more than anyone else. We will seek new solutions to these problems because our region needs peace and security,” he stated.
Currently, the EASF has over 8,000 troops on standby to assist member states in times of need.
The peacekeeping force comprises ten East African countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, and Seychelles.
The annual selections not only showcase the former U.S. president’s eclectic taste but also shine a spotlight on diverse creators across the globe.
In 2024, Obama’s list continues this trend, celebrating works that span genres, languages, and cultures. Of particular note are several African works that have made it onto his list, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
{{Top Songs of 2024
}}
Music lovers can always count on Barack Obama’s playlist to showcase his broad and eclectic musical taste, and this year is no different.
Among the standout tracks is “YAYO” by Nigerian sensation Rema, who seamlessly blends Afrobeats with his signature melodic style. Rema’s inclusion highlights the global influence of African music, which continues to captivate audiences and dominate charts around the world.
Another notable entry is “ACTIVE,” a collaboration between Nigerian artist Asake and U.S. superstar Travis Scott. This electrifying track merges the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats with the dynamic energy of hip-hop, creating a perfect cross-continental fusion.
Adding to the diversity is “GATA ONLY,” a unique international collaboration by FloyyMenor and Cris MJ. With FloyyMenor hailing from Africa, this track showcases the artist’s distinct flair and further highlights the continent’s growing impact on the global music scene.
Other standout tracks on Obama’s list this year include Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Also featured is the Ezra Collective’s jazz-infused anthem, “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing,” with vocals from Yazmin Lacey.
{{Top Movies of 2024
}}
Obama’s movie list for 2024 showcases the power of storytelling, featuring thought-provoking films and captivating performances that leave a lasting impression.
Among the standout picks is “Anora”, an African drama that vividly portrays the resilience of a young woman navigating societal challenges, including the systemic issues faced by sex workers.
Another highlight is “Dìdì (弟弟)”, meaning “Younger Brother” in Mandarin, a touching film that explores themes of family and cultural identity.
The “Promised Land” also makes the list, presenting a powerful story deeply connected to historical struggles and the enduring pursuit of hope. Its themes of resilience and determination resonate with audiences across cultures.
The list also includes Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated blockbuster “Dune: Part Two” and the soulful and reflective “The Piano Lesson”.
{{Top Books of 2024
}}
Obama’s book list for 2024 offers a rich selection of intellectual exploration and narrative depth, showcasing stories that inspire thought and spark conversation. African voices stand out prominently, with works that reflect the continent’s diverse experiences and global connections.
One notable entry is “Someone Like Us” by Ethiopian-American author Dinaw Mengestu. This compelling novel explores themes of belonging and identity, resonating deeply with African readers and audiences worldwide.
Another standout is “Patriot” by Alexei Navalny. While not African in origin, this powerful memoir addresses the universal fight for justice and democracy—issues that hold significant relevance for many African nations.
Additionally, “The Anthropologists” by Ayşegül Savaş delves into themes of cultural exploration, connecting to Africa’s rich anthropological heritage.
Other books on Obama’s list include Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo”, Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation”, and Daniel Susskind’s “Growth”.
